The Snooze Button Is From The Devil

I listen to a daily call about MK called the Million $ Message.  The call is from 5 different people, each calling in one day a week to change the message on their specific day.  On Tuesday I heard from a director named Amber that “the snooze button was from the devil” and that we should never hit snooze.  I also heard the concept the same sort of concept from the book, the Miracle Morning.

The reason they say this because you are committing to yourself every night to get up at a specific time, but then you hit snooze, effectively starting off your morning not honoring your word from the night before, and losing integrity with yourself.  You say you want to be a person of excellence, yet you can’t even have the self-discipline to get up when you said you were going to.  If you start off this way, then you entire day might be the same way.

The Miracle Morning explains the snooze button as delaying your life, 10 minutes at a time.  You only get one life, but you choose to hit snooze (at least) 10 minutes a day.  You say you need more time, but yet the snooze button is more important than your goals.

I just love this concept!  Getting up at 4 am is so hard, but staying in the same place I am is so much harder.  I am yearning for “something more” in my life.  Don’t get me wrong, I have it pretty good, but I just feel like I am not doing what God has called me to do.  It’s time to change that.

Even when I got up at 4 am today, I struggled.  I am SO hoping that it will get much easier as I get used to the earlier bed time and earlier wake time, but for now I have to accept that I have to overcome my “tired” thoughts.   I have found it helpful to me if I say “I’m awake, I’m awake, I’m awake” when I first hear my alarm clock.  I also talk myself through the next steps of my morning routine.  Put the workout clothes on, put my shoes on, gather my things, go to the car, start driving, etc.  If I say “just do the next thing” and then the next thing, I find myself getting to where I need to be on time.

This morning I did that.  I stayed at my aunt’s new house that is 30 minutes extra drive for me.  That is hard because I already drive an hour (in traffic, 30 minutes otherwise) to work and didn’t “want to” drive further.  I made a commitment though and I stuck to it.  I got my clothes, packed my car and got on the road.  The ENTIRE time I had to talk myself into the next task.    I went back and forth on the drive talking myself into and out of a workout run. 

This is my head conversation this morning:  “I will just go, park and take an extra hour nap and then go get dressed,”  “No, if I work out I get to add four stickers to my chart” (I get a sticker for each mile or 30 minutes of workouts if I’m not running). The stickers made me want to run but then I would have the same nap conversation and started over.  I tried to distract myself in between.  The thing is, once I am on the walk/run, I feel great, the trick is just getting me there.

So I did 3.5 miles today and got four stickers.  I say four stickers because I did 3.5 miles on Monday and only gave myself 3 stickers, so I added the two .5’s for a fourth.  #smallthings  I am not sure why adding stickers to my chart (given to me at my TOPS meeting) helps motivate me so much, maybe it’s just a throwback to my childhood.  IDK, but it works so I am sticking to it.

Hopefully you can bring yourself to have your own MiracleMorning-----seriously, go buy that book.

Showers

I am working on a new habit...getting up early and working out.  I drive an hour each way to work every day and it is HOT when I get off.  I have been feeling sorry for myself that I can't work out because of "time", but in reality, I can workout whenever.  I choose how I spend my time, I just haven't been choosing wisely.

I am focusing on keeping my schedule open at night so I am free to do other things.  That means I have to work out in the early morning.  That also means that I have to get up at 4:30 AM to have time to travel to the park, workout and shower before work. OUCH!  It is so hard waking up that early, but I am determined to start a new habit so that I can control my time in the evenings.

There is a shower at work so I leave by 5 AM, get to the park at 5:30 AM (ish) to workout and still have time to get a shower.  The good thing about leaving that early is that the traffic is very minimal and I get a great parking space on the bottom level of the parking garage.  Hooray!

This morning I got up and left on time but I got to the park and realized I forgot my work shoes.  My lime green running shoes were not going to work with my outfit today so I went to the only store that was open that early to buy shoes...Wal-Mart.  I actually really like them though and they are comfortable so far.  I don't care where I shop as long as they are comfy!

Anyway, I got to work and realized that I forgot my bra.  :/  #failnumber2oftheday  Well, since I didn't have time to workout due to my Wal-Mart shopping spree, my sports bra would have to work. Luckily I am wearing black so it didn't matter!

Mary Kay Cleansing Cloths great for sweaty workouts!

The main point I was going to make after that long story was how much I love my new facial cleansing cloths that I used today.  Normally I have to use a cleanser and a washcloth, but these are in one!  They foam up really nicely so I feel like I am really clean, which is especially important after a long, sweaty workout.  Love them!  You can buy them here if you are in need of cleansing cloths.

They are simple to use and can be taken anywhere, all you need is water.  Sometimes I can't wash my face right away after a workout because of a commute home in traffic or I have to run errands.  My face gets so dry and sometimes broken out after working out because of all of the sweat. Gross!  These cloths help because I can throw some water on them from my water bottle and cleanse my face and then just rinse it off.  Super simple.

I'm not trying to sell you anything, but I love sharing new tools that I find!  I have had these for a while but never got around to using them.  My aunt uses them for after she goes diving in Roatan.  All of that salty sea water is not good for your face.  Now I love them and they will be a permanent staple in my gym bag!

Chandelier Bird Feeder

At the river house there is an old brass chandelier that has been hanging in the tree for a while now.  The grandkids decided one day that they wanted to hang it in the tree, so they did and it has been there ever since.

Well,  I wanted to make a craft project out of it.  I got permission before we went (my phone doesn’t work up there) and got all the supplies that I needed.  I decided to make it into a bird feeder using some plastic plates. 

I went to Wal-Mart to buy supplies thinking that I would buy purple spray paint, but when I got there the blue caught my eye.  I still wanted to add purple (axe ‘em jacks), so I got that color for the plates.  I couldn’t find plates small enough, so I went with ash trays! 

 I put gray primer first and then spray painted the chandelier.

And the ash trays.

I added Gorilla Glue to hold them in place.

Finished product!!

Memory Filled River Trip with Family

This weekend my family took a trip up to the river house in Concan, TX for a relaxing long weekend.  Concan is between 4-5 hours from Houston so we left at 4:30 AM on Friday to get out of Houston before the traffic hit.  When I was little we used to go to GarnerState Park every year for vacation and I have so many fond memories of that place. 

My grandma’s (Maw-Maw) memory is fading so we wanted to bring the entire family up for the weekend to have (at least) one last family trip there.  We were trying to plan it to where everyone could go, but it turns out that only my uncle could go and the rest of the kids (3) were no able to attend with their family.  The attendees were me, Maw-Maw, Paw-Paw, Laura (my sister), her kids Hunter and Cole, my Uncle Wendall and his wife Rhonda, plus their two kids, Tiffany and Emily.   

We all played in the river (or floated) all day on Friday.  I even fell asleep in my float for a little bit.  I heart the Frio River!  On Saturday the plan was to go to Garner State Park early to hike and see the old stompin’ grounds, but apparently the park limits the number of outsiders on the weekends and cuts off entrance to the park at around 10 AM.   

Since we couldn’t get in to the park we just played on our side of the river with the rope swing.  The house/cabin is situated on about 5 acres that are right on  the river when you go down a hill.  We use the “Stairs of Death” because they are directly behind the house but there are a two other sets that can be used too.  I just prefer the stairs of death, which are so death defying anymore like they used to be.  The kids like to use the name because they are hard to get down but have improved very much since in the last few years.

Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw couldn’t get down the stairs (any set) so they just hung out on the deck.  I love this view!  I stayed out here for a while reading my book and spying on the turtles sunbathing in the river.  EVERY time I have gone up there with the intention of sleeping on this deck, under the stars (bucket list item) the rain has stopped my plans.  :/  Usually you look up and you see millions of stars, but it was so cloudy that I decided not to try and sleep outside (with bug spray).  

I love this story!  On Saturday evening, my uncle took my grandparents to the State Park-you can get in after 6 PM-to see if my Maw-Maw would remember anything.  As they were driving through, she would say “Oh, look at that” or “that has changed”.  When they got close to their old campground that they always reserved, she said “There’s the two boulders and camp ground 105”.  My uncle, aunt, and grandpa all didn’t remember the campground number, but my grandma with Alzheimer’s did. 

They got out of the car (no one was staying at the campground) and Maw-Maw looked down on the grass and saw a heart rock.  Maw-Maw collects heart rocks each time we go to the river the grandkids look for her a heart rock.  This one was a perfect heart. 

She also looked up and saw a poke salad plant.  Maw-Maw grew up in East Texas during the Depression and Poke Salad was a big deal.  She gets SO EXCITED every time she sees it.  I once had to smuggle it out of a park in a backpack in PA because she couldn't leave without it. LOL.  You can make it with eggs, kind of like spinach.  

Anyway, for her to find it at her favorite campground, plus a heart rock, was a big deal.  God was smiling down on this trip.  I don’t believe that is a coincidence.  My uncle was very happy in that moment.  This might be the last time they travel up there and the whole family has awesome memories of that place.  I’m glad I was part of this trip!

We left after breakfast on Sunday and got home late because of traffic and rain (plus 2 stops). I had a ton of fun on the trip!  Great memories.

20 Pounds Gone

I weighed myself yesterday and I have officially lost 20 pounds!!!!!  20 pounds in 4 ½ months!!!!!  My Whole Foods, Plant Based diet started on August 1^st and I weighed myself periodically and hit the 20 pound weight loss as of today! 

Honestly, I haven’t even been trying to lose weight.  I haven’t worked out more than 10 times in the entire four months. I know, I should do more workouts and with the start of my half marathon/10K training, I am hoping to lose more.  I need to stick to my half marathon training plan.

I think an average of five (ish) pounds per month isn’t too bad; it’s a little over one pound per week.  I have a cruise coming up over Thanksgiving so I am hoping to lose AT LEAST 20 more pounds, but my goal is 40!  That is 2.66 pounds per week to lose my 40 pound weight loss goal.  I can do it!!

 My goal is to not drink my calories.  I think that is a big hurdle.  I have gotten used to iced coffee, iced tea and soda and it needs to stop!  I mean, look at this chart!

Wish me luck on my journey!  It isn’t too late to sign up for our racing events in September, October and November with the Texas Bridge Series.

Kali's 3rd Birthday

My niece, Kali Claire, turned 3 on Friday!  I will be out of town next weekend during her birthday party so I decided to take her somewhere for her birthday instead of giving her a gift.  That child has a ton of stuff and doesn’t really need more toys, so I like to create experiences.  I personally would rather have experiences for my birthday, so hopefully likes them too. She is only three so she might not even remember, but that’s ok.

I think we have a leftie!!!!!!!!! #jointheclub

I decided to make her a Princess for a day and do some Princess type activities with her. There is a place in the Woodland’s called Sweet and Sassy that is for girls to get beautiful .  I got Kali the birthday package which included a manicure, pedicure, hair up-do, keepsake photo and a cat walk.  We also added on a make your own lip gloss station too. 

We got there a bit early because Kali tends to want to observe for a little while before jumping into an activity, especially if it is busy.  That day there was hardly anyone in the shop, so she was excited from the get-go.  We had about a 30 minute wait (which is forever in 3 year old time) so we looked at all the stuffed animals. All. Of. Them. 

Then we walked the catwalk because, why not?  I think this is one of my favorite pictures of the day. :)

When it was time for Kali to go, she was able to pick a nail color.  She chose pink of course because that is her favorite color.

Then it was time for her feet to soak in the tub.  I love how relaxed her face is in the picture.  Too cute.  They put some lotion on your hands and then put them in oven mitts (with a plastic baggie) while they work on your feet.  She was also very excited about getting a toe ring.

 

I think we have created a monster!  I have a feeling she will be asking to go back here instead of  us just painting her nails from now on.

Next it was time for nails! 

Then hair and a tiara with glitter!  When Kali really likes something she crosses her arms and has a little smile, so I knew she really liked how she look with her tiara.

I think her hair turned out so cute with a flower look.

Next was the lip gloss making station, which really was just the employee putting things in a container and Kali stirring it.  I was kind of disappointed in that, but I guess since she is three she couldn’t do much.  I just figured she would have more of a hands on experience.

After we left, Kali promptly fell asleep in the car.  I was going to stop at my sister’s work to show her off, but when Kali falls asleep we don’t dare wake her! :)  haha.

I forgot to mention my grandmother (Kali’s GG) came with us.  She likes to get out of the house and do things with us, so I figured it would be fun for her to join us.

Grape Stomping

What a fun weekend it was!!  I have two big things I did this weekend and one of them was a bucketlist item!  My friend Julie told me about a Groupon where you stomp grapes at a local winery.  We were originally supposed to go in late July, but we moved it to Sunday the 7^th. 

We drove to Pleasant Hill Winery in Brenham, TX for a fun filled afternoon.  It was about 100+ degrees outside that day so I knew I should probably wear shorts and a t-shirt.  As part of the Groupon you get either a tank top or a t-shirt and we both chose a tank top.  I decided I didn’t want to put my dirty feet on my t-shirt so I didn’t.  Honestly, the color looked gross and I knew I would feel weird about walking around with a grape stained t-shirt. It is a fun memento though!

They gave us a bucket to go find some grapes in the field with the grape vines.  Lots of people had already been on our lane so there weren’t too many grapes left, but the employees said that it was ok if we went to another vine instead. 

After a while we got a few grapes so we went back to stomp them.  First though, it was cocktail time.  Julie and I both got a white wine spritzer, which was delicious!  We were able to find seats under a large tent that had huge fans cooling it off. 

We watched other people stomp grapes while we waited for our turn.  While watching I got bored (I have A.D.D.) so I went inside to look around the gift shop.  I usually get a Christmas ornament when I travel someplace new or I do a bucket list item, but I couldn’t really find anything that would work.  There were a few magnets (which are my usual go-to if I can’t find an ornament), but they didn’t have the name of the vineyard on it.  I settled for a wine cork that I will make into an ornament.  There was a pretty magnet in the shape of a wine bottle, but it was glass and I was afraid of breaking it.

There were a lot of people there, but not too many that we had to wait a long time.  We waited probably about 30 minutes for our turn.  They really take their time to take nice photos of you so you can remember the experience.   The grapes were squishy and had a weird texture.  I am not sure what I expected though!  Someone told me that it hurt to stomp grapes, but I didn’t feel that way at all.  Yes, the stems are still in there, but it didn’t hurt and I didn’t even notice them.

Ewwww, it feels weird.

After we were done and we took pictures, you can put your feet on your shirt if you wanted.  Neither one of us did. 

We had so much fun!  I would for sure go back next year ( I believe it’s a yearly event).  The only thing that would have been different if they had a ‘picnic’ type event in the vine area where you could sit and eat some cheese and have wine while waiting to stomp the grapes or even have it under the tent area.   I didn’t see any food you could purchase in the gift shop, so maybe that is something that they could get for next year.  

Bucket list...CHECK!  Thanks Julie for telling me about the Groupon and going with me!!!

Choose What You Want To Do

I am currently reading, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben.  She has a phrase in the book that says, “You can choose what you do; you can’t choose what you like to do.”  This is the first of my "10 pages a day" resolution.

 

That's me on the right, SAD that I have to go to the opera. 

I thought about it and I agree.  I would like to enjoy the opera, but oh how it is boring.  I put going to the opera on my 30 under 30 list, but I was soooooooo bored that night.  I was thinking it would all be Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman like.  NOPE, boring!  I can choose to go, but I can’t choose whether or not I like it.  My friend loves it so much that he has season passes. :/

We have been trying to get my mom on a cruise as a ‘girls trip’ for forever, but she “hates boats” and “would not have fun if you made me do that.”  Guess who was forced to take a trip to Alaska with her friends and my step-dad…and LOVED IT!!!  Say what?  Now she is going on her 3^rd cruise in October.  She got to choose to do it, but didn’t get to choose if she liked it or not.  Sometimes the activities choose you!

I love hanging out with my friends but I do not love going to clubs with my friends.  Even in college I was not a big party-goer but I tried.  I am not a big drinker either (which goes hand in hand with the club scene) but I don’t mind bars.  If I could have a place to sit, observe what is happening (and look at cute guys), and spend time with friends, I would do that!  No clubs please.  My friends don’t get this.  They think I am crazy for not wanting to go out, but I just shrug.  I am OK being a homebody.  Actually, sometimes it makes me sad that I am not more adventurous in that way, but I just makes me so uncomfortable!

It’s OK to not like everything your friends do.  Not everyone is going to like the same things we like.  That is one of the reasons we have different groups of friends that you do different types of things with.  I have friends who like running, but others despise it.  Some like reading, others fall asleep when they read.

I realized that is OK for me not to like things.  I have my own ‘likes’ that I am proud of, I shouldn’t be ashamed of the ones I like to do-or be forced to do the ones I don’t like.

Goal: Read More

I had heard that you should strive to read 12 books a year (1 a month) at the minimum or even 52 books a year (one a week).  The idea of reading a book a month overwhelms me because I have started so many books in the past few years, but never finished them.  Partly because I get so bored halfway through that I quit, but that is another topic.

I heard the other day that if you read just 10 pages of a book a day, you could get through 30+ books a year?  Only 10 pages a day?  That is so doable and I can usually do that within the 30 minutes it takes me to fall asleep.  

I can carve out 30 minutes in a day to read 10 pages of any book, but it would be especially helpful to read 10 pages of books that will help grow my mind.  Self-improvement books are interesting to me lately.  You will be in the same position at this time next year as you are this year if you don’t take time to improve yourself.  The books you read, the people you associate with, and the arenas you spend time with all determine where you will be this time next year.  It’s true.  The skills you learn by books and people are some of the most important things that will move you to a higher level in your life. 

 

This is my not selection of books.  I found it on "the google". :)

If you can’t stomach the idea of reading 30 self-improvement books this year (I honestly don’t think I can either), switch each one when you finish.  Read one “fun” book that interests you, but then one leadership book or parenting book that will lead you to become a better person.

I’ve heard it said that some people call living the same 80 years over and over again, have only 1 year experience, not 80.  If you go to work and come home and then go to work and come home every day for your entire life, you have lived the same life.  Change it up!  Read a new book, think a new thought.  Meet different people that challenge you. 

This is partly where my 30 under 30 list and my Bucket List came from.  I was living the same life for 29 years before I WOKE UP and started living for ME!  I used to be a “one day” and a “if someone goes with me” type of person, now I am a “see ‘ya later” and “come if you want” kind of person.  I have a selfie stick, I can use that sucker all by myself. 

You only get one life.  Just one.  Don’t look back with regrets that you didn’t do what you wanted.

Soooooooooo I got way off topic, just read 10 pages a day! :)  See where that takes you.  You can do it!

Fun in Dallas Part Two

The SFA Alumni Association hosted a get together at the Texas Rangers game when they played the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.  After I left the Mary Kay Seminar I went to Clarissa’s to hang out with her until we left for the game.  The first 15,000 fans would get a free bobble head, but we didn’t make it in time.  I did see one and they were cool.    

As part of our tickets, we got a free BBQ buffet picnic.  I knew ahead of time what the menu would be and I knew I wouldn’t be able to eat it, so I set out to find different options.  In Section 16 of the Rangers stadium on the main concourse, there are vegan options!  They had a veggie burger, salads, wraps, nachos and also hot dogs-all made with plant friendly ingredients.  I was really excited to try the vegan hotdog but then the wraps with Chik’n looked good.  BUT…..I got sick later so fake meat is not my friend.  I will stick to tempeh, not weird, wannabe chicken.

The game started a little late because there was a Texas Rangers Hall of Fame induction being held that night on the field.  Michael Young had a 12 year career with the Texas Rangers and now works in the Rangers office. 

After the ceremony the game started and it was tied 1-1 most of the game.  About 45 minutes into the game I felt really nauseous.  I don’t know if it was the “chik’n” in my wrap or just the heat of the stadium, but I didn’t feel good.  I thought Houston was hot, but Dallas has this dry hell-like situation going on that was not fun.  Once I dry heaved for a little while in the bathroom, I went to sit down in the breeze of the top level of the stadium, away from a gazillion people.  I cooled down and went back to the seats with Clarissa and Michael (Clarissa’ new BF).

Isn't this a fun detail on the stadium?

 The Rangers player, Mitch Moreland, hit a home run in the bottom of the 9^th inning, winning the game!  We took a selfie.

I finally got to wear my baseball shirt and jewelry.  All about that base.

After the game we went out to Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, close by to the stadium, where we heard the band, Empire 6.  They were really good, I would definitely recommend them!  I got their card for an event we are hosting at work.  We left around 12:30 pm and I went to bed pretty much right after.

That was pretty much my weekend.  Lots of driving all around Dallas and hanging out with one of my best friends.  Fun, fun, fun!

Waste Food or Waist Food

Were you taught that you shouldn't waste food?  I know I was and I think that is a (one of many) contributing factor to my weight gain.

Waste food or waist it

I heard the other day (at my TOPS meeting) that you can either "Waste food" or "Waist food".  Waste it as in throw it away or let it spoil and waist it as it put the food in your mouth and create a larger waist line.

It was a very interesting concept for me.  It wouldn't be too hard to just take it to go in a box and eat it later.  Sometimes though I can't take it home if I'm not going home immediately.  On those occasions, I will just have to feel bad, I guess.  :/   (anyone else have any suggestions on this?)

Sometimes food tastes soooooo good, that I just keep eating and eating.  Like, do I think I will never eat again?  The other day had to I stop myself from eating that because I was overeating and creating a 'waist line' that was larger than I am comfortable with.  I have to realize that I am allowed to get that food at any time I choose, I just have to go to the grocery store at another time.  I am working on this issue too.  I am working on stopping eating when I am satisfied, instead of "full" because the brain doesn't always get the signal from the stomach that it is full until you are waaaaaaaaay to full and you have to roll out of the restaurant.

I just thought it was an interesting phrase to share.  Happy no food "waist".

Fun Weekend in Dallas-Part One

This weekend I travelled to Dallas to visit with Clarissa.  I had meant to go up there on Friday after work, but I stopped at my Mom’s house first to change clothes. 

Me and my niece Kali went for a walk around the block and “jumped over cracks” because, well, it’s fun and it wears kids (and adults) out by jumping so much.  Kali for sure has our families genes because she fell, twice.  The first time it was minor but the second time she hit her head on the concrete.  She was screaming (understandably) and we were only halfway home on the other side of the lake.  I ran with her in my arms but I didn’t want to jostle her since she hit her head, and she was screaming and I was running and it might have looked like I kidnapped her and I was running away with her. LOL.  Luckily, I saw a random guy getting in his car and I asked him to take us the rest of the way home.  Stranger Danger, I know.  I figured it was less than ¼  mile and I took my chances. 

We made it home safely (I need to give that guy a thank you card!) and Kali’s head started making a ‘goose egg’ so we knew she would be fine.  I needed to go but Kali asked me to stay so I had to.  I can’t say no to her. #whippedbyanalmost3yearold

The next morning I had to wake up at 3:30 am to get to Dallas on time.  My friend couldn’t go to the last day of the Mary Kay Seminar, so she let me have her name badge if I promised to report back to her what happened.  Let me tell you, it was awesome!  People were crossing the stage for tons of stuff.  I want to cross the stage!  I have never crossed the stage for something I worked for.  I think everyone should be able to do cross the stage once in their life for something they accomplished and worked hard for.  After people crossed the stage, the top 3 sales directors were able to give speeches, which were awesome! 

 

Pink Cadillac Stage Crossing

I went to the expo after the closing ceremony and it was awesome.  I got to see the 2017 awards that you can earn.  Talk about bling!!  Here are some of my goals for this year!

 

I LOVE the bottom right ring, 3.5 karats of diamonds!

Long term goal is to be a Million Dollar Sales Director.  I heart diamonds and they get the most of everyone. :)

Million Dollar Director, Stephanie Sullivan

If you are interested in becoming a Mary Kay consultant and earning diamonds yourself, go to my website and check it out.  www.marykay.com/steph.sullivan