August Goals Review

Let’s revisit my goals I set for myself in August

Keep Calm and Level Headed /// This was sorta accomplished. I get flustered and overwhelmed and I do not keep a level head (hey, truthful blogging!). I don’t get like that often and I do not like it. ((Sorta Accomplished))
 
Real and Truthfully blogging /// I think I am still trying to figure out the fine line of saying too much and not enough. For me that is hard. I want to share what is going on in my life but not give out everything. ((ACCOMPLISHED))
 
Educate myself on my gastro issues /// Every time I go to read something about my issues, I find the worst case scenario and freak myself out. But as I read more and more, I try no think of every worst case scenario. I like to be well informed but not scared.  ((Sorta Accomplished))
 
Time for me (painting) /// i did start to paint again but i haven't jumped completely back into it yet. I hope to continue to paint more and more each month. ((Sorta Accomplished))
 
Take 1 photo a day/// Look below for the finished product. ((ACCOMPLISHED))

 

See Ya August! Heres hoping that September is much better!

XX Gabrielle

   

Throwing Paint on the Walls

Painting has been one of my hobbies for my whole life. I love the ability to create something on a blank canvas. The possibilities of what you can create are only limited to your imagination.

Last year I really started painting more consistently and of things, I was proud of. I brought a few painting into work to hang at my desk:

These hang around my room.... I love to live in a colorful world.

 Vincent Van Gogh once said" I dreamed of a painting and then i painted my dream." 

I find inspiration  all over and most of the time,  I search online and I find something another person has already painted. I like to put my spin on paintings and make them my own.
 
I like taking time to do things that make my soul happy and painting makes my soul happy.

I am not Picasso, Rembrandt or Van Gogh; I paint because I simply enjoy painting. It’s a way for me to relax and get lost in a colorful world.

XX Gabrielle

Laughing all the time

When I was in the hospital, my parents wanted to start a prayer chain and they were pretty successful with doing that. It was easy for them to do- Text everyone in their phone book letting them know what is going on and for them to keep us in their prayers. Simple enough right??

Daddy was busy texting people and I was laying down in bed when I heard my phone go “zzzzzz zzzzz” I thought it was someone else texting me but I looked down and saw this:

I could not stop laughing!! Yes my dad sent me a text about me asking me to pray for myself.  I was sick and did not feel good I laughed and I laughed. I think I almost cried. My parents were so confused to see me laughing; I barely could get out that daddy sent me the text about praying for me. We were all laughing for a good ten minutes. It was a nice break of sadness in the hospital for us.

THEN…… 

Daddy sent me the same text AGAIN! Poor daddy, he tries really hard! We still love him. He makes us laugh all the time and for that I am thankful for that.

Here are some fun throwback photos I randomly found this past week:

 and in honor of back to school here is the car all packed for college freshman year

Hope your week is going well!

XX Gabrielle

Namaste not in bed- Yoga for all.

Last night I had my private yoga class and that was the inspiration behind this post. So many people want to try yoga but they are afraid because it looks too hard.Looks can be deceiving sometimes and I hope my guide of the 6 W's and 1 H (who, what,where, wear, why, when and how) of Yoga can help you feel more at ease with trying yoga.

WHO can do yoga?

    Anyone! I recommend yoga to each and every person I meet. It is so beneficial to your body mind connection.

    I practice yoga because I needed a way to relax. Really- I did not know how to fully relax before yoga. Yoga has so many benefits to your mind and body. I have been dealing with a lot of digestive issues recently and my instructor, Adrienne tries to tell us the connection when we are in a pose to what this pose is helping. I always feel so refreshed and relaxed after a class.

WHAT is yoga?

    Yoga is a system of exercises for mental and physical health and a Hindu philosophy that teaches a person to experience inner peace by controlling the body and mind (source)

    My definition of yoga is a being centered, both in mind and body, relaxed and ready to fully accept where this practice will take you. 

WHERE can you practice yoga?

    Anywhere! That is the absolutely best thing about it. There are yoga studios, gyms, and your personal home.

    I personally have tried a lot of different yoga classes before I fell in love with the current classes I am taking now. I have been taking a class at clubhouse in the senior development in town. Adrienne comes in once a week for an hour class (and also does other classes besides yoga here too) and I absolutely love this class. Most of these women live in the senior community and there are a few (like myself) who are not from the community. This class has about 10 people at max and the instructor has a calming presence and a soothing voice. I have also been having private yoga sessions at my instructor’s home studio once a week, since I have been sick. It’s a nice way to end a crazy week.

        I tend to like the smaller, more personalized classes (think less than 10 people) so I can get the added benefit of the extra attention.

    One of my favorite yoga classes (besides the ones I am currently taking) I took was at a high-end fitness club (on a date!). This will forever be a favorite of mine because the class was candlelight yoga. It was not only beautiful but I remember meditating for at least a half hour- it was amazing. I never thought I would pay to lay on the floor to meditate! I felt totally relaxed and as if nothing could bother me.

WHEN can you do this?

    Anytime! Before work, before bed, after work, at night…. Anytime you can fit it into your schedule.

    As of recently, I have been practicing yoga, once a week for an hour. I sometimes mediate or try a few poses when I am home on the days I am not going to yoga.

WHY I started practicing yoga?

    After my whole debacle with my appendix, I needed to build some muscle and start to regain my strength back. I started going back to the gym, but I always felt discouraged that I wasn’t back to my old self. My mom suggested I signup for a yoga class since I always loved it but never found an instructor I loved.
 My parents went to an open house around the corner from our home and ended up being the only people there. They started talking to realtor and found out she has a personal studio and teaches yoga. (((the stars aligned that day))) I was able to take a complimentary class to see if I liked her style. I fell in love that night especially when we did meditation and she read a script that dealt with Picasso's Blue Period. (The script can be found in THIS book) 

Especially now since I was sick again, I have been utilizing yoga to become more centered and more relaxed. I am more mindful of my thoughts and how I feel. I am more in tune with my body and feel more at peace with myself.

 

 

HOW can you start?

     Google 'yoga studios' in your area, look for local instructors and ask your friends. Today is the best time to start something new. Research, try different types of classes and see what is the best fit for you. 
You do not have to know all the poses and the lingo to start- you will gradually pick it up. Your instructor will not expect everyone in the class to know everything- take the time in the beginning of the class to introduce yourself to the instructor and let them know you are a beginner. There is no shame in admitting that. Even the best yogi's started somewhere as a beginner. If your nervous, grab a friend and try out a class together!

What do you WEAR?

    I personally use my yoga capris (most of the time) for yoga. I like to wear loose fitting tops and yoga capris or pants. I do not like to be constricted when I am trying flipped dog or crow poses.

    I find the cutest yoga clothes at T.J. Maxx! They have such cute patterned pants ( I am still trying to get into this trend of bright colorful pants!) and adorable tops. You can see two great options below for yoga!

 

Partner Tree pose with Adrienne

I can't finish a post about yoga without giving a shout-out to my awesome instructor, Adrienne! She has such a passion for personal training and yoga. If you are around my area someday, be sure to check her out and see the passion for yourself. (She is an amazing photographer too!)

Go on with 'Yogi'-selves and try yoga- You never know what amazing things you can accomplish without trying.

XX Gabrielle

The smallest things

Source

Today something happened. Something amazing happened. It was something small and really insignificant in the whole scheme of things but this really touched me.

I've been feeling kinda blue the past couple of days and I've been trying to hid it. Today my co-worker Stacey came by to chat and she asked me, "Do you want to go to the Market today with me and Leia?" Such a  simple question and it brought the brightest smile to my face. I blurted out YES so so quickly I surprised myself.

I cannot get over how such a simple act of kindness, overwhelmed me in such a wonderful way.  Leia and Stacey (and Dana and Ashley) have been so amazing since I have been back. I have such wonderful co-workers and I love that we are such good friends.

I needed to share this with the world this evening.

XX Gabrielle

First day

Today was my first day back at work from being sick. It was so nice to be back at work. I thought today went very well.

Doctor's Appointment and Atlanta Bread Review

Happy Wednesday. My day started out very early for a doctor's consultation 2 hours away. I was a bundle of nerves for the whole car ride there. My anxiety has been crazy with my current hospitalization and not knowing what is happening. We ended up getting a little lost and we were trying to find someone to ask and then all of the sudden, I saw a man in a white lab coat and screamed "DOCCCCCTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRR!!!" We jammed on the brakes and rolled down the window. He was sorta helpful that he got us to the vicinity of the building we needed. The butterflies in my stomach were working extra hard today. Once we got upstairs and to the right office, the whole office staff was wonderful. From the receptionist to the nurses to the doctors, they were professional, courteous and very helpful. They looked at me like a person not just symptoms. The doctor gave me a lot of insight and also a diagnosis which I have been waiting for FIVE years. Its nice to finally know what is going on but at the same time its really scary. I said to my mom last year that I really want to find out what is wrong with me and I am very glad I did. Now I am on an adventure to try to stay healthy and symptom free.

On the way home at 2pm I was starving. We were in the doctors for almost 2 hours which was 1. very rare to be with a doctor for SO LONG and 2. very nice to be able to speak openly and not be told, ' oh thats not important' or ' that is not relevant to this'.
I suggested we stop at Atlanta Bread, which is one of my favorite sandwich shops.
 If I don't feel like going to a restaurant and fast food is too quick for me, Atlanta Bread is the perfect solution. There are two locations close to me and I love both of them equally. Atlanta Bread has a nice relaxed atmosphere to it. Its a cross between a coffee shop and a library sitting area with really great food.
The food choices are a great variety that include sandwiches, soups, paninis, salads and baked goods. They incorporate old classics with new and exciting dishes. All of the choices look delicious and I always want to try something new, but i always fall back on my old favorite- Bella Chicken.

Yes, it tastes just as good as it looks. The little container in front of the sandwich is basil pesto sauce ((so yummy!!)) I substitute the focaccia bread for a french baguette. I could easily eat five of these in one sitting. They are THAT  good . I have to give credit to my parents, because they are the ones that started eating this sandwich and I just jumped on the bandwagon with it.
Since my parents were with me, ordering was super simple- 3 Bella Chickens, one with the french baguette. 
This ended our crazy day perfectly.

Today was an emotional roller coaster and I was very happy that my parents are there to offer their support and a shoulder to cry on. This is a sorta scary time in my life and I'm happy to have their support.

I am BEYOND excited to go back to work tomorrow. I hope tomorrow is a nice easy day. Though I wouldn't be upset if it was a crazy day like I remember.

XX Gabrielle

ps. We passed a coffee shop/ religious material store called HOLY GROUNDS and I couldn't stop giggling. What a perfect name combining two totally unrelated things.

10 things that make me happy

Over on my Tumblr, i was tagged twice by two sweet girls, Lisa of Leebeeloves and Sarah of abitofsilliness,to list FIVE THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY. Since I was tagged TWICE I'll list Ten things. This post could not have come at a better time- I need to focus on the good things in my life with all this craziness happening in my life.

Here are my Ten things that make me happy

//My Family: They have been right by my side each and every step of the way. They are always there to offer support and love with everything I pursue and they are always the biggest cheerleaders when I venture to try something new.

//Painting: This has always been something I loved throughout my whole life. I currently surround myself with my own artwork in my room and also at work. In the last couple of years, painting has served the purpose of a stress reliever. I hope to post some of my paintings on here in the future.

//To Do Lists & My Planner: Crazy I know; These two items not only bring me a piece of mind but they bring me a sense of accomplishment to see what I have achieved.

// My Career: Even though, in a million years, I never would have thought I would end up where I am; I am thankful and grateful to have this opportunity. Some days may be nonstop and other days may be slow but overall I truly enjoy what  I do. ((Now I know the saying If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life......I believe that is sorta true))

//Curious George, Minions and Mickey Mouse: These three things sound like a small child would put these on their list but for me, I love being a child at heart and sometimes you just need to laugh and let go of "adult " stressors. These three are perfect for that.

//Sunrises and Sunsets: Seeing the beautiful colors that God paints each morning and night really make me appreciate life even more.

//Old Photographs: I love surrounding myself with old photographs of my grandparents. The photos themselves are beautiful and I am always curious of what was exactly happening at that very moment in time. Why did they have that expression on their face. They are just full of history.

//Crafts: I try my hardest to be Martha Stewart but no one can live up to her perfection. Pinterest has helped me become even more craftier than I was. It always makes me smile when I find something fun and then try it and it actually comes out just like Pinterest.

//Perfect Summer evenings: You know this, everyone has a story of a perfect summer evening. An evening where there is no humidity, there is a slight breeze, the sun is setting ever so slightly and you are enjoying it with your significant other, your family or with a glass of wine by yourself. This moment has been written about in many songs like Eric Church's Springsteen "Like a soundtrack to a July Saturday Night."

//Random Acts of Kindness:  I always love doing something nice for a random stranger. I always think, maybe that person is having a terrible day and this little act of kindness will put a smile on their face or let them know things will get better.

Well Ten things later, you're still reading this- good!!! I'm glad I didn't bore you!

Tomorrow is a scary/anxiety filled/ unknown day. I have an appointment to see a doctor about my stomach problems and I am very nervous. I am trying to think positive and how this is a step in the right direction but I know that at some point, I have to redo all those tests again and honestly it's not even the fact that I have to drink barium/magnesium/distilled water its the actual tests. The one test took an hour and it was terrible and uncomfortable and scary. That was the only test Penelope couldn't come with me. (( I should mention, Penelope is a stuffed flamingo beanie baby that has been through everything with me in the last year. She comes with me to all my doctors appointments, testings and hospital stays. She's a trooper. The doctors and nurses think its adorable. She'll make an appearance sooner or later.)) I have to stay positive and just pray.

xx. Gabrielle

Hi August

From bowtiesandbankers.tumblr.com

August is officially here and I cannot figure out if I am excited about it or frustrated about it. On one hand I am excited about it because it means FALL is closer and I will be able to wear cute boots and sweaters. I am frustrated about it because I felt like I did NOTHING this summer. There were so many things I wanted to do/see/accomplish but it looks like I did nothing. Which in a way is nice but I really want to see the Minions Movie- ((I know, Im five but it looks really cute)) Many next weekend I will be able to do that.

As I look at my August calendar for both my work life and personal life, it looks a bit crazy. I want to start to preparing for Adopting Day in November. I know its 3 months away but those three months will fly by and I need to be super organized! My personal life is filled with doctors appointments, yoga classes and personal training. I often look forward to my yoga class and personal training because I know I am getting stronger, mentally and physically.

I made my goal list for August. After looking it over, my goals are more abstract this month rather than specific.

August Goals:

1.  Keep calm and level headed
2. Real and truthfully blogging
3. Educate myself more on my gastro issues
4. Time for me (paint more)
5. Take at least 1 photo a day

I have been blogging on and off for the past four years. The only time I really stuck with blogging was back in 2011 with my other blog, Just Simply Elle . It was basically just daily ramblings with no real sense of direction. I think it showed my true personality and I didn't really care about readers or anything. I did it for me. I am happy that I was able to capture these ramblings and I sorta wish I kept up on it more definitively.  My point with this babble is I want to get back to what I had back in 2011. My goal specifically #2 is to do just that. Not really care about who reads this, just to keep myself sane.

Pinapples painted by me 2014

Another goal I really want to do is #4 paint more. I absolutely love to paint. Am I the next Picasso, Rembrandt or Warhol, HECK NO, but do I enjoy it and love what I do, HECK YES! It basically works as a stress reliever for me and sometimes what I paint is really pretty, sometimes its not. I don't care- I just want to put paint on a canvas and hope for the best.

From acrohnieslife.tumblr.com

My Gastro issues have been a sore spot in my life for the past 3 years. Last year, I wrote down that I finally wanted to figure out what was going on and boy I think I made a mistake with that one. It has been a roller coaster ride trying to figure out what is going on inside of me. My most recent hospital stay (I promise a post just about that soon!!) made me realize whatever is really going on inside of me is bad. I've had doctors tell me that I have something and then other doctors tell me I do not. It is scary when you have conflicting opinions from medical professionals. All I want to do is lead as normal of a life as I can. Easier said than done I believe.

Well, Here is hoping that August is better than July; questions are answered and my life can remain somewhat normal. 

xx Gabrielle