tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59942884755254447092024-03-19T08:50:17.682-04:00This Life that I LoveEverything I love about this life I've been livingAmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-86166299186820293012016-04-10T20:21:00.000-04:002016-04-10T20:21:22.650-04:00Living the Whole LifeHappy April Friends!<div>
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I've got to say, truly taking care of yourself makes a huge difference in every aspect of your life.</div>
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So, since I didn't wrap up my Whole 30 notes with you properly, here's what was wonderful about my Whole30:</div>
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<li>Perfect Skin</li>
<li>Fitting into size 6 pants (comfortably)</li>
<li>Endless amounts of energy</li>
<li>Really awesome workouts</li>
<li>The optimism that comes with feeling really great about yourself</li>
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How did it wrap up?</div>
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<li>Getting WINE back was glorious.</li>
<li>Pretty much everything else made me sick, cranky or bloated</li>
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That being said, I was very excited to find a Facebook group jumping into a Whole60 that was starting on April 1st. I did make some changes to fit my needs this time around:</div>
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<li>Since I am doing this more as a continuous support instead of a body reset I am drinking during this Whole60, just limiting it.</li>
<li>I built in cheat days (just 2), because I have made some plans that are just not going to allow for an easy eating experience.</li>
<li>This time around I made a goal to double my workouts. So far, I've been successful at this goal with Hot Yoga, Crossfit and a run. This week, I'm going to shoot for 6 days.</li>
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So, since my eating is giving me energy, making me feel fantastic, has my skin glowing, has me recovering from workouts like a champ, has raised my spirits, etc, etc, etc... I am working on getting my life even more "Whole". The wonderful folks that wrote the Whole30, also have another piece of lifestyle support called the <a href="http://whole9life.com/">Whole9</a>. Will you join me as I continue to round out my life? </div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-1700973118514190532016-03-06T18:23:00.001-05:002016-03-06T18:23:47.063-05:00Lifestyle Changes: Step 3Step 3: Survival of the fittest and dreams about snickers bars.<br />
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Hello again!<br />
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I am 21 days into the Whole30 and I kind-of love it. My energy level is through the roof, my skin is fantastic, most of my cravings have diminished, and my pants are nice and loose.<br />
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If you'd like to read my journey up until now you can click <a href="http://amylynscarano.blogspot.com/2016/02/lifestyle-changes-step-1.html">here</a> and <a href="http://amylynscarano.blogspot.com/2016/02/lifestyle-changes-step-2.html">here</a>!<br />
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Today, I'd like to tell you about the not-so-fun parts of the Whole30:<br />
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<li>Hands-down, the most difficult part is going to be this coming week: <b>broke and bored of the same foods.</b> I am starving ALL the time, but I work in non-profit land and therefore am living off of "what's left" until I get paid again on Friday. This is CRAZY difficult on the Whole30, again because I am starving ALL the time... So what does that mean for this week?? Not much variety for 4 days, but I can handle it. Luckily, I have a really awesome friend who is willing to share the surplus of meats in her freezer with me.</li>
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<li>eggs, everyday. </li>
<li>leftover chili until it's gone.</li>
<li>potatoes, everyday.</li>
<li>frozen broccoli and butternut squash, everyday.</li>
<li>tuna packs, everyday.</li>
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<li>This is also, the time frame that <b>food boredom</b> is supposed to be at it's worst... this may mean tears this week. I don't want to see an egg for a month.</li>
<li><b>Dreams. </b>On the "<a href="http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/">what to expect</a>" list, there is a time frame that tells you that you will dream of junk food. It made me laugh because I encountered this one whole week early and it was entirely correct. I had the most realistic dream of sitting in a snickers bar, eating it by the handfuls, 3 nights in a row, and felt more and more guilty after every night. I also, during this time had an obnoxious craving for a glass of milk (I am a dairy lover and was raised in a family that consumed absurd amounts of dairy)... I actually called one of my closest friends and my dad who are both milk drinkers and asked them to drink the biggest glass they could find and then tell me how wonderfully satisfying it was. That's how bad my craving was.</li>
<li><b>Bloating. </b>I had 2 or 3 days that I was continuously bloated... apparently this is "gut healing", but is super uncomfortable. I had a hard time standing for a short period of time. Luckily, it didn't last long.</li>
<li>Everyone keeps talking about <b>Pizza</b>! Of course the minute you say "no" to a food, everyone you know is eating it ALL of the time. I'm trying to convince myself I don't want it, everyday.</li>
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I have some friends who are interested in doing the Whole30. Next week, I am planning to share my favorite recipes, the list of foods I have been keeping on hand, and how I've been eating enough food to last through reallyyyy long work days.</div>
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<b>Most difficult part of the Whole30 this week:</b> egg-boredom.</div>
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<b>Most difficult food to avoid this week:</b> undeniably cheese, and the Easter chocolate I have sitting in my fridge.</div>
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<b>Best find this week:</b> compliant Bacon!</div>
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<b>Favorite meal this week:</b> <a href="http://meljoulwan.com/2009/02/22/my-favorite-chili-recipe/">Chocolate Chili</a> - if I make this again, I will try it with more veggies and hot peppers.</div>
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<b>How I feel this week:</b> Energized. I only slept 3-4 hours each night and felt like a 9 year old on a hamster wheel who had an energy drink or 3. It was a little crazy, but also very cool to not respond to a "how are you?" with an "I'm tired."</div>
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<br />AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-5263244190895201402016-02-22T10:00:00.000-05:002016-02-22T10:00:07.366-05:00Lifestyle Changes: Step 2Step 2: Make your Decision, Devise a Plan, and Dive in.<br />
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I need the accountability of a plan to stick to any lifestyle change.</div>
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Some of the things that were a part of my decision making and my plan were: a list of food I know I will get tired of eating. A list of affordable foods that I would be comfortable eating day after day. A master grocery list (separated by which grocery store carries the food at it's freshest and cheapest). Purging my kitchen of everything that would tempt me to make poor choices. Buying the books.<br />
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Just to recap <a href="http://amylynscarano.blogspot.com/2016/02/lifestyle-changes-step-1.html"><b>my last post</b> </a>. I did some research on which Healthy Lifestyle Change plan I was going to embark on for Lent and I ended up choosing the Whole30.<br />
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Even though I decided to do the Whole30 for Lent, I started a few days late. The reason being is because if you fault on the Whole30, you are supposed to start all over again, and I had plans on Valentine's weekend that I knew would blow the start of my plan.<br />
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I cleaned out my kitchen about 2 full weeks before I knew I was going to start the plan, and it was helpful to almost be "forced" to choose something I could have. I felt like it was a trial run, can I really go 30 days without cheese??? Before I started the plan and after I cleaned all the "bad" out of my kitchen, I ate EVERYTHING I wanted for 3 days straight- cheese, pizza, chai lattes, breakfast sandwiches, the best bruschetta in town, sweets. Yes, I spent too much money eating out for 3 days but I was fat and happy for the last few days before starting the plan.<br />
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<b><a href="http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/">"So What's the Big Deal"??</a> </b>: The Whole30 actually has a timeline of how you should feel throughout the course of the program. The first day I started the Whole30, Charlotte had a "snow day" which means that I was not prepared to eat correctly. I did well, but did not experience the euphoria of Day 1. I also did not experience "The Hangover" which is days 2 and 3, maybe that means my "trial run" worked well?? Or "Kill all the Things" which are days 4 & 5. I am ALWAYS prepared for a nap, so I am going to count days 6 & 7 ("I just want a nap...") as a win for being on track with how most people feel.<br />
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<b>Most difficult part of the Whole30 this week</b>: I find it very difficult to actually eat 3 full meals everyday. Especially breakfast at breakfast time.<br />
<b>Most difficult food to avoid this week</b>: undeniably cheese.<br />
<b>Best find this week</b>: compliant Roast Beef- it was glorious.<br />
<b>Favorite meal this week</b>: Roast beef lettuce wraps!<br />
<b>How I feel this week</b>: Hungry, starving actually. I feel like I have eaten far too much food and yet not enough at the same time. I also feel as though my focus has been slightly off (from hunger) and surprisingly I feel like I have more energy already.</div>
AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-69149370801186488982016-02-15T23:57:00.001-05:002016-02-19T19:59:56.787-05:00Lifestyle Changes: Step 1<center style="text-align: left;">
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Step 1: Do your research.</b></center>
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There are TONS of diets and "lifestyle change" diets out there. How do you know which is right for you? If you hate meat, Paleo is probably not going to cut it for you. If you are a meat lover, you may not want to go the vegetarian route. It also may depend on what you are looking for in a "diet"- short term- you may be looking to juice, long term- clean eating may be the way to go. </center>
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I am NOT an expert by any means, but I have done my research and I do have research to share to help YOU make your decision. Below are the 4 plans I researched to make my decision. With a couple links for each and my thoughts on them.</center>
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For lent this year I chose to take a lifestyle diet challenge. I decided to start a few days late as I had friends in town for Valentine's weekend and I didn't want to fail on my lent project before it began. First, why do we deprive ourselves of goodness for lent? Here is one <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/spiritchatter/2015/02/why-do-we-give-up-something-for-lent/">short answer</a> here is <a href="http://bustedhalo.com/questionbox/why-do-we-give-up-something-for-lent">another</a>. There were a few reasons that this was my choice for lent this year: </center>
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1. Lent is supposed to be a spiritual practice to refocus your mind and your heart. I use this as a time not only to refocus my heart and mind, but also as a time to do a "spring cleaning" of my body and life. </center>
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2. Lent is meant to be challenging, you didn't choose the correct option if it is not.</center>
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3. As much as I thoroughly enjoy every tiny taste of wine, cheese, and chocolate and as much as I'd like to live off of only those foods forever, that is not the best choice and I probably need to eat some vegetables. </center>
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Clean Eating?</b> - this is a lifestyle change diet I have actually tried before. I did it for 8 months and LOVED it. I felt great and looked great. I used the plan written in Jackie Warner's book <a href="http://jackiewarner.com/this-is-why-youre-fat/">This is Why You're Fat</a>. This is the only resource I needed, I googled for recipes whenever I needed them, but this book was a HUGE help.</center>
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Favorite things: </center>
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*You add good foods in before you start taking bad foods out.</center>
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* Really informative and interesting book.</center>
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*You get cheat days! </center>
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Not-so-favorite things: </center>
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* Very expensive for one person, a lot of times my food went bad before I could eat it.</center>
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*I was always hungry, but it was difficult for me to eat everything you were supposed to eat in a day.</center>
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The ONLY reason I stopped this lifestyle diet was because I could not afford to eat that much food in a day.</center>
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Why I did not choose it this time: I know I can do it, and while I may switch back to it after my challenge, it was not quite what I was looking for this time.</center>
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Vegetarian diet?- </b>I had a friend growing up who ate a vegetarian diet. I didn't understand it and refused to try her tofu. Growing up in a meat loving, fishing, hunting and grilling on the weekends type of family, I was not interested in whatever that stuff was she had on her plate. My thoughts have changed A LOT since then. I actually think I would do pretty well on a vegetarian diet these days... I am a meat-eater but I am NOT a meat-craver. I have to force feed myself protein. I have never tried a fully vegetarian diet, so I thought it might be fun to do some research on it- </center>
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<a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/">The Vegetarian Times</a></center>
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<a href="http://www.vrg.org/">The Vegetarian Resource Group</a></center>
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<a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/meatless-myths">Vegetarian Myths Debunked</a></center>
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<a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/healthy_cooking_101_basics_and_techniques/6_staples_of_a_vegetarian_diet">6 Staples of a Vegetarian Diet</a></center>
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<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/vegetarian-diet/art-20046446">Mayo Clinic details on a Vegetarian Diet</a></center>
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There are also a few very delicious Vegetarian Restaurants in the Charlotte area.</center>
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Why I did not choose it this time: Grains and Dairy are major staples in this diet and they are major addictions for me. I would definitely use both as an excuse to not eat the correct amount of fruits and veggies.</center>
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<b>Paleo?</b>- aka the "caveman" diet. This is the favorite diet these days. and is built on the same premise as Clean Eating- STOP eating processed foods! <a href="http://paleomagazine.com/what-is-paleo/">What is Paleo?</a> Want to try it, but not entirely sure? try a <a href="http://paleomagazine.com/pure-paleo-challenge">7 day challenge!</a> What can you eat? Click <a href="http://paleoporn.net/food/">here</a> to find out!</center>
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Why I did not choose it this time: I think that the Whole30 will be a good plan to teach me how to eat Paleo properly. <a href="http://stupideasypaleo.com/2014/12/13/paleo-or-whole30-which-is-better/">Which would you choose?</a></center>
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<b>Whole30?</b>- I'm calling this Paleo Xtremeeeee. You can read the rules <a href="http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/">here</a>. This is a short term elimination plan (30 days!) Which is meant to help you identify any food allergies/ sensitivities you may have and help you eat properly! I have high hopes for this plan! The number one hope is that sugar and cheese will no longer be the lead (sometimes only) choice in my diet. <a href="http://whole30.com/whole30book/">Always read the book.</a> :)</center>
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I've found some really cool sources for food for both Paleo and Whole30: <a href="http://barefootprovisions.com/">Barefoot Provisions</a>, <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/food">Thrive Market</a>, and Naked Bacon because you can eat <a href="http://nakedbaconco.com/shop/naked-bacon-no-sugar-added">BACON</a>!!!!</center>
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Why I chose this: I am eliminating ALL of my "food addictions" all at one time- no cheese, chocolate, wine or bread for 30 days!</center>
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*Do you have any awesome resources to share on these plans??? </center>
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*Have you tried any? </center>
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*Do you have a favorite?</center>
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Next week: my choice, how I prepped and how my first week went!</center>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-34962082896117549522015-11-27T20:02:00.000-05:002015-11-27T20:02:13.740-05:00The Best of Black FridayHow did Black Friday become so big that it actually starts before the football games are over on Thanksgiving? And when did we decide that one of the few days of the year (most) companies still actually observe as a day of rest and family should be a day that we leave our families after dinner to cram ourselves into stores and fight for gifts that will make our loved ones love us more? I say Black Friday is Boloney!<div>
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I dread shopping, I dread the Holiday rush for the best gifts, I dread the chaos that ensues during the Holidays on the road and in the malls BUT I loveeeee the Holidays. I love giving gifts, even more I love making gifts, I love decorating, I love cooking and baking, I love company, I don't even mind spending most of January and February arguing with the scale about the number I would prefer to see. BUT I DREAD Black Friday. </div>
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This year I decided I would make The Best of Black Friday! How, you ask? That is simple:</div>
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<li>Stay away from the malls, Target, Walmart, the grocery store, restaurants, and basically anywhere people spend money.</li>
<li>Spend the day after Thanksgiving practicing being as thankful as you were on Thanksgiving- I called a few family members that I didn't get to speak to on the actually holiday, spent a good bit of time studying my Bible and spent the entire day thinking about all of the gifts God has blessed me with this year.</li>
<li>Eat like you did yesterday. I ate just as much food as I did on Thanksgiving (thanksgiving leftovers are the bomb-diggity and just about the only leftovers I eat), if you took a long weekend for the holiday, you deserve to treat the whole weekend like a holiday, right?</li>
<li>Sweat. I was really sore from the workouts from Monday-Thursday (yes I worked out on Thanksgiving) so I opted for a yoga class instead of going to Crossfit. It felt good and really terrible at the same time but I was really glad I did it when I was loading my plate for seconds a couple hours later.</li>
<li>Let yourself rest- cooking all day, keeping the kids occupied, and entertaining make the Holidays a very happy time of year, but also an exhausting time of year. After a super busy holiday, all I really want to do is to veg-out on the couch. I don't have a couch at the moment but snuggling up on the floor with my Stella-Bear was equally as wonderful. </li>
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Overall, I would give my Black Friday an A+. </div>
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<li>How do you feel about Black Friday?? </li>
<li>Do you love the shopping scene? </li>
<li>Or do you stay in like me?</li>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-43148758151825223812015-07-29T23:02:00.000-04:002015-07-29T23:02:12.558-04:00#LOVEweek2015 and I need some LOVE.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBqreDugu3p3e3yu0MIMLvJGASV5IUeWRN_FRFh0Z0eeUhp7eQm0wJl7gfkSjA9e5wM4lmUi2I3t3pCHuCFLA4rNYRMZLMS91NscvUhZetFvN99EpMiFe05OByryLy8UVRWoGevo3-d8/s1600/IMG_1004-768088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBqreDugu3p3e3yu0MIMLvJGASV5IUeWRN_FRFh0Z0eeUhp7eQm0wJl7gfkSjA9e5wM4lmUi2I3t3pCHuCFLA4rNYRMZLMS91NscvUhZetFvN99EpMiFe05OByryLy8UVRWoGevo3-d8/s320/IMG_1004-768088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just in case you don't follow all of my social media accounts, and you aren't aware that it is the most exciting week of the year to be a member of <a href="http://elevationchurch.org/sermons/it-works-both-ways/">Elevation Church</a> (link to this year's love week sermon!)!! #LOVEweek2015 I've included all of my links so you can see all of the exciting things that I've been participating in!</center>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/alscaran/">Instagram</a></center>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/lifethatilove">Twitter</a></center>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/amy.scarano">Facebook</a></center>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThisLifeThatILove">Life That I Love Blog- Facebook Page</a></center>
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If you've never heard of LOVE week- you are missing out! LOVE week is a week that was created by Elevation Church. First, let me tell you a little bit about my church: Elevation exists so that "people far from God, will be raised to life in Christ" and they do this well through inspiring the people of their church to participate in the 4Gs (growth, giving, gifts and groups). LOVE week is the BEST week to see all of this happen! Now, let's get to what LOVE week is! LOVE week is an annual experience of how God is working in our city! There are always opportunities to volunteer with and through Elevation, but LOVE week is a movement of God. This year there are : 1,227 events with over 200 organizations which includes everything from Bingo Games, Habitat Houses, School Supply collections, Blood donations, and helping serve food! (plus many more). It is amazing what we can do in our own backyard if we just open our eyes and our hearts to the opportunity!</center>
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Why I love LOVE week: My heart thrives on doing for others. I have had a difficult time serving on a consistent basis while I've lived in Charlotte because I never seem to have a regular schedule. LOVE week makes it easy- I can squeeze in serving every single day if I do it strategically. While I've served in Love week the past few years in a very minimal sense, last year was the year that made me love it. I committed to 20 hours of service through the week and I met so many people and experienced so much of what God truly intended for us that I just couldn't get enough. This year I have signed up for 35 hours, and while I won't actually be able to complete all 35 I am excited to serve about 30 hours this week!!!!! My favorite events are always: painting parties, helping at the Vault (Love week warehouse), giving blood (which is the most exhausting event- but cookies make it better), and furniture building for kids in need! There is a "final" party for LOVE week which is the <a href="http://elevationworship.com/live/">Live Recording that happens on Friday night!</a> -there are still tickets if you're in the Charlotte area!</center>
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Despite the movement of God that I have had the opportunity to experience this week, I am personally having a little bit of a rough week. My sweet tooth is currently getting me through it (that's a s'mores oreo!), but I do think I could use some encouragement. </center>
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This is not something I feel very often, but this week I am lonely- not in the spiritual sense, just in the I could really use a friend to grab a coffee with me sense.</center>
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I spend a lot of time alone- not lonely, just alone. I function well that way and I just invite my friends to participate in everything that I normally do- many times I go it alone, which is fine we have different priorities when it comes to spending our money and a lot of times its great because I get to spend a lot of one-on-one time with certain friends. But occasionally, like this week, when I ask do you want to come serve with me, or do you want to do such and such with me I'm really asking will you please do such and such with me- I could use your company. I just don't know how to ask so that they know that's what I'm asking. </center>
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It's kind of silly that I say I spend a lot of time alone, because at work I can't get a second to myself, but it is a different kind of alone.</center>
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My loneliness is directly related to my energy level which is currently on the floor along with my fitness level this summer- we'll all get back to normal in about a week. But I also feel just down, defeated and exhausted- I don't feel successful at work- it feels like giving your all is never going to be enough, I don't make enough to take care of myself the right way- which is making me feel like I'm failing at home, I need to make a moving decision soon and I can't afford to move, nor can I afford to stay, nor can I afford to live by myself anymore. Isn't it supposed to get easier?</center>
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I clearly am not a comfortable person asking for help- I know I'll get through it and be I'm fine really. I just need a good hug. Can I have one of those?</center>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-89934040404329296342015-07-21T21:07:00.001-04:002015-07-21T21:07:58.483-04:00A Change.<center style="text-align: left;">
Recently, I've noticed a change in myself.</center>
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Change seems to happen when you need it the most. When you stop trying for it, stop forcing it, stop caring so much about it happening and start remembering to accept that God's plan is bigger than your own. It's almost like God is saying, "Thanks for letting me have the wheel back, we're going to head this direction now."</center>
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Change is scary for a lot of people. Sometimes it can be bad. Like that moment your parent realizes you have become a "terrible teen". Or, if you've ever suffered from depression- that moment you wonder where your happiness went and when exactly do you think it will be coming back?</center>
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I am one that gets excited about change! It's not always the best thing, but I know that whatever the change is, God means for me to turn it into something great! and I know that he will be here with me no matter what it is to help guide me through it!</center>
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Sometimes change is good! Right now my social media is filled to the brim with babies, weddings, new houses and anniversaries! I've also seen a lot of people recently taking back their health and getting on the fitness train!</center>
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I think it's entirely possible that I've been a different person for each of the last 8 or so years. Although, I haven't always seen the change happen, I did this year.</center>
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This year, for me, it was easy to see the change. I feel so fulfilled. God is doing great things in me and through me and I am so content (this doesn't mean that I am not growing, it is just at a very good pace). So Loved. So grateful. So open to tomorrow. So confident. So courageous. So simple. So happy.</center>
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Confidence and Courage is where my change lies. I suffer from anxiety that is mostly tied to me feeling successful. I think I am finally understanding what that looks like for me in my current place. "It's going to be great!"- seems to be my mantra these days. Even when I'm wary, I know change is meant for good! This is a good change! I feel like I stand a little straighter, I feel more comfortable in my abilities, I am more comfortable with my plans, I like myself a lot more, I like the direction I am moving in! God is so good!</center>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-7059729512489430452015-07-21T20:30:00.000-04:002015-07-21T20:30:00.740-04:00Warning Labels for Myself<center style="text-align: left;">
I have been mulling on this post for a while...</center>
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A few weeks ago I had one of those moments with myself, that makes me shake my head (yes, sometimes I shake my head at myself) and of course I shared it with my boss, because I'm that honest.</center>
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I had been struggling with a camp that I was running, a camp about all of the real-life heroes out there. I just didn't have any good ideas. Everything I was coming up with was appropriate for middle-school kids or preschoolers. Not my K-2nd group. </center>
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Then, I had an epiphany... I somehow managed to completely forget that I was a junior EMT once, and not only that, I had gone through EMT school and volunteered with a Fire Department! I lived in a small town where the rescue teams were built by volunteers, it was an awesome experience. DUH! This should be an easy camp!</center>
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I had officially LOST MY MIND. I decided that my poor boss probably needed a warning label for me <i>before</i> she hired me... Then I started thinking, what would that say??</center>
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<b>Warning! Read this <i>Before</i> Hiring!</b></center>
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<ol>
<li>Will make you shake your head.</li>
<li>Needs a crafting corner.</li>
<li>Occasionally throws herself under the bus.</li>
<li>Asks a million questions before jumping in to a new project.</li>
<li>Does need to cry in your office once a month.</li>
<li>Does NOT fail well.</li>
<li>Is honest to a fault.</li>
<li>Will work until she burns out.</li>
<li>Likes responsibility.</li>
<li>Works well with others- mostly.</li>
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I think if she read my warning label first she probably wouldn't have hired me, but she'll definitely keep me and love me now.</div>
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This recent event also made me think that I could probably use a warning label for friends and men.</div>
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<b>Warning! Read this <i>Before</i> Befriending!</b></div>
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For my friendship warning, I asked my Best Friends! Obviously they know what warnings they needed about me better than I do! This is what they came up with (<i>my commentary to the right</i>):</div>
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<li>"Crazy." - <i>mostly because she asks questions like this</i></li>
<li>"The bestest, lovable, caring, dog-loving friend ever"- <i>so loving, more wine?</i></li>
<li>"Do not leave alone with cheese" -<i> or ice cream.</i></li>
<li>"Is an excellent listener" - <i> Does she need a phone call?</i></li>
<li>"Speaks truth and love" - <i>I love this one <3</i></li>
<li>"Tends to squeal and giggle when excited"- <i>Who me?</i></li>
<li>"Brute Honesty"- <i>Finally somebody tells it like it is.</i></li>
<li>"Warning: contents under immense pressure, but can surely be alleviated through ice cream runs, and the 3 'L's': Long Talks, laughing and Loyalty. Once alleviated, contents will have forever changed your life!" -<i> Amen! That is love.</i></li>
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<b>Warning! Read this <i>Before</i> Dating!</b></div>
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This one is for a future guy, this one was my favorite! I have been single for quite sometime and therefore am pretty comfortable being myself. While I never want to stop growing and learning, I am proud and comfortable with the person I have grown into.- Take me as I am!</div>
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<li>Easily Excitable- <i>she's simple.</i></li>
<li>Happiness= Cheese+Chocolate+Wine - <i>Lots of wine, and flowers never hurt anybody :)</i></li>
<li>She is spiritually invested, but considers it a very personal journey- <i>believes everyone has the right to practice their beliefs/ spirituality/ religion in their own way.</i></li>
<li>Needs to have time to herself - <i>it's okay to go out with your friends.</i></li>
<li>Loves to try new things - <i>is adventurous.</i></li>
<li>Hates to ask for help - <i>and stubborn.</i></li>
<li>Has a trusting heart -<i> will fall hard.</i></li>
<li>Grew up too fast, but has a child's spirit - <i>likes to joke and will play pranks on you!</i></li>
<li>Will practice hard enough to beat you at your own game :) - <i>Nothing wrong with a little friendly competition!</i></li>
<li>Has lived through many dark days, does not need someone to save her - <i>but super heroes are sexy!</i></li>
<li>Asks a lot of questions - <i>likes to get to know you. </i></li>
<li>Likes to laugh and smile! -<i> a whole lot.</i></li>
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<i>If you had a warning label what would it say??</i></div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-53237909760351436362015-07-14T22:40:00.000-04:002015-07-14T22:40:37.305-04:00Tough Love: A Victim of Body Shaming<center style="text-align: left;">
Body Shaming has been one of the top 5 topics on my social media feeds for quite some time now, and to be honest I really haven't paid much attention to it. It's one of those things that I feel every person faces at some point in their lives. </center>
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People pick on each other for the way that they look, the way that they dress, the pimples on their face, the size of their breasts, the size of their feet, their weight, their pant size, how they eat, how much make-up they wear, etc, etc, etc. I tend to try to believe that most of the time it is not meant to harm the other person, but just because it's not meant to hurt, doesn't mean that it's harmless. </center>
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For me, the worst of it comes from my family. I only go home about once a year- I just went for my cousin's wedding. When I was younger I would spend the weeks before trying to decide what my family was going to say about my weight and my current eating habits. It used to make me feel terrible about myself every time. They so don't mean it in a harmful way, they just notice that I look different from my last visit. I have always been small for my dad's side of the family a very man-heavy side of the family with a lot of Italian-blood and dinners fit for kings just about everyday of the week. I have always been large for my mom's side of the family- my grandmother is not even 5 foot and my mom barely stood at 5'6. I am 5'10 and typically a fit 155 lb. </center>
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The ridicule has taken many forms over the years- And I've learned to turn on the sass in response.</center>
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<li>"Where's the meat on your bones?"- The dog ate it.</li>
<li>"That's the most I've seen you eat all week" - Thank you, food police, I'll make sure I save my next meal for when you are watching.</li>
<li>"Aren't you full yet?" - Nope, I'm broke and this is a free meal.</li>
<li>"Your arms are very muscular" - yes they are, I just carried your washer up the stairs for you, by myself, you're welcome.</li>
<li>"Your thighs are a little thick, don't you think?"- yup and very strong.</li>
<li>" Why aren't you hungry?"- because you have had food in front of me continuously for the last 12 hours, my stomach needs a break.</li>
<li>"I think you are running too many miles" - what qualifies as too many miles?</li>
<li>"Your hair looks dirty, it's so dark" - want to pay for my next salon appointment?</li>
<li>"You're too thin/thick"- Actually, I'm healthy and strong, but thanks for noticing.</li>
<li>"That's going to make you fat" - I ran 10 miles this morning, I think my body can handle a cookie.</li>
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Honestly, we put so much pressure on ourselves to look a certain way it is difficult to find a comfortable place when you are experiencing feedback about such a personal thing from all of the people around you. I've learned that it truly doesn't matter what they say. As long as I am getting the chance to run, lift, do yoga, rock climb, or paddle board I am normally pretty content with my appearance and as long as I'm happy, that's all that matters!</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-69396225332820852292015-06-03T01:35:00.001-04:002015-06-03T01:35:25.331-04:00Because... Wine!I'm having one of those weeks... Okay months... that all I can think about is when do I get to open a bottle of wine?!? <div><br></div><div>So I've made a list of times we deserve to do this. Because... Wine!</div><div><br></div><div>1. It's Friday.</div><div>2. You don't remember your last day off.</div><div>3. Work keeps you up at night.</div><div>4. Your neighbors keep you up at night. </div><div>5. It's Saturday.</div><div>6. There is someone to share a bottle with you.</div><div>7. You each have your own bottle.</div><div>8. You're on a liquid diet.</div><div>9. It's a lovely evening. </div><div>10. It's raining. </div><div>11. You're watching Friends.</div><div>12. You are reading a book.</div><div>13. You can't focus on the book.</div><div>14. The book keeps you up at night.</div><div>15. Stress.</div><div>16. A good workout cancels the calories.</div><div>17. You missed the workout that cancels the calories.</div><div>18. Red wine is good for your heart.</div><div>19. Red wine is good for your soul. </div><div>20. A man.</div><div>21. You have cheese.</div><div>22. It's a special occasion.</div><div>23. It's anything but a special occasion.</div><div>24. Red meat.</div><div>25. A night out.</div><div>26. A night in.</div><div>27. Friends.</div><div>28. You need a creativity spark.</div><div>29. You need sleep.</div><div>30. Why not? Wine!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-75597111566957949362015-05-06T00:34:00.000-04:002015-05-06T00:34:26.325-04:00#MyJobIsBetterThanYours<div style="text-align: left;">
I have a really cool job, like the coolest. I thought I would rub it in a little bit...</div>
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We get to provide a safe place for kids of all ages and fill it with fun things for them to do.</div>
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<li>We also get to provide an awesome place for adults to be healthy, meet people and have fun!</li>
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I get to be a super hero, everyday, and some days I even get to dress up like my alter-ego. Yep that happens.</div>
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<li>We're trained to save lives if we need to.</li>
<li>I laugh until my stomach hurts just about every day.</li>
<li>Somebody will get a face full of whipped cream.</li>
<li>We get people to write their name with their butt.</li>
<li>I can be Tinkerbell anytime I feel like theme-ing a day Peter Pan and showing up in a costume.</li>
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We plan our meetings around our CrossFit classes, that we take as a team of course!</div>
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<li>There seems to always be cake around, right after CrossFit, always.</li>
<li>We have the best little chefs on the planet (molten lava cake is my favorite)</li>
<li>There will always be little people wanting to give you hugs.</li>
<li>There will also always be little people who think you are the coolest person ever. </li>
<li>We get to make a difference in the lives of children.</li>
<li>We get the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our young staff.</li>
<li>Nobody looks at you funny if you decide you want to burst out in a camp song... Well, they might look at you funny but there is a really big chance that somebody will join you.</li>
<li>We get to play Man From Mars every.single.day</li>
<li>Being silly is a requirement.</li>
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What makes your job cool?</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-33433126231026972552015-04-16T01:17:00.001-04:002015-04-16T01:17:35.976-04:00Dream a Little Dream<center style="text-align: left;">
In the truest of Amy-fashion (because why would anyone sleep at night?) I am wide, WIDE awake.</center>
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Besides the obvious (that I should be dreaming right now) I thought it may be about time I took a peak at some of my current dreams. I feel like up until this point in my life it's always been a race for me to get to the next big thing. Do more, be more, learn more, work harder. For once, I don't feel the pressure (from myself) of having to get my life and myself to a certain point to be considered acceptable... All of my dreams right now seem so small compared to the rest of my little life. </center>
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Not to say that they won't be difficult, because it is incredibly possible (and quite consistent for me) that I will struggle more with the little goals than the big ones.</center>
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<b>My little dreams right now</b>: </center>
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<li><b>Get to a place where every day is not a financial struggle</b>. I have read some post-college/ mid-twenties finance-based articles lately and they left me feeling disheartened. I was hoping that the struggles I face financially were struggles that I wasn't facing alone (and the truth is that I'm not, but these articles were clearly not directed to me). None-the-less I was left with that "why have I spent so much time working so hard when I will never truly be able to get my feet under me feeling". Honestly, I feel like the light is slowly growing, it may be another 10 years before I can see where it is coming from, but slowly but surely it'll be okay.</li>
<li><b>Get the Craft Shoppe kicked off (again)!</b> <a href="http://gingermommyhood.blogspot.com/">Jess</a> and I had started a craft shoppe (sort of) about a million ages ago and I'm ready to get back on the train big time. I've spent a lot of my time recently working on a "stock" for the shoppe and I am excited to get it up on it's feet!</li>
<li><b>Master my job</b>. It's been a lot of a struggle for me loving my job the way that I should. I really do have one of the coolest "big kid" jobs (as my family would call it) that exists, and I am definitely one of the only people I know who has enough energy to love on my job and my programs like they need. The struggle for me is that I get so much anxiety about not ever doing it before, not really knowing how to do it, not knowing what to expect, and not wanting to do it wrong the it can be crippling at times so I avoid the task as long as I can. I also have a really hard time letting go of work that I have put so much time and energy into, and of course it is very trying to have to learn to be good at something. I have always been that person who just gets it: I played an instrument, I played 3 sports a year, I kept my grades up and worked every weekend, I have more interests then I know what to do with and when I am met with something that actually challenges me I have 2 reactions that typically go hand-in-hand: I don't want to do it (or I "can't" do it) AND pleaseee let me conquer this!!</li>
<li><b>Find the work- life balance</b>. I am not going to lie when I say that this will forever be something I struggle with. I was raised to be solely focused on work. Growing up I felt like all my dad ever did was work and all my mom ever talked about was how important getting a good education was. Now that I'm older, I appreciate that all of that was what I saw and heard, it is so easy to give up when things get hard but part of my upbringing was that quitting was unacceptable, and now that I have the paper to prove I put the work in and my server apron has been buried in my mind forever, I can fully grasp how much that meant to me. For me, I think a work- life balance means consistently getting my workout in, spending time in God's house and soaking in his love, serving others, eating healthy, reading, and having a little bit of social time each week... some weeks this is easier then others for all of these things as I have an ever-evolving schedule. I do feel like I'm getting there though.</li>
<li><b>Start my next adventure. </b> Not entirely sure what that is going to be yet, and it may be more of a 3-5 year plan since the 4 above really need to be in a good place first, but as always I feel like I have so many options!</li>
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What are your little dreams right now?</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-26124405277583833622015-04-14T23:03:00.002-04:002015-04-14T23:03:50.336-04:00#theSOULfieproject<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6cCBwanO1TU" width="459"></iframe>
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I know this really cool kid, see above ;) who wants to remind us that what makes us beautiful is what is in our hearts. What do you like about yourself?? I'd like to challenge you to join Trey in #theSOULfieproject !!!<br />
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-1437176808079156872015-04-03T22:30:00.001-04:002015-04-03T22:30:10.886-04:00An Easter List?<div style="text-align: left;">
I try to always have a running to do list so I don't get too far off track from where I need to be, but it doesn't always matter how much I can complete in a day it never feels like enough. My list for this weekend I tried to keep simple, but when I wrote it I was frustrated, reflecting, reassessing my week and laughing all at the same time... here's why.<br />
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First, Jesus is the reason for this holiday weekend and I loved starting my weekend off on the right foot by spending my evening at Elevation! (best church ever)... it was the most perfect moment of reflection after today and as always an awesome service.</div>
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"Sweat, but don't melt"... My AC is broken... again. I just got it fixed in October before it was time to turn on the heat, this week the 3rd floor reached 85 degrees during the day and stayed near 80 every night. I turned on the air for it to run for 8 hours with no avail to me melting away. I do plan to sweat some this weekend, but I was thinking more along the lines of a hot yoga studio rather than my bed.</div>
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<span id="goog_1664068367"></span><span id="goog_1664068368">The next two are related to my work week in a personal way... because I take things personally when it involves the work that has my name on it. I spent most of the day today crying. It's really bad because once I start it's impossible to stop even if I feel like its silly for the waterworks to ever have come in the first place. I have the hardest time hearing certain feedback because what I'm hearing is not really what the person is trying to say. I'm not really sure how to fix this about myself because the feedback is presented to me as: this is a problem I need you to fix, and my solution is to just work harder on it... I haven't been given any system for making things smoother for myself nor do I really know how to create the system on my own and to be honest, sometimes it's just easier to struggle through it the long way then to spend the time to teach the system to someone else because it takes forever for me to feel confident that someone else can understand my system and putting it together will put me behind in another area. I feel as though I am on everyone's team- I can help relieve stress across the board, but all of my work is just mine- it makes me feel like my work doesn't matter... anyway, enough about that... I'm turning it into good, I'm just going to do better.</span><br />
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Easter is my least favorite food Holiday... ham- yuck, cabbage and noodles- yuck, casseroles- yuck. Can I please have some turkey and mashed potatoes?? Or better yet, brunch?</div>
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Stella has a tummy bug and has been outside a bazillion times today. I'm ready to just snuggle up and have her feel better!!!</div>
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"Do the worst, first."--- chores! Can't the laundry just do itself??? Most of my laundry is complete, dishes are done, the bathroom is clean, and the vacuum will be out first thing in the morning! Yay!</div>
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Wins today:</div>
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1. We closed work at 2!</div>
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2. The weather has been amazing, even if I'm melting in my apartment.</div>
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3. Going to service tonight was the best decision of the week!</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-56236661703477705802015-03-26T01:59:00.000-04:002015-03-26T01:59:00.724-04:00The Anxiety Coaster<div style="text-align: left;">
I love roller coasters. I love the feelings that go soaring through me on the long haul to the top, fully knowing that the free fall coming is going to be the best thrill of the day! There are so many emotions from the time the people in front me get on and I know, the next car is mine! I love hearing the screams as that car hits the top and starts its drop, still jealous that those people were in line first, knowing full well that they stood in the 40 minute line just as long as I had... I'm the front of the coaster lover... mostly because I'm a control freak and I like to see what's coming next, but I also hate that about myself the moment I sit in the seat because if anyone dies, it's going to be me. I'm excited for the ride and nervous all at the same time. I've never really understood the nervous feeling, except that I had a bunch of friends who told me horror stories about roller coasters and I always have that irrational "hundreds of people have been on this coaster today but what if WE die?" thought in the back of my head. I grew up in South Jersey, which is perfect driving distance to all of the best theme parks in the North East so I have basically been on every roller coaster that's worth riding. What you don't know is, I get really bad motion sickness. I have never thrown up from it. BUT I get very dizzy, weak, tired and will fall asleep almost immediately if I'm the passenger in a car. After 2 or 3 rollercoasters I normally have a pounding headache, I'm dizzy, the sun the heat, dehydration and the lack of proper nutrition during a day of junk food has me feeling like I might actually vomit, and I end up sitting near a mist machine with my head on my knees until it feels like my body has stopped spinning. I put myself through this every single time I go to an amusement park and I do not care because it is totally worth the free fall. </div>
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The reason rollercoasters are so thrilling is that the ride is only a minute or 2 long... and once it's over, it's over and I usually want to do it again! My anxiety is not as easily released... The incline can take months... I'll feel great about getting back into an old hobby, or adding something new to my routine, or spending quality time with people I rarely see. And then there's a day that I eat poorly... move up 2 tracks. Or I miss a gym date with a friend... move up a track. I spend a lot of time at work doing a lot of things, but nothing I was supposed to do that day... 3 more tracks. I can't afford to pay a bill. I forget to stop and pick up food for Stella. My grandmother has texted me to spend time together 3 times this week, even though I just saw her on Sunday. There are a few things on my to do list that I can just never seem to get to. I have a deadline that just seems impossible... and suddenly my life feels as though it is spinning off the tracks and I'm not sure how to get it back under control.</div>
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I feel the incline, everyday. I can give you a scale of where my anxiety stands and where I perceive it to be by the end of the day. I think that I am too aware of it sometimes, I can feel it rising in my chest over something as small as another email being added to my to do list. There was a time in my life that these were very true feelings but I had no idea what they were. I've suffered with anxiety issues the majority of my life but never had any clue that it was anxiety. I just thought, "everyone feels this way, this is normal"... Until I was almost 21, my mom passed away. I then learned really quickly why I did so many things that I did. I have a very structured mind and I keep myself on the high end of that incline because I function so well there. Right on the verge of "I want to drop everything and hide under my bed with a book" AND "This is the coolest thing ever that I'm doing right now, don't blink or you'll miss it" or "Crazy Town" as my boss likes to call it. It is an exhausting place for someone who is much more of an introvert than the extroverted piece of my life leads people to believe.</div>
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The spinning out of control feeling does not happen nearly as often as I believe it does. For me it's really about talking myself down from it. Reminding myself that I am capable and that it is okay if I screw something up. My anxiety is bred in failure. The expectations I perceive are upon me are incredibly higher then the expectations that are upon me. What is worse is that for me failure is tightly tied to independence, finances, health, spirituality, social life, and intelligence. Being a college graduate who has a salaried position, works more hours then I should, and takes every babysitting job I can get and can't keep up with my bills makes me feel like a failure. The financial piece of failure for me is the worst. It hinders all of the other areas of my life, and has me climbing the incline even when I'm not consciously aware of it.</div>
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The truth is, it doesn't matter how much of a failure I feel like some days. My perception of it is usually not reality. I always make it through the ride (luckily without the motion sickness) and want to get right back in the line, excited to do it again.<br />
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3 "wins" for my anxiety: <br />
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1. I am a pacer. when I was younger I would have to pace, walk, or drive 1-2 hours to be relaxed enough to call it a night. Stella helped me with this! I still do longer walks at night but I do not feel like I "need" to go for a certain amount of time before I can sit and relax or go to bed.<br />
2. I used to brush my teeth 7 times a day. I brush my teeth twice now, three times once in a while,<br />
3. I can show up late. It still shoots my anxiety through the roof, but I no longer feel as though the world is going to shut on me if I'm running behind or I'm stuck in traffic. I'm even okay with being a few minutes late on purpose once in a while!<br />
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Does anything give you the anxiety coaster? <br />
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What are your "wins" today?</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-33457375236433941052015-03-23T01:20:00.003-04:002015-03-23T01:20:47.431-04:00Spring Fever<div style="text-align: left;">
Hallelujah we survived winter everyone! </div>
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I heard on the radio the other day that this was actually one of the warmest winters on record... I'm assuming that means for the South East because everyone in the North wanted to scream. My family is in the North and I am the lucky one to be in the South East. I have to say that I think the idea of winter at this point is just as stressful as a week below freezing down here. But Amy, you seriously had one week below freezing ALL winter how can you be so selfish? The South East goes into a state of shock if the temperature drops below 40 degrees. They close school because it's cold, they put road blocks up to keep you off the back roads if it rains, there are only 3 plow trucks for the entire county so they spend the week before a winter storm putting pounds of salt on the road for something that will most likely accumulate to nothing, the city shuts down at the first sign that something might actually come our way, oh and school gets canceled before anything even falls out of the sky. This year the "big storm" was supposed to be 8 inches over 12 hours and the temperature was 34-36 degrees... we did see snowflakes, and then rainnnnnnnnnnn. Just because schools close and the city seems like it's sleeping does not mean we get a break from work. We do see a lot of rain in the winter. Really though, winter itself doesn't bother me much but the two weeks Charlotte had poor weather left me begging for sunshine with the rest of the country.</div>
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And then the sunshine comes :) I hope it stays for the whole spring. I have serious spring fever this year. I want to garden, spring clean, refurbish furniture, sit on the patio, volunteer, wear dresses, go to all the baby showers, play tennis, paint, spring craft my way through the season, eat lunch outside everyday, run until my feet fall off, and sip lemonade. How glorious does that sound?? </div>
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What am I actually going to do? Clean my car, and my pup, take a bunch of clothes to good will, see how long I can go before I turn on the air conditioner, have a roommate move in, buy pixie pants and cute shorts, start prepping for summer, and maybe do all of the above too!</div>
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What is your favorite thing about spring??</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-42944385695382024432015-02-12T02:11:00.000-05:002015-02-12T02:11:26.213-05:00A Day to Forget<div style="text-align: left;">
I had a day today... a day that grinded my gears in all of the wrong ways and allowed every angry color of Amy out of the dungeon. I think that my gears have been grinding the wrong way for awhile but for some reason today I hit my wall of tolerance for it.</div>
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This doesn't happen often for me. I actually think this was the first time since I was about 17 where I so easily could have hurt somebody, and I'm just hoping that I kept myself in check enough to not get myself in trouble, but I'm not making any promises.</div>
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I really don't think I need to expand on it, it's not worth re-living. What I know is that I'm drained and I truly need to figure to how to get a day off every week. A whole day. It has to be do-able to keep my sanity. </div>
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It's so easy for me to shake off how miserable I was today. I thought today would be the perfect day to tell you about all of the wins I have been collecting since I last wrote!</div>
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1. My Cousin is getting married!</div>
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2. There will be a new baby in my family this year! (don't worry, not mine)</div>
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3. It was 70 degrees in February!!</div>
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4. I think I have decided on a passion that I need to follow.</div>
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5. I have been focusing on myself more, even if I'm not working less.</div>
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6. I am feeling healthier again.</div>
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7. I have been crafting and I plan to keep crafting up a storm.</div>
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8. I have a race this weekend!</div>
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9. My Grandma turns 80 this month!</div>
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10. My family is coming to visit!</div>
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11. I made some green tea frozen yogurt :)</div>
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12. Healthy habits build happy hearts.</div>
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13. I have recently been pursuing some self-growth opportunities and I love them all.</div>
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14. After this weekend, I may actually make it to church again! (I've been watching online)</div>
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15. One of the best things I've started so far this year is to spend a half hour each day on a home project, it feels awesome to complete something and to get something else cleaned every day!</div>
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What kind of "wins" do you look for when you need to forget your day??</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-71475421666547058642015-01-26T21:47:00.000-05:002015-01-26T21:47:15.722-05:00New Schedule?? Day 1.<div style="text-align: left;">
Today was the first day of my new schedule. I am trying to get myself into a better routine which seems to be a lifelong struggle for me. I'm not ready to tell you too much about it yet because I think I'll need to make some modifications that fit the needs of my work day. However, I can tell you this, while I am tired and it has been a busy day, I do not feel exhausted to the point of tears nor was I too weak to go for a run tonight, make myself dinner, or do some chores. Which is a win for me! Part of my daily routine from now on is to record daily "wins". I'm hopefully going to add it to my blogging.</div>
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Wins for today:</div>
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*I went in to work a little late because I was the manager yesterday (I love to sleep in!)</div>
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*I spent time with God's word.</div>
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*Olive Garden dressing (nommmmm)</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-71857990856433812122015-01-25T20:51:00.001-05:002015-01-25T20:51:59.159-05:00Welcome 2015!<center>
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Hello 2015! Welcome to the Party! <br />
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I am excited to see what you have in store for me and my loved ones! However, first I have to say farewell to 2014. This post is a little late ( almost a whole month) but let's be realistic... the New Year doesn't really start until you finish pulling your s*!$ together after the holidays.</div>
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I just checked on my goal list from 2014, and while I don't feel like I accomplished enough of that I do feel like it was a pretty awesome year! Let's recap shall we??</div>
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Lowlights:</div>
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Working too much.</div>
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Consistently broke.</div>
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Didn't spend enough time with my friends.</div>
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Stella's ear infections are forever around.</div>
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Highlights:</div>
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I spent Christmas in Austin with my Family!</div>
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I got to spend some quality time with my brudder!</div>
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I have an awesome job and I get to work with some awesome people!</div>
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I have health insurance!</div>
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I joined an egroup!</div>
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I do feel like I followed my word of the year "Thrive", and that I will continue to do so into 2015!</div>
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2014 was probably my best year yet and I believe the 2015 will have many awesome things in store for me.<br />
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So, what are my plans for 2015??<br />
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Word of the year: JOY...I need to spend more time focusing on the positive.<br />
Phrase of the year: Get Social... My goal is to do one social activity each week. So far, I've had drinks with friends, had my first race of the year and got to spend a portion of the day out in the sunshine at the White Water Center with some friends. <br />
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I, of course, have a list of a bazillion goals for 2015 but I am working on one big one at a time. The first big goal I have chosen is to fix my routine. This mostly surrounds my sleep routine but it also includes exercise, eating, social activity, church, God, work, friends and family. <br />
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How is this happening? By force! I'll make a spreadsheet and give you a nice little lay out of how I want each week to actually look! Toodles! Oh yea and Happy New Year!</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-35291902472411590462014-11-15T00:55:00.002-05:002014-11-15T00:57:08.732-05:00Happiness in Organizing<div style="text-align: left;">
Now don't you for one second think I forgot about my happiness project... I've been too busy being... well, busy... to tell you about it. I've decided my next step is to go through each category of happiness as it hits me, and tell you all about it.</div>
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Today, I'd like to tell you about organizing and how it makes me happy. I'm sure you must know by now that I have OCD tendencies. I have to do things a very specific way and sometimes it takes me a while to process the way that works best for me. It makes me feel out of whack when I haven't figured out the most efficient way for me to get things done. It has to become routine. Tonight I am throwing off my new routine by being awake after 11pm. I'll suffer the next few days, but I needed a mental break. Over the past month or so, I have been diligently working on a new routine for myself to make my work and my life easier. It's working but it is still in progress. There has only been a few nights that I have been up past 11pm. I've reorganized my chore list to meet the needs of my new-ever-changing schedule and have been intentional about making time for my family, friends and spending quality time with Stella everyday. I feel leaps and bounds over where I was a month or two ago, and I know that in another month or two it will be even better still. </div>
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It's crazy how exhausting it is for me to not have a routine, for me to not have a set plan. Organize, plan, schedule, create a routine. These are some of my favorite things! My life is getting back to routine, (knock on wood) I haven't been sick from exhaustion in a while, I actually get a day off this weekend! Here are some of the ways I've been working on organizing in my life recently:</div>
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It is very frustrating for me when it feels like I cannot organize something in a way that can be functional and cute. My bathroom has always made me feel this way. Being a girl does not make this an easy task. Girl stuff is so great but it takes a lot of work to keep it organized and clean (stupid powdered make-up). I am definitely that person who likes to see everything I own and all of my options right in front of my face. I don't want to dig. So I'd rather have a counter full of everything then have to dig for the one thing I actually put away. My solution: clear jars, lots of baskets and a shelf to put them on. I think my bathroom may always be a work in progress but I hope one day I don't walk in there and feel like throwing everything I own out and starting over.</div>
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Sometimes I feel like organization projects keep my days happy. At home, I have organizing binders--- recipes, kitchen organizer and meal planner, and home organizer... (I've been working on them forever since my computer is barely functional), but I love the way they are coming along and they absolutely will be up and running for January!</div>
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I think I'm finally happy with my kitchen. I am in love with the wooden carry-all crates. You can find them at Michaels, Walmart or JoAnn's. I've spray-painted mine all of my favorite colors and they hold all of the things I hate digging for: Wine, baking needs, Tupperware!!! I want to get a few more because they truly just make life easier and they are so dang cute (especially when they are bright purple). I even use them for my yarn!</div>
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I've also been working on my spare bedroom a lot. I think if I can get a full day off. I will have that completely done. There are just a few piles (I hate piles, but I love piles, but I hate piles) of stuff that need to be filed, trashed, or to have a home ASAP. and then I should have a fully functional and adorable guest bedroom/ office/ holiday closet/ craft space.</div>
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At work, I have been deemed fixer of the broken... or at least that's what it feels like. I've basically been handed all the (for lack of a better term) crap, and expected to perform a miracle by turning it all into jewels. I'll deserve jewels if I survive it all. I do love it though. I basically get to re-create every program I run. I get to build-up and re-inspire the staff, I get to sift through the years of paperwork, projects, plans, and absurd amounts of construction paper stuffed into project bags never to be seen or used again. The plus side: I will probably not have to buy any basic supplies for any programs for all of next year (excluding crayons and markers--- they get destroyed too quickly). I get to plan fun things, do fun things, and be around awesome people all of the time. It's pretty cool... exhausting but fun most of the time. I have a brand new lead staff who just started and I already love. She has been helping me with the organizing projects that I have been wanting to do but haven't really had time in my day to do. I already have a list for next week!</div>
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My next step in organizing is to go full force for the next couple of weeks and finish a bunch of projects. It's looking like I might have Thanksgiving weekend (fingers crossed) free so I will be able to complete a bunch and possibly even start a few more!</div>
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My next blog post: Happiness in Cooking... should be up on Sunday!</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-66401836876815935112014-10-06T22:21:00.000-04:002014-10-06T22:21:52.886-04:00Sick Day and Happiness.<div style="text-align: left;">
I woke up on this beautiful day with a fever, lethargic and weak. I don't necessarily feel "sick" I just feel exhausted, tired, and every few hours I get the chills. Today has been incredibly important to my happiness project though.</div>
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I "worked from home today", but I really haven't done much working. I've been too tired. The sad part is, it was a beautiful day. It would have been a great day to "play hooky" and go hiking or spend the day celebrating how wonderful fall is. But not this girl, I spent the entire day on the couch, too weak to even eat until an hour or so ago. and now that it is getting close to a natural time to go to sleep, I finally feel like I have a little piece of energy to share. How fortunate.</div>
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The plan until I get tired again? Do work.</div>
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How has being sick has helped my Happiness Project? Well, I read an article today. I can't find it now but it was on HuffPost. and it was about things at work you should say NO to! It just added to my list of things that would make my life healthier and me happier. I work for a company that thrives on the amount of unlimited time and energy it's employees can give. Since I've been back, I've caught every single little bug that has gone around. I've worked 7 days a week, around the clock some weeks and I haven't even had a second to get caught up and make sure I am going in the direction I want. Today is the end of that. I can't be sick all of the time, and I am not going to perform better if I don't take care of myself. I am not going to produce more if I don't take care of myself. I am not going to sleep at night if I never force myself to put down the work and go to bed. </div>
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So, what am I going to do about it? I have a few ideas in mind.</div>
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I'm going to talk to my boss. She is on my team and I know she doesn't want me to die from working. I'm going to talk to her about taking some time off during the week, on the weeks that I spend the entire weekend working. I don't think she'll hate me for that and I need to not die.</div>
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I now have a work curfew. Obviously not tonight, because I didn't work much today. But from now on, I will leave work by 7:30 and I will only pull one late work night a week. This week it will be Saturday because I will be at work until almost midnight.</div>
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After tonight, I have a bedtime. I will be in bed by 11pm every night. I need it. I need to get out of the restaurant sleep habits that make me feel exhausted all of the time. I want to sleep normal hours and have energy during the day. 5 years in the restaurant have completely scarred my sleep routine, and I'm having the worst time trying to get into a new one.</div>
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My life routines will take priority in my life. I've always been a person who puts work and school above everything else, but that is just not realistic. I am laying out a new plan to put my life first now. Work will still be a priority (you have to pay the bills right?) But I do not want to be exhausted every single day. I am mentally drained because I allow my life and my personal responsibilities to be a second thought, an after thought. That is just not healthy, it's not how I want to live my life, it doesn't make me feel good about my life.</div>
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I will NOT feel bad about going home at 7:30 and leaving something for the next day. It is not always possible to get through my whole to do list in one day and I need to accept that!</div>
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Have you ever had to redirect yourself so that you don't put the wrong thing first in your life?? How did you fix it?</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-6950350227864981812014-10-06T00:48:00.000-04:002014-10-06T00:52:56.508-04:00The Brainstorm.<div style="text-align: left;">
Holy Happy Project. </div>
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There are definitely a few things I've learned during the brainstorming part of this project:</div>
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Lots of things make me happy.</div>
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There are lots of things I still want to add to my routine which will add to my happiness.</div>
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There are lots of happiness books I want to read (whoa reading list explosion).</div>
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Consciously thinking about happiness has allowed me to be consciously more happy and more aware of my feelings.</div>
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In the brainstorming process I also made some notes on the things that have been hindering my happiness.</div>
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So, what makes me happy? It seems like every little thing makes me happy: the sun, the fact that it's fall! It's apple season, books, church, wine, spending time with friends, spending time by myself, cheese, chocolate, my Stella-the-Bear. Sleeping in! I was thinking about making a full-on spreadsheet and categorizing my happiness, but I thought that may be a little extensive. This research is easy research because it's all about me. </div>
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I have been noticing things that make me happy or make me smile a little bit more each day. Even with how busy and exhausted I've been from work this past week, I still feel relaxed and happy and at ease. The reason for this is just because I've been a little more aware of myself each day. I've been sleeping better, spending more time with Stella, and being more intentional with my daily interaction.</div>
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Things that have been hindering my happiness... Really, there's not much. The things that stress me out daily are things I really have no control over.. Namely: Money and Time. Time will never slow down, and money will get better eventually. I'm getting better at fitting in "me time" into the everyday crazy and I'm working on my finance plan for the new year. Other then that, there isn't much that is hindering me, Like I said, I'm a generally happy person.</div>
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Happiness routine. So what am I thinking about adding to my routine?? </div>
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I've recently added a bible study group, which I'm loving but only happens once every two weeks. So I'm thinking if I add something like a book club to the every other week that will make me happy, keep me reading, and give me a chance to meet new people. </div>
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I want to start eating healthy again. I went grocery shopping today and laid out my food for tomorrow. </div>
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If I'm going to keep running, I need to start doing it right. I'm afraid I'm going to get hurt if I keep up the way I've been training lately. I have a half marathon in 2 weeks. and another in a month and a half. I want my knees to be stronger by that second half.</div>
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Yoga. I miss it, I want it, I want to wake up for it, I need it. I'm having a very hard time getting up early these days, but I'm going to try my hardest to get there this week. Because I know how great it will feel.</div>
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The past two weeks I've read every single day. I always read, but I've read for me, for my own knowledge, comfort, experience. It has been glorious and I'm going to continue that every single day.</div>
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Next step in my happiness project?? Explore every new routine in detail. The most difficult one will be yoga. I love this when it's part of my routine... but making it part of my routine will not be easy because I've been so tired. The easiest will be to keep reading, because I've already made it part of my routine. The one that will be most affected by those stressors I spoke about earlier is eating healthy, and the routine I'm most nervous about is running because my knees is making me super nervous. Finding or building a book club may be the most time consuming... do people still do that??<br />
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What did you learn about your happiness this week??<br />
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My blog goal for tomorrow:... Not really sure, but I know I want to write before bed.</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-53309690154336279822014-09-29T22:48:00.001-04:002014-09-29T22:48:32.365-04:00A Research Project Proposal<div style="text-align: left;">
If you had ever known me while I was a student, you would know that if there is one thing that I am good at, it is research projects!!! ---> If you've ever had to do a research project for school, you are probably shaking your head vigorously and saying please don't give me this assignment!</div>
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Too late, I've already thought it up!</div>
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Who? I am challenging myself and you, if you'll join me, in a personal happiness research project.</div>
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What is a personal happiness research project? Something I just made up, obviously. It's a plan I devised to make myself smile.</div>
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Why would I propose this project? I think of myself as a generally happy person, I laugh a lot and the people I work with tend to think that I am "always happy", but there is a large part of me that is very introverted which means that I spend lots of time "in my own head". This also means that if I spend too much time alone or without a positive social experience outside of work, I tend to start to feel down in the dumps. I am very aware of myself, I am very capable of functioning on my own, I have no roommate, solitude doesn't scare me, but occasionally being alone turns into being lonely. This feeling I do not enjoy in the least. I am a person who is always reaching and why not make a reach that is completely for myself?? </div>
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Why would you choose to join me? Why not? It's a new topic for your writing AND it's something entirely for you!</div>
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When will we do this project? We will start now! YES now! I love the Fall so it seems like a perfect time to start! This project will be all about your own smiles, so you can go at your own pace, skip the steps you hate about research projects, spend as much or as little time as possible working through all of your happiness ideas, and follow along with me whenever you feel.</div>
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Where? I will be posting about my happiness adventures, you can expect many more pictures than you've seen in the past few months. You can also follow me on Instagram and Twitter to keep up when I'm not writing! If you decide to participate, the hashtag I've decided on is: #PersonalHappinessProject2014 I know it's long but it suits my needs. If you'd like me to follow your progress post the link to your blog, or Instagram, or twitter, in my comments (or leave a comment, or follow me on bloglovin) and I'll follow your journey as well!</div>
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How are we going to do this project?</div>
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There are always rules in writing research projects (that's why everyone hates them right?) and this one is no different! The biggest rule is that this is all about you, making time for yourself, being around people you love, doing things that you love, and focusing on your smile!</div>
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The steps to this project are not set in stone. I encourage you to set your own steps as well. When you start a research project, you are generally given guidelines for a range of topics so you can take off in the direction that feels the best for you. You are normally given a chance to change your subject and change your route before you choose a final Thesis Statement. </div>
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The First Step is to Brainstorm! The topic I am brainstorming is: What makes me happy? </div>
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I will post about this step on Wednesday night!</div>
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It would make me happy if you will join me! :)</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-47778226645867937412014-09-27T00:58:00.000-04:002014-09-27T00:58:07.016-04:00Three Great Things About Today.<div style="text-align: left;">
I promised that I would put my negativity away after last night and tell you all about the greatness of my Friday. Are you ready??</div>
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1. Starbucks made today great. I cannot imagine 10 or 15 years ago when it was impossible to connect to free WiFi with the company's laptop and work outside of the office. Well, I can imagine 10 or 15 years ago but I was too young to be worried about working outside of the office. I cannot even express how grateful I was to be able to hide there where nobody knew I was.</div>
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2. Sleep made today great. I know yesterday was mostly a product of exhaustion. this happens to me every once in a while. But once I allow myself to sleep I feel centuries better.</div>
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3. Crafting made today great. I love crafting everyday, but today I got the chance to try something new! We made wind chimes! We (<a href="http://gingermommyhood.blogspot.com/">Jess</a> and I) attended "<a href="http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison/healthyliving/groupinterests/lifelonglearning/adultart.aspx">Design and Dine</a>". I basically had to beg them to run the program tonight, there hasn't been very much interest in this program, but I loved it and would definitely do it again. I love having a reason to be artsy and crafty and spend time with other people who like trying new things too!</div>
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It was wonderful!!<br />
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994288475525444709.post-69917951382051077132014-09-26T00:29:00.000-04:002014-09-26T00:29:26.273-04:00Strengths, Grace and SOOO Much Patience.<div style="text-align: left;">
Not in that order.</div>
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First for some griping, tears and prayers.</div>
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TODAY was one of those days that I wish I chose not to get out of bed. This sounds dramatic because it is. In my exhausted, overworked, underpaid, and emotionally drained mind I had a horrible day.</div>
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I really don't like sitting in hours of meetings when everything that we are discussing and planning seems like it has nothing pertaining to me in it at all.</div>
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I really don't like people who are so inconsiderate and ignorant of others that they quit their job without proper notice or getting their shifts covered. </div>
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I really don't like people who are inconsiderate and ignorant of other people's time, energy, and emotions. Just be honest. It's truly not that hard.</div>
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as much as I love my grandmother, I really don't enjoy it when she just stops by my work without even calling or (attempting to text) to find out if it's okay.</div>
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and I really, really, really would like to have a day off.</div>
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TODAY was one of those days that I had to remind myself to be a good person. I had to remind myself to give ENDLESS GRACE because I have been given ENDLESS GRACE. I had to remind myself that things don't work out the way you want them to, that not everybody has the same work ethic as you, that I should be extra patient with those who I feel the least patient with.</div>
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I haven't been as hurt as I was today in quite a long time and I'm not even sure that its warranted. I just want to stay home tomorrow and have a pity party day. People can be so cruel. The truth of the matter is that today isn't even the reason that I feel so crappy. It's because I'm so exhausted I've hit the point that I don't even want to be nice. I just want to sleep and I mean really sleep, a day or two away. I'm lonely and I'm tired and I'm sad and I feel like my trust level in people in general has dropped 10 notches after today. </div>
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NOW that I'm done being a pathetic girl. The reason I planned to write tonight was to tell you about my strengths. At work we use the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment to find your strengths and to learn how to use them to grow as a leader. It is actually one of the most interesting "personality tests" I have ever taken. It's not actually supposed to be considered a personality test, it is a Christian based book used to help you find your calling in the church. It really doesn't need to be limited to that though. </div>
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My 5 Strengths are listed below (not in the correct order) and with a few choice words that describe the strength that definitely applies it to me:</div>
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<strong>Discipline</strong>: routine, planned, ordered, predictable.</div>
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<strong>Focus</strong>: always on the main road, impatient with delays, clear destination.</div>
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<strong>Learner</strong>: continually learning and growing. Learning builds confidence. and Knowledge is power.</div>
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<strong>Responsibility</strong>: Psychological ownership, too willing, overly dependable.</div>
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<strong>Restorative</strong>: problem solver, restoration.</div>
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When I first read these I thought so, great: my OCD tendencies, workaholism, and my inherent need to fix every person and situation is definitely going to leave me single the rest of my life. BUT REALLY. Could it be any worse?</div>
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And after I thought that thought, I seriously thought about it for a little while longer before I decided I was wasting time thinking about something that is so insignificant to my life. I'm not a negative person by nature (although I feel like I am today) but I have ALWAYS seen these personality traits as a negative in my life. I'm too ordered, plans matter too much, I care too much about my commitments, I make too many commitments, I'm so focused on getting there I have such a difficult time enjoying the trip to being there, I cannot stop functioning. If I'm not waist high in work, I'm waist high in books or waist high in learning or waist high in trying something new or waist high in perfecting something. It's seriously exhausting to be that person. </div>
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Then I looked at the positives of what these traits really meant. I get stuff done, I can stay focused even when I have a lot on my plate, even when I am exhausted, even when I am having a bad day. What I do matters because I make it matter, I can fix it, I can make it better, I can own it, I learn the details and then refine them and make it more efficient. No matter what it is I can make it scheduled. I don't mind being that person. It's empowering to know all that I'm capable of if I use my strengths to the best of my advantage. It's still exhausting to be that person.</div>
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I have a goal for tomorrow: I am going to work from Starbucks in the morning, to give myself a little bit of a break from the office and I have something fun planned for tomorrow night. Before I go to bed, I'm going to tell you 3 great things that happen tomorrow.</div>
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AmyLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281068764923561997noreply@blogger.com1