Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Terrific Tuesday: Being My Own Kind Of Beautiful



I have been watching a lot of Olympic coverage.  I love sports.  Especially swimming and gymanstics.  I also spend a lot of time looking at the athletes and thinking, why can't I look like that?  Now, I understand that everyone is different and everyone has issues but when you watch these world class athletes and you see the reaction people have to them, it is bound to effect you if you are struggling with yourself.   I realize that I have come a long way in a short time.  I realize that I should be proud of how far I have come.  I also realize that I can do anything I want but the truth is, I am never going to look like Hope Solo, Jordyn Wieber, or Misty May Treanor.  I am never going to have all day to train.  I am never going to be 15 again, and I am never going to marry a professional baseball player either.  That's okay.  I am my own kind of beautiful.



The problem when you let other's define you is that you sell yourself short.  An individual's value is not what you see on the outside.  It isn't the number of medals won or the amount of records set.  An individual is valuable for living a good life, loving good people, being a good friend, good spouse, good child, good sibling, great parent, caring person, and productive member of society. 

Now, some people will not agree with me.  Some people will only see the value of a person in the greatness they acheive publically. The truth is, most people are not world class gymnasts, pro volleyball players, or world champ soccer players.  None of my friends are accomplished in this manner.  They may have been cheerleaders or softball players or on the soccer team in high school.  Some may have played semi-pro baseball.  They all moved on.  They are not defined by accomplishments they made when they were 18.  They are shaped by them. They learned from them. They live valuable, productive, wonderfully successful lives that have nothing at all to do with the Glory Days.

Being my own kind of beautiful is important.  Realizing that I can shape myself only so far and the rest is genetics is just simple facts of life.  I am never going to be certain things but guess what, other people are never going to be me.  I have to love myself now.  Accept that I am beautiful and if someone can't see that because they don't like red heads or they are not attracted to women who are not tiny, that isn't my problem.  I have worked really hard to get to where I am.  I am not done, I have only just begun.  Every person on earth is a work in progress for a lifetime.  I am no different.  What I am realizing is that the value I have goes beyond my dress size, breast size, or nose. 

I hope everyone sees my value but if they don't they really need to move and stop blocking me because there are others who will see it.  Everyone should feel this way.  There are only two kinds of people in the world, the ones that hold you back and the ones that lift you up.  I don't have time in my life for anyone who will hold me back.  I have too much to give.  

Be your own kind of beautiful and don't let the world define you. The world is pretty messed up itself, after all.

Happy Tuesday!


Simply,
Laura

Friday, July 27, 2012

Friday Favorites Blog Update: Olympic Style



I love the Olympics. I love cheering for team USA! I love everything about amateur athletes. The stories of struggle and sacrifices that the athletes & families go through to compete on the world stage. The faith and determination to train at the highest level for a lifetime. I even love the crazy mascots.




If you read my blog or know me in person you may have picked up on my favorite sport. It isn't an Olympic event. Boo!

Thankfully, the Rangers are in a race to win the AL West and I like several Olympic sports. So here are some of my favorite Summer Olympic sports.




How can you not like hoops? It is a true American sport. Born in this country. Besides, I love me some Tyson Chandler. I look forward to cheering on players I normally hate and I can't wait to boo Manu Ginoboli. This is how it should be. I always cheer for the German team when they play everyone but the USA. I love Dirk, what can I say?





I am such a girl at times. I love gymnastics and ice skating. I have to think those are my favorites in both summer and winter events. I love the amazing things those athletes can do with their bodies and let's be honest, this is not a team event. They are really competing as individuals. I can't imagine the pressure. I can't imagine having to do it in those terrible costumes!







Swimming and Diving are my next favorites. Love them. Love the excitement and the power of the swimmers. Totally jealous of their amazing bodies too. Love the grace and beauty of the diving. Greg Louganis will always have a special place in my heart. What an amazing athlete!








Soccer is new for me. I have tried to keep up with it starting with the World Cup. I can't say that 1-0 games are exciting but the end is always nerve racking! I do love Landon Donovan but who doesn't?




Track and Field is something I usually like just because Team USA does well but since I have taken up jogging occasionally I think I have a new appreciation for runners. I love the excitement of this sport. Crossing the finish line the quintessential sports goal.





Volleyball is something I started watching because of Karch Kiraly. Yes I am old enough to remember him playing for the American National team in the 1980's. My memories are really the Seoul games in 1988 when he was captain. Was that really 24 years ago? Wow! I also remember Karch went on to play beach volleyball and yes, I watched that too. Misty May Treanor became a favorite after her hubby started playing with my Texas Rangers. I guess I prefer the beach but either is fun to watch.




I am sad that neither softball nor baseball will be involved in the Olympics. It is a tragedy really. I hope after 2016 the International Olympic Committee will reinstate both sports. This is crucial, especially for the women's sport.  The men's team is made up of minor leaguers and they have a job but the women need this sport. It is simply too important!




All in all, I can't wait for that torch ceremony tonight and the games to begin. What is your favorite Olympic sports?

Simply,
Laura

Thursday, July 26, 2012

It's Okay Thursday Blog Update


Brunch With Amber


A Complete Waste of Makeup


It's Ok


...That I am actually goint to try linking up today for the 1 year anniversary of  It's Ok Thursday with Amber and Neely and I am not sure it will work.  I may be a little challenged at times.  Morning and anytime I am working on Blogger.
...that my dogs fight over who gets to lay on me on the couch. At least I know I'm loved.

...that I prefer not to discuss politics on social media. I'm not changing my mind and I have no interest in changing anyone else's. I just wish the arguments were not so ugly and everyone would understand that calling the other side names does nothing to further the cause, right or wrong.

...that I am that sensative and it bothers me when people call each other names on social media.  I know I should let it go.
...that I get frustrated that the scale is stuck. I hate that I have only lost 15 lbs in 3 1/2 months but it is a loss.

...that I realize I am a control freak. I'd be so much happier if people & God would do what I want. Is that wrong?

...that I still have no clue what I am going to do for my birthday in a week and a half.

...that I have 3 books I am reading and can't seem to find time to finish any of them.


...that I'm pretty sure I have ADHD based on the fact I'm reading 3 books at once while watching baseball & doing my nails.


...that I have 5 bananas in my freezer. I can never eat them all before they start to turn so freeze them for smoothies. (That I really never make.)

...that for me, meatless Monday sometimes happens on a day that doesn't start with an M.

...that I am just now learning what it means when someone says to just enjoy the ride.

...that I realize recently something I thought I wanted my entire life I may not want anymore and I am ok with that.

What are you ok with?

Simply,
Laura

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Blog Update: What I'm Loving Wednesday: Rangers Style Mid-Season review



We are over halfway through with the baseball season so I decided that this blog would be dedicated to my favorite pictures of the season to date. So here is what I'm Loving Rangers friends style.




Okay, this was actually our Rangers Ballpark tour before the season but I love this! Most of my girls are here! From left Lyn, me, Monica, Trish, and Julie.





Opening Day! Me and most of my girls, again. We never all seem to make it. It was just yesterday and so long ago.
(Rachel, me, Lyn, Julie, Monica)



Opening Night: Trish, Brannon, Me, Monica, Julie, & Rachel. Micah is missing from this picture. Boo! (We were invited to join the LSB tailgate thanks to our friend Brannon.)







This was our Angels game at the Cuervo Club. Sometimes we like to ride in style. Most of the time we prefer to just be crazy fans.





This was the game the next day. See how well Rachel and coordinate? We somehow have managed to not wear the same shirts on the same night, so far.





Trish, Rachel and me on the longest, hottest day. This was a great game. Josh Hamilton was sick and the game was about 5 and a half hours old. Josh hit a walkoff!





Rachel and I got to meet up with Whitney during a game. That was awesome. Love meeting my Twitter friends. (Every person I know in these pictures I met on Twitter.)





Jerry! He is my Dallas Stars & Rangers friend.





Felicia met up with me after a game. She comes down from Oklahoma to see the Rangers. I try not to hold the OK thing against her.





This is Rachel & Laura living the suite life. So fun to feel a little special for a night!





More Tweet ups. This was a few weeks ago with Jenna and Michael.





This is my sweet friend Cam and his Daddy, Chance who is my little brother from another mother.





Rachel and me.





Monica and me.





Julie and me.





Ah. I knew I had a picture of Micah from Opening Night!





Hot guy that sits by us and brings a different girl to nearly every game. He is cute & flirty & seems nice enough. Don't tell him he made my blog. Shhhh.





This could go on and on. No really. The good news is we have a lot more baseball. We have one or two more games at least we are going to tailgate. Still managing somehow to snag a bobblehead or t-shirt. Plus we have a bunch of extras.

For everyone coming to the August tailgate I will be in touch with the details soon.

Y'all get ready. Second season is underway but Third season is where it is all going to happen. Righting the wrong. Erasing the pain!

Thanks to every single one of my friends & buddies who have made the season so much fun so far. Can't wait to see you in the playoffs! All y'all!!!

Simply,
LauraSimply,
Laura

This was a fireworks Friday with a big crew. We had a great time. In the picture is Bannon, me, Julie, Brandon, Rachel, & Ashley. Missing are Donny, Katie, Lyn, Jon, and Tonya.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Monday Blog Update: Manic Mobile Monday and Stuff.




Friday I was one of several members of management at my company to volunteer time in a dunking booth to raise money for the Red Cross.



This is me in the booth. Try not to let the glare of my super bright legs scare you. I was dunked a total of 4 times. It was about 100 degrees so I was happy to be dunked often. It was a total blast!!!




I also got to see The Dark Knight Rises this weekend. While my thoughts and prayers go out to the victims in Colorado it is incredibly important to me when things like this happen that fear not change my life or the crazy people win. I purposely forced myself to go to the movies Friday. It was a little odd seeing so many police at the theater in the mall but it was also comforting. Aside from the fact I still had dunking booth hair and no makeup the movie was awesome. I will be seeing it again.





I spent my weekend with this guy. Lots of Batman and a little Terminator and total eye candy. What? You think I am going to see Total Recall for the 3 breasted hooker? Colin Farrell. Don't judge me for liking a few hours of pretty men. Men, not boys by the way. This is the reason I have not seen nor do I plan to see Magic Mike.

Sunday I was back on my plan which I have decided to call Improve the Package. This is an expanded version of my prior plan of Bringing Sexy Back. This new plan includes not only diet and working out but also some things that incorporate improving and pampering my body. I have started with facials and massage because let's face it, I am not 20 anymore and my skin needs some special care. Later on I will be moving to the more drastic stuff. I may share that later. The answer to the question is yes, I am vain.





So....my birthday is approaching way too fast. Have I mentioned that the idea of reminding myself that I am yet another year older is not my favorite custom? Probably not because I think I am alone in this. Maybe someday I will like it again. I plan on making a birthday blog committment to myself this year. I think it will start with have fun and stop putting so much pressure on yourself. We will see. Why did I bring this up? Because I was searching for something fun to do on my birthday this weekend and it is narrowed down to Motley Crew/Kiss or monster trucks. I may or may not be open to suggestions. :-/

Happy Monday! Rangers are back home so you know what that means? I will see you at the Ballpark! Until then I may be occupied with QT with Christian, sit-ups, push-ups and serious weights. (One of these is not like the others.) Time to get super serious. I have a goal to reach before October.







Simply,
Laura

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Thursday Thirteen: Shuffling

Today's Thursday Thirteen is a random shuffle of my music on my phone.  I live with this music, run with this music, ride my bike with this music.  Thanks to my friend Rachel who came up with this idea and gave me some pointers. (I don't know if the videos will post right, I am still trying to figure this out.)

1. Alan Jackons Livin On Love
I was young and had big dreams that love would be enough someday. Oh, that was yesterday. :)

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DDXLmYyFu4I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

2. Blake Shelton The More I Drink
I may just love anything Blake Shelton is in...come on, those eyes!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A3MGfJ3eMGA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

3. John Mayer Back To You
 Don't we all need a second or third chance sometimes?  Even if we don't deserve it?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dsn33wjBKU8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

4. Shania Twain No One Needs to Know
I just love her. She sings about strong women.  Someday I hope to be one.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/681Y-UQ0LWI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

5. Chris Tomlin God of This City
Chris is my favorite all-time Christian Artist.  Everything he does is amazing in my eyes.  He touches my soul like nobody else ever has and he has gotten me through some of the worst moments of my life. Well, him and God.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tjUKUCxgQrI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

6. Jimmy Buffett Escape (If you like Pina Coladas)
I listened to this growing up and thought for sure someday I would answer a personal ad and find my husband.  LOL.  Well, it could happen, I suppose.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mKpgwxfPfsw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

7.Steven Curtis Chapman Cinderella
This song will make me cry every single time.  The little girl in me wishes I had this experience with my daddy.  The adult woman reminds myself this is why it is so important to find the right man, to make sure he is good enough to be the father of your child.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nrWMBC6yoME" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

8. Tommy Tutone 867-5309
Don't judge me.  I am a product of the 80's.  We were cool back in the day.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/axLRUszuu9I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

9. Steven Curtis Chapman When Love Takes You In
This man just touches your heart.  What a good, God Loving creature!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/beZ5hF-qZDY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

10. Rascal Flatts Take Me There
I spent Friday Night with these boys, so it is appropriate that they showed up on the random shuffle.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vuL0SJiAOcM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

11. Pink Funhouse
I love Pink.  I know my music taste is all over the place but what can I say, I am a little complex and different.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2priZPjpd_o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

12. Guns N Roses Welcome to the Jungle
I hear this one all the time.  It reminds me of playoff Basketball and the Mavs.  It also makes me miss post-season baseball and the craziness that is the Ballpark in Arlington.  Can't wait for more.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o1tj2zJ2Wvg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

13. And last but not least---- Pink Perfect.
This is the clean version.  My phone has the not so clean version.  I listen to this when I workout a lot. It inspires me and pushes me to be better and to let go of the negative self-talk that hear a lot espcially when I am at the gym.  The line, "you're so mean when you talk about yourself" is just so me.  I sometimes think when I find a man who thinks I am perfect just as I am, that is the one I will marry.  Not someone who wants me to be 25lbs thinner or with bigger boobs.  LOL

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-BIye98Ryic" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Have a great Thursday! 

Simply,
Laura

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Happy Hump Day Cupcake Style!



Two of my favorite things are Hump Day & my friends. I was born on a Wednesday so maybe that it is why it is hands down my favorite weekday. We will go with that because otherwise I am a 12 year old boy..



Several of my friends love the same things, baseball and cupcakes. (I haven't taken a poll on the Hump Day issue although I know what side one or two of them will come in on).




So I am trying out recipes for the tailgates in August and September/October should they be needed. Tuesday I made a Mocha Java Nutella cupcake with a dark chocolate-java-nutella frosting. (Do you prefer icing?) The cake wasn't bad. I took the idea from brownies. I prefer the Nutella Brownies to be honest but I tend to prefer brownies. I like the chewiness of brownies. The frosting was a doctored up store bought number and I won't do that again. I was tired. Homemade Butter Cream is just the best stuff. I happen to prefer the frosting to the cake so I may be a snob or a big kid.

Basically this is just a chocolate cake with some instant coffee & a drop of nutella in the center. I happen to be a sucker for nut butter of any kind.

This was a good cupcake but it isn't tailgate worthy. I may bring the brownies. My next cupcake will be a margarita cupcake. This will require a girls night taste test and the real thing to go with it. Stay tuned.








For those worried, I only eat one to test. I give the rest away to willing taste testers.






Simply,
Laura

posted from Bloggeroid

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Showing Luv On Tuesday Blog Update: Life is Good and Kate Upton is my hero!



I am showing much love today to Kate Upton. After being called fat and a piggie by some (Crazy) Blogger she fired back saying "I'm not going to starve just to be thin," in an interview with the Sun "I want to enjoy life and I can't if I'm not eating and miserable." Good for you Kate!!! Eat what you want girl. You look amazing! The insanity of calling this beautiful woman fat is mind boggling to me but here you decide:



I love the fact I hurt everywhere this morning. I am alive. I survived 40 minutes at the gym and a 2 hour softball practice last night. I am old. All of this is wonderful.




My love for my coffee this week is going to be endless. Why? Because the Rangers are on the West Coast. I have some things planned this week that have me preoccupied and I am super busy.




And this:



My glove. Just because I am so darn proud of myself for making myself step out of my box and live outside of it.



Tomorrow may be a sweet Wednesday. I promised my team cupcakes and I have to find time to make them but I have a plan and a West Coast game so if I do, expect photos and feedback. I am trying out recipes for the tailgates I have planned for the remainder of the regular and post seasons. Go Rangers!!!




That's my thoughts of the day!.


Simply,
Laura

posted from Bloggeroid

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