My 1st Cop Wife Ride Along

Hey all!  I've been at conferences for work this week... did you notice my posts were few and far between?  When I finally did return, Dan asked that I go on my first ride along with him!  I'm done with my GERO class for the summer (got an A by the way) so I thought why not!

Boy was it FUN!  So fun I wish I could do that every night with him. Dan said usually when he has a person observing him for the night nothing much happens.  Not tonight.  It was full of excitement!  YAY! Here's the recap!

Run #1 : Dan got a call about a suspicious person claiming to be spraying bug spray around the neighborhood.  I was the first to spot the guy!!!  Dan had a nice chat with him about the legalities of soliciting :)

Run #2 : Got a call about a black older female walking the streets look disoriented and lost.  We never did locate her, but later heard reports she was back safely with her family.

Run #3 : Resident alarm... While inspecting the residence Dan noticed a large dog that he assumed to be setting off the alarm since the house seemed secure.  It was on this run that we were introduced to a English Mastiff that a next door neighbor had!  What a sweet and gorgeous dog!  His name was Kingston!

Run #4 : Dan backed onto a business alarm that was going off.  When the other officer arrived the door was ajar, so he called for back up and Dan and him ended up clearing out and securing the building. We ran lights and sirens to this run!

We ate dinner at Miller's which is a little diner in the city that Dan and his fellow officers often go to.

Run #5 : The city was then quiet for a while so Dan and I sat in a little hiding spot and watched for people to run a stop sign... we caught three!

Run #6 : Dan had a call come out for the local inn... we ran lights and sirens to this. When we got there the person was in a diabetic coma.  We left the scene once the man was okay, but was called back minutes later because he was being combative and the medics needed help restraining him. There is nothing like going 100 mph on a 35 mph road!  WOW!

Run #7 : Dan pulled over a car for expired plates.  Once he was by the car he smelled weed so he pulled the people out of the vehicle and searched the car.  Nothing was found, but it was suspicious!  They did get a ticket for the plates :)

I had a fabulous time!  I feel like I need to do one of those at least once a month!  It was tonight that I realized why Dan can't wait to go into work at night and hates to come home.  Being a police officer is an ongoing adventure and complete rush!  I can only explain it like a gambling addiction.  As a gambling addict you are always waiting to hit that next big jackpot!  You can't leave your machine because the next minute you could hit it big!  This is the same for being a cop.  They are always waiting for the next call to come out and they hate to leave because then they might miss that next big thing to happen.  I actually felt a bit of this tonight because when it was time to go I didn't want to because I knew I was going to miss out on something!!!

I must keep this in mind on those nights that I haven't seen my husband in days and am miserably lonely!  Really, I could not ask for anything more than for him to love his job and he absolutely does!

Happy Birthday Mom!

It's my Mom's Birthday!!!!!!!

I love her more and more each year! Hope you have a wonderful day Mom!

Mileage Monday

Running stats for the week of July 18th - July 24th... the heat wave has still been going strong here.  Can you say miserable.  Even running at 9:00 in the evening doesn't give me any relief.  It's toasty that's for sure. Anyways... GUESS WHAT... after giving my bum foot a rest for a long 4 days, icing it, and stretching it exceptionally well... it is FINALLY starting to feel a bit better!  Thank you running Gods! I have been doing my long runs in my tennis shoes and right now not running in my Vibrams at all.

Another BIG update is that Dan (my hubby) has started running again!  YAY!  Since I have started training for this Mini Marathon that I want to do desperately, I have lost a full 7 lbs!  Woot! After seeing this I think it motivated Dan a little bit to jump back onto the running bandwagon. This makes me so happy because it is always nice to do things together that aren't necessarily fun, but it can become fun when done together. Since Dan isn't up for running distances yet, I have offered to run a mile or so with him on my cross training days to start and do some sprint training. He definitely likes the sprint training best because he can kick my butt in it!  :)

That's all for this week in running... let's all say a prayer that the temperatures dip down to a chilly 80 degrees!

Monday, July 18th, 2011 - stretch/strength train

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 - ran 4 miles

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011 - ran 2.5 miles

Thursday, July 21st, 2011 - REST DAY!

Friday, July 22nd, 2011 - ran 4 miles

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 - cross train/stretch

Sunday, July 24th, 2011 - cross train/stretch

Total miles for the week : 10.5 miles

Week #16 of Kendra's Cooking Challenge: Egg Salad

With it being so hot outside these days, I just couldn't bring myself to actually "cook" anything.  Sorry... this is something easy that I found and threw together... nothing special!

Egg Salad (www.skinnytaste.com)

Ingredients

• 8 hard boiled eggs, peeled
• 8 tsp Hellman's light mayonnaise
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 4 tbsp chopped green scallions or chives
• salt and fresh pepper to taste 

Separate the yolks from the egg whites and discard 6 of the yolks.  

Chop eggs.

Combine with mayonnaise, dijon mustard, scallions, salt and pepper.

This only made 4 servings... so if making it for a family I would double it!  Dan rated this an 8! 

Remington's Zoomies!

Does your dog ever get the "zoomies" as we call them in our household!

Aren't they fun!

Johnson County Fair!

Dan and I went to the Johnson County Fair this week!  I have a love for fairs, mostly because I went to them every year in my hometown from probably birth to age 18!!!  Now that I live elsewhere, I don't get that opportunity.  Dan enjoys going to fairs because he says he never went to one until age 25!  I know, it's absolutely unbelievable, but true!  So, we try to go to them as often as we can, mostly because we both LOVE fair food, but also because Dan needs to get his share in before it's too late!

For the past two years we have gone to the Johnson County Fair because a family friend's daughter participates in it and it's close by!  Paige does horse racing (I think that is what you would call it) for 4-H!  Here she is with her horse Mister!

I got to watch her do pole racing (again, I think that's what you call it)... she placed 6th in this!!!  She also did barrel racing, key hole, versatility/agility, and flags which she placed 4th in.  Way to go Paige!

Also, while at the fair, Dan and I got our beloved Beaver Tails!  The way I explain them would be that they are like Elephant Ears, but thicker.  Dan and I had a great time!  It is always nice to spend the evening outside with good people and beautiful animals!

Paige had Mister all done up for his races!  He was so handsome!

Week #15 of Kendra's Cooking Challenge: BLT Macaroni Salad

I have been trying my hardest to save a little money and not eat out for lunch so often during work days.  This is hard because restaurant food taste oh so good and it's one of the only times I get to chit chat with my co-workers!  Anyways, I ran across this macaroni salad this week and thought it would be great to bring in for a little lunch side item!  FYI... I didn't make this, my wonderful husband did while I was at work!  Isn't he so nice to me!

BLT Macaroni Salad (www.skinnytaste.com)

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked macaroni elbows
• 4 slices reduced fat bacon
• 2 large ripe tomatoes diced small
• 4 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise (I used Hellman's)
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach 

In a large skillet cook bacon on medium-low heat until crispy on both sides.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions.

Chop tomatoes and combine it along with any accumulated juice with mayonnaise and pepper in a medium bowl. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to cool. Combine pasta with tomatoes and spinach mixing well.

Toss in bacon right before serving.

This recipe was super easy and I thought super good!  Perfect side dish for a summer meal!  YUM!  Dan rated this a 10!!!  I did too!  Much better than any store bought macaroni salad!

Mileage Monday

Running stats for the week of July 11th - July 17th... its been hot here, but there have been a few days that the weather has been beyond perfect! I just love summer days like that don't you!  My extensor tendonitis is pretty bad right now. I can hardly walk let alone run without pain, yet I'm still training as usual (don't ask me how). I have not been running at all in my Vibrams, but instead just my regular tennis shoes. This is a disappointment, but I have to get my foot on the mend somehow.  I have been stretching really good after every run and then icing my foot in 20 minute intervals 3 times that same evening.  The icing is helping so much and I have finally gotten to the point that I can walk around during the days without too much pain. The pain is getting on my nerves.  I have been dealing with it on and off for almost 2 years... it seriously makes me wonder if my body is made for running distances.

Below is a picture of where the pain is coming from... those tendons in the top of my foot are not my friend right now...

Monday, July 11th, 2011 - stretch/strength train

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011 - ran 3.63 miles

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 - ran 2 miles

Thursday, July 14th, 2011 - ran 3.65 miles

Friday, July 15th, 2011 - REST DAY

Saturday, July 16th, 2011 - cross train/stretch

Sunday, July 17th, 2011 -  sprints

Total miles for the week : ran 9.28 miles

Week #14 of Kendra's Cooking Challenge: Lemon Blueberry Pancakes

In honor of the last Harry Potter movie coming out this weekend, I really wanted to make something like these for this weeks Cooking Challenge... WIZARD HATS!  Aren't they cute!

... but no one in my household needs more sweets to snack on that's for sure!!! So instead I settled on making some pancakes for breakfast. I have been meaning to make these for weeks, but just could not find the time. So this weekend, since I'm home and can do it, I decided to cook my wonderful husband something good for breakfast!

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes (www.thepioneerwoman.com/cooking)

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cup Cake Flour
• 1 Tablespoon (additional) Cake Flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon (heaping) Baking Powder
• 3 Tablespoons Sugar
• 1-1/2 cup Evaporated Milk (more If Needed)
• 1 whole Lemon (more If Needed)
• 1 whole Large Egg
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
• 2 Tablespoons Butter, Melted
• Zest From 1 Lemon
• 1 cup Heaping Blueberries
• Extra Butter
• Maple Or Pancake Syrup

Heat heavy skillet or grill over medium low heat.

In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix evaporated milk, juice of 1 lemon (more if lemon isn't very juicy), and lemon zest.

Allow to sit for five minutes, then add egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix to combine.

Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine. Splash in more evaporated milk if mixture is overly thick. Stir in blueberries. Again, check to make sure mixture isn't overly thick.

Melt butter in heated skillet. Drop batter by 1/4 cup measures and fry pancakes on both sides until golden.

Serve with softened butter and warm syrup.

Don't you all think I deserve a best wife award for making these for Danny Boy?  Dan's rating for these were an 8!  WHAT!!!!!  An 8!!!!

2nd Shift... You are NOT my Enemy!

As you know, when Dan was put on 2nd shift I had a lot of trouble adjusting to his new schedule.  However, after almost 5 months I feel like this is now bearable and even normal life.

The drawbacks of second shift are many. Dan and I don't get to see each other like we were able to before. We have adjusted to this by me staying up much later to see him for just a few minutes when he gets home from work.  This could be 12 o'clock or even 1 o'clock so we get a few minutes to chat about his evening or watch a favorite show together. Dan also will get up in the morning so we can talk while I get ready for work. It's not much, but it is better than nothing! It's not about quantity it's about quality... right?

On the days he has to work, I focus on getting as much done as possible so when his days off come around we are able to spend them together instead of doing chores around the house.  This is often difficult with his rotating schedule since most of his days off fall on the days that I'm actually at work, but you get the point right :)

The hardest thing I have had to adjust to is just being alone. It was so hard for me to eat dinner by myself or just to sit around the house working on my homework alone.  It's amazing how a human body in the house helps you not to feel so isolated. However, I've finally overcome this... it took awhile... but I'm over it now.  Remington and I now have a routine for most nights that it is just me and him.

• 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm  Remi and I eat dinner together

• 5:30 pm - 6:30ish pm We watch a little TV, read, and cuddle on the couch

• 6: 30 pm - 7:30 pm I do chores around the house... Remi helps me

• 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm I workout or run

• 9:00 pm - 9:30ish pm Remi and I go on a walk together

• 9:30 pm - 11:00ish pm Work on homework or other things until Dan arrives home

I think the best thing that has come out of this time spent by myself is that Remington and I's relationship is much much stronger than ever before.  Of course, when Dan is home he is still Dan's dog :)  But those times when it's just me and him we are BFF's!  He has learned that I'm just as much his boss as Dan is, which is a huge relief and so much easier on me!  I'm amazed at what a good boy he has been for me since this routine has started. Yep... he's my buddy and no, I probably could not live without him!

We'll probably just get adjusted to this shift and then they'll switch him again... o'well :)

Brutus the Giant Crocodile!

Did any of you see this on the Today Show this morning!  I could not believe it!!!!

His name is Brutus and he is an 80 year old crocodile that lives in the Adelaide River in Australia!  He is 18 feet long and 2 tons!  AWESOME isn't he!!!

Brutus is apparently a popular tourist attraction on this river!  He only as three legs as you can see from the picture and supposedly had it taken off by shark in the river's estuary.  This would be where the river and ocean comes together.

Jumping crocodile cruises are a major tourist attraction in the Northern Territory of Australia!  I say forget Great White Shark Diving in South Africa!  I wanna meet this guy!

There are claims that the picture is a fake, but the sightseer who took the pic as well as the boat company claim its the real deal!

What do you think?

Police Officer Killed; K9 Shot

Yesterday a Terre Haute police officer was killed in a gun battle as he served an arrest warrant at the gunman's home...

Brent Long, 34, died of wounds sustained during the shooting Monday afternoon. Long was a 6 year police veteran.

Long and his K-9 officer "Shadow" were among a team of state, federal and local officers serving the arrest warrant when gunfire erupted within seconds of when they entered the home. State police say officers returned fire in the incident.

Long and Shadow were struck by shots allegedly fired by the suspect wanted on the warrant. Long was removed from the residence by members of the Terre Haute Police Department Special Response Team. He was treated at the scene before being transported to Union Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The dog is being treated at a local veterinary hospital for a gunshot to the face, but is expected to recover.

The alleged shooter was found deceased in the apartment. His name is not being released at this time.

It's Booked!

Yep, we did it!  After not taking any vacations since our honeymoon two years ago, we finally booked another cruise for 2012!  SOOOOOO EXCITED!  We are doing a 9 Night Bermuda and Caribbean Cruise!!!  The ports of call that we will be visiting are as follows: Kings Wharf, Bermuda; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Labadee, Haiti!!!!  Even though it is like over 300 days away I'm already getting my countdown ready!  Woot! Woot!

Dan and I absolutely fell in love with cruising after we got married in 2009!  We did a Western Caribbean for our honeymoon and it was heaven on earth.  We swore we would end up taking many more after that first one, but as you know life can get in the way of certain things.  Even trying to schedule a good time for BOTH of us to do this one was like pulling teeth.  But we finally succeeded in booking it and can't wait until we set sail!!!  Hope it is as good as the last one!

Royal Caribbean Cruise 2009... just getting settled in our room!

Royal Caribbean Cruise 2009... me and my hubby!!!

Royal Caribbean Cruise 2009 (Haiti)... not only are cruises fun, they are very relaxing!

Royal Caribbean Cruise 2009... ahhhh the sunsets!

Royal Caribbean Cruise 2009... again, have I mentioned how freakin' excited we are!!!!!

Anyone want to join???

Mileage Monday

Running stats for the week of July 4th - July 10th...it's been another hot week here in the Midwest, which can only mean one thing, more night time runs! HOLLA! I tried to balance things out a bit this week... pushing myself on my runs but at the same time resting up a bit. I didn't want to push to hard and then not be rested for my 5K on Saturday, but I wanted to run enough to stay up to speed with my training program. I feel decent with what I accomplished this week. I'm toying with the idea of doing a couple days of doubling running a week.  This means I would run in the mornings and in the evenings. According to my Runner's World magazine, this is the best way to start adding to your mileage and getting stronger in your running. I feel like I need to do something or I don't feel like I will be able to reach my goal of running a Mini Marathon. If I do decide to do something like this a few days a week, it will mean I will have to get up early! Now that isn't a pretty sight! Decisions... decisions...

I have been having a little bit of my dreaded right foot pain come back again in the past few days, but have been careful in trying not to aggravate it too much. I have been alternating from regular tennis shoes and my Vibrams (longer distances Vibrams/shorter distances tennis shoes).  I think this is helping a bit since it gives my foot a little rest between runs with the Vibrams. I do have to say though that my Vibrams spoil me rotten.  I swear I feel like I can run 10 times faster when they are on my feet, but I do think they may be what is causing some of the foot pain sadly.

Monday, July 4th, 2011 - stretch/strength train

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011 - ran 3 miles

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011 - ran 2.29 miles

Thursday, July 7th, 2011 - cross train/stretch

Friday, July 8th, 2011 - REST DAY

Saturday, July 9th, 2011 - 5K Race @ Eagle Creek (ran 3.1 miles in 32:26... disappointing, I at least wanted to run it under 30 minutes)

Sunday, July 10th, 2011 - REST DAY

Total miles for this week : 8.39 miles

Game Night with the Rhoton's

Aunt Boo and Christopher (the third musketeer) came to visit us this weekend.  When they come it means game night!  We played Pictionary and SKIP BO the entire night and the next morning.  Boo insisted that we keep score on who won the most games... you'll see how that went at the end of this post :)  We had a great time with them and love having them here... I just wish they didn't live 2 hours away and came more often.

Boo decided to make a new drink concoction while she was here...

Remington helped...

It was not good! But we pretended it was to not hurt Boo's feelings!

We ended up drinking and eating way to much and playing many rounds of games throughout the night!!!  Boo did not win any... 

Here is our tally sheet!

Thank you for a great game night at the Rhoton's you two!  We miss you already!  Better luck next time Auntie Boo Boo!!!  We love ya!

Eagle Creek 5K Run

Dan and I were up bright and early to go to the Eagle Creek 5K up on the North/West side of Indianapolis on Saturday morning.  This is only the second 5K I have ever been involved in, but I think I'm choosing to call it my first, since it is the first time that I have ever actually ran the whole thing.  Don't you think that would be a good idea? I do...

Once we got there I met up with my running partner, Greg.  This is Debbie's (my friend at work) husband. I'm not sure who talked who into doing this run.... but I'm happy that we did since it has really kept me motivated to stick with running this past month. 

Below are some pictures before the run...

Got my stuff all pinned on!

My running buddy Greg!

This run was a challenge for me.  Greg definitely kept me on my toes.  When I ran with him I definitely felt like my pace was much faster than normal.  I felt bad, because as I was trying to keep up with him, he was running at a nice leisurely pace.  Next time I'm going to insist that he does not stay with me throughout the run since I don't want to hold him back... but it was good for me this time because it forced me to push myself harder than normal I think. The hills on this run killed me as well.  I have not done any training with hills thus far, so going up and down them on this run took a toll on my legs.  Note to self... run hills more often!!!  I ended up finishing out the race with a time of 32 minutes and 26 seconds.  BLAH!  I was hoping to at least finish in less than 30 minutes. 

Below are some pictures after the run and our sweaty selves...

Here we are finishing up... I'm behind Greg! :)

Our ice cream treats afterward!  YUM!

Not only was this my first 5K Run, it was my first 5K Run in my Vibrams!  After the race I took a picture of a blister these shoes have been working on for a few days.  Pretty nasty huh?

Next run is a 10K on August 20th at Ft. Harrison... and this one definitely has hills.  GOODNESS!

Oh yes... and my boys were completely exhausted... and they didn't even run it!  Aren't they cute though!