Brain Dump

Because  I really don't know what else to call this post.

1. In February this year I decided to start looking for a new job. I hated where I was and I never felt like I was being treated fairly. In March I landed an Admin/Receptionist position at a property management company making the same amount of money. Lets not forget that I am only 20 years old...

One of the things that was important to me when I was looking for a job, was finding a company that had room for me to grow within. When I interviewed, where I am now, they told me that the company was growing and that there was a great chance that I could move up as well. Well less than seven months later I was offered a higher position in the accounting department. We just hired someone to take over my position, and I will be starting in AP on Monday!
Go Me!

2. We got everything packed up, moved in, unpacked and hung up. I love our new house, it feels just like home. This is a house that I would even consider buying. Our couch, our large leather sectional couch, was a bit to big for our living room so we ended up having to take a piece out. I still love how it looks and the living room actually came together really well.

3. I'm not so sure what is going on with my dogs right now, but they keep using the bathroom inside, and they are eating and digging everything up outside. I'm pretty irritated with how they are acting, but it may be stress of the move... even though they seem really happy? We have noticed blood in our Odin boy's poo :( I love my dogs. I hope this is just a short phase.

4. I am in the middle of doing another egg donation. Actually the retrieval is tomorrow morning. I am feeling very uncomfortable. My eggs are huge. Its a legging day at work. 

6. I was rear ended last week. My poor perfect car now has a whole bunch of scratches and a couple holes in the bumper. Luckily the guy who hit me had insurance, and on Saturday we will be taking my baby in to get fixed. 

I think that's it for right now.

Oh and also thinking about learning how to ride, and then buying a street bike for myself. 

Approved?!

A house is just a house, its whats inside that makes it a home. I have always felt this way when I was with my mom, dad, and little sister. And now I feel the same way with Austin. I knew if it came to the nitty gritty of finding a house at the last moment, I would never hate where I ended up as long as I have my husband by my side, and my dogs at my feet. 

I've been pretty picky these last couple of weeks searching for new house. I wanted a perfect house, and I realized quickly this wasn't going to happen, not with the amount of time we had or the budget we had set. I ended up lowering my expectations a bit, and we ended up finding a house that is actually  pretty great. I wrote about it in my last post.

Today I got the call that we have been approved for the house, and we will get the keys in exactly one week! I am super excited that we can finally stop looking for and at houses. I am excited that my dogs will have a much larger area run around in. I am excited to just move. 

I am just happy that my husband and I now have a new place to call home for a while. 

The one?

Looking for a place to live has been the most stressful thing that has happened lately. Unfortunately my husband and I were having troubles finding a place that we both agree on. He would rather have a larger yard and a "ehhh" house, where I would like to have a nicer home and a smaller yard. We spend most of out time inside anyway, and the dogs don't need THAT much room outside. Plus the houses with extra large yards, are usually in areas that I do not want to live. There are some truly ugly areas in Vegas.

Anyway, Thursday of last week we went to look at one that was near where we are now, a decent size yard, a two car garage with a drive way. Its a three bedroom house a little over 1300 sf, and it is owned by a property management company. The walls are all painted, and the carpet is brand new. The house is immaculate, and new(er than most houses we had seen). There are 2.5 bathrooms, fans throughout and the living room is beautiful with its high ceilings. It's in a cute gated neighborhood, and I keep imagining the streets filled with little trick-or-treaters next month.
There are 2 negatives about this beautiful house. 
1. Its a little over what we wanted to pay, but it's still doable.
2. There is no sliding glass door to the back yard, it is just a single door. Which means no doggy door.

Its by far the best house we have seen, and today I submitted the application for it. So I'm crossing my fingers that we are approved. 

Yesterday we took my in-laws to see the place, and my Mother in law said "Its so hard to believe that you guys are just 20 years old". Its true. I forget all the time. My expectations for my life are so high. I work my butt off to get the things I want, and we are pretty grown up. Getting married at 19 will do that to you.

So we are looking to be moved out within two weeks. Well guess what we keep putting off... packing. 
We haven't started packing a single thing, we don't even have boxes yet. I haven't even taken one thing off the wall. I know we will get it done, because we have to. So my plan is to start this week. Today. Packing up stuff we don't use.

It's a little bittersweet leaving the apartments that we lived in for two years. It has been our first home. We are right off the free way so commutes are extremely easy. We are in walking distance to my parents new place, and I grew to really like our cute little apartment. (And how little we are paying for it).

This a new chapter to add to the Failes book.

Here we go...again.

11 Months ago we moved into our second apartment, and I was so excited to have a bigger place. Our walls are jam packed with pictures and wall decor, and I am running out of room for new furniture. Now we have one month left before we have to vacate, and we are looking at houses. We went back and forth about whether we wanted to buy or rent, and decided that right now, we feel more comfortable renting. I have a little issue with commitment when it comes to where we are living.

I would not be against renting another apartment. I actually like living in an apartment. Granted, I am sick of the third floor. I like having the amenities, and the complex we live in is very nice. 

But now we have two dogs. Odin and Oakley. Both Huskys, and Odin is a big boy. Staying in an apartment is not fair for either of them. I know we need something with a yard ... or whatever is considered a yard in Vegas. (Sadly yards in Vegas are about one 16th of the size of a yard in the midwest)

Not having a garage was alright for us for a while. We have covered parking and we rarely work on our cars at our house because of lack of tools and whatnot. BUT my husband is a street bike enthusiast, and as many of you are probably aware, a street bike that is not in a garage or locked up is quite easy to steal. Which is exactly what happened to his GSXR 750. About a month and a half after we bought the bike, it was stolen from our parking lot. 

(Don't worry though, insurance pulled through and ended up paying us out $3000 more than what we paid for it. Blessing in disguise?) Hubby bought another bike -which is living in my parents garage for now- so  we need a garage, and prefer having one attached to the building we will be living in. Which rules out apartment living. 

I thought looking for a house to rent in our budget would be easy. Months ago there were awesome houses in our area that fit what we wanted to pay perfectly. We have seen about 10 houses so far and haven't liked a single one. Our Realtor is freaking amazing. He probably isn't making a dime off of us, but he has shelled out so much time to help us find a house we really like. When its time to buy there is no doubt that he will be our guy! 

Tonight we are going to look at about 6 houses. I am praying that we finally find the one. If not, I am on the verge of giving up. But I wont, because we already turned in our 60 day notice to vacate, and we wont have a place to live. That's a scary thought.

Throughout this experience I have become a bit less picky. I am set on the area that we want to live in, but my expectations in the yard and kitchen has come down a little bit. I know wherever we end up I will be happy as long as I have my Austin and our perfect fur babies (also my decor skills, and probably a little bit of paint).

Two years, can you believe it?

It feels just like yesterday I was getting ready for my first date with my husband. I'm not kidding, time flies when you're having fun.

It's been two years yesterday since we made our relationship "official". 

I had no idea I was going to marry my sweet guy. But I am so glad that he chose me to do life with.

After the first few weeks of being together I practically moved into his parents house.

Four months later we got our first apartment.

A one bed one bath big enough for just us and a cat.

Two months after moving in together, he proposed. 

Yep, popped the question at the Rio in front of all his closest friends.

I said yes of course. 

9 months later we said I do in front of our family at the court house here in Vegas.

A month after I became a Mrs. We got into a new bigger apartment, and bought our first car together.

My blue Fusion.

Just a couple months ago we got our first dog. 

Oakley.

She's such a perfect addition to our little family.

In our two years we have gone camping, celebrated holidays and birthdays together, took trips to Utah, Arizona, and California. We have transitioned into new jobs, and made adultish purchases together(like the couch, and TV, ha!) We have attended weddings, met extended family, gone through trucks, cars, and street bikes.  We have made goals, and accomplished them together. We have had so many highs and days that were pure bliss. I miss every single one of those days, but knowing that we get to make so many more of these days and memories happen is what keeps me going.

We have been there for each other when we hit lows, and we have never given up on each other. 

In the last two years we have learned how to be a team. We have grown so close together and with our families.  

I am so lucky to be married to my best friend. I am so excited for our future, and all of the fun times to come. I can't wait to see what's next for us!

I love you husband. 

Every little part of you.

Always love you more.

So here is just a little photo spam of some of the pictures taken

over the last two years in no order with some captions! 

Bonfire at Apex

Supercross 2013

We had Musashi at midnight.

One of my favorite places.

SD

Mt. Charleston, not enough snow to go sledding yet.

Our Precious Oakley

Saturday Spent at his work.

My Aunts Wedding

Dinner with our family at Claim Jumpers

Our first time to Container Park.

My face is gross, but we went hiking at Red Rock

Zion National park. 

Cracker Barrel Selfie

New Years!

Christmas 2013

Our first Kiss as Husband and wife.

Still going... strong?

Last weekend was a bad one for me.
All of the bad foods and sweet tea, and lack of gym time.

Not every meal was sucky, but I missed the gym on THURSDAY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
I was so effing busy.
I squeezed in an hour and a half Sunday morning before we celebrated fathers day.
Monday the house was a mess and we spent all night after work cleaning.

Its a mess again.

This week has been really good. I am back on track, motivation and all.
Eating alright and hitting the gym each night.

I still haven't weighed myself, so I really don't know if I have lost anything or not.
I know...
I should soon, but I am just so worried I will get discouraged.
When I am ready, I am ready.

Wednesday night I ran for 10 minutes straight, which turned out to be a whole mile.
I know that seems like weak baby sh$%
But, I uhh.. suck at cardio.

I am just glad to see that my endurance has finally gone up.

When I was done, and sweat was dripping off my face onto the treadmill, I couldn't help but smile.
It's the little victories, dammit.
I am glad my husband was there to smile right along with me.

Few Confessions

// I spent 450 on tape in extensions and only kept them in for two weeks because I hated them so much. Now I want to cut my hair into a short A-line, but my husband says I shouldn't because he knows I will miss my hair.

// My husband wont do squats on leg day, and I don't know why it irritates the hell out of me.

// I design a new pair of Nikes on Nike.com every day. - I will treat myself to a pair of these when I accomplish my first goal of losing 15 pounds by my birthday.

// My husband is getting a new street bike. He sold his 600 and is getting a 1000. I'm extremely uncomfortable with this.

// I miss cheese.

// I always want to get my nails done, but I never get them filled.

My Fitness Journey Pt. 3: Update, and whatnot.

Every day I am learning, and becoming a better me.
I think that's the point to all this.

So C4... awesome. It really gives me that push while I am working out.
It actually makes me want to do every exercise that I know each time I am at the gym.
But I don't because.. that would be silly and extremely time consuming.
If I am feeling even just a tiny bit Tired, C4 snaps me out of it.
AND I don't get jittery feeling or sick or crash. Its pretty great stuff.

I have been eating really well.
I joined My Fitness Pal when I started all of this, and its really helping me keep track of my calories, food intake, sugars, and work outs.
I know.. I shouldn't just be watching Calories. My plate is always colorful, and I have cut out so much processed food.
Although, Friday night I had popcorn at the movies.. and Saturday, I had curly fries from Jack in the Box.
But whatever, I ate it, It tasted good, I felt guilty for a couple minutes, I moved on, and I pushed myself at the gym just a little bit more.

Losing weight shouldn't make you unhappy. I eat pretty well all the time. Sometimes I deserve a little curly fries here and there.. right?
I was not over my calorie limit that day, and all day- After the gym session Saturday morning, I was helping my parents move.
Yes, I am justifying the curly fries.

Anyway, I have been going to the gym every three days, then taking one rest day, another three days, one rest day. I'm not sure if I like this yet.

Have I visibly noticed a difference in by body yet? Of course not. I'm just starting week 3.
Have I weighed myself? Nope, not yet. I don't want to get discouraged right now, so I am going to wait another week or two to weigh in.

Here's my thing.
I suck at running, I am just not in shape yet. Its embarrassing.
I'm working on it though.
I walk and jog on and off for about 30 minutes each time I go to the gym.
The rest of the time is all weight training.
I love weight training, and lifting.
So I am interested in seeing if this is helping me lose weight
Something is better that nothing.

I have seen a trainer a couple of times, but will probably not stick with it.
But I am using and doing some of the machines and exercises that he has shown me.

I am going to working my way up with cardio and interval training.
Slowly but surely.

Most weight loss and success stories I have read and heard of start with the person getting into running. Running for months or years, and losing weight and then turning to weight training.
So I wonder if I am going about this the wrong way.
I guess we will find out.

Everyone is different right?

My fitness Journey Pt.2 : Being Strict.

My legs are very sore today from Wednesdays leg day  and running last night. But I feel great.

So there is a lot of learning and research that goes into  losing weight and gaining muscle the healthy way.
So far I have learned a lot about how what goes into my body effects me entirely. I know never to starve myself, and am learning how to eat smaller more often, and to never go hungry.
I do not believe in starving myself to lose weight, and I know of the dangers of not getting proper nutrients.

Now I am not spot on 100% with my veggies, fruit, protein, etc. every day, but each day I am learning how to be better. Each day I am learning how to eat, and where to get certain vitamins and nutrients.
I am a beginner at this to the max, so I look up to people who have inspired me through their fitness journey to get nutritional advice, and see what they are eating. I just stalk everyone pretty much...

You really have to be strict on yourself, and tell yourself no. I know junk food tastes ahhhmazing, and I know that its cravable, but you have to keep yourself in line. There is a Potluck going on at work right now, all of the wonderful sweets, and foods smell awesome, but I know I can't. I know that right now I have to stick with my clean(er) eating. I can't give in. I won't give in. It's actually a really good feeling at the end of the day, when you know you didn't break. I'm allowed to be proud of myself for this

Yesterday evening I set up My Fitness Pal.. I am super skeptical of it helping me lose weight, but it really does help me track down what I am eating, and have a pretty good idea of how many sugars, and calories I am taking in each day.
I feel so good lately, besides the sore arms and legs, I just feel better.

Last night after our work out- Which was mainly Cardio and Core - We went to the Vitamin Shoppe by our house and got some supplements.

We Picked up a Pre-Work out: C4 Extreme. We have heard amazing reviews from this supplement, much that it is like crack...
I am going to only have half of a serving tonight, just so I become acquainted before addicted.

We got a Protein: Syntha-6 Chocolate Milkshake. So I hear that none of these guys are really all that good tasting, and I have never tried other types of protein, but for my first one.. it wasn't that bad. It was very chocolaty, but mixed pretty well in my new Blender Bottle.. Pink.

We also got a muscle recovery: BodyTech Glutamine. I mixed it with my protein last night, and I couldn't taste it at all, and I have no idea if it worked, because I am still pretty sore today.

Pretty Picture of our goodies

It's not a cheap process, so definitely think wisely about what you will be getting. Do you research, and make sure you make every penny worth it.

My Fitness Journey: Pt. 1.

So as I have said before, I am not happy with my body. Well, I am okay with it, not satisfied. But I mean... who really really is? The people that inspire me and are helping me along my own fitness journey are probably in love with their body.. and I want to be there.

Obviously I have been down this road before, where I start working out, eating a little better and have this crazy amount of motivation. It lasts like 2 days before I am at the pop machine- or soda fountain, whatever- filling my Large up with Dr. Pepper, and sneaking in M&Ms from the vending machine the hour before it's time to go home from work. Ew. I know.
Duhhhhh I don't like my body.

But a couple of weeks ago, I went to the mall with my mom and sister, and as I tried on clothes, I noticed that smalls weren't fitting the same anymore, and Mediums even touched places in my stomach and legs that I wasn't quite happy with.
I actually sat in the fitting room at Guess in tears because the Maxi that I just loved on the rack looked like shit on me.
So I said fuck this we are going to Nike.
Where I bought my first pair of Nike Run 5.0's. I am in love and might have to buy like 16 more pairs.

So I thought, this is it. This is where my life is changing.
No more crying in fitting rooms.
No more covering myself up when my husband comes in the bathroom while I am showering.
No more feeling so self conscience.
I'm done. I did this to myself, I have no one else to blame, and I am out of fucking excuses.

So that week we joined a gym. Las Vegas Athletic Club.  Uhhh It's freaking huge.
There are like 6 different areas, and almost a thousand of people that look like ants crawling all over the machines.
When we took a tour of the place I was just so motivated to get fit, and fit in with all these people trying to better themselves.
Then I thought.. Wow, this is overwhelming. There are so many machines, so many people, and I have no idea where to even start.
So we got a package- when I say "we" I mean my  husband and I- that offered some personal training sessions- Mostly to point you in the right direction.

So let me tell you, the end of last week I was like.. I can't just work out I have to EAT better. And I have, seriously.. I have not had any Dr. Pepper, I am substituting fries for tomatoes, and I am eating breakfast. I threw out all the candy in our house, and went grocery shopping and stocked up on fruits and veggies. And A handful of honey nut cheerios will be my snack instead of a handful of M&Ms I wouldn't say I have completely switched to eating "Clean",  but I am on the fast track there, and with my husband on board it is so much easier.
I can also tell you, when you eat better, you feel so much better. I feel awesome every day because my diet is better, and I am working out.

I have met with my personal trainer Twice so far- Chad is his name. He is pretty great so far.
We have worked on Arms and Legs .
Monday is my next appointment with him.

I am pushing myself. I am going to better myself.
I am going to set goals and achieve them.
I would really like to lose 15 pounds by my birthday, November 29th., and to tone up a bit.

After I lose 15 Pounds I am going to make more goals. I am going to push myself.
I am determined. NO. MORE. EXCUSES.

My legs hurt like a bitch today, but I am going to the gym tonight.

Here I am ready for the gym last night.

Tattoo Progress

Tattoo Tuesday!! Is that already a thing? Probably.

So over a month a go I started my half sleeve.

A couple weeks later I got a bit more added and worked on a lot of shading.

Well on Saturday I went back and shaded in a lot more.

I am really loving it! I really can't wait for it to be finished. It looks like we have only one more session to go. We have to finish some roses towards the back of the arm, and shade in the bow, and a part of a rose on the shoulder.

Once it is all finished, I will work on taking better pictures of each section. 

ABC's Of Me

I haven't had much to write about lately and I noticed one of ABC's of me surveys, and thought... why not? 

A- AGE: 20 Years young.

B - BIRTHDAY: November 29.

C - COLOR: I have always loved red, and all kinds of pink and neutral colors.Right now I am loving Mint. 

D - DRINK: I am a huge Dr. Pepper person, I loved sweet ice tea, and Apple Smirnoff Ice is something I'll never turn down.

E - EYES: Brown.

F - FLASHBACK: Our first camping trip together. It was such a fun time! We really need to go again!

G - GENT: My amazing husband, Austin. He's pretty much my world.

H - HOBBY: Shopping, Netflix, decorating my home, going on rides with husband.

J - JOB: Receptionist/ Office Coordinator for property management company.

K - KIDDOS: Refer to P.

L - LOVE: My family, friends & Christmas.

M - MUSIC: I'm a huge music friend, I like most music from country, hard rock, hip hop, some rap, and alternative. I'm not a fan of Jazz, or blue grass ha.

N - NICKNAME: I go by all seasons. I'm not kidding. Since I was a kid people call me different seasons all the time. 

O - ONE WISH: That my husband, and family all remain healthy and happy.

P - PETS: Oakley. Our 4 month old Husky. She's so precious and we are so lucky to have found her!

Q - QUOTE: "A journey of a Thousand miles begins with a single step"

R - RESIDENCE: Las Vegas!! 

S - SIBLINGS: I have a wonderful 12 year old Sister, Alissa. She is incredibly beautiful and smart. I have had so much fun watching her grow, and I cannot wait to see the woman she becomes. She makes me so proud to be her sister. Here's a picture of her and my mom taking selfies!

T - TEMPERATURE: It's a beautiful 72 degrees out right now! It's a sad day to be stuck inside!

U - UNIVERSITY: UOP.

V - VEHICLE: Ford Fusion. I really do love my car.

W - WORST HABIT: Candy Crush Obsession right now. ugh.

X - XRAYS: I've had them on my teeth numerous times.

Y - YUCK: Most Seafood!

Z - ZOO ANIMAL: Koala's or Polar Bears or Penguins!

Five on Friday!

Because I haven't done one of these in a while, and I am super excited it is Friday! I am linking up with all the lovely ladies to share my five for this beautiful Friday!

{o n e} 

 I love Michael Kors, and I finally ordered a signature tote! It was between this one and the beige one. Hubby liked black better! I was able to find $30 off, and free shipping! Can't wait for this beauty to be in my hands in 4-7 business days!

{t w o}

It's Summer already here in Las Vegas. Yesterday we were up to 91 degrees. All the pools are open, and I'm already hearing complaints about the heat! Summer time means sandals! Shoe Carnival was having a buy one get the 2nd half off, so why would I pass that up?

These cuties will be here today! I think the white ones will be perfect for Easter.

{t h r e e}

My Oakley loves taking pictures with me.

I also think that this is a very true statement, and anyone with a puppy or dog would probably agree.

{f o u r}

When you have a husband who has a street bike, this is what your Thursday nights look like. There are no less than 150 bikes that went on this crazy ride. 

{f i v e}

I start my injections tonight for my second round of egg donations. Exciting stuff right there. In two weeks I will donate twenty or so eggs, and that will be my last donation until after I have children. 

We have some fun plans this weekend. Tonight we are going to go out to eat somewhere nice, and then go hiking tomorrow morning at Red Rock. Sunday is Easter, and I have plans to spend it with the family! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well!

Because.. selfie.

So Friday night was my Aunt's wedding.. Meaning my husband and I actually got dressed up(ish), which means lots of...SELFIES.

Selfies in the car.

Selfies waiting on the beautiful Bride to walk down the Isle. 

Because my butt looks huge.

Selfies because my husband is a dork.

And the wedding.

 It was at the Excalibur. My Aunt looked beautiful in her white wedding dress standing next to... my new uncle!

She and the rest of her and her new husband's family all live in Texas, so it was a close family and friend wedding. Seriously,  it was perfect. I love small weddings. 

After the Ceremony we all went to Caesar's and ate at TREVI. An Italian restaurant right in the middle of the forum shops.

Look how happy they are!!

Food Porn:
Peach Bellini

Chicken Parm.
(Which I shared with my mother, because it was huge!)

I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked to, but having family in town and spending time with them was awesome. When you are enjoying yourself, you forget about taking out the camera for pictures with everyone. I will get better at it one day.I wish we got more time with everyone. Unfortunately they were all here during the work week and left Saturday. But I would take that short amount of time over no time any day. I am also glad that my Aunts got to meet my Husband. I'm pretty sure he fits right into my southern family.