I sincerely hope you’ll join me over at The Daily Slice 
August 20th, 2010
MusikCreations
Hey all! I just wanted to drop a line and send you in the direction of my “professional” blog 
This is one of the reasons for my hiatus, getting this up and running. If you’re interested in music, music pedagogy, performance, kindermusik or finding out about any of it, go for it!
The address is: www.musikcreations.com. The first post is about My Musical Journey. It’s not too much of the “biz” babble, but more of a personal account of where I am today in my career. Just in case you’re interested 
I hope to be back around these parts real soon–take care!!
August 18th, 2010
Time Out
I’m taking a brief bloggin hiatus.
No worries, nothing’s wrong–just need a break. Give me about a week
In the meantime, here’s pictures of my pets to hold you over. I know that’s the only reason you really come here…
Piper was sooo small!!
There, that should fill your void Catch ya on the flip side!!
August 15th, 2010
The Hottest Half 10k Recap
Now I know why they call it that. And I am definitely glad that we only did the 10k!!
This race was tough. Hubby and I had high hopes to beat our PR of 1:09, but are doubtful that we did it since the clock said 1:14 when we passed through. But we didn’t pass the start until later either. Official time to come. But lets start at the beginning. Cause it’s a very good place to start
We started out very early this morning. After our breakfast of Peanut Butter sandwiches, we headed to the race site.
The skyline was pretty at dusk. This should give you a basis for imagination.
Upon pulling in to the crazy parking scene, we quickly realized this was a big event. (we’ve only done small-er races)
They said they were expecting about 1200 for the half and 600 for the 10k. The size was further emphasized by the lines for the porta potties.
We learned a very important lesson today. Pick up your packet before a race if possible. We got there early enough that it wasn’t too much of an issue, but the system was super bogus. One line to find out your number, another to pick up your stuff when you knew it. Awesome.
After some stretches, it was time to line up!
We just hovered towards the back since we didn’t want to get all pushy up front.
The before, optomistic photos:
And we were off!!
We had the goal to come in before and hour and five minutes. We were also hoping to only take a walking break every 2 miles (2 total, 3 if needed in the last stretch.) All that went to hell when the sun started beating down.
We went a little too quick out of the gate. We did the first two miles in a solid 20 minutes. That’s a quick clip for us to start with since we normally run 10:30 splits.
Did I mention there were bridges? There were. They bounced. There were also bikers. They were angry. We were on a running/biking path not closed off to the public. And man, the public was present.
After the turnaround for the 10k-ers, we decided to slow our pace a bit. We walked for a bit at about 3.5 miles, and then again after the 4th mile. then we finished the last mile or so pretty strong.
All in all, we were satisfied. We are definitely not native Texans and don’t know how to handle the heat!!
Therefore, we coped after by finding water to dump on our heads and a giant fan to cool off.
And we listened to Elvis, while eating the most delicious breakfast burritos on the planet. It was just a tortilla and eggs, but it hit the spot.
We spent some time walking around the booths and picking up some swag.
It was probably a good thing this was here… thankfully we didn’t need it!
10k success!!
Next up, half marathon… *sigh.
August 13th, 2010
4 Step Program
Today was Day #1 of a 2-day conference.
Armed and ready to go in my Kindermusik t-shirt!!
I went in with a completely open mind, hoping for the very best and to learn lots. I was amazed at how engaging the speaker was, and was surprised at how much I learned and appreciated the information. Although it was targeted towards music educators and business owners, I thought that I would share with all of you, since it definitely applies to lots of different situations and almost every person.
It reminded me a lot of Operation Beautiful
Four agreements you should make with yourself (based off of the book by Don Miguel Ruiz)
1. Be Impeccable with your Word.
- Off handed comments have big impact on others. My mom always send, “everything hears things differently.”
- Cynicism and sarcasm have become the social norm and comfort zone for most. Sarcasm = negativity 99.9% of the time. <—– this is super hard for me!!
- We think and tell ourselves “sticks and stones” and that words don’t matter. In reality, we take them to heart and believe they are true.
- “Gossip is how to exponentially spread negativity of words.”
- Realize the impact of your words and use them as truth, no longer relying on implications.
2. Don’t Make Assumptions.
- Assumptions are invented, negative ideas.
- Adopt the attitude that everyone gets an “A” until they give you a reason otherwise.
- Ask questions to find answers. Don’t invent them.
- Base your opinions of others on your experiences and interactions with them, not perceptions of them.
3. Don’t Take Anything Personally.
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Everyone lives in their own world. We think everything is all about us, and our peers think the same.
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What people do is because of them, not you, because they inherently think everything is about them. Reality is their perception.
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By taking something personally, you are assuming. (see step #2)
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What people do is based on their insecurities, assumptions and habits. They impose their experiences on their interactions with you.
4. Always Do Your Best.
- Doing less than your best waves you with self judgement, guilt and regret.
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Best has a timeframe. Right now.
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By dwelling on the past or focusing on the future, you are sacrificing your best in the current moment.
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Never aim to do more than your best, it is good enough.
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Perfection is the enemy of excellence.
It’s all about self confidence and self worth. In a work environment, family environment, or even marriage environment, it’s difficult to be aware and have expertise with all of these things. But they are important goals that impact you positively and allow you to succeed and stay sane. And maybe even *gasp* happy!!
What do you think?? These are definitely things I needed to hear
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Eats Snapshots
We went to a Yoga Studio/Cafe for Lunch today.
I got an apple + brie + avocado sandwich. It was delish
For dinner, a few teachers and I hit a Tex-Mex restaurant.
Flautas & Guac!! Love.
In between sessions, we found a “Hey Cupcake“
These are pretty much the coolest thing on the planet. I didn’t snag a picture because we were late for a break out session–all in the name of dessert!! I had an amazing carrot cake cupcake
I think I’ll stop there on my way home tomorrow and bring Hubby a delicious treat!!
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I’m off to relax with my dark chocolate (you know, because I haven’t eaten enough dessert today ) and chill in my gi-nourmous tub. Check ya back in Dallas!!
August 13th, 2010
Yoga Everywhere
When my alarm went off this morning at 5:45, I had every intention of going to a public park this morning for a quick run. When I looked outside it was pitch black. No bueno. Since I’m not such a fan of hotel workout facilities (claustrophobic much??) and had a good inkling that my boss would be there this morning, I opted for hotel room yoga.
I cued up Pandora on the Enya station and did about a 40 min practice. My body was actually super achy despite my long soak last night. Hotel beds are not my friend.
I really love Enya, but everytime I listen to that type of “inspiring” music, all the “oohs” and “aahs” make me feel like I’m about to go meet Mufasa or something.
Moo-fa-sa!! Say it again!!
Yes, I now quote DIsney movies on my blog. You’re welcome
In 40 minutes, I managed to do some good stretching, lunges, and a quick balance series. It’s amazing how hard it is to pace yourself when you’re going solo. I really flew through all the poses.
My hotel room yoga sess totally made me thing of Healthy Ashley and All Over Yoga. In retrospect, this choice of workout was probably ideal. (1) I’m going to be sitting in a conference room all day and (2) Hubby and I are running a 10k on Sunday morning. My legs thank me.
Good thing I pulled off for those running socks yesterday…
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Since I am my mother’s daughter, I packed a cooler for my journey/breakfasts at the hotel.
So I happily dug in for breakfast this morning while watching the Today Show. (Dina Lohan, you should not be so snotty to Matt Lauer.)
This seemed like a much better idea when picking snacks. I ended up just mushing it up to get some juice…
Choani + blueberries + Bear Naked & Pom cut with ice
and snacks!! There’s no way I’ll last through 5 hour sessions without something.
I’m off to a day of singing and talking child development. What could be better??
August 12th, 2010
I’m Here!!
I seriously want to live in this suburb of Austin. It’s ridiculously beautiful… but more about that later
On the way down here, I realized I had packed absolutely everything I needed, with the exception of running socks.
Fail.
But no worries–Round Rock Premium Outlets were there to save the day
Also served as a much needed “rest stop.”
I scored the socks + a cute pink visor that I treated myself to (and wanted for a looong time!!)
Oh hotel lighting, you are swell.
Speaking of hotels, check out the sweet room I scored
Hello Lover.
Place to throw all my stuff when I walk in the door Blogging Spot
Yep, you see that right.
…and it’s all mine (Okay, stop rolling your eyes. It was only an extra $10 a night, and I knew I’d spend most of tonight and tomorrow evening in my room anyway!!
I was tickled Pink to find this sweet note and gift from my boss, Lisa.
I gladly tore into the dark chocolate–delish!!
After snacking and throwing my stuff around to properly “mess up” the room, I decided it was time to get ready for the welcome reception.
I’m not really sure what to wear to this thing…
I guess I’ll go with this??
The reception was very low key. Since I have never met most of the people here (except those educators from Dallas) I abstained from taking pictures, even slyly on my iPhone. All you missed was cheese and mini cheesecakes. And a glass of Pinot that I drank in about 5 seconds because I was so thirsty. On an empty stomach…
The reception was at Johnny Fins.
Super fun restaurant on the water w/ a marina!! (Dad, these pics are for you )
I miss ducks.
The entire neighborhood is covered in leafy bluffs with mansions floating on top.
Ridiculous.
I bet the running trails around here are gorgeous. Too bad (1) my running buddy isn’t here 
and (2) the conference starts somewhat early. I’ll just have to settle for the hotel fitness center. Which is right by my room.
After the reception, I swung by Subway to get a proper dinner before soaking in the hot tub.
And I’m off!! Goodnight
August 11th, 2010
Salty
Let’s make this a quickie!!
Breakfast part 2/pre lunch was my one and only, Chobani.
Served with a side of work.
Wah. Wah. But it was yummy none the less!!
Dinner was last night’s pasta after CPR:
And a delicious ness pasta sauce. Classico I think??
Hubby and I decided to try something with a lower sodium content than our tried and true Prego Traditional. We’re finding more and more that we have waaay too much salt in our diet. The verdict? I’m a big fan
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“My that escalated quickly” = theme of tonight’s workout.
It all started with innocent speed work (or a fartlek, if you prefer ):
- 3 min warm-up
- 1/2 mile @ 6.6 mph
- 1/2 mile @ 6.0 mph
- 1/2 mile @ 6.7 mph
- 1/2 mile @ 6.0 mph
- 1/10 mile walk break
- 1/2 mile @ 6.8 mph
- 1/2 mile @ 6.0 mph
This first 3.1 miles or 5k was done in 30:30. Huzzah!!
Then I thought to myself, I wonder if I can do 2 more miles. So after a quick walking recovery, I did. Total: 5 miles in 50 minutes.
Again I say, Huzzah
Since I wasn’t planning to go so far, I decided I needed to snag a post workout snack. Thankfully 24 hour fitness is stocked with a solid collection of way over priced nutrition bars.
Dear apex fruit fuel, you were delicious, but I don’t think you were worth $2.25. And you gave me 10% of my recommended sodium for the day. No bueno. Hugs and kisses, Annie.
Now I’m off to get some packing and smooches in before I take off for a Kindermusik Conference tomorrow. No worries, I’ll keep you posted
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Random: Check out the collage that my friends and I took via photobooth while prepping for Julie’s wedding.
I miss these girls!!
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Do you watch the salt content in processed foods?? Do you consider yourself a “clean eater”??
August 11th, 2010
Lots of “Ness”
Last night’s yoga sess was just what I needed. Not too challenging, but definitely made me sweat. We spot lots o time on balance poses.
I love that I can get my foot all the way up for tree. Go team Yoga has officially gone to a twice weekly event!!
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Dinner was not as much of a success as yoga I was all ready to sauté mushrooms with garlic to bulk up spaghetti.
But we had no sauce. Fail. (yes that’s penne & spaghetti… we’re classy and use up boxes of pasta together )
So what to do when you realize you’re incredibly low grocery bill led to nothing to eat in the house??
Panera obviously Broccoli Cheddar soup + chicken caesar salad = deliciousness before yoga wonderfulness. Lots of “ness’s” last night!!
LIke–excitedness??
It pretty much makes my life when my newest order comes in from Amazon. Another addiction.
I’m on to Book 2 of the Sookie Stackhouse books (think True Blood.) I’m pretty much addicted. I’ve also been dying to snag a Hungry Girl Book. I already get her emails, but I’m one of those weird people who like to accumulate books, especially of the recipe variety!!
And of course, I can’t wait to dive into Operation Beautiful. I love Caitlin’s writing style, and while flipping quickly through the book last night, I can already tell I love the format of the book. It’s Beautiful
Breakfast was a beautiful fruit salad:
With a boiled egg for protein and some POM pomegranate & blueberry for antioxidant-ness (?)
So now, if Piper dog will stop wanting to play fetch, I get to dive in to a few books before going off to teach and pack for the weekend
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What’s your favorite book??
August 10th, 2010
I wish I was this hardcore.
(no, not hardcore like the camel read on…)
Last night’s workout was a fail. Not an epic fail, but a little bit of a camel-hump fail.
Sally the camel has, 2 humps!! Sally the camel has…
I know, too much Kindermusik.
I started to do a little speedwork on the treadmill and had to stop short after about 1/2 a mile. My tummy hurt. Stupid Cheese. Instead of quitting (since the car was getting new tires and Hubby and I were stuck there anyway) I decided to make my workout a little bit more low impact. I ran a few 1/2 mile intervals here or there, but walked a lot of the time.
I worked it like a power walker, incline all the way up and arms a-swingin.
That being said, the jury is still out on these babies:
They are super duper light, but since they are a size too big (9.5 instead of 9) I don’t think they gave enough support. My ankles felt a little sore this morning. Sad day
Since I missed out on some speedwork last night, I’m hoping to double up Wednesday and Thursday with some running. Since I’m traveling Thursday, it could be tricky, but we’ll see what happens.
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Today I learned that one of my student’s Mom is training for an Olympic Triathlon with Team in Training. That’s nothing, she has also done 3 IronMan Triathlons… among other things I’m sure. Hardcore, right?? She said she’s been racing for 20 years.
She’s also thinking about starting a chapter of Girls on the Run for her daughter. I’ve looked into this organization, and although the coaching part seems time consuming, I’d love to get involved or try their solemates program. Anyone have experience with them??
Other discoveries/encounters while playing music teacher Anne:
- I learned one of my moms is a worm farmer. She was finishing up a sale as I started teaching her daughter.
- One of my student’s mom’s is a hairdresser. I walked in and saw a lady with foil in her hair.
- I got peer pressured to buy some lemonade from a neighbor’s stand. When I didn’t have any cash, one of my mom’s gave me $2 and told me I had to go because it would make the kids’ day. It did. And the cookie was delicious
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File this under the most random post ever. Off to dinner, yoga & some admin work while catching up on our DVR