the best day yet

Hi! I know this is a healthy living blog AND I havn't written in months but something completely worth writing about came alongin my life so here I am. My writing might be weak but my heart is telling me to share this memory.

On December 22, 2011 my sweet boyfriend Andrew proposed to me. It was the best day yet. I really can't help saying that because its true. I found out I get to marry my best friend.

So let me recap. A few days earlier, we had fallen asleep in the living room of our apartment watching the Walking Dead.. romantic, I know. As we woke up in the morning, there was the most incredible sun rise. The sky was dripping every color of orange, pink, and red. We were both truly in awe. Andrew gave me a kiss and said we should go watch the sun rise later that week at Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth. I completely threw out the idea. Andrew getting up at 6 A.M for a sun rise? The only time Andrew gets up earlier than neccesary is when we are 15 minutes from a ski mountain. :)

A few mornings later, my mom texted me and said "I'm here with the tripod". Um, what? Why? Andrew dashed downstairs to get it. When I questioned him, he said "Oh, for the fish". Okay, that makes sense. He is interested in photography and hes obsessed with his fish. I didn't really think much of it.

Wednesday night rolled along and I was heading down to Saco for dinner. Jill had invited a few of us girls over for a get together of Beef Stew and catch-up. Of course, we all got to find out about her wonderful and recent engagement. As we talked, the question of getting married came around to me. I brought up the fact that Andrew had said we were going to watch the sun rise at Fort Williams at 6 AM and as I was leaving someone yelled "Call us if you get engaged!" Umm, yea. Call you when that [doesn't] happen.

The next morning at five-thirty, I woke up to Andrew shaking my shoulders with a huge smile on his face. Ugh, I thought. He really wants to go take pictures. I remember saying three things that I wish I could take back.

1. "I'm wearing these sweatpants and my North Face (from 4 years ago- pretty hagged out)
2. "Im only going if you buy me breakfast."
3. "Are you sure you want to go? Im so cranky and tired"

Wow, talk about brat.

We got to Fort Williams around 6 AM. As we drove into the parking lot, I noticed a few other cars which kind of sketched me out. Why were there other people at Fort Williams at 6 AM? The only logical explanation seemed to be that they were armed, dangerous and looking for a young couple to kill. We parked the car and Andrew said we were walking the path. I completely resisted.

"Are you kidding, Andrew?! There's rabid foxes in South Portland. Im staying in the car"
"No, Eliza theres not. I promise, Ill keep you safe"

Ugh. Okay. Whatever, Ill go with you. This may be the demise of me I thought. I usually do have morbid thoughts while doing anything dangerous -- like going to see the sun rise at six in the morning. I give credit to my mom for my paranoia.

We neared a look out on the path of the Portland Head Light. Andrew sat down the tripod facing the ocean and started snapping pictures. He gave me our older digital camera to take pictures. I got bored after a few seconds with the old camera and asked to trade. I took a few shoddy pictures with the fancy camera on tripod.

After about 15 minutes of this, Andrew told me to stand about 20 feet in front of the camera facing the ocean and looking out. I hoped this would be the last set of pictures as I was getting cold at this point. I complied and headed forward. I set my arms on the caged fence and watched the ocean swirl and crash for a few seconds. As I looked back in the camera's direction Andrew was trotting over to me with his hands in his pockets.

We took an awkward picture (above). In hindsight, Andrew was probably nervous at this point. He then backed away and pulled something out of his pocket. My thoughts at this point:

• Andrew never uses chapstick. What is he pulling out of his pocket if its not chapstick or a hair tie? What do guys carry in their front sweat shirt pockets?
• OMG, It's a ring. It could just be a promise ring. No, Andrew wouldn't do that. He knows Im not into those. Does he know that?
• No way. No way. No way.
• This is it. WOW. WOW.

At this point, we were clearly having a romantic conversation that I will never forget. Then, Andrew got down on knee and the rest is history....

Hands down, the best day yet.

not a whale watch

On Saturday, Andrew and I headed up the coast to Boothbay Harbor for a whale watch. I have been excited about this for a couple weeks now and since Andrew is obsessed with fish, I knew he would love it too.

Ugh, more pictures?

On our way, we stopped at the Brunswick diner for breakfast. If you are looking for a clean restaurant and attentive service, don't go here. However, I wasn't expecting to much from a diner AND they had egg beaters for my veggie omeletette, so I was good to go.

After breakfast, we got back in the car and drove the 40 or so minutes to Boothbay Harbor. Such a cute town!

Anyway, the town is a bit more memorable than the whale watch was. We saw a sharks, sun-fish, seals and a bazzilion birds but no whales.

JAWS Imma gona eat you..

We also got to see a lot of cute seals on Pumpkin Island:

The whale watch was still fun and hanging out in Boothbay with Andrew for a while was a blast.

Eight is great

This afternoon at work, I was slumped over in my chair getting through piles of paper when the mere thought of my 5 PM run hit me. It actually made me wanna cry. Running on a Friday afternoon was something I had never really understood. A glass of wine is usually the way I roll after a long week at work.

There was really no way I could back out of it now- my sister was counting on me. When I got home at 5, she called cheerily and said "I'll be right there!"

Ugh. Ok, it was on. Positive thinking was the only way I could wrap my head around it. When she got to my place, I plastered on my fakest smile and we took off.

How was it? GREAT!

Hahaha, so happy!

We chatted the entire time and it was SO nice. Our loop took us through Baxter Park, Deering Park and up the hill that is State Street. My legs burned a lot of the time but being able to bond during a run with my sister made it so worth it.

When we got to the bridge that heads into SOPO we banged a left and went down busy Commercial St. The hustle and bustle through the Old Port and our conversation made the minutes just fly by.

As we headed down the Eastern promenade toward Back Bay, our pace slowed down a bit but it didn't really matter. Running eight miles IS running eight miles. Besides, I can easily blame my slogging on the distracting views...

Summer pic.. no camera while running :)

Summer pic.. no camera while running :)

All in all, it was a great run and made me feel just a little more confident that I'll be able to tackle 13.1 miles in 2 months. All it takes is a little confidence and a good running buddy. Oh, and of course all of our donations are going to this  organization.

On a Whim

Well, I am just going to come out and say it. I signed up for my first half marathon with my sister Emily. We will be running 13.1 long and weary miles this upcoming October.

Basically, our conversation went like this:
Me: Let's just DO IT!
Em: We HAVE too.

Really, this conversation lasted atleast 6 months when finally Emily pulled up the webpage and signed herself up. BAM! I knew there was no way of backing out then- or Emily may have disowned me as her sister.

It has been about a month since we signed up and we have two more to go before the big event. I am not calling it a race because I will not be racing against anyone but myself. Just thinking about calling it a race gives me terrible anxiety and all I really need to do is make sure I show up October 2nd.

Emily & I on the left relaxing.. not running. Oops.

Anyway, training has been good so far for me! I have really been pretty consistent with running except for this past weekend. Andrew's family was here from Illinois so I didnt really get in any solid runs.

At first, my mind was telling me there was no way I could bounce back after one weekend. Then, I started realizing how stupid that was! Your body doesn't completely lose fitness after a few days off. On Tuesday, I ran 6 miles no problem. Badda bing badda boom. Take that, negative thinking!

One of the best things about running long distances is how each and every day the distance you are running seems shorter and shorter. For example, a month ago, running 6 miles seemed near imposssible and now it is completely do-able for me. It is do-able AND very enjoyable.

I will have to tell you, the worst thing about running in the great outdoors is not having a bathroom near. Not going to lie, I have been hitting up restaurants, cafes, and gas stations to use their lovely facilities. Thank God for the numerous coffee shops around Portland. ;)



I do have to say the best thing about running this half marathon is the great organization all of our donations are going too!

When I first moved to Portland and started exploring, I noticed this building on Forest Avenue called the Center for Grieving Children. Since I have always felt a connection with the youngins', I can recall researching the Center on the web. The work that they do is incredible and I feel blessed that I can help any amount.

If you feel so compelled, my sister and I have started a fundraising page (Click here to visit!). Any donation is a donation and is much appreciated! Thank you so much.



Budget Friendly Cubicle Lunch

Hi friends, happy Fat Tuesday!

Today, I was lucky enough to get to spend 38 minutes on the phone with one of my best friends, Greta.

Last year at this time, we spent 12 amazing days in the U.S Virgin Island, St John nannying for a family with two adorable boys.

As I sit at my cubicle these days, it is really hard not to day dream back to those days in one of the most beautiful places in the world. St. John is amazing and I'd obviously go back in a heart beat. 

Now that I went off on that rampant, I'll get back to the reason for this post.

I love to eat healthy because it makes me feel good and have more energy. Some people are under the assumption that to eat healthy you have to have all sorts of money.

Pfft.

Here is my lunch today:

Each week, I buy three heads of romaine ($1.99) and chop it all up for salads and sandwiches. I got this big container at Reny's for a couple bucks and it is perfect because it seals tight to keep my produce fresh. To this mix, I add some frozen green peas (99 cents) because they thaw out and taste delicious in salads!

I also bring some edamame soy beans ($2.99) to eat on my break. Not only are they super healthy, they take a while to eat so I stay satisfied.

Along with a big salad and the beans, I love to eat rice cakes ($1.99) with natural peanut butter ($2.99) and jelly ($1.99).

Yum!

Frozen berries ($2.99) and plain yogurt ($1.99)  are also enjoyed with my lunch.

So there ya have it. I love lunches that have a lot of variety for my taste buds like this one.

What are your favorite cheap ways to eat healthy?

Have a great night :)

You a Crazy ...girl.

hey guys,

wow this past week has been quite the whirlwind. as much as I am happy with this career change in my life, it has brought on some much expected anxiety and overwhelming feelings.

for someone who has a temper tantrum when my towel for the shower isn't set out the night before, a change of career is HUGE. HUGE, I tell ya.

buy this for me?!

I have woken up almost every night dreaming of being at my office desk and screwing something up.

I am legitimitely crazy. Or it might have something to with being a female. Please don't be offended by that- I know most of you can agree with me.

Always have been a little nuts.

How am I supposed to work 8 hours, get to the gym, eat healthy AND still maintain my relationships with my friends, Andrew and my family?

Hmm, we shall see. I am still workin' on this. My workouts are not where I want them to be -- but I know that will change if I keep going.BUT Smelly Gym is really starting to gross me out..

Source

I mean, can you really keep a facility clean with hundreds of people sweating bucket loads every day? Ugh...

Anyway, this weekend was my FIRST ONE OFF in months. It felt amazing to be able to do whatever I felt like doin'.

What did I feel like doing? Taking these babes for a walk in the Old Port definitely was high on the list.

 

Oliver & Fitzy- my two best buds <3

Andrew and I made steamed artichokes. They were so delicious and fun to eat. I don't suggest these bad boys for a first date though. That would be a delicious mistake.



Reason WHY they aren't first date material.


We first boiled some hot water with a big nub of ginger in it. Then we cut off the top of both artichokes and set them down in the steamer bucket. They were done after 25 minutes. For the best flavah, dip them in butter. I tried olive oil and had to pretend it was just as good for about 30 seconds...until I switched back to the real stuff.

Anyway, that is all I have for tonight. Hope your Monday wasnt too painful ;)

Have a great night !!

P.s Review for next time: Bintliff's in Ogunquit with Mamacita and Dad!

P.P.S Thank YOU for voting for Cassi & Luke!! You can vote HERE if you havn't yet!

PLEASE do me a FAVOR

Dear friend,

Whoever you are in this beautiful world of ours, please do me a favor.

My friend Cassi Madison and her fiance are entered into a contest to win a dream GREEN wedding at the beautiful Clay Hill Farms in Cape Neddick, Maine.

Source of Picture

All you have to do is click on the link below and it will bring you to the page to vote. From there, click on "LUKE FULLER & CASSI MADISON".

http://www.greenweddinggiveaway.com/

Luke and Cassi are an inspiration to other people trying to eat healthy and local diets. They actually had an awesome write up about them here in the Portland Press Herald about their sustainable lifestyle.

So please please please, vote for them!!

 They will definitely appreciate it and it takes exactly 10 seconds to do it. Also, let me know via comment or facebook or email if you voted for them if you want!

Love and Thanks!!


Eliza

Missing my Blog

Happy Saturday!

This week has been quite crazy. I have gone from working 4 to whenever waitressing to 8:30-5 at the office. Such a change.

For starters, the positives

• I am working in my field now which is great.
• Everyone in my office is extremely nice/friendly/helpful.
• the stability of an 8:30-5 job where I know exactly how much moolah $$$ I'll be making.
• Same hours as my boy.
• My weekends off!

The not so awesomes:

Me this past Wednesday. Source

• Being in my cute little cubicle for hours on end.

I feel lucky that my desk is one of those high tech one's where I can elevate it so that I can stand while working. Now if they could just put a treadmill under there I would be in heaven...

But, seeing that this may not happen any time soon, I have been setting my alarm at 5:45 AM and working out for an hour before work. I always think I am going to one of the few brave souls there that early- but - Portland likes to get their work out on early. The gym is pretty hoppin' at 6 AM.

I have traded in my usual bowl of carby goodness of oatmeal with a scoop of PB for something a little lighter but equally as delicious.

A smoooooothie! This combination is great and is filled w/ vitamins and minerals and really keeps me satisfied.

• 1 Cup Skim Milk
• Banana
• 1 TBSP. PB
• 1 TBSP. Cocoa Powder
• Tons of Cinnamon

You wouldnt belive how satisfying this combination is. Sometimes, I will add a couple tablespoons of oats if I am especially hungry after my workout. TRY IT!

I enjoy this with a huge mug of this and I am good to go! But really, this Nature's Place Organic Dark Roast is kinda disgusting and I don't reccomend it...hah.

I hope you have a great weekend and I promise I'll get better at updating even w/ this new job...

P.S my friend Alexi just started an awesome blog . Alexi and her hubby just came to visit and blogged about it here. Check it out! :)

Hungry Man Approved Salad

Not every day can you get your Nosh burger loving, Rogue beer drinking boyfriend to eat a salad. And truly enjoy every bite.

Tonight, I craved a salad and all I had in my produce drawer was this. Pathetic. Our fruit drawer is plentiful with these though.

Hmm, I thought. I had heard of grilling whole heads of romaine so I tried that.

It kind of just seemed awkward to me. I decided to start over which, by the way, is totally find when you are using a piece of produce that cost you 75 cents and when you are the one making up the recipe.

I decided to put some olive oil , fresh garlic and sundried tomatoes in a pan to sautee for a bit while I cut up the lettuce. Garlic makes life better. Don't you agree?

Once the lettuce was more wilted (yet still had some good CRUNCH to it) I turned off the grill and threw a couple tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese to it.

While the cheese melted slightly over the lettuce, I fried up an egg for Andrew and I. I then set up our respective plates with my lovely salad creation and an over easy egg on top. A sprinkle of this stuff  from Trader Joe's and we were good to go. The Every Day Seasoning is a
fabulous blend of spices that you can use for almost anything savory! I love it and highly reccomend it in lieu of salt and peppah.


Perfecto! A light and delicious dinner that will make anyone in your life happy. Off to relax after day one of my 9-5 job. No more waitressing for this lady...

The Best Part of Wakin' Up..

Good Morning! Today I woke up at bright and early at 6 A.M because the rest of the house, Andrew and two friends, were going to Saddleback Mountain for some snowboarding. The smell of bacon wafted into my bedroom so I obviously had to get up to see if they had made me an egg bacon sandwich. No dice.

Instead I went with a whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter. Yum.

What does that quote mean?

After my breakfast, I contemplated going back to bed but instead got some energy to walk the 2 miles to the gym! The streets were nearly empty besides all the crazy dedicated runners on the icey pavement. Bless their souls.

Once I got closer to Planet Fitness, I thought of cozying up here and people watch read the newspaper and drink a cup of hot coffee.

Instead, I trudged on through the unplowed streets to the smelly gym to get my fitness on.

Remember this post when I said that walking in the snow is a real workout? Well, today my point was driven home when I arrived at the gym completely warmed up for my workout.

I had a great lil' workout and now I am home sipping on this stuff and deciding what to do with my day. Enjoy your weekend!

Also, I must bring up the fact that it is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This is a pretty powerful post that I read from Kailey and her honesty is amazing. If you are strugging with an eating disorder, I suggest you read this if you think you're ready to move on in your life. <3