February/March Update

After almost two weeks passed the day I was supposed to post this, here is a little update on what's been going on in my life.

Work

I have three different things to say about job(s)...

As you all know, I decided to try to open a business with my friend and partner, Irene. We launched a Kickstarter project a month ago to try to raise funds to open a bakery here in Norman. The reason behind launching this project was mainly to get our doors open without having an insane loan to worry about paying back. The reason most small businesses fail is because they don't make enough to keep their doors open and pay all their bills.

Hindsight 20/20 (which is how it always works) is that I should've flushed out the business plan on Kickstarter. I also should've lowered the goal amount. I love the ideas I have for the bakery, but in all truth, had no idea what I was doing. If I were to consider opening a bakery now, even just 30 days later, I could without a doubt say that we would've really damaged our business with the lack of knowledge of running a business effectively.

I am not discouraged, nor am I upset. I think this was a test of trust in my Higher Power to see if He thought I know what He was doing for me. I was never overly worried or stressed, and I knew everything would work out the way it needed to.

My second blurb is about a little job I just picked up this last week. I started substitute teaching for NPS. I really enjoyed it and was constantly entertained by the students in the secondary schools. My favorite day was when I got to help another teacher program robot commands with students. What a hoot! I had a blast and really appreciated his friendship and him asking me to come by his classroom to watch what he taught. It really brought back a lot of memories of middle school and high school here in Norman.

This leads me to my third blurb about work…

You are now looking at a full-time baker/decorator for Gigi's Cupcakes! Yup, that's right! I'm on a 30 day (I think?) training period and will go from there. Love it so far and I am always covered in powdered sugar. :)

Personal

You know, I can't complain about my personal life. Things have been going really well. I've been praying a lot to God to help me be of service and to be a better person. Some interesting stuff has happened lately that I am grateful that I've been a part of and it's definitely left an impression on my heart and mind.

Love

Love is good. I am grateful for unconditional love. I know I've never been happier with someone and I love how goofy and playful Jose and I can be and I love how we can openly discuss issues and concerns without having any tension. I truly love Jose.

Experience, Strength, Hope

I am truly grateful for where I am today. I am glad I can be of service and I am exceptionally grateful that I am willing to take commitments and hold myself accountable for my own actions. I had recently become frustrated with people's lack of commitment and accountability for things. My biggest pet peeve is when someone makes plans/says they are going to do something and then they cancel because it's inconvenient. A dear friend of mind reminded me to not compare my insides to other people's outsides, meaning to stop comparing what my recovery is like to other people's "recovery" (if that makes any sense). I realized that it was exactly what I'd been doing and I had been getting resentments. Sure, I struggled but I was happy to be so busy and of service but I got mad when other people weren't doing the same thing. It was then I realized that I don't actually know how other people's lives are and they probably suck and they're miserable but are hiding it. Today I know for a fact that I'm keeping my side of the street clean.

Puppy

Chauncey! Chauncey might be getting a big brother soon, I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one!

Health & Exercise

Yoga! Guys, yoga is saving my life! Yoga has so much benefit for me, I can't even begin to explain all the awesome things about yoga. I have come so far with my ability to stretch, balance, hold, etc. I am so glad that I can work at my own pace and on my own level at Ashtanga Yoga Studio. There are many things that are different about me than most other people who practice. Number 1: My hamstrings are so tight that I have a harder time keeping my legs straight for a long period of time and being able to touch my toes as easily as some others. I'm cool with that though. It's been a long time coming but I can easily touch my toes now! Number 2: I am super tall and have crazy long legs, but my torso and arms are shorter. This means that I have a harder time touching the ground in certain poses and being able to twist my back, etc. (I don't know Sanskrit of the top of my head and don't have the positions near me.) Number 3: I got a big booty and you'd be surprised at how that can hinder you from doing certain things. Like, where are my sits bones??? Hahaha. Number 4: I am determined, which means that even though I got these weird things about my body that prove some positions to be more difficult, it won't stop me from working harder and progressing with each and every practice.

So with that, I'd like to say Thank You to Alison and Andrew. To Alison, because she's my instructor, and she's awesome, and is so encouraging but patient to her students. There is an air about her that calms me down when I enter the studio and I need that at the end of the day when I attend her class. To Andrew, because he opened the studio and he's honest and open about the practice of ashtanga yoga. He explains things simply, he is incredibly talented, and he is also encouraging and always livens up a class. So thank you both (if you're reading this ;) ).

That's it for this update. Thanks for swinging by and I'll see you sometime in April!

January Update

I'm giving myself 17 minutes to type this post. Mainly so I only write about the important things going on in my life right now.

A tart cherry pie with a flaky homemade crust.

Work

I don't really have anything to say about work. If you saw my last post, you know I'm working towards opening a bakery in the future. It's been busy, somewhat stressful, exciting, and very time consuming (in what spare time I have left during the day). I've made more cakes and pies than I know what to do with, but I am nearly done testing all the recipes I want on a regular basis. I enjoy every minute I spend in the kitchen working on all these baked goods.

My new RX sunglasses and a Thunder scarf I was given.

Personal

I don't have anything positive and uplifting or happy to share. My personal life is struggling and I currently can't do anything about it. My life, the things around me, and myself are going through changes. It's not necessarily good or bad, but it is uncomfortable and I just have to wait my feelings out.

Myself and Jose at a MMA fight. The things I do for love. ;)

Love

I am so glad that today I know unconditional love. My sweet boyfriend has seriously put up with a very discontent Kelli for the last few weeks and he's been patient and semi-understanding. His favorite phrase: "Just stop." Anything I complain about, or say "I feel this way about…" he simply says, "Just stop." For the longest time that made me very frustrated. What a man-thing to say. But I've realized that it's his way of saying, "Just surrender." I like that a lot better.

Experience, Strength, and Hope

I've read something I was suggested to read by a dear friend of mine. I have read it over and over, but it says (in a nutshell) that when we go through this change, we have a huge emotional upheavel. During the process we have to be gentle on ourselves, accept that feelings aren't facts, and make ourselves as comfortable as possible during this change.

At the beginning of January, I told a couple of people that I felt a change was coming. I couldn't put a finger on what this change was, but I knew it was coming. Sure enough, a couple of weeks ago, I felt this uncomfortable sinking feeling in my stomach. I had no idea what it was, but I didn't like it. Being cooped up in your house during the winter doesn't help either. I kept talking about it over and over again, and finally realized that I was grieving. I was truly grieving the change that was coming. I wanted it to be the way it was the last 4 1/2 years, but I know it won't be. I've lost friendships that I clung dearly to, and wanted so badly to remain, but clinging onto these failing friendships would just make it harder for me to accept and move on.

I'm not really out of this funk. I am still sad, restless, and dissappointed things aren't the way they were, but I'm grieving appropriately, and I know that these feelings won't last forever. As long as I just take it one day at a time, and make myself as comfortable as possible, I'll be okay.

Chauncey playing in the snow. 2/2/14

Puppy

Chauncey is 9 months old! He is growing to be a very sweet puppy. He is very smart and very stubborn. I love spending the evenings with just him and myself snuggled up on the couch watching a movie. It's probably my favorite time together. He loves his father dearly, and I admire how patient and loving Jose is towards Chauncey. I wish I had that kind of patience, but I don't, and I really love that about Jose.

Health & Exercise

I'm still doing yoga! I go twice a week and I love it dearly. It's my escape from the hustle bustle of my crazy brain. It gives me a break where I don't have to think about my "problems" or what I believe to be are "my problems." I love how diverse the classes can be, and they subtly change to fit the people who are attending. I love being able to be gentle with my body, which is something it truly needs.

Anyways, that's my update on January. I also believe I'm taking a bit of a hiatus from Facebook. I think it's time to remove the site that makes me angry but I still visit on a 10+ daily basis. So, if you need me, message me, call me, text me. Until then, I hope your February is the best month of the year so far.

End of the Year Review / New Year Resolutions

The end of an exciting year!

As I look back on the last year, I realize how much has changed! So much has happened that it's hard to comprehend, but all I did was the next right thing. One day at a time has been a huge motto for me this year. It has saved me multiple times from making rash decisions and going insane!

I want to recap what has happened in the year 2013.

February - Here Comes the Bride… My Aunt!
My Aunt Amy got married! I was one of the bridesmaids, the wedding was beautiful, and I enjoyed getting to see my aunt get married, and have all the family there to celebrate!

March - Tattoo Me
I got my first tattoo! A breast cancer ribbon in honor of all the women in my life, specifically my grandma. It was a scary experience, but the pain was minimal and I love it!

May - I did it!

I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Art with a focus in Visual Communications! One of the most exciting and proudest moments in my life. 

June - F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

I got to spend a weekend with some of my best friends! This picture is the only one I got, I love it though! 

California Lovin'

I got to spend a week in San Francisco, California! I spent a majority of the time on my own, travelling to all the spots I was told about. I stayed with my friend Laura, who was so gracious to let me room with her. Thanks Laura!

July - Keeping it Local

I've been fortunate enough to attend a majority of the 2nd Friday's here in Norman. They have reminded me to keep it local and that small businesses are better. I hope it keeps getting bigger and better!

Bountiful friendships

I've realized that I have some pretty great friends. There's nothing more fun than spending time goofing off and hanging out with good people. 

August - We moved!

Jose and I got a place on our own! It's been wonderful, I love living with him and having a cute little place that we can decorate and call it home. 

Who's that little puppy in the window?

We got the cutest, most adorable little pug ever! He's so smart and so stubborn. Pugs have so much personality they are almost like little humans. Chauncey will be 8 months old on January 1st!

Going to the fair!

I won 1st Place and Best in Show on my cobbler at the Oklahoma State Fair, along with 4 other ribbons. It was a wonderful experience and made me realize that I LOVE baking!

October - OU/TX 

A weekend full of fun and just enjoying a trip to Dallas to get away from it all!

Donyae and Alli sitting in a tree!

I got to see my former boss get married to her best friend! What an awesome time Irene and I had. It was a beautiful wedding! That night was too much fun!

November - We are family!

I got to see my family and spend a weekend with my dad, brother, and sister! It was so good to see them and just goof off and spend time together. 

December - Food Blogger Cookie Swap!

I got to partake in the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap! I got some awesome cookies and had fun making my own! 

She'll be coming around the mountain…

Jose, Chauncey, and I went to Colorado and enjoyed a week out at a cabin relaxing, hiking, and exploring the little towns around us. A good time was had by all!

Merry Christmas to me!

I got some great gifts for Christmas! Just some pictures of only a few things I got, but I love them all!

New Year's Resolutions

I'm sure this is what you've been waiting for. To read what I want to do in the new year. I really don't have too many resolutions but the ones I have a very important to me and I am going to try my best to achieve all of them, even if I don't succeed until December 31, 2014!

1. Be a nicer person - I'm tired of being negative, worrying, controlling, making rude comments, voicing my opinion when it's not asked. I was fortunate(?) to see what I would be like over Christmas break and I didn't like what I saw. It was quite upsetting. So my first goal is to change within. Be better to others, be nicer, be more understanding, be more patient, be more forgiving. 

2. Namaste - More yoga! I started yoga this past September and I love it. I hope to keep it up with a consitent 2 times a week. It helps heal my body and keeps me in tune with what's wrong and what's right. 

3. Last but not least... my #1 Resolution/Goal of the year 2014…

That's right: I want to open a bakery. 

I want to go ahead and thank everyone who has already been supportive of my idea. Keep an eye out on here and my Facebook for news throughout the year. If there is any way you want to support by giving advice, know about an empty business for lease, know about equipment for sale somewhere, etc. let me know. 

Just an FYI - If you're going to come up to me and tell me that this is hard to do: Thank you, I'm well aware of how much work my partners and I are going to have to put into opening a business. This is something I'm not going to mess up by living in a world of wishful thinking. It's a rational idea that I have already started to put into action and the wheels are already turning. 

October Update

It's November already?!?! Oh my goodness! I feel like the year has flown by!

Work

Jobs! Ack! Jobs! Aaaaack!

A week or so ago, Jose and I were sitting in the living room in one of our rare moments of spending time together. I was talking about work (or my projects, I like to say) and how I never seem to have just one job. Jose's nonchalant response, "Maybe you just like to have multiple jobs."

That floored me! Maybe he's right! I mean, I like multitasking, I like being busy, I like knowing/learning about different things... It makes sense!

With that being said, who knows what will happen. I'm taking it one day at a time, being patient and waiting for a sign to tell me what to do next.

Personal

I've been really irritable the last few days and I'm not sure why. They days have been good, I've been productive. I honestly have no idea why I've been grumpy. More likely than not it's my expectations of myself and others, along with the fear of things not going the way I expect them to (more expectations). I need to lay off those or I'll be up to my ears in resentments soon. Hah!

Even though I've been irritable the last few days, I've enjoyed this month tremendously. I don't think it's been any different than the last few months, but it has been a nice month. Maybe I've changed!

Love

There are days like today where I just really miss spending time with my boo. I think the total number of hours Jose works and does martial arts is probably 3 times more than the total number of hours he sleeps.

The one thing I enjoy doing is being a good girlfriend. I like to keep the house clean, I like to do laundry, and I like to cook when I can.

I am super excited about our trip to Colorado in December and hope it will be an enjoyable vacation where we can relax and have a good time up in the mountains. Literally. We are staying in Pine. Pine, Colorado. Just Google it if you're curious.

Experience, Strength, Hope

I got to spend a weekend with a whole bunch of girls and sleep on a garage floor and just bask in the spiritual growth that's in my life. It's kind of fun being super young and doing what I'm doing. That means I'll have more experience ONE day... many moons from now. ;)

This is also the month of gratitude! I'll be posting what I'm grateful for each day on Facebook, because I want to and because I can. There will be a time where I will be able to find things to be grateful for during the other 11 months of the year. I'm not sure if I'll post everyday on Facebook though. Maybe I'll do it on here? Maybe that can be my new goal!

31 things I'm grateful for during the month of October:
Throwing a dinner party, BBS weekend, the excuse to buy 3 bags of candy corn and not be judged, roof over my head, dressing up my dog as a Pugasas, getting rid of my puppy's flea problem, getting in a wreck and not being injured, "curing" my headaches, food in my pantry, food blogging, passion for baking, friends, my mom, Jose, Halloween, fall, cooler weather, a working heater, all the rain, my love of books, my love of knitting, my love of sewing, being organized, being a multi-tasker, a clean house, coffee, my pug mug, the quote, "One day at a time", slippers, and yoga.

Puppy

Happy Birthday to my little Chauncey! He is 6 months old today! (This photo is not mine, nor is that Chauncey IN the photo.)

Oh, and he's HUGE! He's 15 pounds of pure muscle and wrinkles!

He's currently sleeping under my arm as I type. I got home late this evening and could hear him whimpering at the bedroom door. He was so happy to see me! It makes my heart melt!

What I've learned in the past month about raising a pup is that I am an impatient dog owner. But, over the last week I've been practicing "It's not worth it" and "Just let him be" in my head over and over when I want to make/stop him doing something or when I get frustrated that things aren't going my way. It helps I tell ya!

Health + Exercise

I've been doing yoga for just over a month now. I love it! It's so relaxing and it feels so good! I am *this close* to touching my toes for the first time in years. I also did a back bend on my own Monday for the first time since I was probably 12 or so!

Now, it might seem like it isn't a big deal: I'm thin, young, stretchy, yadayada. No. It just goes to show that you don't judge someone by their physical appearance. I have horrible knee problems, my hamstrings are so tight I haven't been able to straighten my legs without pain for 8 years, my core is very weak, and my endurance is practically non-existent. I haven't worked out in probably 6+ years, especially since I quit tennis in high school. Of course, some of that cannot be helped. I can't run, for example, I can't do cross-fit, high intensity courses are out of the question, blah blah blah.

So yoga is doing something for me that I can't do anywhere else. I can take my time (they encourage that!), I can go slow, I don't have to touch my toes if I can't, and it's gentle on my body. I don't want to be toned and have a 6-pack, I just want to be in tune with my body and appreciate what I can do with it. The connection between body and mind, as my friend Anne and I were talking about the other day, is totally there, and you can feel it when you're practicing. It's so interesting and I can't wait to learn more about yoga as a practice!

P.S. - Quitting dairy lasted all of two days. I don't nearly ingest as much, but gosh durn it I just love cheese!

And because it's November, I'm signing off with this: 

September Update!

Hello there, you are once again invited to read a blog post on my monthly happenings. This month I will be talking about September.

Yes. September. I can't believe it has already passed and is now October, then the next thing I know it will be Christmas, then I'll be 30. Ok... maybe not that quickly. But it feels like it sometimes!

Work

Ahh yes, work. Jobs are just great aren't they? Do you think dream jobs exist? Or do you have to create them yourself?

Yes, I said something similar to that in my last post. I'm on the verge of a quarter-life crisis y'all. I don't know what to do. I'm praying and I'm being patient. No drastic or rash decision making, I'm just sitting, waiting, praying, following the footwork, sitting, waiting, praying...

Working from home and working alone is driving me crazy. Literally. I talk to my dog and the computer and I sing showtunes all day. Don't get me wrong, I love showtunes, but Chauncey is not very good at responding to me when I ask a question about coding.  

If you're reading this and believe in sending good thoughts or prayers, please pray a simple prayer for a Higher Power to show me which career path I should take!

Personal

I struggled with writing this part in my blog. I'd written it over a week ago on a bad day and bad week when I was feeling frustrated and angry and feeling sorry for myself. I felt very isolated, which I more than likely brought upon myself. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, and last week, I had to feel sorry for myself. But then I was able to spend time with two very good friends this last week and it made me feel way better.

If you feel like my emotions go up, down and all around, they do. I'm a very emotional person, and I have no problems with it. Sometimes life is great, sometimes life sucks, and that's how it works. I'd rather have a huge array of emotions than none whatsoever. What a boring life that would be!

On a brighter note, the State Fair was a fantastic opportunity! I really really loved making everything, the competitions, the cute ladies who sat around and watched with me. We talked and joked and they just kept on giving me admiration for doing so much at such a young age. They were incredibly inspiring! They were so supportive, and they were just ladies I met on the day of the competition that loved to do what I love to do: bake! The fact that I have two blue ribbons and a purple rosette just blows my mind! What a feat! I'm hoping that God opens up this door for more opportunities but we shall see.

Love

Love is unconditional. I am very grateful for that. I really just love Jose unconditionally. How often does that happen? Rarely. We have our differences, of course, but as Jose told me on our anniversary, we fill those holes for each other and help the other person see things they don't normally see. We are a great example of yin and yang.

It's saddening to see unhealthy relationships last so long. I've seen it all my life and I strive to be unlike them. Another reason it's sad is because I've been in unhealthy relationships where there was no respect or love. It breaks my heart to see people just sit in the warm pile of poo they call a relationship because that's what they are comfortable doing. It also makes me sad to see people cling to their S.O. with the hopes that they will solve all problems. Or the fact that people fear being alone or independent. It's just really sad.

Experience, Strength, Hope

Opportunity has been a big word lately. It's been showing up everywhere. I mean it. Everywhere. Maybe it's a sign? All I know is that I'm not settling. I'm okay with where I am at just for today. I am taking it One Day at a Time. I'm not going to make rash decisions nor will I sit around feeling sorry for myself. I'm grateful I have this kind of life today. I wouldn't be who I am without it.

That being said, I will not just sit around and accept that things aren't the way I want them to be. If I don't like it I will change it! Expect some big changes coming soon!

Puppy

This little goober is the most stubborn and smartest goober I have ever met. He knows things. He knows sit, lay down, shake and speak. But only when he feels like it. Drives me crazy!

The most stressful thing about having a pet, especially a puppy, is not knowing what they need, when they need it, or what they want. I don't understand dog. He doesn't understand human. That really stresses me out. It's a slow process, but it's getting better. He's almost fully potty-trained, as well!

I have learned so much with this pup, it's emotional overwhelming. I've never in my 24 years of living had to take care of someone/thing else. It's always been all about me. Now, I have this adorable 5 month old puppy who relies on me to take care of him and love him and teach him to be a well-trained dog. That responsibility is overbearing sometimes and I feel like I'm not doing enough. But I've been told several times that I'm doing a great job and I'll just believe that they believe in me until I can do it myself. 

Health + Exercise

I think it's time for a lifestyle change. I've been waking up with headaches lately, along with having constant back pain. I'm sure it's from sitting in an office chair all day. Or just sitting in general. Along with not eating well because I got tired of cooking but am too lazy to get food. Welcome to my life, haha. I also think it's time to start something new.

I went to ashtanga yoga last week and it was amazing. I think this will be something that becomes consistent in my life. It was challenging, but not too challenging to where I felt discouraged. A perfect balance, if you will.

I'm also working on cutting dairy out of my life. This may or may not be impossible. Milk, yogurt, and butter aren't the problem, it's the cheese. My word, I love cheese so much. And if you know me, you definitely know that. So I'm working on cutting out all the cheese I eat. Which is a lot. But I've been eating some red meat again, so I'm not going vegan. I just don't think I need to ingest so much fatty dairy. Too much of a good/tasty thing is not a good thing, ya dig?

August Update!

A little blurb on my thoughts and experience through August.

Work

Jobs. They're great aren't they? Do you think dream jobs exist? Do you think you can make your own dream job?

If I could make my own dream job, I'd have a bakery and a design shop. I'd sell cake and pie by the slice (as mentioned in a previous post), and I'd sell my designs such as stationary, screen printed things, and other crafts I enjoy. I would/could sell wedding/event packages like cakes/desserts/invitations/stationary/etc. I'd be so happy. It would be like The Social Club, except food instead of a hair. It would be amazing. 

Also, if you haven't seen, I'm need to do freelancing. I have to save up money for a few large expenses coming up. So if you or anyone you know needs design work done, contact me. I've designed for people near and far. If you don't know if I can do it, just ask. I'm diverse in my design talents. Just email me.

 

Wedding invitations for my former boss! So fun!

Personal

I love hanging out with friends. Too bad I don't have a group that hang out consistently. I used to have a group of friends in middle school, I had basically the same group of friends in high school except we kind of branched out, and even into my early years of college. We would always hang out all the time. Whatever happened to that kind of socialization? It's like we're so busy doing things that we forget friends exist. I do it, too. I'm trying to suceed in life, I have a puppy, I have a boyfriend, a house to take care of, other things, freelancing. So when do I have time to hang out with friends? Sometimes I wish I had a specific night of hanging out, where a bunch of people come over and we watch like 2 movies and eat pizza and popcorn and just chill.

The great thing is that because of my job, I feel more connected with the local scene. It's so cool that there is always something going on almost every weekend ever. Last night I went to H&8th. I almost always go to 2nd Friday. I just started going to Tuesday Trivia Night at McNellies. There are always thing going on at the Opolis, downtown OKC, Campus Corner. I mean it's endless! Which is great!

I've also been doing a lot of knitting, crafting, baking and cooking. I love knitting. I'm currently working on socks. They are intense (the learning process and trial & error is crazy) but they are so cool looking! Then I just recently finished a Harry Potter scarf, which I love!

I'm also entered in the Oklahoma State Fair to do 6 different contests! Ahhh! I have a cookie jar contest, a pie contest, a cobbler contest, two cake contests, and a cupcake contest. It's been fun testing things and trying new recipes. I can't wait to drop everything off! Only one more week! Ahhh!

Love

Ahhhh love. I love love. I love being a good girlfriend. I will tell you, it's not easy to not think of yourself first. Since we've moved into the new apartment, I have essentially become the homemaker. Except I have a job, so technically I'm not. What's humorous is that I just looked up what homemaking is. Basically I manage the home. Y'all... It's hard work. (PS that Wiki page is hilarious) There was a time where I thought I'd get a HUGE resentment because I keep the house clean, do the laundry, feed and water the dog, cook a few meals a week, work a decent chunk of the day, etc. But after I talked with someone I realized that it's a commitment I'm willing to take. I keeps me busy, the house stays clean, I get my job done, and I love taking care of my boyfriend. Now if only he'd propose. ;] (I would say I'm kidding, but who am I kidding? I'm not kidding at all. LOL)

<3 (Also, if you click on propose, you'll see something I want!)

Experience, Strength, Hope

What a year for experience, strength and hope! 5th year, y'all. Take about seeing every single one of my character defects in action and having to give them all up. If I don't let go of these defects, I will destroy everything I have. I could easily do that, too. I catch myself thinking in old ways and wanting to say/do things that would only be because of my past. If you know what this section is about, then you know what I'm talking about. I feel like this summer has definitely been about awareness and honesty with myself. I have to be honest when I do something wrong, and I have to see it immediately or I will slip back into that crazy lifestyle I had before. Thankfully I don't have to do this alone. There are a handful of people who have really helped me grow this summer and I want to thank them. They may/may not know who they are. :] 

Sorry in advance, but I love this pic! 2 great friends! :]

Puppy

Oh my gosh. This puppy. Chauncey. Chauncey Bruner. Pug. 10 pounds. Fawn coat. Adorable. Energetic. Wall-eyed. Did someone pray for me to have patience? Because if you did, it has arrived to me in puppy form. What an experience having a puppy has been. He is so adorable and so young and just has no idea what he's doing half the time. He chases his tail for 30 minutes straight, he snores even when he's awake, he loves loves loves sleeping on mommy's lap and playing with daddy. He loves being petted and getting attention. He chews on everything because he's teething. He drinks so much water, but most of it really goes on the floor. He is not quite potty trained and sometimes just has the urge to pee in the middle of the floor. We're getting better at it.

Chauncey has been and will continue to be a miracle in my life. Teaching/training him has been a HUGE test on my patience and my compassion and understanding. I realized I have neither. I kind of knew that before, but now it's definitely visible. I get mad, I get frustrated, I get upset, I yell then I cry because why am I yelling at a puppy???? It's getting better but boy do I have some glaring defects. He just wants me to be happy! You should see his face when he knows I'm mad. His ears are down and he comes over and sniffs the closest body part (usually my feet) and then gives it a tiny lick and glances up at me to see if I'm still mad. I can't stay mad at that! What a cutie. I love him so much!

I can't tell if he's laughing at me or yawning...

Health

Eczema and psoriasis. Yup. Got both. Apparently I just have super super sensitive skin. I was recently "diagnosed" with eczema and was told I had psoriasis sometime last year. I put quotations around diagnosed because, really, a large majority of people have skin problems. Mine just happens to be a whole bunch of them.

Let me tell you, because I don't complain often about it, but... it sucks. Having skin problems is the ONE thing that hinders my self-esteem. My skin will never be smooth, it will never be mark free, and I will constantly battle with scented lotions/soap/detergents/etc. Oh and I have varicose veins. Gross.

Here's what I've found out over the summer. My skin reacts to soap, lotion, detergent, moisturizer, face wash, makeup, mascara, eye liner, perfume, scented anything, pet dander, heat, humidity, heat, and more heat.

I am allergic to my mascara and probably my eyeliner as well... just figured that out yesterday. Makes sense why my eyes have been burning for the last few months. Duh.

I am allergic to lots of face wash. I have to be careful or I will puff up like a blow fish. This is not an exaggeration. Quite hilarious until it happens. I've recently changed to Neutrogena Naturals facewash. I use Neutrogena make up (except mascara, which I will be switch over to this weekend).

I am sensitive to scented lotions/body washes. So I switched over to Aveeno in July. It's super expensive (everything is $8+ per item) but it's totally worth it. My itchiness and dryness have scaled down tremendously.

Being hot is torture. I'm not burning (as in sun burn) but my skin burns and itches like crazy. Sweat makes it worse, but sweating is supposed to help eczema, so it's like a lose lose situation. Haha. Oh well! I love being cold, and our apartment stays cold constantly. Jose usually wears pants or a sweater and here I am sitting in shorts and a tank top, usually still quite warm. Life on life's terms!

Exercise

Ok all you healthy exercising people. Help me out here. I think I want to start working out again. Some form of exercise. There is one problem though...

I can't do anything that involves jumping or running. So there goes 95% of all exercise options, I know. It's because of my knees, as most of you know. It would destroy my knees... Actually, that's what destroyed them in the first place!

I want to do something that will help my cardio and maybe tone me up. I don't want a 6 pack or intense body building muscles. I just want to improve my cardio and tone my arms and legs. It would be more beneficial to me to do something that's consistent and fun, not just sitting alone in my house watching a DVD. I'll tell you right now, I won't do it.

So if any of you have any ideas, let me know!

Also if anyone likes tennis or wants to learn, I'm willing to teach and/or play with you!