Tuesday, December 29, 2009
I Resolute to Not Resolute
Often times, (like most people), I feel bloated and stuffed after the holidays and focus on the depressing feeling of the extra holiday weight... gross.
One year in college, I was obsessed with incorporating "new" into my life. New friends, new experiences, new boyfriend, new fashions. That year, one of my good friends said something that still sticks with me. She was talking to someone and said, "You know how Jess gets at the beginning of every year... " I didn't realize that my "trying to better myself" was actually doing the exact opposite.
New years resolutions are great, but for the perfectionist in me, they lead to the anxious feelings about accomplishing these new goals to the fullest. This morning, while talking with my mom about the 90 min Bikram Yoga class we took yesterday, I said "That was great for stretching my back, but I could never do that on a weeknight..." I realized that I was immediately giving myself excuses for myself for things that I would like to add to my busy life but just might not have time every week.
So - rather than a traditional resolution, I have a checklist. Because let's face it, a list is just way more me anyway. I am comprising a list "TOP 10 IN 2010 " of things I want to do/accomplish. Some will be small, like reading a book start to finish. Some will be fun, like making a pie from scratch and growing a tomato plant. Some will benefit my future, like getting my finances organized. I have 1 so far for my friends and family: sending out by birthday cards in time. For some reason, this approach to a new year's resolution feels more exciting and inspiring rather than daunting. My complete Top 10 in 2010 list will be posted soon.
I'm already planning and creating something document my 26th year... Top 26 in 26 perhaps?? I'm thinking about selecting 26 pictures in my 26th year to make a little scrapbook or something. I would have liked to some sort of Top 9 in 09 in pictures, but I don't think I took that many pictures of what I did... Santa brought me a camera for Christmas so I will be able to post pictures again!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Kid Quote!
Me: How many grown-ups live in your house?
Kid: My mom and my dad... I don't know if the fish are grown-ups....
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Baby Got Moves!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw8mYRdMNJo
Monday, September 28, 2009
How I attempt to get ahead
1. Casseroles.
This trickiest part about casseroles is to find some that aren't drenched in cheese and 3/4 pasta. I have found some that I really like on myrecipes.com. They have a link with light casseroles. Yessssss. Slow cooker meals are a great too. I cook 1 or 2 on Sunday and put half in the freezer, half in individualized tupperware for the week's lunches and dinners. It's just like a frozen dinner without all the preservatives.
2. Breakfast to-go
No, not from a fast food restaurant, but made in advance. I heat it up in the morning to liven up my 25 minute drive to work that just keeps getting longer some how. Ugh. I like making breakfast tacos with an egg white and egg mixture with turkey bacon. I'm about to add another egg breakfast compliments of my dear friend Alli: Omelets in a bag! It's genius! You put 2 eggs plus the toppings you would like in your omelet. Shake it up. Last, you just put the bag in boiling water for 13 minutes and voila - Omelet. In my opinion, I think it's better than a real omelet because it came out perfectly moist. Maybe I just haven't perfected cooking an omelet in a skillet, but I always over cook it on the outside and it just tastes gross. So thanks Alli, you've given me another recipe that will help me hit the snooze at least 2 more times!! Love you!
3. Lists.
If you know me at all, you'll know my love for lists and post-it notes.
I make lists for everything. Lists help me sleep at night. They help me priorotize. They make me feel productive. They make me feel in control. I would like to get better at making a shopping list in advance and sticking to it. I get so distracted at grocery stores, especially if I'm at a Super store. Isles of stuff I never knew I needed surround me! I think I just discovered my goal for my next grocery shopping trip: stick to my list. I always have one, but I never adhere to it at a grocery store.
Off to shower and wash my hair tonight. That will definitely give me an extra slam on the snooze tomorrow.
Socks
For instance, you know someone wearing snug below-the-ankle socks is definitely under the age of 30 and at least moderately aware of their appearance. If they are athletic, they probably have special cushion on it or maybe a brand name.
Ankle socks indicate over the age of 30, but trying new things. I have noticed many women in their 40's-50's wearing the ankle socks... it's like they're almost there, but just can't bring themselves to wear what all the young kids wear.
Now, my personal fav would have to be the above-ankle socks with a scrunch. Ohhh, the scrunch... this person has absolutely no regard for current trends or style and could possibly fall into any age bracket. Yes, people, unfortunately any age bracket.
The gym is the best place to sock-watch. I do this a lot when I'm trying not to watch the clock on the treadmill. I also check the socks when I see a cute guy. In order, 1.) check socks to determine age and how aware he is of society 2.) check for ring 3.) check out muscle definition, just for fun.
Next time you're people-watching, look at the socks for a glimpse of a stranger's personality. Trust me, the imagination can easily start at the socks.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Kid Quotes #1
I always enjoy hearing funny kid quotes and have always said I should write down the crazy stuff I hear. Honestly, who doesn't love those forwards with all the cute and ridiculous quotes from kids under the age of 8?
Here's the start of my collection from my first few weeks from school:
Kid Quote #1
Me: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Kid: I want to be an astronaut. I want to be the first person on Mars.
Me: That is so cool! I can’t wait to see you on TV someday.
Kid: If you’re alive by then…
Me: haha, I hope I am.
Kid: Well, I’m just making common sense. You’re an adult and I’m a kid. When I’m an adult, you’ll most likely be dead.
Me: Gulp.
Kid Quote #2
Me: What is another word that means the same as “SINGULAR”?
Kid responds with: seis
Kid Quote #3
Me: Do you do that often?
Kid: offense? We play defense.
* this is why I love my job *