Things I love

A double dose of writing today...I feel like I should talk about the things I love.

1. Michael-my wonderful fiancé

2. Being engaged-wedding planning is so much fun I love all the pretty dresses and colors and the joy of knowing I will spend the rest of my life with my love.

3. Scotty-My little knuckle head dog

4. Family-I love everyone in my crazy bonkers family...they are what keeps me going at my worst times and makes me laugh at my best times.

5. My wedding colors-Vibrant colors orange and pink make me happy

6. Reality t.v-It is such a guilty pleasure

7. Organic food-It all just makes my tummy so happy

8. Sleep-something I am about to do

Until tomorrow world we will meet again :)

Green Juice, Kefir, Turkey Sanwhiches..and Antibiotics?

What a day...two days ago I started a be-cleansed a week long full body cleanse that I got from GNC. The first two days I have had to drink a body purifier juice with water...and boy have I drank plenty of water. I feel that I have been peeing all day long. The first day went well and so has the second, I am just worried that the cleanse won't work as well because I have a sinus infection. My throat had been hurting for a few days but I wasn't to concerned until I could not swallow and there was nasty stuff in my nose. Anyway went to the doctor and now I am on an antibiotic for 5 days, something I don't like doing is immediately take an antibiotic but I need to get better fast since I start the new job on Thursday. Day 2 of the body cleanse went well I had water and waffles for breakfast, and a sandwich, fruit and cheese crackers for lunch. As a snack I had toast with mozzarella and pasta sauce. I felt fine with all of those things it wasn't until dinner and I was craving chick-fil-a that I began having a problem...I had a DUH moment because greasy fast food and body purifying mixtures do not mix.

To help with the uneasy tummy feeling I downed a glass of kefir, my new best friend...a lovely yogurty drink full of probiotics and now I feel better. Tomorrow will be day 3 of the cleanse and I will vow to not eat anything bad....even if it is cake (tomorrow will be my last day at Sheib so might be there :). My menu tomorrow looks very healthy and full of fruit and veggies.

Breakfast: Waffles, tea, water

Snack: Cliff bar, water, water ,water

Lunch: Sandwich, small soup, apple sauce

Snack: Fruit, cheese crackers, tea

Dinner: not sure yet???

Drink water all day long.

WooHoo

So much to update on. First of all I survived summer school, and a reminder to myself I am never going to be doing that again. Second I graduated from Texas State with both my degrees. I also got the job that I had applied for, and let me tell you applying for jobs in a job within itself, not something I want to do again. I put in my notice at Sheib and will be off to Texas Integral Care before I know it...which is 3 days away. Finally the best news of all is that I got engaged. Michael asked me to be his wife on August 15, 2010, we have tentatively set a date of May 21, 2011. So now I am planning a wedding.

With wedding planning comes the fear of having to find a wedding dress, and lets just say I am not super happy with the way I look right now but I am working on that. So I guess in a matter of a week I graduated, got engaged and got the job that I wanted. I feel like I am a grown-up which is something fun to be...sometimes. As far as plans for the wedding we have gotten part of the bridal party set, and the colors which are going to be orange and pink, as well as the venue. We are going to get married in the church that my parents were married in. It is going to mean so much to me to not only get married where my parents did but by the pastor that married my parents. I'm super excited.

Back in the game...

So it has been a long few weeks and trying also. I was doing exceptionally well with training switching days off between running and cross training with weights. However almost 2 weeks ago I sprained my knee, specifically the ACL, MDL, and meniscus. I was completely off my feet for several days. I did do Relay for life but on crutches it was hard. Once I finally got over my stuborness and went to the doctor I was put on no more than 2 hours of being on my knee for a week. This meant no work, and staying in bed all day. Not very fun, and also not easy to eat well. Needless to say I didn't eat very well last week and working out was pretty much out of the question other than the physical therapy I had to go through. So this brings us to today.



Yesterday I was FINALLY released back to work for full duty and I could walk fairly well without my brace. So now that I have been released for work I have to slowly get back into training, I am going start with yoga tonight. Hopefully by the middle of June I will be able to get back into training again. I have come to terms with the fact that I will run with a light brace on which won't be that bad, thinking about it that is probably what I should have been doing. So now that I am back in the game I am making a statement that I will start working out as much as I can and am going to eat better. Feb. 21, 2011 will be here before I know it.

Milestone accomplishment

Today was an amazing day for me. I was able to run without stopping half of a mile. To most that won't sound so amazing but for considering about 5 weeks ago I couldn't even run for 30 seconds without getting winded this is an accomplishment. This week was my week to get back into everything and I have a feeling if I keep pushing myself and keep on my training I will be able to run the 5K in no time, I am training for the Austin Half Marathon Feb.20,2011. I plan to be able to run or jog as much of that as I can so we will see. Today was a major milestone in my short running time. If anyone has advice or areas on how to help me improve or just wants to train with me just let me know you can reach me on email and facebook.

Tonight is off to sleep and tommorow I am going to attempt to go even further on the track or outside depending on how warm it is. Have a wonderful early early morning everyone.

Updates and what nots

So I was unable to run in the 5K Race for Relief yesterday, I needed a day to relax and I was able to get that. I have been walking at work when I get the chance but have not been able to run because of a busy schedule. Last night however Michael and I went out and he finally bought the bikes that he has been talking about for the last 7 months. So we will be riding on the greenbelts in Austin and San Marcos. This will help in my endurance and in my training and will also allow me to not get burnt out on running only. I think that it will be a good thing. As far as running and 5Ks I will be in the Front Porch Days on May 2nd so that will be fun, I am going to try to train as hard as I can this week so I will be able to run as much as I can. Also in July I am starting a jogging class that will really help with endurance and training. Today is going to be a relaxing day we are going to go to a ceramic place and then possibly riding the new bikes so it should be fun, then it will be school work, as of right now I only have 14 weeks until graduation. If you see me around wish me luck on training, and if you would like to train with me just let me know.

Miles to go, people to see, thanks to be given...

Well I registered for 2 5K's in a matter of 36hrs. I am going to be solely walking a 5K this weekend April24,2010, San Marcos TX. This is not only a great way for me to get a feel of 3 miles without stopping but the money goes to a great cause. This 5K's proceeds are going to Race for Relief, which sends money to impoverished nations such as Uganda. I am looking for a walking partner to do this 5K with me. It won't be to hard. I am going to walk tonight in San Marcos to get a feel for the time that I need to be able to complete the 5K on Saturday.

Other than running things have somewhat calmed down for the moment, however I am thinking that I am in the eye of the storm because life is surely to get busy with everything that is due soon. As well all of the events that I have and work somewhere in the middle of all of this. It will be over soon and that is somehow bittersweet to me.

I am reaching the last few weeks of my final full semester of college. After May 11th I will only have 7hrs to complete to obtain my college degrees. I feel that is a life achievement so many years in the making. There are so many people that have helped me get to this point, My family are my biggest fans and my best supporters. They gave me everything that I have and have made me who I am. That sounds rather gushy I understand but it is true. Also through my 17 and half years in school I have made dear friends along the way who have helped me to this point. Those friends know who they are and I know I don't say it enough: "THANK YOU"

I will later give an update on the running and I hope to see my friends and family at the 5K this weekend. Thanks for everything out there.

Long time coming...

Looking at my blog I see that it has been so long since I have written a blog. Thinks have been short of insane in my life currently. School has been tough, and working nearly full time is making it a trying ordeal, however it is very much worth it. On a positive note I have my graduation date: August 13,2010 yes I graduate on Friday 13th, how fitting is that? 13 is my new lucky number, I feel as if alot of my life will start that day, even though I will be hopefully returning back to school shortly after. This is where I hear my mother's voice in the back of my mind saying "I told you so"...basically I have decided that I will be getting a teaching certification for special education. The more and more I work with the MR(mentally retarted) population I realize that I want to be a teacher for this population and try to give them the most oppurtunities and knowledge that I can give. I will be attempting to get into 3 different programs, Teach for Texas, Teach for America, and an online teaching certification program. The Teach for Texas and Teach for America are both programs that allow you to teach for an alloted amount of time and in return they will help you pay to get your certification. I am sincerly hoping to be able to become a participant in those programs because of the difference I will be able to make. That is my desire right now, and then eventually I will be going back to school to obtain my master in Special Education, or my LPC to be a counselor. I feel that I will be able to make a difference in someones life because of this. Other than school and work I have had many other endevors that I am going to be a part of.

Michael and I have registered for a 5K in Kyle on May 2nd. It is the Frontporchdays 5K at Plum Creek. This is going to be my first step in hopefully being able to complete the annual Austin Marathon in February 2011. Also on the lines of being active I am going to be Relaying on May 14-15 at Barton Junior High. I am a team captain and committee member. This is going to be an especially emotional event to me since loosing Jessica last October. However it will be great because of the oppurtunity that it will give others who are fighting and have fought that horrible, disgusting, nasty Cancer. Yuck the word makes me shudder.

It seems as if my life can not get any busier right now, but it does. I have been blessed to be able to get in contact with some old friends from highschool, as well as making a new friends, these wonderful new people are keeping my life busy but keeping it fullfilled. As well I am running around with my family and staying involved in my little sister's life. And there is always Michael who bless his heart just runs around with me, but I think he enjoys my family bringing him in as if he is a part of the family. That is a true blessing for me, because I do value what my family thinks. I believe that my Dad even likes him, which is amazing considering I am his little girl.

Other than the craziness of family, friends, school, work, and life in general I have made a vow that I will be writing more, and I am definetly going to be trying to be more active, in fact Michael and I are planning on getting bikes so we can start biking as well as training for the upcoming 5K and hopefully others. So it seems that in all the swirling craziness of my life that keeps speeding up like a train in a hurry to go somewhere I am pretty grounded and ready to move forward.

So I felt like doing this blog in a different color, and blue is an inspirational color to me, not quite sure why but it is. Today is the first day of my real diet plan, nothing to serious just trying not to eat out and eating healthier. Also it is the first day of me really pushing myself to start running and getting back into shape. I believe that it is going to help my mood and better my feelings about myself. I am so blessed to have a job where I am able to excersise with my clients, also helping my clients brightens my day. The day started out a little shabby I didn't want to get out of bed and was blah, but I am up and moving now. Tonight's dinner is nothing to complicated and I think I am going to pack it up and go eat it with the boy at the river, and maybe take walk there afterwards. I decided to put up the recipe for what I am cooking tonight so those reading can try it out if wanted. Also a team update I now have 7 members and one survivor walking with us. It is going to be amazing. Well here is the recipe of the dinner tonight.

If you are eating for one you just have to do one chicken breast.

What you will need:

1 chicken breast
1/4 cup of teriaki (or enough to marinade the chicken)
1 can of pineapple chunks
1-2 servings of rice ( I use white)
1 serving of spinach or brocoli
1 serving of salad (if you choose)
1-2 table spoons of brown sugar

What to do:

If you have time put the chicken in a mixture of the teriaki and brown sugar mix to marinade for the day in the fridge. If not you can marinade before you put it in the oven. Pre-heat the oven at about 350, and place the chicken in covered in foil for about 20-30mins. Then you are going to dump your pineapples in there and let it cook until the chicken is done. Next step is to start your rice, I use instant because of time crunch. Just follow the instructions on there. Now you can steam your brocoli or spinach, or even eat it raw that is your choice. I personal use the spinach as a salad, and steam the brocoli. Once the chicken and rice are done you can cut the chicken up and place it on top of the rice adding the sauce from the pineapple juice and teriaki for flavor and then put your vegatable next to it.

I am not sure how many calories it is but it is healthy and flavorful. So enjoy.

Good for the Soul

With everything that is going on with Haiti I have thought about charity and how it effects a person's self esteem and life. Giving back is good for the soul, and it makes you feel better about yourself which gives you a better self image which we men and women always should have. One of the ways I have decided to give back is to be a captain of the national Relay for Life event held in my hometown. Last fall I lost a very close friend to cancer, and it was a hard time for me. I myself also was very lucky to have the cancer I could have had found early. When I was 19 I had a mole in my belly button and the doctors did a biopsy and determined that I was in the last developmental stage of Melanoma before it became Stage 1. I feel very blessed for it to have been found early. Because of the loss of my friend and knowing others who have survived I decided to start the team. I feel that giving back is going to make me appreciate what I have more. I know that not everyone has time to host a team or go out and volunteer on a regular basis, but even giving a little of your money to a charity will help. Think about this the next time you get a latte, which by the way I love so I understand the need, that you can spend that $4 on a charity and help someone who may not be able to help themselves. I have a few charities that are dear to my heart as well, I think that right now we can all afford to forgo that $4 coffee or $20 lunch and give a little money to Haiti right now since they are in desperate need. Here is a list of a few charities you can get involved in and their websites.

For the person who likes to be hands on:

Habitat For Humanity is a great organization to get involved it, I have done this and the hands on experience is great. Find a local chapter and get involved.

www.habitat.org/

For the person who likes to be active:

There are several organizations that host walks for the support, the one dearest to me is the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life. You can create a team for a local event or join a team.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

For the person who likes to donate money:

There are so many organizations that you can donate money to. There are local orginizations and national ones. Also the above orginizations accept money. And your cities local foodbank is a great way to donate.

The American Red cross is wonderful to donate to and they are always in need of money, especially since the earthquate in Haiti

www.redcross.org/

1 in 150 children are effectd with Autism, working with Mentally Retarted Adults this is a cause dear to me. Donating money furthers research and knowledge is power

www.autism-society.org/

Also if you are not able to donate money you can always give blood every quarter it is always needed.

Remember giving to others will warm the soul, and you can always just give by helping someone out with their groceries, giving a penny at the gas station, and smiling to everyone. It will make you love yourself more.

Most women out there are wanting that special someone in their life, that person that they can grow old with and argue over the remote with, then cuddle deciding to watch the HSN or something crazy like that. I myself have seen some horrible breakups in my day, and I have had some wonderful relationships in my day. Through these I have learned many things and the one thing that I have learned is that there are red flags in a relationship that you should NEVER just let slide. I am not saying that the little things that drive you a little crazy like the him leaving the nail clippings on the floor is something that you should split up over, these are the things that could really determine what your future with him would be like. Also I have learned the things that you should strive to have in a relationship, sometimes it is the little things that drive you crazy that make you love him even more. Ladies out there please don't sell yourself short or think that you can drastically change a man. Men are who they are, yes granted there will be change in a relationship over time based on the other person's wants and needs, but there will never be drastic change.

• If he makes plans with you and then drops them without explanation
  This one is a given or should be for the ladies, yes maybe once he had a flat tire or an emergency but when it becomes a regular thing that is the problem. I was dating this guy and we would make plans to go do something and the plans would keep changing, the first time that he actually stuck to the plans we ended up hooking up and then no more future plans, so also don't just hookup with a guy.
  


• No ambition equals going nowhere in life
  There is a problem with a man who has no ambition in life this person needs to be striving to better himself in one way or another. I was in a long serious relationship and going to college full time and working full time while I was in it, the person that I was with was still living at home(granted I was as well but to save money), he was working at a hourly wage job without any hopes of moving up, and he had dropped out of community college for the most part. We would argue over him going to school, he would say over and over again that he didn't have the money or other lame excuses like that. Needless to say I am graduating college and holding the job of a lifetime and he is hating his job that will get him no where.
  


• Trust is always key
  Never ever stay with someone whether you have just started dating, or have been in a relationship if you can't trust that person. And I think the addage is true once a cheater always a cheater. My ex started acting shady and I thought something was up, but I didn't want to be that girlfriend. One day I was using his computer and his IM opened up with messages from this other woman and how much he loved her, that should have been a red flag but I continued to date him and he did it again.
  


• Feel the spark!
  One of the worst things to do with a relationship starting out is to not have that spark there. This doesn't mean that you have to be all over eachother(allthough it helps) but you need to be able to communicate. And if you have been in a relationship with someone and you just don't feel the spark with them, I mean if you just don't enjoy being around that person then it is time to move on. Trust me dragging it on hoping it gets better only makes it worse.
  


• Never let a man get emotionally or physically aggressive
  If you feel bad about yourself constantly because of him or if he ever raises his hand at you it is time to step away or rather run the hell away.
  


• Don't let him be controlling
  If he won't let you hang out with your friends or family then there is a problem. In one of my relationships my ex didn't want me talking to any other males unless I asked his permission. He found out once that I did and yelled at me making me for about an hour making me cry. Also he did not want me to spend time with my family, but he did want me spending time with his. There was another instance where a male friend of mine was having a rough time, he was considering suicide and his mother asked me to go to his aide while she came in from Houston, well when I didn't call my ex every 5 minutes letting him know if my friends mother was there he went apeshit crazy. Also he did not like my bestfriend of 18yrs, he would call her names and get angry if I spent time with her. Well thank god he is gone.
  


• Make sure he supports himself
  If you are having to pay his bills the kick him to the curb or if you are out on the first date and he just expects you to pay. I know I offer to pay on the first date but if they guy says sure or "I forgot my wallet" then he needs to be gone. I only wished I had realized this sooner. The man I thought I was going to marry didn't have a cell phone, and he didn't have the money to pay the carrier's deposit fee and being the caring person that I am I payed for him and then he used the phone to call his cybersluts...I mean the women he loved.
  

These are the things that were red flags that I saw looking back, I shouldn't have wasted my time but I learned the things that the guy for you will have.

• Laughter and fun
  If he laughs with you or makes you laugh and smile then he is good for you, my current boy is always doing silly things to make me laugh, and to make me smile. In most of our pictures at least one of us is making a goofy face, we also like to race eachother to the truck, or he carries me on his back when we go to wal-mart. If you can have fun and laugh then it is good.
  


• He likes your friends
  If he is willing to go 20 miles to drop your drunken best friend off at her house, even though it looks like she is about to ralph in his vehicle then he is a keeper. Every time we go out in a group my boy buys my friends there drinks not to flaunt his money but to show that he likes them, also he always is the DD for our group of people never any questions asked.
  


• He can support himself
  He doesn't have to be rich, but as long as he can pay his own bills without asking you to pay them or do ridiculous things like put you on his phone plan then you are okay. Also and this is just me if he play fights with you over paying for the bill then he is financially stable.
  

Someone once told me to stop fighting for what is wrong for you and focus on what is right.

Why I started this

Advice is something that is not an easy thing to accept, or an easy thing to give properly without seeming as if you have an "I know better then you " attitude. This leads me to my advice giving encounter in a coffee shop recently. I was at the coffee shop, and I could hear two women next to me talking about relationships. Those are the worst things to talk about in a setting where it is not so quiet. Anywho I heard the women talking and one of them was concerned about this person she was dating just leading her on and dragging her for a loop, and yada yada. Well hearing the items she was saying gave me and idea to start this blog about advice, through my personal experiences. It might make you laugh, it might make you cry, but most of all I hope that it makes you think. You don't have to take heed to what I am saying, afterall it is just another opinion out there. Also I will have personal stories of things that have happened to me and I think those will make you laugh. In that I hope that you enjoy.