Saturday, January 24, 2015

January 24, 2015

This week has been a little rough. Well, I take that back. I've had a bad attitude all week. I started writing about 5 Good Things that happen to me each day to help me focus and stay positive, but I didn't do a very good job of that these past few days. How silly of me, because there were plenty of good things that happened!

So, without further ado--here's 5 Good Things about this week!


1. Last Sunday was the P. F. Changs Rock'n'Roll Marathon! I had originally signed up for the half marathon, but got bronchitis during the last two weeks of training. I knew that running 13.1 would be too much for my body, and was pretty bummed to miss the race (and even more bummed the entrance fee was non-refundable!!) My friend Shallahn told me she was going to run the 10K, and invited me to run it with her so I did! It was perfect weather, and a ton of fun. Even better? My pace per mile was 10 seconds faster than I had anticipated! :)


2. On Monday night, my Bible Study group met for the first time since Christmas! I'd been missing those girls! We prayed for one another and continued our study of Genesis. I can't think of a better way to start the week!


3. Tuesday night was Date Night! Michael and I tried Carolina's Mexican Food. We have heard great things about it, but had never been there before. It is definitely a little dive restaurant (it reminded us a lot of Chino Bandidos), but my burrition was deeeeelicious! And the tortilla chips were extra salty. Nom nom nom.

4. Michael and I didn't have any plans today (Saturay), which was a beautiful thing! This morning we hiked the "Scenic Trail" at McDowell Mountain Preserve. Driving there was an adventure in itself! :) The view was very beautiful, and we hardly came across any other hikers.


5. Tonight was Michael's holiday office party! (It's January 24. . .a little late hahaha) It took place in this giant barn in the middle of nowhere--it literally doesn't have an address! We followed a winding dirt road before we eventually found it and were greeted with complimentary valet parking. The barn was decorated with pretty lights and crystal chandeliers. There was yummy BBQ, fun country music, and even a photo booth! It was so fun to get to meet Michael's friends from work. :)

Friday, January 16, 2015

January 16, 2015

5 Good Things About the Last Few Days


1. On Wednesday night, our Highschool small group met up for the first time in 2015! Last Fall, Michael and I started leading a small group together for the first time, and I am so excited for a new weekly study with an awesome group of people! Our topics this week included bearing spiritual fruit, meditating, and spending more time talking to God. We even have a memory verse for the week: "For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction." (Psalm 1:6) I have a hard time memorizing scripture, but I am hoping to get better at it this year!


2. On Thursday, Amy and I went to a "Mixed Aerial Arts for Newbies" class that was soooo much fun! We were introduced to silks, lyra, and trapeze! I have absolutely zero history of gymnastics, strong abs, or anything involving heights (not even monkey bars in elementary school, people), so I definitely wasn't look too graceful out there haha but I learned a lot, and already want to go back. . .well, maybe after my triceps recover! ;)


Our instructor, Lindsay, and Amy hanging upside down on the Trapeze!

3. I got to hang out with Amy before, during, and after the class. No better way to spend a Thursday night! :)

4. Today I managed to go to Yoga during my lunch break. We focused on stretching our calves and hamstrings, which felt amaaaaazing. I have a 10K Race on Sunday, and my legs definitely needed some extra stretch!

5. I caught up on The Mindy Project after work. That show cracks me up!!

What are 5 good things from your day? :)

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

January 13, 2015


5 Good Things About Today

1. Our apartment gym has some new cardio equipment with the option to virtually "run/walk/hike" on famous nature trails around the United States. I tried it out this morning, and virtually eliptical-ed myself around Crater Lake in Oregon and Lake Tahoe in California. ;)

2. For "Date Night" tonight, Michael and I picked up some pizza from our favorite place and came home to watch more Friday Night Lights.

3. Amy and I are holding each other accountable with daily goals this week. Every morning, we have texted each other our 3 goals for the day. Holding myself accountable to somebody else has kept me motivated and productive, even when I don't feel like it. :P

4. Michael asked me this morning if I get mad that he can get ready for work in 30 seconds, and it takes me so much longer. I said no, I'm not jealous--getting dressed and ready for the day is fun!! I had fun putting together this morning's outfit. :)

5. I'm going to bed early. As in right now. As in 9:08 PM. Sweet dreams. :)


What are 5 good things about your day? I would love to hear about them! :)

Monday, January 12, 2015

January 12, 2015


5 Good Things About Today

1. My plans for tonight got canceled, so when I was at work I texted Michael and told him I'd make anything he wants for dinner. He picked meatloaf and mashed potatoes. . .just like I knew he would. ;)

2. After dinner, we went out for some ice cream! Our favorite ice cream shop has some new flavors, including banana ice cream with chunks of Nilla Wafers. Mmmmm, that's what I got! :)

3. We went to Target tonight, and Michael bought this big fuzzy hat that I thought was absolutely ridiculous. . .until I tried it on and now my head is so warm and I never want to take it off.

4. Amy sent me a picture of running shoes she bought from Nordstrom Rack today. They are black and pink, with a leopard print "swoosh". We don't even wear the same size but I am definitely going to steal my sister's shoes!!

5. After weeks of procrastinating, I finally began writing my year-end review. Am I finished? Psshhh no. I finally started it though, and that's half of my battle! Next year, I need to write myself "Monthly Reviews" that I can just combine at the end of the year because it is so hard to think back on everything I've worked on for the past 12 months!!

Share 5 Good Things from your day today!

Sunday, January 11, 2015

January 11, 2015



5 Good Things About Today

1. In church today, Craig talked about setting goals and how little changes can lead to big results. I had been excited to make New Year resolutions, but now I'm even more pumped to set some goals--both big and small! I have limited myself to how big I allow myself to dream, but it's time to dream bigger. With God, ALL things are possible!

"What you ought to say is, 'If the Lord wants us to, we shall live and do this or that.' Otherwise, you will be bragging about your own plans, and such self-confidence never pleases God." James 4:15-16

2. This:


It only cost me $25 to fill my tank. . .Is this real life??? It usually costs me $60! I was Snoopy-dancing at the pump today, that's for sure!!

3. I met with Amy and Christina at Pita Jungle tonight. I love these girls so much! We have some of the best conversations, and I always feel so encouraged after meeting with them.

4. Amy brought me some oranges and lemons from my parents' citrus trees.  Woohoo, organic fruit! ;)

5. I am liking my side-swept bangs even more! You know how usually when you get your hair done, you can never make it look as good the next day? My stylist gave me a tip for taming my crazy cowlick, and it worked! :)

Saturday, January 10, 2015

January 10, 2015

5 Good Things About Today

1. This morning I went with my mom to check out the new "Uptown Farmers Market". It was about twice the size of the one at Roadrunner Park! I tried goat milk fudge for the first time, which was super soft and creamy. We also spoke with a vendor who makes and sells aprons. My mom wants to begin making/selling aprons and I am so excited because I know she'll be so good at it! :)

2. When we got back from the farmers market, Amy was home and she even made me "Egg In a Nest" for lunch. We love eggs. :)

3. I got my hair cut today for the first time since last March. I had to stand up while my ends were trimmed because my hair is so long! This is the longest it's ever been. I got side-swept bangs. I'm going to have to get used to hair being in my face again. I forgot I don't like that haha whoops!

4. I took a nap this afternoon. Today has been such a great, easy going day!

5. Now it's time for a great, relaxing night with my man watching some Friday Night Lights. (I am so happy but so surprised Michael is sucked into this show with me. There aren't very many TV shows we both agree on!)

What are 5 good things about your day? I would love to hear about them! :)

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

January 7, 2015

5 Good Things About Today

1. An issue came up at work yesterday and I won't bore you with details but basically there are 2 ways to resolve it: Plan A and Plan B. I thought Plan B was a more sensible solution, but yesterday it looked like the parties involved were leaning towards Plan A. Today they decided to go with Plan B. And that makes me happy. :)

2. After work, I stopped by Target to pick up some contact solution. (Holler.) While I was there, I saw my Sophomore English teacher from Highschool. I almost didn't say anything because I didn't know if she would remember me, but in a split second I decided had to say hi! I didn't know how to say her name her though! Calling her "Mrs. Lopez" felt so formal and akward in the middle of Target. At the same time, yelling out "Melissa" just seemed really weird and oddly inapproriate (even though I graduated how many years ago?) I went with "Mrs. Lopez", and thank goodness she actualy remembered me! It would have been that much more awkward if she didn't have a clue who I was. hahahaha :)

3. I've made it a full week reading the Bible every day! That is one New Years Resolution I definitely want to see through to the end of the year.

4. I had a Subway Veggie Delite for dinner. I <3 my Veggie Delites.

5. I felt stronger on my 2.5 mile run! I am still not 100% better, but I am definitely improving. Wish me luck for my run tomorrow morning! ;)

What are 5 good things about your day? I would love to hear about them! :)

Sunday, January 4, 2015

January 4, 2015

5 Good Things About Today

1. Michael and I had a breakfast date before Church. :) Such a fun way to start a Sunday morning!

2. This morning at church, we had a bunch of games for the Highschool kids to play. My favorite game to watch was called the "Inch Worm Race", where kids would be completely zipped up in a sleeping bag, and then race each other across the grym floor. Some of them were super speedy, and really looked like giant inch worms! Others had a hard time "inching" and ended up going sideways into the wall. Michael even raced, which wasn't really fair since he's much taller "inch worm" than any of the kids are. :)

3. I went for a nice, long walk by myself this afternoon. The weather outside was a beautiful, sunny 63 degrees!

4. It's been so chilly in the mornings, and I've been thinking it might be a good idea to suck it up and buy some running leggings. I found some at Kohl's today that I liked. The price tag said $45.99. When I got to the register, I found out they were only $24.99. Woohoo! :)

5. MIchael and I had dinner with Brandon!! :) We went to BJ's which, BTW, now has Salted Caramel Pizookies. Ummm I would like to eat one of those with every meal, thanks. #BikiniBody2015

What are 5 good things about your day? I would love to hear about them! :)

Saturday, January 3, 2015

January 3, 2015

5 Good Things About Today

1. I went for a run this morning. Honestly, it didn't feel good at the time, but I have missed running these past couple of weeks and I was glad I was able to get out there today.

The P.F. Chang's Half Marathon is 2 weeks away. My training schedule told me to run 11 miles this morning. My grand total for this entire week is. . .3.

I still haven't decided what to do about the race since I have missed so much training. If it was possible to drop out and get a refund, I probably would choose to do that. But that's not an option. So I can either not run it and waste the money I paid to enter, or run it and try not to die. :)

No matter what happens, at least my training wasn't a complete waste since I did run a the Hot Chocolate 15K Race last month!

2. I bought these white "denim leggings" (wait, did I buy jeggings??). They are soooo soft and comfortable! I have never had white pants before. My mom used to say I'd get them dirty way too quickly. She's probably right, but I guess we'll see!!! :)

3. My right hip has been bothering me lately, especially after that run this morning. However, walking around the mall seemed to loosen it up or something because it's been feeling much better the rest of the day!

4. Jeremy Camp's "You Never Let Go" came on the radio, and it was a great reminder that I still really love this song. :)

(Oh no, You never let go / Through the calm and through the storm / Oh no, You never let go / In every high and every low / Oh no, You never let go / Lord, You never let go of me)

5. Michael and I went over to our favorite family's house for dinner!!

Friday, January 2, 2015

January 2, 2015

5 Good Things About Today

1. I am feeling so much better! I was even able to go in to the office today to work, which doesn't actually sound like a "good" thing when I say it out loud. ;) Cheers to being healthy!

2. Speaking of work, today was such a nice, easy day. It was muuuuch needed after after the chaotic, tornado, hot mess that Q4 was made of.

3. Tonight I made this Chicken Marsala for dinner. I experimented a little bit and substituted marsala wine with white grape juice, vanilla, and sherry cooking wine. It came out pretty good!

4. These No-Bake Cookies. Chocolate, peanut butter, oats, and pretzels? Ummm yes. And did you notice that 2 out of 5 of today's "Good Things" are about food I made/ate? It happens.

5. My new credit card came in the mail. Finally! I have been waiting since December 10, when there was some sketchy business going on with my card so the bank closed my account. Now that I finally have a credit card again, it looks like i'm ready to do a little shopping this weekend. ;)

Thursday, January 1, 2015

January 1, 2015

5 Good Things About Today

1. It's the first day of 2015! New Years Day is always a good thing! :) I always get excited and hopeful for what the rest of the year will bring. There are so many possibilities!

2. I started off the morning by making this Eggnog French Toast. Yum! I'm still getting over being sick and could really only taste the raspberry sauce I drenched my toast in. Michael didn't have any raspberry sauce on his, and said he loved it! **Hubby approved!**

3. After having bronchitis for the past week and a half, I finally ventured out of the apartment for a 30 minute walk and Michael joined me. I love going on walks with Michael. :) It was really rainy last night, and I love the cool, fresh air the morning after a storm. Some people also still have their Christmas decorations up, and I never get sick of looking at Christmas decorations!

4. My mom, Amy and I saw Wild, the movie with Reese Witherspoon where her character walks from Pacific Crest Trail. What a great movie! I am ready to walk the PCT Trail. . .or at least read the book. :)

5. After the movie, I played Rummikub with Amy and my mom. They played together last night during New Years Eve, but I wasn't there. I am happy we got to play tonight--even though they both  beat me! (What's new?! :))