American Country Awards

Turns out that when baseball is over...I have nothing to blog about for Fan Friday. Other than country music here and there. Today, we talk about the American Country Awards. I got to go see the awards show out in Vegas in person last Tuesday! You might have missed them though A) because it's still a small awards show B) because the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was on C) you were watching Sons of Anarchy finding out the latest death.

Liiiiiike a month ago, I got an e-mail from a ticket website that I had still been registered to from my DWTS/SYTYCD obsession days. I still get updates, but usually ignore them. This one came across my e-mail for pit passes to the show and didn't have to think twice about it. I would be there. I put the word out there and everyone was busy, but coming in with the last minute save...my friend Holley decided to go. And to be honest...I don't think I would have been able to go had it not been for her spotting me some extra dineroooo. Thanks!

We took off to Vegas Monday night after work, get there around 1 am and crash at the hotel. Wake up Tuesday morning, go out to lunch...freeze our butts off, then get to the show. So many people there! We got there about 2.5 hours before it started and did a lot of standing around. We weren't supposed to take our phones in, but of course I was a sneaky snake and got mine in. Oops. I hope I don't get sued because of this post. Since there was a lot of waiting, Holley and I snuck some picture before the show...and then I got in trouble for it. But they didn't take my phone so that was good.

Arm Candy! Right pit bracelet. Yeah yeah!

What's up super great lighting?!!

We had to leave the pit area because "we were part of the opening act" but I don't think that worked out. It was supposed to be a flash mob thing...not so much. A minute or two into the show's opening Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan came out to take their seats. OMG, I lost it.  My heart was racing and I was about to cry. Luke Bryan was about 15 feet away from me and I couldn't focus on anything but him the entire time. #creeperstatus. It was still the beginning of the show so I didn't pull out my phone to snap a picture of him because I had already gotten a warning and didn't want to get kicked out. Halfway through the show Luke and Brad wend backstage and Lady A came out to take their seats. I love Lady A, so to be so close to them was great. That night I learned that all country male artists have hot wives. Good for them! 

Danica Patrick and Trace Adkins were the hosts, there were a bunch of cool acts like Lady A, Darius Rucker, Sheryl Crow, Justin Moore, Randy Houser, Jake Owen, Leann Rimes, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, plus some more I can't think of right now. I felt super cool having previously seen 90% of those acts in concert. I felt like a real fan! 

I got bold and started snapping some pics towards the end of the show...although not very good ones. I got one of Luke, and another of FGL's performance. I also snapped a quick one of Trace and Danica. 

Luke Bryan. Such a beautiful man.

FGL Performance

Trace Adkins & Danica Patrick

The show kind of had an awkward ending, at least it was in studio. Everyone started flooding the exits trying to get out. Still sooo crowded! We took off to the hotel room and crashed. Even though we only stood, it was pretty exhausting. But a lot of fun! Would I do it again? Sure, if it was on a weekend. It was a mission and a half doing a crazy trip like that in the middle of the week while dealing with work and having to be awake for so long. Had I not been so close to Luke or Lady A, I might have called this show a bust...at least for me. But in the end, it all worked out!

Have a great weekend all!

The Plan

Back in May of 2013 I graduated college. Good times. 

Except I still went back to school in the Fall to take some education courses that I didn't take as part of my undergrad, but still needed as a pre-requisite for the teaching credential program. Welp, after long hours of homework, observations, and tutoring...I'm done :] To be perfectly honest, this last semester had been the hardest I've ever worked in school, and am totally expecting straight A's as a result. Yeah yeah! The coursework wasn't difficult, just a lot of assignments. Blah. Either way, I'm done!

via

At this point, I've checked off a bachelors degree, taking these education courses, and passing my CBEST off the pre-requisite checklist for the program application. 

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What's left: Passing the multiple subject CSETS, getting my fingerprints done, getting CPR certified, collecting letters of recommendation, finding out if I have/need to get a TB shot, and if I decide on the middle level program...figuring out what subject I'd like to teach and take that respective CSET. All this needs to be done within the next two and a half months. Yay for pressure! 

I just spent my last free weekend laying in bed watching mindless tv, because as of today...I start working on getting what's left of that checklist completed. I will spend the next month studying for the CSET because I take it mid-January, and am volunteering in a classroom once a week so I can try and earn a sincere letter of recommendation for an experienced teacher. CPR classes are scheduled for the second week of January, and if my budget allows, I should be getting my fingerprints done by the end of this month. Man. I'm stressing myself just thinking about all of it! But it can get done because plenty of people have done it before me! I'm gonna not have a life for another 3-ish months...bur you know what?

via

Anyways, not sure what the point of this post is...maybe just kind of an update, and obviously some hills gifs because I'm totally missing that show right now. Is anyone else's schedule just as crazy? Are you working towards anything with a deadline? What do you do to keep from overwhelming yourself? Ahhhhhhhhh.

Happy Monday :]

#SmilesForSophia

Today’s post isn’t about baseball. Or booze. Or school. Or food. It’s about a little girl who needs your help. I hope my readers will take the time to read her story. Why? Because it’s about a kid in the hospital. I hope that tugs at your heart stings a little and makes you think good thoughts for the family/pray. It’s about a financial burden. I hope it makes you dig in your pockets. It’s about internet friends. I hope you identify with this as a blog reader/blogger.

I’m not really sure how to begin today’s post. I guess I should first tell you about the girl above. Her name is Sophia Rivera, the daughter of two friends who live in Northern California. These two friends started as internet friends…people I met in a Yankees MySpace group back in like 2007. Over the years, many of us in that group kept in contact, even during the Facebook transition that left MySpace in the dust. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I met them and their kids Tony & Sophia in real life at a Yankees v. Angels game. Sophia is a little diva princess, who looks fabulous in pink. My day would brighten up a little each time I read about Sophia’s crazy antics. 

Doing my best to summarize…about a week ago, Sophia wasn’t acting herself, complaining about not being able to see, and bumping into stuff. She was taken to the hospital and after CT scans and MRI’s her family learned that she had about 6 tumors in her brain and some along her spine. Tumors…in a 4 year old. There was one tumor up against her optic nerve that caused some vision loss, and another that was blocking spinal fluid to her brain. She had surgery Tuesday of this week, and they removed most of the largest tumor that was blocking fluid from entering her spinal cord. There is still no official diagnosis for the tumor but it's been narrowed it down to a kind of aggressive tumor called a Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor. The reason the diagnosis is not official is because they don't have the exact name for it yet. Treatments will have Sophia fighting this for at least 9 months. She will receive an early round of chemotherapy which may help in shrinking the tumors enough to decrease the amount of radiation she will need. If this does not show any immediate sign of improvement, radiation will proceed as planned. This is all intense stuff…stuff a 4 year old should not be dealing with. There is a journal being updated with information as they get it. It's got more details than this paragraph if you're interested in reading...CaringBridge for Sophia.

Her parents are not going to be working, and a fundraiser has been started to relieve some of their financial burden. This clickable hyperlink will take you to the fundraising site to donate to the family. Please keep them in your thoughts, and if possible, a donation would be greatly appreciated. Even if it’s just a little, it absolutely helps. Your donation can be anonymous, and you can hide the amount of the contribution. At the very least share this post for more eyes to see and possibly more donations for this family. It help out some very deserving individuals, friends of mine, including one of the cutest little girls out there.    

Christmas Wish List

Thanksgiving eve. I should have probably typed a post about what I’m thankful for…but that’s not gonna happen. Instead, you get a list of everything I’d like for Christmas. Add me to your shopping list and buy me one of these things. Please :]

1.    Sunglasses: Trudies from Von Zipper. Like 4 years ago I discovered these sunglasses and fell in love with the shape, size, tint, everything. I think I’ve gone through 5 pairs in the last 4 years…and it’s time for another. I haven’t lost the ones I own, but they’re crazy scratched.

2.    Onesie: Dark pink from Onepiece. I saw this on Pinterest like 3 years ago and have been obsessed with the company ever since. I think they were more expensive when I first looked at them 3 years ago…but even now, they’re still pretty pricy. They’re super cute and look super comfy! I want one.

3.    Phone: White & silver iPhone 5s from Apple. My phone screen shattered like a month ago and it sucks looking at it. It’s time for a new one. And of course I’m team Apple iPhone because it’s compatible with my Mac. Get me one. Please.

4.    Gift Card: Money for Target. So I can buy everything my heart desires but doesn’t need.

5.    Purse: Balenciaga Giant 12 Silver Mini City Black/Black. These Balenciaga bags were a celebrity trend like a year and a half ago. I’ve been obsessed ever since…but they’re way out of my price range. If you’re got $1,500 to spare and are feeling kind, I’d like this bag. Thanks!

6.    Gossip Girl DVD’s: Season 5 & 6. I never finished watching the series. The furthest I got in the series was where they went to college. I’m due for a marathon, I’ve got seasons 1-4 but don’t want to start it until I have all the seasons so I don’t get cut off. I want the actual DVD’s instead of just watching online because it really is/was one of my favorite tv shows.

7.    Necklace: Sugar skull necklace from Torch Song Metals. They’re a jeweler that I randomly found on instagram and have 2 necklaces from already. Check them out, they have some cute stuff! While you’re at it…buy me that necklace and some midi rings from their shop!

8.    Concert Tickets: Stagecoach tickets to be more exact. It’s a country music festival that I’ve never been to and am dying to go to next year. Everyone [except for Dierks and Lady A] is going to be there. And I can’t miss it. I need a pass.

9.    Water Bottle: Flavor infuser from Uncommon Goods. I love their site. It’s got such interesting things on there. I actually have a few of their ticket books to keep all of my ball game/concert tickets organized. A friend posted the link to the water bottle on my FB. Over the summer I drink cups of water at work and drop in fruit like strawberries, mango, and watermelon into my water because…I don’t like water. It gives it some flavor and makes it easier to drink. This is the perfect thing to have so I can infuse my water while I’m not at the office!

That’s it. That’s all I want. Well I’d like some more stuff but I’m not gonna be greedy. I feel like that’d put me over the edge after already asking for a $1,500 purse. What’s on your Christmas list? 

Man Crush Monday: Zac Efron

First of all, thank you all so much for reading last week’s post and having such nice things to say about it/me. I was overwhelmed by the number of people that reached out through blog comments, facebook message, twitter, and text. Knowing that so many people are behind me totally motivates me to keep my butt moving!

Now, let’s get today’s post started. It’s time for another man crush Monday. Why? Because there’s this feature in the behinds the scenes settings/stats of blogs that tells you what people search for when they find your blog. The thing that gets people to mine…man crush Monday. It beats all of the other searched by a landslide. Soooo let’s give people more of what they want, hot guys!

Today’s man crush Monday is Zac Efron. I’ve been in love with him for approx. 6 years. I’ve obsessed over the HSM movies, stalked him in LA, and met him at a late night tv show.

He’s been getting tons of heat lately for allegedly using drugs and being in and out of rehab. While that’s not cool…we’re here to focus on his hotness, not drugs. Here’s some fairly recent Efron, enjoy!

He is wearing a shirt in all of these photos. And I did that on purpose. Why? Because it’s cold outside right now…and didn’t find it appropriate to share shirtless photos. Also, we need to be reminded of how beautiful his face is without the distraction of a ripped torso. None of these images are mine…and were ripped from different folders off this site. Have a bomb.com Monday everyone!

15.1 Gained

I stepped on the scale Monday...I felt like I was ready to face the truth.

After losing 30-ish lbs, and starting my crazy school schedule, I learned that I have gained back 15.1 lbs from October 4^th-November 20^th.

Using my highest weight from back in April, I have lost a total of 19.1 lbs.

I know the number on the scale doesn’t define you and it’s how you fit into your clothes and how you feel and blah blah blah, but I’m not happy with what I see on the scale. And not keeping track of a number for the last month and a half is the reason why I’m where I’m at today. Moving backwards.

I have no inspirational images. No workout tips. No music. No favorite workouts. None of that. Just words, my truth. My goal is to lose 36 total lbs by December 31^st. I have 41 days. Time to make it happen :]

Who else is on this weight loss/health kick journey? Struggles? Successes? Let me know!

Workout Playlist

What's up weigh-in Wednesday?!!

Still not posting my weight. Props to those of you that do.

By the time you read this...I will be on my 3rd consecutive visit to the gym. Actually, it depends on what part of the world you're on. It sounds like something small and insignificant, but since this semester started in August, finding 3 consecutive days to work out has been impossible. I'd dropped in here and there, but nothing habitual. My load has lightened...sort of. I'm done with observations, and tutoring has dropped to once a week, so I have my nights back. There's still homework and credential packet prep to get done. Ahh! 

Anyways, back to the point. Because I'm visiting the gym more often...I created a new playlist that I can dance to jam to while I put in some miles and crunches. I think I've finally perfected a playlist that keeps me moving for an entire hour. Working out for that long sucks, but the good upbeat music makes the time go by faster. And fret not, I spared you all my Disney artists that pump me up. You're welcome. I figured I'd share my playlist with everyone :] They all link to youtube if you want to give them a quick listen before you buy...or rip, Just kidding. Don't steal music.

Jennifer Lopez-Get Right

Pitbull-Bojangles

Beyonce-Crazy In Love

Birdman-Play Ball

Britney Spears-Radar

Flo Rida-Club Can't Handle Me

Britney Spears-Boom Boom

Pitbull-Don't Stop The Party

Shakira-Waka Waka

Kanye West-Power

Brooke Valentine-Girl Fight

Pitbull-Back In Time

Lil' Jon-Outta Your Mind

DMX-Get It On The Floor

Ke$ha-Die Young

Britney Spears-Do Something

Bruno Mars-Marry You

Drake-Show Me A Good Time

Don Omar-Danza Kuduro

Pitbull-International Love

Pink-Raise Your Glass

So what do you think? Any songs in there you love? Any I'm missing? Let me know! Also, how cute is that pup?!! No idea where the original image is from. I found it on Pinterest and tried to track it down, no luck. So if it's yours and I stole it from you...sorry. Happy hump day folks!

Weekend Update: Merp

Happy Veterans Day! 

Hope everyone is enjoying their extra day off! Let's remember the men, women, moms, dads, spouses, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, teammates, best friends, acquaintances,  spouses, colleagues, classmates, professors, enemies, frenemies...EVERYONE who made the decision to join the military and be part of a group that fights for our country. Thank you, to all of you!

If you follow me on twitter, you see that I complain a lot about the amount of homework I have to get done. The goal is to get ahead of schedule, so come Wednesday-Sunday of this week I can take time off from school and study for the CBEST, which I am taking Monday. This weekend was full of complaining, and some soccer.

Friday: I stayed in and watched a video about The Lemon Grove Incident and wrote a reflection on it for my diversity class.

Saturday: Chilled during the day, and read one of the longest chapters of my life...and then wrote my reading log for it. That was then followed by going out with Chels and Lime to see our local professional indoor soccer team, the San Diego Sockers! Unfortunately, the team ended up losing the game. I learned that professional indoor soccer is kind of a bigger deal than I thought it would be.

We got to the game early, so the girls and I
had some booze and dinner at Chili's. I got the
Berry Patron Margaritaaaa. Ayyyiyiiyiyi!

2. Our indoor soccer team has cheerleaders.

3. I don't think I'm going back to watch another game. 

This was my first time there, and it was the first 

time in 4 years that they lost a game at home.

4. A) They play quarters, not halves. B) At the end of 

the 3rd quarter, they do an audience frisbee toss.

5. The halftime entertainment of an indoor soccer 

game...was watching kids play indoor soccer. 

It was girls v. mostly boys, with 2 girls. 

Sunday: I spent the day at Barnes & Noble drinking chocolate milk and writing my personal teaching philosophy paper, which was pretty thought provoking. I also saw a guy skype out loud. If I didn't have ear phones...I probably would have been a little more annoyed at it. I finished a couple of other small assignments, and then got the heck out of dodge because it was freezing cold in there!

What I stared at for a good 9 hours.

How was your weekend? Anything exciting? Did your teams win? Mine lost...way to go Chargers.

Motivated For The 18th Time

Today is November 6^th, 2013. Back in early October I hit -30 lbs. And then I started observations in the mornings and tutoring in the evenings. In between…school and work. I had no time to make myself any sort of food and for the last month 75% of my meals have been drive thru. Also, with the exception of one visit, I haven’t been to the gym in a month and a half. I’ve been too scared to weigh myself, but I’m pretty certain I’ve gained 15 lbs in the last month. My schedule has been kicking my ass and my weight is suffering because of it.

This past Monday, I woke up motivated like hell for like the 18^th time. What inspired this motivation? Not fitting into my jeans again, I’m back up a size in shirts, and a friend who is totally going beastmode at the gym and posting little video clips of workouts on instagram.

I went to the gym yesterday, did some running, and gut workout…since I don’t have abs yet, and squats. Man. I am hurtinggggg today.

I’m finally done with observations and although school is still crazy, that month break was all that I’m cool with. Time to take control of my life again and finish up this weight loss thing I started. Well not some much finish, because it’ll be a life long struggle, but to hit my goal and maintain.

I’m still not ballsy enough to post my current weight for the internet to read…instead, enjoy some motivational quotes courtesy of pinterest.
 
Have a bomb.com Wednesday everyone :]
P.S. Don't forget about that giveaway I'm part of! Have you entered yet?

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Weekend Update: Some Busy Days Off

I always have weekends off...but since school started, they’ve for the most part been spent doing school work. I wasn’t completely caught up on school work, but I made an executive decision to have a little fun, and get the school work done at the end of the weekend.

Friday: Did a whole lot of nothing. Except for homework of course, which totally contradicts that first statement above. Oops.

Saturday: I got my hair cut and styled! And then headed Old Town, San Diego for a Day Of The Dead celebration, which was on my fall to-do list. I decided a couple of weeks ago that I needed to participate in this thing because a friend of mine who passed away last year really loved the celebration. If she were still here, she’d most certainly be there. But because she couldn’t, I was there for her. I actually was there as a volunteer and worked at the cemetery all day. I tried not to think about it much because it gives me the heebie jeebies a little.

Day Of The Dead: It’s a Mexican holiday celebrated November 1^st and 2^nd of each year where people celebrate the lives of their passed relatives, friends, and other loved ones. Although it is a Mexican holiday, people from all over the world of different races, colors, ethnicities, etc. are welcome to celebrate it. Some of the more notable things that come with celebrating Day of the Dead are sugar skulls, both the actual candy and face painting, marigolds…which are believed to bring the souls of the deceased back because of their strong aroma, and lastly the altars, which are sort of a shrine in honor of your loved one that includes the previously mentioned sugar skulls, marigolds, and anything else the person might have liked while they were alive, such as their favorite food, favorite music, beverage of choice, etc.

At the cemetery, there was a public altar where people were welcome to bring things for their loved ones. Some people brought photos, vodka, tequila, a big mac, nail polish, a cigar, etc. Below is a shot of the altar. There’s also some popsicle sticks that people could write their person’ name on. A few days after the event, the organizers burn all of the mementos provided as a memorial to everyone remembered.

Due to the abundance of candles in the cemetary at night...
I was given a fire extinguisher.
Marty reporting for fire duty!

After wearing make-up for 12 hours, the best feeling
ever was to be able to put my hands on my face! 

Sunday: Started off with a brunch with some Southern California bloggers! We went to Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff and all enjoyed some good food and drinks, as well as the company of each other. Jill and Amanda did a great job organizing it all :] They provided us with some cute flowers and vases, as well as some amazingly beautiful necklaces. If any of my readers are Southern California bloggers, keep an eye out for the next event! It most likely will be wine or beer tasting!

The super cute table set up Amanda and Jill put together!

The sweeeet view!

Our pretty gifts from Jill & Amanda!
Stole this picture from Abby!

All of the beautiful girls in attendance!
Thanks Amanda Kathryn for the group photo!

TOP: Jill from Classy with a Kick, Raina from San Diego HR Mom, Abby from The Fabulous Life of a Natural Disaster, Amanda from Amanda Kathryn, Amanda from A Beautiful Mess, Adrienne from Pretty Chouette, Brianne from San Briego BOTTOM: Jessica from Wifesticated, Kailyn from Kailyn Marie, Marty from MartyWithTheParty

I made it home for dinner where my parents were having a small bbq for my grandpa who turns 88 years old today!

Life is so go go go lately, that I don’t even get a break on days off…but even if I did, I’m not sure how I’d handle it. Ha. How was your weekend? Any good stuff in your schedule?

OH! And last but not least…remember that bigs and littles thing I’m doing? Well my “big” Jess is hosting a giveaway and I’m totally part of it. It's my first one! Check it :] 

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