real talk on a friday

You...Guys....

If this song and video does not make your heart swell and want to be a better person and do the right thing you probably need to reevaluate your life. just sayin'

Not to mention this fabulous band, Ages and Ages, is from Portland, which makes them extra cool.

I am starting to find my groove and get in the flow of my new life with its new schedule of balancing two jobs and a life outside work. With the added extra hours and extra stress, it definitely makes me evaluate what the right things are. 

What is the right thing to do with my free time?

What is the right thing to do for my clients?

What is the right thing to do for my family and friends?

What is the right thing to do for my own health and well being?

Naturally, after the first crazy, busy week at the gym, I got a cold. I think it was my body's way of telling me that if I want to be successful and sustain this new schedule I am going to have to make some changes and that is ok - I just have to figure out what the right changes are going to be. 

One of those right choices for me will be heading home to visit my family for the Holiday weekend. Even though it is a short trip and a long drive I am excited to surround myself with good people and have some much needed family time. 

Hope you enjoy your Holiday weekend :) 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

america things

My weekend was filled with very American things which was fitting seeing how we were celebrating the 4th of July! Ps. It is officially my birthday month, get excited, people! 

Thursday night was shenanigans at the St. Paul Rodeo. Where I might have eaten the majority of those fries by myself. 

Friday was spent with Fireworks and BBQs, but I don't have any pictures of that, because who needs to see more grainy night photos of fireworks, answer: no one.

Saturday we trekked on down to the Portland Waterfront to the Blues Fest that happens every year and never disappoints. Sugaray Rayford KILLED it during his set.

OH! And my favorite part of the weekend, getting to meet the newest member of our family. Meet my little brother's new puppy, Gunner! Now if only he didn't live 3 hours away!

Cheers!

<3 BB

Make the beeping go away

Yeah, yeah it's Daylights Savings time. We lost an hour of our lives. I am tired, blah blah blah... We know, we know, we are all tired. Instead, let's talk about how this morning a little before 4am I was woken up by a beeping that would not stop! After about 20 mins of listening to the beep go off every 15 seconds (I counted) I ventured out into our living room, grunted at the sound, couldn't figure out where it was coming from and tried to go back to bed. Needless to say my grunting didn't make the beeping stop and falling back into a sound sleep didn't happen. Finally when my alarm went off at 5:38 I think I had officially gone crazy and I am now extra tired. Turns out the stupid beeping wasn't coming from our living room smoke alarm like I assumed it was, but the one downstairs by our front door. I didn't even know we had one down there!!!! Also, Bradley slept through all of this. HOW?! I have no idea...but I will probably hold it again him the rest of the day. 

I think I would rather experience an actual fire than have to live through that beeping again. uggggggh. Enough of my complaining. Let's look at selflies from the weekend. I have decided you will get at least one awkward selfie from every track meet this year and since I was at two different tracks on Saturday you get a bonus selfie (you're welcome). You also get two high quality selfies from the first Timbers game of the season.

I swear MLS season just ended last week. How is it already here again?! I am not sure I am mentally ready for it, but I guess the people of MLS don't care about me. Also, fun fact - between track meets and the Timbers game on Saturday I was pretty much standing from the hours of 8am - 9:30pm. It feels really good on your back by the end of the day if you were curious. 

This post sounds whiny. I am going to stop typing and drink more coffee. I'll try to be better tomorrow. 

Cheers!

<3 BB

Scenes from snowlandia

My weekend was boring. There I said it, the snow was gorgeous and I loved the winter feel, but cabin fever is a real thing. We did venture out and go walks each day, we attempted to go the gym, but it was closed. EVERYTHING was closed. We watched a lot of the Olympics. We got really competitive playing Monopoly Deal - you would have thought it was an Olympic Sport in our house. I didn't brush my hair, nor did I wear makeup once. I had a singular dreadlock to prove it when I tried to actually do my hair this morning. We ate a lot of this soup. We had hot chocolate. I read a bit. I got caught up on Sherlock and now I have to wait and it makes me really, really, really sad.... You know, your standard snowed in activities. 

Cheers to snow! Now make this slushie brown crap and freezing rain go away! 

<3 BB 

Sherlock weekend

Had a weekend, now it's gone and I miss it. Here is a little recap of what I did.

//Played pool here.

//Took selfies when no one was looking here. Must document a good eye makeup day.

//Had a cold and hilly, but also sunny morning run here. 

//Most importantly though, I watched a lot of this. I heart Benedict Cumberbatch. Sherlock could come solve my crime any day. Now it is off to google image Benedict all morning... I mean get some work done. I wish I was British.

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

Juany Pabs weekend

So there was a weekend it was quite low key, but it sure was nice. I am not sure I can handle 5 full days of work after all this holiday hoopla. I think I might need to call in sick at least once this week. Kidding kind of.

Back to my weekend, it involved a lot of coffee with my favorite Christmas gift, my Keurig. It was also cold around these parts, even though it was super sunny. That meant I got to turn on the fire place (insert happy dance). It also meant my run was cold. Oh, and did you know that pepperoni sticks and home brewed beer from a wine glass make up a dinner of champions? Because they do. 

 The highlight of the weekend was definitely our Bachelor Fantasy Draft, but we'll talk more about that later this week. Just think good thoughts for my team 'One On Juan Date' please. My girls Christine H. and Kylie better bring me home a victory. Also, if you want to get to know the girls, check out this article, it's perfection. Cheers to Juany Pabs! <3 BB
Ps. patting myself on the back with Nicole from Not Before My Tea, for even blogging today, because it's Monday after 2 Holiday weeks, and it is hard to find motivation.  

fantasy football

Hey Monday, 

You're here. I would be mad that I am at work today, but tomorrow is Christmas Eve and no one can be mad during Christmas week! 

I spent my weekend at home with my family and it was everything I needed. All 4 siblings were home causing a ruckus for my parents, which is always fun. I don't really have anything to show for it, but let's be honest, no one really needs to see pics of me in my PJs with unwashed hair.  

Instead let's talk about how I am officially addicted to Fantasy Football and it isn't even my team. Brad's team was in the Championship game this week and if he takes the Championship he wins me 400 doll hairs!!! We're going to the ship! what? We're going to the ship. - Name that movie. So yeah, I might have gotten a little too invested yesterday.  

Here are some conclusions I have made about myself after yesterday's Fantasy Football Experience. 

1) I am super competitive. 

2) Sometimes most times I get angry when I am competitive. A few curse words might have been yelled. 

3) I am not good when I am not in control. I did athletics all through college - I knew at the end of the day I had control over whether or not I won or lost and how well I competed each time. I don't have control over the fact that Brad didn't start Donald Brown of the Colt's and he scored 24 Fantasy Points and then Reggie Bush, who is supposed to be a Man Among Boys, decided to produce a total of 3.90 points for me! WTF. Bet you would have scored if you were still dating Kim K.

4) I don't think I should become a person that enjoys betting money. When money is on the line, I go crazy. Think of all the things I Brad can buy! 

6) I get obsessive. Yes, I downloaded the NFL Moblie app to both my phone and my iPad. Yes, I hit refresh every 5 seconds. 

7) It is really hard to do Fantasy Football without the Red Zone Channel. Since I was at my parents' house, I did not have access to the Red Zone Channel. How do people keep track of every play without Red Zone?! What? Are we stuck in the dark ages?! 

5) I might have to officially join a league next year. 

Wish me Brad luck, he is up by 25 points with tonight's game left and his opponent has two players left to go and Brad is done. UGH.

San Francisco, your defense better show up to work tonight. I need you to stop all of the touchdowns. Maybe give Atlanta's tight end a concussion while you're at it. 

Show Me The Money! 

<3 BB 

oh tuesday

Oh Hey Tuesday,

Glad you stopped by. I just decided to act like Monday wasn't a real thing. Instead I took the day off and went wine tasting with Brad and his parents while they are still here for a few more days. The weather was perfect, the wine was lovely, but most importantly I got to play with my camera at each vineyard. Now of course I was not on top of my life and the photos are still on my camera, but that is neither here nor there. 

I will leave you with a few iphone photos from this weekend to make up for leaving you yesterday and being unprepared today. Lazy as sheet. You're welcome. 

Don't worry I was caught taking this selfie at the Timbers' game. The gal offered to take it for me. I got awkward. surprise, surprise

Holy Moly. Mother's you are worth the hype and the wait. Gawd, the Wild Salmon Hash I had was phenomenal.

Almost as phenomenal as the weather during wine tasting yesterday. 

Lastly, if you're making this pumpkin bread from Trader Joe's without the chocolate chipies, you're doing it wrong. 

Ok, this post was pathetic. Sorry for wasting your time. I will be done now. 

<3 BB 

#backthatazzup tough mudder style

Do you ever just have one of those evenings....

::The kind where you're late to an appointment because of traffic, your gas light comes on half way through the commute, annnnnd you have to pee. Not sure if I am the only one, but I PANIC as soon as my gas light comes on, because the one time I didn't panic I ran out of gas. Embarrassing.

::The kind where you walk in the door and the first thing your boyfriend tells you is you smell like beef jerky. (We later discovered it was from the sweatshirt I put on, hadn't been washed since the weekend and it still smelled like campfire.) 

::The kind where you go to the grocery store and you're smelling new shampoos and it squirts up into your nose. facial.

::The kind where you buy these awesome treats:

because you're cutting out dairy, but then when you go to open the container they spill all over the sink and counter, 3 of which ended up down in the garbage disposal. WAHHHHHHHHHH

No?! Just me?! Cool.

Needles to say, all those Almond bites were gone by the time I went to bed last night and I am extra glad it is Friday.

Also, if you're curious I made it to my appointment in time and didn't run out of gas. It was for a massage and don't get all ohhh and ahhh for me, this was not your normal, relaxing, happy massage.  This was a massage done by the sports massage therapist that worked on me in college for track.  It's deep tissue and it's painful, BUT they are the most beneficial massages I have ever had when it comes to preparing for an event.  I have been having knee and back pain and I think it has to do with my tight hip flexors so I am trying to get them loosened up before this weekend's TOUGH MUDDER! 

::Speaking of, go check out Jessi's weekend links that are Tough Mudder style. Great Transition into this week's links, Brooke

::Just a few pie charts, you know, very educational ones.

::In honor of Fathers Day.

::37 things to consider before moving to Portland.

AND MY FAVORITE LINK OF THE DAY....

::Season 2 of Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee has arrived!!!!!

Also, it wouldn't be Friday if I didn't #backthatazzup, so we're gonna #backthatazzup Tough Mudder style. 

Get some! 

last year 

So ready. 

Yes, that would be the beef jerky, camp fire sweatshirt, in case you were wondering. 

HOOOOOORAH! 

<3 BB 

#backthatazzup to seattle

It's Fridayyyyyyyy and I am leaving for Seattle right after work to be reunited with my old college roomies!

Back when we were babies and graduating from Willamette in 2009.

I am quite excited.

via

They're all doing awesome things with their lives like graduating from PT School and Law School and raising a puppy, basically just being cool; and I'm over here like, I've got this blog?! It's cool though, I'm totally not jealous, just excited we get to celebrate together :)

via

::Never not funny. Celebrities reading mean tweet about themselves -take 4.

::Why 30 is not the new 20. 

::59 reasons we're going to miss the Office. 

::No. Shut up. Stop sabotaging yourself.

::This article has me thinking that maybe I need to reevaluate some of my beauty choices now.

::Only in Portland.

::Don't just stand there at the gym.

::Lastly, this song came on when I was jammin' out to Boyz II Men pandora the other day. God, I LOVE THIS SONG!!! Warning: Just listening to this song may get you pregnant. 

Have a good weekend, folks!



Cheers!

<3 BB

linkin' into weekend

How is it already Friday?! This week went so fast, I would put money on the fact that the funshine put me in a better mood and got me through the week. I know it's super stupid to talk about things like the weather, but guess what, it's my blog and I can do whatever I want on it!!!!!! suckers. Plus, nice weather makes me happy and I like to talk about things that make me happy.

Sunshine lets me do things like this:

Eat outside during my lunch, because our boss bought patio furniture! Not pictured: tacos!

And this:

I'm coming for ya, Tiger! Won't be hard after you shit the bed at the Masters.

Also, this has nothing to do with sunshine, but it made my week.  I was so excited when it came in the mail the other day I brought it into Spin class to show Bradley and was waving it around.  Sometimes I forget other people take the Spin class with us, oh well!  He called me a nerd, but my spin instructor was excited about it too. 

Part massage and muscle repair / Part torture device. 

Lastly, with this sunshine all week, my wardrobe has finally felt spring-ish! I have even worn a skirt 3 different times this week. WHOA, I know right, don't get too carried away there Brooke, it's supposed to rain again Monday.

Don't worry though, I didn't get too girly on you.  I am rockin' Nikes and a Vneck tee with today's skirt.

I really like to push the limits of Casual Friday. Sorry, not sorry.

Anyways, enough random photos about sunshine.  Let's get to some links...

::My girl Lauryn Hill is no longer miseducated and is coming out with a new album! This really makes my day and is topical because I was jammin' to her old album earlier in the week before I even heard the good news. Girl's got soul. Must have ESPN or something.

::I love the brand video for this company. Tomboy Style recently shared it and I want to be a part of everything they do.

::What you learned from Seinfeld.

::Thinking about buying one of these for when I make coffee at the office. Maybe even get wild and pick the cow print one.

::So glad Coachella is over. People are idiots.

::I am a grown ass woman and I like Vampire Diaries.

::So excited for the Great Gatsby movie. Speaking of, check out this interview about Brooke Brothers' involvement with the movie.


That's all the internet wrote this week.  Now it's time to get in Coach Brooke mode.  Conference Championships this afternoon and tomorrow! HEYO!!!!


I am leaving you with this jam by my girl Lauryn to #backthatazzup on into the weekend:

Cheers,

<3 BB

Get low, low, low.

Guys,

I made such a bomb dinner last night, be jealous. I even got wine, heyo!

Steak, yum. Salad, yum. Asparagus, yum. Wine, double yum. 

::Speaking of food, really need to spice up my oatmeal game.

::Also, Kait (the queen of overnight oats) should be proud, I Brad made these overnight oats last night.

::Can we be friends already, Anna?

::Speaking of Anna. Got you this.

::How does Lochte even have a show?!

::You're more beautiful than you think. - So, this video is catching some flack, and I see their argument, but I think at the end of the day this is still a good reminder that women need to see themselves in a more positive light, me included.

::Lastly, I don't often announce that I was in a Sorority. It just really wasn't my thing, but I can't deny I was in one.  With that being said, I wish this email would have been sent out to my sorority. I would have died with laughter!


That's all she wrote for awesome links this week, guys.  I gotta #backthatazzup on outta here to play with these pretty ladies

Anne, Mego, and Me :) 

and since it is #backthatazzup Friday....

I leave you with this picture:

Mego and I gettin' low at Anne's wedding. 

and this song:

get low, low, low....

Happy Friday!!!

<3 BB

#backthatazzup links

Ya'll (look at me pretending like I'm in the show Nashville or something), I had such a traumatic experience last night. Right before bed, Brad decided he was going to take the trash out....What a nice guy he is. Well, as he was picking up the garbage to take it outside a nasty, smelly, god awful liquid started SPEWING out the bottom (ok, that might be a slight exaggeration, but it definitely was dripping all over the floor) and had been leaking in the garbage can for a little while now so that's where the smell had been coming from.  I can't even begin to describe the smell to you, but will attempt anyway it smelled like old prawns, and feet, and all things evil in the world.

I wanted to vom, but since I am so heroic, I cleaned that 'ish up.  So, at 10:30 at night (wayyyy past my bedtime mind you) I am mopping the floor and cleaning out the garbage can with anything I think will stop the smell (vinegar, lemon juice, soap, febreze, you name it, I tried it). After I was done cleaning Brad kept trying to freak me out and say he could still smell it in my hair and on my clothes, I might believed him a little.  I think the smell is going to stay in my nose forever. UGH.

But in other pretty, non smelly news - Bradley brought home 'just because flowers' for me yesterday.  Evidently his work was selling them and a portion of the proceeds went to Easter Seals Oregon :) Tulips are about to be poppin' soon!

Lastly, before we get to today's links, Keith Sweat just came up on my shuffle as I was editing this post and if that's not some #backthatazzup Friday music, then I don't know what is.

Anyways, here are totally tubular links:

::Groupon is having a Hunters deal.  I have no money, but I mean I have been wanting Hunters for so long, I can't not pass up this deal, right?! The only problem is not sure I want any of those color options, I may still hold off.  decisions, decisions.

::Evidently the theme of my links this week is financial decisions.  Does that mean I am growing up? Make it stop. 

::Anyone else getting else feeling the pressure of the Mword?!

::And since these links took a turn to SeriousVille, let's tone it down a notch and visit Thug Kitchen. *Warning some material may not be suitable for children under the age of 16 or people with a sensitivity to cursing. Click at your own risk, but I promise you it's hilarious!!*  

Who knew the Mantis Shrimp was so badass or knew what it even was for that matter?!

::For anyone else that is as pumped as I am for the new season of Arrested Development to come out on Netflix. I got you the link above.

::Last, but never least, some Ron Swanson for your Friday. Enjoy!

Now #backthatazzup on into the weekend!!!! 

Cheers, 

<3BB 

hitting the links

Happy, happy Friday!!!!!! Not sure whether or not it was the same for you guys, but this week went surprisingly fast for me. No complaining here, although yesterday was a bit of a struggle street no one act surprised.

It started out bright and early while I was running late and rushing to make my lunch. Of course I then had to spill an entire bottle of salad dressing.

womp, womp. 

Then I went for a lunch run and it poured the entire time - which that's fine, it wasn't cold and I came prepared, so it was still a good run.  The struggle part came after, when I finished and was quickly trying to get back to my desk.  Went to dry my hair and the locker room must have a fuse out, because my blow dryer that I brought with me did not work, nor did the small one they have attached to the wall.  So this girl sat at her desk for the rest of the afternoon with a wet un-brushed top knot. Feel bad for me, my life is so hard.

I also somehow managed to scrape off some of my skin on my already hurt right hand.

Pray for me. 

::Got a little aggressive when peeling a sweet potato earlier this week and nicked the index finger.

::3rd degree burn from a hot pan on the top knuckle that still hasn't healed. Might as well have taken me to the hospital burn unit with that one.

::Mysterious fresh new scrape to add to the bottom.

Get it together, Brooke 

Interesting to put into perspective what 2,000 calories looks like.

My friend Courtney showed me these awesome bottles.  Now your hose water can still be classy.

Want this tee.

Let's show some #mightylove around these here parts.

This article is just fueling the fire that is my burning hip flexors and hammies.  ;)

I think it is safe to say that most of us have a love/hate relationship with the gym.

Speaking of gym, think I am going to attempt this workout today.  I tried 13.4 last week and have many thoughts on it and Crossfit in general, but I'll save that for a later post.

I watch New Girl for Schmidt and only Schmidt.

Watch Nashville for these two girls. Ok, first watch it because you love Mrs.Tammy Taylor, then watch it for those two cute gals. (I swear I do more than watch tv)

Hope these links get you through the rest of your Friday.  Wish me luck the rain holds off for coaching tomorrow!

Cheers,

<3 BB