Love Your Life!

2011-11-16T18:10:00.002-06:00

i'm back!

2011-06-13T06:05:00.001-05:00

TAKING DOWN THIS BLOG TOMORROW....

http://www.101709andbeyond.blogspot.com/

2011-06-07T08:26:00.001-05:00

SORRY!

I CHANGED THE ADDRESS.....LAST TIME...

http://101709andbeyond.blogspot.com/

THIS OLD BLOG WILL BE TAKEN DOWN IN 6 DAYS

2011-06-06T10:21:00.002-05:00

hi lovelies :)

I am changing blogs :) I am going to be focusing on more what is going on in our life as a family :) This blog is going to be for the friends and family members that don't see us every day....

I WOULD LOVE to still have y'all as followers :D

It won't be about working out or food (then again it hasn't been like that in a while) so I hope that is okay. We also haven't had a computer in over a month so I haven't been able to do anything at home....and I really don't like commenting on blogs or posting at work but I am on a quick break so I just wanted to let y'all know.

I hope to be back up and commenting but I still read all of y'alls blogs and still love them dearly.

http://www.hestilowfamily.blogspot.com/

this old blog will be shut down in about 7 days.

love y'all

2011-05-12T06:04:00.000-05:00

Presley was really wild 2 weekends ago

I was cleaning and found these...oh they smelled like Halloween and Christmas and made me want fall for a small second :)

I am not a mom to a kiddo but I am a momma to a fur baby! Matt got me these flowers and this vase...I absolutely love them!! Just what I needed!

My mom also got me the new Hungry Girl book!!

It was good mothers day!

We tried to turn Presley into a person...looks more like an elephant. He was nomming on a treat during this time. Didn't care what we were doing

yup...blew the lid right off. Guess the fridge was too cold.

I was at a pregnancy center (pro life one) and we were helping them sort clothing and book donations and I found this. I should have taken a picture of a page inside. It was ridiculous. They showed erections and other stuff that made us all giggle like a little girl

I need this now! It works wonders!

get this. I decided that I was going to start dressing like a girl. ORRRR atleast more girly.

I work with a lot of older people and the girls all dress like boys so I dressed comfortably.

I realized that better dressers get better raises and are respected more....so I decided....I was going to wear high heels!!

I have 3 pairs. It is SAD. I wore a pair yesterday and my feet hurt BAD. I mean it is the next day and it hurts to walk. But I wore more high heels today!!

I got so many compliments. People are staring at my feet constantly. Talking about how fancy I look and how nice I look.

I guess high heels it is!

It's interesting to see that wearing high heels instantly transforms your outfit from comfy to fancy. I just had spring cleaning and bought new clothes that are really nice (and so affordable!)

I guess I also need to buy some new high heels! hmmmm :D

I don't wear my hair down...I don't believe i will ever wear it down...I really am not a fan of my hair...but that is the next step...working on my hair! I can only imagine what others will say when they see my hair down...or semi down - I am not a fan of the attention...anxiety hits me when I think of people bugging me about wearing my hair down.

I have issues.

more pics of my beautiful flowers!

I have officially lost all of my readers and that is okay, but this is for me! I love looking over this each year. I used to have a xanga back in the day and deleted it and I regret that! I wish I could look at it again :(

y'all have a wonderful day!

2011-05-08T18:03:00.002-05:00

I found this on so many sites today....have to post it.

Happy Mothers Day to all those mommies, those who want to be mommies, and all those furbaby mommies

Before I Was a Dog Mom

Author: Unknown

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I made and ate hot meals unmolested.
I had unstained, unfurred clothes.
I had quiet conversations on the phone,
even if the doorbell rang.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I slept as late as I wanted
and never worried about how late I got to bed
or if I could get into my bed.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I cleaned my house every day.
I never tripped over toys, stuffies, chewies
or invited the neighbor’s dog over to play.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I didn’t worry if my plants, cleansers,
plastic bags, toilet paper, soap or deodorant
were poisonous or dangerous.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had never been peed on,
pooped on, drooled on,
chewed on or pinched by puppy teeth.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had complete control of my thoughts,
my body and mind.
I slept all night without sharing the covers or pillow.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I never looked into big, soulful eyes and cried.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn’t stop a hurt.
I never knew something so furry and four-legged
could affect my heart so deeply.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had never held a sleeping puppy
just because I couldn’t put it down.
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was well.
I didn’t know how warm it feels inside
to feed a hungry puppy.
I didn’t know that something so small
could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had never known the warmth, the joy,
the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the
satisfaction
of being A Dog Mom

2011-05-03T10:18:00.000-05:00

I must say though....she is one beautiful young lady...and that DRESS! I want it!

I do think that picture is funny...minus the F word....So I changed it to fart :D

I have really sucked at the budget lately. SUCKED. I feel like this month of May will be an amazing month! I feel like I will stay on track and get closer to drop our 3rd debt!!

I found this guide - I don't remember where - but this guide tells you the best deals for each month...

MAY

Hotdogs

Ground Beef

Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns

Condiments

Salad Dressing

Chips

Ice Cream

Popsicles

Frozen Pies

Soda

Bottled Water

Party Supplies

Grill Supplies

Vacumms

Cookware

These are also the most RIPE veggies and fruits of May

Cherries

Pineapples

apricots

Okra

Zucchini

Rhubarb

Artichokes

Asparagus

Spring Peas

Broccoli

Lettuce

There were a lot of status updates yesterday talking about how you should NEVER celebrate death. My first thought....

don't the spanish have a day of the dead?

Didn't we always want Osama dead?

I know GOD wants us to never celebrate death.....

Don't we also kinda celebrate death when we give people the death penalty?

but I can't help be happy that justice was served. This guy did not deserve life...nor does anyone who does these types of crimes. I feel like 2998 individuals can now silently smile and feel relieved.

just my random thoughts. I call myself a Christian...but a lot of Christians on my facebook were very judgemental about "celebrating" death. . . I am celebrating America - and that we finally got the guy that did the worst act ever on America....You really think he deserved to hide out for the rest of his life?

2011-05-02T12:22:00.000-05:00

so i never really post on status updates that are controversial. I hate the confrontation but I couldn't help it today. someone had this as a status message

"Am I the only one who feels like bin laden's death has no impact on my life whatsoever?"

I was offended.

are you serious?

I replied "Later on in life he could have targeted Houston, then I guess he would have mattered"

Houston was supposedly on the hit list because of the Space stuff going on and the Port. I never thought it would be hit but you never know. If he was still alive he could have very well smacked Houston.

Regardless....If something happens to America - horribly - it should affect you. period. No caring that bin laden died is kinda gross.

2011-04-28T14:16:00.001-05:00

sorry for not updating. I seriously have nothing to talk about. You don't want to see what I eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner...I am pretty sure you healthy eaters would want to puke. I enjoy burgers and pizza and fries etc. The really awesome thing about me though:

I eat in moderation. . . except for gum. I eat unnecessary amounts.

I don't have burgers with cheese. I don't get the super sizes. I get unsweetened tea with my food. I stop eating when my tummy tells me to.

My weight has been constant. I am not exactly happy with the flab (triceps and some tummy) but I am trying to do the whole gym thing again. It'll take some time. Matt doesn't have a set schedule and so we really never know when to work out and I don't like working out after work - but I have been having to lately.

I signed up for Livestrong.com ---they have a free calorie counter and with the weight i want to lose it tells me how much I should eat. What a freakin' eye opener!!

yikes! Lets see if this works.

Working out tomorrow morning!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I bawled at church on easter sunday....some guy was singing and at the end of the song they displayed this bible verse:

Romans 8:38-39 (New International Version, ©2011)

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That was Lara's bible verse. Her mom found the page bookmarked in her bible. They spoke about it at her funeral and it is on her tombstone.

I bawled. Instantly. It was kinda weird. I've been able to read the verse and not cry...but today was something different. I was very happy Matt was with me.

I wonder if I will ever feel better about that situation...it has been almost 4 years.

I pray for the strength to move on? I don't know what to pray for to make me feel better about this. I pray that the guilt will finally go away. I pray and hope that others won't have to experience this. I pray that she is in heaven so I will be able to see her again.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't have anymore time today to post. so I am going to finish this mid post.

i love y'all. take care of yourselves.

btw: IT GETS BETTER. :D People love you. Suicide will never EVER be the answer.

hoping to post again soon!!!

2011-04-19T08:11:00.001-05:00

Our computer at home does not work. :( I don't really have time to blog during my breaks bc I need to study....but hopefully i will have pictures soon of some stuff this week....

but. . .

I just want to voice my opinion... on...

who CARES about the Royal Wedding.....

WHO CARES!

I will not waste 1 second on that stuff. (if you care that's fine :) )

okay I just wasted one second on it. but that is all!

yup that is all.

It will be 90 degrees outside today. I love Tejas!

2011-04-14T06:10:00.000-05:00

i got in trouble by my husband last night for not posting on here.

My life is a bit busy and I freakin' love it...I just don't have enough time for this ole' blog. I still am not up to date on everyone's blogs :( I am just going to have to mark a lot as read and start over, lol!

I am just wanting to study. alot.

I take the GRE on May 27th at 12pm.

I fell asleep yesterday around 7:40pm...woke up at 830pm and looked at Matt and said that I needed to go to bed. Didn't even shower. 6-6.5 hours of sleep a night isn't cutting it :( I wish I liked coffee....maybe it is time to load up on the light roast and lots o creamer....

anyone know of a coffee that isn't so dark and a creamer that masks the taste of coffee fairly well?? lol

I have to go back to work...yuck. 330pm yet?

whew!!

2011-04-07T10:25:00.000-05:00

I apologize for not being able to write in a week or even be able to look at anyone’s blogs. I am a sucky blogger friend.

Work has been a little nuts this past week. I was asked to do a task last year and never really got any direction, I figured my own direction…turns out it was the wrong direction. I apologized and moved on…but not before letting them know that I didn’t know any better and no one showed me any direction what so ever...whatevs I was only 22. – when I start the task I was 3 months into the new job.

But now I know what I am doing. Catching up is a little rough but I am proud to say that I did not cry once at work this week. HIGH FIVE! (I cried a lot last week - by myself though - no one saw)

I have been on the computer for 10 hours a day so the last thing I want to do when I get home is to get back on the computer.

Matt and I were contemplating living in a different area and that was the secret but GOD obviously told us no so I decided to apply to GRADUATE SCHOOL! I met with an advisor last Friday and got all the information! I am applying this Friday and signing up for the GRE (Take 2) in the middle of May. I already have one recommendation sent and my transcript is on its way!!

Where am I going to go?

Sam Houston State University - I did not want to take grad school only online. That sucks...I needed the classroom... It is in Huntsville, Texas - where Deathrow is. yesssss.

What am I going to major in?

I will be getting a Masters Of Science in GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

The applied Geographic Information System (GIS) program will give participants the critical knowledge to succeed in the challenging world of geospatial technologies. This includes advanced classes and labs in global positioning systems (Trimble), remote sensing (ERDAS IMAGINE), GIS (ArcGIS) and web based mapping and spatial analysis. In particular, applications of these technologies in the oil and gas industry, parcel mapping, local government, national security and market research are featured. Additionally, this program is designed to enhance an individual's knowledge in scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, environmental impact assessment, and urban planning. GIS technologies use digital information, for which various digitized data creation methods are used. (from shsu.edu)

How will I be paying for this?

Since Matt and I are knee deep in paying off our debt, Thanks to Dave Ramsey we don ‘t have a lot of money. We will be getting a loan to pay off grad school.

But some wonderful news! If I kick butt at grad school and get a C or above (I made the dean’s list every year at Tech except 1 --It was my first semester there- I had A BLIND professor – it was awful) then my work with pay for my school!!!

So I have been studying. A LOT. I am currently working on Quantative Comparisons. They are not fun

source

my problem is that these are a bitch.

I have a sever anxiety problem and seeing something like this will flip my lid.

I am trying to get better at this.....

I also tend to second guess myself, which is what I did with this problem, The answer is A.

To find the largest possible value of x, see what happens when y is as small as possible. Since y is a positive integer, the smallest possible value for y is 1. In that case 3x + 6(1) = 180,252, so 3x = 180,246. So the largest possible value for x is 180,246 ÷ 3. Estimating an answer tells us that the largest possible value for x is approximately 180,000 ÷3 = 60,000.

To find the largest possible value of y, see what happens when x is as small as possible. Since x is a positive integer, the smallest possible value for x is 1. In that case 3(1) + 6(y) = 180,252, or 6y = 180,259. So the largest possible value for y is 180,259 ÷ 6. Estimating an answer tells us that the largest possible value for y is approximately 180,000 ÷3 = 30,000, so Column A is clearly greater than Column B.

I have been studying this for the past week. yuck.....and cleaning...and bible studying it up, and not getting enough sleep...and trying to make the apt not smell like cat poop - we have one cooperative cat and the other one is punishing us for getting a kitten.

I am officially a dog person. I think those two love buttons of kitties will be our last. I love them. I really do. I rather have a pug farm though and be an old pug lady :)

I have had an ear issue for the past week. It felt clogged. I don't suffer from severe allergies and I haven't swam or been on a plane....

I finally went to the doctor and found out I have a lot of fluid in my ears. yum.

THIS girl is hopped up on steroids :)

I am still terrified my cyst is going to come back. Talk about worst physical pain of my life!!!

done with my randomness....I have to get back to work, break is over!!

Hope to respond to y'alls fabulous blogs soon!!

yikes

2011-03-31T07:37:00.000-05:00

so sorry for the lack of posting.

Work has been kicking MY BUTT this week...yes I shed 1 tear yesterday...and I have been feeling like I am not getting enough sleep.... (I'd have to be in bed by 8pm to get a full 8 hours rest and we all know it is closer to 6 hours a night) and my face is breaking out... it has been one heck of a week.... too bad it is only 7:37am...I still have a full day of this work nonsense!!

PLEASE 3:30pm come fast today, i am ready to chill out...and resume normal posting

I feel so good

2011-03-28T06:17:00.002-05:00

This past weekend was great :)

Matt and I went and visited a church I went to back in the day and we filled out a guest card.

Monday afternoon I missed a call from one of the pastors from the church. I usually don't call back...but I did this time. I had to go through a lot of people to get to him (receptionists) and when I did I talked to him about everything. We told him that we were looking to find some friends our age in a small group and he told me his daughter was in one and he was going to forward my information. :)

I got a call from Bryan, Texas later that day but they hung out before I answered and I thought that was her. I was bummed but got over it.

Fastforward to Thursday morning - I got a call from the daughter of the pastor and I actually answered...(I don't EVER answer) and she invited us to her house that night for small group and I told them sure!

Matt and I arrived and realized it was a GODSEND.

These people are amazing. The friends I have been looking for....for years. Ever since Lara and I grew apart and then got back together and then when she passed away I felt very lost and felt like I had no best friend. These couples were amazing.

What they believed in, how they acted, how they acted toward us, and they were so welcoming toward us.

They probably thought I was a creeper. I wanted to cry. I ached for friends for so long. Now all we want to do is hang out with them. Yeah, we are creepers. :)

I never realized how deprived I was of girlfriends until I met these people.

I sound desperate. Maybe I am. No girl shouldn't be without girlfriends.

Girlfriends meaning that they don't do a dinner once a month thing. This is texting randomly, and seeing each other more than once a week. I am tired of only having those friendships and although I cherish them I am aching for more.

I hope someday someone will point to me and be like "oh! That's my best friend right there - I want you to meet her"

I also wish I had that with my sorority - I am so happy that my sister got to experience that. Keep those close, Caroline! Except for that odd one who wears kid shorts. lol!

so let's review:

Matt and I are now in a small group filled with wonderful people and are growing closer to GOD each day and that is a wonderful thing.

We also got a gently worn (sorry germaphobes) king size bed....!!! After a thorough cleaning and febreezing it is like it has neve been touched. OH - we got it for free!!! WE are finally using our wedding gifts (sheets, comforters - etc) The bed is heavenly and we have SO MUCH ROOM!

Stuff to think about this week.....

"See others not as they are, but as GOD sees them"

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

Here is to Seeing others as God would see them and to pay attention to others around you and their interests :)

As for gossiping... Cut it out.

Lara introduced me to Micahel Buble and this was the first song we listened to in her car, I'll never forget that :)

ummm wrong?

2011-03-24T07:01:00.000-05:00

I listen to a variety of radio shows in the morning when I work.....This was on the front page of mojointhemorning.com

There was a poll saying...."wrong?"

the votes were split down the middle.

This is a bouncy thing that was at a little girls party and they slide down the ship to be "saved" . . .

I am offended!! That is AWFUL! I was pretty speechless when I saw this...making light of something that was SO AWFUL.

yikes...anyways...

I've been pretty busy and haven't been able to read any blogs or post anything. lots to talk about, i'll try to update after work today!!!

help!

2011-03-22T10:51:00.003-05:00

I have a high school friend doing a detox for 10 days. I have always wanted to do one. Apparently a really good time to have one is when you quit taking certain pills (I was on paxil back in the day and probably could have used it).

Detox diets cost ALOT and Matt wanted me to see a DR. if I was ever going to do one and I really don't feel like going to a doctor to discuss it...i'd know he would say no...lol!

(btw - i'd never really do a detox. the stuff you have to drink or eat...!!!! . . . I'd fail in 1 day flat.)

Last time this year I started my healthy eating and working out and that lasted until September. I am back to feeling gross and nasty and unhealthy.....

I always have trouble trying to figure out what I should eat to start my clean eating process again. I want this to stick. I really don't know what to do

As if you don't know...I AM EXTREMELY PICKY. It's obnoxious. Cucumbers make me gag, actual tomatoes are nasty. Pickles suck - except for their intoxicating and wonderful smell!!!

...yeah...just wanted to throw in a baby presley picture of him reminding me of STITCH

source

Papaya makes me gag....cantaloupe and melons are nasty and so on.....Don't even try to get me to eat beans. yuck.

What the heck do I do?! Fish grosses me out...I guess scares me...scales are not my thing...I don't like seeing where the scales were.....I won't eat Lamb (makes me sad - i'd be a vegetarian if I didn't hate veggies so much)

I tried looking for a book and I am lost. Jillian has a plan and I can alter it some....

I did the bob greene??? Is that his name?? diet book and it worked out okay but I am wanting something NEW!!

I have a few questions for y'all....

1. anyone know of a book that is a guide to clean eating but has food that someone who is picky will enjoy.

2. Does anyone have any elliptical workouts or know of any websites that provide them?

3. Anyone have a fantastic smoothie recipe...

-----now let's be serious...i see a lot of y'all put spinach in their smoothies.....

don't bs me here.... do you taste the spinach AT ALL? i'm serious!!!

did you know that they call this a disorder??? Picky eating....?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picky_eater

Selective eating disorder (SED) (also known as picky eating, fussy eating, or perseverative feeding disorder) is an eating disorder that prevents the consumption of certain foods. It is often viewed as a phase of childhood that is generally overcome with age. Children may not grow out of being a picky eater, however, and may continue to be afflicted with SED throughout their adult lives.[1]

The British Journal of Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry states that:

"Selective eating is the little studied phenomenon of eating a highly limited range of foods, associated with an unwillingness to try new foods. Common in toddlers, it can persist into middle childhood and adolescence in a small number of children, most commonly boys. When this happens social avoidance, anxiety and conflict can result."[2]

...
oh jeez.

this is brilliant.

2011-03-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

This website is outstanding....This guy is a stay at home dad and this is what he does. Tears came from my eyes. Pardon one naughty word in these pictures....

my favorite.

check him out and add him to your blog roll

http://messagewithabottle.tumblr.com/

my day was fantastic. I had order in my life. The house was relatively clean (that will be an every day ordeal) and I took care of myself (I have been known to not wash my face, not do my hair, not look cute, etc.) and so on. Well something was not awesome. . . .

I had my vitatop for breakfast...and OUCH! My bottom left tooth in the far back hurt like heck! I wanted to cry...I haven't gone to the dentist since 2008. My old dentist didn't take my insurance and it made me sad and I just refused to go...until today. I called my insurance provider, picked out a dentist....and only looking at 1 review.

Called the dentist's office and scheduled a consultation.

I have my first cavity...and it wasn't the tooth that hurt. I have decalcification going on.

know what really sucks...? I brush my teeth twice a day...try to floss when I remember and so on. I am so embarrassed that my teeth suck.

I have been experiencing a dry mouth - it makes me feel like I need water ALL THE TIME! I asked the guy about this and he told me that that can also speed up cavities because I need the saliva to help my teeth.

who knows....

whatevs. I stink at teeth.

btw - the doc was fantastic!!!

After the consultation I drove back to work and had lunch and worked on some work and then had to drive back to get my teeth cleaned at 2pm.

The hygienist made me do a fluoride wash that tasted like licorice - the black kind. I wanted to throw up all over the place but it was fast and painless.

Think good thoughts - I go get my cavity filled at 12pm tomorrow.

sucks.

oh btw - still don't know what hobby to pick. This may call for a HOBBY LOBBY trippppppp!!!!! (insert Oprah voice)

help me!!!!

2011-03-21T05:23:00.001-05:00

i've been really wanting to have a hobby. I have come down to these three things.....

cross stitching, knitting, crochet.....

anyone have any ideas on what you think about these three hobbies???

random question: I am left handed...will any of these 3 make my life difficult?

which one is more fun...
which one is easier to make socks and scarves? (not cross stitching - lol)

:)

2011-03-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

we took presley to the dog park the other day....love it!

sleeping pug...nothing new

yeah....that's beautiful

me with my SIL, Delaney

my boobs are massive. REDUCTION, please?

Matt won me a stuffed pug at a carnival game when we went to the rodeo this past weekend

my new sunglasses Matt got me for my birthday!

Matt insisted on participating in mustache march...

we saw KISS at the rodeo...I LOVED IT!!!

Matt and I went to a church today that was a church that I went to back in the day...I forgot how amazing that church was.

James 3:13-18

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness."

I have always had issues with jealousy. I wish I had hair like that, was skinny like her, was an amazing Christian like her, had talent like her, and so on.

I will work and strive to not be a jealous person that is going to take some time. All we ever see is the wonderful side of people…we aren’t with them during their hard, mean, ugly times. So we think they are perfect.

God, help me become a better person, help me have peace with myself. Take away this evilness that I have towards myself. Strive to be the best person, best Christian I can possibly be. Help me love and not be jealous.

My little family is amazing and I don’t want to be anyone else…sometimes I wish I was better. WELL let’s do it!

yikes

2011-03-19T17:38:00.000-05:00

This article blows my mind.

I also seriously believe this is why she can not get pregnant....she rather be scary skinny than be able to have a child - but that is my own opinion...no hate.

For many, many more, check out the Guiliana Rancic's meal plan

Some of the ‘highlights’:

- she is not eating for about 3 hours after she wakes up, but works out.

- she considers ‘having a few bites of pasta’ once a week her ‘cheating’.

- she constantly consumes cayenne pepper in her water to increse her metabolism.

- she makes it clear many times: NOT ONE DROP OF BUTTER EVER, NO OIL!

Here is her breakfast:

WAKE UP
I wake up at 4:35 am and i’m at the gym by 5am so i don’t have enough time to eat and digest before i get on the treadmill. Therefore, since i DON’T drink coffee, I drink a tea called Yerba Mate. I boil a pot of it at night and put it in a tall glass or pitcher and let it cool down in the fridge overnight. In the morning, I start drinking it right when I wake up so that I have energy by the time I get to the gym. Yerba Mate can be found online or at grocery stores and most brands are good. I love it because it is a NATURAL source of great energy perfect before a workout.

BREAKFAST
After my workout, I head to my 6:30 morning meeting and I drink a 16 oz bottle of water with lemon and a pinch of cayenne pepper in it. This is a great way to wake up your body and get it ready for the food you will soon put into it. I sip my hot green or oolong tea (teagarden.com) from Dr. Tea’s Garden. He is on Melrose Blvd at a place called Tea Garden and before my wedding he had me drinking various slimming teas like oolong and another he made for me called Ti Kwan Yin Oolong. I believe Dr. Tea is moving locations, so I am going to start ordering off his website (teagarden.com) I drink two to three cups a day. I have gotten a few people at work on tea (instead of coffee) and they looove it!!! Coffee can actually hold onto fat whereas green and oolong tea flushes fat out (love that). At this time, I also open up a bottle of GT’s Kombucha in Citrus or Gingerade flavor (gtskombucha.com) I’m also loving the Gingerberry flavor which tastes the best of the three. I sip this throughout the day because it is very good for you and it totally helps with hunger cravings.

At about 7:15am I have an ORGANIC grapefruit. This is an amazing fruit that helps keep you regular and also helps flush out fat. Then I have either an egg white omelet with veggies and herbs (i like to add things like spinach (always) mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, onions, cilantro, herbs, and tomatoes, sometimes a little grilled chicken breast or turkey breast) I alternate veggies depending on what i’m in the mood for but i always do spinach. So good for you. And i ALWAYS say NO BUTTER, NO OIL…instead tell them to cook it in a light mist of Pam cooking spray. Tell them your allergic to butter so that they don’t slip it in there like a lot of places do. If they don’t have Pam spray, then tell them to use just a DROP or two of Oil!!! If you don’t like omelets, you can also do the same ingredients in a scramble or a frittata…once again, Pam spray or a drop of oil…NO BUTTER!!!

anyways...I read the whole thing and read a lot of comments...apparently the Yerba tea CLEANS you out....and is better than exlax. After reading this whole thing it makes me think that she has severe OCD or something...

Sadly this also makes me feel low about myself and the foods I eat. I surely hope she didn't want others to feel like crap...but still....

whoopsie.

2011-03-17T07:13:00.020-05:00

What a freakin' journey this has been!!!!!

I had a slip up with sweets this past week (I have been so stressed out - I must learn to handle stress appropiately). And guess what? I felt AWFUL afterwards. Emotionally and Physically!!!!! I really had no idea that sweets kicked my butt!!! BADLY!

I am back to kicking sweets to the curb. Now if I have a slip up....... So what. Going to pick myself back up!!! :D

Doing well on everything else :D Let's stop these nasty thoughts! Still working on being a better person/ christian :) That's a forever process :)

I have a lot of pictures, will FINALLY upload pictures today :)
I was tagged by Alison! on "The 5 Things I Can't Live Without".

(I absolutely love this blog, you really really need to go on over and read Alison's blog!!)

1. this family right here.

2. My blanket. yup I have to have one.

source

no that wasn't me. My hair was ridiculously curly...

3. My family. enough right there. all of them. extended and in laws :D I am really too lazy to try

I only have one of my sista so there we go :D

4. Iced Tea - NO SUGAR! NO LEMON!

source

I can live without a lot of stuff....I guess I'd be seriously sad if this never existed (but then again I'd never know about it)

Thank you, Rach, for emailing me. It completely made my day. you rock!

i AM FINALLY going to upload my pictures today!! Expect pictures and more upbeat posts that make sense!!!

"Find reasons to beat this"

like this song alot :)

2011-03-12T14:53:00.004-06:00

sorry for the lack of posting....I have A LOT going on right now...i really wish I could talk about it but I will at an appropriate time...

and it is nothing bad at all...!!

no I am not Pregnant---check back in 2 yrs or so.

so think really good thoughts and when I can talk about this I will!!!

I'd also be more than happy to tell anyone...just email me ...akhestilow@gmail.com and I'd gladly let ya in...

I am off to work on some stuff and finish watching Piranha (it is atrocious)

have a wonderful weeend

btw:

taking away fried food and sweets is one of the best things i have ever done....in fact....

1. I tweaked the fried food situation - my issue has been going out to eat and eating fried foods...and i have't yet and that is amazing...and as for the sweets - i haven't touched one since wednesday! I FEEL FANTASTIC!!!

2. BECAUSE I have cut out sweets and most of the fried food my thoughts on negativity and my body have subsided and it has been fantastic!

3. since this is gone from my mind I have more time to become a better person/christian...I am able to read the bible more, read about christianity and happiness, work on different projects and etc. (family? I live 10 min from them - I already see them all the time) and work on myself and what is going to be the best for our family

so you could say I gave up negativity on my body for Lent and sweets - which I am learning that I don't always have to eat those...all the time.

LENT

2011-03-09T05:55:00.001-06:00

So I was born and raised Greek Orthodox...i was the 6month baby who wasn't baptized in water but in oil. Wish I had a scanner to show you how fat and slimy I looked.

We have a beautiful Greek church but it is in downtown Houston and is too far. I went to a baptist church for a while while I was in high school and loved it.

I have never observed Lent and wasn't going to until I kinda figured out something....

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

(this verse can be taken in different contexts.....mine is about eating badly)

Lent is sacrificing for Jesus.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial —

This past weekend I did not treat myself like my body was a temple of the Holy Spirit. How can I be the person I want to be...the best I can be...and love God and live the wonderful life as a Christian when I can't/won't treat myself well?

I decided to give up fried foods and sweets. 40 days and 40 nights.... Here is a true test of control...which I clearly lack.

I know I am making sense all in my head. Just maybe not here.

let me lay it out:

- I want a better relationship with God

- I want to be a better person and to be a better Christian

-How can I be a better person/Christian when I do not treat myself well with food,

I don't treat my body well...

-Lent is sacrificing for Jesus. Here is a good opportunity. I am taking away the food that I lose control over...focusing that hatred I have for myself when i eat that and turning it into love for God and studying about Christianity. Such a little sacrifice for someone who sacrifice their life for us.

Treating myself better is one step in the right direction. Hopefully by Easter I will have control and a better understanding.

The hatred will be lost. The body will be treated so much better. I will be a better person.

No hate comments please. lol

completely unrelated note: after watching Glee last night...I have realized that my love for John Stamos has not changed. at all.

stamos

i <3 him.

jala lemonade

2011-03-08T06:06:00.004-06:00

I was going to post pictures from my new camera that I got for my birthday from Matt!! BUUUT the SD is too small for the lap top so that will have to wait. :(

but first....

found this at Target today for $3.74 instead of $14.99...

score!

one of the guys I work with... he wears these cotton vests with hoodies over his work shirt every single day. Drives me insane.

this girl was wearing these massive heels to brunch on a sunday at 11am. She also had some shoooooooooooort shorts.

yeah. the worst word known to man showed up on her words with friends....I had to star it out it is that offensive hahaha

I got a $75 dollar giftcard to Hubble and Hudson...It is like Whole Foods...I had some pictures on the other camera but i'll post what I have! We ended up spending $106! Not too shabby!! I am also pretty sure we spent over 50$ on meat.

Be proud of me. I asked for Tilapia. I am not a huge fish fan either. Be proud! After this past weekend of indluging in way too much fatty foods I had it click that i wanted to be healthy and slim and feel good and Hubble and Hudson was a good place to start!

some burgers for my lunch and some sweet potato fries for the amazing kabobs and steaks we got

we got two types of jones soda for our dinner. The strawberry lime was fantastic!

I actually enjoy hummus...surprise surprise!!

we got this ridiculously expensive sandwich for dinner. $8.50...which is why we don't shop or buy lunch or dinner here... It was great though!

I have heard a lot of people talk about this ice cream...so i had to get it!

kinda dared Matt to try this. He says it is like the green and yellow sourpatch kid put together.

yeah right.

I just tried it to be a "big girl"

definitely not sourpatch kids.

That was awful.

We got some turkey, salami, kabobs, tilapia and ny strips.

after this past weekend of absolutely horrible eating I actually want to work out and eat healthy again. I guess I burn out sometimes :( Here's to taking it SLOW.

slow and steady to healthy. I don't have to race to anything. If I do race I end up burning out. fast.

I am exhausted. I can not seem to sleep through the night peacefully. I'll try to get my other pictures up sometime soon and also post what Matt and I got for our birthdays :D

btw: we updated our budget and our debt.... here is a peek...we owe about $80k in Student Loan debt together. (WHY DID I GO OUT OF STATE! oh yeah for a horrible boyfriend ....but I LOOOOOVED TOLEDO!) We had some tough roads but we are now out of the toughness and we are paying it off..I found this simple line of text in a "becoming debt free" forum...

you lose hope because everyone you know is debt free and no one had to pay for their wedding or for their college or had a tough year or so....butttttt....

"Are we beyond hope? No. "

:D

thought for the day

2011-03-07T06:17:00.000-06:00

This past weekend was a lot of fun but left me extremely unorganized and eating way too much food and not enough time for me to write about my weekend! I found this quote today and I think this will get me through so much!!

I will do today what others will not do, so tomorrow I can do what others can not do.

Music helps describe emotions...

2011-03-03T05:31:00.001-06:00

Alyssa is having a great giveaway...check it out!!!

I consider myself pretty good at recognizing good music. I think I have great taste. Of course that is my own opinion.

I decided to list 4 songs that you should listen to:

I actually heard this song on Gossip Girl the other night. I had to find it right away.

Well it was just a dream
Just a moment ago
I was up so high
Lookin down at the sky
Don’t let me fall

But it was just a dream
Just a moment ago
I was up so high
Lookin down at the sky
Don’t let me fall

This song makes me cry. Why? It makes me think of Lara. I hope yall never have to lose a best friend. I dream about her. Think of different scenarios of how her life could have played out. I dream that she is with me and I can only see her or that she is going to be going away.

She was my Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda all in one. She was the only person who I would call on the phone and just call to say hi. The only one. I ache for her every day.

It has almost been 4 years. It doesn't get easier.

I'm coming home
I'm coming home
tell the World I'm coming home
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits and they've forgiven my mistakes
I'm coming home, I'm coming home
tell the World that I'm coming

Back where I belong, yeah I never felt so strong
(I'm back baby)
I feel like there's nothing that I can't try
and if you with me put your hands high
(put your hands high)
If you ever lost a light before, this ones for you
and you, the dreams are for you

I am almost certain that this song is for his buddy, Not. BIG....It is an awesome song and also reminds me of Lara....going home to the kingdom

It's hard to accept what you don't understand
And it's hard to launch without knowing how to land
And how, when it burns, you can't change a thing
You can soften the blow, but you can't stop the sting

And I've been going through changes
I've been going through changes [x2]
With nothing at all [x3]

I just really needed to let it out. I keep a lot about that whole situation quiet...sometimes it is nice to let it go and cry and have songs help you describe how you feel.

The last song is a funny one :)

I used to watch Scrubs all the time - Matt turned me to the show. This clip is my favorite clip of the who series....

Mango body butter??"
"WHERE WAS I?"

the original song - really really bad 80's music video!

Okay, I feel better! Sometimes ya gotta vent. Not all posts are upbeat and happy like some I see. That's not normal. And it is not fun pretending in every post that everything is okay.

extreme couponing...not

2011-03-02T14:00:00.001-06:00

you girls/ladies/women.... are absolutely amazing. Thanks for the sweet and amazing comments. I wish we all lived in the same town so we could all be bffs.

I had a wicked pain underneath my right boob yesterday. It was horrendous. I was walking Presley and had to stop and almost lie down. I was immobile and was tempted to call Matt and have him take me to the hospital...but after a minute it stopped.

I have the weirdest pains but there is never any concern - except for that darn Pilonidal Cyst...which I am terrified that it is going to coming back!!!

The only thing I could think of was an inflammation of the cartilage? Who knows - if it happens again i'll be going to the doctor...they said that that type of feeling you get when this happens is like a heart attack. IF that is what a heart attack is going to feel like.......yikes.

on friday I worked out my glutes on this little gem.

It was so effin' difficult! My heart was racing big time!! Buns of steel

I am also currently trying to knock down our grocery bill to about 160 a month...that is extremely difficult.

I spent $14.00 the other day with no coupons :(

but ended up saving 19.92 on Sunday with coupons!

I am at $74.00

Doing well!! We have a lot of food too. I do have to go get trash bags today though. :(

I decided to put my coupons in a 3 ring binder.

you can get all these handouts at

thekrazycouponlady.com

I bought some baseball cards to put all the coupons in.

here is the link that tells you how to start your binder...click here

The lady that runs this site is nuts. I guess in a good way. I refuse to go crazy and stock up on goods for years at a time. Did you ever watch Extreme Couponing on TLC? It stressed me out the way these people acted. One of the ladies took over her husbands man room or computer room or whatever and it was kinda sad. He just let her habit take over his area.

anyways, I am making some Matt some birthday stuff tonight so I decided to pull out this movie to watch

i love SJP...simple as that.

I wish I had this on dvd...but to buy it costs between $30-$50!! yikes

I really wanted that blue skirt outfit back in the day...that and the purple one...

The blonde is Katherine Heigl and the brunette is Danielle Harris....

source

I really want my bangs like her. Must save this photo.

She has recently been the main person in the Halloween movies (recent ones)

off to finish work and then go home and play with pug and clean and bake.

confession

2011-03-01T06:59:00.003-06:00

I am not a healthy food blogger.
I hate most of the healthy food that all my bloggie friends eat.
Oatmeal is nasty.

I am also tired of this blog turning into trying to have people like me...I will never be a pbfingers.com type of person...nor will I post 3x a day....
It's already tough that I don't have many friends outside of the blog world (will talk about that later) but trying to have people want to read my blog is no fun.

You can take me off your blogger now. It's okay. I forget to take pictures of really cool stuff (may fix that situation soon...) and I eat normal food (organic food is yum - but when you are on the Dave Ramsey plan it's rice and beans ---and I hate rice and beans). I have fruit loops for breakfast. I have corn flakes with some normal sugar (more nostalgic of my grandpa - he always used to have that for breakfast) and cringe at the thought of Kombucha.

I work out - but not as much as everyone else. I have accepted the fact that I am not a runner. I was blessed with amazing genes and am pretty strong and have muscles even without working out.

I consider my pug my kid.

I have a really boring job. (I think it is cool)

I have the best husband who plays video games and I don't care....in all honesty it lets me go watch my really crappy shows....

i.e.

source

I love Ricky and Amy together.

source

and I was going to put 90210 buy Matt actually likes that show ;)

anyone watch it recently?

Silver and the naked photos

Annie finally kicking Emily to the curb (Emily stressed me out and gave me anxiety)

I don't go on about my cool adventures with my friends because I have cut a lot of them loose. I got tired of dealing with their crap and bringing me down. Some also live far away.

one example: My old roommate Miranda. I love her...and she lives in Odessa....which is basically a state away. I would love to live by her...she is an amazing christian momma and i could learn so much from her :)

another example: our other friends all live in Austin. sucks. I loathe Austin. I wouldn't mind living on the outskirts though....but I have a really good job right now.

I am an exremely boring person and I am okay with that.

This blog is for me. I LOVE looking back on what I talk about years before.

I hope y'all will stay- but it is okay if you don't...just don't expect healthy food all the time...or exciting adventures... Please don't comment because you want me to come and comment on your blog...I used to do that. I comment because I want to comment on something interesting you wrote :)

my blog is just about my little nice family and the silly stuff we do. :)

btw: I think I am getting a NIIIICE Sony Camera for my birthday from Matt :D We go check it out Friday. I'd have no excuse to not take pictures :D

btwx2:

does anyone like Truvia?? I have a box of individual size sugar packets and I do NOT like that type of sugar. I gagged. I'll send it fo free to anyone that wants it. First responder gets it.

2011-02-28T08:05:00.000-06:00

everyone is blogging about the oscars and the fashion...

no one blogged about this young lady.

by far the best dressed

and down RIGHT gorgeous.

I'm jealous, Hailee Steinfeld

source

2011-02-25T07:38:00.000-06:00

:( my amazon order did not come in yesterday!!! I asked for a 1 day shipping and did not get it...and i need it to do my cool couponing post!!!

Post postponed for one day!!!

Matt's birthday celebration is today...pics later!!

who wears long socks??

2011-02-24T11:33:00.000-06:00

first off:

a guy at my work - the one I DON'T like sends meeting updates....he sent this one today

Staff Meeting will be at 8:30 am tomorrow. :-o

....what is with the face...? mind you - he is 40 years old and makes faces on all his emails...hmm...

He also dresses like this.

--------------------------------------------------------

side note: anyone watch the GLEE episode? When Rachel and Blaine kiss...that was hot. hahaha

did anyone think of GREASE when they heard the little downsyndrome girl play on that little mini xylophone? I can't find any videos though :(

----------------------------------------------------

We paid off two debts today!!!

The first one is a card for any animal surgeries or accidents---Care Credit
The other one is Macy's for all of our bedding - glad we got it though because it is no longer available!

I don't have much to say today. I am currently writing some different blog posts about my organization...expect one tomorrow BUUUUT

if you aren't a member you really need to check this place out...

RUELALA

I have been a member for a while and i love this place!!!

They are now offering Juicy Couture stuff at half off....

a description of the website

"the destination that delivers everything for a life of style - at private sale prices. Members discover new offerings daily - each available only for a short time."

it is ivitation only. but so worth it...Vera Wang is coming up later this week!

3

2011-02-22T06:36:00.001-06:00

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

source

this was one of my favorite episodes ever...it was the chicken on the roof one, lol.

the end was the best part - when they were up on the roof partying. It made me smile...the music was awesome and I really wanted to have friends like that.

That and I wish I lived in NYC.

source

This episode broke my heart...

I love Aidan.

=================================================

still trying to organize my life and not let little blips let my day go to crap.

currently working on

Financial stuff

Physical Activity planning

Eating and how to quit the horrible eating

bear with me as I try to get rid of this funk that seems to never want to end.

2

2011-02-21T06:05:00.000-06:00

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

This is Ashley.

I have known her since I was 2 years old.

we used to crack acorns on my picnic bench just to get the little green worms out of them...yes there are green worms in them :)

we lost touch after she moved in 5th grade but then facebook brought us back together and she was my bridesmaid.

look at the gorgeous red hair!!!

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I feel like crap. I hope I am not catching someone. again.

I burned my hand yesterday....it is actually not that bad at all and there were no blisters...but it was on the palm of my hand...which made the burn that worse (the feeling).

I actually cried the pain was so bad.

I hit the skillet and it was going to fall...on top of Presely... :( so I batted it back to the burner and I hit the side with the palm of my hand.

My mom heard that mustard helps the pain....

yuck and nope.

we tried honey also...and that did nothing...so ice it was ....

I heard it is NOT good to put ice on it...but I really wanted to numb the pain.

Worked out on Friday, and will again tonight...will post my workouts tomorrow....I am off to try to get some work done. I am off at 1pm today which is nice because I don't know if i'd be able to make it all the way to 330

10 facts

2011-02-19T18:31:00.001-06:00

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Thought I'd do this 30 day picture/whatever challenge!!!!

DAY1

okay. i couldn't help it. I found this pic and had to show it.

1. I am a lefty...and I feel like i am a part of a special club.

2. I wrote SEX on the bathroom stall in 2nd grade...got in big trouble!

3. I can lick my elbow

4. favorite color is a tealish looking green.

5. I won't buy expensive purses because I like to trade out my purses every few weeks.

6. I was a cat person until I got a pug. Now I want 50 pugs.

7. I don't wear make up - if I do it is mascara

8. I was a major prude in high school. and i am proud of that.

9. I went to college out of state my freshman year...in ohio. I am from Texas. it was awesome...but too expensive.

10. Loose hair makes me gag. even mine.

i am so boring :)

Here's to tomorrow!!!!

Loving Well.

2011-02-17T07:16:00.003-06:00

LOVING WELL

BY GLYNNIS WITWER

(I picked out snippits of this piece - the first line may not make sense but looking over the whole thing will give you an idea of what the WHOLE piece is talking about)

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."

1 Corinthians 13:1 (NIV)

Loving others defines us. How we love others makes us who we are. Without love, we are an empty, but beautifully wrapped package

I learned this lesson during a season of leadership in children's ministry. I loved the children and work, but the volunteers got on my nerves. Resentment grew when they cancelled at the last moment for flimsy reasons, or came unprepared. Instead of cultivating a heart of love and compassion, I dismissed them mentally and continued working. No one ever knew ... except God.

At the same time, God addressed my love for my family. In my devotion to serve Him, there were many times when my family paid the price with my snippy attitude or harried schedule. Reining me in, God used today's key verse in First Corinthians 13 to teach me what mattered most to Him: "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."

Was that how God saw my service? Was it a loud but empty offering? It seemed He was saying, Glynnis, I appreciate what you are doing, but I really want you to love those around you more than I want you to lead children's ministry.

The lesson to love others was hard learned. Sadly, I still find myself slipping into project-over-people mentality. Because of my internal make-up it may always be a struggle. Yet God has truly changed me with this question: How am I loving others? It's a question I try to ask myself every day, and often make adjustments in my attitude and behavior.

Being on the receiving end of a project-over-people situation was painful. Yet it was a good exercise to practice loving others. And thanks to the imaginary mirror God hung, I took a look at my current areas of responsibility. Apparently, I needed a refresher course in loving well.

------This isn't only for work.

I seem to just get snippy at people for no reason, become jealous of them and hate them, and sometimes get upset at them because they have a house and I don't.

I just had an issue. This is going to be tough work for me.

Someone had a question for me. She isn't the best at what she does but tries. I said okay in a crappy tone but then realized what I was doing and lost it. I need to love others. I don't need to be snippy and not wanting to help because they are clueless at what they do or jealous of others for having a house or no debt because there are other issues that they have that I don't know about and that I wouldn't want.

They may have a house and no debt - but their marriage may be awful or they can't have kids or they hate their job.

I have an amazing life. We don't have what a lot of people have but I am happy with where we are at. Therefore I need to chill out, become a better Christian by not only loving God and following and reading his word but to LOVE OTHERS. Quit the hating for no reason or being snippy for no reason. How can I be the best I can be in my christian life if I am hating on everyone?

This was a great eye opener.

1 Corinthians 13:2-3, "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." (NIV, © 2010)

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I get these devotions every day in my email. SIGN UP!

This was the first part in organizing my life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2011-02-16T06:50:00.001-06:00

I was so tired yesterday (Presley wanted to get up and eat at 300am this morning and I spent the whole hour making him go back to bed) that I was falling asleep with my eyes open and writing notes

it says

"When making new room - just pencil in that you will meet you there"

It was supposed to say "when making new room - add into excel"

fail.

:{D

I just made a moustache smile! sweet!

yeeeeah this was definitely not the first time I have done that. I used to do it in class all the time.

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I don't have much to say today - I am currently doing a REALLY big organization of our lives - including Matt and Pbaby.

Figuring out how to pay off debt fast, keep a workout schedule, study for the GRE, keep weight off Pbaby, grocery shopping and cooking....

I am smack dab in the middle of it. I am putting together a big binder of everything to keep organized...hopefully it will be updated today or tomorrow...and I will post it all!!!

before I go.

Happy Birthday to my SISTA! She is 21 today...and her boyfriend gave her the flu yesterday. SWEEEET.

I had to blow up this pic. Carly was SO a lesbian back in the day. she was a little obsessed with Britney Spears

scary

Happy birthday to my little "Sex Monster" <----anyone watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? This is what Lisa called Giggy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRESLEY!!!

my love muffin is 2 today!!!

(random fact: he walked down the aisle at our wedding and sat with a friend while we were saying our vows....apparently he ripped one that was SO silent but EXTREMELY deadly.....:D)

and a random baby pic of me!!

my eyes are a little ridiculous...and are those bags under my eyes??? (I was a sick baby - I had a lot of ear issues)

vday is over :(?

2011-02-15T05:42:00.003-06:00

This pic was not distorted in any way - Presley decided to sit in here and really cocked his head that way, lol

So I was having the best valentines day ever when I heard this:

My boss comes up to me and told me that I can not come early into work anymore.

why?

Because someone on the second floor is staring out the window everyday and thinks that I leave early without working my full 10 hours.

I go to work early because I wake up early, or I want to be home earlier for my pug. WOW.

I was upset. I want to find that person and dock them hours for staring out the window every day.

ANYWAYS.... after that gave me an AWFUL mind blowing headache Matt and Presley came to my work for some lunch!

we had our own version of Subways Italian BMT!

Pbaby with my gorgeous roses!

Please ignore my ugliness. I don't get pretty for work. I can't believe I am even posting this nastiness called my face, lol, atleast Matt looks good....and what the heck is presley looking at....and he looks like he is pushing me away!

I also got a box of chocolates from Godiva

the REALLY cool thing about this box is NOT only do they have a white chocolate candy...but next Valentines day we can take this back and basically get half off rather than having to pay for the whole thing all over again...PLUS we get to choose the chocolates!

HELLO lots of WHITE CHOCOLATE!!

We got a make your own soda stream thing for christmas, Matt made Fountain Mist....although it does look like banana pepper juice (seen behind)

I found these online and decided to make some more cards for the heck of it

inside i wrote

"I love you more than the pig loves eggs"

(btw - this is an Angry Bird Card - if you have no idea what I am talking about - just laugh and roll your eyes and think i am nuts :D)

I found this card online and found some forget-me-nots so I taped it there and gave it to my mom from her grandbaby - Presley.

source

I bought Matt this shirt for Valentines Day. Underneath every mustache says awesome!

I also got us tickets to go see Yellowcard April 7th!

my favorite song by them. I am also pretty sure this song was made b/c of 9/11

Everything is gonna be alright
Be strong believe
(background voice):Think about the chance I never had to say
Thank you for giving up your life that day
(radio voice): The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

I was so incredibly spoiled and felt so loved and lucky :) I am so bummed that no one will be coming to visit me at lunch. Actually crushed. I enjoyed that so much. Interaction with family at lunch while at work is wonderful.

We now have a very busy few weeks ahead of us!

Feb 16 - my sister turns 21, my pbaby turns 2
Feb 18 - birthday celebration for sista
February 25 - birthday celebration for Matt
March 3 - Matt's birthday
March 4 - my birthday

and then we are smooth sailing until October :)

I am so lucky to live in Houston. Look at these temps!!!

random fact and question:

Do you have a serious phobia??

Trichophobia: fear of loose hairs

I am afraid of loose hair, get grossed out, want to puke every time I see loose hair. Why am I bringing this up? We went out with friends for V-day yesterday and a girl had hair in her food, and ate it...and then pulled it out very slowly.

I am scarred.

read: 10 most bizarre phobias

HAPPY V_DAY!!!

2011-02-14T05:20:00.000-06:00

I am sorry for not posting. I seriously had nothing to talk about. Didn't workout this past week. I will not get back into that funk.

We are 100% for sure working out Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday to knock out our strength training days.

I have made so many changes this past weekend and i am excited to talk about them!! SO many good changes :D

but first....

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Matt couldn't wait until today to give me one of my presents today so I got one last night :) I had showed him this beautiful necklace and how I don't have a necklace to wear these days...hint hint...lol!

look what I got when I came home....

I should have taken a pic but he put this bag around Presley's neck (yes it fit, not it wasn't hurting him...and yes he didn't want to come to me but did :) )

bag inside a bag!

oooooooohhhhh

source

It is amazing and beautiful and will always remind me of Matt :) I love him so much

Matt's card to me

yes, my "kids" got me a card

these cards made me cry. I love my furbabies like I birthed them hahah

This is Presley's Valentines gift :)

Matt and Presley are also coming to see me during lunch time and are bringing lunch to me :)

I love my little family!

I'll tell ya what I go Matt and my family tomorrow...I forgot to take pics before hand...now they are all wrapped! I can't wait to tell ya how the rest of the day goes :)

I love you all!!

760 days to go

2011-02-08T05:32:00.005-06:00

Shasta ann has a fantastic giveaway!!

Maryann has a great peanut flour giveaway!!

the coolese giveaway- or the most beautiful! from Fashion Meets Food

So we get to go back to Maui in 2013. My mom and dad are going back this March. I am extremely jealous. The next time we go to Maui will probably be 1000x better since I have been away from my kid more than once and no massive event will have occured.

Hopefully I am in grad school in 2013 so we will have to go during my spring break....

this makes about 760 days.

we will be staying here again!

I have wonderful dreams about these fish tacos

our awesome room.

This time around we will be taking two of our closest friends.

I will finally be able to be chill and relax!

you should check it out here

I will also be 27. sheesh.

Thank you also for hoping i'd get out of my funk. I am feeling a lot better. I woke up at 3:40am and decided to just get up and go to work. So here I am! I get off at 3pm today. YAY!

We start our working out this Wednesday. It is going to be a killer.

I am over this Seasonal Mood Crap! I think the Winter gives everyone SAD....or SMC as I like to call it. We are all just ACHING for that warmth, those BRIGHT colors, those TANS!!!

I am all about February 14th hitting the 70's!!!

I really don't have anything to talk about....but here is my other favorite commerical of the superbowl.

btw: I bought the nacho doritos....they are amazing as always...mmmmm...

in. a. funk.

2011-02-07T05:18:00.001-06:00

I apologize for not posting. Everything has been pretty low key.

I decided to try for grad school one more time this spring. There is a college about 30 minutes from me that offers the degree I want. I just need to take the GRE again.

I took zero pictures this weekend. I am just so out of the loop with everything! I don't even want to post anything.

oh lets get out of this funk! :( being sick for 3 weeks with cysts rupturing and the flu has messed me up! I am going to take this day to get back on track. I just don't want to do anything. I really need SPRING to hit. and fast.

btw: did anyone crave DORITOS like I did after all those commericals. I am going to have to satisfy my craving (which I still have)

from 2011

from 2010

from 2011....this one grossed me out

30+a lot of people = flu

2011-02-01T10:56:00.001-06:00

this is 30 seconds to mars

source

Matt and I met thanks to them.

This was my very first time seeing them... 2007. No one comes to you in Lubbock....I had to go to Dallas with my friend. I don't know if we wanted to show off the tshirt or if I was cold.

this was Matt back in the day with long hair.

This is also his favorite. mine too.

Tomo. he is the gutairist and the nicest guy.

He remembers Matt every time we see them.

Jared...back when he also had long hair. I like him the most with long hair.

This was also when they weren't big at all and he came and talked to people instead of being silent and signing autographs

Matt and I met online. We talked on their forums and I saw this little avatar of a guy with longish hair that I thought was way cute.

So what did I do??

I spoke more in this one particular forum and I added a link in my profile of My space and Facebook....

I figured if he was single then maybe he'd talk to me....I was young and somewhat cute...haha

he contacted me and sent me this sweet message on my space

like "youre cute"

and that's how it all began . . . lol!

We were pretty close to the front which meant I was uncomfortable for most of the time. People push. Alot. People also crowd surf like it is going out of style.

My head was hit so many freakin' times.

I enjoyed it but......people are ridiculous.

Jared does not want you. at all. Quit screaming his name like he does.

got this on thebuzz.com

I had no idea that many people were here....

We were 1 person from the front...no WONDER it was nuts!

And out of all those people someone gave us the freakin' flu! Who was the nut job(s) that decided to go to a concert with the flu?!

I have had the flu since Friday...Matt has had it also..

.I thought the fever was gone but it came back last night...I am back to work today and feel like hell... Haven't weighed myself in about 2 days...I don't even want to know...I've been able to force 2 tacobell tacos (THE ONLY thing that didn't seem repulsive), 4 chick fila nuggets, pack of gushers, lots of G2, OJ, and a sonic powerade slush.

I tried to drink my calories since I couldn't eat them. My fever got all the way up 103.1

I apologize for not responding or being able to read anyones wonderful blog posts these past few days. I feel out of the loop... :(

btw....we are supposed to get snow on Friday.

not happy.

muah :)

:(

2011-01-28T16:24:00.002-06:00

My immune system is shot.

I have the flu.

traumatic few days

2011-01-26T05:13:00.002-06:00

first off is anyone left handed here??? If so...you will crack up with this comment....

Dear dry erase boards,

You win again.

Sincerely, lefties.

Thanks, Alyssa.....I am officially hooked on this website!

This past weekend has been something else. I don’t even know where to start. Beginning again?

Thursday night I complained that my tailbone hurt and completely laughed it up! Friday morning came around and I could barely walk.

Was it broken? Bruised? I googled all the responses and there were symptoms from both. Matt told me it was not broken and I was not seeing a bruise. Weirdest thing ever.

I decided to go workout Friday morning and I tried to unlock the car…wouldn’t unlock….looked at the headlight switch and saw that the lights were on.

We had a dog encounter while we were getting out of our car last night and some big black dog was going crazy at Presley….so much commotion that we forgot to turn off the headlights….

My battery was dead.

Fastforward two hours and Matt finally woke up and we went to go try to jump my car so he could go into work….we got it to work and then I turned off my car and it wouldn’t turn back on. We tried it again and it ended up killing Matt’s battery.

Two dead batteries. I couldn’t believe it!

Luckily we live one block away from a service station. Matt went and took the battery over there and found out it was a bad battery.

We then decided to push Matt’s car so we could get the other battery fixed. So we pushed the Honda Accord a block to go get a new battery.

I think Matt was extremely proud of me…and the fact that I am not a prissy girl! My tailbone was hurting even more. I had to sit like I was letting out a massive fart the whole time.

Blah blah blah – we finally got 2 new batteries…over $200. We couldn’t get my battery till Saturday so my sister came and picked me up to go over to my parents house.

I was in unbelievable pain! This was when I figured out that it was draining and I freaked out…Bruises don’t do this. I googled it and found out I had an abscess.

My mom and sister wanted to look at it…Matt looked at it earlier….3 people staring at my tailbone…..lookin’ like a fool with my pants on the ground.

After the sucker would drain I would feel 1000x better….there were 4 of them…. One drained a day…so I would be in unimaginable pain each day.

The only way I would feel relief was if I slept on my stomach or walked. My mom, sister, and I went to the mall on Saturday. My sister and I goof around. A lot. She accidently slapped my butt at Anthropologie and I let out a huge gasp. What a whore. I wished this cyst upon her…lol : D She has tonsillitis so I guess that is enough torture for her.

I ended up getting a really cute outfit from forever 21!

I don’t remember a whole lot Saturday or Sunday…except over the weekend I took so many baths!

oh I remember this.

REALLY? ONE SOCK? one sock? I am still stumped.

I got bored when my sister was trying on clothes in the Gap

Monday came around and I had an appointment at 11am. I got there and had MORE people look at my butt. He told me it was a cyst and that I needed to talk to a surgeon – needed to document what was going on.

He told me that it will more than likely come back. Bitch!

So I went to the surgeon to get it checked out.

So I have always had this cyst.
I will continue to have these episodes.

surgery is probably in the future. How far in the future? who knows.

here is what they do for surgery:

Surgery

A surgical procedure is necessary if you have a recurring infected pilonidal cyst or if one or more sinus tracts are present. A surgeon will expose the cysts and all sinus tracts in order to clean out hairs, pus and other debris. The preferred surgical procedures generally fall into two categories:

Open wound. The surgical wound is left open and packed with dressing to allow it to heal from the inside out. This process results in a longer healing time but usually a lower risk of a recurring pilonidal cyst infection.

Closed wound. After cleaning out the cyst and sinus tracts, the surgeon stitches the wound closed. The healing time is shorter with these procedures, but there is a greater risk of recurrence. To improve healing time and lower the risk of recurrence, the surgeon may make the incision off to one side and create a flap of skin. Therefore, when he or she stitches the wound, it is not in the cleft of the buttocks, where healing is particularly difficult.

Wound care is extremely important after surgery. Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed instructions on how to change dressings, what to expect of a normal healing process and when to call the doctor. Postoperative care will also include shaving around the surgical site to prevent hairs from entering the wound.
source

YIKES...no thanks!

But... if I continue to have these debilitating cyst ruptures I will be getting this done. He told me to expect another one in a few months. He would also be doing the Open wound surgery....

I am running behind on EVERYTHING these days. The cyst really made me immobile in everything. I won't be able to work out until tomorrow. 8 days without. yikes.

Can't go today. Matt and I are seeing 30 Seconds to Mars in concert....I am going to regret this when I only get 3 hours of sleep tonight.

yikes. I need a set schedule of normalcy please!

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Our ultimate guide to the medical tests every smart, healthy woman needs to stay that way.

By Donna Fennessy

SOURCE

8 Medical Tests Every Woman Needs

Make a mental checklist of all the things you do to keep yourself healthy. It's a good bet you thought of your workouts, your good-for-you diet and maybe even a daily vitamin. Great! But if keeping up with medical tests isn't on your list of healthy behaviors, you're falling into the mistake that many fit women make: thinking regular exercise plus smart nutrition exempts you from getting routine exams. To truly keep your body healthy, here's what you need to know.

TEST: Pap Smear

WHO TO SEE: Gynecologist

WHY: Collecting cells from the cervix during a pelvic exam is the best way to tell if your cervix is healthy -- cell changes can lead to cervical cancer.

HOW OFTEN: Starting at age 21, most women need to be screened every other year or less, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Once you turn 30 -- and you've had three consecutive negative tests and no abnormal history -- you can get it done once every three years.

TEST: Clinical Breast Exam

WHO TO SEE: Gyno or general practitioner (GP)

WHY: She can feel or see abnormalities in breast tissue, skin and nipples that can indicate cancer.

HOW OFTEN: At least once every three years in your twenties and thirties. But if you want to be checked more frequently, simply ask. After age 40, go yearly.

TEST: Skin Cancer Screening

WHO TO SEE: Dermatologist

WHY: She can ID weirdly shaped moles or other growths that might be cancerous or precancerous.

HOW OFTEN: Get new or changed growths assessed ASAP. If you're a current or recovering tanning-bed or sun lover, are fair or dotted with moles or freckles or have a family history of skin cancer, see the derm twice a year. If not, go annually.

FAST FACT: Derms are better at diagnosing melanomas than primary-care docs, finds a recent study. The result of better screening? Higher survival rates.

TEST: Hearing Test

WHO TO SEE: Audiologist or certified speech-language pathologist

WHY: Peppering conversations with "Say that again?" is a real problem for the more than 12 percent of people in their twenties and thirties who already have some form of hearing loss, according to a recent study.

HOW OFTEN: Once every 10 years until age 50, then every three years.

TEST: Immunization Check

WHO TO SEE: Your GP

WHY: Up-to-date vaccinations protect you from all sorts of diseases, including some you thought went the way of the dinosaur, such as whooping cough.

HOW OFTEN: At your next physical, have your M.D. review your vaccination history. Some inoculations become less effective over time, so you may need a booster. For example, tetanus shots are vital every 10 years, no rusty nails required.

FAST FACT: One in eight U.S. adults surveyed say they are too busy to get a vaccination, reports the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

TEST: Blood Pressure

WHO TO SEE: Your GP

WHY: The higher it is, the greater your chance of having heart disease, a stroke or kidney damage.

HOW OFTEN: Once every two years if it's 120/80 or below. If you've already been diagnosed with hypertension -- or your doc says you're at risk -- measure your BP at home regularly, too. (We like digital cuffs that do all the work for you, like those from omronhealthcare.com.)

FAST FACT: In the U.S., about one in eight women ages 20 to 44 has high blood pressure. Taking the Pill, pregnancy and being overweight can up your risk.

TEST: Cholesterol Panel

WHO TO SEE: Your GP

WHY: High cholesterol means higher risk for heart disease. You want total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL; LDL (bad cholesterol) under 100 mg/dL; HDL (good stuff) 60 mg/dL or more; and triglycerides under 150 mg/dL.

HOW OFTEN: At least once every five years, starting at age 20.

TEST: BMI / Weight

WHO TO SEE: Your GP

WHY: Pick a disease, any disease: Chances are, being overweight puts you at an elevated risk. Your M.D. should weigh you and calculate your body-mass index, the measurement of your weight relative to your height.

HOW OFTEN: Yearly. And if you're looking to shed pounds, weigh yourself once a week at home and visit your physician monthly to help track your progress.

I'll leave you with lazy bones. I am off to work and try to make a normal schedule so the anxiety can go down, haha!

update

2011-01-25T05:34:00.002-06:00

Update:

I once again apologize for not being able to read about y'alls amazing lives! My reader is so backed up - it's bad!!!

I have a CYST...ugh!

Last night I was in the worst pain I could ever imagine...and then it finally died down....

going to a surgeon in a few hours to document my cyst incase it happens again (he says it is about a 50% chance it will)

will update as soon as I have a spare second. It's my Dad's 56th birthday today (old fart) so I will be out.

I LOVE YALL FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. Y'all are precious

gross

2011-01-24T05:28:00.000-06:00

I apologize for the lack of updating... I'll look back on this and think....I should have given hour by hour updates to myself so I can remember how embarrassing this whole weekend was!

I am also probably going to lose some followers after they read this....ewws alex is gross and isn't perfect! Unfollow!!!

:)

I didn't break my tailbone....
Nor did I bruise it....

I have a pilonidal abscess...not one...but 4 in a vertical row at my tailbone.

It forms from hair(not my case) or from trauma....we think it is from the recent working out and how I sit in the strength training chair (re: badly)

Know what's even more gross than having an issue so close to your butt? It drains.

anyone click unfollow yet?

I can not sit...and can not lay on my back.

when I sit it looks like I am about to let out a monster fart (leaning heavily on one side) or I have only one leg (other leg is under butt)....

I haven't been able to sit for long periods of time...haven't even looked at anyones blogs (sorry :() and have taken about 20 baths this weekend. I also haven't been able to work out. :(

This weekend was EXTREMELY interesting and I SO have to talk about it...but I am going to try to get some work done before I leave for a DR. Appointment at 11am....I am pretty sure he is gonna have to look at my butt....

so....4 people will have stared at my butt from Fri-Mon.

next up:

2 dead car batteries....
pushing a car....
screaming in Anthropologie....

oh what a weekend.

Help

2011-01-21T07:37:00.000-06:00

IWill address my previous post soon but I need help!

I did something to my coccyx (tailbone). It
Is
Throbbing and hurts to touch. Bruised?

If so, what so I do to make it not hurt. I am in awful pain!

Lol, coccyx - funny word

:(

2011-01-20T16:18:00.000-06:00

I don't know what to do with myself.

I am tired of these mini binges on sweets.

I am tired of failing. of never following through on trying to have 1 sweet a day.

I am so tired of feeling low and feeling like my workouts won't matter because I have these mini binges.

Why do I not have self control and am letting my mind win?

I probably need to find a healthier alternative to a sweet, but nothing beats chocolate. And when I have chocolate I want more.

I just want to have one sweet a day and be satisfied....

Does Matt need to hide my one treat?

I want a sense of accomplishment. That I can control this. That shitty food won't win.

that I can follow through on SOMETHING.

“Try and fail, but don't fail to try.”

2011-01-20T05:18:00.001-06:00

Erica has the COOLEST giveaway...go check it out!

Tuesday was a pretty low key day...we were going to have leftovers for dinner and weren't working out so I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my time. I do NOT want to tackle our closet quite yet....that is a FULL day affair.

I decided to make Laura's Graham Crackers...I was hungry and impatient and did not roll them out enough. I made graham COOKIES. total fail. They taste good but are too thick. I will try this again...possibly this weekend when I am not starving and wanted the crackers and I may do it at my mom's house so I can have more room to bake.

Maybe you can make these and not fail. (oh I have got to learn to be patient....and I do need a bigger kitchen - I'll blame it on that ;) )

Graham Crackers
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (I used 1 cup multigrain and 1/2 cup all-purpose)
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil
2 TBSP molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup nondairy milk (I used skim milk - i don't have any nondairy)

Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with Silpat or parchment paper.

In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Make a well and add oil, molasses and vanilla. Stir it in and then slowly stir in the milk.

Knead the dough a few times (add extra milk if it's too crumbly).

Roll the dough onto a (very) lightly floured piece of parchment paper (to prevent it from sticking to your counter top).

Roll it into a rectangle.

You can cut the dough into crackers now OR you can do what I did and sift together 1 TBSP sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle it on top before cutting.

Transfer the pieces to your baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes (the longer the crunchier!)

I have no picture. I'm embarassed....atleast they taste good!

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After that it was a total downhill....not only did I have a mini binge....I got this wicked headache that was different from others...it wasn't nagging....just out right hurting. bad. I had planned to clean out the fridge and pantry but those were shot. I went to target to pick up a prescription and a new kitty litter box (Ravioli has rebeled and decided to poop RIGHT outside of the new box. - damn you, kitty).

I took a bath right as I came home and then went to bed. I wasted my night thanks to that headache.

I had a hard time sleeping...Presley keep on getting out of bed to see what was going on in the other room and then wanting to be picked up to be put in bed....this was done a minimum of 4x. I slept awful.

It was tough getting to work on Wednesday and the time creeped. CREEPED I TELL YA!

I really did not want to make my lunch and was dreading it when I realized I had soup...yessssssss!

yummy! I love Progresso - It is 1000x better than any soup...just so much of everything in one can!

more grapes!!

I got this cute post it note from Target in the $1 bin....and had some cheese with it...i am weary of the new flavors... I don't like Bleu Cheese...but do any of the others actually taste pretty good?

yeah I was looking at this yesterday....I keep ALOT of random temps in my iphone...just for the heck of it...The most northern city in America?? Also from the movie 30 Days of Night. Yikes.I have experience - degree weather....like -1* but not - 16...sheesh

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source

I am nuts. seriously. Well not yet...I am just thinking about it...haven't signed up.

One of my biggest anxiety is running in a race.

I was pretty good way back in the day (re: elementary school) and was able to go run a race ....but it gave me the worst anxiety ... I got sick and thank GOD didn't have to run....

same for a spelling bee...I claimed sick. It stresses me out...I am just terrified of being LAST or FAILING.

Lindsay posted something about failure today...and I had to check it out and I remembered this "failure" quote

“Life's real failure is when you do not realize how close you were to success when you gave up.”

I have thought about running these FOREVER...finally got the guts...probably because I now have a running buddy. Matt and I will be running this together and it isn't going to cost tons of money because we live 3.5 hours away from San Antonio...of course we will stay the night in a hotel but he has family in this area also.

We shall see. I really want a goal. An accomplisment....

I'll let ya know if we decide to run it!!

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anyways,

I was dealing with that same nagging headache all during work.

I then went to my car for my lunch break and decided to just sleep. I set my alarm and conked out. I woke up...with the headache still. Those 30+ minutes were amazing though, just what I needed!!!

I finally gave in to Tylenol. It usually never works for me but it was all I had at the time and it finally kicked in!

I texted Matt asking what he wanted for dinner and that I suck because I do NOT want to cook tonight. He told me he would and asked what I wanted.

A Grilled Cheese sammich

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pop Chips.

yay!

That's exactly what I had. My stomach is kinda off and that was the only thing that sounded good.

After that all settled we went and did our leg workout and run

I ran 1.25 miles but somehow told the treadmill to stop at 1.23 (probably hit the emergency stop rocking out to Britney Spears...so that was my run...lol

Shortly afterwards I got bad cramps...they feel like menstrual cramps...any idea why I get those cramps?

I left my book at home with all my workouts in so I'll post it later.

what a boring post. lol.

I am just ready for it to be 3:10pm today so I can get off of work!!!

Sunday/Monday

2011-01-18T09:15:00.001-06:00

Matt and I decided to randomly go look at furniture on Sunday...we weren't buying anything but wanted to know how much we are expecting to have to spend...

found a beautiful bedroom set

found our couches, tables and lamps all in one section. We will be getting a black couch...but we loved it!!!

we left emptyhanded but with lots of ideas!

------------------------------------------------------------

My mom and I spotted this cupcake show in The Woodlands on Monday. There are a bajillion cupcake shops here but this is the only one my mom raved about....we had to go inside.

I like cupcakes that aren't the normal chocolate or vanilla...I can make those at home. I like the frosting to be amazing...but the cake has to be also and that is what a lot of cupcake stores lack.

http://gigiscupcakesusa.com/

GIGI'S CUPCAKES

They had strawberry shortcake, pb&j (I am going to have to try that) and so on....

The amazing cupcake box it came in

WEDDING CAKE!

GRASSHOPPER

CARROT CAKE

my plate!! We split them 3 ways!

btw way that is a small dessert plate, lol...not dinner

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Yesterday I made a healthier version of Hamburger Helper...from Eating Well...it was amazing!!!

I decided to have thicker carrots....instead of putting it in the food processor. It was great!

HAMBURGER BUDDY!

From Eating Well

6 servings, about 1 1/3 cups each

Active Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

3 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
10 ounces white mushrooms, large ones cut in half
1 large onion, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound 90%-lean ground beef
2 teaspoons dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 cups water
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium beef broth, divided *I had no beef broth so I used Chicken - still tasted great!*
8 ounces whole-wheat elbow noodles, (2 cups)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or chives for garnish

Preparation

1.Fit a food processor with the steel blade attachment. With the motor running, drop garlic through the feed tube and process until minced, then add carrots and mushrooms and process until finely chopped. Turn it off, add onion, and pulse until roughly chopped. *I had bigger carrots added in there and it tasted great!*

2.Cook beef in a large straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped vegetables, thyme, salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables start to soften and the mushrooms release their juices, 5 to 7 minutes.

3.Stir in water, 1 1/2 cups broth, noodles and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

4.Whisk flour with the remaining 1/4 cup broth in a small bowl until smooth; stir into the hamburger mixture. Stir in the sour cream. Simmer, stirring often, until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve sprinkled with parsley (or chives), if desired.

Nutrition

Per serving: 326 calories; 10 g fat (4 g sat, 3 g mono); 54 mg cholesterol; 38 g carbohydrates; 23 g protein; 4 g fiber; 431 mg sodium; 644 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (70% daily value), Zinc (33% dv), Iron (20% dv), Potassium (18% dv).
2 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 2 medium-fat meats

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After that we decided to head over to the gym to do our 1.25 mile run and our arm workout....
Bench Press - 55Wx10Rx10S

Biceps -20Wx10Rx10S

Chest Press - 37.5Wx10Rx10S

Pectoral Fly- 20Wx10Rx10S (not exactly used to this machine yet)

Overhead Press - 30Wx10Rx10S

Triceps- 40/30Wx10Rx10S (need to sit and work on this one a bit)

Torso Rotation - 80Wx10Rx10S

Abs - don't remember weight...I really need to do floor exercises...that's where I feel the most

I ran 1.25 miles in 12:24
my mile was 10:05

I still get side cramps...not for the whole time...just parts. I need to work on that.

This was a difficult workout. I am very weak in my upper arms. The bench press really kicked my ass. WOW. I could barely finish...but Matt pushed me and I did it!

----------------------------------------------------

on a completely different note.

did you know that some scientist has calculated what is supposed to be the happiest day of the year....

By Alistair Grant

Dr Cliff Arnall has used a mathematical formula to calculate that things which make us feel good such as sunny evenings, blooming flowers, holiday anticipation and fond memories of childhood summers are at their peak today.

The former Cardiff University lecturer, 45, attached numbers to the factors and created a happiness formula: O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He.

When a value for being outdoors (O) is added to nature (N) multiplied by social interaction (S), added to childhood summer memories (Cpm) divided by temperature (T), and added to holiday excitement (He) then the third Friday in June comes out as the optimal day for peak happiness.

“The third Friday in June came out with the highest rating due to peaking happiness factors such as warm summer evenings outdoors, seeing friends more frequently, and excitement about holidays.” Dr Arnall advised people to focus on happiness rather than material gain.

He said: “Society is becoming more materialistic, with people wanting to keep up with the Joneses. People shouldn’t be asking ‘How much do I earn?’ but ‘How happy am I?’ The best piece of advice I can give is work less and spend more time with people you love. That will make you happiest.”
source

Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/181567/Why-today-adds-up-to-the-happiest-day-of-the-year/Why-today-adds-up-to-the-happiest-day-of-the-year#ixzz1BOqMSUeb

sooooo this year the happiest day will be

June 17th!

Saturday!

2011-01-17T17:10:00.001-06:00

okay okay okay...so Easy A wasn't bad...the one thing i didn't like about it was the whole Lisa Kudrow part...I feel like they needed to elaborate on it more or cut it out...It was kinda odd. whatever. I think my favorite part was this....

sorry if I upset anyone about not thinking the movie was the greatest...I am usually not a comedy girl...I mean my favorite movie ever is "Meet Joe Black"

I can not NOT cry when I watch this movie.

anyways

Saturday my mom and I went to La Madeline...I was iffy about it because I am not a huge fan of French food. They are usually too much butter and cheese and fat for me to take....but they had so many different variations of calorie conscious foods...

I had the Salade Sampler

It came with Strawberries and this fruit sauce that I got on the side and barely used,

caesar salad with non fat dressing

and french onion soup.

This was all 280 cal. I didn't even have most of that thanks to the fact that I barely had the sauce and the french onion soup was so incredibly salty I could barely drink it.

my mom and i shared these two mini parfaits

I had about half of the chocolate.

my mom had the Mediterranean salad without dressing. The chicken was very yummy

we have a lululemon in The Woodlands so I decided to check it out. I need a better sports bra...although I didn't buy any I saw one that looked like it would help me out....the TA TA TAMER....lmao it was around $58...which isn't bad if it really tames your tatas

Found this cutie at Charming Charlies....my family has a cat that looks ust like this. I should get this for my sister...who is almost 21...;)

yeahhhhh....we found these darlings at Marshalls...I feel like they are the things that if put in your room you'd have to keep turning on the light because you'd think that they were moving to come and get you.

my mom got these for me....I have to get anything and everything pug related...I am obsessed. I can't help it.

I LOVE these! they are black and are really good looking jeans...and they were supposed to be $98.00...I am thinking people weren't buying them because they are pretty tight and the waist measurement seems a bit off....but they worked for me!

I had a nice giftcard to NY&Company and this gem caught my eye

These are 1.6oz samplers...they will be perfect for our bathroom...my favorite has to be the island colada!

the Hello Yellow sale at Bath and Body Works ended on Sunday but I got these for $2.37 instead of $10.00 for the fall and winter next year.

I had a coupon so I got these smells for only $10 each.

they smell amazing

I got these also at NY&Company...i really REALLY needed work pants.

they were $30 and buy one get one 1/2 off!!

I bought one more turquoise sun dress that is absolutely beautiful but I did not take a picture of.

I hope y'all have a wonderful Monday night! I made a yummy dinner I'll share tomorrow...

off to go run and strength train!

Friday!!

2011-01-16T11:02:00.000-06:00

it has been a busy weekend and i took a crap load of pictures!! AHH - Have to go all the way back to Thursday!

Thursday night was a pretty calm night! I fell asleep at 8pm and woke up 30 minutes later but it was too late to go to the gym so we stayed home and watched "Easy A". . . .

eh.

source

eh is all I have to say. I do like Penn Badgley :D - - -when is gossip girl starting back up again? It's been forever!

Friday we went and worked out! I cracked 1.25 miles with a 10:24mile and we did the leg workout which kicked my ass...and is still kicking my ass today.

Leg Press (different one where my legs didn't move but my body did) 150W-10R-3S

Hip Abductor 70W-10R-3S

Standing calf raise 60-15R-3S

leg curl - major fail - The padding wasn't enough - It ended up hurting my legs a lot.

Glute - 60W-10R-3S

Squat - 70W-10R-3S

Abs - 50W-10R-3S

Torso rotation - 80W-10R-3S

I had a mini meltdown at the abs section - this is going to be my hardest one. Matt told me that i needed to learn to take things one step at a time...I was freaking out over working out and never feeling toned with eating right. I needed to chill out :)

We went down to Houston on Friday and went out with my sorority sister (Alpha Chi Omega) and her husband to RA sushi! It was incredibly busy and there were a lot of shady people taking parking spaces left and right so we had to park two blocks away - and it was freezing cold and windy (the wind is the worst part)

source

yeah...the check average? Is per person...lol my sushi was over $12.00 but SO worth it!

Matt got a sake sangria - it was freakin' good! I was the DD so I asked for ginger ale and they didn't have any!! :( Ice tea it was ----it freakin' tasted like peach tea yuck. but I drank it!

We got these lobster spring rolls. they were FANTASTIC!! Underneath them is this mango sauce which was divine...oh my gosh I want more!

this was the Viva Las Vegas Rolls...

it contained crab, cream cheese and was topped with tuna - crab mix - lotus root and was finished with an eel sauce... Laura ate that one

this was mine. it was absolutely amazing and the best sushi I have ever had. It was INCREDIBLY hard to eat.

this was brand new It was the RAckin Roll

It was stuffed with crab...topped with guacamole and also topped with a tempura battered shrimp.

I could only eat 3!! talk bout FULL

I think the red stuff were beets

This was Matt's.....his only gripe is that he missed the rice and the seaweed.

It was tuna, salmon, yellowfin, and spicy crab mix with lettuce and asparagus.

Me with my amazing sushi

We had Laura and Dallas drive us to our spot - which was 2 blocks away and we were on our way to the movies

We went to go see The Green Ho?

oh The Green Hornet

Hello 3d

HELLLO cheese and fruit plate...YUMMM the fruit was so ripe and tasted amazing!

enoyed half of this!

and I fell asleep halfway through the movie. I thought it was EH. Matt enjoyed it.

I'll talk about my Saturday tomorrow - let's just say I got a of stuff on sale......and ended up only spending $42 on all of this!

I should have spent $304

Grapes!

2011-01-13T05:12:00.003-06:00

I have been dreaming of this....

source

which is not houston.... and this

source

which is definitely Houston. I'm surprised Houston could be so pretty....i kid i kid...Houston isn't THAT ugly. ;)

See I like two times of the year...they are from...

October-December 25

and then March-June

I am already tired of the cold and it is Texas...nevertheless...HOUSTON - it should not be this cold outside. Luckily it warms up some during the day.

I get paid Friday and on Saturday I am going to purchase tickets to go to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo...we are going to go see...KISS...lmao! I would have liked either KISS or Kid Rock (nope - not really a country fan - except for Keith Urban)

I'll have more info on that later..i am so excited!! the last person I saw at the rodeo was Rascal Flatts...

I joined Livestrong.com and decided to track my calories daily here.

quite possibly my favorite fruit...not the best though, huh?

Nutrients in Grapes

source

Grapes are very good sources of manganese. They are good sources of vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium, and vitamin C. Resveratrol is classified as a polyphenol, a chemical substance found in plants that may have antioxidant properties. Several studies have demonstrated that resveratrol is an effective antioxidant, offering more protection than other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Resveratrol is isolated from the seeds and skins of grapes, and is primarily found in red wine, but also in lesser quantities in white wine and grape juice. Resveratrol content of wine is dependent on grape type and climate. Wines produced in humid climates have higher resveratrol content than those produced in hot and dry climates. Grape juice contains 10 times less resveratrol than wine, but also contains high levels of anthocyanadins, phenolic acids, and other polyphenols with antioxidant properties. Grape juice also contains piceid, a resveratrol derivative, and together with the other polyphenols, may have a beneficial health effect for those who cannot drink wine.
-------------

now what is manganese?

What can high-manganese foods do for you?

Help your body utilize several key nutrients such as biotin, thiamin, ascorbic acid, and choline
Keep your bones strong and healthy
Help your body synthesize fatty acids and cholestorol
Maintain normal blood sugar levels
Promote optimal function of your thyroid gland
Maintain the health of your nerves
Protect your cells from free-radical damage

What events can indicate a need for more high-manganese foods?

Nausea
Vomiting
Poor glucose tolerance (high blood sugar levels)
Skin rash
Loss of hair color
Excessive bone loss
Low cholesterol levels
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Reproductive system difficulties
source
-----
and I just came across this article Eating Grapes Fight Obesity?

okay so I was wrong... they are healthy!!

source...it looks like pineapple is the way to go! luckily I like pineapple!

I had this as a snack...yum!

update on Cosmo and Ravioli....a plethora of orange. and finally friends (I think Cosmo thinks Ravioli is momma . we won't tell Rav that)

I had some tuna for lunch today but definitely didn't feel like finishing it. Just not in the mood for my cat food tuna.

I went to Kroger on my lunch break to check out some manager specials....

instead of $1.67 I got this for $.79!

no tag on these but they were $.70 instead of OVER $3.00

my favorite pop chips for $.85

ummm yum? only $1.79 instead of $3.49

I love Kroger!

Matt had to work late tonight so I went over to my family's house and hung out with my sista before she went back to college. I also went to work out.

I ran 1 mile (and it sucked as always) (my next run is going to be 1.25 miles)

instead of me falling off the treadmill my phone did and I had to stop for a brief second. I was pretty upset. I feel like this run didn't count but I knocked my mile down to 10:01!

and did a light arm workout since Matt wasn't with me.

Tricep Press -40w, 10r, 3s

Overhead Press - 35w, 10r, 3s

Biceps - I had major issues with the preacher curl - I gave up and just got some dumbells and did 20lbs

when I got back my sister and I went and got some sammies. I have been craved the good ole turkey sammich for quite sometime. I really don't like my homemade sammies - they don't taste the same.

I am going to leave you with my favorite picture ever!

April or May of 2009

Meg is having a great giveaway! click here

2011-01-12T05:49:00.001-06:00

lame post today....I literally did nothing but sleep and eat and walk the pug yesterday

8:30am rolled around and I asked to go home. I was miserable. I seriously did not see myself working until 3:30pm. I got home around 8:50am and crawled into bed. Matt was just getting up and going to work. I felt awful and fell asleep until 11:45am - when Matt called me asking how I was doing and if Presley was taking care of me (aww how sweet to be checking up on me). I still had the cramps but had a wonderful heating pad.

I got up around 12ish and had another egg white tortilla wrap and then took a really hot bath. Presley got a few walks and some more napping. The second time I woke up it came with a massive headache. wonderful.

Matt called and was going to be working late so I decided I really needed chick fil a...after nuggets and a few fries and an amazing tea and ANOTHER bath I finally felt better.

Matt came home around 7:30pm and 15 minutes later I went back to bed. I feel so much better today - besides a crappy sore throat - and I am getting my workout back on...I already feel crappy for not working out. Hope that feeling goes away soon.

I got these wonderful gifts for christmas and used them up yesterday...the candle is almost out...they had no pic of the vanilla stress relief candle so I picked that one...close enough

source

anyways...I was tagged a lot for this stylish blogger award...I don't believe I am stylish but heeey

Seven things you want to know about me:

thanks, http://ravenwavesblog.wordpress.com/ and http://happytalesblog.com/

1. I can lick my elbow. I can lick both elbows. simple as that!
2. I choked a kid in 3rd grade because he called me AlexandER....i am not a boy. don't mess with me. I was an awful kid.
3.I don't swim in the ocean. I am terrified of the unknown...except in Hawaii...I'll do whatever in Hawaii.
4. I used to have severe ocd...if that is what you call it. I had to look in every crevice to make sure no one was hiding when I was going to bed. I looked twice sometimes. I kicked the habit December of 2009.
5. I really don't care for alcohol. I rarely drink it and even when I do it's pretty gross....except cherry vodka sours
6. I drive a stick. not gonna lie - i feel pretty cool that I am a girl and can drive a stick :)
7. I was on the Today show in the crowd back in 2006. I actually got to meet Kate Bosworth because of it and was caught on tape talking to her about her surfing in Blue Crush

i'm boring. I had to think long and hard (that's what she said) to think of ANYTHING to write!

2011-01-11T05:32:00.001-06:00

It's that wonderful time of the month. Who knows what is going on...all I know is that I want every single greasy food known to man. If I lived alone I would have indulged...ugh I just want 50 bajillion burgers.

I wasn't able to work out yesterday because the pain was so bad. Some people say that you should work out - that it will make it feel better - and i have tried - but my pain is different from normal crampage. It was awful.

I had 4 egg whites, some turkey bacon, a carb something wrap, some cheese, and 1/2 piece of sausage - yummy dinner :)

Matt took me to go get some Starbucks last night - it is freakin' cold in Houston and it's miserable outside! lol :) Starbucks is a rare occasion but it was wonderful :)

I had to go lay in bed early because the cramps weren't going to go away.UGH...they showed back up this morning :( I had to take Presley potty - he ran after he pooped and peed - it was in the 30's and windy (I realize this is NOTHING for the northerners - But I am a deeeep south Texan - this is serious weather - haha!)

don't judge our sheets - we love to be mismatched -lol!

(we got these amazing sheets from our wedding - we picked out King size since we know one day we will have that size of a bed - until then - they are stored away)

---that is my handsome pug in his jacket!!--

I am currently in the process of decluttering my life and learning to make my life easier by taking better care of myself. I tend to not take great care of myself...and to let clutter pile up - which ultimately makes me (and probably everyone else if they were in this situation) unhappy.

I went to Target during my lunch break and got a few goodies to help me out with this taking care of myself and de cluttering and organizing my life.

for my hair:

source

The Aussie 3 Minute Miracle - Deeeeep Conditioner

"With intense, fortifying conditioners, Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner is a seriously simple fix for dry, distressed tresses."

*Btw - in the 4th quarter of 2010 I found out that I am losing hair...not normal hair loss - more hair than normal. . . I do not have any bald spots but it is falling out more rapidly than others. I haven't done much to improve my hair - which is sad and makes me unhappy (therefore I am doing something about it now!)*

picture from ULTA

desc. from Organix

Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum is a unique formula which helps repair damaged hair and cuticles, and mend split ends and frizziness. This totally indulgent blend of organic weightless coconut oil and silk and keratin proteins promotes longer hair by helping reduce everyday damage while adding strength and elasticity to weak and brittle hair.

source

Biotin is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. It plays a role in the citric acid cycle, which is the process by which biochemical energy is generated during aerobic respiration. Biotin not only assists in various metabolic reactions but also helps to transfer carbon dioxide. Biotin may also be helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level.[2] Biotin is often recommended for strengthening hair and nails. Consequently, it is found in many cosmetics and health products for the hair and skin, though it cannot be absorbed through the hair or skin itself.

**I take around 5000mcg but only because I have some hair issues...I'd talk to a DOCTOR before taking this...although it is said that Biotin is not toxic**
Hair problems:

The signs and symptoms of biotin deficiency include hair loss that progresses in severity to include loss of eyelashes and eyebrows in severely deficient subjects. Some shampoos are available that contain biotin, but it is doubtful whether they would have any useful effect, as biotin is not absorbed well through the skin. Source

I had NO idea that it really isn't absorbed through the skin/hair....I only take the pills and that is what they said is the best way. I am not sure if I should trust Wiki so I googled some more and got:

Biotin Topically or Orally

There is a lot of information that is contradictory regarding whether biotin is best taken topically or orally. The truth is that experts don’t think biotin can be absorbed through the skin. Much like collagen, which is available in thousands of topical creams, biotin is thick and if it is possible for the skin to absorb it, it is not done easily. However, when biotin is taken orally and goes into the body through the blood stream, it has better potential to work. This allows the body to use the supply of biotin to boost hair growth and prevent or alleviate hair loss.

Read more at Suite101: Truth about Biotin for Hair Growth: Understanding Biotin and Hair Loss http://www.suite101.com/content/truth-about-biotin-for-hair-growth-a133411#ixzz1AfHmU8rf

For my face:

source

This daily facial scrub helps improve skin tone, texture and clarity to reveal brighter, more radiant skin. This unique formula combines moisture-rich Soy extract with smooth, round microbeads to gently exfoliate while you cleanse, leaving skin soft, smooth and even-looking. Its soap-free, oil-free, hypoallergenic ingredients are good for everyday use and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

For my mind:

I got a few planners and dry erase boards - they are going up tonight (pending how long our workout takes and the status of the cramps) and will start helping me declutter our life!

2011-01-10T10:47:00.001-06:00

getting my act together today. (please send good thoughts - I have got to get my act together and not say that I am going to....)

I need to straighten up my mind and become clear and happy.I need to not care about other peoples lives, to chill out, follow through.... declutter and organization - must do tonight.

I'll be back tomorrow :D

De-clutter Your Life for Everlasting Happiness!

Sep 23, 2010 Puja Chandra

Smile!

Declutter your life for eternal happiness

Acknowledge the clutter surrounding you and learn how to De-clutter your life for everlasting happiness and peace of mind. Love life? De-clutter it now!

Economic indicators such as human development index and consumption levels point that across the globe, recession notwithstanding, people are earning considerably more than they did a decade ago leading to improved living standards. Relentless medical research and development has also led to improved life-expectancy and lower mortality rates in most nations, if one was to follow year-wise WHO Statistics on the same.

However, at the same time a disturbing trend has emerged. A large percentage of young people, as early as in their 20s are seeking treatment for chronic depression, stress and anxiety and are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure and stroke. According to a WHO estimate, 450 million people globally suffer from mental disorders in both developed and developing countries. Depression is ranked as the leading cause of disability worldwide and affects around 120 million people worldwide.

A large part of this populace can be observed seeking help from spiritual Gurus and exploring the Himalayas in search of happiness and tranquility.

The incessant pressure to cope up with the daily juggling of work, family, commute and the ubiquitous quest to climb the social ladder has taken a heavy toll on many. For the more resilient lot too, the continual balancing act has left its mark in the form of edginess and discontentment with life.

A bit of introspection and analysis may reveal to us that there exists way too much clutter in our lives which manifests itself into anger, frustration and mental fatigue at different points of time. The clutter spreads from our thoughts and our mind to our actions, our work, our social life and the environment.

Thus, just like we spring clean our houses to remove the clutter and the dirt; our lives need a detox and rejuvenation session every once in a while to effectively de-clutter and blossom!

Steps to De-clutter your Life for Everlasting Happiness

1. De-clutter your mind
2. De-clutter your social life
3. De-clutter your work space
4. De-clutter your house
5. Out of clutter, find simplicity
6. Bring the zing back for everlasting happiness

De-clutter your Mind

How many times have you chided yourself for having wasted time in chat, tweets and games when you could have completed an assignment in that time? It is almost fashionable these days to have at 5 to 6 windows open at the same time on the computer or netbook or an equal number of Apps open on the phone. But you do have one pair of eyes and a single processor called the brain.

It is smarter to prioritize work, focus on one activity at a time for greater efficiency. Clarity of thought is also very important and can be improved by relaxation techniques, meditation and ‘alone’ time.

De-clutter your social life

Disengage from social commitments which you do not enjoy and find neither enriching nor fulfilling. Idle chats and stray relationships may actually add to the clutter in your life and you might feel exhausted following them up. Social networking is cool till the time it does not freeze your brain and confound your life! The mantra therefore is to stay connected but not to obsess over staying connected.

De-clutter your work space

Your workspace is the place where you spend most of your waking hours every day. This is the place which demands maximum productivity and efficiency from you. Keep it neat and organized; make use of the various drawers and closets provided and shred whatever you don’t need.

De-clutter your house

Nobody likes returning to a house which is unkempt. Make it a habit to de-clutter regularly by disposing, recycling and donating. Keep toys and books out of the living room, mop up the mess in the kitchen and keep plants for a fresh look.

'Out of clutter, find simplicity'

Remember the time when you did not have fancy gadgets to engage you in the commute home. You would strike up conversations with strangers or observe people or just use up the time to reflect, gather your thoughts or even catch a few winks of sleep. Those were also the times when a long car drive was endearing just for the sake of it and earthly activities such as the morning walk or walking the dog were not punctuated by other distractions. Meal times then held sanctity as precious family time.

So un-complicate your life in order to de-clutter it. To do that lower your expectations from spouse, children, parents and friends as it is our high expectations from people around us that often leads to disappointment and heart-burn. Find solace in the daily blessings of life and family. To quote world renowned scientist and philosopher, Albert Einstein, ‘Out of clutter, find simplicity, from discard, find harmony, in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

Bring the Zing back in life for everlasting happiness!

Finally, bring the zing back in life to de-clutter it and achieve everlasting happiness. Living life fully to experience the simple pleasures helps de-clutter your life and as cliché as it may sound also presents a window to see the good in everything. Whining about the past and unduly worrying about the future makes us oblivious to the pleasure of ‘now’. Live in the moment and absorb what it offers you to effectively de-clutter.

Be generous with your smile as it adds value to your personality, likability and leads to good health. Give yourself a ‘thumbs up’ and engage in some pep talk every now and then as many of u are in thankless jobs and need the morale boosting. Look out for opportunities to unwind, relax and rejuvenate. Indulge your senses, extract some ‘me’ time or spend more time with family. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and enthusiastic about living life.

De-cluttering life is not a single step change. It requires progressive changes to be made to the existing mindset and lifestyle. A De-cluttered life if achieved in this fashion can lead us to the path of everlasting happiness. So the mantra is that if you love your life, you will take effective steps to de-clutter it.

Read on how a De-cluttered mind can motivate us to achieve a De-cluttered life and how a Clutter-free house can contribute to a De-cluttered Life.

Sources:

1.WHO Estimates- Startling Statistics about Mental Illness (www.myasha.org/node/12)
2.WHO Statistics and Data- www.who.int/research/en/
3.WHO Growth Observatory Tables on Mortality- http://apps.who.int/ghodata/?vid=720

Read more at Suite101: De-clutter Your Life for Everlasting Happiness! http://www.suite101.com/content/de-clutter-your-life-for-everlasting-happiness-a289147#ixzz1AeS1rSXZ

some people are just awful

2011-01-06T06:27:00.004-06:00

Before I start I wanted to say one more time how I got badpassenger.blogspot.com....

badpassenger???

Well, I am known to talk in my sleep - ALOT...I'll have to tell you about these! BUUUUT I was with Matt one night back in college and i fell asleep during a movie...I guess he said something to me and I told him that I was soryy that I was such a bad passenger. :) He just laughed and continued on with the movie...

I have also talked about Dinosaurs - but that is another day ;)

For breakfast today I had my Kashi Honey Toasted Cereal

10 pistachios

yay! 75 cents? heck yes! This was extremely good!! I love blueberries

my lunch was tuna!! I was told that I like kitty food because I only like the chunk lite tuna...mmm cat food it is.

two of these beauties

I had some doublemint sugar free gum and one square of chocolate. the chocoalte melted in my mouth, it was amazing!!!

after I got home I downed a protein shake and Matt and I were off to go work out and do our arm workout....

ya know what sucked?? Me still not being able to walk. I hurt so bad.

I was able to run a mile...I was also able to do some better breathing techniques halfway through the run...i need to learn to do it throughout the run... but anyways...

I ran 1 mile 10:14 pace....next week I tackle 1.25 miles!

before I go on any further....

Matt lost his watch back in September and we called and called and the front desk didn't give a rats @$$...and the fact that someone had the nerve to steal it off of a treadmill....

I really think the front desk didn't care to look or possibly took it themselves. Some people are really awful.

Well today, the bracelet Matt got me from James Avery - on our first anniversary - was on my wrist and it was bugging me so I took it off - along with my new iphone case wrist strap....

I FORGOT ABOUT IT.

1 hour later I go to the front desk ask them about it and they just told me NO - didn't look in the lost and found - asked 1 more person who was just standing there talking - and told me no - didn't look in the lost and found.

I CRIED.

I really loathe people sometime

those who steal

those who have no care about other peoples belongings.

I am so upset and pissed off...to the point I want to leave the gym.

I have been to so many other gyms where people return stuff, the front desk is extremely helpful...something is seriously wrong with this gym.

lets just say I won't be killing evil with kindness.

I will be a bitch if I have to.

anyways :(

We worked out our arms today and I realized that my arms are very weak!

Bench Press - 45weights, 10reps, 3sets

Overhead Press - 35weight, 10 reps, 3sets

Tricep Press -35weight, 10reps, 3sets

Preacher Curl- 40weight, 10reps, 3sets (this one kicked my butt)

Chest Press - 25weight, 10reps, 3sets (I was exhausted - hopefully I can knock this one out better tomorrow)

I also got a new protein powder yesterday! I will share this later tonight along with my eats

muah

2011-01-05T05:02:00.002-06:00

ugh. I totally failed at my food intake yesterday. I asked Matt what I should do and he told me

"just don't do it" or "stop" (I can't quite remember)

wise words, Matt.

I can do this. I don't have to snack on crappy foods or eat crappy foods period. Food does not overcome me. I am really wanting to become toned and a runner...I won't let sour cream and onion chips or a big ginormous calories infused potato take me over.

I will still eat a burger - but will just be more aware...do I need the bread...or the cheese....or the whole thing.

awareness
portion control
knowing when you are getting full

btw....I started doing my workout page at the top of this blog if you want to see...also I added a formspring to the right...click the link if you want to ask any question and facebook me if you so please!

I am off to start over on the eating and to get toned and healthy. :D

When the lights...go down...in the city....

2011-01-04T12:37:00.002-06:00

source

I saw this and had a good giggle.

Matt was working the other night and none of my family members wanted to get frozen yogurt...so I went by myself!

cake batter froyo!

what the heck is boba? those things in the middle...the orange and pink look like FISH EGGS! mmmm

my cake batter and cookies and cream froyo!!

Matt gave me a wonderful gift from Godiva: Chocoalte of the month club!!

White Chocolate Ganache!! AMAZING!

I tried the KEFIR!!! Absolutely LOVED IT!! Yes...I definitely drank it in a Jack Daniels cup

we got a magic bullet for christmas!!! I made my first protein drink for my first workout!

Presley wants it bad!

Cosmo sleeping on Matt

Poor Ravioli...I need to take some pictures of that ho :)

Matt and I did our first 1 mile run and strength training!

It turns out that my NIKEid was not callibrated correctly. I also realized that I am breathing really badly and it is making my runs very difficult. I felt very discouraged that I sucked so bad at running.

I did 1 mile at 10:30 pace.

....it's a start...right?

After getting my butt kicked...and realizing that i probably needed to do a quick .25mile walk before I run we calibrated my NIKEid and went to work out our legs!

Legs are my strong point...I am somehow very strong even though I haven't strength trained in about a year.

SEATED LEG PRESS
weight: 170
reps: 15
sets: 3

SQUATS
weight: 70
reps: 10
sets: 3

LEG EXTENSION
weight: 80
reps: 10
sets: 3

LEG CURL
weight: 90
reps: 10
sets: 3
That was all I could do. My legs felt like absolute jello.

fun story right here:

we went to grab some 1 day passes off the treadmill for some friends and I hopped up on one (more like cautiously took a few steps) and as I stepped down my left leg just collapsed and I fell to my knee....and had my right leg still on the treadmill....

I just fell down. haha!

I also don't know if this is good or bad....there was this lady who saw everything....and said nothing. good or bad?

Finally me and my jello legs finally made it outside. Matt had to drive home.

:D I am ridiculous.

I am so excited about doing our arms and running another mile on Wednesday!
(I am SO happy that I am finally enjoying this!! I want to be toned and gain muscle!)

*my journal has me taking before pictures....we weren't able to last night...but I will probably have some tomorrow!*

as if yesterday afternoon wasn't tiring....

We already have a laptop that will barely work. I spent 10 minutes trying to tape the charger to the sceen so the little blue light would turn on and the computer would start. I finally got it working and not even 10 minutes later the power went out!
5:30pm. Power out. Matt was currently putting together a new grill in the dining area since our porch light doesn't work (thanks maintenence for never fixing it) and I was trying to write up a post.

I grabbed all the candles I could find and lit up the apartment....we wanted to fix the grill so we could grill some mini sliders. I had to get a tiny flashlight (all we had) and helped matt out with the grill. It took forever...no light is awful.

yup...assembling the grill

some of our candles!

7:39pm. finished grill!

7:40pm. Power finally back on. seriously. 1 minute after we officially finished the grill.

Matt was so worn out from the crappiness of grill making and no light he didn't want to cook. I am working on this healthiness thing but I did have a hamburger happy meal with an unsweetened iced tea. cest la vie. Atleast my breakfast and lunch were good. no regret here.

we are making the sliders tonight.

8:50pm....lights back out....

9:00pm...lights back on.... and I officially called it a night.

This morning I had Kashi Go Lean Toasted Cereal...or whatever it is called...knocked out a cup...it definitely took me a while today. I also had 5 little RF crackers and some apple juice.

(don't mind my nappy robe)

okay...I have only had raspberry...but this one is amazing!!! I forgot how much I loved Strawberry and Banana together!! oh yum!

I did have a really yummy lunch planned but that is going to have to wait until tomorrow. It was my boss's birthday today so we decided to go out to lunch. It really tested my healthy eating and not over indulging. I could have said NO to going out to lunch but

A. It is the boss
B. My whole office is really antisocial and I don't want to be that person (I work with people over 40)

look what I had!!!

I am not the healthiest person ever but my I am trying. My main thing is not over indulging...I tend to do that...
I hope to not turn away my healthy bloggers but don't judge!!! I tried to choose something not bad....too entirely bad...ugh haha

I am really not a fan of BBQ...but i went anyways

this picture does not do any justice to the amount of CHEESE that was on this baked potato... I just took a picture and no one noticed!

I got this. I needed some meat with my potato...I told them I didn't want butter, sour cream, bacon, or cheese. WOW I can't even imagine the calories I just took away from that potato....

I chose some meat and chives.

after I decided to scrape a lot of the meat off

my husband has a full dinner meal tonight!

done.

I stopped when I was full.

btw...one of my coworkers bought my meal for me...how nice!! I couldn't believe it!

Well today is an off day but I think I am going to take Presley for a lengthy walk. After I finish work! I get off at 3:10pm today because I arrive at work at 4:40am!

2011-01-03T09:26:00.001-06:00

Here area few pictures for today. I started my healthy eating/diet and exercise and I'll post about that later tonight....edit: we lost all power at 530pm....it is now 715 and we are still without it...I hate typing on my
Phone so I will unfortunately have to get to my workout
Post tomorrow...let's hope the power comes back on...now...... I finally got some pictures.... FIRST UP...the picture below is a gift I did for the girls in my family...

I mad an emergency kit that needs to go into the car and if you are needing anything just look in this little bag and it should be there (I always forget to put deodorant on!!!)

yes... i spelled deodorant wrong...shame on me!

another lovely picture of me and the pug. I am looking awfully pasty.

Matt and i made some chocolate babka this past Christmas...it took forever!

this was when we didn't have a food processor...it was AWFUL cutting up all the chocolate.

it was really good...but really rich!

I also made some dark chocolate almond joys...I think these were by far the favorite!

We also made homemade marshmallows!!!

cocoa flavored!

black and white cookies that ended up being brown and white cookies because I got the wrong cocoa...still tasted good.

I'll leave you with some pugs and kitties :D workout post tonight!!!