Rut

I am in a rut! Dang Grandma's Christmas chocolates and slush! So today is my Healthy Lifestyles update and I have to say that I haven't lost anything, I'm the same. But it's been two weeks since the last time I updated so it's frustrating because in 2 weeks I would have hoped to lose at least 3-4 pounds. It's my own fault for not sticking to the guidelines I set for myself.

But ya know what?! I didn't gain right? And I can pick right back up and get back to the guidelines I set. Ok, you helped me out blog...Guess what?! I hadn't been eating sugar and over Christmas I ate my grandma's delectable homemade chocolates and slush (mixture of fruit juices frozen and then Sprite is poured over it...only at Christmas) and I ended up getting acne worse than a teenage prepubescent boy who eats cheetos and ding dongs! I guess it goes to show the less sugar is better for me! Now if I can just get rid of these nasty markings on my face, it's almost as if I need a good detox!

P.S. My sister and I are going off of DIET COKE starting January 1st! But it gets better, we have a huge competitive side between the two of us so we're going to see who lasts the longest or breaks the soonest! I have a feeling she breaks...she always does LOL!

Georgia O'Keeffe

I wish I could have these amazing paintings done by Georgia O'Keeffe in my office!  I love the imagery they produce in my mind and the calming sensation they bring.  She is such a beautiful artist.

       


Red Canna, c. 1923

       




From the Lake No. 1, c. 1924

Dear Blog World...Where Are They?!

Dear Blog World:                                                       

I just got back from my Singles Ward Christmas Party.  Let me just say, it was painful!  Trying to hold a conversation with others was like pulling teeth, and I know what it is like to pull teeth because I used to do it dangit! I was a dental assistant!  Out here in single's world is no fun!  What happened to going on dates, real dates?  What happened to good natured fun?  What happened to courtship, oh courtship, where art thou?!

I would really like to meet someone from the male species who thinks education is just as important as I do.  It would be great if he could be well rounded as well and know how to read and spell...it's not too much to ask right?  But seriously, an interest in traveling, reading, or learning would be nice.  I went to school to help support my future family and also to set a good example for my children but at the same time, coming from a traditional LDS point of view, isn't that partly the Priesthood holder's responsibility?  So where are these priesthood holder's who have goals, are close to or have an education, and value a traditional LDS relationship?  Blog World, Where Are They?!

P.S. Can he be yummy looking like the guy in the picture?

Healthy Lifestyle Dr. Visit

Early, early, early (I am not a morning person!) this morning I had my monthly check up with my Doctor.  He is monitoring my weight loss and helping me find the balance I need (since I have a medical condition).  My blood pressure was such a huge difference compared to a month ago and when he saw how much I lost he was so excited.  It was so funny that my Dr. was excited for me!  But, he said that I shouldn't try and lose more than I did in future months (on average) because that is when people start gaining it back.  For me, like the title says, this is a "lifestyle" change and so I can't risk gaining it back.  He said I should try eating about 1400-1600 calories a day instead of my restricting 1200 calories a day, whew thank you!  I am hoping that within the next couple weeks I start seeing a physical difference in myself but IT IS A GREAT START!

Holiday Reading

I have three books that I am going to be reading over the holiday break!  I haven't actually read a book/novel for ages.  Now, I don't have to worry about textbooks and work has slowed down a bit that when I get home I won't be so exhausted.  Take a look at them, I highly recommend all three!

1.

  

The Kitchen Boy

Robert Alexander

A recollection of the Romanov family and their kidnapping/murder by the Bolsheviks in the point of view of the literal kitchen boy.  It has a great historical background and is very touching.  Part non-fiction/fiction, it combines the actual memories of the kitchen boy combined with ideas and theories of what happened to the Romanov family during this civil uprising. 

2.     Hurry Down Sunshine

            Michael Greenberg

The author, Michael Greenberg, recounts the early memories he has of his "enlightened" daughter, Sally.  After he and her mother separate, changes occur in Sally and her problems become more evident.  Until at the age of fifteen, he realizes "that Sally has been struck mad".  It is a realistic memoir of a young girl diagnosed with BiPolar Disorder and the ups and downs not only she goes through but what her father goes through with her. 

In my opinion, this is a book written with such honesty concerning a topic that is hidden in our society.  It was refreshing to read something so upfront and candid about the struggles of mental disorders.

 3.   The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

         Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

My sister, her mother in-law and sister in-law all recommended this book.  Guernsey, is a small island located between Britain and France in the English Channel. 

"As her quirky, loveable characters cite the works of Shakespeare, Austen, and the Brontës, Shaffer subtly weaves those writers’ themes into her own narrative. However, it is the tragic stories of life under Nazi occupation that animate the novel and give it its urgency; furthermore, the novel explores the darker side of human nature without becoming maudlin."

I love books that have some relation to World War II, I have always had an interest into this era.  Plus, it brings some refreshing quotes from literary greats Shakespeare, Austen, and the Brontes sisters, all who I feel in love with in high school.

New Set of Numbers and My Humble Christmas

It is that time of the week, a posting of my numbers in my Healthy Lifestyles goal.  I accidentally skipped last week, it was quite busy at work!  So this is a combination of both last week and this week, including the dreaded Thanksgiving!  But I also put up some meager Christmas decorations, I wasn't going to put any up but my sweet Gma Ruby let me borrow a tree to decorate and I pulled out my wreath and lights.  So first off,

Week 3 Healthy Lifestyle:
-15 lbs total
        *-9 first week
        *-7 second and third week (combined)
-2 inches off chest
-1.5 inches off rib cage
-3 inches off of hips!

I have now entered a new set of double digits.  Right now my realistic goal is to lose 10% of my weight, no time schedule, just to lose it.  Then once I reach that goal, I will set a new one.  There is no race, I want to do this right and I think time is on my side when it comes to the battle I am in.

Here are some fun pics of my decorating too!  Thanks Gma Ruby:)

Great Start, Even Better Motivation!

Here are the stats for WEEK 1 LIFESTYLE CHANGE:

-9 lbs.
-1 inch off my chest (I have to pick and choose my battles for this one!)
-1 inch off my waist
-1 inch off my hips

I figure that if I want to lose weight than I also need to come to terms with a smaller bosom.  Heck, I'm sure I'll get it back when I have kids!

The major changes I made this week were:

• Cut sugar out of my diet (this doesn't include Diet Coke, hence the "diet")
• Only eat whole grain foods (pasta, rice, bread, etc.)
• Cut my Diet Coke consumption in half:) (1 can a day!, yeah that's right)
• Walks with Delila
• Add more vegetables into my diet
• Only cook or assemble meals, my self
• No processed, additives, etc's
• No high fructose corn syrup
• 1200 calories a day

Some of these were suggestions from my Doctor to better control my specific health issues.  I have seen a difference in how my body operates and rejuvenates already in a week.  This is just the start of the journey and I will take it one step at a time as long as I get there healthy and happy.

Here We Go

Before I post this weeks results from my 1st Week LIFESTYLE Change.  I just want to put a disclaimer:

    "As a result of the amount of poundage I need to lose, the amount will be the greatest in the beginning.  It is not realistic nor healthy to lose this amount every week and especially, if one is within their BMI range.  Alas, I am not within my BMI and I am being monitored by a Doctor during this "coming to Jesus" (that is what my mom would call it!).  All precautions are being taken and the "subject" (lol that's me) has not been harmed during any of this."

Now, tomorrow night I will post the official results of Week 1! Please be as excited as I am!!! (See I used 3 exclamation marks to show how EXCITED I am to share these results!)

P.S. If there is any negativity, well then, SHOVE IT! Let us fat girls be happy!

Wish Me Good Luck!

If you have known me for more than a couple days than you know that I have struggled with my weight since....well, since the day I was born (a whopping 9 lbs 11 oz), my poor mother!  I have tried numerous diets since the age of 12 and today at the age of 23 I am still in this battle.  I am at a point in my life where I should be dating and going out and having fun but I find myself more often than not, wondering why I don't get asked out or why I am still single.  I know there are probably many reasons, but let's be honest here, part of it has to do with my weight!  Tomorrow is a new day! With the help of my Dr. and medication for some health issues that have been a part of the weight gain, I will start not a diet but a LIFESTYLE change.  Each week I am going to post my weekly statistics such as how many pounds I have lost, daily caloric intake, and inches lost.  As I see fit I will post new pics showing any radical change.  BUT, I WILL NOT POST MY WEIGHT!  I am a lady and one never asks a lady her weight or her age, since I have already put my age I seem that it makes it fair:) 

This will be my open journal about my journey with my weight, whether it be up or down.  I have promised myself that through the good and the bad I will post each week.  This will be my motivation!  Feel free to leave comments, recipes, tips, etc.  I need all the help I can get!  Sorry if at times a little TMI slips out, I'll keep it clean friends:)

Let's get down to business, FAT PICS:

Don't ask what I am doing...Ok, I am pretending I am a monkey...Fine, not a monkey, a gorilla would be more fitting.

No words necessary!

At my best friend's wedding as her brides maid, such pretty dresses too!

Catching Up

I feel like I am a bit behind on my blog because of how busy it has been at work and with moving as well.  I was so busy I even let the roots of my hair grow out!!  Don't worry, that was the first thing I did!  I thought I would start off with last month and work my to recent.  Sorry about all the pics but I need to get them on here and better sooner than later since I am already in the "later" category:)

Delila crawled through the sleve of a sweater (think of the cat on Cinderlla climbing through the nightgown)

Dad on the Harley Roadster wearing....chaps!

This is my new office at Weber!

Addie and I drew and carved pumpkins for FHE one night.

We went 4 wheeling last week and found some snow and mud to get stuck in:)

How you doin?

Sydney, myself, and Alex after 4 wheeling.  When you have to take a picture because of how ridiculous you look!

It has taken me 3.5 weeks to finally start on the project of organizing and cleaning my closet...did I do it?!

Oh man I forgot about all my shoes!

THAT IS RIGHT!  I did it!  Mom and Dad, you guys should be so proud of me!

Look I even organized:)

In the next couple of days I will post pictures of my new, very short hair!

Chicken Rollatini Alfredo

Chicken Rollatini Alfredo

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Let's Be Honest

So I have always been really careful about what I post, not wanting to reveal too much about myself.  But at times, I really want to just say how I really feel and what is going on!  I know some people think TMI is just literally TOO MUCH.  But I do have to say, I find it refreshing at times.  To know that I'm not alone in my silly mistakes or stupid decisions.  What do you think?  Should I let it all out or keep my TMI's to myself?

This makes me so happy!

These are my boys! I absolutely love this picture, I look at it and it just makes me smile:) These three guys are my best friends, Keith (my cousin), Elder Steven Marble (my little brother), and Brady (my twin/cousin/brother from another mother/Keith's actual brother). They went down to Arizona to visit their Grandma Ida and saw my brother on his mission. He is one spoiled missionary! He got 5 packages within a week and a half from family and friends...he should spread the wealth:)

Pasta e Fagioli with Sausage

Pasta e Fagioli with Sausage

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It Happened!

My Galant was shutting down, capoot! Commuting every day in the little putt putt was killing me. So....

This is my new Hyundai Sonata and I love it!

I Fell In Love.... with a Table!

I couldn't help myself! I'm looking for a table to go in my dining area and I came across this beautiful hardwood, veneered dining table. (Sigh) I can always dream, right?!

http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?DeptID=57087&CatID=71237&GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=178c3de&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=external%7c70669%7c71237&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=1&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=external7066971237#BVRRWidgetID

Names for the Temple

I am going to the Oquirrh Temple either this Saturday or Saturday, October 3rd to do baptisms. Because I am not a "youth" I can only participate if I bring names with me. So, if anyone has any family names they need done, let me know because I would love to do them for you!

5k Fun Run

I am doing my first 5k with my big sister tomorrow! I need all the prayers I can get, I'll be the one trotting....

http://www.daybreakutah.com/newsletters/20090827_sodarow.html

I love how something so simple can make me so happy:) You should have seen me when I got my first business card...and my number was wrong too, lol!

HOORAY!!

I have a great announcement my mysterious friends out there! I have been offerred an opportunity of a life time....Weber State University has offerred me a position as their Academic Advisor for Social and Behavioral Sciences and I have officially accepted! I have been praying for this and am so grateful for this opportunity. I have big shoes to fill but I am up to the task. I have had a great time at UVU but it is time to move on to my career and the beginning of a new chapter of my life. I will be moving up to Ogden within the next month or two, until then I will be commuting from Salt Lake to Ogden starting on August 31st. The Lord definitely listens and answers prayers and I would like to thank everyone for all their prayers and thoughts.

Now for my Dad to find employment...

Elder Marble

The picture is kind of small but here is Steve with the Jesse family that he and Elder Dalton baptized this weekend. Many prayers were said and it just shows how blessings work. I am so proud of him and it is very touching to see him in his temple white's:)

Prayers

Much has happened within the past 24 hours...I am moved in to my parents house in South Jordan and it has ended up being a blessing in disguise.

Yesterday, my mom was in a car accident on her way home from helping me pack. She luckily doesn't have any major injuries but her car is pretty damaged. A few hours previous to the accident my dad was suprisingly laid off from the company he has helped run for the past 4 years.

I know much is going on with a lot of people right now and many prayers are already being said but if one could be said for my parents it would be greatly appreciated.

Well, what can I say? Life has given me a suprise at a time in my life where I am figuring out where to go and what do...where I belong. I graduated in April and have since tried to answer several important questions that I think many people happen upon when we find no answers right at hand. But along the way I have learned some very valued lessons.

At this point in time I am moving back in with my parents. Oh yes I have heard it all, "It is social suicide!", "How do you think you'll ever get married?" or "Don't you think you're too old to be living with your parents?". Let's be honest, that is what parents are for. They offer comfort and nurture us as their children, they love with out boundaries and in the end I know that my parents will always offer these to me.

I have prayed and fasted much concerning where I am supposed to be, not just location wise;). To be honest, I haven't received a straight forward answer. What I have learned from this experience is HUMILITY. It has been a very important lesson that I need in my life but also an extremely difficult one for me grasp. I have a hard time letting go and realizing that things are outside of my control and some times there really is nothing I can do. This is exactly what I need to do though.
I need to let go of my pride and be grateful for the many blessings I have and the many that are in store for me. I also need to realize that it may be my life temporarily but it was a gift given to me and because of this it isn't my time to live by but by His time.
Through many interviews and now at a time where a decision needs to be made, I have come to the conclusion that its not my decision to be made. Sometimes in life all we can do is hand everything over to the Lord and have faith in Him that gave us life. This is where humility has been learned on my end.
I know that in time, things will all fall in to place and I am so excited to see what it has in store for me. In the mean time, all I can do is but learn lifes most valuable lesson...HUMILITY.

CAREER

I have a great job with the University and work with great people as well. But I just graduated with my Bachelor's degree and really want to use it in my career. I've worked on my degree for 5 years and have learned so much, I feel like I have a lot to offer in the Behavioral Sciences field. I have been interviewing with one specific company and have had several interviews concerning two positions. My resume was sent by the VP of Marketing to one position here in Lehi where I would work with youth when they enter wilderness theraputic treatment by admitting them, making their case files, keeping in contact with their parents, doing research, and being on call. The other is being a admissions counselor for the larger parent company for behavioral therapies. It has been a month long process so far and 4 interviews to get to this point. Friday I am supposed to find out if I will have the opportunity to have my dream job! I am sooo nervous! I know that if it doesn't work out it is for a reason and the Lord will guide me to where I am supposed to be....I'm just hoping that my idea of the right place is the same as His;)

Thinking of You

What I've Made So Far..

I made a set of cards as Thank You's for graduation. I only have pictures of the three out of the four sets I made, the pink set is in my car.

Cards, Cards, and more Cards

Card and envelope by Breedeen Nulty using Teal Me Again Collection Biggie.

I started a hobby this past year of making homemade cards for events. I'm sure its all the craze but I love to be able to scrapbook but on a smaller level. So I buy and collect tons of scrapbook supplies and make cards that I can use throughout the year. But I have only been doing it to the point that I make them when I need them.

This weekend I thought it would be fun to scrapbook cards to the point that I have enough on stock that when I need one I can just go grab it. But I need ideas for layouts! So I am making these types of cards:

• Wedding


• Birthday


• Baby Boy


• Baby Girl


• Get Well


• and Thank You

Does anyone know of any websites that I can go to, to get ideas for layouts for these? Or have you made any that you really loved and would be willing to share?

Interview...Interview...Interview

As I have now graduated with a degree I have been sending out my resume to several companies. I have worked really hard for the past 5 years, going to school full time consecutively and even at times working more than one job. So I have had a couple interviews so far but not much has been coming my way.

Yesterday I had an interview with a company based out of California that is the leading health group that treats youth with behavioral problems, weight, or addiction. It was a phone interview for a counselor which would be amazing if I were able to work for the company! It would allow me to use my degree but also use the skills that I have gained working for Utah Valley University for the past couple of years. The company gives their employees room to grow and especially for those that are gaining more education (I am going to start my Master's degree this next year!). So it is basically a waiting game til Friday when I find out if I made the top three applicants and if so then I interview with the VP of HR in California!!!!

I'M READY!

I have my heels, my jewlery, and tomorrow I am picking up the cap and gown! What for, may you ask?

GRADUATION!!

Now I just need to make these next couple of days go by fast!

TO DO:

1. Get my tan on!

2. Pedicure

3. Steam my dress

4. Steam the actual GOWN!

And......5. GO TO GRADUATION!

Grandpa & Grandma's 50th Wedding Anniversary!

My grandparents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past week and we were able to gather as a family to celebrate their amazing years together. They have 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and many friends and extended family members. They have been such an amazing example to all of us and I am so proud to have them a part of my life. My favorite memories of them are when my grandfather confirmed me with the Holy Ghost after my baptism and when the "older girls" wouldn't clean the kitchen he chased us into the dog run/sand box with the sprinkler and locked us in! My grandmother has taught me how to be a lady, to bake, and how to serve others with humility.

Whitt & Brett

Lori & Rod

The "girls"..minus Sydney

Addie & Delila

"KISS"