.2? Are you kidding me?

Well, for all of those non-existent readers of my blog who don't already know, I signed up for a Biggest Loser competition at work. I figured it was a good way to stay even more motivated to get in better shape for the wedding, along with a way to win some extra cash. So far, the exercising part has been really easy: I do the Couch-to-5k program three times a week, and work out with a trainer at my gym every Tuesday and Thursday. The eating, on the other hand, has been more of a challenge. I've been trying really hard to eat better - I cut my portion sizes and have been making sure I eat a healthy lunch everyday, but some weeknights and the weekends have been really hard! I know all of the tips and tricks of weight loss, but today was our week 3 weigh-in, and I lost...wait for it...


.2 pounds.


Less than 1/2 of one pound.


What a downer!

So, after a sympathy lunch at Raising Cane's (it was, after all, National Chicken Finger Day), I resolved to work out harder and longer this week so that I can kick this competition's ass.


Now, onto the good stuff. Dustin, Jen, and Brandon (our friends from Eau Claire) came to visit this weekend, and on Sunday we went to breakfast at Keys Cafe in the Foshay. After getting our grub on, we took Brandon to Como Zoo - a place that I hadn't see probably since high school. Here are some highlights of the day:


The boys walking (well, Brandon was running) to meet Jen and I at Keys in Downtown Minneapolis




The Foshay Tower - one of my favorite buildings in Minneapolis

Brandon was in awe of all of the big buildings - not too many skyscrapers in Eau Claire. We gotta get this kid out more!



Then we went to the Zoo.





The sea lions were a big hit. I think we could've watched them for at least an hour. But alas, we had to move on.














I don't think these zebras were too happy to see my camera...which leads to my favorite picture from the zoo:
















This guy looks a little out of place in his surroundings...


















After our friends left, Andy and I relaxed at home for a bit and then went to Brasa to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our engagement!

Oh, and I almost forgot - a few pictures of my green thumb in action:















The first ripe tomatoes of the year! Picked 'em and ate 'em this morning on my way to work, and they were delicious.















My heirloom tomato plant (it's actually more like a shrub) and basil plants















Tomatoes in the back, peppers in the front. Hopefully by next summer this area and my other "gardens" will be sectioned off - Herb has been enjoying some green heirloom tomato babies for the past week now...ever since he figured out how to pick them off of the vines. Not cool, Herb.

My very first post...on my very first blog!

Well, with all of the changes that have been going on in our lives over the past year, I figure it's time to get my blog on! I have no idea if I'll be any good at this. At all. But, it's worth a shot - what's the worst that can happen? No one reads this? It'll be their loss. :) So, check back when you get a chance, and we'll see how this goes!