Hi friends! Happy Sunday!
Sorry to leave you hanging last night, but it was one of those days where blogging just had to take a back seat to good old life. See, I was sitting in a crowded Bux planning on finishing up my post [like always], when all of a sudden I hear: “I don’t mean to intrude, but is this seat taken?” In a nutshell, what happened next included: looking up, seeing a gorgeous guy who I’d been eyeing from previous visits standing there, saying “No, go ahead,” talking for three hours, exchanging numbers, and writing no post.
I hope you guys won’t hold it against me 😉
Needless to say, my head is still more or less in the clouds at this point, so I figured it was the perfect opportunity to fill out a fun survey that I saw over at Alex’s blog not too long ago. Hope you guys are having a fabulous Sunday!
. – . – . – .
A is for age: Physically and legally, 27. In my head and heart, probably about 10. Squee!
B is for breakfast today: Ohhh it was a good one this morning! We’ve got your typical yogurt mess (plain Greek yogurt, banana, Kashi Cinnamon Harvest, roasted almond butter)…
… with one very big difference…
Chunky homemade applesauce! I died. And speaking of dying, the lack of light at breakfast time is just killing me. Ugh.
C is for currently craving: I’m currently content on the food front, but I wouldn’t mind some sunshine.
D is for dinner tonight: Ok, I lied on the craving question. I’m kind of in the mood for some pizza tonight… but I’m headed over to Mom and Dad’s for dinner and I have no idea what’s on the menu.
E is for favorite type of exercise: Walking! And don’t even try telling me that it doesn’t make a good workout.
F is for irrational fear: Ok… Whenever I’m walking on the treadmill, I’m always afraid that my stride is going to be too long and that my back foot will slide off the end of the treadmill and chaos will ensue. It hasn’t happened [yet], but I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m paranoid and tend to take way smaller steps when I’m on the mill of doom.
G is for gross food: Well, aside from all of those weird ‘delicacies’ like monkey brains and what not, when it comes to more mainstream food, I’m not a big fan of fish, eggplant, olives, or blue cheese. Oh and by the way, I came across this article when Googling ‘gross food’ and I think it’s definitely worth reading if you want to be more conscious of what’s in some of the foods you’re buying in the grocery store: The Fifteen Grossest Foods You’re Eating.
H is for hometown: Edmonton, Alberta; or E-town as we lovingly call it up here.
I is for something important: Gratitude. I think that counting your blessings and focusing on what you have rather than on what you think you lack is so important when it comes to finding true happiness.
J is for current favorite jam: Blueberry 😉 Especially with cream cheese on toast.
K is for kids: Adorable. Love them. Some day.
L is for current location: Starbucks, third booth from the door 😉
M is for the most recent way you spent money: My cappuccino, like, 15 minutes ago. Money well spent.
N is for something you need: Someone to do my laundry… Please? I have cookies…
O is for occupation: I like to refer to my current position at work as: “Doer of whatever it is that needs doing.” Right now I’m helping manage things at our family-owned business while volunteering and working on my apps for grad school. Dream job? Sometimes – I love the flexibility and pretty much being able to be my own boss – but ultimately I plan on going back to school for counselling psych. Or maybe I’ll just write… God, wouldn’t that be great…
P is for pet peeve: Bad drivers. I don’t know what it is, but my tolerance level goes down a few [hundred] notches whenever I get behind the wheel of a car. I’m not one of those crazy people that starts honking, yelling, and flipping the bird, but if you suck at driving and get in my way then I’m probably saying mean things about you in my head.
Q is for a quote: “Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Imitation is suicide.”
R is for random fact about you: I have a mild case of tinnitus, which basically means that I hear a quiet ringing in my ears at all times. I’ve gotten so used to it that 95% of the time I don’t even notice the noise.
S is for favorite healthy snack: Basically anything that involves bananas, almond butter, and chocolate. It’s funny. I was reading over some old posts, and apparently this combo has been a favorite of mine for quite some time now.
T is for favorite treat: Hitting up the mall to buy clothes, makeup, shoes, and other fun girly things. I try to limit my spending in that area because I have [freakin’ expensive] groceries to buy and a mortgage to pay, but every now and then I love to go in and pick up a few things.
U is for something that makes you unique: My uncanny ability to pack away half a watermelon in one sitting on a daily basis? The fact that I’ve never read any of the Harry Potter books or seen the movies?
V is for favorite vegetable: Hmm. This one has gone through some changes over the past year, mostly because of what my stomach can and can’t handle. Where my favorite veggie used to be either broccoli or roasted squash, I’d have to say that corn now holds that title, especially when it’s been grilled…
W is for today’s workout: Nada – Sunday’s are for rest. But yesterday I managed to do a relaxed version of my regular weekend workout, and a 3 mile walk. How do I know it was 3 miles? Because the treadmill told me so. Why was I on the mill of doom? Because it’s too cold to be outside 🙁
X is for X-rays you’ve had: Too many to remember at the dentist, and a lot on my right knee from when I shattered my kneecap in a snowboarding accident many years ago.
Y is for yesterday’s highlights: The aforementioned impromptu coffee chat 😀
Z is for your time zone: Mountain. Don’t forget that we have to turn our clocks back an hour next Saturday!
. – . – . – .
Pick a letter, or two, or three… I love learning new things about you guys!
You walk on a treadmill?? I always thought that when you said your workout was walking you meant you went for a walk outside, lol. I can’t imagine that, so you spend about an hour on a treadmill walking?
When I read your post, I thought you met that guy on a bus and then I read the comments above – he asked to sit next to you in Starbucks? That really sounds like a movie, hee!
I was going for walks outside until the weather turned nasty. And nooooo, I can never do the whole distance in one stretch – I’d go crazy with boredom. I usually break it up into 2 or 3 random sessions throughout the day, depending on how much I’m feeling it.
Yay! So happy you met a cute man Amanda! That is pretty darn exciting, and a great excuse to skip out on a post! I also love these surveys, the perfect cure for writer’s block:) I also love to get to know more about you. Yep, I’m 22 and I’m definitely 8 years old at heart! My whole family made fun of me yesterday for watching a Charlie Brown Halloween movie. I can’t help I like to watch those movies to get into the holiday spirit ha ha.
I’m 27 too but act (and sometimes look) like I”m 10. Hehe forever young!
Meeting a cute boy at Starbucks! Your life is a movie! I love it, that’s the best reason to skip a post 🙂 Life is more important! I’m judging you slightly for not reading any of the Harry potter books…not sure we can be friends anymore (haha, jk) but I seriously love HP! You gotta get around to reading them, I swear they’re worth all the hype.
That’s what I keep hearing! Maaaaaaybe I’ll get around to it one of these days. But I’ve resisted for so long that now I just feel like I have to keep going 😆
If you read the HP books, you will be so glad!! Probably my favorite books ever.
ahhhh! kekekekkkekekekekke ackkkk I’m choking from the excitement and giddiness………..:D That encounter is so like, You’ve Got Mail type of a feel! And I just love how you described it, because we girls can be such suckers for cute stories. PLEASE keep us updated! Hopefully he’s a genuine person, no matter how it all turns out!
Ps: I’m like you too and love to do things at coffee shops! Purty cool 🙂
Definitely don’t hold it against you – gorgeous guys always come first! 😀
I feel stupid that I didn’t realize you’re on mountain time… I’m on east coast. I thought we were on the same time zone for some reason. Oops, haha.
Currently craving = Quest bars.
What a fun post! Love learning all these fun facts! i’m definitely craving some sunshine too! I miss the summer! Occupation for me is currently a mix of everything: Group fitness instructor, nutrition coach, lululemon educator….hopefully someday a full time nutritionist! Dying to hear details on the boy!!!
whhaaaaaat?! You met a guy?! DETAILS WOMAN!! Date maybe?? 🙂
BTW, treadmills are dangerous. I’ve fallen off mine twice lol
This is all I could think about while reading this post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erywPdFfORE
Omigosh love. Thank you for sharing 😀
You lucky girl! Keep us updated 😉
And I tried that banana and nut butter combo today – it was so good!
Also, you’d be an amazing writer. I usually just skim through posts on blogs, but for some reason I always look forward to actually reading your posts. You have a way with words girl!
Ha Ha, love your answer to current location: “Starbucks, third booth from the door”.. cracked me up! &&&… you must tell me all about this gorgeous guy? What is going on w/ the two of you. Spill the beans girl <3
😆 I’ll keep updating as things progress – let me get to know the guy first 😛
Ahhh I am so excited for you! 😀 Keep us posted on the boy situation!
I just recently made homemade applesauce too! Isn’t it amazing? I don’t ever really eat applesauce as a snack, but I’ve been gobbling up my homemade stuff by the bowlful!
Wow, sounds like a scene out of a movie! Definitely a great excuse for taking a post off! I love surveys anyways 🙂 I have read that grossest foods article before and will never ever buy canned mushrooms ever ever again!
That is so exciting! I might I have to steel this survey! I do think never reading the HP series does make you super unique LOL. That is awesome though. Unique for me? I grew up and went to British school, moved to southern VA and then Northern NY. Therefore I have a hillbilly british accent LOL
What??? No eggplant, olives, or blue cheese! haha Asparagus is on my gross list, though I still eat it sometimes. D, dinner tonight = stuffed peppers. P, pet peeve = loud chewers.
K is for KIDS and mine who is up already and READY TO PLAY…
xo
Happy that I could inspire you for an autumn homemade apple sauce twist on your breakfast. It looks divine!
OH man I definitely agree about olives yuck!!! I’d also add pickles, hot dogs, and hamburgers to that list!
Breakfast – oatmeal/oat bran with cinnamon, pumpkin, and protein powder! YUM
Exercise – running. I always come back to it somehow. I don’t run far anymore though, but my short 3-4 mile runs are so fun. I just go now to enjoy the experience!
Hometown – Born in Toronto, ON. Currently living in Ann Arbor, Michigan!
And, I just want to say I read your story and it is incredibly inspiring and strong of you. I’m glad to see where you are now. <3
I just came across your blog 🙂 how cute! When it’s a gorgeous guy involved, everything gets a pass haha!
This was a great survey type post!
It’s been a dream of mine for quite some time to meet a dreamy man in a coffee shop. There’s something so–dare I say it–sexy about that? I wouldn’t usually associate “coffee” with “sexy,” but when we’re discussing an ideal first “date” (and that’s what it sounds like you may have had!), then it totally works. I’m feeling some of your giddiness, Amanda! 😀
I’ll gladly do your laundry in exchange for cookies! I’ve wanted to visit Alberta ever since I did a report on the province when I was in 6th grade. 😉 Can I put in a special request for those amazing fig and date oatmeal bars you made a few weeks ago?
I agree with you about grilled corn–absolutely delicious. When I studied abroad in Mexico for a semester during college, I ate an ear (or three) every day. I love it plain, but while I was living there, I learned that it’s even more delicious drizzled in crema, queso fresco and paprika!
You’d make a wonderful counselor/psychologist, but if you choose to “just” write, I have no doubt that you’ll positively impact millions. What you’re doing here is already so meaningful to so many of us!
Roughly how many calories did you take during recovery? N sorry if this is personal, but did u get ur period back?
2800; and yes I did.
N how do u know when to stop taking 2800 calories? Or do you continue this amt? Thnx for ur help!
Well that’s just how much I needed – your number might be different, but never go below 2500. As for knowing when to stop, it’s not easy to pinpoint an exact time where it’s alright to transition into maintenance, but you should be at a healthy weight that allows your body and mind to function the way that they should, which means that your period comes back and the food obsessions/fears stop.
Loved all your answers, Amanda…always fun to learn more about a blogger :)! Your irrational fear made me laugh! I have this weird fear of tripping whenever I’m walking down the stairs. It doesn’t work in my favor that I climb up & down stairs in my office at least 6-7 times a day.
Have you ever considered writing as a profession? I truly mean it when I say that you have a skill, and one that I think can take you very far. Even in your relatively longer post, I read every word because your style of writing is so gripping.
Oh and you’re not the only one who hasn’t read Harry Potter! I watched the first one (peer pressure) and wanted to kill myself during it…SO monotonous!
And nowww I want to hear about this guy! Hope some digits were exchanged ;)!
Awwwr thank you Khushboo. Writing is something that I’ve been thinking of pursuing for a while now actually, but the thought is so daunting and I’m afraid of giving up the ‘safe’ career route to put all my focus into being a writer… especially because of all of the struggling writer horror stories that you hear! But at the same time… ugh… it would really suck not to pursue my dreams solely because of fear. So torn.
That is definitely a valid reason for not getting a post up. 😉 I will most likely steal this survey from you at some point but for now, dinner tonight: Whole Foods hot bar (typical).
Awww that’s such a cute meet-up story! I’m thinkin’ I need to spend more time in Starbucks and maybe that’ll happen to me 😉
X-rays I’ve had: at the dentist/orthodontist, one on my left wrist, one on my right ankle, one on my right foot and an MRI for my right ankle too. I feel like I’ve very accident-prone but luckily I’ve only had one major injury, an ankle fracture when I was in 4th grade. Not fun, but I loved getting a glow-in-the dark cast and getting everyone to sign it though!
I hate eggplant. (like absolutely despise, want to throw it across the room if one ever appear near me – level of hate)
And green olives (black ones are acceptable though).
And blue cheese.
And my favourite jam is blueberry.
Meant to be friends? I think so. :-p
And expect this to be stolen sometime in the future, I love me a good survey. 😀
remind me to some day walk with you someday. I think we’d have a grand old time. favorite activity for sure!
Oh how awesome did this post start out!! I’m excited for you too! And I have totally fallen on a treadmill- not because of my stride being too long, but extremely embarrassing and sore nonetheless. I wouldn’t run on a treadmill for years after. Haha.
Gorgeous man!? You go girl!
That’s so interesting that you have tinnitus – I never heard of it! Out of curiousity, how did you find out you had it? I mean, have you always had it? Did you think that the ringing was what everyone else experienced, before you realized it was tinnitus? LOL sorry for being nosy, but I sometimes hear a ringing in my ear as well, and I’m not sure if it’s just typical of what everyone else has normally!
I’ve had it for as long as I can remember, so yeah I always thought it was pretty normal… and I think that most people experience some degree of it anyways. What made me finally pay more attention to it was the fact that it tends to get really bad when I’m super stressed and the pitch of the ringing changes a lot so it’s harder to ignore…. like usually it’s just a steady, subtle noise, but when it gets bad it starts to sound like morse code.
Nice! Sounds like a fun night, and definitely worth skipping blogging for that. 🙂
B is for breakfast today: A thick slice of amazing cinnamon sugar swirl bread from the local bakery, plus half a banana with peanut butter.
O us for occupation: Teacher. While I have taught all kinds of things (English, math, middle school, high school, farming), I’d love to do more farm education.
Can’t wait to hear more about the guy at Starbucks!! So exciting! And the perfect meeting place! 🙂
Favorite jam – blackberry!!
Yesterday’s highlight – my birthday!!
Eeeeee! Happy Birthday! <3 <3
awww, that’s awesome! glad you had a great time 😉 and omg, writing= dream job as well. (dreams, dreams… one day, right?)
Ahhhh!!! Cute boys are ALWAYS worth slacking — on school, on the blog, whatever it may be. 😀 Here’s to going for the good stuff! 😉
Also, staying on the cute theme — cute shoes!! Love them!
I’m ditto on the writing. I love it and if I could get paid to do it (part time, full time, don’t care!!), I would be in HEAVEN. On that note — I love reading your writing and will write a letter of recommendation to ANY publisher you would ever approach. Just sayin’.
Shout out to fellow Canadians (holla! eh!). And totally missing the sun already as well.
Loved this post (almost as much as I love banana, AB/PB, chocolate combos) and if you hadn’t mentioned the boy, wouldn’t have known you cut a corner, but so thankful you mentioned him!!
I hear weeeedding bells! Baha, kidding:). Nice & gorgeous you say… does he have a brother?
I’d never had cream cheese’ n jam, till your blog. Now I absolutely love that combo. Throw a fried egg in the mix = heaven to my tastebuds. On the other hand, blue cheese, eggplant, OLIVES (heebeejeebies) , gross, just gross.
Yah, you made applesauce! It looks so good in your mess. I just made some more today actually, & chucked some cinnamon & raisins in for kicks.
Xxx
😆 He does have a brother actually… although I don’t know anything about him.
So you’re blaming me? 🙂
omg. that the best meeting ever! And at a starbucks?? so perfect. We’re talking movie stuff here! i hope you keep us updated 😉
i love surveys! – jam + cream cheese spread on toast is Amaaazing. And one of my pet peeves is bad drivers too. ESPECIALLY when they don’t turn on their signal lights.
F is for irrational fear: everytime I’m using a knife or something sharp, I imagine myself slicing my finger. And quite badly. Sorry for being so gory!!
Have a lovely Sunday night Amanda!
Awww, I’m so happy for you! Sorry for being a girly girl but I find it so romantic you met in a way that sounds like a scene from a movie! Still hoping things with that one guy will work out for me …
P is for pride: I’m pround I was able to conquer a fear food – muffin from a cute little café not showing nutritional information – today. Looks like I enjoyed muffins after all, huh, ED?!
I love the quote you posted. Whom is it by? Sounds a little like the famous quote of using one’s own mind by Kant.
Lastly, I hope you’ll be able to make writing (part of) your job one day! You’re such a talented writer, Amanda!
Nothing wrong with being a girly girl – it definitely makes me gush too. And great job on conquering a fear food 😀 Not so bad after all, eh? Oh, and the quote is by Marva Collins.
girl, no way! that kind of number exchange is something I seriously wish would happen to me, I swear it only happens on tv and in movies. I am so jealous but mostly happy for you. I can’t wait to hear more. Look at you stud. I am with you on grilled veggies, my favorite. Makes any veggie taste better
I’ve always been convinced that it’s only something that happens in movies, too, but you never know! Don’t write it off!