choose wisely.

In the midst of everything going on with my career lately, I was pleasantly surprised (and convinced these things must be real) with what the little piece of paper read after pulling it from my fortune cookie. "Opportunities abound to enhance your career. Choose wisely!" Could it be? Days before this happened, I saw a job listing for Target Corp. that I thought (and think) could be a pretty amazing fit for me. Well, my stupid little piece of paper, written by God knows who and shoved inside a gross fortune cookie, reminded me not to give up. And gave me hope that things just may work out.

Then, a day later I was contacted by a previous employer who went on to rave about my work and who I am as an individual before offering me a job. Holy crap. I have options! There is somebody out there who wants me. Who wants my talent.

It's easy to lose sight of your own talent and worth, especially when someone (I won't name names!) rips your work apart and tells you it's worthless. But all it takes is one take-out order of sushi, a lucky fortune cookie, and one person who tells you you're great to lift you back up and give you hope. :)

what just happened?

Have you ever cried until your mascera was gone — your waterproof mascera? I'm such a crybaby, I know. Words that ran marathons in my mind today: blindsided, lost, bad-timing, omg, upside down, change-of-plans, is this real life?, oh shit.

Today the rug got pulled out from under me. The last month proved life to be nothing like I had adapted to over the last two years. However, I have become a pretty firm believer that everything works out how it's intended to work out. I've been struggling to stay positive (this too shall change) when I feel like the only way to go is backwards. Reality hasn't set in yet, but it will, and with time and more thought, I know this negativity will turn positive. My career is about the change in a big way (no, I didn't get fired although I would imagine it feels similar) and I'm not only crossing every possible body part I can, I'm wishing, hoping and praying that I figure out a way to succeed and do what I love. I have so many amazing ideas in my head, but it's executing them into becoming something substantial that is the obstacle. Good thing I have an incredibly wise husband with a good head on his shoulders to help and support me through it all.

In the meantime, instead of exercising and/or cleaning like a crazy-woman, I did what a any woman would do — enjoyed one glass of white wine and one glass of my favorite red wine (and so what, maybe I had a small ice cream cone too), with a good cousin-friend as moral support, while watching episodes of Saved by the Bell. After all, watching heartthrob, Zack Morris, can take a girl's mind off whatever is troubling her, even if it's for only 22 minutes at a time...

Oh, and having this furry little companion by my side helps too..

Another cousin-friend (my family is the best) posted this quote on facebook today which just so happened to fit perfectly into my day as well..

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

sweat.

It never fails that the small amount of work I have left to meet a deadline always takes ten times longer than anticipated. After working all day, quite literally, yesterday (8am-11pm... with a couple short facebook+pinterest breaks worked in there, naturally) I woke up again this morning to wrap up the rest. Um, "wrap up the rest" took all day. I had planned and hoped to go to a 4p yoga class which didn't happen, but was able to make it to the C1.5 class at 6:30. The extra five degrees hotter than the class I have been attending (making it 90ish degrees) successfully sweat the stress of the day right out of me! The salty-sweat-dripping-off-the-tip-of-my-nose-and-into-my-eyes-making-it-hard-to-see kind of sweat. And it. was. amazing. I did crow and wheel today, however, was unable to master the headstand. Obviously.

Tomorrow I'm attending a CPY Spin class, as a first-timer, with my sister. I have a feeling I'll get the chance to sweat the day right out of me again... yay!

Onto my better half.. The gloomy, misty, depressing morning didn't stop my husband from hopping on his bike to rock out a 22 miler! He asked me to go, which I didn't have any hesitation is answering with a: "no way, josé". I wasn't surprised when I saw him after his ride... My husband is so dirty.

Now it's 11:49p and I am still awake, but barely, and pretty soon will look like this if I don't go to bed:

This little furry-four-legged-half-human dog cracks me up on a daily basis! I laugh every time I look at these photos. If I laugh, they should at least make you smile. Enjoy. :)

 Showing her dentures!

Nighty night!

tastebuds.

I'm no Betty Crocker but must say, with the help of Pinterest, I may just have a shot at becoming her. Or at least find the motivation to whip up some delicious food. And whip of some delicious food is exactly what I've been doing the last few days, so I feel compelled to share with you in the form of pictures and words. 


Like a wise childhood friend once said, "Not everybody has the same tastebuds." (in response to mean little girls asking her how she could possibly like yogurt) You can take it or leave it, but I'm fairly certain that if you know good food at all, you'll like these recipes just as much as I do.


First up, Pesto+Gruyere Grilled Cheese on Sourdough. I saw a recipe similar that inspired me to get creative and this is what I got:

Ooooey gooooey goodness sitting on that plate. Trust me. You can make your own pesto (something I have never done) or just buy it pre-made. Little bit of that and some gruyere cheese between two pieces of sourdough, grilled to perfection. Make it as soon as you possible can. You won't be disappointed.


Next up, Quinoa Salad with Toasted Almonds.

The thyme and red pepper flakes were just the right spices to compliment the zucchini+quinoa+yellow pepper+toasted almond concoction. 


Now, if you're like me or 90% of the population, it's probably not unusual for you to have 3-5 overly ripe, gross looking bananas sitting on your counter. It drives me... bananas? In order to actually use (and not throw away) a couple of these bad boys, I made what could possibly be the most amazing thing you could make with a gross banana...


Banana Bars with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting


True, the whipped cream cheese frosting might be what makes it possible to eat half the pan in one sitting, but at least you got rid of some of those bananas while you were at it. Sorry I don't have a photo to show you. I was too busy cleaning out the bowl and licking the spatula in attempt to not waste any of the mouth-watering frosting.


Keeping things sweet, the next recipe is for Almond-Coconut Macaroons.


You can thank the great Martha Stewart for this one. I did modify the recipe to make it even better by dipping each macaroon in melted dark chocolate. How did Martha not think of doing that?

photo source: marthastewart.com

Last up, Baked Chicken Stuffed with Pesto and Cheese.


I don't think I flattened my chicken breasts enough so it was hard to actually roll them and the husband and I both felt it needed more of the pesto mixture inside. Other than that, my tastebuds were satisfied and I plan to make it again.


Here's a glimpse of what sometimes takes place while I'm busy cooking... She likes to observe and doesn't want to miss a beat. Can you blame the girl?

yoga.

Tonight marks my first experience at the amazing Corepower Yoga Studio. A couple weeks ago, Groupon had a fantastic deal — $59 for one month of unlimited yoga at Corepower. Done deal. And to make it even better, new members get a free week as well, making it five weeks of unlimited yoga for $59.


When I walked into the quaint studio, I instantly loved it. The smell, the decor, the dim light and the friendly people. Talk about relaxation.. and I wasn't even in the yoga room yet! The room was dimly lit and as one of the first people there, I took my place anywhere I wanted. There I laid on my mat, slipping into total relaxation, as the room filled up before class began. 


I remember my Corepower-Pro sister telling me about her experiences and how you dedicate/devote your hour of yoga practice to someone who needs a little more love and a little more positive energy in their life right now. With the environment and the words the instructor says, you can't help but feel waves of emotion when you think of a special person who needs it. Tonight I dedicated my hour to my stepfather-in-law, who is nearing the end of his 25 year battle with cancer. I've been blessed to have met him four years ago when I met my husband, and even though it's only been four short years, seeing him go through this is heartbreaking. While I novicely positioned my body in downward dog, plank, and updog, I thought of him. 

Though it was my first experience with yoga (well, at Corepower), I must say that for that hour, I felt amazing. I didn't think about the countless things I need or want to get done, the unpacking of boxes that lay before me at home, or any other unnecessary worries that seem to constantly be on my mind. One hour for me. One hour to clear my mind and to find balance before everyday life comes rushing back in.

hallelujah.

I just exercised (more on that topic later)! I brought Lucy for a walk which means I get a doggie-mama-of-the-day award. She loved every minute of our three-mile stroll. (except when I made her stop and sit for a picture..)

When we got back, I let her off the leash so, naturally, she began running hot laps around the yard and driveway. She rounded the corner around my car a little too quickly, causing her to slip on the grass on her way back onto the driveway and hit the side of her "beak" (yes, her nose is called a beak in our household) on the cement. Poor little baby. I think it hurt her pride because she ran over to me for comfort. But no need to worry, she will be fine and won't need any medical attention. Nothing a little mama love won't cure. :) Now she's singing songs to me in hopes of getting my carrots...

bittersweet, but mostly just sweet.

Tonight marks the last night I will sleep in the house that has become my home for the past (almost) four years. The place where I met (literally) and fell in love with the man who is now my husband and the place we have made our own. Our home. And while it may be bittersweet, I must say the sweet outweighs the bitter part, because in less than a few weeks, we will move into our sparkly new house that will become our home for years to come! A new beginning, just seven months after our wedding, and a place we will (someday) raise a family. We will have walls that are not shared with another, our own yard (a giant back yard, at that) that backs up to a field, giving us a clear view of the beautiful sunrise every morning! A deck where I can enjoy my morning coffee and an evening glass of wine, and a neighborhood filled with young families just like us. Life is good. 


Today we brought Lucy to the house to see it for the first time. She never fails to make us laugh.. as we carried her through the door (careful not to track in any snow) and put her down, she bolted to the living room and did a hot lap (as we like to call it) at about 43mph. Just as quickly as she did her hot lap, she ran upstairs and did the same thing in each room. I think she likes it. :) Even though we know better, we like to think she knows it's her new home and is as excited as we are. After all the hot laps, it was time for a rest in the living room... (is it just me or does Cory look like he just saw a unicorn?)

We are anxious to close on the house so we can move in! We have so many fabulous photos, frames, canvas artwork, and other decorations that are going to fill up our new place nicely. I am beyond excited to get my hands on everything, including my most recent DIY projects (below), to start arranging and decorating. 

Starburst Mirror ($13)

Painted "k" Canvas (free!)

With that, I am cheers-ing (from the couch, alone, as I wait for my husband to come home from work) to the last night in our home and the start of new beginnings!