Motivation Monday: A Weekend Perspective

Each Sunday night I'm faced with the harsh reality of Monday and thus a busy work week, responsibilities and chores. And with that, my anxiety levels rise with the thought of an important meeting to prepare, or a difficult conversation to be made with a volunteer, or more to do than hours in the day.

But today I realized I need to change my perspective and treat each day like a weekend. The weekend lies ahead with so many possibilities - friend, family visits, new restaurants, adventurous hikes and relaxation. So, why not treat each day like it's the weekend. And if that's not possible, face each day like it's a Friday, preparing for the weekend.

Here are some easy, tangible ways to make the best of your work week and turn it into a 'TGI-whatever day of the week' perspective. So, on any given day, treat yourself. Try to avoid the routine - work, working out, errands and chores - while all necessary plan something fun each day as well. Here are some ideas!

• Pamper yourself. Maybe get your nails/toes done, or hair cut, or a massage. Take an hour for yourself to de-stress, process and digest the day
• Explore. Maybe go to happy hour with co-workers at a new restaurant/bar. Or, tour an upcoming neighborhood. Or, shop at a new store. Give your self time to unwind while taking in a different scenery.
• Red Box it. Search Red Box online, reserve and pick up your movie to watch solo, with a friend(s) or with your partner. Grab your favorite movie snack to indulge. 
• Game night. Invite friends or maybe just play for two. Instead of watching your favorite t.v. show, turn your attention to some competitive fun.
• Walk. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through your neighborhood. Make certain to absorb your surroundings, soaking in different sounds and smells.
• Disconnect. Turn off your cell phone, computer and television. Just enjoy being - embrace silence/break from technology. Maybe read a book, talk to your partner/friend/roommate and/or just sit. 
• Easy menu. Try appetizers for dinner - simple, yummy (yet healthy) and fun.

Bottom-line is that life is too short to stress about Mondays; so, why not enjoy each day as if it were the weekend. And soon enough the notion of weekend and weeks just merge together!

A happy birthday from earth to the clouds

Happy birthday, buddy! Miss your laugh, smell, hugs, chicken noodle soup, advice and love. But I'm blessed to have known you. Love you, Leroy! Here's to scotch, cloves, embracing risk and throwing over-sized potatoes to protect the ones you love. =)

Motivation Monday: Risky

Today as I was writing my weekly update to my 17 scholarship students, I remembered a saying while walking through the business administration building to get to class: "the biggest risk is not taking a risk."

I made note of this almost daily as I walked through school, contemplating my future. I was one of many that had no direction after college - my mind was changed with every class, professor and book. But alas, I knew I wanted to take a risk.

So graduation came and went, and I was leaving on a jet plane for Alaska. While my experience was short lived, my journey taught me that I am adaptable, courageous and flexible.

Now, 11 years later I'm in sunny San Diego, working within the non-profit sector, attempting to inspire and shape young adults' minds in hopes for them to find happiness and success with a little risk.

But I haven't taken a risk in years - my life is predictable, vanilla and safe. So, with no plan in motion, I'm writing this post as a way to motivate me to embrace risk once again.

Not sure what that means at this point but in order to honor the mantra I held closely as a young, curious college student I need to branch out beyond my comfort. I need to take a risk. Whether big or small; insignificant or life-changing; my goal is to try something new each month.

Check out this article for inspiration. And challenge yourself to take a risk.

Thrifty Thursday: Opening Day

It's a miracle! Nick and I both managed to get today off to enjoy the quintessential San Diego experience: opening day at Del Mar!

Now beyond the hats, mint juleps and horse races, fashion is the most crucial piece of the day - well, at least for purposes of my blog. =)

In year's past, I have gone the fit and flare, retro-style dress route with high heels or wedges. This year? I'm thinking more along the line of comfy chic with maybe a long, summery dress paired with a cute sandal...and of course my straw hat.

For inspiration, I searched the web for ideas. Check it out!

CharlotteRusse $22.99

F21 $19.88

H&M $17 (Sale)

What's New Wednesday: Mid-week

Have the hump-day blues? Long week? Feeling low energy? Well, try these tips to motivate you to end your work week on a high note.

1. Mini make-over. Today ended negatively and thus I felt drab. So, I decided to give myself a lift - trimmed my eyebrows, massaged varicose vein cream on my legs, and whitened my teeth with trays. While superficial, I immediately felt more control of my life.
2. Exercise. A few sprints and just a 15-minute run did the trick!
3. Cheat day. I've been on a healthy menu for the past three-weeks - limited alcohol, carbs and basically anything really satisfying. =) So, I decided to allow myself a glass of red and pretzel rods with Sprouts spinach dip for dinner. Cheating never tasted so good!
4. Write. I've been toying with the idea of composing my family story; so, each day I write. It's extremely cathartic. Most likely it will just be for my eyes only - but the process of putting pen to paper is like shedding any negativity from past. 

What are your tricks to uplifting your mid-week? Happy Wednesday!

Motivation Monday: Butterflies

Today marks one-year since my buddy Leroy passed away, and with his approaching birthday on July 22, I wanted to put out a challenge to those that knew and loved him.

As part of the Butterfly Pavilion at the Water Conservation Garden in East County, my goal is to raise $500 by August 4, 2014 for a unique butterfly to be made in Leroy's memory.

Please see my fundraising page here and donate if you feel inspired. =)

Thank you! And Leroy, I miss you!

Happy birthday, America!

Hope everyone had a fun, safe, sun-protected 4th of July! My BIL, Sean and roommate hosted their annual 4th of July party - this time catered by their friend! Fish, burgers, snacks galore!

But we all contributed - and here was my contribution.

Festive Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods:

I also included a patriotic fruit plate (raspberries, strawberries and blueberries) with granola and Greek yogurt - added some chocolate covered strawberries for kicks!

Hopefully there is more festivity and merriment (and food) this weekend!

Thrifty Thursday: Patriotic

Headed to the beach? Going to a BBQ? Plan to watch the fire works? However you decide to celebrate our independence, do it with style. All from Forever21 or Target for under $15!

33

Holy crap - I'm 33 years old! And as I reflect on my life, I've come to the conclusion that I'm one blessed 33-year old.

Recently I completed a 30-day gratitude challenge on Facebook, which reminded me to appreciate the good in my life...as opposed to focusing on the negative stuff no one is immune. As a collective, here are 33 things that I love about my humble, gloriously fun life in honor of my birthday.

1. My loving husband
2. My supportive father
3. My little brother
4. My angels watching from above
5. My furry children
6. My family in San Diego, Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin
7. My friends - near and far 
8. My inspiring scholarship recipients
9. My challenging yet satisfying job
10. My adorable home in Pacific Beach
11. My plentiful garden
12. My love for books
13. My ability to run
14. My beach community
15. My motivation 
16. My unconditional love for friends, family, and neighbors
17. My camera and lens
18. My yard
19. My 3-mile commute to work
20. My volunteers
21. My blog
22. My flare for fashion
23. My ability to relax
24. My love of plants
25. My organizational skills
26. My financial liberty for non-essentials
27. My washer and dryer
28. My working vehicles
29. My volunteer work
30. My creative-side
31. My strength
32. My ability to day dream
33. My ability to make dreams a reality

Here's to a great 33rd trip around the sun!