Currently...

I feel like this past week has been a weird one. I have been struggling to stay motivated with working out and with school. I have been grumpier and more restless than usual. Sometimes I feel like I juat need a break. To truly unwind and remind myself why I'm doing what I'm doing. In the mean time, here's what I've been up to lately.

Reading
The Happiness Project and the Hunger Games books again. The happiness project has been a bit dull for me to be honest. It is a lot of theory and the whole concept is not very attainable but I will finish it. I'm wanted to reread the hunger games before I watched catching fire but that didn't happen.

Watching
Lately, I've honestly been pretty bored woth t.v. however I do faithfully watch the voice, hostages, heartland, and the biggest loser. I am missing some of the shows I watched in the city, like new girl and hart of dixie but I will just have to watch them all in a row :)

Loving
All of my time spent with Brandon. It really is sparse compared to what we're used to but that makes the time we do get together that much more special. I am dreaming of next year when we FINALLY live together again ♥

Drinking
Can't get enough lemon, mint, & cucumber water and also wine and green tea. I went a few months without much wine but I felt like I needed it this week ;)

Anticipating
The end of this stupid anthro course, having all my weekends free in December and of course the Christmas season. I can't wait until my sister is home in the middle of December and my other sister closer to Christmas day. I really do cherish al our family traditions because I know eventually we will each have our own families to build memories with.

Wearing
Tights, dresses, boots, scarves and big cozy sweaters whenever possible. I don't dress up for my job because I get dirty and dusty, so on days off I love dressing up. I could wear tights and boots forever and be happy I swear :)

Playing
Passenger- let her go
Hedley- anything
Pitbull- timber
Little big town- sober
Lady antebellum- compass

Thinking about
How I'm never satisfied with my hair. I'm constantly wanting to dye it or cut it. I enjoyed my blonde streaks for the summer but I'm really over it. Also my straight across bangs, need to take a hike for awhile. I think its time for brown hair with side bangs. I like to switch it up. I'm sure I will have light hair and straight across bangs again soon enough.

Well its 9:30 on Wednesday evening and I am soooo ready for bed. Time to read and then hit the hay.

Happy hump day everyone!  ;)

I believe in...

I believe in sleeping in on weekends.

I believe in the beauty of the first snowfall, the changing of the leaves, the intensity of the summer sun, and the freshness of spring.

I believe that animal cuddles have the potential to make any bad day better.

I believe in reflecting on the past often and realizing just how far you’ve come.

I believe in always striving to be a better person.

I believe in the power of a good sweat session.

I believe in spending as much time with family as possible.

My family is crazy & I wouldn't have it any other way :)

I believe in traditions. Like making Christmas chocolates or having waffles every Christmas morning.

I believe that there are wonderful things in my future.

I believe in a nice warm, delicious cup of coffee to start the day off right.

I believe in the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

I believe that there is nothing better than spending time with friends.

I believe that treats are even more delicious when they are enjoyed in moderation.

I believe that being a kind, generous person pays off in the end.

I believe that hard work and dedication is worthwhile. Life is tough but giving up is not an option.

I believe in spending time with your significant other. Whether it be a date night or a night in!

An old picture of us that I still love :)

I believe that summer is the best season of the year.

I believe that salty, buttery popcorn is essential when going to the movies.

I believe in Christmas. Decorating, celebrating, and going all out. It is a magical time!

I believe in fresh beginnings and always living each day like it could be your last.

Taking time to reflect

Lately, I have been feeling a lot better about myself. Throughout my 3 years in university,  I had many extreme highs and lows. I had never faced so much stress in my life before. Sometimes I was so stressed,  I know I was an awful person to be around. I have a bad temper and I hate when I'm not in control of things happening in my life. I knew I needed to change my attitude and get a more optimistic outlook on life. I felt like this year "break" from being a full time student was very much needed or I knew that I would lose my cool. I have been striving to look at all situations in a more positive light and to think before I speak and react to bad situations. I know that if I don't get enough sleep or miss too many days of working out that I will be miserable. I try to pay closer attention to what my body and mind are telling me I need. I'm trying to control my temper better and I'm trying to really soak up every day off this "off season" in my life.

Speaking of soaking up all the little moments, here are some pictures of my walk with Missy the other day. So beautiful and calming :)

Being the "best me"

Lately, I have definitely been struggling and I've certainly not been the best me possible. I'm busy and easily overwhelmed. I hate when things don't go my way (don't we all?). I have been consistently late to everything lately,  whether it's work or class or visits with friends. I have been struggling to manage my time effectively and in turn its making me a miserable, awful person. More times than I care to admit, I have yelled at Brandon or called him names or told him to shut up. I feel terrible. On Saturday,  I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I was grumpy as soon as my eyes opened. I was upset that I had to bake and didn't have time to workout. I was not a pleasant person to be around. I have always had anger problems but today it dawned on me. Some things in life are inevitable. Some days its not possible to fit in everything you wish to do. Fretting over it and being grumpy and unreasonable is not acceptable. I want to try and be a better girlfriend,  daughter, friend, sister, and person. In order to keep myself accountable I made a list of things that I can do in order to be a nicer and happier person.

Things to help me keep calm & happy:
  ◇ turn on some upbeat and uplifting music daily and dance, sing and enjoy yourself.
  ◇ put on your workout clothes and shoes and get moving. Whether its for 10 minutes or 40 minutes, it is valuable and you will feel much much better.
  ◇ think of others before yourself. Buy someone elses coffee at starbucks, hold a door for someone, send random happy mail to friends and family. It could help make someone's day that much brighter.
  ◇ STOP what you're doing for 5 minutes a meditate. Calm your brain and feel grounded again. Deep breathes and silence will do great things.
  ◇ next time you're about to complain, think befote you do. Complaining is a waste of time and energy. Sometimes life sucks and days are hard to get through but a positive attitude will always help.
  ◇ cuddle maggie, jinx or missy and feel loved. Pets will love you unconditionally and its important to soak up those moments while they last.
  ◇ clean or organize, it will help things to be less chaotic and more relaxed.
  ◇ put down your phone and stay off social media whether ir be for an hour or a whole day. Life does go on without it and there are so many others things in life that are just waiting to be enjoyed.
  ◇ make more time for things you enjoy. Some things that come time mind are baking, cooking, crafting, reading, and having a bubble bath.

It is important to keep In mind that we all make mistakes and have bad days.  Own it, aplogize to those you hurt and move on. Tomorrow is a brand new day, make it the best day possible. Make time to enjoy yourself and all those people who you love!

Someday I will...

First, lets notice that I am finally succeeding at blogging more. More than once a week is huge for me lately. I have started blogging from my phone a lot more and even though it's not ideal, it works. I apologize in advance but all my pictures will be at the end of my posts when I use my phone.

Anyways, today I am participating in a fun little link up called Someday I will put on by Taylor over at The Daily Tay. Lets get to it!

Someday I will...

◇ take a yoga class again. I loved taking one a few years ago with my mom and I know my flexibility could use some work.

◇ learn self control and be able to say no to Halloween candy. Currently there are mini chocolate bars and tootsie rolls calling my name.

◇ run a half marathon. I love the way running makes me feel and I also love a good challenge.

◇ not live with my parents and I miss them beyond belief. My mom does sweet things like buy me mint green tea and epsom salts, just because she loves me!

◇ gift all handmade Christmas presents to my friends and family.

◇get around to organizing all my boards on pinterest and actually attempt some pinterest projects/recipes.

◇ accept that I am not a morning person and that I never will be. If I never had to wake before 8 a.m., I would be a happy girl!

◇ own an acreage with Brandon where we can have as many animals as we please.  I will finally get my horse and Brandon can get his Alaskan malamute puppy. It will be a simple but happy life!

◇ travel to as many places as possible. To experience many different cultures and ways of life!

◇ learn to embrace the scary and unknown elements in life.  I will learn to dream big and then have the faith to chase those dreams! Everyday,  I will be happy, optimistic, hopeful and thankful for this journey called life.

Happy Wednesday everyone! Make your day great :)

Fitness Update

It should be no surprise to any of you, that I talk about fitness a lot. It is by far one of my favorite topics to blog about. It is my passion in life and possibly one day I will have a career in fitness,  we will see. Growing up as an overweight kid, really did open my eyes to the importance of health and fitness. Not only to look better but also to feel better about myself and to have confidence in my abilities.

Sometimes, it is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I can't run as far, lift as much or look as good as other people. I just need to keep in mind that its MY body and MY life and I should be proud of my improvements. In June, when I first started running,  I couldn't even run half a mile without stopping and now I can run 2-3 miles without stopping. I lift 8-10 pound weights now compared to 5 pound  weights. I have consistently worked out at least 4+ days since July. I have turned down junk food on many occasions ( cake, donuts, etc) even when I really wanted them. Tonight for example, I only ate half the food on my plate for supper since I recognized I was full and then I put on my workout clothes and did a kettlebell and ab circuit while watching t.v. Small choices= big changes!

These are all huge accomplishments for me. Things I deserve to be proud of. I am excited to keep pushing myself to new levels and possibly trying out a race (half marathon) some day in the future.

I feel a lot better lately. I have more energy, more confidence, less anger and a more toned and fit body. I am strong and proud of myself for finally sticking to it. My health is extremely important to me, so even when I don't have time to work out or eat healthy, I will make time. My health is a priority. I AM A PRIORITY!

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! :)