Take Over Control


I know I’ve been absent but I had a lot going on over the last month since my last post. I’m also fighting (very well I might add) this sinus infection which attempted to take me out. I had a wonderful time with my family here and I can’t wait for Christmas to be home to see everyone again. Since we got married I realised that from September to December will always be the busiest time of the year for me (as I’m a bit obsessed with planning). We have our anniversary in September, Dave’s birthday in November then Christmas in December. October is a little break but my sister’s birthday is then so I have to sort out what I’m sending her from early and make sure I post in time.

Summer is winding down and I must say it was a rather interesting one for me. A lot of things happened that opened my eyes, tested my faith, made me feel at the bottom and on top of the world, just too many things happening and all of which I cannot discuss. But I’ve learnt time and time again, it’s not what happens to us but how we deal with it. So many times I try to be positive but that in itself is a challenge but I have to remember my other blessings even when things aren’t going my way. Such is life.

September in Bellevue has started nice and I hope it continues to stay this way for a while. It’s been very warm and exciting. Labor Day weekend was very nice. We went to a club Friday night (which was given the theme song “Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry, it wasn’t that bad but that song just seemed to fit lol), Saturday was a rest day and Sunday and Monday were BBQ days at friends, of which I did two apple crumbles and forgot to take pics of them [I swear I have the worst memory sometimes], they were very nice though! Crumbly lol. I’m thinking to try baking something that I’ve never done before at least once a month just to broaden my baking skills. That sounds like a good challenge to post here as well… I think I’ll take that up for sure!

Fall is around the corner and even though the warmth of the oven will liven up this house with smells of delicious goodies, my wardrobe is looking just as delightful! I think I’m really getting the hang of shopping for fall/winter as I’m coming into my own sense of style that is surprising me day by day. I’ve also learnt from last year where not to buy sweaters from as some of them had my eczema become my worst enemy. I’m improving on the layering and even mixing up certain styles for comfort and fashion that suit my body type. I’ve been looking everywhere for a pair of the lace-up boots and I can’t find one that doesn’t make my ankle/calves look smaller than they already are. That is one challenge I will keep up with because they’d be easier than my pull on boots all the time and different.

My other challenge is to lose 3lbs that I gained because it went to the wrong place. So I’ve started my mornings with a smoothie and trying to drink lots of water during the day, eat more salad (throwing some fruit in there for added sweetness) and reducing my portions of which I seemed to have forgotten about with the good food I was enjoying. I’m giving myself until mid October to look how I want to, and I also have motivation from some dresses that I bought. Damn you Summer for the fun foods! I’m one who easily snacks constantly throughout the day and that is one habit I’m trying to break but I’ll get there. So far, the water is helpful in keeping me full. I’ve also been out of the gym for a month and a half, and I’m starting back today. I will be there this evening even if I just do half hour on the treadmill or elliptical. I need to do something.

Well I think this is enough of my rambling for now. As usual I’ll update with my progress. Here’s my song that I’ve been obsessed with recently, the radio edit is different but still love this version 🙂 :

Lots of love.

xx

“Top Ten List”


About two Sundays ago, we had a visiting priest and his homily was so good I had to get a copy to share with you. I was really touched listening to this homily and I thought it would not be right for me to keep such a wonderful message to myself. The really good thing about this is, even if  you aren’t Christian so to speak, the majority of these ten things are good rules to live by as a human being.

TOP TEN LIST

10. Believe in each other. When we believe in people, we empower them.

9. Make love real. Love is a great idea, but if it only remains an idea, it won’t make any difference.

8. The Eucharist is not a reward for being good. (this I will list the entire passage as it’s a common misconception and beautifully interpreted here.)A doctor doesn’t tell us when we’re sick that taking a medication will help us get well, but then add, “You must be well before you take it.” Yet, we give that impression to people about Holy Communion. It is nourishment for people who are flawed, weak and in need of God’s help. Once and for all, let’s settle it. We are never worthy to receive Holy Communion, but that doesn’t matter because it’s not about our worthiness. It is about God’s unconditional love for us. The issue isn’t our desire to receive communion, but our desire to live in God’s love.

7. Stewardship is a way of life. We are stewards of God’s creation, of God’s gifts and grace.

6. It’s all a gift. Everything is God’s gift to us. We earned none of it, especially the love that is shown us by others. When we try to earn love, whatever we get in return will not be love, for love is always pure gift. The mystery is not death but the absolute wonder we call life.

5. We are called to unity with one another. But not just so we feel together. It is so the world may come to believe in Jesus.

4. We are made for relationship. It’s ultimately about us, not me or you.

3. We must love people the way they are. We cannot love a dream or a memory. If we do not love people the way they are, we don’t really love them at all.

2. Without forgiveness there is no future. If we do not forgive, there is no hope for peace.

1. We are on this earth to learn how to love. Since we were created in the divine image, and since we believe that God is love, the more loving we become, the more we image God and the more true joy we will find in life. Some of it’s lessons are difficult, to be sure. But if we fail to learn to love, we fail Humanity 101.  

Joy!


I haven’t done my “It’s August Already” post because I’m simply too excited that it’s August than to think about the fact that we have 4 months left in the year after this one. My family will  be here Friday and I’m just sooooooo excited to see my niece and nephew! My niece was only almost 2 months old when I last saw her so I can’t wait to see what her personality is like with me :). And my nephew turns 4 while he’s here :D. I can’t wait to go exploring Seattle/Washington again because I know we’ll be going to some different places for sure and doing kid-friendly stuff is always entertaining so I’m really looking forward to it.

My hair is growing at an alarming rate. I was wondering if I should keep the short cut or grow it but it would only make sense to grow it as the short cut would be more maintenance :(. Hairdresser on Friday and I’ll decide then in the chair as I always do.. The highlights say “Summer” so we’ll see how it turns out. My last post I named “Summer Lovin’ ” because (this year) it’s the only song that really says Summer for me when I’m having a wonderful sunny day. I’ve been going back to Rihanna’s first two albums as well to put be back in Barbados and feel good. So if you’re feeling as nostalgic as I am enjoy the songs below 🙂

 

I used the Groupon today and I got shellac done on my nails. I’m very happy with it and I think I might just go back there again :). I went to Eastside Oasis Day Spa, nice quaint little place :).

Summer kisses! xx