i'm free (x's 2)

*a-hem*

as of 20 minutes ago, my online defensive driving class is done. WHOOP.  i was falling asleep and nodding off all through those last few chapters and videos but as soon as i passed my test i woke up. :lol:  that's how it goes. in fact i'm so wired it's over that  i'm listening to my boys snore and blogging after midnight which never happens. there is always a reason i am randomly inspired to write though, always.

i have a secret.

it's always been that way. however, i don't want a cookie-cutter, sunshine, bubbles, infinite happiness all-day-every-day, boring blog. that's not life and that's not real.  people are inspired and blessed through experiences and  there are several things that have happened to me along my competition and fitness journey in general  that the Lord wants me to SHARE.  so i will.   and whatever else He puts on my heart to type.  post by post, it's coming.

 happy friday and remember this:

learning to love yourself regardless of your current stage/size is one of the most crucial and beneficial gifts that a person can give themselves.  it's also one of the most difficult tasks for a person to conquer wholeheartedly.  improving yourself physically is great and can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence, but it shouldn't define who you are.  your character and how you treat people will always trump any physical characteristic.

le

Banana Pecan Chocolate Chunk Muffins

how was your monday?

the 'monday blues' do not exist!  Mondays only suck if you let them- accept what you can't change and change what you can't accept.

 whether it's your career, your relationships, or even something you want to change within yourself, start by making a CONSCIOUS effort to be positive with your actions, expressions, and words.  positivity breeds positivity. don't dwell on the negative and what went wrong.  break the habit.  talk about your joys and count your blessings!  and if what went wrong is worth it, fix it, but keep building and focusing on the NEW.

i finally started the online defensive driving course (gag) task i've been putting off since i got the ticket back in july.  i thought that horrible procrastination habit was supposed to fade out as you got older, i mean really.  during one of my countless mini breaks i went and made some of the best homemade muffins i've had....ever. look!

Banana Pecan Chocolate Chunk Muffins (source)

the stuff:

• 6 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup coconut crystals
• 1 cup 2% greek yogurt
• 3 small RIPE bananas
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chunks
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces

do this:

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. mix the wet ingredients with the wet, and the dry with the dry.
3. combine all together in a large mixing bowl
4. fold in chocolate chunks and pecans last
5. spray muffin pan with no-stick cooking spray
6. bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown

macros for 1 regular muffin (makes 24):

 macros for 1 mini muffin (makes 36):

30 minutes of defensive driving down, 5.5 hours to go. welp, goodnight. :lol:

le