Resolutions and Reminiscing

Well it's January. We've made it to 2012. Holla! And I've gots lots to tell you guys since I've been away. But we will get to that in due time. Today I want to talk about my New Years Resolutions and tell you a little story about the past two New Years Eve experiences. I'm thinking story first, resolutions second. So let's go. P.S. I've missed you guys!

This is us last year (2010) on New Years Eve. It was a good time with good friends. But one unfortunate decision was made on my part that has yet to be discussed outside my group of super close friends. But since it's 2012 and I'm less embarrassed...I'm gonna tell you this funny story.

On New Years Eve 2010, we went to Cajun's to celebrate the roommate's birthday. And after one too many Play-de-doos, the speciality drink that tastes of juices but is really straight up alcohol, I thought it would be a good idea to juke around on the dance floor, which is usually always a good idea.

As I was juking around in my black dress that was fun to spin around in, I spun into a very nice looking guy. I thought hey, why not. So we started dancing it up. And then being that it was New Years and all, we smooched. Just a little kiss. NBD.

Unbeknownst to me, pretty faced guy only had one hand. Yep, just one. Now I need to clarify that I was inebriated so my decision making process was not at its best. As I juked around the dance floor some more, I realized said pretty faced guy had just the one hand. The other one was just a nub in his suede jacket.

So I started 2011 off with a kiss from a guy with a nub. Not saying that's why 2011 wasn't the best year for me, but I'm not gonna deny it either. So take that as you will. (I need to say that I have nothing against people with missing appendages. It just caught me off guard in my drunken stupor.)

This year we went back to Cajun's for the roommates birthday after we ate dinner at Yaya's in West Little Rock. I was the designated driver, but it was still a really great time. Like last year, the night was filled with dancing, Play-de-doos and too much fun. And I am happy to report my New Years Eve kiss was with a very attractive gentleman whose hands were both fully intact. Score! I think I'm starting 2012 on the right foot.

Resolutions
I have quite a few resolutions this year. All of which are things I think can be accomplished in a year's time. And I'm pretty excited about them.

• Run a half marathon.
• Attend yoga classes three times a week.
• Finish my thesis by December 2012...and graduate in December 2012.
• Eat healthier meals at home (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
• Run on a regular basis again aka every other day.
• Make an A in my last real graduate class.
• Float the Buffalo.
• Take a roadtrip.
• See Needtobreathe and The Fray in concert.
• Drink 64 oz. of water each day.
• Only have "skinny" beverages at Starbucks...(I found out my favorite drink was 420 calories a pop.)
• Bake my own bread.
• Volunteer.
• Figure out how to open a bakery...(this could take a few years, but I really want it to happen.)
• "Dress for Success" for work everyday. (By this I mean hair washed, make-up on, and wearing work clothes.)
• Reconnect with old friends/make new friends.
• Redesign the ole blog.

For me, 2012 is about embracing the person I am right now. To be honest, I kinda like where I am. Everything is not perfect, but I'm happy. I love all the people I surround myself with, and I love the things I get to do. I'm really very lucky I get to spend time with people I care about and do things I want to do, and for that I'm so very thankful. More thankful than I can ever express.

So let's see what happens. I will be as transparent as I can be, and we'll go from there. I can't wait to see what this year brings for me. Bring it 2012. I'm ready for you.

What are your New Years Resolutions?

Tell me about a New Year's Eve kissing incident that was great or not so great.

Christmas Countdown

In honor of the Christmas season, the roommate and I thought we'd send out Christmas cards. Well the cards ended up being photos on Facebook and Twitter.

The photos are so jubilant we thought it would be a great way to countdown to Christmas with a new photo every day. (Go follow the roommate on Twitter @samsimp so you can see the photo a day.) Since the idea was birthed late last night, I'm a little late about advertising it on the ole blog. Don't worry I'm going to make up for it today.

So cold outside.

Joy is found in a Christmasy home.

So be on the look out for each day's Christmas cheer photo. I also have another surprise for you. Two Christmases ago, the roommate and I made a Christmas video where we sang Christmas carols. At the end of the video, the roommate made up a little Christmas ditty dedicated to Santa, and I sang back up.

Because it's Christmas and because I love you, I'm going to let you watch it.

Merry Christmas friends! Be lovin' you.

Thoughts on the song for Santa?

First Class Roommate

I've lived with the same roommate for 5 years. I mean that has to be a world record. And everyone thinks Samantha, the roommate, is the quietest, sweetest girl ever. Everyone loves her.

But nobody knows that she is an absolute loonybird. She's not a bit quiet. In fact, she never shuts up. And she has a bit of an attitude, which I like to think she picked up from me throughout the years of living with me.

The reason I bring this up is because everyone thinks the roommate has it together. That she is prim and proper and lady-like. Nobody ever sees what she's really like.

Last night I caught her in one of her finer moments.

This is mild compared to the fact that she likes to scream into the couch cushions and has conversations with me while sitting on the couch facing the wall.

And I always say, "Nobody's ever here." Nobody ever sees her like this except me.

Clearly she's insane and hilairious. And the comedic relief that I live with every day.

So stop saying that she's quiet. Don't do that anymore. Because it's a false statement.

The kid never shuts up. And if you listen to her, you wouldn't want her to shut up because she is the funniest person I know. She's a guaranteed laughfest.

Other classic Samantha/roommate moments:

• The time she made me go get Dorito's with her in a hurricane.
• The time her arm looked like death.
• The time she hid old tennis shoes in her trunk for 3 years.
• The time she made an awesome t-shirt.
• The time she lured you in with her photogenic self.

I hope I've cleared up any misconceptions of the roommate and her insanity. And now you know. So next time you see her, scream at her and I'd bet she'll scream back.

Too Legit to Quit

Good Mornting!!! I hope everyone had a nice sleep. I could have stayed in bed a lot longer this morning, but I had to work. When I flung the covers back this morning, I immediately turned into a frozen block of ice. Not even kidding. I ran to turn off the fan, which I don't know why it was on, and checked the weather.

Ummm....the weather has decided to skip all things fall and head straight into winter. Awesome. (Can you hear the sarcasm?). I got up with time to spare so I made a pot of coffee and savored a cup in one of my favorite mugs that the roommate got me for Nosh Night.

Why yes I'd love some coffee with my cream. Thank you very much. It was steamy and perfect to beat the extra chilly morning.

Yesterday I bit the bullet and ran outside in the cold for the first time since I ran 5 miles with my mom. Thankfully the roommate and I had the right gear to fight the cold because the wind was fierce. It blew us all over the River Trail.

After it was over, we both felt pretty legit. I mean we ran 3 miles in the coldest wind, and I ran most of the 3 miles with my hand jabbed into my aching side. Someone please tell me what the crap is happening up under my rib cage on my left side. When I catch a cramp, it's usually there, and I have a hard time jabbing my fingers under my ribs. What gives?

And we ran 3 miles in our new running pullovers. Legit? I think so. I think the popped collar adds a little something extra.

The roommate looks like a model in a running magazine. Clearly the thumbs up and the popped toe adds to the legitness. Since we have this new gear to wear, we can't quit running. I don't like the cold, but I felt so accomplished when I finished yesterday's cold run.

After the run, all I could think about was a big bowl of steamy, hot soup. So I made some. I got the recipe from Clean Eating Chelsey, a blog I love to read every day.

I present to you Roasted Potato, Broccoli and White Bean Soup c/o Clean Eating Chelsey.

I linked the recipe so you can have it to make yourself, which you definitely should. It was so hearty and absolutely delicious. The potatos were velvety. The broccoli was fresh and flavorful. And the roasted garlic was something to write home about.

Clearly Chelsey has it going on. It's the second recipe I've tried of hers, and both were phenomenal. Check out her recipe for Quinoa Vegetable Soup. Seriously, make these recipes as soon as you get home today.

Got big plans this weekend?
Race for the Cure. Running it for the first time. With my momma. And the roommate, Logan and Lindsey. Then running clothes shopping. And refueling with lots of great food.

What is your favorite way to spend cold mornings?
Under a blanket in my favorite chair with a hot cup of coffee and good movies on the tube or a good book.

Welcome September

Fall is officially 23 days away. It's my favorite season. I love how the leaves change colors, and the air is crisp.

The roommate loves fall, too. But her true colors come out around Christmas time.

This is the exact photo that pops up when she calls me on the phone. Note the winter statement headpiece. Gotta love it.

So in the spirit of fall, I thought I'd do a recap of August. And I thought the roommate's facial expression would lure you in...

I survived the hottest day of the year.

I successfully rid myself of a Stage 5 Clinger.

Shannon was danced upon at a piano bar.

Then, she got married.

I have a serious beach obsession.

The roommate made a really awesome tee everyone needs to own.

After 3 months of running regularly, 3.1 miles became an accomplished goal.

Let's see what these glorious fall months have to offer. I'm praying for cooler weather, better running, less stress, and more fun.

What is your favorite season? Month?
October is my all-time favorite month. The leaves change colors. Everything smells like cinnamon and pumpkin pie. People are gearing up for the holiday season. I LOVE IT.

What goals have you set for Fall?
Running 5 miles before it gets frost bite cold outside. Keeping a positive attitude when it comes to school related things.

The Roommate's Got Mad Skills

You guys know the roommate, right?

She runs.

 Enjoys fishing.

 Planks.

 Bruises like a peach.

And takes stupid pictures with me.

But I bet you had no idea how talented she really is. See, the roommate has a gift. She can create.

I was telling her about this awesome quote I found by an unknown author. How much I loved the saying. And that I needed it to be on a t-shirt.

Girl has gone and done it.

I can't think of a better shirt to wear when running. Or just walking. Or lounging. Or anytime, really.

She made it in a bunch of different colors, but I love the purple with blue. LOVE IT.

Ok, so who wants one? I will be putting together an order list. So message me your name and size and how to contact you via Facebook or Twitter. Or text me if you have my personal number.

People need to wear this. The end.

Here's the quote, in case you can't see it. And you need to see it to know why I think it's so awesome.

Your biggest challenge isn't someone else. It's the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs and the voice inside you that yells CAN'T. But you don't listen. You just push harder. And then you hear the voice whisper CAN. And you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are. - Unknown

Let's give props to the roommate for creating the most awesome shirt anyone has ever seen. It's simplistic design and message is something that everyone can relate to and enjoy. Hats off to Samantha for an amazing design.

Who wants a t-shirt?

What is the most inspirational quote you've ever read?

Let's Play Catch Up

After our run last night, I was blessed to see this sight. Pictures don't do it justice, but it is still really beautiful.

How is it on the hottest day of the year so far we decided to run? Not kidding it was hot. My phone said one thing, but Todd said another.

Yeah you read that right. 106 in Little Rock yesterday with a heat index of 120. HOT as H. It was so hot that we changed our running routine from this

To this.

But it was perfect. Hot, but perfect. Not too much to handle in the blazing heat. Logan, the roommate and I had a lot of good conversation since we had a very entertaining weekend.

A weekend consisting of a very late night out, an insanely d-baggish of a boy throwing around weird phrasing that included "raging" (whatever that means) and a detrimental phone number exchange. But that is a whole other blog post. (Don't worry...It's coming soon with all its gory details.)

On a different note, I finally got my madre's Garmin running watch. That thing is the bomb.com for realz. We used it when we did the 10.3.10 run, and here are some of the roommate and my stats.

33:00 minute run. 2.37 miles. 11:30 - 13:00 pace. Hot as H. It told me a lot of other stuff I just can't remember what it said. But I loved not having to hold anything while running. I usually carry my iPhone with me so we can listen to Todd (the voice on my Couch to 5K app...Yes I named him Todd.) tell us when to run and walk.

But with Todd becoming less frequent of a character during our runs (since we barely walk anymore), I loved having my hands free to keep sweat from stinging my eyes.

But before we ran with the Garmin, the roommate and I ran the Big Dam Bridge for the first time since we started this whole thing.

We ran all the way to the other side and then some.

Then we ran back.

And on a really random note, we saw the Griswolds' station wagon in the Heights neighborhood while trying to find an easier way to the Big Dam Bridge on the Little Rock side.

I think that makes for a pretty good day. Or I should say past couple of days. Or weekend. Whatever.

Hope y'all have a Happy Happy Wednesday.

Ponytails and Body Glide: A Celebration of Running

We did something last night. Logan, Lindsay, the roommate and I ran 2.5 miles in 20 minutes.

2.5 miles in 20 minutes. 2.5 MILES IN 20 MINUTES!!!!! Hello, that is a big deal. We deserve a major award. (Too bad it can't be a leg lamp like the major award from A Christmas Story...because I already have one. But that is a different story for another day.)

So let me give you a quick run down of last night: We arrived at Murray Park at 7:30 P.M. We chose to run at Murray Park because we knew how far it was thanks to the Do Life 5K we ran earlier this month. We decided on a 20 minute non-stop run to see how far we could go during that set time.

We ran. And we ran. And we ran. And we ran. At the halfway point, we turned around. And we ran. And we ran. And we ran. All the way to the where we started.

When it was over we felt great. And sort of looked like this, expect my mom wasn't there.

Lindsay mapped our route in the car on the way home. And it was 2.5 miles. HOLLA.

So in celebration of this new running accomplishment (and feelings of Badassness), I have decided to give you a full recap on this whole running journey.

Without further ado...

• Word to Your Mother: My decision to run Susan G. Komen and reasons behind it
• Preparation: Getting ready to run
• It Has Begun: The purchase of the new shoes and the initial run
• Damn the Dam Bridge: The title says it all
• This Is What I Know: Running in pictures
• It's a Revolution: Logan wants to run
• Epic Fail: Logan's first run with me, and I almost pass out. Awesome.
• Watch Your Feet. There's Snakes Everywhere.: Pretty self explanatory...
• A Confession: It's funny that I was once nervous about this.
• Adamson V. Two Rivers Park: Divorcing Two Rivers Park because of a serious problem
• Good Food. Good Run.
• Running With Friends: Why I think everyone should have an "active" buddy.
• Ashten Does Life: The first 5K. HOLLA.
• When Are We Runners?: My favorite post about running.
• Future Running Endeavors: Running Goals. It was scary to say out loud.
• Running Frustration: A bad run after a glorious 20 minute run.
• Too Much Criminal Minds: Morbid running thoughts I have when running alone.

So there it is: Two months of sweating and schmoozing my friends to run with me every other day. Seventeen posts about being terrified of changing the running routine, loving the good runs, hating the bad runs, preaching about new shoes, crying over sore muscles and fellowshipping with three awesome people who can tolerate me yelling encouraging words the entire time our feet hit the pavement.

I love it. I'm so proud. I can't wait to share more of it with you.

Tell me about a recent accomplishment you've had. (Feel free to comment on the blog. I've changed some settings to hopefully make it easier for you.)

Ho Hum

It's 80 degrees in Little Rock today. It feels perfect for the first time since March. We basically skipped spring and went straight from winter to summer this year. And on this beautiful 80 degree day, I feel ho hum. As in just ok. Ordinary. Nothing spectacular. Normal.

Lots of things have happened over the weekend. I apologize for not sharing sooner.

The roommate and I have ran three times. Twice within two days. We rarely do back-to-back run days, but it felt nice to be out there. More on last night's run in a bit.

My little got married. You may recall her bachelorette party I attended last weekend. Well she is officially married to her hubby. And they are leaving for their honeymoon today. Don't ask me where because I have no idea, and neither does she.

The geese were out last night. We had to stop so a goose could cross the road so I snapped some pictures of these beauties. So elegant with their long necks. It's strange to me that they walk around with their mouths open most of the time.

Last night's run was a very sticky, sweaty one. Logan and Lindsay are back. Thankfully. And we were all not feeling a run, but we did it.

The roommate and I got to the Big Dam Bridge a little bit before Logan and Lindsay. As the roommate was putting her purse in the trunk, I stopped her from shutting it so we could look for this African Tales book she swore to me was in there years ago.

(This African Tales book was from a class we both took at UCA dedicated to African/African American Studies. The book was full of awesome short stories, or African folk tales, that we loved. I sold my book back to the bookstore, but the roommate swore she kept hers in the trunk.)

As we were searching for this book, she says it's not in the trunk. She then points out three pairs of old tennis shoes.

She said, "Look. It's those shoes you told me to get rid of before we moved out of the house."

She sounded so proud. Like she had tricked me.

Now let me explain something. The roommate has a hard time letting things go. And by things I mean items. When we moved from the house we lived in for three years to a 900 sq. ft. box apartment, we both had to rid our closets of unnecessary items.

She got rid of three trash bags full of clothes and t-shirts that were too big for her or that she never wore. But the shoes were another story.

She had a laundry hamper full of shoes I had never seen on her feet. I advised her to keep the ones she wore all the time and the ones she couldn't live without. The girl has umteen pairs of tennis shoes, and she chose three pairs to get rid of.

Unbeknowst to me, the tennis shoes never really left the building. While they didn't make it into the new apartment, the rogue tennis shoes have lived through three moves in the roommate's trunk. And I don't see them leaving the trunk anytime soon.

I remember praising her for getting rid of so much stuff when we left the house. And praising her again when she cleaned out her dresser drawers and closet on her own before be left the box. But yesterday I was taken aback with the trunk shoes. And even more taken aback with her sly giggle of her having pulled the wool over my eyes for two years.

You think you know someone, and then BAM. They sneak the tennis shoes back in. It's not a big deal. I just think it's funny. Funny that she hasn't worn them in 3+ years. Funnier that the shoes have been in her trunk for two years and she thinks she's sneaky.

I'm going to use my persuasive abilities to try to get those tennis shoes to Goodwill. I don't know where they will go after the trunk....Maybe under her bed or in some kind of secret hidden shoe compartment...

Running Frustration

I think the roommate and I got a little overzealous when it came to running the past few days. We decided to try the 20 minute run. You know the one where you run for 20 minutes without stopping. We totally did it. It was a complete success.

We were a little excited.

Last night we went to a run at the River Trail just like we always do. As soon as I stepped out of the car, something was off.

I was dripping with sweat and had done nothing to provoke it. Stretching felt like a chore. Just not good. There was no relief for my aching muscles and joints.

But we ran anyway.

The pace started out at what I'd like to call ridiculous fast. Too fast for the way I was feeling. My breathing was ok, but something still wasn't right.

After the first 8 minutes, I was winded. Like seriously winded. I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. It took the entire 5 minute recover time for me to feel the slightest bit better. But I knew what was to come; more running.

The second 8 minutes was much like the first. It was hot, sweaty, achy, and just not good. I had to tell myself to put one foot in front of the other. And when I looked down to check the time left, I almost cried when the timer said I had only ran for 2 minutes. I thought for sure it had been longer than that.

But I plodded through the last 6 minutes. The roommate was spitting encouraging words the whole time, but other than that, it was silent. I couldn't talk. And I'm not sure if I couldn't or if I just didn't want to, and that is unlike me.

Ususally I am yelling at the group to hurry it up. But yesterday that was not the case. If I was talking, I was answering a question that the roommate had asked me or I was praying out loud.

When the last minute came, I pushed myself. I made myself go just like I make Logan, Lindsay and the roommate go all the time. I knew I couldn't give myself a break. That would be cheating. Nothing was wrong. Nothing hurt. My breathing was fine. So I pushed on for the last minute to prove to my mind that I would overcome its tricks.

It was just an off day. A really off day. I left the Big Dam Bridge frustrated. I couldn't understand why everything seemed business as usual, and then it turned into a bad run. I got home, took a shower and still couldn't shake the funk the run had put me in. Or I should say the funk I had put myself in.

So let's put it into perspective.

I had a bad run. Nothing hurt with the exception of minor aches and pains. My breathing was normal. My pace was normal, yet it felt like a sprint. My body felt ragged when it was over. My mind felt defeated.

What did I eat yesterday? Too much homemade salsa. Gatorade. Banana bread. Not really a meal in there. Or water. I feel like this had a lot to do with it. Homemade salsa, while delicious as it is, is not a meal. There is no substance there. It's basically just liquid. Gatorade is not water. Lesson learned.

I run again tomorrow. By myself. It's the first time to run alone since we started this whole thing. And after yesterday's run, I'm a little nervous.

What do you do to cheer yourself up after a bad run?

What foods don't work for you on run days?

A White Sand Wedding

The last time I went to the beach it was the week before I started my Senior year in college. The roommate, our friend Abby, and I (plus a group of other people) went to the Gulf Shores for a pre-school year vacay.

And we haven't been back to the beach since then.

All that is about to change. Thanks to my best friend from high school Shannon and her soon-to-be hubby Garrett. The love birds are getting married at the beach. Destin, FL to be exact. The roommate's favorite beach.

Photo by: Natalie Gray Photography



After a long road to the alter, Shannon and Garrett will be getting married at a causal ceremony on the white sands of Destin's beach. And I could not be more thrilled. It is the wedding she's always wanted. A small, causal beach wedding with close family and friends.

And the roommate and I will be in attendance. I'm actually the Maid of Honor (MOH). So my presence is greatly needed at this wedding.

So in August, the roommate and I will be roadtripping to white sandy beaches. Hopefully Logan will get to come with us. I have a feeling this will be an epic beach trip and wedding filled with awesome stories to tell later.

In celebration of Shan and Garrett's upcoming nuptials, I decided to share the highlights from the last beach trip to get you all in the spirit for what is to come.

We met a seagull with a bum leg. We called him Gerald.

We made a sand castle adorned with seashells.

There is nothing like a good book and a cold beer on the beach. I took advantage of this fact, and I plan to do so in August as well.

Salty sea air does something amazing to my hair. And the sound of waves crashing on the shore is one of the best sounds in the world. And I love the fact that white sand has the ability to burn the soles of your feet in the matter of seconds. It's something of joy.

The roommate and I act like fools when we go to the beach. Neither of us can sleep the night before the trip. We scream at the first sight of water, even if it's not the ocean. She hangs her head out the window as soon as we cross the Florida state line claiming that she can "feel the beach upon us."

We get up with the sun. Beach it all day. Pack lunches to take to the beach. Bring enough booze to last an entire month. Make 982457 playlists and cds to enjoy when beaching. And get a twinge of sadness when the sun starts to go down for the day, but excitement builds for the next day when we will do it all over again.

Congratulations to my dear friends Shannon and Garrett. Getting married on the beach is the best thing you could have ever done for your beach bunny friends. When I say we can barely contain our excitement, it would be a total understatement. I'm basically busting at the seams to pack my bags and head to the surf. Oh, and to see you guys get married.

Photo by: Natalie Gray Photography

And you my dear blog readers will not be left behind. There will be play-by-play posts of all beach and wedding activities. So you will get a front row seat to the roadtrip/beach party/wedding of a lifetime. It's going to be awesome! Get that umbrella ready to slide into a nice icy beverage because the party starts in 36 days. Ow ow!!