Good morning! Anyone do anything exciting last night? We had our typical Friday night here. After Peter got home, we took a family trip to the grocery store for our weekly groceries. Yes, we spent our Friday afternoon together doing errands. Even the most mundane tasks can be special when done with loved ones. #cheesybuttrue

On the way home, we stopped to pick up the standard Friday night dinner.

Many runners fuel up with pasta the night before long runs. I fuel up with Subway. Whenever we don’t have leftovers available for a quick Friday dinner, we rely on Subway.

Last night’s sandwich came with a side of personal training studying before tuning out with some of Chef Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares.

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Have you seen this show? It disturbs me greatly. Some restaurants are just plain nasty. It makes you wonder how certain places keep in business. I also wonder how many of the restaurants that go on the show actually keep up their “new and improved” habits?

All the above is to say I am obviously the epitome of exciting.  

To keep the excitement bubbling, I hit the hay earlier than normal to do the usual Saturday morning thing. Wake up early. Eat some peanut butter and English muffin. Break out the capris for the first chilly long run of the season.

This week was a recovery week so I “only” had to hit 6 miles. <--- I hate saying “only” 6 miles. That’s such a ridiculous statement. But that’s all besides the point…

For my run, I guess those two days of rest left me feeling refreshed. I ran six mile with an average 9:00 minute pace. I even came home and took fifteen minutes to stretch and foam roll. I really want to stay focused on that after the tightness I experienced this week. Then, you can likely guess what followed that.

But of course a big bowl of oatmeal and more pumpkin spiced coffee without a need for Starbucks. This morning’s oatmeal featured a dollop each of cranberry butter and peanut butter, a sprinkle of raisins, and half a crumbled slice of Pumpkin Carrot Cake Bread. I can now face the weekend with a smile on my face. Not that I wouldn’t anyways. I have some fun things coming my way today! You’ll see.  

• Do you ever watch cooking/food challenge or other similar shows? What is your favorite? Back when we had cable, I LOVED the show Chopped.
• Do you like to go out or stay in normally on a Friday night?

Yes, I just titled my post that. Sue me. Frazzled days make it hard to be witty or creative. Apparently they can also make you appreciate the little things in life a lot more readily. After “failing at motherhood” today, I realized how thankful I am for a few things.

Naptime

There is a bright side to your child missing a morning nap after waking up at 5:40 am. And a bright side to preschool wearing out your toddler. Three hours of unadulterated bliss. No cat piano. No cries. Pure peace and quiet. Thank the sweet heavens for that.

People Who “Get” My Love of Sarcasm

For the record, I don’t truly think I fail at motherhood. I have my moments, but I trust I’m a pretty dang good mom. At the very least, Makenzie doesn’t go screaming and running in the opposite direction when she sees me. I take that as a good sign.

Leftovers

I have been the queen of leftovers this past week. Leftover lasagna for lunch on Wednesday. Leftover roasted veggie + pesto sandwich for lunch yesterday. Leftover quinoa for lunch today. Note to self: always make meals with plenty of leftovers.

Excedrin Migraine

If you read my post from earlier you know exactly why I’m thankful for that.

Chocolate in Healthy Snack Form

I had a strong chocolate craving this afternoon. Too bad I realized that we didn’t have any chocolate in it’s purest form around the house. How did I let that happen? When there’s a will, there’s a way, so I found a way to get my chocolate fix.

One container plain Greek yogurt. One teaspoon cocoa powder. A few drops of NuNaturals cocoa bean stevia. A couple handfuls of Cascadian Farms Chocolate O’s.

It may not be a huge chunk of dark chocolate, but it worked.

Speaking of NuNaturals…it’s about time I post the giveaway winners! Drumroll please…

• #96 – Amy @ Love4Living
• #5 – Sarah @ Our Journey In Life, Love, & Happiness
• #150 – reader Haley
• #87 – reader Jess

I have emailed the winners, so please check your email if you won and respond to me before Wednesday morning so I can get your shipping information to NuNaturals. Thanks!

• What is something small you appreciate today?
• What are you up to this weekend?