Showing posts with label #monday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #monday. Show all posts

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Bridges

"May the bridges you must burn light a flame for a brighter future."

Monday, December 17, 2012

Girls, Girls, Girls

So much to say about this. Girls, girls, girls. Girls have the natural capability of representing beauty and love. But yet we become raging beasts in the snap of a finger.

I read in The Happiness Project to stay away from gossip. Sort of impossible if you are a chick. But I really want to challenge myself to do this. The only time I enjoy gossip is in the moment it's being said, the moment I hear it, and the moment it's spread. That's it. There is no long-lasting happiness I get from being a part of gossip: telling it, receiving it, or sitting in a room full of it. The day after a gossip sesh feels worse than a hangover for me. I always revisit what I said, what I heard, and wow is that true?. I, also, read in Rubin's book to never believe what you do not see. If you didn't see it, but you heard it, don't believe it. You weren't there to witness the dirty deeds being done, you weren't there to hear what was going on, and therefore, it is none of your business. Would you enjoy your life being plastered all over everyone's tabloid lips? Probably not. I mean, who does?

I strongly believe in karma-not religiously or anything like that. I believe that you should treat others like you would want to be treated. Thank goodness there's grace and mercy or we'd all be beaten down and completely miserable. Obviously, a lot of the bad deeds we have done, haven't necessarily been repaid. But I find that if you notice your wrongdoings and fix what has been done, karma won't be out to get you as much. But if you continually partake in treating others bad or doing wrong, with no sympathy or hope to change, karma will get you. Maybe I'm wrong, but I've seen karma get a few people, and I can't say I didn't smirk about it.

I'm not a mean girl. I really do want happiness for everyone in my life. I'm not perfect. I make mistakes, and I learn from them. One of my biggest pet-peeves is those who mistreat others-mainly relationally. Our relationships are the MOST important part of our lives. Our relationships with God, our significant other, family, and friends will make or break our lives. Stop mistreating the people closest to you in your life. Stop lying. Stop cheating. Stop gossiping. Stop the violence. Stop the anger before you destroy your purpose on this planet. You treat your family bad, your future family will suffer. You treat your romantic relationship bad, your lover will suffer (and even your kids if you have any) and probably your future lover, too. You treat your friends bad, you will suffer. Yes, we all suffer from mistreatment from someone in our lives, but know that it is not your fault. You cannot make decisions for anyone but yourself. Make good choices!

Back to gossip and the agony of being a woman. You will always be surrounded by gossip one way or another. You may have said something before that you regret and something you wish you would have never said (knowing it will turn into someone else's gossip). I'm making it a point in my life to stay away from gossip as much as I can. In one ear, out the other. Speak purely of others.

"Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people." -Eleanor Roosevelt

To-do Week

Ever feel like you're having a week that is more like a to-do week? I know I do! I'm having a to-do week as we speak. So much to do, so little time, AGAIN! How is it humanly possible to have so much to do? I want to see the day where I have nothing to do, at all. Gosh, I don't even remember what that feels like.

My goals for this week seem never-ending. On the up side, I made spaghetti by myself for the first time ever. And thanks to "Fit and Active", it was more healthy than usual, making stuffing my face more enjoyable. Now, you may be thinking "Wow, she must not be domestic." You're probably right. I was raised in a family where the daddy was the cook of the family. My mom can cook, too, but my dad LOVES cooking. One day, he even mentioned opening his own restaurant when he retires. He just loves to cook. And when he's cooking, he seems like he wants the kitchen to himself, until he needs the table set. So there. I haven't really experienced cooking, and I don't consider myself a typical woman, either. I like to clean because I like a clean home. But cleaning isn't a "woman's job". It's a home-owner's or renter's job. Tonight, even though my guy doesn't live with me, I asked him nicely to help clean up the kitchen after dinner. Of course, he gives me that "Do I have to" look. He surprisingly agreed to help, and let me tell you, the cleaning was done MUCH quicker. Team effort. It's OK to help clean, even if you're a manly-man.

Anyways, it was nice to feel like I accomplished something tonight: I made my first spaghetti dinner. And while the sauce was slow-cookin', I did an Insanity cardio workout via DVD. That completes my Monday.

Happy Monday to you. Make sure you have your goals for the week! I look forward to the weekend. And the more I get done this week, the more fun I have come Friday. And...CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Have a Better Future

I was told today by a complete stranger that I seem reserved and shy. If you know me, you're probably thinking 'How is that possible?'. Well folks, apparently it is possible. My current boss, also, said that when I first started the job-it was a real worry factor for him since part of the job includes being loud and energetic all day long. In the end, everything worked out, and what do you know? I'm loud and energetic all day long, no problem. Anyone I see after work gets a free pass away from my talkative, outgoing self since I'm completely spent from the day already. They see a much quieter Carissa. (My guy still thinks I talk a lot, though.)

Don't be fooled. I'm still the outgoing, crazy, energetic girl you know or have known. My childhood, youth, and college years have shaped me to who I am today. Not too mention the long year after college graduation that ended up being a huge wake-up call. My relationships have changed me, and so have my friendships (both the ones that lasted AND the ones that didn't). My family is a huge part in who I am today, as well. I was always the one who hated chores. I never wanted to empty the dishwasher or vacuum ever! And now I find myself cleaning every chance I get. Thanks Mom.

Basically, people and experiences change us. They make us better and help us grow. I am different than I was when I was six years old, and caused so much trouble that I got kicked out of Sunday School multiple times. But I am still the same girl on the inside. Just shaped differently.

I have two thoughts for you tonight:
  • Embrace the people and experiences in your life-in each you will find a lesson. 
  • Don't let people or experiences in your past affect your future negatively.
Yes, there are people and experiences I have come across that thankfully have come and gone. And I do treat similar situations in the present with a very guarded heart. Lesson I need to learn: I don't need to put up my guard all the time. It's OK to have learned from the past, but to have a better future. 

Good Things Happening

How excited am I?! I dreaded my Monday, as usual, only to find out I don't have classes to teach this afternoon. Score! Now I have a few extra hours of free time to finish up some work, start my Christmas cards, do some reading, and get a good, solid workout in. I solemnly swear to never expect Monday to be a drag again! So many good things happening today!

I can always hop on Twitter or Facebook to find out how a number of people are doing that day. I see tweets like "today is not my day" or "sending happy vibes your way" constantly! I mean, social media has become everyone's source of venting these days. If you have a great day or something great happens to you, your social media will know. If you have a miserable day, social media will know. Your social media sites are basically inviting others into your personal life (unless you don't use social media as a venting tool). I do admit that I sometimes 'vent tweet', but more-so than not, I'm posting positive tweets!

One conclusion I've come to from this social media catastrophe: Your bad day is someone's great day. You may have a terrible day, while your best friend is having the best day ever. Doesn't it irritate you to jump on Twitter and find all these "having a great day!" tweets while your sulking in your bad mood? I know it irritates me sometimes. I wonder why God doesn't give the whole world good days on the same days. Would that be a perfect world or what? You know the saying "There can't be rich without the poor, and vice versa"? So maybe there can't be good days without bad days. Even though you may be having a bad day, be a part of someone's good day. You'll feel instantly lifted out of that sulk you're in. And if you know a friend having a bad day, be something good in that person's day. Happy Monday!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Case of the Mondays?

Thank you Under Armour Women for putting it so perfectly. What DID you do today to overcome your case of the Mondays? I can tell you what I did! I worked, as usual, but I tried something I've never tried before. Hot yoga. And it was hot. Now, typically I'm into rough, contact sports. But today, I discovered why BOTH men and woman love it. So relaxing, so challenging (I always need a challenge), and so dang hot. I have not smelled that bad since college soccer. I would claim hot yoga a success, and something I took part in to overcome my case of the Mondays.

What did you do? Feel free to comment!

Now I find myself watching MTV's latest hit show Catfish. It is so intriguing how these people are fooled so easily. But beyond that, I find it so sad that someone settles for an online-only relationship without skype or any face to face contact. So far, the person on the other side of the computer has never been who they say they are. It seems like these people need a bond with someone they don't have  in their own lives, so they search social media to find it. If you are someone looking for that random hottie online, please let me stop you before you embarrass yourself. I encourage you to go on a dating website where most scammers are weeded out. But please, do not be that creepy Facebook kid.

As Monday comes to a close, I hope it was everything you hoped for to start your week off right. And if your Monday happened to be miserable,  sleep well. Tomorrow's a new day.

Kettle Bell Workout-Check it out!

My first kettle bell workout for the week! I always highly recommend Women's Health Magazine's workouts because they are gender specific, and there is such a wide variety of workouts available!
Kettle Bell Workout
Check it out! I promise you will break a sweat, and burn those extra calories!

Dedicate Yourself

Happy Monday! So much to do, so little time! Take advantage of your Monday, and get some of that mental to-do list done! I, also, encourage you to try a workout you've never tried. I bought my first kettle bell a few weeks back, and today I am going to start doing kettle bell workouts...along with that yoga class tonight. Double whammy!

Monday has the tendency to set the mood for your work week. If you get behind on Monday, typically you're behind all week! Make sure your workday is fabulous, and get everything done that needs to get done, even if that means you stay an extra hour. In fact, get ahead this Monday!

If you are feeling like a useless, working, middle-class, normal human being today, here's a little inspiration. You ARE meaningful to someone! You are here for a purpose! Never forget that! Your job needs you, your family and friends need you, YOU need YOU. And if you're happy, everyone and everything around you will be happier. I encourage you to do something that makes you happy today. That could be anything from cooking up your favorite spaghetti meal, seeing a friend you've been missing, stopping by your neighbor's house to say hello, going for a run, ANYTHING!

Sometimes, we become so focused on 'finding ourselves' that we forget to enjoy today. We don't have to have it all figured out right now. Especially if you are in your mid20s. Now, I've never been any older than my mid20s, but I've heard countless times, you don't have to know it all, yet. And I know we've all heard how fast time flies. I don't want time to fly in my life without enjoying every moment. I want to enjoy my journey. Remember there is no one like you, no one walking the same road as you, and no one who can be a better you. Dedicate yourself to finding yourself, but not finding all the answers. Just find YOU and enjoy every minute of it.

"Dedicate yourself and you can find yourself." -The Script