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?!

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!

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!

Anti-Pity Party

I love parties. Just not pity parties. Instead of feeling down and frustrated I am taking the initiatives to turn things around by putting my "anti-pity party" plan into action. 

• Yesterday - I tended to "overcompensate" for waking up famished by having a lot to eat at lunch, even when my stomach was screaming "hey stop, I'm stuffed!" It made me feel uncomfortable all afternoon as the pain was a constant reminder of the "mistake" I made of not respecting my body. I had a quick dinner after work (ended up making planned recipe from last night tonight since my mom and brother ended up going out) and settled down with a book, then an episode of Gilmore Girls while I crocheted. My mind and body were too restless for me to really relax. I decided to go to the gym because I didn't want to lay around all night. I think I had one of the longest 30 minute elliptical sessions on record... I even took it really easy on myself because I was pretty tired. But at last, the endorphins finally came after I stepped out of the shower and my spirits were lifted
• Today - I woke up a bit early but not starving! Said my prayers, ate breakfast, drank tea, and yoga-ed before work - started to feel like my old, pleasant self again!
• Friday - Possibly going to the Ranger's game with my brother. They have a firework show after the game! I've been in the mood to go but I'm not looking forward to the TX heat...

So overall, today has been better. Just one more short work day lies between me and the weekend!

Slow-Cooker Balsamic Chicken. Based off this recipe. I added fresh spinach when I got home from work and let it cook while I boiled the rice.

I have a yoga mat strap on my birthday wish list but this craft of the day came in my inbox this morning! Hmm... I might just try this out first (if it's cheaper it's like a win-win - I love win-wins).

Playing "Catch Up"

Here we are again. The start of a new week. Hesitant to let go of the weekend, as it always seems to go by too fast. When I woke up this morning I did not know what day it was. For a few minutes I thought it was Saturday and my mind was filled with ease. But I quickly realized that no, unfortunately it is Monday.

It was another low-key weekend for me. My best friend came over after she got off work on Friday and we chatted and watch a disk of Gilmore Girls: Season 2. Somehow watching that show always makes me feel better.

I got up fairly early for a Saturday to get some odds and ends done on the computer and around the house. My parents went to pick my brother up from the airport. He had been in NYC with his girlfriend and her family all week. It had been a very stressful and drama-filled week for him. Her mother acts like a child - I'm not kidding. She is very insecure and tries to sabotage her daughter & my brother's relationship. Apparently she threw tantrums every day, in public, yelling obscenities at her mother (Ms. Deborah - who is my 55 year old best friend). I feel really bad that they had such a miserable time in NYC. I've never been and am dying  to go! Good to have them back home but I'm sick of hearing about the drama related to the trip!

I feel like the day was a waste overall. I did some yoga/Pilates/light arm weights in the morning but recalling the rest of the day is a blur. I did go to the gym and actually ran on the treadmill. I've ran a 5K before and my goal has been to get back into running (eventually marathons, but that's a long way off!). I started following a this plan. I ended up going for a total of 35 minutes: 23.5 min walk/11.5 min jog. Not bad for my first attempt after who knows how long!

My kitty, Boomer, loves Yoga too!

We went out to eat as a family to one of our favorite, local Tex-Mex restaurants that had just relocated to a larger facility. Dad and I shared chicken fajitas, which were good, but nothing special. I was not a fan of their new location. It was very open and it's high ceilings made it very noisy. I guess they still have some kinks to work out, but I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon.

Sunday (yesterday) we went to church as a family and then went to have lunch at Olive Garden with my mom's Aunt, Mick, who we usually visit with every other month or so to celebrate birthday's, graduations, Father's Day, etc. I had an unsweetened ice tea, their house salad, and the kid's portion cheese ravioli (just the right size and so yummy). It's nice to visit with her, but it seems like we talk about the same things every time we are together...

I had the Children's Portion - 4 Ravioli's with Marinara Sauce

Ms. Deborah, my brother and I went to the mall in the afternoon to shop for his girlfriend, Kylie's birthday presents (her birthday is Wednesday). It was fun to get out of the house because I've been feeling down lately and didn't want to sit around and mope. I guess I shouldn't have  been too surprised that the conversation was mainly focused on how crazy Kylie's mom is/NYC trip. Lately it seems like my family's world revolves around Andrew and Kylie.

Me jealous? Maybe just a little. I mean, I'm really stressed/confused about what to do at this point in my life. Whenever I express my concerns to my family and friends I feel like they brush me off saying "oh, you'll be fine" or "you're young, you have time to figure it out." I do realize that I don't have to have it all figured out right now. I'd just feel better if I had more direction...

I did get a "job screening" call yesterday and will have to go into a face-to-face interview if things go well (will find out later today). I am excited about this potential opportunity, but the job is farther away, which means more gas. I am still waiting to hear back from several other places I've applied to that have application deadlines ending in about a week. I'm kinda holding out for one of those since they'd potentially be better overall, but there's always that "what if" they don't call me back and I miss out on this opportunity?! UGH!

Sunday Night Movie

 

Currently Reading...

Future:
Right now I am bouncing back and forth between Teaching (Special Education) and Occupational Therapy. I am working on some pro/con, comparison lists to help me have facts, fears, interests written down on paper - helps clear my head and make thoughts seem more "rational."

If you read this, BLESS YOU!

For the Lord will be your confidence 

And will keep your foot from being caught.

- Proverbs 3:26

Perseverance

The past few days haven't been going too well, but I'm trying to stay as positive as possible. My headache/nausea was so  bad on Monday that I ended up not going to class. I stayed home and filled out more job applications instead. I'm so sick of them. I've decided that they just need to create one universal application. It would make things easier, so much easier.

Yesterday I was feeling a bit better but still anxious about going to work. It was kinda a slow day but I made it through - somehow?! Perseverance! 


I opted for a quiet night at home. I was wanting to do yoga/Pilates or go bike at the gym but my body was not into it at all. I ended up getting to bed a bit earlier - which is what my mind and body need - rest! I still don't feel completely rested though... hmph! 


One of the good things that happened yesterday was coming home to the sweet smell of what was cooking in the crock-pot. Let me tell you, it smelled and tasted amazing!

Slow-Cooker Pineapple Chicken
Based off of this recipe:

The Before - I ended up leaving out the cornstarch

The After

After I finish this post I am going to attempt some yoga/Pilates. My body has been craving it my muscles are so tight. Then it's the usual work and class! Fun, fun fun... Last day of InDesign and I really need to pay attention since it's the last class!

Now The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
- Psalm 138:8