Have you ever created a specially made gift that you spent hours or even days creating and then when it came in, you realize that you've misspelled a few words and didn't catch it prior to ordering it? What do I do now? It wasn't their mistake, but my own. I did proofread it and readjusted pictures continuously. But somehow I didn't acknowledge it consciously. To make matters worse, they were gifts to my parents! Oh no! I'm sure they will look at it and laugh and then secretly wonder why they spent any money on my education. All those creative writing and English courses (and yet I know I still have grammar issues...) I had taken really paid off!
That's why it's nice to always have a second set of eyes when you spend so many hours working without a break or in the least recheck it after you've had a break. A long break. In my defense, I was on a time crunch to make Christmas only to realize that it wasn't due to arrive until New Years! Ack!!
I'm sure my parents will be very forgiving and love that I made them a special photo book of their own. The errors just show that after all these years, I am still human... though sometimes I wonder just how human I am...
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
This morning I woke to the alarm clock, which I intentionally set one hour earlier (5:30), and my head felt as if a freight train had barreled over it. I tried to lay back down to sleep but then little Bear was already revved and ready to go. Sure, you're asking why I would choose to wake so early? Well, I thought if I woke up and got a little exercise and morning typing exercise (blogging) started, I would be able to keep up my New Year's resolutions.
Right now, I'm drinking an extra shot of espresso in my coffee and looking for Tylenol. Hopefully, tomorrow will be much easier. Then again I may choose to sleep instead and write at night (kinda think that's sounding better every second)! I'm supposed to be nocturnal anyway (because I write vampire tales).
Alright, so what's on my mind today? Well, it's cold, bitter cold, and I honestly would prefer to snuggle back in the warm sheets and heavy comforter. This weather is simply bone chilling. Walking from the car to the building, my hands felt as if Jack Frost touched them. What's worse? Walking into the classroom and ready to shed some layers of clothes. But it was greatly welcomed against the icy cold.
Just thinking about the weather outside makes me shiver and want to make hot chocolate (but it's so warm under the blanket!). After a shot of espresso, you would think I'm pumped and ready to go... But no. I'm ready for another siesta! Surely this cold will break so that I won't need to hibernate as much. Wouldn't it be nice to pass the cold icy bitter winter by hibernating as the bear does? Now, that doesn't include the holidays. We could start hibernation New Year's Day (since most probably did sleep the day away after the long New Year's Eve!) and wake up in March (provided the weather began to warm up. We would have to pay attention to the ground hog for sure!) or at least before Easter!
You are probably thinking, this definitely doesn't sound like the Lyana Jo I know. Maybe it's only just that I did wake up way too early and am still so sleepy. Ask me tomorrow and I might say, sleep? Who needs sleep? did you know that eight hours of sleep each night is a third of your lifetime? I know...right?! (There now that sounds more like me.) so imagine those who (like my husband) require more! It's hard to stay in bed on weekends, because that's the time to play and shop and relax. Why would I want to waste my weekend away with sleep? Let's just sleep throughout the week (well after work anyway) and then shop til we drop (or until we have nothing left to spend). Now there's an idea.
Okay, okay. Sleeping eight hours is essential to your diet (not like a real diet but your food intake) along with exercise to keep a healthy heart.
Right now, I'm drinking an extra shot of espresso in my coffee and looking for Tylenol. Hopefully, tomorrow will be much easier. Then again I may choose to sleep instead and write at night (kinda think that's sounding better every second)! I'm supposed to be nocturnal anyway (because I write vampire tales).
Alright, so what's on my mind today? Well, it's cold, bitter cold, and I honestly would prefer to snuggle back in the warm sheets and heavy comforter. This weather is simply bone chilling. Walking from the car to the building, my hands felt as if Jack Frost touched them. What's worse? Walking into the classroom and ready to shed some layers of clothes. But it was greatly welcomed against the icy cold.
Just thinking about the weather outside makes me shiver and want to make hot chocolate (but it's so warm under the blanket!). After a shot of espresso, you would think I'm pumped and ready to go... But no. I'm ready for another siesta! Surely this cold will break so that I won't need to hibernate as much. Wouldn't it be nice to pass the cold icy bitter winter by hibernating as the bear does? Now, that doesn't include the holidays. We could start hibernation New Year's Day (since most probably did sleep the day away after the long New Year's Eve!) and wake up in March (provided the weather began to warm up. We would have to pay attention to the ground hog for sure!) or at least before Easter!
You are probably thinking, this definitely doesn't sound like the Lyana Jo I know. Maybe it's only just that I did wake up way too early and am still so sleepy. Ask me tomorrow and I might say, sleep? Who needs sleep? did you know that eight hours of sleep each night is a third of your lifetime? I know...right?! (There now that sounds more like me.) so imagine those who (like my husband) require more! It's hard to stay in bed on weekends, because that's the time to play and shop and relax. Why would I want to waste my weekend away with sleep? Let's just sleep throughout the week (well after work anyway) and then shop til we drop (or until we have nothing left to spend). Now there's an idea.
Okay, okay. Sleeping eight hours is essential to your diet (not like a real diet but your food intake) along with exercise to keep a healthy heart.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Eating Habits in the New Year
This year started with a resolution to begin eating healthier (as I say popping a handful of dark chocolate drizzled popcorn into my mouth). However I think that I actually forgot to start the resolution. It's as if I never actually told myself that it had to begin on January first. Now I am thinking, how do I tell myself that I had better cut out the oreo mint chocolate ice cream after the kiddos are tucked in bed. Or to quit making S'mores over the fireplace. (But to do that I must finish cleaning out the supplies by eating them first as not to waste food. Right?)
For lunch a group of co-workers and I were discussing going out to eat. Mexican was the theme. Funny, I had already gone out for Mexican at the beginning of the week and made a Mexican fiesta for dinner two nights before. So needless to say, Mexican wasn't really sounding good. To make things even better, the place they chose I really didn't care for. I simply said, "Go and have a great time. I need to go home to take care of my sweet little Bear." Simple enough and hopefully sweetly done as I had no intention on starting an issue. It's not that I didn't want to socialize, just that I wanted something else more desireable (and it was in my fridge!) Then the guilt came when I was asked why I didn't want to join. Ugh... "Man, suck it up and go!" I told myself. I wasn't fibbing about Bear. I hadn't been home for a couple of days and really felt that I needed some time with him, because he hadn't been home alone in the last couple of weeks and he's still just a puppy. So, I said, "It's just not a place I like to eat, but go and have fun." Of course I was ridiculed about not liking authentic Mexican food, which only made me giggle as I thought of Max's place in Rocky Point and my trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Now that was authentic and so delicious!)
I followed them out to the car thinking, I do really need to go home and take care of the puppy and that I could meet them up there. Then my friendly co-worker made a comment that had me ready to roll on the ground laughing. She said 'Oh, she's on a health kick," and then added, "Go and eat your sandwich." Hilarious! The mouth watering meal waiting for me at home was from Pei Wei and wasn't that healthy at all. I must really have convinced peeps that I was not able to falter from my resolution when indeed I am probably the most stubborn to motivate (I kinda think that I get that from my dad) unless I really want to do it. In other words, at time I can be all talk and quiet the bulls... (Oops... Let me stop there!)
I promised to join them after I took care of Bear, in which I did. More from guilt of not going and great company than anything. Plus, I was out of chocolate drizzled popcorn and tired of the Tollhouse cookies. The no-bakes are still waiting for me to make them and really I preferred a little conversation.
At some point, I'm going to have to start this resolution (right?). Might even try this weekend. But it's so cold that hot cocoa and Chai lattes sound yummy alongside lemon cookies and/or no-bake cookies. Thank goodness none are in the house (though I have all the ingredients to make them but that would require me to actually get away from the computer and make a mess in the clean kitchen, yet they sound so good!).
Ooh my gosh... what is happening to me? I'm beginning to think there is a conspiracy to make me become... I don't know... Ack! I've never not started a resolution, except last year. And maybe the year before. Oh geez, who am I kidding? I haven't really been on top of food resolutions since I met my husband. He's really the one to blame. Before him, I lived at the gym and drank only water. If I wanted a dessert, I ate yogurt, dessert style. So I'm not lying when I say he's to blame. Hee hee.
Okay, now, I can start this resolution. Baby steps... start with water... Oh I'm drinking mostly water! That's new! Now vitamins... oh I bought those yesterday! Wait here, I'll be baaacckk! Check! What's next... exercise... Oh my husband, sweet husband, bought me an elliptical so I am going to start using it around the 9th or 10th! Hey... don't give me that! I have no choice... it won't be here til then. Plus, he has to set it up. Which I will be so excited (the first day) to use it the moment that it arrives so I will pester him until it's ready for use. Aren't wives great, I say with a hand over my mouth snickering. Oh, Pilates, you say? Yeah... I suppose I can start that (since I had to anyway because of my back, grrr) up while I wait for the Schwinn to come in.
We all have a tough time getting our resolutions started (unless you are absolutely motivated) and sometimes we just need a little push or a friendly reminder. Just say I can do it (like that little steam engine said) and you can accomplish the world, or at least the little things. So, just prove to yourself that you can do it and go for it. A healthy body equals (or is the same as) a healthy mind.
For lunch a group of co-workers and I were discussing going out to eat. Mexican was the theme. Funny, I had already gone out for Mexican at the beginning of the week and made a Mexican fiesta for dinner two nights before. So needless to say, Mexican wasn't really sounding good. To make things even better, the place they chose I really didn't care for. I simply said, "Go and have a great time. I need to go home to take care of my sweet little Bear." Simple enough and hopefully sweetly done as I had no intention on starting an issue. It's not that I didn't want to socialize, just that I wanted something else more desireable (and it was in my fridge!) Then the guilt came when I was asked why I didn't want to join. Ugh... "Man, suck it up and go!" I told myself. I wasn't fibbing about Bear. I hadn't been home for a couple of days and really felt that I needed some time with him, because he hadn't been home alone in the last couple of weeks and he's still just a puppy. So, I said, "It's just not a place I like to eat, but go and have fun." Of course I was ridiculed about not liking authentic Mexican food, which only made me giggle as I thought of Max's place in Rocky Point and my trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Now that was authentic and so delicious!)
I followed them out to the car thinking, I do really need to go home and take care of the puppy and that I could meet them up there. Then my friendly co-worker made a comment that had me ready to roll on the ground laughing. She said 'Oh, she's on a health kick," and then added, "Go and eat your sandwich." Hilarious! The mouth watering meal waiting for me at home was from Pei Wei and wasn't that healthy at all. I must really have convinced peeps that I was not able to falter from my resolution when indeed I am probably the most stubborn to motivate (I kinda think that I get that from my dad) unless I really want to do it. In other words, at time I can be all talk and quiet the bulls... (Oops... Let me stop there!)
I promised to join them after I took care of Bear, in which I did. More from guilt of not going and great company than anything. Plus, I was out of chocolate drizzled popcorn and tired of the Tollhouse cookies. The no-bakes are still waiting for me to make them and really I preferred a little conversation.
At some point, I'm going to have to start this resolution (right?). Might even try this weekend. But it's so cold that hot cocoa and Chai lattes sound yummy alongside lemon cookies and/or no-bake cookies. Thank goodness none are in the house (though I have all the ingredients to make them but that would require me to actually get away from the computer and make a mess in the clean kitchen, yet they sound so good!).
Ooh my gosh... what is happening to me? I'm beginning to think there is a conspiracy to make me become... I don't know... Ack! I've never not started a resolution, except last year. And maybe the year before. Oh geez, who am I kidding? I haven't really been on top of food resolutions since I met my husband. He's really the one to blame. Before him, I lived at the gym and drank only water. If I wanted a dessert, I ate yogurt, dessert style. So I'm not lying when I say he's to blame. Hee hee.
Okay, now, I can start this resolution. Baby steps... start with water... Oh I'm drinking mostly water! That's new! Now vitamins... oh I bought those yesterday! Wait here, I'll be baaacckk! Check! What's next... exercise... Oh my husband, sweet husband, bought me an elliptical so I am going to start using it around the 9th or 10th! Hey... don't give me that! I have no choice... it won't be here til then. Plus, he has to set it up. Which I will be so excited (the first day) to use it the moment that it arrives so I will pester him until it's ready for use. Aren't wives great, I say with a hand over my mouth snickering. Oh, Pilates, you say? Yeah... I suppose I can start that (since I had to anyway because of my back, grrr) up while I wait for the Schwinn to come in.
We all have a tough time getting our resolutions started (unless you are absolutely motivated) and sometimes we just need a little push or a friendly reminder. Just say I can do it (like that little steam engine said) and you can accomplish the world, or at least the little things. So, just prove to yourself that you can do it and go for it. A healthy body equals (or is the same as) a healthy mind.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Day 3... and I am sure by now you have a bet on how long I will last this year with blogging. (Can I wager twenty on tomorrow? Just kidding...) Oh I have a million excuses for why I end up on the couch watching television instead of blogging. Mostly, I am too distracted and too often my free moments are spent sleeping. That's why I decided to go for health factors this year (to sleep less and eat healthy so I can stay awake longer.)
Last year, I didn't really make that plan. I can say that I did publish my first book which was on my resolutions list and a huge accomplishment. Something that I always thought was more of a fantasy (like what I write) than a realistic adventure until I was determined to "get 'er done." Boy, that was... Oh wait... That was soooo last year.
Back to this year...
I have goals again this year to complete and publish book two in my Rise of the Kingdom series, which could stall my blogs (like last year) in order to bring out another fantastic book I created in my own private world, which is now public.
Do I want to quit blogging? No. But like anything, if you get too busy, or side-tracked, or just miss a day because you need a (brain) break, then one day may turn into skipping one here and there, and then a few in a row, then missing a week or writing once a month and then oh man, how do I get myself back into blogging?
But again, that happens while trying to talk with publishers and creating an audience or promoting a novel. That can be exhausting and require some downtime. Something of which I really am trying to avoid in such long stretches.
I will say this, that if I could spend ten hours a day (yes, ten hours) writing, I would. And maybe some day (when I'm old and gray) that will happen. But for now, let's take this in small doses and see if I can keep crafting this art. After all, it's what I love best.
Last year, I didn't really make that plan. I can say that I did publish my first book which was on my resolutions list and a huge accomplishment. Something that I always thought was more of a fantasy (like what I write) than a realistic adventure until I was determined to "get 'er done." Boy, that was... Oh wait... That was soooo last year.
Back to this year...
I have goals again this year to complete and publish book two in my Rise of the Kingdom series, which could stall my blogs (like last year) in order to bring out another fantastic book I created in my own private world, which is now public.
Do I want to quit blogging? No. But like anything, if you get too busy, or side-tracked, or just miss a day because you need a (brain) break, then one day may turn into skipping one here and there, and then a few in a row, then missing a week or writing once a month and then oh man, how do I get myself back into blogging?
But again, that happens while trying to talk with publishers and creating an audience or promoting a novel. That can be exhausting and require some downtime. Something of which I really am trying to avoid in such long stretches.
I will say this, that if I could spend ten hours a day (yes, ten hours) writing, I would. And maybe some day (when I'm old and gray) that will happen. But for now, let's take this in small doses and see if I can keep crafting this art. After all, it's what I love best.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Day two of the New Year and I'm back to work...blah. (Oh wait, maybe I shouldn't say that in case my boss is reading!) I started whining that break was almost over and at that point I still had four days left to chill and be lazy. The look my hubby gave me... well... maybe I had that look coming. Hey, it's not my fault he chose employment in something other than education. Then again he does make more money than me so who am I kidding! Oh well, I love what I do and it gives me a chance to write during the breaks (or at least say I'm going to) and spend quality time with my son (when he's not playing with his friends, who have become quite important lately).
So, I was saying (What was my point?) that I started work today. Well something like work anyway.
Now, my poor wittle puppy gave me a curious look this morning that made it tough to leave him home. For two weeks he had my son and I to play with and now the house will be silent again. (Or maybe he will invite his doggy friends and have a party!) Except for those breaks that I run home to play with him when I can escape!
(Oh yeah, back to work) It was nice to see some of my coworkers and to have a few good laughs. It will make tomorrow even easier to walk into the building with a smile.
After a hard (yawn) day (yawn) at work, my cute little friend had so much to tell me. He grabbed hold of my leg and just stretched (for my attention, basically.) up so I could pick him up. It's nice to have a puppy who always wags his tail and is so excited to see you after a tough day at work. (Now if I could get him to cuddle in my lap rather than play chase it would be even better!)
It seems I am more side-tracked today and have no real point to my story, so perhaps I will quit rambling and prepare something more enjoyable to read tomorrow.
So, I was saying (What was my point?) that I started work today. Well something like work anyway.
Now, my poor wittle puppy gave me a curious look this morning that made it tough to leave him home. For two weeks he had my son and I to play with and now the house will be silent again. (Or maybe he will invite his doggy friends and have a party!) Except for those breaks that I run home to play with him when I can escape!
(Oh yeah, back to work) It was nice to see some of my coworkers and to have a few good laughs. It will make tomorrow even easier to walk into the building with a smile.
After a hard (yawn) day (yawn) at work, my cute little friend had so much to tell me. He grabbed hold of my leg and just stretched (for my attention, basically.) up so I could pick him up. It's nice to have a puppy who always wags his tail and is so excited to see you after a tough day at work. (Now if I could get him to cuddle in my lap rather than play chase it would be even better!)
It seems I am more side-tracked today and have no real point to my story, so perhaps I will quit rambling and prepare something more enjoyable to read tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
My Whimsical Life: Starting off the New Year with a Bang!
My Whimsical Life: Starting off the New Year with a Bang!: A healthy morning of stretching and a cup of coffee (oops! It should have been water!) before I sat down in front of my computer to tell the...
Starting off the New Year with a Bang!
A healthy morning of stretching and a cup of coffee (oops! It should have been water!) before I sat down in front of my computer to tell the world all of those New Years Resolutions (Which I am doing one now!) that I have chosen for myself. First and foremost comes the typical, I'm not eating junk food and I'm starting my exercise routine at the gym (again!), I'm going to organize my life and... and well yeah, we all need to do those things, RIGHT?
But what I miss most is my mornings typing away. Perhaps all those mornings I've been too lazy to get out of bed has really altered my habits. And maybe I should suck it up and get my butt out of bed like the days of old. I can sit around whining and complaining that I have a full time job that requires me to sleep and take lots of relaxing baths (which put me right to sleep), but truth be told, I love snuggling up with the hubby, who needs lots of sleep, (even when he's already left for work his pillow is still nice and warm!) especially on the weekends.
And, I have added a cute cuddly ornery little Bear (or rather Corgi) who is a lot like me! A morning person. (With the way I'm talking, you probably doubt that.) He doesn't sleep in past six a.m. most days! I lay in bed hoping he doesn't start barking because then everyone will be awake and I will have no urge to write (once I get out of bed) because my son awakes revved and ready to quiz me.
It's a typical week Monday through Friday and I can easily talk myself into getting up with the hubby (since I have to get ready for work anyway) to give myself about thirty minutes of reading. Oops! Did I say reading? Well, yeah, I've been hooked in a series... oh let's not go there... As I was saying, I get up and try to motivate myself into writing. (There, now that was honest.) It's not that I don't want to. It's just that once I start, I get lost in my own world (which is hard to get out of when you're on a roll) and then, well, I'm running behind schedule! So then I'm hurrying to get lunches packed and myself looking halfway decent (maybe now my co-workers will read this and understand why I look the way I do most days. HA!) and shove the kiddos out the door and off to school we go. A fast paced day and I'm back home to take care of little Bear and homework with my boy and dinner to make and... and... then there's eat dinner, play with the boy (unless he's playing legos), dishes, maybe laundry, put bubby to bed, play with puppy, hang with hubby, sit on couch and close eyes for just a quick second before I write/read... Whew! I'm so sleepy now (YAAAWWWNNN!).
It seems like a lot and it is, but I used to stay up writing until one in the morning and wake back up at five thirty a.m. to continue my thoughts. Sleep never matter to me before. So, now, it's time for me to put sleep aside (who needs nine to ten hours anyway? Yep, going to bed around nine-thirty and up between six-thirty and seven will get you that much!) and get back to writing! With will power it can be done! So as my resolutions begin, hopefully they continue! Perhaps, you can encourage me with your kind and wonderful words...
But what I miss most is my mornings typing away. Perhaps all those mornings I've been too lazy to get out of bed has really altered my habits. And maybe I should suck it up and get my butt out of bed like the days of old. I can sit around whining and complaining that I have a full time job that requires me to sleep and take lots of relaxing baths (which put me right to sleep), but truth be told, I love snuggling up with the hubby, who needs lots of sleep, (even when he's already left for work his pillow is still nice and warm!) especially on the weekends.
And, I have added a cute cuddly ornery little Bear (or rather Corgi) who is a lot like me! A morning person. (With the way I'm talking, you probably doubt that.) He doesn't sleep in past six a.m. most days! I lay in bed hoping he doesn't start barking because then everyone will be awake and I will have no urge to write (once I get out of bed) because my son awakes revved and ready to quiz me.
It's a typical week Monday through Friday and I can easily talk myself into getting up with the hubby (since I have to get ready for work anyway) to give myself about thirty minutes of reading. Oops! Did I say reading? Well, yeah, I've been hooked in a series... oh let's not go there... As I was saying, I get up and try to motivate myself into writing. (There, now that was honest.) It's not that I don't want to. It's just that once I start, I get lost in my own world (which is hard to get out of when you're on a roll) and then, well, I'm running behind schedule! So then I'm hurrying to get lunches packed and myself looking halfway decent (maybe now my co-workers will read this and understand why I look the way I do most days. HA!) and shove the kiddos out the door and off to school we go. A fast paced day and I'm back home to take care of little Bear and homework with my boy and dinner to make and... and... then there's eat dinner, play with the boy (unless he's playing legos), dishes, maybe laundry, put bubby to bed, play with puppy, hang with hubby, sit on couch and close eyes for just a quick second before I write/read... Whew! I'm so sleepy now (YAAAWWWNNN!).
It seems like a lot and it is, but I used to stay up writing until one in the morning and wake back up at five thirty a.m. to continue my thoughts. Sleep never matter to me before. So, now, it's time for me to put sleep aside (who needs nine to ten hours anyway? Yep, going to bed around nine-thirty and up between six-thirty and seven will get you that much!) and get back to writing! With will power it can be done! So as my resolutions begin, hopefully they continue! Perhaps, you can encourage me with your kind and wonderful words...
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