Love Out Loud - "Love on Wheels"

I think I shared with you all, as part of my "High Five for Friday" post a few weeks back, that one of my favorite things from that week was buying this book:

So just as it says, it's a book of daily devotionals and I am absolutely loving it!! I try to read it in the mornings, right when I wake up or right before bed if I missed it that morning. But each page is a devotion - super short to read, but packed with messages that really shake you to your core.

Today's story was so powerful to me, I wanted to share it:

~Love on Wheels~

He who oppresses the poor reproaches His Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. PROVERBS 14:31 NKJV

I once met a ten-year-old girl named Gchi. When we met, she had lived in a trash dump in Cambodia for six years; many other children had lived there much longer. Gchi's parents could no longer support her, so they asked her older sister to take her, and the only way the two could survive was to live and work in the trash dump. Gchi spends seven days a week digging through the trash with a metal pick or with her hands, looking for food to eat or for pieces of plastic or glass she can sell to get money for food.

This is the city trash dump, and every night the garbage trucks back up to the pile of trash to dump the remains of other people's lives, which they have gathered around the city. The children work at night, in the dark, wearing helmets with lights on them because the best garbage is found when it first arrives.

When I shared this story with people, many wanted to help. We began to plan, work, and raise money. After about a year and a lot of effort, we managed to turn two large buses into mobile restaurants, showers, and schoolrooms. They pull up to the trash dump; the children get onto the bus, get a shower, sit down to a nice meal, and even receive some lessons in reading and math to help prepare them for a better future. Of course, we share God's love with them, but we don't merely tell them they are loved, we show them by meeting practical needs in their lives. 

~Joyce Meyers

So messages that come to the surface for me...

• One man's trash is another man's treasure
• Do small things with great love
• Do what you can with what you have
• Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
• Live simply that others may simply live
• Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something

What other things does it make you think about? What are you doing to make a difference in the lives of people in need?

Changing Behavior: A Book Review

Last week, my Stop & Smell the Roses vlog announced that I was contacted by a publishing company to review a top-tier psychological self-help manual (which truly, is right up my alley) that had just recently come out this past Spring. You may also remember one of my more recent post about change and why I named my blog Change is Necessary for Growth...so I am constantly talking about and dealing with the topic of change and am thrilled to contribute to and share this bestselling, award winning book with you, written by behavioral change expert, educator and researcher -
Dr. Georgianna Donadio:


Bestselling #1 Top Rated Amazon Kindle Relationships Book
Winner of the 2012 Indie Book Award - Relationships
Recipient of 5 stars from Foreward Clarion

Changing behavior...easier said than done, is what most people think when they hear this idea. It has been a hot topic of research and widely studied for decades now, but so much of what is out there does not supply us with the skills or tools that give us successful, long term outcomes for changing behavior and help us achieve fulfilling, longer lasting relationships...until now.

So without further adieu, today is my turn on the blog tour...

At just around 125 pages, this book is a quick read, extremely informative, well researched, and reminds me of a book that I would have used to accompany a psychology/communications course in college. Introducing Behavioral Engagement™, a proven behavior change model which has been pilot tested for over 30 years in Boston area hospitals and healthcare environments, the book offers 12 Behavioral Engagement skills, or steps, that help provide the reader with ways to improve communication, more effectively relate to others and assistance on how to apply them to your life in every day situations.

For example, one of my favorite steps is Step Eight: Be patient. Patience is something that I continue to work on, in my personal life, work life and when engaging in conversations with others. Believe me, it continues to be a constant challenge and something that I am always looking to improve. The book states that when communicating and engaging in interaction with others, "it takes an unfolding of the other person's conversational comfort level, as well as trust in the intention of the exchange, for them to experience the expansiveness that Behavioral Engagement provides."

I also really enjoyed how the book starts out by talking a little bit about why we behave the way we do and how relationships impact our lives and overall health. Isn't this something that most of us are all interested in knowing more about?? Well, I know I am!

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." 
~Albert Einstein

I encourage you to check out this book, find out more about Dr. Donadio's history and all of the fascinating research she is involved with, and read what some of the other bloggers are saying on this book tour. Thanks for stopping by and if you read Changing Behavior: Immediately Transform Your Relationships with Easy-to-Learn, Proven Communication Skills, please come back and let's chat about it! :)

*Click here to receive a free excerpt from the book*
or buy the book on Amazon available on paperback & via Amazon Kindle

More about the author...

Dr. Georgianna Donadio, MSc, DC, PhD - A long-time proponent of the important role nurses play in healthcare, she is one of only six American Florence Nightingale Scholars, is an award-winning Nurse Advocate and has dedicated her life to improving the quality of healthcare delivery and patient advocacy. Her work in behavioral health began in 1976 when, after years in nursing and medical administration, she recognized a critically important missing piece within our current medical care delivery system. This awareness motivated her to establish the Boston based National Institute of Whole Health and develop Behavioral Engagement™, the first known whole person health education and health behavior change model developed, tested and utilized in a clinical setting.

Note: I was provided a copy of Changing Behavior & all opinions are my own.

Stop & Smell the Roses Vlog: Week 12, Vol. 6

Happy "Hump" Day everybody...here again linking up with Mandy (and all the other linkers) over at House of Rose for "Stop & Smell the Roses" :)

The book I'll be reading and blogging about:

Purchase on Amazon

Stay tuned for my post on the blog tour, next Wednesday, May 23rd!

And please subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't yet...I'll subscribe to yours right back!

Early Morning at the Airport

Well...don't you just hate it when you get to the airport and come to find out you've been bumped to the next flight...which leaves almost 2 hours later. And you're at the airport before any of the breakfast places open
:( AND I could have stayed in bed sleeping a bit longer with my puppies!! Yep...that's me.



BUT, okay, I'm done complaining because I get to see this guy in just a few hours...

For those of you that don't know...that's my husband, or who I usually refer to as the hubby! :) He is currently in northern California completing some AF training and getting ready to deploy soon. I haven't seen him in about a month, and miss him SO much (plus it's probably going to be awhile before I see him again). So I'm super excited to spend a few days with him in sunny Cali (sorry Monterey friends...I wish I could make it down to see you, but don't worry, I'll come visit as soon as I can)!!

So, I'm off to hunt down some airport breakfast & do some SERIOUS people watching (seriously, one of my favorite things to do)...and read my new Vince Flynn book. If you've never heard of VF, check his books out...they are awesome! I got turned onto them by some coworkers...and I can NOT put these books down once I start them. You'll have to read up on them if you want to know what they're about ;) ...I wouldn't give the summaries justice. Next on my list is One Day (which is coming out soon as a movie that stars Anne Hathaway).

Opening Night...

So excited...

Just in case you haven't seen the trailer...

Currently, top 10 favorite things...

1) Ahh...the smell of fresh cut grass! One of the things I love about Spring

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2) Sweet tea - I have always enjoyed McD's $1 sweet tea, but it just can't compare to the south's sweet tea. Any restaurant in Charlotte carries it and although I don't drink soda, sweet tea is my weakness!

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3) My organized yarn - you have heard me talk about this multiple times before on this blog...I have always wanted to be able to organize my yarn and make it look lovely sitting up on the shelves (just waiting to be used)! :) Well, I have made that happen folks...

 

4) This wine cellar...

5) My new yoga studio and the classes I have been able to take the past few weeks, which have been focused on Baptiste Power Vinyasa yoga!

6) My pups! That's Harley on the left and Rider on the right, participating in their favorite activity..."sun doggin'"

7) New haircut - I frequently get bored with my hair, always needing to change it up (cut it, color it, layer it, etc.). And today was no different...went to my stylist and said to cut it short! I need a change! :) So it is now the shortest it's ever been and I am loving it!!

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8) the LOFT...it has been a year or so now since I was introduced to shopping at Ann Taylor LOFT, but I can without a doubt say that I am now obsessed with their clothes and styles!

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9) Current book I'm reading - it's really good so far!

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10) Lounging poolside - getting some sun, listening to my iPod, reading and relaxing!

Current Obsessions

Anniversary flowers from the hubby (my favorites: roses & lilies)

Amazing book...am loving it so far!

New Alpaca yarn from local yarn shop for a new cowl pattern

New bar stools for the apt. from Target

A new friend in my apt...my owl candle holder (I heart anything owls!)

Yummy Middle Sister Moscato wine (they have cute, cute labels)

Get Your Rear in Gear

So, I started off Saturday morning by running my first 5K...well, technically I have ran one before, back in Southern Illinois. But I don't really count it because I ran it "on a whim", hadn't been running regularly at the time and ended up having to walk a lot of it. This one went a lot better!

It was the Get Your Rear in Gear and supported the Colon Cancer Coalition. I love this message listed on the site:

Get Your Rear in Gear is bigger than just a message for colon cancer; it is a message for all of us to take action, lead longer healthier lives, go to the doctor regularly, to listen to our bodies when something isn’t right and to get the right answers, regardless of age.
~Kristin Tabor, President & Founder

I found out about the race about a week ago, figured that it was (1) for a good cause, (2) would get me outside and running with other people, and (3) it wasn't too far from where I lived, so easy to get to! Here's a post-race pic (believe me, I am quite embarassed to post this pic...but it's the only one I got):

I ended up finishing in 30:35 a new PR for me!!!! And I had a 9:50 pace :) It was fun and I can't wait to run my next one...there are a few coming up in April and May, so be on the lookout for more race posts!

The rest of my weekend included:

 
Rented "You Again" from the local Redbox...thought there were definitely funny parts. I mostly just enjoyed Betty White's role and I've always loved Jamie Lee Curtis, she was pretty funny in the movie.

Made a run to Borders and picked up this new read...I can't wait to see the movie too!

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Tried out a new local breakfast joint...amazing!

And went and saw The Adjustment Bureau....I really enjoyed it. I am a huge Emily Blunt fan, ever since The Devil Wears Prada! :) But overall, I thought the movie was really entertaining! I recommend.

Well, I'm off to enjoy my Sunday (although it's rainy here - boo!) and run errands before the week begins.

Re-Cap of 2010

Well, 2010 was definitely an interesting, enjoyable...but difficult year. A lot happened and when thinking about some of things that I accomplished, I am pretty pleased! :) But I still feel like I can do more and I intend to in 2011! So, here are a few things that stand out to me when thinking back on 2010:

• I started off 2010 by becoming a vegetarian...well, more like a pescetarian (I still ate seafood)...it wasn't very difficult for me to do and I felt like I made much better choices for the most part, incorporating a lot more fruits/veggies into my meals.

• I started my blog and began writing posts related to food, crafting and events occurring in my life. I still struggle with posting regularly, for some reason I just can't post everyday...and I definitely feel as though my blog lacks focus. I have brainstormed a few ideas and, who knows, maybe the blog will change with the new year! ;)

• I learned how to crochet...I was taught how to knit back in the summer of 2007 and have knit ever since, but just this past year I picked up crocheting. I would still say that I prefer knitting, but it's great to know both because they both create very different-looking end products.

• The hubby bought me a sewing machine and I began learning how to use it, attending sewing class with my friend Jenn and knitting up various items: zippered pouches, knitting handbags, and even an apron! I am still learning but it is a very fun hobby to have!

• My sister got married in the summer...in Seattle, WA, where they live. I got to see and spend time with all of my immediate family and we had a great celebration to be remembered for sure!

• We moved from Monterey, CA to Omaha, NE in the early months of Fall...BIG change, but it felt great to be back in the Midwest. Said goodbye to the ocean, some awesome restaurants/seafood and some amazing friends...and said hello to flat land, cold winter months and steak. But we are closer to family and we really like it here, so it was a good move.

• Ran the farthest that I think I have ever run in my life...began running on outdoor trails behind our apartment complex in Omaha and worked up to a total run of 6 miles! It wasn't easy and I ran very slow at first, but it felt like a big accomplishment...now that it's cold outside, the treadmill is unfortunately, my enemy! :/

• I started eating meat again, after a few months in Omaha...it was a decision I thought about for quite sometime. I still eat more seafood than anything and only occasionally eat red meat.

Some difficult things I endured in 2010:

• I spent 6 months apart from my hubby when he left Monterey for some military training (before our move to Omaha, NE). I wouldn't wish time apart like that for anyone...we would talk almost every day and I tried to keep myself as busy as I could, but it was still one of the hardest things about this past year.

•  I finally had my tonsils taken out...this has been on my to-do list since 2008. I have had numerous problems  with them over the years and decided to just get it over with. It was a ridiculously awful recovery, but I had great friends who visited and brought me liquids...and I got through it! (And yes, this occurred after the hubby left! :0)

• Living so far away, I didn't get to visit home very often...11 months, in fact, before I made it back to Illinois = home. 

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The hubby and I were able to spend the holidays visiting our families in Illinois...and it was so great to spend time with everyone!! There were lots of presents, tons of food and too many sweets! :) My favorite gifts were: a book I've been wanting: Breaking Night, the Eclipse movie (I know, right?! It's crazy that I hadn't bought it for myself when it came out), a Keurig one-cup coffee maker and some gorgeous new red dishes (that we have desperately been needing/wanting)...and lots lots more that I am enjoying! :) 

And then the hubby and I spent New Years Eve back in Omaha...it's crazy, because this is the only the second year (since we met) that we have spent both holidays together. It was nice!

Goals for 2011 to come...

I've Been Tagged...

Alright, so I was tagged by my good friend Jen, over at A Little Blue to share some information:

 

1. four shows that you watch: 

(1) vampire diaries

(2) one tree hill

(3) gossip girl

(4) greys anatomy

2. four things you are passionate about:

(1) my marriage

(2) my friends

(3) helping others

(4) crafting

3. four phrases you say a lot:

(1) I love you!

(2) No freakin' way!

(3) What the...

(4) I'm tired.

4. four things you've learned from the past:

(1) don't sweat the small stuff

(2) there are definitely things worth fighting for

(3) communication is the key

(4) patience is a virtue

 

5. four places you would like to go:

(1) Ireland

(2) Italy

(3) Australia

(4) Bora Bora

 

6. four things you did yesterday:

(1) worked out/ran on the treadmill

(2) read another chapter of Atlas Shrugged (long book, not easy to get through)

(3) looked for jobs

(4) took a nap

7. four things you are looking forward to:

(1) Christmas

(2) 2011

(3) our 2nd wedding anniversary in March

(4) turning 27 (okay maybe not, but I'm trying to be optimistic)

8. four things you love about winter:

(1) watching snow coming down to cover the ground

(2) wearing lots of hoodies, scarves and cute hats/gloves

(3) drinking lots of hot chocolate with marshmallows

(4) winter activities: ice skating, sledding, snowball fights

 

9. four bloggers who should share their list of fours:

(1) jenn

(2) angie

(3) curt

(4) devan

"A Homemade Life" Indeed

After posting about my book purchase at Borders the other day, I told you that I would come back and give a review. Let's just say...I couldn't put this book down!! A Homemade Life was such a lovely read, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves to cook/bake.

Molly, from Orangette, begins each chapter with wonderful life stories that can make you laugh out loud...make you shed a few tears, and definitely make you feel very "at home". You can tell that she really enjoys sharing with readers a little piece of her world. Her writing is incredibly inviting and each story flows nicely into the next one. One of my favorite quotes I took away from the book was a chapter entitled: "Whatever you love, you are". I mean, it makes so much sense (to me)...everything and everyone we love are pieces that make up who we are or who we have become.

And another thing I really enjoyed from her book was her take on sharing vs. not sharing recipes. She genuinely believes that cooking and recipes are meant to be shared (I agree!). How else do new recipes get created?? And recipes can always be tweaked or changed in just a little way to make it taste completely different...it's all about experimentation. I'm not quite there yet...I feel more comfortable following a recipe, but hopefully one day I will be able to look in my fridge and take whatever random ingredients that I have and make something magnificent.

Hopefully some of you will check Molly's book out...if nothing, at least get it for the recipes. I haven't tried any yet, but they all sound amazing!

Blog Fanatic

I was super excited last weekend when I stumbled upon this book as I was moseying around Borders (I swear, I could get lost in there for hours):

Basically, I picked up the book, read the back and then realized that the author (Molly) is the founder of a blog that I follow, called Orangette. It's been listed on the side of my blog for quite some time now...so needless to say, I had to buy it. I haven't gotten very far yet, but I have really enjoyed her writing so far! The book includes recipes along with stories from her life in the kitchen. I can't wait to read more!

I just think the 'blog world' is so interesting sometimes...it's so welcoming, yet so overwhelming. And sometimes, after you have read a person's blog everyday for the past 2 months, you kind of feel as though you know them or at least know what their day has been like (which is a pretty personal thing to know). I definitely wouldn't go so far as to say that I know Molly, but it was a strange concept, picking up the book and thinking, I read about this girl's life...it's kind of like she is a 'blog celebrity'. Hehe :)

I definitely think it is beyond cool that people's blogs can start as something so small/simple and lead into books, movies, speaking careers, etc. I mean, how awesome is that?! I can only dream! Anyway, check out her blog and pick up her book if you like what you see/read.

Things I am thankful for:

• Being back together with the hubby

• Spending time with family

• Anything to do with fall (the weather, pumpkins, changing leaves, etc.)

• Our doggies (even though they can drive me crazy) :)

• Enjoying a good book on the couch

• Oktoberfest flavored beer

• Being back in the Midwest (I really did miss it)

• My favorite TV shows being back in action

Hanging Out at Panera

When I lived in Monterey, the closest Panera was about 45 minutes away. I ate there a few times, when traveling to and from the San Jose airport...but that was about it. So, imagine my relief and excitement when I realized that there is one just 5 minutes down the road from where I'm living now!! I love Panera...not only because of the food (which is amazeballs),

 Broccoli cheddar soup, strawberry poppy-seed salad (no chicken) & iced green tea

...but also because they have FREE wi-fi (it can't get any better than that) and I just really enjoy the atmosphere. For the most part, it's quiet and relaxing...I used to get a lot of studying and work down on my afternoons at Panera during graduate school. Currently, I'm indulging in my latest read:

Operation Beautiful...a book that stemmed from an epidemic (that I just found out about recently). Operation Beautiful is transforming the way that people see themselves one post-it note at a time! It sounds so simple, but has really caught the eye of many, many people. Basically, all you do is write a note (something as simple as "you are beautiful just the way you are") on a post-it and leave it somewhere (a public bathroom mirror, a fitness center scale). I just think that it's such a great idea and so simple! You can read on the website and in the book how much it has changed so many people's lives. :) All you need is a pad of paper and a pen. Check out more here!

Hope everyone has a lovely rest of the weekend!

Vampire's Perspective

Just picked up my 'hot-off-the-press" copy of:

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga)

I am actually really excited to read this short novella to the Twilight Series. It should be interesting to finally read about a perspective other than Bella's (not that I didn't love hers), but I guess I just think it will be kind of refreshing to know the story (within Eclipse) from another's point of view. Stephenie (described in her Introduction) writes that she feels Bree's story really adds to the plot of Eclipse and is basically a necessary component to the overall battle between the Cullens/wolves and the army of Vampires!

Eek...I'm ready to read it....although it is going to have to wait a few days (I know right, how on Earth can I wait) but I JUST started:

 The Host: A Novel

I guess you could say I'm on a Stephenie Meyer kick :)

And I am totally wrapped up in this one at the moment!!! Have any of you read this book yet? Totally didn't realize the depth of the storyline for this book...but it is intriguing, to say the least!

Anyway, only 24 more days until ECLIPSE!!!! I can't wait...I most definitely have my 'midnight showing' ticket and will be impatiently waiting in line for hours that day! :0