Winners!

Happy happy Monday (hopefully it’s happy)!! Wanna know what I did this weekend?? Cause I want to know what you did this weekend, but only after I tell you my story, first.  😉

This weekend the adopted (boyfriend’s) family and I went to the Fireman’s Barbeque to help raise funds for the local volunteer firemen. We dined on way too expensive but it’s for a good cause bbq foods, watched a helicopter land (pretty cool), saw a demo of a car rescue using the ‘Jaws of Life’, and entered some raffles. And, guess what?! I hate to ruin the surprise (maybe that was already done with the title of today’s post) but we won!!

So, what we have here is a couple’s massage, a certificate for a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of red wine, a certificate for lingerie (yaa-yah), and a $50 gift card to a fancy local restaurant. I’m happy with that.

I even flashed some pictures during the “rescue” demonstration:

They took off the driver side door, and made the mini van into a convertible top. It was very interesting seeing what they do on a daily basis, risk their lives (without fires), and survive themselves in those outfits. It was 90 degrees out! I was sweltering just watching them… I cannot even imagine fighting a fire…

Other than the bbq on Sunday, this weekend was full of relaxing, exercising, cooking, and eating.

Oh, we also had our first Team In Training official track training. I got to meet all of my mentees, and get to know everyone else involved in this season of endurance training and cancer stopper (fundraising to help stop cancer!). Such a wonderful and positive cause and experience. Have you ever helped raise money for a cause to stop cancer or something equally as worthy?? It can be so rewarding- the money raising and finishing a marathon.

Anyway, I ran about 4 miles on the track (boo to track running) and attended some info sessions on nutrition, hydration, smart running practices, and running gear. We served some snacks, mingled, and said our goodbyes for the day.

And let’s not forget about gardening… I LOVE having a garden. So many fun veggies that you get to see grow and flourish, and then eat! Here is the progress in the plants department:

In the main box, the boyfriend and I have carrots, tomatoes, peppers, tomatoes, basil, oregano, cilantro, arugula, and lettuce

Then we have some kale growing- the best stuff ever to grow.

Another tomato plant (6 in all) and some other herbs

(Flowering) Chives

Roses in the middle. Left to right we have herbs, herbs, herbs, and mint! Mint grows like weeds at our house, literally. I love that!

And Mama Samaan has been doing a great job with the flowers…

Garden Bed Before:

And After:

Have I ever mentioned, I love where I live…? And I’m lucky to live here??

If not, then I do and I am.

Have a wonderful start to your week!