I'm the hand that feeds, you're the dog that bites.
The Matthew Effect, Nothing More
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I'm the hand that feeds, you're the dog that bites.
The Matthew Effect, Nothing More
'The Matthew Effect' 5/6/17 #matthewsketch #abstract #art #artist #themattheweffect #saltlakecity #saltlakecityart #artshow #gallery #studioelevn #paintings (at Studio Elevn)
EPISODE 13: TRAINWRECK
I can't decide between a 5 car piles up with a fire-y explosion, firefighters at the scene OR a derailed train plus casualties. Not sure which metaphor I like better.
I thought I was in good shape; dang it - I was in good shape (priority wise). I was doing really well! I was consistently planning meals, crossfitting, keeping a manageable schedule. Then these past few weeks happened. These past few weeks have been like throwing my life's responsibilities in a Yahtzee cup and shaking them only to spill them out wherever they land.
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EPISODE 12: JESSICA VS HER MATTHEW EFFECT
Well hello there Matthew Effect readers! Before I really get into my post I want to go ahead and say that this is pretty terrifying. If I had known inviting Ellen to lunch a few weeks ago to talk about this awesome new blog she was writing would lead to me writing a guest post for her, well, I made not have invited her. Just kidding….kind of. :)
Since she asked me and I agreed (I was drunk on a good lunch – I wasn’t thinking straight!) I have been thinking about this post a lot. My head has been filled with lots of thoughts like these -
“What in the world would I write about?”
“I have nothing figured out, why would anyone be interested in what I have to say?”
“I haven’t even come close to conquering my Matthew Effect, I don’t DESERVE to be writing ANYTHING”
You know, the usual self-doubt filled thoughts.
I even remember saying something along the lines of “But I don’t have a good before/after anymore Ellen, I have a before/after/now (which is creeping back up on before)” to her after she had asked me. I wish I could remember exactly how she responded to that statement because I’m sure it was wonderfully sarcastic but all I really remember is it had a “me either” involved. And then I knew I had to do this because I remembered why I had emailed Ellen in the first place and why we were sitting there having lunch - vulnerability.
Before I get too much further into that, let’s take a quick trip back in time.
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Crossfit this AM with a PR on the push press! 80 lbs - feel like I should have pushed a TAD more. Def need to work on my push ups, but I'm proud of myself regardless. :) #crossfit #crossfitgirls #pr #themattheweffect
EPISODE TEN: QUESTIONS
The Matthew Effect is all about remembering. More than remembering, really. It's remembering and believing. I wonder if some people are more resilient to it than others. Maybe they remember "incidents" that happened to them, but they don't let that become a part of them. Or, even more blissful, they don't remember the incidents at all. I was saving this epiphany for the end - but something I realized was that your negative Matthew Effects are literally only as strong as you let them be.
I like trying to figure how the world works. I enjoy trying to make sense out of life. It's maddening and wonderful all at once. I don't know how helpful it is though. Trying to figure out myself has never been easy. I find that what I value in life isn't always what I exude. It makes me question lots of things, like whether or not I'm the person I want to be. Sometimes I think yes, sometimes I think no.
This month has been a trainwreck for me. We're on day 23 and I will have slept in my bed a total of 9 times; my schedule has been so off kilter. I went on a BIG vacation at the beginning of the month to the Caribbean. I didn't work out, I didn't eat clean, but I did my best not to over-indulge. This past week, I've been house sitting for my parents in Fort Worth, babysitting the niece and nephew after I get off work until the wee hours of the night. Again, have worked out minimally and ate quasi-well. I'm at home tonight, but tomorrow I'm off again to spend the weekend in Austin where rules and structure fly out the window.
The big point I have is that I de-prioritize the time to work on myself every time something comes up. It's too easy to do! And here's the thing, I wouldn't change it. If my parents need my help, I'm going to give it to them. If I get a great vacation with some of my favorite people, I'm going to go. I feel fortunate because I feel very loved. I think my presence is wanted by most and that makes me feel good. But is the sacrifice worth it? Can balance be found between the two?
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So. I hit -30 pounds last week. Had it in my head I hadn't lost any pant sizes though. To defeat my own odd perception, I forced myself to go to Old Navy and try on new clothes today. Expected to be dissappointed and was pleasantly surprised to be able to zip and button clothes 2 sizes down. It's been about 2 years since I wore that size. Little tight, so I'm not letting myself fully own it QUITE yet but pretty good feeling. Incentive to work hard before the next paycheck. :) #weightloss #themattheweffect
This week's weigh in is brought to you by #sharkweek, my favorite week of the year. Despite being on vacation in the Bahamas (and vacation from clean eating), I'm down 2 amazing and undeserved pounds. Totals 30 pounds lost since April 1. That's 225 Big Macs, if you prefer that conversion. Happy Friday. Happy Shark Week. #weightloss #weightlossjourney #weighin #themattheweffect