May Days

Posted: May 31, 2012 | Author: Em Marie | Filed under: books, future, movie, projects, quotes, work, yoga | Tags: books, crafts, etsy, family, life, Rangers, reading, work, yoga | Leave a comment »

Highlights from this month!

Saw The Avengers in theaters
Visiting the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science
Spent time with my grandmother from New York who was visiting was visiting for New York State
Cancelled my gym membership – yoga and walks are now my form of exercise
Quit my job to take some time off for rest and healing
Crafting! Crafting! Crafting!
Mother’s Day at the Texas Ranger’s game
Got an internship with a wedding floral design company!
Abby’s Wedding
Hanging out with a few of my best friends that I hadn’t seen in ages
Dinner with my mom, Aunt Terri, and cousin Becca (who I don’t see very often)
Practiced yoga 12 days in a row (and still counting!)
Got Texas Ranger’s pitcher Robbie Ross’s autograph

Books Read: The Darlings, Mockingjay, Catching Fire, What We Keep, The Art of Mending, Open House, Never Change, The Sisters, The Lifeboat, & Dream When You’re Feeling Blue
Movies Watched: The Avengers (in theaters), Secretariat, Definitely Maybe, & The Conspirator

So my May wasn’t too super exciting… I did get to meet up with friends and family that I hadn’t seen in a long time which I enjoyed. I have my new internship to look forward to in the following months. Working in the wedding industry has always been one of my “dream jobs” and I’m so fortunate to have this opportunity! It’s 3 months unpaid, but if things go well I’ll be eligible for hire. I’m planning on meeting up with more friends and hoping to try new things! Time to mix up my routine and really celebrate life!

Visit my Etsy!

Crafting My Time

Posted: May 24, 2012 | Author: Em Marie | Filed under: projects | Tags: crafts, etsy, life, summer | Leave a comment »

I told you that I’ve been crafting… Thought I’d share my creations with you!

The blocks are reversible – flip “Freedom” over and remove the “m” and you get “Summer.” They are fairly easy to make, just time-consuming.

The Process (in a nut shell): Getting the wood cut, sanding the wood down, painting the wood white, letting it dry… Cut out scrapbook paper, glue paper to the dried blocks, Cut out/trace letters, glue letters to blocks, & let dry… Cover paper/blocks with a layer of Mod Podge, let dr… add another coat, let dry… FINALLY seal the blocks with glossy acrylic spray & let dry. I’m not a fan of the “drying” phases. It means I have to practice my patience

Though the steps can be tedious the results are well worth it. It’s so rewarding to be able to display and take pride in something that you made yourself. It makes the “season” more special and homemade decor is more unique and often cheaper (whoo hoo!) than anything you can buy in a store.

Check out my Etsy shop for other completed projects!

Entertain Me, Please

Posted: May 23, 2012 | Author: Em Marie | Filed under: books, food, movie, projects, yoga | Tags: books, crafts, crochet, dinner, life, reading, sleep | 2 Comments »

I’ve felt so weird the past few days. I guess my “lame” weekend kinda started it off. I’ve been working really hard not to throw “pity parties” for myself. Sleep hasn’t been getting much better, but I am usually able to nap so that can help. For the most I’ve been keeping myself occupied with yoga, reading, crocheting, and craft projects. Yesterday and today crocheting could barely hold my interest. Usually it’s my “go to” activity to help calm my mind – it helps me to ”space out.” Restless, restless. It was nice escaping to the library for a few afternoons last week. I haven’t made it their this week though. It’s already pretty hot outside for me and I hate getting in of a hot oven… I mean my car. I suppose I need to add a bit more variety to the mix. I have been planning meals and cooking for my family (Turkey Maid Rites and Chicken Fajitas) which also gives me something to do/plan.

I don’t know, I just have this strange feeling that I can’t put into words. My days are beginning to blur together. The morning seems so long ago, like it was a whole different day. I’m not losing my mind, I swear, just need to continue to rest and catch up on my sleep!

Entertainment

The Daily Grind

Posted: May 21, 2012 | Author: Em Marie | Filed under: projects, Uncategorized, yoga | Tags: etsy, life, list, reading, routine, schedule, sleep | Leave a comment »

A Day in the Life of My Cat

My “typical day” has been looking like this:

Wake up
Yoga/stretch
Make tea, tidy kitchen, breakfast
Watch the morning news of HGTV (whatever is more interesting), computer – check emails, etc.
Crochet/craft time
yoga or walk (if not done earlier)
Lunch
Reading
Errands – library, shopping, appointments
Nap
Dinner
Reading
Walk or yoga
TV/Computer
Snack
Reading
Bed

Now, not every day looks like this. It’s just an outline that helps me feel like I have some semblance of a routine, since I work well with structure, but still offers me the freedom not to feel too constrained.

**New Projects on Etsy!**

It’s Gonna Be a Long, Hot Summer…

Posted: May 18, 2012 | Author: Em Marie | Filed under: books, projects, quotes, weekend | Tags: books, crafts, crochet, etsy, quotes, reading, sick, sleep, weekend | Leave a comment »

Well, this is just perfect timing. Our A/C has decided that it doesn’t want to work anymore… It’s gonna be in the low 90s today, which makes it even hotter in the house. I didn’t get enough sleep last night and woke up feeling awful (headache & nauseous) today. I just want to lay around at home where things are familiar and I can keep my routine – this helps some when I don’t feel well. The repair man won’t be to the house until Sunday. I’ll probably have to stay at my Aunt’s, but my uncle and cousin are going to be home and I don’t feel like being “presentable” and making conversation.

Originally I had planned to go to a museum with that “guy friend” I have been hanging out with. But 1) I don’t feel good, 2) I’m afraid that he likes me, likes me and I really don’t feel that way about him so it’s awkward. So I told him I’ve been sick all day which isn’t exactly a lie… Ugh, what a great way to start the weekend…

One a happier note, here are a few projects that I’ve been working on this week:

**Buy on Etsy!**

I though that I’d share a quote from a book I just finished reading:

How would you define happiness? What is it? Is it real? And if it is, what brings it to you? Is it something in you or outside of you? Does anyone have it all the time, or are there just moments of happiness for anyone? Is contentment the same as happiness?

What is “happiness” to you?

Restless in Texas

Posted: May 16, 2012 | Author: Em Marie | Filed under: future, inspiration, projects, quotes, stress/anxiety, yoga | Tags: crochet, etsy, Harry Potter quotes, inspiration, poses, quotes, Real Simple, sleep, yoga | 3 Comments »

Another day followed by another restless night’s sleep. This is really getting old. When I don’t feel rested it starts my whole day off poorly. My mood is lower, I’m grumpier, and everything seems 12,568 times worse! I even took a sleeping pill last night – desperate times call for desperate measures. I can fall asleep fine, it’s the staying asleep that gets me… I’m up to go to the bathroom every few hours. Sometimes I can fall right back to sleep, but others (usually once the clock ticks closer toward morning) I can’t. I tend to crack open a book and read until I can’t keep my eyes open, then go back to sleep for a few more hours if I’m lucky.

Things haven’t been all bad on the un-employed/vacation/time for me/resting front. I have a craving to feel “productive” and to “do something”- which can be difficult “sitting at home all day.” I’ve been working on craft projects to keep me busy. I finished another afghan and then taught myself how to make drink cozies today which will be up on Etsy soon.

I’ve been practicing more yoga. Triangle pose feels amazing! I just imagine all these negative toxins rushing out of my body whenever I do twists! I’m trying to practice or at least do a few stretches when I wake up in the mornings since my muscles are so tight. I think that I’m already telling a difference. It’s nice to have since of accomplishment, especially before the day really gets started. It can be hard to get motivated, but when I complete my session it’s totally worth it for my mind and body.

I’ve been trying not to think too much about the future (what I’ll be doing in the next few months and long-term). It is super tough, though. I’ve been taking a lot of assessments, reading self-help books, researching various careers and jobs, but I’m just finding myself more and more frustrated because nothing seems like a “good fit” for me. Of course the fact that I’m lacking sleep and feel nauseous (or something feels bad – headache, etc.) all the time doesn’t help me think clearly or make the best decisions. I’m going to try to challenge myself to “stay away” from pros and cons lists that I’ve created based on possible career paths, job sites, and skills tests. Maybe taking a break from it all will help clear my head. I’m kinda on information overload at the moment…

Real Simple posted a very informative article about how to “enjoy doing nothing” I need to read and re-read this daily until I can “be at peace!”

P.S. How’s it already Wednesday?

**Etsy**

Settling Down

Posted: May 12, 2012 | Author: Em Marie | Filed under: food, projects, stress/anxiety, work | Tags: crochet, dinner, etsy, family, job, sewing, spending, work | 2 Comments »

So this week I went part-time at work. Yesterday was my last day and what a crazy day it was. We were super busy and we were short two people which made everyone else have to work harder. I passed out for a few hours after I got home. I guess it’s a pretty good indicator that the job is too physically demanding for me right now. I am going to miss working there. I was filled with bittersweet emotions as I pulled out of the parking lot. Right now the key is for me to get back on track to a healthier me or I really won’t be able to do much of anything in the future. Part of me is still anxious about “what I’m gonna do,” but I know that I’m really not able to think as clearly as I normally would right now so major decision making should be put on hold.

I know my parents care and want to help, but my mom has turned into “super intrusive” mode. It’s making it very hard to “want to get better” for myself – for me to take initiative. I’m so tempted to move out. I’ve even looked into apartment rates in a few locations. All I’d really need is an efficiency and I’d be content. I don’t want to move out just because of the nagging, but because of the simple fact that I’m miserable here. As much as I try to fill my time I am bored and lonely. What has helped has been me going to visit my aunt who lives close by. My grandmother is visiting from New York to help her pack for their upcoming move (my aunt is moving a few hours away). My aunt knows my situation and said that she and my uncle would love it if I came to stay with them. I’ve never been to where they will be living, but I’d at least like to visit for a weekend and check it out for fun. Another option is moving to where most of my friends are (where I went to college). I would just need to find a place to stay (apartment) but I don’t really want to get locked into a lease. A “summer getaway” might be all that I need…

The fact that I won’t be working has me stressed about money. I’m typically not a big spender, but I tend to restrict and feel guilty about the tiniest purchases, especially now when extra expenses seem to be popping up. Ugh, the “real world” – you are overrated!

Highlights from the week:

Family Dinner

Chicken, Brown Rice, and Veggie Lettuce Wraps

Finished Crocheting a Baby Afghan

Sewed a Tote Bag for my Aunt

What were the highlights from your week?

**Shop Etsy!**

April Analysis

Posted: April 30, 2012 | Author: Em Marie | Filed under: books, projects, trips | Tags: April, baseball, books, crafts, Easter, etsy, family, Rangers | Leave a comment »

April 3 – Severe storms and tornadoes in our area. There was major damage done to town only miles from our home. We are so blessed that the tornadoes went around us.
April 7 – First Ranger’s game of the Season with my brother and one of my “guy friends” from high school. I also got to see one of my best friends from college (that I hadn’t seen since we graduated December 2010) that also happened to be at the game!
April 11 – My aunt and cousin flew in from Iowa. My parents and I took them to the Ranger’s game that evening.
April 14 – My second cousin got married in Houston.
Started seeing a new Christian counselor.
April 20 – Went to “Late Night” at the Dallas Museum of Art and saw Paula McClain, author of The Paris Wife, speak. I really enjoyed it – I loved that book!
April 28 – Met my brother’s new girlfriend, Taylor. Had lunch at local restaurant with the family. My “intuitive side” thinks that they aren’t a good match, but they aren’t serious.
April 29 – Lunch with one of my friends I hadn’t seen in over a year. We had a “falling out” but I decided to give our friendship another try. Things were a tad awkward at first. We didn’t really talk about “why” I stopped speaking with her, but things are OK now.
April 29 – My grandmother is visiting from New York (to help my aunt pack/organize for her upcoming move) and my parents and I took her to the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival that afternoon and Panera for dinner on the way home.

Tornado Weather

Baseball – It’s officially Springtime!

Herb Planting

Easter

Seeing family (that I haven’t seen in years) at my second cousin’s wedding

New Crafts

Find these on Etsy!

Books Read:

March Review

Posted: April 7, 2012 | Author: Em Marie | Filed under: books, food, I love..., projects, yoga | Tags: books, dietitian, food, March, museum, Oklahoma, reading, trips | Leave a comment »

Here’s what my “March” looked like:

Weekend trip to visit my brother at OU – Science Museum of Oklahoma (planetarium and “Tornado Alley” IMAX shows)
Reconnected by crafting (coasters) with one of my aunts