get your ass off the couch.

Part of my quest for work-life balance has been pushing myself toward better self-care.  I've gained more than 100 pounds from my pageant weight (so about 75 pounds from what is considered "healthy" for me), and that's not cool.  I mean, I don't have any problems getting attention from my husband ... but for health's sake, I should take off some of the weight.

I also have some nasty injuries to contend with - I have a all-but-blown Achilles on my left ankle, and the talo / calcaneo ligaments are also shot.  Sadly, the impact from running isn't good for my ankle.  This makes me very sad, since I really do enjoy the peace that a little road work can bring.

I've recently started riding a bike again ... found a suitable one for $40 on Craigslist, and got a $20 "my ass is too big for this" seat from Target.  I am also on MapMyRide ... check me out here.

But oh.  I still love a good run / walk.  So when Run With Jess posted this?  I was TOTES in.

You're reading that right.  Running.  With CUPCAKES.  Or for cupcakes.  What the hell ever ... it's running and cupcakes and YAY.

Here's the deal:  It's a "virtual 5K".  That's 3.1 miles for us English measurement heathens.  You can walk that far, right?  So go register.  During the time span (October 14 -21), walk, walk/run, or run 3.1 miles.  Submit your information and time, and YAY FOR YOU!  She's giving away random-draw prizes, so there's your incentive to get your ass off the couch.

About times:  Look, I'm not a speed demon.  I'm lucky to run waddle a 17-minute mile.  The point isn't how fast you can go.  The point is that you actually WENT.  Besides, even if you're doing like 20+ minute miles?  You're still lapping every lazy blob that is still on their couch.

So ... join me, cupcake.  Get involved in making your health a priority.  Be proud of yourself, take care of yourself, LOVE YOURSELF, and your work life will follow. 

hello, cupcake!

If you're anything like me, you have cupcake drama. I imagine that I make these amazing cupcakes that look like the ones on TV. Alas, they usually end up looking like lopsided alien pastries.

And then, I learned the trick to making consistent sized cupcakes. Use an ice cream scoop. Not the bitchin Pampered Chef one with the antifreeze in the handle. You need one of the old trigger-release kind that you get at the dollar store. Put a scoop of batter in each cup, bang the filled pans on the counter to get rid of air bubbles / even them out, and bake.

Here's a pic of my efforts this weekend. I feel wretched with a nasty head cold, but still managed to keep my habitat unfucked and my family fed. I consider that a win.