Spam! UGH!

Due to the mass amounts of SPAM I've been recieving on my "Blogspot" website, I've decided to shut down the account and switch over to Wordpress.
I've already set up the account and it's ready to go. *phew*

So, to continue reading my rantings (and archives) please visit:

http://agallonofcoffee.wordpress.com/

Thanks!

-Holls

Yoga Cat

I’m just throwing in a quick post because it’s a work night (yay!) and I’m dead tired.

Since my back was tired, I thought I would try out some new yoga moves that really made my tired muscles feel WAY better. I closed my eyes, breathed in, and relaxed. 

When I opened my eyes, I saw this:

“you’re boring”

I always get a kick out of confusing my animals when I’m doing workouts on the floor.

Also, since it was a beautiful, rainy, fall day today, I decided bread bowls were in order.

I shared this bad boy with Kurt, since we weren’t too hungry when I got home from work. (I had the definition of hospital cafeteria food today, by the way. Yuck)

Also...

SPICED CIDER!!!!
It’s finally cool enough to bring out the hot drinks!

Last but not least, I started watching Grey’s Anatomy last week on Hulu. I had heard so much about it, and since it’s set in Seattle, I figured I’d be into it. So far, I’m enjoying the show. I’m not a big TV person, but I tend to watch series off of the internet/Roku/DVR instead. I was going to see how many episodes I could get through without getting bored with the plot.

I had to take a break from it this week. After studying intensively for an Anatomy exam, and spending the rest of the week in the hospital, and studying for another Anatomy exam, I’m a little burned out on hospital jargon. The show makes me think too much. Add relationships plus dynamics, and I think I need a break.

I also got in my guilty pleasure show: Big Rich Texas, but I probably shouldn’t openly admit that I watch it. Darn it.
There’s something that I love to hate about these crazy women, like the Kardashians (*gag*) or Real Housewives series. (*also gag*) It’s like watching a bad train wreck, you don’t want to see what happens, but you can’t look away, either.

That’s just me.

-Hojo

Unexpected Thursday

Who am I kidding? I knew I was going to get the day off, since I’ve been cancelled the last 3 Thursdays. It made for a wonderful day hanging out with Kurt, running errands and relaxation.

I think that’s the theme for today: relaxation.

Anyway, after getting called up and realizing I could actually sleep another hour or two, we went out to breakfast at Brandon’s Diner, where I had a spinach and mushroom omelet topped with avocado and a side of fruit. It made my day. I love going out to breakfast! (It’s become our Sunday-morning tradition, to get a big breakfast out and share it).

After breakfast, we came home and I started reading my “new” book (it’s been sitting around for a while) Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin (the same author of Game of Thrones). So far, it’s a very interesting read, and I can’t seem to put it down.

After relaxing at home for a bit, and doing a little window-shopping, I got a surprisingly delicious lunch from Wendy’s; they now have half salads. I got the Apple Pecan Salad, in which I didn’t use the included pecans and only a dab of the Pomegranate Vinaigrette. I was definitely shocked that it came from a fast food restaurant, especially when I noticed that it was on a bed of spinach and not your typical iceberg lettuce. Someone really put a lot of thought into this. There was actually quite a bit of apple in there as well, so a lot of good elements to this salad, if you ignore the sugared pecans and giant packet of dressing (both served on the side).

 salad!

After lunch, we headed off to the Upland Animal Shelter to go “play with puppies”, as we like to say. We probably look like nuts, going into the shelter once a month or once every few months to pet dogs, but it’s really therapeutic, and always has us talking about the future.

I’m not sure if most of you know, I’m a huge Pit-Bull advocate. I think they’re the most misunderstood dogs on the face of the planet. It all started a few years ago when I was introduced to Kurt’s parent’s dog, Deuce, and this dorky dog wormed his way into my heart.

Ever since then, I could never understand how someone could mistreat such beautiful animals. While Deuce was never abused, and in fact, quite spoiled, I always stood up for the breed, because I have living, breathing proof that people will rally against just about anything. I’ve had people cross busy streets to get away from him while we’re jogging, gotten angry looks on the trail and freaked out a person or two at PetsMart. But with any dog, it’s how you treat the dog, raise them, and train them, and that decides the outcome of your dog’s behavior.

Despite the negativities I’ve come across, I feel very fortunate to live in a city that advocates the Pit Bull breed; bringing “doggie beauty contests” to the shelter and local newspaper, having ordinances about breeding (because the shelters are so overly populated with these poor dogs) and properly educating owners on proper dog handling. For more info, check out the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter.

They are very high-energy dogs and take a LOT of patience!

On the trail, I’ve gotten numerous complements on my dog’s behavior and leash-walking skills. I’ve also gotten a “shout out” from a cop car (which startled me, but made me laugh!), and had a whole group of city firefighters moon over my “well behaved” dog. (He completely ate it up!) Deuce can also do a whole list of tricks and commands, and the list just keeps getting longer. As a nurse, I would have liked to have him train as a certified therapy dog, but Kurt and I decided that he’s too sensitive to loud noises to pass the certification (your dog has to be bomb-proof). Either way, I’m proud as to how far he’s come in these past couple years, and went from a wild, whirlwind of a dog to a calm and loveable member of the family.

So that’s my two-cents on breed-discrimination. I’m hoping that my dog could one day become a shining example that not all Pit Bulls are vicious man-eaters.

Yoga:
Tonight, I started yoga. It seemed to confuse all of the regulars at the gym as to why I was there on a Thursday night.
It was RELAXING! I can’t believe I waited this long to start this class (uhhh, because it’s at 9am…duh) It’s definitely something I think I could get into. I really need to figure out how to relax, and I think this might be it! It was a lot of stretching and breathing, which I was expecting and looking forward to, and the instructor was really cool.
Overall, I think it’s something I might add to my routine.

I still have to do my ab workouts tonight. But that’s the challenge!

Dinner tonight: A big cup of veggies and Nutella on a slice of wheat bread. (Breakfast took over my day) I might have a protein shake later.Tme for a nice cup of Yogi Detox Tea. :D

yes, that is the “Holly” mug.
Also, never noticed this…

Anyway, tomorrow I might be starting some Amish Friendship Bread, as inspired by Jillee, so I might be making trips around Los Angeles/Orange County and the Inland Empire delivering bread and the starter next week.

So that’s my action-packed Thursday. Now it’s time to sit back and watch the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Kurt. (Don’t need to explain, we’re nerds, it makes sense). Besides, Sean Austin (a.k.a Sam from LOTR) is Michelangelo.

Night all!

<3 Hojo

Setting Goals

Well, we’re halfway through the week, folks! (Folks?) And what a week it’s turning out to be.

I’ve decided my goals need a little more prioritizing. So when I feel like things are out of order, I make lists.

I have a lot to think about this week, especially since I’ve kind of fallen out of sync with my diet/exercise plan (due to work, school, fitness classes being cancelled, etc.).

First thing on the list: Budget. As you all know, I haven’t been working much at all (yeah  yeah), so learning to live on a smaller income could be a challenge for anyone. Thankfully, I’ve read several books from the Dave Ramsey series, and I’m trying to get to the point where this won’t be an issue. I’m still working on my Emergency Fund, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.

Now as for fitness: ABs x7. Yes, it’s exactly what it means. I’m going to do a challenge (as told by our trainer) to do abs 7 days a week, starting tonight. (I already did my workouts for tonight.) But maybe I’ll post some pictures/workout ideas while I’m doing this.

Also, you saw it right, I’m buying a jumprope. I will no longer be left behind in the class when we do our jumproping! It’s an easy fix to a difficult problem.

I am so motivated to get into shape, it’s silly.

I’m going to concentrate on fixing my diet. Things have been a little tight lately, schedule and budget/wise, so it’s been really hard to fit in some healthy meals, and there’s been a lot of temptation to just eat bad! I might start looking into some easy/healthy recipes in order to get back on track. Mainly using Self.com or the French Women Don’t Get Fat cookbook.

Sleep Schedule: I’ll admit it, I’m having trouble getting a good sleep schedule down. I have no energy during the days, and almost always have to take an afternoon nap around 3 or 4. I sleep in on my days off, trying to recover what was lost. So I’m going to start taking a mild melanin supplement around bedtime in order to alleviate my insomnia and continue to limit my caffeine intake.

Apply for Jobs: I’m continuing to apply for nursing jobs in the Los Angeles/San Bernardino area. I’ve almost got it down to an art, and spent today working on my cover letter.

I’m still meaning to get into the Yoga class this week. It’s the thing on my to-do list that never gets done, like laundry.

So I’m ready to turn in for the night. No more studying to do until the end of the week, and then I can take it in moderation. I don’t have another lecture exam until next Wednesday. Goodnight everyone!

-Hojo.

Oh Hey, There's a Wall Here!

You know when you're running a long distance and you hit the proverbial "wall"? 

Well, I've hit that wall with studying tonight. 

After two weeks of studying intensely for this muscles exam, I found I have a quiz tomorrow on something completely different. I think I've hit a wall in my studying. I don't want to look at flashcards, I don't want to paste and glue things, I don't want to do anything but sleep right now, but that's probably not the smartest idea.

How can one four-unit class make my life a living heck?

*bangs head on the desk*

-Hojo <3

Kicking into Fall Mode!

It’s Monday again! And that means that it’s another week of school, work, gym and the such. I’m finally feeling like I’m getting a routine down, and by that I mean, finding time for myself in this whirlwind of a schedule of mine.

I’m working tomorrow.Maybe? Maybe not? Hm. It’s becoming a fun game of Russian Roulette…except with work.

I had a pretty big lab practicum today, in which I’m almost positive I got an A on. We graded them at the end, and I missed a couple questions, but not enough to fail. That’s all I care about. (Oh, and I got an A. Now the quality of the A depends when we get the results from our extra credit back.)

Hooray for my awesome Anatomy Coloring Book! It really helped me figure out what was what and took the anxiety of having to memorize a hundred tiny muscles of the body. It made my life so much easier.

Anyway, as for the weekend, I was battling with a severe migraine because of the darned weather change. It went from 65 and breezy/drizzly to 95 in two days.Although I was very very excited about the rain last week!

This is the first migraine I’ve had in four months, a little before I started working out and eating healthier. So, I’m setting a new record here.
It’s almost gone, I just can’t eat anything sweet.
Goodbye Oreo Brownies I found on Pinterest.

Oh well, I probably shouldn’t be eating them anyway. :( 

I did, however, fight through it all and make it to the gym this weekend. I did my kickboxing class on Saturday, which ended up being oh-so-sweaty-but-oh-so-good. Yeah, I know. This afternoon, class was cancelled so I spent an hour doing an elliptical/treadmill interval workout. 40 minutes on the elliptical on “random” setting, and then 20 minutes on the treadmill. It felt great!

Also, I got my hair done over the weekend! I finally took the jump and went darker for the fall! I was a little nervous, but my stylist Nicole (who also owns the salon) always seem to work magic with my hair.

I was so excited! I love my new color! And for those of you who are in the area (L.A., Orange, or San Bernardino Counties) and looking for an amazing stylist and salon, I highly recommend Hair Phases, in Rancho Cucamonga.

I also got some cute fall clothes last week, one of them being a cute cardigan I pulled from Plato’s Closet!

 

I love the diamond-pattern crochet on this chunky cardigan. I paired it with my stripe-y shirt (also seen above, and from Plato’s Closet) and a pair of boots. I can’t wait to get my brown, knee-high boots this month! Then it will really be fall!

This morning’s coffee flavor was…interesting to say the least.It was Tiramisu-flavored coffee with Bailey’s creamer mixed in.
It basically got as close to drinking alcohol as coffee could possibly get.
Also, this afternoon, I made myself a delicious protein shake. It consisted of 8 frozen strawberries, what was left of the frozen raspberries (about 1/4 cup), spinach (1/2 cup frozen), 1/2 cup of nonfat milk, and two scoops of protein powder. Plus I added a little pumpkin pie spice to make it taste fall-ish. It really filled the gap of all the nutrients and sweet cravings I’ve been having the past couple days, but couldn’t keep down. :/ Anyways, it was delicious!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’d also like to know why no one has ever told me about Nutella?

Sheez.

Okay. So that’s my Weekend/Monday night. Se you all Wednesday!

<3 Hojo

Honk if You Like Warm Buns!

Today was just another day I had class. The drive wasn’t too bad, considering it’s an hour.
Until I saw THIS on the freeway on my way to school. It was one of those “Only in L.A. moments”.

 

It reads:

“Ultra Touch Heated Toilet Seats.”
”Honk…if you like warm buns!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh my, it’s still making me laugh. Even the “thinker” man makes me giggle a little. Potty humor.

ANYWAY!

I’m officially responsible for picking Kurt’s mom up on the way home from school, since it’s on the way home. I got out of class at 1:30, and she didn’t get off work until 4, so, not including commute time, I had about two hours to kill while waiting in Diamond Bar/Walnut. Good thing I decided not to stay in Westminster and study, because traffic was a beast after 4!

I decided to play it safe and head over first and then maybe I could find a Starbucks to nab a sandwich. I looked around, went down a long road, and lo and behold…SHOPPING!

Okay, I really didn’t go shopping, but I found a place that had several restaurants that were to my liking. (I.e. good mid-range lunch places!)

I finally got to try Flame Broiler. After an odd experience with the girl at the counter, I got a chicken bowl with avocado.
I couldn’t even finish half!

Afterwards, I decided to mosey (yes, mosey!) over to Panera across the street and have a decaf pumpkin latte and get a little studying in. I love the setup (free wifi, lattes in stoneware mugs), and I think I’ve found my new study place!

no, really, I didn’t ask for that much whipped cream. I didn’t complain either…

BY THE WAY!

SO much for the rain.

Not happy about that one. WHERE IS THE RAIN??? Okay, calm down caps lock-y girl. I wanted cold, I wanted rain, all I got was 75 degrees and partly cloudy. I want it to be fall! Like scarf and sweater weather! I can’t drink hot lattes in 70-80 degree weather with humidity!

Crock pot alert: We scarfed down my pot roast too fast for me to take a picture. (Ha!)

So for tonight, I’m just going to stick with my ab workouts and push-ups because my knee is still a little too sore to go running (which I really wanted to do tonight!), and it’s probably not a good idea without my brace. (Don’t worry, guys, I’ve got this, I’m a nurse.)

I’m halfway between reconsidering my career and going for my BSN at a Cal-State. I can’t find a job as an LVN anywhere, and it doesn’t look good for RN either (there’s a few girls at our work who are RNs working as CNAs and volunteers). If you can find a job, it’s a great career, but no one is hiring. It’s extremely frustrating.

So those are my thoughts of the day.
Happy Wednesday!
-Hojo