Strike One

These Thirsty Thursday's have gotten difficult. When I started, it was a way to keep me accountable to my goals of not being a hermit/recluse, searching for love and meaning, and getting fit. I added the spiritual element recently as my walk with God has grown. It's also great to keep me accountable with my faith so that I can continue to draw close to the very One who grants my each and every breath.

Physical: I've seen a steady gain of weight in my life. I think it is related to stress and stress eating. I'm still not getting enough sleep either. I feel like there are so many things to do and not enough time. I know good sleep is essential to a healthy life and getting fit.

I started back up with My Fitness Pal. I was finally able to sink it with my Fit Bit. Last week, I saw the scale dip from 168 to 163! I account this mainly to my cycle ending. When I hopped on the scale tonight, it was at 166. That's still down from 168!  Last week, I was only tracking my eating and doing my regular walking routine with the dogs. This week I started up with 21 Day Fix Extreme. I've wanted to just skip it, but I've stuck with it. Tomorrow is cardio though, my least favorite day!

I also have my first physical in 4 years scheduled. Things like lack of insurance have kept me from staying with regular check-ups. I think I will need to get my thyroid checked when I go. I've had some weird struggles with working out and gaining weight. I also seem to be tired all the time, no matter how much sleep I get. I just want to get back to healthy again.

Relationships: Well, my marriage tanked. Not that I wanted it to. When it was me, sitting alone in the courtroom last December, I cried. When they asked me if I though our marriage was "irrevocably damaged," I said no. I love and care for my ex deeply. He screwed up; he is screwed up. I think a lot of it stems from his inability to express emotions. I think they scare him; especially the big, messy emotions. He copes with poor choices, anger, and pushing people away. I miss him terribly, but I know he needs the work of God in his life.  I know God is the only one that can bring about that miracle change; where He swaps out our old, ugly, hurting, hard heart for a "heart of flesh." That's my heart's prayer, every day.

I have tried going out a few times. It seems it was a strike out though. I asked a guy from work about the situation. I was like, is this one of those, "he's just not that into you" things or do you think he's scared of being a rebound guy. My co-worked was no help. He was like: "could be he's shy, could be he's just not that into you. You may have to make that first move." Well, since I was already the one that worked up the courage to ask this acquaintance out 2 times, I'm thinking I'm over it. After we'd spend time together, he just wouldn't talk to me...for weeks. And we see each other pretty regularly in passing. Oh well. This is not the end. I shall carry on.

I also am back in my beloved book club!!  I love my book club ladies! It is so much fun just to get together once a month to talk books and life. It also turns one of my solitary hobbies into a social one! Win-Win.

Career:  I'm working towards my dreams. I already have an idea for a B&B called "The Pineapple House." I am in love with this idea already. Dreams are dreams, but I need to start really laying out some goals to start moving towards this goal. I also want to go back to school for counseling. I get so bogged down between work, dogs, commute, working out! I need to just do it one of these days. Sign up and go for it!

Spiritual: God is amazingly gracious. I know I screw up everyday. And like most people, I struggle with my ego and pride. I am so grateful that each day is knew and that God is guiding me along the path to sanctification! I'm in a new D-Group. We know call them "huddle groups" because they are much smaller in size. I enjoy my small group of girls. We've all seen some big challenges in life, so we can bolster each other through the tough times. Praise God for bringing these strong ladies into my life. We are starting a new study soon and I am very eager to see what nuggets of wisdom God has tucked away in the study for us.

Well, it's almost my bed time and I need to get to bed so I can get as close to 7 hours of sleep as I possibly can! Gotta wake up and get that cardio done ✓!

Truth Time

Health: I am back up in weight.  160 again on the scale.  It is very disheartening.  This winter has been pretty darn cold and so I haven't been taking the dogs out so much.  I had to buy another headband wrap for my ears last night. That wasn't what I wanted, but it's all they had at the store and I was desperate. The night before my ears were ringing and aching, making it hard to sleep. My hats just seem to let the wind blow right through and into my ears.  Which then leads to me being sick and miserable and not wanting to take the dogs out for walks.  Trinity, when it's really cold, will do her business and book it back to the house.  It's cute, because it's how I feel about the cold.

Relationships: I'm still feeling pretty lonely.  I'm sure once I start my new job, I'll have lots of new friends and faces and I won't feel so lonely.  I probably won't mind alone time once my job comes around.  I am also thinking of starting up a book club again.  I miss it! 

Career:  I had a massive set back this last month.  I was supposed to start my new job on January 23, well now it's pushed back until March 6.  I am ridiculously bummed.  By March I was supposed to be getting health insurance and having my savings getting bolstered.  The hold-up was my background check from France.  It's honestly a piece of paper with a line through it.  Meaning I didn't do anything wrong and they blocked off the free space so nothing could be added in the blank space. The background check company responsible for finding all of my background information, I guess forgot to do the French one.  Until the company I am starting with reminded them.  Then they sent me a link to request my background check from France.  It was 19 days before I was to start training for my new job.  The request says it takes 2-3 weeks to process the request (if the form, in French, was properly filled out).  That was cutting it close!  Then, the French government doesn't email it, fax it, or overnight.  They slow posted from France.  The company gave me a few days extra (the orientation day and safety instruction days were ones I could make up at a later date, while the other training I could not); but alas, it arrived the following Monday.  I am trying not to be upset or want to sue the pants off the background company (at least for the pay for the 6 weeks of full-time work I would have had from January 23 to March 6). Now I have that background check fully submitted to the company, I retook my DOT drug screening on Tuesday, now I just need to start!

Spiritual: I joined a DGroup (discipleship group) in the Fall of 2015.  It was a great idea.  We've gone through several studies: Hebrews, Revelation, Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah.  We are starting one now, called The Truth Project.  It's a DVD lesson/book discussion study and we've only covered one lesson so far.  I was blown away by some of the things.  I never thought of prayer as walking into God's throne room and Him leaning His ear towards me. (*Mind Blown*).  Another thing that was said that hit me in the feels was: our beliefs will dictate our feelings and actions, it is faith and hope that help us overcome
our feelings (fear, anger, sadness, loneliness, etc.).  If I believe that my Almighty God has me and knows all the plans HE has for my life, then why should I fear or be upset when something like a late background check keeps me from doing what I thought I should be.  There is a plan and a purpose to all.

Juggling Act

Lately, I have felt like my life has been a juggling act.  One performed by a very poor juggler.  I seem to find a rhythm and think things are going well and then BAM! All the balls come crashing down on my face.  I was supposed to start a new job last Monday, but the background check company didn't submit my French background check until to late; it arrived this Monday.  BAM.  My finances are a mess. BAM.  It always seems to be one thing after another with the dogs needing to see the vet. BAM.  Workout multiple times a week, yet gain 10 more pounds. BAM. I'm trying my best, but it never seems to be good enough.  I keep waking up every morning, just putting one foot in front of the other.  I know someday it will all make sense and get better.  Heck, I want to go back to school to be a life coach and counselor , so I guess I better know what it's like to be kicked down by life.  Even if the rest of my life is like this, I am secure in the promise that what is coming next is way better than this life.  God's got a plan, I just need to trust.  I will praise him for my trials and my successes.  All of them are making me a better person.
These pities are keeping me going and give me a good reason to keep waking up.  They give me a reason to smile and laugh every day.  I love them so much!

 

Sleep Potions and Halloween

Health:  I've been getting up early and getting a workout in.  I usually do 10 Minute Trainer with Tony Horton and then yoga or a run.  The first two mornings I was waking up before my alarm at 4:45am.  Monday I woke up at 3:15!  Yesterday, I slept in a little bit...until 5:45 :/  I came home from work so tired yesterday, I honestly went to bed by 9:30 and I slept in until 5:30 and then did my training with Tony.  It just goes to show how important sleep is to health.  I was so emotionally all over the place (typical for me when I'm tired).  I needed the few extra hours of sleep and I'm going to have to figure out how to get to bed a little earlier and still get stuff done.  5 1/2 hours is not enough for me to run off permenantly.  I can do it for a while, but my health for sure suffers without some good shut eye. He's really not my favorite; in fact he quite annoys me. However, he has inspired me a bit in my yoga practice and how to add weight lifting moves to my yoga. Inspiration is really good even if I think he's the most annoying person ever; and I won't turn away any inspiration.  I just made up my playlist for Halloween Happy Hour yoga tomorrow.  I am so super excited for it.

Relationships: Stagnated on the husband front to wanting him here NOW and just plain not being patient enough to wait on God's timing.  My friendships have also been stagnating because I feel like I'm mostly job and attempting to stay fit.  I need to get out and see my friends more and talk to them more!

Career:  I can't say enough about how much I like the products my two companies put out. Products for healthy, alternative living for humans and animals :)  Now that's something I can really get behind.


Here's my playlist so you can find and jam out too!
Adams Family
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes
Bad Moon Rising
Bad Things
Black Water
Born Under a Bad Sign
Don't Fear the Reaper
Ghost Busters
Haunted House
Hell Song
I Put a Spell on You
Little Drop of Poison
Little Ghost
Love Potion #9
Martians
Monster Mash
Purple People Eater
The Blob
Time Warp
Twilight Zone
Witchcraft

Believe in You

Health:  Since turning 28, my body is achy all over.  I've spent a lot of time standing on cement this week.  I also had boxes fall on my head twice this week...and I broke my glasses (yay Monday).  Today, I came home and limped my way to the shower.  A fifteen minute shower helped all my tight and achy muscles relax.  I'm so sore.  I managed 15 minutes of yoga before bed last night and the stretching felt SO good. 

Relationships:  Still - hoping and praying my hubby and puppies can be reunited with me soon. I also had some family up to visit this weekend.  It was great to come home from the I Still Do event and see them.  I was really excited to hook them up with Herbsmith and show them the products that we sell.  I am excited about them getting some good stuff for their Friesians.

Career:  Sometimes I question things, but I don't want to give up on myself.  I will keep trying and trying and giving it my best.  I want to help make a difference in the lives of people I know and don't know.  I can't give up on me and my dreams :)

Thirsty Thursday Inspiration

Health:  I can honestly say that I have not been super consistent when it comes to working out or eating healthy.  I confessed that last week.  I've been taking baby steps towards a healthier lifestyle, I just need to keep pressing on in the direction that I want to go; because I'm worth it!  Tomorrow morning I'm waking up early to make some chocolate Shakeology brownies to take into work for my birthday treat.  That still gets me...it's my birthday and I have to bring a treat for you to enjoy?!?  I thought I was the treat and you are all blessed to have my company.  Lol :) I'm sure my sister that my company was a treat when I came dancing into the room this morning and woke her up.    Anyways, I do have a small victory to share.  So even though I was feeling pretty defeated last week, I ran out of pants (that fit) and hit the pants that are patiently waiting for me to fit in them again.  I had one pair of skinny jeans that never fit me, but my mother-in-law left for me.  I figured, what the heck, I'll try them on...they FIT!  Happy dance :) 

 

I tried a new recipe this morning.  I ran out of chocolate shakeology (my friend lent me two scoops so I can make the brownies...she's the best) so I have been using my vanilla.  I added some water, vanilla shakeology, a pinch or so of coconut flake, coconut milk, almond extract and banana - it's my new favorite.

Relationship:  I'm trying to learn patience, but I want everything to happen now so I can have my family beside me.

Career:  I am really enjoying learning about all of our products and different things, like quality control.  I still love my science of swab testing.  I feel so smart and sciency :)  I also feel really blessed to have Beach Body team weekly meetings.  They are so inspiring.  I'm seriously feeling like going out and kicking butt after nearly a whole week of progressively worse things happening and feeling blue. Year 28 is ready to commence :)

Get Back Into Gear!

Wow.  It has been a while again.  Last weekend, I was house sitting out in the country and there was no Internet!  Yikes.  It's ok, I'm a semi-Luddite. You could lock me in a cabin with no computer, cell phone, or Internet, and I'd be fine...as long as I had books and paper to write :) 

Health:  I have been horrible lately.  I have been giving into every craving lately :(  Every day I do so well and then BAM.  I'm down the rabbit trail and then I'm saying:  "I'll start new tomorrow."  And then tomorrow I give in too.  I think I really need to start planning more.  I also need to get into a situation that I can control food around me better.  While I was house sitting, they had dishes of Three Musketeers sitting around and you know I started popping those.  Yesterday, I did so well until I got home from work, super hungry; I looked in the fridge and there was nothing healthy to eat and then I looked over at the pizza sitting on the table - you know it, I went in and had 3 slices.  I'm such an emotional eater too.  And the thing is, I will recognize it as emotion eating and still give in!  My workouts have been about the same too.  I have been trying to get up in the morning and get yoga in before work, but 5am is so freaking early.  I've only managed to get a full hour in before work once.  That was also the first full day we spent rearranging stuff at work.  The last two weeks have been a lot of heavy lifting and moving, so by the time I get home I am exhausted and working out is like the last thing that I want to do.  So this is me being accountable.  I need a kick in the butt and get motivated again.

Relationships:  I miss my husband.  I want him here now.  I also want my dogs here.  I miss them all so much.  I miss my little family!  I just need a house to buy or a place to rent that allows three pits.

Career: I really love the products my new job puts out.  All of our formulas can work for dogs, cats, and even humans.  We human grade herbs and products in the supplements we make for animals.  I don't know about you, but I totally think that my dogs are worth it.  I may even get some microflora plus for me too!  It's better than most human probiotics on the market - it's got probiotics, prebiotics (that feed the probiotics), and digestive enzymes that help your stomach process your food, and herbs for healthy digestion.  You can buy our formulas at many retailers, even online.

New Start

I am super excited to annouce that I have been employed!!! It's also part of the reason that I have not been blogging recently.  I've been trying to get into the swing of a new schedule and waking up by 5am is still a challenge.  Therefore, a lot of stuff has been pushed to the evening hours; I swear that the hours of 7-10 go by in a flash!

I am now working at Herbsmith. I'm super excited about this company.  It combines a lot of my interests: dogs, healthy living, and medicinal alternatives.  Some of these herbal blends I've already suggested to friends and family, because how amazing is it that these healing alternatives exist - and they cost about a $1 to use!  I don't know about you, but I'd spend a dollar a day to keep my dogs well and living into ripe old age. The work has been different and exciting every day; yesterday and today I was allowed to do science B)  I really enjoy who I work with and what I do.  There are days when work is done before I realize it.  I'm excited to get my dogs on some good foods and herbs! I just need to get them here first...hopefully soon.  I miss my little family.  If only I could get them and my husband here at the same time!

Combat the Negativity

I've been seeing quite a bit of negative self-talk in my Facebook news feed lately. We all struggle with those voices that try and say we aren't good enough. If you are struggling today, or not (you tend to know the negative things that get drug up to the surface when you are struggling) take a second to write down a positive that counter-acts the negative.
Here are some of mine:
I am beautiful; inside and out.
I am love and loved....
I am powerful.
I am smart.
I am worthy of all good things.
I am strong enough to face all challenges; trials only make me stronger.
I am kind.
I am brave.
I am calm and serene in all situations.
I will boldly pursue a life of love, learning, growing, exploring, and adventure.

I hope this helps you out a bit. You can fight back against those negative voices. Drown them out with your positive ones

Health:  I had a pretty bad week eating wise.  I went balls-to-the walls crazy. I ate like a crazy person; I ate vanilla sandwich cookies with nutella! I had a bagel for dinner, with meat loaf, and peas.  It was just off the wall.  But today, I've really focused on eating clean again; I rented a book of Paleo recipes to get me focused.  And when a craving for chocolate hit, tonight I made myself a second shake.  Guilt-free superfoods to the rescue!  I've also started a new dance program and I'm loving it!  I get so sweaty and love every second on the program.

Relationships: Still smiling like a silly, love-sick girl.  I love my husband so much and I can't imagine going through this life with anyone else by my side.

Career:  I've had a lot of interviews lately.  And I'm really excited about a lot of them.  I hope I hear from them real soon.  I'm probably going to have to make myself a pros/cons list of all the jobs to help me decide which one I'd love the most.

A Muddy Path Chosen

Health: I'm beginning to realize that I am not my enemy.  I can become my own best friend, confidant, and ally. I need to stop beating myself up and saying horrible things about myself. All I have to do is keep moving forward and being better than I was the day before.  This is all a process. One day at a time.  I can't expect everything to work out in a few hours or even days.  I can change my mindset and go for the things that I want most in this world.

Relationships: I had a really awkward time this last weekend; but I stood up for myself and my
boundaries.  I'm really hoping that this relationship isn't damaged for good, but I will not let someone else think they can berate me into doing what they want me to do.  This is my life, and I will make my own decisions. They may be bad, they may be good; but they will be my own. Like tonight, I thought I'd walk back not on the path, but in the creek.  Looked nice and shallow and refreshing; until I sank up to my knees in mud.  I pulled myself out, walked back to the path, and walked home barefoot and just as happy as if I hadn't stepped in the mud.  You can make your decisions; I will respect that; however, when you start throwing your baggage onto me and adding more negative talk to my brain that is already filled to the brim, you aren't doing anything but pushing me right back down the hole I'm trying to get out of. I love you greatly, but I'm not going back into that hole.   

Career:  I'm still staying hopeful.  I can do this and I will. No one can hold me back but me!

I'll leave you with this ;) Don't ever let anyone hold you back, least of all yourself.

Metamorphosis

I started a doodle today, just thinking about the transformations that all of us go through.  Every day, every second we are always making decisions that are changing our lives.  Every day we are making choices that will make us better or worse.  Those decisions are up to us to make.  Sometimes, our choices transform us right away and sometimes it takes time.  Like a butterfly, the cocoon isn't going to break open when we think we're ready; it'll happen when it is meant to happen.  "Be patient and trust the journey" has become my new mantra.  Just believe it and you will receive it!

Health: It's such a journey.  And I know there are always going to be highs and lows and in-betweens. It's the same story again as my first round.  I lost a few pounds and have gained them back by the second week.  Well, I'm ignoring the scale and what it says.  I know I haven't been pushing as hard with the workouts with my pulled hamstring, but I know I'm going to my limits.  I also can tell that I'm getting results because my pants to my underwear are beginning to feel loose.
Besides from the physical, my anxiety over getting a career going made me have a tiny panic attack.  My heart started to pound and my tummy got all rumbly.  I was just trying to clean up when this wave of feeling completely inadequate and "am I making the wrong decision" hit me. I just had to stop myself and go take a minute to meditate.  I laid down, put on my meditation eye pillow, and spent 8 minutes doing a body scan meditation (just checking in with the feelings throughout all the different parts of your body).  I was able to pull myself back together, refocus, and continue on with my day.  That anxiety still tries to creep back in; it wasn't a one and done type fix.  It's an every day, every thought decision to change negative self-talk to positive.

Relationships: So you know how I said I was having some forgiveness issues; well this morning I was hit smack in the face with it.  I was reading about what it means to really forgive.  Even though I keep saying that I have forgiven and given a second chance, I've been harboring bitterness, trying to control current behavior, and constantly bringing up the past.  This is what I mean when I'm trying to walk that delicate line between forgiveness and letting myself get walked all over.  There was also a section of the book that broke down forgiveness and reconciliation and the differences between the two.  It's going to be a long road, but I'm ready to start walking that road.  I don't want to be in the prison of un-forgiveness anymore. I don't want it weighing me or my thoughts down anymore.

Career:  Have you ever just got it in your head that you need something and you need it to happen NOW!  That's how I felt this week about jobs.  I'm tired of applying and I found one that I was really hopeful for; however, I called yesterday and they said they were calling candidates that day.  No call.  I held out hope that maybe today I'd hear something.  Still no.  I'm trying to trust God through all of this; he'll direct my paths and He knows exactly what I need and when.  I just have to be patient enough to let life happen.  On my webinar for my awesome coaching job (yes I love it and I wish so much that I could be helping more people all the time), I was reminded that this is a journey.  I just have to keep sharing my journey and helping people.

Exponential Power

Wow.  It has been a crazy long time since I last blogged.  I didn't have Internet or a real computer in Puerto Rico.  Did you know, it doesn't allow you to write a blog from an iPhone? I've really missed this; I love writing. I think it is fitting that I start my blog back up with this days post.  These 3 areas of my life have changed drastically in the last several months.

All I can say is: Life is full of potential. It didn't feel that way a few months ago.  In fact, I felt quite the opposite a few months ago.  I was depressed and wanting to hide my head under a pillow any time I wasn't helping take care of my aunt with dementia.  I was jobless, nearly broke (still am), my marriage was on shaky ground, and I felt completely alone in the world.  I was pretty much back to where I was when I first started my journey towards health and wellness (in all areas of my life).  Crying in a ball on my bedroom floor: hopeless and lost. Thank God for God and my family and my husband.

Health: So I moved back in with my parents earlier this year to help take care of my aunt that has developed dementia.  She's young and she can't get aid until there is a firm diagnosis.  So no one in the family really had the time to take care of her like she needed.  I was able to step up and step in. In that time, I became highly sedentary.  I mostly sat around watching tv with her.  That, in addition to my mom's very good and very high fat/highly processed/highly sweet cooking, I put on 20 pounds in a short period of time.  I tried to get more active, but I was still feeling depressed about the my life.  Vicious cycle of feeling blue, eating junk food to feel better, and wanting to sleep all the time only led to my weight gain and feeling more blue.  In 21 days I was able to change that all around.  I started eating clean, portion correct sizes (us Mid-Westerners really like to load up a plate) and working out for just 30 minutes a day.  BAM! I lost about 7.5 pounds and a total of 8 inches.  1.75 inches from my waist.  So excited to keep doing this program and see where it takes me.  Hello elusive 135 I've always thought was impossible, I'm coming for you!

Relationships:  I had a really rocky time in Puerto Rico.  I honestly love the island.  And oh my, I love the food.  I may not name a kid after pasteles, but I sure as heck would name my first born Mofongo (that stuff is addicting).  I even met a ridiculous amount of interesting people.  However, I was no where near the same path as some of these other people.  Most of the people my age were into never letting the party stop (drunk or high, or both) or they wanted to lounge in front of a fan and a tv. I had just spent the better of the last 2 years of my life, trying to make a healthy and active life; not veg out in front of the tv all the time.  My husband was working almost all the time (about 12 hours a day, 6 days a week) and I felt like I never got to see him.  My dog became my best friend!  I literally had conversations with my dog.  I love that doggie with all my heart (now I have 3).  I'm also pretty sure they were a deterrent for crime. 

The town I lived in was less Americanized than the next town over.  The city is beautiful, but I always drew stares.  I didn't really mind, go ahead and stare, but being followed by people in cars or having people shout: "hey white girl, where you come from?" was a little scary.  Sometimes locals were shocked I'd walk alone anywhere.  That didn't make me feel too safe.  My husband and I are still working on some of the issues that came up from me practically turning into a version of "The Bell Jar." There were days, if our oven had had a gas hook up, my head probably would have been in there.  There were far too many endless days of sitting around in the house alone.  I know, I know.  You are probably thinking: "why didn't you get up and go somewhere or do something?"  I almost never had a car to go anywhere, money was tight, and I had almost no one to do things with me.  I could have gone alone, but there's only so far I can walk alone and my safety was also a concern.  I loved going to the beach, but it took about 45 minutes to walk there.  And again, not so fun when you are there all alone.   If I did find someone to hang out with, it was going out to eat and then watching a movie or movies.  My husband was also exhausted from working long days, so vegging out on his day off was his ideal.  Other times, I'd ask people to hang out and they'd never respond back.  I felt trapped and alone.  I was just plain miserable. So not only am I working on building up my relationship with others, I'm working on building up a loving relationship with myself.

Another relationship that has picked back up is my relationship with God.  I went through a very dark time, multiple times.  I keep trying to give over my doubts and worries to God.  I know that He is bigger and that He has a plan for my husband and I.  He's got plans better than I could ever dream up. I'm so grateful to have a Savior that loves me through thick and thin; even when I don't love myself.  And He wraps me up in His arms of Grace and leads me down the path of life.  He's always beside me.

Career:  There is one word that describes this area of my life perfectly and that would be: POTENTIAL.  I've started the amazing journey of being a LifeStyle and Wellness Coach with Beachbody.  I'm so excited to help others realize their fitness goals and achieve a healthy body that will take them through many years of loving and living life to the fullest. I've also been told some of my "art" would look great on fabrics or as a print.  I'm flabbergasted because I wouldn't ever really consider myself an artist. I'm also looking into potential in other areas.  I also applied for a job in a library.  I am hoping that I get called in to do an interview soon!

So while there is lots of work to still be put into all of these areas of my life, I see nothing but potential in my future!  And if you want any help or accountability in changing your life in these areas, let me know!  I'd love to help you along your journey.  We're all in this together.

Alien Probes to the Heart

Health:  Well I certainly haven't kept to my workout regimen quite like I had hoped to accomplish this year.  I have been busy with work and a silly book.  I can't put it down!  I say I'll only read for 15 minutes and an hour and 15 minutes later, I say "Just 15 more."  :) So typical!

Relationships: I am too happy to care about much more.  I had to laugh at my fiancee last night when I asked: "how did you feel when I said 'yes'?" His answer was somewhat like this: "I felt like fireworks and all sorts of magic.  And like some thing came down from the sky and picked me up and then did funny things with me heart."  All I could do was laugh!  "So basically, my answer was like an alien that abducted you and probed you?"  That boy makes me laugh :)

Career: One small step at a time in the direction that I want to go.  I think I am going to write some letters to a few of my favorite travel writers: Sam Brown and Rick Steves!

T-minus .... how many hours?

Tomorrow - the original man of my dreams gets married...and heck no! I am not waking up at 4am to watch this occur and after I am going to be working from 9-4. Sad thing is - I know it will be on repeat forever and a day.

My romantic relationship(s) - going nowhere. Yup, I have nothing but dream lovers that run off and get married or have perfect girlfriends.

Health: Well, I went to the gym Monday and Tuesday, but Wednesday and this morning - I was too pooped and sore from working to go to the gym. I think I'll drag my but out of bed tomorrow. I can watch part of the wedding while sweating at the gym. I also have such a severe Vitamin D deficiency - to the point where I have to take a prescription strength vitamin to get it back in order. I have to go back in 8 weeks and get tested to see if my levels have gone up. I hope to God so!

Career - well, I have a job! Heck yes!!!!!!!!!! I like my job, but I am going to be excited when this gig ends. Not because I don't enjoy what I am doing, but because I don't know if my shoulders can take to much more of this. My back and shoulders sure make their complaints known. I wonder if it feels the same way at a desk job. There are probably whole other sets of muscles and nerves that get peeved at every job.