Hi everyone! Long time no chat 
Hope your December is off to a beautiful start. The weather here in Austin has been pretty crazy, so I can’t say it feels much like the holidays, but trying to make the best of it.
So where to begin.. so much has been going on, but at the same time I’m in this crazy limbo.. lots of potentially exciting things are up in the air, and only time will tell how it will all play out.
With all the distractions I’ve been all over the board with workouts. I’ll have a really good week, then not workout for 5 days. I did however finally make it back to Yoga last week, after a 90+ day absence, and of course it was amazing. Even after just one class, I notice an immediate difference in my mood, and that’s before the physical benefits.
Dear Blog.. I miss you.. love Alyson
On a different note, two separate occurrences this week made me realize how much I miss blogging on a regular basis. First, I was working on a Google Analytics report using blog statistics, second, and a bit more exciting (though I must admit I got more than a bit geeky playing with numbers and optimization stuff), was a blogger meet-up!
Over a month ago I met up with Caitlin, who I absolutely adore, then yesterday I finally got to meet Lindsay and Sarah. We all met up at a very hipster-esque cafe that made for excellent people watching. I was a total slacker and didn’t break out my camera, but check out Sarah’s post! After the other two girls had to leave, Caitlin and I wandered up to the capital to listen to the carolers and watch them light the tree. Not going to lie.. I was a bit disappointed in the tree… but perhaps that’s just my born & raised in the northwest, gorgeous green scenery everywhere attitude.
I was in a baking mood all day today, but restrained myself from a decadent treat that I would likely overindulge in (darn you emotional eating and missing not going home for the holiday), and instead opted for a bit of an experiment. Inspired by Tina’s Sweet Potato Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, I made..
Sweet Potato Protein Cookies
1 medium Sweet Potato, baked/microwaved, mashed
1/4 cup Protein Powder (I used MGN Cake Batter Protein Powder)
1/2 cup Oatmeal
2 tbsp Canola Oil
Cinnamon to taste
Stevia to taste
Mix everything together. Drop spoonfuls onto a sprayed baking sheet and bake at 350 F for 15-18 min.
I was so happy, and even a bit surprised, with how well these turned out!
Truth
I really do miss blogging, and everyday I think about perhaps posting that day, but with how all over the board I am with fitness and nutrition, sometimes I’m just not sure what to blog about. Truth be told, I guess I’m a bit embarrassed. I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since my competitions, and I regret that I’ve let myself get so far from where I’d like to be. I can’t wait to compete again, but there’s a couple things that need to work their way out first.. all that silly ‘I guess I’m a grown-up’ stuff. But I think I’ve been using it as an excuse.. there really is no excuse not to be getting in my workouts.. and not for a narcissistic reason, but for the plain and simple truth that working out keeps me sane! haha..
So it’s a new week right?! And with only 3 weeks until Christmas I have lots of Christmas moving watching to do 
What to you all do to get out of ruts? Whether it be workout, clean eating, attitude..
Fun Links
oh that beautiful shot of the capital. I am thrilled to have finally met you. It was so fun and relaxed! You need to come to yoga with me sometime down at balance yoga. We'll make it a date…..and you can bring those cookies. Nice job, I love the sweet potato and protein in it!
p.s.
Blogging will be here whenever you feel like getting back to it. You have one crazy life right now so enjoy the ride. And congrats on the new job!
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
A yoga date sounds fantastic! And no official new job for me yet.. but cross your fingers for me
I LOVE Austin around the holidays! so Wonderful!
So great to meet you! And yummy cookie idea!!!
Yay I love when you post! But I totally know what you mean.. I've been in a blogger rut too and have been taking a lot of time off. But I'll definitely keep reading when you do post!
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Thanks April! And you\’d never now about a rut.. you always come up with such great topics!
love you girl!!! don't feel embarassed…life gets in the way…we all experience this
hang in there you will be back rocking that stage in NO TIME!
on another note—will you bring me some of those cookies if you come to boston?!?!
super jealz of your meetup!
i “know” lindsay and I have heard great things about caitlin and of course seeing you again would be great!
life DOES come first over blogging and who cares if you “know what to say” or if there’s a “Theme”. As long as you WANT to blog, blog. If you can’t/don’t wanna, skip it
Glad to hear yoga is helping..after just 1 class!
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Not sure why it\’s having trouble, because it would come through for moderation then disappear.. oh silly technology. Hope you\’re having an amazing time in Aruba.. though I know you are
you have the neatest ideas for healthy little treats!!
It sucks being a grown up & I have way too much experience on that!
Loving that recipe.. going to try that!!!!!!!