Why wait?

In less than a month people are going to make a New Year's resolution. The number 1 (or close to it) resolution for most people is to get in shape. Every year most people say this is year! So, why wait and have a crowded gym to go to? DO IT NOW!! Make it an early Christmas present for yourself. I will say that I have been in and out of the gym that my apartment has for a year. I don't go consistently, and couldn't figure why it was so hard to go, when all I had to do was go downstairs. Right before I got married, I told myself I wanted to lose 20 pounds and just couldn't motivate myself. I found out about this boot camp. (http://www.jcfbootcamp.com/) It was offered at 7 pm and not far from the apartment. I liked this for a few reasons. One I'm not a morning at all and two it got me to leave my apartment. I fell in love with it! It was more like circuit training and it wasn't in a musty old gym with all this equipment that I'm not sure if I'm using right! I also felt I was being held accountable for being there, when no one was going to hold me accountable for going on that treadmill. Well, I wanted to do more than just two days a week, so I did some research and found a gym that offers classes! (http://www.clubhfitness.com/) I have gone 3 days in a row, but I am leaving town, so I am going to miss a few days and I'm actually upset about it!
I know many of you are probably wishing you could get tone or lose a few pounds. Try going to classes and see if you like to work out. I realized that exercise equipment actually scares me because I don't know if I'm doing it right and I don't feel like I worked out. SO--if you're New Year's resolution is to get off your couch, FIND A CLASS! And for those of you that have kids, my gym has a supervised kiddie area that is included in your membership! I also only signed up for a 3 month membership because I didn't want to feel like I was locked in for a year if I didn't like the classes. I hope this gives some of you motivation to go try a few classes. Also if you think it's expensive, think of it this way: My membership is $139/month, but if I go to 20 classes a month, that's $6.95 a class. (Going to 5 classes a week) See not so bad when you look at it that way!
My goal is to go to a class everyday...that's why twice this week I went at lunch...oh & if you have a friend that wants to do it, it is more motivation!

Pledge to Shop Small

I have always loved the "mom & pop" shops, but they seem to disappearing to the big box stores. Hopefully I can find one in Seattle (we'll be there for Turkey Day) and help them out. So I'm encouraging you to show your local pride and help fuel the economy when they support the businesses that mean the most to them this holiday season.

When you pledge to Shop Small on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26 you'll have the chance to win one of 100 $25 American Express^® Shop Small Gift Cards.

 About Small Business Saturday:
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now there is Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26^th, a day dedicated to supporting the small businesses that fuel local economies and invigorate our communities.


http://www.vocalpoint.com/amex/sweeps2.aspx

Last one!! Days 26-30

Day 26- What you think about your friends

I love them. I've lost some along the way, but I guess that means life changes and they didn't want to be with me during that change. They have been through it all with me. (Well 4 in particular) I don't know where I'd be without them. I appreciate them more than they'll ever know. I wish some that I've lost contact with (except Facebook), one day I can reconnect with them.

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
To help me keep up with my blog. It was a good way of communicating to those who I don't see everyday.

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
I don't think I've changed much in a year. I know I am a much happier person and love my "new" life I have created for myself. I feel like so much weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can be who I want to.

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned

How much I've relied on certain people and lost contact with others.

Day 30- Who are you?
Not really sure. I can stil be figuring that out right? I know that I want to be a better a person and I've made drastic changes in my life to make that happen. I feel that I'm on the right path to be a better, loving, caring person than I have been in the past. So far I think I'm on the right track.

Days 21-25

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
I couldn't just put one picture up. Both my husband (so wierd to say that!) and our dog. Chance makes us laugh all the time. Last night he decided that the floor was more comfy than his bed or his blanket. He's so cute! He also likes to chase his tail at times throughout the day.
And then my husband...from the first day I met him 11 years ago we have had fun together. Why we never tried the relationship thing before, neither of us will ever know. Maybe it was God's plan, or maybe we were both to stubborn to listen. Whichever, Cory makes me smile all the time. He makes me laugh when I need to, hugs me at the right moments. One thing I love is when we both come home from work (whether we come home together or separately) we always hug each for a few minutes. In that few minutes its just us...even if Chance is looking at us like "Guys I need to potty!" It's our lil way of relaxing at the end of the day. I could go on and on, but since I am way behind on this 30 day challenge, I'd better move on!!

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
I'm me! I've changed a lot over the years. I am glad the person I am today. I wasn't happy with the person who I was becoming and I changed a lot to change that. (Too long of a history/story to go into) BUT--I didn't like it and now I'm back to who I think I should have been. Unfortunaly, I lost a lot of friends in the process, but have gained new ones and even trying to rekindle some old friendships. If I lost contact with you over the last 7 years, just know it wasn't personal. I'm thankful that my best friends stuck with me through those times and we are able to mend our friendships.
SO--that is what makes me different. NOT afraid at all of change...although I like change for the better not worse and I hope I can keep on going forward and not backward.
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
My home state TEXAS! It's hard being away, but I know one day we'll be back. It's nice that we can go visit and hopefully we'll be able to start going back once a month. We have traveled to many different cities that I've always wanted to visit, and there aren't very many more on that list...which means more time in Texas!! =)
Day 24- A letter to your parents
I am writing two--one for my mom and one for my dad...
Dear Mom,
I know I don't thank you every day for what you do, but know I do. Without you who knows where Miranda and Grynlea would be. You do a lot for those two and I appreciate it. I wish I was there to help, but you are doing you're best and that's all I can ask for.
Also thank you for making me the person I am today. You showed me how to love and how to do many things. Sometimes we get in fights, but we always make up quickly. I hope one day I can help you out more than I am now. I can't express in words how you help me, but just know you do. You helped through some hard times in my life and even though I didn't always listen, you held your arms open for me to cry in.
You may not understand that I don't need you to hold my hand, that I am independent and I do things on my own, but you are always in my thoughts. I know it's hard for you to let me do things without you, but I know you are holding my hand along the way. I love you!

Dear Dad,
Without  you I may have never had a dad & I thank you. You showed me some tough love growing up and I may have hated you for it, but as I look back I see why. Without that I would have never went to college or the determination to finish. I'd like to think that my work ethics came from you. You always worked overtime (even brought me along a few times) and showed me that working hard can pay off. You told me everything would be ok when I told you that I wanted a divorce and you were there when I needed advice. You have helped me understand that I'm not a horrible person for wanting and actually going through with it.
I know even though I'm almost 30, I can still crawl in your lap like I'm 5 and you'll comfort me. I appreciate what you have done for me, Mom and even Jennifer. I may not have growing up, but looking back I can see how our life is different. Thank you for all you have done and will do. I love you!

Day 25- What I would find in your bag
My wallet, chapstick, keys and phone are always in there. On occassion maybe some receipts.

Days 16-20

Day 16- Another picture of yourself



Having fun on our wedding day! =)


Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
I've always thought I'd would want to switch lives with someone, then I grew up and realized that the grass may not always be greener on the other side. I'm enjoying my life now and have changed a lot over the years. I think I stick with my life unless I know 100% sure someone else has it better.

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Get back to Texas!! I miss my home state so much. It snowed here before Halloween!! Yes this is a rarity, but I want my warm/hot weather back...and to be closer to my friends and family!

Day19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Can~it's a shortened version of my name
CJ~My boss gave it to me

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Well...I married this guy almost 3 weeks ago. He's my best friend and over a year ago we decided to take our friendship to the next level. I can honestly it's been the best decision both of us ever made. We weren't sure how it was going to work out, but after over 50,000 airline miles, I moved with him to Jersey and our life has been great. I would have never ever thought that we would end up together, but I'm glad we did. I haven't been this happy in a long time and it helps when your friends tell you that too. Thanks to everyone for supporting us in our decision in taking that leap of faith. I LOVE YOU CORY!

Days 12-15

I didn't get on here once while we were gone & I've been busy catching up at work. I want to finish this, so here are 4 days. I don't want to bore you or make this a 20 page post. 

Day 12- How you found out about blogging and why you made one
I knew about blogging in college, because I had to make a blog and keep it updated for a class. Blogging has come a LONG way in just a few short years. I made one because I thought it would be a good way to keep a digital scrapbook of our life. Who knows one day it could be famous!
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
No one has hurt me recently, so I'm not sure who I could write one to...except maybe Mother Nature! But it's fall and hurricane season, so I can only blame me for picking the time of year I did to get married!
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
I don't have a pic of my whole family, so here is one of two of my favorite family members, my nieces. Miranda and Grynlea came to visit us for Spring Break back in March and this was taken on Top of the Rock observatory. I recommend this over the Empire State building. I haven't been to the top of the Empire State, but I hear you get better views from the Top of the Rock, plus you can get the Empire State building in your pictures...oh did I mention the Top of the Rock is cheaper?

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Let it Go-Zac Brown Band
Love's got a hold on you-Alan Jackson
She's Country-Jason Aldean
Say Cheese-Step Up 2 Soundtrack
Flat on the Floor-Carrie Underwood
This is Your Time-Michael W. Smith
Pop, Lock, and Drop It-Huey
Ain't No Other Man-Christina Aguilera
Billionaire- Travis McCoy (featuring Bruno Mars)

Days 10 & 11

There may be a lot of combo days this week as we leave Thursday for Key West!! So the blog will not be on my mind much!

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
I'm not a big music fan, so I don't have certain songs I like to listen to. Usually Carrie Underwood will put me in a better mood.

Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends

Out for a night in NYC

Day 9...Something you're proud of in the last few days

I guess that would have to be on Wednesday. I was very nervous about going to try on my dress because the alterations lady said that she couldn't take it out as much as I needed. I wasn't too happy when she said that. So that inspired to sign up for boot camp to lose some weight. Well...on Wednesday, I said can we take this in a little? I can see right down my dress!! I want it to lay flat. A new alterations lady, who was MUCH nicer than the lady before, said, Yes, Let me take it in a half inch on each side!!

So...I guess I lost some weight, although I don't feel like I have. :( I'm still going to keep up with boot camp because it isn't the gym & at least I'm doing something and not sitting on the couch. That's what I've been most proud the past few days.

Days 1-8...happy reading :)

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

1. I love to read!

2. I truly 100% miss Texas and would go back every weekend if I could afford to!

3. My nieces are the world to me. I’d do anything for them.

4. As much as my mom drives me bananas, I love talking to her and miss talking to her every day on my way home from work. I love and miss her so much. She helped me realize a lot of things in life and I am so appreciative of that.

5. I actually miss commuting to work.

6. I wish I could sing.

7. I miss school and want to go back just to challenge my mind again...getting a Master’s would just be great.

8. Living in New York has been fun, but the Texas in me hates it.

9. I am marrying my best friend in 8 days!

10. I am crafty, I just never have time to start a project...and the ones I have started I never finish!

11. I love reality TV.

12. I would love to be on the Amazing Race or Survivor. I just know with Survivor I wouldn’t last & beg to go home.

13. I appreciate where life has brought me, I’ve had lots of ups and downs and traveled a lot of back roads, but I wouldn’t go back.

14. My best friends all still live in Texas and I’ve been friends with them for 20+ years!

15. I am a huge procrastinator.

The 15 things may not be “FACTS”, but hey it’s my blog & they are all about me or my feelings, I say they count. J

Day 02- The meaning behind your blog/site/user name



I have a very wandering mind & will change the subject in an instant. So, I found it fitting to name my blog “Whereever my mind takes me,” because you just never know!



My besties for 20+ years

Day 03- A picture of you and your friends.





This girl is my saving grace here Jersey. Thanks Trish for making living here bearable!

These are actually Cory's friends, but we've adopted each other. Ready to be in Houston to live closer to them!

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have

Seeing something online & falling in love with it...and then the need to have it!

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to

Key West, Fl--where Cory & I will be getting married in 8 days! I loved it here!

 

 

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why

Keep up with working out. It makes me happy to know that hard work pays off...even if I don’t see the numbers on the scale moving, I feel better about myself.





Day 06- Favorite super hero and why

I am going to be sappy...but my dad is my super hero. He took in my sister and me like his own. I'll always be grateful for the life he gave us. He made me the person I am today. I love him so much and he will always be my hero.

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

My Love
He has been my best friend for 11 years now. He has put up with me a lot and at one point told me if I screwed up again, we couldn't be friends...apparently I didn't screw up because we'll be getting married in 8 days! (Can you tell I'm excited about that?)

I stole the idea =)

I'll start this tomorrow so I can "catch" up, but my friend Kendra, copied from her friend and I thought it would give me something to do AND keep up with this blog!! So get ready for the first 8 things tomorrow!

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your blog/site/user name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about blogging and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you?

There's not enough time in the day

I've been reading way to many crafting blogs lately!!! Most of the people who write these crafting blogs are stay at home moms or work part-time and have children. I've decided that I really need to stop reading them!! I feel like I'm addicted to them. They have so many cute things & ideas (for not much money), but I have to realize that I work 55 hours a week, have a dog & fiance' that both need my attention, not to mention, the goal of losing 10 pounds before Labor Day! So--when would I have time to do crafty things? I'm not super crazy, so staying up late is not an option. My alarm goes off at 5:30 am (notice it goes off, I don't usually get up) and I get home at 5:00, then its time to cook dinner, workout, spend time with Chance & Cory...then I relax some. After all that it's almost time for bed. As Cory likes to say, I have grandma bedtime...I'm usually in bed & asleep by 10!!!

You say there's the weekend for crafting...well, NYC is across the river, so we spend much of our weekends with our friends over there. Maybe I can devote 2-3 hours on Sunday for crafting instead of watching TLC or WE's Wedding Sunday...maybe I can multi-task & craft while watching tv. <---that's an idea.

So...maybe VERY soon, you'll see some crafts on here (def. from another website, who will get credit where & when it's due). I just have to manage time better instead of saying There's not enough time in the day!

Society

I started writing this blog about 3 weeks ago, but then I stopped because I didn't want to be rude or hurt other people's feelings. Well, I sat on it and I still want to write this, after all the title of my blog is Where ever my mind takes me, so here goes...
I know I am not the 97 pounds I was when I graduated high school, almost 11 years ago now, nor am I the 115 pounds when I graduated from college. (How I didn't gain the Freshman Fifteen, I thank that to not drinking beer, I gained all of 18 pounds ALL through college.)
I am not an exerciser like I used to be nor is my metabolism what it used to be. I do understand that I have gained weight (which I am not proud of, nor will I discuss how much) <-- because I am female and we don't like that to be public knowledge. However; it seems as though most (90%) of my weight gain is in my tummy. What I want to know is this...
When did it become socially OK to ask a woman if she is pregnant?! If I am not waddling around holding my back, complaining that I want a baby to come, then don't ask. If you are not 100% sure don't ask!!! I know this has not only happened to me, but many women out there.
Even when I was skinny and I ate, my tummy pooched out a bit...I had a "food baby," as I like to refer to it as! For whatever reason, the women in my family where blessed to gain weight mostly in the stomach area.
I have been trying the last couple weeks (since I first wanted to write this) to consciously eat better foods (no fried and try & eat at home more) and work out & run around with Chance. By doing so, I have lost 1.5 pounds. I know this is a slow process, but those out there who think its OK to ask a woman if she is pregnant, when she really is fat or has little bit of extra weight, makes for an uncomfortable situation for all parties involved.
Please, please all I ask is to be more conscious when having a conversation...this now concludes my soapbox/rant of the day.

Yep...

I knew I wasn't going to be the best at blogging...maybe one day I will be better. I read a lot of blogs and people say they go back & can look through their blog & see all the things they did that year or what their kids started doing at what age. The only child I have is a black lab mix and he doesn't do much! He likes to chase his tail or self entertain himself with his toys. I guess for now this will be how I feel about certain topics, whenever I finally get a chance to do something crafty and pictures of my life with my wonderful fiance. Here are a few (we took 438 pictures between 2 cameras!) from Key West: (I'll post more to Facebook sometime this weekend)

At the oldest bar in Key West:The original Sloppy Joe's

On our sunset sail

This guy plays for the Dolphins (Last name: Long--look him up)

Our hangout street (along with everyone else)

They need these in NYC!!!

Southernmost Point

Sunset at Mallory Square

Sunset on our sunset sail

Welcome...

I started a blog in November, but never went back to it. I hope to keep up with this one!! This blog will be on whatever is on my mind, or pictures of what my love, Cory, and I are doing/did. This may be a very random blog, but hey, I'm random!!! Like my profile says, I miss Texas, but will be back soon. (Well I hope.) One may ask, why did you move to a great state to a blah state? Well.....for my best friend, my fiance, Cory. I am working up here and we have an apartment that overlooks Manhattan. It is a skyline that will be forever in my heart. 

We LOVE LOVE Central Park. We go there when the weather is nice & people watch. There are a lot of weird people out there! We also try and pick out the tourists. They usually have 3 or 4 cameras and are always looking up!! Anyway...I hope you enjoy this little blog & world of mine! I'm new to all this blogging stuff, and I hope to figure it sooner rather than later! :)