Currently...

Wow.  So it's been a long time since I've written anything.  I finally have a new computer, so that's helpful. Haha.

Let's see...
Currently I'm living with my best friend.  And her son.  And her dog.  It's been hilariously funny, and good for me and hard on me all at the same time.  As someone who craves quiet time and peace, living with my friend and her son who both have ADD and cannot sit still has been eye opening.  It's good though.  It's made me come out of my bubble a little and stray from my boring routine.  But it's also made me realize that as close as we are, we are very different. I still crave peace and quiet and she would be happy if she was never alone. Ever.  I can't understand that. Haha.  It's fun though and the holiday season promises to bring new adventures and be very, very entertaining.

My favorite thing to do these days, besides enjoy my alone time when I can get it, is visit with my nephew.  He is without a doubt the cutest kid.  Ever.  Now I know you think I might be biased, but look at his pictures on FB and judge for yourself. I went to my sister's yesterday and when she opened the door and he saw me, he waddled down the hall with a huge grin on his face. Then I got a big, snuggle Ethan hug.  Instantly, the day gets better.  Thank you God for the incredible gift of that child.  He has made my life and my whole family's lives better and brighter. :)

I've gotten back in to hot yoga.  I know a lot of my friends think I'm nuts to voluntarily go into a room that is 98 degrees, 90% humidity and voluntarily sweat and pretend to be a tree for 90 minutes at a time.  The answer is simple: it makes me feel better.  Mentally and physically.  Its' cathartic and calming and energizing all at once.  It builds strength and flexibility and focus.  I highly recommend it.  And no, I'm not a paid endorser for Sunstone Yoga. Although with my membership, I get to bring a guest with me to any class at any studio for free, so if you're interested let me know.

That's it for now.  Looking forward to the fun and family time that the holiday always brings.  I'm in a much better place than I was last year.  I don't feel as down and alone, so this holiday season so far has been so much fun.  I am so truly blessed.

Talk to you soon!
-A

Failing!!!

OK. It's two days into the new year (if you don't count Jan 1st..because who really does anything that day anyway).  Already I'm a failure at my so-called resolutions. The biggest one for this year wasn't diet-specific, just a focus on health and wellness. Work out more, eat better, maybe do some yoga. Less alcohol, find a church... just overall strive to be a better, more well-rounded person. The easiest to control, or so I thought, was the "eating better" part. 


I got off work early today and was very excited. I was going to the grocery store to load up on delicious, healthy treats and then a trip to the gym.  I loaded up alright...but on crap. I made the mistake of going to the store while I was starving.  I came home with a few fresh goodies, but mainly a cabinet chock full of carbs. That's what I was craving and so that's what I bought. I even bought ramen.  Wonderful.
I get home and decide that I need new songs for my iPod so I can kick ass at the gym.  While those are downloading, I make dinner.  Suffice it to say, I didn't make the salad or grilled chicken and asparagus that I started out to make. I made, essentially, a bucket of carbs. And I ate every single bit of it. 

I would like the record to show that not only did I ingest a serving of deliciously creamy noodles the size of my head, but I did it while I was reading the new OK! magazine which will tell you celebrity diet secrets.  Yes folks I ate my weight in pasta while looking at Kardashians and Playboy bunnies and athletes. Now, I'm realistic. I know I'll never weigh 95 pounds or be a size 4. Please have me placed in a program if I become that kind of waif-like gal. But come on!!!  Mandy!!!  Two days into the new "health and wellness" attitude that I set for myself, and I'm in a carb coma.  Literally.  
I still wanted to go to the gym today, but at the moment it's out of the question. I am crampy and miserable, not to mention really sleepy.  And it physically hurt to lean over the chair and pick up my laptop because of the bloat.  
So. I am now going to take some Tums or Rolaids or other digestive aid and probably curl up and go to bed early. I'm very sorry gym that I will not be visiting you today. But, there's always tomorrow. We all stumble and fall down a time or two before actually climbing up the mountain, right?

'Night!!