Not Your Usual Valentine's Day

I feel as if Valentine's Day just crept up on all of us, especially those of us still currently covered in snow. I don't feel as if it's going to be spring anytime soon, and I'm beginning to wonder if this grey and white world is going to last forever, if I will never see another green blade of grass again.

Now Valentine's Day has never been a huge day for Sal and I, because we celebrate our relationship, and show our love for each other each and every day. Many couples may say this, but we really don't need any day in particular to show each other we love one another. So, when I found out that Sal was going to be at his internship all day, I didn't take off of work. I figured it made no sense to sit at home, when I could be at the hospital sharing love with all of the children that were hospitalized that day. I helped a generous family pass out teddy bears and balloons, donated by them personally. I spread more happiness when I pushed around cupcake cart for both the children and their families. It felt great to be able to share this love to those that might not be feeling very loving or joyous.

Due to the snow we got, Sal ended up having off from his internship for the entire day. Now you may be thinking that after work Sal and I had made plans to see each other, but you'd be wrong. Weeks before, I talked to my friend and we decided that we were going to spend Valentine's Day together - get each other gifts, go out to dinner, drink a little wine, and enjoy the night. We've celebrated Valentine's Day together before, so when she suggested this, I thought it'd be a perfect night! We didn't need boys to make us happy or feel loved on such a Hallmark holiday... we had each other, and there's no kind of love like the love you have for your best friend, of 6 years I might add! We didn't make reservations, thinking that not everyone goes to California Pizza Kitchen for Valentine's Day... boy, were we wrong. We definitely should have made reservations. Oh well! It gave us some time to walk around the mall and search for a bench to sit and wait. When we finally sat, we decided to exchange gifts, and when we did, the look on our faces had to have been priceless. We both handed each other a box, of a similar size and weight. We looked at each other, and then continued to open it up. Lo and behold, it was the EXACT SAME ALEX AND ANI BRACELET... the Best Friends charm... hey, at least we knew where we stood in our friendship! After laughing so hard we were crying, we figured out one of us had to return one, because we couldn't both be wearing the Best and Friend charm, together. So I decided I would return mine, and find us matching charms that represented us in our very unique ways.

Soon we found ourselves at dinner, clinking our glasses of wine, and chatting the night away.

Of course, I was sad that I didn't see Sal at all, but we saw each other a few days later, and spent a few hours together, cuddling. He showed up to my house with beautiful red roses, in a vase, a hilarious card, and a bottle of wine, to be shared at a later date. We love our wine, and sharing wine tasting experiences together has become "our thing." I've always told him that I would trade all of these material things that I own for experiences... traveling to new places, trying a new hobby, or going on an adventure. I never ask him for anything anymore, but I'm also just as grateful when he shows up with a bottle of wine in hand, or a movie he knows I've been wanting to see. He doesn't ask me for anything, and actually never has, but he's always happy when I show up with surprises for him.

So it wasn't a usual Valentine's Day, but it was pretty close to perfect if you ask me. 

DIY: Thanks A Latte Gift

Ever just want to show that you're thankful for someone in your life? Maybe they gave you a shot when no one else would, stood by you through thick and thin, or they show you love each and every day. If they're a coffee lover, I've found the perfect gift, that definitely goes a long way.

All you need is just a little note, paired with a gift card, of any amount, to their favorite coffee place.

I decided to give this to my boss for Christmas, but it's the kind of gift you can give any day, or any holiday, just to show your thanks!

Thanks A Latte Adapted from Jasey's Crazy Daisy

What You'll Need:

'Thanks A Latte' Printable 
Scissors
Giftcard {Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, etc.}
Ribbon
Hole Puncher

Here's How: 

1. Print out 'Thanks A Latte' printable, and cut each circle out using fun scissors.

2. Punch hole into cutout and gift card with hole puncher, and tie with ribbon.

3. Add your name & give to the one you're thankful for!

Boots & Bourbon

When someone says, "let's go, grab your boots, we're going out," there's no questions, aside from who's driving!? Now that country music has made its way back up north, I'm glad that most of the bars are making one night a week, country night, and at the bar we chose, it just so happened to be Friday night. I know, I know what you're thinking... how do you still go out if you were just saying you work on the weekends? Well, put quite simply, I choose to be the DD. I don't normally drink anyways, so when I'm out I have an excuse not to drink. I can still have fun, and make it to work the next morning without a hangover (because really, who likes those anyways?). After picking everyone up, and picking our spot at the bar, we were ready for a night that would never end. I waited a bit for my friend to arrive, and once she did the bar seemed to get a little rowdier!

Now, country artists have a way of saying every thought that's ever crossed your mind in any given situation. They speak from the heart, and whether it involves a break up ... yes I'm talking about you Taylor Swift, drinking a beer ... which everyone at a bar lifts their drink up while singing in terrible key, or that best first kiss you ever had. I mean right now, I'm listening to a song called 'A Life That's Good' by Lennon and Maisy, and really that's exactly what it's about. It doesn't matter if you're not a country music fan, you just become one when you hear a relatable song.

The music kept playing, and before we knew it my friend and I were up on the bar... dancing. Never in my life did I think I would have the confidence to get up on the bar and shake it, especially sober, but I did. Having my best friend right beside me definitely helped, but when you're so focused on moving to the song, all those wandering eyes down below become a blur. The bar soon became crowded with boots, and my friend and I were sweating. It's one thing to be dancing with your best friend, it's a whole different thing when random girls come on the bar and push their way between you. We jumped down, and jumped right back up when a different song came on, and there was more room. I sucked down water after water, but that didn't matter, I sweat even more every time we went up there. It was a good workout, if nothing else.

But to me, it was much, much more than that... I was able to shake it with such confidence, and I had such a memorable time, that I would do it again in a heartbeat. Why we are so afraid to do what we want? Why does it matter what people think, if we only get one life to live anyways? I mean, while it was great to see everyone looking up at me on the bar, it wasn't why I did it. I did it for me. I did it to look back on and say... that was one hell of a night!

While I was up there, Sal was down on the ground, getting hit on more than once, which I don't mind. I know who he's coming home with at the end of the night, the girl he's been with for over 6 years. It gives people confidence when they feel wanted, and it enables our relationship to grow stronger. So when I got down off the bar one last time, it was all I could do not to drag Sal to the dance floor and dance. I brought him to the dance floor eventually, after dancing with my friend and his, and we danced... he even threw in some latino moves... mind you, we're still at the country bar, but that's what makes him, him. You may think that passion runs out after 6 years, but I can promise you that it doesn't. It's still there under the bright lights, you just have to want to see it. All of us were out on the dance floor, and I wish the camera could have captured the feel of the air. It was just pure happiness.

It was even better at work the next day when I received a text message saying that we made it on a random girl's Instagram because we photobombed their picture. Whoops! 

Breakdown after Breakdown

It's not unusual for me to breakdown, when the stress or anxiety becomes too much, it's almost always likely to spill over. These breakdowns occurred more often in college, as the homework piled up and the course load wore me down. At that time in my life I had to complete assignments, tests, and papers, while working a part time job, volunteering, and eventually interning. Breakdowns were bound to happen. However, now I don't have school, though I'm thinking about going back, but I do work a 40 hour full time job, traveling to and from work for 10 hours total a week as well. In some ways, my job as a Child Life Specialist requires me to be a sponge, soaking up all of the pain and suffering of every potent that I come in contact with. My personality enables me to get through this each and every day, but it might've piled up subconsciously, without my notice. When I have days off from work, I am able to dissociate from work, and enjoy my days off, especially when I'm traveling, going off on another adventure. Lately though, with all this snow, I haven't been able to go anywhere, and my "weekends" off have been spent inside. Sure I get away to the gym, or to dinner with Sal, but for the most part I feel as if I'm stuck inside. Everyone seems to be busy with their lives while I'm off. I mean, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are no ones ideal days off, especially when all of your friends work a Monday- Friday job.

Thankfully, Sal has more often than not, been there for me during these breakdowns. We sit down, and through tears (mostly mine, okay all mine), we figure out my thoughts, and how to work through it. In the past, it's been easy, take it one assignment at a time, Sal will help by reading a paper or aiding in my studies, but now I'm an adult, and adult with a real job in the real world. It's been that way for almost a year now, so it doesn't come as a shock to hear it. This time it was more difficult to fix, of course. We figured out an easier solution, after he calmed me and I was able to see reason. I would make a to-do list of all the things I've been wanting to accomplish, including some of the goals on my 2014 resolution list. It would be things I could do on my own, instead of relying on others. I would take each day as it came, and if I had to lay in bed for the day due to snow, I would, without complaint. This winter has taught me that some things happen, and you can't control it, so you have to take what it is and make the best of it.

It helps when someone is there to support you during these times, but it's also important to boost yourself back up as well. Remember the little things in life that make the day that much better... a good workout at the gym, a hot cup of tea, a good book, a new DIY project or recipe you want to test out. It doesn't have to be something huge or luxurious, only something that makes you brings about those feelings of happiness, even if it's just a small smile at the end of the day. It's important to take days and make them yours, regardless of the weather. It's something I'm still learning, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. 

Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt

I'm always, always in the mood for an after dinner treat. I'm not sure it's because that's how I was raised (after you finish all of your dinner, you get dessert), or because I just have a sweet tooth, or two or three, but every night that I go to sleep with dessert, I'm a happy camper. My absolute favorite dessert has to be ice cream, and frozen yogurt comes to a close second. Even in the dead of winter, I am always suggesting to Sal that we go and get ice cream. I've been pretty good with watching how much ice cream I consume in any given month though, and I haven't been craving it as often, but when I found a recipe for a healthier version of my favorite ice cream, I couldn't resist.

 I was scrolling through Instagram, when I came across a, what seemed to be, delicious treat - cookie dough greek yogurt. Once I saw it, I knew I needed to raid my fridge to see if I had all of the ingredients, and lucky enough for me, that day I just happened to have them all. There aren't many ingredients, which makes this dessert even easier to make, and when you taste it, it will be worth all of the effort you put into making it. It doesn't taste exactly like cookie dough ice cream, but it comes pretty close, as close as you can without all of the added fat and calories.

Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt by The Suburban Girl Gone Country

yield: 1 serving size

Ingredients: 

1 small container of Fage 2% greek yogurt

1 tbsp nut butter (I used almond butter)

1 tbsp sweetener (I used stevia)

1 tbsp mini chocolate chips 

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Take open container of Fage 2% Greek yogurt, and mix in nut butter. 

2. Add in sweetener, and vanilla extract. 

3. Stir in chocolate chips, and sprinkle some on top! 

Maddie

Because you never realize what an integral part of the family your dog is until you're driving to the animal ER in your workout clothes, hands shaking, breaths shortened, praying that this isn't the last drive you'll ever take with your dog.

Now believe me, I've been in situations like this before ... With my first dog being sick, and with Maddie when we first got her as a puppy, and even though we hadn't made any memories together then and I was still a mess, visiting her at the vet whenever possible. Now nine years later, as my mom and I stood at the receptionists desk, I was shaking horribly, trying to hang on to Maddie's leash, crying as I was cleaning up the blood that was dripping on the floor. She had started bleeding when I was petting her as soon as we got home from the gym. Blood was in her urine, and I was terrified that her kidneys were shutting down. We were brought into a room immediately, and as we shared what had happened with the vet I could only think the worst. She kept repeating what a good patient she was being, and I kept thinking this cannot be it, I won't let it. She was brought in the back, and time seemed to tick by unbearably slow as my mom and I talked, trying to laugh and smile, but looking unbearably exhausted and pale.

Maddie reappeared and the vet told us we were going to treat this as a UTI, because she has found crystals in her urine/blood sample. After a quick shot, and instructions for antibiotics we were sent on our way, and Maddie already looked like she was feeling better, back to her old self. 

It amazes me how dogs slip into our lives, and it doesn't matter if we've had them in our family for 1 day or 9 years, they become our best friend... The one we can wrap our arms around at any given moment and hug, the one that knows when something is wrong and comes up next to us, laying her head on your leg, the one that waits for you by the door each and every day, the one who's loyalty never breaks. A dog is really a man's best friend. I'm not sure what I'd do without Maddie, and as she sleeps on the ground next to me, I'm at ease. We go back to the vet to find out if the antibiotics have cleared the UTI, and I'm hoping they have, because I'm not ready to say goodbye. I need her, maybe a little more than she needs me. 

2014: New Year, New Resolutions

Last year Sal and I made it a point to sit down and write out our goals for 2013, whether they were small short term goals like staying fit and toned, or more difficult to achieve like landing my first full time job. Each of us wrote down 13 individual goals, which I thought went well with it being 2013, and even though we didn't cross off every goal, we were able to cross of a few, and a few of the big ones I might add.

Accomplished Goals in 2013:

1. Travel to multiple states and maybe abroad

 - Check! Sal and I definitely traveled from as far as Niagara Falls to as close as Pennsylvania.

2. Land a Child Life Specialist Job

 - Check! I was able to land my first full time job less than half way into the year, at a great hospital nonetheless.

3. Run more than 2 5Ks and start training for a 10K

 - Check! Above and beyond - don't sell yourself short. I completed four 5Ks in 2013 (Foam Fest, the Color Run, the Dirty Girl Run, & a Turkey Trot), and while I haven't started training of any sort, I haven't stopped running!

4. Keep my body fit and toned, with the help of Tone It Up, the gym, and running 

 - Check! Never give up on your body; love it each and every day. I ran, kept up with some Tone It Up workouts, and ever got back into kickboxing.

5. Read at least 30 books

 - Check! If you know me, you know I love to read. It wasn't at all hard to read 30, especially when I have a bookcase full of books!

6. Spend more time with family

 - Check! Because really, they are the ones who matter.

7. Start a house fund

 - Check! With the help of my new job, I am now able to save, save, save.

I completed more than half of my goals, and the goals I was unable to meet, I moved to my 2014 list of goals. I wouldn't suggest pushing goals into the new year, but I am more determined than ever to cross off every last goal on my list.

14 Goals in 2014

1. Travel to multiple states and abroad! 
2. Take & pass the GREs
3. Apply to graduate school, and never stop learning
4. Run more than 3 5Ks and start training for a longer run
5. Start writing my book - (finally) get these ideas down on paper
6. Keep my body fit and tones with the help of Tone It Up, the gym, CKO, and running
7. Read at least 35 books
8. Become a Certified Personal Trainer & encourage others to get fit and feel great about themselves
9. Get Engaged
10. Buy a new vehicle
11. Move out into my own place
12. Start a Project Life Scrapbook
13. Save, save, save. 
14. Find balance in life, between work, family, friends, and workouts. 

What are some of your 2014 goals? I'd love to know what everyone is trying to achieve this year!