For awhile now I have been hearing about "Meatless Mondays" and I honestly just though it was vegetarians trying to get more people to see how delicious veggies can be by giving meat up for an entire day. In my brain, one day could turn into two which could then turn into all days, make sense? Anyways, I have contemplated going meatless on Mondays and I decided yesterday would be my start date.
I won't lie to you, there wasn't a ton of research put in to my decision. I did find the Meatless Mondays website which actually educates a person on the movement, but also supplies several delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes. While I agree the world needs change, my decision to go meatless on Mondays was more of a health conscious decision than a green decision.
Yesterday wasn't too bad. I honestly didn't really miss the meat or chicken I would have normally consumed. I didn't feel hungry or cranky because of the protein I was missing and when you look at my meals, was I really missing any protein?
Breakfast - a protein shake and coffee.
Snack- 1/2 cup trail mix.
Lunch- veggie omelet, country potatoes and toast.
Dinner- 1/2 spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and feta crumbles.
For day one it wasn't too bad and hopefully I continue on this track. Anything I can do better for myself and the environment is a plus in my book.
Have you tried Meatless Mondays? Did you survive?
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Utah Day 3-5
Days 3,4, and 5 were more relaxing. While it was a snow trip, I did skip out on skiing and snowboarding. After snowmobiling my body was hurting!
Saturday was spent day drinking and hanging out. I suffered some pretty gnarly windburn from snowmobiling on Friday and my poor face did not like it. There were actual tears from the sheet running against my nose. It was bad.
The resort hosted a star party which ended up being clouded over so we headed to a different hotel's bar. We had a great time, made friends with a guy named Glenwood, and did a few shot skis which I, of course, messed up. Never the less, it was an amazing Saturday night.
On Sunday everyone (except me) hit the slopes. I was convinced to come down and try it out, I got ready, for in line and panicked.... I don't know why, but massive anxiety overtook me and I missed out on boarding. Next time I am SO taking skiing lessons. After the slopes, we all changed and drove to Bryce. It was simply stunning, but not as incredible as the sunset on the drive back to the resort. I have never witnessed the sun reflect such a vivid pink off the snow banks.
Monday we hit the road for home through Zion. If you haven't been through there, go. It's amazing, peaceful, and chock full of nature.
I'm sad vacation is over, but it just means it's time to plan my next one!
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Utah Day 1-2
I am back home from my short, but totally worth it vacation. I had every intention of going balls to the wall crazy and while I did on one day, the others were spent in down time and appreciating the beauty of nature.
Last Thursday night I took off on a road trip with a pit stop in Mesquite for the night. Six and a half hours seemed way too long, but looking back if I were to do it again, I would so drive straight through. Mesquite is a teeny tiny town on the Nevada-Arizona border north of Vegas. While it might be ok to stop and pull a few handles and even fill up on gas, it was the most disgusting place to stop over for the night. Maybe it was the fact that the hotel room smelled like Lysol and Old Spice, maybe it was the creepy leering men, or the fact that I narrowly avoided being vomited on, or perhaps it was all of those things combined, but I won't be back. We stopped at midnight and were up and outta that gross room by 6:30 the next morning. No showers and I brushed my teeth in the parking lot because I had a fear that the water was something Erin Brakovich would sign on for.
We had snowmobiling booked for 9 am on Friday, but we forgot about the hour time difference and were an hour and a half late because we had to stop for beer and breakfast on the way into Brian Head. Once we go to the tour office it was smooth sailing. Our guide, Jason, gave us a quick how to course and we were off. It was the most amazing, fun and extreme experience I could have asked for. Jason was able to pick up on our abilities with the machines and push us to do more. I was totally freaked out by the steep uphills, but by the end of the day I was taking those like a champ. It was awesome to be pushed to limits and encouraged to let loose and just go for it. There were jumps, street crossings and so many amazing things in between. We all came back and decided we are including snowmobiles (if not purchasing our own) on all future winter vacations.
If you ever go to Brian Head, get the tour at Thunder Mountain with Jason, he was rad and definitely made out tour that much better!
Last Thursday night I took off on a road trip with a pit stop in Mesquite for the night. Six and a half hours seemed way too long, but looking back if I were to do it again, I would so drive straight through. Mesquite is a teeny tiny town on the Nevada-Arizona border north of Vegas. While it might be ok to stop and pull a few handles and even fill up on gas, it was the most disgusting place to stop over for the night. Maybe it was the fact that the hotel room smelled like Lysol and Old Spice, maybe it was the creepy leering men, or the fact that I narrowly avoided being vomited on, or perhaps it was all of those things combined, but I won't be back. We stopped at midnight and were up and outta that gross room by 6:30 the next morning. No showers and I brushed my teeth in the parking lot because I had a fear that the water was something Erin Brakovich would sign on for.
We had snowmobiling booked for 9 am on Friday, but we forgot about the hour time difference and were an hour and a half late because we had to stop for beer and breakfast on the way into Brian Head. Once we go to the tour office it was smooth sailing. Our guide, Jason, gave us a quick how to course and we were off. It was the most amazing, fun and extreme experience I could have asked for. Jason was able to pick up on our abilities with the machines and push us to do more. I was totally freaked out by the steep uphills, but by the end of the day I was taking those like a champ. It was awesome to be pushed to limits and encouraged to let loose and just go for it. There were jumps, street crossings and so many amazing things in between. We all came back and decided we are including snowmobiles (if not purchasing our own) on all future winter vacations.
If you ever go to Brian Head, get the tour at Thunder Mountain with Jason, he was rad and definitely made out tour that much better!
Just below Brian Head Peak
Cedar Breaks National Monument
After a long day of snowmobiling, getting wind burnt and nearly peeing my pants from laughter it was awesome to unwind with a few cocktails. This is where Utah gets tricky... They have state laws mandating the alcohol percentages... It kinda sucks, but I was still able to get a cider with 7%.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Ski Trip Essentials
Ok so it isn't really a "ski" trip, but a winter shenanigans trip that I leave for tomorrow and to say I am excited is an understatement. I have been suffering from serious wanderlust blues lately. Utah had better be prepared for the fun and beer I am bringing with me!
Packing for a trip is always difficult, but this time around there are no weight restrictions as we are driving. Basically I can pack anything I want, which of course means I will over pack and inevitably leave something at home.
Things that are essential-
Snow boots
Snow jacket
Snow pants
Gloves
Base Layers
Sweats
Socks
Goggles
Beanies
Scarves
Jeans
Long sleeve shirts
Things that I will bring in addition that I will not need at all-
Swimsuit
Winter vest
Additional snow boots
Fancy shirts
Cowboy boots
A dress of some sort
4 extra eye shadows
Things I will absolutely forget-
Razor
Shampoo
Lotion
Sunscreen
Toothpaste
Floss
Advil
As you can see I am hot mess, but I have every intention of packing correctly.
Packing for a trip is always difficult, but this time around there are no weight restrictions as we are driving. Basically I can pack anything I want, which of course means I will over pack and inevitably leave something at home.
Things that are essential-
Snow boots
Snow jacket
Snow pants
Gloves
Base Layers
Sweats
Socks
Goggles
Beanies
Scarves
Jeans
Long sleeve shirts
Things that I will bring in addition that I will not need at all-
Swimsuit
Winter vest
Additional snow boots
Fancy shirts
Cowboy boots
A dress of some sort
4 extra eye shadows
Things I will absolutely forget-
Razor
Shampoo
Lotion
Sunscreen
Toothpaste
Floss
Advil
As you can see I am hot mess, but I have every intention of packing correctly.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Civic Duty
Last Monday I reported for jury duty. I wasn't annoyed or agitated about being called in. Rather I was excited to perform my civic duty and be a responsible American. I checked in with the courthouse and patiently waited with hundreds of people to see my name in a group. The suspense was killing me, but not as much as the expensive weird airport like seats were. I sat quietly, eavesdropping on the whiners and complainers and all along thinking, "if for some God forsaken reason I was on trial, 12 of these people would be responsible for my fate".
Finally after 2 hours all of the names were put up on the screen. Naturally I was in Group A and I was given 30 minutes to grab a snack and move my car. I met a nice woman who was parked near me so we moved our cars to all day parking, grabbed a coffee and got comfy waiting for the fates of the groups. If you know anything about court it is this- they are never on time. Never! After another hour of waiting, my group was called to a courtroom and the jury selection started.
Here is where I started to get annoyed and agitated... The judge was a very no nonsense (he issued two bench warrants for jurors who didn't return from break on time) sort of fellow, which I approve of and respect very much. I believe in direct, cut the crap terms. These other potential jurors must have missed this about him and they all went into the questionnaires as if it were a damn therapy session not jury duty. I had a hard time not rolling my eyes and keeping my mouth shut. Through the process, I found that everyone knows someone who has been a victims of abuse, while this is sad and unfortunate I also wondered how many of these people were stretching their truths to get out of being there.
After hours upon hours of this crap we were released for the day only to have to return the next day for more questions. Tuesday wasn't much better, but I believe the judge had enough of the whining and crying crap and Tuesday went by much quicker although not by much. I was finally dismissed around 4 pm on Tuesday and left with a new outlook on jury duty.
Finally after 2 hours all of the names were put up on the screen. Naturally I was in Group A and I was given 30 minutes to grab a snack and move my car. I met a nice woman who was parked near me so we moved our cars to all day parking, grabbed a coffee and got comfy waiting for the fates of the groups. If you know anything about court it is this- they are never on time. Never! After another hour of waiting, my group was called to a courtroom and the jury selection started.
Here is where I started to get annoyed and agitated... The judge was a very no nonsense (he issued two bench warrants for jurors who didn't return from break on time) sort of fellow, which I approve of and respect very much. I believe in direct, cut the crap terms. These other potential jurors must have missed this about him and they all went into the questionnaires as if it were a damn therapy session not jury duty. I had a hard time not rolling my eyes and keeping my mouth shut. Through the process, I found that everyone knows someone who has been a victims of abuse, while this is sad and unfortunate I also wondered how many of these people were stretching their truths to get out of being there.
After hours upon hours of this crap we were released for the day only to have to return the next day for more questions. Tuesday wasn't much better, but I believe the judge had enough of the whining and crying crap and Tuesday went by much quicker although not by much. I was finally dismissed around 4 pm on Tuesday and left with a new outlook on jury duty.
I understand that it is a pain in the ass and no one wants to end up sentencing an innocent person or worse, letting a criminal go, but the truth is- jury duty is our job as Americans. It is so important to show up with a mind open to the facts of the case. As a society, we need to separate our feelings from the truth of facts and base the conclusions strictly on facts. Sitting in the jury selection room I found myself becoming angry with my fellow Americans, because so many of them were openly prejudice, hateful, and ignorant. I truly hope none of them are ever in the defendant's seat, but then again, maybe that is what it would take to open their eyes to the injustices their own brains created.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Crazy Week
This week has been nuts!
Monday I had to report for jury duty. Which meant getting up earlier than normal and driving all the way down the mountain into the city... Ok it is really only a 20 minute drive, but when you add in fog, heavy rain, and moronic drivers it takes FOREVER! I reported for jury duty and my group of course was selected to be in a jury pool... I don't want to give too much away because I have a totally different post about jury duty coming up. So let's just say I had to report back on Tuesday and I was not pleased.
I ended up having to go to Pep Boys to get new shoes on the Jeep and let me just say this- I fucking hate auto shops. There is no reason on Earth why the men in these auto shops should treat me like I am stupid just because I am a woman. I actually ended up having to rip the manager a new one and threaten to go to a different store all because he was a chauvinistic prick. It really bothers me when men assume they are smarter and know more about my car than I do. Hey, look here, I have had my car for 9 years and I am the only owner which means I know how it runs, I know the tire size and the last time I got the oil changed. I might not be the best at maintenance, but I do take good care of my car and I don't need to be raked through coals because some asshole thinks I don't know my own ass from a hole in the ground. (Rant over).
Tuesday was more jury duty and when I called my boss around 4 pm, she kindly reminded me I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday morning. Which meant three full days driving into San Bernardino.. Oh the fun it was. That was sarcasm if you couldn't tell. I actually really liked my new doctor and I hope she stays with my medical group longer than any of my other doctors have. The only thing I hated was when I was questioned and treated like a child over my last pap. Um... So awkward! Finally they found the records and unfortunately it was time for another one. It is the most uncomfortable thing, but I figure at least I don't have to go for 3 years, right?
I woke up this morning thinking it was Friday and sadly it is only Thursday. Hope I make it through today!
Monday I had to report for jury duty. Which meant getting up earlier than normal and driving all the way down the mountain into the city... Ok it is really only a 20 minute drive, but when you add in fog, heavy rain, and moronic drivers it takes FOREVER! I reported for jury duty and my group of course was selected to be in a jury pool... I don't want to give too much away because I have a totally different post about jury duty coming up. So let's just say I had to report back on Tuesday and I was not pleased.
I ended up having to go to Pep Boys to get new shoes on the Jeep and let me just say this- I fucking hate auto shops. There is no reason on Earth why the men in these auto shops should treat me like I am stupid just because I am a woman. I actually ended up having to rip the manager a new one and threaten to go to a different store all because he was a chauvinistic prick. It really bothers me when men assume they are smarter and know more about my car than I do. Hey, look here, I have had my car for 9 years and I am the only owner which means I know how it runs, I know the tire size and the last time I got the oil changed. I might not be the best at maintenance, but I do take good care of my car and I don't need to be raked through coals because some asshole thinks I don't know my own ass from a hole in the ground. (Rant over).
Tuesday was more jury duty and when I called my boss around 4 pm, she kindly reminded me I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday morning. Which meant three full days driving into San Bernardino.. Oh the fun it was. That was sarcasm if you couldn't tell. I actually really liked my new doctor and I hope she stays with my medical group longer than any of my other doctors have. The only thing I hated was when I was questioned and treated like a child over my last pap. Um... So awkward! Finally they found the records and unfortunately it was time for another one. It is the most uncomfortable thing, but I figure at least I don't have to go for 3 years, right?
I woke up this morning thinking it was Friday and sadly it is only Thursday. Hope I make it through today!
Friday, March 4, 2016
A New Decade Is Coming....
Every once in a while it hits me that I am entering a new decade of my life this summer. A new chapter with blank pages for me to scroll memories upon and that excites me. On the other hand, it makes me look back and wonder where did the time go? Wasn't I just 21 last week? How did the years fly by so fast and how did my life change drastically while all the while, seemingly stay the same?
Over the course of blogging, I had a list of 30 things to do before I turned 30 and somehow in the mix of life and living it, I realized the list wasn't all that awesome. It felt superficial and fake as if it was pulled from the depths of some self help book on how to cope with turning 30. Truth be known, I am excited... I have always wanted to be 30. Very eccentric and I should embrace that eccentricity, right?
To me, 30 opens a whole new world. No longer considered a girl, but maybe a lady and finally a woman? I know it is over the top, but it seems there is a certain responsibility that is supposed to come when a woman hits 30, at least to me there is. It is like I should all of sudden have signature meals, cocktails, fashion pieces, real diamonds, the basics of party planning, the courtesy and follow through with plans... Basically just getting my shit together.
How do I do it?
Am I doing it right?
If I am not, am I having a 1/3 life crisis?
Is a 1/3 life crisis a thing?
Thoughts and panic overwhelm me, but I don't want to be overwhelmed. I want to greet 30 with arms open and a smiling face and that is what I intend to do these next few months.
Over the course of blogging, I had a list of 30 things to do before I turned 30 and somehow in the mix of life and living it, I realized the list wasn't all that awesome. It felt superficial and fake as if it was pulled from the depths of some self help book on how to cope with turning 30. Truth be known, I am excited... I have always wanted to be 30. Very eccentric and I should embrace that eccentricity, right?
To me, 30 opens a whole new world. No longer considered a girl, but maybe a lady and finally a woman? I know it is over the top, but it seems there is a certain responsibility that is supposed to come when a woman hits 30, at least to me there is. It is like I should all of sudden have signature meals, cocktails, fashion pieces, real diamonds, the basics of party planning, the courtesy and follow through with plans... Basically just getting my shit together.
How do I do it?
Am I doing it right?
If I am not, am I having a 1/3 life crisis?
Is a 1/3 life crisis a thing?
Thoughts and panic overwhelm me, but I don't want to be overwhelmed. I want to greet 30 with arms open and a smiling face and that is what I intend to do these next few months.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Making It March
March 1st... How did that happen so soon? I mean, I am still looking for a Valentine... I guess I will just trade that for a St. Patty's Day drinking partner instead.
March is a longer month, but over in these parts it is VACATION month. Yep, I finally get to feed my wanderlust with a trip to Utah. I know, it doesn't sound all that awesome, but when you add in snowmobiling, snow, and general shenanigans I can guarantee a great time is coming my way. Really I just can't wait to experience snow and winter conditions. Now that I have typed that out, it will probably be like 65 degrees... Ugh! I need winter!!!!!!!!!!
March is also my niece and nephew's birthday month. They are ten days apart and are still small enough to be grateful for everything they get. I am pretty sure they will be super excited about all of the clothes I got them. Maybe I will throw down some money for them to have fun on their own vacation. I guess I could be the fun and cool aunt that hands them wads of cash... And by "wads" I mean like 20 one dollar bills.
March also hosts one the biggest drinking days of the year... St. Patty's Day is a great holiday, but I hate that it's during the week sometimes. Why can't they just move it over to a Saturday so I can get a full day of day drinking in? In other news, I suck at day drinking. It exhausts me and makes me feel like I need a nap or an early bedtime.
March is a longer month, but over in these parts it is VACATION month. Yep, I finally get to feed my wanderlust with a trip to Utah. I know, it doesn't sound all that awesome, but when you add in snowmobiling, snow, and general shenanigans I can guarantee a great time is coming my way. Really I just can't wait to experience snow and winter conditions. Now that I have typed that out, it will probably be like 65 degrees... Ugh! I need winter!!!!!!!!!!
March is also my niece and nephew's birthday month. They are ten days apart and are still small enough to be grateful for everything they get. I am pretty sure they will be super excited about all of the clothes I got them. Maybe I will throw down some money for them to have fun on their own vacation. I guess I could be the fun and cool aunt that hands them wads of cash... And by "wads" I mean like 20 one dollar bills.
March shall be a very good month!
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