Tag Archives: friends

Having a blast in AZ!

Posted on April 13, 2013 by pugmamastace| Leave a comment

My parents arrived for their visit Friday night, and look at what Ali got before they even walked in the door!! WHAT a spoiled grandchild!

It’s a new Louisville squeaky toy!!! Ali absolutely loved it! See her smile!?

Even Mommy got presents!! Can’t get these anywhere out here!

This is Ali pooped after having Grandmamma and Grandpapa throwing her toy across the room and playing fetch with her all evening Smile .

I got to take them hiking on Telegraph Pass, which was the first trail I ever successfully hiked since I started being active again! They made it to the top and kicked some ass!!

I have texted them this picture from the top of Telegraph SO many times, and today, they got to see it in person! Photos just don’t do this justice!

Sportin’ my Team Chances NYC shirt I had made for NYC Marathon!

On our way down the mountain, this little guy decided to climb out of the flowers he was eating and say hi!

I named him Larry the Lizard. Then, at lunch, we determined that he is, in fact, a Gila Monster! So I have renamed him Javier, the Gila Monster Open-mouthed smile . He really posed for us! He was fearless! Little chunky monkey, too! Too many flowers, buddy!! You better start hiking the trail, too, lol!

We went to lunch with Karen, Susan and Kat today at Pita Jungle. As I’m writing this, I just realized we forgot to take a picture!!!! Dang it!!! It was SO much fun to introduce my parents to some of my amazing friends that I have out here in AZ. They aren’t just friends, they are like family Smile . Thanks so much for having lunch with us you guys!!!

Ok, I just realized that I did get a picture of my Curry Chicken Salad:

Leave it to me to get a picture of my meal and not my friends, lol! It was fantastic, as usual. I love Pita Jungle!

Then, we went shopping at Chandler Mall so I could take Mom to Lululemon for the first time ever!! I also took her to Lush for the first time.

After the mall, we went to have FroYo at Yogurtland-because FroYo is awesome. This is not the last time they will have it in AZ, either, lol!

SO good!! Dad had strawberry cheesecake, Mom had Spiced Chai, Crème Brulee and Red Velvet, and I had Red Velvet and Spiced Chai.

Then, we hung out at my place and watched some TV and called it a night.

More hiking in the morning for us! We’re probably conquering about 6.2 miles on South Mountain. I better finish this up so I can get some sleep!!

Happy Trails!!

Stacey

Posted in Fashion, Hiking

Tagged Ali the Pug, friends, Froyo, hiking, mom and dad, Pita Jungle, South Mountain, Yogurtland

Get Fab February and Try To Be Happy Friday

Posted on February 1, 2013 by pugmamastace| Leave a comment

So today, I got up, ran and caught up with my girl Karen, went to a meeting, then physical therapy, then another meeting. Karen’s life is like a mirror image of mine right now, and she is an amazing friend. She helped make my Friday morning a little bit better. At physical therapy, I talked to Lori, my PT, and we decided that is would be a smart decision to take a couple of weeks completely off of running. It sucks. Coach Susan agrees it’s the right thing to do. It still sucks. Sometimes doing the right thing sucks…

On my way to PT, I got a Rockin Refuel Less Sugar formula to put in my coffee. It was SO good!

After my noon meeting, I went to Sole Sports to see Karen and talk about shirts for Ragnar. We are going to be SO cute with our team shirts! Karen rocks for helping us out! I got a really cute purple striped Nike tank for the summer and some KT tape. Joe helped to explain to me how I can effectively KT tape my ass back together.

So after I got home, that’s what I did! Notice the purple….hopefully the purple tape works even better because it’s so awesome. I wouldn’t want any other less awesome color taping my ass.

This picture is censored for obvious reasons. Purple KT tape…purple compression sleeves….yup. Purple is awesome.

Is anyone doing the Skirt Chaser? I am planning on running it for fun if I can by then. Last year I was freshly back into running and thought I could PR. So I went straight out the gate at a 9 minute mile and then crashed and burned as soon as I hit the hill on Curry. 33 minutes later, I crossed the finish line dying! So yeah….not planning on doing that again this year. It’s a fun race if you’ve never done it. Hopefully it won’t be as hot this year as it was last year. Yes, almost too hot to run comfortably in Feb. Welcome to the Valley of the Sun. Check out that promo code!

Speaking of February, I am going to participate in a couple of really cool challenges this month. The first one is by Running Toward Healthy, and it’s called Fab Ab February. Here is her calendar:

Check out her Facebook page to show her some love and let her know that you are participating!

Also, Squat Til You Drop is a challenge to make that booty work and get it tight and round (that is if you have booty to make round….I’m still working on that lol!)

The challenge is by Fabfitmomma and includes some things that I know I cannot due because of my injury. I am going to do what I can, though, and will probably benefit as much from the exercises for my strength and healing as I will for my soon to be tighter booty! Woo hoo for the hot booties!! Here is her calendar:

Give Fabfitmomma some love on her Facebook page and let her know you are workin’ that ass this month, too!

I had PT and a 20-25 minute run this morning, so I am laying off on the booty for today. I did, however, do the ab work.

Tonight, I had dinner with Karen and Meeker at Pita Jungle, and we ran into Loken and Bill there, too! How cute is this pic!

I was so hungry that I forgot to take pics of my food. We split a chicken salad and a chipotle chicken something pizza, and each got coconut curry soup. It was amazing as always. I also had their berry tea, which is my fav one to get in the evening because it is decaf. It is so good and refreshing!

Then, I took a bath and shaved my legs again. Now I shall sleep well, hopefully, because of it.

Plans for the weekend? Nothing out of the ordinary for me. I think I am going to try riding my bike tomorrow morning for the first time in a long time. I am not allowed to run, so I can only cross train. I am going to go batshit crazy if I don’t find something to keep me in shape. Hopefully riding my bike won’t hurt. Will report back.

What about you? What are you doing for the Super Bowl?

Are you doing any kind of workout challenge this month?

Favorite kind of cross training?

Happy Trails!

Stacey

Posted in General, Healthy Eating, Running

Tagged friends, hamstring injury, Healthy Eating, KT tape, Pita Jungle, Ragnar Del Sol, Ragnar Relay, running, running injuries, Skirt Chaser 5K

fun with white elephant gifts and awesome friends!

Posted on December 24, 2012 by pugmamastace| Leave a comment

Devin invited me to his friend’s annual white elephant ugly Christmas sweater party this past Friday. We got creative and decided to make our own sweaters. (well, a leather Christmas vest counts as an ugly sweater, right!?) Look at this work of art:

The safety pins were used to give it class….

This? Now this is just a masterpiece in itself. First, it’s leather. Second, it went over a white turtleneck, which was even better. Third, I mean look at the artistry that went into making that.

So with these winning designs, we were certain that we would take first place.

Well, we soon learned that his friends don’t mess around when it comes to ugly sweaters. I mean, look at these!! So yeah, we didn’t win, but we still had a total blast!

We played Catch Phrase (I think that’s what it was).

There was also a white elephant gift exchange, which turned out to be hysterical!

Our wonderful host, Johnnie (Jonny, Johnny—sorry dude!) with his awesome mugs.

Vodka, Magnum condoms, and a cheese Danish. Love it!

He really was in love with his gift!!

Oh, Aaron, you got the perfect gift, lol! Poor guy! He was a good sport, though, and let me take his picture with his new stuff.

Nice!

Devin and I looking all sorts of hot in our ugly sweater/vest

First and second place with their ribbons and their gifts. Yes, that is what you think it is in his mouth, lol!!

Cracker and Sonja and I hanging out. I love meeting new friends!!

I had a ton of fun, and met a lot of really cool people. I saw a few friends I already knew, that I had only seen in Daisy Dukes and a train conductor outfit. Smile All in all, it was a great time! Thanks so much for the invite, Devin!

One little addition to today’s blog:

I was reading Carrots’N’Cake this morning, and came across this info about a “Snowflake Project” for the children of Sandy Hook Elementary. It sounds like such a neat idea, and so easy to do! Even if you’re not a teacher and don’t work in a daycare, you could do it just for fun for the kids!

A building has been designated (Chalk Hill Middle School) for the children of Sandy Hook Elementary. They are in the process of transporting desks, chairs, supplies and so forth to this location. The Newtown PTA wants to make the children comforted upon their return to school. Please join us in the “Snowflake Project”.

We are asking students to make and decorate a snowflake. They will be hung in the hallways of their new school. Please no words. We want just a cheerful, happy (glitter & sparkle) environment for the students when entering their new building.
Please pass along to any teachers/daycares you think would want to participate.
When sending your snowflakes, please include a note to tell us where they are from (school, class, town, state) to display along with your snowflakes. Please send to:
Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

Happy Trails and Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Stacey

Posted in General

Tagged Christmas Party, friends, Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, White Elephant Gift Exchange

Amazing Sushi with Amazing Friends

Posted on November 22, 2012 by pugmamastace| Leave a comment

Our last night in New York, we decided to go to Nobu Fifty Seven in Midtown for some ridiculously good sushi.

When you dine here, you have the option to let the waiter create a dining experience for you. Ours picked some of the best and most popular items for us and brought them out to us course by course. I got pictures of everything, and I’ll try to provide names of as many as I can remember.

Beautiful setup and menu! Not to mention Lisa’s amazing nail color, which I still need to get!

Shishito peppers – nothing to write home about in my opinion….

Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno – melted in your mouth….amazing!!

Nobu tacos – tuna, lobster, and seafood ceviche – very good! SO fresh!

Lobster Shiitake Salad with Spicy Lemon Dressing – super yummy!! Most expensive salad I’ve ever eaten!!

Everything here was just ridiculous. Tempura shrimp, New Style Salmon Sashimi, and I think the Rock Shrimp Tempura with creamy spicy sauce (the big bowl in the middle.) The new style sashimi, if I remember correctly, is where a fine mist of hot oil gets sprayed lightly over the sashimi to give it a tiny bit of cooking. My apologies if the description isn’t perfect, but whatever it was, it was amazing!!

Chilean Sea Bass – another fish that just melted, literally, in your mouth!

The most tender beef I think I have ever had, I didn’t need a knife, just chopsticks!! The Washu Beef Special. Highly recommended!!

Beautiful décor!

Here are some of the last pics of my trip.

Random nice guy!

Have you been to any of the Nobu locations? How did you like it? Are you a huge sushi or partially cooked fish fan? Let me know!

Happy Trails!

Stacey

Posted in General, Healthy Eating

Tagged friends, ING NYC Marathon 2012, Nobu Fifty Seven, NYC, sushi

Two ninjas take Staten island

Posted on November 15, 2012 by pugmamastace| Leave a comment

My wonderful friend Michelle wanted to go to Staten Island on Monday to try and help a family. I agreed to go with her for a few hours and see what we could find to do. We took the subway down to the Staten Island Ferry, grabbed lunch, then got on.

After a 15 minute ride, we were there.

I tried to take a good pic of Manhattan from Staten Island, but the camera on my phone isn’t as good as my regular camera. You can still see it in the background. The new Freedom Tower is prominent in the skyline, and it’s not even done yet. How beautiful is it!

As soon as we got to the ferry station on the island, we ran into a group that was doing the same thing we were! They agreed to cab it up to one of the most affected areas with us, and we became instant friends!

It turns out they are all dancers and Broadway actors in NYC! We had a great time talking about all of their endeavors and getting to know each other on the ride over. Traffic was terrible, and there were several gas stations out of gas, or with lines all the way around the block to get gas. It was really sad.

About 30 minutes later, we arrived at a central distribution location that was organizing supplies and sending people out to go help certain areas of town that needed it the most.

Adam and Sarah came with Michelle and I to go help a family nearby. When we got there, we found out that they had been victims of hurricane Irene (or Helen or both) a couple of years ago, and had just redone their basement from when it flooded during those storms.

First, we helped them rake debris out of their front yard, since there was another storm coming that week and they wanted it as clean as possible. Then, we went inside to help clean the floor of their recently redone basement. There was drywall and mud caked on their beautiful new tile floors. The drywall was all ripped out because the flooding was that bad. This family lost everything. It was terrible.

So we got to work scraping the floor downstairs, and before we knew it, it looked a ton better than it did before!! Gotta love teamwork Smile .

The best picture we took the whole time”:

We love Irma and Izzie and Nic and their whole family! We were so blessed to have met them and been able to help them. Even if it wasn’t for very long, we still got to have a little fun and lift their spirits! What an amazing experience! We pray that they are doing well and rebuilding day by day Smile .

Here we are waiting for the train at the train station:

After we got back to the ferry station, it was time for coffee and chocolate!

The cupcake was gone in about 2.5 seconds. The coffee was hazelnut and vanilla mixed, and was fantastic!! Hit the spot!!

Here is an amazing picture that Michelle took on our way back to Manhattan:

Beautiful. She represents an amazing country that will come together in a time of crisis and make the best of the cards they are dealt. I am blessed and proud to say I am an American!

Happy Trails!

Stacey

Posted in General, Running

Tagged Blessed, cleanup, friends, Hurricane Sandy, Ninjas, Staten Island, Staten Island Ferry, volunteering

Grateful

Posted on October 31, 2012 by pugmamastace| Leave a comment

I have an overwhelming feeling of gratitude right now for some reason. Maybe it’s because I had a fantastic day at work yesterday. Possibly, it’s the fact that I am now on vacation for a week and getting ready to run the most amazing marathon in the world! (Keeping the people of NYC and surrounding areas affected by the storm in my prayers as we speak). It could be because my stress level has plummeted from about an 11 out of 10 down to a measly 3 or 4 in the past couple of days. One reason being the relief I felt after taking Ali to the vet with concern that she might’ve suffered a stroke. When it rains, it pours, ya know?

Two nights ago, Ali started walking unsteadily and leaning to the right all of the sudden. She was also tilting her head to the right, and wouldn’t stop. She seemed confused and disoriented, and wondered aimlessly outside when I took her out to go to the bathroom. I freaked out, and took her to the vet the next day. Turns out, she wasn’t having a stroke, it was just a really bad ear infection that was screwing up her equilibrium. WHAT a relief!

They say God will never give you more than you can handle. I have learned that He will never give you more than HE can handle. I really had to try and let go of control of the situations that have been causing stress in my life, and trust that God would work it out for me. When I finally did (as much as I could), everything turned out as it was supposed to. I don’t think I’ll ever totally alleviate anxiety in my life by trying to let go and let God, but I am definitely working on it.

I am grateful for the people in my life. I am surrounded by some really amazing friends and family. My friends have helped me to learn more about myself, what I deserve out of life, and how happy truly good friendships can make me. My friends have helped to carry me through some really tough times lately. I’m not sure where I would be without them. I am so blessed!

Team Chances and coach Loken were put into my life for a reason. It is pretty clear now that this whole marathon training program has been perfect for keeping me busy, healthy, giving me purpose, and meeting even more amazing people. Words can’t express how much I value the friendships I have made. I have been told by my teammates that this marathon is life changing. I say bring it on! Smile Now we can all run it for the City of New York and the people there that are trying to bounce back from this major storm that has wrecked their city. This is not just for Team Chances and CFC anymore.

This marathon also symbolizes my year-long journey from my first 5K to my first full marathon. One of the coolest things about when this race falls is that it is on the weekend of my Runniversary! One year ago this weekend, I ran my first 5K in exactly 30:00. Since then, I have run two 5K’s (and PR’d!), a 4.2 miler, 10K, a 12K, and two half marathons(another PR!). Never in my life would I have predicted I’d be running a full marathon. Ever. God sure does amazing things!

Nicole paced me to my 5K PR of 27:48!

Skirt Chaser with Kristine

Women’s 5K, Mesa Turkey Trot 10K, Diva’s Half Marathon (1st 13.1)

AFC Half Marathon in San Diego-worst race ever! (weather) Still PR’d!!

Next up:

Check out this post for some pretty cool stuff about the NYCM. It gets me pumped up every time I look at it!

2:23 would be a great goal for me! For my next half marathon…. Winking smile

Bring it on New York!!

Happy Trails!

Stacey

Posted in General, Running

Tagged Ali the Pug, Blessed, Chances for Children, cute dog, friends, Grateful, ING NYC Marathon 2012, Team Chances NYC

Twins!!

Posted on April 28, 2012 by pugmamastace| 8 Comments

No, not me! Heidi!!

I went to a wonderful baby shower today for my amazing friend Heidi and her twins! She is absolutely glowing, and beautiful carrying those little ones. (Heidi is responsible for igniting my hiking addiction, which eventually lead to my running addiction. Thank you Heidi!!!)

I am SO happy for her and her husband Bill! They do not know the genders yet, and will be waiting until they are born to find out. Today was full of green, yellow and ducks! “There can never be too many ducks!”

Even I felt the slightest bit maternal, for about 5 seconds. Don’t tell anyone.

Molli brought the ridiculously yummy cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes. OMG I was out of control eating them! I had three (kinda little) pieces!!

Wow. That is all.

More ducks! I love onesies! I even have one of my own….again, don’t tell anyone.

You’re doing so well practicing, Heidi!! Smile More ducks!

I am so amazingly blessed to have such a great group of women as friends. What a fun group! It turned out to be a beautiful day, as well!

After the shower, I came home and actually did ~~a few~~ one productive things. Ok, I started a load of laundry, too, so that counts as two, right? I also took a nap! Three!

Since I increased my mileage, especially after yesterday’s 10 miler, my appetite has been out of control! Does anyone else have this problem? Thank God I run!! I had fro-yo again tonight, and the dinner of champions:

Yes, that is a Pretzel Lean Pocket. Lean Pocket, ok? Not processed at all! I also found some yummy flavors of Laughing Cow light at the grocery. Queso Fresco and Chipotle, and Sun-Dried Tomato something. They were good. Oh, and that’s caffeine-free diet Pepsi with cherry behind the food. Like I said, dinner of champions. Don’t take nutrition advice from me. Ever.

Now, Ali and I are having girls night. Watching TV, blogging, reading blogs, and planning some fun stuff for San Francisco next week. Yes Cameron, that is Ali in the bed. That’s what happens when you leave your girls unattended. When the cat’s away, the mice will play. She’s curled up by my legs at the end of the bed on my side, don’t worry. Smile

Do you become a human garbage disposal when you run a lot?

Are you hungry every 2-3 hours?

To what extent do you taper the week before a half-marathon?

Hope ya’ll have a great weekend!

Happy Trails!

Posted in General, Healthy Eating, Hiking, Running

Tagged Ali the Pug, Baby shower, friends, half-marathon, Healthy Eating, hiking, running

What’s a PDR?

Posted on April 13, 2012 by pugmamastace| 11 Comments

So today I did my long run with this amazing girl through the wonderful streets of Ahwatukee. I hadn’t run with Ari before, or done a long run with anyone for that matter. I preferred to keep my wimpy walk breaks and possible inability to actually do a long run to myself. When she tweeted me to see if I wanted to run 10 miles with her on Friday, I told her I was up for 8, and might not be able to hang. I was honestly scared to fail!

Ari took me under her wing, set a good (reasonable!) long run pace, and we were off. An hour and a half of awesome conversation, my nose draining like a faucet, Circle K bathroom breaks, and finally getting to run along the route I take to get to work every morning (I usually get jealous of all the people running down 48th St as I drive to work!), we were at mile 8.3. Ari says to me “Just to let you know, I am a workout pusher, so I am going to push you to run 9 miles today.” Wow! She’s serious? Ok! So we did! I felt amazing, and my confidence bounced back almost immediately. I can DO this! I CAN run a half-marathon! We even pushed the pace to around 9:20-9:40 during the last mile or so. So I have a new PDR (personal distance record-thx for the dorky running term lesson Ari Smile )!!!

Needless to say, I have an amazing new friend, and had a fantastic time running with her today! She is so positive, and really makes you believe in yourself.

I’ve realized that the reason why I get miserable and hate life during so many of my longer runs is that I really do push myself too hard. I don’t give myself a break and just enjoy myself! I have always been too hard on myself, and running is definitely no exception.

So thank you Ari for having patience and believing in me! (–AND for showing me Dutch Brothers!)

We met this amazing girl at Dutch Brothers for some post-run caffeine and sugar-free white chocolate goodness. I wish I could’ve stayed longer! (I wish we had taken a pic! I forgot…)

That’s ok, because all of the girls are running The Firefly Run tonight!! I am SO excited to hang out with all of you awesome ladies again; and, I finally get to meet Diana!

I also got a new pair of running shoes today that I am SUPER excited about! The Asics Gel Kayano 18’s.

Something about them when I tried them on felt SO good and supportive and stable. Thanks so much to my friend Karen at Sole Sports for helping me to make sure these were perfect for me. I can’t WAIT to try them out!

Is anyone running the Firefly run tomorrow night?

Tell me the story about your PDR and how you felt afterward.

What is your favorite kind of caffeine to get after a good workout?

Happy Trails!!

Posted in General, Running

Tagged Asics, coffee, Firefly Run, friends, half-marathon, long run, running, Sole Sports

Tag Archives: friends

Having a blast in AZ!

Get Fab February and Try To Be Happy Friday

fun with white elephant gifts and awesome friends!

Amazing Sushi with Amazing Friends

Two ninjas take Staten island

Grateful

Twins!!

What’s a PDR?

Daily Mile Tracker

My Blog HIstory

My Past Races

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