Category Archives: Daily Life.

Neither here nor there, just some everyday happenings.

Remembering I’m lucky.

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My View - I'm so Lucky!

Sometimes I find myself getting caught up the what if’s of life or the comparison game or the ‘wish I had’ thought process. I’m working on it… some days it’s more of a struggle than others.

But, last night I had this ‘aha’ moment of sorts. There wasn’t anything flashy going on, it was completely devoid of romantic gestures and frankly to anyone else it would have been overly ordinary. But, it was exactly what I’ve needed.

Christian and I were out back, the lawn was freshly cut. We were working together to plant our vegetable and flower haul from Home Depot before it got too dark. While he was digging holes, I walked back to the deck to grab a few seed packets. Once the seeds were firmly in my grasp, I turned around to head back over. It’s then that it hit me. I’m so lucky.

The sun was shinning in a way that only mid-evening sun can, casting shadows and rays of light perfectly across the lawn. Christian was hunched over the garden, looking ruggedly handsome and our two ridiculous dogs were in an all out wrestle in the grass. It was pure perfection, almost like a shot straight from a movie.

When I take the time to remember and pause for a moment to notice, my life is overflowing with goodness. No matter where I am, who I wish I was or what I think I’m missing, I need to remember that…. truly, truly, truly I’m so very blessed and so very lucky.

Let’s Chat.

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I love all the tea time, coffee break and catch-up posts floating around… and I’m a big-time lover of lists, so merge the two and I’ve got myself a perfect blog post! Bam! So, instead of a Finally Friday post, let’s catch up…

Getting In Some Baby Snuggles

 

[Getting in some after work baby snuggles last night]

My Sisters Baby: 

My sister had her sweet baby boy on April 24 and I can’t get enough of him… his wrinkly little hands, sweet little face and snugly little body. There’s something about him being my sisters baby that makes me just *that* much more comfortable. With other people’s children (even my other nieces and nephew) there’s always been this worry that they don’t trust me not to break their kid (or even soothe them when they’re upset). With Sarah, I’m just a lot less worried that she doesn’t trust me. Plus, I can beg to hold him, feed him, change him… (no shame)… and she won’t judge me too much.

On remodeling our house:

We’re living in complete chaos right now… while we do have counter tops and a sink (after 1.5 weeks without), all of our dishes and appliances are either jammed in the pantry, residing in the office or covering our kitchen table. There isn’t an end in sight, either. We’ve got another week ahead of us in the world of cabinet painting and then we’re painting the first floor and redoing all the flooring. It makes me tired just thinking about it. Having a house that feels like home (and like us) will be worth it in the end, but it’s keeping us on our toes for now!

Eating Well:

As you probably know by now, one of my goals for the year was to start feeling better. Along  with that goal was to get stronger, eat better and hopefully lose some weight. I didn’t want to conquer the weight thing head on because at this phase in my life I’m a lot more focused on being healthy rather than being a size 2. Ahem. Also, wine + cookies are a few ingredients in the recipe for my happiness.

I have however embarked on two 24-day Challenges through Advocare and have been really limiting the dairy, wheat (most grains) and sugar in my life. Last Friday marked the end of the second challenge and while I was so excited to eat a freakin’ slice of pizza, I can also say that I’ve been feeling SO much better on the whole (and as a bonus sleeping better too).

TV:

I’m sick of our TV. Or, more precisely, all three of them. They seem like this time suck attached to all the major rooms in our home and I find myself gravitating towards them when I’m either avoiding or lacking something to do. Netflix this or DVR that takes over most nights after we’ve eaten and cleaned up dinner. I would quit (get ready for the lamest excuse you’ve ever heard), but I’ve invested X amount of months into some shows (I’m looking at you Elementary, Big Bang Theory and Nashville) and want to see how the seasons wrap up without waiting until September. So, while I work on a solution for a more healthy TV relationship, know that I’m giving our TV the side eye each time I turn it on.

Warmer Weather: 

I’m almost overwhelmed by the joy I feel when I wake up and see the sun peeking in through my blinds. As I get older I’m finding more and more patterns with the way I feel (in all aspects) with one of the major changes in my attitude/outlook on life hinging on the seasons plus the amount of warm temperatures/sunshine. Spring and summer (and even fall) hold such hope, I’m drinking it all in and trying not to get too addicted. Also, is it weird that I’m already dreading November when it shifts back to dreary-ville?

Getting Up Early:

I’ve started several posts that talk about how I’ve been a little crazed and over scheduled – it seemed like there just weren’t enough hours in the day to enjoy (and/or do) life. I was just checking things off my list (even the good things) and not allowing myself the time to really enjoy the moment. Plus, there are some remedial life tasks that just weren’t happening which added to the stress load. All of this to say that I’ve been working on my morning routine, specifically getting up early. Out of the last 8 work days, I was up at least 30 minutes earlier than usual and some days over an hour earlier than usual. I love the extra time I have to get ready without scrambling, take the dogs for a walk or just do the dishes. It’s making such a difference… hoping that I can make it a forever habit.


That’s where I am today. I’m also thankful it’s Friday! Finally.

Finally Friday.

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Be Good

It’s been quiet around here this week, I’m a bit under the weather. It’s either Allergies, a cold or maybe a combination that’s keeping the pep out of my step and the toad in my throat. I sound like Maude from the Golden Girls and have been guzzling tea and hoarding cough drops to make it through the day. On top of not feeling so hot, all the violence – pain – grief – you name it – has been overwhelming. But, so has the good in this world.

So, today, instead of posting links to what I read or found this week, I’m going to take a moment to be thankful for my safety, the safety of the ones I love and for all the people spreading kindness and joy in this world. And, I implore you do the same. Have a blessed weekend.

Finally Friday.

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Self Medicate with Chocolate

All I can think about today is the fact that Monday is President’s Day. Which I have off for the first time since I started working. It’s going to be glorious. Christian and I are heading to Estes Park this afternoon for an annual retreat with our marriage class. Seems fitting to have it so close to Valentine’s Day – with all the focus on love. Also, Christian brought home a sampling of cupcakes this afternoon — which were delicious, hence the lack of photo evidence (the chocolate and vanilla were my favorite)!

When we get back, on Sunday, we’re heading to dinner with his parents and plan to spend Monday getting caught up on all those pesky things we’ve put off all week: cleaning, grocery store runs, laundry, sleep… should be a good one. Plus, Denver Restaurant week starts next weekend, you’ll find me ALL OVER THAT.

Here are few of my favorites from around the web this week:

Amy’s post on being authentic and tapping into the real you hit me so hard. I loved every single word and found myself nodding along through the entire read. It’s a must.

I eat breakfast cookies several mornings a month – they are so delicious and so easy. But, now, there’s a baked version, and I can’t wait to make a batch!

Just to even out the healthiness of a healthy baked breakfast cookie, I’ve been day-dreaming of this chocolate pudding recipe. Seems like something you could eat warm or cold and be equally happy either way. Yum.

I recently bought Photoshop Elements as a stepping stone into the Photoshop world. Here’s a great how-to for adding watermarks to all your online photos. Protect those photos!

The word art over at Daily Dihonesty had me cracking up (notice the photo at the top of the post). Go check it out, I promise you won’t be able to stop at just one page!

And, finally, because being healthy and staying up to date on all those pesky exams can actually save your life – go get a pap test. I know, I know… its awkward and weird and gross and nobody likes it, but its worth it. Just go.

 

Life, Love and Valentine’s Day!

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Love, Love, Love!

Picking out a Valentine’s Day card is always so hard for me. Do you go funny love, smooshy love, thankful love, sexy love. I never know what to pick. After perusing the many, many, many options I think I’ve settled on one that’s just perfect for this year and I’m excited for Christian to see it. We’re spending our evening at home packing for a retreat with our marriage class in Estes Park this weekend. Christian has promised me a cupcake on Friday before we head out — I’m so, so looking forward to that. I heart cupcakes.

Hope that your Valentine’s day is sweet in whatever way you want it to be: dinner with your love, snuggles with your pooch, big glasses of wine with girlfriends or cuddling your sweet baby at home. Remember that life is better lived with love – in all forms and fashions.

xoxo.

It’s Saturday night.

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My Saturday Night In

This is the first Saturday that I’ve been home alone in I can’t even remember how long. So, I started my girl’s night in with a hot bath (including LUSH bath ball and some long neglected magazines), put on some cozy PJ pants, decided on an apple with an AMPLE scoop of peanut butter for dinner then popped in a girly movie (What to Expect When You’re Expecting) and snuggled in with the puppies.

It’s perfect. Ok, well if there was an in-house masseuse that would be perfect. How are you spending your Saturday night?

Why it’s going to be better than great.

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I already told you that I couldn’t be happier to slam the book shut on 2012 and clamber to open the cover on 2013. I just have this overwhelming sense that this year has some great things in store. Looking forward to the months ahead we have the birth of my nephew, a trip to Dallas for Blissdom, a trip the the mountains with my family and so much more.

But, this year is also the year that I’ve set some goals for myself. Not in the resolution sense, but in the here’s how I want to feel this year, here are some things I want to accomplish and here’s the steps that will get me there. Starting off the year this way is a little intimidating because — what if I fail? Not something I look forward to doing publicly… This is where I just have to be kind to myself and accept that things change, paths shift and that sometimes I can’t do it all. So, what exactly am I going to do this year?

1. My health. When Charlie got sick I didn’t know what to do. Handling stressful, traumatic situations isn’t exactly my strong point. So, to fill the void and allow me to spend as much time snuggling my sweet boy as possible, I ate pizza, mac ‘n cheese and other junk to get me through. Then we went on vacation — which was just as fun as it was delicious. Then it was November, and with Thanksgiving (then Christmas) quickly rounding the corner I knew that there was no way I was going to start any sort of health regimen (unless it involved mashed potatoes or whipped cream). Those two months were filled with yum worthy food, but I could tell I was packing on the pounds each and every day. Couple that with some digestive issues I spent most of 2012 trying to figure out and I was a hot mess when New Years rolled around.

I know, deep inside me, that I’m not at a healthy weight, I’m not happy without physical activity and that my stomach issues must come to an end (they are ruling my life). In 2013, I want to lose the weight — not get super model skinny, but happy and comfortable with my body, I want to push myself physically (up my miles, get strong, and make yoga a part of my routine) and I want to figure out — once and for all — what is making me sick. Phew, that is one tall and tough order.

Let's get healthy - and take on the mountain.

2.) Pursue things I love. The past couple years have been whirlwinds of moving, traveling, commuting, marrying etc. and I’ve had to put some of the things I love and things I want to do on the back burner to make room. In 2013, I want to make a commitment to writing/blogging and getting some of those thoughts out of my head and off of lists and actually onto the blog, I want to learn my camera and how to edit the photos I take, I want to give myself the time and space to cook and write recipes. Essentially I want to take just a little time for moi.

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There are so many little things to think about, tasks to conquer and daily moments to be present for that I’m only taking on these two major challenges for the first quarter. After a couple months, I’ll re-evaluate to see if I’m ready to take on more or if I’m happy trucking along right where I am.

It’s going to be a good year – what are you conquering these first few months?

Find your bliss.

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So, guess what? I’m doing something very exciting this year… very exciting. I’m going to…

Blissdom logo

in Dallas, in March, with Jessica. The night I bought my ticket I had to pinch myself and cross my legs to keep from peeing with excitement. I’ve wanted to go to a blogging conference for years and have just never done it. Well, 2013  is my year and here’s one big burst of joy to start it off right.

I’m already certain that I’ll be torn on what sessions to attend and hope that I don’t miss anything amazing. Next up, booking my flight and trying to contain the jazz hand, booty shakin’, jump around feeling I get each and every time I think about it.

Will you be at Blissdom?

You know, GO VOTE!

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So many have said it better than I ever could… Like Seth Godin and Rebecca Woolf and Kim and Beth Anne.

There’s a lot of hatred and fury being flung around this year… which, if you ask me, is not ok. I don’t care who you vote for – whether its Obama, Romney or good ‘ol Roseanne Barr. If you don’t vote, your opinion doesn’t matter – you’ve opted out of your right to have a say.

We all have our own beliefs, our own experiences and our own battles. Be kind to each other, be kind to the volunteers at the voting locations and be kind to yourself. Take the time, go out… and VOTE!

 

 

All Hallow’s Eve.

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Hope your Halloween is Spooktacular or at the very least jam-packed full of mini sized candy bars. I’ll be handing out ridiculous amounts of Reese’s and Snickers while attempting to disguise and/or playing up the hard-core frog voice I’m rocking along with the sniffles! Boo in more ways than one!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!