Awake Too Late

I've been doing pretty well lately when it comes to going to sleep at a decent time and waking up early for work and going to the gym and all that jazz. Unlike my blogging, I am officially the worst blogger of all time. I accept that.

Haste the Day released their final album ever today though. Apparently this one is really really the last one after the band dispersed and came together to do this one last project. Haste the Day has been and will always be one of my favorite bands but I'm not gonna lie, not getting the same feels from this album as I did with all of their others, especially Pressure the Hinges. But I am not too disappointed... its still good. Maybe I just need to listen to the lyrics more and give the songs some more time. I'm staying up super late tonight so I can get through the whole album. I told myself I'd find time to listen to it this weekend but knowing all day it has been available has been killing me not to go ahead and listen to it... I should have given in earlier then I wouldn't be awake at 1:00am knowing I have to be up for work by 6:30am.... but it is what it is, and it is Haste the Day.

This is a pretty good one from the new album:

Now that these guys are really done and have completed the final flame... I think it marks a good time for a new HTD tattoo... since I already have the Pressure the Hinges bird.

HTD flame progression

annnd the newest:

In other life news,

I have been 25 for 2 months now and I swear it was like immediate changes in my mindset. Is that normal? Maybe mentally I was waiting for a certain age where I thought it was acceptable to just quit caring. Wait, that sounds bad. Let me try again, I now feel 100% the chill girl I have always tried to be and people assumed that I was. It isn't that I don't care about anything, I just finally care about myself more. I have never been one to worry obsessively over what people thought about me, but I would feel bad if they thought I had negative thoughts towards them or wonder why when someone didn't like me. All of a sudden even the small "hmmm...'s" seemed ridiculously silly.

I am extremely aware of the fact people have always thought, and some still think I can be super anti-social and even stuck up. Oh well. I seem to be what the internet deems "selectively social". I am an introvert with an outgoing personality. I'm weird. I love being around people but usually have to be coaxed out to get to that point. Otherwise I am perfectly content being a hermit and not speaking to anyone for a week straight.

I gave up dieting. Dieting has got to be one of the dumbest things ever. When you diet you torture yourself because all you do, constantly, is crave things you should not have. Eating yummy things in moderation is perfectly acceptable just make sure you throw in healthy things now and then if it's not your norm to start with. Damn it makes me so much happier to not diet anymore and holy shit I have lost more weight in the short time after coming to this conclusion than I did any time I tried actual diets. Oh life, stop being difficult.

25 seems to be the age where you, or I, in my case (maybe you are 25 and completely have it together, or the opposite) feel like I am right in the middle of adult and wtf. I live in a house by myself and I have a grown up job and I enjoy cleaning and cooking. Then there are days where I have scrambled eggs with hot sauce and Diet Pepsi for dinner and spend all day watching superhero movies on Netflix. Or eat an entire box of thin mints in an hour (I am not ashamed, like I said... chill mode- judge away). And then there is the struggle to have this nice feng shui bedroom, but then I have a hard time giving up things like a wall with a collage of random framed pictures and a poster of Curly, Moe, and Larry attempting to play golf. Halp me! At least I convinced Bryan it was time to take down the confederate flag hanging on one of the walls. Hallelujah. It opens up space to hang the posters I stole from the bathroom at the Fillmore. Ahhh shit. #thestruggle (do people hashtag in blogs?)  

When it comes to guys... I have the best one I can ask for. Which may seem strange to some people who don't know Bryan and I very well because it does seem to be a weird situation... but I literally could not ask for a better person to be with. Which kind of makes my next realization pointless, but attraction wise, if a guy isn't at least 5 years older than me I am not attracted whatsoever. What is that even about? I don't know. But like I said. It doesn't matter. I have a wonderful boyfriend and he is 30 years old so all is well in the world.

Lastly, after years and years (well, 8 years to be exact) of trying to figure out what I want to spend money on school for... I have decided I want to be pastry chef. But guess what? Not happening now because I can't get that degree and work my current job, and I have a great job. Guess I'll continue on with my business management and marketing degree- super exciting right? Maybe one day.. I'm not giving up on the idea, and how awesome would it be if I did get my MBA and then a pastry arts degree? Hello entrepreneurship.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd, I'm getting zero sleep tonight.

bye.

-amby

Slacker

I really am such a slacker when it comes to this blog. I need to start keeping track of ideas I have for things to write about because I literally get SO many during the day, every day, no joke. Once it comes time to sit down and type it out... it's all gone. Maybe I have chronic writer's block. Is that a thing?

My thought process on a regular basis these days: 

I need to do better when it comes to a lot of things:

-This blog
-Gym routine
-Sleep schedule
-Eating meals at normal human times
-Making more time to play with little Pepper

Pretty much I need to get my life in order. The one thing that is currently a constant is music. I love my music. Those of you who know me, know that. I have been to so many concerts lately its a bit crazy. Last Thursday I went to see Hozier which I have videos of I may post later... kind of thinking about doing a concert page connected to this since I go to so many but we all know how I like to procrastinate and never get around to completing my ideas.

Me on an average day:

Guess what though! I went to the gym this morning before work! Major accomplishment because I felt like a zombie getting out of bed this morning, it was the absolute last thing I wanted to do. Unfortunately, it did not feel as great as it did last time I went before work... not sure if it was the lack of sleep the night before or my wonderful brain telling me I didn't need to eat breakfast before working out for an hour straight. I probably would have done better going this evening like usual... but I am proud for making myself go this morning. I just need to prepare better.

Now, while I take another couple of days to try and plan my life, here is a good tune, enjoy.

When I say take a "couple of days" to plan out my life, that probably will end up being after May 9th (aka- last day of Spring semester) because you know, this happened:

and it makes things difficult. ^

Thank you, accounting.

In the meantime you will be getting these random posts from me. Some may actually be interesting and informational but the majority will probably be like this and I am sorry. I'm such a failure!!

Oh, but I almost forgot, I get my good laptop back tomorrow after it quit wanting to charge (its finally fixed!) So that may help in the process as well. I hate this old macbook.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

-Amby

Short and Sweet, Like Spring Break

I didn't even realize until Monday that this week was my Spring Break. Not that it means a lot because I have a full time job and bills and a house to take care of and all that fun adult stuff.

Here is what I have been doing for fun... and I'm serious, fun: CLEANING AND BAKING. It's so calming and relaxing. Want to hear something crazy? I thoroughly enjoy folding laundry. I'm too domestic for my own good I think. It has its perks though, for example... I made these today just because:

YUMMY CUPCAKES

I almost feel guilty posting this as my friend is always posting healthy stuff and work out stuff and just very uplifting, motivating, informational blurbs. I'm over here like cupcakes and sugar and music and random things.

Ramble ramble.

I'll get back into the gym thing soon. Downloaded the Planet Fitness app today, its pretty neat, will get into that at a later time.

Did I mention the cupcakes have a filling?

FILLING!!!

I know you are asking yourself, "I wonder what kind of cupcakes those beautiful creations are?" Well well well, its your lucky day because I just so happen to have the answer.

Think of Nutella meets s'mores meets simple white cake meets amazingness.

It is basically a white cake with marshmallow filling, Nutella buttercream, crushed graham crackers sprinkled on top, with a piece of a Hershey's bar. I may post my recipe later. That buttercream is to die for, no joke.

I have literally listened to music all day. Haven't even touched the TV. Can't get enough of this album lately. Reason probably being that I know they will be in Charlotte on March 20th and I doubt I'll be able to go. Boo hiss. But they are sweeeeeeeet.

"Its not a fever that's keeping me up at night. I know you mean well, but you always leave me paralyzed. Don't you know, don't you know? All I need's another dose."

Goodnight, its late, and I'm a bit delirious.

I'll do better next time, promise!

-Amby

"Those unrepenting buzzards want your life...

... and they got no right.

As sure as you have eyes,

they got no right."

I really love that song by The Shins. The lyrics are fantastic. Just kinda wanted to throw that out there.

 I am about to talk about something that will probably only make sense to a couple of people I know who read this blog but I will say, what I'm talking about specifically is not the point, and is not the important part.

Looking back I have thought of myself as having hard times, dealing with tough situations, unfortunate relationships, jobs, complications, whatever. Recently, however, I actually dealt with something pretty traumatic. Let me just tell you- my whole outlook on life situations has changed. I literally cannot believe some of the silly things I know to have complained about, and situations where I felt so sorry for myself that it now just seems selfish and petty.

Since this experience I went through a couple of phases: shock, panic, shock again, emotional wreck, shock once again, confusion, and being just disturbed in general. (Okay, maybe that is more than a couple of phases)

And now, NOW I have this numb kind of disinterest in things that once excited me. For example, there are three amazing concerts coming up that I have tickets too. At this moment, I could burn the tickets and probably not think twice about it. For those of you who know me, that is kind of insane. I was also on this really good kick of going to the gym in the evenings (trying to switch over to mornings), eating healthy, and just being more healthy in general. Even though I know its important to keep up... I am officially unmotivated. Not to mention any time I eat, I start over thinking and make myself nauseous. Ugh, no bueno mi amigos.

Its such a weird sensation, to have all these feelings change in you over the course of a few days and I am really trying to figure out how to reverse it. How to not let unfortunate circumstances alter the way I want to live my life and the way I should be living my life. I have a feeling this blog is going to become a lot more important to me than I once realized, because it is something I will 100% use to hold myself accountable for getting back to my best self and my best life.

I cannot express how lucky I am to have people such as Jennifer (and a few others who don't blog like us cool kids) to keep reminding me that things will be ok and who are there if I ever need anything.

Someone posted this a couple of days ago, seems like a lot of truth to me :)

Not that I believe a lot of people are reading my blog at this point as I have not been keeping up with it as I should, but if you are and I have confused you, my main points are these:

*Surround yourself with good, caring people and feel blessed if they call you a friend.

*Just take things as they come the very best way you can. "It is what it is" happens to be a phrase I say a lot. And it's very true. 

Dory knows all, you guys. Just listen to Dory. 

And now I should probably get some sleep as I have to be awake in 6 hours for work, and my adorable dog is desperately trying to cuddle. I cannot resist her any longer.

You understand right? :)

Later gators!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitta for mostly randomness and nonsense!

-amby

Early Morning Workouts (and other things)

I seriously cannot just devote a blog to one subject. My life is obviously way too exciting for that.

let's just get this statement out of the way...

So how about this seeming nonsense that actually turned out not to be nonsense: I woke up at 4:30 am today- to go to the gym before work. Let me tell ya something- it was one of the best things I have ever ever ever done. 

My wonderful friend Jennifer has been doing this for a couple of weeks now and looks to be surviving pretty well.

So this morning, I pushed aside all excuses, braved the cold, chugged some water, and hit up Planet Fitness. I got there about 5:45 am and felt almost aimless as I shoved my bag into a locker and hopped onto the treadmill. Once I got moving though it was the strangest feeling- I had so much energy hit me all at once! I got tired of warming up on the treadmill and jogged steady for 11 minutes until I spotted Jennifer on the elliptical. I joined her for about 10-15 more minutes (I really don't remember) then did some work on a few of the machines. This is where I fail miserably when it comes to going to the gym. I don't count reps, I don't keep track of how much weight I put up or push away or pull back or whatever. I need a plan. I was like a Planet Fitness nomad today. It was bad. I'm going to work on that. Jennifer does well and is great motivation. JENNIFER I WANT TO BE MORE LIKE YOU! :p

I don't know what the different machines are called exactly, or if they all even have specific names, but the ab machines got the best of us this morning I think. I used one that made me feel like my stomach was literally ripping in half. Then, being all rebellious and whatnot, Jennifer and I grabbed a machine in the 12 minute ab circuit while not actually doing the circuit. Whether it was a good idea or not, still unsure. I have never felt like such an airhead as I did trying to figure the machine out (there were even pictures showing what to do)... and then I got to watch Jennifer literally crawl on the floor away from this particular machine after attempting it. We are apparently quite the team. I wish I had videos of that one.

I get that a lot of people feel this way about daily workout talks, but seriously its a decent possibility something similar will happen to me at some point in time. So stay tuned, you never know.

Anywho,

I have so many TV shows to watch. Really. I finally caught up on the last 3 episodes of The Walking Dead, and the 2 new episodes in season 3 of Vikings, but I also really need to start on Banshee- which my boss has literally been nagging me about watching so he has someone to talk to about it. Not to mention Breaking Bad. I am like the most uncool person ever because I STILL HAVE NOT SEEN THAT SHOW. It's tragic I know. I'm getting there. I'm just being really unproductive when it come to TV shows today as I have been re-watching season one of the best crime drama/comedy show ever to be created. Psych. Really, if you've got a few minutes- just watch this video. I'll never get tired of Shawn and Gus. Or pineapples. I want to move to Santa Barbara.

I'm saving the most random thing for last today,

I bought....

a UKULELE!

Don't ask why, we'll just have to see how this goes. I should be getting it in the mail Tuesday.

follow me on twitter guys! @ambermb319

also check out my friend Jennifer on Wordpress!

Laters!

-Amby

A Bit of Everything Random... or not.

I'm just going to start this post by saying I have way too much to talk about. I should have been blogging about things everyday but NOPE I have been slack and doing other things and now I am about to vomit my brain into one post.

Not quite sure where to start so I'll try and follow up from my last post. I don't know if I fully explained what is going on with my shoulder but basically I lost a lot of strength as well as ROM (range of motion) in my right arm due to pain radiating down through my shoulder from a protruding disc in my neck (sounds lovely, I know) and of course me being my stubborn self, I didn't see a doc about this pain until about a month ago... this slight pain has been going on for about a year now. Well guess what? My wonderful physical therapist, and she really is wonderful, has advised against PiYo til I get my arm right. So my PiYo workout is officially on hold but that doesn't mean I'm not doing anything, I'll just be getting in more gym time at Planet Fitness.

On to the next topic: Music News (in my world)

I discovered this band over the weekend... Twin Forks. 

They were actually formed not too long ago- so I'm actually not way behind in finding them. Here's the thing it took me a couple days to figure out: The lead vocalist/guitarist in the band is Chris Carrabba from Further Seems Forever and the more well known Dashboard Confessional. I knew his voice from somewhere and it took some time before I could put my finger on it, but there ya go. I must say, he has really covered a wide range of music over his career. Twin Forks is by far my favorite project of his, if not one of my new favorite bands in general. Although they currently only have one album out, there is not one song by them I dislike. 

Seriously, take a listen guys. Here they are performing a couple of songs I absolutely ADORE:

Pretty amazing right? Right. I'm a fan. 

Anyway,

Did you guys hear about the crazy winter storm we experienced here in good ol' Fort Mill, SC?

Here is a run down:

All of the meteorologists and weather websites and apps and news stations were talking about how our area would get 5 to 8 inches of snow. If you live in the south you know an event like that would shut down your town or city for close to a week. Everyone was preparing. BREAD, MILK, AND EGGS OH MY. I actually heard that all of the hardware stores around sold out of shovels. No joke. You guys wanna hear what I bought the evening of the night this was suppose to go down? Cheap champagne, orange juice, and a pre-made Greek salad from Publix. Which I happen to think are far more superior provisions than bread and milk. Am I right?

I don't think there is a valid argument against me here.

VS

I'm a survivor guys what can I say?

Anyway, all the schools closed and Governor Nikki Haley declared a state of emergency for SC. It was a big deal. 

Here is a picture from my very own front door of our Snowmaggedonpocalypse of 2015:

We will rebuild.

Welcome to South Carolina.

I actually had lots of other things to discuss tonight but I think I may have over done this post already so I'll spare y'all the chatter. I need some sleep anyway. 

Later peeps.

Follow me on twitter @ambermb319

-Amby

Making Changes + Coconutty Bliss

Hey hello hi there.

I have officially started the PiYo program and am a part of Team Beachbody! I'm also giving the Shakeology thing a go. Today was day 3 and so far so good although I feel awkward as hell trying to do the actual PiYo poses.

Apparently I have the joints of an old lady. Boooo, sad face.

But I'm working on it. I'm sore so that means it's working. I think.

If you aren't familiar with PiYo, it is basically a combination of Pilates and Yoga (core strengthening, muscle sculpting, and increasing flexibility) but moves a little quicker so you aren't holding poses for ridiculous amounts of time.

The Beachbody brand also does Insanity, T25, and P90x.... sound more familiar to you? It really does seem like a great program so far and although I feel like recommending it after only 3 days is jumping the gun a little- I'm very confident!

When you sign up you are assigned a coach (for basically any and all questions you may have) and are able to live chat with all of the Beachbody trainers, you are given a recommended meal plan, recipes, a place to record your progress, and chat with other Beachbody members for motivational and accountability purposes (no it is not free, but it seems worth it so far).

I was really hesitant about posting a before picture because I am not happy with how I look- which I guess is a given considering I joined this program. If I don't have a before picture though there will be no reference as to what I'm starting as and no way for you guys to tell the progress gained. Soooooooo after (not really a lot of) deliberation. Here is my before picture. I realize I'm not fat... but I have absolutely no visible definition and really want to change that.

Moving on to even less interesting topics...

I JUST HAVE TO SAY: I bought new body wash, shampoo, and conditioner today and I swear to Jesus I thought I was going to scrub my skin off in the shower because the body wash smelled so good I just wanted to keep using it. Dove came out with a new one called "Pistachio cream and magnolia" DO YOURSELF A FAVOR LADIES.

Now, I have been using the OGX Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner for a couple of years. It's a brand I have discovered that I don't really need to change up because my hair doesn't seem to get used to it like many others I've tried. Works lovely every single time. Today I decided to try a different type, same OGX brand... but this one is Coconut Water shampoo and conditioner. I seriously cannot even describe how amazing it smells and how light and soft it made my hair!! Just a little FYI hehe.

I really wish I could go to sleep right now but I have coffee running through my veins because I have zero common sense and no self control when it comes to this heavenly beverage. Here is what I look like when I'm blogging strung out on caffeine, dork alert:

And with that, I bid you adieu. I'm sure this entry could have been more interesting but my mind is going a thousand miles a second and nothing makes sense. But at least you got a picture of me in my favorite sports bra and my expression of love for certain hygiene products.

Lata Gatas.

-Amby

Funny story... I'm a slacker. Also, Leggings are a funny thing.

My last post was in April of last year. Apparently I'm better at the idea of blogging rather than the act of blogging. Good grief.

Well here's to the second time around. :)

My current situation: I am sitting on my front porch with my Macbook because today was such a nice day I thought this would be a good idea. Well guess what? It's February and its getting dark and its kind of cold. Also the guy who works at the gas station across the street from my house keeps coming out to smoke and is staring at me. It's a little awk.

Can I catch up on what's happened in my life since last April?

Here we go, in a nutshell:

-I got a pomeranian pup
-Bryan went to prison (he will be back in July)
-I got a new job (at a physical therapy office, say whaaat?!)
-I went back to school for the first time since dropping out of USC (and finished my first semester with the highest GPA attainable, not that I'm bragging...)
-I saw a lot of really rad shows like: Needtobreathe, Dave Matthews Band, Weenie Roast (Weezer, Fitz and the Tantrums, Fuel, lots of other bands...), Coheed and Cambria with We Are Scientists, A Day to Remember with Bring Me the Horizon, Motionless in White, and Chiodos, Brand New with Foxing, Anberlin, Saves the Day and Say Anything with Reggie and the Full Effect, and last but not least Motion City Soundtrack and Copeland with Better Off.
-I also made it to a Panther's game this season as well as a Checker's game. Carolina lost both.


In other news and completely unrelated subjects...

I think a rule book should come with every pair of leggings that are available for purchase.
I'll be honest, I used to be one of those people who were like "LEGGINGS AREN'T PANTS... PUT ON SOME PANTS."
I felt very strongly about it.
But then, after buying a new pair of leggings that I had every intention of wearing under a short dress, I changed my mind. I can admit when I am wrong.
Apparently you can buy a correct pair of leggings to wear alone. They end up looking similar to skinny yoga pants. They make your ass look great, even if you barely have one, as in my very sad case.

So I stand corrected and I am no longer opposed to leggings rocked solo.... UNLESS:

1) You are like the girl I saw at QT last week who had on tye dyed leggings (failure #1) that were basically stretched so tight you could see straight through the fabric (failure #2) exposing her white thong for all the world, errr, all of QT to see. (failure #3- who the hell buys white thongs??)

2) You are a woman I saw earlier today. She was rather large and while her leggings were not transparent, I saw way too much cellulite and way too many crevices. I shudder.

3) Leggings that are the same color as your flesh. You look half naked and ridiculous and there is no logic to skin colored leggings.

That being said, apparently there are people out there who just don't understand, hence the rule book.



Oh and hey, the Grammys were tonight.

ICYMI- my favorite performance of the night was Ed Sheeran and John Mayer Performing Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud", once CBS puts a video online I'll add it here.



That's all folks.