Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Insanity..!

I need to keep myself motivated and accountable on my working out!!
I love the feeling of being tired and sore after a good bit of exercise and how different I am when I eat responsibly, but sometimes that's hard when you have a weird schedule. I'm the type of person that gets into "health moods" where I'm good for several weeks, only to get busy and preoccupied with work or LIFE and I end up falling off the wagon. And it continues as a constant cycle.
I guess that's the magic of things like this- once you post about it you feel compelled to keep going. You don't want to let down your nonexistent audience..! Lol

So here you go! Today I got ahold of my step-mother's Insanity DVDs and did the Fitness Test:

Switch Kicks: 75
Power Jacks: 41
Power Knees: L-50
Power Jumps: 15
Globe Jumps: 5
Suicide Jumps: 5
Push Up Jacks: 17
Low Plank Obliques: 20

This Fitness Test really made me realize how out of shape I am..! I had to keep stopping the video in order to catch my breath and was feeling light-headed near the end. My major goal once I've completed the Program is to FEEL BETTER. If I look different- great- but the fact that I sometimes get winded while going up a short flight of steps is NOT. OK. A few years ago I wasn't like this... Guess with how busy I've been these past few months I've really lost my edge.

So here we go! The first step on my Insanity Health Journey!!

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Vlogmas *Christmas*

And after a long night of wrapping, we come to the morning we've all been waiting for! While most of use were still trying to rub the sleep out of our eyes, Cora had hers set on the pile of presents surrounding the tree. She just couldn't wait to tear into it all!
I loved seeing how excited she got over getting a bunch of fox accessories (especially since we share the same favorite animal!) and all her books! I love my little nerd! And Milli's of the age where she understands wrapping presents, but her reactions are always mimicking those around her. "So CUUuuTe!" Lol But besides all of our little ones, what we were all waiting for was Nicky's big gift: a Nintendo Switch! He kept talking to me about how he wanted to save up and buy himself one; little did he know, we all already pitched in for the thing..! Mum and Carlos bought the Switch & Breath of the Wild & I went in for a case and Pokken Tournament. He had the BEST reaction and definitely had a GREAT Christmas!


Per the norm, Mum slaved over the kitchen stove to create our wonderful dinner. A classic hispanic meal to close out the night with the family. But when they suddenly walked out with a cake and started singing me "Happy Birthday" I did all I could to not cry. I'm a sap when it comes to these things. I was leaving for Florida the next day and wouldn't be home for my birthday, so this meant so much to me. I had no idea they had planned it. These people are the most important part of my life and every chance I get to spend with them is the best. I love them.

Happy Christmas from my Familia to Yours this Holiday Season!!

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Christmas Eve! |*Vlogmas*|

Here's a pro-tip: Do your Pictures with Santa on Christmas Eve to avoid the crazy lines!!
We learned this a few years ago on accident and since then we only go on the 24th. Most people stay ahead of the game and do their photos weeks in advance, but when you have a large family that's spread all over the place, it makes it hard to schedule such things. And now it's great because when we do, no one's ever there!
I did prepare, however, by buying a super cute Christmas dress! I bought it just for the photos and when I saw how everything came out in the end, I love the photos! Everyone looks so great! Most likely the best we've done in years..! Lol
We have a lot of traditions for the holidays so Christmas Eve is always super busy. We always start with Santa pictures,  playtime, cookies, prep for Christmas DAY, seeing the christmas lights, family exchange, and of course- wrapping the presents! Traditions are always important to me, so I made sure to document all that I could.



I love and appreciate my Cora. She takes after me with her love for the holidays and spending time with the family. I love my Cora with all my heart and miss her everyday when I'm away..! She was such a wonderful Elf this year! She went with me and Mum to grab a couple of extra gifts and to grocery shop for dinner. She was very hands-on and especially eager to make her cookies and to keep everything in order in her kitchen..! Haha
This year my younger brother, Nicky, started working! He was so excited to have his own money to get everyone's gifts! I loved being able to take him shopping and to see his face when everyone opened the gifts he picked out specially for them.
I've finally made it this far! My *Vlogmas* journey has made it to the big day- my favorite day of the year: CHRISTMAS!!

Saturday, January 20, 2018

'Tis the Season |*Vlogmas*|

I love my nieces so much. Milli is almost 3 and Cora is 6yrs old which means that they're both such wonderful bundles of joy!! I love spending time with them and playing games and dealing with their crazy. Haha This also means that they're both finally of the age to really get into the Christmas spirit!! They just make the holiday so much more special.

After the wedding the Harkiewiczes came for a visit. The family is too sweet- I was surprised that they brought Mum a gift. A great gift, too! I'm so glad I have such great friends in my life. If only I lived a little closer and could see them more often.

And speaking of friends and family, DATP had our Annual Christmas Party!! This little group of pals are my absolute favorite. I have my sister and I have Kim, Kassie, and the Harkiewiczes, but the DATP Crew holds a very special place in my heart. I'm able to really open up to them. Every year I look forward to seeing them during the holidays. I finally got to meet some of their luvers and to catch up. Things got a little weird after some of the girls had a little too much to drink, but that's normal..! Lol



The ladies dealt with some wedding stuffs and we finally ordered our Bridesmaid Dresses for Mum's wedding! It really looks like everything is starting to come together now! The dresses are so beautiful and unique, I can't wait to see how everything ties in the end.

And we close the night with a few traditions of building a Gingerbread House! Cora loved the decorating and Milli loved snatching up the candies... Lol And although I didn't want to do it, I ended up being the one in charge of most of the assembly. Hah. Isn't that how it always works..?

I really looks forward to spending the last few days with my babies and my poopers. It really is the little things that keep my heart warm.

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Home Tastes Like... |Vlogmas|

Sweet Grilled Texas BBQ!!
Went with my mom to taste-test some food for her wedding next year. You know the saying "everything's bigger in Texas" is certainly true about our portion sizes! So yummy!

We drove out to Midland, Texas (only about an hour away from home) for some real home-made bbq! And it was so worth it. We found the perfect little place, a family run restaurant and within the first couple bites and sips of sweet tea, we were sold! There was a happy rumbly in my tumbly the whole drive home.

The next day I joined my mom & brother at their Boy Scouts Christmas party. We played games, I helped as DJ, and enjoyed the free food. One of the games included was "Name that Tune- Christmas Edition!" And whichever Troupe lost had to get up in front of everyone and sing. They weren't too happy about that.



The next couple days flew by. While my mother was at work and my brother at school I got to relax. I stayed with the puppies and watched TV (Criminal Minds marathons, of course!) and read a lot. I finally had the time to sit down and read The Christmas Shoes. It's always been one of my favorite songs during the season and I couldn't put down the book. It was absolutely beautiful. I can't remember the last time I cried so much while reading a story.

After finally getting to chill during my Holiday Vacation, the circus arrives! Haha, and by that I mean my sister. The next couple of videos will be much more exciting with my wonderful family and nieces running rampant as we prepare for Christmas Day.

I'm leaving out of town to visit my father for the weekend, so while I hope I will be able to get the next couple videos up, I make no promises!

Monday, January 15, 2018

#KeelingIt2017

As the unofficial videographer of the Keeling Wedding... Here's my next Vlogmas video!!

I never imagined I would be so emotional during the wedding. I ran around with my mother making sure each of the girls were taken care of and that they were all looking stunning. I ended up being the last one finished, but I didn't mind. We had food, drinks, and music- and that was just the prep!

As all the guests wiped their feet and warmed themselves from the rain outside, we in the wedding court prepared for our big entrance. Some were more nervous than others, speeding down the short aisle. I had to remind myself to walk slowly. My feet cooperated in my new heels and the girls all smiled and giggled at the little nuances throughout the process, remembering all the jokes from the night before. But when Sarah started to get choked up, reciting her vows to James, it hit me. I didn't expect to start crying seeing my friend get married off, but it did. Sam, in front of me started sniffling, but we both held our composure. And Sam never cries! Sarah was all in tears and I couldn't stop smiling. I was so happy to see the two of them getting married. And if Sarah was crying like this, she must really love this guy. Finally, after a wonderful 30minutes, we sauntered out of the hall.

Photos were taken and soon after a short break we entered the reception. It was a small wedding. Nice and sweet. Family and close friends of both the Bride and Groom. It was crazy to see people I'd gone to school with and hadn't seen in years! My mom joined us on the dance floor for every song. We kept going up and making requests to the DJ and pulling Sarah out with us. Even if our small group were making fools of ourselves, it was just nice to hang out with my friends.

I just laugh at how nerdy the two of them are. Each little table had Chocolate Harry Potter Snitches and colorful mini Bubble Lightsabers. The Wedding Court sat up front, our seats claimed by a different POP Figure representing the person (Mine was Princess Ariel, of course!). The court entered in on Star Wars music and the couple left under a mist of bubbles. Overall, a magic night. I love my friends and I can't express how honored I was to be apart of this Harkiewicz-Keeling Wedding.

Sunday, January 14, 2018

*December Bride*

I can't believe it's almost the Big Day!! One of my best friends is getting married!!! I was so honored when she asked me -less than a year ago, now- to be apart of her Bridal Court. I love the two of them & I am so proud! 

And thank goodness the reception was indoors! It had been rainy and cold for several days leading up to the big day. I bought my heels the day before the rehearsal and chose to break them in on this day. Although I love the new shoes, my feet begged to sit every chance I had.


It was nice to finally meet the other Groomsmen. The hard part about being the only one living out of state is that I never see any of them. So sad. But dinner was nice! We ate at a chill Italian Restaurant and got to hang out all together. The Harkiewicz Clan, the Bridesmaids, and the Groomsmen. I certainly had a lot of fun talking Sarah and James through their Honeymoon plans. They'll be flying out to Florida to visit my old stomping grounds: Hogwarts! I didn't know until that night that Sarah had never been on a plane before! It was so much fun giving her travel tips from airports, hotels, the theme parks, and Universal Studios. I was sure to tell them all I could as an insider myself! 

Here's to our *December* Briii~de!

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Shopping Day |Vlogmas|

Ok. Although I absolutely LOVED the outfit I wore this day, I didn't take many photos or videos!! I'm so great at Vlogging, ya'll...

It was a super chill & boring day of Christmas Shopping with my mum. Literally spent hours at the outlet mall before heading home. But- SURPRISE- one of my Birthday-Gifts-To-Self arrived in the mail!! The new Sleeping Eevee 20'' from the Poke'mon Store and my precious Mimikyu plush!! I slept with my new babies every night. I love them so much.

Friday, January 12, 2018

Travel Day! *|Vlogmas|*

Because I was very limited to what I could do on these days, I wound up combing Days 2 & 3 of Vlogmas for this video.
On the 1st Day I worked all day @ Universal Studios before heading home to finish packing. And on the next I was traveling. With a brief stop in South Carolina (an airport I've yet to visit), I eventually landed back home in San Antonio, Texas!! Home Sweet Home! Although I didn't manage to get any photos or videos, I had a blast decorating the Christmas Tree with my family that night. It warms my heart knowing that they waited two weeks just for me to arrive! (T^T)

Thursday, January 11, 2018

12 Days of Vlogmas! ~Shopping Haul!

As a way to get myself into Vlogging, I decided to put together a 12 Days of Vlogmas!!
I love Christmas and everything about it! My favorite part about Christmas is watching my friends and family's reactions to opening up a gift I gave them. It just warms my heart. Of course, there's nothing wrong with spoiling yourself along the wayyyy..!
So! Continuing on with Day 1, here's my "Shopping Haul" from my Disney Springs Christmas Shopping Adventure!

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Christmas Shopping at Disney Springs **VLOGMAS 2017**

Ok, I know it's super late, but here's my 1st Vlogmas Video!!! I took all the videos and photos throughout the holidays but never had the time to put it all together! Since I'm off the next couple days I figured I would finally get down to business!



Saturday, January 6, 2018

2017 Reading in Review...

Last year when it was time for everyone to figure out what kind of goals and resolutions they wanted to set for themselves, I chose to really focus on my reading. Amongst other things like getting healthy and setting aside more time for myself to chill and relax, I really wanted to read more. And I did!

In 2016 I read a total of 61 Books. My goal for this year was to either match that number, or surpass it. I am thrilled to announce that I totally beat that number!! I read a total of 127 books in 2017!!!! Ok, ok... but before we get too excited about that number, here's a little breakdown:

Novels- 20
Children's Books- 31
Manga- 89
Plays- 5

So, yeah, when you look at the actual count it doesn't seem like much, haha. I didn't do a breakdown of my 2016 reading list I really should, though, but I'm sure it's going to be similar. Now, you may think that it's easy to read a ton of books when they're solely for children, or have a lot of pictures, but even so, I read them. Most of the Children's Books I read were apart of the Magic Tree House Series but I also continued exploring my dear How To Train Your Dragon universe. As for the novels, I thoroughly enjoyed discovering new authors and new stories, as well as rediscovering the magic from some of my old favorites. I got to complete a number of series I had never heard of, in the novels &&& manga collections, and finally had the chance to read some that I've just never been able to pick up. Let's just say, my library card has become my best friend.

2017 Reading List:

Battle Royale by Houshun Takami
Madoka Magica 1-3
Magic Tree House Series 8- 27
MTH Series Companion Books 1-10
D. Gray-Man 3-25
"The Wayside Motor" Inn by A.R. Gurney
Insidious by Catherine Coulter
Rurouni Kenshin 1-2
Kiss Him, Not Me 1-5
A Silent Voice 1-3
A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
How to Speak Dragons by Cressida Cowell
Yu-Gi-Oh GX 1-5
Love*Com 1-3
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
Backstage Prince 1-2
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories)
Dragonball 1-3
Goosebumps Most Wanted: Planet of the Lawn Gnomes by R.L. Stine
Naruto: Shikamaru's Story
Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
Neon Genesis Evangeleon 1-4
Kingdom Keepers II Disney at Dawn by Ridley Pearson
The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
Hotel Valhalla: Guide to the Norse Worlds by Rick Riordan
How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse by Cressida Cowell
"The Dining Room" by A.R. Gurney
Naruto: Kakashi's Story
"What I Did Last Summer" by A.R. Gurney
The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
Gengaku Picasso 1
The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan
Poke'mon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life
Poke'mon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan
Camp Half-Blood Confidential by Rick Riordan
Poke'mon XY Series 1 & 2
Poke'mon Adventures Black2 White 2. 1-4
Poke'mon Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire 1-3
Poke'mon Adventures Heart Gold & Soul Silver 1 & 2
Zelda Twilight Princess 1 & 2
Yo-Kai Watch 1 & 2
"Medea" by Euripides
K-On! 1-4
Fruit's Basket 1
Dengeki Daisy 1-4
Kuroko's Basketball 1-4
My Hero Academia 1- 13
The Story of Moana by Kari Sutherland
Gurren Lagann 1-3
"1984" by George Orwell

The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere
Kingdom Keepers III Disney in Shadow by Ridley Pearson

Started the year off strong with the classic, Battle Royale, which I LOVED & ended with one of my current favorite series, and hard to find, Kingdom Keepers. It was definitely a great year for Manga! haha. This year, though, I hope to read a lot more Plays and Novels to balance that out. And, of course, complete most of the series I began last year.
Here's to another year of solving mysteries and traveling through imaginary worlds!

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Another Day Another Typical New Year's Post...

I ended up working for my birthday &&& New Year's this time around! Luckily, I'm not much of a partier, so getting to go home & relax to the sounds of Disney Fireworks made for a fantastic evening. <3 nbsp="" span="">

It's officially 2018 which means I have to make the obligatory New Year's Resolution Post..! 
First off, I've got to say that I'm pretty proud of all that I accomplished in 2017. Now, I'm not going to make some sappy post about the crap that happened because I believe in Good Vibes Only. I plan on working this year to leave the "Behind in my Past" and move on to a better year.

Allow me to do a refresher on my "2017 Goals":

"For 2017 I want to pamper myself- take care of myself- enjoy my time. 
I've made list of random purchases I plan to "splurge" on, since I never do that. My "Gift to Self" List.
And by taking care of myself,that also means getting my hair & nails & body taken care of regularly! (I even have a small collection of bath bombs that I am stoked to finally try out! *w*)
I may be starting this year out broke (what's new?), but at least I'm not in "Family Debt" anymore! I want to work a lot so I can have some actual spending money, but find that perfect balance between Work & Rest.From 2016 I plan to continue leaning towards Clean Eating Habits & Working Out.
Spend time out and about, hang out with my friends.
Explore Orlando/ Florida! Who knows how long I'll be here??
Continue to attend Auditions. Be confidant. Never Give Up!
Continue my Reading List that is ever-growing!!
Work on my Shows and watch more Movies.
Visit the parks and events, obviously!
And definitely work on my Languages! That is one thing I failed on this past year and would like to focus on this time around.
And, of course, continue to slowly work my Poke'mon: Princess Debut! I've let it go these past few months, but I thoroughly enjoy my time writing, so hopefully I'll be able to stick to it."

Now, here's what I had posted way back in 2016:

**
Read More!
Watch More Movies!
Catch up on Shows!!
Practice Japanese!
&&&& Spanish...!
Work on Poke'mon: Princess Debut!
Keep up with a Workout Routine!
Eat Healthy!
Get out of "Family Debt" (>v<)
Meet all the Disney & Universal Characters!
Actually GO SHOPPING!?
Hang out with Friends & Family/ Stop being a HERMIT!
**

....I'm seeing a bit of a pattern... I CAN SAY that in 2017 I did a much better job at keeping up with bill and family and friends! If my friends asked to hang out, I usually found a way to make it happen. I attended a few events at the parks, but still sucked at being a Hermit in general. Haha, I don't think that will ever change. A major success of mine was the amount of BOOKS I read this year, and the number of shows and series I completed or even just caught up on! I'm going into the New Year completely caught up on ALL my shows! As for my language skills and debt, well, it could be better. In actuality, I don't think I've ever been this much in debt before. But somehow, it'll all work itself out and I truly believe that. 


I started the year on a good foot, in terms of my health: Suzette & I will be participating in the Disney Full Marathon!! Keeping up with a genuine workout routine is something I still need to work on, but in the past year I've certainly succeeded in my goal of being healthy! Another major success of 2017 was pampering myself. Though I can definitely do better at giving myself some "Me Time," I'm off to a pretty good start. I've updated my fashion a bit and have slowly started breaking out of my social shell thanks to my new job within Entertainment. 2018 is going to be a most wondrous year, and I just know it. I'm leaving Florida -officially- and moving to Cali, I'm traveling to Europe, and I plan on finally starting the next chapter in my acting career. I know and fully understand that my "big break" won't come overnight, or anything, but I can't express how excited I am to just get the ball rolling. 


So! Here's to another amazing year! Bring it, 2018!!