December 21, 2015
It's almost the New Year.. wow. Where did this past month go?! I'm starting to finally get back on the right track to being the best me, in some area at least. I've been trying to give back this time of year by donating. For Giving Tuesday this year, I donated to my college and high school for the first time as an alumna. I work at my Alma mater (if ya didn't know!), so I didn't give enough to brag about it, haha. It felt good that I was able to make a decent contribution to District 214, though!
Time to get back to being me.
November 24, 2016
First off, happy Thanksgiving! It's a beautiful week here in the Chicago suburbs to celebrate being thankful with family and friends. We've already done many things I've wanted to do since arriving in my hometown. We had a family dinner at my favorite spot for deep dish, Lou Malnati's. My brother was such a good sport. He, my sister, my sister's boyfriend, Dad, and I all met up to celebrate the Cubs' World Series win and my birthday. I asked for my mushrooms to be in the shape of a "C" for Cubs, but the cooks didn't listen. Oh well. It was still nice and a relief I could confidently eat a vegan-friendly deep dish pizza! We aren't as close as other families are, but all of us having dinner and not causing a scene was a success and well worth the risk! It's nice to feel like a normal family every now and then, even though I know we aren't. To finish my first full day back, we watched Die Hard, our family Christmas movie. :)
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| Family, Lou's and Alan. Yes, please! |
It's National Taco Day!
October 4, 2016
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| My vegan taco: kale, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, very little quinoa and lentil (just a tiny scoop from tomorrow's lunch, haha.). You can't forget chips and extra hot sauce. Today's choice is Valentino's extra hot! |
This is a food I eat 2 to 4 times a week, so this isn't a meal I purposefully cooked for today's National Taco Day. My dad constantly took me to Los Compadres in MP growing up, and the restaurant probably dishes up the best tacos to date. It's authentic, Mexican cuisine. Our usual was a steak taco dinner with an extra taco. He'd eat the beans, I got the rice and we'd each have two tacos.
I will, more than likely, never be able to have my usual there again since transitioning into a vegan diet (who knows; I may add fish at the least!), but nonetheless... You need to take my word for it and go there if you're in the area (Los Compadres, Dempster St., Mount Prospect, IL). Order steak tacos with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, and onions, and use the in-house Verde salsa to top it off. You won't be disappointed.
For now, I'll be eating my homemade veggie tacos with as much hot sauce I can get on each without it running onto my hands. Happy taco eating, peeps!
A fantastic week to be an introvert.
September 30, 2016
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| September 30, Southeast Ohio. |
My co-worker - a new friend - and I went to Chipotle to celebrate her birthday. I earned my last free bowl for the season. We went to Chipotle maybe three times since she started working with me, and we aren't complaining! This is one of the few places I trust with my vegan diet. I'm usually not disappointed, except a little bit today when the location we were at was all out of my favorite Tabasco sauce. Next time, if we aren't in a rush like today, we'll ask for another bottle and get all the hot sauce!
I know what kind of book I want to write.
September 19, 2016
After a life-altering, full circle experience, (see previous post) I'm eager and looking forward to more. I've more recently than ever - in the past year or so - have come to appreciate the entertainment industry as a healthy, needed distraction in one's life as a way to handle the stresses, disappointments and struggles in life in a positive manner. On the flip-side, the industry is used to express happiness in situations, too!
Thanks to Vertical Horizon, I had this epiphany of what it means to have this full circle accomplishment. As consumers of music, movies, television shows, books, and art, we have indirect, intimate connections with the musicians, actors, actresses, and artists who put so much passion and effort into the finished projects. There are rare situations where we can, in person, give our thanks and appreciation for how their work improved our lives. Once we get to meet and share each other's stories in person, we have reached the full circle of the entertainment world's purpose.
Well, that's how I see it, anyway. It works for me, so I'll take what I can get.
After a life-altering, full circle experience, (see previous post) I'm eager and looking forward to more. I've more recently than ever - in the past year or so - have come to appreciate the entertainment industry as a healthy, needed distraction in one's life as a way to handle the stresses, disappointments and struggles in life in a positive manner. On the flip-side, the industry is used to express happiness in situations, too!
Thanks to Vertical Horizon, I had this epiphany of what it means to have this full circle accomplishment. As consumers of music, movies, television shows, books, and art, we have indirect, intimate connections with the musicians, actors, actresses, and artists who put so much passion and effort into the finished projects. There are rare situations where we can, in person, give our thanks and appreciation for how their work improved our lives. Once we get to meet and share each other's stories in person, we have reached the full circle of the entertainment world's purpose.
Well, that's how I see it, anyway. It works for me, so I'll take what I can get.
Meeting Vertical Horizon: My biggest, ultimate fan-girl experience.
September 17, 2016
When in the presence of any famous, well-known person, I'm a little geeked out and giddy; I'm probably not the only one. But, when I'm 100% sure I'm about to be up close and personal, meeting a famous person or band members, my level of giddiness reaches a whole new level, and I'm just plain excited and happy. If you know me, when I'm excited, I exhibit every emotion that goes beyond happy. The meet and greet with Vertical Horizon was - and will possibly be - the most ecstatic I have ever been meeting a famous person/group.
Even though the story of how my friend Dave and I got the tickets for it was pretty lucky and fortunate in itself, the actual opportunity and experience was beyond thrilling and surreal for me. Thanks to Gabe, a part of VH's management team, we filled the two no-shows and were able to get in without any problems. OHMYGOSH. I literally wanted to drop to my knees and praise the group he and the band were walking on!
When in the presence of any famous, well-known person, I'm a little geeked out and giddy; I'm probably not the only one. But, when I'm 100% sure I'm about to be up close and personal, meeting a famous person or band members, my level of giddiness reaches a whole new level, and I'm just plain excited and happy. If you know me, when I'm excited, I exhibit every emotion that goes beyond happy. The meet and greet with Vertical Horizon was - and will possibly be - the most ecstatic I have ever been meeting a famous person/group.
Even though the story of how my friend Dave and I got the tickets for it was pretty lucky and fortunate in itself, the actual opportunity and experience was beyond thrilling and surreal for me. Thanks to Gabe, a part of VH's management team, we filled the two no-shows and were able to get in without any problems. OHMYGOSH. I literally wanted to drop to my knees and praise the group he and the band were walking on!
Trying a vegan diet isn't as easy as I thought.
August 1, 2016
August?! WHAT?! Anyways...
Yes, I've been transitioning into a vegan diet. It's more like a cleanse, but nonetheless, no animal products until I figure out what's going on with me. I started this once I got back from Chicago (see previous post), and it's not as hard as I thought it was going to be. The cheese and yogurt have been a little difficult, yes, but I haven't been missing or craving meat all that much. One of the two problems I'm having is the balance of the amount I eat throughout the day.
August?! WHAT?! Anyways...
Yes, I've been transitioning into a vegan diet. It's more like a cleanse, but nonetheless, no animal products until I figure out what's going on with me. I started this once I got back from Chicago (see previous post), and it's not as hard as I thought it was going to be. The cheese and yogurt have been a little difficult, yes, but I haven't been missing or craving meat all that much. One of the two problems I'm having is the balance of the amount I eat throughout the day.
Change of mood these days.
July 7, 2016
Woah. Half of "summer" is completed, but there's still so much time until school starts back up. The office has been quiet. June kind of just flew by. It's hard to remember what happened last month. No new books have been finished, and I also haven't been in a writing mood. These things just happen every once in awhile.
Towards the end of June, I left for Chicago ('burbs) to use up the last of my vacation days with my friends. Let me tell you: there is such thing as too long of a break, especially when the days are spent at your childhood home.
The highlights, both good and not-so-good: I went to the golf course four times, only ran once, ate good food at a variety of places, ate or drank rancid food (can't determine what did it) and had stomach issues that lasted days, went to a comedy show to see great talent with my sister, got a massage with Em then ate lunch at Texas de Brazil, ate frozen yogurt twice, saw the bands The Wallflowers and Here Come the Mummies, went to the dog park twice, and spent time with two long-life friends. I do regret I wasn't able to be there this week because Kevin Smith was at Zanies yesterday, and I should have planned better so I could see him live. :(
My golf game is getting much better! From putting to using my irons, I'm improving. That doesn't mean I call myself good, but any improvement in golf is worth celebrating. I parred many holes with single putts and also had many birdie changes. Unfortunately, I now hear a cracking-like noise in my left shoulder on by back swing and feel that plus pain on my down swing. I haven't played since Sunday, so hopefully the recent massage and use of a hydro-massage bed helps a little.
Because of the way I was eating and feeling all break, I'm re-dedicating my diet to home cooked, as-raw-as-possible foods. And, I'm cutting the fake sugar. Not just aspartame, all zero-calorie chemical sugars. Right now, it's just going to be the packets that I use for coffee and tea. After I can handle that, I'll work harder to scope out any of the other drinks and foods I buy that may be "no sugar added" but use the fake sugar nonsense.
Another thing I need to stop buying is my all-time favorites (almost consumed daily): carb-smart yogurt and cheese. I love my yogurt and cheese. That's the only dairy I consume. If that little amount of cow milk that goes into making these products is causing me this much pain, then I guess I'll have to cut them, too. If eliminating those things don't help my stomach, I don't know what else to do!
So, my game plan is to go back to the basic stuff and stop putting chemicals into my body. That should be a no-brainer! To help feel better, I also committed to a gym membership that isn't on campus. I haven't been motivated to do at-home workouts like I used to, and I miss having a gym with updated equipment in a more comfortable environment. This could be the key to feeling better. Living with my Dad, I can't recall many stomach issues, like I have now, besides when I was drinking waaay too much coffee.
Despite this gym being the chain gym I once worked for, pf, (I refuse to say the full name), it's worth the money to have a space to work out and relax. Yes, relaaax. The facility has massage chairs and hydro-massage beds, which I will be using as much as possible. Sure, there's tanning too, but I don't think I should go that route. Let's hope I get back into the groove, feel like the best me and see myself as I want to. :)
Woah. Half of "summer" is completed, but there's still so much time until school starts back up. The office has been quiet. June kind of just flew by. It's hard to remember what happened last month. No new books have been finished, and I also haven't been in a writing mood. These things just happen every once in awhile.
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| My new friend Norman. |
Towards the end of June, I left for Chicago ('burbs) to use up the last of my vacation days with my friends. Let me tell you: there is such thing as too long of a break, especially when the days are spent at your childhood home.
The highlights, both good and not-so-good: I went to the golf course four times, only ran once, ate good food at a variety of places, ate or drank rancid food (can't determine what did it) and had stomach issues that lasted days, went to a comedy show to see great talent with my sister, got a massage with Em then ate lunch at Texas de Brazil, ate frozen yogurt twice, saw the bands The Wallflowers and Here Come the Mummies, went to the dog park twice, and spent time with two long-life friends. I do regret I wasn't able to be there this week because Kevin Smith was at Zanies yesterday, and I should have planned better so I could see him live. :(
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| Daddy-o somewhere on the back 9. |
Because of the way I was eating and feeling all break, I'm re-dedicating my diet to home cooked, as-raw-as-possible foods. And, I'm cutting the fake sugar. Not just aspartame, all zero-calorie chemical sugars. Right now, it's just going to be the packets that I use for coffee and tea. After I can handle that, I'll work harder to scope out any of the other drinks and foods I buy that may be "no sugar added" but use the fake sugar nonsense.
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| Jen, Emily and I at The Wallflowers concert. |
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| Here Come the Mummies! |
Despite this gym being the chain gym I once worked for, pf, (I refuse to say the full name), it's worth the money to have a space to work out and relax. Yes, relaaax. The facility has massage chairs and hydro-massage beds, which I will be using as much as possible. Sure, there's tanning too, but I don't think I should go that route. Let's hope I get back into the groove, feel like the best me and see myself as I want to. :)
Torn between movie vs. book version of 'P.S. I Love You.'
June 1, 2016
Summer is almost officially here! Even though that's true, I'm back to the stay indoors and read mode than a mode to transition my time to the great outdoors. While Dad was in town, I didn't have the chance to continue and finish my latest book, P.S. I Love You. After finishing it yesterday, I don't like the movie, at all, again.
The film with Hilary Swank came out years ago, and I really didn't like it. I remember walking out of the BG Theater just frustrated and bored with the film. I watched it again a few years later, at a new point in life, and actually appreciated and enjoyed it; for whatever reason, it was no longer a bore. I own it on DVD and watch it every now and then. Finally, I got my hands on the book but never read it until now.
Summer is almost officially here! Even though that's true, I'm back to the stay indoors and read mode than a mode to transition my time to the great outdoors. While Dad was in town, I didn't have the chance to continue and finish my latest book, P.S. I Love You. After finishing it yesterday, I don't like the movie, at all, again.
The film with Hilary Swank came out years ago, and I really didn't like it. I remember walking out of the BG Theater just frustrated and bored with the film. I watched it again a few years later, at a new point in life, and actually appreciated and enjoyed it; for whatever reason, it was no longer a bore. I own it on DVD and watch it every now and then. Finally, I got my hands on the book but never read it until now.
Memorial Day Weekend thoughts.
May 30, 2016
As Memorial Day Weekend is ending, I'm emotional for a few reasons. I got to spend time with my dad for the first time in 2016. The last time we were able to see each other was Christmastime. Since it was a longer weekend, he came by to check out a few courses here in Ohio. He didn't enjoy my favorite course in this area, but we'll find a better one next time.
Am I still a fun person?
May 23, 2016
I'm sometimes fun at 24, but man was a blast my freshman year of college! Well, comparing to now that statement is true. This weekend I was sorta a fun person, though.
What a weekend it was! I got to go to COSI for the first time. That makes me a real Ohio resident, right? My Big and I went Saturday early in the morning. There were a lot of kids, and the museum was having a special day of safety for visitors to learn about distracted driving, how to perform CPR, recognizing signs of a gas leak... all that good stuff. We went to almost each room that is a part of the general admission. I even got to ride a unicycle that hovered over the main floor! haha. Not really, but it kind of felt like the real thing.
I'm sometimes fun at 24, but man was a blast my freshman year of college! Well, comparing to now that statement is true. This weekend I was sorta a fun person, though.
What a weekend it was! I got to go to COSI for the first time. That makes me a real Ohio resident, right? My Big and I went Saturday early in the morning. There were a lot of kids, and the museum was having a special day of safety for visitors to learn about distracted driving, how to perform CPR, recognizing signs of a gas leak... all that good stuff. We went to almost each room that is a part of the general admission. I even got to ride a unicycle that hovered over the main floor! haha. Not really, but it kind of felt like the real thing.
Shonda Rhimes taught me it's okay to be me and to say Yes and No.
May 19, 2016
Dear Shonda,
GREAT book. love.love.love. Year of Yes made me realize things about myself that made me proud of who I am, which I didn't expect. Everyone needs a year of yes! I've already have been working on the Yes, and your book is giving me the positive push to continue through it, no matter how difficult. I appreciate your honesty and openness throughout the book, too.
A great reminder from Kevin Smith. Thank you, Kevin.
May 15, 2016
Just when I thought I was done with the grieving process, I'm again distraught and saddened Alan is no longer physically with us. Thanks a lot, Kevin Smith. Kidding... but seriously.
Browsing through YouTube trying to find David Spade's SNL audition, I stumbled upon I Am Chris Farley, a documentary about Chris' life. That led to watching the film then going through tribute videos for Chris, Phil Hartman, John Ritter, then, shit, Alan.
Just when I thought I was done with the grieving process, I'm again distraught and saddened Alan is no longer physically with us. Thanks a lot, Kevin Smith. Kidding... but seriously.
Browsing through YouTube trying to find David Spade's SNL audition, I stumbled upon I Am Chris Farley, a documentary about Chris' life. That led to watching the film then going through tribute videos for Chris, Phil Hartman, John Ritter, then, shit, Alan.
An ode to David Spade for 'Almost Interesting.'
May 10, 2016
Dear David,
You're an interesting person (no, I'm not just saying that) and so is Almost Interesting. I enjoyed learning more about your youth and the journey to where you are today. I didn't know a lot about your childhood, so thanks for opening up and sharing that part of your life.
Right now, one of the things I can't get off my mind is your assistant. Are you kidding?! Did that seriously happen? I'm just flat out angry. Thank the goodness you were able to survive and get him help. And your maids stealing... holy shit. Isn't that what safes are for? Who am I kidding; you're not going to take this shit from me.
Thank you for your honestly throughout the book. I don't think a lot of us realize those starting out on SNL write week after week and may not get a single sketch on air... for months! I know it's not as easy as it looks, but it sounds like hell mentally and emotionally. I'm glad you stuck it out and kept at it, or we may not have been able to enjoy the movies and TV shows you went on to do after SNL. Each time you brought up a sketch, I pictured the dress and mood of it and just laughed like the first time. My favorite group of sketches of you and the gang is the Gap series. So simple and so clever!
One thing I bet a lot of readers, including myself at times, expected and wanted was a lot of stories about you and Chris, or just Chris. I appreciate that you didn't spend a lot of pages doing that. You're more than the "David and Chris" duo from the 90s. For the times you did speak about him, thank you. I'm sorta-kinda obsessed with dead actors, so I appreciate when you speak about your times with Chris. You didn't have to, but you did, so thank you.
All in all, I want to say I'm happy I spent my time reading your book cover to cover, even the no-so-clean and inappropriate parts of the book.
Buh byee (Sorry, I just had to),
Amanda
Dear David,
You're an interesting person (no, I'm not just saying that) and so is Almost Interesting. I enjoyed learning more about your youth and the journey to where you are today. I didn't know a lot about your childhood, so thanks for opening up and sharing that part of your life.
Right now, one of the things I can't get off my mind is your assistant. Are you kidding?! Did that seriously happen? I'm just flat out angry. Thank the goodness you were able to survive and get him help. And your maids stealing... holy shit. Isn't that what safes are for? Who am I kidding; you're not going to take this shit from me.
Thank you for your honestly throughout the book. I don't think a lot of us realize those starting out on SNL write week after week and may not get a single sketch on air... for months! I know it's not as easy as it looks, but it sounds like hell mentally and emotionally. I'm glad you stuck it out and kept at it, or we may not have been able to enjoy the movies and TV shows you went on to do after SNL. Each time you brought up a sketch, I pictured the dress and mood of it and just laughed like the first time. My favorite group of sketches of you and the gang is the Gap series. So simple and so clever!
One thing I bet a lot of readers, including myself at times, expected and wanted was a lot of stories about you and Chris, or just Chris. I appreciate that you didn't spend a lot of pages doing that. You're more than the "David and Chris" duo from the 90s. For the times you did speak about him, thank you. I'm sorta-kinda obsessed with dead actors, so I appreciate when you speak about your times with Chris. You didn't have to, but you did, so thank you.
All in all, I want to say I'm happy I spent my time reading your book cover to cover, even the no-so-clean and inappropriate parts of the book.
Buh byee (Sorry, I just had to),
Amanda
A thank you series to authors. Up first: Martin Short
May 9, 2016
It's almost halfway through 2016. HOLY COW. This has been a fast year so far, but I'm not complaining. I feel like I've been wise with my time for the most part. The reading slump is over at last. The current book I'm reading is Almost Interesting by David Spade, which sparked an idea. (By the way, his book IS interesting, so read it!)
So, after I finish an autobiography or biography, I'm going to write a thank you letter to that person. Even if the person is no longer with us, I'm going to write something. Having the rather low, harsh and embarrassing moments of life on display isn't always easy to do. I appreciate the authors who choose to shed light on those moments, especially when I'm reading an autobiography or a biography of a person I admire or want to learn more about. It's those moments that make him or her more relate-able and, in some cases, more human. The icing on the cake: If the subject is somewhere out there active in the Internet, I hope he or she finds my lovely words and knows he or she has made an impact in my life. I'll try to keep it short, too, which will be difficult. Here we go!
It's almost halfway through 2016. HOLY COW. This has been a fast year so far, but I'm not complaining. I feel like I've been wise with my time for the most part. The reading slump is over at last. The current book I'm reading is Almost Interesting by David Spade, which sparked an idea. (By the way, his book IS interesting, so read it!)
So, after I finish an autobiography or biography, I'm going to write a thank you letter to that person. Even if the person is no longer with us, I'm going to write something. Having the rather low, harsh and embarrassing moments of life on display isn't always easy to do. I appreciate the authors who choose to shed light on those moments, especially when I'm reading an autobiography or a biography of a person I admire or want to learn more about. It's those moments that make him or her more relate-able and, in some cases, more human. The icing on the cake: If the subject is somewhere out there active in the Internet, I hope he or she finds my lovely words and knows he or she has made an impact in my life. I'll try to keep it short, too, which will be difficult. Here we go!
'Accidentally Engaged' by Mary Carter
April 27, 2016
Holy cow, I need to work on my writing habits!
Do you ever go through a time where you just don't do what you normally enjoy? I've spent the last month not reading very much. I'm now at 12 books for the year, which seems low since I was reading no less than four books a month. I haven't been writing, as you can tell. I spent a week, or two, being in the depression and anger stages of grief about Alan. I'm now done grieving and accepting he's no longer physically with us. I'm accepting, I guess, but that doesn't mean I'm thrilled about it. *sad face*
Holy cow, I need to work on my writing habits!
Do you ever go through a time where you just don't do what you normally enjoy? I've spent the last month not reading very much. I'm now at 12 books for the year, which seems low since I was reading no less than four books a month. I haven't been writing, as you can tell. I spent a week, or two, being in the depression and anger stages of grief about Alan. I'm now done grieving and accepting he's no longer physically with us. I'm accepting, I guess, but that doesn't mean I'm thrilled about it. *sad face*
A breather at work but not in life.
March 10, 2016
The students are all away this week: some went home, a few traveled with sports teams to compete in warmer weather and others even took a long plane ride overseas for the annual Spring Break London trip.
It's only mid-March, and my year has already been quiet eventful. And, there is still a lot more to come! I get to spend some time with my Big this weekend in the city. Girls' day! She has some ideas for what we should get into, but I just want to make memories and eat some good food, as always.
The students are all away this week: some went home, a few traveled with sports teams to compete in warmer weather and others even took a long plane ride overseas for the annual Spring Break London trip.
It's only mid-March, and my year has already been quiet eventful. And, there is still a lot more to come! I get to spend some time with my Big this weekend in the city. Girls' day! She has some ideas for what we should get into, but I just want to make memories and eat some good food, as always.
Modest Muskies.
March 2, 2016
It's been a tiring week. Monday we announced the 21st president, it's the last week of Phonathon and it's almost spring break for the students. Why has this made me tired? I don't know. My alarms were set for 5 a.m., 5:15 a.m. and 6 a.m. What time did I get up? 6:29 a.m. Yup, waking up to my alarms is a new issue.
A project I'm helping with for work has given me the opportunity to speak with students. Man, do we have a school full of great individuals. While I was a student, I was involved and busy, but I wouldn't say that I was anything more than an average college student. I was cum laude, Broadcaster of the Year, a scholarship recipient, and graduated a semester early. I wouldn't really boast these things or think of them as accomplishments others couldn't have earned. But, many people tell me how amazed they are for what I've accomplished while a student and since graduation.
It's been a tiring week. Monday we announced the 21st president, it's the last week of Phonathon and it's almost spring break for the students. Why has this made me tired? I don't know. My alarms were set for 5 a.m., 5:15 a.m. and 6 a.m. What time did I get up? 6:29 a.m. Yup, waking up to my alarms is a new issue.
A project I'm helping with for work has given me the opportunity to speak with students. Man, do we have a school full of great individuals. While I was a student, I was involved and busy, but I wouldn't say that I was anything more than an average college student. I was cum laude, Broadcaster of the Year, a scholarship recipient, and graduated a semester early. I wouldn't really boast these things or think of them as accomplishments others couldn't have earned. But, many people tell me how amazed they are for what I've accomplished while a student and since graduation.
A lesson from Leo's Academy Award win.
February 29, 2016
I just really need to get this off my chest. Leo DiCaprio is no doubt a fantastic actor. He have proven multiple times he can craft almost any type of character. His good looks certainly help as well, and I must add he is aging very well! Fans across the globe, nomination after nomination, rant and complain he should win an Academy Award. Well, yesterday was finally the day he got his award. OH JOY! I am happy for him, really.
Reminders for all of us.
February 25, 2016
1. Take a minute to breathe. Breathing is very important. You're not too busy to take a minute to just close your eyes and take a few breaths. You'll find yourself more relaxed and ready to tackle your next project. This is one of my major faults!
2. The world is not going to end from a few small mistakes. I've been working a little too fast and losing sight of my detail oriented-ness. Mistakes are going to happen. Whether it's a human error or not, it happens. When it does, you might get a slap on the wrist or a few moments of embarrassment, but it will not define who you are as a person or professional. Learn from the mistake, take your time and prove to yourself you're better than those mistakes.
3. If you have a job and usually don't go crazy on your spending, it's okay to treat yourself every once in awhile. When you have limits and stick to them, it's okay to splurge on that quarter-zip you've been eyeing. I really want this ASA pullover. It is really, really cute, and I know I'll take care of it. Have to drop $50.00 to get it? Do it. We have to remember our spending routines and just switch or opt out to other things later in the year. Money isn't the world, and you're going to be fine.
4. Sleep is more important than fitting in an extra work out. When people say weight management and loss is determined by what you eat more than working out, I want to believe those people! Sleep can help fight sickness and stress, so let's get those extra hours logged into those Fitbits.
5. Breathe. Seriously.
1. Take a minute to breathe. Breathing is very important. You're not too busy to take a minute to just close your eyes and take a few breaths. You'll find yourself more relaxed and ready to tackle your next project. This is one of my major faults!
2. The world is not going to end from a few small mistakes. I've been working a little too fast and losing sight of my detail oriented-ness. Mistakes are going to happen. Whether it's a human error or not, it happens. When it does, you might get a slap on the wrist or a few moments of embarrassment, but it will not define who you are as a person or professional. Learn from the mistake, take your time and prove to yourself you're better than those mistakes.
3. If you have a job and usually don't go crazy on your spending, it's okay to treat yourself every once in awhile. When you have limits and stick to them, it's okay to splurge on that quarter-zip you've been eyeing. I really want this ASA pullover. It is really, really cute, and I know I'll take care of it. Have to drop $50.00 to get it? Do it. We have to remember our spending routines and just switch or opt out to other things later in the year. Money isn't the world, and you're going to be fine.
4. Sleep is more important than fitting in an extra work out. When people say weight management and loss is determined by what you eat more than working out, I want to believe those people! Sleep can help fight sickness and stress, so let's get those extra hours logged into those Fitbits.
5. Breathe. Seriously.
'Big Girl Panties' was different than I expected to say the least.
February 18, 2016
I've already completed six books this year. Just today, I finished Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich. Don't you hate it when you're reading late at night and you start falling asleep? You fight so hard to remember what you just read then spend the next 10 minutes reading the same page before you drop your tablet on the floor... whoops!
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| Valentine's Day 2016 |
One month of 2016.
February 10, 2016.
What a way to start the new year. There were many positives; work is going well, my car insurance dropped in price compared to what I had to pay in Illinois, the weather is manageable, I've read four books (!), and I have a local doctor finally. My stomach issues have been better since removing aspartame from my diet, too.
I lost a friend.
January 19, 2016
I lost a role model last week. An inspiration, an artist, a friend. I never met Alan Rickman, but he was with me throughout my life since I was in high school. I have received many thoughts of comfort since we all found out God received an angel. January 14 was a beautiful morning too. I was on top of the world. I took photos of the gorgeous sky. Is there a correlation there? Maybe. I'm going to think so.
I lost a role model last week. An inspiration, an artist, a friend. I never met Alan Rickman, but he was with me throughout my life since I was in high school. I have received many thoughts of comfort since we all found out God received an angel. January 14 was a beautiful morning too. I was on top of the world. I took photos of the gorgeous sky. Is there a correlation there? Maybe. I'm going to think so.
Just not right now.
January 14, 2016
A poem to express how unreal I'll be feeling these next few days as I grasp I lost an inspiration and friend today. A friend I never met (only in my dreams) but who changed my life.
I'm going to be happy. I'm going to smile.
I'm going to laugh. I'm going to live.
I'm going to fake it for now. Things will get better.
I will be happy. I will smile.
I will laugh. I will live.
I will fake it for now. Just not right now.
A poem to express how unreal I'll be feeling these next few days as I grasp I lost an inspiration and friend today. A friend I never met (only in my dreams) but who changed my life.
I'm going to be happy. I'm going to smile.
I'm going to laugh. I'm going to live.
I'm going to fake it for now. Things will get better.
I will be happy. I will smile.
I will laugh. I will live.
I will fake it for now. Just not right now.
Would you look at that?!
January 13, 2016
This is the first week of snow this winter in Ohio. About time. I mean, I don't like cold weather or snow by all means, but it's just interesting that the first snow took until now to make an appearance.
First day of snow, yesterday, was not that brutal, but not very nice either. It was windy, loud, disruptive, windy, white, and windy. Yes, windy. I'm just complaining about it at this point, haha.
Day two, today, was not terribly windy. Bitter, just a little bit, but not windy. Here's my favorite photo of the day:
I don't like winter, but campus sure is pretty during this time of year. :)
This is the first week of snow this winter in Ohio. About time. I mean, I don't like cold weather or snow by all means, but it's just interesting that the first snow took until now to make an appearance.
First day of snow, yesterday, was not that brutal, but not very nice either. It was windy, loud, disruptive, windy, white, and windy. Yes, windy. I'm just complaining about it at this point, haha.
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| Caldwell Hall, New Concord, Ohio. |
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| Montgomery Hall, New Concord, Ohio. |
I don't like winter, but campus sure is pretty during this time of year. :)
I bought a Victoria's Secret bra!
January 10, 2016
Yes, I sure did! The store always has clearance, but rarely does it have free shipping for purchases over $25. I just had to take advantage of that.
I'm documenting this because it's hard for me to buy something of high quality for myself, depending on necessity and price. But, because it was affordable, I treated myself! Quality bra, no joke. This is my second Victoria's Secret bra I have owned, and this one is by far the most comfortable. Since it was less than $20, I bought one for my sister just because. (Her bra cost more!) You're welcome, sis.
Sometimes we have to realize we have to accept quality means a few more bills out of the wallet, but it is worth it.
Yes, I sure did! The store always has clearance, but rarely does it have free shipping for purchases over $25. I just had to take advantage of that.
I'm documenting this because it's hard for me to buy something of high quality for myself, depending on necessity and price. But, because it was affordable, I treated myself! Quality bra, no joke. This is my second Victoria's Secret bra I have owned, and this one is by far the most comfortable. Since it was less than $20, I bought one for my sister just because. (Her bra cost more!) You're welcome, sis.
Sometimes we have to realize we have to accept quality means a few more bills out of the wallet, but it is worth it.
Book Challenges for 2016
January 4, 2016
Since I am highly disappointed about the fact I only read 15 books last year, I am going to double that number. Thanks to Goodreads, I set a goal of 30 books to read this year. There are a lot of new things I want to try in 2016, so I feel 30 is manageable number.
Since I am highly disappointed about the fact I only read 15 books last year, I am going to double that number. Thanks to Goodreads, I set a goal of 30 books to read this year. There are a lot of new things I want to try in 2016, so I feel 30 is manageable number.
Post holiday frustration.
January 3, 2016
It's 2016, and it came way too fast in my opinion. I was really enjoying 2015. There were so many positives at the end of the year. A positive this year so far is that I got to spend lunch with my Big and GG-Big. It was nice to spend the weekend out of the house and not alone.
I hate the holidays. From the end of the November until the new year, there are four major events I celebrate: Thanksgiving, my birthday, Christmas, and New Year's. The most tolerable is Thanksgiving out of the four. But, I dislike, really, really, dislike these weeks because the one thing that always comes with these parties and events: eating and drinking.
It's 2016, and it came way too fast in my opinion. I was really enjoying 2015. There were so many positives at the end of the year. A positive this year so far is that I got to spend lunch with my Big and GG-Big. It was nice to spend the weekend out of the house and not alone.
I hate the holidays. From the end of the November until the new year, there are four major events I celebrate: Thanksgiving, my birthday, Christmas, and New Year's. The most tolerable is Thanksgiving out of the four. But, I dislike, really, really, dislike these weeks because the one thing that always comes with these parties and events: eating and drinking.
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