Marching Through Life

Hello Friends,

Am I the only person who woke up today, shocked, that it's already April!?  Anyone else agree that we are quickly "marching" through life these days? Seriously, every day I gain a better understanding of the phrase, "Time flies." Perhaps I should embrace the saying YOLO (you only live once) because this lady is not getting any younger!

Speaking of, today marks the beginning of my birthday month! Yes, I am one of those over-the-top people! Before some of you judge me, hear me out for one quick second. I love birthdays because it's a great opportunity for me to reflect and it encourages me to set personal goals for the upcoming year. Don't worry my new year resolution accountability partners, my birthday goals are always part of my year- long goals. I'll follow up with my list once it's finalized.

On another note, remember how I told y'all in my blog post New Year, New Natu that I wanted to re-create my self this year? Well, I kind of did something big this past weekend to hold me accountable to my goal....

YES, the rumors are true! I got a short and sassy new look because sometimes a change will do you good! What do y'all think? Also, please keep me posted on recent changes to your life. Happy April, everyone.

Waking up in Vegas

View from my hotel

Happy Sunday, dear friends. You have not heard from me in a while because I was in Paradise (according to Facebook check-in) Las Vegas, Nevada for the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) conference. Some benefits of my week-long trip included: the beautiful weather, relaxing by the pool, reuniting with amazing colleagues and friends, expanding my network, reaffirming my strong desire to go back to school, attending great sessions, and maintaining my workout regime. However, there are some things I could have gone without: the ability for individuals to smoke everywhere, my poor eating habits, the feeling of living out of a suitcase, the constant invitations to go to a club, and never mastering the ability to navigate my way through the casinos.

Despite my critique of Vegas, I am glad I was able to visit a new city because I prioritize traveling and exploring new places. I'm not sure if it's me or the fact that I was there for work but my time there was nothing close to the stereotypical Vegas experience. I did not gamble or go to any clubs and I got a full night sleep every day! Therefore, the saying "what happens to Vegas, stay is Vegas" is not true for this girl. In fact, I'd love to share some important messages I took away from attending the conference; I love that this insight is not limited to higher education faculty and staff.  Let me know if the words below inspire you. Happy reading!
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"What are you going to do to deepen your learning about your identities in the next month, six months, and year? Who are some people you can enlist to help out with this self exploration?"

"How will you model this self-work for the students and staff you work with?"

"We all need to be in charge of telling our own stories."

"How many times have we talked about our careers and not just our job?"

"Fear keeps us in the same place doing the exact same thing. You can't be a rookie all of your career and your whole life.""

"The consummate professional is always looking."

"Are you where you want to be? Do you have a vision of your new career? Do you know how to get from here to there?"

"Are your present skills and experience a good fit?"

"Establish an executive board for yourself."

"Stories can be remembered and retold, unlike data."

"We need to get better at sales. If a student comes into my office having got what he or she needs, that's good customer service."

"Portray yourself as average and that's all you'll ever be."

"Make a memorable first impression. Remember everyone has a perception of what they think of you."

"When you've worked hard and done well and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you don't slam it shut behind you. You reach back and give other folks the same chance that helped you succeed."

"Communicate your heart and soul first. Your involvement at work and your environments should be transformational."

"Is how you see yourself and how the world sees you congruent?"

"How much time do you spend reflecting on who you are? The better you know yourself and reflect, the better you can define what brand you want to share"

"Your contributions= the substance of your brand."

"You can spend all this time getting ready but not having anything to bring to the table."

"Regarding social media...you are not alone and people are watching! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc is a newspaper, not a diary."

"The things we tell our students are not too far from where we need to be."

"Today... define who you are.
Tomorrow... share it with the world."

"Our brand is all of the physical communication and human interactions that our audience or community have with us."

"Keep in mind that it's your time to start working on you."

"Your brand is the interplay between how much you are developing an affinity for others and how others develop and affinity for you. As you go through this, develop clarity."

"Find 5 people and ask them what word they think of you."

"If you don't know where you come from, you are a lost person."

"It's important for everyone to know that we can do a lot of things together."
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P.S. Please allow me to toot my own horn for a second by sharing that attending this conference compliments my New Year, New Natu goals to broaden my potentials and prioritize my relationships. Considering that it's March, how's your progress of working towards achieving your goals going? I told you that we'd hold one another accountable so keep me posted on your status!

A good investment

Guess what I did today? Big hint:....

Source

For those of you who don't know the people above like they are your best friends, these individuals are the beloved personal trainers and host of the hit reality television show the Biggest Loser. So you may be wondering where I am going with this blog post and questioning: Did you work out? Did you catch up on this week's episode? Did you do Jillian's 30 day Shred again? Are you currently winning your work Biggest Loser competition?

Well, no, that's not the reason that I am writing. However, if you must know, I tried a new group exercise class this evening, Cardio Blast. This class description indicates that people should come prepared to sweat, breath hard, and get super fit. Although it at times felt like an hour of never ending pain, it was such a rewarding workout. Also, I am proud to report that I had another big weigh in this week- another 5 lb down. Throughout my work Biggest Loser weight-loss competition, I've started to realize that I can relate to Danni from this season of Biggest Loser most because we are the same age, she is truly focused, and has a chance to win the competition. My comparison isn't meant to toot my own horn. I just feel like both Danni and I are taking Jillian's famous quote to heart, "Unless you puke, faint, or die-- keep going." That's right J, I am taking it one day at a time!

But for real, let's get back to the point of this post. I know you aren't going to be able to guess what I did so let me just go head and tell you. My friend Sara (check out her blog) and I purchased tickets to the Jillian Michaels Maximize Your Life Tour. I don't want to share how much I spent to see her because it's borderline ridiculous but it's worth it; I know it's going to be an investment in my health future! Let me know if y'all have any questions you'd like me to ask J on your behalf.

It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle

Source

I think there is so much truth in the quote above! That's why it has impacted what I have been putting in my body lately. I hate being "that girl" who is always posting what she eats on all her social media outlets but I am so proud of my cooking abilities. Please humor me friends; We know that it's not the first time that you had to. Growing up, my mom mama was always concerned that I would never be able to make it happen in the kitchen. Well Mama & co... not only am I making it happen, but I'm also making healthy taste good bomb (I swear it's that good)!

Vegetarian southwest salad: spinach, green pepper, red pepper, black beans, corn, avocado, oregano, cumin

"Gourmet" veggie burger (veggie burger, 1 egg, spinach, green pepper,  mustard), broccoli (see below) with green tea

New favorite side dish/snack: broccoli and cauliflower medley with a pinch of parmesan cheese, olive oil,  garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. (When I want to reduce the calories,  I cut the cheese and oil).

This is a typical lunch for me. Cobb salad (spinach, red pepper, cucumber, 1 broiled egg, 1/2 serving of flexatarian diet friendly thin sliced deli meal, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette), carrots and celery (feel free to add hummus to spice things up), Gala apple, and an orange.

Spinach stuffed shell inspired by a Skinnytaste recipe (I cut the meat and reduced the portion) with a side salad (spinach, dried cranberries, walnuts, and Trader Joe's Champagne Pear and Vinaigrette with Gorgonzola dressing).

Baked salmon and broccoli/cauliflower medley

Fajita salad (spinach, broiled flank steak, green pepper, red pepper, and onion).

The best part about these meals is that they are each less than 300 calories! I love that my lifestyle change allows me to eat the food that I love, save money, and see results. I am all about cooking these days so please send recipes my way. Happy Saturday, y'all.

My love for the midwest

If you happen to be from Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, or Minnesota, there is a very good chance that we'll become great friends. If for some reason we don't, I can guarantee that we have a mutual connection. This explains why my conversations with people from these  states always includes the important questions, "Where did you go to high school?" and "Do you know...?" I can see how this love for the midwest can be perceived as obnoxious to an outsider but I wouldn't have it any other way! So, not surprisingly, this weekend was fab because I got to catch up with some dear friends from these states.

First thing on the agenda was a mini high school reunion. My girls K.Beat and Stacy came to visit me on Friday and they are the definition of best house guests. I came home to a homemade meal waiting for me. These girls are way too good to me.

Fish tacos & chips and dip

 I know that I've mentioned this before but I am convinced that I have the world's best high school friends. You just never know what to expect when you get us together because our conversations range from reminiscing about our awkward all-girls high school days to our reactions to current events. It was K.Beat's birthday on Saturday so in typical Ami style, I made her share her upcoming goals with us. Somehow in the middle of our conversation she asked me to serve as her life coach. As someone who enjoys motivational quotes, self-help books, and DIY projects a little too much, this request was truly an honor. However, don't worry, our night did not just consist of deep talks and other events that would probably bore you. The girls and I got ready and met up with some guy friends from Minnesota (surprise, surprise) that were in town.

How do you guys like this new shirt I got with my friend L?

We've cleaned up quite a bit from out good ol MHS days!

Corvin and Keis

Nebraska-Iowa loves

Random guys I met that know my sister (weird)

I think it's fair to say that Friday night was a good time for all. Sadly, the girls had to leave early on Saturday so I mourned their absence by sitting on the coach and watching way too much Bravo and E!. I was planning on staying in but decided to meet up with my girl Maddie at Barrelhouse Flat. (Yes, Maddie is from Homaha but we met and became good friends in Chicago). Y'all need to check it out next time you are in Lincoln Park. The drinks are a bit on the pricy side but it's worth the ambiance!

Overall, this midwest born and raised girl had a great weekend. However, there's thankfully still some hours to soak up. Therefore, I encourage y'all to take a step back from my blog (make sure to come back though) and the internet so you can make the most of your Sunday Funday.

To my Valentine

Happy Valentine's day, dolls! As expected, today was excellent. I woke up on the right side of the bed because I can't get enough of a day that is dedicated to embracing your love for others. Also, it wasn't a bad feeling to see that I could rock an outfit that hasn't fit for months.

Cardigan and top: Banana Republican; Skirt: J-Crew; Watch: Michael Kors; Shoes: DSW

I don't think I've shared my Biggest Loser progress with y'all, but I am proud to report that I've lost over 10 lbs since the competition started! My strategy is to take it one day at a day. This little victory positively impacted my work day. I am not going to lie, I probably annoyed all of my colleagues and students by all my Valentine's day joy, especially the ones that get discouraged by how commercialized this day has become over the years. I totally understand how one can feel like this but I encourage everyone to remember that you are not defined by who you are or are not dating! Some people may say that my advice may just be another way for a single girl to see the silver lining, but I say...why not embrace it? All I got to say is that my status didn't ruin my day!

After a great day at work, I got to come home to spend my day with this guy.

Much love for my boy, Chris!

And I wouldn't have it any other way. No drama and big crowds- just good food, company, television shows, a little Michael Buble music and of course, vino.

The way to my heart!

So this Valentine's day I encourage you to reach out to all the people you love whether it's a coworker, friend, family member, neighbor, partner, or crush and let them know how much they mean to you. Make sure to hug your loved ones a little tighter because life is too short. It's never too early or too late to ask someone to be your Valentine!

Forever Yours,
A

Is it time for Ellen yet?

Today marks another day on the couch because of yesterday's events. However, thankfully my dear roomie and friend, K, is sitting right next to me. K has the day off because of Lincoln's birthday- a small gesture that she and all of today's educators deserves! She has been such a doll to me- hooked me up with Naked smoothies, soup, apple sauce, and chai tea. (I swear I am not turning 90 in two months). Not sure if I already told y'all, but I am on a strict diet for the next few days because of my procedures yesterday.

To keep my mind off the food I'd prefer to be eating right now (i.e. carrots and hummus, chips and gauc, a burger- to name a few), I've managed to be productive today when I wasn't dozing off  from the effects of my medication. Although I cleaned out my work inbox and graded some students' papers, the highlight of my day was when K and I made eye contact and simultaneously asked each other, "Is it time for Ellen yet?" How can you not love her and her show? I'd do anything to be able to spend the afternoon in LA as an audience member, especially on a day when phenomenal ladies like Michelle are stopping by.

To all the people who have the ability to spend the afternoon with cool people like Ellen or watch the show from home every single day, let me be the first to share that I am BEYOND jealous. Hook a sister up so that this can become my reality, not just on days when I have to take a sick day!