Becoming The Best Me

Being Kickass is really about being the best version of myself that I can be. This is a big, broad, sweeping statement that makes me sound kind of cliche. The truth is, all I want in life is to be . . . me. Ideal me works in a creative field were my schedule is flexible and just being myself is resume enough. In this perfect world I influence people and have an extensive group of friends who are from all walks of life. Ideal me shops at the market in the morning, works a couple of hours in the afternoon, meets friends for coffee, and then heads back home to make dinner for family with the food that I grew in my own garden. I know that this lifestyle does exist. I know that it isn't all butterflies and unicorns. Here is the question. How? I am not sure.

Right now I spend an ungodly amount of time waffling. It starts in the morning with, "I am going to be a Graphic Designer". At lunch I am not so sure Graphic Design offers the kind of flexibility I am looking for, maybe I should focus on being a writer. By dinner I am thinking,"Well sure everybody wants to be a writer, but is that realistic?". Then I decide I should go back to school and get a "real job". No more than five minutes later I am repulsed by that idea. By the end of the night I haven't actually made any progress but instead given myself a headache.

I just need to DO! Stop thinking so damn much and do something, anything. That is what this blog is about being someone who does. So here we are I am 13,500 words into a novel. I spend hours a week looking for Graphic Design jobs. I work nearly full time. And then I am still trying to stay on top of my weight loss goals. I feel a little like I am running at full speed on a treadmill. Sure I am exhausted but I haven't moved forward an inch.

I have made some strides. Thomas and I did move to Seattle as promised. I am down 25 lbs. and still losing, slowly, but none the less. I feel like there are more opportunities here which is reassuring but I want some promise that everything will be ok.

What will I do? More of everything. When I want to paint I will paint. When I want to write I will write. I will be successful come hell or high water.

One year and still kicking ass!

So approximately one year ago I decided I was done wasting time wishing I was more active and one year later here I am and more active than ever!

Starting weight 182.4
Today's weight 162.6

A total weight loss of nearly 20 lbs.

These days my portions are smaller and so is my waist. For the first time in my life I can jog without an asthma attack and I finally understand why people enjoy running.

So now I box, jog, and watch my sugar intake and all together I am 15 1/4 in. down.

It is time to compare!










Lost 4 in. off of my chest.















5 in. off my lower waist.















And 2 in. from my butt.



I have a lot of upcoming changes in life and can't wait to share them with you!

Month of April - Write a Manuscript

As you know I have been interested in writing a novel. I was at Borders the other day and found a magazine "Write Your Novel In 30 Days". And so what I going to do? Write a novel in a month. This will require more focus than I normally have but were there is a will there is a way.
Obviously, at the end of 30 days there will be no published copy or fully edited novel, but I can at least have a rough draft. The magazine lists some common pitfalls of new writers, which I have already encountered a few of. So far I have 6 pages, a character grid, and a rough outline. The recommended word count for my novel is roughly 90,000 words. That means I need to be cranking out 3000 words a day. I may have to be a bit of a hermit for awhile as I now have a very pressing priority.
I know there are a lot of people who may feel me writing a book is an exercise in futility. I may never be sold on book stands or have book signings, but I will never know until I try. For now I am keeping the details of my book to myself and a few very supportive people especially in these early stages. I believe that I have the ability to lead the life I want to lead. I think people can be successful and fulfilled without a 40 hour work week. It just requires a mental shift of what you believe you are worth and how you value your time. I think a lot of people were raised in the same mentality that the harder you work the more you are worth. Meaning if you aren't sacrificing some amount of life than you are not going to amount to anything. Well I believe you can have your pie and eat it too.
It is time for me to find my pie . . .
I will update you all as the novel unfolds. Some people might feel it is impossible to write a book in a month. To which I say, if my book gets done in 2 months do you think I will complain? Absolutely not. Moral of the story don't let anyone steal your dreams!

How is Kickass going?

Well up to date I have lost 20 lbs since beginning Project Kickass. Still 20 more to go until my goal is reached. The weight loss has become a more gradual process recently my portions are smaller than ever and I generally work out 3 to 4 days a week. Things will become easier as summer roles around so then we can break out the bikes and start swimming again. I would love to feel comfortable in a two piece.
I was looking at my previous vision blog and realized I am right on track for reaching all of those goals. Tom has applied to University of Washington which would mean moving to Seattle. Back up plan involves University Of Oregon. I plan to attend a community college there until I also attend UW for English. As of now, my dream is to be an English teacher or a writer. Which brings me to my next project. . . I am writing a novel. I don't think I am ready to divulge all of it's plot right now but it will be witty, dramatic, and intriguing. The goal is to make it a series. I am working on character charts and the first chapter. So many ideas not enough time.
Next on my list was to be fluent in French and or Spanish. I picked up a French work book and will now be practicing my French on my breaks at work. I also need someone to practice my Spanish skillz with. (Yeah that is right with a "z") Believe it or not I was once nearly in fluent in Spanish.
Another goal of mine was to volunteer. My fellow coworker is amazing and so involved in a volunteer organization called Wags To Riches. They help place dogs in loving families. So starting next month Tom and I will be volunteering there. Which is great considering we love dogs but cannot have one in our apartment.I will be updating every one on our involvement there.
So long story short, come next October life will be right where it should be. I can't wait for our new lives to begin in Seattle. I can't lie I am already having separation anxiety and miss my lovely family,friends, and coworkers. Can't wait to fill you all in on the progress. :)

The Karma Initiative

I kicked off the month of January with a week called the Karma Initiative. The idea was do one nice thing everyday for seven days.

Day 1: I bought a random guy's coffee.

I like to believe I do nice things for people for unselfish reasons, but after buying this coffee I received no "Thank You". This really irritated me. Here all this time I thought I required no reciprocation for just being a nice person but this made me think twice. In fact I felt kind of awful "Why did I start this project? Am I an appreciation whore?". Answer is maybe. But if I am in fact just yearning for acceptance or appreciation I suppose at least I am also giving back.

Day 2: Baked and brought cookies to my coworkers.

I just got a Kitchen Aid mixer from my husband for Christmas so I am not sure if this was so much for everyone else as it was an excuse to use my amazing mixer. Something about providing food for people just makes my heart flutter. I am a self proclaimed feminist, but man part of me just wants to wear high heels, perfectly pressed dresses, and frilly aprons as I cook dinner for everyone I know. If there is such a thing as past lives I have got to be the 50's housewife with a sassy side. Anyway day 2 a success, best damn cookies I have ever made.

Day 3: Gave a generous tip with dinner.

I am not going to lie this was a last ditch effort. I had planned to buy some coats for Coats for Kids when I discovered they were no longer accepting donations. Now, here is my question, at this point it was January 3rd, " Are kids only cold before Christmas?". Apparently so. I am going to make some suggestions to these Coats for Kids people, "Hey kids like being warm more than just 10 days of the winter so leave your little boxes out until after our thermometers are in the double digits .". So anyway I just decided that even though the gesture isn't quite as well planned Tom and I just tipped a waitress generously instead.

Day 4: Hooked up my favorite Shell station employee with a Starbucks cup.

We had some remaining seasonal cups left at work which I gave to my favorite Indian-Mexican at the Shell station. You might be wondering why I refer to him as Indian-Mexican. Well I believed he was Indian as the Shell is owned by an Indian family but then discovered that he only watches Spanish soap operas on shift. I also have been going there long enough that asking his name at this point would just be weird. So until told otherwise he is my favorite Indian-Mexican. He seemed very appreciative which made me happy.

Day 5: Attempted to buy the drink for the woman behind me in line.

As I offered to buy her a drink she seemed both confused and offended. As my friend witnessed it was an extremely awkward situation. This project has taught me that people are incredibly bizarre, often ungrateful, but some like Indian-Mexican are kind and appreciative. So back to the point after me all but begging to pay for her she said no. So my deed went unreceived.

Day 6: Gave to Wags to Riches

Wags to Riches helps locate homes for orphaned dogs and cats.

Day 7: Damnit!

It comes to my attention I did nothing on day 7 and I just now realized it. Um I call Sabbath.

Vision Blog

Today I am posting my vision blog. The concept comes from vision board which is a collection of hopes and goals for the future. So I am going to see how many of these things I have accomplished by Oct. 20th 2011.


WWOOF In Europe

Thomas and I hope to join WWOOF (World Wide Organization Of Organic Farming). This program sets you up with a host family from a country of your choice and then you work for your stay. We are looking at going to Denmark or France. Now we just have to find money to get there hmmmm . . . .The goal is next summer before we move.I am looking forward to learning about another culture and experiencing new things.

http://www.wwoof.org/




Move to Seattle

Every since I was young I have wanted to live in Seattle. Next year my husband and I are moving so that he and I (hopefully) can attend the University Of Washington.
I am planning on majoring in English and minoring is Foreign Language.









Become Fluent In French and Spanish

I have taken about four years of Spanish and I am now a little rusty so I need to brush up on that. I haven't taken any French yet but eventually I would like be fluent. I have always wanted to be capable in many languages.






Volunteer

I want to help people and I always have. I unfortunately don't have money to share with others but I can always find time to share. Habitat For Humanity is a wonderful organization established to create homes for the less fortunate.

We will see were I am on my list of goals next year at this time. I look forward to the future!

Weightloss update.

Hello again!

Well I believe we are on week 9 or so now and I am very slowly still losing the weight. Altogether I have lost 13 lbs now. The main difference I am seeing is that my stomach and butt are tightening. I recently changed jobs were I went from say 10 hours a week to 40. So I have been keeping a lot busier which makes exercising difficult. After I get done standing all day the last thing I want to do is go for a walk. I keep hoping that the work is making up for some of my missed work outs.
I am pretty sure there is some hardcore ab muscle if you could find it under the layer of flab. So now we just need to reveal it in all of it's glory. My husband who started at the same time as I did has now lost about 25 lbs. by riding his bike upwards of 15 miles 5 days a week. Together we are feeling healthier. Here are some recent photos.





I swear I look drunk in all of my photos. I promise I am not!

Bye Black Angus!

You may have noticed that for the last week and a half or so I have been MIA. Well big changes have been happening in my life. I quit my job of five years at Black Angus. I have looked forward to the day when I snap, yell at who ever has pissed me off, and triumphantly quit on the spot. Oh but did I mention that I am too careful for all of that fun. So, what did I do? Discreetly get an interview with Starbucks, get hired, and then graciously give my two weeks. God, why can't I be awesome and impulsive. So anyway, after all of my complaining, griping, and dreaming of the day I quit I am sad and sentimental. I love all of my friends I have made and in a strange way I will even miss the drama.

I have always made Starbucks into the pinnacle of the minimum wage employment. As I am quickly learning it is just a job. Pedaling someone else's products again. Don't get me wrong I am thankful for my new job, but it has made me realize I have settled again. I have chosen to take the safe road again. I am a trained graphic designer and damned if I am going to waste my 20,000 dollars in school loans by occasionally using Photoshop. No, I have more to offer this world than a smile and the ability to use a cash register. After my first few days of training, I have a new found respect for Baristas there is so much crap to learn. Seriously, people take their coffee very seriously. People can take what was a latte and turn it into some sort of magical and elusive unicorn warmed to exactly 175 degrees. It is the perfect excuse for some people who yearn for control to do just that control. Fortunately most of my customers thus far have been very patient as I learn as I go.

I miss the fact that I could come to work and essentially could deal with any situation and now I am learning how to sweep the lobby the Starbucks way. Isn't there a job out there that just consists of being paid to be creative? Oh wait that is called being an Artist. Now how do I get people to pay me? So what is my end game plan? Writing or Design. I am still looking at going back to school for English. If I were to write a book what do you think I should do mystery, children's, or sattire?

My last days at the BA. . .












I will miss you guys!

Month 2 week 2

This week I am down to 171.8 which means my total weight loss is 10.6 lbs. Everyday my workout videos become just a little bit easier. I went from being tired after one cardio bellydancing session 50 mins. to feeling like I have just begun and easily able to go another hour of working out. Here are this week's photos they might not look a lot different but my clothes are becoming more and more comfortable and I am less aware of my stomach now. No more hiding behind pillows when I sit or wearing sweatshirts when it is warm.





Now if anyone is interested in the workout videos I have been doing here they are. . .

Skinny Bitch Booty Bounce

My thoughts on this workout . . . hmmm I do this one when I am sore already or are just looking to get rid of some extra energy. The Skinny Bitches are quite chatty and if you are anything like me you feel incredibly awkward while trying to follow embarrassing dance routines. It does offer some variety to my workouts but I wouldn't suggest buying it unless you enjoy light weight cardio and goofy dancing.

Skinny Bitch Body


Well, this is the only Skinny Bitch DVD that I can say does make me feel accomplished. One nice thing about this video is it requires no weights which can be nice if you don't like lugging around weights.I have mixed feelings on their constant chatting in the videos sometimes I think they are making it up as they go. This is a good one but not the most intense.

Skinny Bitch Boot Camp


I do enjoy this one again the skinny bitches are a little more fun than your traditional work out video. They tend to be more cardio based less resistance training. They are good but not a sole source of exercise.

Cardio Bellydancing with Dolphina

I love this workout, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I am a sucker for bellydancing it makes me feel relaxed and over time more toned. Cardio Bellydancing is not that intense so I do it in between harder workouts on days when I feel sore already. Basically it is my lazy day workout. Oh and be forwarned Dolphina is very hard to take seriously. It is almost like she is flirting with you as you exercise.

Personal Training with Jackie

Jackie Warner to me is the definition of kickass! Look at those abs. Don't let the shiny metallic shorts fool you she is no pansy. The first time I did the 40 min. workout with my very fit friend Liz we were both sweating and ready to quit within 6 minutes. I can't do this one daily for fear my muscles would self distruct. I recommend buying this DVD.

Last Chance Workout

For anyone who has seen Jillian Michaels on TV you know she waists no time kicking your ass. This video is no different. The first workout made me want to die, but I felt so accomplished when I was done. I would suggest this to anyone who likes to get down to business when the exercise.

So overall, I do one of this videos 5-6 days a week, play frisbee, go on walks, or swim and it is an inexpensive way to lose weight.

Month 2 begins

So one month is down I have now lost 8 pounds. I feel pretty good about the progress I have made. I know that 8 pounds doesn't seem like much but I am feeling stronger and more athletic. So, as it is the end of the month I think it is time to show the comparison photos and measurements.

Old Weight:182.4
Old Measurements:
Chest:43 1/2 in.
Waist:36 1/4 in. .
Low waist: 43 1/2 in.
Butt: 43 in.
Arms:
(relaxed) 11 in.
(flexed) 12 in.
Thigh:24 in. (holy cow)
Calf: 14 1/2 in.





New Weight:174.4
New Measurements:
Chest: 40 3/4 in.
Waist: 35 1/2 in.
Low waist: 42 in.
Butt: 43 in.
Arms:
(relaxed) 11 in.
(flexed) 12 in.
Thigh: 23 in.
Calf: 14 1/2 in.

The biggest change I have noticed is in my bra for the first time in a long time is loose. I bet you in a couple of weeks I will have to buy a new one. Exciting!

Week 4 begins . . .

Well here we are the beginning of week 4 and my total weightloss is 7.6 lbs. Now my weightloss has been slow after the first week but I finally seeing the results. Life has been catching up to me a bit with work and other things interfering with the workouts. Tom and I been working on including exercise in everyday life such as frisbee, walks, and swimming which has been really fun. As I begin week 4 I am feeling stronger and more energetic but this week I have to push it. Thank you for following my journey. See you next week!

Week 3 begins . . .

So I only lost .4 lbs this week, but I am happy to say that my body is definitely getting stronger. I slipped a little this week with my kryptonite El Porton but that is ok. I am trying to be balanced enough in my eating that this is a lifestyle that I can continue in the future. My husband and I have started playing frisbee in the park with our friends Nick and Emily in addition to the workouts I do with Liz and Erica. My husband Tom has been doing all of this dieting and his own work out plan. In the same amount of time he has lost 11 lbs. (show off) Nah I really am very proud of him. So at the end of week 4 I will post side by sides and hopefully there will be quite a difference.


Side note: Observe the chicken legs. Haha

Disappointment

So most of the way through week 2 on the weightloss portion of Project: Kickass and I have only lost around .4lbs. Despite the fact that I know it is illogical to expect the same kind of results as last week with 6.4lbs I can't help but feel a bit beaten. I have worked out all but one day and have had very few changes to my diet. I know that most of the 6.4 was probably water weight but it does feel as though I didn't meet the challenge this week. In fact this week I have worked even harder than last week. I have a desire to weigh myself entirely too often which I know I really need to stop. I am hoping that all of that work goes towards next week's weightloss. If I could get down 2 lbs. this week I think I will be satisfied.

My Top Choices for Advertising and Design Trends of The 2000's

I have really seen quite a change in advertising recently to a more indie and artistic approach. I like the change now advertising is not just an means to an end but art itself. Here are a few popular trends that I have noticed in the 2000's.

#3. Light Streams





#2. Handwritten Fonts





#1. Stop Motion Animation

HP - invent from Tom and Matt on Vimeo.

If you can think of any other popular Design or Advertising Trends of the 2000's please share!