Lately, I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams. They have been mash-ups between my childhood, my high school friends/boyfriends and things I've been wanting to do in the future. I always dream in full color, which I guess is kind of rare, and I often have what I call "deja vu" dreams where I'm just positive I've had the dream before but I have no idea why.
Now, I was totally that nerd who owned the "Your Dreams Decoded" book in high school (you can reference my other odd high school obsessions here) and I kind of wish I still had it. I really do believe that your dreams are just your subconscious screaming at you in a time that you're forced to listen. Sometimes it's screaming nonsense, and sometimes you should just shut up and listen.
What was my subconscious screaming last night? Between the appearance of my high school boyfriend at a random party in Des Moines, a school bus ride during which I was my current age and on board with me were all the members of both NKOTB and Backstreet Boys, being dropped off from said school bus ride at my first home in Mt. Pleasant and finding my clients in my current living room - I might just be nuts.
My best guess is that I have lately been wondering what happened to the boyfriend (though let's keep him away from my hood), I would looooove to go the NKOTB/BSB concert this summer and I really need to keep working on keeping my work at work and away from home.
Do you ever have those dreams that haunt you through the day and you just wonder where the heck your mind came up with them?
And just for fun...let's take a look at our favorite boy toys from way back when in the here and now, shall we?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Two for the Renege
I'm sure most of you have already read last night's blathering post, but after rereading and rereading it today I just decided it was not in the spirit of why I write this blog - so I deleted it. Long after I posted last night, I thought about the issues I'm having feeling fully optimistic. I think it has more to do with the stress I'm under right now than anything else.
Lesson learned...do not post while feeling too introspective.
Back in college, whenever we were playing cards and someone would try to take a card back, we always called it "two for the renege" - so I owe you guys two drinks.
Lesson learned...do not post while feeling too introspective.
Back in college, whenever we were playing cards and someone would try to take a card back, we always called it "two for the renege" - so I owe you guys two drinks.
I'm a clipper
Being the frugal nerd that I am, I spent the first hour of my morning drinking hot tea and clipping coupons. I went through the last two Sunday's newspapers clipping only things we already buy, then compared prices in the ads between Target, Walmart and Walgreens. I made my list, organized the coupons by store section (actually a first for me), and drug a hung-over hubs to Target.
Now, the key to coupon-clipping is to:
a) only clip for things you would already buy, otherwise you're just spending more than normal
b) pay special attention to if you have to buy two of something to get the discount (that often makes it not worth the hassle)
c) wait until you've gotten your Sunday paper so that you can get the best deals. Generally, the items you find coupons for will be on sale in the stores that week.
d) if you find that Target is having the best deals, also check Target.com for special in-store coupons. They allow you to use their coupon and the manufacturer coupon at the same time. Today I got two boxes of Nabisco crackers for $2 because they were on sale in the store, I had a Target coupon and a Nabisco coupon.
Just a side note, I have actually found Target to be much cheaper in general than Hy-Vee. And their Archer Farms brands are much better "generics" than the Hy-Vee brands.
So, the final savings ended up to be awesome -
Hope you all have a great Sunday!
Now, the key to coupon-clipping is to:
a) only clip for things you would already buy, otherwise you're just spending more than normal
b) pay special attention to if you have to buy two of something to get the discount (that often makes it not worth the hassle)
c) wait until you've gotten your Sunday paper so that you can get the best deals. Generally, the items you find coupons for will be on sale in the stores that week.
d) if you find that Target is having the best deals, also check Target.com for special in-store coupons. They allow you to use their coupon and the manufacturer coupon at the same time. Today I got two boxes of Nabisco crackers for $2 because they were on sale in the store, I had a Target coupon and a Nabisco coupon.
Just a side note, I have actually found Target to be much cheaper in general than Hy-Vee. And their Archer Farms brands are much better "generics" than the Hy-Vee brands.
So, the final savings ended up to be awesome -
Hope you all have a great Sunday!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
I'm no beginner!
I had to share...I got the most fantastic compliment tonight!
I signed up for my beginner's yoga class at the beginning of January and though it hasn't been the most challenging, it has been fantastic for getting my breathing right and double-checking my pose postures. Now, if I'm going to be honest, I did feel a little over-qualified for the class I was in. And then, tonight, our instructor (who is THE most amazing woman) pulled me aside after class and told me that not only was I past the beginner class, but that I should switch straight to the Yoga II class!
I always knew that I enjoyed yoga, but having a true class to go to has really changed my outlook on it. It is so much more than a workout.
I'm going to take my post-flow high and enjoy the rest of my night, later!
I signed up for my beginner's yoga class at the beginning of January and though it hasn't been the most challenging, it has been fantastic for getting my breathing right and double-checking my pose postures. Now, if I'm going to be honest, I did feel a little over-qualified for the class I was in. And then, tonight, our instructor (who is THE most amazing woman) pulled me aside after class and told me that not only was I past the beginner class, but that I should switch straight to the Yoga II class!
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| Yoga on a beach....yes, please! |
I always knew that I enjoyed yoga, but having a true class to go to has really changed my outlook on it. It is so much more than a workout.
I'm going to take my post-flow high and enjoy the rest of my night, later!
Monday, January 31, 2011
28 days
Ok, so February is right around the corner (as is right in about three hours). This means that I should finally decide what my next 28 "Make the most of it" days are going to entail. But first, let's reminisce a bit, shall we?
January brought a lot of things to the table....
- I made it all the way to the 28th before I drank any pop (and I blame it on having the worst migraine EVER and needing caffeine)
- I started the most amazing yoga class at The Family Tree
- I only ate fast food once - ahhh Chik-fil-a, I could not help myself
- I tried out a class at church only to find it wasn't for me
- I made valiant efforts to curb my swearing. Some days were better than others.
- I spent a lot of time doing what I wanted to - hello Dawson's Creek - and not actually cleaning my house
- I made huuuuge attempts to find the silver lining in all things super sucky (like finding out the hubs unemployment was officially ending)
- and one of my favorites, I found visual reminders for the ol'cube...like this one:
So, what are February's big plans? They are quite grand if you ask me...which clearly you did.
- I have signed up for the February 12th ARL Volunteer Orientation to be a Cat Companion. I may have just enlisted hubs as a secondary recruit! I'm pretty pumped to be lovin' up some cats and kittens. I know it's going to be hard to leave them there, but animals have always been a passion of mine and the way I figure it, I shouldn't let my guilt over not being able to adopt all of them stop me from giving them the love they deserve. Besides, maybe it will make them even nicer to their potential adopters!
- I've also signed up for the Yoga Journal 21-day Challenge. I had originally considered starting my 5k training this month, but honestly, I loooooove yoga and I think the mental benefits are going to outweigh the cardio of running. Well, that, and I kind of loathe running. I've been enjoying the heck out of my class to the point that I want to bring that bliss into my every day. Stay tuned for details - I start tomorrow.
- I'm going to a ballet!! The Des Moines Ballet is putting on Alice in Wonderland, and as fellow blogger Des Moines is Not Boring wrote:
January brought a lot of things to the table....
- I made it all the way to the 28th before I drank any pop (and I blame it on having the worst migraine EVER and needing caffeine)
- I started the most amazing yoga class at The Family Tree
- I only ate fast food once - ahhh Chik-fil-a, I could not help myself
- I tried out a class at church only to find it wasn't for me
- I made valiant efforts to curb my swearing. Some days were better than others.
- I spent a lot of time doing what I wanted to - hello Dawson's Creek - and not actually cleaning my house
- I made huuuuge attempts to find the silver lining in all things super sucky (like finding out the hubs unemployment was officially ending)
- and one of my favorites, I found visual reminders for the ol'cube...like this one:
So, what are February's big plans? They are quite grand if you ask me...which clearly you did.
- I have signed up for the February 12th ARL Volunteer Orientation to be a Cat Companion. I may have just enlisted hubs as a secondary recruit! I'm pretty pumped to be lovin' up some cats and kittens. I know it's going to be hard to leave them there, but animals have always been a passion of mine and the way I figure it, I shouldn't let my guilt over not being able to adopt all of them stop me from giving them the love they deserve. Besides, maybe it will make them even nicer to their potential adopters!
- I've also signed up for the Yoga Journal 21-day Challenge. I had originally considered starting my 5k training this month, but honestly, I loooooove yoga and I think the mental benefits are going to outweigh the cardio of running. Well, that, and I kind of loathe running. I've been enjoying the heck out of my class to the point that I want to bring that bliss into my every day. Stay tuned for details - I start tomorrow.
- I'm going to a ballet!! The Des Moines Ballet is putting on Alice in Wonderland, and as fellow blogger Des Moines is Not Boring wrote:
"The Wonderland story and the artistry will be brilliant, but the best part about the performance – in my opinion – is the local connection. There will be over 150 Des Moines residents, who are passionate about the arts in our city, all working together to bring the amazing event to our community. "
There's just no sense paraphrasing when he said it just right - our dancers and our orchestra - working with the professionals. And again, a huge thanks to a great friend who made my ability to see this beautiful ballet in person possible!
- Last, but not least on the big list, is the Holy Spirit Retreat at Hope. I missed it during my Alpha classes back in November, but am really looking forward to it this month. Once they get it up online, I'll post a link.
Of course, I'm going to keep January's list going and build on my successes, and challenges, thus far.
What about you guys? Any big plans for February? Anything you're doing that's just for you?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
She said what?!?
You probably won't believe it...I had a hard time believing it myself. Someone that knows me better than I often know myself actually looked at me on Monday and said, "There just seems to be a calmer presence about you than I've ever seen."
WTH?
As odd as it sounds folks, she's right. I wanted to refute every word but apparently my "Making the most of it" lifestyle is actually paying off. I'm happy. Joyful, even.
This same wise woman has been telling me for the last two years that I needed to start taking care of myself. Not the dishes, not work, not clients, not the hubs, not the family. Myself. And every time I looked at her like she was nuts. How was I supposed to possibly think about myself when hubs is laid off, the stress is mounting, work is crazy, there's bills to pay and no freaking way I could justify a nice Asian woman's $10 manicure, let alone a massage or a yoga class.
She was so right though. Transfer some of the responsibility - people will surprise you when they actually pick up your slack - just tell them you're going to do it first. You are the only one who thinks you are the only one who can do/handle something. (Well, except the finances, hubs is never going near the budget excel...) You are also the only one denying yourself. No offense guys, but ladies, when is the last time you saw a man deny himself anything? Another beer, another slice, one more hour of TV, a night out with the guys...let's be honest. That is a woman thing, for sure.
The more I do for myself, the more I seem to like myself. I have to imagine the people around me are liking me more too. Well, at least enough to nominate me for something other than the "best outburst" award next year!
Do you have any secrets for relieving stress and staying happy? I did just share my vampire addiction with you, so bring it. :)
WTH?
We're talking about the super type-A, control-freak to the max. The chick who makes lists of the lists she needs to make. Who constantly worries about what everyone else is thinking about her, all the while being nominated for the office "best outburst" award because she can't keep her yap shut.
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| Sorry about the blurry image - I need to figure out this picture thing! |
As odd as it sounds folks, she's right. I wanted to refute every word but apparently my "Making the most of it" lifestyle is actually paying off. I'm happy. Joyful, even.
This same wise woman has been telling me for the last two years that I needed to start taking care of myself. Not the dishes, not work, not clients, not the hubs, not the family. Myself. And every time I looked at her like she was nuts. How was I supposed to possibly think about myself when hubs is laid off, the stress is mounting, work is crazy, there's bills to pay and no freaking way I could justify a nice Asian woman's $10 manicure, let alone a massage or a yoga class.
She was so right though. Transfer some of the responsibility - people will surprise you when they actually pick up your slack - just tell them you're going to do it first. You are the only one who thinks you are the only one who can do/handle something. (Well, except the finances, hubs is never going near the budget excel...) You are also the only one denying yourself. No offense guys, but ladies, when is the last time you saw a man deny himself anything? Another beer, another slice, one more hour of TV, a night out with the guys...let's be honest. That is a woman thing, for sure.
The more I do for myself, the more I seem to like myself. I have to imagine the people around me are liking me more too. Well, at least enough to nominate me for something other than the "best outburst" award next year!
Do you have any secrets for relieving stress and staying happy? I did just share my vampire addiction with you, so bring it. :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I'm addicted
It's true. There is yet to be a piece of vampire/supernatural/paranormal "trash" that I don't love.
As in LOVE.
I will even admit that I've been in love with said paranormal trash since I was in junior high. What's the draw, you ask?
Pure. Escape.
These are stories that are never going to happen, with super hot main men you're never going to meet and romance you know you're never going to have (if you do though, call me, let's have drinks and dish..). They are as absolutely far from the day-to-day drama of your own life as you can get. Men are heroes, but women kick butt. There are no sniveling little wussy girls (well, outside of the Twilight series) to be found and even though you'll never find yourself having to make the "dead or undead" choice, you can appreciate the "Romeo and Juliet" feel of it all.
P.S. The four covers shown above are some of my favorite vampire/paranormal series'. If you own a Kindle or a Nook, search for Amanda Hocking (Torn). She sells all of her books for $.99 or $2.99 and they are fantastic! The Sookie books (Charlaine Harris) are SO MUCH better than the True Blood series and House of Night (P.C. Cast) is the best teen series an adult junkie like myself could hope for. The Fever series (Karen Moning) is definitely rated R, but I'm flying through them at a rapid rate as we speak.
Do you have any favorites I should know about??
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