Saturday, February 28, 2015

Gratefulness

So much to be grateful for this week, but I cannot reveal just what yet.  Some of my grateful posts this week are generalized.  I am hoping that I get to reveal my news next week.

Feb 21 - I am grateful for my life.  Everything seems to be falling into place.



Feb 22 - I am grateful for homemade soup.  (Recipe to be posted next week!)



Feb 27 - I am grateful for opportunities coming my way.  I am grateful for a night to myself eating good food, a couple drinks and watching Netflix.  A relaxing evening just for me.


What are you grateful for?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Friday, February 27, 2015

Wreck This Journal


In December I got a Wreck This Journal.  I do a page that inspires me at a time.  I get creative with it and use it as an art journal.  Don't take the directions so literally...go outside the lines!


"Crack the spine"


"Leave This Page Blank on Purpose"

How do you like to get creative?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Native Nachos


Last Thursday I treated myself to an early dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Native Foods.  I got the Native Nachos and Watermelon Fresca.  The nachos are made with tortilla chips, black beans, Native taco meat (their version of vegan meat crumbles), chipotle sauce, Native cheese, salsa fresca, guacamole and topped with roasted corn, green onions, cilantro and pickled jalapeno peppers.

Absolutely delicious!  A definite repeat!

What is some of your favorite vegan dishes from restaurants?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

5 Minute Pre-Cardio Ab Workout


I'm starting to prep to begin running again.  Using the stairs in my apartment and adding cardio.  This will be a perfect addition.  My goal is to run in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure which is a 5k.  Later on, I'd like to run in the 5k on Thanksgiving and the one in December.

What are your fitness goals?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Belated Gratefulness

I completely forgot to post what I am grateful for yesterday.  Here is what I have been grateful for this week...

Feb 19 - I am grateful for a productive day and for a chance to interpret.

Feb 20 - I am grateful that I was offered an opportunity that I've wanted. (Cannot disclose what that is at the moment.)

Feb 21 - I am grateful for my life.  Everything seems to e falling into place.


"Keep Moving Forward"

I Fix Myself


I love this.  Sometimes you need to remind people that only you can fix you.  Tell them to love you and let you fix yourself.  I had to do that several times and it's very empowering.

"Keep Moving Forward"

Friday, February 20, 2015

60 Minute Workout

Popsugar posted a 60 minute workout that includes cardio, strength and flexibility.  I thought it was such a great workout.  I love workouts that have everything all set up for you.  All you have to do is do it.  Bring it on!



Have you worked out today?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate

The Minimalist Baker has a wonderful recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate (that I so happen to have all the ingredients for in my pantry).  I didn't make the whipped cream that they have on there.  I thought it came out excellent.  I probably would put a little less chocolate in there next time.



Mine looked more like this but a little darker.


2 cups non-dairy milk (I used vanilla almond milk
3 tbsp cocoa powder or more for a more intense flavor (I would probably use 2 1/2 in the future)
2-3 tbsp sugar, agave (I used sugar)
Cinnamon (about 1/2 tsp)
A scant of nutmeg (just a dash)
A dash of cayenne (optional - I chose not to add this)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt

Boil the milk and then add all the other ingredients.  Wait until powder is dissolved.  Pour into mug and serve hot.

I would play around with the ingredients to find the right balance for you.

This is perfect on a cold night.

"Keep Moving Forward"

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Valentine's Day Fun

I'm not big on Valentine's Day.  There was a time that I hated the holiday.  However, I'm in a neutral point of view now.  I don't hate it but I don't love it either.  It is over-commercialized.  Valentine's Day is a real holiday that celebrates love.  Who says it needs to be romantic?  If you don't have a significant other, why not celebrate the love you have for your friends and family?  Reach out to someone who needs a hug or a kind word.  Hating the holiday is a waste of energy.  Sitting in the confines of your apartment eating chocolate or cupcakes and drinking alcohol while watching movies and scowling at the people out celebrating...is not very healthy.  Trust me, I've been there.  It makes you feel worse, not better.  Do something healthy instead.  Call a friend or family member, workout, eat a meal that you know will make you feel good after eating, and watch a comedy instead of a movie that will only depress you.  Treat yourself with love.


That is exactly what I did for Valentine's Day.  I did go out on a date with my guy, but it wasn't until 11:00pm!  So I took care of myself.  It was actually freezing and for some reason my heat wasn't working well.  So I curled up under tons of blankets with tea and watched some of my favorite movies.  Then I worked out and pampered myself.  I did my nails and took my time getting ready.  I enjoyed time to myself.




Sebastian surprised me with roses.  (Not sure if you'd call it a surprise since I told him I wanted roses about fifty times.)  They're not the most attractive roses, but the thought behind them is wonderful.  I wanted to experience the cheesy Valentine's Day.  So roses were perfect.  I gave him a card with love coupons that I made.  (A coupon for a fun weekend or getaway and one for a date night, etc.)

We went to Diva for a late dinner.  We got a bottle of wine that he picked out solely for the name.





We were seated in the back of the restaurant, which was nice because it felt private.  They had balloons up as decorations.  It was a nice, relaxing evening with my guy.

What did you do for Valentine's Day?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Gratefulness on Valentine's Day

Feb. 8 - I am grateful for a day of studying and interpreting practice.  I was even able to order groceries to be delivered so I had more time to study.  What a great day.  I feel ready for tomorrow.



Feb. 9 - I am grateful for an opportunity for my dream career...one of them.  <3

Feb. 13 - I am grateful for returning to work today [after being sick since Tuesday] and for knowing that I am close to getting the opportunity I've been hoping for.

Feb. 14 - I am grateful that I get to go out with Sebastian for a Valentine's Date!



What are you grateful for today?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Adventures in Studying


This week I have been studying and practicing for my interpreting exam that I will be taking in either May or June this year.  I've been preparing for it for months already but it wasn't until last week that something clicked in my head.  I felt like I had enough and that I was ready.  You know how people say that you won't lose weight until you're mentally ready to lose the weight?  I feel like that fits with every aspect of your life.  If you're not ready for something mentally, you won't accomplish it.  I feel mentally ready to take this test and to become an interpreter.  I need to go through some obstacles and learn several lessons.  But I'm finally able to say that I'm an interpreter and I need to interpret.  I'm ready.

Has something clicked for you recently?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Blackberry Coconut Smoothie


I made Hello Natural's Antioxidant-packed Blackberry Coconut Smoothie Bowl with my own twist.

Hello Natural's recipe is as follows:

1 cup blackberries
1 banana
1/4 cup coconut flakes
1 cup coconut milk or milk of choice
2 tsp chia seeds
1/2 cup spinach

I added the following:

2 tbsp cocao powder
I also used 1/2 cup blackberries and 1/2 cup raspberries
I sprinkled extra coconut on top

I enjoyed this smoothie a lot.  I'd like to figure out a way to add a little sweetener after the chocolate because it was a bit much.  This is perfect in the morning or as a snack. 

Do you have any favorite recipes for smoothies?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Dance it Off!



I love to dance.  I have since I was three years old.  I decided that I need to dance to get back in shape because it will make me feel good both physically and emotionally.  I started doing the Dance it Off! dvd I have and it felt wonderful to dance as exercise again.  I didn't complete the whole dvd.  I didn't stretch enough beforehand and I didn't want to get injured.  Now I know better for next time.  I look forward to doing this dvd and enjoyed doing it.  

I think I will be doing yoga, this dvd and a ballet dvd I have.  I need to do what I can that brings me closer to my goals while also making me happy.

What forms of exercise make you feel happy?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Monday, February 9, 2015

Courage to Pursue Dreams


This is the perfect quote for me this week.  I am pursuing my dreams and aiming to achieve them this year.  I've worked hard for years but something finally clicked telling me that enough is enough.  I need to stop working these menial jobs, stop procrastinating and just go for it.  Find the courage and just do it.  That's exactly what I've been doing.

Have you found the courage to pursue your dreams yet?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Gratefulness

This week has been a wonderful one and has been full of opportunities and so much to be grateful for.

Jan 3 - I am grateful for a wonderful night interpreting.  I have a long road ahead, but I'm moving forward.  I felt comfortable interpreting and enjoyed getting feedback.  A free glass of wine doesn't hurt either.  I look forward to Thursday.

Jan 4 - I am grateful for an interpreting job opportunity that presented itself to me after I decided an interpreter and I'm done working these horrible jobs.  I need to interpret.

Jan 6 - I am grateful for an opportunity continued to be presented to me and for a date with Sebastian.

What are you grateful for?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Sweet Potatoes


Sweet potatoes are wonderful.  They can be cooked in a large variety of ways.  This week I've been roasting them with olive oil, salt and pepper.  So simple and delicious.  Sweet potatoes are a great source of protein.  A great addition to any meal.

What's your favorite recipe for sweet potatoes?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Interpreting Adventures


When I was in college, I thought that my degree would be a golden ticket.  Potential employers would see that degree on my resume and they'd be lining up to hire me.  Since I was aiming for a degree in sign language interpreting, everyone told be that it would be easy to get a job and I'd be comfortable.

Not true.

For some people, interpreting is easy and they are naturals at the profession.  Me?  I struggle.

I have to work hard at it and constantly improve.  The only time I was ever told I was a natural was with theatrical interpreting, which I agree with.

During my senior year, I looked around at all the graduating artists and was confident that I'd be working in my field immediately and won't have to worry like them.  Again, not the case.

Four years after graduating and I'm still not interpreting.  Two years after I graduated, I was interpreting about eight to ten hours a week.  I've always had to depend on one menial job after another to support myself.  So after my license lapsed after completing the two year minimum (there are four levels of licensure), I was stuck with menial jobs.

In the past couple weeks, I have been interpreting more.  I started volunteering where I could and I even found a job I qualified for.

Something just clicked in my head earlier this week.  I am an interpreter.  What am I doing working these jobs?  I need to interpret.

I put it out into the universe and opportunities are starting to come my way.

What can you do to help your dreams manifest?

"Keep Moving Forward"

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Crunch Challenge


Last week I posted the two week plank challenge.  This crunch challenge would be great compliment to that.

"Keep Moving Forward"