30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 24 - Five Words or Phrases That Make Me Laugh

It's not difficult to make me laugh, I'm not gonna lie.  I love to laugh!  Laughing makes me feel awesome!

Here's a few phrases that, when heard, elicit giggles (or full on belly laughs depending on the situation) from me:

1. "Ermahgerd!"
2. "Bazinga" (or when The Kid messes it up and says, "baboomba")
3. "I think I broke my ass bone."
4. "It does what it's told!"
5. Religion is like a penis...
   
   

What are some phrases and that make YOU laugh?

30 Day Blogging Challenge | Day 23 - Something That I Miss

WARNING!  Picture overload!

I miss the snot out of my niece Joie.  She is the most fabulous person on the face of this earth and I cannot wait to give her the biggest squeeze when I see her in 3 weeks!!!!!

Catching Up on the Blog Challenge | Days 20-22

Whoops!  I fell off the wagon HARD on this 30 day challenge!  I have 10 prompts left and am going to try my darndest to finish them in 10 days or under.  In order to do this, I'm going to finish 3 today!
WHOA, that's right, THREE in one day.  Mind blown?!

Day 20 | My Fears

I've always thought fears to be irrational.  They don't accomplish anything, hold us back from experiencing and oftentimes stifle growth.  That being said, I am human and have a physiological response to certain sounds/creepy crawly-ness.  I don't like that things-that-go-bump-in-the-night send my heart rate soaring, but they do.  Show me the scariest shit in broad daylight or scrape fingernails across my window when the sun is shining and I'll just laugh, but as soon as it's dark outside and I'm alone... all hope is gone.  I'm the biggest girl and it's downright embarrassing.

Day 21 | What I Hope My Future Will Be Like

You know what's awesome?  I don't have to hope.  My future will be exactly as intended.  The only thing I know for certain is that right now,  this moment right here is all I have.  Everything in the "future" is yet to happen, and everything in the "past" is just a memory.  But right now? Yeah, it's awesome, and that's what I'm focusing on.

Day 22 | My Academics

The school of hard knocks. 

30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 19 - Five Items I Lust After

Here they are, in order of what I would drop my hard earned, cold hard cash on first... if I had the cash to spend...

Canon 5D Mark III -image source

27 inch iMac desktop - image source

VW Bus - image source

Felt Bicycles Claire Style Beach Cruiser - image source

Golden Retriever puppy

What are 5 items YOU are lusting after?

Want to join the 30 Day Challenge?  See the list here!

30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 18 - A Problem I Have Had

There are many things I could write about today.  My car has been having issues, I have too many dishes needing washed, my laundry is piling up and my diet could improve.  But I don't like to think of these things as "problems" per se, but more as opportunities for growth. 

For the sake of this entry though, I'll go ahead and expand on a particular problem I've been having... if that's what you want to call it.  Really it's both a blessing and a curse.

You see, I see beauty everywhere.
I mean it.
EVERYWHERE.

I take a walk down the street and see 15 thousand things I could photograph.
Picking The Kid up from school?  160 million smiling, beautiful faces.
Drinking coffee with a friend?  I can't count that high.

This is wonderful, of course, I'm surrounded by beauty and it makes me happy.  But it also drives me CRAZY.  Why?  Because sometimes I don't have my camera with me.  And other times I'm driving, so it's not safe to take a picture, and most of the time I'm with someone who's not patient enough to let me take a picture (aka The Kid).

So while I'm mostly being silly, I'm also quite serious.  Seeing how awesome and beautiful light, shadow, people, things, etc are is wonderful, but it can also be extremely distracting.

Here's a few of the beautiful things that have been catching my eye lately...

What is a problem YOU have been having?

Want to join the 30 Day Challenge?  See the list here!

30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 17 - Something I'm Proud Of

 

I hemmed and hawed for a good long time about moving to Portland.  I knew that I wanted out of small town Idaho and to experience something new and exciting.  I knew that I wanted to pursue art and creativity and individualism in a city where all that is celebrated.  I knew I wanted to get lost on purpose, as often as possible, and discover new joys while finding my way back to familiar territory.  I knew all that, yet I was denying myself the opportunity.

On May 1st, 2012 I packed up my car and drove away.  I didn't have a job lined up, and my grandma's floor was going to be my home until I could arrange something more permanent, but I didn't care.  I was finally moving on with my life and embracing a life of design rather than default.

I have grown in many ways over the past 6 months, and most in ways I didn't expect, but all in ways I choose to embrace.  These past 6 months I have felt more at peace, more humbled and more centered than I have experienced in the prior 30 years of my life.  Portland isn't the reason for this growth, it just happens to be a catalyst for change.  

I'm the reason.  

I chose to let go of the control I thought I had over my life.  I chose to move to a new place and open myself to whatever opportunity and experience comes my way. 

I chose to live.  

And of this, I am quite proud. 

What is something YOU are proud of?

Want to join the 30 Day Challenge?  See the list here!

30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 16 - Something I Always Think 'What If' About

I'm not one to live in the land of 'what if.'  In my core I believe that everything happens exactly as and when it should in order to shape us into the people we are.  I mean, we've all seen those movies where someone goes back and changes the "bad thing" that happened to them which causes this giant chain reaction where someone they love dies, or they end up homeless, or...  Right?

But this quote has been going through my head a lot lately...

And I can't help but wonder what kind of shape I would be in today had I stuck with a strict, healthy lifestyle over the years.

BUT, there's no time like the present right?  I've started running more, doing small daily stretches and strengthening exercises, and journaling what and when I eat in order to focus on nutrition.  I have surrounded myself with many friends who are healthy and all of them are supportive and helpful.  I feel like this is the tipping point for me.  Yay!

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In other news, today is my niece's 4th birthday!  I'm super bummed that I can't be there for her celebration this year, but I'll be seeing her over Christmas, and I'm sure we'll FaceTime soon.  I also have a super special surprise being delivered to her tonight, so that's exciting!

Happy Birthday baby girl!  I love you so, so much!!!

What do YOU think "what if" about?

Want to join the 30 Day Challenge?  See the list here!

30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 15 - What's My Zodiac Sign and Does it Fit My Personality

"The Virgo is highly discriminating, but not necessarily as prudish at some might believe. In ancient times, a Virgin was a woman who was not the property of man, and therefore had the legal right to just say "no." Now, in modern times, Virgos are known for the ability to be highly discriminating -- especially when it comes to matters of personal desire. When Virgo is ready, however, to say yes, the laser-like focus of your passion is anything but prudish."

I've never put much stock in horoscopes or zodiac signs.  I have, however, often found the descriptions of a Virgo to be laughably coincidental of my personality (please see the highlighted portion above).  Yes, I am loyal to a fault with most, introverted by the true definition and naive dammit.  But everyday and every moment is a choice. 

If my foundational personality happens to be formed by the date/time and location of where I was born, well then awesome.  But I'm still just me.  I don't like the idea of telling someone I'm a Virgo and having that person "know" everything about me.  I want people to spend time with me to get to know me.  
The real me.  
 

What is YOUR Zodiac Sign? Do you feel it fits YOU?

Want to join the 30 Day Challenge?  See the list here!

30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 14 - What I Wore Today and Weekend in Reveiw

Wow, I fell off the wagon with this 30 Day Challenge hardcore!  Life got BUSY.

Since today's prompt is "What I Wore" and I also want to write about the awesome weekend I had, I decided to roll it all into one!


Saturday began with a run around the waterfront loop with my girls Kayla, Ashely, Bee and our newest group member, Jill.  (Jill is a reader of Kayla's blog and asked to join us!  How awesome is that?!)  Sadly the run was only ok this time for me due to a painful cramp in my left calf and a strain feeling on the side of my right one.  I've been running in my Vibram Five Fingers, which I LOVE, but my feet, Achilles and calves have been angry with me the past week because of me forcing them to work so hard.  So I ran with the girls for the first mile, but then I just couldn't keep up.  No matter whether I was walking or running, I hurt.  I told the girls to go ahead because I was holding them back and Bee, Kayla and Jill trudged on.  Ashley was very sweet and insisted on staying with me.  She can go forever and never needs walking breaks, so she bounced along beside me (very slowly bless her heart) and kept me entertained and my mind off the pain.

After our "run" Kayla and I joined Bee back at her place and worked on blog stuff.  She was a very kind hostess and gave us some DELICIOUS apple crisp and yummy coffee to fuel our work.

Stolen from Kayla

Then Saturday night was the PNW Blogger Holiday Party! This was a fun event all centered around bloggers getting out and networking!  It was hosted at West Elm in the Pearl and Whole Foods was on hand with yummy appetizers and libations.

Thanks to Bee for snapping this pic of me!

I wore my purple silhouette dress that I picked up at the Dress Barn last spring.  I realized about 15 minutes before I needed to leave that my one pair of black tights is missing, so I made a quick decision and gray tights with gray shoes it was!  I actually like how it came together, so I guess the tights missing was a good thing!

Jenni and I looking cute | Party organizers Chelsey and Jenni talking to the group about the awesome event
The ever adorable Bee and I posing for a pic | Owls were everywhere and I loved it!

Chelsey announcing winners of the giveaways | The prints I prepared for all the bloggers
Bee looking quite dapper | My favorite piece in our SWAG bags!

It was a great evening and I met lots of fun and fabulous bloggers!  Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to put on the event!

Sunday morning I met up with my friend Heather for a pancake brunch.  I had delicious pumpkin pancakes and enjoyed catching up on everything that's happened over the past couple of weeks.  We try to get together at least once a week and I always feel so uplifted after seeing her.  She's such a good person to have in my life!

Here's what I wore to brunch Sunday.  New hat from Old Navy.  Scarf that I've had a few years,
my new Silver jeans (that I LOVE) and my TOMS

Then Sunday afternoon I met back up with Kayla for a photoshoot for her blog.  We got lots of fun running pics and I can't wait to share them all after she sees them!  Here's just one sneak peek though of one of my favorite shots we came away with!

Whew!  What a fun and BUSY weekend!!  In between all this fun I also cleaned my apartment, cleaned my car, did some grocery shopping, finished my laundry and cooked some meals for the week.  

How was YOUR weekend?
What fun things did YOU wear?

Want to join the 30 Day Challenge?  See the list here!

30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 13 - My Opinion About My Body and How Comfortable I am With It

I love my body.  With it I've accomplished some amazing things.  I've survived a condition that put me on steroids and chemo for over 2 years, completed a century bike ride, completed a marathon (and multiple halves) and hiked the Grand Canyon.  I'm blessed with two working legs, two fully functional arms, all 20 fingers and toes and healthy organs.

But let's be honest, I've taken this body for granted.  I've overfed it on sweets, carbs and yummy coffee drinks.  I've allowed it to get lazy, and not pushed it to it's full potential.  I'm fairly comfortable in my own skin, but that's only because I've acquiesced, choosing to not hold myself to the healthy standard I really wish to attain.

2 years ago I completed my first marathon and proved to myself that I could do it.  I had thrown a gigantic goal out in front of me and charged through it.  I had proven to myself that with perseverance I could accomplish anything.  But that's where it stopped.  I've ridden high on that single event for 2 years, and I'm over it.  I'm ready to stop saying, "when I completed my marathon" and begin saying, "yep, I'm a runner."  I'm working on it.  I have a good support system in place, and a group of friends who are running alongside me.

I made a conscious decision when I moved to Portland to build intentional relationships.  Friends who lift me up, support me, challenge me and share common ideals.  I'm happy to say that's exactly what's happening.  I've made some amazing friends here already, and am giddy with delight when I think about all that's possible with good people surrounding and supporting me.

How do YOU feel about YOUR body?

Want to join the 30 Day Challenge?  See the list here!

30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 12 - Five Guys Whom I Find Attractive

Oh gee, I suppose if you twist my arm I'll talk about some hot men.
Oh, and you want photos too?  Umm, OK!


Well in that case, let's get started (picture me cracking my knuckles, wiggling my fingertips over the keyboard in excited anticipation and....)

Let's start with Colin Firth!

This man has been at the top of my list of sexy actors since I first saw him play Mr. Darcy in A&E's Pride and Prejudice, then when I saw him as Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones' Diary, his fate was sealed.  And don't even get me started on his character in Love Actually!

The curls, the scruff, the twinkle in his eye...

Source

Hey Jude.
Jude, Jude, Jude.
If only you knew how hot you are.  Oh wait, you do?  Oh well, you're hot enough that smug air of ego actually works for you.  Never stop making movies.  I beg you.

Source

Ewan, all we need is love, and I've got enough to share.

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Ok, so I'm not the biggest fan of Gerald Butler's films.  I could have done without The Ugly Truth and 300 was really more for the guys.  PS I Love You was pretty good, but made me cry way too much.
But look at the man! I mean, seriously!

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Hey Ryan.
When you lift Emma Stone ala Dirty Dancing's final scene, I pretend it's me. 
Don't be creeped out.  It's meant to be a compliment.

Source

Which Hollywood hunks are YOUR favorite?

Want to join the 30 Day Challenge?  See the list here!

30 Day Posting Challenge | Day 11 - My Family

Let me start by saying, "MY FAMILY IS AWESOME!!!"

Seriously, I love them so, so much.  I was blessed with a very loving and supportive family, and I'm so proud of how close we've stayed over the years.  Whenever I talk with someone who isn't close with their siblings, or have had a falling out with a family member, it just makes me so sad.  I can't imagine what my life would be like without their constant input and feedback on my life.

So anyway, here they all are... LOVE YOU GUYS!

My Dad and Mom

My older brother, Jed; his wife, Danielle; and my niece, Joie

My younger brother, Kalen, and his wife, Brandie

My sister-cousin (we are cousins but close as sisters) Jill and her husband Blake

My sister-aunt (technically my aunt, but we're more like sisters) Saleen and her girls, Echo and Willow.
not pictured her husband Rhett

Who are the members of YOUR family?

Want to join the 30 Day Challenge?  See the list here!