Moved

I decided to move my blog back to wordpress.com - it's my original blog from last year. 

Check it out and keep reading!

http://simplypresent.wordpress.com/

You CAN'T Replace the REAL thing

Saturday: It was an early start to the weekend thanks to my back. It hurt. I know my birthday is just a week away but am I really getting that old?!

I pealed myself out of bed for about an hour of yoga, which worked wonders! I had my breakfast and morning tea outside since I was still on my "outdoorsy kick." It surprisingly wasn't too blessed hot out yet (I was sitting mostly in the shade which probably had something to do with it) so I decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood. Usually I don't go on walks in the morning, I'm more of an "evening walker", but for some reason I just had the urge to go so I honored that urge!

I got a few errands out of the way and had a lot of things crossed off my to-do list and was sitting down to lunch by 11 am!

I wish I could say that the rest of my day was that successful... I guess I had met my "productive quota" for the day because I was in a complete "BLAH" mood for the rest of the day.

While I was at the grocery store I picked up some soy butter because I'm 98% positive that I am allergic (makes my face break out) to peanut butter which is tragic because I eat it at least 3 times a day (not an exaggeration). So I was optomistic that this new "peanut butter" would be a good alternative and give my face a chance to clear up. O.M.G. that was one of the worst decisions ever!!! Sooooo gross! Just the thought makes me want to gag! I immediately washed it down with some peanut butter - naturally. Mom saved me and bought me some almond butter when she was out at the store later that day. So far it hasn't caused a flare up, but it's not the same!

http://www.wowbutter.com/

http://www.maranathafoods.com/product/no-stir-almond-butter-creamy

I didn't really feel like doing much but I wanted to get out of the house so I spent some time reading, writing, and people watching at Barnes & Noble. Then I picked up a card and red velvet cake for my parents anniversary and some hair dye for me. I really wanted to get the red tint out of my hair and get it closer to my natural color. It looks pretty good. A tad dark but it will fade a bit!

Sunday:  Sunday wasn't too eventful - that's how Sundays are supposed to be, right? Church, lounged around the house, naps, read, TV, gym, and dreading the upcoming week

New book: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

I'm dreading telling work that I can't work (at least afternoons anymore). As much as I hate being there I feel guilty leaving because the lady I work with who got me my job is my neighbor... I know I shouldn't stay out of guilt, which is one of the reasons I've been there for as long as I have been. We'll see how it goes. Just really not looking forward to it. Can I just run back to the lake now please?!

What's something you've stuck with/are sticking with because of GUILT?!

Back.

It was nice to get away for a few days. It feels like I was gone for more than just one night! We had a really good time overall. The best part is that the weekend is still ahead!

Some of the highlights from the past few days included finishing one book ("The Greater Journey") and starting (and almost finishing) a new one ("The Peach Keeper"), naps, sitting by the lake, seeing the sunset, walks, browsing little towns, bonding with my mom and brother, star gazing, & blueberry picking!

As much as I love getting a way I always realize that I am a city not a country girl :)

 

 

There's something in the water

I know four couples who got engaged this weekend! I guess I'm at that point in my life but I'm in no rush!

My week off has been going well - lots of reading, movies, Gilmore Girls, crocheting baby blankets (for no one in particular - maybe save it for one of those couples who just got engaged), cardio/stationary biking, yoga, long walks, naps...

Part of the reason I was bummed this weekend was because I hadn't heard back from them and I was told I would be called  by Friday. So I was disappointed and stressing, back to job hunting. But then Monday afternoon came around and I get a phone call from the lady who interviewed me. I was expecting her to tell me that they were choosing other applicants to fill my position, but she offered me a job! I'm so pumped about this opportunity. I am hoping that it will give me a better feel of if I want to pursue a career in education. I mean, what's better than first-hand experience?!

Now I've got a ton of paperwork to fill-out, sign, get notarized, and give back to the lady who hired me ASAP! She said she'd like it back by Friday, but I'm going on a mini-vacation with my mom and brother. This means I'll be running around like a crazy person trying to get everything together or just give it to her Saturday.

Mom surprised me with flowers to getting the job!

 

We decided to go "camping" at a state park that's about an hour and a half away. We're heading out on Thursday morning and will be home Friday night. My parents anniversary is Saturday so they to be back home to go out. Works for me since it's going to be miserably hot outside. Luckily we are staying in a cabin that has a/c and there's a quaint little town nearby to do some antique browsing.

To be honest, I'm not completely looking forward to this little getaway. My brother has been in a bad mood. I have been in a bad mood. My  mom never seems to stop talking/asking questions lately. This could end up potentially bad or good. I guess that's how most things go. I'm going to try not to go into this weekend with too many expectations.  To just "go with the flow" or something like that.

I'm debating skipping my class again tonight. I made it a few miles on Monday before I turned around and came back home. I just wasn't "feeling" it. It's the last class, just this week and then next. Part of me wants to just get it over with. The other really doesn't care. I've realized that I'm not a technical graphic design person so I wonder "what's the point of going?!"

I'll figure it out. I always do!
Happy Wednesday!

Recharged.

Dear Grumpy Mood, 

I regret to inform you that you have out-worn your welcome and are not wanted. I, along with my friends and family, would greatly appreciate it.

Yours (for hopefully not much longer),

Em

Saturday: Didn't get out of bed until 9:30 am. It was heavenly. I got to get out of the house for a lunch and window shopping date with one of my best friends. A grilled chicken sandwich sounded good so I got Chick-fil-A for something special (they can be a bit pricey). Good decision.

Yoga, cleaning, more shopping (for my brother's dorm stuff), crocheting (baby blanket), Gilmore Girls, naps, and reading pretty much summed up the rest of my weekend. I started a new book:

(bn.com)

All I can say is I MISS PAAAAAAAAAAAAARIS!!!


Saturday night I slept in curlers because I needed a change. If I don't blow-dry or straighten my hair it looks like a hot mess and I want to take a break from the heat (styling). Here were the results:

 

My hair looks nowhere that curly now (at the end of the day), but they're fun and cute while they last! I think I'll try the curlers more often.

Sunday:  My mom, brother, and I went to church together at a church closer to home that we hadn't been to in awhile. I really enjoyed the service and left feeling refreshed and peaceful. We all seemed to be in better moods overall today. What a relief!

"Future Update": I'm still leaning towards social work, then possible teaching. I really want to go to Washington D.C. so I've been checking out various schools in that area - just dreaming. I visited D.C. with my family about 6 years ago and loved it. How awesome would it be to go to school there? In the middle of so much action!

Garden update: I'm a good "tomato mom"!

 

For once I'm not dreading the week. No work for me!!!

Any plans or something you're looking forward to this week?!

Stir-Friday

I can't believe it's already the 15th of July! I keep doing double-takes at the calender. This means that my birthday is quickly approaching which just doesn't seem right. Seriously, where is this year going?!

I kicked off the weekend with a generous spoonful of peanut butter!

Then some super yummy chicken stir-fry (my inspiration) for dinner. Pei Wei ain't got nothin' on me! ;)

There's a special guest eyeing my dinner! - Hint: he's black & white

The third Friday of the month = Late Night at the Dallas Museum of Art! My parents and I are gonna put our memberships to good use!

I've got an update on my "life plans." After a talking with my mom about where I've been and where I'd like to go I feel a lot more "focused" on what I want to do. I have always felt called to help other people. Medical careers aren't the best fit for me, neither is counseling because I am too empathetic.I kind of want to be a full-time humanitarian aide worker/volunteer. My mom's bosses family (who we have been very close to for over 10 years) just got back from a mission trip in South Africa. They absolutely loved it! The spent their time visiting AIDS patients in hospitals/clinics and working in orphanages. I would do anything to be able to have an opportunity like that, to feel like I am making a real difference in someone's life!

Just got me thinking about what I want from life. To me, life is about giving back to others. I almost started crying while I was talking to my mom last night. Not because I was sad, but because just the thought of doing some sort of volunteer work similar to that, being surrounded with people in real need 24/7, filled my heat. I was overwhelmed with emotions. Maybe since it's something I've always been interested in but told myself "no" because that sort of work isn't necessarily "socially acceptable, cool, or profitable" and now I'm "allowing" my heart to be open to something I'm truly passionate about.

Last night and this morning opened my old folder of social work schools (MSW) I have saved on my computer and have started doing more research on their offerings. If I pursue social work I definitely want the opportunity to complete my field experience abroad (luckily there are several schools with this option - a few affiliated with the Peace Corps).

The world is full of so much joy and also so much pain. What really matters at the end of the day? We make sure our pantries are well stocked. We always need that "upgrade" and must "keep up with the Jones'." We live in envy by coveting what others, our friends and enemies have. We rate our days "good" or "bad" based on what we ate, how much we exercised, and how we fit into our skinny jeans. Yet there are men, women, and children starving, not being able to sleep because of hunger pains, residing in conditions we would not allow our pets to live in.


Stop and think about what matters to you.


OK, I'll get off my little soap box now. I realize that I am nowhere near perfect, but living a more service-oriented, self-less life is becoming a stronger focus in my life. I want to encourage others to be open to these ideas as well. We'll where this journey takes me!

Happy weekending to all!

Dream Crusher.

It was one of those rare morning that I actually needed my alarm to wake me up. I put off getting out of bed for as long as possible. I read until my eyes couldn't stay open any longer, which wasn't until after one.

 Lesson learned: it is not a good idea for me to do cardio past 9:30 pm. But I was just so restless last night... I decided to skip class since it was the last one and we were going to go over stuff that is way over my head, causing me not to pay attention anyways... So instead of searching the internet for answers on what to do with my life at school, I stayed home. I saved gas, but not much sanity.

I've also come to notice that I tell myself that "I can't" way too much. This mainly refers to graduate school/future plans and goals. The reference letters, GRE tests, pre-requisite courses are all so intimidating. Some days I just wish I could start my college career over - completely - and not have to worry about grad school. I could major in something that doesn't require more time, money, and school or at least be better prepared for grad school programs that I'm interested in now.

I'm in this "I need to get out of here" mood. It's hotter than Hades here, draining me of energy. There are so many things I want to do outside: hiking, walking around the lake, walking around downtown, go to the farmer's market, go out on the lake (if I had a boat), have picnics, etc. Stupid heat! I want to get out! Go somewhere cooler. Somewhere new. Although I know from past experience that changing location does not "solve" problems.

But I keep finding myself looking at universities in different states (mainly Kansas, Missouri, and D.C). Because I feel that going to school "justifies" me moving away...

I want to be here again (Normandy, France):

 

Or Rome. I've been "Rome sick lately"

My mom, brother, and I are trying to plan a long weekend trip for next weekend (dad will be out of town on business). We are all itching for a mini vacation. It's pretty good timing since I have all next week off of work since one of our doctor's will be on vacation and it won't be as busy. It's like "yay, no work!" but then again, I won't be getting paid which is the main reason I'm sticking it out there. But I plan to make the most of my week off even if we don't go anywhere. I want to visit some friends who live close to me, but a bit too far away to see all the time. I have a 10 days for $10 pass for Sunstone Yoga that I've wanted to use! I might try to get in a few OT observation hours. Probably have lunch with my mom. READ, work on a few sewing projects, get my photographs ready to submit for a few contests, those sorts of things.

I plan on having a simple evening tonight since my energy is pretty much negative. I do want to do my power yoga DVD again since it's due tomorrow! I've kinda made a "Friday tradition" of going to the library on my way home from work on Fridays since we get off earlier. I have plenty of books to keep me busy but I want to check out a new yoga/Pilates DVD for sure!

I am leaving you with a gift— peace of mind and heart.

And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.

So don’t be troubled or afraid. -John 14:27

It was another early morning for me... 4 am this time... It made my cardio workout a bit more challenging this morning. The stationary bike and elliptical were not my friends. I pushed through and was rewarded with some much need endorphins! I limit my gym time to a few days a week now that I'm practicing yoga more often.

It was a chaotic day of work today! Tomorrow looks to be about the same according to our schedule. I had a new dish to come home to though. I have yet to find something greater than the smell of a (almost) fully cooked dinner when I walk in the door!

BUT I have good news, friends! I have a job interview tomorrow morning for an after school program. I'm actually kind of nervous. Maybe because I'm even more ready to getting out of my current job & this opportunity looks promising. Keep your fingers crossed!

Garlic Lime Chicken

I based the meal off of this recipe. My main ingredients:

These were the yummy items complimented the chicken:

I found some corn from last night's dinner and went ahead and threw them in with the black beans and spices.

Then you mix it up, baby!

 

Yum! It's pretty much a fiesta in your mouth... I was a bit worried it would taste too lime-y since I eyeballed the ingredients. But I think it had a balanced amount of garlic and lime juice - win.

My anti-pity party action plan:

• Go to a movie this week

I am always so tempted to cancel after-work plans because I am so worn out when I get off work. My new goal is not to think about evening plans/bail until after I have dinner. I am refueled and generally have a better energy and motivated. 

We went to see Water for Elephants at the dollar movie with my best friend tonight. I read the book a few months ago and found it enchanting. I have always been mesmerized with the Great Depression era and I am a fan of Reese Witherspoon. I enjoyed the movie though it was obvious not as good as the book! Read it if you get the chance!

My new book is called Tabloid City by Pete Hamill:

I haven't gotten too far into it yet. It's kinda ironic that it's about the "news world"/journalism and I've been considering that career path. The story is told from several narrators and I haven't quite figured out "who's who" as far as the characters go. I guess the only way to sort them out is to keep reading!

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Another Granny Weekend

It's that time again. The weekend begins to draw to a close. When you think back several days ago to all that you wanted to do this weekend  and now see the time you have left slip away. This is probably my least favorite time of the week.

This weekend was OK. I guess my past few weekends have been rather uneventful. Not necessarily bad, just uneventful. Just stuck in monotonous flow. Saturday - I tried to reclaim my day from my odd, unproductive morning (see previous post for details). I ran errands with my mom for a few hours but My stomach was still feeling very nauseous/crampy so we ended up cutting a few stores out. I even took some TAZO Green Ginger tea with me in hopes that it helped me feel better - it didn't work miracles but was better than nothing. I spent most of the evening reading (I'm hooked on My Name is Mary Sutter) and going for a walk around my neighborhood (was still over 90 degrees after 8:30pm - I do not approve...).

I enjoyed church with my parents and our traditional swing by the flagship Half Price Books store before we headed home. I could easily spend all day and way too much money in there. After lunch, reading, a nap, and some yoga I took a workbook, my writing notebook, and a text book to Barnes & Noble. I just needed to get out of the house. My family has been annoying and either bombarding me with various questions or trying to get me to do things - space please! I wanted to spend some time reflecting and sorting out my thoughts and feelings about where I am now and where I'd like to go. I think a change in the environment can help with the whole "new mindset" in regards to life that I'm trying to adopt.

So here are a few of the "points" that I came up with:

• I need to quite my job. I only have 3 more weeks of my graphic design classes before my "capstone project" begins. I still don't know a whole lot about this project; what it will entail, when I'll need to be at the school, how many hours a week I'll spend working on it, etc. It's supposed to last for 10 weeks. That's about all I know. So I figure that I can use that as an "excuse" to quite. I feel guilty just quitting mainly because I work with one of my neighbors who got me the job. But it has to be done. I will just keep "pounding the pavement" and pray that I can find a (better) replacement job ASAP!
• Careers options: 
• something with writing/photography (photojournalism) but I'm worried about job availability
• maybe teaching high school Geography or Psychology or middle school English. I'm just always kinds been a "back up plan" for me because I don't believe that I have the patience or passion for it.
• something with a non-profit or NGO doing environmental or human rights work (bonus: I'd get to travel!)
• I've always thought of occupational therapy but not sure if I'm "passionate" enough about it to really go through grad school. Plus I work in a medical clinic now and I don't think that it's for me. I should try to set up some observation time at clinics around home before I cross it of my list for good...
• I'd love to do my own freelance writing, photography, event planning/design or work in a museum though! It's just I need money and a job first...

I plan to spend the rest of my evening not searching for jobs on the internet but finishing my book and watching Gilmore Girls while I crochet. Can you say "Granny!?"

Regardless of how I feel life keeps going on and things keep growing.

Pics from the garden:

What was the high and the low of your weekend?