I know what you’re thinking, “Oh my god it’s Thanksgiving and this crazy psycho isn’t thankful?!” Now just wait a minute, don’t judge a book by its cover:) I got your attention huh? Let me explain. I AM VERY THANKFUL today, but not just today, each and every day I wake up and take a breath I am thankful. I am thankful for family, a good career, a world of new opportunities and experiences, choosing to be happy, and the list goes on and on. I see so many people only showing and demonstrating thanks on this given holiday and then tomorrow it’s back to complaining about each and everything in their life. From jobs to not making enough money, from being overweight and thinking you’re fat, to flipping off the jack ass who cut you off in traffic then dwelling on it the whole day. From wishing you had a better life to bitching about the fact you didn’t get a $400 60 inch plasma at Best Buy. My career has allowed me to open my eyes to exactly how god damn lucky and blessed I am, this particular job especially. I work with the older population and yesterday it was heart breaking to me how most of them don’t have families that come and see them, or they are medically unable to leave the facility. From the old man in the wheelchair who was ecstatic to take 3 steps after not walking in 6 months, or the young woman who had a stroke and finally was able to stand up for 30 seconds. These people are THANKFUL. Yet today, someone around the world will complain and be pissed off about the fact that the Cowboys lost the game in the last-minute. Four of my co-workers are from the Philippines who have some form of family effected by the typhoon and lost everything. Those people would be thankful for a piece of food or clothing today, or to have that family member they lost. This is the first time in 29 years I will not be with my family for Thanksgiving, and yes I miss them tremendously, but I am so blessed and honored to have an extended family in California whom I can spend this day with because I know many people have nowhere to go. Everyday is not perfect. I have bad days and have to catch myself complaining about stupid shit a lot as well, but the change I’ve made is always thinking how much worse it could be. I don’t have all the money, the looks, or perfection, but I have a damn good life and am grateful today, tomorrow, and everyday moving forward. I love and appreciate everything life has given me as well as my family. So please, tomorrow when Thanksgiving is over, don’t change your thoughts and feelings you have today. I will still be thankful tomorrow for the same things as today. Carry them over to each and everyday of your life. Wake up and live everyday like it’s Thanksgiving and PLEASE choose to be awesome dammit. 🙂
Abby 
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One week of no social media…Can you do it?
1 week of no social media. Sounds easy enough right? I will admit that I am somewhat addicted, no not even somewhat, I AM addicted. Facebook and Instagram being the two major culprits.
I am challenging myself to slowly decrease my time on social media to make time for other important things in life. That shit pulls you in people. And let’s be honest, is it really relevant that we check our Facebook’s every 10 minutes because we might miss something important? Come on, tell me that last important, had to die for information you got from Facebook? That your best friend’s brother’s cousin is no longer in a relationship with someone you don’t even know? The more I think about it, I’m not really sure what the last important thing I saw on Facebook that absolutely was glad I didn’t miss! Instagram is even worse for me. I’m not sure why I continue to check that damn thing every half hour only to see another shout out from another account trying to get more followers, or another picture of someone showing me what the hell they are eating, or another ego driven individual taking a half-naked selfie (which they probably took at least 10 times to get the right pose and right lighting). Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done all these things and posted these things but does anyone really care that much? Probably not. I have to ask myself, “Why does this shit intrigue me?” And honestly I cannot give you an answer as to why I continue to be drawn in by all of it. It is now just a habit I’ve formed and I’m wanting to change it. Now, social media definitely has its place. I do enjoy seeing what my family members are up to that I don’t get a chance to see often, and I also think that social media is great for businesses to network and for promotion as well, I’m just saying I have a problem and an addiction to it! I am starting with an hour a day and will slowly decrease time from there to eventually where I can find a balance:) Each week I am trying to break or change a bad habit I have and also to start a new habit, a good one. The first quest is to start limiting my time on social media each day and make room for areas in my life that I feel are much more important. I feel I’ve wasted too many hours of really nothing and now it’s time to change that! If anyone is up for the challenge with me let’s do it! I am challenging myself weekly to be better and improve different areas of my life, and I challenge everyone to do the same. If you feel like you are spending hours on social media but making excuses of why you can’t do other things in your life, let’s change it. I will update you every few days of my challenge to see how things are going:) Here is my first plan of attack and it starts today:
1-I will only check social media during my lunch and allow myself 30 minutes at night.
2-During this time is the only time I can post something on my accounts.
My goal by the end of this week is to have my social media time down to only 1 hour per day. I’m going to find other things to occupy my time and let’s see how productive I can be without as much social media in my life:)
I leave you with this article explaining why Facebook is similar to crack…And remember, this is my life, my choices, and I choose to be awesome. Always be you.
Abby
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-judson-brewer/social-media-addiction_b_4079697.html
Did I just road trip across country again?! Yep…Willie Nelson style
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5 days and 4 states later, I am at my destination of Lancaster, CA. This is my home for the next three months as I fulfill another 13 week assignment. In 5 days I drove through 4 states, saw amazing mountains, deserts, and beaches. There was a lot of IPod shuffle going on and Podcasts for days. Let me tell you, it’s amazing some of the songs I had on my IPod I was totally unaware of. Anyways, my pit stops were no name New Mexico, Tucson, and San Diego. I have been wanting to come to California for a long time now to work, however, in my profession you need a license in each state you work in and let’s just say that Cali was quite the process. But all is good now and I’m here! The opportunity that came up couldn’t have worked out any better. I was able to get a position near one of the cities I wanted to experience (Los Angeles) and am grateful and blessed to be able to stay with family friends right near my job! All things happen for a reason people, I truly am a believer in that concept. So now I yet again am able to experience the California and LA culture, but back to the purpose of this blog, the road trip.
Believe it or not, the 1500 miles it took to get here didn’t seem that long. I had beautiful scenery along the way and even got to spend  a few days with a new great friend in San Diego. I have never been even remotely west in my life besides Dallas, TX. The mountains through New Mexico as well as Arizona were breath taking. Also, driving by myself I had a lot of time to reflect and think. I thought about many things on my trip. I came to the conclusion that my life right now is the complete opposite it’s been for the past 28 years. For example, Abby a year ago: Scared, never took chances, boring, non adventurous, wanted to stay in the safe/comfort zone at all times, non social, depressed and letting each day go by without “living.” Abby today: The complete and utter opposite of each and every term I just described me as previously. I’m out to live life and jump at new opportunities, meet amazing people, and have a hell of a good time doing it. Many may ask, “why did you change so much, what happened?” It’s funny because I thought at the time, the thing that happened to me was the worst thing in the world and my life was over, turned out to be the best thing that could have ever happened. I won’t go into detail, but as I was lying on my couch for who knows how many days in a row from depression, I simply made a decision that I didn’t want that life anymore. I didn’t want to be depressed. I made a decision to get up, get going, start my life over, and never look back. Not looking back has led me to amazing new experiences, amazing new opportunities, amazing new friends, and an amazing life. Not everyday is perfect, I will be honest. However, I still believe I have an amazing life now, even if it’s not all great ALL the time. The days that aren’t great I forget about and move on to the next. Each day I get to experience is a great day in my book, good or not so good.Â
Sorry about my ramble, I got a little off topic there. Back to the point of this blog, my road trip. FYI, the Prius was the best investment ever….Just saying that if you are traveling across country every few months, getting 48 mpg is a huge money saver. Anyways, the pics at the top are ones I took along the way. Some of them yes I was driving, which probably isn’t the smartest thing to do, but hell I had to get some pictures somehow! I promise I was extremely careful and I didn’t text and drive:) Good night my awesome people, and stay with me on this journey in Cali. I have a good feeling about it….As always, live awesome.
Abby
What happens in Vegas
Ahhhh Vegas….The city that never sleeps…Very true. I stayed up until 5 am the entire weekend when typical me would have been fighting to keep my eyes open at 10 o’clock. They honestly pump that place full of oxygen allowing you to stay up extra late to spend and lose money. I am by no means a “clubber” or whatever you call it, but somehow couldn’t turn down the VIP table along with free drinks all night that were offered to the girls and I. I danced my ass off for 5 hours straight with a group of 30 something wall street/investment banker men on their annual “live it up” weekend away from their girlfriends/wives. It’s true, you really can get married in like a second if you want. I wisely chose not to. The casinos were amazing, as well as the lights, people, and night life in general. As far as money goes, I think I pretty much broke even, and that was thanks to finding a $100 bill on the ground at the casino. The reason I was visiting Vegas was to attend the 2013 Mr. Olympia Expo so I didn’t check out any shows, but I’m saving that for next time. The weekend was crazy! It was unreal to see so many muscles, six pack abs, and spray tanned individuals. The expo was one of a kind, and I actually had to go buy another suitcase to put all the supplements, samples, shaker bottles, and t-shirts I received.
I did not get to experience any shows, but I will be back. I met lots of new people, and finally got to meet a few Facebook friends I have literally known for like 3 years but never met in person. The girls I met were amazing, and I now have lifelong friends. I didn’t get to go to any shows only being there a few days, but definitely next time. Trust me, there will be a next time. In case you’re wondering, yes I saw plenty of Elvis impersonators as well as other “characters.”
If you have never been to Vegas I would highly recommend at least once in your life trying to get there. I will warn you that you will need to plan a second trip because there is too much there to see and do. You possibly can’t do it all at once. So start planning YOUR Vegas vacation, and possibly a second or third….As always, live awesome!
Abby
So much to do, so little time!
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These next few weeks are going to be crazy for me! I get to knock out a few bucket list items as well as start yet ANOTHER journey! I couldn’t be more excited! I leave in a few days to fly to Las Vegas and attend the 2013 Olympia Weekend/Expo. For those that don’t know what that is, you probably live under a rock, just kidding, but really, it’s the Olympics of bodybuilding. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love the sport so this is an exciting thing for me! I’ve always wanted to go experience the Olympia weekend, plus, I’ve never been to Vegas so it’s a win win! I will fly to Vegas and back to Dallas late Sunday night, pack Monday, then head on my new adventure to California! I accepted a travel assignment there about a week ago. Northern Los Angeles is where I’m headed. It was a place I had in mind I wanted to go work for an assignment. I somehow keep getting blessed with exact places I want to experience. I’m so excited to start new in Cali, and I feel like I will fit in well there. I have enjoyed my time in Texas, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like my “style” is more California. Dallas has been good, but it’s just too industrial for me. I want to do outdoor adventures, go to beaches, hike, surf, you get the point. When you live somewhere that is basically just sky scrapers and business suits the only place I can hike around here is the top floor of the Omni hotel. Now who knows, I may get to California and hate it (doubtful), but it could happen. It doesn’t scare me. Try and fail means way more to me then regret. Living awesome is about stepping out of your comfort zone to find out what life has to offer you. Quit being scared and just do it. I love the fact of trying something new all the time. Why not try new things step into the unknown? That’s where you find the things you want in life. I’m not sure where my place is at in this world, but it’s about the journey and not the destination…Let the journey “resume.” As always, live awesome.
Abby
You don’t have to agree with my choices, but respect them.
Don’t lie. We have all been critical of others. At some point in our lives we have criticized someone because of the way they dress, speak, look, how they live, what they eat, etc. I will admit, I’ve done it. I used to do it all the time. However, when people started to criticize me and the way I live and do things is when I said to myself, “they don’t even know me or my story”, and it was then that I decided to not be critical of others anymore. It was then I said I would get to know someone before I made an opinion about them, and even if I didn’t agree with their choices, I would respect them. We all have the right to be who we want to be in this world. Frankly, it’s none of my business how someone dresses, eats, and lives. If their choices make them happy, I respect that. Who’s to say that MY opinions are right anyways? They are my thoughts and my preferences. That is what makes life great. We all have the choices to be whoever we want to be. It’s great to be an individual. People are the way they are for a reason. We often judge others based on our own backgrounds and experiences. If you want to know something about someone, ask them. Know someone’s story before you are quick to judge them. You may be judging someone on something they cannot control.
When I did my first figure competition, oh god were people critical. “She’s on steroids, she looks like a man, she must be starving herself, she probably doesn’t eat, blah blah.” Did it bother me at first? Yes. Does it bother me now? No. In fact, it makes me laugh. I know exactly what I did to get to that day on stage, and most of the criticisms people made were false. Regardless of what you do, you must not care what people think of you. I know this sometimes can be hard, but no matter what, there will ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS someone who will judge you in a negative way. You cannot please everyone in this world, and if you spend your time trying to convince that ONE negative person who criticizes you, you’re missing out on all the people who respect you. Trying to make that ONE person happy is a waste of your time. That one person will always put you down no matter what. Don’t make time for people like that in your life. Living happy means being surrounded by people who are willing to know your story and respect you and your choices. I don’t have time for people who are going to tear me down. That’s why I don’t pay attention to them. I do a lot of things in my life that people don’t understand. I have plenty of habits that others don’t. But if you are willing to ask me and get to know me, you may be surprised as to why I do the things I do. Instead of talking behind someone’s back, ask them their story. If you still don’t agree, that’s ok, still give them respect. Live as an individual and be different. If things you love are not the “norm” it’s ok. Happiness is what everyone strives for in this life, so don’t judge someone’s happiness. That is for them to decide. As always, live awesome.
Abby
Wasted Time…
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So, this week I’ve been experimenting. Often times we find ourselves saying, “I’m so busy, I can’t find the time to: Workout, start a project, clean, cook healthy, call a family member, do this, do that, and the list goes on.” I, myself, find that I tend to say I don’t have the time to do certain things. I wanted to see how true this really was. Each day I marked down how many hours of wasted time I spend during the day. What do I consider wasted time? Well even though I like doing some of these things, I actually do consider them to be a waste of time knowing I could be doing something more productive. My list included:
- Facebook/Instagram/Social Media-Yes I know I know, but trust me, the world will not end if I can’t get on Facebook for one hour to see who’s life is miserable, who hates their job, what someone ate today, what someone looks like at the gym, or the latest post of someone I have no clue managed to get on my friends list because I have no idea who they are.
- Television-Yep I’m guilty. I watch the drama filled lives of others on Reality TV and live vicariously through Housewives, the Big Brother House, and others.
- Napping-I don’t take a nap every day, but sometimes if I get the chance and I’m in a position to do so, I will nap. However, I tend to take longer naps than I probably should.
- Surfing the Web-This does not count social media. There are some things I need to look up to find out information for, but I also tend to wander the web and find myself at very interesting places to say the least that really have nothing to do with me or what I was attempting to get on the internet for anyways.
- Sleeping-This does not included napping, this includes that extra hour or two in the morning I hit the snooze alarm 50 times when I could have just gotten my butt up out of bed and had a 2 hour start to my day. OR the hour or two I spent tossing and turning and unable to fall asleep when I could have been doing paperwork or getting something productive done.
These 5 things I thought where my biggest time wasters this week. After a week of this I figured that on average I wasted roughly 4 hours per day. When I actually looked at this on paper and realized each week I could be wasting 28-30 HOURS! Are you kidding me!?!? That’s a lot of time I could be doing things that I love, exploring new passions, getting little projects done, knocking things off my bucket list, learning a new skill, calling family, reaching my goals faster, and the list goes on. It’s incredible when you really look at all the time we “waste” during the day, but then later mention that we just don’t have the time to do certain things. Now with this being said, I’m not saying I will stop getting on Facebook nor give up my dose of Housewife drama, but I will decrease the time tremendously that I’m doing these things and set aside specified times for those certain things as well.
Be more aware of where your time is going to. Try my experiment for a week. Write down what you feel are “time wasters” and how much time per day you spend doing these things. Take a look at the list after a week a then I bet you can’t say to yourself, “I just don’t have time to work out, I don’t have time to go back to school, I don’t have time to visit or call my family, etc.” I learned through this experiment that in fact I DO have the time to do a lot of things I say I can’t, but it’s about MAKING the time. My question to you is, do you REALLY need to get on Facebook right now for 30 minutes when you could be working out? Do you REALLY need to watch the latest episode of reality television on FOX instead of doing your school work?  I promise that when you start to FIND the time to do the things you’ve been putting off, you will feel more accomplished, you will feel a sense of freedom, and your goals will get reached MUCH faster, and life will just be much more awesome!
Abby~
My Year in Review and thoughts on Happy….
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“We have what we need to be happy. We just don’t have the right perspective.” ~Joel Osteen
In this past year of my life I have done more, seen more, learned more, and grew more as a person than I have in 28 years combined. The number one lesson over this past year I’ve learned is that “If you want happiness, make it happen” Am I saying I’ve always been happy? Absolutely not, but I finally realized that happiness does not come to you, you must change the way you live your life in order to be happy. Sometimes that may mean taking risks, stepping out of the box, sometimes you have to MAKE yourself happy.  It starts with choices and thinking. I am NOW a firm believer that the way we think has a lot to do with how much happiness can come to us. Happiness is a choice, if you choose to be unhappy you will be, plain and simple. If you choose to be happy you will be, plain and simple. I spent a lot of years feeling like I was “stuck” in a life that I was just ok with. Was I completely happy? No, but I felt like there was nothing better for me and this was my life I was stuck with. I never thought I had potential to do anything or live anywhere but where I was because it was safe. If you don’t take risks then you don’t have to face rejections right? You don’t have to suffer disappointment, you never have to find out what failing is like if you play it safe in life, even if it means sacrificing happiness. Well here I am a year later with a COMPLETELY different mindset in the fact that dammit, EVERYONE deserves happiness! If I could go back a few years ago and tell my then negative thinking self I’d say “Abby, if you aren’t happy with what you are doing or where you are then change it!” However, I believe that all the things I’ve done and gone through in life have been for a purpose and I would never be where I am today without going through the things I did and doing things the way I did. Sometimes it takes the worst situations in life to realize our true potential and sometimes we must go through difficult times in order to find the happiness we want. In this past year I have: Gone through a divorce, moved across country, learned to live “outside the comfort zone”, and looking today, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m a work in progress daily. I have issues I still deal with, things I need to be better at, and please don’t get the wrong impression, I am not perfect and have imperfections just like any other person in this world. My challenge is to overcome those things and strive to be better.
 I’m a believer now that life should be treasured and each and every day we should wake up and look forward to great things. Not every day is going to be great, I know, but it’s how we deal with the bad days and the bad times that push us forward to become better and stronger individuals. If I can help one negative person turn into a positive person then I have succeeded. Life isn’t perfect, but we should all strive to make it as enjoyable as possible and it all starts with attitude! (Next blog topic)
Always remember….Live Awesome
Living Awesome Project 