Alone at Work & YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS

So, turns out from about 10:30 AM on today I'm riding solo at work. All four of the other people I work with are not here - one is headed to Jackpot, one is sick, one is home with sick kids, and the last just left me for a few meetings and then is taking the rest of the day off.

Cool.

It's not a big deal, I can totally hold down the fort.

Buuuuuttt.... don't count on a lot of work happening.

Friday + All Alone = ZERO motivation.

Here's what I'm doing instead:

• turning on and up (blasting) my coworkers radio because mine sucks and is scratchy sounding
• checking my phone
• reading blogs
• checking the fridge for edible items
• refilling my water
• sipping my water
• scrolling Facebook
• scowling at Bloglovin for not loading any of the posts I click on
• checking blog/personal emails
• returning to Facebook
• Trivia Crack break
• applying Candy Cane Chapstick
• hitting Send/Recieve on my work emails, just in case
• checking my phone
• scrolling through Instagram
• checking my drawer for edible items
• checking blog/personal emails
• freaking out because I heard a noise
• reading blogs
• taking a selfies for a lame blog post
• writing a lame blog post
• scrolling through Pinterest
• fantasizing about Super Bowl food like Ashley's list
• thinking about what I could get for lunch other than the lunch I brought
• checking Wells Fargo.com to see if I can afford lunch
• remembering my hair appointment tomorrow and deciding no on buying lunch
• Facebook again
• bathroom run
• turn the radio up more
• checking my phone
• gathering that this is what the rest of my day looks like...

Definitely leaving early today or my head might explode.

Have a great Super Bowl weekend. If you do ONE THING this weekend, watch this: 

 

Chocolate Wheat Beer | Thursty Thursday

Let's talk about my second favorite thing in the world (after my dog), BEER.

It's not a big secret around these parts that I love beer, I mean it's right over there =>

Even though I gave it up for 50 days last year, the love is still strong.

That love was once again reignited when I tried the beer I'm about to share with you.

Since it's still winter, I have to get my shout outs to winter beers in while I can! And although it's kind of cheating (not a cocktail) it's Thursty Thursday with Kristin, so what better time to talk booze?

Of all the winter craft beer seasonals out there (ok not entire craft being ShockTop, but close enough) this is the one you are going to want to try.

I mean just listen to the Shocktop website description:

"Belgian-style unfiltered wheat ale aged over cocoa and vanilla beans. This seasonal, unfiltered ale delivers a dark, rich color and a smooth, creamy finish. Mix this chocolate flavored beer with Belgian White or Raspberry Wheat to create the Choc’ Top!"

Uh, yes, to all the above.

What I love most about this beer is that it is light compared to the chocolate beers you usually find that are porters or stouts. It is a wheat beer, with all the flavor of it's darker counter parts. 

Make a float out of this and you'd be in chocolate, ice cream beer heaven.

This seasonal release is available in their winter sampler AND in 6 packs.

Go get yourself some before it's time for Summer Shandy!

 TTFN,

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | Vol. 10

Can you believe we're ten weeks into this little baby link up of ours? 

I've been having so much fun with our little version of confessions with Lauren @ Genuinely Lauren. That's a fact. And since I know you like fun (duh) you should probably link up too. Ain't no party like a #hashtag party!

 

<div align="center">
<a href="http://lauraakalolo.blogspot.com/" title="#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo" target="_blank"><img src="http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab136/lwelch900/Hashtaghumpdaysm_zpsc121607a.jpg" alt="#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 First a little business. Here’s the scoop:

• Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
• Grab the button and include it in your post
•  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
• Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
•  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
• Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

Monday night I decided to work out at home as part of my "get back on the wagon" attempt.

I did this workout (warm up):


Followed by this:

Needless to say I bit off a little more than I could chew on my first week back working out #dontdoit #toomuchtoofast #imtoooutofshapeforthisshit


Also, I finally got my FitBit Flex up and running this weekend. So far I'm loving it and I barely notice it on my wrist at all. HOWEVER, Monday, when I did the above workout (which had me pretty much throwing up) my FitBit didn't log it at all as "very active minutes." What the hell are "very active minutes" if they aren't the times your heart is beating out of your chest and there's sweat dripping down your ass crack? Those are pretty damn active if you ask me #wtf #fitbit #countthatshit

 
I'm really torn on an upcoming friend's wedding. It's in Alaska. She's one of my good friends from college but we haven't been in touch a lot recently. She did specifically call to invite me though which I was really touched by. I WANT to go to Alaska so bad because it's ALASKA and because I want to be there for her to tie the knot. But then there's a huuuuugggee cost involved. Because if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right with some boat tours and fun stuff. You can't go to Alaska and not go see any of it other than a wedding right? Considering the tickets are $500 alone that makes things a little tricky. Plus it's two weeks before the Fair - so the busiest time of my whole year at work. Still no clue what to do on this one #helpmeimpoor #iwantanalaskanadventure

We're changing our hours at work. Since most of us don't take an hour lunch and are logging overtime because of it, there letting us leave a half hour earlier. So we to leave at 4:30 now #hellyeah

The only time I left the house this past weekend was to go to the dog park, the gym, or the grocery store and I'm not one bit sad about it other than the fact that I only got two days of that. It was so nice not having to be anywhere or even wear makeup #icouldbeahermit #lazydaysarethebest

And that's about all I have for this week. I need a juicier life...

  TTFN,
 

An InLinkz Link-up

Happy Birthday Ted!

We got Ted last March as my early birthday present. The Craigslist ad said the kittens were about 8 weeks old. So even though I don't know his actual birthday, I can speculate it was either late last week or early this week.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY THEODORE!

In honor of his 1st birthday I thought I'd let folks around the blog get to know him a little better.

TED

Description: 1 year old, orange, male tabby cat with tiny white patches on his chest and belly. Extremely vocal and active. Has no trouble telling you what he wants.

Habits: meowing obsessively till he is fed, laying completely "flat" on the ottoman, attacking the dog, a hand, or anything else that moves, licking what's left of his nut sack junk, sleeping between my legs in bed or in James' lap at his desk, getting up on the kitchen counter even though he isn't allowed and "escaping" outside any chance he gets.

Loves: his best bud Gunner, getting his cheeks petted, dog treats, boxes, heating vents, the laser pointer, making noises all night, and food - the dog, human and cat variety.

Hates: being dressed in costumes, being held in one place too long and dogs other than Gunner.

Fun Ted Facts: he only likes to be held by James, and he is obsessed with sinks and running water.

So happy birthday to my little ginger pain in the butt!

My Reverse Bucket List

My friend Kayla @ Keeping up with K did a reverse bucket list last week and I just had to steal the idea. She got it from Cassie who had done a list of blog prompt ideas for 2015. Got to give credit where credit is due!

Now I've never really made a formal bucket list. Though I probably should at some point. I do have a "sports bucket list" in my drafts pile to be completed in the near future so look out for that.

But what a cool perspective on life - focusing on what you have done, rather than what's to come? I think we spend too much time worrying about what is next instead of rejoicing in all that you have already accomplished. Thus a reverse bucket list - 15 things I have already done!

I have...

Rode a Vespa through Tuscany  - Summer 2010
Two of my best friends and I "backpacked" through Europe after graduating college. A Vespa tour and winery visit in Tuscany, Italy we're among several tours, also including a Gondola Ride in Venice and a Segway tour of Rome!!!

Held a koala & petted a kangaroo - 2003
I spent 4 short days in Australia (near Brisbane) on a trip I spent more time flying for then there...but I did get to meet some cool critters.

Seen the Matterhorn (not Disney's version) in person - Summer 2010 
Also part of my Eurotrip. During our stay in Zermatt we took the train up to the lookout.

Caught fireflies on a summer night - youth
When I visited my cousins in Indiana as a kid, fireflies were one of my favorite parts. I wish we had them here!!!


Gone canyoning in Switzerland - Summer 2010  
Again, a highlight of the trip - jumping, riding, repelling and swimming down a glacial stream.

 

Delivered Christmas presents and dinner to a family in need - as many years as I can
My mom's Rotary group adopts families locally every year to give Christmas too. I try to go to the delivery every year that I can. Some of the tears of joy and gratitude I've seen shed make it so worthwhile.  

Swam in the Mediterranean - Summer 2010
In Nice, France and again on our boat tour with Angelo - more about it HERE
 

Swam with dolphins in Mexico - 2006
Actually I've done this twice, but this was more recent on my high school grad trip to Puerto Vallarta.

Won a National Championship - 2004
My club softball team won nationals in Missouri, having to beat another Idaho team in the semi-final to get to the championship.

 

Rode horseback under the stars - Summers 1999-2001
I'm not ashamed to admit I went to HORSE CAMP. Each year we did a night ride to the hot springs. There is nothing more peaceful that staring up and unpolluted, perfect stars as you sway on the back of an amazing animal.
 
 
Bought my first home - February 2013
I closed on my house on Fat Tuesday and got keys on Valentine's day. Here's more about the house story, Part 1, Part 2 and home buying tips!!
 

 
Seen The Lion King on Broadway - 2002I went on a Washington DC/New York school trip the spring of my freshman year. We saw the Lion King while in New York and I can't imagine a more unique, awesome performance!


Petted a shark - October 2014
Ocean World in Crescent City, California on our Wedding Roadtrip.
 

Hiked through a Red Wood Forrest - October 2014
Same Wedding Road Trip - all about it here.

Seen Ground Zero the year after 9/11- Spring 2002
As part of that same Washington DC/New York trip above, we made a special trip to Ground Zero which was still rubble at the time. Surrounding churches and buildings still had posters, art, memorials and other displays up. We almost weren't able to go on the trip at all because of 9/11 - but I have to say it was the most important and worthwhile part of the whole experience.


What would be on your reverse bucket list?!

Oh Hey Friday | Random 5

All I can say is TGIF my friends. Even with a short week this week, the weekend could not come soon enough. To be honest I have ZERO plans this weekend and I could not be happier about it.

Per the usual, I think I'll throw a little randomness at you for Friday. When you can pick 5 "anythings" for your Oh Hey Friday, then why not?!

1 || Did you know Pinterest now lets you MOVE pins? Yes, you can now reorganize your pins 50 at a time. It's a God send from someone who started Pinteresting back before it was cool to have 30 boards. So most of my few boards had soooooo many pins it was daunting. I've slowly started the process of sorting, slowly but surely, and I couldn't be more excited about it!

Some Pins this week:

2 || I have two major complaints this week... First, I have one of those deep, under the skin, super painful zits right now that I can't even get close to popping. Second, Gunner chewed my new phone case before I even got a chance to get it on my phone. It still works, but it has teeth marks and pieces around one of the side buttons are gone. 

It's a little greener in person, but isn't it fab??

3 ||  I know I have said this probably a million times before like here, but starting next week I am getting back on the wagon. The Health Wagon. I plan to meal prep all day Sunday and even make it to the gym this weekend. Now that some of the resolutioners have cleared out (hopefully) I will also be getting my ass back to the gym regularly. Stay tuned for some progress and healthy recipes #fingerscrossed

4 || Idaho is pretty. Enough said.

My first time pulling off at a "view point" on this drive I've made hundreds of times. The picture doesn't do it justice.

5 || I'm working on a Reverse Bucket List (look for it Monday!), stealing the idea from Kayla. The whole process has made me re-think my life and just how lucky I have been. I could have made the list so much longer than 15 things. 15 AMAZING things. I just can't believe how blessed my life has been. Who needs a bucket list when you are happy just looking back at where you've been??

Have a wonderful weekend lovelies!

TTFN,

My [Build Your Own Bloody] Mary

Hey there and happy Thirsty Thursday!

I know I'm not exactly re-inventing the wheel here, but considering everyone makes their Bloodies a little bit differently I figured it was fair game.

AND since I went to this amazing bar called Press in Spokane that had a $5 build your own Bloody Mary Bar, how could I resist not sharing what's in yours truely's perfect red dream?

Here's is what is in MY perfect Bloody Mary:

• 1.5 ounces vodka (I prefer bacon infused if you can find it)
• 1/2 TBS Worcestershire
• Generous sprinkle of Celery Salt
• Generous sprinkle of Garlic Powder
• Generous sprinkle of Onion Powder
• Generous sprinkle of Black Pepper (are you sick of sprinkles yet?)
• 4-5 drops of green Tobasco
• Several strips of Bacon
• Pickled Asparagus
• Pickled Green Beans
• A Green Olive
• A Slice of Lime, squeezed into glass
• Skewr of cheese, meat and veggies (seen above)
• Spicy Bloody Mary "mix".

 

Adorn glass with fixings, then stir all liquids/sprinkles together till thoroughly mixed.

If possible, enjoy with Breakfast Pizza - you can see it in the background.

That bad boy had sausage gravy as sauce, hash browns, sausage, scrambled eggs and cheese as toppings and then was drizzled with more gravy. TO. DIE. FOR.

Don't forget to link up with Kristin @ Hopelessly Ever After every week for Thursty Thursday and check out her co-host this week Amy @ Crazy Wise Woman!!!

TGIT and almost Friday!

TTFN,

#hashtaghumpday | short and sweet

So it's #HASHTAGHUMPDAY again!!!! AAAANDDD it's not the best because my laptop died and I couldn't find the cord. So I give you...the phone written post #donthate #lookimearly #oops

Don't forget to go give my co-host Lauren some love!!! 

<div align="center">
<a href="http://lauraakalolo.blogspot.com/" title="#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo" target="_blank"><img src="http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab136/lwelch900/Hashtaghumpdaysm_zpsc121607a.jpg" alt="#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 First a little business. Here’s the scoop:

• Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
• Grab the button and include it in your post
•  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
• Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
•  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
• Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

|| So I left on my little weekend road trip in the middle of a winter storm warning. I wouldn't recommend it #ialmostdied #scaryassroads #fog. Oh and to prove my point there was an 84 car pile up on that stretch less than 24 hours after I drove it. Did you see that picture that's trending of the guy pinned between two semis? Yeah that stretch of road #dontworryhesok

Souce: USA Today

|| All I did this weekend was eat and eat and drink some more with my girlfriends  #allthecheesesauce #pizzaandbeer #burgersandfries

|| The weekend also included almost 3 seasons of "friends" on Netflix #idroveallthewayforthat #howyoudoin? #PIVOT!

|| And I'm struggling to think of more stuff, and since I'm doing this on my phone, well, I'm gonna call it on account of circumstances #notafanofadversity
 

I will add links and photos I promise!!  And more in general... ok maybe not that much...

TTFN, 

An InLinkz Link-up