Thursday, April 28, 2011

Royal Wedding

   I'm SO very excited for tomorrow! Why? It's the Royal Wedding of course!!! Now, you may be wondering why I'm so excited, well, I'll tell you. Number one, I've always had a strange fascination with the British Royal family (my family will confirm this), two, it's a wedding, three, it's a royal wedding...need I say more? I can't wait to see what's she's wearing, all the people, all the pomp and circumstance... Man, it will just be amazing! Wish I could be there. Lucky for me, I'm only an hour ahead of the U.K., so I can watch it at noon :)

Are you guys as excited as I am?! It's going to be a happy day and a great wedding :)
For more info check out: Official Royal Wedding 2011
via site

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Me, Myself and Finding My Niche...

   So, I may not have the greatest blog in the world, the most followers, the most thought provoking posts. So, not many people comment or ask me questions on here. So, I may not be the prettiest, the thinnest or the smartest. Someone is always better at me in any of the fields and many more. Someone is always better than me. I just need to find my niche, that thing or things I love and want to do and am good at. I know I'm good at talking to people and making "friends" or at least engaging people in conversation. Sometimes I wonder if all of the friends I have are friends. Do they care that I moved away? I know some do, and I miss them terribly. 
   Speaking of not being the thinnest person in the world, I love food, and maybe that causes some weight issues. I've never have been or never will be a skinny mini, it's just not my body type. This summer I was probably in the best shape I've been in a long time. Part of that is due to the fact we saved up some money, and I got a personal trainer. I wanted to learn how to workout more and better for myself, but just didn't know how and frankly, was embarrassed that I didn't know how to use half the equipment in the gym. And man oh man did this help! I finally am comfortable going to the gym and can get a good workout in. I also took some yoga and pilates classes, which I love, and those helped as well. I still use some of those workouts I did with my trainer, but now, I also use some of Jillian Michael's workouts. Man can she kick your butt!
   When I was finally was reunited with Tyler in November (hadn't seen him in 8 months), man did I look and feel good! But, let me take you back to this past December/January when I started to get really anxious and depressed about Tyler being deployed. I didn't want to burden people with all my troubles, because even though family/friends would care, they wouldn't get it. Anyway, I started to gain lots of weight and not exercising as much, and finally, on the request of some friends, started to go to therapy. Therapy is also one of the best things ever, just so you're aware! But, these things are for another post. Well, after Tyler got back from being deployed, and had block leave, we went home for the holidays, and boy did I overindulge! I started to gain some weight back. Now, after struggling with my self again, I'm finally getting back in to shape. The point is, I've always had some body image issues, but am finally coming to terms with the fact if I just work out and eat smaller portions, I can look good :). Why sacrifice foods you love? Just try not to eat them as much and as big of a portion. Find a happy medium, because listen, there's NO WAY I'm giving up chocolate, bread, fries, etc. I just try not to have them as much, or if I do, I try to eat less than I used too. And as I said before, someone is always going to be prettier, thinner and more in shape than you, but who cares? You just need to be and love yourself.
via site
   I'm still looking for that thing I want to do/be. It's hard to deal with, because I see so many people struggling with the same thing or figuring it out. I wish someone could just come up to me, smack me and be like, "HEY YOU! You should do/be this!" and be done with it. Wouldn't that be nice? I enjoy traveling, wine, dogs, weddings, event planning (but mostly weddings haha), food, talking, writing/coming up with stories, entertainment, politics (secretly...gross I know), shopping, music, tv, movies, sometimes advertising/marketing...and well, just having fun. I think that about covers it. Now, what to do? Any ideas...I would love and am open to suggestions. I guess I just need to try more things for myself. Sigh. But again, suggestions/thoughts are welcome.
   For recent college grads (and for some beyond), there's the question of "so what are you going to do with you life?" I mean, you get that question your whole life, but after high school/college, well, that's when the pressure is on. What do you want to be when you "grow up?" What are you plans? Do any of us really know? Sure, I have some friends and my husband who have known what they've wanted to be for awhile, and some who have just recently figured it out, but for the rest of us this question is a difficult, especially in this economy with lack of jobs.
   But, I digress.Yes, people may have better blogs, more money, more friends, maybe they are prettier, are thinner/more fit than you, have a great career, etc. etc. The list can go on and on and on.  Maybe my weight struggles and how I am overcoming them can help someone. Maybe, hopefully someday soon, I will find my niche. But, until then, I leave you all with this...Love yourself, be yourself, trust yourself, have faith in yourself...

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Five Question Friday...(Saturday)...Easter edition

Meant to post this yesterday, but life happens...hehe. Happy Saturday everyone. Hope you have a fantastic Easter tomorrow :)

1. What is your favorite Easter tradition?
   Well, Tyler and I don't have kids yet, so we really don't have any Easter traditions of our own. In fact, I think this is one of the first we're getting to spend together.
   When I was growing up, we would always go to the Sunrise service (at like 7am) at church, then stay for Easter breakfast there. Once we got home, we had baskets from the Easter bunny and would do an Easter egg hunt. My sister and I would always go looking for the Easter bunny too, just in case he decided to stay at our house. Why he would, I have no idea haha. Oh! And who can forget about a delicious Easter lunch or dinner....mmmmm.
 
2. Are you a "shower" or a "long, hot bath" kind of person?
Shower  (random...)

3. Can you parallel park and if so when is the last time you did it?
I try, but I get too scared and have no parallel parking skills. Last time I tried was in November I think?  haha.

4. What is your favorite Easter candy?
I really just like candy. I love the chocolate Easter bunnies and the malted milk ball eggs, but I really just love candy in general hehe.

5. Easter: do you go all out with the Easter bunny or do you focus on the religious part of the holiday?
A happy mix.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Our Travels in Prague

   Well friends, the moment has come where I tell you about my adventure to Prague. Sorry it has taken me so long, but life happens and it takes more concentration then say the 30 day challenge did. haha.
   Day one, Tyler's Birthday. We left our home at about 11/11:30 with brownies and some bread as snacks...nutritious huh?  It only really took us 3 to 3 and a half hours to get there, which was great! At the border, you have to stop at a gas station to purchase the proper sticker your car needs to drive in the Czech Republic. You can also exchange money. After we did that, we drove another hour I think (part of the 3 and a half) to Prague.
Once we were in Prague, we got lost and tried to find parking for probably around 30 minutes to an hour. Tyler REALLY wanted to be done driving at this point haha. After we found a structure to park in for the long weekend, we made our way to the hotel. We checked in, got ready and went exploring and to find some dinner. We walked around for awhile, got lost a couple times...(note: I have a really good sense of direction, but Tyler doesn't always listen :p haha), but what a better way to see a city?  For Tyler's birthday dinner we had TGI Friday's. I know I know, what?! American Food?! Listen, we don't live in America anymore, so sometimes that stuff is a treat...and he hasn't had it for a very long time. They even sang happy birthday to Tyler and gave us free dessert and a ballon! hehe. Our waiter was the best! He told us all these crazy stories, places to visit and his trips to both Germany and the U.S.
   The next day, after a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we went out to see Prague! We walked for a little bit and came across this magnificent building, which happens to be a museum. Then we walked along the square, looked at the Easter markets, Went to see the famous clock go off, but of course as luck would have it, it was broken. Then, we went across the Charles Bridge to see the castle/palace and cathedral (side note: There are many beautiful cathedrals in Prague, some hard to get to, but all worth it), etc. etc. We did A LOT of walking that day. We even had lunch at this Medieval themed restaurant...pretty epic.
Palace and Cathedral

Tyler on the Charles Bridge

Me in the palace gardens.

   Sunday, we went to the Jewish part of the city, went to several parks and just caught things we missed the day before. Again, there was a lot of walking, but what a great way to see a city! We did check out a local restaurant where some of my friends who studied abroad in Prague would frequent. Of course, there we had to get some traditional Czech food and beer. The food was delicious! The beer, ehhh, but I don't really care for beer that much anyway. We even went to the Communist Museum that day, which honestly isn't really worth it. We took a break around 4 and headed out again from our hotel around 6 and had the best Indian food, since well, India I'd say. It was SOOOOO GOOOD!

  On Monday, we checked out of our hotel, put our bags in the car and made our way to Bohemian Bagel. This place will seriously change your life. Go there. 
 Yup, that was our breakfast (brunch). AMAZING! Then we went to buy ourselves some Easter eggs (real egg shells that are painted that you can hang for decoration). We also had on of those traditional Czech pastry things that are in the picture to your left. Obviously we didn't have it after that massive breakfast, we had it another day. :)




Honestly, Prague was so much fun. It's a very beautiful city with LOTS of history and things to do. If when we go back, we want to go with some friends to check out more of the night life and pub crawls they put on.
Yes people there speak English, but try and speak a little Czech, it's a crazy language, but they'll love you for trying!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Days 28-20: Time to Finish Up

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
- The dark. Yes it's silly, but I'm terribly afraid of the dark. 
- Heights or the fear of falling. I also hate the sensation of being dropped. Roller coasters are ok, because they go back up after a drop, but like the tower of terror, can't do that anymore. High ropes courses, attempted once and I fell off (fear realized). Repelling was fun, but I've done it like once. Heck, even driving on canyons/mountains scares me.

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
My dog Hushpuppy and I a few years ago. Love this dog! Miss her lots.

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss
My friends and family (and dogs) back home. Love and miss you guys.  






                                                                                                               




My dog Hushpuppy
Tyler's dog Buddy

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Day 27 and life

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member...


 That's my sis! This is from her 20th birthday at Medieval Times (she is now 21 woot woot!). She's currently a junior in college and studying geology...crazy girl. :)

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Anyway, how is everyone doing? 
I finally starting "working" for the girl scouts. I'm doing their PR. Sadly, it's not paid, but hey, experience and volunteering are both good things :)  Plus, I like the girl scouts; in fact, I used to be a Brownie. 
I'm also waiting to see if I am going to be a substitute teacher. I've never really had a desire to teach, but I figure it's a job, and why not try it, right? I also am big on education and education reform, so why not start here? Not that I'll be a teacher later in life, but I'll do what I can now. 


Thus, I digress...happy Wednesday!