Our Running Routine

For those of you who haven't heard yet, Wes and I have started running. We have been doing this for about a month now and it all started after one fateful discussion on a tuesday afternoon. All my life I have been able to eat whatever I want, whenever I want and hardly gain an ounce of weight. I never considered myself to be unhealthy but it did bother me that I had little self control or discipline regarding the food I was eating. As Wes and I discussed the ways in which we could make healthier food choices together (i.e. put one scoop of sugar in our tea verses two, give up butter on our bread, limit mochas and increase the tea during trips to Palios etc.) I made the decision I wanted to pair healthy food choices with a work out plan. The only problem was that I had never in my life succeeded in staying committed to a routine fitness plan. Still, I went online the following day and did some searching for a fitness plan that would help ease myself into the process. I wanted a routine that was geared toward someone like myself, not something so overwhelming and strict that it would add stress to my life. So after one quick trip to thenest.com I found myself a fitness plan that fit me. I presented it to Wes and he too liked it and decided to commit to it with me. Now we have run 3 days a week for about a month now, staying true to the plan and we love it. Most of all I love the feeling of being in control of this area of my life. Some of you have been asking to see the details so I thought I would post it. Let us know if any of you think of trying it out, it's been great for us to do together. I am having troubles posting the actual routine into this post so click below to see our 6 month fitness plan:

click me! to see Wes and Katie's fitness plan. click me! click me!

My Family Visits

First Night here...

Voodoo Doughnuts...

The Kennedy School...

Mom and Dad at Laurelwood...

Alex and I...
Mom and I enjoying our Gelato...

My free cake:

Matt discovers Photo Booth and we have a good loooong laugh.

Hello to anyone who happens to bother still reading our blog! I know the posts have been less frequent as the visitors have become more frequent but I can finally fill you in on the latest. 

On Saturday my parents and my brothers spent the day driving and got to Portland at about 8 at night. After unloading the car we went to the Horse Brass Pub for drinks and yummy appetizers. Sunday we all went to church together in the morning, followed by lunch at Muddies, and shopping on Alberta and Mississippi. Then we had Dinner at The White Eagle Saloon, a smaller McMenamins hotel/pub. My brothers were especially excited for the Open Mic night but after just a few opening songs we quickly understood that these people had no talent what-so-ever. We shared several good laughs about the interesting people who were performing and thought it best to leave before the finale and grab so doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnuts. Unfortunately the doughnut shop wasn't nearly as weird or happening as normal but at least we all got our doughnuts of choice. And no day would be complete with the Storm Family with out a game of Rummikub or Speed Scrabble. As monday rolled around we all eventually ended up at Palios for some morning bagels and coffee. Oh, and of course, a rousing game of Rummikub. I took my mom to the grocery store so to share with her the amazing-ness that is our New Seasons Grocery Store: the flowers, the food samples, and the cute miniature carts. Then the boys went there own way while my mom and I spent some time together shopping in Nob hill. To finish the day off we all met up at The Kennedy School for beer and Pizza (it's just one of those must sees) and unfortunately Twilight was our only option. None the less, we enjoyed ourselves. Again, more Rummikub. Tuesday comes and we spend another lazy morning at Palios and eventually make our way downtown to check out Powell's books and some more shopping. After getting stuck on some inconvenient one way straights we finally make it to the Chapman Elementary School, the infamous school that the Simpsons was based after. We eat dinner at the Laurelwood and get the most amazing gelato ever for dessert at a place called Alotto Gelato. Again, more Rummikub. Wednesday we have a lazy morning and my mom and I make breakfast for the family. For their last day in Portland we take them to "Old Town" to walk along the Willamette river and walk around Nob hill. We eat dinner at Deschutes Brewery in The Pearl District and settle in for our last night of rummikub and speed scrabble. Thursday morning we say our final goodbyes and now I sit at Palios documenting these busy 4 days over a slice of free cake. Yes, I actually got another piece of free cake (if only Wes didn't have to work he could be here sharing it with me.) The reason? The owner comes over to me as usual and places it by my side. I am bewildered and he smiles so huge and says "how are you? Did all those people stay with you both at your apartment?" I said "Yes" and he says "well, I'm sorry I don't have alcohol but here is a slice of chocolate-coconut cake." 

Dear Family, We loved having you all stay with us! I miss you already and can't wait for the summer when we will see you next. Thanks for driving all that way, we greatly appreciate you! 

Love from,

Katie 

Ashley and Marisa Visit Portland

Just for some background for any of you who don't know who Marisa and Ashley are: They are two of my very best friends. (Cory, we missed you!) 

They visited Wes and I this past weekend. They were here for four days and we had a great time. I am thankful they were able to take the time to visit us and see how married life has developed here in Portland. While they were here we:

Went to Pok Pok

Had drinking vinegar for the first time, very very yummy!

Went to Petite Provence...

Went to Sticato Gelato after watching Twilight at the Kennedy School. This is the neighborhood cat that takes daily walks to hang out at the gelato shop. He is always hangin' out...

Speed scrabble + gelato = perfection.


Can't go wrong with a little Voo Doo...

We miss you already!!!! Can't wait for more visitors, my family will be joining us this weekend! yaaaaay!

Bonjour!

No, we didn't kidnap Ashley and Marisa and take them on a trip to France (that sure would be nice of us). But we did take them to Alberta street to snag a spot at Petite Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie where the guy who is taking you to your seat has a french accent. We are enjoying all the sun that Portland has to offer today, currently 58 outside and a-maz-ing. Yesterday I took the ladies downtown to do a little street shopping at Nob-hill and to see the infamous Powell's books.  Then we went on an adventure and made our way to the bus stop to take us back to SE Portland. From there we made the trek up the street to Pok Pok, a vietnamese restaurant that Wes and I had eaten at before. After sharing scrumptious fish and rice combos we walked to Palios for some cake and coffee and good conversation. Tonight we are going to the Kennedy school. Needless to say, we are enjoying our company and can't wait for more fun to continue. Love to you all, we miss you--

Katie

math homework.

math homework.

sip the tea.

math homework.

math homework.

mmm tea.

math homework.

math homework.

email.

math homework.

math homework.

Almost done! 20 problems to go!

It has been a busy weekend basically getting all schoolwork done so that I can chillax while Marisa and Ashley visit me this week. After they leave, Finals will be here! Wish me luck, in two weeks I will have finally passed math! yessss! Sorry the blog has been a wee bit silent. Wes has started his new job, we have had friends over for dinner, homework and more homework, and preparing the house for all of our guests in this next month. We can't wait! Love to you all, happy day-light-savings! :)

Katie

Nothing says it better than "I am..."

Hi all! Wes and I are just finishing up homework and are about to head out to go figure out dinner! thought I'd fill this out for you. Love to you all! 

• I am... hungry for dinner!
• I want... a bean and cheese burrito with rice from Gordito Burrito. 
• I have... to make due with what Portland has to offer, and that unfortunately does not include a Gordito Burrito.
• I keep... putting my paper off to the last minute.
• I wish I could... read the Harry Potter series all over again.
• I hate... that I can't eat dessert after every meal. 
• I fear... the dark.
• I hear... an annoying girl talking too loud in Palios. Doesn't she know that everyone can hear her? 
• I don't think... I will find a job today.
• I love... our weather.
• I cried when... I got home from work yesterday. Headaches! bah! 
• I ache for... well, I ache because I ran for 20 minutes yesterday. 
• I am not... tired. stressed. angry. depressed. dying. etc...
• I dance... to The Wiggles with a 3 year old.
• I sing...  "Fruit Salad, yummy yummy" because of The Wiggles.
• I never... eat enough icecream.
• I rarely... work out.
• I need... to go.
• I'm sorry.... I didn't put enough thought into this. :) maybe next time...