time to run...

I decided I need to get back in gear when it comes to running. I have set a goal to run/walk the Harbortown 5k on june 5th. I know that is soon, but I won't expect myself to run the whole thing. So today on this hot and humid day, I changed clothes and headed out. What I literally did was walk a block, run a block - the whole 30 min. Kinda sad but it has been a while. I went for 1.9 miles and came back with a very red face and a very tired body. Sometimes I have this urge where I need to go and run. I haven't run outside in a long time. You will always find me on a treadmill. My knees are getting old and it is much easier for me to run on something with some cushioning. There is something very peaceful about running outside. I didn't even take my ipod with me. Totally forgot about it. I just enjoyed the birds chirping and listening to my thoughts. now it is time to ice the knees...

Awe-summm!

Yay! Rachel from and if it is a hero that you want , I can save you tagged me as an awe-summm person! Thanks!
The rules: List seven things that make me awe-summm and then pass the award on to seven other people who I think are fabulously awe-summm!!

1.I have been teaching deaf children now for eight years! I truly think some of them are my babies!

2. I love to spend time with my new husband Mr. M and my furry babies - Maggie Mae, Martini, and Simba!

3. I work more jobs than a normal person - 1 full time, and 4 part time! Got to pay debt off!

4.I love to travel! I have been to France, Spain, bermuda, Hawaii, Mexico, Cayman Islands,all over the US! Places that I have been really wanting to go - Italy and Wine country in California!

5.I am a great listener! Any one have problems I am here to listen!

6. I love being crafty! I want to learn how to do everything! It is a shame that hobbies like sewing can get a little expensive!

7. I truly like making others happy!

Now I tag -
1. Shanna
2. Sweet Tea
3. Preppy 101
4. Gwen
5. Jen
6. Tori
7. Southern Starlet

BBQFEST!!!!

So I am not using any of my WW weekly points til Thursday for Memphis in May's International Barbeque Cooking Contest! I think Thursday night is the best night to go because it is not as crowded. The key to having a great time at bbqfest is knowing people who have booths. We know people at several booths. I actually work part time bartending for Hogwild / A Moveable feast catering. They have got a great booth where they feed us on Thursday. And of course who can forget the drinks! There is always plenty of drinks and yummy bbq! And it has rained so much here in Memphis this month I will definitely be wearing my cute navy blue and pink rain boots to walk aroung in the mud! I will definitely show pics on Friday!

weight watchers...

So I started back on Weight Watchers this morning. I had done it in the past for a little why but when I missed a couple of meetings, I didn't want to pay for them so I thought I could do it on my own. That didn't work out so well! S0 I went to the 9:20 am meeting this morning and joined. My leader is so funny and motivating! Then I hit the grocery store for some healthier food. I spent $100! I never spend that much! Why does healthy food cost so much more?

I really do try to cook well...

So I am really not the best cook, but I do try! Sat nite - I followed a roast recipe that was recommended by Whitney Caroline Designs. I really liked it, but I don't think my husband just absolutely loved it. He said it was good. But there was no "honey, you did such a good job on tis diiner. It was amazing." Of course that is what I would love to hear everytime I cook a meal.

But anyway, I liked the recipe and it is so easy - 3 - 4oz chuck roast, can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 envelope of onion soup mix, a can of fire roasted diced tomatoes, and 6 oz. of beer. Place the roast in the cooker, mix the ingredients together and pour over roast. cook on low for 8 hours. So easy!

Anyway, I would to find some more easy recipes that are not too high in fat that still taste good. Anybody want to share recipes? I will continue to experiement from my Southern Living Light and Easy Comfort Foods Cookbook will will be happy to share any recipes that I recommend.

By the way, I made pancakes for him this morning. Now I only used the Bisquick's shake and pour mix where you just add water. but I was proud of myself for not burning the pancakes! All Mr. M had to say was "Are you trying to make me fat?" Now I realize that pancakes are not healthy, but I was trying to be nice and show my husband that I love and appreciate him. When he finished his pancakes, I asked him to make me eggs! Now I am sure that you are thinking why would you do that? My husband has been in the restaurant business for like 15 years now and can cook pretty much everything and bake the best cheesecakes you have ever tasted. He is also very skilled at making omelets! If I made eggs, they would stick to the pan, and would end up with very little egg! So I figures since I made him breakfast maybe he could make mine. =)

It's over?

I can't believe the weekend is over! It went way too fast! Yes, I did work the whole entire weekend, but it still went too fast. Don't you wish the weekend consisted Saturday, Sunday, and Monday? My weekends can be so crazy that I need one more day to recover! Yes I could use sick or personal days from work, but as of now I used them from being sick or for the wedding. I believe I have one more sick day and it will be used for the friday of Memphis In May Barbeque Fest. Everyone knows that Thursday night is the best night to go, and I will certainly need Friday to recover! Thank goodness that will be coming up soon! Well I am off to rest my poor tired body and feet!

Everyone - have a great week!

My little furry babies...

We have 2 dogs and a cat and they are my babies! I lost a pekingnese named gizmo about a year ago. He was so sick and it broke my heart when he passed away. He was such a good dog! I had gotten him from the Animal Shelter here in Memphis during a weekend visit to my parents. I had been dog sitting for my parents while they went out of town and when I brought him back, I had decided to get a dog of my own. When I saw Gizmo in his cage, he was the first dog to start whimpering at me. I knew I had found the one. I couldn't take him home that day because the owners had 7 days to come and get him before he could be put up for adoption. I don't think they ever knew who the owners were, but no one ever claimed him. I knew he came from somewhere because he had been groomed. I came back the next day with a new leash and kennel hoping he would still be there. He was. I had him for 10 years. His kidneys began to fail and a short stay in the hospital only gave him a few more weeks to live. I cried every time I thought about how sick he was. I didn't want to have to make the decision to put him down. But one day when he wouldn't get up for me I knew it was time. I cried so hard as he left me. I just looked into his eyes and said goodbye as I rubbed his face. He is buried at a lovely pet cemetary several miles away under a marker that I had designed.

I already had another dog Maggie Mae when gizmo passed. She was very happy to be the number one doggie for the time. Then (maybe a month and a half later) a coworker asked me if I was interested in a little chihuahua. He was part of a litter that his dog just had 3 months before. I said I would see him, but I never thought I would get him. He was less than a pound with black hair and tan marking. I held him and fell in love just like that. I named him Martini. I surprised Mr. M who was my boyfriend at the time. I told him I got him a dog but we can keep him at my house. So really I meant I got myself a puppy. Mr. M thought I was crazy. He really had me convinced that I needed to give him up because it was too much of a responsibility. Luckily for me I couldn't find anyone to take him. When Mr. M saw me playing with him he knew I would be sad giving him away. So he gave me his "blessing" to keep him, which sounded like "I know he will make you happy." Well he has been a handful! But now he is a year and a half old and he makes me smile so big when he comes to greet me. He is always so happy to see his mama. He goes everywhere I go in the house. If I could take him to stores and work, I would. I love him that much. He sleeps under the covers with us nestled behind my knees. And now he has his daddy wrapped around his little paw. His daddy loves him so much too!
Well I found out from the coworker that Martini's doggie father was literally pulled apart by some large dogs. I was sick to my stomach. Now when we go outside I want to hold him the whole time. I am so scared that something will happen to him. I can't imagine not having him around. I would miss his kisses!
Do any of ya'll feel that your dogs are your babies? That they are a part of your family in every way?