avocado you

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Mmmmmm...avocados. I could and would put avocados in anything and everything, but I then get upset because I don't know how to keep the "leftovers" from going brown and spoiling. So I end up just eating as much avocado as possible, in one sitting (seriously, I can get 7 slices of avocado on one burger), so as not to waste it.

Enter Apartment Therapy! I just love their website and am a daily visitor/stalker. Well, yesterday I was scrolling through their site and came across a section that said, "30 Reasons to Buy an Avocado Tonight". The title got me, and I instantly clicked on the link. Not only does this entry give you recipes for avocados, but it shows you how to store them as well, to ensure you get as much life out of it as possible. BINGO! Come to Mama, you green yumminess, you!

just a little giggle goes a long way

My little sister in my sorority, Kelley, giggles...a lot...and it is the cutest, most endearing thing ever! I always get so happy to talk to her because as soon as she answers the phone she goes, "Hey girl! Haha!" It automatically puts me in a good mood and eager to talk. I decided to adopt her giggles into my every day life, and man, has it changed things.

Not only do I feel more happy myself, but people are so much nicer when you place a little laugh before, after, and in between your sentences. I found that, at work, I wouldn't know an answer right off, but I would immediately make a joke of it, laugh, and then tell the person I'd get right back to them. Not only did it work, but they were so appreciative of a follow up call and were noticeably more happy themselves.

I tested this even further this past weekend when I went out with my friends. The cabbie (who in Charlotte are usually pretty rude and act as if they have no idea what is going on) was in a wonderful mood by the time he dropped me off at my destination and even showed me pics of his cute kids - so sweet! AND the doorman outside of the club I went to was nice and opened the door for me (he left the line that was behind me and walked me about 7 feet to the door to let me in) - such a nice personal touch, don't you think? I like to think this was all due to my constant smile and little giggle.

Is there anything extra you do to ensure you, and the others around you, are having a fun time?

a day of yes

 Our First Date

Thanh woke up this morning and asked me, "Ummm, do you have any plans for this evening? Because I'd really love to take you out for our 3 year anniversary of the day I asked you to marry me." Does it get any better than that?! I really don't think so - but of course, I am biased.

 A Year and a Half Later, I said Yes

So today was proclaimed, by him, as "A Day of Yes". I answered yes to all his questions (the non-ridiculous ones of course) and was giddy with anticipation of where he was going to take me on our date. He just told me to wear a dress and that he would take care of the rest. I mean, really?! This is fairytale stuff, right?

After we got home from work, I went upstairs and got ready to go on our date. He was waiting for me downstairs, and as I entered the room, a little gasp escaped from him - I guess I was looking pretty good :) It was such a nice moment and brought me back to the good 'ole dating days when he would pick me up for a night out.

 A Day Of Yes Smiles

He surprised me with going to Firebirds...we got a bottle of wine...and reminisced about our engagement story and how he asked my parents for permission. Swoon! He is a piece of work, I tell ya :)

Side Note: This moment reminded me of that Family Matters episode where Carl Winslow got his wife a present for their 10 year first date anniversary. I loved it back then and am livin' it now.

hot yoga

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My friend convinced me to try Bikram Yoga (a series of 26 poses in a room where the temperature is set to 102 degrees) a couple of years ago. I was hooked instantly! That feeling of all that stress holding onto you just flying away and sweating with no abandon was a combination I wanted all the time. I stuck with it for a while, but ended up getting away from it because of scheduling and daily responsibilities. However, I'M BACK!

The first class I went to, after my long hiatus, was tough. I thought since I had done it before that my body would remember the practice and I could slide back into it...boy, was I wrong. You have to retrain your body again to be in that suffocatingly hot environment, for 90 minutes, flowing from one pose to another. Let's just say I sat a few poses out, but I did finish the class. The second, third, fourth, and fifth classes just got better and better for me, and I was truly feeling like I was doing something good in that classroom.

By the time I got to my sixth class, I was prancin' in and struttin' my before class stretching techniques. However, 30 minutes in, I thought I was going to die (dramatic, I know)! I felt like I was about to pass out so I left the classroom and collected myself. I then returned and caught up with the class, but 15 minutes later, I knew I was going to throw up and left the room again (the shame...so embarrassing). 

I felt really bad about disturbing the class by leaving the room a second time, but 10 minutes and 15 minutes and 20 minutes later others (male and female) were filing out of the room before the class was over. I felt bad for all those exhausted, sweaty people, but did find some comfort in their presence outside of the room as well. 

The teacher came out to check on us. She said that because of the humidity outside, the temperature of the room was so much hotter than usual and almost unbearable - she even turned the fans on which never happens. After hearing this and knowing Charlotte summers, you would think I wouldn't be stepping back in there until Fall, but I'm going back for sure. Hopefully, just as I got used to the heat and constant movement over a 90 minute period before, I will become accustomed to this higher level of heat as well. 

**BTW, I got the husband hooked as well. It's been so much fun to go through it all together!**