Happy

I'm doing the happy dance while I'm listening to "Happy" from Pharrell because I lost 1.6 pounds in 2 weeks!! That means I lost weight on vacation! How is that possible? Truly, I don't know the full reason.

My strategies included, no cheese and try to avoid dairy. I didn't have any cheese! Avoiding dairy all together was not entirely possible (Hello, red velvet cake, which I ate one amazing bite of.) Breakfast included proteins (eggs, bacon, sausage, and my new favorite smoked salmon) and fruit (mostly melons.) Finally, I did my very best to avoid bread. I forgot during one dinner and helped out on the bread basket. I still went hog wild on the drinks but I tried to keep it more towards rum and diet. 

I loved the drinks there! Reggae tops, banana daiquiri's, purple rain, blue hawaiian, and then of course the local beer and wine. Why not have wine with dinner or lunch or both? All inclusive resorts are the best. 

I almost forgot to mention mimosa's. I'll need to repeat that good decision sometime around here. So successes were had on many fronts (not gaining 5 pounds and having a fantastic trip. Getting home safely was another success.)

The full review of the resort will be coming soon but I can't say when because I need to blog all about it on the computer where the photos are at. #mobilebloggerproblems I would like to say that Sandals Grande Antigua is a fabulous resort, which I will need to revisit ASAP. 

Dear Lord,

Dear Lord,
It has been a very tough day for me. I feel lost, lonely, stressed, unhappy, and nobody is on my side. I keep looking for answers, solutions, peace, and good news. Today I found problems, anxiety, and bad news. Lord, I know you want me to be happy and I can't understand why I'm not. Please give me Your peace and good news. I really need something good to focus on. By the end of the day, I looked like an unhappy cactus but fortunately I was able to go home. Please send me some good news tomorrow. Amen.

We Need Balance

Tonight, I attended a seminar on the work/life balance that most women struggle with. Apparently, we are born with at least two genes that make us feel guilty. We feel guilty for many things such as working instead of taking care of family or taking care of ourselves instead of working. We have to learn that it is ok to let stuff go and to pick our battles. Its important to be present where we are at that moment in time whether its work or home or helping out in the community. We need to understand that sacrifices and choices are made. Don't stress out! Be happy with what you have. Understand work/life balance does not mean the same for every person. We all have different priorities, which dictates how we handle the equation. This was an enlightening seminar, which also had some good career advice. I'll share that next time.

Green grass

I've always wondered, why is the grass always greener on the other side? I work so hard to get to the other side and then I find a greener pasture just a little further away.

On one hand, I really do want to be happy and satisfied with what I have. On the other hand, I think its good to make goals and reach them. One of my internal struggles is what to do once I've reached the goal. Its all too easy to whiz past the glory and move on to the next goal. I never give myself the credit due because I'm always reaching for the other side.

Treats

Scones can be really good, especially fresh from the oven. Scones can also be very dry and crumbly. Generally, scones are yummy but the best scones are Buttermilk Scones. I picked up the recipe from my mom and I'm not sure where she got it from. If you are interested in trying the best, melt in your mouth, scones please give me your email address and I'll be happy to share. Its important to share tasty treats with each other.

The last time I made this recipe, I cut the scones into 16ths. They were too skinny and fell over but you can't tell in the photo!

Happy Friday

To those who had a tough week. To those who had a good week. To those who overcame struggles. To those who celebrated triumphs.

Happy Friday to everyone.

Happy friday friends

So you're telling me there's a chance.

Yes, there is. Never give up!

Friday!

I wish everyone a happy weekend!

Here's to a good week!

Happy Sunday friends! I don’t have anything exciting going on but I’m looking forward to a good week at work. Finally the initial part of my training is complete and I can start helping people out.

Do you have anything exciting planned this week?

Pets are good for health

Today’s rating is Positive.

A long time ago, I was having a really bad day and Chomps came over. He curled up in my lap and stayed long enough for me to calm down and feel better. Stroking a furry friend can help elevate your mood. They need you to be comfortable and happy. At the same time, they bring so much joy that it’s not a fair swap. My kitties bring me a lot of love and bed hogging.

I did an interview today and I felt it was too short. In the end, I won’t stop the hunt until I am where I belong. I know this can’t be forced but should feel natural. My time is coming and I am going to continue praying for the patience and wisdom. Thank you Lord for being by my side every day. I need all your love, help, and support! Amen!

The very best

Today’s rating is Positive.

Not because of weather though. Yesterday, I was able to get adequate help move all the boxes from my house to a storage unit and then down the hall to another storage unit. It took the bulk of the day and it totally wiped me of all energy. It was good though because the house looks reasonably livable now.

The very best thing to help with stress and live a happy life is friends and family. Since there’s no family here, I am happy to say I still have good friends who are there for me whenever. Its encouraging and helps me keep my spirits up. If you have had a rough day or week, check in with a friend and you will feel better. Thanks to all my friends for your fantastic support!

Its all work

Today’s rating is Positive.

Sometimes, other peoples stress can get to me. I feel it at work and at home. This makes communication a bigger challenge. I am a very positive person most times but when I’m faced with a person who isn’t that way its not easy to keep my positive nature. It drains out of me down at the toes. I remember this feeling from past challenges and I remember things worked out. That will be the case this time too.

I am sticking to my original opinion that all will be fine. I just don’t exactly know how it will work out. I am thanking God for taking care of me through all of my past struggles and preparing me for a happy future. Amen!

Long day

Today’s rating is Positive.

It was a long day at work filled with problem after problem. Some problems, I could handle and some I could not. Today’s phone interview went well and I used many examples from todays work. If the job works out, I know that I can be happy there. If the job does not work out, I know there is something else out there for me.

Today’s recipe to decompress was a nice hot bath. Sometimes relaxing in a warm place is perfect. Tomorrow’s goal is to catch up with some friends.

Super Sunday

Today’s rating is Positive.

I have had to deal with a lot of stress in the past two years. There have been strategies that have helped me. Other strategies were not helpful. Keeping forward thinking and focused has been difficult. I find that when I dwell on the past, I can get more upset. If I can think about the future especially fun things in the future, then I can avoid a lot of pain. If you are dealing with a lot of stress, find things to be excited about that are in the future.

I was excited about today because I got together with the Pedals and Pints and enjoyed a bike ride with a few pints in-between the rides. I am looking forward to a special dinner on Wednesday at Rock Bottom. These are things that can help me stay positive, excited, and happy; even in the midst of stress. What could you be excited about? It might help you move past some stress too.

Friday!

Today’s rating is Positive.

I am happy for Friday. I am happy for my friends. I can forget about the freak outs from the week. What are you happy for?