Gordie's Training Month

This morning Gordie was dropped off for his month long obedience/field training. I will say that I have mixed emotions on this.

Going into it I was happy because I was thinking I might get a good night sleep for a change. Then, I was sad because realistically, our lives pretty much revolve around Gordie. So... for the next month, it may be extremely different around the Rosso/Hoppe household. It's only a been a few hours since he's been at training and I think I've teared up twice realizing that he won't be home to greet me when I'm done with work.

The good news... he loves it out at this training facility. He gets to run and play and learn. So much more fun than hanging out with Joe and I, I'm sure. Ha! Since he's already been to this place a few times in the past, we know he is in great hands.

This may be a longggg month without him. It's a good thing our vacation will take up 6 days of it to keep my mind off of Gordie not being home.

Week 3 of Boot Camp

Week three is done! And...more importantly, I've hit the 10lb loss mark! Boom!

I am still enjoying this type of boot camp and I'm especially loving how QUICKLY the classes go by. Maybe that is why I like it the most. Most days it feels like I just get there, stretch and then it's time to go. I like that it's so fast paced. It doesn't make you feel like you need to stare at the clock in anticipation to get the heck out of there.

Today starts the last week of boot camp. Then it will be a week at the gym...then... vacation time!! This beach bod is not quite ready for this. Ha!

Almost to the teens!

THREE more weeks....three more weeks....three more weeks.

Seriously, time does not seem to be moving and I'm driving myself insane with anticipation. I have my clothes already picked out, my swimsuits already in my suitcase, the suitcases already out of the storage closet, and I have about 7 to-do/packing lists made. I think it's safe to say I AM READY!

Week 2 of Boot Camp

Week number two of boot camp is complete. Shockingly, I'm still loving it and still enjoy going every morning. I don't even complain too much about being up that early in the morning. No big changes this week to note other than I have managed to keep the weight I lost last week off still. That in itself is an accomplishment in my book. Phew!

I am noticing that I don't feel as out of shape any more. So...that's a bonus! This week, my goal is to either lose a few more pounds OR at least feel like some of my jiggles are shrinking :)

Oh so patient...some days.

Every since Gordie was a puppy he has faithfully waited at the bottom of the stairs each morning when Joe goes up to get dressed for work.

This morning I snapped a picture of him and realized I did the same when he was 4 months old. I'm amazed at the difference in size from just 5 months ago!

There is no denying...the dog loves his daddy! This may be the only time he shows any patience!

Week 1 of Boot Camp

Week 1 of boot camp is complete! Woohoo!

I am actually quite amazed at how much I'm enjoying this boot camp. I have done other boot camps at other facilities before and I'll be honest, I DID NOT enjoy going. It was a struggle to get out of bed in the morning or even just make any attempt to get my butt there. Totally the opposite with this boot camp! I'm excited to get up and get there. I'm even excited after it is over and already look forward to the next class!

I started to wonder what makes this boot camp any different from the others I've tried...is it the trainers? the routine? or just the simple fact that maybe I'm more motivated this time? Or ALL three reasons!? I do feel like I'm a lot more motivated to succeed this time since I'll be in a bikini in 32 days... ugh. I'm having mixed emotions about the bikini issue. I just keep trying to forget about that. Haha!

I'm so grateful that Joe has joined with me. It definitely makes things a little easier to have a buddy there with you to push and support you. I know it is a a big reason as to why I am sticking to it!

After week 1 of boot camp, I am happy to say that I am down 6lbs as of this morning!! That is a giant motivator. Although I can't necessarily see the difference, I know it's working and the results will start to show if I stick to it.

I'm hoping week 2 goes just as well! I won't lie though... a giant plate of nachos and an Oreo blizzard do sound amazing! Haha.

Closing in on the Month Mark...

Only 33 more days until we're off to the white sandy beaches of the Bahamas. I cannot even begin to describe how antsy I am. I am even starting to dream about the turquoise waters... I've turned into a anxious vacation monster. It is all I think about. all. day. long!

I will admit that outside of the given excitement for the beach and relaxation, I am most excited to see how Joe and I handle NO distractions and a week with just each other. Ha! Actually, let me rephrase that... I am excited to see how I will do in that situation. I will not be turning on any International features for my cell phone which means, no emails. I barely make it a day without the functions of my cell phone, what will I do for 6 days without it?! I'll tell you what I'll do...relax. Yes, that's right. I will be giving it my best effort to relax the WHOLE trip and not feel an ounce of stress go through my body.

I am anxious to experience the Bahamas with Joe and make some great memories of our first real trip together.

Resolution...

Last night I took a stab at starting my New Years resolution...cook two meals each week....on my own.

So, last night was night 1! Since we have started boot camp and watching what we eat a little bit, I decided to try a healthier option. I went with an almond crusted chicken, sweet potatoes and green beans.

Here is the Recipe:

Ingredients
Serves 2

1/2 cup whole almonds, finely chopped
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, preferably pasture raised
1/2 lb fresh asparagus with the ends trimmed
1 large sweet potato
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 450° F, and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small food processor, add the whole almonds and chop fine. Lay a piece of parchment on a flat surface. Sprinkle chopped almonds on top of parchment. Lay chicken on parchment paper. Coat each piece of chicken with the mustard and dredge in the almonds. Place coated chicken breasts on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Lay asparagus next to the chicken breasts. Slice the sweet potato into thin circles and lay next to asparagus. Lightly spray chicken, potatoes and asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cookie sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-13 minutes until chicken feels firm to the touch and is cooked through.

The recipe calls for asparagus but I substituted that for green beans :)

Next meal...Sunday. Wish me luck.

Ball Drops at Midnight

New Years Eve this year wasn't much different than any other weekend night during the rest of the year. We met up with some friends and ate dinner at A Wok in the Park. Which I might add has the most amazing Kung Pao Chicken. I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven't before!

After dinner we headed to the bar... which although was a good time, it wasn't anything overly exciting. We basically stayed out just to have the clock hit midnight and then we were out the door and in the car by 12:05. Haha. A sure sign you might be getting old...

Next year we decided that we'll have a house get together with dinner, drinks, and games!

Happy Twenty-Thirteen!