Some thoughts and discussions from me.
A Valentine’s Day Tale & My Top 5 Motivations for Healthy Living
Today’s post is about motivation, but first, allow me to tell you a tale. A Valentine’s Day tale, if you will.
This year Shane and I agreed not to do anything for each other for Valentine’s Day. Our house in Illinois is still on the market, so instead of spending money on jewelry and an expensive dinner, we decided to more wisely spend our dollars on our two mortgages. So you can imagine my surprise when he walked in the door with flowers and a bag.
And chocolate. I basically grabbed the chocolate, hid in the corner, and started gnawing. Forget the flowers.
I kid. I love flowers.
Anyway, inside the bag were the contents for the night’s dinner. Shane declared, “I’m cooking dinner tonight! Prosciutto and provolone stuffed chicken!!!” Wonderful! 
Now, my husband, bless his heart, is pretty much clueless in the kitchen. He never ever ever cooks dinner. Wait, he did once last week, but that was the first time that he has in years. I think he was practicing for V-day.
Anywho, the rules were that I could not hover. So, hover I did not. I stayed in my place in the living room, instgramming about the occasion like a good wife.
Except, you know, when he asked me where the Italian seasoning was. And the tongs. And when he asked if he should heat the pan before or after putting the butter in (before, dear.) Other than that, I kept my distance.
And except when the smoke alarm went off. I have experience here, so as I ran to grab the rag to fan the alarm, I shouted “OPEN THE SLIDER DOOR!! OPEN THE SLIDER DOOR!!!!” And in less than 2 minutes, we had quiet again. Moving on.
Back at it, I think I may have giggled when I heard him mutter “50 minutes my ass.” Yep…welcome to following a recipe, my love. 
Alas, in about an hour, we sat down to a delicious-looking dinner…
I was salivating as I picked up a piece of my chicken, cut into it….
and said, “uhhh babe. I don’t think the chicken’s done. It’s pink on the inside…” Yup. That chicken definitely needed another 5-10 minutes in the oven. So back in it went.
Long story long, we did eventually eat, although not as Shane may have planned it, and it was delicious. And bottom line: if you cook for me, I’ll eat it, and I won’t complain.
Moral of the story: if you want your husband to appreciate having a home cooked dinner every night, have him cook prosciutto-stuffed chicken.
Now on to that motivation schtuff…
Yesterday I made a video as part of my ambassadorship for Fitmixer. The topic is how I stay motivated to live a healthy lifestyle. While there’s a plethora of reasons I try to live my healthiest, I narrowed it down to 5 core reasons:
OK, you got me. The REAL reason behind #5 is I just want to be as badass as Betty White at the age of 90
Happy Friday, folks! I’ve actually got a pretty exciting day today. I’ve got to update ya’ll on some news next week
Tell me:
What keeps YOU motivated to live a healthy lifestyle?
That is so cute! Love it. The best gifts are the ones that make a memory.
Kacy recently posted…Comment on You googled, I answered by Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
Sweet Shane! What a great guy. I love that he surprised you with dinner, flowers and chocolate!
I totally want to be that badass when I’m 90 too! I LOVE being active and being able to do things that I’ve been told are not possible!
I hope you have an incredible weekend my friend!
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) recently posted…Roasted Kabocha Squash Topped With Coconut Peanut Butter Cream
That is an insanely cute story! Good for him!
What a cute story! How sweet he wanted to make you dinner. It looks delicious too 🙂
Danielle (@CleanFoodCreativeFitness) recently posted…Paleo Chicken Cacciatore
How sweet of your husband and the dinner looks delicious! My hubby made me dinner too! Great vlog!
kim@hungryhealthygirl recently posted…All about a Healthy Heart
I giggled at the smoke alarm… my roommate and I set it off at least once every other month. We even have a system in place for when it happens. Sad but necessary. :p
Amy @ Second City Randomness recently posted…New Year, New Chapter
Hahaha, that story is too funny but quite cute too!;)
He sounds like a keeper. When I lived in dorms in college our smoke alarm went off allll the time, it was just awful.
I think the thing that keeps me motivated is myself mostly and that I want to live a long and fulfilling life.
Lisa recently posted…Comment on Coffee Talk by dixya @ food, pleasure, and health
Shane is so sweet to cook for you! I can’t wait to hear your news next week! I live a healthy lifestyle so that I can be healthy for a long time for my family!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…House Guest
I love when my boyfriend cooks because it takes him an hour just to find the pans/measuring spoons in the house and then he appreciates my meals much more.
Ashley @ Life and Fitness recently posted…Why I Feel Like Betty Crocker
That’s really cute!! 😀
When Greg cooks dinner, he will ask me how to chop things, where things are etc. and it drives me crazy. And I hover. So, I have to leave the area and he figures it all out. 🙂
I love your reasons for living a healthy life! My #1 reason is that there’s no other option. I was about 50 lbs heavier than I am now when I was in high school/college and was lazy, uncomfortable and always wished I was thinner, prettier, etc. It wasn’t until I discovered my inner athlete and how much I LOVE and value being strong and fit more than anything else. And, I also found out how much I live for adventure- and found a partner that loves it just as much!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning recently posted…A Friday Post
hahaha this is the cutest story ever! just think on the bright side – dessert was out of a package! such a cute valentines day – aren’t homemade dinners always better than super expensive ones out anyways?! haha well sometimeeees