Year in a review/ 2011 changes

OMG! Where did 2010 go? This was definitely a better year than 2009 but as I reflect on this past year, I'm thankful for all the "lows" I've experienced because my situations have taught me patience, in all things have faith, and to continue to believe in hope.

As I move into this new year and with all the talk of resolutions, I thought about all the things in my life I would like to change. I haven't been one for New Years resolutions because I believe you can make a change anytime, regardless of the date, but I have to admit, it's kind of nice to start with a clean slate on 1/1/11.

So here is my looooong list of Lifetime Changes (I think I like that better than New Years Resolution)

1. To have a REAL, personal relationship with Jesus Christ

This is very shameful for me to admit but I've been struggling with my spiritual life. I plan to devote my time to really reading and understanding the scripture and having daily communion with Him. I believe Jesus is coming again soon and I want to be ready for His return.

2. To live a healthy lifestyle when it comes to my diet and exercise

It's no secret that my biggest insecurity is my weight. I'm always either on a diet, just finished a diet or about to start one. I'm so tired of living like that and now is the time I make a lifestyle change and make exercise a part of my daily routine.

3. To achieve a more stable financial situation

I've been blessed with a career where I'm able to support myself and afford some small luxuries but this is the time I need to be more responsible and actually start REALLY saving money. I (thankfully) don't have any credit card debit and I live at home so paying down on my student loans, car note and putting something away for later on in life needs to be my priority.

4. To further my education

Even though I'm proud of my accomplishments, to this day I still beat myself up about not doing nursing the first time around. I feel I should of had a Masters by now but I can't live in the past so I plan to apply to one graduate program this year and see what happens.

5. To be a better nurse

Just because nursing school is over doesn't mean you have to stop learning. I want to make it a habit to review things I once learned because I'm sure it will make even more sense now that I'm practicing. I want to better my techniques and become even more proficient with cardiac rhythms.

6. I no longer want my emotions to dictate my actions

I've been working on this since last year and there has been great improvement already but I can do better.

7. I want to be less selfish and share more

I have no problem giving but I hate sharing what's mine. It's such a bad trait and I've been blessed to have many people share with me throughout my life that I definitely need to do better in that area.

8. Don't have an opinion where you don't have responsibility.

I read this quote on my cousin's husband's facebook page a few weeks ago. How often have you listened to a friends situation and unknowingly judged him/her? Perhaps even discussed it with another friend or your significant other, stating what you would have done differently, questioning the reasons for their actions, and even looking down at them for their misfortunes. That is not being a real friend and being a good friend is what I strive for. I have a very small circle and treasure all those that are apart of it.

9. To be a better blogger

This blog has been such a major outlet for me since I started last year but often it gets put on the back burner, sometimes because of a crazy work schedule, sometimes out of laziness. I spent 6 days in DC with my boyfriend, had Christmas dinner my MD family and later on with his, ate at a fabolous restaurant, went to the movies, etc and I didn't make one entry or take one picture. I should be ashamed of myself... I don't even deserve to be called a blogger...lol. But for 2011 I plan to do better.

PS- If you're reading this and not a follower, go to the right side of the screen and click follow please :-)

What are some of your changes for the New Year?

DC Discoveries

* Disclaimer* After reading this post please don’t judge me… I can’t help there is a fat girl within me, dying to re emerge and re live my freshman and sophomore years at Southern…lololol

So you all know about my fall challenge right?? Too bad it doesn’t seem to exist outside of state lines…smh. I went to DC Thursday night and didn’t stop eating till I got back home to NY today. Nelson knows the best places to eat in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) vicinity (please don’t tell him I said that… I don’t want his head to explode ;-]). I swear each visit he will run out of spots to take me but he keeps discovering neat little areas with even better eateries.

On Friday we headed to downtown Silver Spring to my new favorite restaurant Eggspectation. It’s like an upscale but casual restaurant that focus’ on breakfast/brunch foods although there is extensive lunch and dinner menu.

I ordered the Eggsuberant: pancakes, scrambled eggs, grilled potatoes, turkey bacon, grilled tomatoes and fruit. It was really, really good but I've had better pancakes. Nelson got the Eggstrvaganza which is basically the same thing but instead of pancakes you get French toast and let me tell you, it's like a piece of heaven for your taste buds (let me stop now because I'm sounding really fat). Downtown Silver Spring is a great place to eat, shop, catch a movie, or even live. I saw some pretty fabulous apartments nearby.

Saturday night we went down to National Harbor in MD to have dinner and just hang out. I enjoyed strolling along the marina and looking at all the colorful lights. Even though it was a tab bit chilly, I didn’t let it ruin my mood. The Harbor is filled with cute little specialty shops, tons of restaurants, and luxury resorts. I hope I can spend at least one night at the Gaylord National in the future.

We had dinner at Grace’s Mandarin. I’m not one to venture too much out of my comfort zone when it comes to food so I had General Tso Chicken Breast and Nelson had Sushi. I’m hoping one day I’ll be brave enough to try it.

Yesterday we ate at this charming French café that seemed to be modeled after a dreamy cottage off the French countryside called La Madeleine. Nelson got a boring meal consisting of a croissant, scrambled eggs, and turkey sausage *yawn*. He vowed never to order something he could make at home himself again…lol. Don’t worry I was nice enough to share my chicken pesto pasta with him.

I had a great time in DC as I usually do, but I’ve been pretty spoiled with all this eating out so next week when I head back down, I’m going to spoil him and prepare dinner a couple of nights (a couple is only like 2 right)…lol.

Boston Market

Today is the second day I’ve spent at the Acura dealership, forfeiting the sleep I so desperately need for work tonight. Even though I signed the paperwork for my new TSX I’m not that excited to be honest. Maybe it’s because the car won’t be in my possession until tomorrow but I think it’s mainly because I’m super exhausted and grouchy. But as I walked out the glass doors my eyes wandered across the street and I spotted a BOSTON MARKET!!! You don’t understand… I haven’t had Boston Market since my trip to Florida back in August and before then, I can’t even remember. I practically skipped inside to place my order. I tried my best to remember what I ordered back in Ft. Lauderdale a few months ago that made my lunch so yummy but I couldn’t. I got chicken (white meat of course), mac & cheese, stuffing and there is no way I could forget the corn bread. When I got home I couldn’t wait to dig in. As I took my first bite I realized something was off. Maybe I should have gotten mashed potatoes instead of stuffing *shrugs* . Oh well this meal wasn’t part of my diet anyway and at least I know where to head next time the craving hits.

Fall Challenge Update #1

So if you follow intently (like you all should...lol) you would've notice that last week Friday I didn't update you on the Fall Challenge Terry and I embarked on on October 1st and the reason is simple... I made no progress: actually let me take that back, I was heavier than when I started! Can you believe that?? Because I don't. Maybe It's because I didn't weigh myself the day I started I just assumed I was 1** lbs when I was really 1**.5 lbs (hahaha).

Anyway the week prior, Terry had great success, losing 2lbs (yay) while I essentially gained 2.5. She accounts her loss to working out and eating right. This week she gained a pound. She said she didn't have time to work out and she wasn't eating junk but wasn't eating healthy either. She promises to do better next week.

This week I lost a total of 3 lbs (go me). I went to the grocery store on Monday and that alone improved my eating habits this week. I cooked all my meals, bought healthy snacks, and gave up juice. Planning your meals in advance also helps a lot. I packed dinner and snacks the nights I had to work so I wouldn't be tempted to eat the cookies we keep at the nurses station or raid the vending machine. I went out to lunch on Tuesday and I even made great choices there, staying clear away from fries and things loaded with carbs. I was never hungry and was still satisfied. This week I hope to workout more and continue to eat better.

Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy it a little more just for me since I'll be working from tonight till Monday morning... :-(

Fall Challenge

Last weekend I was looking at some old pictures of when I use to live in Florida and I couldn't help but think how hot I was (yes I'm conceited, I got a reason...lol jk) I use to workout 5 days a week, watch what I ate and still thought I was fat. What an idiot I was! I've lost about 12lbs since nursing school which is pretty good but I would love to loose another 10lbs but it's like I have no determination or self control anymore.

Well yesterday I was having a BBM convo with my old friend from Florida, Terry. She said she wanted to loose 10lbs for a bridesmaid fitting in December and I came up with the perfect idea of doing it together and today being October 1st and all makes it the perfect day to start. In order to make sure I stay on track, I plan on blogging about my progress every Friday. So cheer me and my girl Terry on as we try to loose these last 10lbs!