June 27, 2012

Reviewing goals: Part 1

If you remember I posted some goals for the summer over two weeks ago. I figured I would give an update and also, motivate myself to keep on track. [Come on Emily! You can do it! Be your own cheerleader!]
1. Exercise frequently: I have been failing miserably with this... I think I have exercised maybe three times in the past two weeks. I did just get a new exercise video -- Jillian Michaels 30-day shred. I've heard it is tough, but worth it. I am hoping to get into it soon and I'll let you know how I feel afterwards. 
2. Spend less money. We have been eating out less than when I made this a goal, so that is a plus. I vote yes, we are doing ok in this area. 
3. Take time out of each day to reflect and be thankful. I still need to do more of this. I have been a little sick (with a stupid lasting cough) these past few days, but I should definitely be thankful to have the medicine to make me feel better and clean water to norish my body with. 
4. Write more. Nope. I did update my blog though. Does that count? 
Overall, I obviously have to keep going, but I still think these goals are important to both my health and my future plans.

In other news, I gave blood today. I didn't pass out either! I felt a little bit light-headed, so I laid back down for a minute or two, but now I feel great and I really hope my blood goes to a person who really needs it.

I am reading "My Sister's Keeper" currently and I really like it. I am a bit concerned though because I am reading it on the train from work and I can already tell it is going to make me cry at some point. I don't want to be that lady on the T...

June 21, 2012

New name, new season, ice cream

After much deliberation, I felt it was necessary to change my blog name to something less boring and more me. So, meet the new and improved, "Love & Happiness, but most of all... ice cream!" Do you like it? Think it is me? 

In other news, the first day of summer was yesterday and boy, did it come full force. It has been in the high 90's if not 100's in the Boston area lately! Craziness. 

Every year my company has a barbecue in the parking lot to celebrate summer. This year the food was only decent and there wasn't even enough, however they did order an ice cream truck. That made everything better. :)
Ice Cream!


June 14, 2012

Sometimes you just have to whine.

As I type this, Andrew is still at work. Yes, I am very thankful for this job, however, I hate when my husband has to work late. I love spending time with him (what happily married woman doesn't enjoy that?) and I have to be honest, I miss him!! I even got home from work late expecting to see his handsome face at his computer. No luck for like the past 3 hours.

However, with his absence, I have become quite the little diva homemaker. I washed dishes and folded the laundry. Both things really needed to be done. I still need to go buy a few things at the grocery store and deposit some checks (including Andrew's first new paycheck! Wahoo!), but that is difficult without a car.

I was hoping that if I started typing this, Andrew would come through the door, but again this day is not very lucky. Back to actually put away the laundry I guess...

June 13, 2012

Spring [Wardrobe] Cleaning?

Usually around my birthday, I love to update my wardrobe a bit. And by "update my wardrobe" I mean, spend a lot of money on clothes. I have held off SO WELL this spring, but I am definitely feeling this urge to pick out clothes that are more professional, or more comfortable, or just newer, washed-less-than-fifty-times clothes. It has been especially hard to hold myself back due to us being more on budget than previous years.

As for saving money in other areas, like going out to eat, we have been fairly successful! Surprise, surprise. Making a list and planning meals does help! Haha. Now, to motivate ourselves into doing this every two weeks or so... that's the toughest part.

I have a few more photos to edit from being out and about, but absolutely no motivation to do so.

Work has been really busy (at least for me...) these past few weeks, but currently I feel like I am at a good pace in my work life. Now, to strive for this level of work every week.

Hopefully next time I post I will have some photos to show!

June 10, 2012

Silent Sunday

Kay and Rhae sweetly watching youtube after a hectic (buy most certainly fun) day. 

June 9, 2012

Kaylee's 16th birthday!

This post is definitely long overdue. On April 12th, 2012, my beautiful sister-niece turned 16! I can't believe how fast we are growing and I can't wait to see where life takes her in the future years. I hope this year brings happiness, strength, and growth for you as you embark on the tumultuous journey through your prime teenage years. I will always love you and laugh with you!






This is the montage of my gift. The card said to ask for my phone, which had her present's details pulled up. 
She found out I got her tickets to see Drake and obviously as you can see from the pictures, she was ecstatic and over the moon (and a little teary eyed). I am so glad I was able to do something like this for her since her mom gave me so many amazing opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. 





How many more days till your birthday now? ;)

I'm Baaaaack!

Sorry for that random hiatus there... but I am back! I have lots of pictures to post/edit then post for your viewing pleasure.

I gave up on the weekly photos. I just want to photograph my life and the things going on and maybe someday I will start back up posting photos every day. Right now, I am going to focus on making myself (and Andrew, of course) happy. So, I am making a list of goals for the summer. Perhaps I will update every now and then about the progress of said goals.

Without further ado... the goals!
1. Exercise frequently. I am trying not to focus on the losing weight aspect, but the more energy/better sleep/just feel better in general aspect.
2. Spend less money. Mostly eating out for dinner less, but also to make better investments in where we spend our money. Oh! Our rent just increased, which thankfully isn't too much of a problem because Andrew just got a new job with a significant pay increase, but still, we need to learn to budget ourselves better for later when we can't be as frivolous.
3. Take time out of each day to reflect and be thankful. Kind of self-explanatory, but last night I was just thinking about how selfish I feel sometimes and I am hoping this goal reminds me how lucky I am every single day.
4. Write more. When I was younger, I found keeping a journal to be soothing and it really helped me think about my feelings and keep track of what I do day to day. I miss that, so hopefully this blog will be able to become a journal of sorts. Hopefully with more pictures because who likes a blog without pictures?!

Of course, I want to have a fun, good summer as well, but I assumed that was a given. :)  Does anyone else have some goals they have set for the summer? I would be interested in learning what everyone wants to accomplish in two months.