Photo a day: January 30

Today was all about TCB, taking care of Bobby, my dad. I took work off today to be home for my dad since it's still hard for him to do a lot of stuff on his own. I did get the chance to go out to lunch with one of my favorites Earl. We went out to west Chandler to try out a Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant called 24 carrots. Since I'm trying to give up meat and dairy on the first I'm trying to open my eyes to my options. After lunch we headed to Whole Foods so I could pick up some fruits and veggies for my new juicer. It's amazing how much fruit and vegetables turns into so little juice. I'm going to go broke! I am pretty excited to try out my juicing diet. One juice for breakfast and one before bed, all vegan meals except one small portioned meat and dairy meal once a day. If even that. February is going to be crazy! Get ready!

Being a bit girlie for once. I never really try and dress up. I got this amazing top the other day at H&M! They have a lot of sailor style clothes right now and they are so cute! My jeans are Levi's and my favorite. I have them paired up with some BeeBee chunky flats by Jeffrey Campbell. Girlie yet simple.

A picture of my best taking a picture of his lunch. Apple soyrizo, vegan scramble, spinach, avocado, sweet potato, tomato, and even more deliciousness. 24 Carrots menu was really hard to choose from. It had a lot of amazing items on it. I chose a vegan egg salad sandwich. Messy but amazing. I plan on making this a new spot of mine!

Wheat grass shot. DISGUSTING! Earl made me take one of these. It tastes exactly how it smells. It tastes good and bad. I have a feeling it's going to be a love hate relationship. For some reason I liked the texture in my mouth.

Photo a day: January 27-29

Yet again I forgot to take a photo on the 27th. I've been really busy lately with both jobs, derby, and my dad having surgery. Friday I was at work from 9 am till after 2 am. It was a long day!

Saturday was another long day at work.

Sunday I spent relaxing and catching up. My sister and I went to pick up a juicer from a friend, stopped at H&M, and derby supply. I found some cute clothes at H&M that I bought even though they are out of my comfort zone. That's the point of trying to be more feminine right? A little effort is good.

After getting home from our little day out shopping I started looking up houses for sale. I thought this would be motivating since I took my sister to look at the part of town I wanted to live in. But all I felt was out of touch. I've been really good at staying positive ever since I moved home and even before then. What I found out is that what I want is still really far away. I put myself in a funk thinking about my debt free goal. If I want to pay everything off by June like I planned, I would need to pay close to 1500 a month. I don't even make that. I push close to 1200 if I have a steady week but lately that hasn't even been happening. Right now I feel like I'm just making my bills and that's it.

After talking to Earl and him telling me I can do it like the supportive friend he is, I sat down and evaluated where I am right now. I have about 8500 in the current bills I'm trying to pay off. One of my loans only has one payment left. That is an additional 85 I can throw on another bill. My 2 credit cards are still pretty close to maxed out. However, one of them is only 600 and that's an easy task. I already have half that in my account. I could pay that off and cut it up easily enough. That adds 100 to my other credit card and my car loan.

I have already planned to put my tax return into my credit card after I buy my car new tires. I'm hoping to get the chance to put at least 600 on my credit card. But I have also been considering egg donation. This program gives you 5000 for your first cycle in the program. That alone cuts out half of what I'm trying to get rid of. A lot of people have been asking me if I was worried. It has been known to cause infertility in the donor. But overall, I don't only see it as an opportunity to make a little quick cash, I see it as an opportunity to give a couple the chance to have a child that they desperately want. I'm giving someone the chance to have a baby because they most likely can't. To me that is an ultimate good deed. Even if I come out broken, at least I made someone's dream come true. Plus there are plenty of children out there living in foster and adoption homes that deserve to be loved too.

I'm trying to be bigger than myself and my surroundings.

Photo a day: January 26

I'm lucky to have such an amazing family. My mother, sister and I went to Bahama Bucks after visiting my dad who is currently in the hospital after having spinal surgery. He's recovering currently and though he's extremely drugged he seems to be doing well. However, it's nice to spend time with people that support your insanity.

She's my favorite. Always.

Photo a day: January 24 & 25

Unfortunately I didn't take a SINGLE photo on the 24th which I find extremely weird since I'm always taking pictures. I was at work all day so I guess shit happens. However, I spent today at home for the most part. My father had back surgery this morning. Everything went well and he's in recovery. He should be out of the hospital in a few days but he's going to be out of work for the next 3 months. I'm planning on going to visit him at the hospital tomorrow for a few hours. Overall, today has been pretty relaxing. I finally took the time to head over to Hobby Lobby so I could get a background for my photos. I chose gold as it's the accent color in my room. I feel like they turned out pretty nice. I love them.

Photo a day: January 20-23

Little feet.

Game day! The amount of crap I need is outrageous! Skate bag, make up box, uniform, hair supplies, over night bag, fanny pack, pins, purse, protein drinks, water, and Mexican food.

Recovery day. After Saturday's game all I wanted to do was lay around. I woke up and got breakfast with my wife, came home and napped with Harry Potter, ate dinner with my family, then watched netflix, and chatted up some friends. It was the perfect day. Not to mention my mom and sister are amazing and picked me up these gifts!

Today's dilemma is wishing my hair would grow faster! This is the longest it's been in almost 10 years but still, the process is tedious work!

I would also like to add a little fact about myself, there is nothing I find more accomplishing than when I take a shower after skating and I go through my routine to look down at the stained, dirty water, and know that I busted my ass. Washing away a hard days work to start a new is so refreshing!

Photo a day: January 19

So I know it was one of my goals to upload a photo every day and I'm trying but it's proving more difficult than I expected it to be. I do take lots of photos every day I just need to make the time to share them with all of you!

On Thursday I had an easy work day followed by lunch with my coworker and hang outs at Immaculate Tattoo with some of my favorite people. Lately I've been trying to focus on the positives in life a lot more and one of them is the amount of time I've got to spend with my friends and family. I'm very lucky to have such amazing people in my life. They are so supportive and understanding. I feel bad for anyone that doesn't have relationships like I do.

My family is irreplaceable, no one will ever be as great as they are. My league mates are a family outside my own that I know I can always count on. They will forever be my sisters. My friends whom treat me as if I'm normal even though my nerdy tendencies can be pretty ridiculous. And my coworkers whom are always there to share a drink and a good conversation.

Take advantage of the free time you have! Life is too short to waste on petty problems. Spend some time in bed, go on a road trip, sit in the sun, laugh with someone you love! Spend it how you want it but never forget a moment of it!

Smile!

Photo a day: January 13 -18

I know I'm extremely behind, but between being sick and attending multiple practices, I've had a full plate. I've been feeling better the last couple days but I've definitely still got a cough that's driving me insane. However, I've attended all my practices since I've been on antibiotics and I'm feeling confident in the hope that I'll be healthy for my game this Saturday.

Ready for my close up.

Work all day every day. My Massage practice offers an awesome membership program.

A look inside my purse which is currently a pharmacy.

My favorite pair of shoes.

Just a stencil but definitely a possibility. I've had this on for 2 days now trying to decide if I'd like to make it permanent or not. All anyone has asked is "what if you get married" and "what about jobs". Personally neither or these are an issue. I don't plan on getting married any time soon nor is it anything I've even considered as of late. As far as jobs go, being a massage therapist has allowed me to create a career out of heeling and no matter my tattoos or not people are always going to want massages. However, if I do end up needing a job down the road that doesn't allow visible tattoos then long sleeves and rings are easy to find along with make up. I can see the pros and cons in everything and to be completely honest this will most likely happen because I am that big of a Harry Potter nerd.

A look into my current day. Luckily I have today off so I intend to do some minor cleaning along with either a Harry Potter marathon or some much needed Trailer Park Boys. I haven't decided yet but I'm almost certain today is going to be well deserved.

Also, keep your eyes opened for an upcoming post about the progress of bruises that are derby induced. I received a beauty at practice on Monday the 16th and I'm looking forward to uploading the photos.

Enjoy!

Photo a day: January 12

Finally went to urgent care today. I have a sinus infection but my lungs are good. They put me on antibiotics, gave me a cough syrup, and told me I should be feeling better in 48 hours at least. All I know is that I need to be 100 percent asap because I have a game to play next weekend!

I can't wait!

Photo a day: January 10 & 11

A drink after work on Tuesday.

My favorite place.

Photo a day: January 9

I've been bed ridden all day thanks to being sick. I'm hoping tomorrow is a bit better. Luckily I've had the chance to finish Dexter season 6 and watch plenty of movies. Yay!

Photo a day: January 8

My lazy ass child taking up more room then he deserves. Grandma spoils him.

Obviously.

Feeling a bit

Under the weather. Currently suffering from a never ending cough, runny nose, and head ache. Who knows, I could even have a fever. What a bust.

Photo a day: January 1-7

I'm super behind, I know, but here are my pictures from January 1st though the 7th. I will officially be on track as of tomorrow. A week of laziness is allowed after working 32 hours in 3 days not including the week I worked without a day off prior to that.

Retiring to my bed after my overwhelming weekend.

My sister's first time on a motorcycle. A short ride to lunch.

A photo of my favorite person, my sister.

Cleaning out my closet and adding my comics to my shelf.

Hanging my glasses and organizing my shoes.

Teresa "Ivanna Exposya" Valencia's art exhibit opening night. The show was amazing. Feel free to check it out at Tempe Market Place. Keep your eyes open for a few pictures of yours truly.

My most favorite collection. Harry Potter por vida!

Enjoy!

January: Photo a day

January's goal is to post one photo a day. This is pretty self explanatory so I'll leave it at that.

However, December's goal was to quit smoking. Did I mention I haven't had a cigarette since November 24th? Hell yeah December! We did it. I feel great. I recover faster, I breathe better, I don't stress as much, and I don't have any anxiety. It's such a relief.

Hello 2012!

I rang in the new year serving shots and writing my resolutions down at work. I am so excited to get this year started.

2012 Resolutions:

Health/Fitness

1. Attend 3+ practices a week
Going into the new season practices are becoming a must in order to get any playing time so I intend to be at any practice I can. 2011 was spent being lazy. I lost track of my passion for skating so I intend to get back on track. 2010 I skated 6 days a week, 4 times at practice, and 2 times on my own. I wish I had the time for this but I figure I'll do what I can.

2. Pick up another activity
IE soccer, yoga, running, softball, whatever. I'd like to get more of a crossfit program going for myself. I want to be strong overall, not just on skates.

3. Try diet alternatives
I want to give gluten free and raw diets a chance. 2011 I took the time to quit eating fast food so I want to take the next step in the right direction.

4. Fit in my "skinny" jeans
A few years ago I weighed 150 give or take a few. At my heaviest I believe I was around 158. When I started skating 6-7 days a week and was attending Massage Therapy school I dropped weight pretty fast. I was active most of the week and on an eating schedule. I never really weighed myself when I felt the fittest but I would say I was around 125. I'd like to try and get past that so I can fit in a size 26/27. I'm currently a 28-30 depending on the brand of jeans.Which makes me a little mad since I lost a chunk of weight and managed to put it back on. I have at least 10 pairs of jeans sitting in my closet with the tags still on because I bought them as motivation. It's time to get back at it.


Self Improvement/Life Style

1. Spend more time with friends
I find that I don't have a lot of time to see the people I love most so I intend to take more time out of my busy schedule to see them. May it be lunch or a day trip, I need it more than anything.

2. Say yes
No doesn't get you anywhere in life so I'm going to weigh my choices a lot heavier and say yes more often.

3. De-clutter
I've got a lot of useless stuff that I don't really care to keep including things like guitars, clothes, and multiple bicycles. If I can get rid of everything I could probably gain around 5,000 dollars which is pretty unbelievable. The fact that I have that much money lying around not being used is annoying. So I intend to put multiple items on craigslist and eBay in the hope of getting at least some money towards paying off my debt.

4. Be positive
Thoughts become things. Ask. Believe. Receive.

5. Be confident
I've always had a hard time with this one. I usually seem confident to most people but I'm truly just a coward. A lot of the time I'm my worst enemy and I tend to put myself down.

6. Stay motivated
I'd like to keep myself on track this year. I don't want to lose sight of what is really important.

7. Be more feminine
I've never been good at the dress up and make up thing. I usually rock jeans, t shirts, and vans. However, I'd like to challenge myself to go out of my comfort level and try new things. Make up classes, hair styling, dainty outfits, and fancy shoes. This will definitely be different.


Finances

1. Pay off at least half my debt in 6 months.
Including: Car loan, signature loan, and both credit cards. This all together is about 9000 dollars. I go back and forth with my credit cards. I'll be on track to paying them off and then I find myself wanting something out of my reach. If I can sell a lot of my junk I intend to pay off my credit cards first. There is nothing more important than being able to cut them up and throw them away.

2. Start saving
One of my biggest goals this year is to put myself on track. I'd like to be in the market for a home by the end of this year. I have high hopes that I can achieve this goal. As long as I'm looking for a home by the end of the year I'll be satisfied. This is going to take a lot of biting my tongue.


Blogging

1. Update daily
I'd like to get into the habit of updating at least once a day which brings us into my next resolution.

2. Photo a day
I'm making it a goal to post one photo a day. It doesn't have to be anything in particular just something I've got going on in life. This is what I'm looking forward to the most.


Ultimate goal of 2012:
Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida. This must happen.



So I know I'm a little behind on a few of my goals already but that's because I've been waiting till I've posted my resolutions to begin. So here's to 2012! The year of growing up!

I've been spending days

upon days writing my resolutions for this year and I'm hoping they'll be done and ready to post in the next day or two so be prepared for a novel.