Monday, May 7, 2012

Finding Happiness in the Darkest of Night

Finding Happiness in the Darkest of Night

Both Good and Bad news have been coming lately -- unfortunately the latter is hanging around. We're at a stalemate, and I refuse to let the bad news consume my life. 

Anyways, with that said - a lot has been on my mind. It's times like this when I find myself writing just to see the thoughts on paper.  Guess that's a side of me I get from my mom (the English teacher).

Originally wrote this to my sister, when discussing how to handle stress and anxiety from a plethora of bad news... she seemed to like it, so I'm posting it because you never know what could end up helping someone else.  If you keep everything inside, you'll never know. 



A lot has been on my mind lately, the thickening presence of death and sickness has brought their ravenous appetites forward, their disease bearing paws have reached out and defaced many of the loving smiles I count on in my time of need.   

Not everyone around seems to be equiped to handle the insurmountable stress and saddness that comes with such news.
There is never a 'good time' for affliction to hit. 

As a natural disaster may come, sometimes without warning, leaving in its path devastation and disorientation, it is through these severe circumstances that the closest to the trauma will often be forced to reinvent themselves in order to overcome the associated disorientation. 
If not, they often risk desolate isolation from their lives and those around them. 
It is in this reinvention that we can find a happiness within the tragedy.  It is in this reinvention, they find the strength to climb out of the ashes and bring new meaning to their life in memory of those hurt or lost along the way.

Devastation has the odd ability to bring people together. 

We band together in an attempt to form a stronger collective - to take on the aftermath surrounding recent tragedy. 
People rise up and become pieces of a construction team -- the main support beams that allow others to lean on them in their time of need, the facilitator who keeps order and creates a path forward. 
Those who may have not spoken in years have the opportunity to recreate and strengthen their former bond. 
Those who may have fallen aside and become consumed in other avenues of their lives may be brought back to realize true importance in maintaining the bonds and relationships within family and friends. 

Death and sickness often have a strange way of bringing us together and forcing us to reevaluate how we have been living our lives. 
We now see more clearly 'true' importance - the difference in allowing your day to be a bad day because your project missed a deadline and allowing that day to still be good because the Lord has blessed you with another twenty-four hours full of the people you love and care for.   

It is important to mourn. It is important to grieve.  
Strength is not pushing back these feelings -- "If we didn't feel sadness we could never experience happiness; if we didn't get angry on occasion we would never know peace, and if we didn't trust our hearts we'd never know love."
In these times of darkness, turn to those you love for support and search for your 'meaning'.  Only you have the opportunity to take this morbid fiend and strip him of his power. 
While we cannot change the past, and do not have the control to directly affect the conditions or actions of those around us - we do have the power to change how we react. 
It is in this reaction that we take the saddness from the darkness and replace it with strength and meaning.  Like a bone that has been fractured, once we heal we become stronger than before.



Friday, February 17, 2012

What They Think I Do - Runner's Edition

Not sure if you've seen any of the 'What They Think I Do' posters yet... but I thought 'Runners' Needed one :)

Next up I think I'm going to do one for Female Engineers....




Relate to any of these??



Thursday, January 19, 2012

Shake That Batuka *Dance*

If you're looking for a good read and some fun pics go check out FitSugar's Fittest Female Celebs of 2011.


And if you're looking for new ways to mix up your workout routine in 2012 check out THIS new 'Dance Craze'







I was lucky last year to receive some private Zumba instructions at the BF's Aunt's house before heading to one of the first Zumba studios in Miami for a workout. 

What I learned?

All my previous Jazz and Hip Hop dance training allowed me to catch on to the basic movements really quickly - however, it did not allow me to suddenly channel my inner Adriana Lima and shake my hips with a sexy Latin Flare.  I got a great workout and had tons of fun, but looked as if I was cheering on High School Football for the most part. 

Overall I wouldn't use it as my only form of exercise, but trying out new dance classes every once in a while is a super fun way to mix things up!!  That Batuka Dance looks crazy, but hey, I could see how much fun you could have in a class like that!

Sadly, I can't find any classes listed near me yet -- but will be keeping my eyes open!

Speaking of new workouts to try... I've been dying to take a Booty Barre class, anyone taken a class?  And advicve or tips??






Wednesday, January 18, 2012


Breakfast:

Cereal and Berries



Lunch:

Soup & Salad & Brussels Sprouts (roasted)


  
Dinner:

Egg White Omelette and Veggies ( & Baguette)



Yes, dinner looks a lot like a breakfast -- but I heard from Giada Di Laurentis that Italian's have eggs more for dinner than breakfast, and it's quick and healthy. 


Lunch was from our cafe here at work... I found the best lady to ring up my meal - she's let me out for < $6 every time I go in her line.  (They weigh the salad and type in some number for the soup I really have no idea what anything is supposed to cost) 

Oh well, I'm sneaking veggies into my soups anyways (i.e. I add broccoli or cauliflower from the salad line into my cup before I pour the soup)


Everytime I don't go to my favorite Cashier I get charged $6-7 for this


That's not even with a side of Brussels Sprouts!  ugh!



Today was a hectic day at work but I managed to snap a quick shot in the fabulous bathroom lighting



I love cuddly cardigans because it is FREEZING COLD in half the conference rooms here at work.

Anyways, the outfit must've been pretty okay because I was told in the hallway I'd have to quit my job as an Engineer and move into fashion.  I think that was a compliment??


Sadly, I could really use a homemade Lara Bar right now but I finished them off and have no more :(

Learn how to make them here.



I used a slightly different combo... I used peanuts instead of almonds, craisins instead of raisins, and added some dark chocolate chips :)  But it really just depends on your taste!  I loved the flavors :)

My one RECOMMENDATION would be that you keep these puppies wrapped in plastic wrap in the freezer, otherwise mine were a little mushy.  They don't actually freeze it just makes them more bar-like.


Questions for the Day:

Do you ever have breakfast for dinner?? How do you feel about eggs at any meal?
I have never had a problem with switching breakfast and dinner, although I don't typically crave pancakes late at night.  Mike used to say soup and sandwiches did NOT count as a dinner and were lunch only -- he's slowly coming around.  I could have soup for every meal!!!!

Do you ever dress up for work?






Workout Wednesdays - Week VI

Weekly recap, at least for myself, of what I actually accomplished or got done!


This happens to be on Wednesdays because 'Workout' starts with a "W" and I'm a sucker for alliteration. Guess that's what happens when your mom is an English major!


Also feel free to follow/friend me on The Daily Mile!


This Week in Workouts:



 
Thursday, January 12th -

Dark Night Run 5.51 mi 00:49 08:58 pace

Cold here in TX! Running gear did good, thank you bubble gum pink Nike hooded jacket :-D felt good to get in some exercise before Grey's Anatomy and girls' night!

{pictured: bubble gum pink Nike Jacket}




Friday, January 13th -
I started with a BodyRock.tv Routine:

Workout Breakdown

Time: 12 Minutes  Workout Type: 12 Minute Interval Workout 
Bringing Sexy Back!
    Lisa-Marie’s Cardio Workout:
    Set your interval timer to 10/50 for 12 rounds. You need to complete the following 4 exercises 3 time through.
    Press up Burpee + Plyometric Jump (or squat/tuck jump)
    Star Single Toe Touch Abs
    Sit Squat & Jump using the Pink Sandbag
    Ugi Ball Mountiain Climbers x 10 & Ugi Ball Toe Touch’s x 10

    VIDEO


    Holy Goodness!!! That knocked the Sparkles out of me... this BodyRock.tv stuff is serious.

    Also, can I say how cute Lisa-Marie's British accent is??


    Modification:  Since I don't have a huge weighted Sand bag I held two 5lb weights for that part.

    This SERIOUSLY brings your heart rate up quick! Then I started a second BodyRock.tv circuit -- "Turn Me On", but too many burpees for one day -- I only got through round one!

    Finished up with Treadmill 3 mi  00:26mi   //  08:33 pace
    Really pushed it.



    Saturday, January 14th -

    Super Speed because we had somewhere very important to be!

    I convinced Mike to try the BodyRock.tv routine with me -- we staggered the order of the circuit so that we wouldn't need the equipment at the same time and could just complete it in my apartment.

    He agreed that it got his heart rate up and those Press up Burpee + Plyometric Jumps were intense. 
     
    Sunday, January 15th -

    Another BodyRock.tv Routine:

    Workout Breakdown

    Time: Rep ChallengeWorkout Type: Interval Rep Challenge
    Glory to the Booty!
    Lisa’s 600 Rep Workout
    Set your BodyRocker interval timer to a stop watch and do the following 6 Exercises as quickly as you can & post your scores here.
    100 High Knee Skips
    100 Lunge kicks (50 each leg) using the Pink Sandbag
    100 High Knee Skips
    100 squats using the Pink Sandbag
    100 High Knee Skips
    25 Straight Abs
    25 V Abs Left
    25 V Abs Right
    25 Bicycle Abs
    Holy Handsel and Grettle!!!!!!
    Subbed 10lb free weight for the Pink Sandbag.
    My thighs are SCREAMING today.  They say we are no longer friends and I have the bruise to prove it...

    Nope, I didn't RUN INTO A WALL  thank you for asking, it just appeared and if you press on it you can feel a nice large knot.

    Finished off in the gym with:

    Treadmill 2 mi 00:19min 09:30 pace

    Recovery... My calves & quads hurt so bad but the sweat feels good :)

    Gym 0.8 mi 00:10:00min 12:30 pace

    10 min fast walk INCLINE 10

    and 10 minutes additional strength training (a.k.a. me wandering around on different machines because I was bored)



     

    Monday, January 16th -
    REST DAY

    Tuesday, January 17th -


    Still trying to give my legs a rest - I've been rolling them EVERY NIGHT.
    Yoga, then arm weights, then abs... nothing too crazy.



    Wednesday, January 18th -

    Gym with Mike!!!! Will post what I decide to do once I do it :)









    Reasons to be Fit:









    How often do you push yourself until you're really sore?  






    Monday, January 16, 2012

    A Short Trip in the Private Jet for Lunch on the Lake...


    WEEKEND RECAP

    Friday I finally left work in one of those moods.

    You know, where you just HAVE to get out of there!

    I decided the only thing to do was obviously work for an endorphin high.  Since I'd just did a long run the night before I figured I'd better stick to the gym. 

    I started with a BodyRock.tv Routine:



    Workout Breakdown

    Time: 12 Minutes  Workout Type: 12 Minute Interval Workout 
     
    Bringing Sexy Back!
      Lisa-Marie’s Cardio Workout:
      Set your interval timer to 10/50 for 12 rounds. You need to complete the following 4 exercises 3 time through.
      Press up Burpee + Plyometric Jump (or squat/tuck jump)
      Star Single Toe Touch Abs
      Sit Squat & Jump using the Pink Sandbag
      Ugi Ball Mountiain Climbers x 10 & Ugi Ball Toe Touch’s x 10

      VIDEO


      Holy Goodness!!! That knocked the Sparkles out of me... this BodyRock.tv stuff is serious.

      Also, can I say how cute Lisa-Marie's British accent is??


      Modification:  Since I don't have a huge weighted Sand bag I held two 5lb weights for that part.

      This SERIOUSLY brings your heart rate up quick! Then I started a second BodyRock.tv circuit -- "Turn Me On", but too many burpees for one day -- I only got through round one!

      Finished up with Treadmill 3 mi  00:26mi   //  08:33 pace
      Really pushed it and was so schweaty!!



      Hahaha yeah right... not me!


      ...


      Here I am!





      It felt good to get in such an awesome burn - especially since I met Mike & Friends at the local Sports Bar for dinner & drinks.  Since I'd been so healthy all day and pushed myself at the gym I splurged in one of my favorite Southern meals -- Mike and I split the Chicken Fried Chicken, Mac and Cheese and Mashed Potatoes with a side of Broccoli - yum!!!!

      Don't judge me, this is not your average Chicken Fried Chicken ... I won't even order it at other restaurants because I dispise when they serve you piece-meal questionable chicken drowning in grease, slop canned gravy all over it and call it 'food'.  This was clearly delicious all white meat chicken lightly battered and fried and oh so worth it!!


      Saturday's workout was super speed because we had somewhere very important to be!

      I convinced Mike to try the BodyRock.tv routine with me -- we staggered the order of the circuit so that we wouldn't need the equipment at the same time and could just complete it in my apartment.

      He agreed that it got his heart rate up and those Press up Burpee + Plyometric Jumps were intense. 


      We showered up toweled off (thank you Victoria's Secret Body Spray) and rushed out the door to grab breakfast at Einstein's before heading to THE AIRPORT. 

      Not the main airport, a smaller one about 45min north of Dallas...

      because we were about to fly IN THIS:





      Our friend Kris recently got his Pilot License so he offered to be Captain and fly us all to Lunch on the Lake!






      [Mike and I in the plane]


      I took the headphones because I wanted to be 'clued in' with the Pilot.
      If that's not the right saying... I don't care Don't tell me about it.

      Everything was smooth sailing flying until Mike nearly flew off the plane.



      You're not buying it??

      Yeah.. my phone photography skills aren't that great.

      Maybe now that I fly via Jet to lunch I'll start being swarmed with Paparazzi and they can catch the good shots.

      We flew out for some seriously delicious burgers.



      I got a Cessna (in honor of our plane) Not greasy, modest size, super fresh veggies + pickles + mustard = win.

      I'm not a huge burger person and I'm hard to please, but I really liked mine :) 

      The burger place was called


      It was truly in the middle of nowhere, not a very public part of the lake, so the name fit!  They had a bunch of old plane memorabilia and a few alien parts to decorate.  Definitely an experience!


      The views from the air were pretty spectacular



      Texas can be beautiful!!


      But, just a quick lunch!  Then I was off to shower and get ready to celebrate our good friend's Birthday!



      Happy Birthday Kim!!

      We starting at a Wine Tasting at 2 Corks and a Bottle



      Those are the managers and the same gentlemen who were there to serve us!



      THEIR STORY:
      We loved the idea of opening a unique business that would be fun and enjoyable for our guests! The ability to make your own wine or just come in and enjoy a glass or bottle of wine in the winery is something we know people would enjoy!
      The first two whites we tried were not my favorite to say the least.. but the selections got better as the tasting went on (easily could've been becaue I'd had more wine as the night went on!)

      The atmosphere was fun and my favorite pick was actually not part of the tasting, it's the bottle my roommate recommended called Romeo.

      INTERESTING FACT I learned during the tasting was what WINE DIAMONDS are


      {my lucky glass}

      The  crystals  that  are  sometimes  found  in  the  bottom  of  your  wine  bottles  are  not  known  as  wine  "diamonds"  for  nothing. 
      Wine  diamonds,  or  potassium  acid  tartrate,  is  a  mono potassium  salt.   In  its  natural  state  it  is  commonly  found  in  many  fruits  but  predominantly  in  grapes.  Wine  made  from  grapes,  fresh  grape  juice,  grape  juice  concentrate  or  a  combination  of  these,  can  sometimes  produce  this  crystal  fall  out.  Since  it  is  cold  temperatures  that  cause  the  diamonds  to  form,  you  may  notice  these  crystals  when  you  remove  a  wine  bottle  from  the  refrigerator  or  cold  storage.  This  phenomenon  can  be  found  in  both  white  and  red  wines.  It  is  entirely  natural  and  is  NOT  a  defect.  In  fact,  it  reflects  high  quality  and  will  accompany  a  wine  which  processes  wonderful  tastes  and  aromas. 
      [source]
      Fancy, huh?!?!
       
       
      CHEERS TO WINE DIAMONDS
       
       
       
       
      After the tasting we went to Hibachi for dinner and rented out the whole room!
       
       
      I had the Shrimp and Broccoli and of course a Sake Bomb or two!
       
       
       

      "Kanpai!!"  {Cheers}
       
       
      We finished up the night out at Avenue - an Uptown Dallas Club that played great music.
       
       
       
       
      I felt young again but was WIPED OUT by the time we made it home at 2am!!!
       
       
       
       
       
      Sunday consisted of recovery...
       
       
      Well, AFTER a workout of course!!
       
       
       
      Another BodyRock.tv Routine:

      Workout Breakdown

      Time: Rep ChallengeWorkout Type: Interval Rep Challenge
       
      Glory to the Booty!
       
      Lisa’s 600 Rep Workout
      Set your BodyRocker interval timer to a stop watch and do the following 6 Exercises as quickly as you can & post your scores here.
      100 High Knee Skips
      100 Lunge kicks (50 each leg) using the Pink Sandbag
      100 High Knee Skips
      100 squats using the Pink Sandbag
      100 High Knee Skips
      25 Straight Abs
      25 V Abs Left
      25 V Abs Right
      25 Bicycle Abs
       
      Holy Handsel and Grettle!!!!!!
       
      Subbed 10lb free weight for the Pink Sandbag.
       
      My thighs are SCREAMING today.  They say we are no longer friends and I have the bruise to prove it...
       
       

      Nope, I didn't RUN INTO A WALL  thank you for asking, it just appeared and if you press on it you can feel a nice large knot.

      Finished off in the gym with:

      Treadmill 2 mi 00:19min 09:30 pace

      Recovery... My calves & quads hurt so bad but the sweat feels good :)

      Gym 0.8 mi 00:10:00min 12:30 pace

      10 min fast walk INCLINE 10

      and 10 minutes additional strength training (a.k.a. me wandering around on different machines because I was bored)


      I figured I earned a hearty lunch so I whipped up a HUGE Egg White Veggie Omelette




      Totally full of veggies inside too!

      My omelette had chopped carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, a slice of colby jack cheese, sprinkle of parmesan and some Italian seasoning!


      Then while rolling out my legs I caught up on Once Upon a Time and Desperate Housewives.

      It was a good day.
       
       
       
       
      Now on to the most important thing... Mike told me this weekend he spotted a baby leopard spotted Alpaca.
       
      I told him I wanted one and he said he got me the last one.
       
      I am skeptical... but he said so, so it must be true.
       
       

      When I get him I'm going to name him Pierre.

      I told him to bring the Alpaca over tonight... and he told me I have no where to keep him right now so I'd better start construction on my 'Paca Palace.
       
       
       
       
      I will.
       
       
      And once this palace is complete Mike will have no more excuses, he'll have to bring me my Alpaca.
       
       




      LONGEST POST EVER!!!!  whew!


      Questions for the Day:

      Have you tried any of the BodyRock.tv Workouts?  Any favorites I should try?

      Have you ever flown in a non-commercial plane?  Were you nervous before hand like I was?

      Have you heard of or ever had Wine Diamonds in your glass?










      

      The Look for Less - Metallic Sweater Dresses

      Let's start off this FABULOUS Monday with some Fashion, Shall we??

      As the weather cools down, it's easy to let your style slide (and hide in cozy sweat pants, sweatshirts and fuzzy socks!).. but there's no better way to heat things up than with a signature sweater dress


      Little Metallic Striped number was recently seen on

      Modern Family's Julie Bowen



      She is absolutely gorgeous!  The dress is chunky, but the mid-thigh length shows off her toned legs and keeps the look fresh.  If you go with a bold pattern like Julie, make sure to take a hint from her and keep your accessories basic.



      Similar Look for Less:


      Victoria's Secret Striped Metallic Sweater Dress
      Orig $79.50 SALE $39.99



      If the stripes are a bit bold for your taste, try a solid metallic like this one:

      Alice & Olivia Lurex Knit Metallic Dress SALE $177



      You can get a similar Look for Less in a multitude of colors:


      Animal Print, Orig. $79.50 Clearance $34.99
      Solids, Orig. $69.50 Clearance $28.99
      Metallic Prints, Orig. $79.50 Clearance $39.99


      OR
      Same Boat Shaped Neckline as Alice & Olivia Dress - Non Metallic Option


      Victoria's Secret Jersey Sweater Dress
      Orig $59.50 SALE $34.99



      Another nice play on the Metallic Sweater Dress is with a Turtleneck.



      Diane Von Furstenberg Cybelle Metallic Dress $241




      Similar look worn by Kate Middleton (Ralph Lauren)



      And you can find suitable Look for Less options such as


      Orig. $79.50 Clearance $39.99

      I personally love the ruching because since the dress is tight it helps hide ANY lines.



      Victoria's Secret Cotton Ribbed Sweater Dress
      Orig. $59.50 Clearance $24.99



      And my personal favorite,



      Victoria's Secret Turtleneck Sweater Dress
      Special $69.50



      Which I actually own in a Dark Chocolate Brown


      Thank you once again crappy bathroom lighting at work.

      I love this dress because it is a thicker fabric than the cotton which gives it a nicer look, the turtleneck is full, soft and not restrictive and the length is work appropriate.

      I got the dress two Christmas-es ago from my mom Santa Claus and it still feels new!



      Questions for the Day:

      Do you wear sweater dresses in the winter time?

      What's your favorite way to style 'em, boots, pumps, tights?