May Days
Posted: May 31, 2012 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!
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Going to the Chapel
Posted: May 28, 2012 Filed under: food, weekend, yoga | Tags: family, holiday, life, reading, weddings, weekend Leave a comment »
Ah, this past weekend was much better than the previous one!
I started Saturday off with a much-needed hair trim. It feels too short, but I know that it will be healthier and hopefully grow faster. Then some last-minute dress shopping at the mall
I had a great time at my mom’s bosses daughter’s wedding. The ceremony was held in a very impressive chapel and the reception followed at The Ritz-Carlton downtown. Talk about being spiffy!
I enjoyed the dancing at the reception so much. Dancing is so liberating for me! I know that I dance like a “white girl” but I had so much fun. I honestly don’t remember the last time I was that happy. I wasn’t even “faking” a smile. My dad literally had to drag me off the dance floor when my family was ready to leave (I wanted to stay longer – I had my eye on a cute guy).
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The rest of the weekend looked pretty much like any other day. Lots of reading, crocheting, and laying out in the backyard.
Yoga and my evening walks are becoming “necessities” for my sanity – habits that allow me to clear my head. However, I’ve already noticed when something else (holidays) come up and my routine gets thrown off I get anxious/annoyed. It’s important to be flexible and no that sometimes things just “come up” – usually things better than what I planned (example, getting invited to go out to lunch or a movie) – but it still irks me. I really need to work on being a less dichotomous thinker….
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So how was your Memorial Day Weekend?
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Entertain Me, Please
Posted: May 23, 2012 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 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.
Simple Saturday
Posted: May 19, 2012 Filed under: books, food, I love..., yoga | Tags: books, etsy, family, inspiration, life, present, Rangers, reading, simple, yoga 2 Comments »
If you’ve been following my blog then you know that living a more “simple life” has been one of my goals. I read the book One Thousand Gifts, which inspired me to reflect upon the simpler gifts in life. Since finishing the book over a month ago, I’ve been writing down at least 3-5 encounters that brought me joy before I go to bed each night. I want to begin posting some of the “highlights” from my week on Saturday. I’m thinking that it will help me refocus on what’s really important in life and remind me to really focus on living in the present.
- The lines left behind on floors after vacuuming
- Books that you can’t put down
- Morning yoga
- Finding a new “escape” – my local library
- Kitties when they chase their tails
- Eating meals outside in the sunshine
- Recharging naps
- Soap bubbles in the shape of a heart on my shower mat
- Watching kites fly in the wind
- Ripples made on a calm lake
- Our Magnolia tree full of blossoms
- Sunsets
- Baby ducks
- Create-Your-Own Sundaes! (Mc Donald’s Ice cream cup, Kashi Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, & a Scoop of Peanut Butter)
What “little things” have brought you joy recently?
Restless in Texas
Posted: May 16, 2012 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?
Visiting
Posted: April 15, 2012 Filed under: movie, stress/anxiety, trips, weekend, work, yoga | Tags: Rangers, road trips, Titanic 3D, trips, weekend, work Leave a comment »
Finally home from Houston and relaxing a bit after a busy weekend…
Wednesday my aunt and cousin flew in from Iowa for the wedding we just returned from. I had to work but my mom brought them over to the clinic to say “hi” real quick and then we headed to the Ranger’s game after I got home. We had seats right behind home plate in the upper deck. I had never sat right behind home plate but I really enjoyed it and would like to sit there again! We were ahead the whole game until the very end where we lost it in the 9th… The traffic was bad coming home so it made for a very long day.
Thursday evening was my first appointment with my new counselor. It was OK. The first appointment is basically an eval and you don’t get to “solve” anything. I’m not sure I want to continue going. I’m just so numb and blah that nothing seems to help and nothing sounds like it will make a difference. I know that’s not the best mindset to have, but it’s how I’m feeling.
Friday I got off work at noon (as usual for Fridays), got my high-lights touched up and took my aunt and cousin to see Titanic in 3D. I didn’t think that the “3D” made a huge difference but I enjoyed seeing the movie none the less. It was special to take my aunt because she had never seen the movie before! It was also perfect timing with the 100 years of its sinking this weekend.
Saturday morning we packed up the car and headed for Houston. It was a pretty, sunny day and we stopped for a pre-packed picnic lunch at Huntsville State Park for lunch. We hit traffic once we crossed into the city but still made it in plenty of time to freshen up for the wedding. The ceremony and reception were all very nice. I was just so “out of it.” I tried my best to be present but the effort it takes to act like everything is fine is just soooo draining. I couldn’t deal with it and had my dad take me back to the hotel from the reception early (he was tired from all the driving).
Sunday (today) we slept in a little bit then headed to two receptions for the newly weds. I woke up with a splitting headache that was relentless… It made surviving the receptions (filled with people I didn’t know very well) an extra challenge. We left Houston later than I was expecting but made pretty good time coming home. I managed to nap on and off and read a bit – but STILL have that headache… I did a little yoga to try to loosed up those toxins that built up while sitting in the car, but I’m not feeling well and dreading work tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the first day that Mitch, the tech who trained me will be gone to the other clinic – Friday was his last day with us. I’m nervous because I’ll have a heavier work load and already struggle to “keep my head above water.” Physically and emotionally, my energy is shot. I can’t keep up. It’s gonna be a long week.
March Review
Posted: April 7, 2012 Filed under: books, food, I love..., projects, yoga | Tags: books, dietitian, food, March, museum, Oklahoma, reading, trips Leave a comment »- 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
- Started seeing a dietitian again – focus on adding more protein for energy
- Dallas Museum of Art 1920s exhibit with dad – really enjoyed the show!
- Went to Ennis, TX to check out the bluebonnets
- Caught up with an old friend over lunch
- Started practicing yoga more (consistently)
- LOTS of crafting for Spring and Easter
- Lots of reading… Emily Giffin’s Books
Goals. Check.
Posted: January 23, 2012 Filed under: food, future, inspiration, links, quotes, weekend, yoga | Tags: C.S. Lewis quote, dinner, goals, Kashi, pizza, progress, social work, yoga 2 Comments »Sundays are traditionally “Pizza Night” at our house. I saw this pie on sale as a did grocery shopping this afternoon. It was only $3.75 and looked too good to pass up. I’m a big fan of Kashi’s other products and I have always wanted to taste their pizzas. I’m all for healthier “junk food”. My tummy and taste buds were pleased!
Bedtime snack
Goals/Progress Check:
- Cut back on processed and pre-packaged foods - I didn’t buy veggie burgers this shopping trip but I did buy protein bars (they were on sale). Once my current stash is gone I plan to experiment with making my own granola/snack bars. I need to eliminate my vice, diet soda. Right now I’m down to 5x a week… I’m aiming for every other day.
- More Yoga and Meditation/Self-Care - I did not practice as much yoga last week. I was more focused on cardio but worked in a longer yoga session last night. I’m aiming for 4-5 yoga sessions this week and making sure I stretch out my muscles when I wake up (that’s when I’m the most sore/tight). I also need to add more calories to fuel my extra activity.
- Future - I submitted my applications to two graduate schools for social work! There were so many things to submit (essays, recommendation letters, forms, etc.) and it feels wonderful to have them out of my hands! Since I’m always bouncing back and forth between what I want to do I’m going to apply to an occupational and physical therapy assistant program. This way I’ll have my options open to start in the fall if I choose to.
- Be greener – I’ve been pretty good about using baking soda and vinegar based cleaners. I’m bad about using plastic Ziploc snack bags when I go to work. I have small containers but they can be bulky when I don’t have anywhere to store them. I’ve been trying to reuse the same one or two. I’ve also started using a wash cloth/cloth napkin vs. paper towels (I go through them so quickly!)
- Simplify possessions - My mom and I dropped off bags of donations at our local charity this weekend. I still have more than enough clothes, books, jewelry, etc. I’d like to start adding 5 things to my donation pile a week.
- Eliminate “Drama” - I’m trying to cut back from “time-suckers” – Facebook, Pinterest, checking email, etc. when I could be spending my time more wisely. A lot of people I usually stay connected with are not being the best of friends right now. They are too tuned in to their own drama/lives when I really need their support. People’s posts on Facebook have been annoying my more so than usual. I deleted the Facebook app from my phone to try to reduce my temptation to check in throughout the day. I’ve also began turning my phone off at 11 pm so I don’t get caught up in previously stated “time-suckers”.
Tell me about your own goals. How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming?!
eat, sleep, yoga, read…
Posted: January 15, 2012 Filed under: books, food, stress/anxiety, weekend, yoga | Tags: blah, books, chipotle, food, magazines, mood, reading, treats, yoga 2 Comments »I’ve still been in a rather “blah” mood the past few days that has not been improving – been practicing a lot of yoga, prayer, I’ve actually been getting quite a bit of sleep (7.5-8.5 hours a night).
I tought myself how to crochet hearts from online tutorials. I’ve made over 20 so far. They’re really easy once you get going. I bought some pink yarn yesterday to add variety.
Some recent eats and treats:
Weekend Reading:
(Very good so far!)
I hope you had a restful weekend and are ready to take on the week. Be thankful for the long weekend if you have one!
