Friday, November 30, 2012

Poll: Brunette or Blonde?

I've been using demi permanent hair color for the last few months. I'm really loving it. However, it's becoming a pain in the rear to redye it every 5 weeks or so.

Should I permanently dye it brunette OR keep doing demi permanent so I can go back to blonde in the summer?


Natural hair color.
Demi permanent.
 I've never dyed my hair before (only bleached), and I'm pretty terrified. I don't want to dye it brunette unless I'm 110% positive I won't regret it. I know I can always bleach it back, but I'd rather not do a ton of damage to my virgin hair.

Thankful: Heated Seats & Conclusion

I'm thankful for my heated seats.


I've been so stressed lately and every morning I have been turning my heated seats on in my car. It feels amazing on my tense back. I believe it's going to be a requirement for my cars from here on out.



I'm happy I decided to write down something I was thankful for every day in November. Some things were easy, but others I really had to think about. During Black Friday, I saw a lot of greediness and consumerism. It made me sick to my stomach. Christmas is supposed to be about giving. Not receiving. I saw a story of a police officer giving a homeless man a pair of socks and new boots. What if every time of the year was like Christmas? Seriously, the world would be a better place. I am guilty for this - I only think of generous giving at Christmas time. What about in the spring, when kids need new shoes or summer toys to play with?

This Christmas, Jon and I got some things for kids in Hamilton County (during the BF sales). We also were looking at volunteering to sort and wrap the gifts, but unfortunately our work schedules didn't allow it. It seriously gets me thinking though..

What is people treated every season like Christmas?

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Thankful: Kohl's Cash

I am thankful Kohl's Cash exists.


I spent a lot of money on everyone else during Black Friday. So much, that I got $90 Kohl's Cash. I've been wanting a new peacoat for a few years now, so I went ahead and got one with my Kohl's Cash. You can't beat paying $20 for a $220 coat. :)



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Thankful: Chuck E. Cheese's

If CEC didn't exist, I wouldn't have met my husband.


If they didn't hire me, we never would have met. As much as I disliked working there, I'm happy I did. Everything happens for a reason. Seriously.



Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Thankful: Tissues

I'm thankful for tissues, today.


It's better than using the same old handkerchief time after time. I'd rather not use my sleeve either.


Monday, November 26, 2012

Thankful: Christmas Music

I am thankful for Christmas music.


My anxiety is awful today and Christmas music seems to be the only thing that can calm me down right now. Without Christmas music, I'm not sure I could get any work done today.


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Thankful: Frozen Pizza

I am thankful for frozen pizza.


Jon and I got back home to Cicero tonight. After carrying everything up, we realized we didn't have much to eat around here. Luckily we had some frozen pizza in the fridge. It was nice to have such a quick (and easy) dinner tonight.


Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thankful: The Great Pumpkin

I'm thankful for my car.


It's been a good car during the last year. I was used to having smaller cars, so this was definitely a change for me. The gas mileage is about the same as my old car, and I love it. It makes it easy to haul stuff, also.


Friday, November 23, 2012

Update: Neurocardiogenic Syncope

On Wednesday, I wen to the neurologist to get an update on my neurocardiogenic syncope.

He gave me the option of doing nothing and toughing it out or giving me beta blockers. I decided to take the beta blockers. I'll be seeing in three months, so we'll see if my fainting spells get better or not. He also told me to increase my salt intake. It's funny, all of the years of my life, doctors have told me to watch the salt. Now? Have all the salt you want! This is going to be a difficult one for me because I really don't like salty stuff.

Another thing they told me was make sure to drink plenty of fluids. This has always been hard for me. Some days it's super easy to get in all of my water, while other days, I barely get three glasses in. Luckily, Weight Watchers has trained me to try to get in eight glasses a day. It's something I've always struggled with, but I'm working on getting better with it.

I'm just happy they figured out what was causing my fainting and are taking ways to try to prevent it.

Thankful: Black Friday Deals

I'm thankful for all of the amazing sales on Black Friday.


We saved ~$500+ this year. Our most successful year yet. I love Black Friday. We are done with everyone but three people (and it's not even December yet!).

I know a lot of people think Black Friday is ridiculous and stupid, but if those deals didn't exist - I don't think we could have afforded gifts for everyone this year.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thankful: Home Cooked Meals

I'm thankful for delicious home cooked meals.


I already said I was thankful for family, so this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the delicious home cooked meals I ate today (and this week).

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thankful: Paid Vacations

I'm thankful to have a job that give me paid vacations for holidays.


(Unfortunately I'm not on a warm beach - but I'm with family so it's okay I guess :p ...)


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Our DIY Wedding

I would highly recommend doing some DIY things for every wedding. Not only does it save money, it makes the wedding seem more special instead of "cookie cutter". Don't hesitate to add your own special touches. For example, my husband and I met each other while working at Chuck E. Cheese's. We went to the store and bought Chuck E. and Helen dolls. After that, we went to Build A Bear and got bride and groom outfits. It was an excellent touch to our special day (and we have them on display in our bedroom). Corny? Sure. Not to us, though.

It's important to do what YOU want. It's you wedding day - who cares what others think? Below are some of the images of the things we did ourselves for the wedding:


Altar flowers.

Candy bar signs.

Programs.


Cupcake labels.

Memory candle & pictures.

Bride & bridesmaid bouquets.

None of this was necessarily tough, you just need to make the time for it. We saved a ton of money by making our own bouquets (and we get to keep them forever!).

Thankful: CVS

I'm thankful CVS is within walking distance from our apartment.


I woke up this morning with a cold/sinus infection. I plan on walking over there this morning to get some strong cold medicine.


Monday, November 19, 2012

Thankful: My Planner

I'm thankful my planner helps me get through the busiest weeks.


As much as I love technology, I still use a paper planner for scheduling and to do lists. My planner is always with me - and if it's not, I'm definitely freaking out. It's nice to step away from technology for a few minutes each day to see what I have planned. It also helps me be productive when I can physically cross things off of my list of things to do.

Post-Wedding Blues

This is a real thing - post-wedding depression.

I already have depression, so I didn't think anything of it. After thinking about it, it didn't make any sense to me. I just married my best friend, we're so happy together, why in the world am I crying all of the time?

I began looking online to see if other women got depressed after their wedding. There are several who have - I even called my mom to ask if she had it after their wedding. It all makes sense. We were engaged for almost 3 years (long distance for 4) and I'd been planning and dreaming for so long. Then it's all over in the blink of an eye...I barely remember the day, it was such a blur (and no, I didn't even have one sip of alcohol).

Tips on getting out of the post-wedding blues:

  • Clean - I cleaned the apartment a lot. Jon just moved in, so there was a lot to put away and clean up.
  • Reorganize - I reorganized our dressers and closet, as well as a few other rooms. I also found great places to put all of our awesome wedding gifts!
  • Crafts, crafts, crafts - I made a book out of our wedding cards (see here) as one of my projects. Keeping my head and hands busy was a big one. I tried to have a new craft every week.
  • Coloring - Seriously. I bought a Hello Kitty coloring book and a 64 count box of crayons and went to town. It's awesome for destressing too.
  • Pray - This is the most important one. I pleaded with God every night to get me out of the rut I was in. I would wake up and go to bed crying every day. I continued to take my depression medicine, but it wasn't enough during this time, so I reached out to Him.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Thankful: Retail Therapy

I'm thankful retail therapy is real and actually works.


I've been struggling with my weight since our wedding, and have had a hard time feeling good in anything I wear. Jon and I went to Kohl's today after church to get a few Christmas gifts. I decided to browse the clearance section for myself. I found a really cute purple dress for only $9.60 (originally $68). Woo! Getting a bargain on something that makes me feel great it always a plus.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Thankful: Ice Cream

I'm thankful for ice cream.


Seriously, how sad would this planet be without ice cream?


Friday, November 16, 2012

Update: Mia's Potty Training

Jon and I were getting really frustrated with having to clean up 8-10 messes a day. Our techniques were inconsistent and I think all three of us were getting frustrated. We called PetSmart and decided to take one of their potty training seminars this week.

Mia has only had a handful of accidents during the last three days (2-4 accidents). She is starting to learn to go on her potty papers..and NOT on the living room floor.

I'm just happy we decided to have her first instead of having a baby. Yikes.

She's also gotten used to being in her crate at night. She still whines, but not all night like she used to. She just whines for about 10 minutes, then goes to sleep.

I'm happy I have Jon around so we can take shifts. I definitely could not handle her on my own.

 

Thankful: Doctors

I'm thankful for doctors who know what they're doing.


After going to several doctors, each one told me I had neurocardiogenic syncope (try saying that 5 times in a row). You can read more about it here if you're interested. I have been passing out randomly throughout the last year. It only happens once a month, but it's still scary.

Yesterday, I had a tilt table test done - well, kind of. They hooked me up the heart machine and blood pressure machine. Once they hooked me up to the IV, I was well on my way to passing out. I got the usual symptoms (sweating, needing someone to fan me, and blurred vision). I told the nurse I was passing out, so she hurried to grab the doctor so he could watch the machines monitoring everything. I also threw up my lunch, which was kind of unusual for my attacks, but is has happened once before. After I was finally done passing out, I waited for the doctor to come in - we still hadn't even done the test yet. He said that was "remarkable". He'd never seen anyone pass out before the actual test before. He said there was no need to do the test because they got all of the answers they needed. My heart went from 80ish down to 40 and my blood pressure dropped as well.

I have an appointment with the neurologist next week, so hopefully he can get me on something to stop these "attacks". The doctor at the heart hospital mentioned they can put me on some beta blockers and/or something to keep my blood pressure stable.

After a year with no solutions, I'm happy I've finally been diagnosed and we can start trying to help it.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thankful: PetSmart

I'm thankful PetSmart is close by and the employees are really helpful.


Mia, our new pug puppy, has been quite a handful. This week, we attended a potty training seminar and it has been really helpful so far. She has had far less accidents the last few days and Jon and I are both happy about that! We are planning on taking her to training classes next month too. PetSmart has been helpful for the last few weeks and I'm happy they're so close by.


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Thankful: My Macs

I'm thankful for my MacBook Pro (and iMac).


My MacBook Pro was my first large Apple purchase. I was very nervous about entering the world of Macs, but after hearing all of the positive reviews from my friends, I knew I was making the right decision. My PC had crashed after only a year and a half of use. I needed a reliable computer that would not crash on me. I've had my MacBook Pro for 2 years now with no issues (knock on wood). I love it so much. It is perfect for all of my designer & developer needs.

After receiving my final check from my first "real world" client, I purchased my 27" iMac. While I still have my first PC laptop, I prefer my Macs over it any day.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Thankful: School

I'm thankful I have the opportunity to go to school and get an education.


Even though I'm thousands of dollars in debt from school loans, I'm happy I get the opportunity to go. A lot of people all over the world don't even get that opportunity. As stressed as it makes me, I'm happy I get to go and feed my hunger for learning.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Thankful: Home

I'm thankful my husband and I can start looking at houses. Our new jobs have been such a blessing and we are thrilled to start this new chapter of our life together.


Our lease on our apartment isn't up until May, but we've started looking around just to see how much houses are in this area. We found one in Noblesville that we love - it has a private backyard with access to a pond, 3 bedroom, 2 bath . . . perfect. We're hoping to start going to open houses and contacting realtors starting in February. In January, we'll start talking to our bank to see what kind of mortgage we can afford. So, so excited. We can't wait to have a place to call our own (AND have our own washer and dryer + garage). It would also be nice not to have to pay an extra $50 a month for our pets (plus a deposit when we sign the lease)...


Sunday, November 11, 2012

Thankful: Church

I am thankful my husband and I found a church we love going to each week.


After moving to an unfamiliar city, we were excited for the adventure, but also nervous about making new friends and meeting new people. A former pastor recommended Genesis to us. We went for three Sundays in a row and then switched to other churches in the area. Genesis was by far our favorite. We love the atmosphere (and the people are pretty great too!).

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Thankful: Food

I'm thankful I never have to worry when my next meal will be.


There are a lot of people in this world that never know where their next meal will come from. I have been so blessed my whole life. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner have always been there. I have taken it for granted for so many years...


Friday, November 9, 2012

Thankful: Mia

I'm thankful that I'm finally able to get a puglet and call her my own.


I know you guys are probably getting tired of hearing it - but, if anyone has known me for 10+ years, they know I have always wanted a pug. Always. When we were supposed to choose a topic in elementary school to write a paper on, I always wrote mine on pugs. In middle school and high school, I had pictures of pugs in my locker. I have bought a pug calendar every year since as long as I can remember.

I can't believe we're finally going to pick her up tomorrow! I'm so ridiculously excited. Is this real life? Seriously? Sooooo much excitement. I hope tomorrow gets here fast. :D

Mia and I the last time we went to see her.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thankful: A Full Night's Sleep

After months of awful sleep, my husband and I finally got a full night's sleep last night.


We've had our fair share of issues with Sleep Number the last month. Anyways, we finally got our new bed and we were thrilled to finally sleep well last night! We weren't constantly waking each other up when we were trying to get comfortable. Ying (our kitty) even had his own space (and it didn't bother us at all!).


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Thankful: Heat

I am thankful we have heat in our apartment.


I know a lot of people can't afford to heat their homes in the winter. I'm happy Jon and I can go to sleep an wake up in a warm home.


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Thankful: The Right To Vote

I am thankful we have the right to vote in this country.


No matter who wins today, I'm happy I have the right to express my opinion and vote. I will be praying all day today for our country. Please join me. We need all of the prayers and positive thoughts we can get.


In other news, please watch this video. It has been my favorite video on YouTube for the last month.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Thankful: Ying


I am thankful for my first fur child, Ying.


I'm not feeling great mentally today. I decided to work from home so I could calm down a little bit. I didn't exactly feel safe driving this morning. Ying has been cuddly all day. He always seems to know when I feel like crap. I'm happy we got him.



Sunday, November 4, 2012

Thankful: Jonathan

I'm so thankful for my husband, Jonathan.


We have been together for a little over 5 1/2 years now. He has become my best friend and honestly, I'm not so sure what I'd do without him. I love that we can both be around and be complete weirdos, but also have serious conversations. He has also brought me closer to God during the last few years, and I'm so incredibly thankful for that. He helps me get through my depression and anxiety phases and cheers me on when I'm feeling discouraged. After 4 years of long distance, I'm happy I can come home from work/school every day and he's here.