[136] Friday Favorites: Texas

I have a confession to make...

I love Texas. Is it obvious?

I also love Guam. It is such a beautiful island.

Happy Friday!

[129] Comfy Cozy In My Little Space

Pardon the webcam photo. I was feeling rather lazy and avoided digging out my camera from the bedside drawer.
Some of you may remember that I recently (okay, 5 months ago) moved back to Texas, and into my parents house. I slept on a couch for about 2 months before I had my old room cleaned out and back to a functional bedroom again. From the first week of April until last week, I had been sleeping on the most uncomfortable firm twin size bed I have ever slept on. All the while, my 80 lb sister had been sleeping on this queen size bed with a fluffy pillow top (pictured above). 170 lb adult sleeping on a twin vs an 80 lb teen sleeping on a queen. I thought there was something very wrong with that... so I finally did something about it.
Things are coming together rather nicely. I'm becoming more and more comfortable with my living space and it's starting to resemble a mini-version of my old apartment.
In other news, I've been brainstorming new names for VFH. I have been considering using my own name or one of my screen names as part of the title. Nothing has stuck out to me quite yet. A new color scheme and a complete makeover is also in order for VFH. My creativity flows better when I'm in my own space. I've had idea after idea floating around in my mind since I've sat down at the computer this morning. Taking notes here and there, doodling and writing things down. I just hope I can translate this into digital art to the best of my ability.

[127] "Your Hand In Mine"

Where have I been?

March 25 - 30: I spent the entire week helping my sister move into her new home. This included loading up the F250 and a small utility trailer, and towing it from one side of town to the other. Cleaned out my old bedroom (which hasn't been occupied in quite some time, and slowly turned into a storage space). It was pretty hard work. I found myself loading up my car (or dad's truck) and hauling things off to our family storage unit. By the time I was done, a room (you could barely walk into) was left with only a dresser, a nightstand, and a twin size bed. Pulled my futon mattress out of storage to serve as a guest bed for my friend, Debbie, whom I picked up from the airport late Friday night in DFW. Reunited after 3 years!
March 31 - April 6: Celebrated my 26th birthday on the night of the 31st. Most eventful evening. We partied pretty hard, while also being responsible. A very immature guy nearly ruined my night, but my friends completely saved my birthday celebration. I can't thank them enough for being there for me. Woke up on the morning of my birthday and drove myself to church. Sure I was hungover and everyone giggled at me because they've been there before, but it was worth it. Deb and I bought new sunglasses later that evening, as well as a 4 track soundtrack to Beauty & the Beast. You better believe we blasted this CD as we drove down one of the main roads through my town. Worth it! Ended the night with birthday beers from my girl, Mackenzey. Had a glorious rest of the week, going on walks, showing Deb the country side of where I live, and eventually went for a short hike in Oklahoma at the Wichita Mountains.

April 15: Made a last minute trip to Austin! My sister went to a hair show for her work, and her fiancee tagged along so they could celebrate his birthday 6th street style. They convinced me to come down to hit 6th street before they had to come back on Monday. Best decision! I had a blast going to Coyote Ugly and Pete's Dueling Piano Bar. Monday morning we visited the Texas State Capitol (my first visit!).
April 19 - 23: Spent 24 hours driving to Mesa, Arizona for a wedding. Reunited with two girls I haven't seen in 4 years! Had a blast! Met some new people and absolutely loved being in the area. Reunited with another friend I hadn't seen in 6 years! Had an amazing time catching up over dinner and some ridiculously strong alcoholic beverages. Cut ourselves off early (with a little help from our waitress). I was pretty bummed to have to go back to Texas. Arizona really had me smiling.

May 1: Welcome to May! This year really is flying by. Having a good month so far. I've made a few delicious dishes I've been meaning to share photos of. I'll get on that soon. Summer is creeping up and the school year is almost over. I'm on the job hunt and it's tough. Wish me luck!

[126] Inspire Yourself and Better Your Life

I write when I'm feeling inspired. Whether it's after an intense conversation, finding a new recipe, watching a documentary, trying on a new pair of clothes/shoes, stumbling upon cute more cute owls, playing with my niece and watching her smile and laugh, shopping for fresh veggies and fruits, or catching a reflection in the mirror.

Today I am inspired by my own willpower and persistence to better my health and self-esteem.

Let's take a step back to one life changing experience... In the fall of 2009 I went through a divorce. The fact that I was still living with my in-laws was so taxing on my emotions, overall attitude, and my physical well-being. I found myself wanting to sleep in all the time. I never wanted to eat at dinner time, but I'd often force myself to have a small serving of whatever my in-laws prepared. It was the simple fact that I had to sit in front of (or be in the same house as) my soon-to-be ex-father-in-law. On more than one occasion, I would leave the house a couple of hours after dinner to go grab Taco Bell, McDonald's, or Wendy's so I could feel full and escape the people I lived with. Even though I was eating fast food, I still kept to my simple and fairly light breakfast and lunch.

At the end of September 2009, I packed up all my belongings, drove halfway across the country and moved into my parents home. I noticed I had slimmed down quite a bit and was able to fit into some old clothes better than before. For as long as I can remember, I've always had a pooch belly. Sure, I've tried to workout and make it as minimal as possible, but for whatever reason that just hasn't been a result I've been able to achieve. So, I work around it. I dress myself to what I find flattering to my shape and figure.

October 2009

By December 2009, I had consumed more Whataburger than any human should ever consume. Towards the end of the month, I took a trip to see my best friend (whom I hadn't seen since I left Alaska in April 2008) and meet his soon-to-be wife for the first time. I was so uncomfortable in my own skin during the couple of days I visited them. And seeing the pictures afterwards just left me feeling so disappointed in myself for letting my weight get so out of hand.

Fast forward to March/April 2010. Shawno flew down to Texas to visit for my birthday. During his visit, we took a walk to the falls of Wichita River as well as driving to the top of Mt. Scott in the Wichita Mountains (which are more like hills, located in Oklahoma). The day we visited the falls, it was hot, humid, and we were all suffering as we tried to enjoy the beauty of the falls. My sister took photos of Shawno and I as we sat and posed on top of the rocks along the stairs. After looking at the photos, I said to my sister "This is how pregnancy rumors get started." I was disgusted with my entire mid-section. At the time, I would think to myself, this isn't so bad, I've seen worse days. Lying to myself, of course.

In July 2010, I made the decision to go vegetarian, starting August 1, 2010. I ate fairly healthy. Started bringing in more fresh veggies into my diet. I felt awesome. The problem? I was still overeating and still consuming way too much soda for my own good.

January 2011, I visited Texas to help throw a baby shower for my sister. It was on this trip that I truly decided I needed to make a change in my life. I was still fairly new to vegetarianism. I had just given up soda for the new year. I weighed more than my 6 month pregnant sister... and I just couldn't stand to look at my body any longer. I lived in hoodies and sweaters.

March 2011, I made a decision for myself. Drop 50 lbs. I was originally 210 in January, weighed in at 197 in March, and made a goal for 147 by March 2012. I bought a scale as a birthday gift to myself. That was the start of it all. Ate more fresh foods than ever before. Cooked meals at home as often as possible. I brought granola and yogurt to work for lunch. I'd grab a veggie delite at Subway if I didn't have time to pack a lunch.

It's now March 2012. I'm 4 days from the end of my year long goal. How am I doing? I've lost a total of 40 pounds since last January. I'm 10 pounds from achieving a 50 pound loss, and 23 pounds from reaching my goal weight. The reality of losing 10 or 23 pounds in four days is just not going to happen. It would be dangerous to lose that much in such a short amount of time! Haha! Am I punishing myself for not reaching that goal? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I've managed to drop 40 pounds! I went from a size 12 to an 8! I recently tried on size 6 jeans at American Eagle and THEY FIT! I didn't buy them because I want to lose some more from my mid-section before I buy new clothes.

I have never loved myself more than I do now. And I appreciate people who take notice of the difference I have made for myself.

In 2009, I didn't care what I put in my body, food wise.
In 2010, I made a choice to cut meat out of my daily diet.
In 2011, I made the choice to cut carbonated sodas out of my daily diet.
In 2012, I made the choice to continue being meat-free and soda-free... because it works for me.

Looking to better yourself? Pay attention to your own habits. Make a change for yourself. If diet programs work for you, go for it! If you need something more, do your own research!

The beauty of being a vegetarian is that I get to eat the foods I love.

Left: December 2009, Right: March 2012

"Where willpower is the muscle, self-discipline is the structured thought that controls that muscle."

[122] "This Ain't My First Rodeo"

I've been back in Texas for one whole week now.
(Don't worry, I'm not going to make it a habit of counting how many weeks I have been home. Or will I?)

Before the week was up I took care of all the top items on my to-do list.

• Unload trailer
  (shove everything into storage)
• Drop off trailer before turn-in date
  (Bonus: flirt with U-haul employee)
• Texas license
• Fix my title and renew registration
• Inspection
  (Pass with flying colors)

Now it's time for pictures!

Bought a new top in burnt orange, because that is so fitting for a Texan.
Not that I'm some die-hard Longhorn fan.

Breakfast: scrambled eggs and shrimp fried rice.

Long hair. Adding layers soon for more body but keeping the length.

Monday, as I was headed out to go renew my license, my not-so-baby sister called asking for a ride home as she had missed the bus. Perfectly fine by me as this gave me a reason to drive the F250 once again while my car's tags were still expired. I like the noise of a roaring diesel engine as I drive down the highway. In fact, I often crack the window a bit in my car just for the noise. (Am I alone in this?) Anyway. After I picked her up, we headed back home (a little less than 10 miles away). Right before we reached our exit I asked if she minded tagging along to Walmart. She loves hanging out with her big sister. I picked up a few things to eat for the week (as you'll see in the following pictures). The good thing about being vegetarian in this house, nobody will eat my spinach or avocados. Well, except maybe my dad.

Spinach, tomato, cheddar frittata.

Spinach, tomato, cheddar omelette with sour cream and hashbrowns.

First Sonic slush of the year. Powerade.

The late night rain left a display of beautiful clouds.

[121] My Life in a 5x8 Container

Have you ever looked around at all of your belongings? Deciding what size trailer to rent for a one-way move?
I have. Multiple times.

Not-so-long story short, Shawno and I broke up. I have been homesick for the last 6 months of 2011, so, with the breakup, it was time for me to move back home. New England just isn't for me, nor would I have been able to afford to stay there.

I packed up everything I owned in our apartment, shoved it in a 5x8 U-haul, and started on my 2230 mile drive home. This trip didn't come without its complications. Somewhere along the highway in Connecticut, drivers were making poor choices.

On more than one occasion, a few people had to slam on their brakes in front of me. If you've ever towed a full trailer, you'll know that slowing down takes a little extra work from your brakes. Unfortunately for me, my front driver side brake pads needed to be replaced. I made the decision to drive all the way to Virginia with brakes that sounded absolutely horrible. The day I arrived at Regina's, we stopped at the auto part store so I could pick up some brake pads, rotors, and other essential items. Finished the night with Chinese buffet for dinner, short trip to Babies R Us to get wooden toys for the kiddies, and a couple more stops for things before heading back to her house.

The next morning, I was up at 6am, and outside by 7am to start working on changing my brake pads and rotors. This was no easy task. I had trouble removing my front driver side wheel. For whatever reason, this thing would not come off. No matter how hard I pulled. (And yes, I did remove the lug nuts before someone tries to get smart.) Luckily, Regina contacted a friend to come out and help me. I am so thankful for this man. He also had a c-clamp I lacked. I had everything else I needed thanks to my trusty new tool kit!

After banging at the wheel with a hammer for a bit, it finally loosened and we were able to start changing the brakes. Mike changed the driver side (while I watched every step) as I have only done this once before. He had me turn the car around so I could change the passenger side pads and rotors. Exactly what my dad does when it comes to working on car things. So thankful for Mike!

People think I am crazy for spending the night at highway rest areas and Walmart parking lots. They're a lot safer than Lifetime makes you think. After leaving one part of Virginia, I spent the night in the parking lot of a familiar Walmart. (My family holds a reunion in that area every summer.) The drive was smooth up until Tennessee where I ran into some heavy rain. Major highways through major cities are always rough during rush hour. I was almost successful at planning my stops to avoid any rush hour traffic.

The weather continued to be rainy through most of Tennessee and on into Arkansas. The rain finally let up shortly after West Memphis. Smooth ride through Oklahoma, except when my energy drink kept me from napping. One final nap before I finished that last stretch of highway through Oklahoma, down into Texas. Walked in my parents front door at 6:30am Friday morning. Running on a Monster Rehab, I was unable to sleep until Friday night, after a day trip to Arlington to visit my sister-in-law (bff's wife) and kiddies. Best way to be welcomed home!

Now I'm back in my hometown and living in my parents house. Keeping it classy at 25.

I'm on the hunt for topics to blog about. I have a few things on my craft to-do list for friends. Included on that list is my next batch of hand-made items for Christmas time. As well as hand-made items I've promised to a few friends. :)

First of all, I must tackle my old bedroom. It has managed to become a bit of a storage room as my siblings have moved out, while my 16 year old sister has taken over our 22 year old sisters old room (for the sole reason that it has cable hookups). This project will require freshly painted walls, steam cleaning the carpet, and switching out furniture between this room and my sisters room.

The second project will be to tackle the computer desk which is currently in the kitchen's breakfast area. I fully plan on turning it back into a breakfast area, but first I want to remove the huge desk (that is barely used by anyone other than my little sister). Change it out for a smaller desk/table and get my dad a filing cabinet for his important documents.

The third, and biggest project, will be to clean out the "game room". Aiming to turn this room back into a computer room/den for my dad. When we first bought the house in the 90's, the game room doubled as my brother's bedroom and dad's computer room. If not a den, I would love to make this a guest bedroom. It would be nice to have a place for friends and family to stay when visiting.

Whew, so many projects. On top of that, I have less than 2 months left to reach my weight loss goal. Once I get my scale set up I'll figure out how much I have left to lose. Thanks to this unusually warm winter season, I'll be able to get out and go for walks/jogs/runs without freezing. Time to get back into eating more fresh veggies!

Happy Blogging!

[120] Who moved my cheese?

I didn't read the book when my Dad suggested so in 2009, and I don't plan on reading it (but who's to say I won't eventually pick it up?).

I may have a late start on my new years resolutions. One craft a week is on hold. I'll explain in my next post.

As I look around my apartment, I have come to the realization that I have been so blessed to acquire the things I own. Over the last two years my owl collection has skyrocketed. I don't even want to attempt to count! To those who have gifted me with such items, I can't thank you enough. There have been quite a number of people who think of me at the sight of an owl, whether it's a real animal or a knickknack they've seen in passing. It's the thought that counts. :]

[043] Aunt and Godmother to Khloe-bugs

(Family post: Part II)

Meet Khloe and Jeanine. Jeanine is my sister (the older of my two younger sisters) and Khloe is her daughter.

Of my three siblings, I am closest to Jeanine. Not only is she my sister but she is also my best friend and I'm glad to have someone like her in my life. She's always the first person I call when something important comes up and she would say the same for me. When she found out she was pregnant (after a phone call and urging her to take 3 more tests just to be sure, haha) she sent me a text that said "My eggo is preggo!" After it was made public, I told everyone who would listen! I was excited to finally be an aunt!

Six months ago, I was visiting my sister and her fiancé at their apartment in Texas. During my two week visit, I spent most of the first week preparing decorations and food for their baby shower. After a successful baby shower and celebrating Jeanine and Kirk's engagement, a winter storm blew in. Texas simply wasn't prepared for all that ice and we weren't prepared for the power outages. We had planned to spend that second week taking maternity and engagement photos when they were home from work. With the power coming and going, we pretty much spent our free time trying to stay warm without the constant warmth of a heater. Jeanine was only 6 months pregnant in her maternity photos but the end result was pretty great.

Three months ago, I was sitting at home waiting patiently to hear news on Jeanine and baby. I was in the middle of a phone call with my friend Jaime when I refreshed Facebook to see the first picture of Khloe. If I remember right, I screamed at Jaime as I told her my Mom had uploaded a picture. We were both ecstatic! It was tough being ~1900 miles away while my sister gave birth to her first child. But the mere fact that I was flying out that same weekend eased all my pain. April 27th, Khloe Marie was born and our family grew by 1. Later that night, I posted on my sister's Facebook:

My best friend. My little sister. It seems like just yesterday I was getting in trouble for cutting your long locks of hair... comforting you when you scraped your leg after falling off your bike... styling your hair and applying your make-up for the 8th grade dance... cheering for you from the stands as you ran up and down the soccer field. You just gave birth to your first baby. Mom and Dad's first grandchild. I can't wait to see you on Saturday to lend a helping hand only a big sister can. I love you little Neaners. Rest up! It's going to be an intense ride.

Jeanine would probably roll her eyes and say "that was real dumb, Jas" if we were in the same room when she read it. But I know in her heart she truly loved what I had to say. And if she didn't, I'll just wrestle her to the ground until she admits she enjoyed it! I mean, come on! We are siblings after all. Right?!

[032] Christmas is coming

Christmas is Saturday. I'm excited! I'll be celebrating at my apartment, with Shawno. :D Later that day we'll join his Mom and family. I'm a little bummed I won't be seeing my own family this year, but it's understandable. Why?

BECAUSE I'M FLYING HOME ON JANUARY 22ND!!! It's official. I've scheduled my (free) round-trip flight for January 22 - February 5. Two weeks in Wichita Falls, Texas to visit the family. My sister's baby shower is January 29th, so I'm planning on helping her sort through the items she receives while also setting up the nursery.

In addition to this fun post about Christmas and family, I'd like to start listing what sort of New Years goals I'd like to achieve.

-eliminate soda from my diet
-possible career change (Working at my current place of employment is super, but I'd rather have a job outside of retail.)
-keep a weekly journal
-craft (scrapbook, paint, drawing, etc) on a regular basis