~ Never Lose Hope ~

Good morning!

Hope everyone slept well. I had an amazing weekend! Don't worry I will make a lot of long stories short for y'all. This past week I have been exhausted and I mean EXHAUSTED. I would try my best not to be falling asleep in class or having my eyes glaze over as i drive. Saturday after school I just wanted to nap. I take that back, I needed a nap. My mom wanted to talk and she had a sense of urgency in her voice so I decided half an hour to rest would have to do. We talked and in the end I called a hotel for Schatzi to stay the night in. Mom and I drove down around nine to get him. It's not a short ride. By the time we dropped him off at the hotel it was nearly one in the mornin.

Sunday Schatzi and I went to the mall because I had to go to LUSH and Sephora. Of course LUSH was out of the items I wanted :( But of course they have the one thing Schatzi needed! I'm actually still surprised he uses a LUSH product though. I don't know if I've shared this with you guys or not but I do not like shopping with guys. Not true anymore! I think all my ex boyfriends made me hate it. All they did was follow me, be my shadow, not talk, etc. It made me feel like I couldn't just do my thing and shop. But Schatzi made shopping enjoyable. Oh if you only knew the comments he made about today's fashion lol I used to fight my ex boyfriends when they tried to hold my bags, but something about the way Schatzi did it made me just let it go. While I was shopping I got the occasional kiss on the cheek or hug. You would think I got used to it but every time I would get this huge grin across my face and sometimes blush. Schatzi had a few stores he wanted to go into and maybe it's weird but I like that he actually shops.

We got hungry so I asked him if we could go to sushi. I feel like sushi is my go to every time I am at that mall. Of course he said we could go ^.^ I stick to what I know. You guys all know I am crazy picky. Schatzi can get me to try new foods. I don't know if it's the look in his eyes, tone of his voice, or the way he words it. Maybe it's a combination that opens me up to trying foods that I wouldn't try without him. I don't know if I've ever had eel before, but this is what he got me to try. I liked it! It reminds me of salmon. I was pleasantly surprised!


Hit up a few more stores and agreed it was time to head back to the house. We had around an hour before we would have to leave for dinner so Schatzi offered to read to me. I love being read to. I am the type that when I try to read out loud I stutter and misread words. Schatzi on the other hand has no trouble what so ever! He let me choose the book I wanted him to read to me. I chose a kind of creepy book. How is it creepy? It's a true story about a girl that got kidnapped and turned into this couple's slave. The creepiest part is that it's based on a true story that really happened in his home town O.O Not sure if he knew I took this photo lol

Dinner was at the shopping area where I work. I guess I drank a lot of water because I had to keep getting up to go potty. Schatzi fixed the sipper pocket on my purse! I had gotten the inner lining stuck in the zipper so I just gave up on being able to use that pocket. Now that he fixed it I can use it! When it came to dessert I made him guess what I was going to order. I love how my mom and brother guessed everything but what I was going to get and Schatzi got it spot on. He said he may try to make the choc raspberry wontons I had ordered. Let's do it babe! Because they were really yummy. Oh I know, we should blend the raspberries into the choc! Sorry, I get excited about food.

Today's actually my dad's bday sooo Happy Birthday Dad!!

After dinner I took Schatzi with me to snap a picture of my schedule at work. Yes I actually needed to take a photo of my schedule but it was also an excuse to show him off to my coworkers. Not in a I'm so into myself kind of way but I love him so much and feel so lucky I want everyone to get to meet him. It was so cool that my coworkers were excited to finally meet the guy I was always talking about (positives of course).

We got back to the house and I could feel my heart starting to frown. Yes I am aware that, that's not possible but you guys know that feeling right? Right? He let me put some stuff in his brows to style him. I would have forgotten but he actually reminded me. I thought he would stay quiet to avoid it but he said no, he knew I would be sad if I didn't get to do it. Isn't he the sweetest? Don't think he liked it but he let me and that's all that matters.

Time to take the boyfriend back home. My dad drove on the way down. I was hoping that Schatzi would sit with me so I could rest my head on his shoulder, well maybe not since he's so tall and I'm so short. Again, I was exhausted. He sat in the front though. (sad face) Probably more comfortable anyways. At least now and then he would reach back to hold my hand.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but knowing I will see him again changes everything. We were both a little down and the mood changed. Lots of hugs and sweet soft smiles. We exchanged our goodbyes and that was it. I drove home and was left with the happy memories from the day. It's been a long time, almost eight months (?), since I could say I feel happy. I felt blissful. Think things are looking up once again.

Easier said than done, but never lose hope guys.

-ALG

Conscious Box #1

Hi,

I was subscribed to Graze a while back but I stated getting bored with it so I have now switched over to Conscious Box. I purchased a six month subscription from Amazon Local for only $41.65 after tax! The deal was originally $49 but I used a promo code and saved a little more. If you go to their site this subscription comes to $107.70 or $17.95 a month. I don't have that kind of money soooo paying $6.94 a month sounded way better to me!

Graze was $6 a month for four small snacks. Now I am paying 94 cents more for all this! I should take a new photo for you guys, but to be honest I am feeling a tad lazy. In box #1 I got a package of herb crackers, 3 antioxidant tea bags, a 100% recycled materials pencil, sore no more gel packs for sore muscles, a jalapeno kind bar, 3 different hemp protein packets, a green mix squeezy pouch, a can of coconut water, and a little brightening day creme with SPF 15.

WAY more than Graze. No wonder they want almost 18 a month for the box. Oh and in the box comes an envelope of coupons and pamphlets explaining the products a tad bit.

-ALG

Rings

Hey guys,

Remember that ring I bought myself for my 18th bday? My sister went along for my ring shopping outings and it was a lot of fun. A month+ ago I realized my finger was naked. No ring! Thing is I would never take it off, but then I started taking it off for work and when I work out. Since my ring wasn't exactly cheap and because it has meaning to me I am careful with where I leave it. Always kept it in one of three places, but when I was freaking out looking for my ring I could NOT find it. I tried not to freak out, but I couldn't help it. Ask Schatzi. I was telling him I lost my ring and how this probably makes him never want to buy me any jewelry. He told me I'll find it when I least expect it.

I rarely am in my mom's car, but I was the other day and look!! I looked in the cup holder and saw it, but had to do a double take. Could it be?? It was!! I ain't letting this baby out of my sight!

I've been liking this app called The Hunt. Ever have those moments when you see someone wearing a piece of clothing that you absolutely love but don't know where you could find it? You post photos to this app and people can leave links showing you where you can get it! I came across this photo of these rings on Facebook one day and fell in love. Can you guess which ring caught my eye? Time is up lol The ring on the left caught my eye. Look how pretty it is! I have never seen anything like it before. I WANT! Think I'll ever find it?












Every once in a while I get these random sharp pains in my side right here. Does this ever happen to anyone else? I don't think it's anything really, but still annoying.

I've had Snapchat for a while now and I thought I would share this photo from Bob. Y'all remember Bob? She added this photo to her story. Bob loves to take photos. She would always ask to borrow my camera and take a billion photos. Wana photograph my life for me?

-ALG

What A Dork

Hello,

A few days ago in class I did something silly. I glued my nail tip to my finger. So before you judge me too badly let me try to explain. In my nail tech class we use manikin hands and nail tips for practicing. The glue I was using was instant nail glue. For those of you that have never used nail glue, it is crazy strong! I put a small amount onto the nail tip and proceded to glue it to my manikin's finger. That's when I felt something on my finger and bam! Pulled my finger away from my manikin and realized I was one with my nail tip.

I tried to soak it in hot water first and when that did nothing I had to soak my finger in acetone. Ugh incredibly drying. The acetone started off clear and as time went on it turned white. The tip dissolved from my finger., leaving glue on my finger.

Since the acetone wouldn't dissolve the glue I grabbed a nifty file and filed it away. I was worried that the glue would mess up my finger for a bit an prevent me from being able to clock out of school. Yes I mean clock out. At school we use our finger and place it on a scanner to clock in and out for the day. Luckily it did not! Who wants to bet I'll end up doing it again?!

Then later that day I ended up spitting water out of my face onto my BUSM book :( I have no idea why or how really. One second I had a big mouth full of water and the next second I've got a wet page and a partially filled mouth.

Yes, I am special.

-ALG

Look Up #4

Hey guys,

It is currently 11:57 pm. Happy St. Patrick's day by the way! 

Always remember you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. 

Think about it. 

Good night

-ALG

Anatomy + Bagels

Hola,

Yesterday my instructor brought us all goodie bags!! They each came with various colors of crushed shells and a little bag of caviar beads. It's like Christmas in class!






I bought some bagels at work yesterday to take to class today, and I am glad I did. As a class we agreed today would be our mini potluck day. I brought various bagels and cream cheese. My instructor brought strawberries and a classmate of mine brought orange juice. I don't really like plain cream cheese, but oh man cream cheese on chocolate chip and french toast bagels with strawberries. You have to try it! Also if you've ever gone out or been around me for breakfast you've probably heard me say I don't like orange juice. I just don't. But every once in a while I get a random strong craving for some OJ. Last time I got a craving was on February 13th. Yeah, I didn't get any since then. Since there were only six people total today I got extra juice! I enjoyed our mini potluck. I think we are going to have to do this every week!

-ALG

Look Up #3

Hi guys,

Today's Look Up I think I need to remind myself constantly.

You can't step into your future standing in your past.

This is very true. I feel like I have been in a weird almost in limbo stage of my life. Yes, I am still moving forward in time because time never stops (although most of us wish otherwise). I don't think it's a simple task to leave your past behind and look only to the future, but I don't believe it's impossible either.

Working on it.

-ALG

Competitive Advantage

Hi guys,

(I wrote this yesterday but didn't get a chance to add the photos and all that so pretend like it's yesterday.)It's that time of the year again. What sucks though is that this time we lost an hour. I usually try to stay up till 2 am to catch the time change, but this morning I chose not to. Surprising though because I only had to wait 40 minutes to catch it. Waking up today I felt no difference. Could be because my alarm clock has been ready for the time change since the last time change. Talk about lazy right?

Starbucks had my favorite sandwich today! But look! Oh yea I forgot to tell you guys I always open it after they heat it and remove the spinach and reposition all of the tomatoes. Yup, I am aware that I am strange, but hey take it or leave it. I don'tknow why this happens to me. This is the second time I've opened one of these sandwiches and found half of the cheese was missing. Not THAT huge of a deal but I will admit it is disapointing.

I had to get the peach tea again. I've been craving it actually! I honestly like this one better than the peach tea at my work, but Shhhh don't tell em! As I sit here in Starbucks reading for my business class I came across this lol "For many of its customers, Starbucks isn't really in the business of selling coffee. Instead, it's offering a place to hang out that happens to sell coffee." I found that funny since you guys know I now like to sit at Starbucks for hours to do homework.




Lots to do today before the work meeting at 8pm. For my nail tech class I have to create a poster on HIV and AIDS. Need to finish chapter 3 for my business class before I can go online and complete the online homework assignment. Thank goodness I did the laundry yesterday. I'm not the only one that does laundry and takes forever to fold it right?


Enjoy your Sunday everyone! Or try at least.

-ALG

Look Up # 2

Hi again!

Tonight's Look Up is for those of you that encounter numerous bumps on your road to success. I think everyone goes through hardships before they reach their goals. The difference between those that succeed and those that get burnt out is the will power. So when the going gets tough remind yourself that . . .

Obstacles are temporary. Quitting lasts forever.

Don't let something small ruin your progress. Ironic that I am the one saying all this, huh? Once you reach your goal you will look back and realize that what felt like the end of the road was just a little road bump. Keep going!

Good night,

-ALG

She Won't Notice

Evening everyone,

Made it to the bed and it is 11:21. Not too bad. I had a really uplifting positive day yesterday but then I had trouble falling asleep. Which made it kind of hard to stay awake in class today. I didn't doze though!

Before I got out of bed today the baby decided to sneak on up to the top of the covers and cuddle up to me. I sat up a tad bit to look at her and she inched her way into the bed. Then when I sat up some more to take this photo she slid on into the bed. Real smooth Mimi, real smooth!

 After school I walked the baby and off to Starbucks! Got my iced green tea soy latte and this time I was good and got a tall in a grande cup. Wrote in the journal when I first sat down. Of course I got up later to get a refill of the peach tea. I love me some peach flavored goodness!!

I will admit that today's homework session was not nearly as productive as yesterdays. Only there for 2 and a half hours maybe. Had to keep it short because I had an appointment with my psychologist. Weird thing is this session I went in feeling relatively positive, but when I left I felt a little distressed. I don't know if it's because he tells me what needs to be said. The things that I sometimes try to bury away from my mind. I think I need some sleep. Hopefully I can knock out by 12:30. Up at 7:00 -,- for a long day of school and work!

-ALG

Why Books?

Good evening,

You guys remember Schatzi right? Well he said something rather interesting. I asked him what it is about reading that he likes so much. I was expecting an answer along the lines of it passes the time, keeps the brain going, entertaining, etc. Maybe not from him, but just in general. This was his response: If one never reads they live one life. However, when one reads they will live an infinite number of lives. I think you guys can see how he's levels above me . . .

I am still trying to reading the same book I started over 7 months ago! I haven't been reading every day, week, or month but still that's a long time. I finished my evening with a nice calming bath. When I take baths I enjoy reading or watching YouTube. This evening I was able to get through a chapter in that book. Only 93 pages to go lol

Good night!

-ALG

Let's Get Down To Business

Hey y'all,

No pun intended lol but today I got quite a bit done. Went to school from 8:30-12:30. After I got home I walked the baby, packed my bag, and off to Starbucks I went. I have been rather busy lately and not able to get my homework done. Here's a cool photo of some of my nail tech notes!


If y'all have ever studied with me or seen me in my study/homework mode this won't surprise you. I took over this biggerish table at Starbucks. Thank goodness it wasn't crowded. The first item I bought was an iced grande green tea soy latte double matcha powder in a venti cup . . . yeaaa tall order. Aren't the bubbles mesmerizing?

Sat down and checked Facebook, email, Snap, etc. Starbucks had the music on kind of loud so I popped in my Apple earphones and turned on the Songza. I don't know how that works, but I listened to regular music from my phone and the loud Starbucks music but was able to focus well. Finished up chapter 5 for nail school. Did 60+ vocab cards. Wrote y'all a lil blog post. Watched some YouTube videos.


Took a break and got a refill on my beverage. They finally had the peach tea soooo that's what I got! If you've read my old posts you know how crazy I get about peach stuffs. Isn't it purdy? I didn't know that's what the Teavana tea bags looked like. Very sturdy material too. Oh so because I was stationed at Starbucks and currently have the Green level I got this baby for FREEs. Then moved on to the business homework (hence the no pun intended comment -.- ). On the photo above you can see my BUSM binder opened up to chapter 1 along with my spiral notebook. When I take notes I like to highlight, underline, caps lock, box, etc various key words to help make it a bit more appealing to the eye.

I ended up getting another cup of tea. This time I got the youthberry tea and a cranberry orange scone (since Panera stopped selling their muffin for now!). I almost finished reading and note taking for the first chapter. I usually fall behind in classes because I don't take advantage from the start, but this time I'd like to change that! My professor gave us access to study guides for the exams in the class. I have them all printed out and as I read along in the book I take notes and answer the questions! Yea probably what normal smart students do, but I am slowly learning lol

Looking back over my day I would say that overall I had a good day. Ending it feeling relatively happy too. Something that doesn't happen as often as I think it should.

I hope you all felt happy at one point during your day!

-ALG

Manikin Hand Attack!

Hola!


Yesterday in class we received the rest of our kits. Lots of stuff to carry to and from school, but it'll be worth it. Maybe carrying all my supplies can be my arm workout!

Today in class was the first time I have ever worked on a manikin hand. Very different than doing tips on skewers I'll tell ya that much. Had to find the right size nails and glue em on. Ugh and she wouldn't work with me lol

Finished product. Yes I know there's a bit of polish on the fingers, but not bad for the first time. I feel like I am getting better at acrylics. The first day we did them I told Schatzi that I was being hard on myself and getting discouraged because I was having such trouble with acrylics. I need more practice, but I think it's safe to say I am getting the hang of it. Pretty good for never getting acrylics done or ever seeing them done.

You guys that know me know how crazy weird I can get right? Well when I got home I couldn't help but mess with the doggie. I made the hand pet her and creep her out lol I'm such a fun mommy!

-ALG

Look Up

Hey guys,

I would consider myself to be a pessimist. Am now and always been. Over the past x amount of years I've been trying to work on it. Problem is at times when I'm too positive or happy people take it as me being sarcastic or fake. Maybe even something being wrong with me. Yeaa I know right? Well on to the point of his post . . .

To help myself and those few individuals that read my blog posts I'd like to start posting uplifting quotes, sayings, pieces of advice, etc. What do you guys think? For now I will call them Look Ups. Stay positive. Get your chin up. Look forward not back in that rear view mirror right?

Today's is from my nail instructor and more for those that are into the nail world.

Don't let anybody scratch your polish

In other words don't let anyone bring you down. Look how far you've come. Don't let anyone put you down or drag you down. Let them say whatever makes them feel better and you keep pushing on. We are all strong individuals. Sometimes we just need a little reminder.

-ALG