Listen

Wordless Wednesday

Listen

Let's Talk About Weed

There was a series over on Yahoo that addressed "Weed & the American Family". There were stances for, and against. Naturally. And it covered a various group of people with different backgrounds. With more and more people pushing for legalization (some states have passed it) it's not surprising that a once taboo subject has been thrown into such a bright spotlight. So, it piqued my interest. Now before we get into this some of you may already know, and some may not, that I am "Pro-Legalization". I even did a short essay my first year of college that highlighted some of the reasons why I felt this way. Mind you I was 22, so don't judge me too harshly on it. I've always believed that marijuana should be legalized based on my own experience, and even with some of the negative stuff that's happened I still feel the same way. And here's why.

This may get long, just a heads up. 

Wordless Wednesday

Listen

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Is (Finally) Here

Lately, I've had a lot on my mind. None of it do I really want to discuss with anyone because I haven't exactly pinpointed what it's all really about. Why exactly I'm feeling a certain way? Why am I hesitating? What are my emotions really attached to? It seems like every few months I hit these low points. I've read that people go through them all of the time, and it's normal. But one thing my counselor always told me was that I'm the kind of person who, more often than not, has her emotions tied in with someone/thing else. I have a hard time separating, and distancing myself. My feelings usually lead the way, and that's not a very good way to go about living because it causes this state of constant up and down. So, when I feel myself starting to get into these moods I'm suppose to force myself to take a step back. To figure out what my triggers are THIS time around. And I have to be extra observant of what I'm doing, as well as why I'm doing it. If I don't, I end up in this long period of depression. At least, that's my theory anyway. Based on my history. So as soon as I start to make some progress on that front I'll definitely let y'all in on what's been on my mind. 

Moving along, Spring is finally here in my little Texas town. Now, a friend of mine pointed out that "Spring started like 2-3 weeks ago." BUT, I say it didn't count. Just last week (and the week before) we had nights where the temperature dropped down to 38 degrees, and our heaters had to be turned on. So no. That doesn't count. This passed weekend, and so far this week it's been about 52-55 at night. A nice, breezy, 75-80 during the day with some occasional rainstorms. THAT my friends, is Spring. So, now that this "issue" has been cleared up, let me just say that we've been enjoying the start of this season. We've gotten our hands in the dirt, started clearing up the flower beds, purchased new potting mix for our planters, and busted out the bicycles. At the recent school book fair the little asked if we could buy this Big View Bug Jar, and it's the best $6.99+ tax I have ever spent. Almost every afternoon she takes her jar outside, and starts collecting bugs. Once she's done with her inspections, and questions she releases them back where she found them. So far she's gotten: an earth worm, a caterpillar, two snails, three grub worms, a moth, a butterfly, and a few ants. It's been really cool to see her show interest in bugs, rocks, and the weather. I might have a little scientist on my hands. Her tia will be thrilled. We've also officially started to teach her how to ride her bike without training wheels. I know, I know. I'm a little late to the game. But this is the first year she actually showed any interest in riding her bike for longer than 5 minutes. So, we're going for it. She's a little nervous, and a little excited. Fingers crossed we make it through! 

On the weight loss front, I won't lie, I've actually gained some weight. I'm not happy about it, but it is what it is. The only thing I can do is start cutting out all of the junk food, and hitting the gym a bit harder. Some people say nice things like: "It's just the stress." or "It's just water weight." But I'm over here thinking it's the damn pizza, french fries, and junk food that my workplace keeps for snacks that I can't seem to say no to that's doing me in. I'm seriously eating mini Keebler cookies while typing this right now. Stress has played a role, I won't deny that, but my self control when it comes to "stress eating" has been nonexistent. And that's the main issue. Again, there are some things going on in my life right now that cause my anxiety/stress to kick in, but basically it all comes down to me eating my feelings. I clearly need to get a handle on that. Otherwise I'm just going to continue to gain weight. And that's not something I want. So as of now, this lady's "ready for summer" body just isn't in the cards this year. Maybe next year? Look out summer 2018, I'm coming for ya.  

Anywho, that about wraps up this post. I hope everyone's had a lovely Tuesday, wherever you are! The news has been pretty crappy lately, and it's actually brought me down even more than usual. So much tragedy, and I have no idea why this shit even happens. My faith in humanity is dimming with each passing day. But that's a topic for another day, huh? Until the next post! ⚓

Listen

Currently - April

Hello, hello! Crazy that we're already in  April right? Even crazier that we're almost at the half way point of 2017. Honestly, I have no idea why it seems that the year goes by faster as I get older. But it does, and I'm not so sure I'm a fan. Anywho, since I didn't do one of these last month I figured I'd go ahead and play catch up. Though this time around I'll put a limit as to how much I can mention, because you guys don't want to read page after page of me gushing over several different things, right? Right. Okay, so lets get started. 

Playing: Recently, I've been listening to a lot of Spanish music. BUT in between I've been listening to other stuff as well. You've probably noticed based on my Saturday posts that my taste is all over the place. Any who, I'm a big fan of New Reggae, and the album Wandering Soul by HIRIE has been on rotation in my casa for awhile now. I've only ever really listed to reggae sung by men, because honestly that's the majority that comes up. So it was refreshing to see a front woman in this band. And her vocals are on point. I mean, when I listen to her I feel like I'm on a beach somewhere just swaying with the waves. It's a very chill, and relaxing album. There is a song that talks about Ganja so if you're not cool with that feel free to skip it. Still, I definitely recommend you give this lovely lady a listen. 

Reading: I haven't been doing much of this lately. So for this round I'll just talk about the book that's next up on my reading list. November 9 by Colleen Hoover. This lady writes gold every time. The story line for this particular book reminds me a lot of this movie, One Day, though lets hope that it's not exactly the same. November 9 is basically about two people meeting, and hitting it off right before they're set to go separate ways. Then every year on the same date they meet up again. I think it's actually a pretty neat idea. I personally have a friend who I would love to do this with because they are constantly going to all of these different places/countries. I'd love to hear the stories, and listen to what all they were able to experience. Anyway that's my next book purchase so I'll let you know how it goes when I finish. 

Blog Posts: Okay. So I've read, and re-read "This Is Me Letting You Go" by Heidi Priebe. There's something about this post that just sits well with me. And not because it's about the ending of a relationship. Some parts of this could also be applied to friendships as well. The realization, the sadness that comes with finally cutting someone out, and truly meaning it. She covers basically all of what comes after, and during. The moments. And I just really loved it. Another post I came across was "If My Husband and I Met Today, Would We Still Choose Each Other?" by Allison Carter. She talks about how we all change. How we meet people, and how we choose to start a relationship/life with some because of who we are in that moment in time. But what about after? What about when we grow? Change? Mature? Would we still choose the same person? Sometimes the answer is yes, and other's it's no. Which sheds light on just how much we as people go through seasons, and change as the years pass by. But it also sheds light on how commitment to someone goes beyond that. Loving, truly loving, is a bit deeper than any change. 

Watching: I have been completely addicted to Emerald City on NBC (though I watch on Hulu). This is definitely a much darker take on The Wizard of Oz. Everything from the graphics/CGI, to the locations, and even the spin on different characters were amazing to me. It constantly contrasts between bursts of color in certain scenes with darker ones depending on who's story you are on. Now, before you start watching just be warned that they have not announced whether or not there will be a Season 2. And there is definitely a cliff hanger. So if you can't handle that kind of suspense I suggest holding off until a decision has been made. Until then, I'll just be sitting ove here with my fingers crossed, hoping that they're given the go ahead for more seasons or at the very least the opportunity to end it properly.

Phone App: I am loving the Calm app. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it on the blog before, but now I'll tell you a bit more about it. This app helps with my meditations, and keeps track of everyone that I do. I've used it off and on over the passed year, but recently I've really started committing time to it. This is great for beginners, and meditation pros alike. It has timed, guided, and unguided meditations to choose from as well as different session lengths for each. It also has some great scenes, along with nature sounds, and/or music. You can subscribe to get more content like the "Sleep Stories", or other sessions that target specific things (stress, anxiety, concentration, etc.). I use the free version, and it has just enough of everything fo me so unless something changes I'm fine with the basic service.  If you decide you want to sign up to unlock the rest of the features the prices are: $12.99/month, $49.99/year, or $299.99 for life. So if you're interested in trying this out, but not exactly sure how to get started this is a great tool. I do 3-5 minute sessions every night, and it's helped me out (overall mood/energy) quite a bit. 

And that concludes the currently for this month. If you have any other suggestions be sure to drop me a line either on here, or other social media outlets. Links are all at the top. I'm always on the look out for new artists, films, or books. Until the next post, Happy Friday!! 

Wordless Wednesday

A Post Where I Say A Lot & Yet Nothing At All

I didn't do a favorites, or book review last month because I haven't really done much. Or read much either. I really need to get back to it though. The last two weeks of March my husband was working out of town during the week so I was doing everything solo. He's finally back so here's hoping I get a little extra down time. But for now here are a few little pieces of what's been happening around here. 

My sister, had her baby shower on the 24th. They've chosen to not find out the sex of the baby which has this Aunt slightly annoyed, but in a good way if that makes sense? I get that they have a reason for this, and I'm totally supportive of that, but I WANT TO KNOW!!!! Anywho, the baby is due in May. I'd love to share him/her with you guys, but I've been told there will be NO pictures of the little one allowed on social media. *whoomp whooomp whoomp* So y'all will just have to suffice with a picture of me holding a little bundle, and take my word for it when she/he arrives that she/he is the most precious thing ever. 

Some of my relatives came down for a visit this passed weekend. I was also feeling a bit under the weather on Sunday. Add some storms that rolled through and it made for a very wet, grey, sick, and slow weekend for us. Still, it was wonderful getting to see my aunt's and uncles. This week also starts my month of "4 Day" work weeks. I have to use up my vacation time from last year so I'll be taking Friday's off. Not a bad setup really. Though, I'm also taking this time to look for some part-time work on the weekends. We've fallen behind on some stuff, and I'm in desperate need of extra income. We were hoping to get some cushion from our tax return, but we received a letter this weekend stating that they need more forms to be filled out. This means our return is getting delayed 8-12 weeks (according to the paperwork). Yay, for the IRS. 😒

Lately, I've been feeling really defeated. The other day I saw a friend of mine post about getting to move out to Southern California at the end of April. Now even though I was really excited for her since it was her dream job I was also slightly jealous. This is her second move within a year, and she's able to just drop everything to live somewhere else. Then there's me having to make a five year plan, to just hope that things work out enough for me to START considering being able to move. It's really defeating. I'm just so tired of barely scraping by, and it feels like no matter what I do I can never get ahead. I can't go back to finish by degree until I pay off the school, and catch up on my student loans. I'm pretty sure I've capped out at my current place of employment in regards to pay increase because even though my boss tried to get me a raise he's been met with a lot of resistance. It's frustrating being stuck like this. Even when I budget the shit out of everything, and try to make smart financial decisions, I feel like something else goes wrong. Something else comes up. Something else sets me back. ALWAYS. Something else. 

In other news my boss thinks I should start a blog. He has no idea that I have this one, but even if he did I'm sure this isn't what he's talking about. He says that a lot of people find me hilarious, and very "real". Not sure how I should take that, but I'll take it none-the-less. Apparently, he thinks people my age (like I'm that young) might find what I have to say interesting, though shocking at times, but very straight forward. He thinks people might need to hear it. LOL! When I asked him, and another co-worker to elaborate/suggest some stuff that they think I should do I was given: write a no bullshit blog about your take on current topics/articles/parenting/adulting/etc., and occasionally do vlogs to mix things up. I even had someone tell me that if I really pursued writing they were sure I could make money from it. So there's that. I'm actually surprised that any of them think I'd be good at writing, or that they even find me funny at all. Especially since I'm known for being grouchy until after I've had about four cups of coffee. And even then, I'm barely approachable. So that was some pretty neat feedback to hear. Maybe one day, right? 

Okay, I'm off to do something productive. Maybe. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day, and that their April has started off much better than mine. Until the next post...

📷: Kimberley Jessica