We did it!!

Today, I ran the Rodeo Run 5K. In my previous post, I was saying how I was really hoping to run it all. 1.5 miles was my longest run EVER before today, so it was going to be a stretch. But my sweet Ben gave me many motivational speeches and was there to support me. Every time I wanted to quit, I thought about how great it would be at the end when I could say "I ran it all!". And so I did it! Farthest run ever for me. And Ben was waiting at the finish line right when I crossed.

Famous words after the race: "I think I'm going to throw up." I wish it had been a little more glamorous. Also, Liz ran with me and that helped greatly. We ran together until the last mile and she was also so encouraging. She did so great also and finished a little before me. All in all a great day. Next: Aid Sudan 5K in April.

Both the pics above are from before the race - So many people.

Above - before the race, so excited! Below, afterwards reenactment of the race. My face was not so happy the whole race.

Weird night

Yep, its snowing again. Where do we live again? I thought it was Houston, but I think I must be mistaken. Ben is gone for the night to Plaquemine, Louisiana (for work). He will be missed. On the bright side, I'm making myself veggies for dinner (my new favorite foods!) and tonight is the first night for the women's figure skating which is my favorite event. So excited!

Running!

Today I ran 1.5 miles straight!! My goal was 3 miles by a week from next Saturday, but I'm not sure its going to happen unless I run like everyday from now until then. We'll see. I'm running (probably walking a little too) in the Rodeo Run on February 27th. Hopefully at least I can get to 2 miles....

It has finally come to Katy!

So, I don't know about you, but I love frozen yogurt. In the past, TCBY has been my go-to for frozen yogurt - white chocolate moose shiver with reeses or peanut butter chips. But, in the last year, these amazing new shops have been popping up that have tons of fun flavors, self-serve toppings, and then you pay by the ounce. I LOVE THESE PLACES! I first went to one in Austin with some school friends. Then, I found one in College Station. And then there's even one in Sugarland. But I live in Katy. Far away from all those places and definitely not on the way home from anywhere.

But TODAY, I stumbled upon Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt....IN KATY! It is right near my house, on the way home from my favorite store, the Loft. Wow, couldn't be better. Ben and I stopped there today after going to the (very windy and cold) driving range. I'm in heaven!

Staying on the food subject, the cooking revamp has been going well. Grocery shopping was so easy this week - just got lots of veggies and some meats and then a few other basics like cereal and milk. Thanks all for the great comments, recipes, and ideas! Tonight, I am actually trying Laura's tilapia marinated in lemon juice and garlic salt with some sides of sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. YUM!

Cooking Revamp

Ok ya'll...Ben and I are revamping our cooking during dinner. Partly to be healthy, partly to have fresher, better meals. So, the last 2 1/2 years, I've gone the casserole, canned stuff, tacos, etc route. It's pretty simple and there are some good recipes in there (I love myself a good casserole!) but we want more veggies and lean meats. I've never cooked like this and I need your help! I just want to find veggies to cook - just fresh veggies not with tons of sauce or salt but just good how they are with some seasoning veggies. Also, I need meats and yummy but healthy ways to cook them. So here's what I've got...

Veggies I know how to cook:
Potatoes - sweet and red, but the new potatoes I made were not very flavorful
Steamed broccoli
Green beans (I loved these and I never knew they could be so good!)

Meats -
Grilled chicken with grub rub
Grilled burgers
Salmon - honey and soy sause on top

That's all I've got so far. If you have any yummy veggies, veggie combos, or meats you have enjoyed, I'd love the ideas! Thanks!!

Gofer it!

Sometimes I think about what I hear daily and I wish so much that someone else could be in the same room as me.

"Mrs. Cooper, you look funny." "Ummm ok, why?" "Your lips are blue." (Overhead marker incident!)

"I'm rooting for the Saints now!" "Really?! Because they've never won before?" "No, because if they win, the Texans go to the Superbowl!" ???? Who knows where that came from!

"8 multiplicated by 7 is 56."

My poor bilingual students. I am notorious for mumbling and as all of us do, I slur my words together. Sitting on the bus for a field trip, I said to the girl next to me, "Gottanuf room?" "What??" "Gottanuf room?" I repeated. "What??" "Do you have enough space?" "Oh yes."

Also, my kids have picked up that I say "Go for it" a lot. But it comes out "Gofer it" and now they are repeating it having no idea what they are really saying. I love my job.

Wonderfulness

Can I just tell you the wonderfulness of this day. This week has been insane. I have not sat for a long period of time. I have not checked emails. I have not responded to any electronic communication (excluding phones). Today has been lovely because of the following happenings...

Girl's breakfast with friends...delish!
Stopped by Home Goods...found a HALF OFF leather chair to buy with Christmas money I have been saving, pictures to come
Stopped by Achievers...I was overcome by the prettiness of the paper there. I wish I had something to use the paper for.
Currently watching my 4th Gilmore Girls episode, season 7.
Went through my 61 new, unread messages, and responded as needed
Responded to comments on Facebook
Graded papers
Ate cereal and diet coke
Planned meals
Made a grocery list (this is actually really fun to me)
Talked to my mom
Sat with my sweet kitties
Signed up for Marriage Matters Now Conference (You should too!)

And now I'm going to look for a good place to vacation with the Coopers and yummy but healthy recipes to cook. Lovely afternoon!