I didn’t realize The Über Sausage had a location in LoHi because it’s kind of tucked around the corner. But I noticed it on Yelp, and I was immediately a fan of all the options when I read the menu online. I love that they offer all their sandwiches as wraps or salads. That means it’s a place that makes both of us happy. Kevin has gotten super grumbly because I now refuse to eat foods like Chinese or pizza on Date Nights because 8PM on a Thursday night is just a little too close to 5AM Friday CrossFit, and I had a few uncomfortable experiences!! Haha.

We are so hip. Haha.

It was actually super empty for a Thursday night. I’m guessing it’s more of a lunch spot, and there are quite a few popular dinner restaurants nearby — like the super cool Linger, Root Down, blah, blah, blah.

I ordered:

The Club -

Roasted Rosemary Chicken Sausage, Melted Swiss Cheese, Crispy Bacon, Avocado, Tomato, Arugula and Tarragon Aioli

I asked for the aioli on the side because to me that stuff is suspiciously like mayo. Maybe that’s just my inner Midwestern girl talking, but I’m never crazy about it. I loved the way they made it into a salad — it was really good!!! Arugula is the best.

On the side — tater tots!! With cheese and pico de gallo. Yay! They have a few other options for topping them, and Kevin chose to use some of their fun seasoning salt shakers.

Right outside our window was the walking bridge to downtown Denver. We actually walked around for a while after dinner. Parking is terrible in that area, but it’s fine in the summer because it’s so nice to walk around.

Kevin’s picks. I can’t remember his sandwich — but it was something with lamb. And do you see that ketchup? Yeah. We don’t keep that at home. Double ew.

So we loved it. We’ll be back to try some other thing on the menu. Plus it’s another place that’s super close to home.

Yesterday afternoon, I managed to read an entire book in between piano students. It was pretty good — not amazing, but I enjoyed it. I definitely identified with the theme of the close friendships between women. And it just made me miss my friends even more! But I know my Denver kindred spirit is out there somewhere.

This morning’s wod just made me whiny.

5 rounds for time:

• 10 handstand push-ups
• 12 toes-to-bar
• 20 weighted lunges (I used 2 35lb kettlebells)

Gross. I hate it when there’s two movements I can’t quite do (yet) — those first two! I’m making some decent progress on handstand push-ups, but definitely not to the level that I could do 50 in a workout. I can do a few reps with the help of 2 abmats. And my hands are not in great shape right now (from blisters and whatnot) so I didn’t like the idea of being on the bar at all. I’m close to being able to get one ttb, but definitely had to scale it and do knees-to-elbows in the workout. There’s usually one thing in the workout I don’t quite have mastered, but when there are 2 movements like that back to back, things just ugly. I was certain I would be the last finish!!   And those weighted lunges weren’t a cakewalk either. I wanted to revert to 25lb dumbbells, but they were all taken. I guess I’m glad I didn’t. I finished just fine. I can’t remember my time though. All that matters is that I finished before Kevin, right? Haha. Don’t worry. He’s really the one one I whine to anyways. You don’t want to let your coaches hear that. They’ll get you.

Then, I went home and practiced double unders. And got the jump rope stuck in my hair. Bad.

That rope is really old and frayed so it was really hard to get out from behind my back. I have a new one — I just haven’t adjusted the handles yet. The good news is that I managed to string together 13 double unders before it happened. Also good news is that I love my hair color. Haha.

Pippa Cordelia is always annoyed when I practice pull-ups and double unders on the back patio because she’d rather be inside in bed. She could stay in there if she wanted, but she feels she has to keep an eye on me. And the squirrels.

I wish someone would keep an eye on the Boykin. Seriously caught him eating one of my student’s flashcards. Haha.He would. And no, I didn’t let him finish it after I took the picture!!!

Have you read anything good lately? It’s time for Summer Reading, people.

What’s your best/worst thing to eat the night before a workout? Worst — is definitely flamin’ hot cheetos. No contest. Although I find pizza really gives me a junk food hangover too. I think it’s just because I don’t really eat a lot of cheese these days. The best? I don’t really know because I usually only notice when I feel bad. I think our main issue is just that we eat so late (because I ‘m teaching piano) and then go to the gym at 5AM. I’m still going early in the summer with Kevin. I’m super nice, right? We’ll see if that lasts through July!!

What move makes you whiny in a workout? The top two offenders would be push-ups and pull-ups, but I’m really working on both of them so perhaps they will be come my best moves!?!?

You know what didn’t feel that great?

After the big sleep-in yesterday, I decided I still needed to take Pippa running. I had quite a few lessons yesterday so she was going to be locked up and I didn’t want her to be too hyper!

Representing for the Minnesota Twins. Kevin says they will always be his #1 team. Plus I didn’t want to get my sparkly Rockies hat too sweaty.

I’ve been trying not to avoid the sun by staying inside between 10-2. Seriously, I’ve been trying. I have delicate freckly skin. But it was noon… and in the nineties. Sick. I ran faster to get it over with, but Pippacita wasn’t really on board with that plan.

At least I got negative splits? A 5k in 25:44. I need to get Pippa back in shape. Haha.

We’ve been downing the Fitmixer Aminos lately — both of us! I definitely prefer the fruit punch, but Kevin likes both flavors. I’ve gotten it the cheapest & fastest from drugstore.com. It’s practically an emergency these days when we run out.

That ugly pinky? Sandbag injury. Haha.

You wish you could do yoga in a pink room with a yellow chair, don’t you? There’s also a big window in front of the chair so it’s really nice! I did some Travis Eliot Short & Sweet, and it felt so good. That’s the best yoga dvd (second best — Kathryn Budig Aim True). They don’t waste time, and they’re sort of an intermediate level. Like if you workout but don’t really do yoga, you’ll be to handle it but it won’t be bored. Okay, I made it a little bit shorter and only did 20 minutes, but I had things to do before my students showed up.

Important things. Like eating.

Sweet potato & spinach + Spicy Chicken Cilantro Sausage from the Original Brat Hans.

“The Original Brat Hans® is a part of the Coleman Natural Foods family of products which means that the meat used in our natural sausage are raised without using antibiotics-EVER and are fed an all-natural vegetarian diet with no animal by-products. There are NO artificial ingredients, nitrates, nitrites, or MSG added- so you can always be sure that you are giving the best to your family. We create our one-of-a-kind natural sausage by combining only the most simple, all natural ingredients and spices gathered from around the globe.”

My favorite part? Good protein & flavor with minimal handling of raw meat (yuck).

Afternoon snacks!! Love that vanilla flavor.

At CrossFit last night, we had to do two sets of 1000 meter rows for max effort. In between we did a few random things to recover. I did my first set of 1000 meters in 3:58. Hooray! I hate rowing. I really do. For me it’s like sheer mental discipline to keep going. I did a little mantra like I do sometimes for running — “big pull.” I also always channel Kate Middleton.

Haha. I guess it worked because I was in the 7PM class and my coach looked at the board and told me I had the best time for all the girls in our gym that day. I emailed my mom because I knew she’d be proud. She rows for real in the Mississippi. The second set of 1000 I messed up somehow. I KNOW I did because I got 4:10, and I tried wayyyy harder. Plus I ended right at the same time as Kevin who got 3:51. My rower said 4:10. Wrong. I think the counter started before I did. Oh well. I can’t complain because my first time was decent.

Here’s another ugly plate of food:

Trying to eat some vegetables. I cut up the peppers and onions before the gym then stir fried them with some beef and broccoli slaw. Underneath that, I had sweet potato & spinach. I put 3 TBSP of Tessamae’s hot sauce in it to give it some flavor. That stuff is delicious. Because I’m a super nice wife, I made Kevin brown rice instead of sweet potato to go with it. He loved it too. Stir frying the broccoli slaw is great!! And amazing for lazy people.

Do you run outdoors in hot weather or retreat to the treadmills? I used to be the treadmill queen — I kinda love it — but ever since I got Pippa, I’ve been outdoors a LOT more. It’s growing on me although all the stop lights in my hood are super annoying.

Do you like rowing? Everyone except my mom hates it, right? Although I think I might like it better than biking. Running, rowing, biking… that’s how I’d rank them! Also, can you beat me? I don’t really know what a good time for 1000m is.

Kevin got home late from work last night and I had been teaching piano so we decided to go out for an impromptu Tuesday date night! I didn’t like the options Kevin was giving me so I randomly decided to Google when Scratch Burrito was opening. It turned out that yesterday was opening day! Kevin and I kind of hate crowded restaurants, but it’s so close to our house that we decided to check it out.

Like you could say no to any restaurant with happy in its name!!

It’s really cute inside and actually has a surprising amount of seating. We’re used to our little Highlands restaurants with cramped seating. I’m a little picky about meat — catfish and lamb are both – NO WAY — for me. But I like all the fun options. Kevin ordered #3 which I thought sounded good. I had a hard time getting a pic of it because it was crazy sunny at the time we went even with the blinds closed.

I ordered the Scratch Salad — haha, bet you didn’t see that one coming! I loved the mix of quinoa with slaw — so good! And I’ll order anything to get some avocado! I didn’t end up using the dressing so I was glad I ordered it on the side.

Isn’t this weird?

They have Fresca!! Haha. I actually kind of love Fresca and thought it paired well with burrito/salads. I don’t really drink beer/wine, but I can pair diet pop with the best of them!! And yes, I feel guilty as a sort of healthy blogger who drinks diet pop, but trust me when I say that I’ve cut way back. I don’t know if I can totally give it up especially when out since, like I said, I don’t really drink. I know I’m like the  only girl in Denver who thinks beer is disgusting.

Anyways, I’m sure we’ll be there a lot because….

Our gym is moving next door! Next week!! I’m going to be in Minnesota. I don’t think you can comprehend how DEVASTATED I am to be missing the first week in the new (bigger & better!) location. Trust me, I will be sending Kevin in to spy for me. I know when I get back, everyone is going to be all cozy, and I’m going to be all like,”Where’s the chalk?” Haha.

After dinner, we went for a family walk. The weather was so perfect. I love the cool evening after a hot day!! Of course, Boyd was exhausted after a 1 mile jaunt in the neighborhood. What a little freak.

Have you ever been to a restaurant on opening night? I think this was my first time! I think I should get a prize for being the first to Instagram it.

When is the last time you really slept in? I know I’m a serious adult because 8AM felt like about noon. And now when I sleep later than 8, I kind of feel sick. I’ve lost my edge.

Isn’t Boyd the cutest?

Don’t let him fool you though. This was in the middle of one our nightly bedtime rampages, and he was in a particularly fowl mood. The reason we got the goldfish (recital leftovers!) out was to lure him out of the bedroom!! He’s super bad and super cute.

Okay. So I want to do a pull-up. Kevin rigged up a pull-up bar the first weekend we joined CrossFit. I was seriously struggling to hang from the bar at that point, and I knew I was never going to learn (knees to elbows, toes to bar, pull-ups, etc) during the few minutes of skills practice we have before our wods. Plus you know I’m super shy, and I hate people watching me practice things. Which makes you wonder if I’m cut out for any sort of group fitness, but I’m hanging in there. Haha.

Anyways, my coaches have been super encouraging lately and have been giving me some extra challenges in the workouts (higher boxes, heavier weights, higher targets). But my glaring weakness is pull-ups. I can finally string together a few double unders so I’m ready to tackle them.

I will get them. It’s only a matter of time. It could be a lot of time, but I’m determined. And when I get one, there will be a video.

Do you know that I practiced double unders for well over a year before I got one? Just this last week — two months later — I’ve learned to string a few together (my poor shins!!!!!!). My max so far is 10, but I’m gunning for 50+. It also took me quite a while to work up the courage to do a higher box jump. 2013 is also the year I somehow managed to get a strict push-up although I still really struggle with them. So I know I’ll get it eventually. My extra optimistic hopeful goal is to do one by my birthday (September 10).

So here’s what’s up. We got bought these Rage pull-up assistance bands from Dick’s Sporting Goods. There are 3 bands in the set and they each help you with 30lbs. You can combine them for a total of 90lbs of assistance. Totally worth the drive out to the weird suburbs where they have things like Wal-Mart and kids over the age of 2.

I tried with the 90lbs of assistance first… just to see. Yeah. I could barely straighten my legs because the pull was so strong– wayyyyy too much help. With two bands (60lbs), I can crank out 5-10. With one, I can do a few. If I’m fresh. With none, I can visibly move myself up a few inches. Haha. It’s progress!!!

I made a rule that we have to practice pull-ups every time we let the dogs out. Poor Kevin. Plus, I wander out there whenever to do a few.

It’s summertime!!! so I have more time to squander on goals like this. This morning after CrossFit and walking Pippa, I did this little mini wod:

5 rounds in no rush: haha

• 5 pull-ups with 2 bands
• 10 double unders  (not unbroken — just what I could get)

I’m going to practice with one band later.

Oh, would you like know why I’m doing strict instead of kipping? Haha. I find that hot debate on the internet hilarious. Just hysterical how much people get worked up over it. I watch a lot of YouTube videos on movements, and inevitably someone is talking about kipping is cheating and some CrossFitter is firing back. Blah, blah, blah. I get that CrossFitters can be obsessive and annoying, but the haters are hilarious!! (I would link, but I’m not crazy about all of their profanity). Just look at an YouTube video of a CrossFitter doing a kipping pull-up. It reminds me of my elementary school students complaining about cheating in four square!!!

Moving on…

Here’s a quote from The Box mag:

All you need to do is look at the “for time” direction on “Fran” to realize why kipping pull-ups are more popular among CrossFitters than strict, dead-hang pull-ups. “CrossFit rewards efficiency, so you don’t have to look at the two movements [kipping and strict pull-ups] long to realize that kipping is faster and more efficient,” says Logan Gelbrich, a CrossFit Games competitor and Level 1 trainer at CrossFit Los Angeles who also holds certifications in CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting and Coaches Prep.

“Folks who don’t have the strength to accomplish strict pull-ups or muscle-ups will often bypass the process of growing strength in the strict fashion and will learn kipping, and with that comes increased potential for injury,” he says. Most notably are  wear-and-tear injuries to the shoulder joint, like rotator-cuff and labrum tears.

Fix it: Gelbrich’s stance is that you should be able to do at least five strict pull-ups before doing kipping pull-ups or muscle-ups as part of a workout. “It’s not that you necessarily have to do dead-hang pull-ups for two weeks,” he says. “If you have the strength to do them, it’s irrelevant. You can absolutely kip and kip safely.”

I want to learn to do both kipping & strict, and I’m certain I will be doing plenty of kip practice and jumping pull-ups in workouts at our gym. The kip is a weird little movement that I’m sure I’ll struggle with as well. Have I mentioned that I’m kinesthetically challenged?

Fun fact: I don’t think I’ve EVER done a pull-up. It wasn’t part of home school P.E. so unless I randomly did one at a park. Yeah, I don’t think I did that. I was too busy reading American Girl books. The originals - like Samantha & Felicity!

So I’m back to blogging more now that school is out and whatnot. And yes, I’m going to be annoying and blog about CrossFit all the time. Probably everyday. Feel free to pass if you want or read if you’re interested, but I like having a record of stuff I’m in to. I’m just trying to get back at all of you people who love the outdoors. Just kidding. I actually love seeing those pics. From the comfort of my big yellow chair with Wi-Fi. And coffee.

Can you do pull-ups? Have you ever been able to? What’s your biggest newest goal? Kevin’s is to brave kicking up into a handstand for handstand push-ups. Right, honey?

Here’s my pull-up training page (under SWEAT). I’m sure that’s going to be a daily read for you. First thing you check on your iPhone in the am.

We started with a Rockies game!!!

We had wanted to go a couple of weeks ago, but didn’t end up going because I didn’t have any good Rockies stuff to wear. Seriously, that’s the reason. It doesn’t help that I’m not a fan of their colors, but I solved the problem by wearing this black hat with sequins. I was glad I was wearing a hat because it was crazy sunny for the first few innings.

But when the sun went down a little bit, it was perfect weather.

There was no one sitting next to us on either side so that was really nice, and we just had a really fun time.

It only took us 10 minutes to get to the stadium — love that about where we live!

But I was prepared with Jelly Bellies and a Women’s Health magazine — that ice cream article was the best!

I think I had a few too many Jelly Bellies… and dark chocolate peanut m&ms…. because Saturday morning we overslept! Booo! We missed our 8am workout at the gym so we “had to” go to the park workout. I knew it was going to be sunny so I was a little cranky about that.

warm-up:
burpee broad jumps
forward roll <— ow! I haven’t done those for a while. And definitely not in grass!!!!
short run

wod:
5x
25 push-ups
20 sandbag shoulders
15 sandbag squats
sandbag run

My time — 19:20

Uh.. those push-ups are hard on me. I did hand release push-ups because I find them easier. Do you? Some people say they are harder, but I couldn’t have kept the same pace with regular ones.

After CrossFit, I spent some quality time at the salon giving my hair a little refresh. I hate sitting for two hours in the salon, but I’m committed to my salon (Lucky Lu’s) and I’m trying to get into better habits.

I guess the article convinced me that I needed some more ice cream in my life because I somehow found myself back at Sweet Cow. Ice cream for dinner! I had coffee + vanilla in a waffle cone — I’m never getting a waffle cone again. It was way too much waffle. But it just seemed more fun today to eat it out of a cone! I wish they would bring back the Lucky Charms flavor!!!!

Afterwards, I coaxed Kevin into an evening walk. I wanted to check out the rings situation at a nearby park.

To my delight — they were as high as they looked! Haha. Too bad my hands hurt sooo bad right now.

And my graceful dismount!!!! Haha.

Kevin couldn’t resist trying too. I overheard him telling his parents on the phone this weekend that CrossFit is fun. Haha. And now he gets sucked in when I’m watching CrossFit related videos (which is a lot). We also spent some time watching some of the CrossFit regionals. I’m not gonna lie — they’re really fun to watch now that I know how to do (or try to do!) most of the movements. And know how painful they are. Haha. I know it’s really popular and cheesy to say, but it is really sweet to see all of the competitors cheering on the last guy to finish. Coaching him even! The commentator made a joke about the world’s fittest cheerleading squad – haha.

This article from Forbes is interesting — How CrossFit Embraced Fans and Became The Next Great Spectator Sport!

What’s the last sport you spectated? What’s your favorite? Baseball and running are my favorite — and now CrossFit. Mostly because they are what I understand the most. Makes sense, right? Well, I like ice skating and gymnastics too in the Olympics!

How often do you visit the salon? For any reason? I do my nails once or twice a month these days depending on what I have going on, and I am trying to do my hair every 3 months.

What did you do to relax/refresh this weekend? The best part was just not rushing around to be places. Nice.

That girl loves to sleep. But only in bed. And only if she knows exactly what I’m up to! Although I’m proud to say that I sneakily did yoga in the other room without rousing her yesterday. If she finds out I’m on that mat, there’s no end to the licking and harassing she will do!

However, Boyd definitely still hates me and wants his dogsitter back!!!

CRAZY dog death stare! That’s for looking at him when he doesn’t want to move.

Soooo… Date Night has been completely ruined by the fact that we go to CrossFit on Friday @ 5AM! That’s just not long enough for junk food to settle in my stomach. I know. I’ve lost my edge. I used to be able to eat anything, but now my poor stomach has been accustomed to mostly healthier fare.

But, last night we went back to Tag Burger Bar. And things just got a little too tempting!

Okay, so these are definitely the best nachos we’ve had in Denver. Bbq beef brisket!! Mmm!! We could’ve just split this, but we didn’t know!

At least I ordered my burger on greens?? It was the Texan something — more bbq sauce!

And that’s not the end, guys.

Kevin James ordered the Parmesan Truffle Fries. I blame this all on him. Lol. Those things were amazing. Guys, you should probably go here. And while you’re at it, I would recommend making a reservation! They have a ton of GREAT seating, but it gets pretty full. We tried to go there last Friday night… 45 minute wait… pass. On a Thursday, we made a reservation just as a precaution, and we got a great little corner booth. The patio is the cutest too!!!

Yeah. We have a new favorite date night place. I could go there every week! They also have salads in case I’m ever feeling crazy healthy. Or I could just eat nachos.

And we’re the cutest too. Look! Kevin’s polo matches my purse. Lol. After dinner, we walked around the neighborhood to try to lessen the damage. Haha. We even stopped at a playground and tried the monkey bars. I did terrible, but just because my grip hurt so bad from… I dunno… something. Holding the bar. Hanging from the bar. All of the above.

Well, we still managed to survive this morning’s 5AM wod – wall balls (my least favorite ever… besides pull-ups) and double unders (or triple singles for those who can’t yet). And since it’s Friday, we swung by Starbucks.

Here’s Kevin James busting me for taking a sip of his iced latte while he was having. Haha. Apparently he uses the lines to keep track. It’s not my fault. I ordered a hot drink, and I was still warm from CrossFit. I needed just a little sip of something cold!

Here’s an important question: what ingredients would be in your dream nachos? I have to say those were my fave, but I would add avocado. Haha. I was so happy they didn’t have disgusting black olives.

Is there anything cuter than a sleeping dog? No. And that’s rhetorical question.

I made the Every Day Cinnamon Rolls from Our Best Bites. And I decided the regular icing wasn’t good enough, and upped it to cream cheese frosting. And like a enough cream cheese frosting to frost an entire layer cake. Haha. Kevin just ate the last one this morning. So delicious.

A closer look — see I’m already reusing the recital bowls!!

By the way, yes, they are made with yeast. I used the packet kind, and I had better luck with that than I’ve had with the little refrigerator jars. I made zero changes for the altitude. That’s always a gamble.

They actually didn’t take that long to make. The reason I always want to skip making cinnamon rolls is that I don’t think the overnight ones turn out as well. And let’s face it, who wants to get up early on a weekend? But I set my alarm for 7AM on a Sunday and had plenty of time to make and eat them before church @ 10. The bummer is the 30 minutes of rise time, but that gave me time to drink my coffee.

Kevin’s other big project of the weekend was bringing this baby home. We’ve been waiting TWO MONTHS!!! It’s seems like a lifetime ago that we ordered it. But we’re sooo happy now that we have it. It’s the Klyne Chair & A Half from Crate & Barrel — we managed to snag it on sale. A few months ago. Haha. We also thought it best at the time to save $100 or so on shipping a pick it up for the local warehouse.

Unfortunately, June 1 probably wasn’t a great date to schedule it since Kevin couldn’t find a truck to rent to save his life! We have a small car so we typically have to rent something to move furniture. Or coerce Craigslist people into dropping it off. Hey! This is like our first NEW piece of furniture ever. Maybe the first in my life!! Megan and I didn’t exactly have furniture in our bachelorette pad. Seriously. There was a lot of sitting on the floor.

So this happened:

I was very nervous about that idea, but Kevin apparently had it under control since it was quite a drive.

I was at home tackling this:

That was some serious piano recital aftermath. We were exhausted on Friday night so we just left it on the table. Note the towels strategically covering up things we didn’t want Boyd J to get into.

I told Kevin that he was lucky I do CrossFit because I could help him carry it in. 90lbs??!! I’ve actually had to lift that for things at the gym so it seems like a manageable weight now.

Although I’m still a big believer that my muscle is for show only.

On Sunday, we went for a “bike ride” so I tried out the hat & glasses look. Not a fan. It’s just not comfortable. But I’m really not safe to society on a bike without glasses, and I was far too lazy to put in contacts. Putting in contacts is still kind of an ordeal for me. I blame it on my toe/thumbs. We rode around our hood for about 20 minutes. Kevin took it easy on me and went slow. I’m the worst biker. But he complimented me for not complaining very much so there’s that! Haha. I’m researching new bikes!!! I need something lighter, cuter, and better on sidewalk cracks!!!

I spent some time on Sunday practicing pistol squats. I watched this pistol squat progression tutorial about 8 times and couldn’t get it. But then Coach Kevin gave me one simple tip, and boom! I got a few. I can do these. I just have to keep practicing.

Of course, that happened a few times too. Lol.

Kevin and I got new shirts from our gym last night so we had to wear them right way. Our gym recently added some 7PM workouts, and we like to go to those. The only problem is that then we “have to” go again at 5AM. That’s a little brutal, but not sooo bad on a Monday-Tuesday. Then we have a long break before we go on Wednesday night. And then we have Sleep-In Thursday.

CrossFit is slowly working its way into my good graces. I’ve had a few mostly-good weeks. It still makes me nervous when I have a workout I feel decent about. I just know that the next day is going to be filled with pull-ups and things that I can’t do yet. I’m also just feeling a little less shy and intimidated. There have been a few new joiners recently so we’re not the newest n00bs anymore. Hooray!!! You can see Kevin’s real face about how feels after a 5AM workout on Instagram if you want to follow me @corrieanne.

Ummm…. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!! Weirdly, the kids are not as excited as me. They say home is boring. I guess that means the teachers here are doing a good job? Haha. I have to come in tomorrow and clean things up.

But I am so looking forward to:

• more time to drink my coffee in the morning
• time with my dogs
• visiting Minnesota this month!
• practicing my own piano skills
• reading books!!!
• Kevin’s birthday + our 2nd anniversary at the end of June.

What are you most looking forward to this month? Were you super excited for summer as kid? I didn’t have exactly the same experience since I was home schooled and our parents usually tortured us with a summer session. Just kidding! All I did all summer was read books anyways. Okay, and go to the pool every single day.

Isn’t the recital hall adorable? It’s the community hall of a church where one of my student’s parents works. The piano wasn’t my favorite (although it was in tune) , but it was a cute space and worked well for my group. I kept the decorations simple and used this little tutorial to make confetti balloons!

Just trying out the piano beforehand… I’m a little bummed about my little leg accessory in all the pics!

My heels didn’t fit very well underneath the piano when I was pedaling with all my students in our duets! You would think I would’ve learned that in 20 years of playing piano!

I was most nervous about the public speaking part — basically just the opening, closing, and some acknowledgments. Isn’t that ridiculous? I speak all day every day! I knew just about everyone there!!  Kevin took that picture when  I was actually talking to the audience so I guess I looked really happy about it!!

This looks like my private recital, right? Haha. I promise there were people there.

The student performances went so well! The first number was a duet I played with an adult student, and we managed to knock the book off the piano! Oops!! But it definitely broke the ice. The other funny thing that happened was that one of my 4-year-old students didn’t want to stop playing!! At first she was shy, but she basked in the applause and kept turning the page!! I eventually had to go up on stage and encourage her to take a bow.

The kids LOVED the trail mix/candy bar. It was supposed to be a trail mix bar, but it got a little candy heavy. My goal was to have refreshments that I didn’t have to prepare that day or worry about melting during the recital. Mission accomplished. I used two white lacquer trays + these white C&B bowls. Yeah, it was some unnecessary expense for a recital, but I’ve been wanting them and I’ll use them in my house. I’m awesome at recycling things. Exhibit A:

Drink dispensers from our wedding, but I’ll use any excuse to break them out!!

Kevin helped me sooo much getting ready for the recital. I could’ve never done it without him. In fact, he took the afternoon off from work because I had school (including a kindergarten musical performance!!!) until 4PM and we needed to set-up at the church, fill balloons, etc.

This is how he really feels about it — haha. Kidding. He’s the best. I was happy to finally introduce him to all of my students and families… he’s always sneaking in the side door while I’m teaching, and I know they wonder who he is!! Haha.

Pizza to celebrate… only two more days of school, one 5th grade performance, and one work day before I’m free!!! Except I’m still teaching piano mostly all summer. Haha.

Do you enjoy public speaking/performing? I really hate public speaking. I don’t even like introducing myself in a group. I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with performing. I’ve had some serious train wrecks but also many great performances in recitals and competitions under pressure. Piano is tricky because your hands can definitely shake if you’re nervous!!!

I was right, of course. I was thrilled when I found out the workout was a 5k for time. It’s always to take a day off from being humiliated. Haha. I’m joking, sort of, but usually there’s something in each WOD that just completely humbles me. Running I can do. One foot in front of the other.

I hadn’t run anything for time in a while so I gave the 5k a decent try. I made Kevin run to the car to get his phone because I can’t really push myself for time if I don’t have any idea how much farther I have to go.

I was partly motivated by the fact that I wasn’t wearing glasses/contacts and I didn’t want to miss the turn off at the end so I tried to keep the leader in sight. I had to run an extra little loop at the end to get my gps to say that it was a full 5k so everyone looked at me like I was a dirty overachiever. But if I’m going to run a 5k for time, I’m going to make sure it’s a 5k! I was happy with my time – not a pr, but I haven’t really been training for running so it was decent. And only one guy came in ahead of me so that didn’t hurt either.

We had to hit up Michael’s so while we were in the hood we stopped at Larkburger for some lunch. We used to love that place when we lived in the DTC, but there isn’t one near our new house. Bonus: they have a Coca-Cola Freestyle there. Sorry, but I love those things!

Back at home, I spent some time on Sunday practicing pull-ups at home. I know using tape is kind of controversial, blah, blah, blah. But I’m just barely graduating from hanging from the bar so I need some tape to take the edge off. I watched this video on how to tape your hands for pull-ups. You should probably get ready to go do pull-ups before you tape your hands. Oh well. Lesson learned. I watched this video on kipping pull-ups about 20x. It’s not as easy as it looks, and I think right now I just might not be strong enough yet.

In between rounds of practicing pull-ups I did air squats and jogs out to my front gate. I did about 20 minutes worth before losing patience.

After:

I think the tape really helped because that would be my hands all crinkled and dirty without it. I already think CrossFit is a little hard on my little poor little piano hands.

I followed that up with a 7-mile run.

It wasn’t a fast one, but it sure wore Pippa Cordelia out. I ate a lot of junk food this weekend (PIZZA!! BROWNIES!!!) so that wasn’t feeling the greatest in my stomach either.

Boyd gets very cozy with me when I’m sweaty. Have I ever told you that my elementary students ask me almost daily what’s wrong with my shoulders and why do I have BUMPS on them? Haha. I guess I prefer that over them asking me if I’m pregnant (although I did get that once last week too).

And THIS is why CrossFit girls sometimes wear long socks:

Ouch.

Today’s WOD:

10 rounds for time:

• 5 thrusters @ 80lbs
• 10 pull-ups (jumping for me)
• Run 100 meters
• Rest 60 seconds

My time- 26:50 (including rests).

Those thrusters were killing me. 80lbs is a LOT for me. I started failing in the last round. I would get it almost up. That’s so frustrating to no-rep yourself when it’s feeling so stinking heavy. On the second-to-last rep, I dropped the bar and scratched my leg allllllll the way down. I wasn’t try to bail from up high — I guess I just wasn’t being careful enough. That’s not going to look cute with skirts & shorts season. And I’m going to get about 1,000 questions at school tomorrow!

I know I look awkward in that picture, but it’s the best one Kevin got so let’s talk about my pants instead. They’re the best pants ever. I love them so so so much more than my Lululemon capris. I know Reebok may seem like a dorky brand.. and I really hated on the running shoes I bought from them… but these pants are awesome. I can’t find the exact ones online. I just realized they weren’t the ones I thought they were — I bought them at Dick’s Sporting Goods. I think it’s that they’re totally seamless. They are just so comfortable. And easy to put on. And they have these back vent things… so awesome.  Wait… maybe these are it PWR Fitted Capri.  Anyways, I just thought I’d throw it out there that you should probably size down if you order Reebok pants… in my opinion anyways. I’m wearing the XS — I’d usually wear a small in most Nike/athletic type bottoms.

Anyhow.

Perfect way to end the weekend:

We decided some Dairy Queen would be the perfect way to kick off summer. We walked about a mile there with Pippa Cordelia.

A cherry dipped cone to complete my red, white, & blue outfit… it was already dripping on my shirt. By the way if you can see a bruise right below my necklace.. that’d also be from my wod this morning. I think I would’ve been better off starting CrossFit in the winter so I could hide my rookie mistakes easier!!!!!

A bite for Pippa!

Back to 5AM wods and work mañana. Night!

What’s your favorite thing at DQ? I could also go for a Brownie Batter blizzard although I didn’t see that on the menu. I know it used to be a thing!

Best part of your Memorial Day weekend? Really just hanging out with Kevin and the dogs. The workouts were fun too. And the eating.

What was your worst workout injury? I’ve never seriously hurt myself, but for some reason I used to get really awful blisters when I ran in the DR. Plus I’ve definitely face planted while running a few times.

I woke up this morning feeling tight and anxious with two student music performances plus my studio’s first piano recital next week. It’s just a lot to juggle right now. Four ways I’m dealing with it? Prayer, chocolate (seriously), more CrossFit (it’s growing on me), and less screen time after dinner. Honestly, we eat dinner at 8PM or later so it’s almost bedtime for us!! If you know me, you know how much I love the internet (and I still sneak it on my phone a little) but we’re trying to step back and use that time more wisely – talking, reading our Bibles, etc.

This dark chocolate coconut might be my new fave — maybe even better than Chocolove!

Ask many how many days of school are left?

7.

And I’m so thankful for Memorial Day weekend! Woohoo!

Don’t worry — the dogs are still being spoiled by our dog walker. And guess what? Boyd is her favorite. So weird. We always tell him when we leave that his girlfriend is coming. Haha.

My puppies are too cute, right? I can hardly stand it.

I’m sorry if you love cats — but this is too funny. The cats TORMENT my dogs by sitting on our front porch. ALL THE TIME. Our neighbors have cats. And our alley has cats. And they’ve decided they like our furniture the best. I think my piano students think I’m lying that I don’t own any of them!

This is a 4 second video. You’ll probably need to watch it 5-6x at least. I know I just watched it again.

Haha. What you don’t see is me panicking that Pippa is going to get out of our yard after that video. Our recall isn’t great…. I think it would be better now, but all bets are off when a cat is involved!!

Thanks to those of you who have checked in with me to make sure I’m okay — totally am. I have so so so many things to share, but it’s mostly going to have to wait till June! June is a super exciting month — my favorite day, Kevin’s birthday, our anniversary, and I’m planning a trip to Minnesota to see my family & friends! Hooray!!!

Have a wonderful Thursday — of course, we haven’t given up on Date Night! So that’s what I’ll be doing after my two jobs! Haha.

Do you have a summer break coming up? I’ll still be teaching piano, but I definitely consider it a break. I’ll also be taking some time off from that when I travel in June.

What are you cooking for Memorial Day weekend?!  These taco-rubbed burgers with avocado & crushed tortilla chips look amazing!!!!

What refreshments should I have for my students’ piano recital? I’m not going all Paleo on them, but I just don’t see myself serving your typical punch. Haha. I looked at ordering cupcakes — but that’s crazy expensive. So I’m considering Menchie’s?? Maybe we should just take a field trip there. Haha.