onward and upward!

If you weren’t aware, this summer, my family and I will be leaving Dallas. We moved here 3 years ago, to help take care of my mom because she was sick. Now that she’s gone, we have no reason to stay here. We have no family here, our jobs are not wonderful, we have made some friends, and it is going to be sad leaving them, but we have to make changes.

I found this completely RAD website on Pinterest the other night.  It’s called Roadtrippers, and it’s really helpful for anyone going on a road trip.  No matter how short or long the trip is.  Basically, you put in where you’ll be departing from, and your final destination.  It’ll give you the best route to take (you can change the route to take certain highways that you would prefer), and then you can choose attractions, restaurants, there are 9 different categories, with subcategories, and you can choose how far off your path you’re willing to travel.  Then, it will put little pins at all the different things you’re looking for.  It’s awesome.  This is what I’ve got so far for our road trip:

If you click on the photo, you can click on the numbers, and see what kind of stuff we’ll be doing while on the road trip.

I was excited about this move before, but since I found this website, I’m even more excited!  I even decided we would take a detour and knock off one of my bucket list items!  We’re going to go to the Four Corners!

until next time,

j

sunday fun day.

Well, it’s a 3 day weekend.  For Calista.  Working in the claims department of an insurance company, we don’t get all the holidays unfortunately, so back to work tomorrow for me.  The family and I had a little fun today though, played catch, did some art stuff.  I ordered one of Calista’s birthday presents, which I am SO excited about.  You’ll have to wait another 2 months to see it though, and it’s going to be a family affair.  I’ve got one for each of us.

In regards to my working out, I haven’t gone back to the gym since I busted my knee a couple weeks ago.  I can walk like a normal person now, but I can’t do much more than that.  My knee doesn’t like it when I take corners, or stairs at a fast pace.  I’m pretty sure I should have gone to the doctor about this, but alas, no insurance.  I have been doing little things at home, I bought a resistance band, and Calista and I do sit-ups and stuff.  Calista will be starting soccer this week, and I’ll be helping with practice.  The days she doesn’t have practice, I’ll start walking again at night, since it’s warmed up again.

On to my favorite resolution of the year, 50 Books in 2014.  I’m still ahead of schedule, I did take a week off though.  I was reading SO much, it was starting to feel like a chore.  I know there are people out there who read double what I’m reading now, but hey…prior to this, I was reading maybe half of a book every year.  So, it’s a ton for me.  These are the books I’ve read since my last post about the challenge:

I was never really interested in reading The Hunger Games trilogy, honestly I’m not really interested in the movies either.  They were decent reads, I don’t think I would read them again, but they were fun, and I’m glad I read them. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail was great.  It’s based on the author’s own experience, and it makes me incredibly jealous.  I’ve always wanted to have an adventure like that.  Maybe not hiking 1,500 miles, but a great adventure.  I really suggest that anyone read this.  The Hour I First Believed was my first paperback book of the challenge.  Everyone has their preferences on how they like to read, I think I prefer reading on my iPad, just because I like reading at night, and don’t have a bedside lamp.  Anyway, this is probably the longest book I’ve ever read.  A whopping 723 pages or something.  The great thing about this book is that, even with 723 pages, there is ALWAYS something going on.  There are so many intertwining stories, it honestly feels like there could have been more than one book in here, but I really loved the read.  The ending was sad, I won’t give anything away, since some of you may not have read the book yet.  Caelum has so much shit happen to him, I was really thinking that he was going to commit suicide in the end.  Anyway, you should read this.  Seriously.

I’ve started book 14, so that puts me roughly 6 or 7 books ahead of schedule.  I do love this challenge, I feel better about myself knowing I’m spending more time reading, rather than watching TV, or playing games on my phone or something idiotic like that.

My little diet challenges have failed miserably.  I’ve recently become obsessed with M&Ms.  I’m still doing well with water, I still haven’t had a soda.  I stopped keeping track of how many days though, since well, I don’t care about any other beverage anymore.

Well, it’s been like 2 weeks since my last post, but I’ve caught you all up now.  Work.  Help Calista with homework.  Read.  That’s my life.

until next time,

J

checkpoint

So, 17 days into the new year.  I am not doing so hot on the health kick/gym rat thing.  BUT!  Calista has after school things Monday through Thursday, so I decided to bite the bullet.  I really hate going to the gym after work, because there’s usually way too many people.  I like to go around 8pm, when there is not a single soul.  I can run in my sports bra, and not be embarrassed.  It’s an important part of my workout, running free, so to speak.  Whatever though, starting Monday, I will go to the gym right after work.  I will take photos next week to prove it.  Jessica is getting her ass in gear!

I was going to do a weigh in addition to this post, but I weighed myself last night, and well, I have not lost a single pound.  Which is depressing, but my own fault.  So that’s another reason for paragraph one.

Today is a special day though!  Today, is day 100, without soda!

I seriously, never thought I could get here, it’s kind of confirmation that I CAN do shit, as long as I really want to. So, I’m going to delete this Streak, and starting tomorrow (not today only because I already had it), I am giving up sweets.  I am allowed 1 cheat day (if needed/wanted) per week.  No more cookies, brownies, chocolates.  Niet!  I can do this!

On to my 50 Books in 2014 challenge!  I’m way ahead of schedule!

The books I’ve read since the last post, have been great, for the most part.  I REALLY hated The Ocean at the End of the Lane.  Like, struggled SO hard to finish it.  Just, not my type of book I suppose. I have decided that John Green is the most amazing writer.  Will Grayson Will Grayson, was so cute, and The Fault in Our Stars, I was BAWLING.  Like, uncontrollably.  It was refreshing.  I can/can’t wait for the movie.  The Giver, most people I talked to had read the book in middle school, or high school, so I guess I’m behind on the times.  The read was great, but I am extremely disappointed in the ending!  What the hell?!  What happens next?!  And Gone Girl, I really loved this book.  Even though it did the whole back and forth between times, and journal entries, and even 2 people narrating the book!  So, maybe I don’t dislike those things after all, it just has to be done right.

I’m in love with this challenge.  I never thought that I would be a reader.  I think this challenge, has reminded me how much more fun books are than TV, and I needed that.  At this rate, I’m well on my way to completing my first bucket list item!

until next time,

j

 

check check.

I have to keep myself in check.  If I don’t, no one else will, and I will fail.

So here we are, January 7th, 2014.  I JUST got my shoes in the mail today, and I’m SO excited.

I’ve been sick since Friday, so as soon as I’m able to breath through my nose, or breath without my chest feeling like it’s on fire, I plan to start my walks again.  Hopefully it warms up because it’s been so cold recently, my water bottles freeze outside.  Like, completely frozen solid.

Since the 29th of December, I’ve had at least 64 oz of water, except for Saturday.  But in my defense, I slept most of the day away.  This bug is seriously killing me.  I have noticed though, since making sure I drink 64 oz of water every day, I feel more thirsty.  Getting to the 64 oz is never an issue.

I’ve been wearing the dang mascara every day, but I honestly don’t feel a difference, or even see one for that matter.  I don’t think it’s enough of a change.  So, I’ve purchased some eyeliner; I’m going to start doing that daily as well.  Hopefully I’ll feel a bit different after that.  There will be a ton of trial and error, since I honestly have no clue what I’m doing when it comes to makeup.  YouTube is going to be my best friend.

And now, to my favorite resolution.  50 Books in 2014.  Seeing as I’ve been sick for 4 days now, this has been the easiest resolution to keep on track with.  Basically, to complete this challenge, you need to completed 1 book every week, as of today, I have completed 2 books, and am well on my way to completing the 3rd book by tomorrow.  I’m super stoked about this.

I’ve come to the conclusion, after reading I Know This Much is True, and What the Dead Know, I am not a fan of books that go back and forth between time frames.  It doesn’t confuse me or anything, just annoys me.  Having to keep up with multiple story lines.  I’m really excited about this though, makes me feel like a better person, all this reading.  I can’t really explain it.  Also, at home, Calista and I read together.  Last week, it was her book for her book report, this week, it’s a book she has to read for another assignment.  But it’s nice.  Bonding time and what not.  Add me on Goodreads!  Suggest books to me, help me complete my resolution as well as one of the items on my bucket list!

happy new year!

Well, here we are.  January 1st, 2014.  I’ve never been huge on resolutions, but this year has to be better than last year.  So I’ve set some goals for myself, as stated in my last blog post.  Anyway, as a refresher, for 2014, I’ve decided on the following as some small goals.

• 50 Books Challenge
• Care more about my appearance
• Drink 64 oz of water (at least) daily
• Take a walk every day

Today, I started the first 3.

I downloaded Waterlogged onto my iPhone a few days ago, which has helped me keep track of how much water I’m drinking.  I really need apps like this, or else I’ll never keep up with it.  So far, I’ve made it to 64 oz + every day since the 28th of December.

I started reading I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb, to start off my 50 Books in 2014 challenge.  I attempted to read this book last year, but couldn’t get into it.  I am so completely determined this year, that I wanted to read this one all the way through.  Basically, I just found the first 40 pages or so boring.  I’m about 140 pages in right now, and am actually loving it.  If any of you are avid readers, or are doing the 50 Books Challenge, you should add me on GoodReads! Keep me motivated, and give me suggestions!

I bought mascara, since that is the first step of me caring about my appearance.  I didn’t actually wear it today, but I barely got out of bed.  I’ll wear it tomorrow though.  And take a photo to prove it!

I made a few sales on eBay today, so I was able to purchase some new shoes.  Once those come in the mail I’ll be able to start walking every day.  I’m honestly not making excuses, I don’t think that walking for an extended period of time in wedges or flip flops is a good idea.  I’m really excited though, I love sneakers.  This will be my first new pair in over a year, which is almost unheard of in my life.

Tyler bought me the Nike+ Sports Watch GPS for Christmas, and these shoes will be compatible with the sensor, so if you want to add me on Nike +, you can do that as well.  I can’t say I’ll be running miles or marathons anytime soon, but progress is progress right?

So that’s where I am now, and I’ll post progress photos every now and then so you guys can keep tabs on me, because I know you’re dying to know how it all works out.

until next time,

j

new year resolutions

How many of you have done this?  Come up with a list of resolutions, and then given up halfway through January?  Just me?  WELL.  This year, I am going to make a bigger effort to stick with my resolutions.

#1.  50 Book Challenge

I’ve never been huge into reading.  Every now and then I’ll find a book I really like, and I’ll read it in 3 days.  Then the next book bores me to death, or frustrates me, and I stop for 3 years.  I’ve asked my friends, and Instagram followers for book suggestions, and I think I’ve got a pretty good bunch to start with.  If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment and let me know.  Also, this is one of my bucket list items!  Which makes it even more important I stick with it.

#2.  Drink more water.

I quit drinking soda 2 months ago, and I’ve been good about it.  REALLY good about it.  It’s been a lot easier than I thought, however, I want to make a conscious effort in drinking my 64 ounces a day.  With the help of the iPhone app Waterlogged, I’m going to do it!  It’s really great, allows you to track exactly how much water you’re drinking.  At work I have a 32 oz bottle, and the app let me add a photo of it, and I can track if I drank 1/2 of the bottle or 3/4 or whatever.  Then when I’m at home, I drink from a normal 16.9 oz bottle, and I track that as well.  It’s really pretty great.

#3.  Care more about my appearance.

I know that some of you know me, but a lot of you don’t.  I’m known for dressing like a prepubescent boy.  Hoodies, jeans and sneakers.  This is my every day wardrobe.  If I could wear this to work every day, I would.  Seeing as my financial situation isn’t going to allow me to chuck my entire collection of hoodies and buy nicer things, I’m going to start with mascara.  I own one tube of mascara, and it’s brought out probably twice a year.  Meaning, the tube I have is probably disgustingly outdated.  So I guess I’ll buy a new one of those.  But the point is, I’m going to wear it every single day.  I’ll try to work my way up to eyeliner or something, but I’m not making promises on that one.  Just the mascara.

#4.  Family time.

This past year, I’ve realized that I take my family for granted.  After my mom passed away, all of the would have, could have, should haves.  It’s eating me alive.  So, instead of dwelling on that, I’m going to make more of an effort to make sure my family doesn’t feel that way.  I’m going to start with 3 things.

A.  Family game night.  Calista got a bunch of games for Christmas, so once a month, we’ll all play games for a few hours.  We used to play games a lot, and we had a lot of fun.  We need to get back to that.

B.  Family movie night.  Between the 3 of us, we have quite a large selection of movies.  We usually watch our movies separately, at different times.  Once a month, we’ll get a movie, some snacks, and veg out on the couch.  Sounds perfect to me.

C.  Reading with Calista.  Every night she reads for 30 minutes before going to bed.  I’m going to join her with that, which will obviously help with my 50 book challenge, but it’ll be good for us to have that quiet time together as well.

#5.  Take a walk every day.

Pretty much self explanatory.

So those are the resolutions I’m going to stick with this year.  All year.  You all can hold me accountable.  MOTIVATE ME!

Do you have any resolutions?  Let me know how your experiences with resolutions have worked for you in the past!

bucket list.

There was some link going around Facebook recently, showing how many states you’ve been to, how much time you’ve spent in each state.  I plugged in my info, and this is what I got:

I’ve decided that I want to have seen all 50 states.  I want Calista to have seen all 50 states.  There are some states that I’ve just driven through, but most of those I don’t really feel it necessary to do more than that haha.

I think it’s an important part of life, to be able to see places.  A lot of my friends have only ever been to the state that they live in, and that just baffles me.  I know that in Alaska, it’s not super easy to travel.  Often quite expensive.  And there is a TON to see within the state.  Then there’s Texas, the state is so damned big, you can drive for 12 hours and STILL be in Texas.  Ridiculous.  I just feel like, how are you supposed to know where you want to be, if you have nothing to compare it to?  Of course, there are pictures, and stories of where other people have been, and what people have seen.  But you can base your own life on what other people experienced.

Calista is 9, and in those 9 years, she has been to California, Arizona, Washington, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas.  Like I said, there are a couple others that we have driven through, but nothing special.  I hope to be able to show her that the world we live in is enormous, and she can make her own decision on where she wants to be when she grows up.

You should make your map using the following link, and show me where you’ve been.

http://vsm.defocus.net/visitedstates

Until next time,

j