what will 2014 bring?

I am trying to remain low-key on the whole schedule for 2014 races.  The past few years I have been go-go-go and I wanted to get back to the basics, heal (shin still bugs me once in a while) and have the room to try new things and get back at things that were put on the back burner during all the marathon training (Ethyl [name of my mtn bike], i hope you still love me).  I am, however, scheduled to run the Yellowstone Half Marathon in June, and I signed up for the RRCA running coach certification course in May.  I have been wanting to take this course for years but the ones near me filled very quickly. I will also be running Bloomsday again! woohoo!!

My family is supposed to come out for the Missoula half in July, and that would be GREAT! 

What is on your agenda?  Big plans? PR's? 

This year has been a whirlwind of changes with the new house, building new studio (almost done) that I wanted to take a year to slow it down and then get back at it.  

To end off 2013 I am going back to Big Sky for the Tony Horton weekend, with Sunny.  I am very excited for the getaway!  

New FuelBand!!!

I am so ecstatic to be the recipient of a new Fuelband!  The NikeFuel team sent it to me--even my fave color--electric green.  It is charging and I can't wait to get back to making "goal"!!! :)  My old fuelband died while in San Fran so it has been a while since I have worn one and I am glad to be back in the game.

Also, last night was Quilt Guild and Sunny and I are co-chairing the publicity chair for the quilt show.  We really have no idea what that even means/entails but we figured together we can do it.  At quilter's guild everyone must wear a name tag so i made one:

I wish I placed my letters better so my "e" was not overtaken by the blue spiral.  I did it on the machine freehand, and it turned out better than i was expecting.  

Back to the fuelband.  I heard it was more challenging now to reach goal?  Is that true?

A SUPER HUGE THANK YOU to the Nike Fuel Team--so happy to be a part of this family!! :)  

i think i should write a book...

Actually, I think I should write two books.  one book about fitness/wellness/etc.  I would like to call it (now please don't be offended), "Moderfuckingration".  This is one is in the works already.  The other day, however, I heard one of the most oxy-moronic (is that a word? eh, I am good at making this sh*t up apparently!) things.  There was a ton of traffic on our street, which is only two blocks long and only a few residences.  I walked outside to see what the dogs were freaking out about and a lady was parking in my drive way and she began walking across the street.  After convincing her (and yes, i had to convince her) that she couldn't park behind MY vehicle in MY driveway to go to a different house's yard sale.  I called my husband to tell him about it and he says, "oh yeah.  The ESTATE SALE AT THE DOUBLE WIDE."  if you don't find the humor/audacity in this quote, then I do not recommend you read the book, or probably either book.  I was cracking up and running for pencil and paper.  This was precious to me.  

Back to the first book:  I am a personal trainer, pilates instructor and massage therapist and I have heard some of the most asinine excuses from people.  Rubbish.  I am working on a book that is readable, doable and about making appropriate life changes.  

The second book I would like to be an entertaining book of anecdotes.  I have had some random, hilarious events in my years and several friends have mentioned that if they weren't present, they wouldn't believe me and I should be working on a book.  I live in a funky, artsy, western, financially diverse town where they have estate sales at double wides.  I can't make this up people!  And I feel as though it should be documented!!  

staying on track

So we are in full on holiday mode at our house.  We had company for the long weekend and had a fabulous thanksgiving dinner, then a festive fondue birthday party for my mother in law.  To stay on a somewhat healthy track I made sure to get in at least a few miles running and to do NTC.  

Turkey day dinner!

Colleen's bday party!

I have been trying to make the time for exercise--not trying to find it.  I have been putting it in my planner, just like I schedule my clients.  I need it during this time of year more for piece of mind, than to stave off calories.  Today it is a balmy 0 with the windchill making it feel sub 20... i will be hitting the treadmill and doing NTC.  If you have yet to download this FREE App--you must get on it!  You need minimal to no equiptment and minimal space.  For me, it is great to not have to "think" i simply do what they say and keep moving. 

What tips do you have to stay motivated through this hectic time of year?

Amy Butler velvet skirt

I have had this book Sew What! Skirts by Francesca Denhartog and Carole Ann Camp for a few years.  I made a straight skirt pattern a few years back and have done several variations.  Today, the one I made, I think is my favorite.

I know, i should have cleaned off the mirror.  I was running out of time.  
It is an Amy Butler velvet and I wanted to use it for a skirt to wear during the holidays.  I am so proud because it has a GREAT invisible zipper.  

I altered the pattern to have a back zipper instead of side.  I also made the facing for the waist, and added darts for fitting purposes.  I used the serger for the side seams and used a fun, decorative stitch for the hem.  Next up is a blouse from the BurdaStyle magazine.  I have the charcoal gray silk ready to go... I just need to find the strength/bravery/confidence to cut into it!!!!

Also, the shoes are my new seychelles flats--they are so comfy and I love the color and the pewter accents.  If you haven't tried seychelles, then you should.  They are very comfortable and well made.

I also made another set of dinner napkins yesterday for Erin.  When we were doing some holiday shopping she mentioned that she didn't have any.  So we remedied that!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Pinwheel quilt, NTC challenge and gifts galore!

I have had this pinwheel quilt for a year, it was just sewn to the point of half triangle squares.  Now the top is complete and I am waiting for the middle part to arrive--i don't know why i can't recall what that stuff is called... just make a note folks, this maybe the onset of dementia or I may be having a stroke... eek!  i panic when i can't find the word or throw in the incorrect word. Having worked with seniors, i am well aware of the signs, and unfortunately I exhibit them, frequently.

Here all the rows were done, however not sewn together.

This is the completed top.  I only have one pinwheel that isn't as neat and tidy as I would have liked, but all the rest look good.  corners are square, etc. I think that is thanks to the amazing Rowenta iron my aunt sent me--it is like a spaceship but makes pressing a breeze! thanks, Ann!

I also made some fun napkins for my mother in law.  (I don't think she reads the blog regularly).  Her birthday is the weekend of thanksgiving and she is hosting thanksgiving, so I thought it would be a fun gift.

I am also working on a few other gift items and will share upon completion.  I am almost done with xmas shopping and now have to stay on task for the made items. :) 

I am loving the #NTCNOVEMBER30 challenge.  it feels great to be strength training again and it is a nice change up from all the running.  I am loving the break and know that when I begin training for my next half or full I will be stronger and motivated.  I have been also spinning for 45 minutes per day.  it has been a fun way to do cardio--i mix it up and use music to amp me up.

A side note:  my studio is coming along!  the did the plumbing, water, sewer, gas and the headers for windows, took out a garage door and installed double french doors, and this weekend the massage room and bathroom will be framed and sheetrocked!!  Then it all gets mudded, painted and flooring!!! :)  Now that it is really moving along I am very excited.  It was hard to feel excited when I was applying for permits, etc.

who else is doing the NTC challenge?  A special thanks to Karen for starting it!! :)

are you up for a challenge?

Karen Poole of the blog: reason to play , has created a training challenge.  The challenge is 30 minutes/day of #NTC (Nike Training Club). This is a FREE training app complete with video/pics/etc.  It is amazing and has TONS of workouts and then bonus workouts you unlock the more minutes you log.  Tweet it out if you are up for the challenge! #NTCNOVEMBER30 and instagram it too!  

I logged 60 minutes today since I didn't do any NTC yesterday.  It was great to get back into it.  Each workout has variety and it can be as difficult as you are willing to make it.  

This is a great way to get ahead of the weight-gain game during the holidays.  Check out K's blog because she is offering up a prize!!!