Friday, March 23, 2012

Just breathe.

Last week was officially a solid three months since graduation. I cannot believe how fast time flies. Having so much time off has allowed me to set aside time every day to reflect on my life and I have enjoyed each and every day. As these relaxing days come to an end, I can't help but enjoy them that much more. I've realized how much I take for granted and how blessed I truly am.

I've spent more time with my family than I have in a long time. Cruises and hunting with dad. Crafts and cooking with mom. Lunches with Paw Paw and visits to Conroe to visit Grandma. Movie marathons with Aunt Pat and sister nights out on the town with Em. I have been babysitting for multiple families and they have become a major part of my life. I look forward to texts and calls asking if I am available to watch their kids while they do whatever it may be. I cherish every moment I get to spend with them. As Lauren, one of my sweet little girls, was giving me a hug goodbye this morning she told me that she loved me. It made my heart melt.

I found this Triumph Over Every Day blog post earlier today and it was just what I needed at just the right time. Life is great and each day has been exciting as I patiently wait to see what is in store for my future.











Sunday, February 12, 2012

Kingwood the Livable Forest.

One thing I definitely take for granted is the beautiful scenery in Kingwood. I never realized how many trees and beautiful landscapes we have compared to other cities. The fact that I can walk 100 feet and be on a wooded trail that can literally take me anywhere is amazing! It's such a shame that the big Texas drought caused so much damage. While on my bike rides I see hundreds of neon marked trees ready to get an axing and fields of stumps lining the greenbelts. 


Let's do business.

Tried spicing things up the other day with some hand made, one-of-a-kind business cards. After spending countless hours on Pinterest, I figured it was time for me to put an activity to the test. With some craft shows coming up and some commissioned paintings underway, these little babies are perfect to tag along with any of my work. Can't say they turned out exactly how I wanted them to, but hey... they get the point across- contact me if you need anything.

Progress makes difference.

If all I had was some ink and paper, I would be set for a few hours of entertainment. I cannot say that every sketch or drawing that I attempt is a successful one, but hey, practice makes progress! And that goes with anything in life. As I grow older and expectations are raised, priorities are increased and life starts getting overwhelming I often question what it is I am doing with my life. Am I making the impression I want to make on others? Is what I am doing really making a difference? Do the small tedious things really matter? The answer might not and will not always be yes and things might not always be perfect. So for me, instead of the saying "Practice makes perfect"- I will go with "Practice makes progress" in my book of life.



Guilty.

Do you ever find yourself caught up in a daily routine that you just cannot seem to break away from? Whether it be pressing the snooze button for a solid 45 minutes every morning (guilty), indulging in an afternoon snack that might not be the smartest choice (guilty again), or simply leaving the dishes in your sink rather than putting them directly into the dishwasher (once again... guilty)

All of these, plus dozens and dozens more are part of my daily routine. Are they the right choice I should be making? No. Do I question why I do them every single time I do them? Yes. So what is it that I cannot simply step away from and say, "No Laura, not today." Lack of self control, perhaps? 

Then it comes to the daily routines that I complete and I (without forgetting) excitingly remind myself "High five Laura. Atta girl. Keep it up. You're doing things the way they should be done. Now that wasn't too hard, was it? I'm ready to take it on again tomorrow!" These are the types of thoughts I want to be thinking after everything I do. After all, why do things that shouldn't be done in the first place? 

These past few months since graduation I have been fortunate enough to piggy back of my dad's country club membership and I can attend unlimited workout classes. With a few more lbs that appreciated, these are just what I need. So what do I choose to do? Sit on a bike for a solid 1.5 hours and spin my legs, while sweating bullets, sometimes getting a little woozy, tail bone without a doubt sore the next day, teacher yelling and what seems to be staring directly at me the entire class... yet I come back every day. Somehow, the torture is like a get away. I don't have to think of anything except spinning my legs, making it through the class and enjoying the music. Forgetting about all the things that need to be done, should have been done or aren't getting done because I am pedaling a bike, puts me right where I need to be. Relaxed, yet filled with adrenaline. 


Ten years later...

Well... I can honestly say it has probably been ten years since I have read a book. Generally I will read a few pages here or there, maybe a chapter or two then forget about it, if I am lucky when I pick it back up (which is rare) I will remember what I read in the first place. Borrowed this gem a week or so ago from a friend and I don't know what came over me, but I read the entire thing in two days. 

Not going to lie, the entire time I was reading it I was telling myself, "I am being so lazy right now. I should be up and going- doing something or going somewhere." It took a lot out of me to fight those thoughts and push through. After all, ten years without a book... I had to fix that and it was worth it.


Headed out.

Short post today. Headed out to Austin to visit and celebrate the birthday of my long-time best friend, Caitlin. I met her when I was 5 and she just turned 22. You do the math... We're getting old.

 I am excited to finally get out of Kingwood. It has been a lot of adults and kiddos these past few months, so the rowdy college kids are calling my name! 

I sure hope these cake balls make it to her... I have been eyeing them all afternoon! :)



Glitter me gold.

DIY: Simple way to give your nails a shine that will catch everyone's eye!
First paint a base coat of your color of choice (I used OPI Step Right Up).
Next for the glitter, put on a thin coat covering half the
nail and then an additional coat towards the base of the nail
(For this I used Sephora by OPI As Good As Gold).
Simple and very cute! 

My favorite.


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Thursday, January 19, 2012