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!

failing at blogging

So... I have kind of failed at getting back in to blogging. I have been very busy and blogging has just not been a priority. However, I have been keeping up with my favourite blogs since I have a new phone (samsung galaxy). I have considered completely shutting down this blog since I just don't have the time nor the inspiration right now to post but I know that I would miss it. I hope at sometime I have some spare time to get back in to it but I won't promise anything. 

Lately, I have been keeping busy with getting ready for my 4-H show that is June 23rd (usually 3-5 days per week), trying to spend as much time as possible with Brandon, working long & hard hours, and also trying to soak up the summer months in every possible way. June always seems to be fairly busy for me, so I am looking forward to being done with 4-H so I can just focus on enjoying everything summer has to offer. I believe that Brandon and I may be going to Countryfest June 27th-30th as well, so that is quickly approaching and very exciting!

What have you been up to lately?
How do you find time & inspiration to blog?
What would you like to see me blog about more (crafting, fitness, DIY, recipes, etc)?

Life currently...

So it's official. I am a horrible blogger! I haven't posted in weeks and I haven't kept up with my favourite blogs for even longer. Life has been pretty hectic lately. I have been trying to get adjusted to waking up at 6 a.m. and working long hours doing hard labour. Let me tell you... it's been a hard transition for me. At the same time, I am still trying to get my life organized and sort through all my junk so I can live in a relaxing, clutter free room. I feel like I am finally getting back in to a routine and I am hoping to get back to do more things I enjoy ASAP. The number one thing on that list is blogging followed by working out, reading, and watching my favourite tv shows. I had lost my laptop for a few weeks after the move and I honestly rarely ever log on to the computer or turn on the tv. It's been a nice little break, but I am excited to get back into the swing of things now! I have lots to share with you and I have many projects up my sleeves, so I am excited :) Enjoy my nice little photo dump followed by what I am up to currently!

Titan begging Brandon for a skittle.

 

Chillin' with the cows.

I could happily live in a greenhouse. So peaceful & beautiful.

Cat naps.

My lover.

Sweet Miss Maggie. She loves country livin'.

Mmm margaritas!

Titan's cute eyes.

Beautiful country sunset.

Finally starting to get organized. Both jewelery displays handmade by Brandon!

Current Book(s): Honestly haven't picked up a book in over a month. But like I said, I am going to start reading ASAP. I miss getting lost in a good book!

Current Music: I am really loving all country music lately. Something about summer time screams country tunes to me!

Current Guilty Pleasure: MARGARITAS! I am loving them lately. Brandon made an amazing mango blueberry one last weekend and my mind was blown. Combine margaritas with a hot tub and I am a happy girl!

Current Nail Color: They aren't painted but that's on my "to do" list. Maybe purple & sparkly!

Current Drink: Lately I have been trying to up my water intake and I also drink too much coffee too. 6 a.m. mornings really kill me!

Current Food: I just finished eating some delicious leftover chinese food. Mmmm chicken balls!

Current Favorite Show:  I love New Girl and The Voice. I will also admit that I am looking forward to The Bachelorette starting tomorrow (I know, I should be ashamed).

Current Wish List: Not too much. I think I got my shopping itch over with when I shopped till I dropped in Fargo.

Current Needs: Willpower and patience. I REALLY need to start jogging & working out consistently again since our 5k is in less than 2 months. As well, I need to learn how to be more patient, flexible, and less angry. Life is short and I often let little insignificant things get the best of me.

Current Indulgence: I'm loving dark chocolate and mango sparkling soda lately.

Current Blessing:  So so much. My loving boyfriend, my close-knit family, my sweet pets, money in my bank account, good paying job, new friends, and endless oppportunities.

Current Outfit: Yoga capris, striped tee & feather earrings. Chill sunday outfit.

Current Excitement: I'm not too sure. I am excited to finally get my butt in gear and start working out so I can feel better about my self again! Also, I am excited for Brandon who leaves tomorrow morning for Newfoundland to bowl in Nationals. I know he will kick butt and I am jealous at the same time, since I wish I could travel with him!

 

 

 

Anyways, I better log off and continue having a productive yet relaxing Sunday! I really do promise to get back in to blogging but thank you to everyone who has stuck around through this slump.

 

What are you excited to do this summer?

Do you have a favourite tv show that I should be watching?

 

I hope you all have a fabulous week! :)