5 little things...

This will be the first edition of "5 Little Things You May Want to Know About Me." I thought it would be good if every once in awhile I share some simple facts about me, my life, what I like, what I don't like, etc.

As I talked yesterday in my blog, I have made a lifestyle change. A big/huge part of that is drinking lots, and lots of water. Many times we confuse our dehydration with being hungry, so by caring water around with me all the time it helps me fight some cravings. One draw back... heading to the bathroom a lot more.

I received this lovely study Bible for Christmas this past year from my Grammy and Papa. I had been wanting one for awhile and got to go pick it out with my Grammy ahead of time. It's a New American Standard, Life Application Study Bible. I've really loved having it, especially at this stage in my life and relationship with Christ. I really have been craving a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of His word. Very excited about the future journey I'll be taking with this beside me.

I love it when people smell good. You know when someone is near you and you have to find out what their wearing, or when you hug someone and it's just like, "Yum!" Well I figure that if I like it when other people smell real nice they probably wouldn't mind me smelling pretty good too. So, for all of you that have asked me what I wear... Heat by Beyonce is my scent. I'm a big fan of Beyonce. My celebrity, diva, alter ego would definitely be Beyonce so when she came out with this perfume I had to try it. Fell in love with it and made it my scent. It's spicy hot and kind of sweet.

For the longest time my jewelry was stored in boxes and a small jewelry box but the problem was that it all just blended together. I ended up wearing the same stuff all the time or just not putting anything on because it was harder to go through. I knew I needed a way to display it all for easy access. I come up with this contraption below about a year and a half ago. I took a cork board I had already and attached string going across from side to side, supported by some push pins the top to hang earrings from. Then I just pushed in pins on the bottom to hang necklaces from. I have loved having this. I can see what I have and easily pair things together with an outfit. Now I just have to put something together for my earring studs, rings, and some other accessories.

This is my "Little One." His name: Manasseh. His nicknames: Little One, Chicken Little, Fudgie, Fudge Poppie, Corduroy, Fudgie Roy, Nasseh. Since coming home he has become my little buddy. We go on walks around the neighborhood, up at the lake, or hiking in the woods. He's not much of a cuddler but I force him to and he's getting better. I love the picture in the bottom right hand corner because today after coming in from our walk/run this morning he plopped down on my tennis shoes. So cute.

Made with love, and oh so Yummy!

After Christmas I bought Jackie Warner's book "This is Why You're Fat (And how to get thin forever)." I had resolved with myself that this was the time to change my life and all the bad habits I had learned growing up. I knew that if I didn't do it now, it may never happen, and as they say, "There's no time like the present." I've tried to diet and exercise and lose weight before, but the problem was that I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't have the knowledge to succeed. Without the right information it always became a thing of "How long can I deprive myself before breaking down and giving up and becoming worse off than before." I have watched Jackie Warner on TV and I always thought she did a good job of explaining things and I believed what she was say. No gimmicks. So, when I went to go look at different health books hers was the first one I looked at. I started reading it there at the store and couldn't put it down. The title really says what the book is all about "This is Why You're Fat." She explains the chemistry going on inside our bodies and the three organs that make a person fat or skinny. She has a quote on her book that says, "Being fat isn't your fault; staying fat is." This resonated with me because you see these people that get away with eating anything and yet they can't put on a pound. Those are not my genes. I was able to stop blaming myself and hating myself for being fat and move on to doing something about it. Needless to say, I bought the book. Brought it home and got reading.

Some key points I leaned were these:
-Add to lose: It's not about depriving yourself but rather eating more of the right things. In fact you would think that eating more would be the easy part but for me it's probably the hardest part.
-Fat is not the enemy: Fat doesn't make you fat; SUGAR does!!! We're all sugar addicts. It's in so much of what we eat. So, read the labels and watch your portions.
-You can cut your cardio down to twenty minutes: With your workouts, it's not how long, but how strong. You can actually expend more calories in less time by doing shorter, harder cardio workouts. You'll not only burn calories but also boost your metabolic rate, so your body continues burning extra calories for up to several hours after your workout is over.

I started this life-style change at the beginning of January (it wasn't a new years resolution, I just happened to get started around that time). Needless to say, it's been quite the journey. I've lost about 25lbs so far. It's a struggle every day as I continue to work on changing habits and keep the right/positive mind set. I'd say the hardest parts so far have been staying motivated to work out, and getting my daily servings of vegetables.

I've never liked vegetables. Never! But, I'm working hard at integrating them into my daily diet as much as possible. When I make a protein shake with fruit, I'll add in some carrots and spinach and a couple times broccoli (when the others weren't available) and it tastes pretty good. I'm loving fresh pico which is really great with a grilled chicken breast and maybe some avocados. Another way I've snuck in the veggies... pizza! If you do it right, it's a good thing. Satisfies the cravings and helps get the veggies in. When you make it yourself you are in control of what goes in and that is really great. It's all about watching the nutrition and getting the right portions.

So, here is the Chicken and Spinach pizza I made the other day:

Ingredients: Crust (Boboli crust was used on this pizza, but you can use other), pizza sauce, tomatoes, spinach, chicken breast, red onion, peppers, black olives, and skim mozzarella. You can subtract and add ingredients that you prefer. I also like to use garlic but did not have it when I made this pizza. Think of what you like and add it.

It tastes so good and is so satisfying that I can't even imagine eating those old crappy pizzas I used to have.

[click on below picture to see larger]

Well, I didn't plan on this post being this long, but I hope you still enjoyed it. Originally I was just going to share the pizza with you and spare you of the life style change, but it seemed relevant. Wish me luck on my journey. Hope to report back to you with even more weight loss and life gain.

Altered: The Book

A creative genius would be one way to describe him but I'll let you look at his master pieces and come up with your own elaborate descriptions of this artist.

BRIAN DETTMER
I saw Brian's work for the first time last week on another blog and had to share with you what I saw.

Artist Brian Dettmer alters pre-existing books one page at a time using knives, tweezers and surgical tools. He begins by sealing the books edges, creating an enclosed vessel. He manipulates the pages and spines to form the shape of his sculptures. He also folds, bends, rolls, and stacks multiple books to create completely original sculptural forms. Nothing inside the old encyclopedias, medical journals, illustration books, or dictionaries is relocated or implanted, only removed. The meticulous account for detail and acute precision is mind blowing.

[For larger view: Click on picture.]

Sources: Honestly...WTF and My Modern Met.
For more information on Brian Dettmer, check his website http://briandettmer.com/.

Meet Jerry

This is Jerry. At least for now, but we'll see where he goes.
(Sorry the pics aren't the best. I had to use photobooth since I don't have a scanner right now. I'll have to figure something else out for the future.)

I've loved looking at some of these amazing illustrators' blogs. There's a part of me that is so inspired by their work and constant doodling and working out ideas, that I couldn't wait to put pen to paper. Then there is that part of me that is in such awe of their work that I start in with the self doubt. But when it comes down to it. I enjoy sketching, doodling, drawing (whatever you want to call it) and that's what it's really about. I do it because it brings me joy to fill a blank space with a new character that begs for a back story. Plus, I'll never get better if I don't try.

So, here is the beginning of Jerry. We'll see you later.

She got it from her mama...

Well, I really believe I'm an exact 50/50 blend of both my parents, but everyone that knows my mom always tells me how much I look like her (especially people that knew her at my age now). My dad always says that I got the best of both of them, and I'd like to think that is true. I'm creative and bold like my dad, but I'm also scholastic and reserved like my mom. You may wonder, how can you really be both? Well, there's a time and a place for everything. It's a quality that I think really helps me relate to a multitude of people.

What prompted me to make this post today was because yesterday after picking something up from my dad, at his work, I ran into a gentleman that has known my parents for years. Right before I left he said, "You really look like your mom." It kind of made my day because I think my mom is gorgeous. The ironic thing about everyone thinking we look alike is that if you really break down our features, none of them are really the same, except our brown hair. Plus, I was blessed with my father's body, long torso and short legs. I even have the same back problems he has, thanks.

With all that said, I'm glad I can remind people of my beautiful mama.

^My mommy and me

^You have to click on this to see larger, you do not want to miss those 'shorty-shorts' my mom was sporting in the top right pic! You can also see some of her travels from her youth. There she is on top of the Swiss Alps (top middle), on a safari in Africa (bottom left), and in Istanbul (bottom right).

^My parents dated for a month before my dad proposed, but he said he knew she was the one just after their first date. But, the great part is that they are still together after 26 years of marriage. They're in it for the long haul. I love these early pics of them, but doesn't my dad look Amish in two of those pics?

^Still together, and madly in love.

Now back to mom and me. I leave you with one last pic. Most of my favorite pics with mom and me are still in the family albums and yet to be scanned into the computer, but this one isn't bad.

My mom is a hard working, selfless, person who has devoted her life to helping others succeed. She's a high school English teacher who wants the best for all of her students, and does way more than what's expected of her. Thank you mom for all you've done for me and everyone around you. The world is a better place because of you, that I know is true. I'm happy to be compared to you any time.

People I want to be friends with...

Some people I'd like to meet, be friends with, or at least have a stellar dance party with.

Madd Chadd


Robert Hoffman




Twitch




Beat Freaks

Seriously, I want to be these girls!

Quest Crew - D*Trix




NappyTabs (Napoleon & Tabitha)

The best choreographers out there! I wanted to leave you with something you could learn if you wanted to. NappyTabs choreographed this for Dance Day this past summer. But, you can find their amazing choreography all over youtube.

Now go ahead and throw yourself your own little random dance party and bust a move. You know I will.

The Beat of New York

Born and raised in a small town in the middle of America I've always had a strong desire to get away, travel, see the world and make a way for myself in new places. My family has never had the finances to travel or vacation so my first opportunity to get away came during college. I was set on getting out of state and trying something totally new. So, I made my way south the grand state of Texas. Fort Worth to be exact, at Texas Christian University. Skipping all the details, it was a great growing experience for me. I met and made friends with some of the most amazing people, learned how much Texas loves Texas (it's true), and I found out that I can make out there in the world.

Now you must be wondering, "What does all that have to do with New York?" Well, I want to know if I could make it there. I want to find out if "I <3 NY." As a creative person I've been told by many people that you really just have to live there for a year, just to take it all in and have the experience. I don't necessarily see NY becoming my permanent home (who really knows), but I would love to give it a year. I look forward to the day when I can have that experience, I mean heck I haven't even been able to visit the lovely city yet. For now I'm just trying to make my way in Kansas City, get those lovely student loans paid off, and then see what happens from there. But, I saw this video that I'm going to share with you and I thought I would also tell you about one of my future goal to one day live in NYC for a year. We'll see what happens, but for now enjoy some of these stunning pictures (click on pictures to see larger) of the iconic city and watch the video.

THE BEAT OF NEW YORK from tim hahne on Vimeo.

THE BEAT OF NEW YORK - A STEREOSCREEN PRODUCTION

stereoscreen.de
facebook.com/​stereoscreen
vimeo.com/​stereoscreen
thomasnoesner.com
filmannex.com/​timhahne

Thomas Noesner, our DoP, was in New York for a shoot of the new Mercedes R-Class. Right after the job, he took his camera and strolled through the busting streets of „The City“. While screening the pictures of a drummer in the tube station, I had the idea of creating a „remix“ of the recorded drum sequence to use it as a soundtrack for the film. That´s when our sounddesigner Toussaint came into play... We composed a track around the drum beat of this guy. Watch and listen to the beat of New York!