Woo!

And no, I'm not referencing the Myers-Briggs test result, but one of these days I'll get on here and share those with everyone.. haha. Today was just.. just a good day to be thankful for everything in it - the good, the frustrating, the delicious and whatever else came along with it. 

For starters, there was this guy: 

yes. 

^ I love that guy. I don't know his story, but if I'd had the chance to snag him before we parted ways in the parking lot, I would have asked. It's a small gesture to put a sign in your window, but he was shameless about it, and for that I applaud him. Plus, it's true, and I need to be reminded of that sometimes, even on good days.

I got hit with the desire to eat teriyaki for dinner, so that's what I did, and if Rob was in fact being honest, then he thought the same :). It's not a hard recipe, so if any of ya'll want it, let me know!

teriyaki chicken rice bowl! 

The evening was nothing spectacular, but we did have a contest between the dogs, of who could jump higher, hang on the longest and scrabble the quickest after a thrown toy. Sasha unsurprisingly has the greater amount of physical range, but man oh man, watch out for Stella's pearly whites if you're wild enough to stick your hand in the middle of a toy battle.

go go pups! 

Aaaaaand.... the highlight of Rob's week when it comes to the house: LOOK what is finally fitting in the garage! Please excuse the clutter around the car; that won't always be there, but I am so proud of him for his dedicated work in clearing out the space and all of the shelf-building he's done to make space for our cars! One down, one to go getting in here..

thanks, babe!

The countdown's on.. just a few more days and then it's a 3-day weekend, with good friends, boats & plenty of lake to go around. I. Can't. Wait. 

xo | cmd

Eat .. And PLAY.. Like Champs!

If there's one thing my mother taught me when I was young [that I still wholly embrace today], it's this:

There are many schools of thought that would say I'm completely off-base, but I'm a firm believer that what you put into your body affects not just what comes out of your body, but how you're body functions overall. It's a science, really, but in the same rite, it's not a concept that should be so complicated.

That ancient adage, You Are What You Eat holds more stock to me than the combined amount of advice I've been given along the way. It's simple:

You eat well, you'll be well.

You eat crappy, you'll be crappy.  

I know: "Healthy food is expensive." Here's something to consider: 

1. That's an excuse not to do our research into cost-efficient ways to eat better.  They DO exist; I know this because I am not oozing money but I manage to maintain a healthy menu. Think about it in terms of what not to buy or eat, instead of I need to GET this, and BUY this. Also, on that note - don't accept at face value anything you're told, unless you're willing to go and test that advice. For instance, a doctor might tell you you're lacking manganese. You could get a supplement for that, or .... you could eat grapes. And green beans. And cucumbers, kiwi, strawberries, rice... the list goes on. Not every fancy-sounding element our body needs will cost you big bucks to satisfy. 

2. Yes, sometimes the healthier options are a bit pricier, but often times, they're NOT. Don't believe all the hype about prices. A bag of apples is cheaper than a case of those minibags of chips, and I don't think I really need to lay out the nutritional benefits of apples v. chips. 

3. It's all about educating yourself and how much discipline you're willing to have. 

4. Don't diet without exercise. It'd be like putting a full tank of gas in your car and then never driving it. You're fueled for performance, but you're sitting in the garage. Take a walk with your kids, if nothing else. Don't use kids as an excuse to never do anything [just sayin']. 

5. Make it PERSONAL! Have you ever considered just how unique we each are? We have different hair, different skin, different digestive systems, different pH balances... we are not cookie-cutter creatures? So why use a cookie cutter diet? You might not need to eliminate gluten from your diet. Lactose intolerant? There's calcium in beans, salmon, orange juice and some types of soy, almond & rice milks. Don't think that because you are allergic to, or can't eat something, that you will consequently never be able to get/have what you've been told those things provide. I for one cannot eat red meat [I lack the necessary digestive enzymes, womp womp!], so I find iron, protein and Vitamins B & D elsewhere. 

6. Find an accountability partner! [Or 2! Or 5! You get it..] This applies to many areas of life - conquering anything is usually easier - and more fun - if you're not doing it alone. Find someone else to hold accountable, and to do the same for you. You'll both see gains, and you'll both find out what works for you that perhaps didn't work for the other, and likewise. 

I could go on. 

Nobody certified me to know that stuff. I don't have a degree in any version of nutritional science. I am not a doctor. 

BUT,

I've never had cavities. Until four years ago, I had never broken a single bone. I was born with excema, but have flares about once every 21 years [that's the average so far]. My hair is thick, my nails are strong, and my skin is smooth. I am physically capable of running and exercising. My vision is 20/15 [although sadly I think that's decreasing with prolonged computer usage at work :(... ]. And, as far as I know, my memory is still working the way it should ;).  I'm not trying to brag; My point is - I didn't eat processed foods growing up, and I try not to now. Don't think I never do, because that's just not true - I love pizza like fish love water. I've found though, that when I eat it, I usually feel sluggish for longer than I'd like afterwards. 

I bought this book several years back and loved every page. It's a short read, but direct and simple. 

love it, michael pollan!

Basically. :) 

Anyway, if I stay here much longer, this rant may never end. 

Tonight, Jessica and I made a run to WFM to pick up a few essentials for dinner at her place. We got to cooking: chicken, sweet potatoes, sauteed veggies, homemade guacamole and lemon water. It was incredible. Rob joined us, and we continued on our winning night to some Yahtzee. [When was the last time you played?] 

Here's what that looked like for Rob & Jessica: 

yahtzee 6's for rob | yahtzee 4's for jess! 

I struck out on this one, but it's been about 15 years since Rob played the game, so I didn't mind letting him beat me the first round. Haha. Jessica took both games [THIS TIME, Jess. THIS ONE TIME :p.. ], but we'll be back to battle it out. ;) 

Good friends. Good food. Good gaming. That's my kind of Tuesday! 

xo | cmd

Rings & Noms & Beads ♥

Mondays, more often than not trigger this reaction from me:

[thank you, natalie dee]

Seriously. It's a 50/50 on whether or not I'll crawl home from the day or bounce out like a triumphant Olympian. Today, I came out on top :)

yes, we can! 

I received a phone call early on today that my ring [over which I've been mildly stressing] was finished and returned to the jeweler, now in the correct size that will stay put on my finger :). I gathered Sydni up after work and together we went in for the pick-up. I handed off the $4 temporary ring I'd been wearing to Sydni, and immediately realized she needed one her own size.

And so we did :)

hers... & mini hers! ♥

She loves it. And I love.. that she loves it. She's too stinkin' cute for her own good.. sheesh.

At home, it was dinner: Chicken, potatoes and spinach. I seriously don't know what people do without staple foods!

it's now gone. every bit of it. ;) 

After dinner, Sydni and I went to work on one of the fun things Rob & I picked up for her at Ikea over the weekend. I had one of these as a kid, and I could bet there are still little plastic beads tucked in the nooks & crannies at my parents' house.

in progress.... 

We meticulously placed these, and when done, I broke out the iron and heat paper to create the final product: a heart medallion and one happy little goober:

syd.. that cheesy smile... i just... i love you ;) ♥

Syd, kiddo you're hilarious.
Thank you for making me smile - you have no idea how much we love you!

For the rest of my blogbots out there, happy Monday! Make it a great week!!

xo | cmd

A Day On Norris!

This is definitely a photo entry:

First, I made it a point to get up early and head down to the boat dock. The fog was starting to lift off the water, and there was only the occasional passing boat. With my mat in tow, I headed down, did some flow and sat for a bit just breathing it all in.

AND... I held this guy for a 30-count. It's not a huge brag, but I'm working into a scorpion and at this point, this is a pretty good feeling to accomplish this.

*Sigh. Okayokayokay... I've become a total hippie. Meh.
Stella joined in, for what it's worth...

happy girl! 

The sun crept its way little by little until it was visible, and then it seemed to all but leap from the mountain skyline to the top of the sky. Rob, Jesse and I did a little running around to get some grocery items [for later this evening], and then proceeded back into the boat for the meat of the day: LAKE TIME!

everywhere. | lake norris | lafollette, tn

I cannot believe it has taken us this long to discover and visit this lake. There are hundreds of miles of shoreline here, over a dozen marinas and just about everything in between. This place is heaven on earth, in my book.

We took the raft out, too, each of us taking turns. I, by the grace of wearing my favorite pair of sunglasses, did find myself tumbling over choppy wake, but I did fly - literally - a few times, on board the raft. Jesse and Rob both took spills off into the lake, but no harm was done and it was hilarious.

My run:

Jesse's run:

Rob's run (shortened by his spill into the lake, compliments of Jesse):

We rafted, then we cruised some more, then we drifted and relaxed a bit. The water was warm yet refreshing, and the clouds [as you can see] were sparse in contrast to the bright blue sky. Today... was... awesome.

♥♥♥♥♥♥ him 

We gave Rob's boat a run for her money today; we came to rest as the afternoon turned to evening in a cove, watching other boats pass by and waving to skiers and jetskiers. Rob and Jesse went for another dip in the water, while I took to laying across the front of the boat and soaking in the view of sun and sky meeting mountains meeting water.

perfect.

It was finally time to get back, so we headed on "home" to our dock, climbed up the hill to the cabin and started preparations for dinner. There is something about being in a kitchen with my friends collectively making dinner that is just.. familial to me. No TV, no cell phones, but actively engaged in something for the group. The bulk of my family lives at least 2.5 hours away; this was a small but perfect substitute for a night in with family making dinner together.

veggies!!! 

jesse doing some kabob prep work 

I kept an eye on the stovetop foods while the boys got the bonfire and the grill going. Within the hour, we had dinner and a warmed space to sit around.

dinner & a bonfire!! ♥

The table's cleared, sweats & hoodies are on, and we're watching this from the hammock:

good night, tennessee! 

I could re-do this day over and over again.
Norris, we'll be back!

xo | cmd 

Hello, Summer!

It's SUMMER!
I have a feeling this one's gonna be a long one, but I'm okay with that. It's been hot outside a few times already this year, so let's see what the year has to offer.

Last year around this time was Paddlefest, the river-based expo for vendors and adventure-lovers alike. We decided to attend again this year, so that meant gearing up for it today!

But FIRST..

Breakfast. Today that meant home made French Toast, because I love these people who live in my home and also because WHY NOT.. It's Saturday! :)

delicious!

Then...
A trip down to the farm, because there are baby goats! They're just a month old right now, but cute as could be. We had to see them.

hi, babies!

syd with the goats

mr. rob helping her ring the farm bell

We made a pitstop to pick up some organic feed, and there were more animals - this time bulls.

sydni the bull-whispering yogi .. ♥

bulls!

It was back to the farm to drop off the feed, and then back on our way to our main destination of the day - Paddlefest!

someone was ready to go!

Sad fact: Paddlefest this year - at least the daytime Saturday version - was a bit of a disappointment. We had hoped the reason was just simply that we came during the day, when the crowd was super light and there wasn't much going on. Most of the vendor stands had limited foot traffic, and the event as a whole seemed a bit sluggish, at least in comparison to what we saw last year.

Fortunately, Becky enlisted her and me with her tree-climbing group, an entity with which I'd apparently climbed before, years back, but not realizing it until the owner of the business mentioned it to me. Small world!

becky & me

Anyway, we hooked in, roped up and climbed our way into a half hour or so of air time in the beautiful Sycamore overlooking the river.

roping up

pardon that weird face.. not really sure about that look?

hello down there!

descent :)

Back on the ground, we ditched the harnesses and headed for the river. Sydni was being so good all afternoon, and for that we'd promised her some play time in the water.

running back and forth in the "boat waves"

And this guy:

look at those snazzy glasses! ;)

We finally decided to load up and head home; there was World Cup action to be had and we didn't want to miss any of it. I found these in Becky's car on our way back:

inspiration!

Starbucks is really stepping up its game with the new Teavana partnership [and apparently one with Oprah, as well...]. Speaking of Starbucks, Becky & I made a quick run to get some iced caffeine in oiur lives, and found a collection of donated Starbucks mugs from around the world.

Right in front? These:

awesome awesome awesome!

^ LOVE that!

Anyway, we're creeping up on the evening hours now and although it's been a great day, we... are.. spent! That's how a good Saturday is supposed to be, so I'm not complaining. Tomorrow it's church and Kara's graduation party. I'm excited :)

Happy weekend, friends!

xo | cmd