Category Archives: Self Improvement

Happy! Happy! Happy!

Good evening!

I just got home, and I just found myself sitting in the quiet of my living room, zoning! I am so absolutely tired, and and soooo absolutely HAPPY! I had my first Zumba class today, and I have to tell you – IT IS SOOOO MUCH HARDER THAN MY BELLY DANCING CLASS!! Or I might be saying that just because I did do two hours of belly dancing last night, and I must confess, today I was still a little sore. Now, after doing my Zumba class, my sweetie might as well just wheel my sorry booty up the stairs and chuck me into bed, because I am

T-I-R-E-D!!!

Tired, but very happy!! I love getting to know what this body of mine can and cannot do! I am literally in awe of the fact that if I consistently do something, I will get better at it, and it will get easier!

WHAT A NOVEL CONCEPT!! 😉

OK, so back to my Zumba class.  The class was fun. We were in a gigantic conference room at the hospital and there were 15 of us, not including the instructor. She had provided belly dancing coin skirts for everyone to wear, so we could have fun jangling with the music – I thought that was funny!! 😉 The music was AMAZING!! There were some modern pieces as well as some upbeat Latin pieces, but everything was happy music!! Which was good because we were all having fun sweating, giggling, and dancing like maniacs!!! The dance moves were a mix between belly dancing, Latin steps, and pop – CRAZY FUN!!! The only time the class wasn’t fun was when our instructor sneakily threw in a song that was just for squatting, and then another song that was just for balancing on one foot, and one song just for doing situps, plank, and a ab-crunching Pilates move! OUCH!!! Let me just tell you, I am just so thankful that I don’t have to do that again until Thursday!! I have a day to recoup, and honey, let me tell, you I need it!! 😉

Well, I know this sounds crazy, but I am going to go swimming with my sweetie before bed tonight, so until tomorrow…

Have a FABULOUS evening!! 😉

PS. Chunky Dunkers, we are SO ON for tomorrow night!! I will meet you here!! 😉

The New Me!

Good evening!

Ok, sometimes I even dazzle myself!! Tonight was the first night of my new belly dancing class, I have officially graduated on to the intermediate class! WHOO-HOO!! That, however, is not the amazing part.

Ok, let me back up a bit. Taking the beginning belly dancing class is the just that, the beginning. It is a bunch of the basic moves that will help you go on to further your belly dancing skills. Well, once you leave beginning basics, you have a decision to make, you either go on to do cabaret belly dancing, or tribal belly dancing.

My take on the difference is, that cabaret is a cross between basic belly dancing and show girls – it is glitz, glam, lots of bells and veils, but not a lot of anything else – skin is the operative word there!!! Another thing that stands out to me, about Cabaret is that it is also very choreographed, and everyone pretty much wears the same costumes.

Tribal belly dancing, on the other hand, is more like dancing as if you were raised in a gypsy caravan and you were all taught to dance by the same old respected woman in your community – it has a much more earthy/family feel to it, with lots of layered costumes, and it the moves are choreographed, but in a different kind of way. What I mean by that is that you learn handfuls of moves, and then while you are performing, there are different cues that the leader gives out to tell you what set of moves you are doing next. It is much more spontaneous in feeling, and in my opinion, waaay more fun.

Well, why did I tell you all of that? Well, since tonight was my first night of intermediate dance class, I had a decision to make. Cabaret or tribal? Caberet is from 6:30 to 7:30. Tribal is from 7:30 to 8:30. For those of you who know me, I am usually a to-bed-by-8:30 kinda gal! I need my sleep, and I get up at 5:30 every morning so that I can write my morning pages. Well, I knew that I wanted to do tribal, the style just seemed to make my insides sing!! but, I had decided on cabaret, because it was earlier.

So, I went to class this evening, exercise gear in hand, and I was there early and ready to go. I did my hour of cabaret, and man, when I am telling you that was hard, I mean – my abs, and thighs are going to be screaming for DAYS!!! 😉 It wasn’t particularly fun, because I was so lost more than half the time, but I am committed to doing this, and I know I will figure it out if I just stick with it!! The hardest part for me in this class, is that I just didn’t feel like I would be able to relate to anyone here. They are all really young girls, skinny, very fit, and waaaay more graceful than – that is for sure. Well, when we got close to the hour being up, in walks some of the ladies for the tribal class. and in that moment, I knew. I knew I had made a mistake. I WANT TO BE IN TRIBAL, my soul screamed!!

So, class ended, I walked up to the instructor, Jody, and asked her if I could change to tribal next week. She said, “well, this is what we can do…”

Now, at this point I was sure she was going to tell me ‘no’, but what she said next surprised me, and how I responded surprised me even more.

She continued on by saying, “…if you have time, why don’t you stay for tribal tonight, and see which class you like better. I don’t want you stuck in cabaret if you would prefer tribal.”

at which point, I said, “YES, I HAVE TIME!!!”

So, long story short, I belly danced for TWO HOURS tonight!! I can’t even believe it! The old Christina would NEVER have had the stamina!! Plus I swam hard for an hour yesterday, and I have another hour Zumba class tomorrow!! Now I am not in the best of shape, and I am not getting any younger, but right now I feel like I can conquer the world!!!

I can not WAIT for next weeks class (I need to find me a broom skirt!!)! and you have got to know, mamma is taking ibuprofen, grabbing the heating pad, and crawling into bed – because I am sooooo tired.

So tired, but soooo happy!!!

LIFE IS GOOD!!! 😉

Have a FABULOUS evening!! 😉

A Different Saturday!

Good evening!

I have had a different kind of Saturday, a day focused mainly on art, and creativity. I am watching a documentary on, artist, Alice Neel. She was a very intriguing woman. It sounds like she led a life that was surrounded in a kind of sadness. Her paintings are quite amazing, however. She was a portrait artist, painting portraits of people. Her pictures seem almost alive, with breathing, moving subjects. There is something very energetic about them. What an amazing talent Alice had. I am shocked that she never sold many of her paintings, if she sold any. Amazing woman.

I finished reading The Artist’s Way today. I am pretty proud of myself that stuck that out! I have also finished filling up my Morning Page’s journal! That, to me, is freakin’ amazing!!! I have learned so much about myself since I started this journey, more than 13 weeks ago. I learned that I am braver than I thought I was capable of being, and that I have given myself permission to step off of the sidelines of life and get into the flow of action! That has been very exciting, and if I were to walk away from this program with only that lesson learned, then that was ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!! 😉

Tomorrow I start the next book, Walking in this World: The Practical Art of Creativity. This book is also by Julia Cameron. I will continue to do my morning pages, and my weekly artist dates, but just from initial glance, this book will also make daily walks part of the creative process. I am excited to see what the next 12 weeks bring.

Anyway, I realize that this is a short post, but it is late, and I am really into this documentary, so I am bidding you adieu until tomorrow!

Have a FABULOUS evening! 😉

 

Walking in this World: The Practical Art of Creativity

Thor, Groceries Lists, & Hanging with My Sweetie!

Good evening!

I am having such a GREAT Friday!! Work was good, but I am mostly referring to my evening hanging out with my sweetie! It is Friday, which means it is date night! Tonight Jason took me to Northern Lights for dinner and a movie, and tonight’s movie was Thor. I had really been hemming and hawing about going – it seemed like such a guy-movie, but I am glad he talked me into it, because it was so good! Anyone else see it??? Tell me your thoughts!! 😉

Anyways, Thor was hot – OBVIOUSLY, but his hair color was a little distracting! After I blog tonight I will have to look that actor up and see who he is! That is, if I finish what I am working on now!! I am creating our menu for this upcoming week so that I can go grocery shopping tomorrow while my love is working! Jason and I have been doing a GREAT job eating waaaaay more fruits and vegetables, and our energy levels are showing the effects of eating healthy, so I want to keep that going!!

Grocery list:

  • apples
  • pears
  • strawberries
  • blackberries
  • spring mix lettuce
  • russet potatoes
  • sweet potatoes
  • baby red potatoes
  • garlic
  • celery
  • broccoli
  • bell peppers
  • onion
  • boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ground chicken breast
  • unsweetened apple sauce
  • prunes
  • black beans
  • red beans
  • chili seasoning
  • frozen berries
  • light Cool whip
  • whole wheat bread
  • eggs
  • skim milk
  • light chocolate silk
  • light sour cream
  • mozzarella
  • whole wheat hamburger buns
  • Rice milk

Well, I am sure I can something with all of that!! 😉 I have a bunch of recipe books out all around me, I am wanting to expand our normal repertoire! So, I am having fun looking through all of these books – I am sure Jason thinks I must have lost my mind, but that is alright! 😉 He will enjoy the new foods!! 😉

Anyways, this post is taking much longer than I had planned, so I am going to wrap this up so that I can go spend more time with my sweetie this evening!

Have a FABULOUS evening! 😉

A Thursday of Randomness!

Good evening!

I am so tired! It has been a long day! Well, where do I start?

I got up this morning, late, because I had stayed up too long last night, trying to cram a little more time with my sister! Shocking, right?? Anyway, I finally got myself out to work this morning and even managed to surprise myself by getting there on time. WHOO! HOO!!

I had a pretty darn good day at work today! I just love working with my girlfriend, Chris. She always has a way of explaining things to me that makes either understand them, or makes me feel better! It is important to work with friends!! 😉

When I got home this afternoon, it was to a too quiet empty house. Jennifer and Austin went home today, after stopping by my work place so we could all have lunch together, which is part of why I was having such a good day at work! Ok, so maybe a BIG part of it! 😉 But is was very quiet when I got home this afternoon, and my sweetie came home and made a fabulous – and healthy dinner this evening for us! That was so fabulous!!! I got to cuddle with him on the couch a bit this evening, before he headed out to his truck to do some final errands of the evening! 😉

I am excited that tomorrow is Friday! I can’t wait!! Our house is clean, and after some organizing in the dining room tomorrow night, I will be able to claim that my house is spotless, well, at least for 10 minutes!! 😉 But, when the house is clean, I have a MUCH EASIER time of relaxing, and I know that makes both Jason and I happy!! 😉

Oh, I wanted to tell you that I signed up for a 5 week, 2xs a week Zumba class down at my place of work! It only cost me $25, because I am an employee – I can not wait to start!! I know that Zumba is supposed to be really tough, but I am falling in love with dancing – the ultimate un-exercise feeling exercise for me!! 😉 Plus I start my intermediate belly dancing class next week. I am scared and nervous at the same time, but I know I will have a blast!!

Anyway, I am going to close up shop here, and get my booty into bed for the night!!

Have a FABULOUS evening! 😉

A Gorgeous Day!

Good evening!

It has been an absolutely gorgeous day here in Oregon. It was a bit on the toasty side today, but I just got back from  nice long swim in our chilly pool, which was absolutely refreshing, and we have air conditioning in our little place, so I think I should be able to nod off to sleep quite nicely this evening. It also probably helps that I am beyond tired, from having so much fun with my sister, Jennifer, while she is still in town.

Her and her husband, Austin, are only in town in until tomorrow, at which time they will return home! I have tried, for years to talk them into moving here, but Salem is just too big for them, which is ironic because it is just too small for us!! 😉 Anyway, we have squeezed in some quality time after work this evening, going to their favorite place in Salem to eat, and that is at Mongolian Grill. They make it a point to eat there at least once during every visit, and this time was no different. 😉

I must interject here, I have been part of a support group called Chunky Dunkers. This is basically a get healthy & fit support group that I started with the help of my sisters, Alex, Jennifer, oh, and I can’t forget my sweetie, Jason. Well, Alex has lost almost 60 pounds, and Jennifer has lost almost 40. I am soooo ABSOLUTELY PROUD OF BOTH OF THEM (and a little jealous, if truth be told), and it has caused me to have a feeling of a renewed sense of,

“Ok girl, you have got to get your butt into gear and make this happen for yourself!!”

So, I have eaten extra fruits and veggies today, avoided all calorie-laden drinks, and tracked all of my food that I have eaten, walked the stairs at work, and even got an extra half an hour of vigorous swimming in this evening! Whew!!! Only one day down, and possibly hundreds more to go, which is ok, seeing that it took me literally 16 years to get to the size that I am. I have never really been overly self-conscious of the weight, but I am noticing that the older I am getting the more aches and pains in my joints I am getting, and I am just TOO YOUNG to feel this DAMN OLD!! 😉 So, instead of just pissing and moaning about it, I am going to step up to the plate and take some action – little, by little – baby steps!!

If any of you reading have any hints/tips/ideas/yummy recipe ideas, or even just some motivational support for me and my get fit actions, I would be more than happy to hear from you. Please leave me a message in the comment section above!

Thank you SOOOO MUCH, in advance!!

With that said, I am going to head off to bed for the evening!

Have a FABULOUS evening!! 😉

P.S. These pictures were taken in my mom, Linda’s, garden. Aren’t they just lovely? Thanks, Mom!! 😉

A Day of More Art!

Good evening!

I have had a fun day today! When I wasn’t out running errands, and spending some time with my sweetie, I spent a good portion of my day up in my art studio playing amongst my art supplies! I did manage to finish one piece that I had started a couple of weeks ago. I am calling this piece

The Caged Bird Sings:

I LOVE this color scheme – this green really resonates with me! I tried a couple of new products, at least new to me, to do this project. I started with an acrylic base, and then used a crackle medium, however I had made a mistake and it didn’t crackle exactly the way I had expected, but at least now I know what NOT to do for my future crackle pieces! I also got to use a few different colors of ink stains to give this piece some depth.

I hand painted this bird using basic acrylics, and then pulled out some of my old jewelry supplies to create this wire bird cage, which I can see is not too easy to see in this picture – Something else to think about if I should ever create a cage again!

I really had fun creating this piece, but had some trouble trying to come up with some text to convey what I was wanting this piece to say. I stopped mid morning, and did a quick meditation to clear my head, and this thought just came to me, and knew that it was perfect.

As always, I would love to her your thoughts, please leave me a note in the comments section! I always appreciate your feedback!! This has and will continue to be a great learning experience for me! 😉

Have a FABULOUS evening! 😉

A New Piece of Art!

Good evening!

As most of you know, I have just recently become a new collage artist, so I am really learning about different techniques, and flexing my bravery muscles by putting some of these techniques together in a way that represents something inside of me!

Tonight I have finished my latest collage piece and I am very excited to share it with you to get your feedback!

At first glance this piece may not look like something that I might have made. There are no deep reds, vivid blues, or brilliant greens, but I am in a mental place right now that is really a lot quieter, softer, more reflective, and more embracing of my femininity than where I have been in the past. I wanted this piece of art to become an inspirational reminder to myself about the possibility of dreaming.

This particular collage started because I had found this thought in a magazine, quite a while ago. If I remember correctly I think it was part of an advertisement of some kind.

“Let yourself whisper and wander and wonder.
Let yourself anticipate the bliss.
Let yourself have all you deserve.
Let yourself remember the unforgettable.
Let yourself let it go.”

This sentiment is something that I am actively working on taking to heart, especially as I start to get more daring in my delving into my world of creativity.

I added a butterfly to this piece as a symbol of my journey of change, to metamorphosis from who I am to who I want to be. In doing this my goal is to honor my authentic self.

I was very interested in playing with textures here, and a color palate that is not my typical jewel tone fare. I did a lot of paper crumpling, sanding, scraping, rippling, painting, stamping, tearing, inking, writing, and even some hand embroidery, as you can see above, in this picture – I just LOVE how that turned out. I am sure I will be using that technique more often.

And of course, how could I create a piece of art that doesn’t have a crown in it? I love the idea that this represents:

I am blessed.

I am worthy.

I am loved.

I am good enough.

This is the third art piece that I have ever finished, and only 1 of 2 that I like enough to actually display, but I know that as I finish each piece I learn a little more about myself and what I am willing to do and what I am not willing to do in my art. Not to mention, collage/mixed media is a great way to not only lose yourself, but a great place to also find yourself as well.

Please feel free to go to the comments section, above, and let me know what you think. I am always open to your thoughts. Thank you! 😉

Have a FABULOUS evening!

Happy Anniversary!!

Good evening!

Today is Jason and my 16th wedding anniversary!! Whoo! Hoo!!!

I knew that Jason and I were meant to be together, almost 17 years ago. It was the day that we were both volunteering with a large group of young adults at a young adult fundraiser, where we were raking seemingly thousands, and thousands of leaves from a giagantic farm out in Independence.

We had just finished up for the evening, and Jason had accompanied me on a walk  around the farm. We stopped at this gate, and look across the land, and admiring the view of this little lake that was a ways away. It was a spectacular scene. I realize that I was gazing at the landscape, and Jason was gazing at me. When he caught my eye, I remember not being able to take my eyes off of him. In that moment, I had this jolt of electricity run up my spine, making all of the hairs on the back of my neck rise, and I just knew that somehow, I was going to spend the rest of my life with this man. That moment was like magic! Needless to say, Jason and I were engaged two weeks later. We were married at the age of 19, a little less than 8 months later in a small ceremony attended by our family members, at the church that I had grown up in!! Whew!!

No one was sure we would make it, being so young and all, sometimes we had our doubts too. Marriage is quite literally the toughest job we have ever had, but one that ultimately has brought us both so much love and joy!! I would marry him again in a heartbeat! I really ADORE that man of mine – I know I say that a lot, but I just can’t help it!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MY LOVE!

I thank God for you more and more every day!!!!

😉

Anyway, last night I told you I was going to “go out into the world and find something juicy” to share with you this evening! I am not sure I found anything juicy, exactly, but I did get out into the world for a little while today! I am still not back to 100% yet, having been sick for the past few days, but I am doing my best to just walk it off!!

This morning, I got up early, did my morning pages, which I had been putting off. I then spend a couple of hours on a piece of art work, that is almost done, and my goal is that I will be able to share that finished piece with you tomorrow.

After being cooped up in the house for so long (being home bound for the past 3 1/2 days), I convinced Jason to take me out, even though he knew I wasn’t feeling completely better yet. So, we headed out to Borders where I found a new book series that I dove right into and am now totally hooked on!! It it The Immortals series, by Alyson Noel. The first book is called Evermore, and I am over halfway done with that book this evening! I made sure to pick up the first 3, of the, as of right now, 6 book series, so that way I will be able to keep on reading!!

The premise of this book is that there is this girl named Ever, and  her family has died in a car accident. Ever since that fateful day she can read minds, see dead people, and she can see peoples’ auras. Well, there is this new kid in school that comes along, name Damen, and for some reason she feels this instant, magical kind of connection to him. We are not sure who or what exactly he is yet, but so far we know that there is a definite connection between the two of them!!

I JUST LOVE THESE KINDS OF STORIES!!!

Anyway, I am not going to give any more of the story away, but so far, the book is delightful, and intriguing!! I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Jason and I ended our evening with a nice quiet dinner out, and we are now having a peaceful evening at home, which I must admit is rather GREAT!! Him reading at one end of the couch, me writing on the other end with my feet in his lap, and our girls sleeping cozily on both of us!! *SIGH!* The good life!!! 😉

Have a FABULOUS evening!!! 😉