The Stuff

The other morning as I took my seat in my Econ class I had a few of my things sprawled out. I usually sprawl until I can organize it into way that will work. I looked down and took notice of my iPhone, the keys to my A4, my D&G sunglasses and the tupperware containing my organic yogurt, nuts and berries. It happened to be a Starbucks day as well, so we'll throw that into the mix.
I'm not saying this to brag. I'm using the specific items to make a point. I am WAY better off than so many other people. I get that i'm not in the right career field I want and that i'm often annoyed at not having a +1, but I have other things going for me. I do have a job that affords me several luxuries. I am able to buy many of the things that I want (albeit on sale.) I do pursue an active lifestyle and try to eat healthy!
There are so many positives and I am so much more prone to think about what I don't have than to be really grateful for what I do currently possess when it comes to material possessions. I get this is just "stuff" but it's my stuff and i've worked really hard to get it. And I should say, I really like it too! And i'm so thankful to be able to enjoy these things and live life to it's fullest!

March Madness

Serious delay in this post...I honestly have not had time to sit down and finish it!
Yes I know it's April - i've had this one in the vault for awhile now. And anyways March Madness isn't over until the last game anyway, which wasn't until last night when my Blue Devils took home the National Championship (AGAIN!!!)

So here's what happened in March:

1. Crazy stuff happening at work. Yes hi it's me the broken record with the crazy stuff going on at work on-going debacle of yet another reorg which impacts a ton of people here in IT including myself and some others close to me. Seriously...why can't NW get it together with some of this? I really am surprised at some of the actions of "higher-ups." I mean I suppose I shouldn't be, but I am...

2. Vacation! Yes Kim and I took our third trip to Siesta Key to hang out with her parents at the beach for a few days. You're probably thinking that doesn't sound fun...but honestly it's one of the best trips I go on each year!! Our activities in SK include: going to the beach or pool, eating and sleeping. I am not kidding you. Oh sometimes we watch tv or read or play cards. But that's it. The weather of course was great the entire time, and although I came back tan - I am not the brown bear from years past (thank goodness for that.)

3. Friends. Well for whatever reason I will continue to be amazed at the evolution of relationships. Do circumstances change? Do people change? Is it both and you either grow apart or you grow together? I'm not really sure, but I do know that wherever something starts to fade something else starts to come into the light. I'm on a constant quest to grow and evolve and relationships play a huge part in that. I've prayed for a long time that the right people would be in life. That they would people that encourage and strengthen me. That when i'm around them I feel better about myself, not drained. I have lots of amazing friendships that i've developed over the years, but I truly believe that the RIGHT people are in my life at this very moment. That I have many people in my life that actually care about me and I don't have to update them on my life everytime we see each other-because they know and they've been there every step of the way.

The Happiness Project

It's the title of the current book i'm reading. When I first heard about this book, I was super excited for many reasons as i'm always on a search for happiness! I started reading it last week since we were Florida bound and I always get a couple of books in while we're down there.
As expected this book is great! I had read mixed reviews about the author since she was from a pretty wealthy family and making a career as a writer in NYC many people thought it was odd she was giving advice on happiness since she already seemed to have all the ingredients for it.
Oh well...this book is easy to understand, filled with quotes (you know how I love my quotes) and just alot of really good stories and ideas. Everytime I pick it up, I get a new idea for something. It's not so much a self help book, but a "hey this is what I did and it worked for me" book.
So with that said, i've already got a few ideas going for my own Happiness Project! Can't wait to share them with you!

Kicks

These are my new shoes. Who cares you say? Well since i've been running outdoors for the last 10 days or so, I care! The process of getting these was more intricate than any other shoe buying experience...and you know how much I heart shoes! So my running buddy and I head out to Fleet Feet (I think that's the name?) Anyhow I was instructed to run on a treadmill without my shoes and socks. Now you know the germaphobe in me was super grossed out by this. Well then the kind people make a video of how your feet look when you're running to assess your shoe needs. Weird. So then they come out with a few pairs that are recommended to your needs. Whatever. I think most of it's a crock, especially that you have to buy your shoes a 1/2 size bigger than what you wear. So ta-da Fleet Feet has determined these are what I need! If they look big...it's because they are!

I'm Justa Girl

So there are very few times, but every now and then I hate being a girl!

Today was obviously one of those times ha ha! I know I make a big production over "how independent" I am, but getting my car out of the snow is just a pain in my very ample rear!

You would not have wanted to dig my car out either...don't judge!

With that said, here are a couple of other times I also loathe my "girlness."

1. Cramps. Nuff Said.

2. Cleaning the bathroom. Always makes me want to vom!

3. Taking out the trash. So gross.

4. Any sort of activity that has to do with moving.

5. Driving myself home after going out.

6. Driving in general.

7. Going to weddings alone.

8. Straightening my hair.

9. Having to call any sort of customer service place.

10. Picking out a restaurant. Silly I know, but i'd rather you pick!

As Promised

I am in a good mood today! Yippee! Decided to get up this morning and get "ready" for work in though it's casual Friday. It really did make a difference in my attitude and perception of the world:)
Also tonight i'm going to a wine tasting at my friend Emily's house - yes on so many levels!! I invited Devon to come along and i'm really excited that she accepted. We are going to kick it with some ladies and leave the man drama alone for the night!!
See? Two good things and I only promised one! Ready for the weekend!!

Is It Over?

2010 has been a little crazy. To say the least. I've been a little overwhelmed, or underwhelmed...or a combination of both? And unfortunately i've realized that I blog more when i'm crabby then when i'm super super thrilled about life. I think most bloggers do this unconsciously because our blogs, after all, are a way for us to vent.
So i'm going to try a little experiment. For the next seven days i'm going to blog about one happy thing a day.
I'll start with this happy statement: since yesterday I feel like 2010 is taking an up-turn. Yesterday was a fairly good day and today I have nothing to complain about. I've also stumbled upon some new blogs with lots of pretty things and pretty pictures. That makes me smile:)

Haiti etc

I've always felt that my life had a bigger purpose than anything I was currently in pursuit of. This last week that has been reaffirmed by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. No I am not jumping on the bandwagon and pretending to give a rats because "everyone else is doing it." I truly have a passion for other people and would like to help however I can.
I did not have a "typical" upbringing. Even though there were alot of years that were super challenging for me, I am able to take those experiences and help others who are less fortunate.
All that to say: I want to go to Haiti. I told my boss a few minutes ago and a few friends know.
I feel like the more people I tell, the more will hold me accountable. Please hold me accountable!

Renters Gripe

I have been a renter in the past, but my current landord - geez-oh-pete! So rent is due on the first of the month. Duh. But dude does not cash the check until somewhere near the 12th-15th of each month. Halfway between when the next one is due. Seriously?
December topped it all off by the fact that he cashed it on the 23rd!!! The 23rd??? After my many emails asking him if everything was okay etc and receiving no response, he responds with a "going to the bank today." Why thank you mr landlord for your promptness.
So the point of this rant was that this month I mailed on the 1st or whatever not mail day it was at the end of the year. And dude sends my roommate an email on the 4th saying he hasn't received the check yet. Let's point out all the annoyances with this. You A) don't cash it for weeks after you get it B) it was a freaking holiday weekend C) the check comes from me who emails you the first 2 weeks of the month to make sure you got it, so why are you emailing her? Why? So then I email him saying sorry etc there must be a hold up in the mail and please let me know etc when he gets it etc. And what happens? NOTHING! Not a peep. Seriously? I guess i'll just wait until the 23rd when he cashes it and make sure he gets the next one more than seven days later.

Bad Dreams

So I have to blog about this because it was just so strange. I didn't even eat anything weird and the last thing I watched before bed was Glee and that certainly isn't scary.
So I dreamt about four things last night and I remember them all so clearly:
1. I was part of a really large family only the parents chose to acknowledge some of the kids. They would number off and say the kids names out loud. I was number 32. Oddly enough my real life little bro was number 31 and he did not get acknowledged either. Then the parents took all the #'s 1-30 shopping for new bathing suits.
2. There was an alligator loose in my bedroom. It was in my old room 2 houses ago in Worthington, and this was all discovered while I was laying in my bed. My dad moved the bed while I laid in it - paralyzed with fright. It wasn't behind the bed and they deduced that it must have climbed into the mattress! So I continue to lay there and whimper and woke myself up with the sound of my whimpering (this part is not in the dream, I was really scared!)
This dream was right before 3 AM, because then I couldn't fall back asleep...
3. I was dating Tony Romo. Walking through the streets pretending to be non chalant about my hot shot boyfriend. I would go and visit Tony in Dallas on his "off days." One time we were at brunch and he was telling everyone how much of a better person he was because of me:) Sweet.
4. This one is a little vague but my close group of friends were all walking through the Nationwide parking garage trying to get to a party. The garage was some sort of maze and there was alot of shouting. But, Alicia was pregnant which is accurate, but Jen H was there (and we haven't hung out with her in quite awhile.)

So anyone want to take a stab and analyze these for me??

Cuz You Gotta Have Faith...

"If You say go, we will go If You say wait, we will wait

If You say step out on the water And they say it can't be done

We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come

Your ways are higher than our ways And the plans that You have laid Are good and true

If You call us to the fire You will not withdraw Your hand

We'll gaze into the flames and look for You"

This morning after a phone call from my really good friend Abigail, I was extremely challenged to really seek what God's purpose for me is. Almost immediately the song above popped into my head. It's one of my favorites and I believe speaks volumes without many words.

Abigail and Tim are adopting and their first appointment going to court is this Tuesday, December 1st. They have been fasting and praying most of the weekend, when in fact the exact opposite is true for the rest of us living in the US.

I recalled to AP the first time she really told me about Winnie. It was some time in the Summer and I remember making plans with her that Saturday to do some shopping and get mani pedi's. She didn't mention the fact that she was fasting and asking God's direction for this little girl she had seen on an adoption website. Abigail and Tim were really seeking God to determine whether or not they should adopt a 4 year old versus waiting on the infant they had desired for so long. She was committed to truly seeking God's answer and not just the answer she wanted.

This challenged me this morning especially because I have truly put "all my eggs in one basket." I applied for a new position at NW and this is really the only one that has come my way in such a long time. I have been ready for a new challenge and career path for awhile now, and even though this is not something I would have jumped at the chance for a few years ago, I feel like it's a really good opportunity for me to use and demonstrate my skills.

The thing is though, this is really my ONE CHANCE to get out of my current job for the foreseeable future. Not good. I'm completely stranded if this doesn't work out.

Also my current "dating-ish/not going to put a label on it" relationship is one that is constantly needing my attention. And i'm so conflicted about it for many reasons, I truly truly need some guidance. All that to say that I am fixing my eyes on the only Person who knows the outcome of these two situations. I have never been very religious, but i've learned from experience that faith can move mountains.

My prayer for today is that not only that I can have that faith (like what AP and Tim have demonstrated) but to listen and hear the answers that are waiting for me.

Never enough time

This is one of those weeks I wish I would've taken a few days off of work to "just to stuff." I'm always afraid if I take a couple of days and having "nothing" to do then I will just end up running errands or cleaning. Blah. But seriously i've got some things that would be really nice to accomplish if work wasn't getting in the way. Here they are:
1. Making delicious Halloween treats - I haven't really been very crafty lately, but I REALLY REALLY wanna make some goodies to bring to work tomorrow.
2. Perfecting a pot of chili - also for work fun tomorrow
3. Getting a mani/pedi - we all know this is a MUST on my list AND it's my b-day weekend! How can I turn 3-0 with bad nails???
4. Finding a party dress - YES I decided I would be in a dress for the official b-day celebration next week!
5. Cleaning my car - ahh I am a clean freak and the rugs in my car are killing me after having the girls last weekend
6. Hanging pictures that have been sitting in our apt hallway since August-geesh

See??? Why am I at work??? WHY??

zzzzz's

This blog is aptly named after sleep. Why do you ask? Well I am a bad sleeper. I have not been able to sleep more than 7 hours in the last 5 years at least. I must always take something to fall asleep and even then it doesn't keep me sleeping.
Which leads me to my phone. It doesn't help when I never turn it off and it dings, beeps or rings all night. Now granted i've cut off alot of the middle-of-the-night callers, but my twitter updates and emails can't be cut off. Also i've come to find out that alot of people do not communicate with me in ways they should because "they know they can always get ahold of me." Lame. I always answer my phone. Always. So certain people have discovered they don't have to respond in timely ways because I will be available when they do. Not no more! I've started the habit of turning off my phone. Not at night...I will only silence it, because i'd hate to miss someone in distress. But at least twice a day now I will turn it off. Sometimes for ten minutes sometimes for an hour. Not to be mean, but the phone is a convenience, I am not. That's my point. So ladies and gents-if you need something after 11 PM or before 7 AM, you're going to have to plan accordingly:)

Hospitality Management

When I was younger we almost always had a relative come from overseas to visit ever summer. So obviously these people did not want to take a 17 hour flight just to stay for a week. Most of them stayed for at least two. I'm not sure, because i've blocked it out of my mind.
I hated it. HATED IT! It was the worst.
These "people" infringing upon my summer and my "plans" and asking me questions in accents that I loathed. Ugh I was such a brat. I'm embarrassed at the me that used to act like that. My mom and I would constantly butt heads about this.
I would complain and complain about having to get up early and make sure everyone had what they needed even if that included full-plate "American breakfasts." You know what I mean right? Eggs, bacon, sausage...the "Why America Is Fat" breakfast!
So why do you ask am I thinking about this now? Well because I love entertaining! It's so ironic right? The things we used to hate instead of becoming good at, we choose to do now? I love having people over. Cleaning up the house and getting everything ready...We've had people over almost every night that we've lived in our new apartment. Seriously it's awesome. Some stay for ten minutes some stay all night.
Doesn't matter to me-i'm honing my hostessing skills. On which I have to toot my own horn here and say that i've done it a few times this summer (hostessing) that is and i'm not too shabby.
Well I guess that's up to the people who have been my guests, so you'll have to ask them!

Today

I often times think how much simpler life could be? What it would be like if we didn't have to dress to impress or make plans to see our closest friends weeks in advance? I'm sure these thoughts have all crossed your minds too. Here are a few things that simplify my life although they are certainly not very simple:
1. iPhone - we know the story behind my phone and how I comteplated ways to get back my Blackberry Pearl for weeks. No dice now. I heart the iPhone in a ways that I will never be able to use another device ever.
2. Laptop - being able to work and check my facebook, blogs and not to mention make travel plans...nuff said.
3. Caffeine - straight coffee, non-fat lattes, non-fat green tea lattes, non-fat chai's and tea of any variety...thank you liquid energy. Thank You.
4. Shoes - not just any shoes. Great shoes. These can make your day. Whether it's the perfect running shoe, a great heel that happens to be comfortable, a really sick pair of sneakers of the sandals you can throw on with anyone. Instant gratification!
5. Dresses - I can't talk about the shoes without mentioning the dress. I heart the dress! It does wonders for your legs and your spirits. A dress that fits well can change your life. I believe this wholeheartedly:)
6. DVR - is there any other way to watch tv? Besides watching live sports the DVR is a very very necessary piece of equipment!
7. Fashion magazines - I can't keep up with mine! How would I know what's in style if I didn't have these? I'm not going to be inspired at work with all the men and old ladies I work with LOL
8. Vacations - the beach, the city, Vegas, bright lights, beaches, mountains...fresh food, cocktails, no bedtime, no alarm clock! I want I want!!
9. Jewelry - the sentimental kind. The kind that means something and everytime you wear it you feel special. And you remember the person who gave it to you or the exact moment that you bought it and why...that type of jewelry.
10. Physical fitness - i've turned my back on it for awhile, but seriously nothing makes you feel better than putting your body to work!

Mothers Day

I was having serious issues with this Mothers Day post. All I wanted to do was tell you about the day and delicious meal that I made, but my computer (or this site) kept doing funny things and not saving it. So here it is...better late than never.

After much deliberating, I decided to make momma lunch versus taking the family out to lunch.

Now granted that would have been easier, but cooking is more personal. Don't you think?

So here I am putting my skills to work in the kitchen. It was a great day and super sunny outside so we ate on the patio!

(trying to be Giada and cutting this cabbage, which was harder than you can imagine!)

(happy momma who will probably kill me for putting this picture on the internet)



(dog baby can never be lef t out and wondered what all the goodness was about)

(the finished product of deliciousness. healthy and tasty! I can supply recipes if needed)

Discoveries

It's Saturday. Duh. I don't usually blog on the weekend because I am SO (not) busy. Actually the real reason is because I stare at a computer all day everyday and I like to decompress and do "other" activities like watch tv.


But here I am blogging on a Saturday to my mind off of the fact like my legs are itching like someone is paying them to!! TMI? Sorry. I'm 100% convinced of the fact that i'm allergic to shaving cream. I've had mild incidents like this before, but this is enough to make me want to set the can on fire!
So hasta luego Skintimate!!


So I thought i'd share with you some of my discoveries for this week. In no particular order...


1. "The Flat Belly Diet" 4 day bloat detox is the best thing i've done for myself in months. Most people know of my struggle to lose the last 10 pounds for the last year. Nothing has worked. I mean nothing. Working out multiple times a week, eating low-cal or low carb stuff. Nothing. So this week I try this detox. Literally 4 pounds in four days. Magic. Well not quite magic. I had to eat 3 meals and 2 snacks.

**Fast forward almost 48 hours** The leg itching didn't stop for awhile and almost ruined my Saturday!!

Okay, back to the detox. It works! 4 pounds in 4 days! I didn't do it over the weekend, but i'm back today and on the portion control. Super excited to see how many more I can drop before Chicago, i'm hoping for 10, but i'll take 10 total!

2. Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake - once a week I get together with my girlfriends for dinner. We usually just have a smorgasbord of all of our leftovers and end up with a pretty good meal. Abigail had leftovers of this cheesecake she had made for a party and it was one of the best things I have ever tasted! Now, I did not go off the detox...I had one (maybe three small bites) I'm a dessert freak, so this one is definitely going into my repertoire. Go here for the recipe: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1910,149177-228207,00.html


3. Slatkin candles. I love scented candles, but I don't like ones that (are) supposed to smell like cakes, apple pies, babies etc. Slatkin makes the best scented candles. They are not overwhelming, do not give me a headache and they now have a more affordable line at Bath&Body Works. You should know that buy affordable I mean like $1.50 for a votive. I'm pretty sure it's pretty annoying when people say "oh it's so affordable" then it's a frickin $20.
Go get you a candle!

Ever Feel Like This?

I'm sure we've all been there. This song by Third Day sums up how I feel sometimes...

My life has led me down the road that’s so uncertain

And now I am left alone and I am broken,

Tryin’ to find my way, tryin’ to find the faith that’s gone
This time, I know that you are holding all the answers

I’m tired of losing hope and taking chances,On roads that never seem,

To be the ones that bring me home
Give me a revelation, Show me what to doCause

I’ve been tryin’ to find my way, I haven’t got a clue

Tell me should I stay here,Or do I need to move

Give me a revelation

I’ve got nothing without You

I’ve got nothing without You
My life has led me down this path that’s ever winding

Through every twist and turn I’m always finding,That I am lost again (I am lost again)

Tell me when this road will ever end

Give me a revelation, Show me what to do

Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way, I haven’t got a clue

Tell me should I stay here,Or do I need to move

Give me a revelation

I’ve got nothing without You

I’ve got nothing without
I don’t know where I can turn Tell me when will I learn?

Won’t You show me where I need to go Oh oh Let me follow Your lead,

I know that it’s the only way that I can get back home
Give me a revelation, Show me what to do Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,

I haven’t got a clue

Tell me should I stay here, Or do I need to move

Give me a revelation

I’ve got nothing without You

I’ve got nothing without You
Oh, give me a revelation