A New Me

My journey to changing myself for the better

[arriveraxo]

Keeping life happy...

So it has been a month since my last post, and I've got a lot to say!!!

First off, the "issue" I was going through is still not over. Unfortunately, depending on the situation, i don't know how soon it will be happening! But I am coming to terms with how everything is going and I have decided I am just going to smile and laugh everything away!!! Don't worry, it's nothing serious or life threatening, just a life change!!

Next, I still need to talk about how much I love MyFitnessPal! It really helps me keep track of what I'm eating all day and it inspires me to eat better! It looks nicer to read that I had healthy foods all day then see something crappy!

Now on to exercise!!! This is the most exciting part of the post!! Keeping track on MyFitnessPal helps me a lot, but adding exercise has really upped the help! I created my own little 30 Day Challenge. It has light workouts, 3 different days and resting every 4th day. Having something easy helps me stick with it. A lot of times, I push myself too hard then I get tired and don't want to do it anymore! I have finished 10 days of this challenge already! It literally takes up maybe 20 minutes of my day. The next exciting part of this is Couch to 5K! I would love some feedback on anyone that has tried this before!! Basically it is for people who sit around all day! LOL It is a 8 or so week training, 3 days a week, to get you to be able to run/jog a 5k!! I was going to train on my own, but I thought I'd give this a try! What do I have to lose? (Besides weight of course!!) My whole reasoning for doing 5K training is to actually run/jog a 5K! I am going to keep planning 5K's to keep myself motivated! For my first one, I have already signed up for The Color Run! It's not until August, so I have plenty of time! How much fun does that sound!?? If you've never heard of it, please look it up! It looks like such a fun time!! I am happy to say that my cousin Tiffany has also signed up for it and I am so glad to have her training with me and accomplishing that together! Anyway, C25K has plenty of free plans online and the way I use it on my iPhone! The app tells you when to warm up, when to jog, when to walk, etc for each workout! It is wonderful!

So since I've started all of this, I have lost 8 pounds, and hopefully more will fly off!! I am so excited about everything I am doing! The best part about it all, is that I keep being told how much I am inspiring other people to do better for themselves! The feeling is overwhelming!

I keep trying to make better choices with food and the change is making me feel great! Speaking of change, I have been changing the house around and repainting to make a fresh start! Not just A New Me, but a new everything!!! I am going to continue to do things that make me smile! Keeping everything around me happy! It's really time to change for the better and I couldn't be more excited!!!

Stay tuned for my next post where I'll update on how all my trainings/challenges are going! Sorry if it takes me a while, I am just preoccupied! In the mean time, Enjoy every day, there will never be another one like it!

:¨·.·¨: `·. Amanda*

[arriveraxo]

What stress can do...

I haven't updated lately due to something family related that is being worked on. I won't go into detail until everything is said and done (and goes our way). However, I will go into detail about how it makes me feel. Just as a warning, this may not be a positive post, but maybe someone will get something out of it.

Stress...I don't think this word even describes how I feel sometimes. This "subject" or "topic", whatever we wanna call it, really hits me hard. There are so many emotions that go along with this along with a strong concern for others.

The main thing that is really getting to me is that were finally doing something to resolve the situation and now that we've done our part, the final decision is in someone else's hands. The suspense is overwhelming. We're just trying to benefit others and the thought of it not working out is heart-breaking.

Now I'm a huge food lover, but let me tell you, this stress was so intense that I had to force myself to eat. I had no hunger feeling at all. My mind would constantly race at night that I could not fall asleep. Then come the morning, I was sleeping through my alarm. 

Once we got our part done and this suspenseful feeling over-came me, I started to get anxiety. This was making my appetite flip-flop. I would get anxious and eat anything in sight! Kind of like when you know the killer is just around the corner in a movie. I am still slightly going through this, but getting it more under control. 

After speaking with close friends and family, I received some advice. I've kinda taken pieces of everyone's advice and summed it up. It's ok to be stressed out a little, especially with something as big as this. I just need to keep reminding myself there's nothing more I can do except wait. I can't let the negative consume me. As hard as it is, I have to stay positive and think as though what I would like to happen, definitely will happen. I have everything I need to get this done and I have wonderful people by my side to support me. I am going to just try not to dwell on it until needed. Through a lot of my life, I have expected the worst to prepare and protect myself. This is good and bad. If the worst does happen, I, well, expected it, I feel it doesn't hit me as hard, almost like my own "I told you so." If the worst doesn't happen, then I'll have gotten myself worrying, stressed, and let down for no reason making the best not seem as great anymore.

I am going to take the support I am given and keep my hopes up the best I can. I do feel strongly that it will work out in our favor, so I'm going to run with it!

On a better note, I found a couple places I've applied for work, so I am just waiting to give them a call/have them call me. Hopefully I will finally be working soon!!! Also, the "tools" I mention last week, have really helped me stay on track. Especially MyFitnessPal

Im sorry this post was such a drag! I have this blog to talk about what's going on, and this was a great way for me to vent! Next post, I will make sure it is all positive thoughts!!! :] promise!

Stay tuned for my next post. It may not be for a few more weeks, but I will be here! Like I said, I will make sure I keep an up-beat feel to the next one! In the mean time, Enjoy every day, there will never be another one like it!

:¨·.·¨: `·. Amanda*

[arriveraxo]

Black bean cutlet! (Short post)

Just another quick update!

My family is full of "chicken cutlets" lovers! Now since I don't eat meat..I needed to come up with something I could enjoy without feeling left out!

I love beans. I don't know why..I just do. They are so good! So, tonight, I whipped out a can of black beans and mushed them! I added salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to my liking. (you can taste it to add more if needed since they're just beans!) yay! I then put in a splash of milk and some breadcrumbs. Now you could just form them from there and cook them...or....do what I did and after forming them, cover them in more breadcrumbs! 

Now here's the tricky part, my first intention was to put them in a pan with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil like I do my chicken, however, they started to get mushy! So I threw them on a pan and popped them in the oven for a bit. I'm sure you could go straight to baking them which I will try next time.

Just wanted to share this little recipe and hopefully you give it a try!

(My guesses on amounts since I like to 'eyeball' everything)

1 can black beans 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp onion powder splash of milk (~2 tsp) 1 tbsp breadcrumbs More for coating.

Type to you soon!!! 

:¨·.·¨: `·. Amanda*

[arriveraxo]

Keeping myself on track...

Well, now that it's been a month since my last post, I decided I needed to update! In this post I'm going to talk about keeping on track, which I know is super hard for a lot of people!

Have I talked about Just Dance on here yet? Oh, I haven't?! Well then damn! This game is wonderful! I am a huge lover of dancing for exercise. I used to do more Zumba fitness then I could handle. There were times I would take 3 different dance classes in a row because it is like a party! I know, you're asking why I don't have the Zumba fitness game then? Well, who says I wasn't going to get it!? :]  Anyway, I have Just Dance 3 and 4. I like 4 a little better, but they're both good. For the first couple weeks I had it, I was playing everyday for about 2 hours a day. Now, I am only doing a couple days a week...BOO for not keeping on track! I didn't stop completely though so that's good. It is a lot of fun, and I can burn like 500+ calories doing it, so yay Just Dance!

Next on the list is eating! I have been doing super well eating and I am very proud of myself! However, yes there's a however, I tend to over do it once I get my hands on something sweet. (I love sweets!!! :[ ) Last Saturday was my Dad's birthday and I made him a cake! When I make cakes and stuff from scratch, I always cut down a little on the sugar, (there's still a lot of sugar though). We sat down, sang Happy Birthday and all had a piece; I even sent him home with some. Now......what to do with the left overs in my fridge? Keep eating it for the next few days? Like 2 slices a day? NO WRONG ANSWER!!!! But I did it anyway. :[ Now the cake is gone, so hopefully I can get BACK ON TRACK.

I may have a solution to this problem! A FREE site was brought to my attention from my Mommy :]. It's called MyFitnessPal! It is an online tracker of your Food/Exercise. You create a little profile and can add your friends. There is a super short questionnaire that will lead you to a "suggested" # of calories per day depending on your lifestyle! It even has a little bar to keep track of how much weight you have lost! I just started a few days ago, but it's very cute! I also believe that seeing what you're eating everyday will help keep yourself in line! Especially because it will post on your wall if you go over/under your calorie suggestion! I strongly urge you to check it out and give it a try. It is totally free! :] Click Here!

I haven't weighed myself because my body feels better. What? Does that make sense?! I don't know how to describe it. Whenever I am losing weight and I start getting that "I must be losing, I feel great!" feeling, I weigh myself and barely anythings changed. So I am not going to worry about the scale for a bit, I'm gunna worry about how I feel in my clothes!

Random thoughts: I have been studying for my NAVTA exam, but I keep procrastinating because I don't want to fail!! I'm pretty sure I wont, but I am just nervous! (And still need to find a job)

I went though a stomach virus for a about a week. It sucked! I did come up with an awesome tea recipe though which I will gladly share! I boiled about 1 1/2 cups in 4-5 cups of water for about 15-20 min. I then strained this into a mug and added some honey. (I used Blueberry Raw Honey I got from a farmer's market) Then I threw in a Peppermint Tea bag and voila! It was wonderful and really helped relax my stomach. It had such a soothing flavor! Nice and Simple! Here's a photo collage I made!

Click for a look at a comic I made.

Anyway, the point of this post...yeah keeping on track. I don't think there's anyone out there who stay in check 100% of the time. It happens..oh well. The best thing is to start the next day with a fresh start and learn from your mistakes! (Plus it's ok to treat yourself for doing well!!) :]

Stay tuned for my next post when I will update on my new found "tools" to help me move forward. In the mean time, Enjoy every day, there will never be another one like it.

:¨·.·¨: `·. Amanda*

[arriveraxo]

Happy Valentine's Day to us 😊 appletini ❤

[arriveraxo]

Easier with a little help...

Hello followers! Hope everyone is having a great start to 2013! First thing, My last week of clinical was pretty fun, and I was kind of sad it was ending. Everything went well that week, but I had that "what do I do now" feeling afterwords. Speaking of what I'll do now... I have to just keep study, study, studying for that exam. I will probably just wait until I get my other certificate to start searching for a job. Which comes to my next point. Where to go??? I originally wanted to just look around where I am, but after hearing so many good things about the hospital I had my clinical in, I am seriously considering going there. However, there are factors I need to put into consideration. I think I just need to apply, and see what they have to offer, then I can apply to other places to compare. So far, what I hear is of the great starting pay and benefits, but is it worth a 45 min drive when I can just go 6 min down the street and have another job? Who knows?!

This past Friday, I took the boys to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings. I am so happy to say that they had no problems what-so-ever!!! Hooray boys! They did so well and got like a baggy full of prizes..lucky. They have TV screens for them to watch TV the whole time the dentist is doing his thing! And the number of toothpaste for them to get their cleaning has increased greatly. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm pretty sure I remember only mint and bubble gum. The boys had...mint, bubblegum, grape, cinnamon, raspberry, and chocolate! ... CHOCOLATE?! yeah. These kids are getting spoiled!! (that's ok though!) Oh, and Tyler and Tidus each lost another tooth since my last post! The tooth fairy is running low on funds!!! Sometimes I swear they are just yanking them out before they're ready just to get money!! One thing I realized is that the dentist always makes sure to tell you to floss. Even when you say you do floss, they tell you anyway! I normally floss Tyler's teeth and after the dentist, he asked if I would teach him to do it on his own since he got a little floss in his "goody bag".

Moving on, I finally weighed myself the day after my clinical. I lost 4 pounds...not much, but it's a start! I haven't weighed myself since then, but I have had pizza and ice cream since then so I am going to wait until next week! LOL 

So yesterday was the Superbowl. Go Ravens! (I am normally an Eagles fan, but the Ravens are birds too, so I thought it was only necessary) :] After filing taxes, I took a trip to my mom's house where she, my aunt Judy, my cousin Tiffany, and I planned a nice healthy vegetarian meal. Tiffany and I are the only vegetarians, but our moms were more then willing to play along. Wait until you hear this menu, it was so delicious I had to force myself not to eat the left overs when I got home!!! My aunt Judy made a quiche with vegetarian sausage, peppers, and onions, and also made macaroni and cheese with some fat free cheeses. I made quinoa with garlic and onions and Brussels sprouts (which I could eat all day everyday..MY FAVE!) I also brought some Honest T brand unsweetened green tea which we all sweetened with some strawberry honey. YUM! And Tiffany make some kale chips and an almond amaretto cake. Holy crap...AMAZING! My mom provided the "venue" and did the clean up :] most important part! As you can see, we had an amazing tasting meal that was all great for you. It is so wonderful to have family members wanting to eat healthy with you. We plan to do this once a month as a new tradition. Hopefully my sister will be able to make it next time!

It seems that everywhere you look, someone is helping someone else, you're helping someone, or someone is helping you. It can be the smallest things sometimes like picking up a pen someone dropped or holding the door for someone with their hands full. I don't like to turn down help, because I love to help people! I think a lot of tasks can become much simpler with someone giving you a hand. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. It seems a lot of people don't want to ask for help in fear of appearing weak or whatever it is they are avoiding! That's just silly. I needed help from my teacher, how would I learn all of those things in my class/clinical without her? Tyler needs my help with flossing so he knows how to do it correctly. And my family helped each other by making a great meal and enjoying each others company.

HELP! it's all around you and sometimes, a little "good deed" for the day can really effect someone's day more then you know.

Stay tuned for my next post where I'll update on anything that comes to mind and as always, the changes I am continuing to make. In the mean time, Enjoy every day, there will never be another one like it.

:¨·.·¨: `·. Amanda*

[arriveraxo]

#majorwin

[arriveraxo]

[arriveraxo]

"Life changing"...

WoW. So I know I should've updated sooner, but I couldn't find the time. It's been almost 2 weeks now, and I've got a lot to catch up on!

First off, my clinical. It is awesome! I'm having a lot of fun, and all the people I am shadowing are super helpful. (Except for a couple people, but I'll get to that later). So far the lab and surgery are my favorites! The first week started off great. I started to relax and wasn't so nervous and I think that's when I started having fun. The end of the week, I was happy it was wrapping up, mostly because I am not used to being up super early and I was pretty exhausted. Unfortunately, I got a couple calls and messages around my lunch on Thursday. My Aunt had gone into the hospital having a heart attack. This aunt, I am pretty close with. Her daughter, Tiffany and I are only 3 days apart, so we've always been close. What really hit home, was my uncle, (Aunt's husband) had a heart attack and passed away years ago. So this happening again in the same family made my heart sink. Luckily, she is alright and home now.

My second week started off Ok. Then Tuesday afternoon comes around and I am put with a few different people to shadow and learn from in one section of the hospital. The first technicians I was following were awesome. Great personalities, super helpful and understanding. Then, the guy leaves to go home and the girl who was a supervisor, got stuck on an emergency case. So I was left with another supervisor a technician and a couple assistants. Talk about unprofessional!!!! It really is hard to keep in mind that you're in a business and not just at school learning when you've got people working and teaching you that can't stop fooling around. I was made super uncomfortable with all their sarcasm at me and their "know it all" attitude. They seemed to forget I was there learning and I didn't have all the experience they did. The were so off track a lot of times that I ended up being 15 minutes late to meet back with my class, just to get everything I needed to get done. UGGHHH!!!

Well I've only got one more week left and I'm excited to finish it up, so I can go out and get a job and honestly so I don't feel so "in the way" there. However, I will miss it, it really is tons of fun and I've met some great people in the process!

So, off the topic of my clinical, I am still keeping my eating habits under control (except for one day I think I ate way to much pizza. whoops!) and I have been drinking a lot more water. I haven't weighed myself yet, because I want to see the difference from starting my clinical to the end! (Hopefully it will be good!) :] The ProActiv is awesome. It's working so well on my face. I haven't done anything about my hair yet, but remember, one day at a time! Friday, hubby came home from work with a bunch of yellow roses which always puts a smile on my face! I am a sucker for the "little things".

Last week Tyler lost his first tooth!! Hooray! His second one is loose already and he is super excited! Friday night we decided to go to Applebee's for dinner which was great, except for ending with Tyler eating too fast and throwing up onto his plate! Oh geez. Saturday, Tyler had a mini photoshoot with my sister who is the owner and head photographer of Doodlebud Photography. The pictures came out great! I will post one for you to see! :] Then Sunday we all went outside and played football because the weather was super nice!! Other then that, I've been taking it pretty easy and since I'm gone most of my day, I try to relax and enjoy the rest of the days and weekends. This means I'm not on the computer a lot anymore. (Which is odd because I'm always on the computer!)

I feel like this post was kind of all over the place with little things here and there, but it was kind of hard to organize everything I had to say!! Life changing events happen to everyone. Even if it is something as small as losing your first tooth or as big as having a heart attack then requires you to change your whole lifestyle. These life changers happen all the time, more then you think, so don't stress and take it day by day. I know I use that phrase a lot, but to me, it seems like it's the best way to take on anything.

Stay tuned for my next post where I'll update on my final week of clinical, how all my changes are taking effect, and my next steps to start my career. In the mean time, Enjoy every day, there will never be another one like it.

:¨·.·¨: `·. Amanda*

[arriveraxo]

Small changes one at a time...

Helloooo.

Well after a few days of refreshing my mind of what I learned in my Veterinary Technician Assisting program, tomorrow I start my clinical! I am nervous but even more excited! I have worked with lots of animals before, but never in this setting, so I am psyched to start all the hands on work! If all goes well, I will also be applying to this animal hospital for employment.

Since my last post, I have started doing little changes. I have almost completely cut out soda, except for one time going out to visit family, etc. (whoops) I have also picked up a few healthier snacks, (because I am a huge snacker), such as nuts, baby carrots, and yogurts.

A big part of my eating is always being home. I am also excited about being out of the house all day so I don't need to constantly pick! This will make it much easier for me to keep track of what I am eating all day.

Something else I have done is pick up Proactiv. I am a huge supporter of using natural/organic products which are also not tested on animals, which almost all of my products are, but ever since I switched my Thyroid meds, I can't seem to clear my face. I am hoping it was worth it. It was fairly cheap, costing me about $30 (for a month supply) since I bought it from a place other then ordering it online. (The mall near me has a Proactiv vending machine. Pretty cool, I must say!).

I haven't decided on an exercising plan yet. I am hoping once I start working, it will help out initially, but I know for the long run, it wont be enough. We bought P90x last year which really isn't too bad because you can do it at your own pace, but each workout is an hour or more and I am not one for exercising everyday! (At least not right now!) However, I did see that Beachbody (company that makes P90x) came out with something called the 10 min trainer. It is still Tony Horton (creator of P90x) who is very funny and makes the workouts more fun. He also encourages you a lot throughout the DVDs. Anyway, each workout is only 10 minutes! It is still everyday, but I think I can suck it up for only 10 min...that's nothing. So I may consider trying that out.

The last thing I can add that I have done within the last couple days it jot down some ideas for this spring/summer for family vacations! I am totally thinking Disney World. It is my favorite place! I love Disney...anything! Or I even looked into the Disney cruises. I didn't do much thorough research, but just getting some ideas. I am also of thinking of going to the Ringling Bros. Circus since they will be around here in mid April.

I haven't done any drastic changes yet, but I am just going to take all of this slow and day-by-day. I normally find myself rushing into everything whether it be a diet, exercise plan, etc., and it is such a huge change that it almost makes me not want to do it anymore. Does that make sense? LOL I figure if I just add a few small changes here and there, they will all settle in to my lifestyle gradually. Like I've said, I don't mind if this isn't done in a year, as long as it gets done. I think getting myself used to little things one at a time will help me stick with them better. Who knows!?

Stay tuned for my next post where I will let you all know how my first week at my Clinical went and any more changes I will be adding/how my changes have gone so far! In the mean time, Enjoy every day, there will never be another one like it.

:¨·.·¨: `·. Amanda*

[arriveraxo]

"Some people care too much. I think it's called love."

Winnie the Pooh

[arriveraxo]

[arriveraxo]

The greatest thing I've ever drank

[arriveraxo]

Planning ahead...

Well after thinking about it, I have come up with a plan, or a rough draft version I guess.

I want to clear this first;  I am not usually the "new years resolution" type of person. I have made one every year and I think always letting myself down just made me give up hope. I have been trying so long to change certain things about me that I think to myself, "What?, just because it's January everything will work out now?" I know, I know, I sound like a huge drag, but that's honestly what I think. My mom would probably reply with something like, "Well, it's the start of a new year. The whole point is to make a goal for yourself and a fresh start." I get it, and while i greatly appreciate and admire my mom for the way she thinks, all of these people that say "Oh, I'll start my diet this year and I'll stick to it!" Good for you! Power to ya! But, what about a new week? Or a new day? Who says your diet can't start on a Wednesday. Everyday is a fresh start! So what, you had a whole tub of Ben & Jerry's or ate a whole bag of cheese doodles, today is a new day! Get off your ass, exercise, have a salad, and start it off right!

This brings me to my plan (and/or resolution if you will) for this year or better yet, for my life. (Because who says you need to get something done in a year. Think about your whole lifetime, a year is really a very small portion of it...Food for thought) :]

1: Start my career-because face it.. I need a job. As much time as I spend with my couch, he still refuses to pay the bills.

2: Change my outlook on life-I tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist. I know it might not seem like it when you look at me, but really I like to have things a certain way. Which is why I'd like to start looking at life more positively instead of picking out negatives for my own amusement.

3: Change my attitude-Speaking of wanting things a certain way, that really means I want them my way. This escalated once I starting being around the boys more. I don't have children of my own, and marrying into a family really takes a toll on you. (Plus being a woman doesn't help either!) I was so used to having things done my way because it was only me, but now it's time to really realize I can't control every action of everyone else. (Yes, I know this makes me seem harsh, but it's true and quite embarrassing).

4: Spend more time with my family-That seems silly because I'm always home, but I mean quality time, board games, outings, things that really have everyone focused on each other. This also means the rest of my family. Parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

5: Go out more-'But, you just said spend more time with family..?' I know, but I am still so young! I need to get out more and continue enjoying my youth! I'm not saying party it up constantly and start ignoring/neglecting everyone else... just out...more.

6: Change my appearance-I didn't put this high up on my list because I didn't want to sound selfish, but, if I want to continue raising my level of happiness, for me, this is a factor in doing so. -I need to lose weight and keep it off. Ive battled my weight all my life. I was never super skinny, but I was never huge, just a little chunky. I was diagnosed with Hypo-thyroidism at the age of 13. It pretty much just sucked from then on. It takes me forever to lose weight, then it seems like once I've lost some, I get over confident, and gain it all back (give or take a few). I'll keep all the juicy details of specific weight and how much to lose for another post. -Now you might wonder why I didn't just write "Lose weight" to begin with. Why did I write appearance? No, I don't mean get a nose job or a boob lift. With the thyroid issue has come hair loss. My hair is super thing and falling out. Has been ever since I've started my medication. I simply want to find a doctor that really knows what they're dealing with that can help me. Even if they say nothing can be done, I just would like to find ways of making it look a little better. (Could even be change of style)

7: Change my mind-Umm, What? This may almost be like changing my outlook and attitude, but slightly different. I tend to have a lot of anxiety. I constantly worry, I get over nervous when I really shouldn't, and it makes me 'blow up'. I get mad more then I probably should. I would like to have this addressed. Not necessarily with medicine, maybe some counseling. I have been doing my own research on little exercises I can do to help me relax, but it may just not be enough.

Now onto some things that maybe aren't so important, but are still goals for me.

8: Saving money for a new home and soon buying a new home-Although our living conditions are good and tolerable, nothing will compare to having my own home.

9: Getting a new car-Anyone else still driving a piece of crap? Oh, no? just me? Seems that way sometimes. It's bad when your car is almost as old as you. I don't just want a new car to look hot and shiny while driving down the street or sitting in the Walmart parking lot, but my car just sucks man. It seems like there are always problems with this thing! #SelfCharity ??

AND FINALLY

10: Start having children of my own-Family is important to me. Some of the best memories can be made just with your family. I love my step-boys with all my heart, but the void of having my own is still empty. I always wanted a big family of 5 or 6 kids, but I probably can't go up that high since I've married into a family. That's ok though, because I consider these boys mine. This goal doesn't necessarily need to be done this year, but maybe soon. We'll see.

All of these goals/resolutions don't need to be done this year either. These are just some guidelines to make myself happier then I already am. I am just going to take it one day at a time and always try to improve myself day, by, day.

Take a second to consider some goals you'd like to achieve. When do you want them done? Are you closer to achieving than you thought? Remember, it's ok to screw up every once in a while...JUST DON'T DO IT AGAIN!!! No, just kidding. :] Just start over the next day and try to improve.

Stay tuned for my next post where I'll update on my life and any input on how I am working towards my goals! In the mean time, Enjoy every day, there will never be another one like it.

:¨·.·¨: `·. Amanda*

[arriveraxo]

Looking back on past years...

Happy New Year!! Yeah, a new year. It seems as though so many people get much more excited about a new year then I do, so this time I've decided to force myself to be excited! AAHHH! EXCITEMENT! (No ?)

My name is Amanda and I am 22 years old. I was born in New Jersey then quickly moved to Florida. Spent about 6 years growing up there when we moved to up-state New York. Spent only a couple months here before coming back to New Jersey where I have been since. I'm Married to a pretty awesome guy named Jacob (or Jake as I like to call him). I have 4 step-sons, I love to cook and bake, I am a Vegetarian, I love the show Glee, I spend most of my time on the computer even if I'm just staring at the Facebook news feed, I have a bad case of Hypo-Thyroidism, I like to play video games, and I think I love animals more then people. I am not going to get too much into myself because I think you'll learn about me enough through my posts.

First this to address, 2013? WTF? Didn't I just graduate high school?? Oh, that was in 2008? Damn, where did the time go and what have I done within that time. My first impression is that if feels like I've done a whole lot of um...nothing, so I decided to sit down and really think about it.

2008: I graduated high school with every intention of going straight to college and studying Marine Biology. (insert Ooh's and Aahh's here)..OK, cool. Got an awesome job at Jenkinson's Aquarium..also pretty cool. Started college which I never ended up finishing..not so cool. :/ Is that it?

2009: This is where I started to drop out of college (I know, after so much time put into it...not) The rest of the year seems like a blur of just spending too much time in a relationship, playing World of Warcraft, and working. Unfortunately, I lost the aquarium job in November of this year, but quickly obtained a job at The Pet Company as a Kennel worker. Tons of fun! I did Jenny Craig for a few months this year as well and was successful, however, after losing the aquarium job, I stopped due to lack of funds and never went back.

2010: Continuing work at the pet store and loving it, I ended a relationship and started a new one pretty quickly. (Basically, I haven't been single long since my freshman year of high school.) I started to fall fast in this relationship and since he was older, It was easy for him to know what he wanted. (obviously I was that..?) Well with some "stuff" happening, I started to move my way into his home and made it more permanent when he asked me the favor of putting his 2 boys on the bus in the morning/getting them off in the afternoon. No big deal. This was all great until I became exhausted from getting up early, staying up all day, then driving almost an hour to work and working at night just to drive back, go to sleep late and start it all over the next day. So..I left my job at the pet store...huge BOO! :[ I loved it there. The store is closed now though, so I can't go back. I also started Weight Watchers later on this year.

2011: Hmmm, 11, my favorite number. February, I got my wisdom teeth removed. Milestone? Maybe not so much... I was still doing Weight Watchers and had lost a whopping 20 pounds by now! SCORE! I did TONS of Zumba Fitness as well. However, I ended up stopping WW for... I have no idea what reason. I'm lazy? APRIL!-After being in this relationship a year, this wonderful man proposes! Hooray..I said yes! Awesome.. bling, bling. Oh em gee wedding planning. My favorite number is 11, as I've said before and holy crap..11/11/11 ? perfect! Oh, no? Too soon? Damn. Besides pretending not to get stressed about wedding planning, I don't think I did much else this year. The little guy did start Kindergarten this year tho! ::cheesy smile:: :D

2012: Maybe because this year just happened, it stands out the most, or in my opinion, some of the more important things happened here. I got married 05/05 yeah..awesome. Now I'll never forget my anniversary! Lmao. I got in touch with a few old friends and start seeing them more. I started to get myself out more even if its just with a friend or cousin grabbing a few drinks and half price appetizers..mmmhhmm. AND I went back to school! My biggest accomplishment yet seeing as how I hate school. I studied Veterinary assisting and after a short clinical, I'll have my certification and be ready to work. Super excited because, as you can see, I have not worked in 2 years. APOCALYPSE!!! Oh..did not happen? Sweet deal. Amanda=1, Mayans=0. :] The wedding mumbo-jumbo took up the first half of the year and school has taken up the second half. That's about all I've done, besides spending lots of time with family, but I feel very accomplished.

Now that I have shown you some of my most important moments since high school, it's time to look ahead. I'll spend a few days thinking of what to write next to let everyone know how I will plan the next year of my life. As you can see, sometimes I make mistakes writing. I try not to be serious all the time because I like to laugh. I started this to let people know what goes on in my head and as a way to get out what's bothering me, exciting me, or just because I feel like letting someone know.

Stay tuned for my next post where I'll really be getting started! In the mean time, Enjoy every day, there will never be another one like it.

:¨·.·¨: `·. Amanda*