Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
So, 2012 has come to a close. Another year is spent. I'd like to take a look at my goals that I set for this past year and reflect on them a bit:
lemon water in the mornings
Well, although I did do this for a while, I ended up stopping. I didn't stop because I wanted to, but rather because I had to. Getting lemons over in Afghanistan isn't exactly possible!
lemon water in the mornings
Well, although I did do this for a while, I ended up stopping. I didn't stop because I wanted to, but rather because I had to. Getting lemons over in Afghanistan isn't exactly possible!
turmeric tea
I must admit that I never did make any turmeric tea. when I was back in the states I did incorporate turmeric into my cooking though and I loved it! I don't have any here though.
I must admit that I never did make any turmeric tea. when I was back in the states I did incorporate turmeric into my cooking though and I loved it! I don't have any here though.
write one hand written snail mail letter at least once per month
I made great headway with this one up until June. I was pretty proud of myself for this one!
I made great headway with this one up until June. I was pretty proud of myself for this one!
send flowers to someone for no reason
In the early spring I attempted this one. For some reason though the flower shop ended up canceling the order. I never thought much about it again until just recently. Today though, a beautiful flowering plant was delivered to my grandmother. It's a living plant that she can replant into her garden. I hope she loves it!
In the early spring I attempted this one. For some reason though the flower shop ended up canceling the order. I never thought much about it again until just recently. Today though, a beautiful flowering plant was delivered to my grandmother. It's a living plant that she can replant into her garden. I hope she loves it!
back up all of my digital files to an external hard drive and keep it all organized
I backed up all of my digital files onto an external hard drive before I left. Since I've been here, I have not updated everything, but I at least have all of my photos backed up! Go me!
I backed up all of my digital files onto an external hard drive before I left. Since I've been here, I have not updated everything, but I at least have all of my photos backed up! Go me!
complete 12 exciting just for fun projects that I have on my fun projects to try list
Yup, I totally failed at this one!
Yup, I totally failed at this one!
read 12books for personal enjoyment
I'm finishing up books 11 and 12 right now! Go me!
I'm finishing up books 11 and 12 right now! Go me!
Plant Hydrangeas
So, I planted them. I also killed them! At least I tried!
So, I planted them. I also killed them! At least I tried!
make an amazing blanket for our bed
Dang it, another one that I did not complete.
Dang it, another one that I did not complete.
complete 3 canvas paintings
And another one!
And another one!
try a new recipe each month
I tried so many new recipes I can't even count. I did not do one each month because I've been here since the end of July, but I think the recipes that I tried throughout the first 6 months completely overrides it all.
I tried so many new recipes I can't even count. I did not do one each month because I've been here since the end of July, but I think the recipes that I tried throughout the first 6 months completely overrides it all.
make 6 loaves of bread
I made two loaves of bread. Dang it all! The were both raw though!
I made two loaves of bread. Dang it all! The were both raw though!
keep a what I did today 3X5 journal
I kept an electronic what I did today journal on my computer. I managed to keep it up all year! Now, I just need to copy it all down into a 3X5 journal.
I kept an electronic what I did today journal on my computer. I managed to keep it up all year! Now, I just need to copy it all down into a 3X5 journal.
host an awesome dinner party
I hosted two parties this year. One was a baby reveal shower and the other was an adults only RAW dinner party. Both parties were successful!
I hosted two parties this year. One was a baby reveal shower and the other was an adults only RAW dinner party. Both parties were successful!
host a wine party
No wine party, but I do plan to host one once I get back to the states.
No wine party, but I do plan to host one once I get back to the states.
strive for only 23 1/2 hours of sedentary activity each day
I think I did a pretty decent job of completing this one. Some days were busier than others, but I was active for at least 30 minutes each day.
I think I did a pretty decent job of completing this one. Some days were busier than others, but I was active for at least 30 minutes each day.
blog at least one per week
This one was super tough. I had so many things going on and have reasons for taking some breaks from blogging.
This one was super tough. I had so many things going on and have reasons for taking some breaks from blogging.
achieve a 3.5 in school
In the three terms that I went to school, I got a 3.8 or higher each term! Go me!!
In the three terms that I went to school, I got a 3.8 or higher each term! Go me!!
get engaged
I'm not really sure if this should have been an actual goal to set, but the good news is that it happened! We are planning an August 31, 2013 wedding.
I'm not really sure if this should have been an actual goal to set, but the good news is that it happened! We are planning an August 31, 2013 wedding.
feel great in a size 10 pair of jeans
Since I am over here I have no idea what size I can wear. I do know that I have had to get smaller and smaller sizes and the current jeans that I have are a size 12 but they are too big. I bet I could fit in a size 10! I originally made this goal because I did not want to set a number for my weightloss. Weightloss can be tricky when you are building muscle. I am proud to say though that I have lost over 70 pounds this year! Yeah, that's a small kid!
Since I am over here I have no idea what size I can wear. I do know that I have had to get smaller and smaller sizes and the current jeans that I have are a size 12 but they are too big. I bet I could fit in a size 10! I originally made this goal because I did not want to set a number for my weightloss. Weightloss can be tricky when you are building muscle. I am proud to say though that I have lost over 70 pounds this year! Yeah, that's a small kid!
plant herbs
Oh, I planted the heck out of some herbs! I even had the chance to eat a lot of my basil before I left. the rest of them are probably dead though.
Oh, I planted the heck out of some herbs! I even had the chance to eat a lot of my basil before I left. the rest of them are probably dead though.
create a birthday planner calender and stock up on cards to send out for special occasions
So, the planner went by the wayside. However, I did stock up on a ton of cards and did pretty well with making sure I got them out on time!
So, the planner went by the wayside. However, I did stock up on a ton of cards and did pretty well with making sure I got them out on time!
learn one "ballroom" type of dance
Total fail. I did get a kinect though and have a dancing tutorial on it, but then I left.
Total fail. I did get a kinect though and have a dancing tutorial on it, but then I left.
go one full week without my cellphone
Well, I have managed to go for over 5 months without my cell phone. I'd say I'm doing pretty good!
Well, I have managed to go for over 5 months without my cell phone. I'd say I'm doing pretty good!
research getting my business license and follow through with a plan
I picked up several books on the subject to include specific books for the state of Utah. I also researched what I need to do in order to get a license.
I picked up several books on the subject to include specific books for the state of Utah. I also researched what I need to do in order to get a license.
do one commissioned project
I did not manage to accomplish this one. Dang it!
I did not manage to accomplish this one. Dang it!
organize my office and set it up for productive activities
Woohoo! When my mother came down to visit just before I left, we made a couple trips to IKEA and got some very lovely furniture. We spent two days going through everything, organizing, and making it all pretty. I can't wait to go home and make use of it!
Woohoo! When my mother came down to visit just before I left, we made a couple trips to IKEA and got some very lovely furniture. We spent two days going through everything, organizing, and making it all pretty. I can't wait to go home and make use of it!
paint my fingernails and toenails at least once per month
Haha. I'm beginning to see a growing trend. I blame all of my failed goals on being in Afghanistan. Again, I did not do this one because painting my nails is not the greatest idea over here. I would look pretty silly.
Haha. I'm beginning to see a growing trend. I blame all of my failed goals on being in Afghanistan. Again, I did not do this one because painting my nails is not the greatest idea over here. I would look pretty silly.
go on a picnic
Although we did not go on a real picnic, Kaye and I went down by the pond to watch pelicans and took pictures of them while I ate some food.
Although we did not go on a real picnic, Kaye and I went down by the pond to watch pelicans and took pictures of them while I ate some food.
go to a concert
No concert. So sad!
No concert. So sad!
make valentine cards and send them
Nope. Failed this one too!
Take more picturesNope. Failed this one too!
This one worked while I was home, but once I left home, I have hardly taken any pictures. I really need to though!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
I'm Back!!!
Well, hello there, friends! It's been a very long while and I have lots of reasons for that, but I must say that I am quite excited to be back to blogging again. In the past seven months I've gone through a lot of personal changes - a lot! I've had time to reflect on so many aspects of my life. I've given thought to what matters and what does not, and the weight that I carry on my shoulders has gotten lighter. So, you may be wondering what I've been up to. Boy oh boy, are you ready to hear all this? Haha. I'll give you an abbreviated version:
Mr. Fantastic left for Afghanistan which of course was a huge struggle for me. He is my rock, my strength, my support, and my drive to keep going. Without him next to my side, and never knowing for sure that at any given moment he was safe, was very difficult for me. I had gone through a year of him being deployed before and that was really tough, but I think this time was even more difficult.
I started my garden. I am pretty sure I planted just about everything I possibly could. I was so excited to be able to eat my own produce. Later in the year I would find out that I would not get the chance to do this, but more on that later. I did however have the chance to et fresh basil from the garden and enjoy the radishes. They were so so yummy!
My mother came to visit at the beginning of July for a week. We had such a great time. She helped me to organize a lot of our house that had still been in shambles due to the move last summer. She also helped me set up my studio/office and it looks amazing although it is still not quite finished. I think the most awesome thing that we did though was start planning the wedding! What a dream come true this process has been.
Alright, are you ready for this next part? This could very well be the biggest part of the entire year. My boss asked me to deploy for three months. I told him no course, but then discovered that it would be to the same location as Mr. Fantastic and I couldn't help but say yes! A chance to be with him for three months would be amazing no matter where we were. I left at the end of July. The kicker of the whole thing is that I did not tell him I was coming. When I got there, I found some of his co-workers because he was off shift and sleeping, and they took me to him. I think they were jsut as excited to me! When I knocked on his door, the reunion was the best part of my entire year! After about a month and adapting to the way things go in Afghanistan, I decided to extend my stay here for an additional 3 months. Unfortunatly things always seem to work out strangly for us and right after that, an issue came up with the contract he was working under and he had to return home without me. Strugggle!!!!!! Two months later though, he was back here with me and things were right again.
I also started a new semester of school in September. I studied Sacred Geometry for Design and once again Adobe Suite. I'm pretty sure I sont ever want to take that one again seeing as how I have taken it three times at three different schools. The good news is that although I often got very stressed out with having to work here in Afghanistan 12 hours per day and 7 days each week on top of going to school, I still managed to finish this past week with straight A's! Wowza! It was tough for sure, but I made it.
In between all of these events and on top of everything I am already having to deal with, I'm planning a wedding, dealing with a selfish family (my dad's side) that believes they are more important than anything and are making our wedding plans very difficult, and trying to be supportive of my loved ones who are falling apart. I'm trying to make the best of our relationship here while we both have separate quarters and while the people we are working with over here can't get their heads out of their butts. The manager here has tried to get me fired on several occasions through the telling of lies about me, and I am still trying to figure out why he hates me. We have been without heat in below freezing conditions up until last week when we finally rigged up some heat, but it's not very good. And lastly, I am still trying to maintain my health through eating good foods. This part has been impossible because the Army does not believe in vegetarianism, vegan-ism, lactose intolerant issues, gluten allergies, or anything else that might prohibit somebody from eating sausage links, scrambled eggs loaded with cheese, doughnuts, and every other kind of junk possible.
However, despite it all, I am ready to try to blog again. I may not be blogging as often as I used to, but I will be doing my best. I have just under a month left here, and then I will be back home to a somewhat normal lifestyle. So, bear with me if I'm not constantly making updates, but I kind of have a lot going on. In the next couple of weeks though, you can expect to see pictures from my garden up until I left it behind in July, you can expect to see some of my school projects, some wedding updates, maybe a few pictures of how I'm looking now that I have lost about 70 pounds, a review of my goals for the year, and new goals for next year. I'll do my best, because that is the best I can do! Have a Merry Christmas!
Loves!!!
Mr. Fantastic left for Afghanistan which of course was a huge struggle for me. He is my rock, my strength, my support, and my drive to keep going. Without him next to my side, and never knowing for sure that at any given moment he was safe, was very difficult for me. I had gone through a year of him being deployed before and that was really tough, but I think this time was even more difficult.
I started my garden. I am pretty sure I planted just about everything I possibly could. I was so excited to be able to eat my own produce. Later in the year I would find out that I would not get the chance to do this, but more on that later. I did however have the chance to et fresh basil from the garden and enjoy the radishes. They were so so yummy!
My mother came to visit at the beginning of July for a week. We had such a great time. She helped me to organize a lot of our house that had still been in shambles due to the move last summer. She also helped me set up my studio/office and it looks amazing although it is still not quite finished. I think the most awesome thing that we did though was start planning the wedding! What a dream come true this process has been.
Alright, are you ready for this next part? This could very well be the biggest part of the entire year. My boss asked me to deploy for three months. I told him no course, but then discovered that it would be to the same location as Mr. Fantastic and I couldn't help but say yes! A chance to be with him for three months would be amazing no matter where we were. I left at the end of July. The kicker of the whole thing is that I did not tell him I was coming. When I got there, I found some of his co-workers because he was off shift and sleeping, and they took me to him. I think they were jsut as excited to me! When I knocked on his door, the reunion was the best part of my entire year! After about a month and adapting to the way things go in Afghanistan, I decided to extend my stay here for an additional 3 months. Unfortunatly things always seem to work out strangly for us and right after that, an issue came up with the contract he was working under and he had to return home without me. Strugggle!!!!!! Two months later though, he was back here with me and things were right again.
I also started a new semester of school in September. I studied Sacred Geometry for Design and once again Adobe Suite. I'm pretty sure I sont ever want to take that one again seeing as how I have taken it three times at three different schools. The good news is that although I often got very stressed out with having to work here in Afghanistan 12 hours per day and 7 days each week on top of going to school, I still managed to finish this past week with straight A's! Wowza! It was tough for sure, but I made it.
In between all of these events and on top of everything I am already having to deal with, I'm planning a wedding, dealing with a selfish family (my dad's side) that believes they are more important than anything and are making our wedding plans very difficult, and trying to be supportive of my loved ones who are falling apart. I'm trying to make the best of our relationship here while we both have separate quarters and while the people we are working with over here can't get their heads out of their butts. The manager here has tried to get me fired on several occasions through the telling of lies about me, and I am still trying to figure out why he hates me. We have been without heat in below freezing conditions up until last week when we finally rigged up some heat, but it's not very good. And lastly, I am still trying to maintain my health through eating good foods. This part has been impossible because the Army does not believe in vegetarianism, vegan-ism, lactose intolerant issues, gluten allergies, or anything else that might prohibit somebody from eating sausage links, scrambled eggs loaded with cheese, doughnuts, and every other kind of junk possible.
However, despite it all, I am ready to try to blog again. I may not be blogging as often as I used to, but I will be doing my best. I have just under a month left here, and then I will be back home to a somewhat normal lifestyle. So, bear with me if I'm not constantly making updates, but I kind of have a lot going on. In the next couple of weeks though, you can expect to see pictures from my garden up until I left it behind in July, you can expect to see some of my school projects, some wedding updates, maybe a few pictures of how I'm looking now that I have lost about 70 pounds, a review of my goals for the year, and new goals for next year. I'll do my best, because that is the best I can do! Have a Merry Christmas!
Loves!!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
I've Got the Ring and a Date
Remember how I told you about our boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance/fiancee thing we had going on? and rememeber how I told you that the real deal might be approaching? Well, it finally came! This past week has been the greatest week of my life!
Mr Fantastic was supposed to be home on Tuesday evening. What did he do instead? He surprised me late Sunday night with a ten minute warning! Happiest day in a very long time. Oh, but wait. There's more! Thursday night he took me out to look at the stars. It is something we do from time to time. Not really often, but enough that it didn't seem suspicious to me. I sat on the hood of the car while he stood next to me. It was freezing cold but totally ok. He kept going into the car to get another drink of mountain dew. I think he was just really nervous! After we looked at several different constellations for a while, I was getting a little too cold. I wsa ready to leave but he kept procrastinating and finally "saw a really bright and sparkly star" that he had to point out. His finger looked kind of funny shaped but I figured I was imagining things until he pointed the light of my phone at the tip of his finger. I gasped! I asked, "really?" He turned to me and asked me to marry him. "Renay, will you marry me?" Through my sobs I managed to say yes as we hugged and kissed. Then he tried to put the ring on my right hand! I love him! I adore the ring and as always with him, it is way more than I deserve. Officially, the greatest night of my life!!! Of all my favorite things in life, he is my favorite of all of my favorites. He is my everything!
Today he left to go to Afghanistan for a year. He may be back for a visit in August, and he might also get another little vacation 3-6 months after that, but a whole year is still a really long time. I miss him already!
I have two things to look forward to in all of this: Next May when he comes home for good, and next Labor Day weekend when he becomes my super amazing, extra fantastic, perfect for me in every way husband!
I hope all of you have a great week. Although my Mr Fantastic is gone, I'm still on a high from the week we spent together!
Loves!!!
Mr Fantastic was supposed to be home on Tuesday evening. What did he do instead? He surprised me late Sunday night with a ten minute warning! Happiest day in a very long time. Oh, but wait. There's more! Thursday night he took me out to look at the stars. It is something we do from time to time. Not really often, but enough that it didn't seem suspicious to me. I sat on the hood of the car while he stood next to me. It was freezing cold but totally ok. He kept going into the car to get another drink of mountain dew. I think he was just really nervous! After we looked at several different constellations for a while, I was getting a little too cold. I wsa ready to leave but he kept procrastinating and finally "saw a really bright and sparkly star" that he had to point out. His finger looked kind of funny shaped but I figured I was imagining things until he pointed the light of my phone at the tip of his finger. I gasped! I asked, "really?" He turned to me and asked me to marry him. "Renay, will you marry me?" Through my sobs I managed to say yes as we hugged and kissed. Then he tried to put the ring on my right hand! I love him! I adore the ring and as always with him, it is way more than I deserve. Officially, the greatest night of my life!!! Of all my favorite things in life, he is my favorite of all of my favorites. He is my everything!
Today he left to go to Afghanistan for a year. He may be back for a visit in August, and he might also get another little vacation 3-6 months after that, but a whole year is still a really long time. I miss him already!
I have two things to look forward to in all of this: Next May when he comes home for good, and next Labor Day weekend when he becomes my super amazing, extra fantastic, perfect for me in every way husband!
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| He's all mine for the rest of our lives! |
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| Couldn't be happier to spend forever together |
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| The wedding set |
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| Closeup: Yes, the wedding band is rose gold with pink diamonds |
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| Such a gorgeous vintage feel |
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| And for now...the engagement ring I'm lucky enough to wear! |
Loves!!!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Currently...
Listening to the hum of the refrigerator and the puggly pup snoring away
Eating an enormous bowl of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and pineapple
Drinking a bottle of water - drinking water from the tap around here is asking for trouble!
Wearing My workout clothes still, but I did take off my shoes and socks
Feeling a little excited because I feel like I finally have a time frame for seeing my man - fingers crossed, two weeks!
Weather is hot and sunny lately! Let's hope it stays
Wanting a maid to help clean the house and do the laundry
Needing to do school work, but I have no desire to after my computer freaked out and wants to spell check everything using a French dictionary
Thinking about all the things on my list that I still want to do before Mr. Fantastic gets home
Enjoying my healthier new body and the process of getting to where I want it to be
Eating an enormous bowl of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and pineapple
Drinking a bottle of water - drinking water from the tap around here is asking for trouble!
Wearing My workout clothes still, but I did take off my shoes and socks
Feeling a little excited because I feel like I finally have a time frame for seeing my man - fingers crossed, two weeks!
Weather is hot and sunny lately! Let's hope it stays
Wanting a maid to help clean the house and do the laundry
Needing to do school work, but I have no desire to after my computer freaked out and wants to spell check everything using a French dictionary
Thinking about all the things on my list that I still want to do before Mr. Fantastic gets home
Enjoying my healthier new body and the process of getting to where I want it to be
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Computer Banning
I have made a huge decision this week. Since Mr. Fantastic has been away, I have been reluctant to start very many projects, let alone finish any of the ones that I had on my list to finish while he was away. Part of it is loneliness and part of it is laziness. My school work has been suffering as well. Most of the time it is because I don't feel like doing much. I don't like that one bit though. I need to do stuff.
Now, I have done stuff, but it is not what I want to actually do in the long run. In other words, I have been the worlds biggest procrastinator! No good. What have I done to procrastinate, you ask. Well, I have an addiction. Dun, dun, dun! I am addicted to the internet! Yuck!
So, my biggest hugely big project starts today, April 15th. It is called "THE COMPUTER BANNING PROJECT" *gasp* Yes, I am actually going to do this, and not just for a week either. I am banning myself from the computer from now until Summer is over! Holy Crap! You read that right, I am banned from the computer for 160 days!
Okay, so that sounds extremely dramatic! I think that is exactly what I need though - dramatic change - in order to be happier, more productive, and an overall better person. However, let me say this, there are exceptions that will make this seem far less dramatic. So, here are my "rules" to follow in order for this project to be successful:
1. Computer and Internet use is acceptable for school. Duh, I'm going to school online so I can't exactly ban myself from that if I want to get anywhere with my education.
2. Messenger and Video Messenger are acceptable for use with AND ONLY WITH Mr. Fantastic. With him away, it would hardly be a good idea for me to ban that. I do need to see him/talk with him from time to time in order to keep myself sane and for the obvious reason of keeping our relationship in tact!
3. Since email is also a very important tool for communication, I will allow myself to check my email from my phone. By checking it from my phone, it will keep me from accidentally getting caught up and getting online.
4. Each week I will allow myself to watch my 3 television shows on Hulu. Since Hulu is on the internet, I will need to use my computer/internet for this.
5. Each week I may also have 2 hours of "play time" on the internet to update my blog, and maybe use pinterest to inspire me for new recipes and projects.
6. I may use my phone a few times a week when it becomes important to update my facebook status in order to show my family that I have not jumped off a cliff somewhere and I am still alive!
Oh my goodness, I still can't quite believe that I have decided to do this. I am obsessed with the internet.
I would challenge you to try something similar. I am not suggesting that you give up the internet for 160 days, but try doing it for a day maybe, or even a week. I think that you would be surprised at all the things that you can accomplish in that time-frame. When we aren't distracted by technology, it leaves us plenty of time to fill up with things that actually matter - family, friends, hobbies, talents, new food experiments, going to the gym, gardening, journaling, crafting, photography, and the list just goes on and on! Try it!
This last week, although I have not banned myself, I have tried to cut down on my time. Look at what I have accomplished:
Have you done anything great and fun this week?
Loves!!!
Now, I have done stuff, but it is not what I want to actually do in the long run. In other words, I have been the worlds biggest procrastinator! No good. What have I done to procrastinate, you ask. Well, I have an addiction. Dun, dun, dun! I am addicted to the internet! Yuck!
So, my biggest hugely big project starts today, April 15th. It is called "THE COMPUTER BANNING PROJECT" *gasp* Yes, I am actually going to do this, and not just for a week either. I am banning myself from the computer from now until Summer is over! Holy Crap! You read that right, I am banned from the computer for 160 days!
Okay, so that sounds extremely dramatic! I think that is exactly what I need though - dramatic change - in order to be happier, more productive, and an overall better person. However, let me say this, there are exceptions that will make this seem far less dramatic. So, here are my "rules" to follow in order for this project to be successful:
1. Computer and Internet use is acceptable for school. Duh, I'm going to school online so I can't exactly ban myself from that if I want to get anywhere with my education.
2. Messenger and Video Messenger are acceptable for use with AND ONLY WITH Mr. Fantastic. With him away, it would hardly be a good idea for me to ban that. I do need to see him/talk with him from time to time in order to keep myself sane and for the obvious reason of keeping our relationship in tact!
3. Since email is also a very important tool for communication, I will allow myself to check my email from my phone. By checking it from my phone, it will keep me from accidentally getting caught up and getting online.
4. Each week I will allow myself to watch my 3 television shows on Hulu. Since Hulu is on the internet, I will need to use my computer/internet for this.
5. Each week I may also have 2 hours of "play time" on the internet to update my blog, and maybe use pinterest to inspire me for new recipes and projects.
6. I may use my phone a few times a week when it becomes important to update my facebook status in order to show my family that I have not jumped off a cliff somewhere and I am still alive!
Oh my goodness, I still can't quite believe that I have decided to do this. I am obsessed with the internet.
I would challenge you to try something similar. I am not suggesting that you give up the internet for 160 days, but try doing it for a day maybe, or even a week. I think that you would be surprised at all the things that you can accomplish in that time-frame. When we aren't distracted by technology, it leaves us plenty of time to fill up with things that actually matter - family, friends, hobbies, talents, new food experiments, going to the gym, gardening, journaling, crafting, photography, and the list just goes on and on! Try it!
This last week, although I have not banned myself, I have tried to cut down on my time. Look at what I have accomplished:
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| Got the living room a little more organized |
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| Hung up new artwork in the living room - this is still not complete though |
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| Created a cute little nook in the entryway |
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| Straitened up the formal living room and got a rug for in there |
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| Made and drank a lovely sangria |
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| Put together a staircase for Pugly Butt to climb into bed with |
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| Started my seeds for the garden |
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| Planted Sweet Basil in the pugly planter |
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| Got my hairs did! Had all the ugly unhealthy stuff cut off and added some layers |
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| Drew up plans for the garden as well as had a friend help me get the lumber from Lowes |
Loves!!!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
40 Questions - Part 1
Have you ever been over to the website Marc and Angel Hack Life? Let me just say that I love it. There are always amazing posts over there that really get you thinking about the deeper things in life instead of just the superficial surface stuff. They had a great post yesterday that got me thinking about life. Life is tough, and so were the questions they posted up. I challenge you to think about these questions yourself. Not all of them are pretty or glamorous or even fun, but they are serious questions that you should be asking yourself. Ponder the depth of your life with these questions.
If today was the last day of your life, would you want to do what you are about to do today?
This one reminds me of my favorite quote, "Do you want this once more and numerable times more?" Nietzsche was an amazing philosopher that believed that our eternity would be one moment of our life lived over and over forever. The question he posed was with the intent of making you question each thing you did and whether it was worth spending eternity doing it.
Today I got up and cleaned the house. Then I left for the gym were I did an hour of Zumba with some pretty cool gals. After that, I met a friend at Lowe's to pick up a ton of lumber - he hauled it in his suburban for me. I drank a full coconut of coconut water, ate half a watermelon, relaxed for a few minutes, and now I am blogging before I start my school work. I'd say I feel pretty good about what I have accomplished today and could live with myself for it. Is it what I want to be doing on my last day? No! However, I really don't think that flying to Virginia for the day to spend it with Mr. Fantastic would really work out well since it is not actually my last day and I have a lot of school work to catch up on!
What worries you most about the future?
For me, this one is more than just a worry, it is me being scared. Mr. Fantastic leaves in May for Afghanistan for a year. What could possibly worry me more than that? I worry about being alone. I worry about him being away from me. I worry about the obvious trouble that could come of him there. I worry about when I will see him again. The list goes on.
Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of?
I'm holding onto the grudges I create for myself. I let the negative things that people do, outweigh the positive things they do. I feel that friends should act a certain way, and when they don't I hold onto their failures. I hold onto them like they are the worst things in the world. For that reason, it is hard for me to feel kindness toward friends who have hurt my feelings and/or betrayed me.
If you had a friend that spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend?
I guess this kind of relates to the last answer for me. If I feel betrayed, I don't hang around those people too much after that. Lately I have been doing a lot of positive self talk. I am starting to actually feel great about myself again. Before I started eating healthy, going to the gym, and loosing weight though, it was an entirely different story. I would have never remained friends with someone like myself if I had thought of it that way!
What is the difference between living and existing?
Living is all about doing, being present, loving, enjoying, singing, dancing, and being excited about life. Existing is simply being here physically and going through the motions. I choose to live. (I will be posting about this more later this week.)
That is a lot to think about in one sitting. I will continue this short series in increments of five. Yup, that means you get this series for a total of eight posts!!
If today was the last day of your life, would you want to do what you are about to do today?
This one reminds me of my favorite quote, "Do you want this once more and numerable times more?" Nietzsche was an amazing philosopher that believed that our eternity would be one moment of our life lived over and over forever. The question he posed was with the intent of making you question each thing you did and whether it was worth spending eternity doing it.
Today I got up and cleaned the house. Then I left for the gym were I did an hour of Zumba with some pretty cool gals. After that, I met a friend at Lowe's to pick up a ton of lumber - he hauled it in his suburban for me. I drank a full coconut of coconut water, ate half a watermelon, relaxed for a few minutes, and now I am blogging before I start my school work. I'd say I feel pretty good about what I have accomplished today and could live with myself for it. Is it what I want to be doing on my last day? No! However, I really don't think that flying to Virginia for the day to spend it with Mr. Fantastic would really work out well since it is not actually my last day and I have a lot of school work to catch up on!
What worries you most about the future?
For me, this one is more than just a worry, it is me being scared. Mr. Fantastic leaves in May for Afghanistan for a year. What could possibly worry me more than that? I worry about being alone. I worry about him being away from me. I worry about the obvious trouble that could come of him there. I worry about when I will see him again. The list goes on.
Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of?
I'm holding onto the grudges I create for myself. I let the negative things that people do, outweigh the positive things they do. I feel that friends should act a certain way, and when they don't I hold onto their failures. I hold onto them like they are the worst things in the world. For that reason, it is hard for me to feel kindness toward friends who have hurt my feelings and/or betrayed me.
If you had a friend that spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend?
I guess this kind of relates to the last answer for me. If I feel betrayed, I don't hang around those people too much after that. Lately I have been doing a lot of positive self talk. I am starting to actually feel great about myself again. Before I started eating healthy, going to the gym, and loosing weight though, it was an entirely different story. I would have never remained friends with someone like myself if I had thought of it that way!
What is the difference between living and existing?
Living is all about doing, being present, loving, enjoying, singing, dancing, and being excited about life. Existing is simply being here physically and going through the motions. I choose to live. (I will be posting about this more later this week.)
That is a lot to think about in one sitting. I will continue this short series in increments of five. Yup, that means you get this series for a total of eight posts!!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Olive Juice
Have you ever heard of people saying olive juice instead of I Love You. If you watch someone say it, it actually looks like they are saying I Love You. It's kind of one of our things from time to time, so when I had to design three posters for one of my classes, it came to mind. The posters are movie posters advertising a fictitious autobiographical romantic comedy. Want to see what I came up with?
The idea of them is to use a phoot of ourselves and use Photoshop to manipulate it. The first poster has to make use of changing our photo. The second has to change another aspect of the images and focus on color painting. The third poster must use glyphs. all three must have underlying similarities and be considered part of a series. My favorite is the third poster because I taught myself this very cool comic book technique. I only wish it had not taken so long to do. Do to time constraints I did not have time to add Mr. Fantastic to this one. Perhaps this will be a free time type of thing!
Loves!!!
Loves!!!
Currently
relieved that I have tomorrow off from work and finally get to start addressing my hearing loss issue again!
running around with my head cut off trying to knock out my to-do list before Mr Fantastic gets home
determined to lose 10 more pounds before he gets back in May
addicted to pigtail braids.
loving my leaner body since I've been eating so great and going to the gym at least 4-5 days per week
making raw cookies
noticing how much work Mr. Fantastic does now that I am the only one around to do it
thankful that I got my taxes back today! Nailed it!
proud the determination that I have had the last 6 weeks although, I need to remember to stick to it hard!
watching Once Upon a Time, Community, and about to start Battlefield on Hulu
anxious to ease up on myself and start going to school only part time instead of full time while working full time and doing everything else as well.
happy that Spring is finally here
ready to start building my raised beds for my garden
working on about 8 million projects at once
marveling That tomorrow makes one month since Mr. Fantastic has been away. Just over a month to go before he comes home for a few days before deploying.
wondering when I will get to see my family again.
changing my "get energy fast" techniques to eating carrots and apples instead of drinking coffee and soda!
planning a tropical all inclusive vacation for sometime in the next few years.
running around with my head cut off trying to knock out my to-do list before Mr Fantastic gets home
determined to lose 10 more pounds before he gets back in May
addicted to pigtail braids.
loving my leaner body since I've been eating so great and going to the gym at least 4-5 days per week
making raw cookies
noticing how much work Mr. Fantastic does now that I am the only one around to do it
thankful that I got my taxes back today! Nailed it!
proud the determination that I have had the last 6 weeks although, I need to remember to stick to it hard!
watching Once Upon a Time, Community, and about to start Battlefield on Hulu
anxious to ease up on myself and start going to school only part time instead of full time while working full time and doing everything else as well.
happy that Spring is finally here
ready to start building my raised beds for my garden
working on about 8 million projects at once
marveling That tomorrow makes one month since Mr. Fantastic has been away. Just over a month to go before he comes home for a few days before deploying.
wondering when I will get to see my family again.
changing my "get energy fast" techniques to eating carrots and apples instead of drinking coffee and soda!
planning a tropical all inclusive vacation for sometime in the next few years.
Friday, March 30, 2012
We've Spent a Quarter! Oh My!
Tthere is that old saying, "Time is Money." I love it because it is true. Everyday when I drive 3 hours round-trip for work, I think to myself about how I wish I got paid for it. Sure, I make a decent salary, but my gas money eats into it pretty bad, especially with gas prices reaching toward $4.00 a gallon now. I've got a pretty fuel efficient car, but that only matters when I drive 70mph constantly. Of course I don't do that, as my 2 most recent speeding tickets will attest for. While I get 41 mpg when driving like a calm person from Utah is expected to, I only get 30 mpg when I drive like a person from any other normal state. Mind you, I have lived in Michigan, California, Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, and Utah. I have also been through Wisconsin, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, south Carolina, Virginia, New Mexico, and maybe even a few more, so I kind of have a really good idea of how people drive all over the country. Utah is the worst so far!
I digress!
With the idea that time is money looming over my head, let's break a year down into monetary terms. If we consider that we are spending time throughout the year, then we are also spending money...therefor we have spent one quarter of our dollar so far for the year. When I was a kid, a quarter was a lot of money! The tooth fairy didn't even leave a quarter under my pillow for a molar tooth! Now I''m pretty sure kids get at least a whole dollar for just a regular front tooth, don't they?
So now that I've spent a whole quarter, I have to decide if it was worth it for what I got in return. So far, what have I done this year that accounts for spending a whole quarter on it? Well, let's take a look:
So, was all that worth a quarter? I'd say so! I think I have been pretty accomplished so far this year. I am remaining curious by trying new things - new foods, new activities, new projects, new schedules, new classes, new jobs, new people, new tasks - and I am trying very hard to survive while the Mr. is away.
How did you spend your quarter? Was it worth it to you?
Have a great weekend!
Loves!!!
I digress!
With the idea that time is money looming over my head, let's break a year down into monetary terms. If we consider that we are spending time throughout the year, then we are also spending money...therefor we have spent one quarter of our dollar so far for the year. When I was a kid, a quarter was a lot of money! The tooth fairy didn't even leave a quarter under my pillow for a molar tooth! Now I''m pretty sure kids get at least a whole dollar for just a regular front tooth, don't they?
So now that I've spent a whole quarter, I have to decide if it was worth it for what I got in return. So far, what have I done this year that accounts for spending a whole quarter on it? Well, let's take a look:
Spent a week in the hospital
completed my first term of school
achieved the President's list for my academic progress
worked for over a month on a special team at work where I have learned a ton of new stuff
hosted a gender reveal party at our house
sent birthday cards almost on time
went to the first annual games tournament party for work
started the RAW DIET
lost 20 pounds
started going to the gym
started many projects around the house
have been away from Mr. Fantastic for 3 weeks now
got accepted to a vocational rehabilitation program for veterans which will in turn help me to finish school
got an MRI on my back after injuring it 3 1/2 years ago - thank you ARMY and Uncle Sam! Jerks!
got my first mani/pedi in almost 2 years
got a dehydrator
got a food processor
stopped saying yes all the time, and realized I have to say no sometimes to protect my own sanity
did my taxes and won!
So, was all that worth a quarter? I'd say so! I think I have been pretty accomplished so far this year. I am remaining curious by trying new things - new foods, new activities, new projects, new schedules, new classes, new jobs, new people, new tasks - and I am trying very hard to survive while the Mr. is away.
How did you spend your quarter? Was it worth it to you?
Have a great weekend!
Loves!!!
Friday, March 23, 2012
52 Lists. 52 Weeks. Fours
This list actually has four lists within it! How cool. So here are the requirements for this weeks lists.
1. four places you've visited.
2. four things you wish you could get paid to do for a living.
3. four things you are looking forward to.
4. four people who inspire you the most.
Here are my 4 lists of fours:
1. Australia, Germany, South Dakota, New Mexico
2. Photography, Pinterest, Stationary Design, Procrastinating
3. Mr. Fantastic coming home, our landscaping being done, having a place for everything and everything in its
place, finishing my degree
4. Mother Hen, Mr. Fantastic, My instructors, Grams
1. four places you've visited.
2. four things you wish you could get paid to do for a living.
3. four things you are looking forward to.
4. four people who inspire you the most.
Here are my 4 lists of fours:
1. Australia, Germany, South Dakota, New Mexico
2. Photography, Pinterest, Stationary Design, Procrastinating
3. Mr. Fantastic coming home, our landscaping being done, having a place for everything and everything in its
place, finishing my degree
4. Mother Hen, Mr. Fantastic, My instructors, Grams
Thursday, March 22, 2012
52 Lists. 52 Weeks. List #39
I Love Rock 'N Roll
I love this song first of all! One of my very first experiences with it was back in high school when I was on the color guard squad. Our half-time show was classic rock hits and we did three different songs. The guard was amazing and we actually won some competitions with this show! During this song in our show at one point all the music stops and the entire 100+ people in the band shout the lines "I love rock and roll so put another dime in the jukebox baby. I love rock and roll so came and take some time and dance with me." At this point, there was a huge burst of energy from both the music as well as the crowd!
Foreplay/Longtime
When all my friends and I lived in Texas, it used to be that everyone always crowded up on the weekends at "the house" and played Rockband, played guitars, sang songs, drank beer, played pool, and just had a good time. This song was one of the favorites on Rockband. Mr. Fantastic was the best at it on drums and pretty much had it memorized. He would walk around singing out the colors of the drums that were meant to be hit and in the correct order and to the tune of the song! Loved it.
Anyone Else but You
The Juno movie and especially this song were really special to the Mr. and I during our summer of love. That summer in '08 when we were falling in love was the greatest. Nothing else seemed to matter except love, friends, and fun. It was an amazing summer and I love remembering falling in love with this man!
1,2,3,4
When Mr. Fantastic was in Iraq for his third time, Ihad a really tough time. We used to talk all the time, but it just wasn't the same as being with him. At this same time I was learning to adjust to my Borderline Personality Disorder. I always had trouble remembering how much he loved me. One day he made me look this song up on YouTube and listen to it. He told me to always think of it when I was feeling sad.
Pour Some Sugar On Me
This reminds me of the crazy life I lived when I was in Arizona. We stayed up late and got up early. Nothing mattered more to us than a good time and a fun party. I'm not sure where all our money every went, but we were always broke and just didn't care. We lived fast and hard.
So, has your week gone well? Mine is getting there! I can't wait for the weekend though.
Loves!!!
I love this song first of all! One of my very first experiences with it was back in high school when I was on the color guard squad. Our half-time show was classic rock hits and we did three different songs. The guard was amazing and we actually won some competitions with this show! During this song in our show at one point all the music stops and the entire 100+ people in the band shout the lines "I love rock and roll so put another dime in the jukebox baby. I love rock and roll so came and take some time and dance with me." At this point, there was a huge burst of energy from both the music as well as the crowd!
Foreplay/Longtime
When all my friends and I lived in Texas, it used to be that everyone always crowded up on the weekends at "the house" and played Rockband, played guitars, sang songs, drank beer, played pool, and just had a good time. This song was one of the favorites on Rockband. Mr. Fantastic was the best at it on drums and pretty much had it memorized. He would walk around singing out the colors of the drums that were meant to be hit and in the correct order and to the tune of the song! Loved it.
Anyone Else but You
The Juno movie and especially this song were really special to the Mr. and I during our summer of love. That summer in '08 when we were falling in love was the greatest. Nothing else seemed to matter except love, friends, and fun. It was an amazing summer and I love remembering falling in love with this man!
1,2,3,4
When Mr. Fantastic was in Iraq for his third time, Ihad a really tough time. We used to talk all the time, but it just wasn't the same as being with him. At this same time I was learning to adjust to my Borderline Personality Disorder. I always had trouble remembering how much he loved me. One day he made me look this song up on YouTube and listen to it. He told me to always think of it when I was feeling sad.
Pour Some Sugar On Me
This reminds me of the crazy life I lived when I was in Arizona. We stayed up late and got up early. Nothing mattered more to us than a good time and a fun party. I'm not sure where all our money every went, but we were always broke and just didn't care. We lived fast and hard.
So, has your week gone well? Mine is getting there! I can't wait for the weekend though.
Loves!!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
52 Lists. 52 Weeks. Music I Can't Stop Listening to
So, I am completely addicted to my Sirius XM radio! How did I ever live without satellite? I have no idea! My free trial is almost up and I have to subscribe again. I sure wish they had the option of subscribing for life! HAHA.
So, here is what I listen to for hours each day:
Adele
Grouplove
Foster the People
Animal Kingdom
Chalk Stars
Animal Kingdom | Myspace Music Videos
The Black Keys
The Eagles
Busy Being Fabulous
Eagles | Myspace Music Videos
Journey
Boston
Maroon 5
Florence and the Machine
Prince
Duran Duran
Katy Perry
Nickleback
John Mellencamp
Lady Antebellum
I'm telling you that the list actually goes on and on forever more as well, but I didn't want to spend all day with this post! I'll let you ger to your busy week!
Loves!!!
So, here is what I listen to for hours each day:
Adele
Grouplove
Foster the People
Animal Kingdom
Chalk Stars
Animal Kingdom | Myspace Music Videos
The Black Keys
The Eagles
Busy Being Fabulous
Eagles | Myspace Music Videos
Journey
Boston
Maroon 5
Florence and the Machine
Prince
Duran Duran
Katy Perry
Nickleback
John Mellencamp
Lady Antebellum
I'm telling you that the list actually goes on and on forever more as well, but I didn't want to spend all day with this post! I'll let you ger to your busy week!
Loves!!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
RAW: Carrot Cake Goodness!
Just some lovely food inspiration. I love what I am doing with RAW food and hope that I can inspire people to give it a try even if they don't go 100% Raw, every little bit will help them feel amazing.
I hope you are all having a lovely start to your week! Can you believe that Spring is really almost here? Hooray!
Loves!!!
 |
| The Cake |
 |
| Closeup of all the yummy carrots, raisins, dates, and spices |
 | ||
| With the yummy cashew frosting! |
Loves!!!
I Love You
I just wanted to remind all of my readers that I love you! Since I have no idea how to get a gif image on my blog, I just used a lot of pictures to get the message across. You can click on any of the images or the source link to see the original. Trust me, it is way cooler! Oh, and if anyone can tell me how to get a gif into a blogger post I would be so very happy!
Loves!!!
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