Life so far

Happy June.

It's hard to believe we are already experiencing month number six. Summer time. At least for most of us. Life has definitely had its ups and downs lately but mostly ups which I absolutely adore. We celebrated our three year engagement anniversary last weekend, visited family and friends back home, and are now just now settling back into a routine. It's hard when you return from vacation. Nothing changed really and yet, everything has.

A friend of mine asked me a few days ago how I was doing. Quite ironically I'm doing fabulous. Yes, I turned a year older a few days ago {or technically a number and a day only}, and yes the anniversary of my mom's passing was early May...but I am doing well. I feel I am very close to being the happy, full of energy, and ready-to-discover-the-world kind of girl I used to be. How do I notice that? I put make-up on, and look forward to the next day and actually get ready for the day. Crazy, huh? Don't get me wrong. I always took showers, and had clothes on {ha!} but I never felt the desire to look decent or at least awake or ready to do a thing. It was always so forced, and now, it all comes naturally. I can feel it and I am loving it!

I'm also doing so fabulously because for a good twelve months now I have been changing a lot in our household. I changed our lifestyle. One item at a time. One crazy ugly toxic product at a time. Slowly, but surely. It's not something you do in one day or in a week or in one month. It takes time. It takes patience as well. As crazy as it sounds I never thought I'd be this girl. I was happy where I was and how I was living. Yet, something in me changed two years ago. I realized I or actually we needed to change our lifestyle. I knew we weren't living our very best or our happiest and it's the absolute worst when you know you should be changing something but don't want to or don't know how exactly. It took me a while but I found my way. We are not 100% there yet, but one day will be. We are human after all and we all make mistakes or take a bit longer than anticipated to achieve a certain goal or dream. I have people I admire and feed off their energy and positive vibes. I learn from them. They inspire me to do the right thing, one step at a time.

This week I got rid of all my make-up. Yup. I tossed it all and kept what was so far most toxin free. I don't use a lot of make-up so it's not that dramatic, but still...I felt awful and yet very freed after I tossed the bad crap away!!
It's been a fun ride to say the least. It's not difficult to switch one product at a time, you just got to start somewhere. I did with hand soap. All those antibacterial soaps everyone loves {hey, I was one of them; emphasis on was} are not that great at all {you could read more on that here} and therefore I stopped buying them, did my research and started making my own hand soap. Crunchy, yes; so worth it though. My skin isn't dry or itchy anymore. Go figure. Over time I switched products, or decided to make my own. I mean, it's a start. I'm not perfect at all. I still eat junk food, a whole bag of chips in one day {if I really feel like it}, and I do drink coffee and sodas. Yet, I limit it all. I love food and I cook a lot at home. Nothing is processed, because 1) not good, 2) actually expensive and 3) not at all delicious. Cooking at home is a challenge but it's an awesome way to add healthier habits into our lifestyle. Plus, it is a fun date idea {married or not}. Tossing my make-up this week was yet another one of my new lifestyle challenge. I have tried several toxin-free products and have yet to fully sit down and determine which one I am going with. I'm picky, yet, I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Yes, life so far has been fantastic. It has had its ups and downs but lately a lot of ups and I couldn't be happier about this. Plus, it's June and June always makes my heart beat faster and happier. I love this month. I may be biased because it is my birthday month but there's something about this sixth month. It calls for a restart, a way to start over. It's six month before a new year starts. It's six months before most holidays occur. It's the middle of any year and just screams change,  and a new opportunity to start over.

xox

Missed me?

It has certainly been a while. I missed this creative place. I missed my time on this blog or other blogs. I missed reading it all. I missed sharing it all. It's been too long. So here I am, trying to gather my thoughts and work my way back into the blogging world. I have always believed writing was a perfect way to express one's feelings, one's opinions, and to literally deal with emotions and life. So why did I stop?! I needed to breathe, and I needed to find my old self back. It wasn't easy but I can feel old Selma and it feels amazing!!!

So stay tuned, and follow along on Instagram to see what this Crazy Little Girl has done lately! :)

xoxo

Life

So guys, I had to make changes with this blog of mine and it's been just awful. There, I said it. Besides trying to figure things out with family, friends, and life...sometimes it's just bleh. Let's be real here; life is hard. Add some drama to it and it gets harder. Add a new hobby to it and it may add a few sprinkles but life still remains hard. Blogging? That's a whole different story.

So here I am still trying to figure out if this space of mine is really going to continue. Yet, as you all know I have had this blog for years and believe that writing helps any situation. It is a healthy distraction; a healthy way to deal with problems, or just a healthy way to share our thoughts, our visions and our lives!

This month is a not a happy month.
It started out with a reminder that life is short. My cousin's death six years ago proved it, a blog friend's dad passing proved it, and then my mom's death proved it once more. I know I have my guardian angels watching over me. I know they keep me grounded and help me get through it all. It may take longer than I anticipated but I know this is the right way for me. Yet, besides the past unfortunate moments, this month has also thrown another curve ball towards my somewhat stable life. Another blog friend's mother-in-law died. My best friends in Europe lost their mom last year {and it still pains me when I look at photos and I still have to pinch me saying; don't ask how their mom is doing...because well, ya know}, and now my husband's grandpa is in terrible shape and it looks like he will leave us this week. I dread the daily calls my mother-in-law makes. I appreciate her and her love. I know for her, this is a way to get her sadness out and not keep it in. Yet, it all brings back my still very fresh memories of two years ago. Two years ago today I was frantically calling Europe, trying to get a hold of someone somehow to figure out where the heck my mom was, and most importantly how she was doing. My hands were shaking, my voice was trembling and the second I head my mom's voice I felt a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I almost cried but I didn't. I wanted to sound strong for mom. I didn't know it by then, but that conversation was one of the last ones I had with her. I was able to tell her I was doing well and I was happy. I didn't know it back then but the next six weeks would be torturing her and me alike. I know these moments will always come back. I know they are part of me. I know they are meant to bring back memories and remind me that life is fragile and short. I also know I am doing okay, and that I will get through this. We all will. Yet, with B and his grandpa, the daily updates and what not...all I want to do is hide in the closet and wait it out...preferably hugging one of my cats, and listening to relaxing music.

This month is not a happy month.
YET I am determined to make it as comfortable as even possible.
I got good news after all...my driver's license got renewed and while I was freaking out over a possible written test again I didn't have to take one, I didn't have to wait in line and my husband got off today. So he's making me brunch...with bacon and eggs. If that isn't a positive way to enjoy the day then I don't know what is. So, I am ready to embrace the rest of this month...with all the emotions around me, with all the sadness floating around, and with all the funny and happy moments and texts I get to receive until April welcomes us in a few days.

Life is messy, and life is hard.
I try to keep it all together, cherish each day with new hopes and new ideas. I also try to remind myself that no matter what happens I won't be alone. I also try to blog more, because writing how I feel and what I feel is important to me. It soothes my soul. It keeps me going. Let's hope I return more often. I already feel better and more me.

xox

Focus, because you have to

You see, sometimes life takes over. Sometimes it hits you in the face and reminds you why you are doing what you are doing. As I am slowly trying to figure things out here in the blog world and in real life I want to make sure it is the right thing for me. As much as I love writing and sharing what I have been up to or what I find inspiring...sometimes I feel stuck and don't want to share at all. That is when life takes over. 

This year I started off with a new word. If you don't know what I'm talking about you are definitely not following up on the trend. If you know what I'm talking about...by all means, yes!!! This word is supposed to guide me, to help me, to make me live this year to the fullest always with that word in mind. As I mentioned above, life takes over sometimes and to be honest, life always takes over. But in order not to get lost and not to lose hope and sight of what is important I needed a word. I used to live by word each year until 2015 happened, and last year I kind of forgot about it or wasn't as determined or focused to live by one word. Not this year. Nope, this year I need a word again and I want it to help me find my way in life again...because, yes, life does take over and we usually realize it when it is too late.

My word this year is FOCUS. 

Simple as that. I could have gone with something else, or more profound but I wanted it to be simple, direct and challenging. Focus is what I need. Focus is what needs my focus as well. Whether I am writing, reading, cooking, watching television or a film, playing with my pets, being a great wife, or working my butt off as a small business owner I want and must FOCUS!!! 

Focus, because you simply have to. It is okay if I fail here and there when I do lose focus, and I'd be lying if I said that won't ever happen. Let's be honest here, we all get distracted, interrupted in our daily chores or something happens that changes the course of our path, of our life. So focus it is, in the best possible way. I want to be in the present as possible. I don't want to read four books at once. I want to read one, finish that one after I fully paid attention to it, and then move on to the next. If I read four at once I won't be focused. I won't probably remember what I read anyways. I want to wholeheartedly prepare a meal each day {which yes I have been doing}, focus on the cutting, the smells, the tears {hello, onions}, and the taste once the product is finished. I want to focus on a film without any distractions. I want to explore more, see more, taste more delicious wines with yes, you got it, full focus in mind. I won't think about what I have to do after the wine tasting, or after the film is over or what I need to do the next day. That is distraction and with my word in mind, I cannot have this.

When life takes over and we know it will happen, I will focus and I will be darn sure to work on myself and this little but very strong word of mine this year!!!!

Focus, because you simply have to!!

What is your word this year and why???!

Happy New Year - Be Yourself

It's been weeks. Who am I kidding? It has been months that I fully sat down and said "now is the time to write a blog post". Last year at a certain point in my life I felt drained. I wasn't drained with work, life and what not. I was drained with thoughts, worry, boredom, and maybe also drained with work and life but that didn't really bother me. I didn't feel the need to write. Shocker! I don't know what happened but I felt it was time to call it quits. Yes, there I said it. I didn't feel adequate enough to sit down and share my thoughts, my ideas, my life with you. Crazy, huh?! 

Here I am trying to figure out if this is the right thing for me to do - again. I always loved sharing what I had to say and I feel this shouldn't change. I have not changed in this regard, so why quit, right? Who knows what went through to my mind almost six months ago. All I know is I needed time to decompress, relax, not worry and do my own thing. 

You know what my hiatus taught me? 

It taught me to be myself. Very simple. Very straight-forward.
All my life I have lived to please others. I listened, and followed directions I was told to take. I followed rules {which, don't get me wrong, it's always always always a good idea to follow rules!!}, I followed order. There were times I felt lost, helpless, irritated, and yes, even drained. I knew I was a fantastic daughter and grand-daughter never bringing home drama, never failing, never creating outrageously insane teenage mischief. I was a good kid. I behaved {most of the time, yes I had my moments too}, I went to school and never skipped one single class {ok, cooking class I kind of had to because my teacher was a very terrible and strict person who simply didn't belong in the teaching field...let me just say she cried when a fellow classmate cut kiwis the wrong way}. I mean, I followed a pattern, and I made my mother proud.

Until I started to be myself.
Over time, thanks to excellent education, my love for reading and traveling I acquired the so-called skill {ha!} of having my very own opinion, and making my own decisions. While this sounds very normal for most 18+ year olds, it was not that normal for me. I remember the day I wanted to wear a certain dress; mind you, it was an appropriate dress, nothing short or skinny or skanky or whatever...perfect color, appropriate shape, length etc. Mom threw a fit. Why?! Well, she would never wear this. I shouldn't either. I was 21 at that time. I knew it was time to slowly cut the cord. Isn't that the parent's job though? Seriously. 

So there I was, trying to figure out life, trying to master college, finding happiness, finding a job that may suit me and bring in some money...and at the same time I had to please my mom, and grandma. Not to mention family friends, and relatives all over the world. What the heck!!???
There were moments I just couldn't care anymore. As much as I wanted to make mom happy, I had to make myself happy too. I had opinions, I had beliefs, and I had ideas. It was soooo hard for me to make those ideas happen, to at least get my opinion across because, agreeing to disagree on topics is pretty darn interesting. It shows both sides. But no, I could never express myself. Never. If I did I was in trouble. I felt misunderstood, judged, and worst of all not loved. My life in a nutshell.

Don't get me wrong. Mom loved me. My family definitely loved me. No doubt there, but at the same time I felt that the more I tried to be me, the more I had a hard time making my family proud. So what did I do...I listened to my heart. I listened to my soul, and I absolutely listened to my side of the brain that says in all capital letters LOGIC!!! 

Here I am. Mom passed away, and it took a toll on me. Mentally, physically, and just emotionally all together. I was a mess for over a year and a half. I went to therapy, I went to physical therapy, I changed my lifestyle and found help through grief groups, I chose to give essential oils a try because, why not. I went to bi-weekly chiropractic adjustments, and I went to monthly or bi-monthly {yes!!!} massages. I slowly crawled out of my shell and tried to connect with people. I have grown a bunch. I have learned a ton. And I have definitely started to BE MYSELF. 

2016 ended and all I could think of was "FINALLY!!!" 2015 was bad, but 2016, although better, was just as draining. I needed time to be me. And blogging was out of the question. I needed major me time. So when 2016 ended I was happy and ready to tackle the new year. It is just a new day but it is also a new year and far far away from 2015 {at least not as close as 2016}. On Sunday, January 1, a little light bulb went off...whatever I have experienced in the past year and a half is everything my mom would disapprove of. I am not kidding. She would frown at everything and never agree with me that that is what my life, my married household needed or actually needs. She would disapprove of our pets, of essential oils, of work outs, of the new car that was very necessary, of the way I cook and what I cook, oh yes, even of my new coffee maker I just received for Christmas. She would be so negative, so against everything...I'd be draining and I would not be me. So...as much as I loved my mom and saw her as a great person because, after all, she was awesome raising me by herself...she was not good for me. I miss her and I wish I could talk to her at times, but I often think of what she would say, and trust me, the result was never pleasant. So, I was right in saying FINALLY to the New Year. I was right in cutting the cord as a child, rather than the parent doing it. I was right finding my way somewhere else, far far away from everything. I miss my friends back home, I miss my cousins, but I do not miss the negativity associated with my past life. I'm sure no one does. 

So, thank you short hiatus of mine for letting me figure how how to be me again!!!

With a new coffee maker, pets I adore to pieces, a great husband, a gorgeous big car in our garage, and essential oils enhancing our life. Oh, and I recently had to go dairy free...oh man!! 

Happy New Year, make it a good one!!!

xox

Weekly Hopes {62&63}

Hi everyone! 

Is anyone still there? 

I have been absent for two full weeks and honestly I have never felt better. Wow, yes, I just said that. I have to be honest here and tell you that I needed a rest. I needed to figure out if I wanted to continue blogging, if I wanted to continue as Crazy Little World Of Mine, and if I felt okay with whatever decision I was making. Well, blogging has always been an outlook for me to express myself, to share stories, and an interesting and fun hobby. Also, I met the most incredible people through blogging, and I would not want it any other way. When I started this blog years ago I just needed to vent, and needed to find my space. I did.
So I came to the conclusion that it is time to find a new space in the blog world. While I am doing this I will pop up here and there a few times so bear with me. Trying to figure things out and sometimes these things take time. That being said...here's my Weekly Hopes for this week...and the rest of this month I believe {can you believe it's mid October!!}:

1 - Physical Therapy, every single day

2 - Donating all my donation bags {3 so far!}

3 - Deep Clean the bathroom {yes, I clean my bathroom once a week but deep clean?! The horror!}

4 - Manicure

5 - Send a very belated birthday present to my bestie

6 - Make foaming hand soap {saves a ton of money, and I know what I put on my body!}

7 - Try to make homemade applesauce

8 - Watch Hocus Pocus

9 - Educate people on Essential Oils {this is my lifestyle - I use them daily!}

10 - Enjoying cooler temperatures!

Fall has finally arrived in my neck of woods. It rained this entire weekend, and it felt so good! Love seeing leaves change color as well. The first sight I had of a dry leave on the ground I couldn't stop smiling. With cooler temperatures there's a few changes happening in the kitchen as well. I am working on creating a new chili recipe or a new casserole dish. Hearty dishes are so much fun during this time of year. Fall and winter bring cold and flu season along. I have been prepping my household with more fruits and veggies, plenty of fluids and my all time favorite...essential oils. Now, before you roll your eyes and see this as a fad {which most people think it is BUT trust me, it is not to me}, look at it from my perspective. I have seen my mother take up to 25 pill per day for over 20 years. I have had to accept the fact that her pill popping, hardly any exercise and unhealthy life habits ruined her life and shortened her lifespan dramatically. She died too young. Her pill popping weakened her body, her system. I never liked pills. I always believed in a healthy and better lifestyle. If I can help my headache, my sniffles and my upset tummy especially after bad food with something other than a stupid pill {that will over time weaken my system} I will give that a try! And so far, it has helped. Beautifully. So to help us build and strengthen our immune system we are using essential oils. Daily. Why? Because once we get the cold, the sniffles, the cough, the gross flu-like-stuff...our bodies will be ready to fight it off easier and probably faster. My body will certainly be ready, and I won't need pills...it is all about prevention. Last year we did not get sick. We always do. I always lose my voice around November, and B always ends up sick before finals/around his birthday in December. It drives him insane. Going to school and being sick sucks; we all know that. So last year when I didn't know what to do I read up on what I could do in that department. Heck, I can't know without trying, can I?! What did I do?! Started a bit late but still early enough and had our daily prevention regimen down. Every day, no ifs and buts. AND we did not get sick. One day we had this little and odd cough going and we kept using essential oils even more {oiled ourselves up if you wish} and that was it. The next day we felt so much better, didn't need to pop some odd pill we would have had to get from a store anyways, and we were ready to tackle the rest of the season. What amazes me is that these oils do not expire unlike some pill I would easily get over the counter. I am not against modern medicine and I will choose so if nothing works, but first I will use my essential oils.
SO, I am so ready for this cooler, and more wet season!!! Bring it on!!!!!

What are your Weekly Hopes?!

Anything you look particularly forward to?

xox

Will My Story Inspire Others?!

Will my story inspire others?

I don't know.

It might, or it might not.

I hope it gives hope, inspires someone out there. I sure would hope so.

The point of life is to live it to the fullest; to live it so we feel satisfied, happy, and accomplished. Right? Or am I dreaming of the impossible?!

Now regardless how we look at this, and what we want in life, and how we want to live it this question always returns to me. It's knocking on my door asking me what will you do today to inspire others?! What will you do to make the day feel GOOD?! What will you do today to make others feel GOOD?! Will you find inspiration not only lifting you up, but also others?!

My answer is different every time but my goal always is the same. 

I want to inspire others, I want to help women feel better about themselves, I want to feel better about myself, and I want others to feel motivated, give them a feeling that they belong. Yet at the same time I always want to focus on myself because in the end my life is mine and no matter what I do or what you do, my life will be lived with me as the main person in that story so I want to make it the best show ever. I want to live my life to the fullest and best possible. I want to be the best version of myself. Every. Single. Day.

So, will my story inspire others?!
YES. Even if it is a flicker of inspiration or motivation...yes!!!

How are you working on your Wednesday today?
Are you inspiring others?!

The Ever Returning Enemy: Grief!

Grief is like the unwanted relative visiting you or bugging you, or the friend you cannot let go off, or the boyfriend your heart longs for but your mind knows better. Grief stays. Unwanted. Unloved. Bothersome. And especially making one long for someone or something that no longer is. 

Grief is the enemy to our happy soul. It arrives mostly announced and out of nowhere. Sometimes it lets you know ahead of time that it will arrive but oftentimes this is not the case. Worst of all, the enemy to our happy soul, the unwanted one, stays forever! Rude.

Personally I have had my fair share with grief. I got different visits, at different times, and not one has hit me as hard as the one last year. It took me over a year to come to terms that yes, I have this visitor eating all my joy and motivation and that this visitor will probably not leave. Ever. So I fought back. Slowly. I kept it a secret because, well, grief couldn't and should not know what I was up to. It worked. Granted, I had to accept that this visitor will be yet another part of me. So I decided to fight back on a daily basis. I cannot let this enemy of mine win. I am the only one who can win and I should win. The other times I dealt with loss I had hardly any issues. Yes, I mourned. I cried. I wept actually, for days and weeks. But then, it was over. Grief nestled in a corner and stayed there. Easy.

Last year though, grief was not quiet. Grief was loud, obnoxious, ridiculous, and especially annoying. I wanted to fire grief. If it were this easy I would have done it. The enemy stays, and needs to find a place to stay and settle somewhere. So while grief tried to do just that I was perplexed, frozen, in pain and mad. Fighting back took time because, just like my enemy, I had to be slick. So how did I do it?!

I took time off!!!
Off of everything!

Now, not everyone can do this. I was blessed. I wanted to get back into a routine, follow my dreams, work, do things that would distract me, but I was in pain. Physical pain. There were times I couldn't move my arms or legs. My neck was a totally different story. My body was in constant shock. I worked hard on getting this part of the process fixed, and today I can say that I haven't felt this good in over a year. Not all distractions are good, you know. You may think they are, but they aren't. I still have issues going out and meeting new people, or attending conferences, or a simple birthday party. My body tenses up and then I can't breathe and well, we can guess what follows next. It's freaking annoying and disruptive. So, taking time off was the only option for me. Luckily, I was okay being around B, his family, and occasional visit from friends. I remember walking back home after my friend dropped me off and I felt relieved. Crazy. Love my friend but seeing her and her family after a few years and meeting up should not be intense. I loved seeing her, my body didn't agree. So taking off, avoiding some events, laying low {on the couch with reruns of old shows}, focusing on me and my body was the only thing that worked for me. It's the most bizarre thing ever because I always thought I'd be okay when I get distracted. I was before, just not this time around. I guess, it is very true...people change. And we change at the most impractical times.

Last week I learned of sad news. It hit home for me once more. I was so perplexed that at some point I had to go back to some texts to check and see if I dreamed it all. I didn't. It was real. Needless to say, my body decided to cramp up again. Holy cow!!!! I did however sleep a lot better at night. So, what changed?! My constant and unwanted visitor let go. This ever returning enemy of mine still sits in a corner, arms crossed and all, but the enemy decided to loosen up the knots. I felt one loosen up last night. It cracked. Literally. I felt so much better this morning. It's incredibly crazy how one reacts to dramatic events. Seriously. It's crazy. And what I have experienced will most probably not be what you have experience {or will experience one day}. It's one crazy roller coaster! 

Despite the sad new, the few hours I cried my heart out for my friends, life, love, family, and what not...I found a way back to reality; a way back to the NOW.

The ever returning enemy can visit but it cannot put me down. It can shock me, but I will fight back. I will find a way back to my own person, to my own personality. I let my passions go, I let my desire to be a great friend, daughter, cousin, and wife vanish...but no more!!! I want to reconnect, I want to discover, I want to experience, I want to help. I want to be me again. I need to be me again in order to fight back; even after 16 months. I am ready, and grief can kiss my well-shaped behind and stay in the corner; heavily sulking I hope. 

Pet Peeve Alert

Pet peeves. We all have them. Some of us are very vocal about them, and others aren't. A year ago I posted a few of mine, because, well, it's part of my life and quite frankly it felt great to share this. A lifestyle blog can be filled with outfits, decorations, and what not...and mine also consists of random ideas, things I like and things, yes, I dislike!!! It's time for me to become vocal again. ;-) 

1. Random shopping carts in the parking lot. Hmmmmm, seriously people. You grabbed the cart, you shopped, and put all your items in the car. Lock that car and put your car away. It's that easy. There are so many aisles available to put the shopping carts back, and a few extra steps have never hurt anyone before. Thinking about this drives me nuts.

2. Tables that are set wrong. Yes, I get it. Not everyone had a grandma who taught them how to properly eat or set a table. Google it though. Fork goes to the left, and the knife goes to the right. Not the other way around. It bugs me. I might be spoiled but heck, it bugs me big time.

3. Toilet paper rolls that are backwards! Do I need to say more?! There's two worlds out there. Rolls that roll with the paper facing forward, and then there's the backward rolling. This is a conversation piece, my lovely readers. There's two worlds there. Which one is correct?! Who knows. For me, it has to be forward rolling...never ever backward!!! Just saying. 

4. When people repeat the same story, over and over and over again. I get it. It was fun, or you had fun. I loved hearing the story once. I was genuinely happy for you. Yet, I don't need to hear the story again the next day, or the next time I see you. Now it's either them having forgotten that they told the story or they think I have forgotten about it. Either way, very annoying and time consuming. 

5. Unfriendly people. That's a logical thing, isn't it? Yet, what I mean here is people who cannot say a simple "hello". When you work in retail, or in the hospitality industry, or are a front desk clerk of whatever business dealing with people coming in and out...have the decency to say "hello" and "bye". That's all. Acknowledge someone came in, it won't kill ya! In this business {and yes I have worked in this business, and hello, have my degrees in it too} you gotta fake it. Yes. No matter how you feel or what happened in your life, if you have to work you show up and have a great attitude. Fake it. I know I had to. We all do at times. You don't need to make small talk, or tell your life story to everyone {heck no!!} but be adult enough and say hello.

6. When people refer to me as Swedish. First, get your geography right. Second, know that Swedish is for Sweden, and Swiss is for Switzerland. HUGE difference. Not the same country. Not the same language. Not even neighbors. Americans don't like to be called Canadians either, or English. Or Armenians, or Argentinians. Nope. Nope. Nope.

7. Slow drivers. Don't get me wrong. I am a great driver. I don't speed. But when the speed limit is 45 and you drive 25....I get peeved!! Worse is when it is a one lane street. Someone help me!

8. When people refer to McDonald's or Chipotle as a restaurant. Granted, yes, you get food there and you won't starve. A restaurant to me is not a fast food place or a place you get in line to receive your food. A restaurant to me is a sit-down place, with a server and a menu that is handed to me. A bonus here is a non-chain place. Mom'n'Pop places are my favorites. Yes, I'm a snob...hahahahaha!

9. Dirty dishes in the sink. I get that we are busy, and sometimes it is not possible to clean the dishes right away. I hate to see the sink piled up with all kinds of grossness. YUCK. At least make an effort to get rid of the dirties before you go to bed so your new day can start fresh.

10. Chipped nail polish. I know it happens. It's annoying. I can't stand it. I hate when it happens a day or two after your manicure. Oh, and it has happened with gel manicures too {yes, how outrageous!}. So, when it happens to me I get antsy. I need to get the remainder off. Immediately.

It feels great to write this down. We all have pet peeves. Some we share, and some we don't. And that is okay. What may bug me is very normal to you and you may not even recognize it at all. It's fine. What may bug you will probably not be an issue for me, who knows. This is what makes life interesting. I love it. One of my friend's pet peeve is that she must make sure all her notification number symbols on her phone must be unseen, also known as checked immediately or as soon as possible. So those tiny numbers bug her?! Not me. But I get it...knowing you have 1438 unread emails would bug me, too :)

Have a wonderful day and try not to get peeved today! No one needs a pet peeve alert at all.

xox

25 Healthy Habits to a Better You

Life to me is beautiful. I seek happiness and purpose every single day. Ever since last year my eyes opened up, and I had to wake up and learn that every day is a miracle and a new start. No matter what yesterday brought, today is a new day and tomorrow is not even written yet. This is easier said or written than done. It took me quite some time to work on this. I mean, yes, wake up each morning, take a shower, get dressed regardless of what the day brings...and start living. When you're in pain, when you're seeing dark it is very difficult to even take a shower, let alone get dressed or eat properly. I have been there, and I have no shame admitting this. It is who I am. I am not perfect, and no matter how others present themselves they aren't perfect either. Everyone has some sort of a battle to fight, and I had to fight mine. Part of me isn't entirely done with this battle and that is okay. Life is a process and we are always in progress. 

When you start looking at the entire picture and look for happiness and a way to better yourself, you start making lists. You create lists that help you focus, and work towards a great life. I came up with a list of 25 habits to work on right now to become a better person; to find that happy spark again. This list works for most people. There are more possible steps to improve oneself and live a healthier and happier life but this is for another time. Start slow, and stay determined to find a happier, healthier you over time. Each habit is important and has helped me tremendously.

1. Start each day fresh {take a shower!!!}

2. Drink {infused} water instead of soda or sweetened anything

3. Listen to you body

4. Wash your hands often

5. Don't drink and then drive; even if you only had a glass

6. Say NO when you mean NO

7. Protect yourself from the sun

8. Exercise daily {even if it is 5 to 10 minutes a day, or even if it is stretching only}

9. Don't jump to conclusions

10. Find a way to get inspired again {music, literature, art, film, crafting}

11. Create a weekly meal plan and cook at home

12. Do not compare yourself to others; ever!

13. Find a hobby

14. Put your phone away when you're with friends/family

15. Eat more fruits and vegetables

16. Sleep at least 7.5 hours every day {it's doable, believe me}

17. Explore nearby towns and cities you hardly know but should know

18. Choose quality over quantity

19. Pamper yourself

20. Get tickets for a concert, a comedy show or a ballet

21. Have daily quiet time {30 minutes is enough}

22. Sing or dance along to songs

23. Eat your favorite dessert once a month

24. Save money {spare coins, 1/3 of your monthly income, etc}

25. Be patient

Now wait a minute, how can saving money, exploring cities or putting your phone away be helpful in finding your happiness?! You focus on the now, and you focus on you. Saving money helps with creating a great future, or helps you out in the future when you need extra money. Exploring cities broadens your horizon and gives you a chance to expand your knowledge and leave your bubble {oh so important}. Focusing on people around you, on the right now, all while you're putting your phone away you can actually create friendships, learn from others, discuss life, and make connections that may or may not come in handy some day. It's the little things. Things that don't make sense on this list are probably exactly what you need to work on yourself. Feeling a bit impatient these days?! Sit back, think, and let it all be. Stressing over things, waiting impatiently for something to happen isn't always the best. Let timing be your friend. I learned this the hard way. I wanted to get back into the working field by October 1 last year. Hmmmm...it didn't work, and quite frankly it hadn't fully worked out this way for a few months after that. I grew impatient, I grew angry. I blamed others, I blamed me. I took time off from everything, and learned that impatience brings pain and unhealthy habits. I felt sick, and I had to sit back, relax and focus on me. Patience, over time, helped me to accept the season I was in, and accept that it wasn't my time to go back to work, and it made me realize I needed to work on myself before I could even get out into the real world!

This list has helped me tremendously, and I am still working on becoming a better version of myself. I want to create memories, and a fantastic life {it's never too late to start thinking this way} and by feeling stuck, by feeling I am not enough or by feeling bored and uninspired I cannot and will not create memories or a fantastic life. Healthy habits, when exercised daily, will guide and help you find a way to feel better about yourself and life!! They certainly have helped me. 

Here's to a happy rest of of this week, and a healthy weekend!!!!

xox

5 Things to Enjoy This Year's Summer

Summer time is always a time I am reevaluating the first half of the year. You know, what went wrong, what went exceptionally well, what could have been better and what needs improvement. Life is full of little things...things that shape anyone. We often read or say to appreciate the little things in life. Honestly this means to cherish every single moment given to you; the good and the bad. I recently read this book about the author and her decision to pay more attention to her actual life, day in and day out. Every month she decided to focus on something new. She wanted to be more alert of her life, more present, more there. Easier said than done. 

Now today, I don't want to talk about the book or how to better yourself. We all strive to live a better life, to be a better version of ourselves, and to just be happy! We all do. Even the richest people in the world try to find happiness, and enjoy the little things...some are oblivious to the fact that money doesn't buy everything, but most people are. That's besides the point. Today I want to talk about 5 things to enjoy this year's summer {or the rest of it} to the fullest possible...or if you haven't started living this summer here's a great start...

- schedule a day and be spontaneous. Hop in your car, have healthy snacks such as apples, carrots, water, and nuts with you, get gas and drive. Don't go to an area you have been to in the past year; try to explore a new place. Spontaneity is the key word. The only thing you have to do is schedule one day; whether that is an extra day off from work or a weekend off. Take that full day and live it outside your home, away from it all...and yes, don't forget your camera to remember it all by.

- summer days are longer than winter days. That's my favorite thing about this season, so I try to make every minute or hour count. Cook something new and have a date night at home {and if you're single why not invite your best friends over}. There are so many yummy recipes waiting to be tested, explored and eaten. Like Paella? Make it. Like Italian antipasti? Make it all and enjoy it on your patio. Enjoy delicious looking summer drinks? Step it up a notch and make your own! Plus, with temperatures being warmer now it's awesome to sit outside and eat later than usual gazing at the sunset! 

- go out and take a walk, and whenever you come across a person do the most simple and loving gesture there is: smile! Spread it, own it, and keep going. But make sure you don't scare people with your smile... ;) 

- money can be an issue no matter where or who you are. I get it. I'm right there with you. We are currently saving up for a house and this means all kinds of commitments and sacrifices. I love to save money but I get it, it's never a ton of fun. I look at summer as the time to scratch a few things off our monthly bill list...and with that we are learning to live life more in the now, and to be more present. We recently cancelled our cable, cut back on fun stuff {massages, games, movies, restaurants, and clothes shopping}, as well as started to be more aware of when and how we use energy and water. Gotta save where you can. With that in mind summer can be a bust, BUT no movies doesn't mean no fun and no shopping doesn't mean we will walk around naked. We have plenty of clothes, we have plenty of DVDs and streaming is an alternative option. Also, why stay inside to watch a movie or play a game when it's beautiful and warm outside?! Yes, we have temps in the 100s too and it's gross, and that is when I prefer to stay inside...so I change my plans or work around the heat.
Creativity is the key here. You don't have to spend a ton of money this summer, even when you want to be spontaneous or cook a fun meal at home. 

- most importantly though is that you have fun! If your kind of fun consists of adventures, pool parties, shopping days, hikes, or endless hours holding books...have fun with it! You can cook, explore a new area, smile and be creative but that is not worth one bit if you don't have fun with it. Fun is all this summer needs. If you can't find that then it is time to work hard on finding it because, what's the point in living a fantastic, fulfilled and happy life if you can't have fun!!

Now excuse me while I am going to pain my own nails in turquoise while listening to my favorite kind of sing-along-music. And then, I'm adding a trip to the grocery store because that allows me to buy a few more items for a few more new dishes and a summer drink I am dying to try out tomorrow. See? I might spend money on groceries but I will use that towards about five home dates with B, cooking new recipes and creating a summer cocktail. It's all about the perspective, and creativity, and yes FUN!

Happy Summer Time to all of you!!

xox

Reverse Your Routine With Tresemmé

Washing and treating my hair is important to me. I don't wash my hair every day, and I try to use as little chemical product as even possible on it as well. My hair is part of me so it's natural to want it to look and feel healthy. I even switch up my shampoos. Once a bottle is done, I choose another brand. I don't stick to just one. I know which brand works well and which one doesn't work well on my thin hair. Changing my routine is also part of how I treat my lovely hair. 

When I first heard about Reverse Your Routine by Tresemmé I wasn't sure. I didn't read what made it so special. So when I first got it I realized that it is exactly what it is...it is your daily hair cleansing routine just in reserve. You don't wash it and then condition it. You condition your hair first, and then you wash it with shampoo. Very easy. Very okay to try, too.

I have to say after having used this product for over three weeks I can officially say I like it a lot. It's easy to use as the conditioner comes with a pump. The shampoo smells delicious and every time I use it I feel like I am about to walk on the beach. My hair feels smoother when I rinse it, and when I brush it I don't get knots or don't have issues whatsoever. I really like it.  

Would I buy this product in the future?
Yes. Tresemmé has never disappointed me in the past. I'm hoping by then there will be something available in the Reverse Your Routine department that strengthens thin hair even more. :) It still leaves my hair feel thicker than normal but not as strong, yet, that doesn't stop me from loving this product!! 

Have you tried these two awesome bottles yet?!

Disclaimer: I received these items complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Weekly Hopes {48}

June is definitely my month. Yet lately I feel it isn't. I haven't given up and I certainly have not lost fate. I am a June baby and I believe in this month. I have had a few setbacks and it crumbled my positive vibes and hopes but again, I won't give up. Last week was yet another example of a negative week and blogging wasn't on my mind. I'm astonished I was able to write two posts. I had two more written but couldn't finish them up so here I am again, making sure this week will be a lot better. Fingers crossed!!

This week's Weekly Hopes consists of...

1 - Finding a new doctor and kicking ass at doing it {long story!}
2 - Sending out a big order
3 - Attending an online class for five days; all about Essential Oils {gotta educate yourself daily!}
4 - Finishing up Season 5 of Game of Thrones {I didn't last week...oops!}
5 - Date day on Thursday
6 - A trip to the lake
7 - Bake my peach blueberry pie or cake again!
8 - Walk more!
9 - Figure out a few things about my status
10 - Hoping for people to accept and love each other for who they are. It's a terrible world we live in.

Well, if you follow the news {and even if not} I am sure you've heard of Brexit. A funny word. What can I say?! I have mixed feelings about this whole thing. I'm very neutral, as a Swiss girl I think I always will be. 

Yet, for 1) it's not the end of the world that they are leaving the EU {hear me out!}. Personally, the EU is a good idea if we were in the year 1770. Or a bit later or earlier than that. The idea that was formed many decades ago and put to reality in 2001/2002 is based on the idea of having a European Union just like the United States of America. That being said, the US was formed many many years ago at a time when that was somewhat possible {yes, with consequences and war and all that history}. Europe was established already. You can't force nations who yes, have had their own problems, to leave their own rules/laws/morals/life/culture in a way behind and follow new rules/laws/morals/life/culture out of nowhere. Granted it took years and a lot of thinking and a lot of discussions but heck, as much as we all crave change at times, that is a huge change. Yes, Europe got hit hard during WWII and we all know why. Looking at it now...the man I won't name wanted to have a united Europe too...he called it differently but look at it...it's the same principle. NOW, there's always one or two countries that say NO. Switzerland is one of them. And yes, I voted not to be part of a European Union. I voted to live and be part of a country that keeps its freedom, its everything. Whatever that may be...but I didn't want to have my country change and follow rules made up by other nations who think their way is the best way. Has it ruined the country by not joining? No. It actually made it stronger. Yes, it pays the EU money but not as much as the EU members have to. That, has ruined those countries. Besides, the constant fights over who gets to be added to the EU or not is ridiculous. AND, the EU, like every western region, wants to be democratic. Democracy is important. Yes it is. Yet, there are leaders who will not follow that principle and do as they please. Yes, even today. They won't ask their people on a subject and just act upon it, or heck, force everyone to go with whatever they think is best. I am sorry, that is not a democracy. That should not even be called a Union. There's more but I leave it at this very superficial and quick rant... 

That being said 2) I do NOT LIKE why people voted for an exit. Fear, miscommunication, misunderstandings and what not caused people to vote out and not think. They didn't necessarily vote to be independent {besides, certain areas of the UK did vote to stay in..., so it is a divided country at the moment}. They voted out so they could keep "certain people" out, people who have shaped their country, helped it grow and develop. I fear for my dear friends and relatives who have lived there many many years and are now looked at as dirty foreigners who are no good, anymore. They were praised earlier and now....well, while some are open-minded and educated enough to appreciate "foreign" people in their country, others are not and start to hate even more.

In short, I welcome the Brexit because I don't like the idea of the EU in today's time BUT I condemn the reasons most people chose to vote in the first place. See? It's a crazy world and it won't get better unless we learn to accept and appreciate each other for who we are and what we can do for one another. Mixing nations is one thing...it opens our views, makes us eat different food and learn from one another. It's amazing how much we can benefit just by sitting together at a table and looking at each other's ways of eating dinner; or simple hand gestures, movements...we are all different but exactly that makes this world so fascinating and beautiful. I love the Mexican restaurant around the corner that is always packed, and the Turkish restaurant down the street who offers such authentic food it amazes me every time. I also love the Thai place downtown making you believe you are in Thailand, and the French bistro a few corners from that special Thai place. And if I feel like eating Sauerkraut and Bratwurst I head on over to the international market offering just that, and there I buy another sausage from Poland that I so love. IF we didn't mix, if we weren't open to change and to welcoming foreign people into our worlds and countries we would never know what I just described. Thai and Sauerkraut would be two were weird words, and Turkish would probably challenge your mind to see some camel and a tent {which by the way is oh so wrong!!!!}. 

History unfortunately repeats itself...and I fear for our future; no matter where we live...I fear for it to get more mad and anti-everything to the point that we will simply hate each other in the long run.

Rant over. Excuse the superficiality but these are my thoughts, my opinions for the past thirty plus years. Love one another, don't hate, and don't discriminate. 

Happy Monday everyone; that is if you made it this far down.

xox 

Confessions of a Girl {2}

Today I confess...

...that during my one year of sadness I gained 10 pounds, or maybe 12. Way too much. Way too much!

...I am overly excited and thrilled about my life with essential oils. Don't hate!!!

...I will not like or comment on anything my friends posts if that status is set to public {unless it is a page}. I know weird but I won't do it.

...I am jealous of whoever lives a more fun life than I am. There, I said it. In a good jealous way though. 

...I can't stand white socks, unless they are worn in white shoes.

...I'm obsessed with Game of Thrones. Never thought I would be but this show is exciting!!!

...I miss living in Europe or in or near a bigger city offering entertainment. 

...I'm still looking for the old Selma! The one that was excited to get up and get going and wasn't afraid of failure or disappointments {or the thought of failure/disappointments}. 

...that I get very much annoyed by people who do not know how to dress properly. Now this can be controversial, but I'm mainly talking about the ones who walk around like a you know what around the mall or even the supermarket. No one needs to fully dress up to buy groceries, I get it, but please have some style and wear pants, or a dress that looks like one!!!

...I ate six {6} donuts from Krispy Kreme and it felt soooo good. For like a day and then for one week I felt awful, thanks to my gluten allergy.

What do you confess today?!

Dear Mom...

Dear Mom,

Hi. We miss you, you know. There's so much I want to tell you but I am sure you already know. It's weird not being able to hear your voice or receive your funky comments. Yes, I know, I complained about them but let's be honest, some of your comments were unnecessary and you even admitted that much. It's the little things we miss. Like, I really would love to know how you made those cheese pastries. I could look it up but it wouldn't be the same. It would come from you and now it comes from the internet or a book. 

What I really wanted to tell you though is this: besides missing you a ton {and I am sure I am not the only one} I am actually really glad you are not around anymore to see all this turmoil, this sadness, this political drama, and the nonsense we live in. As much as I want you to be here I am happy you don't see any of this. Well, you may have seen it but since you're far far away it doesn't affect you as much as it affects us. Maybe you are hugging me right now and if you are, thank you. I felt a chill and whether this was you or just me getting chills, I want you to know that it is okay. Everything you did to me is okay. You did it out of love. You did it because that was the only way you knew. You did it because you did not want to be alone. You did it purely out of love. And it is okay. I get it. 

So, thank you for the hug, for everything you did for me and for everything you did against me. Enjoy it where you are. You're better off there, all quiet, full of harmony and peace. One year ago we celebrated you and said our good-byes to you. It was quiet, peaceful and full of love. I can still smell the flowers, and I hope you can too. We miss you. We think of you. We love you.

Wherever you are we are sending you hugs, love, and sunflowers your way!

xox

Happy Friday - I am Alive!

Happy Friday my lovely readers. I know, it's been a while. I honestly didn't feel particularly like blogging this week. This is not an excuse, it's a fact. I guess I was still very much enjoying my birthday week, and by that I mean I was trying to stay off the internet, off TV, and off social media. Yes, you read right. I missed some of it, that much I can admit. I am alive, I promise you this. I believe with summer having started in my neck of the woods {we already had temps in the 100s} I mainly focused on staying cool and relaxed. Sometimes, a girl's gotta take a break from it all. 

So, with a birthday week having ended yesterday {already!! What?!}, here's what made me happy this whole week...because, well, it's always great to look back at the fun, happy, cheerful moments we experienced in life. Let's get started with the ten things that made me happy this week and link up with Krysten, Lindsay, and Charlotte. 

1 - Family get together

2 - Lunch date on my birthday

3 - Homemade Birchermüesli {recipe coming soon}

4 - Game of Thrones

5 - Free Coffee

6 - Physical Therapy at my Chiropractor

7 - Most pain gone

8 - Costco Run

9 - Young Living Essential Oils

10 - Birthday cards

If we are friends on facebook you know that besides all this loveliness there is a ton that didn't make me happy whatsoever. I won't go into details but I have learned that silence isn't always the best. When we have something to say to a topic, we should voice our opinion because our opinion counts for something. Blame my education, but human rights, any misuse of any human {or animal of course} makes me so mad I can't even put proper words together. It practically leaves me speechless. Therefore, I tend to look at the little things in life that bring a smile to my face. Bring it on Friday!! Make me even happier today!!

Hope your week has been great...and that the upcoming weekend brings you much joy, laughter, rest and most importantly happiness!!

xox

Five Risks When Using Essential Oils

I have personally used essential oils for months {almost one full year} and researched them for years. I always knew they were special but their true power was unknown to me. Some of my friends and family think I'm nuts having decided to use essential oils for my occasional pains and aches. I, however, feel it's a step forward towards a better me and a healthier lifestyle. These oils aren't only to add special scents to any room. Sure, they do that too but essentially {pun intended} we use them because of their therapeutic grade and power. Who would have thought we would end up using essential oils every single day?! I certainly wasn't.

Now, you can read pretty much anywhere on the internet about essential oils. Different brands, different ways. I chose the company that works for me, and the one I know I can trust. People have asked me how it is possible for me to you use these on my myself and my family when I don't even know their "so-called power"?! All I say is then how can you use OTC or easily prescribed drugs without knowing what's truly in them {and being able to pronounce it all correctly!}? Why are people skeptical when it comes to something natural but jump for the first chemical pain killer or what not in a supermarket?! Hmmm... Regardless of all that, I love my oils. 

Yet, with everything you purchase, not matter the product, there is always a risk involved. Always. And here are five risks when using essential oils:

1. You will feel and notice your family being happier and healthier

Oh yes. It's annoying to get sick or feel the onset of a sore throat. We have all been there. Well, believe it or not we are not popping pills for this anymore {or praying for a miracle}. We rub a couple of oils on our throats a few times a day. Instant and long lasting relief.

2. You will have more energy

You won't be running around places on super speed. Sorry. I wish. However, you will have natural energy. No more sugary bubbly grossness and aftertaste {oh the aftertaste} whose contents we can't pronounce. Why were we drinking those energy drinks before?! I seriously don't know. Convenience, I'm sure.  My stomach always hated me afterwards. Now I have essential oils helping me stay more alert, supporting my overall well being, and acting as a great booster when my body and mind go into this dreaded afternoon slump.

3. Your home will smell better

Yes. I mentioned it before. And yes, it's true. Your home will smell better. Also, we had people over that are allergic to cats and thanks to what I diffused they didn't feel a thing. Also, I'm allergic to cats {not dramatically but I am} and anything else that may cause me to sneeze, get red eyes, and itchy moments all the time...and since I'm diffusing my lovely oils I don't get it any longer and I am oh so happy. So be aware...your home will smell and feel better without doing much.

4. People want to talk to you and ask you questions

People will eventually ask. I have been there. I started researching first, but then I asked. You want to know what may help for a headache other than popping Tylenol or Aspirin or what not. Why? Well, because just like me, you may be fed up with how those other meds make your stomach or body feel. You may not want to pop a pill any longer either...so the questions, yes, they will come!

5. You will notice that you want all of the oils

When I started using essential oils I had specific reasons and aches. I needed something to help cope with my mother's loss, the heavily felt fatigue I felt thanks to that grieving process, and the constant aches and pains that occurred while I was letting myself accept that I had lost one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. Doctors didn't know what to do with me. Ha. Go home and rest up. That's what I heard way too many times. Sure, yes, doc I will. Yet, this can't go on like this. Oh yeah, take a pain killer pill, it'll do its job was another suggestion by one of my docs. Okay then. I was jet lagged, frustrated and blahed out. So, I chose to go for what I thought could only make it all worse. Well, like everything in life we take to make ourselves feel better {pains, thoughts, what not} essential oils don't work right away they take their sweet powerful time...so I thought yes, sure I'll purchase a kit and see how it goes. It went so well I had to reorder and then I needed something else because I heard great things about it that may help my super anxiety. After that I needed something else to help me with my digestion and energy...the list went on and YES, I want them all. I really do. Do I have the money at this given moment? Nope. So I won't get them all...but I can tell you this much...my stash is growing and we aren't ashamed of it one bit. Best decision ever made. 

Oh I am sure there are more risks involved. After all, whatever we purchase in life involves some sort of a risk. We buy a new car, new house, clothes, pet, bed, kitchen utensil, OTC meds, and yes, even hair products; there is always a risk involved. That risk is different for everyone but it's there. Same goes with essential oils...they won't attack you, but it may just be that you will want to attack them because you feel and see a huge difference in your life and energy. Best part? Our daily caffeine and soda intake has dramatically decreased which makes us spend less money when we go grocery shopping. Oh, and I don't think we have bought any new over the counter meds in the past ten months...I know we have saved a ton there too...so you might as well, add this to the sixth risk factor. You will save money over time!! Now that, yes, that, is very scary!!! 

Hope you're day is going well. I felt I needed to share my love for these powerful oils with my readers. I'm okay if you think I'm a hippie. I have experienced tremendous success using them and I am so glad I chose to try them out. So, I'm not sorry for posting this today! :)
I have so much to do today...but it's all good, best part? My chiropractor appointment this afternoon. I'm so excited to get adjusted I can't even describe it. Yay.

Have an amazing day!

xox

5 Ways to Stay Sane {Work & Study}

When you are in a relationship, especially early on, everything feels great, glorious and just beyond anything you had imagined. Life couldn't be better. When that relationship intensifies by you living together under one roof you get to experience a different kind of relationship. You get to enjoy {or not} each other's daily moves, habits, and what not. Both sides need to adjust and accept new rules, new ways to live life. No need to change everything but there will be adjustments and there will hardship {not too much I hope}.

When your other half returns to school, then, well then life changes a bit more. You'd think, hey yes, I remember going to college, I remember that lame homework, those awful papers and assignments and the projects no one wanted to work on. It'll be a breeze. Yes, I remember all that.

I do, too. I still do, and I see it every day. *insert crazy face here*

Don't get me wrong I love that B is in school. It shows dedication and determination. He wants to get his goals accomplished and he wants them accomplished soon. This not only requires us to spend more on life than normal {hello, schoolbooks that cost $120 each and that is the used book price, not to mention the parking permits}, but it also requires us to find a balance in between school, home assignments, work and marriage. I'm kind of happy we don't have friends here who want to hang out often. If we did I'd welcome them of course, but that would add a bit to the already full load. So how we {heck, I} stay sane?! Here's 5 things I do to stay sane while my other half works and studies his butt off at the same time.

1. Let him do his thing
Literally. My way to study and cram stuff in is in no his way. I need a quiet, or maybe a semi-quiet, environment. I can't have music blasting or chatter next or around me. I also can't have distractions around me. My laptop stays shut off {unless needed to study and type homework up}. My phone is on silent and far far away from me. His way? It's all over the place. Laptop open, YouTube open {I am not joking}, music blasting and what not. He studies for about 15 minutes and then takes an hour break or more. I do it the opposite around.
So, I am forcing myself to let him do his thing. It has clearly worked for him in the past and until now so why make him change a thing. I also try to stay far away from him because, I so want to turn off the TV, radio and Internet so badly every time I see him "study".

2. Find something that occupies you, and you only
I read, he doesn't. So while he is doing his thing at night or whenever I am around I grab a book and start reading it in the bedroom. Or, I catch up on my TV shows. It's little things like that. It's things I only do. Or, if I feel I need to splurge...I go shopping by myself but we all know how this usually ends. Find something that you can do by yourself and only yourself. It definitely helps not to be around hearing him curse at the assignments or life.

3. Schedule, schedule, schedule
While I was studying I had my planner, and I wrote down when I had midterms, assignments due, and finals. I also wrote down when I needed to return certain items, turn something in, had a date, and needed to meet up with my monthly book club. I scheduled it and I made sure I wouldn't miss any thing. Well, B is a guy. He doesn't schedule well. He doesn't write down important things. It's a guy thing. So, it is important to schedule for your other half so you stay sane while your other half is trying to survive under so much school pressure as well. Half the time he didn't remember he had an exam in a week. I knew it though and reminded him. So yes, schedule schedule schedule...for you, for your partner, and yes, even for the two of you. No one has time to forget anything or miss a special date or meeting.

4. Schedule Time Out
This may sound like part of #3 and it may as well be but it is crucial to schedule a time out day. This day doesn't have to be a day where a date occurs or you go hiking together {that's a date, too, no?!}. It's a day no one does a school or work related thing. Sleep in, don't touch the course load, don't even check any social media {and if you have to, have scheduled times for that like 9-10am and 5-6pm}, don't do chores...just be you and only you. Watch a movie together, explore the city, or yes, go on a date for all I care...just don't do a thing about school or work or both. Take that time to be with your partner. It's called time out from the work/school load...so take that day as an opportunity to find a way back to your pre-school/work days. And turn your darn cellphone off!!! I schedule such a day {yes, see, I do it} about every two weeks. It's not easy but it is oh so worth it.

5. Picture the Outcome
Yes, picture the outcome. Let's be honest here, there are times when I want to tear every single book and notebook of his apart. I'm done with school and seeing him being exhausted and in a way unhappy makes me sad and mad. It's frustrating to work and go to school. It's frustrating to be in school at times. He wants to be done. I get it. I can't help him much with the load. I don't make him do a ton around the house unless really necessary. I want him to focus on his studies. I have to remind him of the outcome almost every day. There are times he wants to quit. Badly. I have to sit down and make him picture the outcome. Once he pictures it he knows he is on the right track towards something awesome. It's hard to do this when you're exhausted and fed up, so trust me when I say that we have to picture the future almost daily these days. Yet, it is doable. And it will be so beneficial!!

These 5 ways are not the only ways to stay sane while your other half works or/and studies. There's is a ton more, yet, these five steps have helped us stay relatively sane. Granted, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit it, there are moments all these steps fail. We are only human. Yet, I make an effort to help out and be as understanding and supporting as I can be. There is only so much I can do at times. I can't write a paper for him, and I can't help with projects but I can help with printing out things, letting him do his thing while I cook or clean. It's the little things that count. And when I'm all fed up I grab a book, pour me a glass of red wine and head into the bedroom while I get lost in the written word. That always sounds like a fabulous time out for me. ;)

It's definitely not easy to do both, work and school. I see the future and I know he does too but we all know, sometimes the future looks too far away and even off the wishful, easy path. Oftentimes we have to take the rougher, more difficult way to get to where we want to be. He's chosen the middle route and I am so hoping this won't kick him or me in the butt one day.

We work hard to get to where we want to end up and I have to tell him every day how much I appreciate his hard work, his dedication and determination. He's usually not into praise like that but he certainly needs to hear this; more now than before. He actually told me he needed to hear these words so I am making this effort to let him know how I feel about his hard work as often as I can. We have had our differences and as I mentioned, sometimes these five steps fail. Again, we are only human. We are not perfect. Yet, that imperfection makes life beautiful and quite worth the struggle.

Any school/work stories out there that you'd like to share? Are you still {or again} in school trying to better yourself? Whatever you do I hope you are doing a great job, and keeping yourself and your family as sane and happy as even possible.

xox

Humble and Kind

I'm not a huge fan of country music I have to admit. However, I listen to it because well, it's easy to listen to and as boring as it can be there are a few pretty darn good melodies and lyrics. B likes it a lot. It calms him down while driving. I have to admit it's better than faced paced anything nowadays that doesn't make any sense or has no lyrics or meaning whatsoever. Anyways, so on my quest to happiness, to a happier me and a happier life and all I was told to sing along to songs and/or dance. Well, in a car it's a bit difficult to dance but I move along {when on the passenger seat of course}. Yet, to sing along...now, that I can do. It took me a while to get back to my normal self, to my funky singing along self. I caught myself a few times singing along and then had to smile. 

A while back I heard Tim McGraw's song Humble and Kind...and man, that song speaks truth on so many levels it's amazing. It's one of those songs I love because of its message, and yes it's mellow melody that is quite catchy. Its message though...that I love. And guess what? I always turn up the volume and I always sing along when this song comes up.

Hold the door, say please, say thank you

Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie

I know you got mountains to climb but

Always stay humble and kind

When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you

When the work you put in is realized

Let yourself feel the pride but

Always stay humble and kind

That's just one part of the song but this alone sends the perfect message. There's hardly people today, my age, who say thank you or please let alone both. It's so sad. I want my children to grow up knowing what manners are, and how to be polite in this world today. You can teach a child to say all this but it takes more than just that. Your teenager, your adult child needs to remember what was taught back in the day and implement this on a daily basis. I even hold doors for others because, well, that is what I want others to do, too. I set an example. It's baby steps but in the end those steps may finally be seen and felt and hopefully repeated by others. 

With all that in mind...hope you're day today is going well. I'm off making this very hot day a happy one. I will be holding doors and saying thank you's and what not. I will set an example today!

xox