Thankful Thursday

These posts are always my favourite to write,  I love reflecting on everything in my life that I am thankful for. My life isn't perfect but its pretty darn great and I couldn't ask for better people to share it with.

I am thankful for...

My jobs
Even though some days I dread going to work and just wish to stay at home in bed all day, I really am thankful for a steady income. Both of my bosses are very easy going and fun to work for. My one job is doing barley research and the other is working with the sports teams at Brandon University. Two completely different areas of work but I love them both!

Pets
Growing up we always had animals at my house. Living on a farm, I was always surrounded by cows, horses, sheep, emus, cats and dogs. I couldn't imagine life without all these furry creatures around. Missy and Jinx my family pets are sweet and loving and both have their own personalities. Miss Maggie, is my little princess. We have a special bond and she really does cheer me up and love me unconditionally.

Nature
I am one of those crazy people who stop on the side of the road and snap pictures of pretty sunsets/sunrises, trees or animals. I love how beautiful our world is and I try to enjoy it as much as possible. I also love running outdoors, there is no better views than prairie skies and fields.

Brandon
He is silly, kind, thoughtful, caring,  supportive, and simply just the best. Its tough not living with him but I am thankful for all the time we do get to spend together. He's always doing small things to remind me just how much he loves me. I am grateful he's in my life.

Family
This is something I am always thankful for but my family is just so wonderful! I am grateful for my mom who folds my laundry for me (since I am forgetful), who encourages me and supports me in everything I do, and who is constantly thinking of small ways to make my life easier and better. For my dad who is always looking after my car and buying me winter tires since he knowd I need new ones. For my sister Ashley who is always encouraging me to keep blogging and working out, two areas I always struggle me. Finally for Stephanie,  who is determined, driven, and a smart cookie. She will make the best vet ever!

To be alive and healthy
Some days it is easy to complain and to be grumpy about all the ways life is hard. But at the end of the day, I am alive and healthy. It doesn't get much better than that. Last night after running 3 miles,  I was overcome with thankfulness at the fact that I am able to run. There are many things I take for granted but I vow to open my eyes and appreciate all the little things in life a bit more!

I am reading The Happiness Project right now on my kobo and its amazing! It really opens your eyes to little ways in which you can simplify your life and appreciate it more. I will be putting some of these principals to practice asap :)

Happy Thursday everyone! :)

No Excuses

So this whole blogging thing has really been put on the back burner lately. It's not because I don't want to blog or I don't miss it, it is simply because I am so busy all. the. time. Between working two part time jobs that equal full time hours, taking a course, and trying to spend time with Brandon and my family... my life is pretty hectic. Some days I am exhausted and just want to crawl in to bed and forget about all of my responsibilities but then I remind myself "this is the real world". It's funny how when I was a full time student, I was always wishing and waiting to be done so that I could start a job and get rid of the stress. That mentality is comical now because I realize that life in general is busy, stressful, and hectic no matter what you're doing. Yes being a full time student is crazy and hard to handle but so is being a part of the work force. It's all about finding balance.

Lately, I have been really good about making myself work out and consciously choosing healthier options. For such a long time now I have been sporadic about my healthy habits and I finally realized that if I want to be healthy, fit, and the "best me" possible I just simply have to make time. I have come to terms with the fact that I will probably never be someone who wakes up earlier and works out, so this simply means that I have to make time at night. Even after a full day of working both my jobs and class I have to make myself. Sometimes I have to convince myself to put on my workout clothes and running shoes and just do it. I know I will feel better after I do it. I know that spending that half an hour to an hour is worth it in the long run. I want to feel good about myself and keep pushing myself to do better. I have many lofty goals in mind. 

Being healthy is extremely important to me. It pertains to my chosen profession, it's important for my mental and physical health, and it makes me a happier and nicer person. Not every day will be fun or easy or enjoyable but it's worth it. I guess I am writing this post to simply remind myself that it's worth it, it will be hard and I will want to give up, but just keep going. If you put your mind to it you will achieve great things. You will be able to run farther, lift more, workout longer, be toned, feel good about yourself, treat people better, and overall be a well-round individual. So many times before, I have started up a new routine or tried to lose weight and I have always sabotaged myself. Some times because I wasn't seeing the results I wanted but other times because I was "too busy" or lazy or I just stopped caring. This whole "healthy living" thing is a lifelong commitment. It's time to take it seriously and start making time to be the best me possible. You can too, I promise! Small, simple steps. 

When I first started, I could barely run 1/4 of a mile without stopping. My lungs would be burning, my heart racing, my body sweating, and I thought I was going to collapse. But I kept going and pushed past it and over the course of a few months, I can run 3 miles without stopping. That is a pretty huge accomplishment. I love the "runner's high" I experience and I appreciate how good I feel after I complete a run or a strength training workout. I will not give up. My goal is to eventually run a half marathon and I have considered doing the Manitoba Half Marathon next June but I haven't committed yet. I just know that anything is possible for me, as long as I stay committed, focused, and dedicated to being awesome.

For extra encouragement, follow my fitness board on pinterest

 

Life is crazy and hectic.

Life is quite hectic lately. I finished off my summer job at the end of August. I celebrated my 21st birthday on August 30th. On September long weekend both my sisters were here and I spent all weekend hanging out and catching up with my family. Then September 4th I started school at Brandon University. I am only taking one course for 3 hours per week and it will definitely be a challenge. I miss the University of Winnipeg which may seem silly but it was my life for 3 years. Everything was familiar there, I had friends,  I knew where classes were, etc. I will definitely be keeping busy now since I am working two jobs. One is part time at the Research Station (where I worked in the summer) and a new job at BU working with the athletic department doing game day preparations. Between both jobs I will probably be working close to  full time. Also my dad still wants my help with harvest over the next month or so.

Life is quite hectic and a lot different than the past few years. I do miss Winnipeg but I am enjoying the perks of living at home. I miss living with Brandon a lot of the time since we got used to living together for over a year. I know that this year is just a transition period and I am enjoying my freedom from constant school work and studying.

I do hope to blog more and be more consistent with it this fall but we'll see how it goes. Without having wifi at home and very little free time, it will be a challenge. However, Brandon did buy me a beautiful, fancy camera for my birthday,  so I hope to put it to good use!!

I will leave you with a few pictures of life lately. I hope you all have a great week!

Thankful.

Happy Friday everyone!

This is my 100th post, that seems crazy to me considering that I only started blogging last July. Even though I have had many breaks from blogging along the way, I still love to document my everyday life. It is so interesting to look back on my posts and re-live moments and memories. My blog is such a precious keepsake for me and I am glad that some people enjoy reading it so much (I'm talking about you Ash!).

Anyways, I have been really struggling with being consistent about blogging and it has a lot to do with not feeling inspired and not knowing what to write about. Then I got looking through my recent phone pictures and realized, "wow my life is pretty great, I have a lot to be thankful for". Therefore, today I will write about the many things I am thankful for this summer.

one. Time spent with friends. I took this picture last Sunday when I spent time with Jenna at the beach in town. I realized that it was my first time at the Minnedosa beach this summer and I sure do miss it. I also enjoyed seeing Jenna since I rarely do anymore since I don't live in Winnipeg.

two. fresh garden produce. we had enough purple, green, and yellow beans to feed an army. There is nothing better than eating produce you grew yourself, it is so fresh and delicious.

three. spending time with my animals. Both of our family pets are getting up there in age and I can't imagine life without them. So lately, I have just been soaking up time spent with them so much more.

four. Time spent with Brandon and his family/pets. I am so thankful to have Brandon in my life and I am also grateful that his family accepts me as one of them. Also, this picture is adorable. Titan loves morning cuddles.

five. I am thankful for my healthy, my happiness, the roof over my head,  food to nourish my body and mainly I am just thankful to be alive and free.

six. Sweet miss Maggie. I know I talk about her a lot on my blog but she is my little princess. Today I stayed home from work since I didn't get home and into bed until 1:30 am. I think  Maggie was thankful considering she followed me everywhere today and constantly wanted cuddles. I am not complaining.

seven. this is just too cute of a picture not to post. I am thankful for Jinx's spunky and crazy personality. I am also thankful that he is still around so he can be on mouse patrol and of course so he can cuddles Maggie and antagonize Missy. For being a 12 year old cat, he sure has a lot of energy and spunk. left in him

eight. country skies, dirt roads, and a perfect reminder to slow down and soak it all in. I have a billion pictures similar to this one on my phone and I just can't get enough. so much beauty.

nine. i am thankful for brandon who makes amazing, fresh, and delicious meals for me even when I am being hard to handle. this supper included zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans all from the garden. food= true love.

This list doesn't even begin to sum up everything I am thankful for. This summer has really been way more incredible than I ever expected. I have made so many new friends at work and I am excited to be staying at home for the next year so I can continue nurturing these special friendships.

Also, next Friday is my 21st birthday! It seems unbelievable to me that I am already 21 years old, time just seems to pass way too fast. Ashley will finally be home from northern B.C. next week and she is heading home for the long weekend. Steph will also be home from Friday-Monday, so I am excited to spend some time with my family. I only have 5 days of work left for the summer before I switch crews and start working part-time in the fall. It will be strange not moving back to Winnipeg and not being in school full-time, but I think it will be a much needed break from the craziness.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Enjoy the lingering summer-time moments.

The summer of 2013

Soooo, it has been forever since I posted on this little blog of mine. Partially because I have had a crazy busy and awesome summer but also because my internet sucks at home. I am posting this from my phone, so it may be a bit wonky. I have enjoyed a little break from blogging to be honest but I do miss it and my sister, Ashley, finally convinced me to start posting again.

This summer, I have been keeping busy with 4-H, work, making new friends, having family visit, enjoying the weather, and doing summer activities.

Now summer is almost over. I have 2.5 weeks of work left. This fall I am taking 1 course and working part time at the research station and possibly helping my dad on the farm.

I am missing a lot of pieces and memories from this summer but I will let the pictures do the talking. Heres some pictures for you Ash!