Florist....Check : )

It is forever a joke in my repertoire to suggest that my large, Alford family is "more than a family....it's a civilization." After all,we do pride ourselves for the annual head-count we perform at every Thanksgiving celebration. Last year I'm pretty sure the count was at an astounding 62(?!). I'm proud to say our number consistently grows larger each year. This is kinda what we look like to outsiders...

Throughout my entire life in Tallahassee, I can recall spending almost every Saturday morning with my family. Every new house, birth of a child, visit of an out-of-town relative, birthday, or holiday in our family was treated like a huge celebration--as we all sat around telling old stories and filling each other in on what was new in our respective lives. Oh..yah...and repeating Andy Griffith lines. My family is obsessed...with Andy Griffith. Upon episode request, they can quote dialogue like most of us can recite the pledge of allegiance--simply and undeterred.

After I moved, I kind of felt that kindred family-closeness missing. I mean...don't get me wrong...my fiancee is awesome. Together we make up our own little family and that's really special too. But losing that big family aspect, everyone talking over each other and laughing uproariously, really just felt amiss. Through the years, I get a little sad when I hear about family gatherings I miss out on or birthday celebrations I can't attend. Sometimes I feel like I've lost the civilization I lived within for so many years---and it's hard to adjust.
Lately, though, some pretty big things have been happening in my life which have taken my mind off of temporary home-sickness. Undoubtedly, the number one most important thing is that I'm getting married to the love of my life on March 17, 2012.

This joyous news, of course, also comes with some slight difficulties. I am now in the throws of selecting a caterer, a photgrapher, and of course an officiant. However, my family has really rallied around to help me do whatever I need. My dad has been helpful and hilarious---eliciting a hand gestures code for the level of completion to which wedding tasks have been accomplished.

Perhaps the best news I have recieved is that my Aunt has offered to be my Florist. As a Botany major and an amazing horticoloist, I was really hoping she would do my floral arrangements. When asked, she heartily agreed and I almost cried with delight. I know it might sound strange, but in simply agreeing to be my Florist--my Aunt made me come to a huge epiphany. No matter where I am, or what I miss, I will always be an Alford. My family loves me, and will continue to do no matter where I am. Perhaps, sometimes, feeling homesick should not be regarded as missing your family. Perhaps, instead, we should regard it as looking forward to the next time we will once again return to our homes for visits--and relish in what we've so long missed. Perhaps, if anything, this makes us feel more fortunate than ever for the people that will be there for us any time....and any place.

Mirror Mirror On the Wall....I'm Not the Fairest of Them All

First let me begin by saying I've been ridiculously lazy about contributing to my blog. This can be explained by several "things"....i.e. excuses which can be found below

*Working 40-50 hours a week at a difficult job

*Getting engaged : ) : ) : ) : ) : )

* Planning for a wedding

*Saving every penny for the aforementioned wedding

*Preparing my life/career path for the future

*Readying myself to re-enter school


I know...I know...excuses are lame!! But what can I say? I really have been one busy lady. On a side note I cannot wait to marry the man of my dreams. Jon and I are soo psyched to wed next year, March, 17 2012!!! As of now, we have an incredible venue, a definite date, a semi-permanent guest list, and a possible wedding dress. We're trucking along just fine together and not losing sight of the most important aspect of the wedding---the fact that we are marrying each other : )

I'm so happy with the place my life is in now---I'm completley and totally blessed in my love life, with the love of an awesome, compassionate family, and with the great amount of love and respect I have for myself. Yet, today I was forced to reflect on a time, within my life, when things I was not as blessed.

Today, my memory was jarred back to my late teenage years. At eighteen years old, I had already moved out of my parents home and into my own townhome, I drove a nice SUV, and I was working a job full time, earning much of my own money. A life like that, blessed with so many material blessings, can often lead a young person to believe they have it all "figured out." And I was certainly no exception to the rule. Looking back on that time, I feel like I often forgot the people who always seemed to be there from me---my family and true friends. It often never occurred to me that my supportive family were the main reason I had many of the things I did.

I would love to sugar-coat my old self and say that I was going through a "phase" or "still figuring myself out"....but the truth is that I was just plain selfish. I, like most eighteen year old teens, was always number one in my own mind.

There is a country song that is called "If I Could Write a Letter To Me." It regards an adult man wanting to prepare his teenage self for all the challenges and life-lessons he will certainly face. Whenever I hear the lyrics I always think: "ah what a beautiful concept...I wish I could've told myself so many things back then!!"



Almost everyone goes through things that they would sooner like to forget as they mature. I realize that making mistakes is a learning process. My advice ,then, is clearly not to make mistakes--- but to listen to the wise advice of others who may in fact know "better." When I think of all the good advice, the life-lessons, the insightful quotes I ignored from my parents...I have to roll my eyes in horror.


Consider the source of your information and hear what people who love you are saying. If you never leave your teenage,ignorant habits BEHIND.....then you'll never BEGIN your adult,receptive life.

Hypocrisy; The Nonsensical Nature of Human Behavior

Don't let the title of this blog post fool you....this is not an intellectual study about the human psyche or an incredibly accurate insight into behaviors. Instead, this is just a simple girl (moi) wondering aloud: WTH is up with how we act?!!

As human beings, we are instinctivley geared to view ourselves as "good" people. Even serial killer Ted Bundy built a defense case entirely upon his own self-image---boasting upon his personal successes and triumphs. Due to this strange truth, the vast majority of the human race cannot detect their own,personal shortcomings.

I especially love seeing people littering from vehicles that say "Save the Earth" and watching Jersey Shore castmates preach against precarious STD's. But, perhaps more irritating than these global conundrums, are watching the everyday situations which never cease to amaze me. I will not bore you with one million examples here, as we know how many exist. But, we can all readily admit that it is very plausible to say people are blind to themselves. We can also most likely agree that most humans are all too-willing to point out the personality flaws in others that they cannot recognize in themselves.

So, what I propose is this. Before speaking---look inward. It is harder to look in the mirror than it is to look at the masses.

One Delicious Corn Cup...Comin' Right Up!

First news first.....I GOT A JOB!!!!!!! Last week, at a business consultant firm for Automotive dealerships, I was hired on as a junior training consultant. For the next 90 days, I will be training and learning the ropes at this communications-centered job. In three words....I....AM..PSYCHED!





However, with the prospect of work comes the extensive challenge in finding cheap, easy, quick, AND healthy recipes. I am going to share with you one healthy snack recipe, which is also inexpensive to recreate.

MEXICAN CORN CUP

This Mexican appetizer was featured on a recipe of a Food Network show it is the

perfect side dish for a small lunch and operates in place of more unhealthy side items such as: fries, chips, coleslaw, etc. This side item is valued at around 150 calories.

INGREDIENTS

* One cleaned, damp ear of corn

* Tsp. reduced fat butter

* Tsp. reduced fat sour cream OR mayonnaise

* 1/4 cup queso fresco, feta, OR mozzerella cheese

* Pinch of chilli powder

* One slice lime (optional)

DIRECTIONS

* Wrap damp ear in wax paper and twist ends. Microwave for two minutes.

* With sharp knife, remove corn kernels on plate.

* Transfer loose kernels to small cup

* Atop corn kernels with one tsp sour cream, one tsp butter, 1/4 cup cheese, and a pinch of chilli powder. If desired, add a drizzle of lime juice on top.

VOILA....ENJOY!

Five Great De-Stressers

In last weeks post, I discussed my absolute resolve to live me life in the here and now. Though it sounds a wonderful ambition, the actual follow-through is a weee bit difficult. When you are a life-long stresser, taking the time to "enjoy the moment" dosnt exactly come naturally.

However, I am absolutley and totally determined to change the course of my health and happiness---and begin enjoying the everyday gifts life so often presents us with. As such, I am examining what hobbies, activities, food choices, etc make me happy and allow me to "mellow" (if only temporarily ; )

These are five great things, I have noticed this week alone, that help calm the extreme chaos that IS my stress level. I really hope others will enjoy these quick de-stress tips : )

1) Cooking. I have always sucked at cooking....and "sucked" is putting it lightly. But lately, with the extra time of unemployment on my hands, cooking has become quite the daily task. I've found that I really enjoy the time it takes to prepare different dishes---adding your own seasonings and garnishes. Lately, I've even gone so far as to branch out and create my own recipes. I've reinvinted all the fatty, yummy, salty cravings I have and fashioned them into equally satisfying, yet healthy meals. For instance, a bleu burger craving last week gave birth to my turkey and onion fat free cream cheese/bleu spread burger. And I'd be lying to you if I said it wasnt just as good. I can't wait to blog new recipes as I continue to create them!!
2)Excercise. Just 30 minutes of cardio really helps me get out of my own head. I love mixing up my everyday exercise routine by throwing in a random round of kickboxing, riding the eliptical, or going out for an evening jog. On busier days, if I dont have the time or energy to exercise, I force myself to get my heart rate up by doing such constructive tasks as dusting expediently, sweeping the floors, and doing the dishes standing up. I feel so much better about my health and my productivity if I exercise at least once every day.
3)Rental DVD's and Movie Stop Movies. What did people ever do before RedBox? Thanks to ever-changing technology, movies are so easily accessible these days! I mean, what is more economical than spending one dollar to RENT a movie, or three dollars to OWN one??!! Sometimes after a healthy dinner, there is truly nothing better than curling up on the couch and watching a new story unfurl. Getting lost in the fantasy of a fictional story can be wayyy overrated and I highly recommend it. Some extra tips for movie fanatics are as follows: a) Movie Stop often runs specials which can include $2 used movies and buy two get the third free! If you hit the store at those peek times, you can save yourself a bundle b) Research your movie choices before you rent/buy them! I know it sounds cheap, but every penny counts! Make sure your movie choice is exactly what you want.
4) Chipolte lunches with friends. Spending time with friends can sometimes be tricky, due to "hang out" options. Meeting with friends can be intimidating to those on a budget, looking to diet, or wanting something a bit different. Chipolte is the answer to all those concerns. The very filling rice bowls range from $6 to $8, while rank at a surprisingly low 700-800 calories. In addition, the bowls are always DELICIOUS and fresh---made with yummy vegetables and healthy lime rice. I love eating there with my friends and knowing that my investment is DEFINITLEY worth it. Not to mention, a visit with a friggin friend (especifically MY Chipolte friend) is ALWAYS awesome : ) Trust me....no matter how bad your day is...it cna be fixed with Chipolte.
5) A half glass of white wine with dinner. My personal reccomendation is the $3 bottle from Wal-Mart. They give you a great bang for your buck, and the wine is pretty dang good! I enjoy slowly drinking a small glass with dinner and enjoying the "cool down" from the rest of the day.

I can't wait to start blogging some pictures of the aforementioned recipes and show you guys what I"ve been up to : ) Until then, happy blogging!

Come On Get Happy!

I had a pretty serious epiphany one day last week.


Last Friday, at around 4 PM, I found myself sitting on the couch watching Oprah and gorging on yummy, unhealthy snacks. I realize that the aforementioned scenario, to most of my readers, probably sounds like a relaxing day off from participating in their grueling, hard-working lives. But, alas, to me it has become quite the normal, everday monotony of existence. Thus is the life of searching endlessly for a job post-college and having business slow down at your work-place.

As I was sitting on the couch, and as Oprah had spoken her final farewells, I thought to myself: "wow! when I have a job....I really won't be bored like this!" The thought cheered me up for a milisecond, then disappeared like a high-flying balloon into the air. It was at this very moment, that I began recollecting all my "if onlys" and "when that happens," and was very disappointed in the results.



When I was in high school, I thought the key to my happiness lied in going to college. When in College, I dreamed of moving and finding my independence. And when I had finally moved to Orlando, nothing sounded like it would complete me more than College graduation. So here I find myself: a high-school passee, Orlando resident, Bachelors recipient....still waiting for that "next thing" (which in this case is a job).

High School....CHECK!

Move...CHECK

GRADUATE COLLEGE...CHECK

WHICH LEAVES THE INEVITABLE QUESTION: NOW WHAT??!!

Being a "next goal" person isnt all bad. In fact, I"m pretty sure the good parts are what trap people into the mentality. Having my eye on the current prize has always helped me keep ambitious and sharp. It's what has helped me win awards at my professional positions, and maitain good grades in difficult classes. I enjoy the challenge of completing a difficult task-at-hand......if only to quickly move onto the next. But the bad side of the thing is that you truly RISK missing out on the awesome scenery between goals A and B--and sometimes that isnt worth it.

I spoke with someone on the phone the other day that made me realize the long-term affects of over-zealous "next thing" attitude. The conversation was painful, and upsetting---but it also made me come to terms with who I want to be. What I realized is: I DONT want to hurt the feelings of people who are closest to me only to get what I want, I DONT want to miss out on what's happening right now, and I certainly DONT want to "next thing" my life away.

On New Years Eve I made a resolution to slow down and really enjoy the small things in life that may only happen once--like having the time to grill outside in the fall air with my boyfriend. Yet, this particular phone conversation made me more determined than ever to follow through with enjoying MY life...no matter what "goal" I have left to finish.

This is my song today

THIS IS MY SONG TODAY

Ho Hum Ho Hum...the Boredom Life For Me

So this week, instead of doing a post that's all insight(y) and poignant, I decided to go in a whole nother' direction and tell my readers about what is going on in my life. Think news channel bulletins but without the over hair-sprayed anchors and the awkward weather broadcasts.

FIRST AND FOREMOST.......I HAVE INTERNET!!!! That's right...you heard me...I....HAVE....INTERNET!! After a month of going without, my boyfriend and I finally conceeded and ordered an internet package from the service "Clear." The bill is pretty low, the service is efficient, and most importantly.....I can reclaim socializing with my interwebs peoples and interview for jobs once more!!! I had really gotten exceptionally tired of drudging my little cold butt down to our apartment office only to be even more frozen in that ice-box they call a computer center. HARUMPH!! Not to mention, some of the folks that shared the small, public computer space with me were sometimes rather...er...distracting. I almost gave Mr. Fed-Ex Delivery dude a huge peck on the cheek for delivering me sweet FREEDOM in the form of a USB : )
(I was almost as excited, upon opening my internet package, as the kid seen below. I repeat....ALMOST)


SECONDLY............my body is completley and totally defying me these days. I mean seriously! Its as if God accidentally gave me the head of a 23 year old and the body of an EIGHTY-THREE year old. They say the almighty one dosn't make mistakes.....so I'm thinking he's more of a practical jokes man. It's gotten to the point where, when incurring a minor ache, I immediatley want to warn my friends of impending dooms-day weather. THAT bad! I'm seriously not complaining here. On the contrary, its sometimes hilarious to just dictate how horrid my body luck actually is.

The first case in point to defend the aformentioned argument is that my hair....is going pretty grey. They say a woman's hair is her crown, but if that's so...my crown is pretty friggin rusted. I'm guessing my new hair-dont has something to do with my completley INSANE stress levels seeing as I've been greying since the tender age of 18. In only one, eensie years time, I'm going to have to start dying my "crown" frequently. Hellooooo salon costs! Luckily, I'm already on a first name basis with my stylist, Cheryl, at Hair Cuttery and she hooks me up everytime. If only the toll collectors here in Orlando were as friendly as my local cosmetologist...I could save myself the big bucks ; )

Also, I get these odd and mysterious illnesses that WILL NOT die! I don't know why my body betrays me so, but alas its true. First, last month, there was the annoying and ridiculous throaty cough which tickled the back of my throat CONSISTENTLY when speaking. Then, later on, I attained terrible heart pains. And lastly, operating as the cherry on my bacteria-covered sunday, this past month I've been having stomach issues.

Third of all, the job search is going. I would not say its going great....or that its going bad....its mostly just going. So far, I've had four interview offers....all of which are slightly off-base for me in some strange reason, i.e. commissions based jobs or weekend hours (eliminating ever visiting my family...in Tallahassee). I basically keep sending out resumes online, and physically. It gets tiring....but I know there are lots of people who have things FAR......FAR worse for them than I do, and I definitley count my blessings at having such a supportive family and boyfriend to help me when the chips are down.

Lastly, my anniversary with Jono is on Saturday. I can't believe we've already hit the four year mark. I am very proud ,regarding how far we have come ,within both ourselves, and our relationship over the past, few years.

Oh yeah..and I've also decided to do this thing wherein I share a song that I'm digging during the week on my blogsite. This week it's Keri Hilson "Pretty Girl Rock" Say what you want...but I'm exhausted about hearing negative messages regarding being a woman.


So that's it......expect plenty more blogs from me now that I have the interwebs again : )