Thoughts on Derailment

Stay on track!

I've said before that when I get going with big changes in my life that inevitably within a week or two something happens that I feel derails me. Well, last week there was an attempt of derailment and I'm weathering it pretty well. Not marvelously but well, and here are the reasons why I consider myself succeeding:

*I'm not giving up. That's the main thing. But also...

*Just because an incident throws me off-kilter doesn't mean that it's a total loss for the goals I'm working toward. Like realizing I'd not only gained back three of the pounds I'd lost in January but also gained three more! It made me work harder this week and make better choices instead.

*Going to bed when I'm tired instead of doing the things on my to-do list doesn't mean I've broken the cycle and can't get back on track the next day. I worked a few really exhausting shifts last week and partnered with the time change, my body just needed more rest. All the things on my to-do list are getting done (though it's at a slower rate) and I will not beat myself up for it. Though my subconscious mind did try to tell me I was being lazy, I knew that I just needed some self-care time.

*I did one small thing even when I felt like that dark wave I mentioned yesterday was creeping up. Instead of beating myself up, I did two minutes of sit-ups. I really did that! Instead of going to bed feeling like I'd failed because I didn't do the things on my to-do list, I tidied the bathroom counter after I brushed my teeth so when I woke up, it'd look nice.

And that's the thing. Progress isn't black and white. It isn't a staircase as much as it is a ramp. Just keep on truckin' y'all! Don't give up on your goals! You can do it, and so can I!

Have a wonderful and productive day!

A Monday Happy Too!

Little Miss Kit.

I found this snippet the other day and it made me happy. Non-ironically it is titled The Real Secret To A Happy & Abundant Life. It has inspired me to not be such a grumpy gus this week (something I was feeling creep in like a dark wave). So I'm turning it around! Your turn! More tomorrow, I swear!

Have a truly wonderful day!

Friday Happies!

It's Friday again you guys! This week has been a blur of closing shifts and trying to prepare my body for the time change on Sunday (don't forget!). Yeah, I'm a nerd and I love my sleep too much to be all out of sorts on my only day off this weekend. Aaaanywho, here's this week's roundup of happies, funs, pretties, interestings, and what-nots to usher you into your weekend (working or not) with the utmost pep in yo step! Hang on to your hats!

*Did you know about the hidden "village" of Pomander Walk in the middle of Manhattan? It's like a faerie tale! I love the story behind it too! So cheeky!

*Remember that awesome picture of the guy giving water therapy to his aging dog (Schoep lived to be 20!!))? Well, it's been a while since his best buddy passed on and he's gotten himself a new buddy, his name is Bear and he says that he is whole again since Schoep's passing! It's so lovely and heart-warming!

*Have you seen Meryl Streep's three daughters in their photo shoot for a fashion line? The clothes and they girls are absolutely stunning!


*Why are people always bashing on Kelly Clarkson? Her music isn't my taste per se, but her voice is undeniably incredible and her disposition and class are immeasurable in today's icky pop-music world. Check out her badass response to a total crap-heap talking head from Britain. Shame on you person whose name I refuse to remember. You're mean and Kelly's rad! TEAM KELLY!

*The weather has been whackadoodle this winter, no? Check out these frozen waves in Nantucket. It's so trippy! Makes me wonder if people two hundred years ago ever saw something like that!

*I LOVED John Oliver's segment on infrastructure and the hilarious and star-studded movie trailer he made about making a passion for maintaining our nation's infrastructure sexy and glamorous! It's the entire segment, the "movie trailer" is at the end and it's worth the wait (Cue to 17:30 if you don't wanna wait).

*Heh. Look at this idiot thief get taken down by a brick he tried to use to break into a Mercedes. What a fool! 

*This made me laugh out loud! The Zagat Guide on Twitter sent out a hashtag about coming up with your best "food band names". The internet responded with gusto, needless to say.

*I thought this was interesting and a little sad too (it shouldn't have to be!), but this woman is keeping her pregnancy a secret at work for as long as she can. See why she's made this choice, it's fascinating.

*One of my favorite shows ended last week and I'm bummed. But here are 14 Things Parks & Rec taught us about food.

*Completely awesome post about how to deal with people who think/act/treat you like you're nuts for trying to make healthy changes in your life.

*The Steven Banks specials in the 1980's was one of my legitimate favorite things as a kid. Last week I found the whole thing online and watched it twice back to back. It is so damn funny and the guy is a genius of not only subtle and slapstick comedy but timing and orchestration. Here is "Rock and Roll R.I.P" from the Steven Banks special from 1980-something.

*10 Habits of naturally calm people! Totally taking notes.

*Cute post by Caroline. How to Find Your Soulmate.

*I've been really enjoying the blog Raising Miss Matilda. This week Matilda turned two. The cuteness abides, man...the cuteness abides.

*I like this little candle for a subtle nod to St. Patty's Day (or just to have because it's so lovely!).

Well, with that I'm off! I hope this finds you on a beautiful day and even if the weather's grey...I hope you choose to make it a beautiful day! Ciao!

A Thursday Happy!

Happy Thursday y'all! It's gorgeous and warm here in North Florida (minus a little fog here and there). Yesterday I was listening to NPR and I heard this voice that immediately got my attention. At first I thought it may be Patty Griffin, one of my all-time favorites, but it wasn't! It was an artist based in Nasvhille named Nora Jane Struthers & (her band) The Party Line. I totally dig it, particularly the DIY meets retro feel of their videos and have been pouring through her catalog on YouTube ever since. It's earthy, catchy, wry and confessional. All wrapped up in a nice package with a fantastic genre-vague flouncy bow on top! Check it out, friends and I hope you enjoy! She's become an "already classic" in my rotation.

Let Go. So catchy and wry!

Bike Ride. Possibly the happiest song and video I've heard in a long time. 

Her kickstarter for their latest record, Wake. 

I truly hope you have a wonderful day!

A Gossip Fast

Pssst.

Ugh. Gossip is the worst. I don't know one person who doesn't do it. Some of my guy friends are the worst culprits too, but I'm right up there and so are a lot of other women I know. A bit of news is one thing, but lately I've been noticing all the bad juju gossip coming out of people's mouths (mine included). I go through phases of noticing it too. Sometimes it just rolls right past me, other times I feel stuck in it like the tar sands.

It's human too, I've noticed. People need to feel connected and sometimes the quickest way to connect is to bash the same thing. Movies, etc. But- straight up gossip sucks. It's toxic and dangerous. I caught myself the other day making a little gossipy remark about a mutual someone and afterward I thought..."I should call (the friend I was gossiping with) and ask her not to mention what I said to anyone." How crappy is that?! I then scorned myself. If I'm worried about someone hearing my snarky opinion then I shouldn't be saying it all willy-nilly! Totally common sense, but I feel it is not at all common practice.

So, with that- I'm taking a gossip fast for one week. Everyday harmless chit-chat is fine, but if it turns ever so slightly to the "dark side" or if I'd be embarrassed if the person in question heard what I was saying then it's a no-go!

Do you think you could do it? I know a lot of people who say they don't gossip but I've heard them do it regularly! Being mindful of the effects of what we say is one way to control the overall ecosystem we choose to exist in. I'm all about the positive and healthy ecosystem so I'm working harder on my part of it. Care to join me? I'll write how it went for me after the one week is up (Wednesday the 11th)! Cheers!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Tennessee Snapshot

We had a wonderful trip up in Nashville visiting my family. We had cocktails and pasta at Maggiano's with the whole fam on Thursday (we had too much fun to take pictures). Then Friday I was interviewed on East Nashville Radio about my series on time management (hold your autograph requests until after the post please, thank you). Friday night we stayed in and had a delicious tortilla soup and watched Cut Bank (woah!) and St. Vincent (a new classic for me). Saturday was bowling and appetizers in East Nashville! Here are a few pictures from our trip!

Snow and ice in Alabama. 

The boys in ENR headquarters rockin' their welding best!

Colby. Our poster boy from a few Fridays ago. He's such a little caterpillar! Excuse my creeper face.

Me and the hubs at the Holland House in East Nashville where we had the best $5 Happy Hour cocktails (la Paloma was my favorite), and Salt & Vinegar fries. Yum!

Beautiful Tennessee scenery on our way back to Tally. It went by too fast!

Home with my little buddy. He likes to take selfies. 

Hope you enjoyed a little look into the fun weekend of relaxation and great food (and beer)! A big thank you to my folks for having us and showing us such a great time!! We love you!

Have a truly wonderful day!

We're baaack!

We got home from our wonderful trip to Nashville, y'all! And though I have some pictures to share, it'll have to be tomorrow for I am so very tired and hungry and ready to plop down in bed after some Q-time with the pups. More tomorrow! In the meantime check out this cool place my dad took us too!

Black Abbey. An awesome brewing company in Nash. I still have a (half) a growler of Walk the Lime left and it is damn good!

And while you're at it, spend some time with East Nashville Radio! Great music, great people!  Show them some love and donate today!!

Have a wonderful day, friends!