The beginning of March started off a little rocky. A couple unexpected things happened, but after the dust settled, life began to turn out for the better.
I started the month off with an interview that I was praying I would nail. It was for a job that I forgot I had a passion for, which is taking pictures. I was told I would either hear from her by Friday or not at all. The next day my phone rang and I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. So much so that the night before I was supposed to go in for my first day I made myself sick from nervousness. I don't know why I was so nervous though, my first day went off without a hitch and I met some pretty fantastic ladies. The other girls that were hired along with myself are super nice as well.
I am so thankful that this opportunity has presented itself at the time that it did. Not only am I doing what I love, but I also get to help bring money into the home. With my husband getting out of the military shortly, this extra income will help us save up. Not to mention, I get to get out of the house for a few hours a day.
Yesterday was, what I thought, the best day ever. I got to shoot two Smash Cake sessions for two adorable babies who were turning 1 year old. They were both adorable and their cakes looked yummy. I loved seeing their faces, fingers, and toes covered in cake. Plus, the joy on their parents faces when they were looking at the photos I took made it that much better.
However, today was better and I will tell you why. Like every other trainee, I got to do shoots all day with the help of the other core photographers helping me pose and light. BUT, toward the end of my shift the other ladies were busy and we got a walk-in, and guess who got to shoot the session solo? ME!! It was so much fun. I got to pose, light and shoot the whole thing all by myself. The guests loved the photos so much, they bought the biggest bundle and some extras. After they were finished my boss called me over to look through the photos and she loved them too. She also said that I was the first trainee to do a solo session. YAY ME!!
Plus, in a couple weeks Little Man is going to be turning 9. WOW! Where did the time go? He has grown up so fast I cannot believe it. We still don't know if we are having a party, or just a family day. Maybe we will take him to Chuck E Cheese, or maybe even get pictures done... Muahaha.. Who knows.
I cannot tell you how much our lives have turned around for the better. I was very scared that things would not get any better and that we would be stuck in a rut that would be impossible to get out of. I love our lives right now and I am so excited for this ride to continue.
What is something exciting that is going on in your life? I would love to hear about it. Leave a comment below!
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Purging... Your house
A few days ago my parents moved out and back to Oregon. While it was a sad time, it gave my husband and I a chance to go through our house and get rid of some things. The garage and living room were the first to be tackled. Before my parents moved the garage was a mess. There were boxes, shelves, tools, Christmas decorations, yard tools, and just a bunch of junk in there. After the move I am happy to say that we have found the walls and floor. WOO HOO! Now there is room for projects.
In my last post I stated that I was going to be taking on some new projects. Since then the garage turned into a storage unit of sorts which left little room to get anything done. But now, I can finally get in there and get things done. I am really looking forward to that.
The next area we (mainly I) tackled was the living room. With the TV, stand, and multiple DVD stands gone, there was a giant space to fill. I pulled in a dresser from my parents room and turned it into a sort of entertainment stand. The drawers are now being used as storage for our Blu-Ray and regular DVD's, some board games, and our Xbox games, controllers and accessories.
Next on our list is the dining room. We have two sets of shelves that we are going to purge and possibly move to another location in the house. This will free up more room in there and open it up a bit more. I'm looking forward to that.
I love rearranging furniture. It helps shake things up a bit and gives a new look to any space. I wish I could paint this house though. But unfortunately since we are renting we are not allowed to paint. I don't mind the color that the walls are painted now, but it's boring to look at. I cannot wait until we move into our own home. I will be painting like crazy.
Soon we will be taking on our next yard sale. I will have be willing to let go of a lot. We have so much and so do the kids. I honestly believe this a good sign. It means we have been able to give our children a lot, more than we had as kids. But after a while they start losing interest in some of those things and that is when it is time to sell them to other little ones. It will be hard for them, but in the end they will appreciate what they still have. Same goes for Ed and I. There are so many things we still have that we no longer use. Especially me. I have been through so many phases that I now have a hefty collection of craft items I no longer use. Time to purge!
What are some ways you like to purge? Is it in your closet? Do you do yard sales, donate, or throw it all away? I would love to hear some of your purging stories.
In my last post I stated that I was going to be taking on some new projects. Since then the garage turned into a storage unit of sorts which left little room to get anything done. But now, I can finally get in there and get things done. I am really looking forward to that.
The next area we (mainly I) tackled was the living room. With the TV, stand, and multiple DVD stands gone, there was a giant space to fill. I pulled in a dresser from my parents room and turned it into a sort of entertainment stand. The drawers are now being used as storage for our Blu-Ray and regular DVD's, some board games, and our Xbox games, controllers and accessories.
Next on our list is the dining room. We have two sets of shelves that we are going to purge and possibly move to another location in the house. This will free up more room in there and open it up a bit more. I'm looking forward to that.
I love rearranging furniture. It helps shake things up a bit and gives a new look to any space. I wish I could paint this house though. But unfortunately since we are renting we are not allowed to paint. I don't mind the color that the walls are painted now, but it's boring to look at. I cannot wait until we move into our own home. I will be painting like crazy.
Soon we will be taking on our next yard sale. I will have be willing to let go of a lot. We have so much and so do the kids. I honestly believe this a good sign. It means we have been able to give our children a lot, more than we had as kids. But after a while they start losing interest in some of those things and that is when it is time to sell them to other little ones. It will be hard for them, but in the end they will appreciate what they still have. Same goes for Ed and I. There are so many things we still have that we no longer use. Especially me. I have been through so many phases that I now have a hefty collection of craft items I no longer use. Time to purge!
What are some ways you like to purge? Is it in your closet? Do you do yard sales, donate, or throw it all away? I would love to hear some of your purging stories.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Be On the Lookout
I am so excited for this month and next. I have made out a long list of projects to tackle and record on here for y'all to see. The first one is refinishing my daughters dresser. It is a super cute dresser we got from Target when she was young.
(source)
It started out this white. However, as she and my son (yes, it was not all her fault) got older, they decided it would be fun to create some sort of abstract art on the sides. Unfortunately, it does not add to the beauty. A couple of moves later, one of the back legs broke off. So that needs to be fixed. I have some beautiful paint that I want to use to cover up the art work and possible the sunken in parts of the drawers.
I think it will turn out precious. The next project I want to tackle will be her bed headboard and footboard. Right now it is a dull silver/gray color. I want to sand it up and spray paint it a fun color. I have been thinking about a vibrant purple or maybe a teal. I just want it to POP!
(source)
It is such a cute bed on it's own, I just think adding some color to it will make it look that much better. Plus, Little Miss is super excited about it.
Little Miss picked out both of these colors and I adore them as well. I think they will look beautiful on her bed. I cannot wait until we get these projects under way.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Motivation for the mind... body... soul
Over the last couple of months I have been hard core into making myself better, but I have found that I need that extra bit of motivation to keep me going. Pinterest has been a great tool for finding music to help me through workouts, easy and healthy meals, and some at home workouts.
After utilizing them until I was blue in the face, I thought I would check out some other avenues and I have found a couple of really helpful tools. The first place I checked was my phone. I have it with me wherever I go and I knew there were a lot of apps out there. So I thought there had to be some sort of motivational app.
And guess what? I found one! If you have an iPhone, as I do, you can install this app for free. What is it called you ask? Lift - Daily Motivation. Some of it's features include: Step-by-step coaching, marking your progress with a single tap, support from friends, and much more.
I use Lift for tracking my workout days, blog writing, reading, study time, and drinking more water. They have fitness, lifestyle, productivity, health & diet and more.
The other source of motivation is a little off the beaten path. You all may know of a site called theChive.com. This site is mainly for males. But what you may not know is that there is a sister site geared toward females called theBerry.com. Every day they post 25 pictures with motivational phrases. Every morning I wake up and go to this website or click on my theBerry app (also free on iPhone) and browse the Daily Motivation posts.
.jpg)
After utilizing them until I was blue in the face, I thought I would check out some other avenues and I have found a couple of really helpful tools. The first place I checked was my phone. I have it with me wherever I go and I knew there were a lot of apps out there. So I thought there had to be some sort of motivational app.
And guess what? I found one! If you have an iPhone, as I do, you can install this app for free. What is it called you ask? Lift - Daily Motivation. Some of it's features include: Step-by-step coaching, marking your progress with a single tap, support from friends, and much more.
I use Lift for tracking my workout days, blog writing, reading, study time, and drinking more water. They have fitness, lifestyle, productivity, health & diet and more.
The other source of motivation is a little off the beaten path. You all may know of a site called theChive.com. This site is mainly for males. But what you may not know is that there is a sister site geared toward females called theBerry.com. Every day they post 25 pictures with motivational phrases. Every morning I wake up and go to this website or click on my theBerry app (also free on iPhone) and browse the Daily Motivation posts.
Some of my favorites:
All of these and more help me get through each day when it gets difficult. Not every day is difficult, but when I need that extra push or when I see someone who needs a little lift, I have these on hand to help.
I hope these two extra motivational options help you along your way, whatever that may be.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
New Year New Mommy
Hello all. It has been quite some time since I last wrote to you all and I feel like I have deserted you all in some way. My apologies. I have been busy with school, work (which I am no longer at), and hanging out with my lovely family. Let me start with a little of last year. The last time I wrote anything was back in Sept. My daughter was turning 7 and I was hot off a trip to Dallas where I met some really incredible people that are part of the ever growing family of AdvoCare.
Since then, my sister-in-law visited and we got to introduce AdvoCare to a few amazing ladies. Then we got to take a mini road trip up to Louisville, KY where I got to hang out with a couple more awesome ladies.
Then came thanksgiving. It was a wonderful day. We decorated for Christmas that day while listening to Christmas music and taking in the sweet smell of pumpkin pie. I know it may seem a little early to be decorating, but in our family it is tradition. We have a blast every year and this year was no exception. With my parents staying with us this year we had a lot more decorations to put up. Needless-to-say the house looked very festive.
When Christmas came around the kids had a blast. They each got what they asked for this year. It was the first time ever we were able to get what they actually asked for. The look on their faces was priceless and we could not have asked for a more perfect day.
New years was very mellow. The husband and I stayed up late just hanging out and being total nerds. Midnight rolled around and we gave each other the traditional New Years kiss and went to sleep. Again, very mellow night.
January 1st started the year of my personal transformation. Every since my children were born I lived for them. Feeding, bathing, clothing, and nurturing them to grow into little people with open, kind hearts and an adventurous outlook on life. Never once did I take the time to really look out for myself. In that time I became sick and tired. I became run down and had lost myself along the way. I was depressed and didn't know what was going on with myself. Within the last couple of years I was finally able to find my niche and my place in this world. I enrolled in college, I started volunteering at my children's school, and I started making friends again.
Although I was doing better I was still very tired. I had way too much on my plate and was exhausted by the end of the day. That is when my sister-in-law introduced me to AdvoCare. She told me about Spark! A drink that will not only keep me awake, but will give me mental focus for hours. SOLD! I bought into it right away. When I had that first drink I felt like superwoman. I was able to get so much done in one day. After that I knew that I had to be part of this business. From then on I have had incredible amounts of energy and I have not felt like this since I was 18.
In August of 2013 I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Success School and I met some incredible people. People that have had so much success with the business of AdvoCare and using it as a vehicle to reach their dreams and goals. And I also met some people who were just starting out. I was one of them. Since then, those who were just starting out, have come so far and have achieved so much I am amazed.
Many people have asked me why I do this. It's just another pyramid scheme. It looks like a cult. First, it is not a pyramid scheme. This is not a job. I'm being paid for the work I put in and then some. I'm not selling anything, I'm sharing my story and products that ACTUALLY work. No smoke and mirrors. AdvoCare is not a cult in any way. We are a family. We help each other, we look out for each other, and we make sure that each and every one of us achieves their goals and reaches their vision of what their future looks like. And finally, the reason why I do it. I do this, share my story, the products, the business opportunity, is because I want to ensure that my family can live a debt free life where money and time will not hinder us from doing what we really want to do in life. My husband has been the one working for the last 10 years and he has been the bread winner. He has served our country in the Army while being away from his family for almost half of our marriage. When he gets out of the military I want to be able to provide financial stability and freedom so that neither him nor I will ever have to work again. That we can spend every day with our children and live that adventurous life with them. And I also want that for my family and friends as well as their family and friends and so on. This company believes in their distributors and treats them very well.
Now let me say this, I would NEVER ever try to push this business or products on to people. I share it because I believe in it. I have seen what the business can do for my family, myself, and my friends. I have seen the accomplishments of those around me in this business. I want this for everyone. Whether you are struggling or just want to have some extra money. Whether you are wanting to lose weight, gain energy, or maintain your fitness level or enhance it, I CAN help you. I believe that we can do it together. Notice how I said together. You are never alone in this business. I have learned that. Everyone is there to help you and assist you. No question is dumb, no fear is unbeatable. We CAN do it.
If you are interested in making an extra $500 a month to help with rent, bills, food, or just extra money to play with. If you want to just try products to see how they work for you, I can tell you how you can get them at a discount of 20-40%. (40% is the best by the way. I love my 40% off discount.) If you give me 15 minutes I can share it all with you. If at the end of that 15 minutes it's not for you, that is okay. At least you have the information for when you are ready. Honestly, just ask yourself what if? What if it is what you are looking for? What if it is for you and what if we are able to reach your goals?
Since then, my sister-in-law visited and we got to introduce AdvoCare to a few amazing ladies. Then we got to take a mini road trip up to Louisville, KY where I got to hang out with a couple more awesome ladies.
Then came thanksgiving. It was a wonderful day. We decorated for Christmas that day while listening to Christmas music and taking in the sweet smell of pumpkin pie. I know it may seem a little early to be decorating, but in our family it is tradition. We have a blast every year and this year was no exception. With my parents staying with us this year we had a lot more decorations to put up. Needless-to-say the house looked very festive.
When Christmas came around the kids had a blast. They each got what they asked for this year. It was the first time ever we were able to get what they actually asked for. The look on their faces was priceless and we could not have asked for a more perfect day.
New years was very mellow. The husband and I stayed up late just hanging out and being total nerds. Midnight rolled around and we gave each other the traditional New Years kiss and went to sleep. Again, very mellow night.
January 1st started the year of my personal transformation. Every since my children were born I lived for them. Feeding, bathing, clothing, and nurturing them to grow into little people with open, kind hearts and an adventurous outlook on life. Never once did I take the time to really look out for myself. In that time I became sick and tired. I became run down and had lost myself along the way. I was depressed and didn't know what was going on with myself. Within the last couple of years I was finally able to find my niche and my place in this world. I enrolled in college, I started volunteering at my children's school, and I started making friends again.
Although I was doing better I was still very tired. I had way too much on my plate and was exhausted by the end of the day. That is when my sister-in-law introduced me to AdvoCare. She told me about Spark! A drink that will not only keep me awake, but will give me mental focus for hours. SOLD! I bought into it right away. When I had that first drink I felt like superwoman. I was able to get so much done in one day. After that I knew that I had to be part of this business. From then on I have had incredible amounts of energy and I have not felt like this since I was 18.
In August of 2013 I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Success School and I met some incredible people. People that have had so much success with the business of AdvoCare and using it as a vehicle to reach their dreams and goals. And I also met some people who were just starting out. I was one of them. Since then, those who were just starting out, have come so far and have achieved so much I am amazed.
Many people have asked me why I do this. It's just another pyramid scheme. It looks like a cult. First, it is not a pyramid scheme. This is not a job. I'm being paid for the work I put in and then some. I'm not selling anything, I'm sharing my story and products that ACTUALLY work. No smoke and mirrors. AdvoCare is not a cult in any way. We are a family. We help each other, we look out for each other, and we make sure that each and every one of us achieves their goals and reaches their vision of what their future looks like. And finally, the reason why I do it. I do this, share my story, the products, the business opportunity, is because I want to ensure that my family can live a debt free life where money and time will not hinder us from doing what we really want to do in life. My husband has been the one working for the last 10 years and he has been the bread winner. He has served our country in the Army while being away from his family for almost half of our marriage. When he gets out of the military I want to be able to provide financial stability and freedom so that neither him nor I will ever have to work again. That we can spend every day with our children and live that adventurous life with them. And I also want that for my family and friends as well as their family and friends and so on. This company believes in their distributors and treats them very well.
Now let me say this, I would NEVER ever try to push this business or products on to people. I share it because I believe in it. I have seen what the business can do for my family, myself, and my friends. I have seen the accomplishments of those around me in this business. I want this for everyone. Whether you are struggling or just want to have some extra money. Whether you are wanting to lose weight, gain energy, or maintain your fitness level or enhance it, I CAN help you. I believe that we can do it together. Notice how I said together. You are never alone in this business. I have learned that. Everyone is there to help you and assist you. No question is dumb, no fear is unbeatable. We CAN do it.
If you are interested in making an extra $500 a month to help with rent, bills, food, or just extra money to play with. If you want to just try products to see how they work for you, I can tell you how you can get them at a discount of 20-40%. (40% is the best by the way. I love my 40% off discount.) If you give me 15 minutes I can share it all with you. If at the end of that 15 minutes it's not for you, that is okay. At least you have the information for when you are ready. Honestly, just ask yourself what if? What if it is what you are looking for? What if it is for you and what if we are able to reach your goals?
Make this year for you!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
My Little Lady Will Be Turning 7
I cannot believe that in just 15 days my little baby girl will be turning 7 years old. I remember like it was yesterday, contracting in the rinky dink Labor and Delivery ward that was Fort Bliss Army Hospital, crying my eyes out waiting to get into an exam room and watching other pregnant women walking by me on a tour of the L&D wing. I remember getting so many stares because of how much pain was showing on my face. Contractions hurt people, so yes, I'm going to cry. I remember my mother looking at them saying, "This will be you soon!" Haha, she showed them.
I remember being in the exam room for all of 5 minutes when they finally said, "Yup, this baby is coming." I looked at them with a confused look on my face. Clearly I was thinking, "Ya think?" About an hour later my mother got a call from my husband asking where we were. He thought we were going to Walmart to walk around and jump start my contractions. I still to this day do not know how he did not see me doubled over in pain, with tears running down my cheeks, as a sign of me NOT being in labor. Men.
After my mother informed him of where we really were, he got in the car right away and drove over. When he got there he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were in labor?" Ugh, men. Needless to say, I did NOT answer that question.
A couple of hours went by and eventually my husband got hungry, but since the cafeteria at the hospital was closed he had to go down the road to Burger King. By the time he got back he ended up walking into the room with doctors and nurses surrounding me telling me to push. What an idiot. He just HAD to go get food. I wasn't allowed to eat, so why should he be allowed? Makes no sense to me.
Finally, after 5 and a half hours of labor and pushing, my baby girl arrived. I remember seeing her little face and tiny toes and I could not help but cry tears of happiness, joy, and love. She was so beautiful and tiny and perfect.
I looked at my husband and saw the same tears running down his face. She was everything he had wished for. The next day Ed brought our son to finally meet his little baby sister. He was so happy. You could tell he was excited to be a big brother. (Oh, how times have changed on that front)
She has grown into a beautiful little woman, packed with personality, sassyness, kindness, a smile that lights up a room, and hugs that warm you to your soul. I am so proud of my baby girl.
So, for her birthday, I will be making a layered confetti cake with pastel icing. There will be different colors between each layer and will totally reflect her crazy and outgoing personality.
For decoration, I'm envisioning a lot of pink. Pink tablecloths, pink streamers, pink, pink, pink...
Last year I taped a clear plastic sheet to her door and stuffed it with balloons so when she opened her door there was a balloon avalanche. It was funny.
She loved it and was completely surprised. This year, I have to top it. I can't wait!
I remember being in the exam room for all of 5 minutes when they finally said, "Yup, this baby is coming." I looked at them with a confused look on my face. Clearly I was thinking, "Ya think?" About an hour later my mother got a call from my husband asking where we were. He thought we were going to Walmart to walk around and jump start my contractions. I still to this day do not know how he did not see me doubled over in pain, with tears running down my cheeks, as a sign of me NOT being in labor. Men.
After my mother informed him of where we really were, he got in the car right away and drove over. When he got there he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were in labor?" Ugh, men. Needless to say, I did NOT answer that question.
A couple of hours went by and eventually my husband got hungry, but since the cafeteria at the hospital was closed he had to go down the road to Burger King. By the time he got back he ended up walking into the room with doctors and nurses surrounding me telling me to push. What an idiot. He just HAD to go get food. I wasn't allowed to eat, so why should he be allowed? Makes no sense to me.
Finally, after 5 and a half hours of labor and pushing, my baby girl arrived. I remember seeing her little face and tiny toes and I could not help but cry tears of happiness, joy, and love. She was so beautiful and tiny and perfect.
I looked at my husband and saw the same tears running down his face. She was everything he had wished for. The next day Ed brought our son to finally meet his little baby sister. He was so happy. You could tell he was excited to be a big brother. (Oh, how times have changed on that front)
She has grown into a beautiful little woman, packed with personality, sassyness, kindness, a smile that lights up a room, and hugs that warm you to your soul. I am so proud of my baby girl.
So, for her birthday, I will be making a layered confetti cake with pastel icing. There will be different colors between each layer and will totally reflect her crazy and outgoing personality.
For decoration, I'm envisioning a lot of pink. Pink tablecloths, pink streamers, pink, pink, pink...
Last year I taped a clear plastic sheet to her door and stuffed it with balloons so when she opened her door there was a balloon avalanche. It was funny.
She loved it and was completely surprised. This year, I have to top it. I can't wait!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Days 3 to 11
I know I said when I started that I would post something every day and tell you about my progress. Well, as many of you know, life gets busy. Life got pretty busy with kids, work, working out and school. So here I am on Day 11, the first day of the Max Phase and for me I am taking MNS (metabolic nutrition system) Max E for maximum energy.
Lets go back to Day 3. Day 3 was pretty easy going. Besides the fact that I had a huge essay to write for my Sociology final, I was able to get in a good 2 hour workout and a little Jillian Michaels on the side. By the way, I still stand by what I said before. That lady is crazy mean, but she is crazy lean and if I have to do what she says to look like her, I totally will. The next few days were pretty much the same except I had some work time in there and I also managed to get my hair cut. It's short and cute and I'm loving it. I had cut it back in June before I got the job at Great Clips, but just a few days ago I got it cut a little shorter because my bangs kept bugging me. Ugh!
Here is what I look like now! (this was taken after I first got it cut back in June)
Even though it is super cute and I love it to death... this is what it looks like in the morning... (this was yesterday)
I look like I should be in a Flock of Seagulls tribute band.
Back to the challenge. I started noticing an increase in my energy, even more so than after drinking just a Spark. I have more focus and am able to get a lot done without becoming distracted as I normally would. I have been feeling more rested when I wake up in the mornings. And not to mention, now that it is Day 11, I am down 3 pounds and have lost 3.5 inches. Now, I know this may not seem like I have lost a lot, but I started out pretty small. My main goal for this was to lose a couple pounds, but mostly inches and to become more toned. I also wanted to gain more energy. So all in all, I am on the right track and I am more than pleased with the results so far.
A friend of mine has been doing the challenge right along side me. She has lost 6.2 pounds and has lost 5 inches. I am so happy for her and cannot wait to see her results after the challenge is up and as she continues on her AdvoCare journey. I can totally see the change in her and I see her almost every day. She is doing fantastic!
We both still have 14 days to go, but our time does not stop there. The 24 Day Challenge is simply a jumping off point. It is only the beginning to an amazing path to becoming healthy and fit and also debt free. I'm so excited!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)