2012 IN REVIEW

I feel really sorry for 2013.  Why? Because 2012 was such an amazing year, it has really big shoes to fill.  As Christmas approaches, that means the new year is right around the corner.   The year of the dragon is going to be the year I talk about to my grandkids. Thanks to Facebook, I've been able to relive my last 365 (give or take a few) days.  To make it easy, this is the recap of the year.



1. Races. I started with this merely because, on January 1st, I ran a nice easy 5k, the Polar Dash.  My streak of Team Ortho races continued.  I completed the Get Lucky 7k...then finally concluded the fall with the Monster Dash half marathon!!! This was one of the dreams I got to cross off of my dream board, half marathon...check!

                             



2. The birth of my nephew (Rachel, I'm going in semi chronological order...he's #1 in my heart!) The birth of August Frederic Scherer is the biggest and most wonderful event of 2012!!!  This baby, while he's only about 11 months old, has made me fall so in love with him!! I would do anything for Auggie and I cannot wait to see him grow up and see what he is going to become!! How lucky of him to be able to be raised in a family of so many opportunities! He's going to not only have a wonderful upbringing with his education and home, but he will ALWAYS, ALWAYS be loved, no matter where he goes, or what he does!!


 



3. Auggie's baptism.  I know with the birth this should be included, but this was a big deal. I was so honored to be there and get to see the welcoming into his church family, I thought it was a big event all in itself!!  And yeah, he didn't even cry!! The world is SO blessed to have August in it, and I think he knows it already! :) 


4. Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash. I got to complete these two challenges with an amazing group of people.  First, Tough Mudder.  This was absolutely the hardest obstacle course I've ever done!!  I was lucky enough to complete it with two women who kicked my butt along the way! They wouldn't let me quit, they never gave up.  They helped me conquer TWO fears...we got through the obstacles together!!   Later that summer, I also had the chance to run the Warrior Dash with a crazy group of ladies (and one Norman!) We crossed the finish line together and was a feat that none of us will ever forget!!

5. Amazing Ambush makeover.  Okay, how could I NOT include something this amazing?!? The wonderful ladies of Norman's Next Level Bootcamp, all were in on this crazy secret! I was jumped (okay, not really jumped...rather ambushed!) at bootcamp and was given a total makeover!! I went back to the red which I've always loved, I discovered that I was kinda cute actually, and what I learned most, is that I have the BEST group of friends in women who I never thought I'd ever have anything in common with.  These women are crazy awesome, and I thank God every day that they were put in my life!!

6. The Minnesota Twins. The summer of 2012, I'm gonna talk to my grandkids about the summer I got to work for the Minnesota Twins!! I've never worked for an organization that treated their employees better than the Twins.  Not only that, the people who work for them are top notch.  I made so many new friends and experienced a bond that I've never gotten to before.  We all work for a place that we have a passion for, and always will!!  Not only did I meet a ton of new folks, I got to work with my own pops, too! :)

           

7. Tampa Bay vs. MN Vikings game.  Sorry Vikings fans ahead of time!  Yes, the Buccaneers DOMINATED at the dome!! Not only that, but I got to meet Josh Freeman (again) I met a man who works for the Bucs who is gonna not only get me a tour of Raymond James in Tampa, not only did he get me a flag to fly in MN, not only did he get me a Ronde Barber autograph, but he is giving me the chance to MEET RONDE BARBER!! Seriously...yay 2012, FO SHO!!               

8. Next to the birth of August, came the biggest event of all.  The one I've been waiting and working so hard for, for almost four years. I ENLISTED INTO THE UNITED STATES ARMY. If you didn't hear, I'm going in as a 35F, Intelligence Analyst. Basically, I'm going to know a lot of stuff ahead of time and can't tell anyone! I am so excited! I will be leaving in late February for basic training at Fort Jackson South Carolina. From there I'll be heading to Arizona for 17 weeks to learn my job.  I have no idea where from there, but hey, that's part of the mystery!

SO...there was SO much more.  All the amazing people I've met, events like the State Fair and family gatherings.  2013 is right around the corner and I for one, am anxious to see what it may bring!! Merry Christmas to you and your families and may your New Year be blessed, exciting and EVERYTHING you want it to be!!

LOVE AND PEACE TO ALL!!

I found the other side of the rainbow...

For the last 3 years, 10 months and 5 days (but who's counting), I've been dreaming of how I was going to write this blog.  What would I say? How would it feel?

Well, the day has arrived!! I made tape today!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT (Okay, yes I can, but it's a bit like a dream.)   I have one more little hoop to jump through which should be solved tomorrow.  (I know it'll go through, 'cus I've taken care of it once before.) As soon as I do that, I get my waiver from the Army, then I, Cara Ann Berg Rainey, get to swear in!!  UUFDAH! I never thought I'd get to this day.

Let me start. Since the day after Thanksgiving, I've been on a STRICT diet.  I've been working everyday, focusing on every bite, watching every calorie I burn! It's been the longest two weeks of my life!!  The end result: I was only 4 pounds over the limit, HOWEVER, I was 2% under my needed body fat percentage.  This was definitely a record for me. I worked hard for that 2% my friends! Now, time to focus on losing these last pounds so maybe, just maybe, I won't have to tape again! :)

So, anyway, I'm on cloud 9 tonight. There's no real way to describe it right now.

Well, there it is.  I feel like, if I can achieve my dream, why oh why can't you? Well, you can! No matter what it takes, never ever give up guys!!

The true meaning

For the last two weeks or so, I've been working on the Christmas party for Colin's family readiness group.  I've been trying to get "donations" from businesses around the area,  even just to help support our food efforts and little things to make the party just that much better!  You'd be amazed that when they hear it can't be a tax write off, how not willing they are.

Well, with my frustrations I turn to Facebook (of course!)  Lo and behold, what happens?  I'm shown once again that I have MANY angels that walk among us.  When I vented, SO many people stepped forward to offer absolutely amazing gifts!! People who have home businesses donated beyond what I could ever even ask for!! I have people throwing gifts at us that I have never met! People are giving things made from their own hands! People giving their talents to these families!

Seriously, how could I not be beyond touched that my friends are so willing to give to these soldiers and their families?! To people they have never met, and probably never will! This shows me that there is still so much lover in this country.  Love not only for our soldiers but for our fellow man.

I've seen people on Facebook doing a daily "I'm thankful for..." thing, but I have to say, everyday I'm thankful to these amazing people! This time of year is tight on everyone's checkbook, and to open your heart to us all, there's only one thing that comes to mind:
"God bless us, everyone!"

Nerves of rubber...

So this is really the official countdown to my next trip to MEPS. 20 days until I head back.   I will be (probably) be spending the eve of my birthday in a hotel room with a complete stranger, nervous as heck for the 4 am wake up call.  So, here is the game plan:

For the next 10 days, I will be on an extremely low carb diet. I'll toss in some fruit for nutrition, but mainly salads and protein!

Day 11 is Thanksgiving.  I'm giving myself one day to ENJOY. I get to enjoy food, a REGULAR pepsi, and of course my family!!

Day 12 on...THIS is when I warn people, I may not be me! When I get hungry, I get cranky. Have you ever heard of the HCG diet? Well, I strongly recommend to NOT do it...unless this is your third trip to MEPS and it's come down to drastic mesures.  Here's what the diet entails:

For breakfast you can have Coffee or tea, no sugar.

Lunch and Dinner: 100 grams (about 3.5 oz) of lean protein and one serving of vegetables

For the following, I can either combine it with lunch and/or dinner, OR I can have it as a snack inbetween meals.  Which ever, I get to have one Grissino breadstick (those super thin ones) or one piece of melba toast, AND an apple, an orange, a handful of strawberries OR half a grapefruit.

So yeah, don't do this diet, because as soon as you're done, you'll gain it back! I gave it a try this summer to test it out, and I lost about a pound to pound and a half a day!! My goal is to really enjoy this Christmas season...but I want it to be my last at home for a while, it's definitely time to go.

Anyway...20 days. Just gotta stay strong, and with all my friends and family around, I'm confident I'll be able to make it through!!

ABC Challenge

So these next two weeks I'm starting my own challenge.  I saw this on my Instagram thingy mer jig, and thought "Oh, this is an awesome idea!"

What "ABC" stands for is "Abs Better than Cake." The thought of that kinda made me all tingly inside! So, I'm on day one, and surprisingly it's not as easy as it may seem. I've told myself "only 13 more days" about 10 times already.  While walking through the store looking at all the yummies, it's staying mentally strong!!

So, here are my personal guidelines:
   1. Tracking ALL food, no matter what!
   2. Trying to double the protein to carbs.
   3. Drink water, water and yeah, more water!
   4. Start eating more color (I'm guilty of white...I need veggie colors!!)

While it may seem simple, it really reduces what you can eat! All of these things mean cutting out a lot of processed foods, watching portion sizes, being aware when I go out, so this is 2 weeks of pure dedication!!

One wrench already gonna be tossed into this machine is an event this upcoming Saturday. This, my friends is going to be my first half marathon!! Oh goodness, 13.1 MILES! I know, many run full marathons, but we're talking about the girl here who, in elementary school couldn't even complete ONE mile! I'm SO nervous but I know I can do this, as long as I'm properly fueled! Last time I ran a 12 mile run, I burned over 1300 calories!! Hmm...well, that's a whole other challenge! :)

So, that's my life the next couple weeks...wish me luck, and join me if you'd like!!!

Woman of the week- Hatshepsut

As is a typical Sunday night in our household my mum and I were sitting at the table discussing politics, which then soon led into religion.  The particular subject however took an interesting turn tonight.  Tonight we talked about women in power.  Everyone from Mary Magdalene (who, contrary to popular belief was not a prostitute, rather a savvy business woman and mother to many) to Greek Goddesses and all the way back to Egyptian pharos.

This gave me an idea. Why, as these women have proven over and over, to be strong willed members of society, are they always looked over so easily? This is 2012 it's time to start looking at women as the strong people they (we) are!  So, once a week I am going to feature a strong woman from history. A woman who, against the norm, stood up for themselves, their families, their country and their beliefs.

Tonight, we go back to 1508 B.C. Hatshepsut was the fifth pharaoh of the Eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. She is generally regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty.

Hatshepsut, daughter of Tuthmose I and Aahmes, both of royal lineage, was the favorite of their three children. When her two brothers died, she was in the unique position to gain the throne upon the death of her father. To have a female pharaoh was unprecedented, and probably most definitely unheard of as well.

As a favorite daughter of a popular pharaoh, and as a charismatic and beautiful lady in her own right, she was able to command enough of a following to actually take control as pharaoh. She ruled until her death in 1458 BC, and left behind more monuments and works of art than any Egyptian queen to come.

As a female, had many obstacles to overcome. There was always a threat of revolt, Using propaganda and keen political skills, she jumped each hurdle she faced. To calm the fears of her people, she became a "king" by dressing in mens garbs. Although there were no wars during her reign, she proved her sovereignty by ordering expeditions to the land of Punt, in present-day Somalia, in search of the ivory, animals, spices, gold and aromatic trees that Egyptians coveted. She spread the word and the wealth of her empire.

Hatshepsut was a master politician, and an elegant stateswoman with enough charisma to keep control of an entire country for twenty years. The propaganda she used to keep her power worked well to cement Hatshepsut's position. 

 In all, Hatshepsut accomplished what no woman had before her. She ruled the most powerful, advanced civilization in the world, successfully, for twenty years. Even if there were some who resented her success, her success stands for all eternity.

Any further accomplishments of Queen Hatshepsut were cut short when the female pharaoh disappeared under mysterious circumstances about twnety years after taking the throne. Her nephew, Thutmose III, immediately regained control of the throne. It has been speculated that he had her assassinated when he became old enough to rule on his own.

While, these accomplishments to todays standards don't seem magnificent, this woman was able to rule a country before any technology, before any official form of writing even! She held the dedication of a nation in the palm of her hand! She took her power from her nephew in the first place (it's even a longer story but an AMAZING read...do it!) an act which was "defiant" and unruly alone. However, because he was not of age and then became ill, Hatshepsut didn't want to sit idly by and watch her country stay still...she did what was needed. 
SO...Pharo Hatshepust, you are week one, WOMAN OF THE WEEK! 

Will the cosmos ever cease to amaze?

I realized as I was doing an interview for a friend's blog today, it has been a long time since I've updated mine.  So, while I have to be up at 5:00 tomorrow morning, things need to be written.

First, still not there yet (I know, shock right?) While I'm still plugging along, I've realized now WHY God hasn't pushed me to the edge yet.  You remember those ladies in Norm's bootcamp I was telling you about, right? Good! If not, go back a few blogs. Anyway, these ladies surprise me everyday. Here's how this time:

About three weeks ago, supposedly a camera crew was going to be there to feature the bootcamp! Well, of course I wanted to be there 'cus it kicks arse, how can I not be?! Of course everyone looked so pretty that day (sans yours truly!) the camera folk were all "oh, just be natural" yadda yadda!  But you know when someone with a camera says that, you have to try to look bad ass! On our first water break, they wanted to interview someone. Okay, all these women are beautiful, in and out, so I was thinking anyone would be awesome. Nope,  I got called over. Gah! Well, as questions were happening, I was just going with the flow, then before I knew it, I learned that those damn ladies nominated me for a makeover!!  You know when you watch those shows and you say "yeah, right. They didn't react like that."  Well, I was that person. You could have knocked me over with a feather!!  EVERYONE knew...EVERYONE but me!!

So, I was shopping at the mall today with the woman who definitely knows style (my idea of fancy is a clean shirt and clean shorts!)  As I was walking through the mall, who comes around the corner? MY RECRUITERS!!!  Whoa!  Now you might ask "why is this a big deal?" Well, just the day before, I was in the office, with the company commander!! I spent a good two hours there, shooting the breeze! That trip will be a whole other story! Anyway, I thought it was such fate that I was getting this whole new look and the people who want to see my succeed, come wandering down the hall! Yes, small world indeed!

Friday is the big day!! I'm getting my hair done, my make up done, the whole nine yards! I don't even own make up, so this is a big deal!!  (I promise I'll put a link to the video up when I can!) OH...I forgot to mention the best part, it's going to be on TV! It's going to be on Twin Cities Live at 3:00 on channel 5 (also known as ABC) So, catch it if you can!

This story is just the tip of the ice berg my friends. The cosmos have been lining up these last few weeks, but we'll take it one story at a time! For now, good night, good evening and good luck!

Facebook

Ya know, I don't think enough credit is given to this miraculous thing called "Facebook" or as someone I know calls it "Facey-space."

I'm at a low point in this journey of mine.  Not for any "real" reason, except the fact that I'm working five jobs and trying to keep stress down.  Can I tell you? That is certainly not an option.  Stress is an everyday thing for me. Balancing work, a social life, a romantic life and all the bills. I know, everyone has stress, it's how we all deal with it that makes us different.

Me? I post 10 million Facebook status updates, songs, lyrics, poems and quotes that I think will inspire people to no end. (Turns out it's just a lot of jib jab, but that's okay, you can just simply ignore me, I won't be offended!)

My status a couple days ago was one of great despair. Not five minutes after posting, I had people chiming in with words of wisdom, and offers for a shoulder or just an ear. I took some up on that offer, which honestly, I had never done before.  Not only did it alert those on my Facey-space of my lowness, but when I went to bootcamp, it made folks aware in "the real world" too. I had a couple people just offer a pat on the back and one who offered an ear, which I think the poor girl got a lot more than she anticipated.

However, with that low point, it made me realize how unbelievably blessed I am to have friends around the world, who simply give a damn.  They WANT to see me succeed, and aren't just putting on a front. If I have gotten anything out of this journey, other than this weightloss and new health, it's meeting all these wonderful people I've gotten to!  Most I've met face to face, others I have yet to actually meet on this journey. (But I expect to, because you guys have delt with my crap just as much as everyone else!)

For as many of you say that I'm an inspiration, you people that pull me up when I'm down, YOU guys are the inspirations. You're moms who always find times for friends, you're athletes who always help those who need a lift and you guys are all amazing friends who know what to say, or sometimes not say! You're teachers who will always make time, and you all have your wisdoms that I love hearing.

While we are all on different paths in life, thanks to Facey-space, we all get to be part of each others' lives. So thank you Facebook, with all the drama you cause in people's lives, you are the bringer of friends and wisdom.

Perfection is the name of the game:

Okay, so here's my issue with diets. They work, and they continue to work, until you get comfortable with them. When you get comfortable is when you put their guidelines away and say "Yeah, I'm pretty sure this would be acceptable, after all, it's a lot like _______."  And that my friends, is the state I'm in right now...bad bad bad!

So this week I'm rededicating myself. I'm only 3 weeks into my diet, so let's be honest, there isn't a whole lot to "rededicate myself" to. At least that's what I thought until I retook a look at my diet sheet.  Seems I've been snipping a few corners here and there. Yeah, I'm still loosing, but who's to say that if I go back to 100% I won't loose twice as quickly?

That's my personal goal for this week. Follow the diet 100%. Make sure I'm getting all my water in, staying slightly active but not overly active, not grazing (even if it is on protein and other healthy stuff) and continue on my supplements.

Oh, and if you haven't heard, I'm a mere SEVEN pounds away from my goal weight...holy crap, seven!! My other goal, is to go back to MEPS the week of June 18th. My sister and nephew are going to be in town from Baltimore.  (**Okay, personal mushy stuff, stop if you must, continue if you'd like**) Well, my sister and I have not seen eye to eye for about, oh, 27 years now. I always looked at her as successful, strong, beautiful, and I got the hand-me-downs.  I've been learning this past three years that we're just very different. However, she is my big sister, and now she has an offspring whom I love just as much. I want to make them both so proud of me.  Being from a very Liberal family, the military was never thought of as an option. And when I first decided to join (seriously join) I don't think it was the proudest moment of my sister's life.  However, being the person that she is, she has been nothing but 110% supportive. I don't think there's anything I could ask for more than to have my entire family there when I swear in!  While he may not remember it, I want someone to look at August someday and say "you were there when this whole thing started!" (**Okay, done with cheesy!**) So, the week of June 18th, everyone will be in town, and I'd love to make it an extra awesome time! :)

So this week, my goal is another 1 to 2 pounds gone.  Drink at least 80 ounces of water.  Workout correctly. And be aware of every single bite I'm taking!

Last nights adventure of section 220

Okay, so I worked at the Target Center last night, and had a night unlike ANY other I've ever experienced there before, and absolutely had to share it with everyone: 


The first incident happened with 5 minutes left in the first quarter.  I looked out my well and saw a young man (probably about 11 years old) hitting and spitting at his guardian and whipping his zipped sweatshirt at her.  She grabbed his arms and put him in a straight jacket type hold.  He fell to the ground and started screaming bloody murder. I've never heard anything like this!   I asked if I could assist and she had me call security and wanted the Minneapolis police. I had other spectators coming by asking if they could help, too. So security came about 5 minutes later, and this kid continued to hyper ventilate and flip out on EVERYONE who came near him.  Finally, his mother was called and the boy was taken home. The reason he was acting like that? His quote, I'm not lying, "I'M TIRED!!!!!!"  Oh boy...

The next incident happened after my break just barely into the 3rd quarter.  I came around the corner and the same guardian from the same group and she asked if I could help again.  She asked if I had found a shoe.  As I called in, the two other boys in the group were standing in a hall, arguing with each other.  While I was radioing in the lost shoe, one boy took the other boys hat and chucked it down the hall.  When the one ran after it, cussing at the other bot, I was still waiting for an answer on the radio.  As I looked at the second little boy (probably about 6 years old)I smiled at him, and he glared VERY evily at me and said "You're a fucking bitch!" As soon as he did that he went and tried to start kicking me and even got a brush against my leg. The guardian had to lift him out of the way to not kick me hard. On a note about these people:  They received a $1000 check for their organization before the game ever started and was recognized on the court for their outstanding work with youth!! Oh boy!!

After this group finally left, I was called over to section 216.  The woman in the lifetech room was having a heart attack. Her daughter was out in the hallway freaking out due to lost keys. Okay, not just freaking out, but seriously FREAKING THE HECK OUT!!!  As I was up in the stands looking for her keys, a gentleman informed me their keys were tossed several rows down and they saw a girl "pick something up and put it in her purse."  So after being asked three times about the keys, by Jen my supervisor, Scott from security and me, the girls denied it all. I asked the man who saw them pick it up if he'd be willing to talk to police about what he saw, and at first he refused. He didn't just refuse he said "Talk to the Cops? OH HELL NO! I hate cops!!"  UGH!!!!!!!    Finally the man came down and had a few words about the girls to the police and told them what he saw.  After Jen went up and asked the girls to come down the girls willingly came down and talked to police.  On their way back up the stairs, like teenage girls, they were cussing up a storm, but my favorite was: "GAW, they're so ignorant!!!"  HA!  Finally the group left. However, the daughter who lost the keys (who, by the way, is also a nurse and refused to help her mom) had no money for a bus or taxi to get to a hospital. Well, that wasn't an issue considering the husband of the heart attack woman, just wanted to take her home right away instead of going to a damn hospital!!!!  These people are morons! So, FINALLY, they all left for a hospital!

SO, that was my night!! It was very surreal and honestly, with the second incident, I felt threatened.  This kid was seeing red and, had he been armed with ANYTHING, he would have hurt me.  With the lack of ushers upstairs, I had to deal with a two or three person job alone.  Not often am I that scared, ESPECIALLY of a kid! (Heck, I taught low income middle schoolers, I didn't think anything could be worse!) Anyway, that is that! My adventure in section 220!!

Peeves o' dieting

So I was craving something sweet today.  Peanut butter cookies as a matter of fact.  Well, I had a genius idea today that I'm going back to my "pre-MEPS" diet.  Aka, little food, few carbs and lots and LOTS of veggies and proteins.  


So craving cookies right now was a bad body choice. That's when I was thankful to have to the internet.  Well, searching Google I've found one of the really bad things about dieting...it seems the more limits of your diet, the more complicated recipes get! I'm sorry, I don't have time to mix a million things, I want quick, easy, and yummy. Really, is that so hard??


Yes.  Yes it is as a matter of fact.  So, I decided, for you, I'm going to share a couple of the simple recipes I have found that I LOVE and are also simple! 


1. Protein Pancakes:
1/4 C Egg Whites
1 Scoop Protein Powder (Vanilla)
2 Tbsp Milk
1 Tbsp ground flax seed (believe it or not, it's something super easy to find anywhere!)
Cinnamon and stevia
Splash of vanilla
1 Tbsp gluten free pancake mix.


Directions: Mix together in bowl, cook as regular pancakes. (They turn out more like a crepe, but still have an awesome pancake like texture, so it really solves that craving!)




2. Protein cookies:
1/4 C Applesauce
Cinnamon to taste
1 Tbsp Baking powder
2 Tbsp Protein powder
1/4 C egg white
2 C oats
1/2 C Peanut Butter
1/2 C dark chocolate chips


Directions: Preheat oven to 350. 
Mix together in bowl.  
PLace on greased cookie sheet. 
Bake approx 20 minutes.  
Badda bing, badda boom!




3. Cheese spread:
1/2 C margarine
3 tsp chopped garlic
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 C light parmesan cheese
1 C grated light cheddar cheese


Directions: Preheat oven to 450. Microwave margarine until about half melted. Mix all ingredients in bowl.  Spread over bread (sour dough is yummy). bake about 10 minutes until golden brown.






4.PIZZA!

Low carb Tortilla

Pizza Sauce

Toppings of choice (light cheese and lots of veggies!)

Directions: Grease baking sheet. 

Put sauce on Tortilla. 

Use toppings of your choice (reduced fat cheeses work best and are healthiest)

Bake at 350 until edges are crisp and brown. 

Cut and serve like mini pizzas.

5. Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

Chicken Breast

Corn Flakes

Egg Substitue

Directions:

Chop chicken into strips. Preheat oven to 350. 

Put corn flakes in heavy duty zip lock bag and smash into crumbs. 

With eggs in bowl, dip chicken strip into eggs. 

Put in bag and shake till completely coated. 

Put on Baking sheet, bake until brown

Use honey or BBQ sauce for dipping

6. Healthy Apple Crisp:

Healthy Apple Crisp:

Ingredients: 

1/4 C egg whites

1/8 teaspoon salt


cinnamon to taste

1/2 cup brown sugar (I use the Splenda brown sugar)

4 cups milk


2 cups  oats


2 large apples (2-3 cups), cored and diced

Whipped Cream

Instructions: 

1. In medium-large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Stir in salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, milk, oats, and apples.

2. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and mostly set in the middle.

Serve warm in bowls with milk on top for a delicious breakfast, or serve warm with whipped cream on top for a yummy healthy dessert  






So there are just a few of my favorites!! As soon as I get more recipes, I'll send it your way!!

Finding Zen (Oh look, there he is!)

When I set on this journey three years ago, I knew it was going to be difficult, but I also knew I'd have a ton of support along the way.  One of the things I'm discovering about me, is my passion for working out, for being healthy and for helping others.  Finding this passion is the very first step into finding my zen.

However, there's a lot more to it.  I know what I love to do, and I know what my passion is, but how do I fully get to it? The first thing was trying to get out of my head that I can't achieve it.  The biggest obstacle there was my own mind.  Learning to conquer that, that's always going to be a never ending battle!  The one thing I am able to control however, is how those thoughts effect me.

I learned a something the other day that has stuck with me, and is helping me learn my own mind.  They said "Don't try to fight your thoughts.  They are your thoughts and you will lose.  Let them come, think them, acknowledge them, let them go." For the last week, everytime a thought has come to mind that I've been trying to forget or trying to let go of, I stopped fighting them.  When I realized, this is me talking to me, I let those thoughts in.  HOWEVER, the difference is, when I let them in, I was able to release them.  Money issues, weight problems, friends, family, whatever it may be.  Instead of fighting with my own thoughts, I embrace them.

Now don't get my wrong, I still get those knots in my stomach thinking about things.  My nerves are still very present, but I know now how not to let them rule me. It's teamwork within yourself.  Once you figure out, they're thoughts, not your actions, it's so much easier to let them all go!

P.S.  Sometimes finding your Zen requires a little help from others (No, not like the Daily Show's moment of Zen!) So here are a couple thoughts to help ease and clear your mind!

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.”


“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”


“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”


“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.”


(Buddha has it right I tell ya!) 

4 years

Four years ago today, I got to marry my best friend!  Everyday I count my blessings that I met this man.  While there have been many ups and downs, I don't think there's anyone I would rather have been spending my life with.

Most people say "if you can make it through the first five years, you're in the clear!" Well, we're almost to that point, but in these last four, the two of us have grown so much as a couple.  Surviving our second deployment together before we even got to celebrate a year together, was just about the most difficult thing we could have done. But we made it together, with the help of our family and friends. 

We've dealt with job losses, money problems, car issues, dish issues, parental issues, and anything and everything in between.  But we got to also have mornings together, we have two wonderful puppies, and we are starting a life that will be all our own.  We are planning our trips around the world and excited to MAYBE start a family someday.

While we've been together for four years, our lives are just beginning.  Have anniversary to my hubby, my soldier, my monkey, my best friend, my lover, my Colin!

Discovery of Me

Three years ago when I started this little trip of mine, I thought it was all about weight loss.  I thought if I could achieve that, I'd be beyond happy. All my problems would go away, and Colin and I could live in our happily ever after world.  While that is the main point of all of this, what I've discovered, especially since my last trip to MEPS, is that it's about a WHOLE lot more.

In these three years, okay, more the last 6 months, I've really discovered who I am.  In the last couple weeks, I've found a whole new state of mind. One of which has changed my outlook, and made me realize, while losing is important, there are so many other things in life that are making my thoughts toxic and stopping me from reaching those goals.  My mind was so focused on what others had and I didn't.  What others were doing to sabotage my goals, rather than me strictly focusing on how to overcome it.  My mind was so negative.

Several days ago I lost a "friend."  Rather than talking to me about her issues, she simply took me off Facebook and left it at that. I was mad. I wasn't mad at the fact that I lost a friend, what I was mad about was that she simply took me off Facebook and left it at that.  For about an hour, I was thinking to myself "she has some nerve, after all that I've done for her..." Well, as these thoughts were going through my head, I was getting madder and madder. I was hoping for something bad to happen...I know, not good. But come on, who hasn't wished ill on those who've done them wrong?!?

Well, when I was getting mad, I was on Facebook and one of the many groups I belong to posted this:

Next to it, read the following:

If you believe in karma, then you must understand that harboring evil thoughts of revenge and malice, towards those who have wronged you, is only hurting yourself.

This is like picking up a red hot coal and waiting for the chance to throw it at your enemy. While you wait for your chance, and contemplate thoughts of retaliation, that coal is cooking you alive. In the same way, negative thoughts of revenge eat away at your mind and spirit.

Your thoughts contain energy, and that energy affects you directly. Negative energy affects you in a negative way; positive energy affects you in a positive way. Bohdi Sanders ~ Warrior Wisdom

You know those moments in life when all of the sudden the world just makes sense? Like everything is clear and you actually understand.  That was the moment I had.  I realized for the last three years, I was holding onto resentment to those who had I don't.  I was mad at the people who were achieving all these things and I'm still stuck in the starters box.  Well, literally in one moment, all those thoughts of hate, anger, jealously, resentment, ALL went away...completely.  Something in those words I read changed my view on life itself.  The worries of a thousand worries were lifted.

It's amazing, I feel like I've discovered more in the last week now than I have this whole time!!

Part of this life analysis is finding what I want to pass onto future generations.  How can I give this feeling of happiness and satisfaction onto my nephew, or my kids someday. That's when I found my next step on this journey.

Ethos is a Greek word meaning "character" that's used to describe guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize, in my situation, an ideology. The ideology of how I want to live my life.  My next step is discovering and finding my own ethos.  With finding this, I will write my "Cara's Creed." THIS, is what I will pass on. It's who I will vow to be, and strive to be, day in and day out.  It's not something that comes just sitting around. It's going to take time and effort, and a whole lot more soul searching. 

Maybe it'll come in a week, maybe a month, maybe a year. I don't know, but all I know is, I have a way of living my life now.  I won't hold resentments. I'm not mad about the stupid things.  I'll be more accepting of others and their views.  Now how do you put these thoughts and feelings into words...

I think that'll be a whole other blog............

2012 still heading down the right track!

It was brought to my attention the other day, (eh-hem, MOM) that I haven't updated this thing in a while. Well, so much has been happening, that it's been hard to find the time!

On the military front, I DID go back to MEPS, and the woman screwed me over royally, again.  When they measured my neck, she was practically strangling me! When it came to my waist, she twisted the tape, and left it hanging.  For my hips, she measured at the wrong area (I've been measured so many times, I know exactly where to measure...everyone else can seem to get it right, except the idiots who "count")  Stupid women...they couldn't make it anywhere else so they just think it's fun to mess with the people who WANT to do something with their lives.  HOWEVER, when I stepped on the scale, I found out I was the lightest weight I've ever been in my adult life! How awesome is that?! I put part of that accomplishment on the fact that I was starving myself and killing myself the few days before.

That following weekend, I gave myself three recovery days. I ate what I wanted and it felt really good. I had subway (on the bread) twice, I had chicken wings AND bread sticks, and loved every second of it!  I stepped on the scale, and was SO happy, because I had only gained two pounds back! So I'm STILL at my lowest weight.  Now, I'm severely restricting my carbs (to workout carbs only) and upping the cardio like crazy.  To start with, I've been trying to do an hour of cardio at the gym, 3 to 4 times a week. Starting this week (hopefully) I'm going to be doing the Insanity cardio workout program.  Apparently it's  incredibly difficult.  That is AWESOME! I cannot wait to give it a shot!

So, I ran into a friend last night that I hadn't seen in a while.  And his first reaction was "holy crap, you have lost a lot!" I was thinking "YESSSS!!!!" Heehee! Good times!

I get to go back to MEPS when I drop 10 pounds (I know, 10, that's it!) So, I'm turning up the notch on the dieting and exercising! And I realized, when I drop that 10, I will have lost 100 pounds! Yeah, I know, 100 freakin' pounds!!!

On the jobs front, things aren't looking quite as cheery! I've been applying but boy it's still a tough economy out there. However, starting next month, I am working every single night! I'm starting my training for the Minnesota Twins,  (I just have to add, over 200 people applied and only 25 got the job...Woop!) and the basketball tournaments are happening at Target Center!

So, there will be cash rolling in, and that will help me sleep a little better at night!

Oh, I'M AN AUNTY!!! Little August was born a couple weeks early, and he is as precious as precious can be and totally healthy! I got to visit him already, but no, I didn't hold him.  Kids scare the crap out of me until they can function on their own a little bit.  Like holding their heads up, smiling and reacting to things.  I don't know what it is, but I don't like being responsible for something SO innocent and helpless, even if it is just to hold him.  Well, if this money thing keeps happening, I should be able to afford going out there this summer to see him, even just for a few days!  I am lucky to have the greatest nephew ever!  (I know, I have a biased opinion, but it just happens to be the right one!)

Well, time to get back to the real world! Workouts, working and diets...sounds like a damn good life to me!

Horoscopes and other mumbo jumbo!

A lot of people don't believe in horoscopes. My Dad to name one (he's a Piscees, forgive him!)  Anyway, I'm a firm believer in them.  I think there's something to the time, place, alignment, yadda yadda of births. So, I am a strong Sagittarius and proud of it!

2011 was bad.  When I read my horoscope originally, I blew it off, 'cus I was sure 2011 was going to be my year. The very first line for 2011 I read was "It's going to be a bad year Sagittarius..."  While there were a few ups, in general, 2011 blew, it was right.  So, you could imagine my excitement on New Years Eve reading my horoscope and it said "you should be out celebrating Sag, because 2012 is going to be a great year for you!"

YES! Finally, the stars are aligning!!

13 days into 2012, not only have 90% of my horoscopes been up (yeah, I check it everyday) but my yearly horoscope says nothing but great things!  Prosperity in careers, friendships and family.  In 13 days, I've more than doubled my jobs, I've been running father and faster, and feel awesome!!  So, here's a little bit more about what I'm going to be experiencing this year:







I cannot wait to see what 2012 brings!  Maybe you think it's mumbo jumbo, and that's all right. But we all need things that are going to help us get up in the morning, and this is mine.  Knowing that right around the corner, all my hard work, all my determination, and all this crap I've been going through for almost 3 years, is going to have a purpose, and it feels awesome!

So, here is my final farewell to 2011, and a big hearty HELLO to 2012!!

Faith in the journey

I'm sitting here, eating my egg white "pizza" and had two gentlemen knock on my door.  They introduced themselves and said they wanted to share a few things from the bible and their faith with me.  While, I'm a good Lutheran gal, I know my faith, and I know I don't go door to door.  However, I thought, while we probably disagree on most everything, those men have a lot of guts going door to door sharing God's word.

Well, NATURALLY, in my thoughtful way, it got me thinking.  I know people on all levels of faith, but which way is the way God would "approve" of.

Okay, stop right there.  What I was taught, God is happy with who you are. Whether you go to church every Sunday, walk door to door, or even just think about Her/Him every once and a while.  I would be the third option. I  don't go to church that often (although I should 'cus the people there rock...gotta love those ELCAers!) I really don't pray.  I doubt a lot of things in life and don't pretend it's going to be all right because God has a plan.  Sometimes I want to say "F-U God for making life the way it is!!"

I see people on Facebook saying "God is great...blah blah blah!" Then they go and talk smack behind everybody's back. Think they're higher and so much better because for some reason, because they use God's name in a status update, S/He loves them more.

Then I turn to a great friend I met at Gorilla.  She has had a much harder year than I ever have, or really anyone I know.  Through all of it though, her faith has stayed strong.  However, that's not why I look to her as  a spiritual role model.  She, a lot like my mom, walks the walk, rather than just talk the talk.  It's SO easy to say "God has a plan" and go to church on Sunday, but then most people hop in their cars, drive home and ignore the words the rest of the week by acting selfish, greedy, petty and down right non--Christian (even if they "praise God" on Facebook. (P.S. God doesn't have a real facebook page, fyi))

However, my friend is amazing.  I've never seen anyone put everyone else first, over her.  She, in my opinion, has the right to be pissed off at God, saying, "Well, you screwed me over, so forget you!"  But she doesn't.  She helps EVERYONE. When I was struggling, she made me this amazing key chain and wrote a card that touched me deeper than any bible verse ever has. While I don't think she thought it was a lot, it STILL has gotten me through hard days.

I look at some of the emails she written to me about faith, and hard times, and it helps. THAT my friends, is what Jesus, God, Allah, Buddah, whomever keeps you in line, would want.  She takes care of everyone! Her son is one of the luckiest boys!

So, while these gentlemen have guts going door to door, and good for some of my friends for supposedly re-finding their faith,  my dear friend is what I strive for in my faith.  To not just talk the talk, but really walk the walk. Love everybody, this is most certainly true!


Sidenote:  One of the versus my friend shared with me when I was in an ultimate low has stuck with me through this journey, and WILL keep me going until I reach my goal and so far beyond:
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."