Monday, July 18, 2011

Fueled by BEEF

Since starting this running kick and actually enjoying it, I find myself reading other friends' tips and stories about running. My best friend, Kelsey Pope, just ran a 10K (maybe next spring for me?!) in Colorado with her husband, Ronny. They sported their own "Fueled by Beef" shirts for their race. A little before they ran their race, I signed up with a few other friends for the Team Beef group. It's a group of beef consumers who believe by eating healthy, protein-rich beef we are fueled for whatever activities we pursue. I joined the Team Beef to be a part of something; a part of a group that stands up for the cattle industry and shares how we can accomplish great physical challenges thanks to a great, tasty food. My favorite recipe is a well-prepared beef tenderloin. Yum!

For me, I grew up knowing no different than eating beef packaged right from our own beef supply. I find myself so frustrated with people choosing a lifestyle with little to no information as to why they choose a meat-free lifestyle other than it "saves a cow". I am not against vegetarians or vegans, yet when they have misinformation and encroach or talk down on an industry that believes in raising and harvesting their animals in a safe, humane way, I have a problem with that. Especially when so many of my friends' families depend on their beef supply for their livelihood. I feel I am doing my part to promote and advocate for the beef industry by wearing my new jersey each time I run! Go TEAM BEEF!


You can find this and other Team Beef apparel at https://www.primalwear.com/c-316-team-beef.aspx

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

A Wonderful 4th of July

The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday! It's hot, usually muggy and loads of fun with friends. It also means it is only 8 days until my birthday!!

Lauren, Jared and Lindsey admiring Jared's wrapping skills
in the Christmas paper!

Tillie loves to play hostess for parties. She also loves to get dirty and needs a bath every time we have people over.

Nikki and Ryan enjoying some great appetizers!

Josh and Kirsten kicking back and relaxing!

The master, Todd, cutting up his creation!

Willie says, "I want some yummy smoked pork too!"

The lovely ladies enjoying their baby shower!
I used to live for the White Cloud Rodeo near my hometown. My friends and I went each year for every night just so we could pretend we were rough and tough cowgirls and maybe get a glance at one of the cowboys. Ha, I learned to steer clear from that a few years ago...

Now a days, my Fourth of July is either at the lake or having a cookout with friends/family. This year we hosted a baby shower for two new little blessings who will be here before we know it. Our friends, Lauren and Lindsey, who grew up together and then married two of Todd's friends from Dearborn, are having a little girl and a little boy, respectively. I love to entertain and throw parties so of course I thought we should host the baby shower. Sometimes I feel bad because Todd gets thrown into the mix of preparing for the party, but then I don't because it seems he gets just as in to preparing as me. He just prefers to stand around the grill or the smoker all day with his lawn chair and cooler of beer. Fine by me. Our friends Kirsten and Josh also helped host the party for the girls. In all there were about 14 of us who gathered on Saturday, the 2nd. We had the most scrumptious smoked brisket, pork and chicken courtesy of Todd and all the sides brought by every one else. Each of the girls got a small dent in the much needed supplies/clothes for their babies, and Kirsten truly outdid herself on the most adorable diaper cakes. Lots of fun! I can't wait for more of our friends to have little ones!



I spent the rest of the weekend doing homework and mentally preparing for the Troy 5K on Monday.
Here's my silver medal for my age division in the Troy 5K. It was fun yet totally hard at the same time.

It. Was. Hard. There were not flat spots, period. It is either up hill or down hill, which I think is worse since you have to slow yourself down. But it was a great time to see and run with friends, John and Heather Cluck. John finished in a great time, and Heather and I finished very close to each other. I was TOTALLY surprised to learn I won 2nd place in my age division considering it was the worst time I've had so far, but I was still humbled and happy. It was a small 5K, but I will take a medal since it was probably the only one I'll ever get! Running has been my solace to take away stress this spring and summer. I have learned to enjoy it and look forward to my 30-45 minutes each day. It is my relaxation. I just wish I was faster at it or had more stamina. I suppose that will come, someday. Maybe...but if not, I'll just keep trucking along and cross the finish line as the slowpoke, but I will still cross it. Until next time, love ya'll and have a great week!