Supergirl and Andy Bernard

Happy Halloween!!!

We have a visitor...

And his name is Martin! He and Shane have been having a ball!

We're doggy-sitting him while our friends are at home visiting their families :)

tug of war!

booty in the face

Seriously, they're fast friends and are playing like brothers... love it!

Sorry for the blurryness...they're so dern fast!

Well, I'm off to eat some oatmeal before meeting with my client and getting in my own workout after :)

Make this weekend awesome!
Later...

Sweet and Savory

Good morning! :)

Started today off with some good cardio that looked like this:

-30 minutes elliptical
- 3 mile run with Shane on this beautiful and chilly morning

At the end of our run Shane saw Seth's car driving home from P.T. and practically ripped my arm off to go greet him. Goodness...but I'm glad he loves Seth so much :)

Anyways, came home, took a shower, and ate a really really awesome breakfast! Sweet and savory today!

The BEST bagel I've had in a long time: the Pumpkin Spice bagel from Thomas. oh.my.goodness.
I topped it off with a nice amount of cream cheese and pumpkin spice. On the side was egg whites with spinach. Protein: check! Carbs: Check! Veggies: Check! Magnificent tasting: Check!

Today is a pretty easy day for me. Gotta get crackin on that goal list I made yesterday!
Up first, buying Seth's plane ticket outta hear on December 18th! I will have already left with the movers (hopefully) so Seth is going to fly to Greensboro and meet me there. After that, we will be heading up North to DE and MD for Christmas! Looking forward to all of it :) Also, trying to prepare myself for the stress of moving, but thankfully we will be able to utilize the army movers which means I won't have to do much work in regards to boxing things and carrying heavy furniture. Win!

Oh and real quick, guess who went with me to Yoga Sculpt last night.... my awesome husband!
He persisted at first but I convinced him to give it a try and ya know what... he said he really enjoyed it :)
Double win for me!

Ok guys, as usual, I'm going to leave you with a pic of Shane as we wish you a happy Tuesday! Later  Gators...

tired from our run ;)

Review X2

So today I have 2 reviews for you guys! Seth and I watched the movie/documentaries FOOD INC. and FOOD MATTERS this weekend. We both really enjoyed them so I figured I'd make a post about them in case any of you were interested in checking them out!

First up, FOOD INC.

Here is a summary from Netflix about the film:

Drawing on Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation and Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma, director Robert Kenner's Oscar-nominated documentary explores the food industry's detrimental effects on our health and environment. Kenner spotlights the men and women who are working to reform an industry rife with monopolies, questionable interpretations of laws and subsidies, political ties and rising rates of E. coli outbreaks.


This sums up the movie pretty well. It showed what's really going behind the scenes of a few of the largest food and meat corporations in the world. They interviewed real farmers, real workers for these companies, and seemed to have an honest approach throughout the film. It didn't push vegetarianism or veganism at all, which I really liked. However, after learning some facts from this movie and deciding on my own, I will no longer be eating most meat. It also talked about the outbreak of E-coli and how harmful it is and will continue to be if we allow these companies to manufacture as they do. It's honest, factual, and important to be aware of these things so please check this film out!


Next up is FOOD MATTERS:


With a staggering number of Americans suffering from obesity and other food-related maladies, this film takes a timely and hard-hitting look at how the food we eat is helping or hurting our health, and what we can do to live (and eat) better. Nutritionists, naturopaths, scientists, doctors, medical journalists and more weigh in on everything from using food as medicine to the value of organic food and the safety of the food we consume.

This movie was very eye-opening to me! They had several doctors, scientists, and nutritionists weighing in on various subjects, the largest being how helpful (not harmful) vitamins are to the human body and the healing power of proper nutrition. It really honed in on the fact that America is really all about making money. Serious diseases like cancer have been proven to be healed by high doses of Vitamin C ( like 100,000 to 500,00 ML/day). However, it is illegal in the U.S. to use this therapy instead of Chemo. Why? Because of money. If word got out that proper nutrition and vitamins could heal many ailments and sicknesses, what would happen to the high cost medical industry? It wouldn't be as successful or make nearly as much money. The other thing, doctor's are not learning much about nutrition in med school. I don't know about you, but I've never been suggested by a doctor to up my Niacin intake to help with depression. Have you?


Anyways, don't wanna preach to you guys or anything. This movie also had alot of insight in ridding your body of toxins, water intake, and lots more! Check it out if you have netflix :)


Anyways, off to walk Mr. Shane. The sun has finally peaked today! Later ;)

Randomness and a Fall Recipe

First things first, here was my breakfast today:

One egg, egg whites, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, and spinach

and in a bit I'm gonna share a big honeycrisp with Seth. Gotta get in those healthy carbs!

Workout before breakfast was....

Treadmill- 1 minute walk warm-up
               - 1 1/2 minutes @ 6.0 speed
               - 1 minute @ 9.0 speed
               - continue with intervals for 20 minutes total
               - straight to walking hill climb at 5.0 for 2 minutes, then 10.0 for 2 minutes, lastly 15.0 for 2 minutes then slowly climbed back down at the same rate.

Whew! I was so so sweaty and out of breath with this workout... maybe the treadmill isn't so bad?....

After I cooled down and stretched my legs I did 20 minutes of supersets:

Superset 1: Lat pulldown and mid row pulls
Superset 2: Shoulder press and pushups
Finished with a high plank hold and some T-pushups

Altogether I did 40 "real" push-ups and with each superset I started with a moderate weight and increased the weight until I reached muscle failure. 3 sets for each superset. Not too shabby...

I wanted to focus more on back, chest, and shoulders today because my lower body has had enough with all of the plyometrics and countless squats and lunges I completes this week. Also, my abs are really sore from a core workout I did yesterday. Boy, it's been a while since my abs have been sore and it feels good!

So here are some random things I wanted to share today:

- I pulled a 3 inch long hair off of Seth's chest last night... what????
- I hate shaving my legs... any other girls out there with me on this one??
- We want Shane to be Shane Victorino ( Phillies player he was named after) for Halloween. Anyone know where to get a cheap shirt or jersey for a dog??
- My sister Olivia passed her test with flying colors! Thanks for the prayers and well wishes!
- My client cancelled this morning... ahh, the unpredictable work of a personal trainer...
- We're going to see Paranormal 3 tonight with friends... spooky!
- Speaking of movies... last night Seth officially became part of the Cathey family. He had never seen SCARY MOVIE 3 before! What???... don't know how he got away with marrying me without seeing our "family movie"

Ok, so that's enough randomness for now I guess! Now onto a very yummy Fall recipe...

I found the recipe from this girl while browsing for some dinner ideas. This is what it looked like after we demolished 2/3 of it last night:

Here is her original recipe:

Baked Pasta with Pumpkin, Roasted Veggies, & Chicken

Ingredients:

• 8-10 oz. Carba Nada pasta (I eyeballed it…any pasta would be fine)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large boneless & skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups roasted veggies (I used zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, & carrots)
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
• 1-1 1/2 cups part skim mozzarella, freshly shredded
• 1/3 cup reduced-fat parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt & pepper

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta al dente, drain & set aside. Heat olive oil in a pan. Saute chicken pieces a few minutes & then add onion & garlic. Cook for a few minutes until almost cooked through.

In a large bowl, toss the drained pasta with the roasted vegetables, cooked chicken mixture, marinara sauce, pumpkin, cheeses, peas, dried basil, salt, pepper. Using a wooden spoon, gently mix, until all the pasta is coated with the sauce and the ingredients are combined.

Pour the pasta into an11x7 inch pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Top with a light sprinkling of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Bake until top is golden and cheese melts, about 25 minutes.

Pretty darn easy, eh? The only trade-offs I did was used spaghetti and penne pasta( more fun to combine noodles!), used butternut squash and zucchini for my roasted veggies,  and didn't use peas. Mmm.. such a great fall meal! You can't really taste the pumpkin but the added nutrients are great! Also, this could easily be made into a vegetarian recipe.

So give that recipe a try sometime soon! I promise you won't be disappointed :)

Now I leave you with this:

He's been so bored this week, what with all the nasty rain. Off to take him out before it starts up again!

Happy weekend!

Cinnamon Banana Oats and my Workout Schedule

Good morning :)

Another day, another monsoon... *sigh*

Rainy, wet, and chilly... bleh. But at least it's good weather for being productive!

So this morning I started the day off with some cozy oatmeal :)

oats, banana slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon=tasty and filling

oh and can't forget these too:

Everyday this week I've tried to start off the morning with a buttload of water first thing. I like it! Keeps me full and hydrated. Although my trips to the bathroom are much more frequent I think that it is worth the sacrifice ;)

In just a few, I'll be off to do 60minutes of steady state cardio at the ol community center gym.

didn't you know fly aways are in fashion?

So here is what my workout schedule has been/is this week:

Monday- Cardio fit class at the gym- lots of plyometrics and some good strength training + 20 minutes intervals on the crosstrainer

Tuesday- 30 minutes steady state cardio on bike + 15 minutes elliptical + 2 mile walk with Shane

Wednesday- Cardio Pump class- full body workout working 5 minutes on each muscle group + 20 minutes intervals on crosstrainer

Thursday- I'll probably do 60 minutes steady state cardio on the elliptical + core training

Friday- Either workout DVD or some weights at the gym + 20 minutes intervals

Saturday- Possible 20-30 minutes cardio

Sunday- Off!

I like working out 5-6 days a week. As you can see, though, I haven't been running. Between the weather ( I hate the treaddeathmill) and my legs still acting funny from last weeks 4 mile run... I figure they just need a break from the pounding.

So, off I go to get in some good cardio while hopefully watching somethin fun on tv. We don't have any cable so it's fun to catch up on a few shows :)

*please keep my beautiful sister Olivia in your prayers this morning. She has a very big exam to take this morning and could use the extra prayers! Thanks!

Have a great day!

Waking up on the motivated side of the bed

Hello friends and happy Monday!

I'm a bit chipper today so I apologize if I come across annoying. ;)

Here are some pics from this cool rainbow we saw Saturday while taking Shane for a walk

Pretty sweet huh? The weather here the past few days has been pretty crazy with high winds, rain, and some ginormous, billowy clouds. I guess it's better than the inevitable snow that will arrive soon enough, right?

Anyways, so we had a great weekend. Movie night with some great peeps, church, lunch with friends, Target, and Bible study. Plus some good cuddling time with ma' man :)

This morning I woke up early but apparently landed on the right side of the bed. Had coffee, checked some things online, took Shane for a walk, had breakfast:

MMMmmm... egg whites, turkey bacon, a bit of cheese and spinach

then headed off the work/ workout!

and off I went!

There was one other important thing I did this morning, which I highly recommend you give a try:
Wrote down a list of goals for the week.

Some items on my list were things like:
- drink around 100 ounces of water/day
- no soda
- complete 3 chapters of my continued education material
- do at least one kind thing for someone else that you wouldn't normally do
- be mindful of how I speak to Seth or anyone I come into contact with- be encouraging and uplifting!

These are just a few of the goals I wrote down. Having those goals set out and as a reminder for the rest of the week will help me to accomplish them and be a better, wife, friend, daughter and student! Give it a try sometime!

Anyways, I'm out to eat some lunch. Have a great Monday!

Updates

Started off yesterday with Jillian Michaels kickin my rear into gear followed by a lovely 4 mile slow run with Shaney Shane on the Black River Trail. It was lovely.

So here are some updates for ya'll:

- Grandpa's procedure turned out very successful and he is getting stronger everyday, Praise God!
- Seth is officially accepted into UNCG and we will be moving there in less than 2 months God-willing!
- Today is Seth and I's 4 year dating/being together anniversary!

Here is what I woke up to today!

Gahhhh I have the sweetest dern husband! Roses, breakfast in bed, and a special poem... hehe :)

Anyways, time to get the rest of the day started, starting with a walk together!
Have a great weekend!

Lyrics update

"Your Love is Strong"


Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come 
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need 
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive 
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window 
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune 
Or out of place
I look at the meadow 
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl 
On her wedding day

So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens 
Is now advancing
Invade my heart 
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens 
Is buried treasure
Will you sell yourself 
To buy the one you've found?

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

Our God in heaven
Hallowed be
Thy name above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us wicked sinners
Lead us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons


So I promise this will be my last lyrics post for a while.
I found this song, along with many others, last night and Seth and I have been listening to them.


Seth and I had a great conversation last night via skype, (he's in Chicago for a funeral) with lots of smiles and laughter. It was lovely.


I know the sunshine is right over these dark clouds. I know our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can even comprehend. And I know that everything will be okay. 
Thankfully, He is stronger than us. Greater. All-knowing. Caring. Loving.
I will rest in those truths today.


And I will also be participating in body pump and a long, Fall run with a friend this morning.


If I haven't said it before, let me say it again: Exercise is one of the best natural stress relievers there is. Don't underestimate it's powers. Don't make excuses. It's necessary not only for having a healthy body, but a healthy mind as well. It gives you confidence, endorphins, and you will never regret a workout. Whether it's taking a walk, a fitness class, a bike ride... whatever it may be. Get out there and just do it! For yourself, your mind, your body.


Okay, enough preaching. Later guys, have a nice n healthy Wednesday!

To sum it up...

"Thrive"

Been fighting things that I can't see
Like voices coming from the inside of me
Like doing things I find hard to believe in
Am I myself or am I dreaming?

I've been awake for an hour or so
Checking for a pulse but I just don't know
Am I a man if I feel like a ghost?
The stranger in the mirror is wearing my clothes

No, I'm not alright
I know that I'm not right
A steering wheel doesn't mean you can drive
A warm body doesn't mean I'm alive

No, I'm not alright
I know that I'm not right
Feel like I travel but I never arrive
I wanna thrive not just survive

I come alive when I hear you singing
But lately I haven't been hearing a thing
I get the feeling that I'm in between
A machine and a man who only looks like me

I try and hide it and not let it show
But deep down inside me I just don't know
Am I a man if I feel like a hoax?
The stranger in the mirror's been wearing my clothes

No, I'm not alright
I know that I'm not right
A steering wheel doesn't mean you can drive
A warm body doesn't mean I'm alive

No, I'm not alright
I know that I'm not right
Feel like I travel but I never arrive
I wanna thrive not just survive

I'm always close, but I'm never enough
I'm always alive, but I'm never in love
I get so down, but I won't give up
I get so down, but I won't give up
I get so down, but I won; t give up

Been fighting things that I can't see
Like voices coming from the inside of me, yeah
Like doing things I find hard to believe in
Am I myself or am I dreaming?

Am I myself or am I dreaming?
Am I myself or am I dreaming?

Thrive, thrive, thrive, yeaah, thrive

No, I'm not alright
I know that I'm not right
A steering wheel doesn't mean you can drive
A warm body doesn't mean I'm alive

No, I'm not alright
I know that I'm not right
Feel like I travel but I never arrive
I wanna thrive not just survive
I wanna thrive not just survive

Yeah yeah
Feel like I travel but I never arrive
I wanna thrive not just survive
I wanna thrive not just survive
I wanna thrive not just survive

Feels like I travel but I never arrive
I wanna thrive not just survive 




This song is on Switchfoot's latest album and Seth and I have been playing it often.
I don't mean for this post to be totally depressing or anything, but on the other hand, it's my blog and I'm being honest.
Please just pray for us if you think of it.
Thanks everyone,


Em and Seth