one shining moment

So, I feel lost with March Madness being over already and anyone that says things like, 'thank god, basketball is over, now I can watch baseball' is an idiot and I no longer want to be friends with you.  Sorry, I'm not sorry.

I do have GOOD, more like GREAT, news in regards to March Madness:  My bracket beat Brad's bracket, which means.....I WON THE BET BETWEEN BRADLEY AND I!!!!!!! I don't have to wear clown pants. Thank you Louisville, for not totally busting my bracket! Now, I get to watch all the trashy TV I want and he gets to watch it with me. I don't even like half the programming I intend to watch, but I am going to enjoy the fact that he hates them, so it is definitely a win!!!! Plus, he also has to take me out to dinner... where to go, where to go...

For my win I am thinking a week's worth of shows like this:

::Real Housewives all of them.

::That stupid Myrtle Manor show on TLC about the trailer park people.

::Big Fat Stupid American Gypsy Weddings or whatever the hell it's called.

::Dance Moms, obvs.

::Say Yes To The Dress

If you have any other horrible shows that Brad would hate, send them my way!!! 

Also, no March Madness is complete without my favorite part of the big dance... One Shining Moment!!!!

Luther Vandross :: 2013 - One Shining Moment
The ball is tipped....

This type of stuff just gives me chills. Lurve it!


And now back to you regular scheduled Tunesday.... enjoy :)


Cold War Kids :: Miracle Mile 

This is their first single off their new album that was just released on April 2nd and I am a big fan.  Cold War Kids just do it right. The lead singer's voice is perfect parts winy and badass at the same time. If that is even possible? I suggest you check the whole album out! My other favorites are the title track Dear Miss Lonelyhearts and also Loner Phase.

Rhye :: Open 
This song reminds me of listening to Sade with my parents when I was little.

Vampire Weekend :: Diane Young

When I first heard this song, I was up in the air about my thoughts on it - but I heard it again the other day when I was driving and it was catchy and I have decided I like it. I enjoy when he says, baby, baby, baby. I'm cool, I know.

The 1975 :: Chocolate

This song is just odd.  Is it surf rock? Is that reggae thrown in there? Should tweens be liking this song instead of me? Why is he singing about chocolate? YouTube comments keep going back to the fact that chocolate is code for weed, maybe tweens shouldn't listen then... I don't know what's going on, but I like it.

Lorde :: Royals 
These lyrics are spot on:

And we'll never be royals
It don't run in our blood
That kind of love just ain't for us
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler
You can call me Queen B
And baby I'll rule, I'll rule, Ill rule
Let me live that fantasy

That is all she wrote, folks. Happy Tuesday!

<3 BB

weekend roundup

These weekends are just flying by and I don't like it.  Let me clarify: I like my weekends, I don't like how fast they leave me.

Friday after worked Brad and I attempted the CrossFit Open 13.5 workout:

It was hard, but I got more reps finished than Brad did so there's that :) Granted, his weight for the thrusters was more, but no one needs to know that. 

The most annoying part of the workout was the fact that my lungs wanted to explode we do not belong to a Crossfit Box (aka gym) and so we have to make do with what is available at our local LA Fitness.  We ended up having to wait like 15 mins after our warm up for the squat rack / pull-up bar which was really annoying.  Almost annoying enough to want to bag the workout... almost.  Nevertheless, we got it done and I finished with a total of 75 reps or 2 full rounds of the 15 thrusters and 15 pull-ups and then another 15 thrusters before the 4 mins was up.  Let me tell ya, my body was sore on Saturday.

Speaking of Saturday, it was spent at Willamette's track, where it rained pretty much all day. I'm talking downpour, didn't stop, sideways at times, annoying rain.  I was there from 9am till almost 7pm and it definitely poured for over half of that time.  I looked like I had just gotten out of the shower by the end of the meet. Needless to say by the time I got back to Portland a hot bath and bed were calling my name.  Brad had gone to the Timbers game with a friend since I couldn't go and he might have found me sitting up in bed, asleep, with the light on, iPad in hand when he got home. Long hair, don't care. 

Don't I look so official with my clip board?! Image from here. 

My tiredness crept into Sunday, because I woke up at 7:30 wandered out to the couch where Brad was playing FIFA and fell back asleep until 9. It was awesome, until I woke up hungry and we had no food.  After a quick trip to the grocery store we made a breakfast hash. It was glorious.

Can I just say that my sweet potato / yam concoctions are really starting to hit their stride:

{what you need:} 

::1 diced yam

::6 pieces of turkey bacon

::1 avocado

::4 over-easy eggs

::1/2 a green pepper

::1/4 of a red onion

::dash of cinnamon

::dash of garlic powder

::Red pepper flakes

::Black pepper

::finish it off with tapatio hot sauce.

{what you do} 

::Chop up all the veggies and turkey bacon

::Sprinkle with cinnamon, garlic powder, and the red and black pep

::Cook until the yams are soft and the bacon is sizzlin'

::In a separate pan, fry the eggs until they are over-easy (keep those yokes nice and runny)

::Throw the fried eggs on top and break the yokes so all the goodness oozes into the hash.

::Then nom away :)

After a lazy morning, I finally pretended to get my life together and cleaned the apartment, which had been neglected for the past few days.  Speaking of cleaning, does anyone know what makes the Mr. Clean - Magic Erasers so magical?! Do they have cocaine in them or something?! These things don't stop. They are awesome. 

While cleaning, I came to the conclusion that Brad and I have a Nike problem. This photo only represents a portion of our shoe collection.  We need to find a better storage option instead of right in right of the door or get a place with a second bedroom to just store our shoes.... hmm, decisions, decisions. 

Speaking of running shoes, after we cleaned Brad and I met up with my sister for a circuit workout on the track, but I'll share the details of that one later in the week (I know you can't wait!).... 

So yeah, that was more or less my weekend.... how was yours?! 

<3 BB 

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

date night.

So, remember yesterday how I told you I was a big dummy and signed up for that stupid, most likely a scam, presentation thing?! (If not, you can easily access it here). 

Well, Brad and I ended up bailing on it. Partly due to the fact he did not get home from work until 5:30 and we had to be all the way up to Vancouver by 5:45 - with traffic that wasn't going to happen.  The other part was due to the fact that we just didn't get the best vibe after reading reviews and figured we would call the 40 dollars lost a lesson learned.  We obviously knew better from the beginning, but oh well. Win some, lose some. 

Sure enough, about 20 mins after the presentation started I got a text message from the company saying if we can reschedule they will add another gift to our package and still refund the 40.00 deposit... hmm....tempting. 

Instead of dealing with salesmen, Brad decided to take me out on a weekday date and I, of course, did not say no to that. He didn't tell me where we were headed, but said to bring my camera,  because he figured it would want to blog about it. (He is quickly catching on or mocking me, probably mocking me)  We hit up Lardo on the west side for dinner and then Powell's Books. It was the perfect evening. 

If you haven't been to Lardo yet, I suggest you try it out.  Holy Moly it is delish. 

I blacked out and the fat kid in me ordered the double burger. My only complaint - I wish they had given me a bigger pickle. God, I love pickles.

We split an order of Dirty Fries. Still drooling over them.  They straight up had pork belly scraps in them and the marinated peppers were awesome! ERMAHGERD! I die. 

Brad went with the Pork Meatball Banh Mi (and ordered it without the cilantro, so I could have a bite or four two).

Pig out we did.  Brad and I don't eat out very often, as it can get spendy (sidenote: someone from Cali once told me that only people from the Northwest use the word spendy, is that true?) and isn't always that healthy for you. So when we do, we try and make it worth while and splurge on foods we wouldn't normally eat.

I really like the set up of this place, even though it's small the vibe is great. It features a small bar area and seating along side the windows.  I suggest you go check it out now!

I think I am still full today. Luckily, we walked to Powell's to burn a few extra calories ;) Confession this is the first time I have actually gone inside it.

I was a little overwhelmed.  SO.MANY.BOOKS.  If you're not familiar with Powell's, it claims to be the largest independent used and new bookstore in the world (so says Wikipedia) and takes up an entire city block.

Books on Books on Books.

Brad naturally wandered straight to the self-help section, because he needs all the help he can get.

All in all, I am happy with how our evening turned out and even though we can get another free gift if we reschedule with Vacation Internationale, I am not sure we are going to.  Seems like my 40.00 is a sunken cost at this point.

Cheers to Pork Belly!

<3 BB

Brooke's A Dummy - Surprise, Surprise.

First, can we talk about the pleasant surprise that was yesterday afternoon out at the track?! Glad you said yes, because I was going to talk about it either way.... Yesterday was the first day that I didn't wear a sweatshirt for almost the entire practice.  Sun was out and this girl didn't have a million layers on, which is almost unheard of. Normally all the athletes make fun of me and do a layers count each day I am out there because I have at least 4 on. But yesterday was different, yesterday was a beautiful, beautiful thing.  Of course they what do they even know! are now calling for rain for the ALL DAY MEET I will be at on Saturday, but what are ya gonna do?!

That bright thing blinding you in the picture is called the sun, not sure if you have heard of it before. 

Can we also talk about the fact that I might have been a dummy and got sucked into a stupid scam?! Brooke being a dummy?! Of course we can talk about this topic... I let myself (and Brad) get talked into one of those 'if you go listen to our presentation, you'll get a 'complementary' trip to a city of your choosing' deals.

When we were at the Spring Beer and Wine Festival last week (which I know, I suck, it's Wednesday and I have yet to blog about it) we were approached by a nice young man to roll some dice to try and win a prize. I blame the IPAs and Cider said sure why not?!

Anyways, we ended up 'winning' and then listened to the guy's spiel and signed up to go check out the company's (Vacation Internationale) presentation tonight, because were told there was no obligation to buy a time share deal if you went and after we attended we will get airline tickets and 2 nights stay at a hotel paid for at the city of our choosing.  All we would have to cover is the taxes portion.  We picked San Francisco, because I haven't been since I was little and Brad has never been.

Now, we both have zero intentions of actually purchasing one of the company's time shares, but figured shoot, why not sit through the stupid presentation and get a trip out of it, if all we have to pay for is taxes?!

Of course, I didn't read any reviews of the company until after we signed up and put down a $40 refundable (as long as you attend the meeting) deposit.  Here is the part where you can start calling me a dummy for actually putting money down. Naturally, the reviews are mixed there are people that are some pro-Vacation Internationale reviews, but mostly there are reviews that are the opposite of positive.

Many of those reviews are from people like me, who signed up thinking they would easily get a 'free' trip just for showing up.  The guy we talked to was up front about it and said the trip is not entirely free and we would have to cover taxes, so I know going into it, it's not 'free'. The main thing I am worried about is, according to the reviews, the salesmen can be hardcore when it comes to you singing up once you get through the presentation. All the bad reviews said you have to sit through their presentation and then have to tell at least 3 different sales people no before you can claim your gifts and sometimes they get rude when you keep telling them no.

Most people who know me, know that I am not very good at saying no.  Luckily, Brad will be there too, because knowing me I would probs sign up for something I have no money for just because I felt bad for saying no.  And we can all bet on the fact that I will get red and splotchy when they keep giving us a 'better deal' and we keep telling them no.

We are still debating if we want to even sit through the presentation or just call the $40 dollars a loss and not deal with claiming our prizes.  Plus, they said if you show up late, they close the doors.... If traffic is bad, we'll most likely miss it and then just go to dinner and laugh about how dumb we were for signing up in the first place.

I'll let you know how it all ends up tomorrow.

Cheers to me being a dummy!

<3 BB

Tuesday Tunesday + The Voice

Happy Tunesday!

Hope you made it through April Fools without seeing too many fake engagements on your facebook feed or falling for a prank yourself.  Brad knew better and didn't play any stupid pranks on me, luckily!

Speaking of tunes, do any of you watch The Voice!?

via

Secretly a big fan of this show, especially this season.  The new judges were a good choice. Hello Errrrsher (although I do have one complaint, buddy, why do you wear sunglasses inside all the time?! I mean really, it's not bright indoors)!  Adam you're not too shabby yourself. Just went total fan girl and google imaged both of them for longer than I should admit.

Anyway, back to the actual show, I really like this set up for a singing competition because it shows off the contestants', well voices hence the name, and not stupid people who can't sing that just want their 15 mins of fame like on American Idol. They have the blind auditions where the judges don't even get to see who is singing and just focus on their talents, plus they are only showing the contestants that make the show or ones that are super close to making it. Oh, and did I mention Usher and Adam Levine are judges, because they're a bonus.....

The problem is I am a Grandma and only watch part of it each night, because it goes till 10.  How did I get through life before DVR?! I am still unsure who I would pick as my judge. Most likely Adam, because he has a wide range of music genres he can cross through and then we could fall in love and get married and have lots of pretty babies and live happily ever after together with tattoos and stuff. 

So yeah, that is my new show to fill the void of the Bachelor since I am not a fan of Des being the new Bachelorette. Who am I kidding, I will probably watch that, too. Totally Team Lesley.

And now for more music in the form of Tunesday:

Robert Raimon Roy :: Axela 

Evidently this Axela chick really made an impression on Robert Raimon Roy.  Good news is he got a great song out of it.  He is also going to wait for her, not sure if that is the best move or not dude, but I'll support your decision anyway.  

Mandolin Orange :: One More Down

This song always pops up on my pandora when I listen to The Head And The Heart station (probably because I thumbs-up'd it) and I really enjoy it.  It came up again the other day and it made me smile. *The link on the blog isn't quite as good of a version as the one above. Click on that one and it will take you to the good stuff.*

Alt-J :: Breezeblocks 

I have talked about Alt-J aka ∆ on the blog before, but this song - it's funky and weird and I can't stop listening to it.

Timeflies :: I Choose U 

I was nervous when Timeflies signed with a major record label that his sound wouldn't be as good, but I am really digging this song, especially when the beat drops right around the 1.04 mark. Heyo! This is the type of song I love working out to, it just gets me motivated to move.

Skizzy Mars feat. Conner Youngblood :: The Come Down 

The Skizzy Marz album Phases is a must listen. It's been in the works for quite some time and it is legit.

Mkkk folks, I'm out.  Until tomorrow,  

<3 BB 

easter sunday

Happy Monday!

Still can't believe Easter has come and gone and I especially can't believe how nice the weather was for it! I am feeling recharged after my long weekend and hoping the nice weather decides to stick around (fingers crossed).

After attending church as a family, we celebrated Easter out and my Aunt and Uncle's place.  They live on a Filbert (aka Hazelnut) farm and keep the place looking lovely.

We ate way too much food - per usual at our family gatherings.  I even brought something this time.

Made these Caprese skewers. Although, I was dumb and bought long skewers and was trying to cut them in half, when I definitely should have just used toothpicks. Might have even broke my Aunt's scissors when trying to cut the wood.  Live and Learn and then get Luvs  I bought OMG Balsamic Vinegar to drizzle over top and the name isn't lying. So Good!

We also had deviled eggs.  Gosh, those are an Easter favorite of mine. I suppose they don't have to be eaten only on Easter, but that is usually when I have them.

Getting my egg hunt on.  My little cousin Emma decided she was going to hide the eggs this year and all of the older kids would find them.

 Let me tell you, this girl did a good job hiding them - straight up dug holes in her mom's flower beds and completely covered them with dirt.

My Uncle had recently put together a small zip line for his kids, so we obviously had to try it out too. 

If you were wondering, I really struggled. Honestly, that shouldn't surprise you though. 

Somehow managed to almost fall off the seat each attempt. Not sure if that is fear or laughter on my face.

Check out this art.  (Ok, it isn't even close to art, but I am slowly trying to figure out my editing software.  It's a real struggle on my old Mac though, so I don't have a ton of patience with it.)

We then thought it was a really good idea to workout after the mountains of food consumed.  Worst idea ever. Even got my aunt to do a couple rounds of our circuit with us. There is a good chance she is feeling sore today, but I was still impressed with her !  

Bradley, The Baby Brother, and Me

Ps. Nice face, Brad. You're so attractive.

Trying to get the little sister back in shape after her ACL surgery. 

So yeah, that was my Easter in a filbert nut shell. 

Cheers to Bunnies! 

<3 BB