Baby it's COLD Outside

I hope you all enjoyed the Holiday's and had a great time with family and friends during your celebrations. We got our White Christmas, in fact not just on Christmas, but almost every day leading up to it and after it has snowed.

I did enjoy the Holiday's myself, I received some great gifts, a few of which are a the exact winter running outfits I had my eye on. (Thanks Mom and Dad!)

I'd like to give a quick update on my back. The Monday before Christmas my Doctor decided it was best (based on his best guess as to which was wrong) to just attack it with an aggressive bit of treatment.
What happened was, I was able to get around a little easier (thanks to great drugs) on Christmas and enjoy the day with my family with relatively low pain.

In the end, the treatment did not work, so he is sending me to a Specialist. I go in for a long series of tests and probably even an MRI on January 14th. (I hate how long it takes to get into specialists!) Meanwhile, I do have a few pills, which at times can slightly take away a little of the pain so I can function and get around.

So Yeah, I lead a very boring life right now. If I don't have to, I don't move around much or stand or sit too long since those things aggravate it.  Although, this week I am going to try to see if I can get a little walking in, we will see how much pain I can take to get a little exercise in!
I definitely hope the Specialist can find a solution quick, because frankly I can't live my life spending most of it in bed laying on my side, I am almost dying of boredom!


One of my favorite things about when it is snowing at night in the winter, is how bright it is outside. Before Christmas I took the above picture in the middle of the night, no flash or anything and look how beautiful and bright it was. This was the beginning of the storm, we had another 14 inches after this, LOL



Talk about cold. I participated in a Coke Naughty or Nice campaign during the holiday's, and they send me some Coke in the mail. But sadly, it was so cold outside (I think it was 4 degree's on this day) the Coke froze in the mailbox, and about half the liquid in the bottles sprayed out into the box and the rest turned to ice. Guess I didn't need the extra calories, and this was mother natures way of helping me out!

My sister who lives a little further up in the mountains from me, woke up to -18 below, and her kids had a blast boiling water and then going outside to throw it up in the air to watch it instantly turn to vapor gas.

So Yup, its been cold here. Although Sunday we warmed up to 22 degree's, it was like t-shirt weather, LOL LOL
In some ways, its probably okay I can't run or do much right now, because my neighborhood has not been snowplowed and streets are full of snow, and only half the neighbors have the decency to shovel their sidewalks. So I wouldn't be able to get out and run/walk in it much even if I wanted to.



Instead, I've gotten a little reading in. Just finished one of my now all time favorite book series (The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer) I absolutely loved this science fiction spin on some of the greatest fairytale characters! The final book even at 824 pages didn't disappoint! I just loved it, and could hardly pull my eyes from the pages. Even though, no I couldn't get through it all in one day, it took 3 days. But they were well worth the hours spent reading, that is for sure!



I've mentioned this on my first new post of the New Year, for the past 3 years. I don't believe in setting New Years Resolutions for myself.
Since only 8% of resolutions are even kept, I see no point in setting myself up with something that doesn't really work for far too many.
Instead as you all know, I am pretty goal oriented.
Last year I had a series of goals, several running/fitness related which lets be honest didn't happen beyond reasons out of my control. But I also had several goals that I did accomplish!

Though I may not create a resolution to keep, I do take the beginning of the year to reflect on where I am and where I want to be. I like to look over my goals and see where I am at on them, and contemplate what I am doing to achieve them.



There is one thing I haven't been doing very well on, so I am going to put a little more focus into it, in the coming weeks/months until it becomes second nature.  I really want to work on being a better listener.

I quite often will be talking to someone and accidentally interrupt or only half listen so I don't forget what I want to say next. (I know many others do it too, LOL) but it's something I have wanted to work on for a while now, and it's time I put more effort into it, and become a better listener!


So tell me, do you set Resolutions, Goals or Reflect this time of year too?
What is something you are working on being better at for self improvement?

I am linking up with HoHo Runs and Mississippididdlin today for their Weekly Wrap!




38 comments :

  1. Darnit. :[ I was so hoping that it would work! :[ I really hpoe that the specialist figures out something out that'll work for you! <3

    I'm with you on the non-resolution-making--I always have a ton of goals going too! I'll be posting about those later on this month! :P

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  2. I'm sorry the proposed treatment didn't work and it takes so long to get in to see a specialist :( I'm hoping they can at least find an answer for you. Being a better listener is a great goal! I struggle with that too. It's hard to catch myself but I definitely notice sometimes when I'm trying to think about what I'm going to say next instead of truly listening.

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  3. I'm so sorry you're having such trouble with your back - that is miserable!!!
    & I agree - I HATE it takes so long to get in with specialist. I mean, you go to them when things are BAD... so let's make you wait. UGH!
    We did that throwing boiling water last year - I was like a kid again - it was magical to me :)

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  4. Thanks, yeah so was I. There is something wrong with one of my discs and I have total faith the Specialist will get it figured out. He has too, I am too tired of being in constant pain, LOL

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  5. Thanks, it was worth trying, but I wish it would have worked too.
    I think we all do that in conversation sometimes, I think I am a little worse than most, which is why its definitely an improvement I need to work on!

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  6. Oh throwing boiling water down a balcony in the winter is so magical, LOL I will probably do it myself this year a few times, LOL
    Thanks, I know huh I wish it was easier to get into a Specialist, I mean they charge enough right! Oh well, a week and a half, I can hold out. At least that is what I keep telling myself!

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  7. I might have accidentally deleted your comment on my blog </3 sorry! but thanks for stopping by :D I always feel strange making NY resolutions because of the low rate they are followed through with. I am focusing more on how I want to grow and what aspects in my life I want to focus my efforts on. Excited to see what things you share this year! Hoping you feel back up to normal again soon!

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  8. Not sure if my entire comment is coming up! Seems like I'm having some difficulties getting back into the groove of things :0 I might have accidentally deleted your comment on my blog </3 sorry! but thanks for stopping by :D I always feel strange making NY resolutions because of the low rate they are followed through with. I am focusing more on how I want to grow and what aspects in my life I want to focus my efforts on. Excited to see what things you share this year! Hoping you feel back up to normal again soon!

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  9. I might have accidentally deleted your comment on my blog </3 sorry! but thanks for stopping by :D I always feel strange making NY resolutions because of the low rate they are followed through with. I am focusing more on how I want to grow and what aspects in my life I want to focus my efforts on. Excited to see what things you share this year! Hoping you feel back up to normal again soon!

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  10. I might have accidentally deleted your comment on my blog </3 sorry! but thanks for stopping by :D I always feel strange making NY resolutions because of the low rate they are followed through with. I am focusing more on how I want to grow and what aspects in my life I want to focus my efforts on. Excited to see what things you share this year!

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  11. It was -20 one morning in the CO Rockies. That was cold, and we even has frost on the inside of some windows in the house. Um, it doesn't get that cold in Dallas, so I didn't like that.

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  12. Oh Kristy, I am so sorry you are having problems with your back...when it rains it pours :( I really hope the specialist can help (even though they take WAY too long to get into see!!) And holy cow, its been freezing for you! It just started getting cold here in MA, which is so unusual, but I will take it, I don't love the cold weather! HA! I just started Winter this week, I have heard such good things about it and so far I like it!

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  13. I do reflect and set new goals, that is the way I roll :) I hope you find some good news and relief for your back, it does sound painful :( Those are some cold pictures! It was in the high 40's this morning, LOL- it is winter here!

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  14. I hope you can get some relief for your back soon! I do hate waiting for appt. I made an appt. for my foot and it isn't until the 20th...I will feel completely different by then lol I am glad the pills help some, hopefully you can do a little walking. I picture you in snow shoes....that is cold and a lot of snow! The cold has arrived here today, it is weird after being so hot last week. I do love snow pictures, but honestly I hope to just admire some, I really don't want it t snow here. Kills running for me...they plow very little here, I have to wait for it to melt.

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  15. Wow, that is a lot of snow. Looks like a winter wonderland up there! I I bet the kiddos havve fun doing their vapor experiment. How cold does it have to be for that to happen? I don't make New Year's resolutions either. I make "plans" but no resolutions! Hope you have a great year!

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  16. I really hope that your MRI gives you some answers that you are looking for. Too bad you have to wait for another 2 weeks. It literally just got cold here today and I wonder if we will ever get any snow at all this year. i kind of want to run it it!

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  17. Oh ya, I bet that is a huge difference from Dallas. My sister's been nearly that cold each day but although its weird to call it warmer we have been warming up into the teens and low 20's the last few days. Enjoy your warmer winters you probably appreciate it more now that you visited CO

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  18. Thank you Sara!
    Oh I think you will LOVE Winter I have just adored that series from the beginning. You'll have to let me know your thoughts on it after.
    Yo guys had such a harsh winter last year your due for a light one this year. We desperately need the water so our mountains will take every drop we can get.

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  19. Wow, I am so sorry your back is still giving you so much trouble. Your snow/white Christmas was beautiful, but I do know that snow can also be difficult for getting around and those below freezing temps...yikes. As far as goals, resolutions, etc, I am not a fan. What I like to do is access my prior year and see what I can do to make the next one better. In terms of my physical well being, I decided strength training for my upper body would be my "goal" and I will start with a trainer in a couple weeks. Sadly, doing strength workouts are not something I can stick with, but if I am paying a trainer it will happen! PS we are now Two Runners Travel and no longer We Run Disney! Happy New Year!

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  20. Ugh to the back. I sure hope you find some relief!

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  21. Bummer about your back! I am sending positive vibes that you get a quick solution after the MRI! Wow look at all the snow!! Stay warm...its about degrees here in NJ today but it's the first day it was been cold in awhile!

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  22. KW, I hope you get some good news from the specialist. You've done your time (and everyone else's) with injuries! I admire your grace and patience through all of it. I am a horrible interrupter. But I have a good reason...if I don't spit it out, I'll forget what I was going to say! LOL. I have to work hard on this! I have never liked making NY resolutions! They seem to set me up for failure. I have not posted anything about plans for 2016 yet. I can't seem to think of anything but getting through this weekend! I do plan to get my coach certification later this month. You have beautiful snow. I haven't seen that in almost two years. Hey, I'm still thinking about running REVEL in Utah this year! Thanks for linking with us and Happy New Year!

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  23. Brrr!! I'm going to stop complaining about Wisconsin weather after reading about your weather. Buried in snow with negative temps is way too chilly for this time of year :)

    I hope you get some good news soon about your back and that the specialist will be able to give you some much needed answers - and get you on an effective treatment plan. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to have dealt with the pain and discomfort for this long. You have such a great attitude about it though!

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  24. Yea for some reason it kept cutting my other comment short and now I don't even remember what I had originally said! :P

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  25. Thanks Karen! The 20th, yeah I totally know what you mean it just sucks to have to wait. Hope you can find some solutions for your foot!
    LOL, you would picture me correctly. I love Snow shoeing, maybe later in the winter I can get some in:)
    I don't blame ya, hopefully you can have a "less" snowy winter:)

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  26. Yes, winter is in full right now. It's a good thing, I mean last year we hardly had a winter and we are so dry a good winter here is/was desperately needed. It's a good start, but we are all hoping the mountains get dumped on quite a bit more!
    For the vapor thing to work, it has to be really really cold, but it depends on where you live and the climate. Most places I think it has to be -25 to -30 below or colder. But if you live in a dry climate and there isn't much moisture in the air, like Utah:) it apparently works at -18 below.

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  27. Thanks, I hope so too!
    I hope you do get a little snow to run in! I am hoping for some cures in the next few weeks that can get me out in the snow getting back to running too.

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  28. Upper body strength especially for runners is a great goal to work on, that is exciting you'll be working with a trainer! I agree if I did something like that on my own, it may not stick as much as if I am paying someone to push me through it! Love the new blog, and congrats again on making the top 20 best running bloggers list!!!

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  29. Thanks Lauren!
    Ya, we have been getting the cold and snow, which is okay for now. Granted I may change my mind on that in another month or two, LOL
    I have heard back east has been having a nicer warmer winter, guess you guys deserve it after the crazy one you had last year!

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  30. Thanks! Yeah, I am still not sure even what caused this back problem, but I am definitely looking forward to getting some help, I am not enjoying life like I should be with this stupid back pain!
    I am the same way, I seriously have the biggest problem, if I think of something mid conversation the next thing I am doing is looking for a way to insert it in before I forget it. Its been something I have been trying to help for a while, but I am not doing very good at it:) So I thought a while back, why not make it a goal.
    I didn't know you were working on your coaching certification, that is so awesome!!! That is something I have always thought of in the back of my mind to do, but never have done anything more but think on it, LOL
    Well keep REVEL Utah in your mind, if you come I'll either be running it with you or camped out on the course cheering you on!

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  31. Ya, it hit us a little earlier than normal, but we really need the snow this year we were already desperately dry, it's a good start but we need 3-4 more months of this to make any difference. Right now I don't mind it, I am enjoying it, but that may change in another month or two, LOL
    Thanks! Ya, I am not sure what brought this on a few months back, and I am kicking myself for waiting so long to get into the doctors. But I have faith they will figure it out and get me some help!

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  32. Your snow pic is so pretty! We haven't had any snow here yet, and I am super happy about that. I can't even imagine what -18 feels like! Pretty sure I would just die!
    I can barely get through a 250 page book, let alone 824 pages. That's pretty awesome! I hope your back gets completely better soon. I hate that you have to deal with this. :(

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  33. Sorry to hear that your back still has not gotten better. I hope the specialist will find a solution for you! So crazy about the Coke bottles. I remember how cold it was when we were there and just thinking about it, makes me shiver. Fun idea that your sister had with the boiling water and watching it turn to vapor gas!

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  34. Sorry to hear your back is still hurting so bad. Good luck with your appointments. I hope they can get to the bottom of what's causing your pain. The snow pictures are pretty, but I don't envy you. I haven't ran the past three days cause the real feel is in the 20's. I'm so chicken when it comes to the cold. I need to be a better listener too. I tune out my husband more often than I'd like to admit.

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  35. Tricia MissSippiPiddlinMarch 8, 2017 at 6:10 PM

    I hate to hear your back is not any better, I do hope you can find some answers soon on it. It is a shame you have to wait so long.
    I can not even image temps this cold and I have never even heard about water turning into vapor gas, This is freakin awesome!!! For a self-improvement goal I need to work on is quit beating around the bush about things when it comes to my husband. We don't fuss hardly at all, in fact very rare but when he does something I don't like I don't always tell him then it happens again and again. I need to work on in a nice way not beating around the bush and thinking he'll pick up on hints. I need to be straight forward an say exactly what I mean. So yea we'll see how it goes. Have a great week Kristy!

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  36. So sorry to hear that you are still dealing with your back pain. I'm glad you are getting an MRI, hopefully that will give you some insight and you can focus your treatment plan a bit more. I've had chronic neck pain for over 10 years and I know how NOT fun it is, so I can empathize with you! Brrr is sure is cold there, better you than me, lol. I couldn't hack it in NH with the cold, I can't imagine those temps! I haven't made any goals or resolutions for the new year either, so you aren't alone! Happy New Year!

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