Mini Freighbor

My sweet mini Freighbors bring so much joy to my life. So. Much. Joy.

Freighbor was kind enough to take me to the airport yesterday and the mini Freighbors came too. Car rides with these ladies are anything but dull.

Sweet Mini Freighbor number one was on fire!

You see, she is on a mission to find a man for her dearest Freighbor-lejo. She may be more consumed with it than I am to be honest.

She busted out the names of the newest potentials for me, along with random facts about them.

This is the conversation that took place next:

Me: Sammy, I still have a crush on ______________.
Sammy: You gotta let it go girl.

Ummmmmmmmm, I'm sorry what,!?

Yup? That's right, my 10 year old neighbor told me to move on.

Freighbor and I immediately had tears in our eyes.

Amazing.

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LIVING in the Land Between

The Land Between is an uncomfortable place to be.

The thing about the Land Between is it is exactly that... BETWEEN.  It isn't where you are from and it isn't where you are going, it is where you are for a season.  We may never know why we spend time in the Land Between, but we are there for a reason.  It isn't fun.  It is uncomfortable.  Sometimes, it just plain sucks.  But we have a choice.

While we are in the Land Between we can choose, as Rob Bell said in Velvet Elvis, "to become bitter, cynical, jaded and hard.  Anyone can do that.  A lot have.  Hatred is a powerful, unifying force."  We can choose to be these bitter people that no one wants to be around or we can choose well.  We can choose to be positive and make a conscious decision to have good days rather than the opposite.

I have found myself in the Land Between for a few years now.  Almost 4 years to be exact.  It hasn't been terrible all of the time, but there have certainly been some storm clouds.  There have also been times with rainbows and butterflies, reminding me of hope and promise.  At the beginning of my journey through the Land Between, I was less than enthusiastic about the journey.  I wanted out.  I wanted into the Promised Land where life looked differently.  As I sit and write this, almost 4 years in, I am not so eager to move on.  I have found peace in the Land Between.  Don't get me wrong, I would rather not experience 40 years in the Land Between as the Israelites did, and I would rather not die in the Land Between as most did... but I have found a sense of peace that truly surpasses all understanding.

Here are some of the lessons that I have learned, and/or am learning, in the Land Between...

• It can ALWAYS be worse.
• There is a time for noise and there is a time for silence.
• Standing up for yourself is a requirement in life, even if it is hard.
• Don't apologize for how you feel, they are YOUR feelings, no one gets to tell YOU how YOU should feel or what YOU should think.
• It is not only OK but NECESSARY to filter your relationships.
• Surround yourself with people that genuinely care about you and that you genuinely care about.
• Remove the things that bring drama and stress to your life.

These lessons have not all been easy to learn.  Some of these lessons have been the result of some hard conversations, nights spent at home alone, changing friendships, and a lot of time spent in introspection.  Growing pains take on a whole new meaning as an adult.  In some ways, I would gladly trade these growing pains for the kind that effect your knees as a kid... in other ways, I am so thankful that I have allowed myself to actually FEEL these growing pains.

At the end of the day, I have hope.  I believe that there is a promised land for me.  I don't know what it looks like or what it will take to get there but I am not so concerned with that anymore.  I am thankful for my time in the Land Between and I will try my best to live my life, and live in abundantly, in the Land Between.

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Honored

Last March, my friend Kathlene invited me to work at a VIP Party at the Lady Gaga concert at Viejas Arena.  Of course, I said yes and couldn't wait to help out.  If you know me at all, you know that I pretty much jump at any opportunity to get to work with anything Music, Event, or Non-Profit related... these three things make me come alive and are where I thrive.

The party was pretty easy work and went well.  When the party was over, I headed over to June's office to say hi to her before heading in to check out some of the show.  (SIDE NOTE - Lady Gaga is an incredible performer.  She can be a bit crude and overwhelming but when you get past that and she does her thing, it is something to be seen.)  I am so glad that I stopped in to say hi.  It is in June's office that I met Kristin and Rhonda.

The conversation with Kristin went a little like this.

Me: Hi, I am Amanda.
Kristin: Hi, I am Kristin.
Me: What do you do?
Kristin: I am the ticketing manager.
Me: Where?
Kristin: San Diego, and Cricket Amphitheater.
Me: Oh, Hire me.
Kristin: Ohhhhh Kayyy.

The next day, I sent an email to follow up and the rest is history.

Last May, I started working at Cricket Wireless Amphitheater as a ticket seller.  Once I was on summer break, I started working on an almost daily basis, and Kristin and Rhonda (and Shawn too) started to let me help out with little projects that would come up.  There are few things I love more than being given a project along with the freedom to figure it out and make it work.  As the season went on, more of these things came up and I loved it every time.  I was so sad when the season ended in November and wouldn't pick back up until March.

January came along and I got an email asking me to come in and help with a project that I helped with last season, only this season I get even more responsibility and I love it!  I get to work with all of the purchasers, help plan what goes on in the Premium Lounge for them, and just be the person that they can count on throughout the whole process.  They are my people and I am their person and I like it.

This past weekend was the first Country Mega Ticket concert in a series of 6 and the Country Mega Ticket Premium Lounge that we created for them was even better than I had envisioned.  The decor that I picked out and made added just the right amount of country flair to the great furniture that Tiffany picked out.  The food was incredible.  The DJ from KSON did a great job, as he did last year.  And to top all of that off, my dear friend Tracy, who is a Photographer Extraordinaire, came and took photos at a photo booth that I created.  It was SO FUN.  The people enjoyed it, they really really enjoyed it.  They didn't just grab their food and leave like they did last year, they actually came and hung out.  It was exactly what we hoped for... even more.

Here are some fun pictures that I took in the photo booth.  Who says work isn't fun?

Kathlene, thank you for hiring me to work the party at Gaga last March.  As you know, it opened some pretty great doors for me and I am SO SO SO thankful for that.

Kristin and Rhonda, thank you for taking a chance on me.  Thank you for allowing me to work more than just show days.  Thank you for letting me take on special projects.  Thank you for believing in me to be able to take on a job and do it well.  Thank you for everything!

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27

There are NO words to adequately express all that I felt on my birthday (and all week for that matter).

As you read (or didn't read) in my last post, I wasn't feeling so great about turning 27.  Life doesn't look AT ALL what I thought it would look like at 27.  I thought I would be working my dream job (whatever that is), married to a great man (know anyone?), living in a cute Craftsman Style home, with a baby on my hip and one on the way.  Ummmmm, I work multiple jobs (jobs that I love but still, multiple), I couldn't be more single, I live in the add on room behind my parents garage, and it would take immaculate conception to get me a baby.

Alas, my birthday has come and gone and I have to say, 27 isn't so bad after all... I actually kind of love it.

To start the celebrating (on Sunday night), I went to The Venetian (my favorite Italian place that happens to be in Point Loma) with Kim and Mama and Papa Harv.  I can't begin to express how important this family is to me.  My eyes are filling up with tears as I type this... there really are no words to express how much this family means to me.

Monday night, the SPU crew met at my favorite, Miguel's, for Pomegranate Margaritas, White Sauce, and their Birthday Mud Pie.  If you haven't been to Miguel's, then I question our friendship (unless of course you are reading this from afar and haven't had the joy of being in San Diego and being dragged there by me).  I love that after almost 9 years, weddings, jobs, continued education, and moving around, we are still friends and continue to do life together.

On the eve of my birthday, I celebrated with a trip to the gym for some TKB and Bodypump.  I figured I would end 26 the same way I started it, in the gym.  Nothing like a little me time.

Then came my actual birthday!  I woke up a little after midnight to use the restroom and my mom came barreling out of her room singing me happy birthday and shoving a card in my face.  Though I didn't necessarily express it at the time, I love that my mom did that.  She was the first person to wish me a Happy Birthday on the actual day.
 
Shortly after I woke up, my phone started to blow up from all of the phone calls, text messages, tweets, and facebook notifications and it didn't stop until after I went to sleep. I wore green, as I always do, in remembrance of our dear friend Ben who passed was 4 years ago on my birthday.  I am honored to share the 14th with such an unbelievable person.

Upon arriving to work, my desk was covered with gifts and the celebrating continued all day long.  Between the lovely presents, the hand made cards from the kids, Ally's shenanigans, and the kids telling me Happy Birthday over and over again... I was GLAD to be at work on my birthday.

In the afternoon, I received a text message from my step-dad (Clydey Poo-Poo) informing me that I have received a floral arrangement at the house.  There is something about getting flowers that makes this girl's heart melt a little bit.  I just love me some flowers.

To top that off, I also came home to a package from my Travel Partner and very dear friend in Colorado, Chelsea.  Since we aren't able to take a Tropical vacation this year, she sent me all the makings of a Tropical Vacation... sunscreen, sunglasses, nail polish, lip gloss, a mindless read (Snookie's book), a travel case, and some sweet treats.  Such a thoughtful gift from an amazing friend.  So thankful for that lady!

I started 27 the same way I began and finished 26... in the gym.  Here is a little secret about 24 Hour Fitness, when you check in on your birthday, a notice pops up on the screen so the person at the front desk tells you Happy Birthday.  Call me a sucker for some attention, but I kind of love it.

I had a session with Kyle (The Inappropriate Trainer, as Freighbor calls him) which always brings a smile to my face.  Don't get me wrong, I am generally cursing throughout the whole session due to pain and fatigue but I love every minute of it.  I would argue any of you with a trainer that my trainer is better than yours.  He is a hard ass with a kind heart.  Sweet Kyle gave me wine and flowers for my birthday.  See, my trainer is better than yours.  Told ya!

That evening, I had dinner with some of my most favorite women in San Diego.  Freighbor made this yummy stuffed chicken recipe that I have been wanting to try for a while now.  Katelynn made the most delicious White Sangria.  June made a tasty summer salad.  Sue made some of the best asparagus I have ever tasted.  Kathlene brought some treats courtesy of Jimmy Buffet.  To top it off, Freighbor made me a YUMMY chocolate angel food cake with strawberries.  Some of my favorite things, all in one meal.  The only thing better than the meal was the company. 

Each of the ladies that was at dinner has been an integral part of be becoming who I am at this stage in life.  These women are easy to be friends with.  These women are no drama.  These women are fun.  These women are caring.  These women are HUGE blessings in my life.

Then came presents...  Let me start by saying I am OUT OF CONTROL spoiled by my friends. 

To start it off, I had posted a wishlist a while back thinking that no one read it.  Well, I was wrong.  Apparently Kathlene stalks my blog (shout out to you, Kathlene) and she and her mom went in together to get me the clothes from Old Navy that I had been stalking online. EVERY. SINGLE. PIECE.  OUT OF CONTROL.

Then, came a present that I am still in complete and utter shock about.  A very dear friend of mine has known that I have been dreaming of the Rose Gold Michael Kors watch for over two years.  She also knows that I could never justify spending more than a car payment on a watch.  Well, she made the dream a reality.  I now have a big girl watch!  Unbelievable.

Freighbor prepared and hosted the yummy meal, gave me the most comfortable blanket known to man along with a song at my Karaoke party... which in itself is a BIG gift.

I got me some Skinny Girl Margarita, Gift Cards to spoil myself with, and so much more!

I must say, these presents were simply the icing on a very amazing cake.  The friendships that I have in these ladies and their presence in my life is present enough.  I went to bed with a smile on my face, a full heart, and tears in my eyes; I was completely and totally overwhelmed by all of the love that I felt on my Birthday.  Everyone should have a day like that!

The next day, at school, one of my sweet little ladies brought me some pretty flowers to brighten my office and a little treat for home.

Friday night, it was time to celebrate the way I do every year, with some Karaoke at the "Family Bar".  My cousin made me a beautiful and VERY tasty cake, Freighbor brought cupcakes from European Cake Gallery, and we enjoyed some bar food and strong beverages.  We got our sing on and I even debuted a new song.  It was a great night; I was again, surrounded by so many people that I love and who have been part of my story.
 

All in all, I had one of the best birthdays EVER.  Between the text messages, phone calls, facebook notifications, e-mails, flowers, packages in the mail, presents, and presence of my friends, I felt TOO blessed.  I am beyond thankful for what I have and am so honored to call these people friends. 

Cheers to 27. 

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27?!?!?

I feel like I am experiencing what most experience during their "quarter life crisis" or Pre-30th birthday as I approach my 27th birthday (which happens to be in just 9 minutes).

I know that 27 is young and that I have the world at my fingertips but allow me to feel what I feel. I mean, this is my blog after all. :)

I thought that I would have a career in the music industry or with a non-profit or something else that is just plain awesome. I thought that I would be married with a kid on the way. I thought life would look A LOT differently than it does today.

My boss and I had a conversation yesterday during which she asked me what I wanted to do for a career. At that instant I was reminded that I didn't have a career, but a handful of jobs, and was about to turn 27. It stung a little bit.

Today, I went with a class to see a play and a line kept being repeated, as it was the central theme of the play... "what good are amazing experiences if you have no one to share them with". Yup, that stung too.

So, as I lie here awake, when I should be asleep, I can't help but think of what is to come. Though I don't have a husband (or even a boyfriend or even a crush) or a career, I do have the most amazing friends, jobs that I love, and a lot of fun memories from my early and mid 20's.

Who knew that 27 would be so tough?

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The little things...

... that are actually quite a big deal.

January 26, 2011, I walked into my first Weight Watchers meeting and weigh-in and haven't missed one since!  This journey has been longer than anticipated, full of ups and downs (on the scale and emotionally), but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I have learned so much about myself through this journey to a healthier, and consequently much happier, me.

Here are some things that are new to me that I love...

• I can cross my legs at the knee without having to have something to rest my foot on to keep them crossed.  This may not sound like a big deal but trust me, IT IS.
• I don't worry about back fat popping out all over the place.
• I love my legs... no seriously, I LOVE THEM.  I love the definition in them from my training sessions, the countless hours on the stair climber, and the THOUSANDS of squats and lunges that I have done.
• I can go shopping ANYWHERE!  I mean, I shop at The Closet and TJ Maxx and Ross and Target and Kohl's and Nordstrom Rack and so many other places, places that I never thought I could shop before.  I was so restricted with my clothing options before dropping the pounds.
• Since I am now able to shop virtually anywhere, I love to shop (within my means) and experiment with fashion that I never would have before.  I bought a pair of coral color jeans recently and I am IN LOVE with them.  I take risks rather than trying to blend in with the crowd.
• I can wear a racer back tank without hesitation.  This is mostly thanks to Bodypump and the training sessions... as much as I hate working out my back and shoulders, I am thankful that I have stuck through the pain!
• With all of the working out and eating better, I am a MUCH happier person... so much more at peace.
• Along with the perk of being happier, I have A LOT more energy and feel like a slug if I go more than a day without doing something active.  Along with that, when I go more than a day... I am not so happy.  If I keep the cycle going the way I should, it works better on all levels!
• I have collar bones.  I mean I know I always had them but you can see them now.  I feel so much more feminine with them.  Again, may not sound like a big deal but it is to me.
• I look at serving sizes BEFORE opening a package/taking a drink/stuffing my face.  Did you know that there are only 4 Thin Mints in a serving of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies?  No, it isn't a sleeve like most of us think and act... it is 4 cookies!  To go further, those 4 cookies are more satisfying than you may think.  Try it.
• I am more confident.  SO MUCH more confident.
• I stand up for myself.  If I don't like the way someone is talking to me or treating me, I let them know.  I am worthy of great love, it is time to start living that truth.
• I try new things.
• I put myself out there... or shall I say I am trying to do this. :)
• I believe in myself and the dreams that I have.

All this to say, what a difference a year makes.  I still have about 24 pounds to go before reaching "goal" and becoming a lifetime member of Weight Watchers.  Some days, it feels like these 24 pounds are going to take FOREVER, in fact it feels that way on most days.  When I get frustrated, I look at how far I have come and celebrate the journey that I am on. I don't dwell on the 24, I celebrate the 36.

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