iPad mini

I was finally able to get my iPad mini, it wasn't supposed to get here until the 20th, but I was happy to be notified that it would actually arrive early! I got it last Wednesday. It's so great, haven't gotten the most use out of it, I only purchases the $329 version in white, which I love!

I love how easy it is to use and will report again, once I have gotten my macbook to sync with it. I am really loving iCloud.

Regrouping...

Ok, so I know I've only managed to lose two lbs. in the last three months. I know...that is terrible since you should be losing 1-2 lbs. per week! I'm not getting discouraged though.  I know I haven't been doing EVERYTHING, I could be doing to lose the weight.

I'm a bit amazed that I've kept up with working out consistently. And on the same hand, working out as hard as I am, still not getting the part that I love doing in order....the eating part.

I'll have to start out small so that I can get myself in the groove and move forward, start with two weeks, and then get myself to do it for longer. I know I can do it, I've done it in the past, I have everything I could need to get it done, I'm gonna do it!


I got an email last night that my iPad mini is on it's way! I'm so excited, it should be here on Thursday. I can't wait!!!

Portion control is easy and so doable!

Two weeks!

Time goes by so fast!

Workouts have been going strong, I'm just doing it!

I weighed in and have lost 2 lbs. which is really unacceptable, I'll manage to get the weight off in Jesus name!

Thankful....

For the Lord allowing me to get this far.
For Him allowing me to know Him.
To have the privilege to seek Him in His temple, to gaze upon the beauty of Him.
To rest all of the days of my life in his temple.

To be able to go to him in every detail of my life, and ask him what's up, knowing that he cares, and that he doesn't pressure me with judgement but with love and sees me as righteous in Christ. I am righteousness in Christ.

I can breath.

Wow, this week went by fast, especially since I only had to work today! I have the rest of the week off...I'm so glad and happy about that :-)

I wonder what I'll get myself to do. Worked out today and it was great, then tomorrow. And then!


THANKSGIVING FOOD! Lord help me. I was on FB for brief moment. Might go to Dallas earlier next month to finish up my Christmas shopping, just one more person on my list.

I wonder if I'll be moving again next April. It will be just shy of two years if I do decide to move away again. I won't move far away. I'll leave it to the Lord and leave it in his hands, I am in his will...no matter where it leads me! JESUS YOU ARE SO AWESOME!

N T B

A friend introduced me to this band...now I can't seem to get enough. I saw them live last month and wanted to share the playlist of songs I just purchased from them! All of their music is great....I just gravitated more to the ones in this list.

Lord's Presence

Has been so heavenly sweet this week...

He is so good to me. Ready for another three day weekend! I must take advantage!!! :-)

Benjamin is coming down this weekend. I'm excited about that....I've decided I'm going to go ahead and set up my sewing studio in my room...I don't really have a choice the back room is not yet empty and I need to go ahead and move in on it.

My God is a creative God, He is prompting me to move forward, and work with the creativity He is sharing with me.

Tuesday's workout was pretty awesome...so was today's. I love working out, I feel so good afterward.

I'm going to see Skyfall this weekend too...I love James Bond, I'm excited.

I wonder if I should cut my hair shorter? It's pretty plain, no shape to it just a blunt cut. Maybe do some highlights? Something subtle.

Awesome...

Today's workout was pretty great :-) got a good 45 minutes in, even though I was late. I'm glad to have also gotten all of my Christmas shopping done today. I have only one other person whom I need to purchase a gift for.

I also stopped at Ulta today and purchased some shampoo and conditioner along with some real technique brush set, I'll use my stippling brush for applying sunblock and moisturizer. The other brushes have many different uses, it also comes with a stand but it is a bit difficult to put brushes in and out.

Buying more expensive shampoo better work, I went with the Matrix system today and got a free bottle of total results, curl bounce. It was $9 a bottle, for only 10.1 fl oz per bottle....uh, yeah...it better work.

Tomorrow begins the compressed work load, I am supposed to be scheduled 14 appointments....!

I hope it runs smoothly, and there are no delays.

I got me some bright yellow pumps as JCP too...they are pretty awesome and will be versatile :-D

The shoes I just bought at Beall's are going back, my left foot was really cramping as I was working it hard at the gym today. Goodness! Am I ever going to find the right pair of shoes?

Jesus

IS LORD!!!!!

workouts this past week

Tuesday Pilates/yoga - 45 minutes
Wednesday 1 mile treadmill 20 minutes
Thursday Strength Training/aerobics - 45 minutes

I'm off on Mondays now!!! WAhooooo :-D

This week....

It's been a rough week for me emotionally thus far. I worked out monday and really didn't feel like it. I went for maybe 20 minutes...did mostly weights. My class was canceled so...I did slack a bit. On Tuesday, I worked out really good...my class was held, only day this week. Today, I totally hit it hard! I ran into my friend again and I really wanted to lift some weights....It feels really good! Better than cardio for me. I can feel the burn!
Any ho... I worked my back and arms...let me tell you, I'm sure I will be really sore tomorrow!

It felt good gives me some energy and helps relieve stress and anger...lol.

Hey...I know it's not a sin to be angry, it's a sin to act out of anger.

I just had me some guacamole. I've been craving it for the past couple of weeks. Tomorrow is going to be another heavy case load day! This week is almost over...I have to train for the next program in December instead of in January. Which I guess isn't that much sooner but...I really don't mind waiting, instead it will be in Ft. Worth, I wonder if my classmates will also be here?

OH yeah!

Today's workout was pretty intense and amazing at the same time :-) I really do love working it...get all of those endorphins pumpin through my body :-) 55 minutes of intense strength training and cardio ;-)

Longing for my husband

I was having a heart to heart with the Lord. I keep telling him that I want a husband. Thinking all sorts of things in my mind.

I thought about why when I was so close, to having my husband (my ex and I broke up shortly after we had decided to get married), it didn't work out at this time.

And then it hits me

the scripture if I have not love... 1 Corinthians: 12:1-13. He made it clear to me something my eyes have never been opened to.


If I have not love but have all these things...everything (a husband) and not have love then....there is no point.  And then He reminded me of 1 John 4:8. God is love. God is LOVE. I read the scripture again, replacing the word love with God and it made complete sense.

God has shown me over and over that He is faithful. He revealing to me that even though I have a husband it doesn't mean that I will have God in my life. He allowed me to see that even though I may have other things in my life it doesn't mean that I will have what is most important. Love=God.

He wants me to understand...and learn to love and have deep and stable His love in the only place it should be, in my heart, soul, mind and spirit. His love. Never moving, unchanging, because when I do marry my husband, God can never leave our relationship, or be put aside, or ignored.

He will be faithful until I get it. I had missed it twice already, and He had to point it out to me again. He wants to make sure, I see it now before some other story is read for my life. First seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything will be added unto you. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. He is very simple and long suffering for us to get the little things, that will catapult us into His eternity.


I knew both scriptures existed but both had never been connected in a way that had to do with my husband.

45 minutes workout

I did some weights today, worked out my back, arms and chest a bit. I also did some cardio 5 minutes on really intense elliptical and then 10 minutes going 3 mph at a 3 incline.

Yesterday One hour, today one hour :-D

Yesterday, did one hour of strength training and aerobics, today pilates/yoga :-).


The hour went by super-fast!

Christ - MAS!

It is my favorite holiday...oh Jesus, I love to celebrate you and only you! Not nimrod.

Need to Breathe

I had the privilege to go and see Need to Breathe last night in Longview. It was a good show. I was a bit disappointed that they hardly played any songs. They had a cover artist whom played good songs; but that took up about an hour then there was  20-30 minute break and then finally the group I went to see played, they played majority of the songs from the new album, "The Reckoning".

They didn't play two of the songs I would have liked to have heard...oh well guess that will never happen, since I wasn't impressed so much with the overall show, I won't pay another $40 for another concert.

OH! Chicken E, you are terrible, terrible for my body!

I had an ok breakfast, went to lunch with the girls at work and ate myself into almost 1700 calories for the sitting....I couldn't believe it! My poor body, I should have checked out how horrible the fried chicken was at Chicken E, before I ever tasted their amazing food. NEVER AGAIN! Will I eat there. If I were to go again, I would only be allowed to have 1 chicken strip, it has 280 calories by the way I should only be eating between 400-500 calories for the meal. OMG, goodness this is truly tragic.


I worked my little tush off after work though, I mean I was hurting, but nothing compared to that whopping 1700 calorie lunch. Oh my Lord, from now on please Lord, don't let me eat something without first checking how much it's gonna cost my health.

I did also workout on Tuesday even though our class was canceled for that day. I didn't go yesterday. I will go tomorrow since I'm not going out of town this weekend....but oh WAIT!


I am going to the need to breathe concert!!! I am really excited about that :-))))

Someone told me they are amazing live :-D

I am excited!!

1 hour and the doc

I worked out for an hour yesterday. Yoga/Pilates. I went to the doctor today and I did gain some weight. I've been exercising pretty regularly, I'm sure I need to eat more, I'm not even as frequently as I need to either. I need to be more aggressive with the diet part, I'm getting the working out part down, thanks to those classes, my rear end is more firm and shapelier.

I'm excited about that! :-)

Anyway, back to the gym tomorrow. I'll make sure to add these little tid bits of good advice into my daily routines.

45

I got a really good full body aerobics and strength training. My muscles around my knees were cramping up a bit... I need better shoes.

B

I finally got to meet Benjamin...he so cute! He looks just like his mother. He has big hands, long toes and really black hair. He is just a dream! Can't wait a few months to see him more active.


 I was also able to get some more workout clothes, I got two pairs of pants, for about $35 for both. I need to get a sweat band, I have enough sports bras, and I also need to get some new workout shoes.

:-)

The Lord is good to my bones :-))). He heals me of all my fears.

Yoga/pilates 1 hour; today shoulder, triceps, biceps :-D

Yesterday, I did the yoga/pilates class usually on Tuesday. It was a workout- I was sweating like a little pig! lol


Today I did some weight lifting on my own with some free weights, I up'd the weight and then my left arm starting hurting, so I went back down on the weight...maybe I'm still sore from yesterday's push up.

I hate not keeping tabs with how much I'm eating!

Today I totally skipped breakfast...somehow I wasn't hungry at all....and then I had some candy mid-morning. I ate lunch (tacos) they are sooo good and puffy cheetos...I sure did feel like I cheated! Blah....anyway and then I didn't eat a snack. I went and did my workout and when I got home from that I ate some special k strawberry cereal with 1 carb almond milk!!!! It's the bomb.

Anyway, I'm not feeling hungry or deprived. So I'm wondering what I should do, I have to wake-up a bit earlier...I haven't been eating enough breakfast...whatsoever!

I know before when I was apart of that program in college they suggested I eat 1835 calories per day for me to function normally....that was just me sitting still all day....and Oh did I lose a lot of weight! Eating more and not exercising>>>go figure.

Now, I've working out pretty consistently, some cardio some days, strength training every day.

I have to keep adding the pieces, and not quit. It really honestly hasn't been that difficult. Praise the Lord he has given me so much grace to just get it done and move forward; especially when everything else is not in order. But, oh yes!, it is because:


The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord. Psalm 37:23


I will choose to speak the word of the Lord, that is the truth.

Aerobics and strength training

1 hour ...it was a good monday night workout!!!

UPDATED - Berry Protein Shake

I decided to add some banana to my smoothie....it tastes even better!

3/4 cup Healthy Select apples juice (sold at Kroger) 5 cars (per 8 oz serving).
one scoop whey protein
1/2 cup frozen berry medley (Equate - Wal Mart)
1/2 small frozen banana

I put in half of the other ingredients minus the whey protein scoop, if you want it thicker just put half a cup of the apple juice.

Lower body workout

I worked out today. Just my lower body. I'll try and lift heavier weights next time. My legs do feel like mush. I noticed that the gym was pretty busy for a Sunday, but I'm glad I went. I used the aerobics room and no one was in there. I was done within 30 minutes and back at the house.

1 hour yesterday... and today...

yesterday shoulders....today cardio with strength training.

1 hour

I went and did a pilaties/yoga class today. It was really nice and relaxing, except my wrist starting acting up again. I declare it is healed and perfected in the name of Jesus. He did die on the cross for all sickness and diseases.

It felt good to stretch. I need to put things together and make sure I am working out and eating healthier and less to make sure I lose as much weight as possible. I still haven't weighed myself again.

I like those commercials that say, sweat everyday! I wonder who puts those up? Ok, Under Armour does, but I'm not sure I'm using their deodorant though...but I do like that it inspires me a little.

I like sweating every day. It makes me feel good and light and accomplished.

Lord, I know you will remove every moment, that was not meant to happen, outside of you. Their effect will lose it's potency in my heart and soul. Only your truth will stand out and saturate my heart, mind and soul.

1 hour

Of strength training and cardio....I almost threw up. I had an awesome dinner though :-)




broiled tilapia
broccoli
potatoes

cup fo strawberries and crema....the bomb!

Day 1

I started my running plan today....it started to pour down! So, I did stop at the fourth set of 8 minute intervals of walking and running...tomorrow? This is only day one!

20

Intense minutes elliptical.

God is so good :-)

All the time no matter the season.

Learn To Love- NeedToBreathe (with lyrics)

Real love

The Lord displays true love at the cross that even at our worst he died a slow painful death because he loved us. He didn't care what others said to him about us or the price he had to pay. He wanted to to display the perfect love that casts out all fear and gives life more abundantly. Setting a standard that we should never forget or betray by actions that are not worthy to his name.

Weight Loss

During my workout yesterday, I really wanted to lift weights. I really wanted to lift weights but then it's like everyone else read my mind and headed over to the weights area :-(

Today, I went to the gym again after work. I ran into someone whom I'd gone to high school with and we just kinda started talking. Nonchalantly we talked about what we'd been up to. He said he had been working out for about two years now. I told him how I had issues going over to the weight section because all these guys just came pouring in. He said, ya know what don't pay attention to them. They are there with one goal in mind and that's it. I shrugged my shoulders, agreeing. He then said if you want I am working legs today, do you want to workout with me? So, I quickly surveyed the area and a lot of people were gone.

We talked a bit and he just went through the motions reminding me how to do it and I did the same while he rested for his next rep and we switched out and it was perfect! Thank you Jesus! I then ran into my cousin who just got out of jail, he is so sweet, it sucks when the enemy takes a hold of you life and you can't seem to get out of the loop of his deadly roller coaster.

Anyway, back to what happened we had fun, my legs feel like mush...but it was worth it. I'm getting back on track. My personal trainer Eli, says I should be in shape in no time. He estimates two months...lol. Thanks Jesus for my answered prayers, I'm not sure what else you'll be doing in the meanwhile but let it be your will, help me to be a blessing to him and his family, as he is being to me.

I also had my first ever protein smoothie.

I dreaded not knowing if it would be gross or not.

This is what I put in it:

1 cup of healthy choice apple juice (sold in Kroger)
1 cup of frozen medley berries (equate - Walmart)
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder ( i purchased as Wal-Mart)

Let me say, I was very much delighted with the taste! O M G!! I never thought a protein shake would be so good. Somehow, I did wish it tasted like chocolate. I'm sure that would be weird. Anyway, I'll be buying a chocolate flavor next time. I need some vitamins as well.

Gone.

I have been thinking about chopping my hair off...but wasn't really sure. Since I just broke out of a relationship, I decided to go for something new and bold. I have a friend who is about to finish her cosmetology training program and asked her if she would so graciously cut it for me.

Delighted, she agreed.

I cut off about 7 to 9 inches of my hair. It was time. I missed it for two seconds...the emotional attachment has yet to wear off.  I like it. It different, edgier...at the same time still me.

I was thinking about something Joyce Meyer had mentioned during one of her teachings I was listening to the other day. She talked about how she loved what she did for the Lord teaching the word of God on a daily basis. She mentioned something about, really knowing our identity and not tying ourselves to any one thing...to where it completely defined us.

I thought about this and pondered, why yes, we should have a good foundation in the Lord that no matter what we did before, are doing and maybe later won't, that any particular anything wouldn't cause an identity crisis.

Me cutting my hair did set this off. I waved my hair back and forth and it's gone...all excess 7 to 9 inches of it! Wow...the last time I cut my hair this short, was back in November of 2008.  That was four years ago. I had received the occasional trim, but I never had cut that much length off, in one swift move.

I thought about Samson, and how his hair was his glory. How in my Mexican culture men find women with long luscious hair more attractive. My ex loved my long hair. I almost chickened out.

I still did it.

Now I have less hair and even though I really, really enjoy it long. It doesn't define who I am. It was quite crazy actually when she was cutting my hair I felt like I was on the steep dip down on a really high roller coaster, I had to hold my stomach. Even now writing this I want to cry.

My hair is still curly, a little less lioness even. But, it's done, it will grow back. I needed a change.
Blah, I didn't realize how attached I was to something that is dead. Lol.

Ok Amanda, it's gone you can't put it back, it doesn't in any way, shape or form change who you are. Hopefully, I didn't hurt the Lord's feelings by doing it.


All of the sudden, I have the urge to express myself creatively, physically....do stuff that I haven't done and have longed to do. I have nothing holding me back. Lord help me find my way. Help me find what it is I should focus on at this moment. I need you father, I love you.

Omi

I love this Korean barbeque grill. Its pretty awesome and straight forward with pricing and dishes. The food is great and I love the Korean culture all around.

Over and over, again.

What I do over and over again is what is going to get me victory in my life. Not any normal person can do it - Joyce Meyer

Deut 11:24

Everywhere your foot treads shall be yours...AMEN! That is the truth you have given me authority as a believer in Christ. I have overcome and have unfailing victory because you have already overcome the world JESUS!

Breaking up, breaking off.

Break-ups are never easy. If you've been dating a week, six months or longer. Guarding your heart is even more difficult. Although naturally as humans we form bonds with other people, significant others whom we think and see a future with.
In my case, I have formed a bond with the same person, twice. My best judgement aside, I trusted what I thought, was the Lord speaking to me and showing me. How is one to really know at times. Especially, when the flesh could be interjecting certain thoughts, ideas, emotions (as the flesh) and think to be seeing/experiencing the same as God's true will for one's life.

I'm sure there is a difference. After our second break up with the almost exact same words. I don't think I can go back. I went for what I felt the Lord telling me was his will, and I've been hurt yet again. I know there are a lot of other evident factors that won't be mentioned, but in the end those factors have caused a decision to be made, whether right or wrong. A decision that when the other party, finally figures out that they don't feel the same, that usually will seem to cause the other party more perceived loss.

I'm more than sure that the Lord has my betterment in mind. He is a father who loves me. A father who will be relentless in protecting me. A father who will discipline me because he again, sees clearly where I am not to go. I know that my steps are ordered. I know that he is my rock and my fortress. Jesus' blood never fails me. His blood is perfect without blemish, without spot, pure and holy. I am covered in it. I had yet for another six months completely put him aside. I have completely neglected the very reason for my existence, the reason for my life. Which is to with every fiber of my being to serve him, keep him first and foremost in my life. Jesus is Lord of my life. I am so blessed and in awe that I can come to him, and he still sees me for who I am and knows there are areas in my life that need to grow, he doesn't give up on me. I know as humans we are ready to give up after the second time. I am guilty of this.

I am with a choked throat saying and declaring that I am over this, I am moving on and there is no turning back. We do have to walk out the consequences of our decisions. Even though this one was decided for me, I have to keep walking moving past and beyond from it. Not going around somewhere else and returning to it. NO matter what Lord, whatever you have for my life I want to uphold it. I want to protect it. I was to seek it out for your glory. Whether I marry or not, I'm sure that you are still faithful, I know I will gain victory if I go after you time and time again. My victory awaits me as i consistently and without failing seek you Jesus. Seek your face have you be the comfort of my life all of the time!

I can no longer compromise. I can no longer compromise. Time and time again, I move and walk away from what the Lord is wanting me to do sitting still and being silent. There is no other way. I don't want to feel lonely anymore, Holy Spirit, you are always with me. There is no doubt about it. You are always with me. Loving me, showing me where I need to go. Being true to me when others aren't. You will honestly not betray me.

My niece recently started selling Avon and I decided to review the products I purchased these were initial reaction to the products:

1.  Avon Super extend mascara in waterproof black. $4.99

Pros: 

- the mascara came off pretty easily

Cons: 

- the mascara covers lightly

- it brought my lashes down immediately (this is supposed to be waterproof)

- no extending here, he lashed just looked normal, no length was added

- the mascara took a good seven minutes to dry

2.  Supershock MAX Mascara in waterproof-Black. $5.99

Pros: 

- I like how it built my lashes up pretty quickly

Cons:

- Again, it's supposed to be waterproof but it brought my lashes down instantaneously

- the brush is really really big, if you like that sort of stuff you'll be fine

- this also took a while to dry about the same amount of time as the aforementioned mascara

 3. Avon Super extend liquid eyeliner in teal. $3.99

Pros:

- the eyeliner applicator is amazing!

- the color is pretty great, not color accurate to the website though

- dries fairly quick

It has the perfect applicator shape and it 's super easy to get the winged eyeliner that I love to wear everyday. The eyeliner dried fairly quickly, so that I could get on with my day. 

Cons: 

- runs easily/doesn't stay put 

To the eyeliner's defense, you could literally melt in Texas where I live, so this bad-boy didn't have a chance. The eyeliner literally started to do the raccoon eyes thing when I went outside, to get in my car....with blasting AC, let's hope you don't have to sweat,  have allergies, or sensitive eyes (I do) when wearing this eyeliner.  Seriously, I didn't see a waterproof formula, when purchasing this product.

4. Avon Nailwear pro+ 2 for $6.99

I purchased barefoot beige last one on the second row (more opaque than I thought it would be) and sea breeze, second on the first row ( a lot more sheer than I thought it would be).

Pros: 

- colors are nice on my skin tone (light to medium)

- pretty color accurate

- chipping didn't start immediately (same day application)

- applicator is not too big or small

Cons: 

- should have lasted past the second day

I might do another review on the mascaras once I see how they work out, once they've been used a few times, I like mascara once it's gotten a tad bit of air and it has thickened a bit.

Website with products and more reviews:  http://shop.avon.com/shop/product_list.aspx?level1_id=300&level2_id=301&cat_type=C&omnCode=Makeup

Love doesn't pay the bills?

I don't understand how love doesn't pay the bills?

Jesus said he has paid all of our debts and when we have bills...are they not considered debts until paid?

As for me he has paid my debts in full and then some. I am convinced that love does pay the bills.

When you don't have money to buy food...the Lord provides. When we simply ask for the Lord to provide he will...

Thank you JESUS CHRIST! Seriously, people love does pay the bills!

Vino, anyone?

Yesterday a friend and I took a little adventure out to the local vineyard, Los Pinos Ranch in Pittsburg, TX.

It was just what we expected :-). Located out in the middle of nowhere, however, it did provide that peaceful environment that allowed us and a few others, to enjoy the fresh air and amazing wine.

This was my first time going to an actual vineyard and I was very pleased to also learn about how they are managed and how the wine is created.

They also have a restaurant, where the wife of the winemaker is the chef. Great idea, Jeff.

I tried the Sweet wine flight where as my friend Jonathan tried the dry wine flight. I was very pleased with the choices given and I rated them:

I would have to say that Pinky was my favorite. It was perfect and I do like 'em sweet.

Jeff who is the owner and tour guide gave us a little tour and a good laugh all for a whopping $5 (I think the wine made him funnier though, an add'l $6).

Next time we make it out I'm sure we'll have some dinner and stay this time for the jazz band that plays on Saturday nights.

Stable

If I can't be stable as I am tested and tried to where, even if, I get what I want the Lord would have to take it right back. Because I will prove very quickly that I do not have what it takes to be where I am at.

Dieting ...

Blah...so the girls in my office decided to do a mini version of the biggest loser. We are going to hit it hard until May! Ahhh....that is a long time to keep going...but it would help be more permanent. I didn't eat to well today but...I DID work out :-) I really need to eat breakfast. ( the person outside my hotel room needs to shut her trap).

Anyway.

I'll see if I upload some pictures tomorrow. Since today was the first day for me.

entry fee $50.