Brittany's Birthday Cake!

This was my FIRST attempt at following in my mom's foot steps!

Dinner and a Show

It has become our tradition, and by tradition I mean the past 2 years, that we go to this place called Pinnacle Peak Trail Dust town on Christmas Eve after service.

We go to the old peoples service at 5pm and then we go to Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse for dinner after where my dad goes to town on a 18oz., seared to perfection, medium Cowboy steak and when we are finished we go to the gun show!

                                    

                                      My luggage for the weekend.

                                         It sure is exhausting moving all this luggage!                                                                     

Christmas Eve

Mommy and Me

A Little Taste of Home

 One, among many, of my favorite things for the holidays are when it is time to make  our family cookies better know to us as Spritzers!

Now, it used to be just random Santas and what not however do to my mom and her amazing baking talent she has taken it to a whole new level! This isn't just random baking or decorating for that matter. These were meticulously detailed and they even had "fairy dust" on them! You can only imagine how excited I was when I found out that cookies were in the mail for me. I felt like a little kid staring at the clock for school to be out and then when the bell did ring getting up and sprinting off to the playground!

While the decorating may have changed over the years, in a good way, there is one thing that is still the same about them, they have the same fabulous taste!

I got 2 of the turkeys and 4 leaves!!!!

In addition to receiving some of these cookies, I also got 2 chocolate covered Oreos!!!

Thanks Mama!

Turkey Trot 2010

                                             I completed my first 10K!!!!

At Huntington Beach.

                         A couple of reasons that I decided to do this race...

1.) When first deciding what I should do on Thanksgiving away from home, I thought, I will do a Turkey Trot of some sort. After sorting through a few races, I stumbled across Cause Life. After reading several statistics, I decided that this is the run that I would like to be involved with. I want to make a difference!

2.) It's the first time that I will ever run in a race.

3.) How can you not run for a cause when you see a face like this?

Ready for Combat

Nike has a line that is called Nike Pro. Recently, I decided that I need to make an investment in a new bra. Being on sale I decided to go with Nike Pro Combat Women's Bra. I was a bit skeptical when I first tried it out on a run, so I another bra under it for reinforcement. 

Tonight, I went to go for a work out but was only planning on walking so I only wore one sports bra, the Nike Pro Combat Women's Bra. Well, of course, I wanted to run once my feet hit the pavement, I began to feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins, so I began to pick up the pace!

When I was 30 minutes into my run, I remembered that I was only wearing but one bra. I would have NEVER know the difference! My ladies stayed in perfect place! This thing had to be engineered for busty women! There is a thick band on the bottom that provides firm support and the fabric is not forgiving to ensure that "they" don't go ANYWHERE! They don't bounce nor did they hurt after a run. 

               This is THE bra for all my BUSTY lady friends out there!

                               A MUST have for the season.

Open up the gates!

I went to Dick's Sporting Goods the other day to purchase a new sports bra, remember your bras should NEVER have a birthday (see previous posting).

I found what I thought would be a good one. I did my usual series of tests:

1.) 10 jumping jacks- we are looking to see if the girls poke my eyes out, or if they stay in place.

2.) Does it give me a uniboob after I've been jumping around?

3.) The shimmy- do they swing side to side? Because when you are older, you don't want to be able to tie them in a bow and thow them over your shoulder.

After passing all of these tests, I purchased this bra:

http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pDSP1-7118476p275w.jpg


As you can see, it has a zipper in the front. This is not my normal preference, but I thought, "hey, why not"?!?

The next day, with my new equipment on, I went for a run...

Suddenly after 15 minutes of running my Laddies were quite tender and jiggly. I stoped and looked down and my bra had come open and undone! AHHHHH....

I was on top of the 1-5 and sandwhiched between Wells Fargo headquaters and a hospital. How was I going to get the girls back in there?!? I didn't want anyone to get a glimpse of the PROMISE land. So, I turned around, face the freeway and tried diligently to zip up the bar, but cars kept coming by.

I gave up! So, the girls and I walked slowly and FREELY back home to saftey!

Bringing y Back...

Dearly Beloved,

I am so sorry that it has been so long since I have posted anything. In the past 3 months I've been out in Irvine doing my management training. However, I am delighted to say that I am now at the tale end of my training.

In that 3 months, I worked in the kitchen for just under 2 months, one of the BIGGEST struggles of my life, where I learned that we are a 97% scratch kitchen! I worked on the line during that time as well, and boy talk about a fish out of water, before I worked on the line I couldn't even make Hamburger Helper without burning!

When that was complete, I move back into familiar territory, or so I thought.

1 day bussing.

2 days of food running.

6 days of serving.

6 days of bartending. (That was intense. Who knew there was so much to learn about beer, especially when we have 250 beers on tap!)

With 2 weeks, or 14 shifts, remaining, I am back in action and ready to post!

Stay tuned!

Love,

Me

Humility

I've have had an INCREDIBLY hard time this last week. To kick things off, I had a tough time working in the SAUCE station. I had 5 days to learn 62 recipes and I didn't meet that expectation. The first time that I took the test, I had to re-test. Then, when I re-tested, I had to re-test  AGAIN!

I was so frustrated! It was so hard for me to keep a positive spirit. Well, when I retook the sauce test, I finally passed and with a 100%.
 

Motiv8

I've been getting up so early in the morning (5 am) that I don't have time to go to the gym or a run before I go to work, therefore, I go when I get home. Well, yesterday, I was exhausted and had no energy to go to the gym but I thought, "Ana-Lisa don't forget why you are running!" So I jumped off the couch and away I went.

When I got there there were only 2 other people in there, this is one of my apartment gyms. One man was on the bike and the other lady was on the treadmill. The guy had his head phones in, for a GOOD reason. The lady on the treadmill was coughing up a storm! Every 5 minutes, I thought she was going to die. Yet instead of going home and being in bed resting, she was at the gym CONTAMINATING the air. Are you serious right now lady?!?! Go home!

Just as I thought she had finished, she moved machines, WITHOUT cleaning the treadmill that she had just sprayed spit all over by coughing! NASTY!!! She looked over at me and says, "I'm all finished with the remote, would you like to change the channel?" And while I appreciate the gesture, 2 things; I'm not there to watch RACHEL RAY and if you are going to offer me the remote at least go wipe it down with the courtesy wipes before handing if to me, especially after you've been coughing.

I was so annoyed with her up her lungs (I have yet to mention that my headphones died too!) that after 30 minutes of strength training and 15 minutes of running I went home.

Just Die Already!

As you know, Percy died a TRAGIC  and went to iPod heaven. Then just as I was about to bury him, a.k.a. throw him away, he came back to life!!! However, after only going for a week's worth of runs with me, things quickly took a turn for the worse and he died again!

So Percy, if you can ready this, just DIE already! A girl's heart can only take so much!!!

Everyday at work, we get to try a new item on the menu, for training purposes of course!!! Well, as I am only in my 2nd day of prep, I have quickly learned that there is so much cream, milk and cheese product that goes into things that we don't even realize. It's in just about everything!

Most of you know that I don't eat dairy products- I'm a soy/rice/coconut product kinda gal!

With that being said, I decided today that I was in the mood for a little "home cooking" and that I was going to try the Chicken Pot Pie. So, I went and read the recipe, there is only 1/2 cup of creme in a full recipe that yields 30 pot pies. I thought, "Spanish girl, there is NO WAY that you'll get sick from eating such a minuscule amount!" Well, this Spanish girl is STUPID! 

Needless to say, I have become great friends with "Lou" this evening!

All Tied Up!

Recently, I've had a hard time keeping my laces tied. I'm quite sure why; especially because I've had the same shoes for 4 months now.

With that in ming I hit up my favorite running magazine, www.runnersworld.com, to get some useful tips on how to tie a shoe lace. (Yes, I know---who doesn't know how to tie a shoe lace, but after this, I'm sure you'd be surprised!)

STEP 1:
You can tie the starting knot by passing the left lace over the right (shown at left), or by wrapping right over left. Either method can yield a balanced knot or a granny knot—it depends on what you do afterward.

STEP 2:
Next you make a loop with the right lace (shown at left) or the left. Either choice can yield a balanced knot or a granny knot—independent of which starting knot you made. It comes down to what you do next.

STEP 3:
 Then you circle the other lace around the loop you just made—either in front or in back of the loop. The right choice depends upon how you did steps 1 and 2. (In the knot shown at left, back is correct.) To see the proper last step that matches your technique, consult the chart at right.

For more info about trying your shoes, or perhaps you'd like a demonstration video. You can view the following article that I got my tips from: Runner's World- All Tied Up Article

Should've Listened

Last Saturday, I was scheduled to go on an 8 mile run. I did my usual routine- sunscreen, hat, water bottle and nourishment (sport beans). Usually, I have go to the restroom before I hit the pavement but I didn't have to go this time. 

This is the part in my story where I should have listened to my mama. She always says, "Be sure to go to the restroom before leaving the house!". It's like telling a 3 year old to go potty and them not listening, only I'm 24 now! (I guess some things never change)

Therefore, I hit the road! I was feeling good! I had my playlist and a great pace going. I was going to do my "best mile ever today". Things quickly took a turn for the worse. I was 3 miles into my run and then it hit me. I had to go to the "lou". 

I picked up the pace in hopes to find a restroom on the trail but there was none in sight. My mind immediately went racing, where was the nearest restroom? Then it hit me, it was approximately 3 miles away- at my house!

Flight or fight? 

Do I just hold it? Do I run home? Do I go back to the days when I went to Ethopia and dig a hole in the ground and squat?

The answer is, go home.

I began my run back to the house. Less than half a mile completed and I felt like everything was giggling around in me. "Oh, no!!!"

At that point, you clinch your butt cheeks and run- run like the wind! In instances like this I listen to the wise words of my grandmother, "quick, quick, quick!"

I made it home, just in time!

YardCore is

To my avid 6 followers on blogger:

I will be going to posting only once to twice a week. The reason? The Yard House training program, called YardCore because it's  - that it is compared to learning a year long college course in a matter of 90 days!!!

Say what?!?!

With that being said, my goal is to post at least on Sundays (at least for the first couple of weeks) and keep you posted on the nature of my training.


Love,

Ana-Lisa

He's Risen

Percy is RISEN!!!

I was packing to leave for California tomorrow and stumbled upon Percy. Before I said my last goodbyes, I thought I'd try him out one more time.

When I plugged Percy into the iPod dock, he started playing!!! While Alejandro, my step sisters iPod has served me well, I'm glad to have Percy back!

Twiggy

They say in marathon running that you'll learn quickly there is no room for pride. 

Recently, I have been experiencing some friction between my thighs while running. I have chosen to ignore it but now it is getting to the point where it is unbearable to run for longer than 4 miles.

 Therefore, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and purchased this:

When I got there, I was embarrassed to ask where the chaffing gel was, so I aimlessly wandered around the store looking for it. Then I found it in the shoe section (explain that on to me!) where a strapping young man was working. He approached me and asked if I needed any assistance. My reply, "No thanks, I found the water bottles!" Then he went to the back to check something out for another customer and that's when I grabbed the chaffing gel and speedily walked to the front to check-out.

When I approached the registers, there were only males checking people out. Being embarrassed, I pretended to still need something and walked around for a bit, I do the same thing when I check out with a male and I'm buying tampons!

Upon my second walk around the store, I realized that the only person's thighs that don't touch are Twiggy's! When I got over myself, I went to the front and checked out.

Tomorrow, I will be going on an 8 mile run and will be testing this stuff out. Let's hope it works because it's painful when your legs rub together for long periods of time.

In a previous post, I mentioned the importance in keeping yourself hydrated and nourished. So while I was at Dick's I decided that I would try the jelly beans. They are made with jelly belly flavors! I tried the gels last time and I have never tasted anything so disgusting.

So with my 2 new products in hand, I left Dick's and will be testing them tomorrow.

Baking In Mama's Kitchen

As you may or may not know, my mom bakes cakes in spare time, simplycakesnmore.blogspot.com . A friend of mine ordered a cake from her and I got to help. This is not that story because Jessica still hasn't seen the cake, so I can't blow the surprise. But after helping my mom, I was inspired. 

So today, after sprucing up my blog and designing hers, I got bored and decided that I was going to make cupcake cones, like an ice cream cones but only stuffed cake and frosting.

Here is my version on how to make them.

 (DON'T try this at home)

Step 1: Make the cake batter.

Step 2: Bake!

Step 3: Make sure you have all of the supplies that you are going to need to make the desired product.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. It wasn't until the cupcakes were in the oven that I realized that I didn't have flat bottomed ice cream cones, so I improvised. I used pointed cones. 

Step 4: Cut the tops off of the cupcakes and make the frosting (but try not to dye your fingers)

Step 5: Drop a dollop of frosting into the tip (like the chocolate at the bottom of a Drumstick). Then take the bottoms that you cut off and stuff the cone with the cake. After that, put a layer of frosting on the top (it will act as the glue for the top) and then place the top on the cone.

Step 6:Frost the tops of the cones. 

My recommendation: frost the cone tops before you put them on the cone, it makes it easier. Then decorate. 

However, once I completed the first cone, I realized I had nothing to hold these things. While I was trying to hold the cone, I was simultaneously trying to cut holes into a cardboard box. In the process of doing this, the top fell off (yes, mom, I cleaned it up!) and I had to start over.

I only completed 6 cones before I gave up and went to making regular cupcakes!

When I asked my mom about these things, she said there is an easier way to do these. Apparently, you can put the batter into the cone and bake them together.

 I guess I'll be keeping my day job!

How To Run Your Long Runs

For any long distance training program, the long run is essential. Along with being a very important part of your training efforts, it is also very important that you complete your long runs correctly. Yes, there is a right and wrong way to running or walking your weekly long efforts. And no better time than now to learn the correct way to run, as we are getting into some longer mileage. Whether you are someone who takes a little more time to complete your training sessions or someone who likes to finish your workouts as quick as you can and return to the warmth of your bed, all runners should run their long runs at the same “pace.”

That is not to say that someone who is able to run an 8-minute mile should slow down to run a 12-minute mile with his/her friend. You should be completing your long efforts at a “conversational pace.” In other words, you should be able to comfortably carry on a conversation throughout your long effort, even if you are training by yourself. Naturally, this may seem rather odd to passersby, so perhaps singing a song to yourself may seem more appropriate. Then again, you can always have fun with those you pass with some rather interesting conversation topics. Ask me for some good ones for your next run. ;)

By training at a conversational pace, you will get the most out of your long effort. The goal is to train your body to handle a good amount of time on your feet, and prepare you both physically and mentally for the rigors of a long distance race. Even if you can run 8-minute miles during your weekday runs of 3 or 4 miles, you will want to slow down a bit for your weekly long effort. Pushing yourself too hard too early in your training is just setting yourself up for trouble. Depending on your pace, and comfort level, try adding about 30 to 60 seconds per mile to your current weekday run pace. Better to add that time at the beginning of your run and throughout your long run, then to HAVE to add 3 or 4 minutes PER mile to your run for the last few miles of a 20-mile effort because you expended all of your energy too early. Your weekday runs and track workouts down the road are your opportunities to run at a more intense pace and to improve your speed, plus concentrate on other areas of running which we will discuss throughout the season.

A Mother's Heart

"The first day of summer break of 2006 Joshua awoke with what was thought to be the flu. Major complaints were a horrible headache and neck pain. His temp began to rise as the next few days passed and the head and neck only worsened. We visited a colleague of our pediatrician (ours was on vacation) who suspected a viral infection. 

As the next few days passed little things began to occur. Were they linked? The overprotective mother in me felt, "yes, they are". There were two days when Joshua's eyelids became really droopy. And leg pain! It seemed to be growing pains-felt only during the night hours, but really painful. 

Then one morning I awoke to his screaming from his bed. He was unable to even move his legs. I massaged them as I could and he fell to sleep, but only for a few minutes before his cries rang out again. We again visited a 2nd colleague who felt certain it was a virus. This particular virus would explain all symptoms, including the droopy eyelids.

Joshua was scheduled for an ophthalmologist visit to confirm suspicions. On the 10th day of Joshua feeling so horribly-headache, neck pain, leg pain growing worse each day- we finally spoke with our pediatrician who immediately called us in to her office. Joshua's name was called and as he walked in to the office he saw Dr. Campbell and an uncontrollable flow of tears began racing down his face. He hugged her tightly and said, I feel SO bad! He'd never cried like that!

I knew 2 things at that moment:
               1. Joshua was very, very sick.

               2. We had the perfect pediatrician for our son. He trusted her to make things right.

A very quick look at Joshua and a once over on the symptoms and we were immediately sent to the ED of Phoenix Children's Hospital. The doctor suspected viral meningitis and spoke of a spinal tap. If only his intuition had been right. The blood work results were in. 

Joshua was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia, one of the most common forms of childhood cancer. Statistics show an 80-85% chance of survival.

Waiting for their new puppy!

God, show us the way!!" 
-Meredith Gass