Just like my post title read- it is the small things that count. I'm easily amused and there are a lot of daily things that most people would deem "small" that make me happy. Happiness has been a theme in the blogger world these past few days. My friend Macey encouraged everyone to write down ten things that make them happy. I do what I'm told.
1. I love watching my dog lay outside on the porch, soaking up the sun and being completely content at just watching bugs in the grass. I can tell he enjoys the sun and in return I enjoy it.
2. Sitcoms. Although right now I am sad because all the sitcoms I watch have ended and I'm wondering what in the world I am going to watch during my breakfast and lunch. Suggestions?
3. Rolling down the windows in my Jeep as I cruise around makes me happy.
4. Country music, country radio and country singers bring a smile to my face.
5. Anything to do with polar bears. Photos, videos, stories, drawings, shirts, mugs, tattoos. If it has a white bear, I dig it.
6. Tasty leftovers for lunch. I love opening the fridge and remembering that I either have some take out left over from the night before or some left overs from a tasty dinner I cooked. It makes choosing my lunch easier and it's less time consuming. Thank you microwaves.
7. I enjoy my coffee dates after swim practice with my swimming friends. Typically about once a week (it seems to always land on a Tuesday) I enjoy a cup of coffee from Starbucks and chat with my girls… wet hair, rocking sweatpants.
8. Going to new restaurants really tickles my fancy. If I had the power (not to mention the time and money) I would always eat at a new restaurant or coffee shop.
9. I like prop shopping for food photo shoots. It's fun to pop in to antique stores and find some goodies.
10. Appropriate for this weekend- our annual Memorial Day camping trip makes me happy. And this year it might make me even more happy because for once we might not get rained on.
I also want to add that the obvious things in my life still make me happy. I assume you all know that my husband, God, photography, swimming, yoga and my family all bring joy to my life.
What makes you happy?
Skipping,
Aubrie
Showing posts with label Swimming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swimming. Show all posts
5.22.2014
12.31.2013
Simple & Sweet | 2014 Goals
Apparently I only blogged three posts this year. I think it's easy to say that my "personal" blog does not receive as much attention as my photography blog. I guess I didn't have a lot of things to get off my chest this year as I have had in the past. This blog is basically here for when I need to unleash some thoughts, list random things I've been thinking about or set goals. We all know what category this post falls into… after all it is December 31st.
The past two years I have listed a number of goals equal to the year. So for 2012 I had twelve goals and for 2013 I had thirteen goals. Guess what I am going to do for 2014??! … No, I'm not doing 14 goals. This is going to sound really sad but every year I look back at my goals and I don't accomplish at lot of them. It's not that I didn't accomplish anything, I think it's more that you don't know what will happen in a year and going with the flow is more my style. This year is simple. Three things I want to do in 2014.
1. Get my tattoo. And when I say "my" I mean the one I have thought about, designed in my head and actually wanted now for awhile. Not just any tattoo but the one I am ready to get now. It will be on my left arm just below the elbow crease, facing me… the tattoo is for me. (Does anyone have a a tattoo artist they recommend? I want someone that is good and not scary lol.)
2. AQUA-BIKE!!! It's now been on my goal list for two years… third year is a charm. I'm doing one.
I am looking into doing one in July in Bend, Oregon. http://www.deschutesdash.com
3. On the heels of the previous goal… I am on a masters swim team. It's been about two years now believe it or not. A lot of the swimmers keep track of their yardage on the USMS website… it's called a FLOG or Fitness Log. I finally signed up and I am going to keep track my yardage, yoga and biking (you can pretty much keep track of any fitness activity.) I don't have a set goal in mind as far as reaching a certain amount of yards or miles… first I need to get into the habit of logging.
And that's it folks. Not a lot of pressure for 2014. I always strive to be a good photographer, increase my business and I want to continue working on editorial and food photography. My photo career is past an every year resolution, it's a lifetime goal. I'm tired of reading books I don't like so I am over the whole "read classics" idea. I know David and I will hike, bike, kayak and camp as much as our schedules allow us to- so I don't need to pick a certain amount we should accomplish. And thankfully I think we found a good church we can call home for awhile so the spiritual growth is on an upwards mend. Amen. ;) So that's it. 2014- here we come!
Happy New Years!
Skipping,
Aubrie
The past two years I have listed a number of goals equal to the year. So for 2012 I had twelve goals and for 2013 I had thirteen goals. Guess what I am going to do for 2014??! … No, I'm not doing 14 goals. This is going to sound really sad but every year I look back at my goals and I don't accomplish at lot of them. It's not that I didn't accomplish anything, I think it's more that you don't know what will happen in a year and going with the flow is more my style. This year is simple. Three things I want to do in 2014.
1. Get my tattoo. And when I say "my" I mean the one I have thought about, designed in my head and actually wanted now for awhile. Not just any tattoo but the one I am ready to get now. It will be on my left arm just below the elbow crease, facing me… the tattoo is for me. (Does anyone have a a tattoo artist they recommend? I want someone that is good and not scary lol.)
2. AQUA-BIKE!!! It's now been on my goal list for two years… third year is a charm. I'm doing one.
I am looking into doing one in July in Bend, Oregon. http://www.deschutesdash.com
3. On the heels of the previous goal… I am on a masters swim team. It's been about two years now believe it or not. A lot of the swimmers keep track of their yardage on the USMS website… it's called a FLOG or Fitness Log. I finally signed up and I am going to keep track my yardage, yoga and biking (you can pretty much keep track of any fitness activity.) I don't have a set goal in mind as far as reaching a certain amount of yards or miles… first I need to get into the habit of logging.
And that's it folks. Not a lot of pressure for 2014. I always strive to be a good photographer, increase my business and I want to continue working on editorial and food photography. My photo career is past an every year resolution, it's a lifetime goal. I'm tired of reading books I don't like so I am over the whole "read classics" idea. I know David and I will hike, bike, kayak and camp as much as our schedules allow us to- so I don't need to pick a certain amount we should accomplish. And thankfully I think we found a good church we can call home for awhile so the spiritual growth is on an upwards mend. Amen. ;) So that's it. 2014- here we come!
Happy New Years!
Skipping,
Aubrie
1.13.2013
2013 GOALS
Readjust in a resolute manner.
Resolutions are tricky mainly because we RARELY complete a resolution. I do not do resolutions anymore. Instead I look at my life and I see what I can adjust to make my life a little happier, healthier with more wisdom and spiritual growth. I create goals and try to accomplish them. January is a time to readjust what you've been doing (if you need to) and to pick out goals for the next year to accomplish in a resolute manner. (Definition of resolute is simply "marked by firm determination.")
What I did last year is I posted twelve goals for myself to accomplish in 2012. I ventured back to that blog post to see how I did. I didn't do half bad, of course some of the "goals" were not to hard to accomplish. For instance number one on my list last year was to turn thirty. Good job, Aubrie! I turned thirty with out even breaking a sweat. Number two on my list definitely made me sweat, even if it was in water. (You still sweat when you are in water by the way.) I joined a masters swim team and I have been swimming for almost a year now.
I failed at a couple of goals as well. I did not finish another triathlon or aqua bike. I'm not really sure If I drove better this year either. I am STILL reading "Crazy Love," it's been on my night stand for a year. (It's heart wrenching and hard to read.) Number nine's "Rafting" could have been better, I only took the blow-up kayak out once. And I still need to venture down a few highways to check off number ten.
I am fairly happy with how the last two goals turned out. I have been published in 1859 every issue this year (and they moved to six issues a year.) Plus I was published in Portland Monthly and I had an image featured on the front cover of The Gorge Magazine. All in all I'll copy a famous saying in that "you win some and you loose some."
Sooo... for 2013 I thought I would keep my goal list, of course bumping it up to thirteen goals this year. However, instead of thinking of thirteen brand new goals I am going to move the "failed" goals from 2012 over to the new list and I want to still accomplish them. It's good to set goals, it's even better to accomplish what I've set out before me.
Here we go- 2013 BABY! (The first four are from 2012 and the last nine are my new goals.)
1. Aqua Bike (from 2012): Triathlons might be a thing of the past. I hate running. I do enjoy swimming and biking, hence an aqua bike. Yes, they do exist.
2. Rafting (from 2012): I feel like taking my blow-up kayak out one time did not really count. Let's up the ante and go for three times this summer!!
3. Roads (from 2012): I did not drive across the two highways I wanted to mark off on my map, so they are back. Highway 228-20 from Sweet Home to Black Butte Ranch and highway 126 from Springfield to Belknap Springs area.
4. Drive Better (from 2012): Driving better really has a root problem. The root of the problem is I am a procrastinator and I am always running late. When I am running late I think that driving like a bat out of hell will some how magically give me back those precious minutes I lost doing whatever it was that made me late. So really, I need to work on being on time and then I will be the worlds best driver... okay and I probably shouldn't follow to close, pause at stop signs or put my make-up on while driving.
5. Editorial/Magazines: The prime goal for 2013 is to get into as many magazines as possible and really work hard on my editorial portfolio. I still want to be in every issue of 1859 and I now want to be in every issue of The Gorge Magazine plus have at least two or three assignments in Portland Monthly. I am really trying to get into Touring and Tasting, Mix and Sip NW!
6. Food Photography: Food photography falls on the heels of the previous goal. I think food/drink photography is huge for editorial and I really want to improve on my food photography skills. I am currently reading Plate to Pixel (mini goal- finish the book) and I might look into taking a class as well.
7. Read: I want to read at least five "classic" novels. Right now I am reading Jack Kuraoc's "On the Road." Once I am finished with that book I want to read Catch 22, Pride and Prejudice, one of Hemingway's books and the fifth book I am not sure yet... I'm thinking about Huck Finn or rereading The Great Gatsby. Along with the classic list I want to finish reading books I have started and not finished; including "Crazy Love" (from 2012's list) plus "Storytellers" and "Hot Shoe Diaries."
8. Geo Cache: Dave and I like to drive, we like to hike and we have a GPS dealy-thing. (It's Dave's, I clearly don't know what it is called.) So I figured we should try geo caching.
9. Country Line Dance & Two Step: I'm a country girl- I should know how to line dance. David even said he would take the classes with me. Hopefully next time we venture out to Dukes we'll be able to hit up the dance floor.
10. Nationals: US Master Swimming Nationals is this May and it just happens to be at my old stomping ground, eh, pool. IUPUI was where all my big swim meets were held and I would love to go back and swim in the pool as an out-of-shape adult swimmer. A lot of things have to happen to accomplish this goal. First I need to make the cut times, second I need to train for the meet (or vise-versa train for the cut times), third I need to be able to afford to fly into Indy. We shall see. (An additional swimming goal is to go to practice at least four times a week, every week.)
11. Yoga: I like yoga. I have a yoga instructor and I get private lessons from her. She has me working on what we call my "magic three" poses that I need to do pretty much every day. So... I want to do yoga every day, even if it's just for ten minutes.
12. Writing: I like writing. I'm not good at it. I need to practice, so I probably should write more. I want to be able to write better blog posts for my photography blog and I want to be able to write up little "love stories" for my couples and intertwine that with their wedding albums. I randomly started writing an awful novel for like, I don't know, teenagers or something. Still- it's fun and and its good practice so I need to continue writing it. I also would like to take some writing classes to polish up the old writing skills.
13. Spiritual Life: As a Christian I am always trying to deepen my walk with God. I have a few simple things I want to work on this year to keep my faith growing. First- I am reading through "My Utmost for His Highest." It's a daily devotional read, every day it just has a verse and a couple of paragraphs to read and think/pray about. Speaking of prayer- I always need to up my prayer time. The last thing will be difficult with David's schedule but I would like to join a small group within our church at Branches. (And of course I am continuing another year, my fourth year, volunteering at Pregnancy Resource Center.)
Resolutions are tricky mainly because we RARELY complete a resolution. I do not do resolutions anymore. Instead I look at my life and I see what I can adjust to make my life a little happier, healthier with more wisdom and spiritual growth. I create goals and try to accomplish them. January is a time to readjust what you've been doing (if you need to) and to pick out goals for the next year to accomplish in a resolute manner. (Definition of resolute is simply "marked by firm determination.")
What I did last year is I posted twelve goals for myself to accomplish in 2012. I ventured back to that blog post to see how I did. I didn't do half bad, of course some of the "goals" were not to hard to accomplish. For instance number one on my list last year was to turn thirty. Good job, Aubrie! I turned thirty with out even breaking a sweat. Number two on my list definitely made me sweat, even if it was in water. (You still sweat when you are in water by the way.) I joined a masters swim team and I have been swimming for almost a year now.
I failed at a couple of goals as well. I did not finish another triathlon or aqua bike. I'm not really sure If I drove better this year either. I am STILL reading "Crazy Love," it's been on my night stand for a year. (It's heart wrenching and hard to read.) Number nine's "Rafting" could have been better, I only took the blow-up kayak out once. And I still need to venture down a few highways to check off number ten.
I am fairly happy with how the last two goals turned out. I have been published in 1859 every issue this year (and they moved to six issues a year.) Plus I was published in Portland Monthly and I had an image featured on the front cover of The Gorge Magazine. All in all I'll copy a famous saying in that "you win some and you loose some."
Sooo... for 2013 I thought I would keep my goal list, of course bumping it up to thirteen goals this year. However, instead of thinking of thirteen brand new goals I am going to move the "failed" goals from 2012 over to the new list and I want to still accomplish them. It's good to set goals, it's even better to accomplish what I've set out before me.
Here we go- 2013 BABY! (The first four are from 2012 and the last nine are my new goals.)
1. Aqua Bike (from 2012): Triathlons might be a thing of the past. I hate running. I do enjoy swimming and biking, hence an aqua bike. Yes, they do exist.
2. Rafting (from 2012): I feel like taking my blow-up kayak out one time did not really count. Let's up the ante and go for three times this summer!!
3. Roads (from 2012): I did not drive across the two highways I wanted to mark off on my map, so they are back. Highway 228-20 from Sweet Home to Black Butte Ranch and highway 126 from Springfield to Belknap Springs area.
4. Drive Better (from 2012): Driving better really has a root problem. The root of the problem is I am a procrastinator and I am always running late. When I am running late I think that driving like a bat out of hell will some how magically give me back those precious minutes I lost doing whatever it was that made me late. So really, I need to work on being on time and then I will be the worlds best driver... okay and I probably shouldn't follow to close, pause at stop signs or put my make-up on while driving.
5. Editorial/Magazines: The prime goal for 2013 is to get into as many magazines as possible and really work hard on my editorial portfolio. I still want to be in every issue of 1859 and I now want to be in every issue of The Gorge Magazine plus have at least two or three assignments in Portland Monthly. I am really trying to get into Touring and Tasting, Mix and Sip NW!
6. Food Photography: Food photography falls on the heels of the previous goal. I think food/drink photography is huge for editorial and I really want to improve on my food photography skills. I am currently reading Plate to Pixel (mini goal- finish the book) and I might look into taking a class as well.
7. Read: I want to read at least five "classic" novels. Right now I am reading Jack Kuraoc's "On the Road." Once I am finished with that book I want to read Catch 22, Pride and Prejudice, one of Hemingway's books and the fifth book I am not sure yet... I'm thinking about Huck Finn or rereading The Great Gatsby. Along with the classic list I want to finish reading books I have started and not finished; including "Crazy Love" (from 2012's list) plus "Storytellers" and "Hot Shoe Diaries."
8. Geo Cache: Dave and I like to drive, we like to hike and we have a GPS dealy-thing. (It's Dave's, I clearly don't know what it is called.) So I figured we should try geo caching.
9. Country Line Dance & Two Step: I'm a country girl- I should know how to line dance. David even said he would take the classes with me. Hopefully next time we venture out to Dukes we'll be able to hit up the dance floor.
10. Nationals: US Master Swimming Nationals is this May and it just happens to be at my old stomping ground, eh, pool. IUPUI was where all my big swim meets were held and I would love to go back and swim in the pool as an out-of-shape adult swimmer. A lot of things have to happen to accomplish this goal. First I need to make the cut times, second I need to train for the meet (or vise-versa train for the cut times), third I need to be able to afford to fly into Indy. We shall see. (An additional swimming goal is to go to practice at least four times a week, every week.)
11. Yoga: I like yoga. I have a yoga instructor and I get private lessons from her. She has me working on what we call my "magic three" poses that I need to do pretty much every day. So... I want to do yoga every day, even if it's just for ten minutes.
12. Writing: I like writing. I'm not good at it. I need to practice, so I probably should write more. I want to be able to write better blog posts for my photography blog and I want to be able to write up little "love stories" for my couples and intertwine that with their wedding albums. I randomly started writing an awful novel for like, I don't know, teenagers or something. Still- it's fun and and its good practice so I need to continue writing it. I also would like to take some writing classes to polish up the old writing skills.
13. Spiritual Life: As a Christian I am always trying to deepen my walk with God. I have a few simple things I want to work on this year to keep my faith growing. First- I am reading through "My Utmost for His Highest." It's a daily devotional read, every day it just has a verse and a couple of paragraphs to read and think/pray about. Speaking of prayer- I always need to up my prayer time. The last thing will be difficult with David's schedule but I would like to join a small group within our church at Branches. (And of course I am continuing another year, my fourth year, volunteering at Pregnancy Resource Center.)
4.06.2012
Food. Books. Movies. Clothes. Wine. Aqua-Bike. Photography.
Let's talk about everything... everything that is cliche. Nothing too deep on this post today. Just a lot of things I've seen, heard, read, tasted or want to try. You know, the basics... food, clothes, movies, music, books and of course my two "basics" photography and wine. This is definitely a "For Fun" kinda-post.
Food:
So for awhile there David and I were trying the 17-day diet... first time around we had success and the last two times we've tried again we did not accomplish anything. Since I was watching what I was eating I really didn't get to cook anything too exciting. I don't need to make fried chicken with a thick cream sauce... but when you limit dairy, grains, etc. it makes for some boring meals to create. I've hit a little "mood" where I want to cook some new dishes and maybe even bake a few treats.
So I have a few things I'm going to try at some point this week/weekend...
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese... click here for a picture and recipe
Asparagus and Chicken Fricassee... click here for a picture and recipe
Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes... click here for a picture and recipe
I have all the ingredients for everything above... I'll let you know how they all turn out. I made my own version of Oatmeal Cookies the other day. They actually turned out awesome... I cut the oats in half and put coconut and dried cranberries in the mix. Yum. Click here for a picture and recipe.
Books:
I just finished reading "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. Great read! He is such a funny writer. The book was about him and his friend hiking the Appalachian Trail. (The AT is just like the Pacific Crest Trail but on the East side of the country). You learn a lot about America reading the book as well. If you are into hiking/travel/adventure/outdoors kind of books you'll definitely enjoy this one. I can't wait to pick up another book by Bryson.
I am totally switching gears and I just started reading "Crazy Love." My sister gave me the book for Christmas. The back of the book reads...
"Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing-love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not... we all know something's wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and dont's- it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, you will never be the same."
It's going to be a "hard" read... if ya know what I mean.
Movies:
So movies have been a little difficult lately. I've actually watched a few that really did not excite me at all. "Drive" was fairly gory and not what I expected. "Tintin" was actually kind of boring to me. "Rum Diary" was not all that great either. A little while back I watched "Moneyball" and I really enjoyed that movie. (David not as much, but I don't think he gets/likes baseball as much as I do.) We just rented "How to Train your Dragon." That movie was very cute and entertaining... safe for the whole family lol. I would recommend it. Cheap theatre night we watched "This Means War." It was actually very funny, we laughed out loud a handful of times. And the other day we saw "Hunger Games." I did not read the book... so from just a movie point of view I thought it was good. It wasn't like the best movie I've ever seen or anything... but I judge movies purely on an entertaining value. Did it entertain me? Yes. (Warning for the next one: Spoiler Alert.) So I rented "One Day" the other night while David was out of town. Great little movie... loved how it went through all the different years and how the two characters grew. (Plus I loved Anne Hathaway's hairstyles). The ending shocked me. I got a bad feeling all of a sudden... like "Ohh no, something horrible is going to happen." And before I could even finish that thought.... BAM! She literally gets ran over by a bus. I actually put my hands to my face an a little yelp squeaked out. I was shocked. Of course the movie turns sad... but that's life, right? The very end of the movie brings you back to the beginning so you can see what actually happened and finishes it so that your not completely in the blues. I think it was a good movie... even if it didn't have the ending I wanted.
....This is not a movie, but I do have to say very quickly that I've been enjoying "Frozen Planet" on the Discovery channel every Sunday night. Awesome cinematography.
Clothes:
I bought a pair of cowgirl boots for my birthday. I. Love. Them. They are brown with a turquoise diamond pattern on them. So every girl has their "thing" that they like to buy... a lot of girls it's shoes, for some it's purses and others love scarfs. Mine is skirts. I love my skirts so much that I just sent about 10+ skirts home with one of my friends so she can take them all in for me. (I lost some weight/inches and a lot of my skirts were not fitting correctly.) Instead of tossing them out and just buying new ones I decided to save them. SAVE THE SKIRTS! I did loose a jean skirt though. It's way to big on me and she could not save it. Sad. So now I'm down to... 20 skirts. TWENTY? Yes. What? I like skirts... how many pair of shoes do you have? ;)
Aqua-Bike
I really want to try an aqua-bike this summer. I loved my triathlons last summer but I hated training for the running part. I'm just not a runner. Obviously I love swimming, Masters Swimming is going well. I actually have another meet next Saturday. And biking is a lot of fun too. Running sucks. So this summer I thought I would concentrate on the two sports I like and try out an aqua-bike. I know you're all going "what the heck is that??!" It's a race where you just do the swimming and biking... no running. The swim and the bike are longer though (than a Sprint triathlon). Right now I am looking at the Grand Columbian Aqua-Bike in September. It's a 1.2 mile swim followed by a 56 mile bike ride.
Wine:
We've came across a few wineries lately that were pretty good. I always like to share... So Carlton is this cute little po-dunk town with a bunch of wineries. You could definitely spend the afternoon tasting and you would only have to walk a few blocks. Scott Paul had a few wines that we enjoyed... it was fun learning more about the French region. I really enjoyed Folin Cellars though, they had a lot of reds, Barbara, Tempranillo, Cab, etc. that I liked. I would definitely check that place out. We went into the Gorge for my birthday weekend. We've hit up a lot of the wineries on the Oregon side so we decided to mix it up and hit the Washington side. They were all pretty good... I think Syncline was probably my favorite. Plus it had a big tree-swing so that's always fun. (Memaloose has a nice deck/view of the river and the coolest wine-dog ever.)
My birthday present from David was a wine membership at our favorite winery, Marchesi. Come June we'll have 7 bottles of wine from the Italian winery. Mmmmmm! I can't wait. They can't make a bad wine over there. Who wants to have a wine party in June? This girl. :)
Photography:
I bought a new macro lens!!! 60mm f2.8 macro lens. I'm excited to play with it! (I actually would be playing with it right now, but my stomach is in shambles so I'm laying low...hence writing a long blog on nothing.) I'm looking forward to the busy summer season. I'm over this slow Spring phase I am in right now. I'm ready to shoot and shoot and edit and edit. (Although mid way through I won't be singing the same tune with the editing deal.)
Check out my Instagram feed... I am doing a "Photo a Day" in April. I am following this list here.
My Insta name is "aubrielegault" come follow me.
Well I think that about covers it. I have a few Instagram photos to take... a new lens to pay with, a hard-heart-filled book to read and an aqua-bike to train for. I better get on with it.
Skipping,
Aubrie
Food:
So for awhile there David and I were trying the 17-day diet... first time around we had success and the last two times we've tried again we did not accomplish anything. Since I was watching what I was eating I really didn't get to cook anything too exciting. I don't need to make fried chicken with a thick cream sauce... but when you limit dairy, grains, etc. it makes for some boring meals to create. I've hit a little "mood" where I want to cook some new dishes and maybe even bake a few treats.
So I have a few things I'm going to try at some point this week/weekend...
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese... click here for a picture and recipe
Asparagus and Chicken Fricassee... click here for a picture and recipe
Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes... click here for a picture and recipe
I have all the ingredients for everything above... I'll let you know how they all turn out. I made my own version of Oatmeal Cookies the other day. They actually turned out awesome... I cut the oats in half and put coconut and dried cranberries in the mix. Yum. Click here for a picture and recipe.
Books:
I just finished reading "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. Great read! He is such a funny writer. The book was about him and his friend hiking the Appalachian Trail. (The AT is just like the Pacific Crest Trail but on the East side of the country). You learn a lot about America reading the book as well. If you are into hiking/travel/adventure/outdoors kind of books you'll definitely enjoy this one. I can't wait to pick up another book by Bryson.
I am totally switching gears and I just started reading "Crazy Love." My sister gave me the book for Christmas. The back of the book reads...
"Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing-love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not... we all know something's wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and dont's- it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, you will never be the same."
It's going to be a "hard" read... if ya know what I mean.
Movies:
So movies have been a little difficult lately. I've actually watched a few that really did not excite me at all. "Drive" was fairly gory and not what I expected. "Tintin" was actually kind of boring to me. "Rum Diary" was not all that great either. A little while back I watched "Moneyball" and I really enjoyed that movie. (David not as much, but I don't think he gets/likes baseball as much as I do.) We just rented "How to Train your Dragon." That movie was very cute and entertaining... safe for the whole family lol. I would recommend it. Cheap theatre night we watched "This Means War." It was actually very funny, we laughed out loud a handful of times. And the other day we saw "Hunger Games." I did not read the book... so from just a movie point of view I thought it was good. It wasn't like the best movie I've ever seen or anything... but I judge movies purely on an entertaining value. Did it entertain me? Yes. (Warning for the next one: Spoiler Alert.) So I rented "One Day" the other night while David was out of town. Great little movie... loved how it went through all the different years and how the two characters grew. (Plus I loved Anne Hathaway's hairstyles). The ending shocked me. I got a bad feeling all of a sudden... like "Ohh no, something horrible is going to happen." And before I could even finish that thought.... BAM! She literally gets ran over by a bus. I actually put my hands to my face an a little yelp squeaked out. I was shocked. Of course the movie turns sad... but that's life, right? The very end of the movie brings you back to the beginning so you can see what actually happened and finishes it so that your not completely in the blues. I think it was a good movie... even if it didn't have the ending I wanted.
....This is not a movie, but I do have to say very quickly that I've been enjoying "Frozen Planet" on the Discovery channel every Sunday night. Awesome cinematography.
Clothes:
I bought a pair of cowgirl boots for my birthday. I. Love. Them. They are brown with a turquoise diamond pattern on them. So every girl has their "thing" that they like to buy... a lot of girls it's shoes, for some it's purses and others love scarfs. Mine is skirts. I love my skirts so much that I just sent about 10+ skirts home with one of my friends so she can take them all in for me. (I lost some weight/inches and a lot of my skirts were not fitting correctly.) Instead of tossing them out and just buying new ones I decided to save them. SAVE THE SKIRTS! I did loose a jean skirt though. It's way to big on me and she could not save it. Sad. So now I'm down to... 20 skirts. TWENTY? Yes. What? I like skirts... how many pair of shoes do you have? ;)
Aqua-Bike
I really want to try an aqua-bike this summer. I loved my triathlons last summer but I hated training for the running part. I'm just not a runner. Obviously I love swimming, Masters Swimming is going well. I actually have another meet next Saturday. And biking is a lot of fun too. Running sucks. So this summer I thought I would concentrate on the two sports I like and try out an aqua-bike. I know you're all going "what the heck is that??!" It's a race where you just do the swimming and biking... no running. The swim and the bike are longer though (than a Sprint triathlon). Right now I am looking at the Grand Columbian Aqua-Bike in September. It's a 1.2 mile swim followed by a 56 mile bike ride.
Wine:
We've came across a few wineries lately that were pretty good. I always like to share... So Carlton is this cute little po-dunk town with a bunch of wineries. You could definitely spend the afternoon tasting and you would only have to walk a few blocks. Scott Paul had a few wines that we enjoyed... it was fun learning more about the French region. I really enjoyed Folin Cellars though, they had a lot of reds, Barbara, Tempranillo, Cab, etc. that I liked. I would definitely check that place out. We went into the Gorge for my birthday weekend. We've hit up a lot of the wineries on the Oregon side so we decided to mix it up and hit the Washington side. They were all pretty good... I think Syncline was probably my favorite. Plus it had a big tree-swing so that's always fun. (Memaloose has a nice deck/view of the river and the coolest wine-dog ever.)
My birthday present from David was a wine membership at our favorite winery, Marchesi. Come June we'll have 7 bottles of wine from the Italian winery. Mmmmmm! I can't wait. They can't make a bad wine over there. Who wants to have a wine party in June? This girl. :)
Photography:
I bought a new macro lens!!! 60mm f2.8 macro lens. I'm excited to play with it! (I actually would be playing with it right now, but my stomach is in shambles so I'm laying low...hence writing a long blog on nothing.) I'm looking forward to the busy summer season. I'm over this slow Spring phase I am in right now. I'm ready to shoot and shoot and edit and edit. (Although mid way through I won't be singing the same tune with the editing deal.)
Check out my Instagram feed... I am doing a "Photo a Day" in April. I am following this list here.
My Insta name is "aubrielegault" come follow me.
Well I think that about covers it. I have a few Instagram photos to take... a new lens to pay with, a hard-heart-filled book to read and an aqua-bike to train for. I better get on with it.
Skipping,
Aubrie
3.25.2012
Three Decades.
Three decades down. It's hard to believe I'm thirty. You have to think back through your life a little bit when you hit a milestone, of course when you turn 10 or even 20 I don't think you care as much. In fact when you turn twenty the only thing you really think about is that you have one more year before you're legal to drink. Something happens over the next10 years... in a very basic sense, you grow up. I mean really there are a lot of major life occurrences that happen in those ten years, at least that was the case for me. So in the celebration of my birthday and the fact that I like lists I thought it would be appropriate to look back on some of my fondest moments, big decisions and a few accomplishments (big and small).
1. Birth. Coming into this world on 3.25.82 around 7:30 AM. (An accomplishment more so for my mom and dad, but I thought it was a good start to my list.)
2. Bike Parade. We had to decorate our bikes and ride them around the block, a grand accomplishment for a 5-year-old. I had my best friend by my side, rocking her Kool-Aid mustache, Sarah Redwine (Keifer now). She is actually probably one my greatest accomplishments because we were best friends that day and thirty years later we're still great friends.
3. State Swim Meet. Honestly all my state swim meets we're great and I think I should be proud of being a talented swimmer. My favorite state meet though was my first. I was one of two 8-year-olds in the whole state that made it for 50-yard-fly. I remember seeing my name written in light bulbs across the huge score board and standing up on that swim block that was larger than life. I think the obsession started there. I wanted to swim, I needed to swim and so I did for the next 9 years.
4. Harris Heat to Indiana Sting. A group of girls that one day put on these bright purple uniforms and called themselves an All-Star Team. We were good. The great thing about this "team" was not that we were good for one season but that a big core group of us played every year together from about 10-years-old all the way through our senior year of high school. We might of had different names and different colors but the cleats that hit the infield didn't really change. I can see Yo-Yo at shortstop, Monica behind first, Toni covering third, Missy (or myself) on the mound, Mary and Bene in the outfield. We had a lot of great games and moments together.
5. Ain't Going Down. I specifically remember spending days, even weeks memorizing that song by Garth Brooks. Not sure why it made this list, but it did.
6. Swanson Summers. I spent two summers life guarding at Swanson Pool with one of my high school best friends, Melissa. I just remember those summers fondly.
7. 1:03. I had a 1:04 in the 100 fly for about two years straight... I still remember the meet where years of hard work finally came together and I let go of that time and finally hit a 1:03 in my favorite event. (My high school swim seasons definitely shaped my life and I'm grateful for those years I spent day in and day out swimming.)
8. Minolta X-700. My first camera. It was (and still is) the best Christmas present I've ever received. It lit the fire for photography... and that flame is still burning.
9. Skipping & Climbing. We all have our teenage moments where we throw caution to the wind and pretty much do what we want. I know I have a handful of stories but the two that stick out in my mind were skipping math class to hit up the rope swing along the St. Joe river. (You can read this post where I talk a little more on that adventure.) And of course the one and only time I've been arrested.... for repelling off a water tower. :)
10. Photojournalism. A stranger actually picked my degree. Okay, not really. But I don't have an actual name of the person that looked at me and said "You should go for Photojournalism." To whoever you are, thank you. It was one of the best decisions I made. Not a lot of people figure out what they want to do their sophomore year in college, I was grateful to be one of those few.
11. BC Klan. God, I had great friends in college! There are so many memories from college that it's hard to narrow it down to one. The BC Klan (later turning into the Linden Place Klan) is really just another way of saying I had a great, fun, fabulous group of college friends. I miss them every day.
12. Relationships. I wouldn't be the woman I am today with out the many, many relationships I had. My first kiss with Brian K. Mark H.- the first guy that ever had a MAJOR crush on me, I finally gave in after about a year or so. Tracy- ohh, Tracy... there's almost too much to say with that one. Camp Birch Hill flings... like Joe and Shaun. Sean Compton- oh my! hahaha. Jose! God, what was I thinking? Even the relationships that never came about... David G, Chase T, Geoff B. All those dates and kisses and break-ups and heartaches and everything in between.... definitely shaped me, I'm sure of that.
13. Camp Birch Hill. It was by far the greatest job, ever. (Okay, that you can have as a 20-year-old) I met some amazing people that I am still friends with today. I was able to visit the NE part of our country and I just saw and did some amazing things. It was one of the greatest times in my life.
14. Grateful Dead. There are many things I could have put to "explain" my early 20's. A little walk down Shakedown Street probably says it all. I had some wonderful times being a lil hippie.
15. New Years Eve. They happen every year, but one in particular stands out to me. I can see my college Klan all decked out to the nines (at least for college kids) with my apartment decorated in some sort of cheap-NY-style, singing "Tiny Dancer" with champagne glasses in hand.
16. Internship. I had an internship at the Muncie Star Press. It was my first real taste at being a photographer, a paid photographer. I loved it... and I still love it.
17. Graduating. I think I have to put this... I know a lot of people graduate college these days. I am proud of myself for getting a B.A. in Photojournalism. I'm glad that I was part of a lot of organizations like NPPA and the Daily News. I was glad I made all those wonderful friends and had some amazing experiences at Ball State. And then....
18. Oregon. I moved to Oregon. I graduated and decided that I would pack up my little Toyota and drive 2000+ miles across the country to a state I really knew nothing about. (The road trip with my sister is a fond memory.) Obviously I loved it otherwise I wouldn't be writing this post from my home in Portland, Oregon six years later.
19. Camera World. My first job in Oregon, I was a lab tech at Camera World. The job introduced me to some great friends and it made me grow up and take on some responsibility. Plus, of course, I met David there.
20. Sushi. I ate Sushi for the first time with David on one of our dates. I know it seems kind of silly but I think that was the start of trying a lot of new things, especially when it came to food. I love all types of food now and trying out new restaurants... it's one of my favorite things to do.
21. Lukah! Whether it's the first time that dog walked through my first apartment in Gresham, or when Lukah started to live with David and I over in St. John's or when the paperwork arrived in the mail officially declaring him MY dog, whichever moment you wanna pick to be #20 is fine with me. Either way he's the greatest dog and he just simply makes me happy.
22. Wine Tasting. It started one day with a Chateau St. Michelle Riesling. It's grown into knowing the differences between a Syrah and a Shiraz (really nothing, except the "z" one is from Australia) and being able to pick out things like "cloves" in a spicy red or "grapefruit" in the nose of a white. I love wine tasting.
23. Capturing Grace Photography. Starting my own business has been really fun and definitely an educational experience. Ever since I started the business it has been just that... fun and a lot to learn! I'm always learning and growing and there isn't one shoot or one day with a camera in my hand that I regret being a photographer.
24. Grace of God. The day I gave my life to Jesus was and forever will be the greatest decision I've ever made. The day David and I were baptized together was a wonderful moment in our lives together.
25. July 18, 2008. The day we were announced as "Mr. and Mrs. David LeGault." I love my husband. And quite frankly I could have made the wrong choice of where to live, or what to do for a living, but as long as David would have been part of the final product I know I would be happy.
26. Volunteer. I volunteer for the Pregnancy Resource Center. There are a lot of things that people like to stand for and believe in and I think everyone should pick one and help the cause. I'm against abortions and I found that the work that PRC does is a positive way to stand up for what I believe in with out having to stand in some brutal picketing or have a screaming match with someone who is pro choice. I enjoy volunteering there and being one of God's working hands.
27. Coach. Becoming a coach has been such a blessing already. I love coaching high school swimming and I'm looking forward to next year already.
28. Triathlete. A great thing to check off the ol' bucket list. I enjoyed training for the triathlon and competing. I look forward to doing it again.
29. 1859 Cover. It's one of those things that you can look back and say "I worked for this" plus you can look forward and say "Great things will come become of this."
30. Living. Living, loving, breathing, failing, succeeding, working, resting, enjoying... living. Turning 30 and not saying "boo-hoo, I'm old" but instead looking forward to my next three decades.
Skipping,
Aubrie
3.01.2012
Imagination Overload
Is an over-charged imagination a good thing or can it be harmful to, let's say, one's spirit?
I know, you probably just went... "What?! What is she talking about?" For starters it's an odd question and might not make sense to you at all. I am sure a lot of people are thinking the words 'imagination' and 'harmful' do not belong in the same sentence.
So I'll skip the jibber jabber and cut to my point. I have a very BIG imagination which leads to all sorts of ideas, odd thoughts and TONS of day dreams. If I were to keep little note pads everywhere and write down all the things I think of and shared them with you I think you would find me to be a little crazy. (Crazy in the good kind of way though, I promise none of my thoughts are morbid... except when I day dream about my funeral.) My imagination has concocted about 20 different novel ideas, literally novels, like fiction books you read. All of them romance- go figure. In another life I'm pretty sure I was a fiction writer.
So how is this harmful you ask? Well I'm wondering if my day dreams and big, bright ideas let me down sometimes. For example... I day dream a lot about getting into different magazines with my photography. Like the editor at Sunset Magazine calls the editor at 1859 and asks if he knows of a good photographer in Oregon. Of course (since this is MY day dream) Kevin (editor) says that I am the best and gives the editor my contact information. Before you know it I'm hitting the front cover of Sunset.
My day dream prompts me to some sort of action that might make that lil dream a reality. Of course I'm sensible enough to know that the editor of Sunset is not going to contact Kevin and even in the RARE case he/she did I'm pretty sure I would not be number one on their list. So I know I need to do something else to get their attention. So I looked into what magazine editors like to receive as far as promotional items from freelance photographers. I made such promotional items, I made a list of magazines to mail to and now I will sit back and hold my breath.
What's happening though is I've got myself so psyched up from all my day dreaming that I think all these magazines are going to call me. (So now we've gone from just Sunset to like 12 different magazines.) I'm now day dreaming of Mix contacting me and the editor at Portland Monthly saying "This is the girl who had that awesome front cover on 1859... she wants to shoot for us!"
What happens when every single one of those promotional photo cards gets tossed in the trash? Or better yet, not even opened? What happens when my day dreams don't turn into reality? Will this kill my spirit? Will it slowly, over time, bring me down to the point where I don't listen to my dreams anymore?
It's not just my photography business. I swim. I practice 4-5 times a week, I enter in a few meets through out the year. My day dreams do not consist of me having a great practice or a best time in my 50 fly. Noooo.... my day dreams are taking me to Nationals in 2013 back to my old stomping ground, Indianapolis IUPUI. I'm swimming in Nationals. All of my friends and family are there watching. I'm seeded first in one event and second in another. I'm talked about on the TV and the radio. They talk about how pretty my butterfly is and how fast my flip turns are. I swim. I win. I go out and celebrate with everyone. It is actually very possible for me to swim in Nationals in 2013. Partly because you don't necessarily have to qualify. It's possible that my mom and dad would come watch... maybe my sister and maybe a friend or two. Everything else is just hype in my head though.
Am I letting myself down or am I holding myself to unattainable standards?
I'm pretty sure I can't suppress my imagination nor can I cut out my day dreams. I've been like this since I was a little kid. I just hope that I don't get lost in my world of day dreams and that I know the difference between my outrageous dreams and reality. I hope that I keep trying and that those dreams don't break me.
...Here's hoping one of those magazines contacts me... and I swim at Nationals. ;)
Skipping,
Aubrie
I know, you probably just went... "What?! What is she talking about?" For starters it's an odd question and might not make sense to you at all. I am sure a lot of people are thinking the words 'imagination' and 'harmful' do not belong in the same sentence.
So I'll skip the jibber jabber and cut to my point. I have a very BIG imagination which leads to all sorts of ideas, odd thoughts and TONS of day dreams. If I were to keep little note pads everywhere and write down all the things I think of and shared them with you I think you would find me to be a little crazy. (Crazy in the good kind of way though, I promise none of my thoughts are morbid... except when I day dream about my funeral.) My imagination has concocted about 20 different novel ideas, literally novels, like fiction books you read. All of them romance- go figure. In another life I'm pretty sure I was a fiction writer.
So how is this harmful you ask? Well I'm wondering if my day dreams and big, bright ideas let me down sometimes. For example... I day dream a lot about getting into different magazines with my photography. Like the editor at Sunset Magazine calls the editor at 1859 and asks if he knows of a good photographer in Oregon. Of course (since this is MY day dream) Kevin (editor) says that I am the best and gives the editor my contact information. Before you know it I'm hitting the front cover of Sunset.
My day dream prompts me to some sort of action that might make that lil dream a reality. Of course I'm sensible enough to know that the editor of Sunset is not going to contact Kevin and even in the RARE case he/she did I'm pretty sure I would not be number one on their list. So I know I need to do something else to get their attention. So I looked into what magazine editors like to receive as far as promotional items from freelance photographers. I made such promotional items, I made a list of magazines to mail to and now I will sit back and hold my breath.
What's happening though is I've got myself so psyched up from all my day dreaming that I think all these magazines are going to call me. (So now we've gone from just Sunset to like 12 different magazines.) I'm now day dreaming of Mix contacting me and the editor at Portland Monthly saying "This is the girl who had that awesome front cover on 1859... she wants to shoot for us!"
What happens when every single one of those promotional photo cards gets tossed in the trash? Or better yet, not even opened? What happens when my day dreams don't turn into reality? Will this kill my spirit? Will it slowly, over time, bring me down to the point where I don't listen to my dreams anymore?
It's not just my photography business. I swim. I practice 4-5 times a week, I enter in a few meets through out the year. My day dreams do not consist of me having a great practice or a best time in my 50 fly. Noooo.... my day dreams are taking me to Nationals in 2013 back to my old stomping ground, Indianapolis IUPUI. I'm swimming in Nationals. All of my friends and family are there watching. I'm seeded first in one event and second in another. I'm talked about on the TV and the radio. They talk about how pretty my butterfly is and how fast my flip turns are. I swim. I win. I go out and celebrate with everyone. It is actually very possible for me to swim in Nationals in 2013. Partly because you don't necessarily have to qualify. It's possible that my mom and dad would come watch... maybe my sister and maybe a friend or two. Everything else is just hype in my head though.
Am I letting myself down or am I holding myself to unattainable standards?
I'm pretty sure I can't suppress my imagination nor can I cut out my day dreams. I've been like this since I was a little kid. I just hope that I don't get lost in my world of day dreams and that I know the difference between my outrageous dreams and reality. I hope that I keep trying and that those dreams don't break me.
...Here's hoping one of those magazines contacts me... and I swim at Nationals. ;)
Skipping,
Aubrie
1.03.2012
Eleven to Twelve
The first week of January is always bittersweet. A lot of people, including myself, tend to look back at the year that has passed with sweet memories most of which will never occur again. We also look towards the year to come with anticipations, goals and a hopeful heart that we can top the previous year.
I had a great year and I wanted to recap some of my favorite moments. Of course doing it in a list fashion, because I dig lists. A lot of people go with "Top 10" but I find it only appropriate to do my list of "Top 11" moments for 2011... in no particular order....
1. Memorial Day Camping Trip. Not only was the camping trip a lot of fun but we met some lovely people at this camping trip that are now dear friends.
2. State Champs! My first year coaching high school swimming was a lot of fun. To be honest I really had nothing to do with our boys winning state, but I was happy to be part of the team and I was very proud of Adam (head coach) and our hard-working boys.
3. Nutcracker. At the ripe age of 29 I finally saw my first performance of the Nutcracker. David and I watched the Oregon Ballet perform this wonderful Christmas tradition at the Keller auditorium.
4. 3-Year-Anniversary. We might not have done anything HUGE for this anniversary but just having another year with my wonderful husband is grand enough to be on this list.
5. Hawaii. David and I took a trip to Kauai in March with my parents. It. Was. Awesome.
6. Triathlon. I competed in my first sprint triathlon.
7. La Grande. We celebrated 4th of July in La Grande with friends, wine tasting, steak dinner, hiking and fireworks.
8. Josh Radin. I love him and his concerts. The Starks and I saw Josh perform in March at the Crystal Ballroom. Always a good time... Josh Shot.
9. 1859. This year was a big year for my editorial work. December 2011 was actually my first publication in this magazine... July was my first photo story and coming up....
10. Eagle Lake. My husband got his first full taste of summer in Indiana. My favorite part was spending the day at my uncle's lake house. We celebrated my nephew's first birthday, went jet-skiing and I went tubing with my sister. It reminded me of past summers in Indiana and was a great time spent with the best family ever.
11. Carpet! Ahhhh, we finally got new carpet in our house. It looks and smells so much better. :)
I am looking forward to 2012. Every year brings new memories to cherish and new goals to check off your list. I have a few of each in mind so to go with the mantra I have for this blog post I thought I would write a list of 12 things I'm either looking forward to or that I would like to accomplish this year.
1. Turning 30!!! Maybe I'm not looking forward to turning 30 and saying goodbye to my 20's (because my 20's were spectacular) but I think the celebration will probably be a good one this year. ;)
2. Swimming. I joined a masters swim team, The Barracudas. I am excited to be on a swim team again, to get back into shape and to race in a few swim meets this year.
3. Family Visit. This is actually happening in less than a week... my mom and my aunt Lee Ann are coming for a week to visit. It should be a fun girl time... and interesting too because it's January and you have to creative with things to do in Portland in the winter.
4. Drive Better. My husband will probably poop his pants when he reads this. I would like to allow myself enough time to get to my location and not be in such a rush that I drive like a ding-bat.
5. Pinterest. What? I can't have a goal involving the latest and greatest website? LOL! Seriously though I think the site allows to create, make, bake, purchase or do a lot of things that maybe you wouldn't think of yourself. So my goal is to do 12 things that I find from Pinterest.
6. Triathlon. I would like to compete in another triathlon or maybe even try an aquathon out as well.
7. Crazy Love. It's a book my sister got me for Christmas. I'm going to read it.
8. Chicago Wedding. My college best friend is getting married in Chicago this July. I'm excited to witness this great occasion and be at a wedding in the middle of the summer that I'm not responsible for the photography. To sit back and relax during a wedding is an odd thing but I'm looking forward to it. (Plus another trip to the windy city!)
9. Rafting! David and I have two types of rafts/boats. One is a blow-up kayak and the other is a raft-boat type of deal. Anyway I would like to actually put them in the water and use the heck out of them this summer! Plus I would like to go white water rafting this year (Rogue??)
10. Roads. My Oregon map looks better and better every year. This year I have a few specific roads I would like to mark off. Highway 228-20 starting in Sweet Home and going to Black Butte Ranch area is one and the other is Highway 126 staring in Springfield and going to Belknap Springs area.
11. 1859! ...and my first Front Cover! My first front cover will come out in January, it should be on the stands any day now. I'm looking forward to seeing the magazine and of course shooting this whole year with 1859.
12. Magazines/Photo Biz. I would like to get into at least one more major magazine this year. I really enjoy the work that the Columbia Gorge magazine produces and Sip NW magazine. Those two are both on my list for sure. Do you think Sunset magazine is ready for this girl yet? I am looking forward to this year with my photography business. It's growing and it's making more money- yay. I had 6 weddings booked before the new year and I hoping to grab a few more. It's going to be a great year in the photo world!
I had a great year and I wanted to recap some of my favorite moments. Of course doing it in a list fashion, because I dig lists. A lot of people go with "Top 10" but I find it only appropriate to do my list of "Top 11" moments for 2011... in no particular order....
1. Memorial Day Camping Trip. Not only was the camping trip a lot of fun but we met some lovely people at this camping trip that are now dear friends.
2. State Champs! My first year coaching high school swimming was a lot of fun. To be honest I really had nothing to do with our boys winning state, but I was happy to be part of the team and I was very proud of Adam (head coach) and our hard-working boys.
3. Nutcracker. At the ripe age of 29 I finally saw my first performance of the Nutcracker. David and I watched the Oregon Ballet perform this wonderful Christmas tradition at the Keller auditorium.
4. 3-Year-Anniversary. We might not have done anything HUGE for this anniversary but just having another year with my wonderful husband is grand enough to be on this list.
5. Hawaii. David and I took a trip to Kauai in March with my parents. It. Was. Awesome.
6. Triathlon. I competed in my first sprint triathlon.
7. La Grande. We celebrated 4th of July in La Grande with friends, wine tasting, steak dinner, hiking and fireworks.
8. Josh Radin. I love him and his concerts. The Starks and I saw Josh perform in March at the Crystal Ballroom. Always a good time... Josh Shot.
9. 1859. This year was a big year for my editorial work. December 2011 was actually my first publication in this magazine... July was my first photo story and coming up....
10. Eagle Lake. My husband got his first full taste of summer in Indiana. My favorite part was spending the day at my uncle's lake house. We celebrated my nephew's first birthday, went jet-skiing and I went tubing with my sister. It reminded me of past summers in Indiana and was a great time spent with the best family ever.
11. Carpet! Ahhhh, we finally got new carpet in our house. It looks and smells so much better. :)
I am looking forward to 2012. Every year brings new memories to cherish and new goals to check off your list. I have a few of each in mind so to go with the mantra I have for this blog post I thought I would write a list of 12 things I'm either looking forward to or that I would like to accomplish this year.
1. Turning 30!!! Maybe I'm not looking forward to turning 30 and saying goodbye to my 20's (because my 20's were spectacular) but I think the celebration will probably be a good one this year. ;)
2. Swimming. I joined a masters swim team, The Barracudas. I am excited to be on a swim team again, to get back into shape and to race in a few swim meets this year.
3. Family Visit. This is actually happening in less than a week... my mom and my aunt Lee Ann are coming for a week to visit. It should be a fun girl time... and interesting too because it's January and you have to creative with things to do in Portland in the winter.
4. Drive Better. My husband will probably poop his pants when he reads this. I would like to allow myself enough time to get to my location and not be in such a rush that I drive like a ding-bat.
5. Pinterest. What? I can't have a goal involving the latest and greatest website? LOL! Seriously though I think the site allows to create, make, bake, purchase or do a lot of things that maybe you wouldn't think of yourself. So my goal is to do 12 things that I find from Pinterest.
6. Triathlon. I would like to compete in another triathlon or maybe even try an aquathon out as well.
7. Crazy Love. It's a book my sister got me for Christmas. I'm going to read it.
8. Chicago Wedding. My college best friend is getting married in Chicago this July. I'm excited to witness this great occasion and be at a wedding in the middle of the summer that I'm not responsible for the photography. To sit back and relax during a wedding is an odd thing but I'm looking forward to it. (Plus another trip to the windy city!)
9. Rafting! David and I have two types of rafts/boats. One is a blow-up kayak and the other is a raft-boat type of deal. Anyway I would like to actually put them in the water and use the heck out of them this summer! Plus I would like to go white water rafting this year (Rogue??)
10. Roads. My Oregon map looks better and better every year. This year I have a few specific roads I would like to mark off. Highway 228-20 starting in Sweet Home and going to Black Butte Ranch area is one and the other is Highway 126 staring in Springfield and going to Belknap Springs area.
11. 1859! ...and my first Front Cover! My first front cover will come out in January, it should be on the stands any day now. I'm looking forward to seeing the magazine and of course shooting this whole year with 1859.
12. Magazines/Photo Biz. I would like to get into at least one more major magazine this year. I really enjoy the work that the Columbia Gorge magazine produces and Sip NW magazine. Those two are both on my list for sure. Do you think Sunset magazine is ready for this girl yet? I am looking forward to this year with my photography business. It's growing and it's making more money- yay. I had 6 weddings booked before the new year and I hoping to grab a few more. It's going to be a great year in the photo world!
11.08.2011
Regrets & Randomness
So I am waiting for David Letterman's show tonight. No, I don't typically do this. However when both guests intrigue me are on one show than I guess I'll burn the midnight oil. The first guest is purely for pleasure- Robert Pattinson. Yes, I read all the Twilight books and I've seen all the movies. But I also enjoy his music and all of his other movies as well. Plus he's funny. The second guest is Annie Leibovitz one of the most famous photographers of our time. It will be very interesting to see what her and David (Ball State is his alma mater by the way) chat about.
Instead of sitting in front of the tube I thought I would waste my time else where. It seems like only once in a great while I get the chance to simply play on the Internet. You know, scan through pins, read blogs and post blogs (like this one). So that's exactly what I'm doing. That Pinterest is addicting!
*******
So this is one of those posts that are random. Just so you know.
I've had a few thoughts today. Like... who watches Jerry Springer? I mean, really? I would like to meet that person who still watches that ridiculous show and....slap them.
*******
I had an ex boyfriend that once told me something about not having regrets. I wish I could remember the exact "quote" he used, but I can't. I wonder if he regrets breaking-up with me? (ironic-humor for you.) Anyway I can't help to at least think about a few things that I regret. And I'm not talking about the type of regret that makes me sick to my stomach but I do wonder how my life would have changed if _________ fill in the blank.
______ Fill in the blank: I regret not swimming my senior year. I was voted to be captain by EVERYONE and my coach made that perfectly clear to me. Yet I decided that my swimming career was finished, probably because I started when I was six and my body was done. Instead I was motivated by my softball team winning state my junior year...I sat on the bench for that game. I was not going to sit on the bench for any game my senior year. So my dad and I spent the winter pitching in a gym. I have mixed feelings about my decision. I probably should have fought through my senior year and swam... not for me, but for my team. But I also had some bonding time with my dad that year. I don't think the decision I made affected my future. I didn't do either sport in college so I'm pretty sure that "regret" had no affect on where I am today or where I could have been tomorrow.
_____ Fill in the blank: The other regret I think about from time to time is moving to Portland, Oregon right out of college. I had an internship at the Muncie Star Press as a photojournalist. I did the internship to graduate. What I should have probably done is sought out another internship...anywhere. Most photojournalists have more than one internship and they move around a lot in the beginning of their career. I moved. Once. To Oregon. It sounds like I regret my move to Oregon and that couldn't be further from the truth. I LOVE OREGON. But I wonder if my photography career would look a lot different if I would have ventured into another internship. The thing about this regret is I'm almost positive that it would have impacted my life and I would not be where I am today. Which means I wouldn't be married to David. And that thought in itself is enough to tell me that I shouldn't regret that decision at all.
*******
I want to come up with a new product to "display" wedding photos. The journalist side of me wants to create some sort of publication that is all about the couple and their wedding day. I'm thinking like a magazine-type layout. With an actual word story and (of course) a lot of photographs. A wedding-zine. Hmm... I'll have to think it through. Don't steal my idea now. -Copyrighted! lol
Skipping,
Aubrie
Instead of sitting in front of the tube I thought I would waste my time else where. It seems like only once in a great while I get the chance to simply play on the Internet. You know, scan through pins, read blogs and post blogs (like this one). So that's exactly what I'm doing. That Pinterest is addicting!
*******
So this is one of those posts that are random. Just so you know.
I've had a few thoughts today. Like... who watches Jerry Springer? I mean, really? I would like to meet that person who still watches that ridiculous show and....slap them.
*******
I had an ex boyfriend that once told me something about not having regrets. I wish I could remember the exact "quote" he used, but I can't. I wonder if he regrets breaking-up with me? (ironic-humor for you.) Anyway I can't help to at least think about a few things that I regret. And I'm not talking about the type of regret that makes me sick to my stomach but I do wonder how my life would have changed if _________ fill in the blank.
______ Fill in the blank: I regret not swimming my senior year. I was voted to be captain by EVERYONE and my coach made that perfectly clear to me. Yet I decided that my swimming career was finished, probably because I started when I was six and my body was done. Instead I was motivated by my softball team winning state my junior year...I sat on the bench for that game. I was not going to sit on the bench for any game my senior year. So my dad and I spent the winter pitching in a gym. I have mixed feelings about my decision. I probably should have fought through my senior year and swam... not for me, but for my team. But I also had some bonding time with my dad that year. I don't think the decision I made affected my future. I didn't do either sport in college so I'm pretty sure that "regret" had no affect on where I am today or where I could have been tomorrow.
_____ Fill in the blank: The other regret I think about from time to time is moving to Portland, Oregon right out of college. I had an internship at the Muncie Star Press as a photojournalist. I did the internship to graduate. What I should have probably done is sought out another internship...anywhere. Most photojournalists have more than one internship and they move around a lot in the beginning of their career. I moved. Once. To Oregon. It sounds like I regret my move to Oregon and that couldn't be further from the truth. I LOVE OREGON. But I wonder if my photography career would look a lot different if I would have ventured into another internship. The thing about this regret is I'm almost positive that it would have impacted my life and I would not be where I am today. Which means I wouldn't be married to David. And that thought in itself is enough to tell me that I shouldn't regret that decision at all.
*******
I want to come up with a new product to "display" wedding photos. The journalist side of me wants to create some sort of publication that is all about the couple and their wedding day. I'm thinking like a magazine-type layout. With an actual word story and (of course) a lot of photographs. A wedding-zine. Hmm... I'll have to think it through. Don't steal my idea now. -Copyrighted! lol
Skipping,
Aubrie
9.11.2011
Off-Season
Well triathlon season has officially come to an end. I completed two triathlons, one with a lower-back problem. I just finished taking one week off to heal my lower back and I am ready to begin my off-season training. I always find that if I share my plans I will tend to keep them, using this little blog post as a way to keep myself accountable.
I've been paying for my gym membership and really the only thing I used it for during tri season was to swim. Occasionally I would go to a cycle class if the weather was not cooperating. A few weeks before my second triathlon I started to go to a body works class. Other than that, LA Fitness really hasn't seen me much and is pretty much just sucking unused dollars out of my bank account. So I plan to correct that and make every penny count.
Here is my "PLAN"
Monday: Swim!
Tuesday: Cycle Class @ 9:15 AM
Wednesday: Yoga @ 8:30 AM
Thursday: Body Works Plus Abs @ 8:30
Friday: Off
Saturday: Run! (Or doing a pretty good hike.)
Sunday: Off
I would like to get stronger and more flexible during the off season. Work on my abs so I can protect that lower back of mine. I would like to swim, run and cycle (class counts) once a week to keep all three in shape.
I am also thinking about buying a little journal to document what I am eating. I've counted calories before with an iPhone app, which that worked out for the most part. It could be more convenient than an actual hand written journal, but I guess I'll see. I more want to document everything I am eating and if in a month or two I have not seen any change in my body (positive change!) than I may consider talking to a nutritionist to see what I need to change. (Which I am sure I could use a lot of change, really!)
Anyone is welcomed to join me in the pool or at any of the classes I will attend. I would be happy to have a work-out partner. I found the one time that I ran with my friend my 3 miles went by faster and we're easier so if anyone wants to run on Saturday mornings with me, please let me know.
Here's to always working towards a healthier lifestyle.
Skipping,
Aubrie
I've been paying for my gym membership and really the only thing I used it for during tri season was to swim. Occasionally I would go to a cycle class if the weather was not cooperating. A few weeks before my second triathlon I started to go to a body works class. Other than that, LA Fitness really hasn't seen me much and is pretty much just sucking unused dollars out of my bank account. So I plan to correct that and make every penny count.
Here is my "PLAN"
Monday: Swim!
Tuesday: Cycle Class @ 9:15 AM
Wednesday: Yoga @ 8:30 AM
Thursday: Body Works Plus Abs @ 8:30
Friday: Off
Saturday: Run! (Or doing a pretty good hike.)
Sunday: Off
I would like to get stronger and more flexible during the off season. Work on my abs so I can protect that lower back of mine. I would like to swim, run and cycle (class counts) once a week to keep all three in shape.
I am also thinking about buying a little journal to document what I am eating. I've counted calories before with an iPhone app, which that worked out for the most part. It could be more convenient than an actual hand written journal, but I guess I'll see. I more want to document everything I am eating and if in a month or two I have not seen any change in my body (positive change!) than I may consider talking to a nutritionist to see what I need to change. (Which I am sure I could use a lot of change, really!)
Anyone is welcomed to join me in the pool or at any of the classes I will attend. I would be happy to have a work-out partner. I found the one time that I ran with my friend my 3 miles went by faster and we're easier so if anyone wants to run on Saturday mornings with me, please let me know.
Here's to always working towards a healthier lifestyle.
Skipping,
Aubrie
6.10.2011
What happened to week 6 and beyond...?
I quit.
Ok, I am kidding.
I didn't quit. In fact just the opposite happened. I kept training and adding on here and there. I am sure I had a few off weeks, in fact I think week 8 sucked! But after that things started to look up. I doubled up on some of the training like did a swim-bike and a bike-run a few times. All were successful including my last one on Wednesday where I biked about 16 miles and ran a 5k. (Shocked that I wasn't sore afterwards). So I feel good and ready to take on the triathlon tomorrow.
...Yes, tomorrow!
I'll post once more tonight on my thoughts before the race and the hopefully post again with some results and photos.
Done TRAINING! (for now)
Aubrie
Ok, I am kidding.
I didn't quit. In fact just the opposite happened. I kept training and adding on here and there. I am sure I had a few off weeks, in fact I think week 8 sucked! But after that things started to look up. I doubled up on some of the training like did a swim-bike and a bike-run a few times. All were successful including my last one on Wednesday where I biked about 16 miles and ran a 5k. (Shocked that I wasn't sore afterwards). So I feel good and ready to take on the triathlon tomorrow.
...Yes, tomorrow!
I'll post once more tonight on my thoughts before the race and the hopefully post again with some results and photos.
Done TRAINING! (for now)
Aubrie
4.18.2011
Week 5
Well I am officially a quarter of the way done with my training. That means I only have 8 more weeks until the triathlon.
Last week was a recover week. Although it wasn't necessarily "easy." Both bike rides were good (you'll have to check the previous post to find out about one of my rides.) The second ride, on Saturday I rode for about 1hr and 15 mins. I am loving the Banks-Vernonia trail. My run was good, I only did one run last week but it was the farthest and longest I've ran. I ran 3.33 miles. (I thought 3.33 was a fun number to stop on.) I found a new trail to run on right by my house, the Rock Creek trail. It's perfect and I am looking forward to running on it again this week. Both swims were good as well including my 1,000 yard time trial on Friday. I swam it a little faster than I thought I would, so that's good. It took me 15:15 to complete all 40 laps.
So we're back at again for Week 5. Today I will bike to the pool and get about 1,600 yards in. So I guess I better get a move on!
Week 5:
Monday | Swim: 1,600 yards (main set 20x50's)
Tuesday | Run: 50 Minutes
Wednesday | Bike: 60 Minutes
Thursday | Run: 40 Minutes
Friday | Swim: 1,900 yards (main set 15x100's)
Saturday | Bike: 90 Minutes
Keep Training,
Aubrie
Last week was a recover week. Although it wasn't necessarily "easy." Both bike rides were good (you'll have to check the previous post to find out about one of my rides.) The second ride, on Saturday I rode for about 1hr and 15 mins. I am loving the Banks-Vernonia trail. My run was good, I only did one run last week but it was the farthest and longest I've ran. I ran 3.33 miles. (I thought 3.33 was a fun number to stop on.) I found a new trail to run on right by my house, the Rock Creek trail. It's perfect and I am looking forward to running on it again this week. Both swims were good as well including my 1,000 yard time trial on Friday. I swam it a little faster than I thought I would, so that's good. It took me 15:15 to complete all 40 laps.
So we're back at again for Week 5. Today I will bike to the pool and get about 1,600 yards in. So I guess I better get a move on!
Week 5:
Monday | Swim: 1,600 yards (main set 20x50's)
Tuesday | Run: 50 Minutes
Wednesday | Bike: 60 Minutes
Thursday | Run: 40 Minutes
Friday | Swim: 1,900 yards (main set 15x100's)
Saturday | Bike: 90 Minutes
Keep Training,
Aubrie
4.11.2011
Week 4
So after this week I will be a quarter of the way done with my training. It goes fast! Week four is actually suppose to be a "Rest" week, however looking at the training it doesn't seem very restful. I guess if I want to I can either have an easy ride on Wednesday or a day of rest and that's all I see that is different lol.
So last week went well. My bike ride on Wednesday was about 20 miles. I went up to the Banks-Vernonia trail. It's actually a gradual incline the whole way up, so the first 10 miles or so was my workout. Then once I turned around I felt like coming back took me like 15 minutes. :) It's a very nice ride though, really pretty. I am looking forward to riding even further this week.
My swims were good too- my whole neck thing didn't bother me. Phew! On Friday my main set was 1,500 yards! All together on Friday I swam about 2,000 yards... I'm getting up there. (Laughing to myself and remembering days when I would swim about 10,000 yards.)
You heard about my wimpy run on Tuesday, I ran... but it was very, very slow. Thursday's run was better and a little longer- I ran about 2.7 miles. The good news is that my knees didn't bother me the next day.
My bad news, once again is that I failed to bike on the weekend. I was gone on Saturday allll day so I was going to ride on Sunday. And the weather just got to me. I don't have a rain jacket to ride in... and that's what it did on Sunday, rained. (At least during the period of which I could've gone out to ride.) So I skipped my long ride over the weekend, oops. I did ride my bike to and from the gym on Friday- with a little extra mileage thrown in on the way back, so at least I did that.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for better weather this week! At least when I ride and run, it makes both a lot easier when it's sunny. I am looking forward to my big swim on Friday. David and I have a special "date" on Friday night. I have to swim a time 1,000. So big Dave is going to be my counter for me. It should be interesting- I don't think my husband has actually ever seen me swim like that before. Afterwards I am thinking.... cheeseburger! hahahhaha
Onward I train... into Week 4:
Monday: Swim- main set 750 yards total 1,300
Tuesday: Run- 30 minutes
Wednesday: Bike- 60 minutes (or take the day off to rest)
Thursday: Run- 30 minutes
Friday: Swim- 1,000 yard time trial
Saturday: Bike- 60 minutes
Keep Training,
Aubrie
So last week went well. My bike ride on Wednesday was about 20 miles. I went up to the Banks-Vernonia trail. It's actually a gradual incline the whole way up, so the first 10 miles or so was my workout. Then once I turned around I felt like coming back took me like 15 minutes. :) It's a very nice ride though, really pretty. I am looking forward to riding even further this week.
My swims were good too- my whole neck thing didn't bother me. Phew! On Friday my main set was 1,500 yards! All together on Friday I swam about 2,000 yards... I'm getting up there. (Laughing to myself and remembering days when I would swim about 10,000 yards.)
You heard about my wimpy run on Tuesday, I ran... but it was very, very slow. Thursday's run was better and a little longer- I ran about 2.7 miles. The good news is that my knees didn't bother me the next day.
My bad news, once again is that I failed to bike on the weekend. I was gone on Saturday allll day so I was going to ride on Sunday. And the weather just got to me. I don't have a rain jacket to ride in... and that's what it did on Sunday, rained. (At least during the period of which I could've gone out to ride.) So I skipped my long ride over the weekend, oops. I did ride my bike to and from the gym on Friday- with a little extra mileage thrown in on the way back, so at least I did that.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for better weather this week! At least when I ride and run, it makes both a lot easier when it's sunny. I am looking forward to my big swim on Friday. David and I have a special "date" on Friday night. I have to swim a time 1,000. So big Dave is going to be my counter for me. It should be interesting- I don't think my husband has actually ever seen me swim like that before. Afterwards I am thinking.... cheeseburger! hahahhaha
Onward I train... into Week 4:
Monday: Swim- main set 750 yards total 1,300
Tuesday: Run- 30 minutes
Wednesday: Bike- 60 minutes (or take the day off to rest)
Thursday: Run- 30 minutes
Friday: Swim- 1,000 yard time trial
Saturday: Bike- 60 minutes
Keep Training,
Aubrie
4.05.2011
Week 3
Well week 2 came and went and I am already two days into week 3. Week 2 was good... and bad.
I said last week I really wanted to push myself a little harder on Week 2, which I did... that was good. My swims were pretty strong and my bike rides were longer. I reached 13 miles on one ride and I FINALLY ran 3 miles again. (I haven't ran 3 miles since my 5k.) I was a little sore and a little more tired this week, that's what I wanted. So the bad news.... well I only did 5 out of my 6 days. Saturday quickly became my day of rest instead of Sunday. So on Sunday I should've ran that day... but I failed to do so. I did work in the yard for a couple of hours though, so at least I wasn't a couch potato.
My body is finding a few problems here and there, but I am trying to work through it. My lower back keeps "giving" or pulling or whatever you want to call it. It makes me a tad bit worried, but after I work out it's okay. Strange. It's more during times of rest that my back is yellin' at me. I will admit the knees were a little sore after my 3 mile run...nothing that little ice and Advil won't fix. The newest addition of aches and pains was during my swim my neck kept spasming and running down into my upper shoulder a little bit. Well I swam yesterday, and it didn't bother me... so hopefully it was a fluke.
Week 3 is off to a good start... My swim on Monday was good, I did about 1400+ yards. My run today was slllooow- but I wanted to take it easy today and make sure my knees and back are keeping up with me. Tomorrow is another bike ride.... pray for sunshine! The weather sucks for training right now, ugh Portland!
Week 3:
Monday- Swim: 1500 yards (main set 20x50's)
Tuesday- Run: 30 Minutes
Wednesday- Bike: 60 Minutes
Thursday- Run: 30 Minutes
Friday- Swim: 1800 yards (main set 10x150's)
Saturday- Bike: 2 Hours
Sunday- REST!
Keep Training,
Aubrie
I said last week I really wanted to push myself a little harder on Week 2, which I did... that was good. My swims were pretty strong and my bike rides were longer. I reached 13 miles on one ride and I FINALLY ran 3 miles again. (I haven't ran 3 miles since my 5k.) I was a little sore and a little more tired this week, that's what I wanted. So the bad news.... well I only did 5 out of my 6 days. Saturday quickly became my day of rest instead of Sunday. So on Sunday I should've ran that day... but I failed to do so. I did work in the yard for a couple of hours though, so at least I wasn't a couch potato.
My body is finding a few problems here and there, but I am trying to work through it. My lower back keeps "giving" or pulling or whatever you want to call it. It makes me a tad bit worried, but after I work out it's okay. Strange. It's more during times of rest that my back is yellin' at me. I will admit the knees were a little sore after my 3 mile run...nothing that little ice and Advil won't fix. The newest addition of aches and pains was during my swim my neck kept spasming and running down into my upper shoulder a little bit. Well I swam yesterday, and it didn't bother me... so hopefully it was a fluke.
Week 3 is off to a good start... My swim on Monday was good, I did about 1400+ yards. My run today was slllooow- but I wanted to take it easy today and make sure my knees and back are keeping up with me. Tomorrow is another bike ride.... pray for sunshine! The weather sucks for training right now, ugh Portland!
Week 3:
Monday- Swim: 1500 yards (main set 20x50's)
Tuesday- Run: 30 Minutes
Wednesday- Bike: 60 Minutes
Thursday- Run: 30 Minutes
Friday- Swim: 1800 yards (main set 10x150's)
Saturday- Bike: 2 Hours
Sunday- REST!
Keep Training,
Aubrie
3.28.2011
Training, Week 2
Well my first official week of triathlon training was a success. My body is not wasted, in fact it's not even sore really. Of course that could mean that I didn't push myself hard enough. So we'll aim to be a little sore this week. :)
I bought my road bike (and all the necessary accessories) at REI. My first time (ever) riding a road bike with pedals was on Wednesday. It was interesting. David came with me and we fixed a few things with the pedals and bike seat arrangement. So on Saturday, when I rode again, everything seemed to fit great. And I am getting pretty good at getting into and out of my pedals.
Swimming was just fine- I think I swam around 1100+ yards on both days and it felt good. Running...well running was running. My weakest link. However the first run was on a treadmill to make sure my lower back was okay and it held up like a pro. Then on Thursday I ran outside for 2 miles and my back was great. Hopefully my backs stays where it is and doesn't cause me grief.
I feel like it was almost a "warm-up" week to prepare myself on working out 6 times a week, figuring out my schedule, learning how to ride the bike and figuring out my back issues. This week, week 2, I think I'll step it up a little bit. This week's schedule...
Monday= Swim: 4 x100's easy, 20x50's race pace, 4x50's easy
Tuesday= Run: 30 minutes (My goal is to run 2.5 miles since I ran 2 miles both days last week)
Wednesday= Bike: 1 hour (5 mins. easy than steady with 15-sec hard bursts every 5 mins.)
Thursday= Run: 30 minutes (again my goal is 2.5 miles)
Friday= Swim: 200 easy, 15x100's race effort, 4x25's easy
Saturday=Bike: 90 minutes (easy-to-steady)
Sunday= REST!
Keep Training,
Aubrie
I bought my road bike (and all the necessary accessories) at REI. My first time (ever) riding a road bike with pedals was on Wednesday. It was interesting. David came with me and we fixed a few things with the pedals and bike seat arrangement. So on Saturday, when I rode again, everything seemed to fit great. And I am getting pretty good at getting into and out of my pedals.
Swimming was just fine- I think I swam around 1100+ yards on both days and it felt good. Running...well running was running. My weakest link. However the first run was on a treadmill to make sure my lower back was okay and it held up like a pro. Then on Thursday I ran outside for 2 miles and my back was great. Hopefully my backs stays where it is and doesn't cause me grief.
I feel like it was almost a "warm-up" week to prepare myself on working out 6 times a week, figuring out my schedule, learning how to ride the bike and figuring out my back issues. This week, week 2, I think I'll step it up a little bit. This week's schedule...
Monday= Swim: 4 x100's easy, 20x50's race pace, 4x50's easy
Tuesday= Run: 30 minutes (My goal is to run 2.5 miles since I ran 2 miles both days last week)
Wednesday= Bike: 1 hour (5 mins. easy than steady with 15-sec hard bursts every 5 mins.)
Thursday= Run: 30 minutes (again my goal is 2.5 miles)
Friday= Swim: 200 easy, 15x100's race effort, 4x25's easy
Saturday=Bike: 90 minutes (easy-to-steady)
Sunday= REST!
Keep Training,
Aubrie
1.17.2011
Spinning, Weights and Ice Cream
Wow. It's been a really long time since I have updated everyone on how my training is going. I would apologize, but I really don't think anyone wants a weekly update on how the gym is treating me during these winter months.
...But a monthly update, maybe. So the gym is treating me well. :) Actually I am proud to say that the three goals I mentioned earlier are working out. I am officially practicing/training for all three sports now. I've been either swimming at the gym or I'll get in the pool before I coach the Sunset High School swim practice. I am trying to run at least twice a week. I've been using the treadmill for the most part, but with the warmer weather this last week or so I've ran the last three times outside. Every time I take more than a couple of days off (dang holidays!) I have to re-build my running for some reason. Tonight I ran two miles again so I am hoping to keep that up and then build to the actual 3 miles I need to be at.
My latest and greatest activity is the spinning class, or LA Fitness just simply calls it "Cycle." I love it! After my butt adjusted to being sore of course. I have been trying to go to the cycle class at least twice a week... and sometimes I throw a third "class" in on my own time. Definitely my favorite part of the training for now.
Yesterday I added yet another component to the training- weights! I have never been into weight lifting. During my years of competitive swimming I was always too tight and muscular to do weight lifting, I had to stretch instead. So this will take some motivation, dedication and discipline on my behalf. (What doesn't?) Hopefully I can keep it up and get use to the fact that I'll be sore... a lot!
As far as eating goes... well let's just say I eat tons of salads, fruit, veggies, whole wheat pasta and English muffins, low-fat yogurt and leaner meats. I also eat ice cream, bread, more bread and more ice cream. I am happy that all the cookies and box of chocolates are gone from the holidays- one less temptation I have to fight. Psh, there is no fight. They call out to me- and I cave within in seconds. Owell. Hopefully I'll find that nice balance soon.
One last thing- I have decided on an actual triathlon. I will be competing in the Blue Lake Sprint Triathlon in Fairbanks, OR on June 11th. Anyone want to be my sponsor and donate the $80 sign-up fee? :)
Keep Training,
Aubrie
...But a monthly update, maybe. So the gym is treating me well. :) Actually I am proud to say that the three goals I mentioned earlier are working out. I am officially practicing/training for all three sports now. I've been either swimming at the gym or I'll get in the pool before I coach the Sunset High School swim practice. I am trying to run at least twice a week. I've been using the treadmill for the most part, but with the warmer weather this last week or so I've ran the last three times outside. Every time I take more than a couple of days off (dang holidays!) I have to re-build my running for some reason. Tonight I ran two miles again so I am hoping to keep that up and then build to the actual 3 miles I need to be at.
My latest and greatest activity is the spinning class, or LA Fitness just simply calls it "Cycle." I love it! After my butt adjusted to being sore of course. I have been trying to go to the cycle class at least twice a week... and sometimes I throw a third "class" in on my own time. Definitely my favorite part of the training for now.
Yesterday I added yet another component to the training- weights! I have never been into weight lifting. During my years of competitive swimming I was always too tight and muscular to do weight lifting, I had to stretch instead. So this will take some motivation, dedication and discipline on my behalf. (What doesn't?) Hopefully I can keep it up and get use to the fact that I'll be sore... a lot!
As far as eating goes... well let's just say I eat tons of salads, fruit, veggies, whole wheat pasta and English muffins, low-fat yogurt and leaner meats. I also eat ice cream, bread, more bread and more ice cream. I am happy that all the cookies and box of chocolates are gone from the holidays- one less temptation I have to fight. Psh, there is no fight. They call out to me- and I cave within in seconds. Owell. Hopefully I'll find that nice balance soon.
One last thing- I have decided on an actual triathlon. I will be competing in the Blue Lake Sprint Triathlon in Fairbanks, OR on June 11th. Anyone want to be my sponsor and donate the $80 sign-up fee? :)
Keep Training,
Aubrie
11.24.2010
Three Goals
WoW. It's almost been a month since I last wrote something. I guess training in the gym is not that exciting. The scenery is the same... the treadmill and the stationary bike have the same view. The good news is that I haven't fallen off completely- I am still running on the treadmill around 2-2.5 miles and I am biking about 8-9 miles. I also have been attending 1-2 yoga classes a week.
I always feel more motivated at the beginning of the week. Monday I hit up yoga and then go work out, Tuesday I typically hit the gym followed by at least yoga on Wednesday and a possible work out as well... then Thursday starts the downward plunge into the weekend where sometimes I don't make at all. (I did make it last Saturday- go me.)
What I need to do is get into a routine. Uh, just saying routine makes me cringe. But I think between running, biking, swimming, yoga and a cycle class or two I can mix things up enough to keep it interesting. I'll think of a routine- maybe if I post it on here it will help keep me accountable.
And, for the 10-billionth time, I need to work on my eating habits again. *Sigh* Seriously- what is my problem with ice cream? I like how I am stating that I need to create better eating habits the day before Thanksgiving.
Okay. After this weekend, because let's face it, it's Thanksgiving and I will be out of town... I am putting three goals into action starting 9.29.
1. Add Swimming!!!
2. Plan a routine and stick with it!
3. Count Calories!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and that they forget about whatever diet/exercise regime they are on for one day to give thanks for the fact that we have some AWESOME food in this world. :)
Keep Training,
Aubrie
I always feel more motivated at the beginning of the week. Monday I hit up yoga and then go work out, Tuesday I typically hit the gym followed by at least yoga on Wednesday and a possible work out as well... then Thursday starts the downward plunge into the weekend where sometimes I don't make at all. (I did make it last Saturday- go me.)
What I need to do is get into a routine. Uh, just saying routine makes me cringe. But I think between running, biking, swimming, yoga and a cycle class or two I can mix things up enough to keep it interesting. I'll think of a routine- maybe if I post it on here it will help keep me accountable.
And, for the 10-billionth time, I need to work on my eating habits again. *Sigh* Seriously- what is my problem with ice cream? I like how I am stating that I need to create better eating habits the day before Thanksgiving.
Okay. After this weekend, because let's face it, it's Thanksgiving and I will be out of town... I am putting three goals into action starting 9.29.
1. Add Swimming!!!
2. Plan a routine and stick with it!
3. Count Calories!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and that they forget about whatever diet/exercise regime they are on for one day to give thanks for the fact that we have some AWESOME food in this world. :)
Keep Training,
Aubrie
8.24.2010
5k- Check. What's next?
Well, I did it. I completed my first 5k run. In hind sight, after watching Daniel cross the finish line after his first triathlon, running a 5k is not all that hard. I told someone after the run that it's easier than a 200 butterfly or 400 IM race- for sure!
I am happy to know that the last part of the triathlon leg is doable- I can run 3.1 miles. Now can I run after swimming and biking? Well, I guess we'll find out. (Of course I CAN! It just takes training.)
Oh- a few race details... The start was very sudden. I did not have my headphones on or my "imapmyrun" application going. So in the beginning of the race I was running and trying to put my headphones on and play with my iphone. All to say that I did not correctly record my 5k run. I finally figured out how to look at my time last night and realized that I did not finish the race in 32 minutes... I finished it in about 38 minutes, I think. I guess for my first run it doesn't really matter... I ran the entire way (even the lovely zig-zag up hill and stairs part), I did not stop and I finished it. We'll work on running a tad bit faster later. There were a lot of people around me that did walk a few times... so I was just happy that I kept running.
Couch-to-5k, completed! Onward...
What's next? Well, I have to keep running. This isn't like a... check, I'm done- sort of thing. I have to add either swimming or biking into the mix now. My first idea was to add the biking because the swimming part will be easiest for me to train. However I am really at a loss with my bike right now. I have a mountain bike, not a road bike. I have a helmet. That's it. I realize I can start to train with a mountain bike. I also realize that eventually (and I am sure the eventually will sneak up on me very fast) I will need bike shorts, gloves, road bike wheels, pedals and shoes... plus I need to teach myself how to change a tire, etc. Well if I was a millionaire none of this would be a problem but I am guessing all that I just listed will cost a pretty penny. So I have started an envelope (I stash cash into envelopes, that's my savings plan) for my "bike." We'll see how fast that accumulates.
So- do I get back into the water? Do I start training with just my mountain bike? Should I sign up for another 5k run so that I keep running? Maybe I should find a bike race to sign up for?
I don't know what to do next... but I'll figure it out and let ya'll know. :)
In the mean time at least I'll... Keep Training,
Aubrie
I am happy to know that the last part of the triathlon leg is doable- I can run 3.1 miles. Now can I run after swimming and biking? Well, I guess we'll find out. (Of course I CAN! It just takes training.)
Oh- a few race details... The start was very sudden. I did not have my headphones on or my "imapmyrun" application going. So in the beginning of the race I was running and trying to put my headphones on and play with my iphone. All to say that I did not correctly record my 5k run. I finally figured out how to look at my time last night and realized that I did not finish the race in 32 minutes... I finished it in about 38 minutes, I think. I guess for my first run it doesn't really matter... I ran the entire way (even the lovely zig-zag up hill and stairs part), I did not stop and I finished it. We'll work on running a tad bit faster later. There were a lot of people around me that did walk a few times... so I was just happy that I kept running.
Couch-to-5k, completed! Onward...
What's next? Well, I have to keep running. This isn't like a... check, I'm done- sort of thing. I have to add either swimming or biking into the mix now. My first idea was to add the biking because the swimming part will be easiest for me to train. However I am really at a loss with my bike right now. I have a mountain bike, not a road bike. I have a helmet. That's it. I realize I can start to train with a mountain bike. I also realize that eventually (and I am sure the eventually will sneak up on me very fast) I will need bike shorts, gloves, road bike wheels, pedals and shoes... plus I need to teach myself how to change a tire, etc. Well if I was a millionaire none of this would be a problem but I am guessing all that I just listed will cost a pretty penny. So I have started an envelope (I stash cash into envelopes, that's my savings plan) for my "bike." We'll see how fast that accumulates.
So- do I get back into the water? Do I start training with just my mountain bike? Should I sign up for another 5k run so that I keep running? Maybe I should find a bike race to sign up for?
I don't know what to do next... but I'll figure it out and let ya'll know. :)
In the mean time at least I'll... Keep Training,
Aubrie
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