Full Circle

Today is the end of a chapter of my life. Today is my last full and official day at my firm. I admit I cried this morning at the gym then again in the shower and once more over cereal. Its sad, its scary, its just a lot of emotion going on over here.
How do you say farewell to the firm that took a chance on you as a baby lawyer and has helped you grow and learn? To say so long to people who have stood by you as your marriage ended, you bought a house, and tried to find love again? What words do you use to tell them how much they mean to you and you will forever be grateful to them for how they have touched your life.
You will miss the laughs, lunches, cake, the baby talk and all the other in between times when you have made my day livable. Thank you. Thank you for being wonderful colleagues and friends.
I know that I am scared because I have no idea what the future holds, but I know that mine is bright.

Workout Wednesday

Holla, its Wednesday and that means it time for another edition of Workout Wednesday. Today I am back with another Tips from the Trainer! My main squeeze trainer Sam has some good food and diet tips for you today!

I come from a family where cooking is important and is done (very well) by all members in the family- especially my Dad. So if there is one thing this trainer doesn’t shy away from, it is food.  One thing I like about Lynn is her love for food and her willingness to cook.  You don’t find that often these days, but that is a whole ‘nother subject. Anyway, Lynn likes to complain to me about having to turn down the cookie tray in the lounge or she’ll complain to me about not turning it down after her carbrageous guilt trip kicks in.  Either way, I am going to hear about it.  Lynn, however, is no different than anyone else when it comes to dieting, meal planning, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  We all want to be able to look the way we want, while eating the way we want.  The person who figures out a way for everyone to accomplish this without the use of anabolic steroids will win a Nobel Peace prize someday.  Unfortunately, my daughter is only 6 right now so we will have to wait until she gets a little older to accomplish this.  So while we wait, I will go over a few ways we can eat to satisfy both ends of the spectrum.
CARB CUTTING THROUGHOUT THE DAY This type of eating allows us to be bad in the morning and then tighten up each meal as the day goes on.  Now each meal, we still want to be high in protein; however, earlier in the day, we can have carbs so long as we make it a point to cut them completely after lunch or so.  Make lunch your last meal with carbs and thereafter just each greeny veggies and lean protein.
CARB LOADING This type of eating is unique inasmuch as eating poorly (you know, fun eating) is not only allowed, it is necessary for weight loss and goals.  Unfortunately, it requires a ridiculous amount of discipline for five and half days throughout the week.  Here is how it works. Each regular day, you are allowed one meal with 30-50g of carbs. The other 5 or so meals, because we are eating 5-6 meals a day, will be nothing but greeny veggies and protein.  You have to eat like a rabbit for five and half days. No cheating!  Then at the end of the carb cutting week, you get a glorious 8-9 meals (a day and half) of whatever the heck you want.  This is called the carb loading phase. It is essential for glycogen restoration necessary for muscle growth and fat burning. It will also give you the energy you need to get you through the upcoming carbless week.  After your day and half of heavenly eating, you immediately go back to your rabbit way of life. Rinse and repeat.
IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) Many of you have heard all the rage about this IIFYM, or "If It Fits Your Macros", way of life. It is especially popular in the stage fitness world.  The diet operates under the assumption that if you understand your macros, you can consume almost any type of food so long as it fits your macros.  “Macros” is a fancy word for carbs, proteins, and fats.  Many studies today have found that consuming the correct ratio of carbs to proteins to fats is the most effective way to weight loss/muscle building.  The plan uses an individual’s current weight, their goal weight, and height to formulate the correct ratio. Now this is usually done by a professional; however, an hour of research on google will save you from paying someone for this (Lynn, please do not give out my last name, every trainer and nutritionist will want my head for this).  So a woman looking to lose 10lbs might consume a ratio of 40% carbs, 40% protein, and 20% fats each meal.  Likewise, a man looking to bulk up 10lbs would look to be around 55% carbs, 35% protein, and 20% fats.  So if you can construct a meal to fit these ratios, it doesn’t matter what you eat. Pretty cool, huh?
In the end, I get back to always doing what makes you happy.  My body, itself, goes through seasons.  Sometimes I look like a trainer, sometimes I look like I need one. It all depends on what is going on in my life and what it takes to make me happy. So whether you do the Carb Cutting, Carb Loading, of If It Fits Your Macros, just remember: ISMH- IT SHOULD MAKE YOU HAPPY.
Cheers!

Hope you all enjoyed this edition of Tips from the Trainer. And seriously he has the most gorgeous daughter ever... for real....

What's Cooking!

Happy Tuesday all! Thanks so much for all the new blog look love and all the support of my new job. I am nervous, excited and totally scared all in one.
Today I have a wonderful recipe for you! This summer I have instituted salad Sundays. Yup, every Sunday I try cleanse and get in a good healthy meal to reset for the week. Most of the time its a simple salad with some grilled chicken, but this week I went all out. And... it included steak (which I never cook, as in I have never made steak). This recipe though it included a couple steps, was super easy and super yummy!
I also opted not to stand in the 100 degree heat to grill it, so I utilized my broiler. You know that button that makes intense heat come from the top of the oven? Yeah that one. Its basically a grill on the top of your oven. Here you go!
Steak & Caramelized Onion with Penne Salad
Ingredients:
1 lb top sirloin kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste 4 oz penne pasta (I used quinoa pasta) 3 oz baby greens mix (or whatever you like) 4 teaspoons olive oil 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic 1/2 oz shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
For the Caramelized onions:
1/2 medium red onion 1 large white onion (it seems like a lot, but it melts down) 1 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp kosher coarse salt 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Season steak with salt and pepper to taste.
For the caramelized onions: cut onions in half and thinly slice short end.  Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a nonstick skillet and add the onions. Add salt, paprika, and balsamic vinegar and cook on medium-low to low heat until onions are tender, transparent, and slightly brown, about 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside in a large work bowl and let cool. (I always put a drop of olive oil in my water to keep the pasta from sticking together)

For the steak: While the pasta is cooling, heat a grill pan over high heat and spray with cooking spray or preheat the broiler to high. If broiling: Put your rack in the middle of your oven and broil 4-5 min, then flip and broil another 4-5 min. Let stand for 10 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Assembly: Add the baby greens, 4 teaspoons olive oil (teaspoons people not tablespoons like I did), 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic, salt and pepper to the bowl with the pasta and toss. Add the caramelized onions, toss well and serve with 3 oz steak and shaved Parmesan. Eat right away.

The Start of Something New

Happy Monday ya'll! Notice something new around here? Yup, ye ole blog got a facelift! And speaking of new things... I promised you news Friday. Drum roll please...
I have accepted a position with a new firm. After about three years with my current firm, I am sad to leave as I have learned so much and made some amazing friends. However, its time for me to move on. This is a great opportunity for me and my professional goals. Downside and the created of much agony? The job is in downtown Dallas. Oh, did I mention I live in Fort Worth? Yeah.... so I'll be adding a rather crappy commute to my life. Oh the things we do for our careers. My last day is the end of the week and then I will begin my new adventure in August!
So much newness around here!
As for the weekend? Well, it was a mix of celebration and resting. As in I celebrated and the pups rested.

Dinner at Lily's

Cocktails at ProPer

lazy puppy....

I also baked some muffins, tried my hand at a steak salad (recipe to come) and had some great chats with friends! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and here's to a great last week of work for me.

Sunday Social

Happy Sunday to all! I haven't engaged in a little Sunday Social in quite some time, but today, well today I am.  So check out Neely & Ashley and all the lovelies linking up today! You also might notice a little facelift around here! What do you think? There may be a few more tweaks, but I'm excited for a little something new. But on to the real stuff! 1. Three Favorite Songs Right Now: I am jamming to 


2, Three Favorite Movies that Remind you of Summer: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Notebook & Now & Then

3. Three Favorite Articles of Clothing You Own: Overside, very old long sleeve Big 12 t-shirt from the ex.... just so comfy, teal cotton maxi dress from Loft circa 2009, pink dress I'm wearing in my profile pic
4. There items on my wish list: LV Neverfull PM in the white & blue, Tori Burch flip flops, a vacation to the beach!
5. Three books you recommend to give to someone: Anything by Carl Hiaason, The Notebook & Number by the Stars

That's all folks! But come back next week for more get to know you fun!

Confessional Friday

Oh hey Friday. I am relieved to see you, but man its the last Friday of July, where did July go? Linking up again with Leslie for a little confess sesh!

• I confess I sometimes forego a full dinner so I can indulge in dessert. I mean nothing is better than a cookie, or cake, or ice cream after a long day. And it just tells me ok, done eating goodnight.
• I confess I will never understand people who have wonderful loving fathers of their children, yet want to be horrible people! My nephew's mama refuses to cooperate with my brother and I in an attempt to renegotiation child support and visitation. In fact, she deliberately avoided service the other night. Two words: Grow Up!
• I confess my BOFF is the bestest ever, like ever... She sent me an entire box of sunshine which arrived yesterday and its amazaballs! She even put in things for her puppy nieces!
• I confess I have some of the best, most supportive people in my life! Talk about one lucky lady!
• I confess, I thin Chloe has the cutest puppy underbite ever and is cuter when she has her summer do!

  

  Cheese!

• I confess I have some big, life altering news to share... next week!

Have a wonderful weekend ya'll!

Life Ain't Easy

In the words of Kermit the Frog, "it ain't easy being green" and in my words or any other color. Life, in the grand scheme is a millisecond of the world. Its short, fast and often a roller coaster of decisions, experiences, and opportunities.

For me, life happens when I think I have it finally figured out or under control, or stable. Then, life happens. I woke up this morning with resolve on the some decisions and knowing that no matter what happens, I am not alone and He will provide. I had a small sense of relief. Then I read my  blog roll. I was shocked and saddened to read of my friend Jessica's loss of a pregnancy. Its instances like hers that make you wonder why. She is the sweetest, most loving friend, wife and mother I know. I ache for her. And last night, my small group prayed for a friend who lost her baby at 35 weeks. 35 weeks. One minute healthy baby and the next gone. Life.



I think Life is one of the many reasons people fear God, religion and the church. They snark and say, if He exists, He wouldn't let thinks like this happen. That old adage is so easy to buy into. I too have had my times of disbelief, questions and struggles. Its hard to see His plan.

Its had been hard for me to see His plan as of late. I have been so wrapped in confusion, doubt and fear. I yearn for stability and the ease of life, yet He pushes me constantly towards change, challenges and risks. I struggled with what I want versus what is good for me. But, I have realized that all the struggles, weighing of pros and cons, internalization and just flat out worry don't do you any good either.

Life happens. It happens even when you wish it wouldn't. It comes suddenly and without warning. It pushes you to your limits and outside your comfort zone. And life comes with risks, scary as they may seem, they can also come with great reward.

Everyone is struggling with something. We're humans and its out very nature. I urge you to have faith. Be guided by that little voice on your shoulder, or in your gut. Do not let your life be led by fear, anger or worry. Yes, grieve when its sad and be angry when your are wronged, but do not let that rule. Life is short and precious and confusing as all get out!

Workout Wednesday

Guess what day it is? Hump Day!! Today I'm giving you a bust your hump workout that I love!

1. Step Up with weights. Get a bench or box and simply step up onto the box then lift the alternate knee up. You can keep weights to your side or do an overhead press. Do 20 reps so you get each leg 10 times.

2. Side Step up with lunge. http://youtu.be/Jp38n06Uv4o

Stand paralel to the bench, step up with your left foot, and raise right knee up, then go into a side lunge. See video. Do 3 sets of 10 reps on each side.

3. Box Jumps. 2 minutes.

4. Sumo squat with bull throw.  I normally stand close the wall and bounce the ball off the wall. Great overall workout. 2 minutes.

5.  Walking lunges with barbell or free weights. 15 lunges one way and then return 15 lunges on the way back.

6. Last but not least.... leg press! The leg press is by far my favorite leg exercise. And I don't mean the girly one, the free-weight loaded one. Put on as many plates as you can comfortably press for 10-12 rep, where you almost can't do the last 1-2 reps. I do 10 deep reps then 20 calf raises on the same machine.

Hope you enjoy some of my favorite leg workouts! Happy Hump Day!!

Life of a 30 Something

I had a great talk with my BOFF last night. Like, much needed girl talk, wish it were over wine talk. After I hung up, it hit me. I am no longer a college co-ed, or even a carefree 20 something. Nope, I am a single 31 year old woman. Ick. It just sounds so blah. Woman, I mean what happened to the days when your mom called you young lady? Nope, now its just woman.

Don't get me wrong, not sure I would go back to say er, 23, but not quite sure I am ready for the mammoth decisions and experiences of my 30's. Gone are the days when I could just pick up and move because the wind blew east or the grass not only looked greener, it was speckled with cute boys. I have so many other moving parts to my life that require so much thought even to say, go to the store! And don't get me started on the man front.

Doesn't get easier when you hit 30. I think in fact it becomes mire complicated as the sea of potential suitors narrows and breaking up or starting something new or changing anything in that department seems like deciding to go to war!

In fact, all decisions that need to be made now seem epic. They are life altering, pick the course you want to take difficult. Its not a matter of do you like me, check yes or no; or hmmm do I go out and skip class in the morning or go to class hungover; or to buy that new purse and eat Ramen for a week or not.... I mean, who lied and told me that your 30's is when you have it all figured out and you get to start living your life? Is anyone really 30 and flirty and thriving?

My image of of 30 was married, job, 2.5 kids and a dog (or 2). It wasn't one big decision after another that swallows you whole and/or watching everyone else live out your dream.

Perhaps my 40's will be the new 30's?

Big Scares & Big Decisions

Ever wonder how many hours one can sleep in one day and still be tired? Yeah, let's go with about 17. I believe I slept 17 hours yesterday. I just could not keep my eyes open. I was up long enough to eat and take the dogs out. I left work mid afternoon Friday on my way out of town for the weekend, when life decided I needed to stay put.

Couple trips of emptying my stomach later and long nap, I was staying here for the weekend. I also saw later that 35 South was closed in both directions past Waco, so my 3 hour trip to Austin would have lasted 6-7, so fate?

But this weekend gave me some time to think and reflect. Last week was interesting in my life. I was given some good news, some bad news, and some surprising news all in the course of a couple days. I found out some people incredibly close to me were going to be parents! I congratulated my brother on his new job & found out I was going to be an Aunt again! (seriously everyone is knocked up these days). I had a ghost of dating past eerily reappear and finally opened up about tons of things that had been going on in my head and heart. I basically reevaluated every aspect of my life.

In between unconscousness I did some sole searching. I prayed a lot, read the Gospel and read every journal entry I made in the last 4 years. I am amazed how much my life has changed and how much it has stayed the same. 4 years ago, I was clerking before my third year of law school and M and I were trying to get back together. I was lost and confused and most of all scared. I had this picture of what I wanted my life to be and I had this opportunity to make it work.

Today, I am still lost and scared. But in the last four years I have realized that its better to say what is on mind than hold it in. I have nothing to lose by revealing my heart other than the change to do it. I know that my thoughts and opinions, wants and needs matter. I am equipped to face whatever life hands me, though not always with grace and charm. I know that sometimes you only get one change to let people know what they mean to you. I am able to keep toxic people out and let those who truly care in. It does't mean I don't make stupid decisions or perhaps say a tad too much. I disappoint myself and still do not understand His plan for me. But I know, that everything happens for a reason. Every encounter, thought, decision and move we make it for some greater plan that we cannot see. So, I will live every day to fullest, have no regrets and make sure I speak the truth not only to other, but to myself. In the words of Shakespeare:

Confessional Friday

Oh Hey Friday, where did you come from? Did I also mention its 65 degrees outside? In Texas? In July?!? So let's get down to business with this little confess sesh.

I confess....

• people read my blog who i never thought knew it existed or even cared.... strange feeling to realize this
• I'm a nutcase. Seriously. I go from zero to crazy woman in .5 milliseconds.
• wine helps all things
• you never really stop caring about people who meant a lot to you
• I have the best and most supportive friends in the entire world.
• I have some big decisions to make right now and I don't want to, so if anyone would like to make them for me, let me know!
• I watched the entire first 4 seasons of Downton Abbey on eh, a week and a half... problem ya think?
• I get wrapped up and coiled in my own mind.... great thanks mind.
• I needed something new and decided to get bangs..... what do you all think?

Happy Friday ya'll!

Total Social Favorites

It's that time again! #totalsocial time! I love this monthly link up with Sarah and Helene. This month's topic: Favorites! I have so many favorites from favorite food, color, pastime, pin, post--you get my drift.  So, I know I needed something wonderful to share with you all today. After much thought, I bring you my favorite verses. These are the verses I go to in times of sorrow, strife, anger, fear, happiness, and joy. I hope you enjoy them.

“Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
- Matthew 6:8

Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.Matthew 5:9, NIV

Stop the Madness

I know I promised you all photos this Workout Wednesday, but this is more important.
Today's public service announcement is brought to you courtesy of #StopTheBeautyMadness.

I was reading my Facebook feed when I saw this ad posted by Marie Claire and liked by a friend of mine.

Wow. Powerful. I clicked through and read the amazing story about #StopTheBeautyMadness and its campaign which features some powerful ads like the one above. Its aim? To stop the stereotypes, myths, lies, rumors, and the "ugly truths hidden in our culture and our own minds." #StopTheBeautyMadness is a series of 25 ad that call out unattainable beauty standards. Its heartbreaking, raw, honest, and remarkable.

I encourage you all to scroll through the ads here. I found myself in so many of these. They are the words I have spoken to myself, my inner monologue. They are the thoughts that run through men in my industry, women whom I meet, my friends, family, but also myself.

I know that people look at me and say, oh she is blonde, thin, lawyer, she must have it all. They don't see the little girl who grew up in a violent home with a father who spent most of her childhood in jail. They fail to see the teenager who struggled to "be like the cool kids" who never had brand name clothing and came home from school to an eviction notice on her apartment door. She was embarrassed of her home and would never invite anyone in, she worked two jobs, while trying to uphold an appearance at school that she was perfect.

They miss the young woman who went to TCU on scholarship and worked the whole time. They gloss over the struggle with body image, self-esteem, and "daddy issues." They see this well-wrapped package of a woman who has worked hard to get where she is today--who was fortunate enough to have people around her who loved her, supported her, nurtured her, and became her family. They do not want to see a woman who still struggles with her place in the world, her looks, her self-esteem, and only wants to what they see.

I admit I am partially to blame. I adhere to the "standards" of modern beauty. I want to have the right clothes, accessories, hair, etc.. But on the other hand, I do these things for me. I buy things because I worked hard to have a good job so that i can provide for myself. I workout and eat right so I feel good, and because I have seen firsthand what lacking in those areas can do to someone. I may not be perfect, I may struggle, I may  "buy in" to somethings, but don't judge me for it. Applaud me for being a strong woman. Applaud me in the moments I struggle, the moments I am weak along with the ones where I am brave. Applaud all women. Stop the madness.

Women should be each other's cheerleaders, not our worst enemies. Enough with the mean girls mentality. We need to back each other up.

For more information or to get involved in this movement, click here.

Bollocks, Blokes & Biscuits

I have a confession. I know its not confessional friday or monday confessions or any sort of link up, but I confess.... I am addicted to Downton Abbey.

It began simply enough. I heard various friends talk about it, and how in love they were with it. I just had no interest. I have my shows and I like my shows and that is that. But, alas, its summer and I watched OITNB quickly and needed something to fill my TV void. So, I hopped on Amazon Prime and watched the first episode.

And then I watched the second, and third, and then season 1, blew throw season 2 and 3 (in one day). I am now on season 4 and I just cannot go back. I love the hair, the clothes, the aristocracy and Oh how I love the accents!

I lived in London during my senior year in college. It was a blast. I had an internship at the American Church in London. I did work with the children's ministry and fundraising for them. Oh to be 22 again and living abroad.

I loved it. I rode the tube and the bus everyday and walked so much. When I returned stateside I hated to drive and have ever since. I enjoyed the food, the people, the gardens, the markets. I was away from everyone I knew and loved for 5 months.

I travelled so much there. I went to Ireland, Belgium, Amsterdam, Italy, and a small island off the coast of italy that name escapes me now... opps. So as I watch Downton Abbey I miss those days. I miss the wonderful shops and the tea oh the tea and biscuits! I yearn for the days of words that mean different things, with the world at my fingertips. I don't have many photos, but here are a few from my time. Mind you I was 22 and looked a tad different.

in the tube

Tower of London

church staff

Tower Bridge

Parliament 

Everyone should travel abroad. You need to explore new places, new foods and new cultures. And stay in hostels, small B&Bs, you get my point. And now watching Downton Abbey I want to go back! I know it was cold and wet and dreary, but it was also exciting with the theatre, museums, markets and the world at your fingertips!

So,  why don't you all grab your bloke, pack up the boot of your car and head out for an adventure. Enjoy tea and biscuits, bangers and mash and the best indian food ever at the local In Style (british 7-11). You will have a jolly ole time!

CONFESSIONAL FRIDAY: A DAY IN THE LIFE

Oye vey people its Friday!!! Don't you hate the full week back from a short week? makes it feel like 2 weeks, huh? Well, I am linking up with the ever lovely Leslie and sharing a day in my life!

5:00 am - Alarm goes off and I roll out of bed and into my gym clothes.

5:15 am - Arrive at gym. Workout until about 6:40 and then head into the locker room to get ready for the day.

6:55 am - Have awkward view of boobs and butts, yet talk to no one while you stand there and get ready with these people everyday.

7:30 am - Arrive at work. Unlock door, because there are only 2 people here this early and they come in the other door. I then make myself some coffee, read some blogs, check emails and anything that was left in my box after I left last night.

my desk

we do have a good coffee/tea bar and fridge stocked with water & soda and sbaxks

8:00 am - Start working on anything and everything that needs to be done. Depo prep, trial prep, motions, briefs, research, depo summaries.... ya not so exciting.

my other desk

don't mind the purple christmas tree

10:00 am - Grab a snack. Its normally an apple or a protein bar of some kind.

11:45 am - Heat up my lunch of chicken and rice or turkey and rice and head back into my office to eat while working. I do venture out to lunch with friends sometimes, but 99% of the time, its lunch in my office.

I work away the afternoon stopping for snack somewhere between 2:30 and 3:30.

5:30-6:15 pm - leave work and head home to the babies!

I take the dogs out for a quick walk since its a billion degrees here and then head in to start dinner. When I don't cook, like last night, le guy brings Chipotle after his workout. (He is a pm workout guy.... I cannot stand the crowded gym).

Watch some TV or my new obsession: Downton Abbey (I have binged watched seasons 1 & 2).

Head to bed around 9:45 pm and then do it all again! Not very interesting, but sometimes my week  includes Wednesday City Group, my monthly Happy Hours with my girlfriends, or the occasional lunch with Aunt K or KW and baby Jordan.