13.1

So I've had this idea to run a half marathon for 3 years now. I always come up with an excuse on why not to do it. Well the other day I was running and really struggling. I didn't reach my distance goal even with having to stop and walk. I was slugging my way up a hill, stopped and walked for the 3rd time and moved over for a car to pass. Well sure enough it had one of those 13.1 stickers plastered on it. Talk about motivation!  So tomorrow I will be up at 5:30 for a run. I at least want to know I gave it my all!

Quick Marinade Recipes

Since I do most of the cooking I have come up with a couple of marinades to make things quick and easy.  When I grocery shop (usually on Sunday) I buy the meat for the week and then prep these as soon as I get home.  I throw the meat and marinade in a gallon size bag and just let it chill out until it's time to cook it.  If I am making it later in the week I may throw it in the freezer.

Chicken or Pork Chop Creole Mustard Marinade
*being from LA I love creole mustard and it's easy to find; if you can't find it/don't like, just do dijon mustard.
1/3 cup Creole mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 cup oil

Whisk all of the ingredients together then pour over 3-4 pork chops, 2-3 chicken breasts, or 6-7 chicken tenderloins.

Honey Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
1/2 cup teriyaki
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Home Gym

I have a bare bones home gym, but I kind of like it that way.  If you are creative in building your plans, you can do a lot with very little.

Pull-up Bar, Box Jump, Row Machine, Kettle Bells, Dumb Bells, Slam Ball, Weighted Bar

Growing up I would watch my dad attempt to exercise and lose weight, but he would always quit.  My dad has always been overweight and I was well on my way.  So about 3 years ago, I decided to change my life and lost 50 lbs.  Whenever I lose focus, I try to remember my motivation.  It is amazing watching a 4 year old workout.  I have taught her things that I hope will stay with her for many, many years.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!  I've had the idea for a little while now of creating a blog about life from Dad's perspective.  I have a 4 1/2 year old girl and an 8 week old boy.  I've been married 11 years and my wife and I are both 33.  We are high school sweethearts who dated all through college and finally got married upon graduation.  We are both occupational therapists.  We didn't have kids until our late 20s and now life is consumed with raising kids, balancing work, friends, family, and attempting to live a semi healthy lifestyle.

I want this blog to focus on balancing everything with as much sanity as possible.  This will be a place to share recipes (I am a dad who does most of the cooking), workout ideas (we are both always trying to squeeze in a run or workout when there is a free moment), parenting struggles, and basically anything else to help with busy schedules.

Feel free to comment and share this blog!