Sixteen Things That I Need to be Reminded of Daily

Today, in honor of Miscellany Monday, which I haven't participated in in some time, a random list, in no particular order, of things that I should remind myself of from time to time. This list is by no means comprehensive.

1. Never apologize for being you. Your likes, dislikes, hobbies, and personality are yours alone. Some people will like them. Others will hate them. It is not your job to make the second group of people join the first. Enjoy being the person you are, doing the things that make you happy.

2. It's ok to cry. Sometimes a good cry is all you need. Just do it. But once you're done, wipe the tears and move on. There are very few things and even fewer people who are worth your time after they've made you cry.

3. Being alone isn't the worst thing in the world. Don't get all crazy and never spend time with other people, but really enjoy the time you spend with yourself. Use it for reflection, writing, reading, cooking, whatever strikes your fancy at the time. There are going to be times in life when all you want is to be alone and you may not get that chance. Cherish the time when you have it.

4. Never settle. In anything. Never settle in love. Never settle for less than you deserve. Never settle for less than your best. Nothing is small enough to warrant settling. Keep pushing. Keep trying. Keep looking. It's out there. Reach for it.

5. Know when to say no. People will ask you to do things. People will ask you to say things. People will ask you to give things. It is ok to say no to the things you aren't willing and able to do/say/give. Don't torture yourself for others.

6. Know when to say yes. On the other hand, there are times when a situation will present itself to you and for whatever reason - fear, ability, sleep - you will want to say no - say yes. Some great things come from saying yes!

7. Surround yourself with people who make you want to be better. It is easy to spend your time with the people who are ok with your status quo. Or even who want to make you be less than you are. Stay away from those people. Find the people who make you come alive. Who challenge you to reach for your goals. Who hold your hand and say, "I'll walk out on the limb with you." They are precious and you will never regret a day spent with them.

8. Love yourself. Love every part of who you are. Embrace who you were, who you are, and who you will be. Cherish the bumps along the road that got you here. Know that you are constantly a work in progress, but also know that you are good enough just how you are.

9. Give yourself compliments. When you look in the mirror and think, "Damn, girl, you look good." Say it out loud! You put in the hard work, you should recognize it. Don't dwell on it and act better than others, but know that it is ok to think that you are beautiful and say it.

10. Tell others how you feel. If you love them - tell them. If what they do for you is great - tell them. If you think they smell good - tell them. It won't always be the easiest conversation, and the reaction may not always be what you want it to be, but you will feel better for having said it.

11. Laugh hysterically. Always. Laughter is the best medicine. Laugh at yourself. Laugh with your friends. Laugh with your family. Always, always laugh.

12. Pray. When things go right, pray. When you struggle, pray. When those around you need it, pray. You always feel better when you pray. Do it!

13. Respect your body, but have the dessert. You've learned a lot about your body over the course of 32 years. Some of it is hard to deal with. Respect what it tells you is good for it and avoid what it tells you is bad for it. But remember that life is short and sometimes it is ok to have the dessert. 

14. Expectations are what kill us. If you have expectations of people that they are unaware of, they can rarely live up to them and you will certainly be disappointed. 

15. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone's circumstances are different, you can not compare yourself to another person fairly. 

16. Don't judge a book by its cover or a person by their clothes. You miss a lot of great stories by only focusing on outward appearance. Stop it. Stop it right now.

Miscellany Monday...Full of Pictures

Welcome to lazy Monday. Otherwise known as the recurrence of Miscellany Monday on my blog.

This one is going to be extra lazy because I'm going to just post a bunch of pictures of things I did over the weekend...

one

a day at the county fair

Match, Papa, and I took Biggie, Tiny, and two cousins to the County Fair on Friday to ride a few rides (and drive me bonkers). There weren't many rides that one cousin was tall enough to ride, so he and Tiny ended up on the dropping frog ride that Tiny can't seem to decide if he likes.

In the picture above, as the ride goes to the top, he seems to really be enjoying himself.

Then it drops...

Not so great anymore...

two

God bless the USA

On Thursday evening, Glinda texted me about a swim meet that was going down on the east side of town all weekend.

You all may remember that I am a HUGE fan of swimming!

So we decided that on Friday evening, we would head over to the pool to take in the finals.

And take them in, we did! We actually had so much fun that we left Beauty and the Beast on stage early on Saturday to catch the final meet...

Tell me you don't appreciate the beauty of those swimmers...

And I'll tell you that you're a liar!

three

biggest loser

A couple of girls from work and I went to see Jillian Michaels speak yesterday afternoon. 

I'm a big fan of her from BL, and I was (not so)secretly hoping that Danni would show up. (She didn't :()

Either way, we ran into the first female winner of BL in the lobby, Ali Vincent, and got our picture with her. Then I wanted to get back in my car and head to the gym.

She looks phenomenal!

four

not the weekend

Last week, a friend of mine called to ask if I wanted to fill a seat at a table he had that evening. For some reason, I agreed to it.

I didn't have any choice but to attend in what I was wearing, so when SuperFan, Sissy, and I showed up and looked like we coordinated our outfits, we had to get a picture taken.

 

Miscellaneous Musings...

I'll join in with a little miscellany today since I have a few random things to share...

one

breaking records

Ok, it was only a personal record, but since that is probably the only kind I'll ever beat - I'll take it!

Remember way, way back in January when I had to run a mile for time? And I ran it in 8:28? And I was so super excited because I never thought in all of my years on this earth that I would be able to run a mile that fast?

Well, this morning, I beat it! By 35 seconds!

That's right folks - I busted out a one mile run in 7 minutes and 53 seconds and it was the most glorious moment of my life! Which was quickly ruined by the second mile we had to run that was a little slower...

two

youtube

On Friday, I had some errands to run and then I headed out to Sissy's house to hang with the Smalls Family and "sleep the night."

Tiny started preschool this year and they have been learning the Pledge of Allegiance. He and I had worked on it the day before while Sissy and Biggie were in the dentist chair, so I asked him to recite to me what he remembered of it.

He completed the whole thing!

I asked him if he would like to record it to send to Match and Papa and he replied, "Yes. And YouTube."

I had to oblige.

Now head on over to Carissa's blog and read a few blogs you haven't read before.

Miscellaneous Me

one

are you sure

I have discovered something that makes me crazy! It may be totally irrational, but isn't that how I roll anyway?

If I ask you if you would like me to do something and you reply, "sure," I'm certain to go nuts!

I don't know why, but it just seems so non-committal to me and I can't stand it.

two

weather

We spent the weekend in southern Arizona for a family reunion this weekend.

I love the monsoon in that part of the country. Nothing compares to an afternoon rainstorm down there!

three

sleeping like a baby

Whoever started using that term to mean that they had a great night sleep should be punched in the wiener!

At the family reunion, I shared a room with Sissy, BIL, and SisterSmalls.

SisterSmalls doesn't sleep through the night.

Reassuring me that I'm not sure I'd like to have children of my own.

It's a good thing she is cute!

three

tool time

I got a tool to help me with my calluses from CrossFit.

This baby is a little dangerous, but it seems to have shaved my calluses down.

We'll see if it helps.

four

little sister

On Friday I will fly to Boise to pick up Sissy's new car and drive it home.

Fourteen hours in the car by myself.

Wish me luck.

And remind her of this when it comes to buy me gifts, please.

Getting to Know Me Miscellany

I was really planning to go a different direction with this post today, but I read Cheyenne's blog before I posted and she inspired me to share some things about myself - for those of you who don't know me.

Funny story about this picture - I am typically against wearing headbands like this, but we went to the Miranda Lambert concert on July 3 and SuperFan had me wearing this like a real headband. Well, turns out my head is too big for it and it kept doing weird things so I took it off and was messing around when I put it on this way. Then Dirty had someone take a picture of us. Then of course I instagrammed it. And then my family freaked out! And said it was the best picture they have ever seen of me. 

They are a little crazy.

But let's talk about me some more... :)

1. When I was a kid, we were farm laborers for the summer. We started by chopping cotton, then moved up to the sprayer tractor - they actually rigged up a tractor that Sissy, YogaHippy, and I could all work on. They welded two seats to the front, so one person would drive and two would spray. (And we would change to words to songs to fit our lives - there were some funny moments out there in those fields.)

2. For the first time in my life, I think I may be addicted to something. Fitness. It sounds so cliche to say it, but I really do feel like CrossFit changed my life. And now I want everyone around me to be fit and active.

3. I toy with the idea of going back to school. I haven't pulled the trigger, but I get closer every day.

4. I love my nephews and niece more than anything, but I'm no longer sure that I want to have children of my own.

5. I wish I could hip-hop dance. I'm not saying I would like to be a back up dancer in any music videos, but when I watch So You Think You Can Dance, I am always the most in awe of the hip hop dancers.

6. I want to make a difference in the world.

7. Sometimes I want to move to a new city and try something totally different.

8. I really like to entertain people. When people get joy out of their interactions with me - it makes my day!

9. I am crazy independent (like don't-like-to-ask-for-help-independent). I think sometimes it is one of my biggest flaws.

10. I was recently reminded how much I love the smell of Zest soap. I think it is nostalgia, but man, I love that smell!

11. I love to cook! Seriously, if I could afford it, I would spend the weekends trying new recipes and feeding people. I could go broke buying the ingredients for all of the food I want to make.

12. My sisters and brother know all of the ways to make me crazy (and they practice frequently), but if someone moves even remotely in the direction of messing with them, I become a crazy protective mad woman! For real - you don't want to try it.

13. Despite my tough exterior, I am super sensitive. Just because you don't see me cry, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

14. Wow - it is really hard to think of 15 things about myself that seem even remotely meaningful.

15. Music moves my soul. There are times when I am listening to my iPod and a song comes on that just speaks to where I am in that exact moment, and I will play it on repeat just to soak it all in. (Typically while rocking out - I'm sure I provide much entertainment for the other drivers on the road.)

Now head on over to Carissa's blog and read something new.

Miscellany Monday

It's been a long while since I've participated in Miscellany Monday.

I'm going to give it a go again...

With an abundance of iPhone photos.

one

food truck friday

Glinda and I spend Fun Friday lunch checking out the food trucks in downtown Phoenix.

We split this chicken hot dog with smoked gouda, roasted red peppers, and mushrooms. Then we shared that delicious drink - which was a Honey Pear luncharita. There was no alcohol in it, but it was delish!

Then we went ahead and shared a salted caramel creme brulee. Holy moly!

If you are in the Phoenix area I recommend heading down to the Phoenix Public Market between 11:30 and 1:00 on Fridays to check this out.

There were a lot of people there last week and it was H-O-T, hot! I can't imagine what it's like when the weather is nice.

two

swim graduation

Biggie and Tiny had their annual swim lessons last week and the week before. And they graduated on Friday!

Sissy, Bunner, SuperFan and I (along with a whole slew of cousins) took swim lessons from the same teacher.

Tiny can swim, but he just won't do it when he's at lessons...

Strange.

Here they are all decked out in their swim gear.

PapaBear doesn't like mohawks, so Biggie just did this for a quick second.

Here's Biggie and SisterSmalls - just because you needed to see a picture of her! :)

three

golf and pedis

Saturday morning I took advantage of the sweltering heat and headed out to the driving range with Big T and his oldest son.

I'm getting better - I just need to spend more time hitting the ball.

That's my new golf bag there - it make me look good!

And Big T's older son is in the top picture showing me up. It's awesome. He's four.

And in the bottom picture is his younger son. I am freaking obsessed with that kid. He is SO adorable!

Then it was off to get lunch and pedicures with BFL and her daughter.

Yes, I do realize that my toes are as long as fingers.

four

birthday baseball

Biggie turned six on Saturday, so for his birthday I took him and Tiny to a Diamondbacks game.

It was pure chaos, but they had fun. And when I left them, he said, "Thanks Aunt Airplane! You're the best."

Totally worth it.

During the 7th Inning Strech they played God Bless America. I looked over at Biggie to find him with his hat over his heart. I teared up.

I honestly didn't think that Tiny knew what was going on - he was just sitting there enjoying his "copcorn" and then the DBacks had a great hit and he threw his arms up and started cheering!

And of course, the obligatory self-portrait of Biggie and me.

now head on over to carissa's blog and read something you haven't read before.

Miscellany Monday

43/365

all grown up

I was at a public hearing for the Air Force base in our community and the speaker representing the Governor's office was my former intern.

I like to say I made him the man he is today.

44/365

a day of love

Lots of things I love on Valentine's Day!

Red shoes with zebra leggings, kale sauteed with bacon and shallots, red zinfandel, and paleo chocolate mug cake with coconut milk ice cream.

Yum!

45/365

long live cowboys

And the women who love them!

My grandparents have been married for over 60 years and in this picture they are helping to celebrate Arizona's Centennial with the state's cattlemen!

46/365

paleo goodness

The picture doesn't do this dish justice, but I promise you it is so easy and so, SO good!

Paleo Sundried Tomato Chicken Bake from everydaypaleo.com

47/365

drinkin', lovin', fightin' cowboys

Went out dancing with FredAstaire and Ginger for Ginger's birthday. I broke out the old shark boots for the occasion.

There are few things I love more than country dancing at a hole-in-the-wall bar.

48/365

defying gravity

Went with Glinda and Fiero to see Wicked at Gammage.

Loved it just as much fifth time! (And excited to see it a sixth this week!)

50/365

woot woot

As I previously mentioned - I hit a new personal record for a 5K and I am stoked!

Now head on over to Carissa's blog and check out a blog you've never read before.

Instagramming It...

Oops - clearly I missed Miscellany Monday.

Oh, well. Here are the pictures anyway:

31/365

cruisin'

We have been having a very mild winter down here in Arizona and I have been taking advantage by driving around with my windows down and my radio up!

32/365

home

I was invited to a reception at the Phoenix Art Museum last week and they currently have the Iconic Arizona photography exhibit displayed for the Centennial.

It was an amazing exhibit and I consider myself lucky that Match and Papa loaded all of us crazy kids into a minivan and drove us around this beautiful state so I could see first hand most of the things displayed on the walls of this exhibit.

Also, I don't know if you know this, but Dierks Bentley grew up in Arizona and his song Home is the official song of the Centennial. If you haven't heard it yet - I suggest you get it now!

33/365

babybunner

You already saw this picture, but you get it again.

Love this little guy so much!!

34/365

missing you

As I mentioned, I had to help Granny B purchase and install a new printer on Friday. While I was waiting for the software to install I looked over to the side and saw this sitting on her desk. 

It was Popie's from high school graduation. I'm telling you what, there are some days I miss him so much I can't stand it.

35/365

genius

Sissy and I took the boys to the Chocolate Affaire on Saturday where we found the Sweet Republic Food Truck and I got two scoops.

One of Salted Butter Caramel Swirl, which was very good. But, Oh. My. Goodness! That one on the top is Milk Chocolate Guinness ice cream and I could die right now thinking of how delicious it was!

If you are ever anywhere near Scottsdale - please stop in this shop and try their ice cream! You will not regret it!

(OMG - I just went to their website so I could link it up and found out that they sell their ice cream at Whole Foods locations - excuse me while I find the nearest WF Market!)

36/365

orange juice

On Sunday we headed out to M-Town for family lunch. I took one of the bags of oranges that Granny B had picked for me on Friday (Seriously, how many oranges does she think I can eat?) with the intention of squeezing them with the nephews.

Turns out Sissy doesn't have a juice and neither did Wal-Mart. So we settled for just eating them.

37/365

still adorable

Match was looking for Bunner's baby pictures to compare him to BabyBunner and she found this gem.

That's me holding Bunner in my lap.

Looks like I have always been this adorable! :)

Miscellany Monday - More Pictures

23/365

tiny tot

 I didn't actually take this picture, but Sissy sent it to me with the caption, "Take my picture please."

How can you not love that kid?

24/365

nightly routine

 I can guarantee you that if you go to Match and Papa's house after 6 pm on any given weeknight, this is what you will see.

Both on their iPads, Fox News on the TV.

25/365

fastest girl in town

We had to run 3 400m sprints in CrossFit last week, with one minute rest in between.

Total time posted - 7:16. That means that every one of my sprints was under two minutes! I was so proud!

26/365

mail surprise

Such-N-Such sent me a letter and included this shrinky dink that we made last year. 

I LOVE getting surprises in the mail!! 

27/365

kickin' it old school

On Friday evening, I headed down to my alma mater to watch JP's little bro play a little basketball.

You couldn't pay me enough to go back to high school, but I do love the Buckeye Hawks!

28/365

color running 

On Saturday, I took off with Triple R and Dirty to participate in the first Color Run in Arizona. 

It was the MOST fun I have ever had running! On the left you see what I looked like at the beginning of the race, and on the right - after. 

I encourage you to see if there is a Color Run near you and sign up NOW! www.thecolorrun.com

29/365

3 nephews and a niece

The Fam headed out to Sissy's yesterday for BIL's birthday lunch. I was a little early so I was out front hanging with Biggie and Tiny while they rode their bike and scooter respectively.

We are still waiting for BabyBunner* (on the bottom left) to make his appearance any time this week. And SisterSmalls* sometime in the next six or so weeks.

30/265

paleo dessert

Who says dessert has to have sugar? Not me!

I should probably be concerned that I ate an entire bunch of kale tonight, but I'm not. It was delicious sauteed with bacon, garlic, and shallots.

Head on over to Carissa's blog and link up!