November 25, 2014

Professional Development | The Awkward Videos

Part of running my own fitness business allows me to take on an active role in some incredible professional development opportunities.

Usually the words professional development will elicit a less than enthusiastic response from me.   However, when passionate about a subject, a business and the direction it is going, the opportunity to take part in PD is far more appealing.

So, this little post is just a chance for me to poke fun at myself.   I had to create a video presentation for a team of around 40 individuals on a topic.   And then I had to upload it to YouTube.

I was in NO way going to take multiple shots of this.

I wanted it to be real.

Raw. 

Unedited.

Totally 100% me.

So, I did it.  And I posted my first YouTube video as part of this Professional Development seminar.

A few observations:

1. I use my hands a lot.

2. I said I work for a University.

Uh…. since when?  Try Community College, but whatever.

I also said I manage people.   Direct reports: 1.  Indirect reports: 33.  I am not going to explain what this means since I try to keep my FT professional life separate, however, if you work with me, you totally get what I am talking about.

3. Still shots of the video are hysterical.

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So, seriously.  This professional development opportunity was actually an assignment.   This assignment turned into so much more for me.

You gotta laugh at yourself.  Learn about yourself.  Know your quirks.

And if you want to see this video?  Tough.  I am not giving it to ya.

Find it yourself.  

Peace out, girlscouts.

 

 

 

 

November 24, 2014

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

I couldn’t help it.  I decorated for Christmas this weekend.   The kid in me just couldn’t wait until next Friday.

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I know.  I’m early.  Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet.  But, in my defense, it is SO late this year.

So, I decorated.  And it made me happy.

I’m happy.

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All I need now are some gifts for under the tree.  It’s looking a little lonely.

 

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I have to say that my new TV stand looks beautiful with garland and lights on it.  ❤

 

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As I was decorating the tree last night, I came across some old ornaments that my Great Grandma Leora would make for the family.  I can remember sitting with her at the table, gluing and pinning each sequin and bead.   A labor of love.

 

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Finding these ornaments stirred up quite a few memories.   Something about the holidays brings a heavy sense of nostalgia. Growing up, I was blessed to have holidays filled with large family gatherings. I have such warm memories of Celebrations with my moms side, my dad’s side and of course at home with my mom, step-dad Dave and siblings.

Every year I’d see these ornaments tucked away in a box but passed them by for all my Harley ornaments.

Last night, I decided to put them on the tree.

They reminded me that Christmas isn’t about a theme. The holiday season is about family and friends. Its about celebrating the true reason for the season. It’s about reminiscing on Christmases past and celebrating the Christmases present.

It’s about making new memories and new traditions.

Finding these ornaments last night helped remind me of this.

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And, I can smile knowing that even though the holidays don’t look like they used to, they are still just as special.

Cheers to the start of a wonderful holiday season with family, friends and the making of new memories.

November 22, 2014

WINNER WINNER!

sing loud

 

We have our winners!

These two chicks and their friend of choice will be singing LOUD for all to hear, because they will be running the Ugly Sweater run for FREE!!

 

Congratulations to:

Tyree Sejkora

&

DeAnn Paul

 

I’ll be sending your ticket information shortly!

Congratulations!

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** All entries were put into a randomizer.  I chose the top two.

randomizer

November 20, 2014

Zucchini Patties

Let’s get a few things out of the way.

1. Don’t be Judgy McJudgersons regarding my incredible iPhone photos

2. I didn’t take the time to put together my typical recipe card for you.

3. These things really are good despite the fact that I couldn’t spend the time taking legit photos.

Ok, now that I have aired all my dirty laundry, you really should try these Zucchini Patties.   They are a perfect balance of spice meets veggie.

 

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Ingredients

2 cups shredded zucchini

1 small shredded onion

2 eggs

1/2 tsp sea salt

3 cloves minced garlic

3/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

2 tsp. Hot sauce

1 tsp. cajun seasoning

3 cooked egg whites, diced

 

Directions

1. Squeeze out fluid from onion and zucchini.  Like, legit, squeeze.  Then blot on paper towel and squeeze again.   I promise there is more water that you could ever imagine in shredded zucchini and onion.

2. Combine all ingredients (except cooked egg whites) in a bowl.  Mix well.   Fold in diced egg whites.

3. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan, spoon batter onto hot oil, creating whatever size of patty your little heart desires.

4. Cook each side until golden brown and cooked all the way through.

5. Enjoy!

 

Tzatziki Sauce

I made a quick Tzatziki sauce for the topping because I thought it sounded like a refreshing balance to the spice.

I liked it ok, but to be honest, I liked the hot sauce I slathered on it more when I reheated leftovers the next night.   🙂

1 cup Greek Yogurt

1 Cucumber grated

3 minced garlic cloves

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 Tbsp dill weed

Mix all together.