Feeling Kind of Blah!!!

You ever have one of those days...weeks when your just not feeling very with it?

It normally happens for me when I spend my days off running around. It just makes me feel very busy! Not that thats a bad thing its just very hard sometimes because I feel like I dont spend a lot of time with Alyssa!

I mean my sister Ashley already has her 4 days a week while Im working then on my days off I just want to hang out with her all day. But when we are together and Im running around from store to store buying groceries or running around the house switching back and forth from laundry to dishes I just dont know if she feels neglected or ignored! I feel like she does but I just dont know!

Just cause we are in the same room together doesnt mean we are spending time together does it?

Here lately she has started this new thing where when Im leaving for work she starts whining and says "Lyssa go to work too?"      It just breaks my heart!

Doesnt she understand I have to work to be able to take care of her?

Of Course Not Andrea!!! She is only 2 years old!!

I just get soo mad at myself sometimes!! I guess I just expect too much out of her! She is just so smart and independent I have to constantly remind myself that she is only 2!

I just want her to look back at her childhood and remember all the fun times we had not all the days she spent at Ashleys house because I had to work! 

Thats kinda how I remember my childhood! My mother is a workaholic....I remember sometimes she would literally work 10-12 days in a row working overtime just to pay bills while my dad was working 5 days a week! Its hard for everybody!! I guess as parents we just want our kids to be happy and have whatever they want even if that means working 10-12 days in a row! Is that really good for our kids though?

I just want to be an awesome mother especially since Alyssa's dad isnt around to help out!

I feel like some single mothers try so hard to provide for there children and thats all the kids remember is that their mother did what she could to take care of them!

I dont want Alyssa to remember that! I dont want Alyssa to look back and remember me constantly working.


Whats more important spending time with your children or providing for them???

My First Etsy Order!!!!

Yay! I did it!

I sold some Chalkboard Wine Glasses on Etsy!

It was my very first order!

Now that #1 is out of the way I should be getting some more orders. Isn't that how it always works??

You go to buy something from somebody online then you see that they've never sold anything before...makes you wonder whats going on..So your next step is to either try it and hope for the best or go elsewhere to a person that has tons of experience and past orders!

Well finally after months of waiting I have made my first sale! I am truly super siked about this!!

Plus I have something "in the works" 

New Years Eve Wine Glasses!!!!

I am super excited because I am doing something that I love!! I am very passionate about painting and love that I can add my own design and creative thinking to certain things and be able to post them and sell them for people to enjoy!

So stay tuned I will post pictures as soon as I can!!

Snowflake Cupcakes...Yumm!!!

For my work Christmas party I also made some cupcakes that I saw on Pinterest!!!

Yes!! I pretty much am on Pinterest everyday and thats where I get a lot.......well lets be honest here ALL of my ideas from!! An NO Im not ashamed!! :)

So this is what I saw on Pinterest.....

Source: glorioustreats.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: cutefoodforkids.com via Andrea on Pinterest

I absolutely fell in love with these cupcakes!!!!

I did not fall in love with the chocolate cupcakes though....Sorry I just dont like chocolate cupcakes!

So...here is how mine turned out......

Source: Uploaded by user via Andrea on Pinterest

Not quite the same but similar...Basic yellow cake with white icing I added the blue food coloring just spread it on and did the white chocolate stars aka "snowflake" nothing fancy just something cute and simple!

I am just loving the fact that I am doing all of these cute pinterest crafts and desserts!

What have you done lately that you'd like to share????

Christmas Themed Wine Glasses

So instead of going out and buying a Secret Santa gift for my work Christmas party I decided to make one!

I had some leftover wine glasses and decided to do a cute little Christmas theme.

While Pinsurfing I found these cute designs....

Source: abcdistributing.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Linda on Pinterest

This picture came from SRMemorableDesigns Etsy Site.

I love all of these they are just too cute!!

Well.....here is what I came up with......

This is the Front:

Source: Uploaded by user via Andrea on Pinterest

This is the Back:

Source: Uploaded by user via Andrea on Pinterest

So....What do you think? I really like them! I tried to kinda mesh things together and come up with my own style of doing them! I wrapped them up nice and tight and put them in the Secret Santa gift exchange and my coworker that got them was actually very happy with them!!

So it was definitely a Win - Win situation!!

I am actually thinking about doing some glasses for New Years to put on my Etsy Site as well....Got any ideas for me let me know!

~Our Christmas Tree~

I really wanted this Christmas to be special since we have been going through so much "change" here recently with a fresh start and everything I wanted to try to do something a little different this year!!

While Pinsurfing I found this.....

Source: notmartha.org via Andrea on Pinterest

I just fell in love with this tree!!! I thought it was simple and cute looked very fun and cheap it was perfect especially since Alyssa still likes to get into things I thought it would be a great tree because really it leaves the entire floor open she cant really hurt anything!

Well....here is what I made....dont laugh..please!

Source: Uploaded by user via Andrea on Pinterest

Mine is a lot different because come to find out it was not that simple or cheap to make that tree so kudos to whoever made it!! I thought I was going to loose my mind just trying to make this one!

It is not perfect by any means but it is mine and I have actually grown to LOVE it!!

It still leaves the floor completely open and actually Alyssa loves it too!

Total cost was about $30 bucks which isnt bad.

I probably would've spent $30 bucks on a tree alone then I would've had to buy everything else!

So for our first Christmas Tree out on our own I would say this one fits in perfectly!!!    :)

Working Mother

I am having some trouble balancing out my life right now.....a full time working mother of 1.

I have a hard time thinking about how other parents of 2,3 or even 4 children handle everything!

If I work during the day I only get to spend about 4.5hrs with Alyssa before she goes to bed and if I work at night I only get to spend 3-4hrs with her before she takes her nap.

Sometimes when I say "Mommy has to go get ready for work" Alyssa starts being extremely whiny and says "Lyssa get ready for work too?"

It breaks my heart! I just feel as if I dont get to spend as much time with her as I want to!!

But then again......when I am spending time with her trying to potty train gets frustrating then her picky eating habits gets frustrating!

Sometimes I feel as if I dont get to spend a lot of time with her but the time I am spending with her Im constantly raising my voice or putting her in time out!

How is it that most nights I am going to bed so frustrated and feeling as if I am close to being worlds worst mom!!!

I just dont understand!    Potty training is just getting harder and harder it seems! She goes really awesome for 2 days then has an accident at church or at my sisters house! She even just gets playing with her dolls at home and has an accident!

My mom says that it happens sometimes because they get so distracted with what they are doing that they forget they are wearing underwear. Which when you stop to think about it....Alyssa has been wearing a diaper for over 2 years it is pretty hard to get her use to going to the bathroom like a big girl!

But of course in the midst of cleaning pee off my floor I dont take the time to think about this. I do not have the patience for potty training!! :(

I told you guys........~Worlds Worst Mom Award~

So mothers of 2, 3 even 4 please tell me your secret!!! How do you do it?? Potty Training?? Organization?? Spending precious time with your child/children??

The biggest one Just being a MOM!?!

My 100th Post!!!!

Hey Everybody!!

I am so happy to say that this is my 100th post!!

I have really enjoyed writing these posts!!

I see my views going up higher and higher but havent heard anything from my viewers!

How am I doing everybody??

I feel like a semi-driver.....with a sticker on my back saying "Hows My Driving" but honestly I would love some feedback from the people that actually read my blogs!

So...Let Me Know!

Potty Training......Ugh!

I dont think Im the only mother in the world that feels like this about potty training....but if I am then Lord save me now because its about to be one heck a month for me!!

Source: hahasforhoohas.com via Lynnley on Pinterest

I feel like I am struggling so bad with this! I am soooo happy when Alyssa actually pees in the potty and she has even pooped in the potty but then when she messes herself I get so frustrated.

How can she go potty on the potty all day for a couple days then just stand there and pee all over herself?

I dont get it....I know I know be patient!!!

Well to be quite honest here.......I dont know what God was thinking allowing me to have a child because I feel as if I am the least patient person in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!!

I started potty training when she was 18mths. but she just didnt understand so then I stopped for a while then when she turned 2yrs. I started up again but she did not show any interest in it. So I stopped and maybe 1 or 2 months later started up again and with great success!!!!

But.....ever since I moved here she has went back to showing no interest! Some of my friends are saying its probably because of all the "change"

Well its been a month! Diapers are expensive!!!

I need help!!!      Please   :)

Letter To The Fallen

Dear Baby,

I am so sorry that you are not here with us! I was doing what I thought was right! Your sister Alyssa was sick and needed me beside her so there I stood in the X-Ray room the technician looked at me, "Mam, is there a possibility that you may be pregnant?" He asked me. "No" I spoke!

As I stood there with tears in my eyes holding Alyssas hand I just kept feeling this pull in my heart! Could I be pregnant?

April 2011 I was already going through so much with Marks passing! I went to the clinic and found out that I was pregnant! Around 5 weeks the nurse told me! At that point I thought this is meant to be! With Death comes Birth! This is going to bring our family back together! Dealing with all of this sadness while feeling happy in my heart was so hard How could I mourn at a time like this knowing that I am going to have another baby! Counting the months between you and Alyssa and trying to figure out arrangements it was all too much!

Standing at the front desk at work I just felt as if something was not right! I went to the bathroom and looked down why was there blood on my bottoms? What was happening? I was sick to my stomach with all these questions!!

If I could just wait 1 more hour I could go to the hospital! I was already walking thin ice taking so much time off for Mark I couldnt ask them to leave now! What should I have done?

After work I went to the nearest hospital! I should be about 8 weeks now!

After an ultrasound and some bloodwork it was clear to the doctors! It was a miscarriage! Why is this happening? Havent I gone through enough?

I think 2 weeks went by as I bled and bled and bled! This is horrible! How do people go through this? The doctors told me I had to just let it happen let my body discharge of everything! Every bathroom break was a reminder of what I was losing! You!

I had already bought you an Easter dress! You & Alyssa were going to match and you two would look so adorable together!

I just lost Mark I cant loose you too! Why would God give me a gift only to take it away from me? I dont understand!

This is unfair! I hate life!

After it was all over with I was still so sad! Maybe it was for the best people kept saying! For the best? How could this be for the best? You gave me life then took it from me!! How could that be the best solution!

I wanted you! I wanted Alyssa to be an older sister! I was so happy!

Im so sorry! Maybe if I would've left the X-Ray room you would be here! Maybe if I would've said Yes! I might be pregnant! I would be looking at the  two of you playing together like siblings do!

I always thought of you as a girl! Maybe youd have blonde hair just like Alyssa or maybe youd have brown hair like me! Would you have my blue eyes?

Sometimes I wonder what youd look like! I wonder what my life would be like if you were here!

I wish I could take back that day! I would leave the room just for a moment then go back to being with Alyssa!

She needed me then! I wanted to be there for her I wanted her to know that I was by her side so she could feel safe I didnt want her to be scared!

I thought I was doing the right thing!

Little baby...Im Sorry! I didnt know!

Your always in my heart little one!

Forever & Forever

Your Mommy!

Letter To My Little Darling

Alyssa,

First off I want to tell you that I was always Anti-Child. I never really wanted children before! The day that I found out that I was pregnant I literally cried with fear...How am I going to do this?
I thought this question very often as my belly kept getting bigger and bigger!

I was always so nervous about what was going on with my body! Days that I would just feel kinda off I was always nervous something was wrong I felt as if I was in and out of the hospital every couple weeks! I didn't know what I was doing! Now I realize that in that part of my life I was already being a mother to you! I wanted what was best for you I wanted to take care of you!!

Every time I felt you move inside me I got butterflies! I remember one night I was laying in bed and you were so crazy inside my belly I couldn't even sleep you were moving and kicking around like there was a party going on! I always knew if you were moving that you were there and okay....it was when you were still I began to worry sometimes I would just move around or jiggle my belly just to feel you move inside me! The second I felt you move I sighed with relief!

When I went into labor with you I was so anxious and worried! I was feeling things in my body that I couldn't even explain all I did was lean over holding my belly and cry! When will this pain be over? When will I finally meet my little darling?

Well 10hrs later I delivered you and as I strained my last push I felt such relief as my midwife held you up! I cried not even realizing why I was crying! Such joy poured over my body I was so full of emotions that I had never had before!

The first time I held you in my arms I didnt even believe that it was real life! Could this be true? Did this really just happen? I was speechless and amazed! You were so small and soft your scent was perfection I just held you and kissed your head! You were perfect!

As I sit here and think about this day it seems as if everyday since then has been such a blur! Time is going by so fast I need to run to catch up! You are 28mths old! Were has the time gone? How did you get so big?

You are so big and smart and very independent!! You wake me up every morning with a smile on your face! "Hi Mommy" you say to me every morning as you crawl up in my bed and wrap your arms around me! How on Earth did I get so lucky? Why is it that you are so good to me?

I feel as if I do not deserve you at times! You are so forgiving of my many mistakes! You love me unconditionally!! I honestly am the happiest and luckiest person in the world!! Your curly hair and your big blue eyes!! The way you look up at me as if I didnt just see you steal a cookie from the countertop!! You are just the most amazing little darling ever!!

At times I stand in the hallway and just listen to you laying in bed praying! I hear your sweet little voice speak and it just moves me to tears!

I hope that you know how much I love you!

I cant wait to watch you grow as you get older and wiser! I cant wait to see what God has planned for you! What kind of person you will become! You are so gracious and loving! You will be such an amazing wife and mother!

I am so proud to be your mommy and I feel so blessed to have you as my daughter! I love you!


Forever Yours & Forever Mine

Mommy

Thanksgiving 2012

Hey Ya'll    How was your Thanksgiving??

Mine was very nice! Both my mother and father drove to Louisville so they could have a Thanksgiving Dinner with my sister and I!!

Its very encouraging that they are willing to make the drive!! It makes it a lot easier for me to be here!!

I did have to work Thanksgiving Day but we were able to fit them in amongst my days off!!

Family is so important to me!!! I love just being able to see my parents an being able to sit down and celebrate this holiday together!!! Nothing like it!!

As my father was here in Louisville he started to ask us what we would like for Christmas this year! He gave us a limit on how much he would spend!

Since my family is small with just Alyssa & I we only needed or more like wanted a few small things!

My sisters family is much bigger 3x bigger to be exact!! Obviously they will be getting more things!

I found myself getting mad well not really mad I guess just jealous because they were going to be getting more money spent on them and getting more valuable things than I was! Well not really valuable money wise but better things they wanted more "experince" things as I just wanted "things"

At one point my sister was apologizing to me because she could tell that I was upset!!

That really smacked me back down to reality.......why was I getting so upset!!!

Thanksgiving is a day to give Thanks!! Christmas is a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!!

He died for our sins...he is the reason we are all here today!!

How is it that I am getting so caught up with "Things"   Am I really that selfish?!?

I am making this Christmas Season about more than just gifts and presents I want to make this holiday special for Alyssa & I!!

I dont want Alyssa to grow up thinking that she will be getting lots of gifts and toys because its Christmas I want her to know the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it!! Why is family is so important? Why do we give thanks? What are we thankful for?

I am truly blessed for what I have and who is around me and I want my daughter to be just as lucky as I have been!!!

Recipes

So living with my mom for 2 years has been such a blessing because quite frankly she did most of the cooking so now out on my own Im stuck wondering......

What in the heck do I make????

Im not use to cooking so this is a big adjustment for me!

Plus Alyssa is such a picky eater that I find it very pointless to make "meals"

I mean its just the 2 of us and if Alyssa doesnt eat it that means Im either going to freeze half of it or eat leftovers for days!!!

I need some advice on possible children approved meals or meals for 2!!

I have pinned some things on pinterest but I really want some advice from my friends!!

Can you help????

What do your children love for lunch or dinner??

Too Much Stuff

I don't have a problem living in an apartment.....I love my apartment!!

But I have way too much stuff for this itty bitty apartment!

I think Im going to have to downsize!!!

Its hard because being a single mother I want to give Alyssa everything she wants but at the same time I dont want to spoil her either! I have learned while moving that I have spoiled my daughter!!!

With Christmas coming up I look around me at my cluttered little apartment and really start to think what Alyssa really NEEDS!!!!

I sometimes feel that because I am a single mother I need to make up for everything she would be getting if her father was in her life!!

Do you feel the same way?? Do you tend to overcompensate??

Kentucky Living

Hey Ya'll

Im sorry for the absence as I have been trying to adjust to all the new and exciting things happening in my life so far!! I have yet to get everything setup! I must say its not going as fast or well as I planned but...its going!

My New Job......

 Is Awesome!!

The people I work with are nice, funny and just very welcoming! I just really enjoy everything here!!

My apartment is coming together slowly but surely!!

I haven't had a chance to get out and explore much but I plan on doing a lot of exploring in the near future!! I have been hanging out with and eating dinner with my sister & brother a lot lately!!

Just being able to drive 5min. down the road and be at my sisters house is just very refreshing!!

I am so happy and excited about being here in Louisville, KY I can't wait to see what the future holds for Alyssa & I!!!

How is your fresh start treating you??!??

Day 31: The Story

Here we are!!!

The best thing about this whole thing is this...The Story!!

You get to tell your story to others!! This is so encouraging and so helpful for others that may be just starting this process or maybe even just thinking about it!!

Its very great that we can now help others through all this because we have been through it!!

So here it is......My Story!

I am 24 years old single mother! I have been living with my mother since my daughter Alyssa was 3 weeks old! I have been working since she was about 4-5 weeks old! I have been through many struggles during this time trying to find a decent job and trying to fit everything in my life! Finding babysitters...working...taking care of Alyssa...its really hard work being a working and single mother!
I have been going to Louisville, KY to help my sister out with her new family and also just to be able to go spend time with my sister Ashley! When I'm in Louisville I just feel happy with my life!! So I made the decision to move there!!
And...I did it!!!
I started looking for apartments and found the perfect one!!
A small 610sp. ft. 1 Bedroom perfect for Alyssa & I right now!!

I applied and applied and applied for jobs in Louisville and finally I got one!!

I have rented the U-haul, packed the boxes, drove the mileage, and unloaded the U-Haul!!

While riding in the empty U-haul on my way home I just felt happy, relieve, thrilled and excited!!

I can't believe I finally did it!!

Im moving 3hrs away from Alyssa's best friend, Alyssa's Aunt & Uncle, my Mom, my Dad, 2 of my Aunts and all of my friends!!!
Im moving 4hrs away from Alyssas dad and her Grandma!
Im moving 5hrs away from my Grandma and Grandpa, and 3 of my Uncles!!

My whole Support System is in Ohio!! I must be crazy to leave them!!!

At least I have my wonderful sister Ashley & my awesome brother Michael!!!
Without these 2 amazing and self-less individuals I would've never made it this far!!!

I am so blessed and encouraged by all that they have done to help me and still continue to help!!!

If I grow up (lol cause I'm 24 already but am still growing )  to be even half of a person and believer that they are my life would be so meaningful and amazing!!

I went through all these emotions and changes by myself but I went through this process with them!!!

Now I can say......I am renting my own apt. where I take care of my daughter by myself!!!
I finally have my Independence back!!

I am a single mother trying to make it on her own!!!

The best part about this is...I just feel so blessed with what Ive been able to accomplish through the past 31 Days!!


**What was your Fresh Start?? If you have any stories about how my blog has helped you through this process please please please share them with me!!**

Day 30: The End

Its hard to believe that we are at The End already!!

After going through this process and all of these changes we should be a new us right about now!!

Or at least starting to be a new us!!

Sometimes this process can take awhile but at least now we know somewhat what we should be doing!!

For me The End is.......moving forward in my life!!!!

My Fresh Start is probably a little different than most but it's all based on what you want to change in your life so there will be differences! Its pretty much the same process for all of us though!

I have done it!!!

I have signed my lease for my new apartment in Louisville, KY!!

This is my end!!

I have rented the U-haul, packed the boxes, drove the mileage, and unloaded the U-Haul!!

My apartment is a disaster right now cause we were running behind and just threw everything in my living room but I am not stressed or overwhelmed or anything I'm so relieved that I'm finally done!!

I can figure the details out whenever the most important thing right now is that I did it!!

An just think.....YOU DID TOO!!!

Day 29: The Smile

Once you have achieved your goal the first thing your probably going to do is.....

Smile

There is nothing like looking at something and having this peaceful happy feeling just overwhelm your body and all that we can see of it is that smile!

Source: Uploaded by user via Eddie on Pinterest

A smile can change somebodies day! Smiles are extremely contagious!! So Smile!!

You did it!!!



Day 28: The Adjustment

The adjustment will be a hard part!!! As if going through all the changes wasn't enough!

Adjusting to a different life, setting, place, person, baby, job is a little weird and awkward at first but you will adjust!!

Like anything in life you just have to give it time!!

“Life at any time can become difficult: life at any time can become easy. It all depends upon how one adjusts oneself to life.”

                      ~Unknown~

Don't get discouraged and think that all of this change was for nothing because it wasn't!!

Hopefully you will feel like I do.....

Happy

Relaxed

Better

Weight has lifted off my shoulders

Fresh

At Ease

Different but yet the Same

Excited

Anxious

Nervous

Calm

Glad

Whatever it is that you wanted to change in your life......whatever that feeling you have may be just know the adjusting period is temporary and you will get use to this new life that.....

 you've built!!

Day 27: The Breakdowns

Ohh my!! I know this subject way too much!!

I am such a nervous wreck here lately.....all this change in my life is at times so overwhelming and stressful!!

I have been working part time at a hotel here in Columbus, Ohio and as if working part time wasn't hard enough my hours got cut even more so now trying to move save up for rent and moving expenses has become much more harder!!

I literally called my sister crying my eyes out because I didn't know how I was going to be able to do it!!

At that point I was ready to just give up!!

But she gave me some good advice and really made me feel like I really wasn't crazy....this is normal!!

You have your breakdowns just as normal as you have happiness!!

Its just part of the process!!

I feel like when your doing great and everything is planned out and ready then life throws something at you to knock you back to reality!

Life is hard!!

You just have to take everything thats thrown at you and deal with it!! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right????

Sometimes you just need a good cry...in that case cry it out ladies who cares!!!! I cried to my sister for a good 20-30min. after that phone call I felt soo much better!!

Breakdowns are going to happen its inevitable its just how you deal with them!!

All of these things are temporary just pick yourself up and continue moving forward!!!

Day 26: The Heartache

Heartache is kinda a hard one!!!

For me a lot of my friends and family are experiencing heartache with my fresh start...
Im moving 3hrs away from Alyssa's best friend, Alyssa's Aunt & Uncle, my Mom, my Dad, 2 of my Aunts and all of my friends!!!
Im moving 4hrs away from Alyssas dad and her Grandma!
Im moving 5hrs away from my Grandma and Grandpa, and 3 of my Uncles!!

It will be very wierd adjusting to life in KY without any of these people!!

Not having all my family there and not being able to just jump in the car and go to the mall with my friends is going to be hard but I have to look forward and look at how much this move is really going to help Alyssa & I

It will hurt some people but they have to understand this move is not to hurt them its to make our life better!!

If they loved you and were true friends they would understand that and be happy!!

I take things too personal I have all my life so this move has been hard on me but I really have to stay positive and continue to look at the outcome!!

This is about Alyssa & I.....our future.....our life!!!

Take the heartache and help people understand.......
Change is Good!!!

Day 25: The Funks

So here lately I have been in a FUNK.......packing is soo hard I just don't want to do it

Going through everything and packing everything it is just so blah!!

I dont know it's hard because I want to go out and spend time with my friends since Im moving in literally 1 week but theres still sooo much to do!!

Sometimes people experience this little funk...I actually experience this during the Winter...
you know when its cold and snowy and really yucky outside you just want to stay inside and do absolutely nothing!!

Yea thats kinda how I feel right now...moving is hardwork!!!

But I have to push through it.....

I just tell myself if I can pack 5 more boxes I will call it a night
or
the more I pack now the less I will have to pack next week!!

I kinda sike myself up so that it motivates me to pack more and more.....I pack a little bit everyday!!

You can do the same (whatever it is your trying to achieve) if your having an off day just remember why your doing this in the first place!!

Im packing so I can move and start fresh!!

So to me all of this packing will make my move a lot easier!!

Amp yourself up and just shake off this funk!!!

Day 24: The Pick Me Ups

Pick Me Ups are amazing!!

I like to have these regularly just because they make me feel good!

It really can be anything!!
I love....
Apple Cider & Powdered Donuts!  
Milk & Cookies! 
Popcorn & Milk!
Movie Night!
Hot Chocolate!

Just something nice, simple and fun for myself!!

I also do these things when Alyssa has a good day we cuddle up in bed and watch a movie or TV Show while eating a special snack!!

Its times like these that make everything worth it!

Everything in life happens for a reason we have our good days where we are so thankful for everything and anything that happens in our life.........

Then we have our bad days where we question everything and anything that is happening in our lives!

Just know that bad days will come and try to knock you down but get back up and keep at it!

Your never going to accomplish anything if you keep giving up!

I personally think that's why Pick Me Ups are soo good!!
 

Day 23: The Mistakes

Now we are all going to make mistakes during and even after this process but the main thing is that we learn from our mistakes so that way when we know what to do the next time!!

Stay positive is key!!

I have learned from the past not to be so inviting...by that I mean I trust people way to easy and let people into my home!

I try to be very hospitable and polite but in the end it tends to butt me in the rear so now I have learned to have my guards up and not trust just any joe schmoe!

My very first apartment that I ever had I became friends with a couple people in my complex and it ended up that my apartment got broken into multiple times! It was very unfortunate and they never caught the person that did it!

So now moving away from friends & family is already me stepping out of my comfort zone but also getting my own apartment again! I am more nervous this time around because now I have Alyssa but at the same time I am being way more cautious too of where I am living!!

In the past I got a cheap but nice apartment which is probably the main reason my apartment got broken into because of the area I lived in!

So now moving forward I am paying more in rent and moving into a nice area that is more safe and secure!

I am stepping out of my comfort zone and also taken past mistakes into consideration so history wont repeat itself!!

Making mistakes in my life has really made me who I am today!!

Just take your mistakes and learn from them!!

Day 22: The Needs

Yesterday I spoke about The Wants and so today I will speak about "The Needs"

The needs-the necessary- the have to haves!!

Don't get the wants and needs mixed up!! This is very important!

In my case...do I need a new toaster or do I want a new toaster??

Is it crucial for Alyssa & I to have a toaster??? No so that would be classified as a want for me!

Something that we can not live without!!! Something that we use day to day that is a need!

Toilet paper is essential!!!!  Shower curtain!!! Towels!! 

These things make it very easy to live day to day without these would we die??? No but it would be very hard to keep up with daily hygiene    hehe    :)  I would like to think toilet paper would be a have to have :)

During this process you need to look ahead and really try to figure out what it is that you need out of this!!

How is the outcome going to affect your life? How is the outcome going to help you?

What do you really need from all of these changes in your life?

Day 21: The Wants

Everybody wants what they can't have....we have all heard that!

But it is soo true!!!

For me....I am moving so I want all of these really cute decorations for my new apartment as well as new bedding...new sofa and living room furniture....new kitchen applianes!! I could go on and on!!

But financially its not reality for me to get everything that I want!!

When starting over you need to determine what it is you really want...look at the BIG picture!!

Then come back down to reality....

I want a safe home for Alyssa......I want a nice bed and nice furniture.....the essentials I need to prepare food for Alyssa!!

I want what is absolutely neccesary!!!

I want to be able to provide for my family without struggle!!

The wants!!

Really sit down and think about what it is you want from all of this change in your life!!

Day 20: The Stress

Ugh Stress!!

Stress is such a horrible feeling!! I don't handle stress very well....whenever I get stressed out I get very irritable and anxious and panicky I literally start to freak out!! I just get to the point where I feel like...
I am so overwhelmed I could explode!!

But I think that's somewhat normal especially with moving!! Moving is such a stressful thing!!

Actually these feelings come along with anything really starting High School or even just a new school...first football game...or cheer leading try outs!!

Starting college or even graduating from college!

These are milestones in our lives that cause of us some type of stress or discomfort!!

Change!!!

Change causes stress and discomfort!!!

Its okay to feel a little bit of stress but we have to realize what it is we are getting stressed about and find the problem Why is this bothering me this much? How is this affecting me??

Its really not healthy to get stressed out like I do but I always have to figure out why Im getting so stressed out and then go from there! It helps me deal without a lot of problems! Just lay everything out on the table and find the positive in it that way your not so stressed...or just do something that relieves your stress until every passes both are good things!!

Find a healthy way to deal with the stress in your life!!

Day 19: The Feeling

Feeling!!!

You are going to experience so many different feelings during this process that you will probably think your bi-polar by the end!!!

Trust me this is all normal!!

This past week has been a struggle for me......

A situation at work resulted in me getting some hours taken away from me therefore I started to panic about my finances!! I literally called my sister crying I was doubting this whole process and doubting moving!!

I don't handle stress very well so that probably didnt help!!

I felt like I was going to have a panic attack! Thinking of all the expenses that I would need to come up with just to move was stressing me out so much and then getting my hours cut at work just pushed me over the edge!!

I was so stressed my eye was twitching all night I felt like a crazy woman!!

But then I calmed down and started looking at everything and in very small miraculous ways things started panning out....a girl at work called off so I was able to go in!! Now Im not as stressed as I was because I know that I can do it!! Its going to be hard but nobody said it was going to be easy!!

All of these emotions are completely normal.....
Happy
Stressed
Sad
Exhausted
Excited
Nervous
Anxious

You just have to find a way to control your feelings so you dont blow up!!

I eat popcorn and watch a movie!! :)

Hey it works!!! Something about all that butter just makes me feel a lot better!!!   :)

Day 18: The Fear

Dont ever let fear get in the way of what you want to do!!

If you did you would probably never leave your house...I know I wouldn't!!!

There was a time in my life when I was very fearful......I lived alone and my apartment got broken into 4 times in a 2 month span.....but here I am moving 3 hours away from everything I know and living in my own apartment with my daughter!!

Sometimes you just have to take your fear and throw it out of the window!! You have this one life to live and if you let fear control it.....it will be a horrible life lonely and depressing

(im guessing)

Let Go and Let God

Thats what one of my friends tell me all the time!

Its a way of saying just let go and be free what happens happens you just take the cards that were dealt to you and try and find a play!!

Be fearless!!

Day 17: The Emotion

Emotions are so hard anyway then to tack on changes and nerves...it makes everything worse especially if its that time!!

But anyways....

You really have to set yourself up for failure at times so that you won't get too high up and give your hopes up!

There will be struggles and there will be hard times but thats why emotionally you have to think of the worst before the great!

If you think positive about anything and everything your going to fall real hard and it may knock you off not only your motivation but your plan!

You just have to know that in life you get told NO a lot more than you get told YES......but eventually somebody will say YES!!

You just have to toughen up your emotions and be ready for all challenges!!!

Day 16: The Belief

Believing has a lot to do with this processl.....

You have to believe in your heart that you can do it!!

You can make the changes in your life to start fresh!

Sometimes its more of a need than a want so that makes believing in yourself more important!!

A lot of Disney movies teach us about believing...Alice In Wonderland for instance..

Alice had to believe that she was the "right" Alice!

Believe in yourself and you will go far!

Day 15: The Results

This section will be very short.....

Results are something that come together closer to the end but part of this process is figuring out what it is you want to happen by doing all of this.

What the end result will be.

Sometimes its hard to say what the end result will be until you get there but you just have to have some kind of idea of what your trying to accomplish!

By preparing yourself for the results your allowing yourself to see what you can do and it helps you to stay positive and that helps to keep your motivation up!!

So plan out your results!!

Day 14: The Plan

Planning is very hard to do when you don't exactly know where your headed!! For instance....

I am moving to Kentucky, but I do not live in Kentucky so trying to find an apartment is stressful because I dont know the "good" and "bad" parts of town!
Thankfully my sister lives there so she has been helping and guiding me!

I definitely understand it is very hard to get a "plan" in order when things are still up in the air!

But its a great idea to have some sort of plan.......

I have a daughter so I need to get a sitter in order and talk about scheduling or costs.

I have to plan out what type of job I want according to the bills and rent I will have to pay...make sure your budget works and you can afford everything

I will also need to send out my resume and try and get a job before I move there that way there are no large gaps between paychecks!

You need to plan out what it is your trying to do and how your going to do it!!

It is hard at first but just lay everything out on the table and you will soon find the right spots!!

Day 13: The Change

Change is such a refreshing, new, and positive thing!! I enjoy change in my life very often!

Even if it's just a new hair color or even just a new hairstyle

Rearranging furniture, or buying new furniture

Change comes in many different ways!

After you change something it either works for you or it doesn't!! Its really up to you to decide!

Sometimes change is short term or long term it can be temporary just to switch things up!

Sometimes the key to a fresh start is solely based on the change!!

Example:

For me I am choosing to move 200 miles away from my friends & family!!

I need a change, a fresh start!!

For me this is about the excitement, the scenary, the people, and just a whole new experience! Sometimes thats all you need is a new place its like a breath of fresh air!!

I am very excited about this change and you should be just as excited with the change in your life!!

Day 12: The Challenge

Most people like a "challenge" they like the thrill!!

In a challenge your fighting for whats at the end!!

In your personal life that could be a huge thing or it could just be crossing a finish line but atleast the one feeling that stays the same is the fact that you finished someting!!

You did it!!

I have never did any type of run or race before but Ive always wanted to so I talked my mom into doing a 5k with me! It was very fun and although I actually did not run I walked and jogged and made it across that finish line!! It felt so good to know that I finished that I really did it!!

A since of accomplishment!!

When you are challenged it gives you a since of satisfaction that makes you happy!

The steps to a fresh start is the same thing you are challenging yourself and whats at the finish line will be worth all the fight!!

Day 11: The Power

In order to succeed with a fresh start or change you have to have the power!!

Wikipedia defines Power as:

Power- "Ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something."

It pretty much sums it all up in the definition......."capability of doing or accomplishing something!"

At this point I dont even know what else to say!!!

Power!!

Day 10: The Support

Support.....Support.....Support

Having a good support system is always a must!!

If you ever get discouraged...which you will
If you ever doubt yourself...which you will

You need people around you that will help keep you motivated and will push you and support you to the very end!!

It is very important that you do not surround yourself with negativity!!

I always seem to pick out the bad in everything and I have my sister here to help me think positive what if this happens...bad thoughts.....my sister says well what if this happens....good thoughts......

There are always 2 sides to something Good or Bad

I have always found that thinking of the bad-negative outcome will allow that outcome to come true so if you think of the good-positive outcome then thats what it will be!!

Stay motivated and stay strong and with the right support system you can do anything!!!

Day 9: The Time

Timing is so important!!

Most would say timing is everything!

Example:
You wouldn't propose to your girlfriend/boyfriend during or right after a big fight...you would wait until you felt your relationship was strongest then pop the question. Right?

Well in my case....I wanted to move January 2013 kick off the new year with a fresh start but I had to sit down and really think of this January is such a slow period for hotels because nobody is really traveling so I bumped my moving date back to November 2012 because I figured more places would be hiring around the holidays!!

Timing!

I know that some times change happens and its out of your hands or happens when it happens but you have to think about the next steps to come think of timing and think is this the right time to.......

Financially is it time to.......Emotionally......Physically....whatever the case may be

Reality hurts sometimes so make sure you have the time frame of everything in place so it will not risk the end result!!

Day 8: The Attitude

Attitude!! We've all got it!!

When I went to high school my class was made up of 10 amazing girls!! Yes all girls!!  My teacher would always tell us if 1 person comes in here with a bad attitude it will infect the entire class!!

Probably because our class was hormonal and menstrual and made up of 10 teenage girls!! That was an accident waiting to happen!!

But all jokes aside I really do believe that!

Even if you are discouraged throughout this process you need to keep your head up high and stay positive!!

Dont be hard on yourself.....dont bring yourself down just keep your good attitude and push yourself to the end!

It is very important that you have a good attitude!

If you look at what you want to change and know that it'll make you happy and be sooo worth it in the end then just think about the end result and how it will affect you!!

Keep that attitude and you will succeed!!!

Day 7: The Willingness

Are you willing to change?

Most people would say YES! right off the bat but then during the process they would either lose confidence or lose faith.

If they dont see the outcome they want right away its like they give up but if they would just work harder and work towards what they want they would realize that being willing to not only change but accept the change is the entire process of this journey!

I strongly believe that change is very good for people but changing is one of the hardest things to do!

Be willing!!!

Be willing to stick with it...be willing to achieve it.....be willing to do it!!!

You have to be willing!!

Day 6: The Commitment

Dedication is such a big part of all of this you have to be dedicated!! At the same time you also have to be committed!!

If your not committed to the changes you need to make in your life then you will never succeed! You will never be able to finish what you've started!!

Commitment:  An obligation, a promise

"A committed relationship is an interpersonal relationship based upon a mutually agreed-upon commitment to one another involving exclusivity, honesty, openness, or some other agreed-upon behavior. Forms of committed relationships are: close friendship, courtship, long-term relationships (LTR), engagement, marriage, polyamory, and civil unions."
Reference used from Wikipedia

It is easier to be committed to a spouse or loved one but the same emotion is there for "change"

You have to be open and honest with yourself!! 

Just the same as with a relationship the more effort you put in the better the outcome!!

Have Commitment....Make that promise or obligation to yourself!!

Day 5: The Dedication

In order to succeed in a fresh start you have to have dedication!

You have to know that this is what you want to do!

You can not start changes to your life and then quit when it gets hard or difficult!

There will be hard times but there will also be easy times! You have to allow yourself to push through everything! Almost always there are more positive than negative! Be Strong!!

Keep telling yourself after the rain comes a rainbow!

It will be worth it in the end!

All the reasons that push you to make a fresh start are also the reasons to keep you going!

Like I said everybody is going through different excperiences so its hard to pinpoint what will work for you but just know it will work out!

When you have dedicatoin for something its like you strive to see not only the results but the outocme you want!

What you see is what you get!!

Stay dedicated!!

Day 4: The New Beginning

The New Beginning could be a ton of different things not just moving! I talk a lot about moving in my posts because thats what Im going through! But all around the world people are experienceing tons of different situations or experiences!

Some of which are death, divorce, marriage, birth, graduation, enrollment....all of which are "fresh starts"

Although some of these are hard to deal with at the same time you just have to know that all things happen for a reason!!

Thesaurus uses a couple different words to define a "Fresh Start"

- A Clean Slate
- A New Beginning
- Square One
- A Starting Point

All of which apply to multiple situations!!

For me moving is my "clean slate" my "new beginning" my "starting point"

Its a way for me to start over!

Don't loose hope this is just the beginning for us!!