A new job
A new baby in the house
A 100 mile race
Living in a house with 10 other humans, now 11, leaves one with little down time or quiet time. It makes it hard to blog with that much going on.
Ryan and I are still working on getting our CrossFit affiliate up and running. Ryan has done a lot of work on building plyo-boxes, trainer bars, and a trailer to haul it all to the parks. As soon as we have the rest of the funding we will be up and running. Soon, very soon!
My sister-in-law had her 5th baby last week. Ozzie Parker Speed has joined the Speed family and the chaos that comes with it. He's a perfect little baby boy. Having a new born around has made me very excited for mine and Ryan's future. Hopefully in a year from now it will be our turn to bring home a little baby.
100 miles... it's this weekend. The big race! Ryan has been training for this race for as long as I can remember. He may not have known he wanted to run 100 miles when we 1st met but he's been training for this challenge for ever. We have some great friends/family who will be helping us out as pacers and crew for us. We are lucky to have such great people in our lives. Looking forward to this weekend. I know Ryan will do great.
I start my new job at the Opryland Hotel right after we get back from our trip. I am looking forward to starting back to work, making some money, meeting new people, and getting back to what I do best. It's a temp job to start, to help with the holiday season. Hopefully after the holidays there will be a perm job available.
SO.. that's what's been going on in my neck of the woods. Hope all is well with everyone! More to come after we get back. I will provide race updates and work updates.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
DAY 32
I know it's been awhile since I last updated this. It's been a crazy couple weeks. Ryan ran his 1st mountain race so we were out of town for a bit and Ryan's grandmother passed away.
Let me catch you up....
It's been 32 days since we moved from Cleveland OH, to Lebanon TN. Still unemployed, and living with Ryan's parents. Most people, I think, would be frustrated with that situation. US, not so much!
Is it tough living back home with the parents, yes! Is it tough sharing space with 6 adults, 4 children, 4 dogs, and 2 cats... YES! But does this situation hold many learning opportunities and memories this family will have for a life time... YES!!! So instead of focusing on the stress and anxiety, we have continued to move forward.
Ryan's nephews are learning what it's like to work this summer. Each day they have a job to do together. Most days they bicker, fight, cry, and whine their way through it but then there are some days, like today, where they work together as a team and get it done. Ryan and his brother recall having to weed their 'enormous' garden, mow their 'enormous' yard with a push mower, weed eat with an electric weed eater that required 4-5 extension cords, etc... needless to say Boris and Spike are creating similar memories this summer as they are put to the test each day. Ryan and his brother are planning on building them a tree house at the end of summer so the boys have had to lug lumber up a hill into the woods, it's only fair right?
Ryan and I are still looking into buying a plot of landing and building a home. Given the budget we have to work with, zoning and building codes that need to be met we are looking into nontraditional, unconventional way of living. No we are not going to live in a grass hut but this home will be small. Probably smaller than the home we left in Cleveland however it will also be, intimate, warm, artistic, creative, special, Eco-friendly, and original. I am looking forward to this. This is taking some time, we don't know what we don't know so we have to do a lot of research before we move forward with the purchase of the property. More to come on this front for sure.
Our Crossfit affiliate application was submitted yesterday. This is very exciting. The first step in building our own business. Now it's time to start thinking about the website, the flyers..etc. Just so that we are ready when we receive our acceptance. : )
The job hunt is just as frustrating but I can't get discouraged. I just have to keep plugging away. The goal is to not have to need supplemental jobs in the future and be able to focus 100% on the Crossfit business. But in the mean time, money is needed to grow a business. It will all work out, I trust in my partner that we will be successful together.
While things are slow moving, they are moving none the less. We will be home in about a month and half for the 1st home game for Willoughby South. Looking forward to seeing the kids, my family, and our friends. If we have time to stop out some where for a drink we will keep you all posted.
Live happy, healthy, and free! (Pic of Ryan crossing the finish line at the Rattlesnake 50k, 6 hours and 57 mins up and down a mountain)
It's been 32 days since we moved from Cleveland OH, to Lebanon TN. Still unemployed, and living with Ryan's parents. Most people, I think, would be frustrated with that situation. US, not so much!
Is it tough living back home with the parents, yes! Is it tough sharing space with 6 adults, 4 children, 4 dogs, and 2 cats... YES! But does this situation hold many learning opportunities and memories this family will have for a life time... YES!!! So instead of focusing on the stress and anxiety, we have continued to move forward.
Ryan's nephews are learning what it's like to work this summer. Each day they have a job to do together. Most days they bicker, fight, cry, and whine their way through it but then there are some days, like today, where they work together as a team and get it done. Ryan and his brother recall having to weed their 'enormous' garden, mow their 'enormous' yard with a push mower, weed eat with an electric weed eater that required 4-5 extension cords, etc... needless to say Boris and Spike are creating similar memories this summer as they are put to the test each day. Ryan and his brother are planning on building them a tree house at the end of summer so the boys have had to lug lumber up a hill into the woods, it's only fair right?
Ryan and I are still looking into buying a plot of landing and building a home. Given the budget we have to work with, zoning and building codes that need to be met we are looking into nontraditional, unconventional way of living. No we are not going to live in a grass hut but this home will be small. Probably smaller than the home we left in Cleveland however it will also be, intimate, warm, artistic, creative, special, Eco-friendly, and original. I am looking forward to this. This is taking some time, we don't know what we don't know so we have to do a lot of research before we move forward with the purchase of the property. More to come on this front for sure.
Our Crossfit affiliate application was submitted yesterday. This is very exciting. The first step in building our own business. Now it's time to start thinking about the website, the flyers..etc. Just so that we are ready when we receive our acceptance. : )
The job hunt is just as frustrating but I can't get discouraged. I just have to keep plugging away. The goal is to not have to need supplemental jobs in the future and be able to focus 100% on the Crossfit business. But in the mean time, money is needed to grow a business. It will all work out, I trust in my partner that we will be successful together.
While things are slow moving, they are moving none the less. We will be home in about a month and half for the 1st home game for Willoughby South. Looking forward to seeing the kids, my family, and our friends. If we have time to stop out some where for a drink we will keep you all posted.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The View From Here
Three weeks in TN and lots of time to think. Not a lot of quiet time with 6 adults an 4 children under 1 roof but time none the less.
Ryan and I came here thinking we would continue with our current career choices, find a place to live, and eventually after a few to 5 years, move on. We have realized that we have a great opportunity to really go for what we have talked about for all these years.
Not live by the traditional clock. The one that has you working 9-5 or longer M-F. The one that requires approval for time off and takes up most of your free life. The one that has you doing work that you are good at but no longer passionate about.
So what are we up too:
1: Applying for our CF affiliation so we can open our own CF box (name ideas are greatly appreciated)
2: Look into building codes and such to build a cottage
3: Purchase land if cottage ideas can be approved (the picture posted would be our view from the future front porch)
4: Run our own business and live life as we want
I have never felt so free in my adult life. Free to make my/our dreams come true. I'm so excited to get started and am lucky to have a great friend/mentor who has done the same thing and is willing to offer advice and suggestions along the way.
I miss my family and friends, this will never change but I know they are happy for Ryan and I and their love and support have made this possible.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Ryan and I came here thinking we would continue with our current career choices, find a place to live, and eventually after a few to 5 years, move on. We have realized that we have a great opportunity to really go for what we have talked about for all these years.
Not live by the traditional clock. The one that has you working 9-5 or longer M-F. The one that requires approval for time off and takes up most of your free life. The one that has you doing work that you are good at but no longer passionate about.
So what are we up too:
1: Applying for our CF affiliation so we can open our own CF box (name ideas are greatly appreciated)
2: Look into building codes and such to build a cottage
3: Purchase land if cottage ideas can be approved (the picture posted would be our view from the future front porch)
4: Run our own business and live life as we want
I have never felt so free in my adult life. Free to make my/our dreams come true. I'm so excited to get started and am lucky to have a great friend/mentor who has done the same thing and is willing to offer advice and suggestions along the way.
I miss my family and friends, this will never change but I know they are happy for Ryan and I and their love and support have made this possible.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Change is Good
HI Folks!
It has been a while since I have posted anything. I have been busy with packing up the house, looking for a job in VA, attending year end shows for the kids, and doing research for a new house. It's been busy and not without it's twists and turns. I was offered a job in a Progressive MD claims office a few weeks ago, and Ryan was brought on staff at Crossfit Old Town in Alexandria to start up an endurance team. This was all great news.
We have had the biggest twist this past week... I would like to call it the Universe's way of saying "No, over here. This is what you need."
Due to an unfortunate change in family affairs (everyone is healthy and fine, nothing life threatening) we will no longer be moving to VA. We are headed to TN.
Ryan and I have a saying that the Universe gives you what you need, not what you want. We wanted to move to VA, we fell in love with Alexandria and could see ourselves settling down there. However, the right move for us right now is Nashville.
Life is an adventure for sure and what a story all this will be for the grandkids.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at 1899 on June 12th to see us off. The party is still on and our move date is still on track. Just a new location.
It has been a while since I have posted anything. I have been busy with packing up the house, looking for a job in VA, attending year end shows for the kids, and doing research for a new house. It's been busy and not without it's twists and turns. I was offered a job in a Progressive MD claims office a few weeks ago, and Ryan was brought on staff at Crossfit Old Town in Alexandria to start up an endurance team. This was all great news.
We have had the biggest twist this past week... I would like to call it the Universe's way of saying "No, over here. This is what you need."
Due to an unfortunate change in family affairs (everyone is healthy and fine, nothing life threatening) we will no longer be moving to VA. We are headed to TN.
Ryan and I have a saying that the Universe gives you what you need, not what you want. We wanted to move to VA, we fell in love with Alexandria and could see ourselves settling down there. However, the right move for us right now is Nashville.
Life is an adventure for sure and what a story all this will be for the grandkids.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at 1899 on June 12th to see us off. The party is still on and our move date is still on track. Just a new location.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner #crossfit #zone diet
Today I nursed a cold and a sad puppy. Caesar had to have a tooth pulled yesterday so he had a rough day today. While tending to the pup I captured what I ate throughout the day. Why? Because I am hoping to inspire my friends and family to get healthy and stay healthy. I am really creating a life style change with my nutrition (notice I didn't say diet) and fitness.
As most of you know I have started the crossfit training with Crossfit440 (crossfit440.com) out of the Gorilla Pit in Mentor (gorilla-pit.com). I started on January 1st of this year. Due to previous scheduled engagements I missed several work outs however, I am noticing changes in my body since then. A few being; I eat all the time, I sleep better mostly because the work out kicks my ass, my performance in the gym has improved with each workout. I am getting stronger a lot faster than I thought.
Because of that I have really tried to eat well and not stray to far from the zone diet plan or a paleo diet. So lets get to it... here is what I ate today:
Breakfast = 2 poached eggs, 1/2 a slice of multigrain bread, half an apple and 1 tbls of peanut butter:
Lunch = 6-8 oz pot roast, clementine, mixed nuts and dried berries:
Dinner = 1 1/2 lean pork chops (salt, pepper, garlic powder) sauteed broccoli with mushrooms (1/2 button and 1/2 baby bella), garlic, and tomatoes:
As most of you know I have started the crossfit training with Crossfit440 (crossfit440.com) out of the Gorilla Pit in Mentor (gorilla-pit.com). I started on January 1st of this year. Due to previous scheduled engagements I missed several work outs however, I am noticing changes in my body since then. A few being; I eat all the time, I sleep better mostly because the work out kicks my ass, my performance in the gym has improved with each workout. I am getting stronger a lot faster than I thought.
Because of that I have really tried to eat well and not stray to far from the zone diet plan or a paleo diet. So lets get to it... here is what I ate today:
Breakfast = 2 poached eggs, 1/2 a slice of multigrain bread, half an apple and 1 tbls of peanut butter:
Lunch = 6-8 oz pot roast, clementine, mixed nuts and dried berries:
Dinner = 1 1/2 lean pork chops (salt, pepper, garlic powder) sauteed broccoli with mushrooms (1/2 button and 1/2 baby bella), garlic, and tomatoes:
All of the meals were full of flavor ( I could ease up on the salt but, baby steps, I love my salt) and filling. Notice the portion sizes. I didn't have a tablespoon of peanut butter for each slice of apple, one tablespoon for the half an apple was plenty. I also could have had more of the dinner but only because it tasted good. To avoid over eating I made Ryan's plate, put it in the microwave, and put the rest of the left overs in the fridge. If the food is put away then I wont eat it.
I am going to try to post more of these kinds of posts and share how I/we progress. I also LOVE to cook and thought I could share how I take the food we love but feel guilty about eating and make it food we still love and not feel guilty about eating. Stay tuned...
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Life Changes in 2010
So it's been some time since I last posted. As of Jan 1 I have been trying to focus on the life changes Ryan and I have in store for ourselves this year.
We will be moving to VA in 5 very short months. I have been looking at homes for rent and at the job market. BIG change in that respect of our lives.
I would say the bigger focus for the year is our health. Ryan is training to run a 100 mile race in Oct. That's a big challenge. Mentally and physically. We also have another big thing planned for the end of the year... Not sharing those details at this point, but stay tuned. This plan is also challenging mentally and physically.
With that, here is what I have been up to...
I have joined the crossfit culture. I have been training with the crossfit440 (crossfit440.com) folks out of the Gorilla Pit in Mentor. It's intense and challenging. I have already seen results. I can do several band assisted pull ups in a row now and my flexibilty is getting back to what it used to be way back when. I have been trying to introduce more females to the class and the culture but most are afraid that they can't do it. I couldn't do it either. I still can't do most of it but the beauty of the program is everything can be scaled down to meet your fitness needs. I call it a 'culture' because it really is. I have taken several group classes and this is the first that has challenged me with friendly competition and encouragement. Everyone encourages everyone to do well, and finish the workout. It's great. You also get time with a personal trainer throughout the workout. You are trained to do things correctly to avoid injury. It just takes one workout!
Nutrition has been big for me lately. I'm not about to work my ass off or work it into shape just to ruin it with what I put in my mouth. We have been eating grass fed free range beef and I am on the hunt for chicken and pork. We eat lots of fruit and veggies as well. Mostly trying a Paleo life style.
Some meals I have made/tried were a noodless lasagna. This was better as a "left over" I think. Not sure why but I liked it better the second time around. The recipe can be found here...freetheanimal.com/2009/05/noodless-lasagna-recipe.html
I have also created a post work out sandwich that Ryan just groans over. I need a name for it so if you have any clever ideas leave a comment.
The sandwich is contructed as so:
A potato pancake
2 slices of bacon
A 1/4 pound burger
A fried egg
A potato pancake
This sandwich is perfect after that long intense workout. Served with a piece of fruit. When making the potato pancakes try replacing your regular flour with almond meal or almond flour. I haven't had the chance to try it but I have read it's a great paleo sub for flour.
I made carnitas in the slow cooker last night and served it with an apple walnut salad. One of the best salad dressings I have had is by Garlic Expressions - a garlic vinagrette. Yum! If you want this recipe let me know.
As I create more dishes I will post them here as well as keep you all updated on our life changes taking place this next year.
Carry on and I encourage you all to make small life changes this year too! Let's do it together. Let's encourage each other to succeed and hold each other accountable as we try to better ourselves!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We will be moving to VA in 5 very short months. I have been looking at homes for rent and at the job market. BIG change in that respect of our lives.
I would say the bigger focus for the year is our health. Ryan is training to run a 100 mile race in Oct. That's a big challenge. Mentally and physically. We also have another big thing planned for the end of the year... Not sharing those details at this point, but stay tuned. This plan is also challenging mentally and physically.
With that, here is what I have been up to...
I have joined the crossfit culture. I have been training with the crossfit440 (crossfit440.com) folks out of the Gorilla Pit in Mentor. It's intense and challenging. I have already seen results. I can do several band assisted pull ups in a row now and my flexibilty is getting back to what it used to be way back when. I have been trying to introduce more females to the class and the culture but most are afraid that they can't do it. I couldn't do it either. I still can't do most of it but the beauty of the program is everything can be scaled down to meet your fitness needs. I call it a 'culture' because it really is. I have taken several group classes and this is the first that has challenged me with friendly competition and encouragement. Everyone encourages everyone to do well, and finish the workout. It's great. You also get time with a personal trainer throughout the workout. You are trained to do things correctly to avoid injury. It just takes one workout!
Nutrition has been big for me lately. I'm not about to work my ass off or work it into shape just to ruin it with what I put in my mouth. We have been eating grass fed free range beef and I am on the hunt for chicken and pork. We eat lots of fruit and veggies as well. Mostly trying a Paleo life style.
Some meals I have made/tried were a noodless lasagna. This was better as a "left over" I think. Not sure why but I liked it better the second time around. The recipe can be found here...freetheanimal.com/2009/05/noodless-lasagna-recipe.html
I have also created a post work out sandwich that Ryan just groans over. I need a name for it so if you have any clever ideas leave a comment.
The sandwich is contructed as so:
A potato pancake
2 slices of bacon
A 1/4 pound burger
A fried egg
A potato pancake
This sandwich is perfect after that long intense workout. Served with a piece of fruit. When making the potato pancakes try replacing your regular flour with almond meal or almond flour. I haven't had the chance to try it but I have read it's a great paleo sub for flour.
I made carnitas in the slow cooker last night and served it with an apple walnut salad. One of the best salad dressings I have had is by Garlic Expressions - a garlic vinagrette. Yum! If you want this recipe let me know.
As I create more dishes I will post them here as well as keep you all updated on our life changes taking place this next year.
Carry on and I encourage you all to make small life changes this year too! Let's do it together. Let's encourage each other to succeed and hold each other accountable as we try to better ourselves!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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