FOOTBALL BABY!!!

Can I just say how in WOW I am with our Houston Texans? I am sick with all these Cowgirl fans all over. PULEASE!! Romo looks lost as if maybe his lasik surgery is fading and like me he finds himself on a three seconds delay. To all of my Cowgirl fans don't sweat it. You have an easy schedule after your lose today. But why can't they talk about my Texans? We beat the Colts, Redskins and today will beat the Cowboys.

So today I ran outside this morning and completed another 5.5 miles in an hour. I'm still running pretty slow. Kind of concerned about it but the most important thing is the mileage. I will get back to where I once was. I just need to start working out in addition to my running. Running is just not enough with you are still overweight. UGH!!

Short and sweet entry today. It's time to get ready and get to work. Have a great Sunday football day.

Week 5 Mileage Tally: 13 miles

TOOTLES....GO TEXANS!!!

CARDLESS ENTRY!

So I'm sitting here at the Honda Dealer waiting for my oil change and it occured to me that I hadn't updated my blog in over a week. But I haven't been compeletely without running.

Can I just say I don't like it when things don't work in my car like they are supposed to. I thought I had an electronic reminder of when I needed to get an oil change? UGH!

Anyway, I LOVE it when electronics work the way they are supposed to. So on Tuesday I made it to the gym and decided that I was going to run an hour. YEP!! I ran 5.5 miles (60 mins) on a treadmill. I was in pain the last mile in a half but when I finished let me tell you the endorphines were working for the rest of the day. I felt like I was on a high!! Who knew this happend. I really should have started running like 10 years ago.

Well, to my surprise 24 Hour Fitness on Tuesday started their cardless entr program. I signed up and let me just say it works. I had to come back to the gym later and I keyed in my phone number then put my finger down and I was in. I think it great. I am so challenged with losing my keys, my phone, my sanity that it's helpful to know that I can go to the gym without my card. WOOHOO!! If you are member do sign up. It's totally worth it. No more digging in my purse looking for my card.

So I did finish Week 4 with 9.16 miles (lame I know).

Week 5 Mileage Tally - 7.5 miles -- I'm getting back on track...slowly.

TOOTLES....

WEEK 4 BLUES!!

UGH!!! So this week was a total bust. This is what I'm talking about. I go strong for 3 weeks and then it's me hanging from the wagon with one finger. I did go out and run this week and it was Tuesday....I went to work then hit the gym for 2 miles. But it was Mexican week and well I got a last minute call on Wendesday asking me if I wanted to go see Alejandro Fernandez. Have you seen him? Do you even know who Alejandro Fernandez is??? DAMN move over Luis Miguel. I prefer Alejandro. He has that rough neck bad boy look...WHOA!

Anyway, while I'd been somewhat good with the drinking (except for Simon's last Sunday - kisses to Raul and Brett) I totally got slammed with practically 7 shots of Tequila. BTW I found my Arette Tequila and it costs $20 a shot. HOT DAMN! Ridiculous. Then we met some folks and I had some Corzo. It was a tequila and VIVA MEXICO night. Got home at a decent hour (1:45am) but then waking up at 7:30 to get to the office before 8 was a little painful. DAMN I'm getting old.

So I finally got home last night from the office around 8:30 and I got a little package in the mail. It was an extra medal from the Rock'nRoll marathon folks. It was congratualting me for completeing two half marathons and running a total of 26.2 miles this year. We all know I've run more with the Miami and the Austin Halfs as well. Then I got a call from my coach for the running group I joined. So I got my fat ass up and out of bed by 7:30 grabbed a cup of coffee and hit the road. This week it was an easy week on the schedule (who knew) and I finished 3 miles this morning. I could never stay to really meet anyone because I have to be at the office by 8am to deal with my staff.

So that's where I'm at by 7:45 am on my laptop at the office with my Starbucks oatmeal. Damn I need to push myself. I've been slowly losing control. And I realized when I got to Starbucks that I forgot my purse at home. UGH!! I always say I would forget my head if it wasn't attached to my body.

Week 4 Mileage Tally - 5 Miles :( so tragic!!!

Tootles....

HAS IT BEEN A YEAR? ALREADY?

Wow! I can't believe that I have been living in Las Vegas for an entire year. I still feel very new to this town. But I think I have come to the conclusion that this is my town for a while. As long as I can stay employed it should be all good.

What was my anniversary gift to myself you ask? It is the NEW HTC EVO phone from Sprint. Yep! I did. On September 7th (i think it was total fate) but my blackberry track ball broke and feel out for the last time. I even stopped by the Sprint store and asked them if they had an EVO because the line was way too long for me to try to get them to fix it. I would have been without a phone for like 5 hours. That is a big no no! But they were sold out. All day I was treating my phone like a baby. Gotta keep my dumb on the track ball since it was so broken that it would fall out.

Finally at 8:00 pm after my canvassers got back to the office I decided to drag a friend with me to the ghetto Radio Shack. Wait, I'm not saying Radio Shack is ghetto, I'm just saying that the radio shack we went to is really old and ghettoish. Anyhow, of course they had one. To my lucky surprise I qualified for the full upgrad because I have been with Sprint for like 10 years even though they say '07. So I got my phone for a mere $200. OUCH is right!

So days have passed and I have spent some late evenings playing with it. Linking my contacts with their facebook pages etc. So at least half of my contacts have photos. Damn...i need to delete some of these people that I don't have photos for.

Well, I like my phone very much. But you can still tell that I'm not used to the touch screen. Seriously...i didn't press that button. Why is it changing my word? Oh shit..I just hung up on him. Damn how do I answer? Is that my ring? Where is settings? You know the typical how does this thing function. OH Did you know it was a HOT SPOT too? That makes it WAY better than the IPhone! :p

So send me your photos or messages. My EVO is open for business. YEAH! I am a cool kid now.

Tootles...

Week 3 Mileage Tally: 12 miles

Ran 2 miles this morning.

OMG! IT IS DEFINITELY CAMPAIGN SEASON

I had such a mind blowing day today. Okay, maybe mind blowing isn't exactly a true description but my morning was a such a roller coaster I almost called it quits. YEP! I sure did say it.

Do you ever just feel like you are alone in your career and life? So as in my intro to this blog. Tonight I choose to share about my emotional pains. I don't really like to use excuses about things that I just can't do but today my real emotional hormone chemical imbalance came out. I think this is why after the 2008 election I knew it was time to take a break from our hectic schedules and actually try to find a little more normal in my life. I will admit that at times I thrive on busy and insane. But lately in my old age...yes I said old age I simply don't feel like I can hang anymore.

So my lesson to all of my friends and family don't keep it in. Sometimes you just have to let go! Just make sure you are alone when you do it. And if you do it first thing in the morning when there is no one around be prepared for potential after shocks. Once 5 hours have passed along with Starbucks and a little bit of food then it is safe to return to normalcy. Just keep in mind that your eyes will be puffy and pink but you can just get through with just a little bit of make-up.

It is time that I just admit that I have a problem saying NO! I need to practice and put it to action. Now i'm ready to roll back up my sleeves and get back to work!! WE have voters to get out to vote!! I just need to repeat three times...I'm Tough and I can Handle anything!!

THE POSITIVE!! I finally got home at a decent hour took a little time then hit the road and ran 5 MILES!! A little slower than I would like but the point is that I ran straight without stopping. YEAH!! So while there was a cloud over me in the midday I shined through with a great run. I tell you, this running thing really is a relief. I felt like my old self living a normal life. Plus it helps with great weather.

TOOTLES...

Week 3 Mileage Update: 10 miles

WHOA!! HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY!

Wow, so last night I was getting my fill of guilty pleasures with the Real Housewives of New Jersey. I can't help but talk about it but it was Part 2 of the reunion. And like all other reality tv I have to say I never watched the first season and caught glimpses of the second season but this season I watched every episode. Talk about drama!! There is so much drama I thought it should be on TNT. But anyhow, I just want to say at how Danielle is a little on the psycho side. I would say crazy but if she ever stumbled on this blog then she would totally be tweeting about how a fat chic is jealous about her fab bod. PULEASE! The woman is crazy, Teresa (while I think she is totally hilarious) is also a bit much. She is what I imagine when I think about women from New Jersey. Anna, i'm sorry to be so harsh on your Italian cousins in Jersey but damn girl you gotta admit it. Now, Jaqueline is funny and I can see that she is more of a follower than a leader but she is really nice and cool. But damn, Ashley needs to just be kicked out and she needs to learn to fend for herself. Grow up little girl and face responsibility like a real adult. Now for my favorite Caroline. I like Caroline because I see a great deal of myself in her. Tough love, you can't bullshit a bullshitter, grow up, get over it and yeah I'm gonna tell you to your face I don't trust you therefore you will not be in my life. HILARIOUS!!

The craziest thing about BRAVO and the Real Housewives of...shows are a sprinkle of everything but LATINAS! You got the California OC bubble white ladies, the Atlanta hot mess ghetto ladies, the New Jersey tell it like it is Italian ladies, the DC mixed wanna be ladies, the New York high society upper east side stiff ladies and now the latest this year with the CA Beverly Hills spoiled as rodeo drive shopping ladies. What ever happened to my Latina sisters? I mean really...is the next one going to be the real housewives of Dallas? Oh wait it's just big haired, loud white ladies again. Hmmmm What about the housewives of Miami? Gotta be a few Latinas up in that crew. Even though they would be mostly Cuban at least we would have some latin flavor in the housewives world.

Anyhow, I'm glad the season is over. I have to get caught up on The Closer tonight and then this new show with Jackie Warner called THINTERVENTION! I already caught the premier episode and let me just say that british chic is gonna get her ass handed to her. HILARIOUS! What is it about reality TV that gets us? I miss the days where the only reality TV I watched was Project Runway and Top Chef. Now I'm a reality TV junkie. Well it is election season after all and I guess it's better to watch smut tv than drinking pitchers of Raspberry mojitos. OY VE!

Week 3 Day 2 Mileage Tally: 5 miles and P90x Plyometrics

TOOTLES...

LABOR DAY...A U.S. HOLIDAY?

Sunday, Sept 5th is a multi-birthday day for close family and friends. Shout out to Mom (Houston), Irma (DC) and Celinda (Seattle). Happy Birthday LADIES!! I hope y'all had a great day you are never too old to still be a princess on your Birthday. In celebration of your births I did not call but I did take a rest day from my running :)

I love Labor Day! It meant that the DMV was closed so I did not have to be at the office by 7:45am. My celebration for the day was to wake up take care of a personal matter then it was ON with P90x Chest and Back, Ab ripper (ouch) and then a 30 minute light jog on the treadmill for 2 miles. I didn't want to push my running. It is all about the mileage.

For all my friends in the political ring we all know that there is no such thing as a day off for Labor Day during an election year. No such thing. My crews will be in later this afternoon to hit the streets. Families should be back from the lake or finishing up their lovely day of grilling.

Speaking of grilling...I found this funny comic piece I had to share. It just puts everything we do in this country in perspective. Why do we think we are so holier than thou when we can't even support our own industries. And then people wonder why Asian countries are in charge of everything. I almost think we should only be buying from our own folks. Don't you think? But it's hard to find USA made clothing etc. Even our own US brands make their stuff overseas. I'm just as guilty buying NIKE gear and this laptop i'm typing on. Are there any American made products anymore? Is Dell the only US made computer company? Are they still American made? Is ITunes an American made company? Do they really make anything? What about our cell phones? IPhone, ITouch, Blackberry I believe is made in America? Hmmm makes you wonder...My car is a Honda. I used to have a Jeep (that I totally miss). What happend to buying American? I guess it's all about the cost.

BUT We must still honor all our workers. The men and women that build our bridges, buildings, highways and vehicles. The men and women that clean our hotel rooms, service our vehicles, clear our roads and throw out our trash. The men and woman that do the jobs that no one wants to do but are needed to keep us moving even if it is up but just forward. I just want to say THANK YOU!! Here's to hoping we have hit rock bottom and the only way to go is up! Have a great day! Even to those folks that are working today. Hotels are still open and stores are still open with their sales! THANK YOU!! You are appreciated.

TOOTLES....

Week 3 Mileage Tally: 2 miles

FEELING A LITTLE TOASTY!

So I don't know what the deal is but this entire week I have been craving TOAST! Unfortunately I have been so busy that I have not had time to hit the grocery store and buy my favorite 45 calorie Sara Lee Wheat bread. Which is really no excuse since our grocery store is open 24 hours. But I have been craving carbs all week. Not just any carbs but bread carbs. I hadn't had a bagel in months and well this week I had an early meeting and the coffee shop had bagels so I had to have a toasted everything bagel with butter. Yep...I'm not really a cream cheese kind of girl. As i'm sitting here typing today's entry waiting for my staff to be ready I'm just thinking where can I get some toast. haha But in the end I will probably just end up at Starbucks buying an oatmeal. Oh wait I think I have some yogurt here in the office and I'll top it off with some granola.

I don't know what is wrong with my clock but last night I could not get to sleep. I was tossing and and turning. I wasn't really thinking about work that much but I did have another distraction pop up. I was so out of it that I woke up late to meet my running group this morning. I was so late that I had to do a different course for my run this morning. I didn't get my 4 miles in but I did manage to get 3.36 miles in. Wondering how I came up with that exact mileage? Welcome to www.MapMyRun.com - It is so awesome. Since I haven't been using my Nike+ thing to track my miles I have been using MapMyRun.com to get an exact distance for my runs. CHECK IT OUT after or before your next run. It is a great free tool on the internet.

Gotta run to take my staff to there site...

WEEK 2 Mileage Tally: 16.76 miles WOOHOO I surpassed my weekly goal.

WHAT TO DO FIRST?

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night or way too early in the morning frantic about all the things on your TO DO LIST? Well, I do and today was no exception. After passing out at 9:30 pm (from exhaustion not booze) I woke up in a frantic state at 5:10 am. Yep, 5:10 AM. Well, I decided to go back to sleep and wait until my alarm went off at 5:30. I watched a little bit of news (wow can you believe there was another oil rig explosion in the gulf? - WTH) then I decided it was time to leave for the office and meet my staff at 7am. UGH!

I went to the gym and ran a HARD 2 miles (it was a little painful) then quickly got ready for a meeting at 9:30 then a conference call at 10:30 then a continuation of the 9:30 until 11:15 and it was time to go pick up the staff. Needless to say, i'm sitting here after another three meetings and it is now 3:20 pm and I'm able to reflect on what is on my TO DO LIST.

But all I can think about is finishing my daily blog. I made a commitment and I must stick to it. So for me the first thing on my TO DO LIST will be to report on my daily running. Unless for some reason I am way too swamped and never get a moment to take a deep breathe.

Week 2 Mileage Tally: 13.4 miles WOOHOO!!! It's painful but so worth it.

Until Tomorrow....TOOTLES

TO TOUCH SCREEN OR NOT TO TOUCH SCEEN?

Yesterday I was speaking with my cousin, during our daily workout check-in call, and she went on and on about the new Sprint touch phone the HTC? Well, everyone that knows me knows that I don't like change. Meaning my blackberry has been working fine for me for the past couple of years and I really don't see any reason to change.

Even though everyone that I know has a touch screen phone and loves forwarding photos to which when I receive them on my phone it takes me 10 minutes to copy the link go to my browser, paste the link, add whatever letters didn't make the copy and viola! I get a picture. It works but it just takes forever. I LOVE MY BLACKBERRY!

Well, during our conversation I was telling my cousin that she should just buy the P90x because my friend that said he had extra copies and would send them to me has not done so.

The point of this is to say that I made a commitment to upgrade my phone to the new HTC 4G phone. I hear they have cool apps to play with and even some that can help with my training. So here's to those of us that hate giving up our blackberries. I will keep you posted about when I get my phone. Maybe the waiting list will take so long my cousin will forget I agreed to this. (crossing my fingers)

Until then....BTW I ran 3.1 miles at the gym this morning.

Week 2 Mileage Tally: 11.4 miles -- WOOHOO!!! TOOTLES

I'm Still HERE!

Okay...Okay...Okay!! Yes I have been MIA in a big way! 6 months later I'm still in Vegas and still battling the bulge. I have been yo-yoing like a mad woman for the last 6 months.

So I completed my 5th Half Marathon in March in Dallas with my cousin. We weren't really happy with our time but that's what happens when you stop training.

In May I picked it up again for three weeks running and hitting the P90 X and my stomach was melting. But then SHIT happens and I stop for like three weeks. Then start up for a week then stop for three more weeks then start then stop...it's like taking the Greyhound bus across the country. Up and Down...Up and Down (i'm sure you can imagine other metaphors but that is mine). Because no matter what i'm still moving just at a slower pace.

Even after so many friends that kept asking me what's up? Why are you MIA? Well it's a tough thing to keep up with your personal life in this crazy world. Not only work but boys can really be a distraction. But now that I'm done with that!! I have moved on.

So with all of this...I am making another stab at this running thing and starting fresh. I will be working on my schedule and put it together to report each day. Now, my daily reports may be really short. It's is election season after all so I will try the best I can.

I started this blog on Monday...now it is Wednesday and I have just enough time to finish this post and run to the Elections Department. UGH...

RUN LOG: Week 2

Monday - 2 miles outside - slow and steady

Tuesday - 2.75 miles at the gym with speed work

Wednesday - 3.65 miles outside - easy run

FAT TUESDAY - FAT BUSTER!!

HAPPY MARDI GRAS Folks!! Tonight is the last night that you can enjoy that one or more items that you will be giving up for the next 40 days and 40 nights. Now, while I know that not everyone is a Catholic and actually participates in Lenten traditions it is a known fact that even the most fickle of catholics particpate in Lent. Hell, we all have those stories of being a child and having to give up candy or cokes or cheeseburgers or Taco Bell (I was in high school!).

Anyhow, tonight I will be celebrating FAT TUESDAY with some Mojitos. I will be paying to my lord tomorrow at noon mass and making a commitment to myself to cut all cocktails and sweets from my diet for 40 days. YEP! That's right no more cocktails for me. Well, it won't be that hard since I gave it up drinking last year.

If you aren't a religious person then think about this as a COMMITMENT to yourself. This morning I was up at 6am hit my coffee, cereal and my P90x. Polymetrics -- Holy Crap! It kicked my butt but in a good way. It was all about jumping around and getting your heart rate up. I LOVED IT!

FINAL TIME for my 4th Half Marathon was 2:31:52. I beat my Vegas time. So far this is my best time. My goal is to run my butt off for the next 3 weeks and see if I can match that time in Dallas on March 14th. YEP! I am locked in for my 5th Half Marathon - It is the Dallas Inaugural Rock n' Roll Half Marathon.

So, whatever you do tonight to celebrate Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday please be sure to have a designated driver with you. Or at least enough cab money!!

...TOOTLES

LOVE IS IN THE AIR - LOVE RUNNING BECAUSE YOU CAN!!

Well, I figured out the best way to spend Valentine's Day! Love yourself! No matter what other people say and / or express their expectations of you. You mush know your self worth. Today, i'm going to reflect a little on how we perceive ourselves. A little self reflection is a healthy thing.

It is 2:22 pm in Austin, TX. I'm sitting at the airport waiting for our boarding time and while I wait i'm charging my phone and decided to post at this moment. I got here starving and wanting everything I see. I ask for a Whataburger. What is the deal with Whataburger? Why aren't they in the airports in TX. I mean really, i'm going to have to talke to some friends of mine. But to no avail the security at the Austin Bergstrom Airport pointed me in the right direction to Waterloo Ice House. What many of you don't know is that I have a Half Marathon tradition. After each Half Marathon I have a big cheese burger and fries. In Las Vegas my staff Ielina and Josue came out to support me in my last two miles so I treated them to In-and-Out (I still don't understand the obsession with that burger joint). After the Phoenix race, Raul and Bret took me to this gourmet burger place that served crispy french fries and sweet potatos fries. I had an amazing burger with blue cheese etc. Good call Raul. In Miami, Irma, Jeanette and I went to this local spot and had great burgers in Miami beach. Today, it was Waterloo Ice House. It was the perfect burger, mayo, mustard, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, onion and tomatoes. I even managed to have some chili cheese fries. They were authentic Texas Chili fries. Now, i'm blogging and my stomach is rumbling. It was good food. All the calories I just lost doing the run, i just ate in 20 minutes.

So, today is Valentine's Day and I hope that those of you that have loved ones are taking the time to show your love for them in all and any ways. I think what I have gotten out of this year is that it doesn't really matter if you have someone to love you. What matters is that you love yourself unconditionally. I think I do and after today I just realized I must. While i'm not where I want to be in my weight or my looks, it's still better than what I used to be. It takes time to get where you want to be in your life and your health is the same way.

So my message today is to take the time to reflect and really appreciate who you are and what you have to offer. No matter what you are worth it. I know because I have to remind myself almost everyday. And well today it was a little more special. I was running at my state capitol. I ran in my old neighborhood and i'm not the same person I was when I lived here.

Love is indeed in the air. So hug yourself and then hug others. Everyone deserves love. (at least that's what they tell me! ;)

Until tomorrow....TOOTLES

PS: Enjoy the chocolates and flowers.

AUSTIN RULES - KEEP IT WEIRD

So, this week has been a bit busy with work. Tues - Friday I did my P90 workouts, hit the massuse and because my ankle was bothering me decided to cut back on the running.

Today is Saturday, I landed in Austin yesterday. Hit the hotel then the Applebees with my cousin-in-law. Celinda picked us up and we hit a local bar on the East Side. Then we moved to the West Side at Molotov. Let's just say I had one too many Maker's, Soda and Lime. But it was nice to cut loose. I try to only indulge in cocktails once a week. So last night was my empty calorie night. Today, it's all about the water and nutrients for tomorrow.

I just got back to the hotel. I went for a 4+ mile outside in the neighborhood. I need to just be ready to have a not so great time. I'm having problems controlling my breathing. I need to really work on that for my next half marathon in March. So I will have 3 1/2 weeks to work on it. I really have a hard time after I hit the incline and push myself. Damn I hate inclines. They hurt my breathing. But it's all in my head. At least that's what i'm gonna tell myself tomorrow. Take it slow for the first half and then push it.

Will let you know how I do. All I know is that I will be looking forward to my traditional bacon cheese burger after the run. I may even through in some chili cheese fries.

Until tomorrow...Tootles

SOAKED SATURDAY - SUPER SUNDAY - MONDAY MADNESS

Have any of you run in the rain?? I was always scared to run in the rain because the roads tend to be a little slick with oil and car junk. In fact my first 5k that I ran was St.Patrick's Day Dash in Dallas March 2009. That morning it rained heavy and while the course is on the street I had a couple of slips. Thank god I didn't fall but since then I was always more hesitant to run either in the rain or on wet pavement. BUT Saturday was another story. It rained all morning and mid day. It rained so much that at 1pm I thought hell it's a movie day. But by 2:30 the sun and blue skies were starting to peek out and I said to hell with the movie...I'm going for a run. I rush home and realize it's kind of cloudy on my side of town but who cares the drive was in me. I suited up thinking i'll get a few good miles in before the rain starts. By the time I get half way through my 5k it starts sprinkling...by the time my Nike+ tells me I have 2k left It is a torrential down pour. By the time I finished 4 miles the rain had stopped. I got home came in and was just shocked at how soaking wet I was. But you know...it felt good. Every time I get home after a run I'm a little sore but damn it just feels so good. Of course I also did my P90x Stretch video and some abs with my Nike 10lb medicine ball (not the one with the handles).

Sunday was HELLA SUPER!!! Way to go SAINTS!! I went to work and my goal was to get out by 3pm hit the workout and run a few miles and catch the end of the game. But what was this...I got home they just finished up the 1st quarter and Colts were up 10 points. I started making my ceviche and by the time I knew it was enthralled in the game. The Saints almost scored a TD and they went into the half at 6 to 10. That's it. Sunday is my rest day...I need to concentrate on this football game. Second half starts and I'm watching the kick-off and all of a sudden I scream...onside kick. WTF?? AWESOME call. Well, I don't have to give the play by play but it was an awesome super bowl game but that was one hell of an interception and 74 yard return for a TD.

Monday Madness started at 630 with some coffee, toast and a little bit of work. Two hours later it was P90X Core Synergetics time!! My favorite! Then the sun peeked out this morning! I just completed 7 miles. YEAH!! I need to make sure I can handle this Sunday in Austin. It will be my 4th Half Marathon and i'm super siked to get it together. Barring any allergic reactions or injuries, i'm hoping to stay under 2:45. PLEASE send me your bendaciones and oraciones. I'm gonna need them. That's prayers in Spanish for my English friends.

Well, i'm running late today and it is just an update day. Will see what we discuss tomorrow after I hit my Shoulders & Arms and Abs.

Good Times Peeps...TOOTLES

SUPER SUNDAY!!!

To all my buddies and loved ones in DC, I just have to say that I hope y'all are doing well and not missing my Super Bowl parties. Although with the two feet of snow on the ground no one would even venture out of their homes, not even for my party!! For everyone that doesn't know me should know that I'm the HOST WITH THE MOST when it comes to Super Bowl parties. Since I was a kid my birthday parties were always held on Super Bowl - Jan 31st was a good day for football madness. My favorite birthday was Jan. 31, 1988 when the Washington Redskins smacked down the Denver Broncos to become the Super Bowl XXII Champions!! It was my 14th birthday and I had a grand time. It was the first year I lived with my father and from then on my birthday celebrations were around super bowl all the time!!! Even my Qinceaniera weekend...the next morning we had menudo and super bowl. What memories!!

For those of you that don't know about my parties let me just say that the best Super Bowl parties in DC were with the Amigos de Mariachi - a 5 piece mariachi band with only one Mexican. They played for an hour before the game to get us all warmed up. I and others would perform some mariachi songs and take plenty of tequila shots. I must confess, I got the idea for the entertainment from my brother Temo Figueroa - but he left us after the first year to join the Obama campaign as the Field Director during the primary. But then the girls Ingrid and Catherine came through and took his place in sponsoring the band in year three. That was a crazy party. The Mariachi - Tequila and Janet Jackson having her wardrobe mal-function. We saw that live and BTW she had a pasty on! They knew they were going to make that move.

Plus, how could I forget about the food. I think people came to the party for the food. I grilled two briskets, made potato salad, frijoles a la charra, spinach dip, rice, tamales (flown in from Texas) and well MARGARITAS!!!! Damn, I miss those parties. Maybe I will be back in DC by next Super Bowl. Who knows what may happen in the near future.

Well, I just have to say that I am cheering for the Saints today. Even though they will most likely get spanked by the Colts...I have to go for the underdog when I don't have a favored team in the mix. I would have much rather be bleeding green - JETS! Sanchez is a rookie and there is always the dredded response...Maybe next year. Get it together Sanchez!! Make us proud Hermano!

Tomorrow, I will update on my fitness from Saturday and today. But for now ENJOY your super bowl chips and dip. LETS GO SAINTS!!

TOOTLES....

BREAKFAST SNACKS...IMPORTANT

So this morning I woke up earlier. I told y'all I was gonna work on it. Now I just have to keep it up. I was up and moving around by 5:25 am. YEAH! Had my coffee, my cereal and my P90X KenpoX. Very interesting video. It's a little hard to control my knees doing some of those twists. I had to be really careful with that. But it was a good cardio workout. After that video I hit the cloudy cold streets for a brisk 3.5 mile run. My time is still about the same. It's good to be just under 11 minutes so that my next half marathon I will have a decent time. I'm just worried that the next half is going to be partial up hill. UGH!!!

Anyhow, the focus for today's blog is BREAKFAST for an active lifestyle. I'm sure you are tired of hearing how breakfast is the most imporant meal of the day...but IT IS!! And what's just as important is that breakfast snack. If you are an early riser you have to plan for these breakfast snacks so that by the time lunch comes around you aren't starving yourself and throwing your metabolism through a loop. I have my favorite morning snack. If I don't have time for toast (which I still enjoy the Sara Lee 45 calorie / slice wheat bread) I enjoy my Fit 4 Soy Strawberry Creme bars from Apex. I buy them by the box at my local 24 hour fitness. I really like the bar because it's 160 calories, 4g of fat, 200mg sodium, 27g carbs, 3g fiber, 11g sugar and 8g of protein. It's not the most lean bar out there but I also love the flavor. It's kind of higher in sugar than I really like but it tastes great and goes well with my second cup of coffee or a bottle of water. It helps me when I'm feeling some hunger pains but it's a little too early to eat my next meal.

Whatever you have for breakfast should be accompanied by a breakfast snack. Especially, if it's something that you can enjoy on the run. Coming from someone that applys her make-up in the car on my way to the first meeting of the day it is a LIFE SAVER.

Well figure out what snack works for you and you work the hell out of it. Snacking can be good when it's controlled and you know exactly what you are consuming.

Until next time...Tootles

P90X - WHAT???

Okay, it's time to fess up. So everyone should know that I had a great trainer for a while and he introduced me to a great massuse. Well, I can no longer afford the trainer but I can still afford the massuse (thank god). So, my massuse mentioned the P90x to me. That he is a BeachBody.com coach and has picked up his Shakeology and the P90X Insanity. So a couple weeks ago I told him I was interested in the program. He said it would be good since I can't afford my trainer and well i'm a pretty active person so it should be a good program for me to start. He brings his wife's videos at our next session and well I had to try it out. I tried it for three days straight. Started with the Stretch, Arms & Shoulders then the Core Syndergies. HOT DAMN!! The great thing was that I was able to get through the workouts. Of course I had to modify a few of the push-ups sets that I had to do. But it felt awesome! The thing was that I didn't feel it right away but I felt it the next day. By day four I was like damn! I skipped the yoga and the cardio. I went to gym to get those in. I haven't been that dedicated just yet but I'm going through each DVD once then I want to officially start the 90 day regimen. Which will be interesting since i'm going to be traveling a few days within the 90. Will have to figure out how I keep those exercises on track.

So this morning I got up at 5:45 am - trying to get up by 5. Hopefully will get there. By 6:15 I had my coffee, my cereal and was getting ready for the Legs & Back workout then I hit the Ab RipperX. Wait do you think i'm done? Oh Hell NO! I got my jacket, my ipod, Nike+ and hit the road for a 3.5 mile run. So this should be a typical day for me. This is my old schedule I'm trying to get back to. Then I was at Starbucks by 9:10 for a meeting. Yep, In true Artie style I was a little late. What can I say...It happens.

Well, tomorrow I will be doing KenpoX. It looks like some sort of kick-boxing class on steriods. I'm sure it will make me burn!

BTW - My eyes are back to normal. The swelling finally went down in timr for a press conference we had yesterday morning. Thanks to my girls who keep checking up on me. Much Love and Appreciation!!

Irma and Jeanette you are now inspiring me to get with the P90X and give it a real chance. I'm there! Hopefully, I will catch up to y'all.

Until Next Time...Tootles

BACK FOR THE NEXT COMMITTMENT

Yes, it has been three months since my last post. I have no excuses except that I have been a little distracted. So to put all my cards on the table...YET AGAIN. I guess being overweight and living an obese lifestyle is like being addicted to drugs and alcohol. The difference is that there is no Rehab for fat people when you fall off the wagon. I mean yeah sure since my last post I have completed three half marathons but it doesn't mean i've been living a 100% healthy lifestyle.

YES!! You read that right. Dec. 6, 2008 was my first half marathon. It was the Las Vegas Inaugural Rock n' Roll Half Marathon. It was a blast. I made it even with my knees killing me the last three miles I completed in what I consider a good time 2:39:04. My goal was 2:45 so I did it. My 2nd race was Jan. 17, 2010 in Phoenix, AZ. I was fortunate to spend time with Raul, Brett and Douglas at Brett's place. I had a great time. Except I had to use the restroom and I was battling an ankle injury I sustained during the holidays. I felt it the entire time but kept going... nothing is ever going to stop me. After like a 5 minute bathroom break I finished at 2:42:26. Still keeping it below 2:45.

This weekend Jan. 31, 2010 on my 36th birthday I was running my 3rd Half Marathon. After hitting 2.5 miles I started noticing my eyelids getting in my way while running. I just thought it was clumped up mascara on my eyelashes. I wiped them but kept going. Once I hit 4 miles and set a good pace at the 5k mark I just couldn't help but wonder what was going on with my eyes. I couldn't see. It was as if they were closing in on me. I stopped at mile 6 into a hotel on the south beach strip hit the ladies room and just about passed out of shock from what was going on with my eyes. I was having my first allergic reaction. My eyes looked like I was in a boxing match except they weren't bruised in color. It scared me so much...but there was nothing I could do. So I kept going. But just couldn't see so I stopped at the next cop and asked him if there was an ambulance. They came, they freaked out and tested me. Asked me what I did different and all I could think of was this shitty ass make-up from the mall that I bought the day before. That mixed with my sweat must have caused the reaction. Well they gave me a shot of benadryl and washed out my eyes with two bags of water. They seemed to get a little better. Well the race was already passing me by. I thought what the hell. My body is okay...i mean sure I just ran 6 miles and stopped for like an hour but hell I have to finish. Even if I have to walk. Sure the bus was there that was picking up injured runners etc but I refused to get on. I ran some and walked most of the remaining course. What can I say i'm crazy, obsessed, insane and well just all around nuts!! But I finished. There were times while running that I eventually had to close my eyes. I was fighting just to keep them open a quarter of an inch to see in front of me. Mixed with tears and sweat I finished the damn race before they cut it off and I got my medal. My face is still swollen but my eyes are open they aren't as shut as they were before.

So i'm sitting at O'Hare waiting for my connection to get back to Vegas. I have calls from everyone that I need to follow-up on but It is Feb. 1, 2010 and I need to make my commitment to myself once again.

I must also confess the dating. I have also been a little distracted with dating. I've been seeing a few guys (all younger than me) and let's just say I need to cut the chord and commit to myself again. Artie Blanco still needs to come first. They are really nice but no one that I really see myself making a deep connection with. That is too distracting at this point in my life. I need to stay focused. Back on track.

Well, I think this is enough for now, I don't even know my finish time for the race but oh well. In my next blog I will talk about the difference in the races that I have participated in. And why I probably won't be running an ING race again. It just wasn't that fun or exciting.

Until next time...Tootles