Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Blessed am I

Remember yesterday how I was looking at the bright side and trying to stay positive regarding my 4am custodial job? Well, I have been blessed.
I have a new job!
I made a split second decision to apply for an on campus job yesterday- an interview and one sleep later I am newly employed by the campus ticket office, and I couldn't be happier. 

3:20am....I only plan to see you twice more this week and then hopefully will never again on a regular basis (motherhood being an exception, of course). Farewell!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Making Lemonade

Sometimes I like my job....
I have a lot of time to think.
(As much as I hate to admit it...) It gives me an early start at the day.
It teaches me discipline and how to handle the nitty-gritty.
It motivates me to get a degree and to eventually be my own boss.

Its not the most glorious job, but its not the worst job. In a town like Rexburg, I'm truly so blessed to have the job I have--- and that my job pays what it pays. Its a whole lot easier to do things you don't necessarily want to do when you are trying your best to see the positive. 
That is what I have learned in the last week or so.

SideNote: I love/miss President Hinkley. I am honored to clean a building named after him. 

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Dinner

I made a real dinner tonight! Read about my success here.

I'm still trying to get the other blog off the ground, Walk With Me... may be slightly neglected for awhile. Hope you understand! :)

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Pardon the excessive posting...

...but I simply cannot wait to introduce you to my latest brainchild.
(See the new tab?)
And I have all you readers (and especially you commenters) to thank! I really think this new project will be the key to my progression towards wellness. Please, take a look around and tell me what you think- I value your opinion you know. 

P.S. I have gone the entire day without watching a single second of TV...I got so much done!

HotLips

My husband is the greatest; he knows exactly how to cheer me up.

Rewind with me back to Valentines Day. When I woke up that morning I realized that I hadn't bought any HotLips. Blasphemy! You cannot celebrate Valentines Day without HotLips. Anyway, so after work (mind you, "after work" for us is 7am) I made Chris drive me to 4 different store on a quest for HotLips. I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm a Valentines monster.
Well, there were no HotLips to be found. I was bummed, but I bought a big bag of strawberry frooties instead (to see how the frooties were ultimately my demise click here).

Fast forward with me to yesterday; I was bummed about numerous things and was kind of in one of those crying-for-no-real-reason moods. I snapped at Chris for not putting his cup in the sink and stormed off to lay in bed. I fell instantly asleep and slept for about 2 hours. When I woke up Chris had gone to the gym, done the dishes, taken a shower, and straightened up the apartment. I felt guilty for snapping, especially because he reciprocated with doing service for me.

Then I found a bag of HotLips on my desk. He is too much.

I'm grateful for a husband who loves me enough to cut me some slack when I'm down, and who puts effort into turning my day around.
for those of you who don't know what HotLips are...
I know this may seem counter productive in regards to my Sugaralholicism, but don't worry. I only eat the appropriate serving size after a well-balanced meal (instead of eating them as the meal. Progress!).

A Mini Lesson on Logic

I am currently in "Math For the Real World" (aka Math 108...I know, impressive) and we are learning about logic. I am going to use my new knowledge to illustrate my next point (look at me, using math in "real life").
Consider the following:
If I watch TV, then I loose motivation and productivity.
If I loose motivation and be productivity, I eat junk food.
Therefore, if I watch TV then I eat junk food.
This argument is both valid and sound.

Clearly, cutting out TV would definitely be a step in the right direction. I know that it is not very realistic for me to stop watching cold turkey, and I also don't think watching some TV is bad. Its all about portion control (::constant theme here::). Today, I will not watch any TV shows or movies, just to see what it is like; what I can get done. Then, I will go from there- maybe limiting myself to my 3 favorite TV shows (Biggest Loser, New Girl, and Modern Family). Or, maybe I will only watch TV on the weekends, or after all my homework is done. 

Any way you slice it TV and junk food are most definitely related (in my case). In all honesty, I just need someone to hold me accountable here. 
24 hours of a TV-less existence starts now!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Intervention

So, this weekend in Utah I experienced the interventionee end of an intervention.

Premise: I went to Nordstrom to try on jeans, and after one pair I was in tears and refusing to try on anything else- I refer to this event as "the dressing room meltdown." To be honest, this was not a great way to start off my weekend.
Mom&Dad are currently on the Weight Watchers program and are showing results thus far.
Also, I have this "being married makes you fat theory." And I've tried, a few times, to develop a health and fitness plan; all of which fizzle out and fail. Frustrating.

I was whining about not being able to afford WW, and because of this I was doomed to stay fat and unhealthy- might as well resort to the Moo-Moo now.
Of course, Mom&Dad responded with, "You don't have to be on Weight Watchers to be healthy." (Of course, again) I rolled my eyes and came back with some excuse like "It's too hard" and "I don't know how." [Side note: this season of The Biggest Loser is themed "No Excuses." haha]
Well, I (basically) asked for it. In an instant there was a stack of recipes, Weight Watchers printouts, the Change One diet guide, and a simplistic "how-to" cook book. Then came the string of questions I didn't want to answer;
What do you eat on a typical day? Grapefruit, Ramen, and Cereal
How often do you exercise? On a good week? Once, maybe twice
How much sleep are you getting? Average: 8.5 hours
Yikes! No wonder I feel like crap ("crap" meaning exhausted, cranky, and unmotivated)! I was getting enough sleep, but was always tired. Saying those things out loud to my parents was painful, but also eye-opening. I had become so lazy in regards to my health. I was justifying my bad habits with a grapefruit. Literally.
Mom&Dad offered to help me the next day with a monthly dinner meal plan and I went to bed overwhelmed and a little disheartened- there was so much to change.

The Plan:
Mom sat down with me on Sunday night and we planned the next 28 days of meals; based off of things I already knew how to cook. We have Soup Night, Breakfast-for-Dinner Night, Pasta Night, Potato Night, Leftover Night, Out-to-Eat Night, and Sunday Dinner. We made a grocery list and I was prepared for my next trip to the grocery store- I was going to go grocery shopping with a purpose, not just buying things because they were cheap or yummy. 

The Intervention:
It was Monday afternoon and we were getting ready to leave. Mom&Dad were offering their last words of advice and encouragement. I made a sarcastic comment (something to the effect of "Ok. Intervention. Check." *insert sarcastic air check mark*). Then, Mom said "I am only saying half of what I want to say. You have a sugar addiction." Of course, I laughed. Addiction? That's too strong of a word. Then, Chris jumps in.
"Its true!" He unzips my backpack and pulls out a handful of strawberry flavored frooties. Then another. And another. ....And another. Ok. I admit. Kind of ridiculous. Then, he brings up the whole bag of chocolate I ate over last weekend.

I might as well go to a Sugaraholics Anonymous meeting.
"Hi, I'm Melissa and I'm a Sugaraholic." 
"Hi, Melissa."

Basically, I can go on and on about all the stuff that I have eaten in the past that I shouldn't have. I could make you uncomfortable with more and more "too personal" information regarding my weight and jeans issues. But, I won't. I wanted to share all of this so that I can own up to it. I shouldn't be confused when I gain weight the way I eat. I shouldn't feel like I'm a victim of "bad genes" and a slow metabolism. This is my fault and its up to me to fix it.

That sounded way more dramatic than I intended. Haha. I am happy with my epiphany and I am so grateful for my loving family who were willing to intervene between me and my unhealthy habits.

If you are in the same chocolate-frootie boat as me, I'd love to hear from you. Or, if you're not and you have some amazing trick for curving your sugar cravings I'd love to hear those too.

746 words later, I think that's all I have to say. :) Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Too Cute for Words

This weekend, Chris and I were able to finally meet our beautiful niece! I love Miss Lillie so much, it's not even funny. It was so adorable to see Chris holding her. I may have been a tiny bit baby hungry, but what girl isn't (...let's be honest)? I am sad that we don't live closer and can't see her all the time. I seriously can't get enough of her.

I know, they aren't super great pictures of her...but I kinda like seeing what Chris and I would look like with a new baby. I know that it's not going to be for awhile, and I can wait. But, I know that it will be amazing and I'm looking forward to it.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Cats in the Dumpster

So, there are a few cats who live in and around the dumpsters at Stonebrook. Sometimes, they dart out in front of your car when your pulling in and they scare you. Also, I'm pretty sure I accidentally dumped some garbage on one of them.
Sorry. :(
Last night, I woke up in a complete panic. I had had a nightmare that the garbage trucks came and took the kitties away with the garbage. 
But no worries, I saw one of them dart in front of my car on my way home from work this morning. They are fine.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Spoiled

Turns out my husband is sneaky...threw me off guard with the single rose and surprised me with this:
 and this...:
heart shaped pizza. perfect.
Today has been the. best. Valentine's day ever! :) I hope everyone else is having the same success on this wonderful day!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!
Remember how Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday? Well, this year was the best year yet! Due to a crazy week with work and school (and lots of exams) we celebrated on Saturday the 11.
 I decided to continue my mom & dad's tradition of a Valentine's day themed breakfast. I got a little crazy, but had some fun for sure. I made Chris wait in our room while I fixed breakfast.
Pink + Heartshaped German pancakes
The over-the-top table complete with pink and red heart shaped crazy straws
Breakfast was so fun and I had a blast treating my sweetheart. Unfortunately, I had a pre-scheduled group meeting and had to rush off to at 8am. When I returned, Chris was gone getting his haircut, so I went back to bed. I awoke to a beautiful white rose!

We spent the rest of the afternoon watching "Lost" on Netflix and then got ready to go to dinner at...TEXAS ROADHOUSE! I'm not a huge meat eater, but the rolls and honey butter alone make the trip worth it. It was a really fabulous dinner.
Isn't he handsome?
After dinner we took a walk around the mall to let our stomachs digest our huge, yummy meal. Then, it was back to Rexburg for more "Lost" before bedtime (...we really like Lost). :)
Then, yesterday my present Chris was so mysterious about came in the mail. Behold:

Adorable? Yes. I love that he got my name engraved on the back- I don't have anything with my "new" name on it. I can't wait to take it to the gym with me (no offense, bulky iPod Classic). My husband is so good at presents. I am so spoiled. Thank you honey!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

525,600/2

I can't believe I have been married for 6 months. The time has flown by! Its been a great six months & I've learned a lot- in fact I was reflecting on all of my "new knowledge" today and I came up with this lovely list:

-Chris likes to sleep on his left side. Sometimes, I don't like it because his back is to me (I am a cuddle-sleeper) and me spooning him doesn't work too well.
-Chris likes warmish-cold showers and views my preferred shower temperature as "scalding" or "boiling."
-Chris doesn't like the sheets tucked in at the bottom. This is another area where we differ in preference (aka: it drives me crazy). I like the sheets to lay flat and even so both parties have equal shares of all sheets and blanket. Chris likes loose, wadded sheets. This makes making the bed a real pain. However, Chris is beginning to see the light and we tucked in the bottom this morning.
-Chris is very observant and knows how to read me very well. There have been countless occasions where I have had an off day or was sad/frustrated/moody (all of the above) and he was able to turn my day around with a bubble bath, treat, or back rub (all of the above). I am so grateful to have a husband who cares.
-Chris is very silly and likes to play. I cannot count the number of times I have been attacked by the shaving cream monster (aka: Chris with shaving cream all over his body), participated in (and won) tickling/wrestling matches, and other fun things. There is never a dull moment in 1523.
-Chris is extremely supportive of me in anything and everything that I do. He prays for my success and encourages me constantly; especially when it comes to my education.
-Having a strong marriage is not easy. Doing the things I saw my parents (and Chris saw his parents) do aren't as easy or as simple as they seemed. It has been amazing to me how hard it can be to get a real dinner on the table- let alone make it to the temple every week.

I'm sure I could go on...but I wont. :) Successful six months down- eternity to go.
Bring it on.





Thursday, February 9, 2012

B[in]B

Breakfast in Bed.
On a THURSDAY.
Waffles with honey 
butter.

For no reason.
My husband is the best. :)

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Fancy

I made this for lunch today, it was quite delicious.
 I like to call it "Fancy Ramen."
Just add chives and some Italian seasoning. 
Mmmmmmmm.


Monday, February 6, 2012

20 Things...

On Sunday morning I happened upon this article; "20 Things to Start Doing in Your Relationships."
It was such a breath of fresh air and such a good reminder- I had to share!


"Remember, life is kind of like a party.  You invite a lot of people, some leave early, some stay all night, some laugh with you, some laugh at you, and some show up really late.  But in the end, after the fun, there are a few who stay to help you clean up the mess.  And most of the time, they aren’t even the ones who made the mess.  These people are your real friends in life.  They are the ones who matter most. "


Friday, February 3, 2012

Good Morning

Dontcha hate it when this happens...
If you ask me, cereal should only come in a box OR a bag. Not both.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Apples & Curls

Today has been a good day. I am exhausted, but content.
My mom and Dad ordered Chris and I this amazing fruit from Harry & David. Pretty much the best apples and pears I've ever tasted. The apples look fresh out of Snow White; irrestistable. Also, this comes to mind...
It WAS good...and not poison. Whew.
So, today I wore my hair curly & I've had mixed opinions of it myself all day. So, I was wondering what you think? Too poodle-esque? Too young looking? I don't know. Curly hair is a blessing and a curse. It can either make your life easy or complicated (as you battle for 45 minutes to an hour with a flat iron).
The weekend is almost here! Make it count!


Wednesday, February 1, 2012

12 [in] 2012 Recap: January

For those of you who don't know....I have 12 "mini" resolutions that make up my big one: to be better, to progress as a person. I affectionately call it 12 [in] 2012.
So, January went fairly well. I can't say I was perfect, or even close, but I made progress which is most important to me. I chose this resolution for January because I know that I will never be "perfect" in this area. I can always read longer, pray more meaningfully, and learn more. I got a good start to the new year and am excited to see where I am at the end of the year.

FEBRUARY! I love February....mostly because Valentines Day is my favorite holiday (so, this means that all you "national single awareness" people need to keep your V-Day opinions to yourself). I love that there is an entire day dedicated to showing our love and appreciation to those around us. I know, I know, we should always do it- but we should also be grateful all year long instead of only on Thanksgiving. Same deal. Anyway, come 14 you'll probably find me with some strawberry milk with a heart crazy straw. I'm still devising a plan for my sweetheart...stay tuned.

Anyway, goal for February is fitness. This is also one of those "life long" endeavors and something that I will (probably) always struggle with. I like food to much, and not the good kind; the greasy, fried, buttery, fatty kind. Yep, I know, gross. I really wish that I could be satisfied with a bag of lettuce and some carrots and maybe some hummus (gag), but -for now- not even close. Most of you will know that the following is going to be a major stretch for me....I'm giving up soda for the month of February (including diet Coke). I said farewell this morning with one last glass. This is going to be hard, but I can do hard things.
I also want to focus more on consistent exercise. Up until now, I have exercised in spurts. I'll be really good for 3-5 days and then go through an exercise drought. Boo. I think it would be better for me to exercise 3 times a week consistently then one week out of the month.

So there you have it, February. Wish me luck and hopefully you'll see me a little healthier come 29 days (this year is leap year, didn't you know?).
Huh. I am fairly chatty today.