Rising Up

My mood has slowly improved over the last week. I attribute the improvements to finding my routine again and simply uncovering productive ways to release my tension (instead of releasing it on those I love, which only makes me feel worse). I am feeling more positive and present in my day to day interactions, and it feels great that I'm finding my way back from the dark side without the use of Celexa (therapy worked!). Although, the real hurdle will be keeping up the positive while drenching in the unbearable heat that is smothering us in the south. IT IS SO FREAKIN' HOT around here. Honestly, it's hot 24 hours a day and it really makes me miss being able to run to a fresh lake to take a swim. It will be so refreshing to visit the family again in August, and to enjoy both Lake Tahoe and Buck's Lake--ahhhh fresh mountain air!

Just as an aside, because it's so hot outside I have been forced to move my workouts mostly indoors. I signed up for a library card and have since borrowed 2 workout DVDs. The first DVD was Power Yoga Total Body Workout by Rodney Yee, and now I'm trying Jillian Michaels-30 Day Shred. I like having something new to try each morning, and I look forward to attempting more workout DVDs in the future. I am still doing Hot Yoga on Wednesday mornings at the studio, and it continues to completely kick my butt Every.Single.Time! So, my hope is, by doing more workouts throughout the week (because I've gotten pretty lazy except Wednesdays) it will relieve some of the burn I feel during my hot yoga sessions--I think people refer to this as "getting in shape?!" I'll let you know how it goes.

(Pictures of my last trip to Reno are coming soon--I SWEAR!)

Funk-A-Dunk

I've been having a funky few weeks and my emotions have felt a wee out of whack. I am having some ups and downs that are causing me to be moody, then happy, then angry, then sad, then super happy, then bitchy, then excited...then I just get sort of annoyed with myself and the cycle repeats.

The good news is, I think I know why. I have a feeling this is happening because I have gotten out of a routine. I know this sounds very child-like, but I have found that I too need a nice routine to keep my emotions regulated. Unfortunately, if I fall off of my regular regimen, my depressive symptoms pop up and are all, "HELLO! You know we've missed you, so thanks for opening the door and allowing us to come back in and visit for a while."

(That said, I've sorta, kinda, really been a monster to be around...and who is always around me? Chris. So, if you are into praying, I would pray for him, poor fella. He looks at me wrong and he loses a limb, ugh!)

Anyhow, I am aware that "the depression" is creeping in, and since I'm no longer turning to my old pal Celexa, I'm employing some alternatives. First thing, I am trying to give my nutrition a boost and to cut down on alcohol consumption. Secondly, I am attempting to get more sleep (I'm a 9-10 hours a night kind of gal--who hasn't been getting anything close to that over the last few months). Lastly, I'm implementing a new exercise plan to get myself pumped up yo'!

It all seems so simple, yet I easily fell off track at the beginning of this summer. In addition to the above changes, I am also taking time to relax, organize *stuff*, and get caught up on crap that I keep putting off. Additionally, I am just trying to stay in the positive. I am hoping by making a few tweaks to my lifestyle over the next few weeks I will be back to my old self in a flash.

Summer Fun!

This summer has already been jam packed with fun activities. Last weekend we went to Orange Beach with some friends to enjoy the sounds of waves crashing and delight in the scent of fresh salty air. I will post pictures once I am able (albeit, I was quite naughty and didn't take nearly enough!). We were extremely fortunate, as the weather was beautiful and the company even better.

Tomorrow, I am heading to Reno to visit the family and to celebrate one of my oldest and dearest friend's marriage. Chris will be staying in NOLA, but luckily, he will get to see everyone this August when we venture back West, once again, for more wedding fun and family bonding!

In line with my quest for more healthful eating, I have been cooking and baking as time permits, and I look forward to sharing my successes (and a few failures) with you soon.

Lastly, we are going to a Coldplay concert tonight--need I say more? This day can't possibly pass quick enough, I am sooooo freakin' excited!!!!

Korbin Turns 2!!!

As you all know I was suprised with a trip home to celebrate Korbin's 2nd birthday party. It was a quick trip, but well worth the time travelled. We had so much fun together. I just can't believe my little guy is growing up so darn fast. It was wonderful to be with him and I think he's the greatest little man around!

The night before his birthday party, giving the cupcakes a try!

He even let Grammy have a lick to see if they passed the test!

Afterwards we snuggled together before heading to bed for a good night's rest (also known as Aunt Laura's FAVORITE thing to do!)

The next day he tested out his new wheels--getting steady on the grass...

Before hitting the pavement with Grammy!

He also got a new tricycle from Grammy which we also HAD to try!

I got to ride on Bill's bike--THE HARLEY--WHOOP!

Then the birthday party fun began at Pump It Up!

He's so brave sliding all by himself! He loved every second!!

After 2 bounce rooms it was time for cupcakes--didn't we do a nice job?

Blowing out the #2 candle.

Mommy and Korbin after a funfilled day!

Thanks for letting me share in all the fun y'all!!

Jazz Fest Weekend #2

The second weekend of Jazz Fest we went on Saturday only. It was a lot of fun, and it was great to be with our friends for Brook's birthday. How many people do you know get to have Bon Jovi play for their b-day bash?! I was a little tired this day, seeing as we were out until 3am after Zoo to Do the night before, but in good New Orleans fashion I was able to rally for a good cause!

Our Saturday Line-up: Zachary Richart, Aaron Neville, Buckwheat Zydecos, Cowboy Mouth and Jon Bon Jovi.

May 2, 2009

Wands and Chris

Wands and I

Liz and Brook (the b-day girl!)

Us

Andy breakin' it down

Sorta-kinda dancing...I guess?

Posing

Me, Liz, Brook and Wands

Let the dancing begin!

Sunset heading home over Bayou St. John and the sign of another Jazz Fest coming to an end.

I can't wait for next year. Let me know if you want to join us--the more the merrier!

Jazz Fest Weekend #1

Jazz Fest was absolutely amazing this year. There was a great line-up of artists and the weather was awesome. The first weekend of the Fest, I attended Saturday with Shelley (Chris went to a golf tournament), and I enjoyed the festivities with Shelley and Chris on Sunday. I felt like this was my first real taste of Jazz Fest seeing as last year was a bit of a wash (it rained the entire weekend, which was memorable and fun, but just not the same as this year.)

Without further ado, our first weekend of Jazz Fest in pictures.

Our Saturday line-up: Big Sam's Funky Nation, Rebirth Brass Band with Kermit Ruffins, Irma Thomas, and JAMES TAYLOR!

Our Sunday line-up: Jake Smith, Papa Grows Funk, Better than Ezra and Dave Matthews Band!

Saturday April 25, 2009Big Sam's Funky Nation
Irma Thomas

The crowd forming for James Taylor at the Acura Stage (and our original vantage point)

Until Shelley got us BACKSTAGE for James Taylor and I went to HEAVEN. This is the view of the crowd from backstage.

Jaaaaaames!! Whoop!

Hello my love!

James and I--he was blushing =)

Mmmmkay--'nuf said about the awesomeness of this all.

The sunset during the concert--totally unedited (cuz I don't even know how to edit photos)
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Sunday April 26, 2009

We arrived early so we could get this spot--we were still a wee bit tired, but excited for the day ahead!

Papa Grows Funk

Shelley and her God-Daughter

Holly, Wands, and Chris

Better Than Ezra

The crowd--the CRAZY crowd!

My boy Dave--I've missed him so much!

The best part? We were there together and loving every second.

The sunset on our drive home by Bayou St. John.

The first weekend was one of the best music festival weekends of my life. My three most favorite bands all played, and even more, they played their hearts out. I wish I had taken pictures of all the food and Strawberry Lemonade we consumed, which could have been measured by pounds and gallons respectively. It was soooooo much freakin' fun. I wish I could do it all over again!!

Alive and Well

It's been a little quiet around here. Luckily, it is not that much hasn't been going on, but rather when it comes to writing about it, I lose all motivation! Maybe it's the warm sun and summer cocktails that keep calling my name, distracting me from my poor little blog. I plan to do a post about Jazz Fest (we've finally uploaded the pictures at least) and an update about my amazing trip to see my family. I have missed them so very much. Anyhow, for now, I hope you have a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend, and please remember to pray for all our fallen soldiers and their surviving family members. And while you're at it, pray that those still fighting will get to come home soon.

Happy Friday Y'all!

A Free What??

Yesterday, I was working through a typical day: Answering phones, meeting with clients, running classes, twiddling my thumbs, checking my e-mail. However, the 10th-ish time I checked my e-mail I had 5 new e-mails, all from my mom and sister, with subjects like, "Call Me!" "Call Mom!" "Exciting News!" "OMG Pick Up the Phone!" So, I picked up my cell phone to call my mom, and I see that I also missed a call from her. She left a a voicemail saying, "Hey, call me, I have some exciting news!" Obviously, I called her right away, and come to find out, a prayer had been answered...

A generous and thoughtful woman offered us her points on Southwest so that I can go to Reno for Korbin's birthday celebration this weekend! I was so humbled that this woman would offer the gift of family and friends to me. It's during the difficult times that we often see people close their wallets, turn inward, and focus on themselves and their own family. However, even though I am not part of this woman's family (in fact, we have probably only talked a handful of times), she still chose to open her heart and her wallet for me. Even more, it's her gift of generosity that not only answered my prayer (I really wanted to be home for his birthday), but has also encouraged me to pay the kindness forward. Amazing how that works isn't it?!

I will leave tomorrow, and will return around midnight on Sunday. It will be a cherished time with my family and I am delighted to join the celebration. Honestly, I am just plain giddy over the idea of being with my little buddy for his 2nd birthday!

Seriously, he's the cutest kid ever (and no I'm totally not biased!)