MIMM: "Frandmas"

I was invited to an event called "Frandmas" on Friday. Frand being friend and though it was past Christmas, we still did ugly sweaters. I didn't have a holiday sweater so mine was a large blue (Hanukkah) sweater with teddy bears that belonged to my grandmother.

Me and everyone's girlfriend, and one hot lady in the back left there.

I made a batch of Joy the Baker's browned butter chocolate chip cookies. Best cookies ever.

My friend had to take me home and I have no idea when I got back but I was asleep till an hour before work. Longest day ever... and now I'm sick!

Snoop Dogg Lion should endorse this. I got this and some tea on super sale for 99 cents! :)

I love this color. I should put a top coat on though but still haven't gotten around to it.

A little pre-New Year message

Source: stylecraze.com via Julie on Pinterest

How are you celebrating New Years 2013? I'm going to watch Rockin New Years' Eve and probably fall asleep! Before that, I'll be heading to PiYo and then work.

High Five Friday: Scary thoughts

Last night I was watching "New Girl" and "The Mindy Project," and decided I love these shows because these girls are ME!

Yeah, there's me, Yancey, Weston, and Gonzo/Luis. If you watch the show, you'll get it.

  

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In the last episode I watched, Jess says, "Oh, I'm straight up bananas." A lot of her choices are ones I would make too, like living with dudes, my lack of relationships, and the fact that I am/will be a teacher.

Oh, and how I could I forget the Thanksgiving episode when Mindy meets the other brown chick. Of course they get a thin, ridiculously pretty one. That's okay, I still have a lot of awesome attributes that transcend outer beauty... and I'm sticking with it.

 

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New girl: "I love seeing other brown girls."
Mindy: "Um, it's not that hard. There are literally millions of us."

That's me when I meet other Asian people in a non-Asian environment, especially if you're trying to move in on my man. Hopefully my men aren't this unattractive though.

In other news, I found pumpkie pie soda. Where have you been all my life? It was disappointing though. Don't get it. It tastes weird.

Dinner tonight now that I'm not meal planning. I will never know if I'm pregnant because I eat weird food all the time.

And I just applied for 2 positions as an admissions counselor at my alma mater. Yes, in Asheville. I realized I'm fully qualified for such positions, have familiarity with them, and that everyone who works seems similar to me.

I have no idea how that would work right now. I would need to crash with friends till my first paycheck and somehow find myself a car, which is the big part. I wouldn't know how to tell my mom, especially if I need to borrow some funds. Although, I will be getting paid soon-ish so that would help.

Have you moved for a job? How did you find a place to live? Did you drive? My car is my first car from when I was 16 so it's almost 10 years old. I would also have to drive all the way across the country! Would it be better to get a new car?

WIAW: Another phase of recovery? + paleo chocolate chip cookies

I'm not 100% sure if it's working yet, but I'll update you anyways. 

The past few weeks and possibly a month now, I've lessened my consumption of protein powders minus the occasional Quest Nutrition bar.

Since my weekend trip to L.A. and my weeklong vacation in Asheville, I've pretty much stopped meal planning. I have to stop myself often by reminding myself how much time I'm wasting by doing that. I know how to eat healthy. Calorie counting is obsessive. While I try to eat intuitively, I'm mostly just eating when I feel like it, mostly when I'm hungry but sometimes when I'm not.

I've also been to the gym a total of 5 times since mid-December. Instead, I've worked out at home with 30 minute cardio/strength combos and yoga.

Because I haven't had to hit the gym and abide by a schedule, I get to sleep!

And while the scale shows just a little, I fit into all my clothes better. Even coming straight out of the dryer.

My whole body looks and feels firmer.

And the best part, my mind is more free. Sure there was/is some sadness from missing all my friends and stress of work post-vacation, but I'm a little happier.

On Christmas Day, I...

• Slept a little less than usual
• Woke up to text my friends (after calling them yesterday) my photo
• Went out with my mom and aunt
• Caught some of the Laker-Knicks basketball game
• Worked out real quickly with Jillian Michaels' Killer Abs
• Baked healthy gingerbread that turned out too bready but was still fun to decorate
• Ate non-traditional Christmas food of boiled veggies & straight-up beef
• Watched "Home Alone" & fell asleep

At least the dogs like the gingerbread men...

A gift from my mom. Now I'll never have to search for my skillet.

Next up is New Years. Resolutions aren't happenin'. If you're looking to make some, here's an infographic guide.

No more unnecessary lists for me unless it's a list of reminders for today:

• Print out CTEL scores & send out
• Upload transcripts from USB
• Deposit $ at the bank
• Buy almond flour
• Make paleo chocolate chip cookies

You read that right. I was entranced by all the paleo Christmas cookie links that I decided to try my hand at a paleo choc chip cookie. Well, there were quite a few recipes with similar ingredients. I eventually went with the Northwest CaveGirls' Paleo "BEST" Choc Chip Cookies because they were so insistent it was the best one.

Verdict: Use 50% power on the microwave for ~1 minute (30 seconds on/off) and flip for a little more. These yield a much better cookie than in the oven because the almond flour burns quick!

Other yummy recipes include:

• Detoxinista's Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies with less ingredients including NO EGG.
• Similar Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie from Elana's Pantry, also sans egg.
• The Unrefined Kitchen's Almond Butter Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie but I'd rather not use all my delicious almond butter.
• Chef Katelyn's Sweet & Salty Chocolate Chip Cookies
• The Urban Poser's Paleo, Vegan, Egg/Grain/Dairy-Free Snickerdoodle Cookie
• PaleoOMG Nut-Free Giant Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chunk Cookie

I'll be experimenting with more paleo, especially since I got my bag of almond meal from Trader Joe's and a bag of Enjoy Life chocolate chunks.

Found this book hidden in one of my drawers. It'll be interesting to browse through.

Are you on vacation? If you are, what are you doing?

How did you spend your Christmas? Any baking?

What Christmas means to me

 

or

 

Thanks mom for taking a million of these pictures until I was somewhat satisfied.

The sign took me over 30 minutes to perfect.

Truth #1: The closest thing to love

 

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But only here will I tell the truth. Someday someone will find it.

Ever since I left Asheville, I've done a lot of thinking and... you're the closest thing to love I've ever had.

Because of that, I'm hopeful that someday I will find love.

Unfortunately, it's not you. I should know better, but there are nights when it's late and I listen to sappy songs and read quotes about love. 

I put you on a pedestal. You're undeserving of it we know.

I want to pretend that I'm living in a fairy tale and that you're my prince who will realize he loves me and become everything I deserve.

This is everything I would tell you.

Source: 26.media.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

The "all at once" part may be more true now than ever. Now that I'm more clear-headed. I claim that I'm still not in love though.

Source: 26.media.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Right?

Source: debbos.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

If I was to have a New Year's resolution or a few, this would be it:

Source: pete.com via Julie on Pinterest

This is so simple and somewhat true for me.

Source: followgram.me via Julie on Pinterest

They say I have a good heart.

Source: notsalmon.com via Julie on Pinterest

This has nothing to do with love, but... So what if you're always busy? I'm often not.

Source: renegadeswritetherules.com via Julie on Pinterest

Simplicity of Christmas Eve

Last night, I saw this post. For those who don't know, I work as an aide is this department. I'm going to apply even though I don't have my mild/moderate credential but do have everything else. Who knows?

I made my round of phone calls when I woke up at 10 A.M. and after making 10 calls, I got in touch with 4 people: Liz was at the San Antonio airport waiting to go home, Robbie was taking his son out to buy last minute gifts, Weston was with his son, and Kris is is Austin with his girlfriend having Texas BBQ.

Three friends called back later. Dreezy called from Baltimore with his girlfriend and before hanging up, said I love you. Love you too Dreeze. That made my day because feelings are too mushy for me sometimes.
 
I took my mom shopping for 2 sweaters and pants for Christmas, worked out with Jillian Michaels Killer Buns & Thighs Level 3, and then visited my aunts and uncle - they totally guessed their gift of iPhone cases! Finally, we headed to Target for some last minute shopping where I got my cousin Catherine a giant dry erase board.

After a non-traditional spring roll dinner, we drove to see Christmas lights while blaring Christmas music. There were some great ones, including a ski lift, Barney/Taylor Lautner/Kristen Stewart display, and "Letters to Santa" on a garage door.

I love the simplicity of hot cocoa. I made this with 2% milk, unsweetened cocoa, and sugar.

My cocoa was made with flax milk, cocoa, and stevia.

Thanks Chris for my one Christmas present. It's a mesh ball for my tea leaves.

I'm giving "Elf" another shot. Yancey and I tried to watch it last week and we both fell asleep.

 

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Tomorrow, we're possibly baking cookies, painting nails, watching the Laker game...

I have to say I don't love Christmas because it marks the end of the holiday season and I love the holidays. :)

What are you doing on Christmas Day? 
What's your favorite Christmas movie?

MIMM: Gingerbread kick

Merry Christmas Eve, or the like! I made a list of people to phone, text, or e-mail. I'll visit my family, but as for anything resembling a traditional Christmas, nada. We don't make the big meals or open gifts, but for everyone who does, Happy Holidays!

This past week has been filled with... gingerbread.

Cheery breakfast of egg white oats with frozen berries

Gingerbread house making with my students and special education kids too.

My cousin was there too!

I love reading Christmas cards. I snapped this picture for Yancey - he replied with "Aw. Gay." Thanks Yancey, I love you too.

If you want to get me a card, this should be it.

I'm on a gingerbread kick. This was too dark for my liking.

Yum.

Sorry I amputated your husband... he was a gluten-free, vegan, peanut-free cookie from Sensitive Sweets.

What gingerbread foods are you consuming?
What's your favorite Christmas or holiday quote?

No rhyme or reason

No rhyme or reason for this post. Just a spill of the going-ons in my life.

There are days when I wake up, forget where I am, and wonder where Yancey is.

I remembered to send Gonzo's daughter a little something for Christmas!

The chorus of this song keeps running in my head, even though all it is is "love" repeated.

My mom would be okay with me moving to NorCal or some rural area in CA but would "die" in North Carolina.

My extended family is extremely dysfunctional and can't stand each other for more than 30 minutes without fighting.

I gave up rereading Of Mice and Men. We watched the 1992 remake and it's far too depressing for how I'm feeling now.

Almost done with season 7 of "Dexter!"

I'm trying not to plan my meals. It's an obsession and I'm ridding myself of it and calorie counting.

Gaiam TV is giving out 10 day trials. I haven't hit the gym since Wednesday. Instead, I've done 30 minute Jillian Michaels workouts and boy are some of them challenging. Burpees with lateral jumps? Not something I expected from her.

I also did a great yoga for athletes workout today. I like to pretend.

Strangest thing they have: The Situation's workout vids. I watched a few minutes to see what he was up to... one of the oddest things ever.

What are you doing for Christmas? Baking one batch of cookies as requested, listening to Christmas music, and calling friends all day. :)

High Five Friday: A lot more

Lots of High Fives this week!

Kyle and Weston both graduated from college! I am so proud of them. They're two amazing men!

A few for me...

I actually passed all my recent exams, the first 3 on this list. The latter 4 were all part of an easier test.

Not only did I pass, I actually did the best on section 2, the part that took me 3 hours. It wasn't because I took my time either - I really didn't know a lot of the answers! Fortunately, I did some good guesswork.

• Fewer workouts/not overexercising
• Not counting calories + intuitive eating
• Smiling, a lot

And because I love this song right now...

It's Ok Thursday & Asheville Part 3: Recap

This is the final recap of my vacation in Asheville last week. I wrote a little more below, but here's what I learned:

It's okay...

• To ditch the alarm and sleep in.
• To workout less. I still rocked the workouts I did and my body felt great.
• To trust myself with eating. I ate good food, moderate amounts of it, and only when I was hungry.
• To drink and get tipsy drunk... as long as there's lots of water too.
• To share your feelings.
• To go back to a place.
• To love. That sounds crazy, but I dislike hurt. Who doesn't?

Sunday
Thanks to lots of water the night before, I felt great on Sunday. Sure, we slept in till 1 P.M. but had a nice, leisurely rainy day. I had Tupelo Honey for lunch and visited our friends and their 1-year-old son.

Chicken Havarti sandwich with sweet potato fries and a biscuit*

*I ate the sandwich with 1/4 of the bread and 1/2 biscuit because biscuits are glorious.

Monday
Monday was another rest day. I wrote out sweet and cheesy Christmas cards, left them on the tree, and we headed to Early Girl Eatery once again. Early Girl is my favorite and I got the same meal.

We enjoyed downtown and ended my trip with a trip to Dobra Tea, one of my favorite places ever. For a Monday, there were tons of people so we had to sit on the floor with our teas and biscuits. :)

A few of the souvenirs I brought home... except the Lusty Monk mustard because it was too big for the carry-on.

(Faerie Made, French Broad Chocolate, Escazu Chocolate, Raw Shakti Chocolate, Black Mountain Chocolate, Imladris Farm, Jack's Nut Butters) 

Recap
I had an awesome trip. I worked out the first 3 days but didn't sweat not working out on the other days. We ate when we were hungry or not at all. For the most part, I wasn't hungry much which was good since our meals were all consumed out. I didn't even calorie counting. Since I've been home, I haven't calorie-counted or planned out much food, and it's okay.

I missed Asheville more than I know. I missed the food but surprisingly, I missed the people. Everyone welcomed me back with open arms.

In my roommate's card, I wrote a sappy little note. Yancey has been the most impactful and important person I've encountered, and it likely won't ever change. Even if I get married but not if I have kids.

I also thought about whether or not I've ever been in love. Not with Yancey. The answer is, maybe. I have the greatest fondness is more of what I would call it. Though he is a great person overall, there are quite a few negatives that prevent me from dating him or well, any of my guy friends.

If it wasn't for my job and my mom, mostly my mom, I would move back. It's not so much about the place but the people and because of that, I'm going to find a job, get a house, and make them all live with me!

Weirdest picture ever. Creepers... even after you get to know them!

Roomies for life.

 

Gonzo, happy birthday!

 

We've never hugged this much. I think before this trip, we hugged twice.

 

This is real and they have local products. 

 

P.S. One of the best things about Asheville is their choices of sugars and milks. There's always soy and almond milk and stevia. 

Downtown

  

How do you show others you love them? I'm not good at showing love. I would even go as far as to say I'll buy your love if I could. Okay, that's not entirely true, I totally go out of my way for the people I love.