2014

2014

I love New Years. It's a chance to wipe the slate clean and have a fresh start for the upcoming year. It's full of hopes and dreams for the upcoming year. Just puts a smile on your face, right?

I'm not feeling it so much. This year is starting out in a very different direction than I hoped. I expected to still be at the bank (which I am), my husband would be done with school (he is) and have a new job (he starts in February), we'd run a few races (we've got a few planned) and overall, just enjoy being together (..."together" while living 3 states apart??).    

Living in different states for 8 months was definitely not in the plans. Granted, my husband always said his first year of work was going to be crazy and probably suck, but this was not what I had in mind. 

Still, we face life's challenges. I'm so grateful for this job opportunity for him. We're still going to do all of the above. The time we do spend together will be more meaningful and special. We're going to Italy soon and I'm sure there will be a lot of weekend trips where we meet up and explore a new city. He's been saying that Disney World should be on the list.

Instead of New Year's resolutions, I'm setting a few goals for myself. 

- Meet with friends once a week (drinks after work, dinner w/ friends, etc)

- Get more active with my social media (blog, twitter)

- Try a new recipe once a week

- Make a quilt or other sewing related project

- Organize my craft area



Since fitness is a huge focus on my blog, check back tomorrow for my fitness goals for 2014!

Did you make any goals for 2014? 

Foodie Friday: Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana

I used to work at a popular Italian chain restaurant famous for their breadsticks. One of their other big hits was a thin creamy, yet spicy soup with kale, sausage, and potatoes. This recipe comes pretty close to the restaurant, but this version is a lot spicier. It could also just be the sausage I got. Still very yummy!


4 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
1 lb spicy Italian sausage (ground or removed from casings)
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
5 cups chicken broth
3 cups Russet Potatoes, cubed (I leave the skin on.)
4 cups of kale, in bite size pieces
1 cup heavy cream

parmesan cheese, grated
crusty french bread

Directions

In a large soup pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium until crispy. Add the sausage. Using a utensil, break the sausage into small pieces. 

Once the sausage is browned and crumbled, drain off the grease, leaving a tablespoon or two to saute the onion. Push the sausage to the edges of the pot and add the onion to the center. Saute until translucent, then add garlic and saute until fragrant. 

Stir in the broth and potatoes. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. 

Add the kale and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover for 10 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve with grated parmesan and bread. Enjoy!

2013: A Look Back In Photos

Eating healthy was a top priority.

We rearranged and organized the apartment.

I turned my sewing hobby into a side job that would fund my Disneyland trips.

I got a big promotion at work, which subsequently increased my wine intake. ;) 

We went on vineyard getaway to celebrate our 3rd anniversary. 

I created (and didn't follow) a lot of training plans.

I went to Disneyland!

And completed the Dumbo Double Dare (Disneyland 10k & Half Marathon).

I also became an annual pass holder again!

I said my farewell to the Court of Angels inside Disneyland. It's now becoming part of the exclusive Club 33, which I will most likely never get into. A girl can dream, though. :)

I finally hung up my race bling (half is my husband's).

I PR'd and achieved my goal of running a 10k in under an hour, just in time to submit it for proof of time for the Tinker Bell Half.

I got a FitBit! (I love this thing!)

And joined a gym. 

My husband graduated from college!

And got a job! (3 states away! More on that later.) 

Cheers to 2014!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! 

Tink Tuesday: Double Digits!

My training for Tink has been sad, to say the least. The last half I ran was the Disneyland Half over Labor Day in September. Since then it's been on and off. I had a handful of 6 mile runs, including a 10k PR in October. But after that.... not so much. The chilly fall weather made me not want to run outside, so I joined my local gym. I've been averaging a few 3-4 mile runs per week with my longest being 7 miles about 2 weeks ago. 

Weekly Recap

Tues: 2 miles

Wed: rest

Thurs: 4 miles

Fri: rest

Sat: rest

Sun: 10 miles

Mon: rest

Christmas Eve, I went for a quick run with my husband. It was the first time in over a month that I had run outside. I think I got so used to running on a treadmill that the moving scenery and wind made me dizzy! 

It's become a tradition for my cousins and I to go on a run together the morning after a holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas). It was an easy 4 miler through my Grandma's scenic neighborhood. 

This Sunday I had my long run. I kept seeing the "Countdown to Tink" number get smaller and smaller  and smaller and with just 18 days until I leave for Disneyland, I knew I needed to get some serious mileage in. My initial plan was for 8 miles, with 10 miles next Sunday. Not ideal for my first double-digit run since September to be only two weeks before the Tink half, but it would have to do. 

The husband went with me and figured we'd only make it 6 miles. Challenge accepted! I knew I wanted to complete at least 8, but I was feeling pretty good. No hip pain! (If you'll recall, my hip has been bothering me lately, even to the point of hurting when I wasn't running. I got a foam roller and started stretching religiously.) 

I got this Gaiam foam roller from Target.

I ended up going 10 miles! I'll adjust my training plan to do 8 miles next week. I feel a lot more prepared to run a half in 3 weeks. :) 

My running app says 10 miles...

But my FitBit says a little over 9.... Hmm... I *may* need to adjust my FitBit settings.

How is your training going? I know there are a lot of WDW Marathon and Tink Half Weekenders out there! 

Holiday recap

I'm finally getting back on track after the whirlwind that is Christmas. It was full of family, gifts, food, and hanging out. All the things I love!

The husband and I spent Christmas Even just the two of us. We made a yummy home cooked meal and exchanged gifts. It was one of the most relaxing Christmas Eve's I've had!

Our tree! 

I gave Dearest some euros for our upcoming trip to Italy. 

Then it was off to Grandma's house for Christmas! We had a super yummy prime rib dinner. Complete with champagne and wine! :) 

One of my little cousins got a TON of legos. Look how cool they are now!

And of course, there was a quick photo-op of Dearest in a graduation cap. He opted not to walk for graduation (too boring). I don't blame him; I didn't walk for my graduation either.

How was your holiday? 

Tinker Bell Official Race Guide

Here are a few highlights from the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend Official Race Guide!

You can find it here. 

I am really loving how beautiful the logo is! Also, some future runDisney race dates. 

Expo and other important times.

Park hours.

Check out the Park Hours/Calendar on the Disney website for other info on shows/parade times. Fantasmic! will be dark the entire weekend, but World of Color is showing Friday-Monday night.

Packet Pick-up information. I'll be making the rounds to all the stations- anyone else running all 3 events? 

5k information. I'll be dressing up for this event. Will you? 

10k & Half start and finish areas. 

Spectator viewing information.

Who's excited???