one fourty nine.

Started yoga again this week. Went to yoga sculpt class Monday… still can’t lift my arms up. It was a terrible great class.

…I’ve missed you.

First off, Happy Groundhog Day! I remember thinking that this was such an exciting day back when I was a little kid. I’d almost completely forgotten this day existed, probably because that damn groundhog has let me down so much over the years, but Steve reminded me this morning and it’s giving me hope that Spring isn’t too far off (I should probably find out if he saw his shadow first before I get too optimistic…).

But what I’m really here to say is sorry that I’ve been MIA for the last two?month(s). I could probably get away with blaming it all on our new puppy, but I think we both no it wouldn’t be the whole truth. Honestly, life has been happening. All over the place. And now it’s already midterms week.How did this happen?!

Even though I don’t want to blame it all on Auggie, I think a good portion of it needs to be. As a result of him needing a large amount of my time and energy, I haven’t actually been working out the way I used to- we’re at maybe 2 times a week, if I’m lucky and really motivated. But I haven’t really gained weight.

!!! But Ashley, how is that possible?! History has taught us that unless we spend 60 minutes a day running on an elliptical, we’re doomed to spontaneously gain 30 pounds!

I am so relieved to share a huge secret with you- exercise doesn’t have to be done in a gym, with an exercise DVD, a personal trainer, or a 150 pound barbell.

For the first time ever, I’m starting to believe all the hoopla people put on leading an active lifestyle, when active doesn’t have to mean sweating so much people aren’t sure if you jumped in the pool before you decided to take on the stair master. You want to know how I’ve been getting exercising lately? Walking. Outdoors. With my dog. It’s been a bit of a win-win for both of us.

Also, since I’m gone almost all day my evenings feel extremely guilty if I don’t give my pup some attention by being home with him (not to mention the significant portion of my bank account that has been allocated towards Petco…), we’ve been cooking real meals at home lately. And more than just soup! I now make some killer chicken enchiladas, turkey-taco lettuce wraps, delightful stuffed turkey and bean peppers, and, my new most favorite recipe of all time:

Cookie Dough Dip.

You seriously have to check it out. And maybe all of her recipes while you’re at it.

So other than Auggie, what else could have possibly kept me from updating tumblr even once, just to say ‘Hi’? Oh yeah- the wedding.

We’re only 6 months away, which means the majority of planning needs to get done right now last month. Fortunately, we’ve accomplished a lot, minus a rogue DJ that hasn’t been calling us back, which is starting to worry me. A lot.

So, in conclusion, I haven’t stressed myself out enough with the wedding, the dog, my upcoming midterms, graduation, and the CPA exam (Unfortunately, yes, it’s really happening- I applied last week), I figured I’d set a weight goal for the month of February, too.

Goal weight on Feb 29 = 155 lbs

Here we go =)

Bonjour!

I’m finally back from my fabulous 3 week Parisian adventure! It was wonderful. There was lots of food, and wine, and sights, and wine, and cute Parisian shopping, and wine, and fancy delicious full-fat/real-sugar coffee drinks, and then some more food (and wine!)…. but on top of all that, there was mostly a lot of walking. Like, miles and miles a day. I even went for a couple runs while I was out there, which was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Getting to see the city from a perspective people that live there do is definitely my favorite part about traveling. And you know what the very best part was? Despite all of the bread, cheese, and wine, I didn’t gain a pound. !!!

I was really proud of myself. But unfortunately, the minute we got back I forgot that walking isn’t as necessary and that I probably should still be eating the same copious amounts of food and downing bottles of wine like they’re water… so I was afraid to step on the scale again this morning after a family filled and holiday style eating kind of weekend.

Over all it’s really nice to be home, but I’m finding it was almost easier to not gain holiday weight simply by not being around my family. However, by the end of the trip I was really homesick… so you win some you lose some. Time to go find more self control now that I’m back (or spend 4 hours a day on the treadmill!), and to take it a little easier on the bread ;-)