The Joy

I recently watched an interview with Kate Hudson on YouTube about her role on the movie "Nine" and how she adored the film. During the questioning, that was conducted by Oprah I might add, she was asked about her mother and how she impressed her career and personality. For those of you living under a rock, her mother is the one and only Goldie Hawn. Kate laughed and spoke about how one of the most important things her mother ever did for them was to teach them about joy. To be happy in whatever situation you are in just realizing that you are or should be thankful for the experience itself. I thought it a pretty notion as she said it. Just be happy whenever you can or be sad whenever you can because through that journey you will find your joy.

I am having many stresses in my life these days especially professionally, a little on that later, that I felt were keeping me from my "joy". I was taken aback when she said that her mother encouraged them to just be in "it" whatever it was. If she was experiencing sadness just get all into it and then it would pass much more quickly. All of the rainbow of our emotions have a place in our every day lives and we probably should embrace how we feel and how we react to each situation. I find myself here lately trying desperately to make some much needed changes in the perception of the events of my life. I need to look on the bright side of my life. You guys all know the philosophy, turn that frown upside down.

For the last couple of months I have been slowly completely online mini courses in preparation for getting myself licensed and registered in sleep medicine. It has been a trying task to say the least, and the worst isn't quite over yet. I did, however, jump a major hurdle this week. I did complete, compile, and submit all paperwork required to apply for a temporary license. Fedex sent the package yesterday and hopefully I will hear something very soon on whether or not I am approved or not. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I don't think I have any worries but it always helps to have some support.

My Nana said yesterday that it was wonderful that it forced me to finish up those pesky modules online, and she was right. I am VERY stressed out now about my finances but I will prevail. I will find a way to figure it out, for I always do. I know that it will all be very worth it and the light is definitely visible at the end of this tunnel.
I am trying to let things go. Not holding grudges and just allowing myself to let it roll off my back. I will do as Big does. He is so great at getting mad, venting, and then moving on. I am learning that the venting is an important part of the process but let that be the end of it. I am finding my joy. I love so many things in my life at this point that it would be silly to dwell on the things that are just a bit difficult.
I think in the case of my life, the hard is what makes it great.

Anybody have any tips for maintaining the joy?

Back to It

So eating clean and organic has made me feel like a new person. Not sure if I look like one yet, but I do feel so much better in general. My skin has cleared up some more, which for us ladies is always a plus. My clothes are a little bit looser now that I have added a daily cardio workout this week. I am going to add free weights and Pilate's to this routine next week. I read an article last week that talked about easing into workouts helps you stick to them. For me, this rings true because when I get so sore that I can't move I am glad for the burn but won't workout the following day. Without the routine I will fall back into my old habits of sitting my lazy butt down when I walk in the door.

I have completely given up fast food, almost. I went weeks without eating any type of drive thru foods and believe it or not wasn't missing them. Jay decided that he wanted a greasy meal this week so we took the dogs for a ride in the car to their favorite location, Sonic. I was mentally battling whether or not I should even order anything. I have lost weight and was thinking that I should maybe pass because it could derail all the hard work. On the other hand, I had worked very hard and deserved a treat, right?

It tasted okay. Not as good as I remember, but good. I thought to myself, "I worked out and it's all good". WRONG!!!

My body had other plans after receiving the processed, greasy, fast food. Punish the Meggie. I was so sick for almost 12 hours. Apparently I am like little Austin. Once I am in a rut with my eating habits I have to stay down in it or it is catastrophe. I am back on veggies and fruit mixed in with a little protein now and back on track.

I am all sweaty after a workout while writing to you guys and I feel fantastic. Just thought I would share some of my progress with you.

Until next time, stay cool and eat your veggies

Seeing some Results

My weekend has consisted of boring details that I am not going to hash out one by one, but I will say that my house is considerably cleaner. I now have two pieces of furniture moved from my mother's house, thanks to Daddy and Linda. (Also a little help from my brother, Nathan)  I set everything up and I love it!

I am going to tell you guys about some small changes that I have noticed here lately after starting this new eating regime. I have gained more energy throughout the day even though I occasionally need some caffeine to endure it. Coke Zeros have been a saviour to me when I am "jonesing" for some caffeine. Salads and chicken have kept me alive for the past couple of weeks, along with some tuna and black beans. I am training myself to understand that if I have a hot dog that it isn't the end of the world, but that I just need to do better next meal so that everything is balanced out. I have adapted Bethenny's rules of being a skinny girl. I can't want to jump off a bridge every single time that I want a cookie. I just eat the cookie and realize that it was a happy thing for that moment and that I won't have anything bad for the next couple of meals. I think that and eating organically as much as possible is starting to take effect. I am noticing that my clothes are a tad bit looser and that I feel like my waist line is retracting a bit. It is nice. I am needing to get me some cardio in there, then I bet I will really see results.
I am exhausted from working during the day and I have just got to find motivation to get right on the elliptical machine. I do have to say that I have been cooking more and feel quite accomplished. The only downside to this is that we are both doing way more dishes than we were accustomed to doing before.

Tonight we are getting ready to sit down to watch True Blood season 3. I can hardly contain my excitement! I know that it will be great. I finished the third installment of the Sookie Stackhouse books today and I think I have got a handle on what is going to happen, but we shall see.

Photo Blog for the Day

Feelings through photograph

Vitamin D

I have always wondered if I was vitamin D deficient and now I am certain.

I have had such a great week since getting some much needed sun last weekend and feel even that much better right now thinking about taking on my work week in the morning. I have such a great little simple life right now. I got up the last two mornings and threw on my bathing suit and just walked out the door to go to the pool. No ugly comments or dirty looks were being passed on by Big. I actually think he was thrilled to have some bonding time with our dogs and to just sit and play the Playstation without me running in and out of the room picking up or bothering him. It has been such a relief to have someone who understands that I need my "girls" and during the winter we take space and time apart, but during the summer we are all about our time together. In the past I have not been so lucky in this regard. We are just at that point where we love to spend time together but we don't have to spend time together.

Today I got a little bit of sun on my shoulders but, really, no where else. It was so very hot and I just couldn't make myself stay up on a float. After our wild Saturday, this afternoon paled in comparison but was very calm and relaxing. I love spending time with them so much. Now that I have moved out of my mother's house, I desperately need to see her and spend some quality time with her because I miss her. (Love you Mommy) I know she is probably glad to have us growing up and moving on, but I do kinda miss getting up on the weekend mornings and just being lazy together. My aunt keeps me laughing and keeps me sharp. I couldn't have asked for better companions than my own little circle of family.

Love you guys.

Until next time, get out and enjoy this weather it will make you feel wonderful!

Clean Lifestyle

 I am sitting here watching The Real Housewives of New York City thinking about how incredible Betheny looks. I am literally lusting after her arms and collar bones right this second. She just seems to be this amazing woman on all fronts these days. I just recently finished her book about skinny girl eating and the rules to eating whatever you want. "Taste everything, eat nothing" is her motto throughout the entire book. The book, along with my best friend Maggie have inspired me to eat much cleaner. I have opted for organic over preservatives here lately and have actually been trying my hand at cooking the food myself. Huge step!

I haven't completely given up on all of my nasty little processed foods, for instance I am drinking a Coke Zero right now watching this show and blogging for you guys. I will continue to eat better and better while still maintaining my day in and day out schedule.

Immediate Results:

My skin is clearing and seems to be more of an even color

I have lost a few pounds already

My digestive system has become "regular" whatever that means

I have got out of my comfort zone and actually cooked

Now I know that it is a bit more expensive to eat this way, but overall I think I will continue to see results.

Back to Betheny, and how I feel about her...

I am watching her sense of style and the grace in which she moves and I feel envious but also curious. I really am wondering if she has truly ever battled her weight the way that so many women do everyday with grit and tears. I feel skinny on the inside. When I walk past store windows or see new fashion come out every season I can't help but die a little inside over and over again. I want so much to wear those cute little things again that I can taste it. Let us see how her system works, shall we? I am a huge fan of not restricting myself to a certain list of acceptable foods and genres of foods. She understands completely that we live in the real world and have to adapt to those situations with an appropriate reaction.

I would highly recommend her book, especially the audio version because it is read by her, to regular people that are needing a boost in the right direction. I loved how she used a no nonsense tone and game plan constantly. Also, I absolutely love that she created the Skinny Girl Margarita! How awesome was it that she understands that on those really tough days, so of us just need a margarita.

I am going to keep on trucking.

Until next time, wish me luck.

"Let's get one thing straight"

I really think this just speaks for itself!