Paris with the Girls

In November I got the amazing opportunity to go to Paris with my Grandma, Auntie, and Cousin. It has been my grandma's dream to go there and this was the year to make it happen. At first I was stressed because I had to take 3 days off of work, make sub plans, travel 13 hours to meet them there and turn around after only 4 quick days. But in the end it was more then worth it. To spend that quality time with my grandma is something I will never forget. It reminded me that nothing is more important then family. 

I think we often take family for granted, especially those closest to us like Grandparents. However, they are the ones who are there when we need them. My grandma is my heart. She has been there for me through everything. When I needed a dress for prom to when I needed a shoulder to cry on after a bad breakup. I remember times that I would show up to her house in tears and lay in bed with her and just cry. I will never forget Paris and the time I have had with her. I will be making a much more conscious effort to spend more time with those I love. Who do you want to spend more time with? What will you regret if you don't? We get so busy with our lives, work, friends, boy/girl friends that we often forget what and who is important. Don't let that happen this year. Perhaps make a schedule and schedule your loved ones in. Anything to make it happen. Share Love:)

New Year.....again

If your like me your wondering.....Where has the year gone! I have totally slacked on my blog ventures. However, this is the beginning of a new year and maintaining my blog is on top of my list of things to do. I find its just good for my soul and helps me to get my thoughts out....and let me tell you, I have a lot of thoughts! So many that they drive me crazy!

So lets play a little catchup. Highlight of 2014....Switzerland.

In Aug. of 2014 I decided to set out backpacking through Switzerland for 2 weeks, alone. I find that when we travel alone we learn so much about ourselves. I probably put my parents through 2 weeks of torture worrying about me, but the feeling of strength and peace that I get from it is like no other. The trip was really the trip of a life time. I hiked the alps for hours on end, I went paragliding on a moments notice, I partied with my hostel mates and danced all night, I even fell in love....and quickly out of love when after two days of traveling together I was told my "soulmate" had 5 kids, was Mormon, and fixed! haha (But thats another story). Traveling and meeting new people makes my heart happy and it's something I am committed to doing for a lifetime. 

Hiking the Alps.....had a lot of time to think about life

Matterhorn

About to jump

Fun....Sun....Memories....Cabo!!!

Fun....Sun....Memories.....Cabo!!


Traveling to Cabo sitting on the plane and thinking About how blessed I am. I think we forget sometimes while going through our everyday hectic lives that we have so much to be joyful about. I caught myself yesterday feeling bad for myself. I had worked 11 hours in my classroom with only a ten minute lunch break . I did not get my second workout of the day in, I still had to pack, and I wanted to stop by and see my nephew. I was tired . But suddenly it hit me.... What am I complaining about? I choose to be in my class 11 hours because I love my job and I want to do the best for my kiddos. I work at a kick ass school with awesome co-workers. I have a supportive principle who allows me the opportunity to enjoy my friends and take vacations, and co-workers who support one another.I have amazing family, friends and most importantly my health.  God, I am blessed! And to top it off I get to spend three days relaxing on the beach and practicing my New Years resolution....  Balance. I am not going to freak out about not being on a schedule. I will not freak out about not being on my strict meal plan. Gaining a little weight is worth a lifetime of memories. (This is on constant repeat in my head).

 Life long memories with these amazing women. So blessed to call them my friends.

So remember friends.... We choose the lives we lead. Sometimes it's not the life we planned, but it's the only life we have . If your not happy then make a change.  It may take time, but time flies by. I love the quote ," doing the same thing repeatedly will offer the same results .

New Year, New Better You!

New Beginnings..........

This year I WILL make a difference! I WILL volunteer more! I WILL live a more balanced life! I WILL Not obsess about my body image! I WILL Only talk positive to myself! I WILL Only surround myself with people who bring me up! I WILL NOT engage in gossip! I WILL be the best teacher, sister, daughter, auntie, and ME I can be!

What WILL YOU do in 2014?

Do not let the world discourage you. Pick yourself up and kick 2014 in the ass! If nothing else.......................Stay Soft, Love More, Hate Less......#hateiseasylovetakescourage.

New Years!!!!

New Years 2014   

Its easy to get a little depressed on New Years when your 30 years old and single! But this year I refuse to be sad. I have too many wonderful things in my life to entertain such nonsense. So this year I am going to be happy all night despite the fact that I cant afford a new outfit, I am gonna be my friends third wheel....again, and I have a cold. But the New Year is not about what you wear, how much money you have, or if your life is perfect. The New Year is about celebrating the fact that your alive, and setting new goals for the next year. And hey if all else fails......make champagne and strawberry cupcakes:)

                                                   

I used Moscato champagne instead of water in the batter, and added the same champagne with cut up strawberries to the frosting. I added gold and silver sprinkles for the festive approach.

Well this is how my New Years turned out. I tried to rally, but 2013 had a different plan. I still managed to way exceed my usual sugar limit, only with Gatorade and crackers instead of Champagne:(  But this year nothing will get me down! I am just getting a good nights sleep for 2014! I have a lot of goals....I am gonna need it!

Goodbye 2013!

Goodbye 2013 and Hello to New Beginnings!

Its always a little sad saying goodbye to another year. However, I can't remember looking so forward to a year like I do for 2014. For the first time in a long time I feel totally free and ready to accept whatever 2014 has to offer me. The past 5 years have not been easy. With the end of college comes a lot of confusion that no one really prepares us for. I have been through a lot of job changes, heartbreak, and soul searching. But with the help of my amazing family, and wonderful friends both old and new, I finally feel at peace. I am excited for the new year, excited to see what changes will come ( I love change) and excited to let life happen. My goal for the new year is Balance.

With this new balance I am starting this blog. I have always wanted to start a blog but was never sure what to write. So I am going to just write about everything I am passionate about. My job (teaching special ed), activism, education, travel, fitness, body image, love, cooking and everything else I think about. Who knows where this blog will go, but that is the fun of life. I am a firm believer that we can not plan everything in our lives, we have to work our butts off and go along for the ride.

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West

Thank you 2013 for...

My job and Amazing co-workers (all of which I am in awe of, for all they do everyday)

The new friendship and understanding for my mom

My beautiful nephew

My girlfriends and being a part of so many of their weddings 

My "soul-sister" who is only an email away and always makes me feel better ( love you Suvi)

My "new" friends who I share so many similarities with.

Meeting an amazing man who made me believe in love again

Being strong enough to look for the love I want and refusing to settle

My roommate who takes care of me when I am sick or sad

My Students, who remind me everyday of what is really important in this world.

My family. I really learned these past few years that family is forever

Turning 30, and never feeling better

My body, with all its imperfections, it is strong and enables me to enjoy life

Fitness......my form of therapy

My education...Wohooo on finishing my Masters!!!