Give Thanks

It is that time again for too much turkey, family arguing over who makes the best sweet potatoes and watching long hours of football. Thanksgiving is probably second in my "Top 5 Holidays" coming close to Valentine's Day but that's another blog post. I have kept the same routine for Thanksgiving Day for a while now and I do not plan on changing it anytime soon. I basically spend most of my day in pajamas, no make-up on watching the Macy's Day Parade and drinking pumpkin spice coffee. Anyway back to the point, I love Thanksgiving so much due to the reason that it is a not so subtle reminder to bring some positive perspective into this crazy life of mine.

It is the time to reflect and be grateful for all of the wonderful, unique blessings we each have in our lives. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what those blessings are but we all have them whether it be you're thankful for Netflix or you just got a job promotion. I wanted to share the 8 (my lucky number) blessings in my life that I am most thankful for, in no particular order of importance.

I Give Thanks For Never Going To The Doctor's Office

This is one that sometimes I really forget to be thankful for but it gives me so much perspective in my life. I am so lucky that myself and those close to me are healthy. My fantastic roommate Amanda works at UNM hospital and I do not know how she does it but she is amazing. There are so many people who are sick and fighting for their lives. I'm so lucky to have a healthy mind to keep learning and gaining knowledge. 

I Give Thanks For Cramming For Tests 

Yeah I say I hate school most of the time actually probably once a day. However, I forget just how fortunate I am to be able to have a high level of education. So many people will never be able to have a college degree or even a high school diploma. I am truly thankful for every lesson I learn and every test I take. 

I Give Thanks For Being Land Locked

I am so happy that I live in the Land of Enchantment, free from most natural disasters. I have never known the feeling of being worried that my house and every belonging would be ripped away from me. I love looking out my front door and seeing the beautiful Sandia Mountains and seeing the seasons change. 

I Give Thanks For Doing What I Love

So many people are not able to do what they love in life, but I have been doing this for a while now. I am so passionate about sports and to be able to have had the opportunities that I've had has been such a privilege. The most rewarding part of my job is to be able to show people what they won't see during a game. 

I Give Thanks For Jonnyboy's Cooking

I take this for granted the most. Good food and water is not a right for everyone in this world. I am so lucky for the plentiful food I have for me every single day. I am also thankful for clean water that it is so available to me. 

I Give Thanks For Special People 

The only thing that I know for sure is that I could never survive life alone. I am so blessed to have absolutely remarkable people in my life. I am so thankful for my crazy, goofy family, my hilarious, supportive friends and my amazing, caring boyfriend. I cannot explain in simple words how much these people truly mean to me. I could be having the worst day but with a simple text or call I can feel instantly so loved and reassured. One of my favorite quotes, "Happiness is only real when shared" this is so true because whenever something great happens to me it doesn't feel real until I have shared it with some of the great people in my life. 

I Give Thanks For Having A Full Closet

Although I sometimes feel like I have nothing to wear, my closet is spilling over with clothing for me to wear. To so many this is not a luxury that I take for granted. I am able to wear a coat when it is cold or break out a new pair of boots. 

I Give Thanks For Steve Jobs

I am currently typing away on my MacBook and texting on my iPhone, Apple has taken over my life. I am so thankful for technology and social media. I don't even have to watch TV anymore because I can simply check my twitter timeline to know what is going on. I love it all and am truly blessed to be able to make Siri mad or check Pinterest. Not to mention Steve Jobs is a huge inspiration in my life. 

I Give Thanks For Freedom 

I have so much gratitude for the past and present troops risking their lives and protecting our freedom. We are so blessed to have the freedom that we do and I am guilty of sometimes forgetting this. We take advantage of the fact that we live in the great country of America.

This is not even the tip of the iceberg of everything that I am thankful for but just a few of the biggest things that I have been blessed with in my life. So I hope while you are enjoying your Thanksgiving that you stop and think about all of the wonderful blessings we all have in our lives. Whether it be that you have lazy Sundays or that you have a roof over your head, we are all blessed. 

Ohana...

"Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten."
- Lilo & Stitch

Well I have not blogged in FOREVER. Hopefully you have been following my tweets and facebook to see what's been going on!

This post goes out to the people who have been with me since day 1: my family. 

I know its cliche to say but I really don't know what I would do without them. I'm so blessed to have the family that I do. I owe my mom, dad and sister everything. 

Mom: Les

Thank you for teaching me to find the beautiful and good in life. Moms and daughters have such an interesting dynamic but it's something magical. The traits that I truly admire from my mother is her unbreakable strength and the fact that she will stand up for what she believes in. She knows when to be silly and when to be serious. She can make you feel like a million bucks in just one instant. She went to everyone of my tennis matches even when it was literally below zero outside just to be my number one fan. Everything she does has great thought involved. The fact that she is not afraid to be herself has always inspired me. My mom was there to take me to ice cream after my first break up and she is the first one I call when something exciting happens. She is truly a superwoman!

Dad: Jonnyboy

You're amazing. I cannot even explain how happy I am to have such a healthy and rewarding relationship with my father. The coolest thing about my dad is that he wanted to be a pilot since he was a little boy and he did everything he could to make his dream come true. My dad is such a selfless man that would do anything for his wife and daughters. He listens to me and gives me the advice I need to hear. The best memory I have with my dad when he took my sister and I to see the Spy Kids movie. I had wanted to see it so badly and he took us. Afterward we went to Pizza Hut. Sounds boring right? I can honestly say that is the first time I cried from laughing so hard. I still remember my stomach hurting because I couldn't breathe. We had such a good time telling stories and just enjoying each other's company. He is a remarkable human being.

Sister: Al The Pal

Al The Pal, the first time I met you went kind of like this. You were a newborn in the hospital and I kissed you and then cried. It's majestic and I am so glad we have it on film. I seriously want to cry thinking about how much I love you and how much you mean to me. Everything I have done in life you have been there either to tattle on me or join. You have never tried to be something you weren't and you are the most down to earth person I have ever encountered. You can laugh at yourself and you make people feel better just by being around you. People fall in love with you instantly. I want you to remember that I will forever be by your side. I am proud of you.

There have been times when I have wanted to run away and when I have been embarrassed by my family. However, there is such an unconditional love and bond between us that will never diminish. It is easy to forget families and take them for granted. Sometimes you do not see everything they are sacrificing or doing for you. It's hard to remember to say thank you. Sometimes families aren't blood related and that is just as special.

I had the opportunity to go to the 2012 Women's Final Four and it was an experience of a lifetime. The one thing that I will never forget is the Baylor press conference after they won the National Championship. Head Coach Kim Mulkey had her mom in the crowd wearing the net around her neck. In the midst of all of the excitement she said something that I will cherish forever.

Dear 16-year-old me,

Let your life be a never ending river. Sometimes you will need to float just to stay above the water but other times it will be best to swim and enjoy journey.

The two things that I want you to know being at the ripeful age of 16: be yourself and life does not go according to plan. 

Be Yourself

You are a people pleaser. Simple as that, it is a great trait to have but do not let it be fault. 

It is impossible to make everyone around always happy and satified. 

You have this thought in your head that you have to make everyone proud. You think to achieve that you have to be a certain way or act in a particular manner. In truth you should just be who you are. 

Mom and dad have raised you properly so do not think you need to alter yourself. You simply need to grow into yourself. You need to accept the things that you think makes you stand out. Turn what you think are negatives into bright postives in your life. 

You will gain people's respect if you do not try so hard to be what you believe everyone else wants you to be. 

There Are No Guarantees

Right now, you have this painting in your head of what you want your life to be like. You think that if life were like that you would have no worries and all your dreams would come true. 

However, it never turns out the way you thought it would. That is the best part. Life is truly unpredictable. It is great to have dreams and goals because when you do set your mind to stuff you will be able to achieve it.

Other Tips

• Continue playing tennis, it is a life long sport! 
• Learn to laugh at yourself, not everything is so serious. 
• Work hard in school and apply for as many scholarships as possible. 
• Treat people as though they would die at midnight. Muster up all the kindness you have. 
• Think twice about everything, always. 
• Don't highlight your hair, face it you will never be blonde! 

Long Live, 

MARCH MADNESS

March has been madness, to say the very least. It has been full of excitement and basketball, so I really can't complain. However, it has been WAY too long since I have last blogged and I have a lot to get off my chest, just giving you the heads up!

So I would like to take you on a journey to show you how my march has been through cell phone pictures I've accumulated so far & I'll fill in where it is needed...

So this is how March started off, with the men taking home the regular season conference championship, not too shabby to kick things off!

Granted Cameron is like 7 feet tall, but I guess the trophy is just really that big. Okay there is no way around it, I'm really that short.

Then I was headed off to Vegas for the MW basketball tourney. I hadn't been there since I was ten and it had definitely changed...just a little bit.

I met the love of my life, barrelman from Wyoming. Unfortunately, the feeling wasn't mutual. The other two girls are my lovely friends from Omaha!

Both Lobo men and women's basketball teams made it to the finals of the tournament, yeah pretty awesome. I definitely found out why people call the Thomas & Mack center "The Pit West" come tourney time! Lobo fans rock! 

 Every game felt like a home game. The atmosphere was electric!

The men ended up beating the Aztecs. I didn't realize I got this pic until I was looking through my phone after. The crowd had rushed the court and here is Jamal just standing there soaking it all up throwing up his Lobo!

So the Lobo men now have two more trophies to add to the mantel! 

Then it was back to The Pit for some Big Dance fun! 

 I had the best time working with sideline reporter Jaime Maggio!!

Everything has been a blast and I was able to learn a great deal too!

So that's all for now and March Madness is not quite over just yet. I'll be ending March in Denver at the Women's final four. 

I'm pretty pumped because I think I'll be able to cross off "be in a confetti celebration" off my bucket list!

I hope March has treated everybody splendidly and kept safe:) 

Ciao, 

 

Hottie Tottie Body

 Yes, it’s that time again when you are forced to transition from the baggy sweatshirt to the tanks. The awful time when you are desperately wishing that your short shorts still fit the same way they did last summer. It’s a dreaded time for all girls BUT it doesn’t have to be.

We have all packed on those extra winter pounds that hide nicely under our loose fitting sweaters and I think along with the sweaters the pounds should go to.

The best way to do this is to be smart and not have the “easy street” mentality. Anything that sounds too good to be true….is! Doing it the right way will make your body hot all summer long.

Here are some tips and tricks that will help you be the most beautiful beach angel out there!

• Take Vitamin E: Vitamin E is essential for that healthy, glowing skin that you crave in the warm weather. Start taking it in the morning and make it a routine.

• Don’t go back for seconds: After you’ve had your first plate don’t immediately go grab more. Your stomach hasn’t caught up to you yet so it can’t tell if you’re full or not. The best thing to do is wait about fifteen minutes, then see where your body’s at.

• Make Water Your Best Friend: I know, I know you hear this all the time but really drink water all day! It is literally the best flush you can give your body to clean out and make you gorgeous. Also if you only drink milk and water, you’ll have that flat tummy in no time.

• Try not to snack: Make sure that you are eating only at your meals; it makes a huge difference in keeping your calories under control. This way you are not adding up unnecessary calories all day long. If you are about to die and can’t wait to eat then grab an apple, veggies, or some almonds.

• Deep condition: Your hair is starving for some moisture that it has been missing during the winter blues. So buy any deep conditioner and give your hair some lovin!

• Buy your dream bikini NOW: Yep, get that sucker hanging up on your closet door this instant. Of course be realistic but make it a goal that you are working for. If you see it everyday the more and more you’re going to manifest the idea of getting to that point.

• Exfoliate: Buy a great smelling body scrub and let your skin get ready to be bronze and beautiful. It’ll make that dry, dull skin look radiant instantly. Make sure you get the rough spots like your elbows, knees and feet.

• Exercise wherever you are: I get it we have all have extremely busy lives and it’s sometimes really hard to find or make the time to workout. So workout when you can and where you can. Try taking the stairs or walking at your lunch break. Instead of taking that nap, go to the gym. Wake up thirty minutes early and take a quick run. These little things will help you get there.

• Find Your Inspiration: Pinterest just might be the answer to this one. Make a virtual pin board of fitness goals, style goals and anything else that will help you get to your best bikini body.

• Eat More Protein: Get more protein into you diet! Consuming more lean protein will burn more fat, and calories and will thus keep you leaner and meaner. Some of my favorite foods for lean protein? – Salmon, canned tuna, garbanzo beans, tofu, eggs, almonds.

• Be happy: The prettiest people are always the happiest! So never leave anywhere without wearing your gorgeous smile!!

See your gorgeous self soon:) 

It's A Mindset...

Building Up Your Mental Strength

            It’s funny how much your own confidence and faith really does dictate your life. I fully believe that anything your little heart desires is possible and completely attainable. The only thing stopping us is our selves. We set our own boundaries and limits. I think it’s time to let free yourself. You’ll do wonders!

When everything in life is broken down, you realize that everything is a mental battle. For example: when I used to play tennis if I went into a game fully believing I would win, I usually came out on top. Or when I first started driving I was terrified until I took a second to think that if millions of people could do it, then I sure could too. Most things in life are a mental hurdle that takes full confidence, belief and support to jump over successfully. 

The first step to accomplishing everything you set your mind to is believing in yourself. It's easy to stay in your comfort zone but you're holding yourself back from greatness. I am so guilty of this, I find this often in the way I workout. I am comfortable with just running one mile. Anymore running from that I feel awkward and I usually make up a lot of excuses to stop. Sometimes I encounter this self doubt when I'm dealing with a breakup or just a falling out with someone, if you set your mind to believing that you will get over it chances are that you will! 

Second step is finding a support group. You will be as high up as the people who you are associating yourself with are. It is very important to surround yourself with supportive and people with common values as yours. If you are wanting to start working out more it's probably best to start hanging out with the girl who runs everyday at 5. I'm not saying abandoning your other friends but extend your friend network. 

Finally it's time to take action. Sign up for something that will help you on your way to getting out of your comfort zone and breaking those mental walls down! Stand up and do something because you're on your way to doing the impossible!!


Quick trick: Say what you want to yourself as many times as necessary until YOU believe in it!

 

 

Fancy & Free, 

A New Decade...

Bring on the roaring 20s! 

Another birthday has come and gone but it's time for me to start a new chapter in my life. 

The beginning of a new decade in my life. Yes, this sounds silly seeing as the last time I started a new decade I was 10 yrs. old.

However, when I was 10 yrs. old I was convinced I was going to marry Justin Timberlake and become a pop sensation. I gave up on that dream at age 11. 

I'm terribly excited for what's ahead though. I was thinking back yesterday on the fact that life only gets better each and every moment. The people you meet, the things you involve yourself with...all get better! It's weird and I can't even explain it but I feel like no matter what curve ball gets thrown my way the days ahead will be amazing.

The saying "everything happens for a reason" sometimes gets exhausted to the point where people don't believe it. Yet, to me it is the only phrase that I know is absolutely true. It is important to always keep faith and hope that your life is going the way it is planned to. 

I'm ecstatic to see what will happen in the next 10 years.

I have decided to set 10 goals/challenges for myself. 

1. Keep My Mind Open

It is so easy to close your mind to hope and possibility. That does nothing but prevent future positive potential. It's vital to let yourself deal with things without judgement or preconceived notions. 

2. Don't Take No For An Answer 

Someone once told me that when people say no it might also mean not right now. I think saying not right now is a whole lot better than no never. If it is not right now then that leaves room for hope that it is still possible. So if you find yourself feeling like something is impossible, remember that you have nothing to lose. Keep going after it! 

3. Dress To Always Impress 

Whether people like it or not, a physical appearance is necessary for your own happiness. I say this because I know that when I am looking my best it's when I am feeling my best. So wear that dress that you've been saving for a special occasion because life is too short! 

4. Change Is Good 

I believe that change is always good. Sometimes people just outgrow their current surroundings and have to expand on to new and growable situations. 

5. Surround Myself With Good People 

Unfortunately in this day and age it is hard to trust people. That is so sad to say but when you find those positive and genuine people, do not let them go! It is necessary to only have people in your life who want to bring you up and see you succeed. 

6. Stop Playing Coy
Always say what you need to say! People hold back sometimes from saying what they really want to because it can make them vulnerable. However, those people who would hurt you when you are weak are people that you don't want to involve yourself with.

7. Find The Joy In The Little Things
I hope that I always look for the little joys in things.

8. Let It Go 
When something ends in my life, I hope that I find the strength to let it go and move on. Only to know that something much better is coming my way.

9. Don't Act Like I Know Everything 
It's easy to think that we have it all figured out. However, you can learn something new everyday whether it is about yourself or just plain knowledge.

10. Make Everyday Count
Enough said.

I know all of these seem so obvious but they can be so easy to forget. 

I can not wait to see what's in store for me so keep the good times coming!!

Ta-Ta Banana, 

Live Your Dash

"So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?"

-The Dash By Linda Ellis 

This poem ahead was showed to me by a very good friend and it made me think and really reflect on my own life. What things can I be doing differently? Time and time again I have been reminded of just how short life can be. Sometimes thinking about life really scares me. I think what scares me the most is the unknown. We never know when our last day will be or if we will make it worth it. I just hope that when they are reading my eulogy it is a celebration of the fabulous life that I lead. 

MAXIMIZE your dash!

I know this is cliche, but frankly I don't care. 

I'll do it anyway. 

If tomorrow the big guy dropped the big curtains down, I would hope that I could say I did it all. 

Maybe not allof it but I've composed a small list of the top eight (my lucky number) that are simply a must. 

In no particular order it just needs to happen. 

Travel To Greece 

It's odd I'm not from here or anything of that sort. I just have always had an urgency to see the country and travel around. To be honest, I just really want to go there. 

Be In A Wedding 

To know that someone would want to include  you in one of the most important days in their lives says a heck of a lot about you. The wedding photos, the matching dresses, the little toasts it just makes my heart smile. 

Meet Oprah

Laugh all you want, I used to literally run home sometimes to catch the Oprah show. She is the first person who made me believe in the American dream. Plus, she is basically the definition of a role model for women!

Be In A Confetti Celebration 

I'm not going to be picky of what kind of celebration it is. Whether it is for a sports championship or just confetti rain I'd be pretty pumped. How cool  does that look!! 

Learn How To Snowboard

  

Yes I am behind like 10 years on this one. I think the last time I was on a mountain I literally was missing my two front teeth. I just always say I'm going to but I never do, so if you know someone who could help me out or just come with me that would be great! 

Have My Own Horse 

I don't know a more beautiful creature on the planet. 

Spend A Month On The Road

The destination would be unknown but it would be more about the journey. I'd have to bring 

someone along of course, but I think it would be a liberating experience.

Host Saturday Night Live 

To me this would be the epitome of meaning that I have truly made it. I imagine it being such a great experience! Such a blast and humor is my favorite!! 






So that's it, these things need to happen in my lifetime. I'm flexible on a couple of them but I hope that at least I have done everything that I can to reach for the stars. I don't want to look back and think that I could have done more. 


I encourage you all to just be able not follow but chase your dreams and start making lists 


and plans on how to make that happen!!

So what will say when they are reading your eulogy?

Bon Voyage,