Day #16: Today I am grateful for

Day #16: Today I am grateful for Comp Time

I have been on the go at work and personally for so long that my mind and body are starting to get worn out.  Today I made the decision to sleep an extra hour. Its the first time in over a month that I was able to get more than 6 1/2 hours of sleep and it felt amazing.  I am so happy that this job is flexible in using comp time so that I could benefit from this, this morning.  

Day # 15: Things I am Thankful For

Day #15: Today I am thankful for Hot Water

I woke up this morning, NOT in the mood to go to work and hoped for something to kick my butt into gear to start this morning.  When you don't drink caffeine like me, its hard to sometimes get that instant wake-up in the mornings that most people get from their daily cup of coffee.  For me, its hot water.  Whether I am holding my hands under the warm water from the sink or standing in the hot shower for a few extra minutes, its a great way for me to feel refreshed, awake and alive in the morning.  Since moving into my new place a year and a half ago, I have unfortunately run into moments when our hot water has gone out.  Its during those days the most that I realize how lucky I am to have hot water......pure bliss.

Serendipity: Chance Meetings

I really do feel like everything happens for a reason.  Last week I was back at my college for a presentation.  Although I graduated 5 years ago, the feeling I got on this campus the first day I stepped out of my mothers car, never seems to go away.  Its a feeling I receive each and every time I return to campus.

During this trip I was trying to cram multiple visits to old co-workers, professors and friends within my short time frame.  As I was crossing over through the lounge on my way to my presentation (yes unfortunately I was running a few minutes behind) I did a double take as an old classmate walked in the door.  He was someone who had been in love with a roommate of mine for years and tended to end up at the same parties me many times in the past.  It had been years since I had seen him but this time something was different.  I am not sure if it was the nerves for my upcoming presentation, or the fact I was caught off guard seeing him, but something came over me that left me on a natural high the rest of the weekend.  

He had always been such a bubbly personality and quite the catch for any single lady, but was never in a relationship.  I learned quickly in the two minute conversation we had, that he recently started working back at the college as a coach.  I immediately emailed my roommates to let them know of my chance encounter.  I had always hoped he would marry one of my girlfriends, and as they each slowly get married, I am slowly turning the page on that dream, however, something inside of me hopes that I run into him again in the near future. 

Guilty Pleasures

I sometimes get caught up in the fast pace life that I forget to take time to slow down and enjoy what is going on around me.  Life has been pretty chaotic lately, and I really wouldn't have it any other way.  However, during life on the fast lane, I reminded myself to take 2 hours and spend sometime just by myself. 

First stop: Payless for a little shoe shopping 

(however, with money a little tight, I decided to put the three pairs back on shelf)

Afterward I skipped over for a quick lunch at Cosi.  

The Chicken TBM has been a favorite of mine for years.  Their bread is just so irresistible. 

 I had schedule a hair appointment during my crazy day because oddly enough its one of the most relaxing things I can incorporate into my life.  I love sitting in the chair having someone else shampoo and style my hair.  Although an expensive guilty pleasure of mine, I love my stylist and love taking time to just veg out.

Week #3: Changes

I have to admit, last week's minor change of attempting to floss everyday has started to become a natural part of my daily routine.  Maybe these small changes will have a big impact on my life.

This week, my change is something that I hope to carry out throughout the summer.  During my morning commute to work I have the option of riding up to the front door of my building (forcing me to transfer trains at a certin point) or metroing and getting off a few stops early walking the rest of the way.  

In the past, the warm weather always encouraged me to get off the train early and finish the commute by walking.  Somehow over the winter months my lazy bones began riding the full way.  Now that the weather is nice again I am implementing this routine back into my schedule.  

Week #3: Change: Walking the few extra blocks to work

Who knows, maybe this one little change will kick up my weight loss.

Update: I have lost 6 lbs within the last few weeks. 28 more days until my next milestone this year...and I have 15 lbs I want to lose before then.

Bongo Bongo!

This past weekend I did alot of traveling to and from Pennsylvania.  On Thursday night I traveled up to Hazleton, PA.  Friday morning, I was scheduled to speak at my university's communication's week and with DC traffic always crazy on Friday mornings I figured it would be best to split up the trip and travel up Thursday night.  

Being back on my college campus brought back so many memories.  It reminded me of walking to class on Monday mornings, staying late in the classrooms working on projects, hanging out at my then boyfriend's frat house, working long hours at my "part-time" job and most of all, remembering all of the people I met during those four years.  It reminded me that one simple decision such as the college I attended, shaped my life forever. 

If I hadn't attended that school, I would have never met the best friends I have today.  

I may have never decided to move to DC and start my career as an event planner. 

I would have never had memories of standing on study room tables preaching about making memories to my freshman classmates

I would have never met my college boyfriend, 

who, now just a friend, is there for me during good times and bad.

I would have never spent car rides with my girlfriends driving to another town for a tanning trip, followed by cigar smoking in the back seat.

I would have never learned that cafeteria trays do make great sleds and shovels during the snowy months.

I may have never learned the ins and outs of catering from the best family of co-workers in the industry.

Yes, I would have had other memories, and other friends during the four years at a different university, but being back on my campus reminded me that my acceptance into this particular college, helped to make my life what it is today, and for that I am thankful.

While back at my university I was tempted to stop in one of my favorite restaurants to get their famous bongo bongo dip.  Many nights were spent at this restaurant...drunken and sober ones.

 I knew this treat would not only be enjoyable to me but also for my roommates. 

Although awful for my diet, this little treat definitely hit the spot.  If you are every in central PA, make sure to stop at BJs for Bongo Bongo Dip and their famous BJs Bomber (its a drink with 9 shots)

Day #14: Things I am grateful for

Day #14: Today I am grateful for Sunshine!

Today when I woke up and loved that the weather man predicted sunshine and high temperatures today.  The sun is definitely an instant mood booster, and much needed on this Monday.