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Getting in Gear - the "31" Edition

My birthday is this week, and the first thing I have to say about that is...

...wow, that came up quick(ly).  Pretty sure that's going to be my reaction every year from here on out.  I'm not sure if it's my aging brain or the whirlwind of parenting that is making time pass disproportionately quickly compared to my younger days.

Speaking of younger days, here's the little one, who is 17 months today!  Lately, he's been refusing to let me feed him, so there are a LOT of messy times.  This picture below is slightly dated, and he is actually much, much cleaner about it now.  Other than that, he's started saying some words and thinks that the world is his oyster.

www.acaseoftheruns.com

Oh, so back to 31, the number of flavors they used to have at Baskin Robbins.  I am definitely feeling like I am getting "up there" in age!  I am also somewhat embarrassed to admit that I've hit up this establishment a couple of times this past year... alone!


Looking back, thirty was the year that I started feeling somewhat human again... make that, the second half of the year once sleep improved.  I'm finally at a point where I think I can commit to healthier choices so I don't feel like I need to hide behind baggy clothing so much.  Besides times when I had to watch my intake, I was easy on myself these past couple of years because I often felt hungry and deprived.  If I couldn't have freedom/sleep, then at least I could eat when I felt like it, right?  I generally ate healthy things, but I also ate them whenever and in whatever portion.  Although I worked out regularly, this clearly was not something I wanted to do long-term.

So here's to hoping that 31 will be a healthier year!

To start off, I have been sitting (lol) on some fitness product reviews.  The first is this Card Ninja smartphone wallet.  It's a great idea since it's pretty easy to dash out of the house and remember your phone but not the other stuff you might need, like money, your license, etc.  I live close to a grocery store, so I sometimes end up walking/running there, and there's nothing worse than starting off and then realizing you didn't bring your post-it with your shopping list.  Yep, that happened to me, and yes, I also realize I could have gotten that on my phone somehow.  A plus -- it's reflective!


Second, this Flip Belt has been a staple on my runs outside.  I had to get a new running belt because I can't find my older one for the life of me, which is sad because it means I haven't been needing it and also because it was a good belt.  I am so happy with the Flip Belt, though, that I am even showing my very much in-progress pre-run abs so that you can see it on a person rather than on a table.  I really like that I can cram my phone (+case) securely in the flaps, and there is a zippered compartment for stuff that I am paranoid about.  I was told it can even hold a passport.  Finally, it has a little hook for my key, and the cord stretches so I can open/close the door without removing it from the belt. 

I bought this one at the Surf City expo, proving that yes, you can buy stuff at an expo if you're not even running the race!  Truth be told, it does ride up a teensy bit, but it is very, very minor, coming from someone who is easily annoyed by stuff like that.

www.acaseoftheruns.com

Finally, here are some Perfect Fit meals that I was sent to try.  They are available at Albertson's (Safeway) and can hang out in the fridge for a while or frozen.  These things have saved me on certain busy nights, as they contain protein, veggies, and a side.  I'd split the portion with "The Ukrainian" and add rice, though I have also just eaten the entire thing myself just by itself.  I like that they are high in protein and are generally "clean" meals on their own.

This one below is the Chipotle Barbecue Chicken, which wasn't as spicy as I feared.  I should mention to my longer-time readers that yes, I am still eating meat right now.  I spent a few years as a 99% vegetarian, then added fish, then in particular when I had to manage my blood sugar during my pregnancy, I started eating meat regularly.  Nowadays, I have cut down and generally only do fish and poultry and am not sure what I'll end up doing in the future. 


I especially love the shirt that I got with them!




Anyway, if anyone is wondering what I want for my birthday, I think I've already received the gift of generally consistent sleep.  I think I keep mentioning that here, but man, it's a big deal so I finally have my nights back... and even some mornings!  Besides that, some time off work so I can shop at the mall would be amazing right now.  I've been trying to de-frump myself and could use a bit of a wardrobe refresh and makeup.  But one thing at a time!

------
FTC Disclaimer: I was provided a sample of the Card Ninja and Perfect Fit meals but was not otherwise compensated to provide a positive review, so... just posting my true opinion!

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