I didn't get carded tonight at Blu. It might have been the first time that has ever happened there becuase they are hard-core about carding...It's quite depressing to think about...but this makes me really happy!
I LOVE Ellen and secretly love Tony....
January 30, 2011
January 24, 2011
ends, beginnings, and changes.
END
Finally I have recovered from the flu, not a full 100%, but close enough.
BEGINNINGS
Close enough to start Bootcamp this morning! I'm crazy. It's at 5:30am 3 days a week {one of which I don't work on} I just about died this morning during the cardio portion {thanks flu}, but the rest of it wasn't bad {minus the push ups}.
I had my pre-assessment this afternoon and was ok with the results. I had to do 1 minute push ups and sit ups and was pretty impressed with how well I did considering how much I have NOT worked out in 2011.
The trainer set what I think is a pretty steep decrease for my body fat percentage....little nervous bout that.
The class is 4 weeks long, ending just in time to look fabulous for my birthday! {Did you know the countdown has already started? 28 days}
CHANGES
I didn't really set any resolutions for 2011, I never stick to them anyways, but I did decided I wanted to make some changes.
1. To be more positive. 2010 was rough and I found a lot of reasons to be negative. But I wiped that away on January 1st and have found a positive work environment and am doing a great job of looking at the positives in life!
2. One of my biggest challenges with being single is cooking for 1. I was the queen of Lean Cuisines for many many years, but now that I have a knack for cooking I want to use my stovetop more than my microwave!
I haven't always been much of a "leftover eater" which caused me to make huge meals, eat one serving, and let the rest go bad in my fridge throw the rest out. Impromptu dinners with friends and cravings for certain restaurants also curtailed my leftover eating.
SO in 2011 I decided that on Mondays {my last day of the weekend} I would cook 1-2 meals and those would serve as my lunches and dinners throughout the week. {Yes this means getting over my fear of leftovers, but also learning to make things that make for good left overs or have quick and easy single serving preparations}
One of these recipes is usually on my menu twice a month. Ratatouille. I never really knew what it was until a friend of mine made it for me and now I'm hooked!
Here's how I make it!
Pour Extra Virgin Olive Oil {EVOO} into a Large Pot. Finely chop a 1/4 of an onion {I just use whatever color onion I have in the fridge} and place in the pot. Turn the heat to medium and cook the onions until they are fragrant {a minute or so}
I'm also making Chicken Tamale Casserole. Hopefully it turns out good!
Finally I have recovered from the flu, not a full 100%, but close enough.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEGINNINGS
Close enough to start Bootcamp this morning! I'm crazy. It's at 5:30am 3 days a week {one of which I don't work on} I just about died this morning during the cardio portion {thanks flu}, but the rest of it wasn't bad {minus the push ups}.
I had my pre-assessment this afternoon and was ok with the results. I had to do 1 minute push ups and sit ups and was pretty impressed with how well I did considering how much I have NOT worked out in 2011.
The trainer set what I think is a pretty steep decrease for my body fat percentage....little nervous bout that.
The class is 4 weeks long, ending just in time to look fabulous for my birthday! {Did you know the countdown has already started? 28 days}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES
I didn't really set any resolutions for 2011, I never stick to them anyways, but I did decided I wanted to make some changes.
1. To be more positive. 2010 was rough and I found a lot of reasons to be negative. But I wiped that away on January 1st and have found a positive work environment and am doing a great job of looking at the positives in life!
2. One of my biggest challenges with being single is cooking for 1. I was the queen of Lean Cuisines for many many years, but now that I have a knack for cooking I want to use my stovetop more than my microwave!
I haven't always been much of a "leftover eater" which caused me to make huge meals, eat one serving, and SO in 2011 I decided that on Mondays {my last day of the weekend} I would cook 1-2 meals and those would serve as my lunches and dinners throughout the week. {Yes this means getting over my fear of leftovers, but also learning to make things that make for good left overs or have quick and easy single serving preparations}
One of these recipes is usually on my menu twice a month. Ratatouille. I never really knew what it was until a friend of mine made it for me and now I'm hooked!
Here's how I make it!
Pour Extra Virgin Olive Oil {EVOO} into a Large Pot. Finely chop a 1/4 of an onion {I just use whatever color onion I have in the fridge} and place in the pot. Turn the heat to medium and cook the onions until they are fragrant {a minute or so}
Thinly slice 1 zucchini and roughly chop 1 Roma tomato.
Pour 2 cans of diced tomatoes, zucchini, and Roma tomato into the pot
Pour water into the pot until the vegetables are mostly covered
Turn heat up all the way and bring to a boil
Boil for another 20-30 minutes until most of the water has evaporated and looks like this
See how its thick?!
That's it! Suuuuper simple!
I'm a pretty picky eater and get nervous to change food if I like it the way it is, but you could add all sorts of different veggies to this {squash and some black olives would be yummy}.
Once it's done, I use a 1 cup measuring cup and divide the ratatouille into individual serving sizes.
When I'm home for dinner I usually cook up some whole grain pasta and sprinkle some parmesan with it to add substance or I bake some chicken the night before, add it to the tupperware, and then take it to work and heat it up for lunch.
I'm sure it'd be a great side dish to any meal!
I'm also making Chicken Tamale Casserole. Hopefully it turns out good!
January 19, 2011
whirlwind.
It sure has been one whirlwind of a last month and a half.
- I lost my job
- Christmas & New Years
- I planned a wedding that turned out better than I could have imagined
- I interviewed for a job and got it
But I guess amidst all of that craziness I forgot to take care of myself bucause today I was told I have the flu!
What me? The one who NEVER gets sick, the one who hasn't been sick in 3 years. How? NO!!
I caught it really early so I'm hoping to be up and back running by the end of the week....however, the symptoms are starting to get more intense! Since I've never had it before, I'm a little scared.
But besides that, I had a great weekend. Mostly for 1 reason.
One of my longest Best Friends got engaged over the weekend! I was so excited when she called that I cried {can we say dork}!
It had been much anticipated for awhile, especially the last few weeks and I think it was the perfect proposal for the two of them.
Jump over to Emily's Blog to wish her congrats!
- I lost my job
- Christmas & New Years
- I planned a wedding that turned out better than I could have imagined
- I interviewed for a job and got it
But I guess amidst all of that craziness I forgot to take care of myself bucause today I was told I have the flu!
What me? The one who NEVER gets sick, the one who hasn't been sick in 3 years. How? NO!!
I caught it really early so I'm hoping to be up and back running by the end of the week....however, the symptoms are starting to get more intense! Since I've never had it before, I'm a little scared.
One of my longest Best Friends got engaged over the weekend! I was so excited when she called that I cried {can we say dork}!
It had been much anticipated for awhile, especially the last few weeks and I think it was the perfect proposal for the two of them.
Jump over to Emily's Blog to wish her congrats!
Let the wedding festivities begin!!!!
January 16, 2011
unlike anything before.
SO amidst all of the Holidays and the last two weeks of Wedding hoopla, an interesting opportunity dropped in my lap.
A friend recommended me for a job opportunity.
I must first say a few things:
I had only been unemployed for a few weeks and honestly hadn't really thought twice about finding a new job.
I was in the HEART of wedding planning and felt that preparing for these interviews on top of my "wedding brain" was incredibly stressful.
I got sick in the middle of both interviews.
I like the job, but wasn't as excited as I felt like I should be.
In all honesty, I could have tried harder to get this job.
But...God's plan was different for me. I sat down for my 2nd interview and was hired within the first 30 seconds. I was so caught off-guard. It was 5 days before the wedding and my brain couldn't process it all.
I kept getting asked if I was excited and I was {even though I didn't show it}, but I couldn't think of anything besides wedding stuff.
The wedding came and went and I had 2 days {I now work Tuesday-Saturday} to gather myself and my life before I started the 9-5 life again {my schedule is actually pretty close to that...it's fabulous}.
I've now been through the whole first week, and although I haven't REALLY gotten into what I'll exactly be doing, this job is unlike anything other I have ever experienced.
It is THE MOST positive and happy place, like seriously, all the time. I was there for 5 days straight and never saw a frown...not once! A few employees who have been recently hired vouched for this happiness and said it is seriously like this all the time.
I felt more wanted, appreciated, and loved in these last 5 days than I ever have at a job before. I was praised every day and told when I did a great job on something. It was insane. I didn't even know how to respond...I ended their comments with a nervous laughter and a shy "thank you".
A friend recommended me for a job opportunity.
I must first say a few things:
I had only been unemployed for a few weeks and honestly hadn't really thought twice about finding a new job.
I was in the HEART of wedding planning and felt that preparing for these interviews on top of my "wedding brain" was incredibly stressful.
I got sick in the middle of both interviews.
I like the job, but wasn't as excited as I felt like I should be.
In all honesty, I could have tried harder to get this job.
But...God's plan was different for me. I sat down for my 2nd interview and was hired within the first 30 seconds. I was so caught off-guard. It was 5 days before the wedding and my brain couldn't process it all.
I kept getting asked if I was excited and I was {even though I didn't show it}, but I couldn't think of anything besides wedding stuff.
The wedding came and went and I had 2 days {I now work Tuesday-Saturday} to gather myself and my life before I started the 9-5 life again {my schedule is actually pretty close to that...it's fabulous}.
I've now been through the whole first week, and although I haven't REALLY gotten into what I'll exactly be doing, this job is unlike anything other I have ever experienced.
It is THE MOST positive and happy place, like seriously, all the time. I was there for 5 days straight and never saw a frown...not once! A few employees who have been recently hired vouched for this happiness and said it is seriously like this all the time.
I felt more wanted, appreciated, and loved in these last 5 days than I ever have at a job before. I was praised every day and told when I did a great job on something. It was insane. I didn't even know how to respond...I ended their comments with a nervous laughter and a shy "thank you".
SO what exactly am I doing?
You're looking at the newest Financial Aid Counselor {at least that's the best way to describe it} at a local cosmetology school!
It's really just craziness!
I prefaced this post with a few things, ending in that I wasn't that excited nor did I try my absolute hardest for this job. I regret that. HOWEVER, I am so blessed that God, despite that, still chose for me to receive this job.
It's funny how God's plan works...I've seen it so many times in the last few weeks.{another story coming this week!} I lost my job just as the wedding planning got intense {looking back I'm not sure how I would have done both} and then was blessed to start a new job just as the wedding was over. Ironic?
This is just what I needed...to work in a happy environment, to be around happy people, to make new friends! It just couldn't have been more perfect. I'm excited to see what's next in my life!
I really truly believe that everything really does happen for a reason!
January 15, 2011
Wedding
It's kind of been a crazy beginning to 2011 so bare with me as my posts are SUPER sporadic!
So on to what has consumed most of my free time since June.
I planned my first wedding from {virtually} start to finish for this lovely couple to the right.
I met Allyson in June, 3 months after she had gotten engaged and all she had done was pick a date and a venue.
What started out as "I'll help you out a bit" turned into full-fledge designing and planning...and I loved EVERY SECOND of it!
Through the process we became great friends and I am so truly blessed to have been such a huge part of their day.
It was my goal in this whole process to keep them from stress not only while planning, but especially on the day of the wedding.
Unfortunately, because I was running around like a mad woman most of the day, I didn't get a chance to takemany any pictures!
I had some AMAZING helpers the day of, and let me tell you that without them, NONE of the day would have been possible!
I knew this wedding would be special when only 30 guests off the "official list" replied no!
We were expecting 25 people over the venue's limit and weary of the weather since January is one of the many crazy weather months in Oklahoma. But the weather turned out PERFECT and every guest somehow fit into that chapel {I'm still not sure how}!
Like I said, I didn't take many pictures, so here's a few of my favorites that people so kindly posted on Facebook! {what did we do before fb?}
PS. of course I plan on posting professional pictures {so you can REALLY get the picture} once they're done!
So on to what has consumed most of my free time since June.
I planned my first wedding from {virtually} start to finish for this lovely couple to the right.I met Allyson in June, 3 months after she had gotten engaged and all she had done was pick a date and a venue.
What started out as "I'll help you out a bit" turned into full-fledge designing and planning...and I loved EVERY SECOND of it!
Through the process we became great friends and I am so truly blessed to have been such a huge part of their day.
It was my goal in this whole process to keep them from stress not only while planning, but especially on the day of the wedding.
Unfortunately, because I was running around like a mad woman most of the day, I didn't get a chance to take
I had some AMAZING helpers the day of, and let me tell you that without them, NONE of the day would have been possible!
I knew this wedding would be special when only 30 guests off the "official list" replied no!
We were expecting 25 people over the venue's limit and weary of the weather since January is one of the many crazy weather months in Oklahoma. But the weather turned out PERFECT and every guest somehow fit into that chapel {I'm still not sure how}!
Like I said, I didn't take many pictures, so here's a few of my favorites that people so kindly posted on Facebook! {what did we do before fb?}
REHEARSAL/REHEARSAL DINNER
{the venue - Thunderbird Chapel}
{They're just precious}
{This is at the Rehearsal Dinner...most groomsman got "iced" by the groom in their gift, but this gentleman, an usher, was "iced" by the 8 year old Ring Bearer/Jr. Groomsman....it was one of the most hilarious moments I've seen in a very long time!}
WEDDING DAY
THE DRESS
CEREMONY
{I'm sad that I didn't take pictures of the Chapel, I really hope the Photographer got some good ones, because the the sides of the Chapel were lined with hundreds of candles, it was gorgeous with the lights turned down low!}
{This was the reception room. In all honesty, this picture doesn't really do it justice, the colors are WAY off and there were no lights on during. Also, attached to the building ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS PICTURE was a tent. It was lined with Christmas lights and filled with bistro tables and the bar!}
{This moment might have stolen the night! The Ring Bearer/Jr. Groomsman AKA THE ONE WHO ICED THE USHER requested MONTHS PRIOR TO THE WEDDING that he be able to karaoke "Chicken Fry" at the end of the night. His wish was granted and it was one of the greatest moments of the night. He even ran around the circle guests had gathered in and high-fived everyone. JUST AWESOME!}
I can't even begin to explain how much fun I had during those 48 hours {really the whole 6 months of planning}. I will say it was odd to be the only sober one at the wedding, but I definitely had my own kind of fun!
The best moment of the whole weekend was the bride and groom, and even their families, telling me what an awesome time they had and how stress free they felt.
My goal was accomplished!
I hope to do this for many more brides to come....more information on this coming in the future!
PS. of course I plan on posting professional pictures {so you can REALLY get the picture} once they're done!
January 10, 2011
...is this thing on.
wow. crazy past couple of weeks, that's all I can really say.
Where to start....
NEW YEARS 2011
A couple of friends hosted a NYE party at their house, 90s style! We deemed it the "NYE Social" as that's how we all partied in Middle School.
We had 90s trivia and dressed like fools!
My Outfit
{That's a scary picture of me...but you get the point}
I fixed my hair just as I did in Middle School {no straightener}, I owned a skort almost just like this one, and I actually did own that exact belt {best find ever}!
TEAM SURGE
TU-PAC SHAKERS
Everyone
It was a great night, but a rough morning....{actually make that day}
That night OU played in the Fiesta Bowl against the UConn Huskies....As much as I had hoped it would be a joke of a game, the Huskies kept it interesting {or maybe it was OU making mistakes that kept it close for awhile}.Because of the night before, Danae came over and we watched the game sitting on the couch in peace and soberness.
{this picture sums up how the night ended!}
We finally broke our BCS Bowl curse!
The wedding I had been planning for the past 6 months was this past weekend and I start a new job tomorrow....Maybe that'll put me on a better schedule for posting!
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