Happy Holidays/Weekly Round Up

Hope your holidays were mine because mine sure was! I spent a week up north with family which is why there weren't any updates. I ate sooooo much and gained 5 pounds to prove it! Now that I am getting back to socal, its time to clean up my diet, really get into a workout routine and get my mind right for the upcoming spring semester. I have another PT test in April and I don't want it to be me scrambling at the last minute to make sure I can pass, I want it to be that I know I am going to pass, and I want to do better than I did in December. I also have some financial goals that I want to accomplish. Mainly saving better and to stop spending so much money on stuff I do not need. So that is it for now, here are some pics!!!

My baby is getting sooooo big!!!

2014 Goals

So this is my ever growing list on some goals that I have for 2014. I like to set realistic goals for myself that will help make my life better overall. What goals do you have for the new year?

1. Learn to like working out
2. Go hiking on different trails around Los Angeles instead the same ones I always go to
3. Take a relaxing trip
4. Plan a a hiking trip to the Appalachians
5. Learn how to use my DSLR better
6. Take more photos
7. Have a successful spring semester at school
8. Save money 
9. Start a side business
10. Have a more active social life
11. Read more books
12. Cook more meals at home
13. Stop procrastinating on school work!
14. Have a better idea on what I want to be when I grow up!
15. Get at least a 275 on a PT test

Hump Day Wednesday Motivation

Being that we are half way through the week I thought that I would give you a some hump day motivation. These particular quotes I am feeling particularly attached to today, hope they inspire you today.

All In A Days Work

Took Ruby to Pets Unleashed today so that I could bathe her and cut her hair. I was trying to grow it out because I want to do a continental cut, but I can't stand that scruffy look in the mean time! Guess its the groomer in me! I have been grooming her myself since I got her and she is so well behaved now. She was a nightmare in the beginning though! LOL

For those of you wondering, she is a moyen poodle (aka caniche poodle). She is still considered a standard poodle, she is just on the smaller side which is what I wanted. Overseas, they are very common, but not much so here in the states. She is almost 8 months old and weighs 30 lbs. Hoping that she will get a little bigger though!

Ways to Save For 2014

I know I have another post on this same topic, but I thought I would do another one for the new year. Living paycheck to paycheck because we spend money on stuff we have nothing to show for is not the business!!! So here are some tips on some easy ways to save money:


1. Eat at home. Seriously, it all adds up. Even though we may be only getting something on the dollar menu, or getting a lunch special, all that adds up. I didn't really see how much I was spending on eating out until I stopped doing it for 2 weeks. Once I saw how much money I was saving, it encouraged me to keep it up and I hardly eat out anymore.

2. This kind of falls under eating at home, but plan your meals and make a grocery list. I say plan your meals because if you already know what your meals are going to be for the week, then when you make your grocery list you only need those items. Before I really got into managing my money better I would make a list, but it was disorganized and random and I spent a lot of money on stuff that wasn't being used right away, defeating the purpose of saving money. So if you are like me and your eyes are bigger than your stomach--plan your meals in advance.

3. Cut down on expenses you do not need. I do not have a house phone (who still has one of those?), nor do I have cable. Had I wrote this post two weeks ago, I would have even said I do not own a TV (just bought my first one ever and I am in love!). Instead of a gym membership I use the gym at my apartment complex and run outside. I do have internet though and even with that I tried to get the best deal possible. The internet is a necessity for me because of school and my sanity! Cant be sitting at home completely bored to death!

4. Write down all your bills and prioritize them. We know we have bills, but it is a lot easier to see the whole picture if it is in black and white.

5. Look for coupons and sales before you shop! Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I always get a good deal. And that is because I refuse to pay more when someone else is selling it for less. My go to app for shopping is called Shopular. If I am going shopping for something in particular (or sometimes I just want to shop! Hey, it happens…) I always check out the sales in the app first before I go driving all over town. Not only does it save me money, but it saves me gas. I have tried other apps before, but this is my holy grail and I recommend it to EVERYONE.

6. Shop online. I know that as humans its in our nature to be impatient, but sometimes waiting really isn't that bad--especially if it is a better deal online. I recently got myself a TV for Christmas (Merry Christmas to me!!!) and I bought it on Amazon. The black friday sales in LA were more or less the same and I the lines to get into Walmart and Target for TV's we just beyond ridiculous so I decided to get it online instead and save myself the headache. Originally I going to get something small, because it is just me and I am not a fancy kind of person, but then I came across a deal I couldn't refuse. I ended up getting a 50-inch SMART TV by Samsung for $599. I'd say that is winning :)

7. Put aside money for a rainy day. It is the most obvious thing, don't think I need to elaborate on that ;)

8. Treat yourself. If you are constantly pinching pennies and saving it could lead to unintended splurging. You should always take care of yourself and do something nice for yourself (within reason) every once in a while. Otherwise, it would be like a diet. You loose all that weight, you look great, but as soon as you stop dieting all that weight comes right back. Saving money, like dieting (or healthy eating I should say), should be a lifestyle choice. Its not something that is temporary and it shouldn't have to suck all time! Treat yourself and enjoy life, but also think about the future. You only live once!

Its the End of the Semester!!!

And I am so excited/happy!!!! It has been 10 years since I have actually sat in a classroom to learn so it has been quite an adjustment that I am still trying to get used to. Its not like having a job in the sense that you go in to work everyday, but I have to go in, listen, attempt to understand and process the information given, and then be tested on how much I actually retained (and I have to be honest its very little lol). It was definitely an eye opener. I found myself busy to the point that I actually have to write a list of things to do. Priorities. I think the fact that because it really has been so long it was not an easy adjustment for me by any means. On top of that I attempted to work part time to keep me on my toes/meet new people/keep me from spending money. That was a fail. So, I am no longer working and I think it is for the best right now. I was spending way to much time working and not enough on my homework. I got out of active duty to finish school so school needs to be my number one priority right now. Besides, I want to explore more creative options when it comes to work and I do not want to be tied down by a set job. I also want to focus more on my blog which has been severely neglected because of my inability to get it together :/
In addition to the craziness of school I have been traveling quite a bit. The only weekend that I did not go out of town for in November was Thanksgiving weekend. And I have to admit I am sick of traveling right now. I just want to relax and get myself situated before the spring semester starts in January :) I just have one more trip this month for Christmas to Sacramento and then no more for the next couple of months!
This coming week I am going to be looking into and coming up with new ideas and concepts for my blog. I am also itching to get out with my camera to get some interesting shots. I took a black and white film class this semester and it has helped me understand my dslr better and what I need to do to get the perfect shot. There is definitely a lot more to the camera than auto (which is what I always used before!) Even though I hated the class (it was a 5 hour class and she made it long and drawn out and my attention span is not that great), I learned a lot and I plan on using my camera more to really cement that foundation. Plus, I really really really want a higher end camera, but I have to learn how to use this one first before I can justify spending money on another camera!
Alright guys! Until next time.

Cheers!!!!

Heyy

Hey guys!!! I already know I have been seriously lacking in the updates. With the work and school flow I honestly had time for little else. However I recently cut back on my hours at work so I can more get my life together! And the semester is halfway over and I have no midterms at all which is weird to me....Anywho, I recently made a decision to do ROTC. Now, ROTC has to accept me into their program. I need to be working on my fitness because I cannot fail. Gave up way too much and have been through way to much to not reach my full potential. It is really interesting because a lot of people live in the United States, and reap those benefits, but lack those patriotic feelings. They ask me why. Honestly, I want to serve my country, I want to be a positive leader for those still serving. I want to be an example that shows that you don't have to do f*cked up stuff to get ahead. You don't have to screw other people over (especially the ones that don't deserve it) to win. I seen a lot of stuff in my short time in the Army that would put a sour taste in anyones mouth, but I feel like that is an opportunity for change. Its not about the money because I could be overseas getting whats left of that contracting money before it all dries up. Honestly, I just want to be happy so that is why I gotta do what I gotta do!

I realize I am all over the place LOL. Just wanted to give a quickie before I head to bed! More updates/new posts this weekend.

Night!

Boom Boom Pow

I am claiming it today! I will get in shape and I will be healthy. This is me at 143 lbs. I want to lose 13 more pounds and build some muscle!!! Lets get it =)

Updates!!!!!

Long time no hear!!!! Anyways August was a super busy month for me. I started a new job that is supposed to be part time, but I am putting in full time hours, school has started, I currently have a sick puppy and my fitness update.

First things first, fitness. I wish I could say that I have love more, but losing something is better than nothing right? I can't say that I have lost anything on the scale, but I have lost inches so I guess I am building muscle. With that said, I need to stop looking at the scale. When I don't see the numbers going down on the scale it is kind of discouraging. So I am just not going to do it. At least not every week.

Got my heart rate monitor. LOVE it!!! <3

The model number is FT4F. Got it on Amazon for a little less than $60

Next up, work. After three rounds of interviews, including a group interview, I got a part time job serving for a sports bar that recently opened two weeks ago. The first week was soooooo busy and I have so tired especially since school started this week. And I am doing so much moving around that I actually got a blister on my foot. Not cute. Its crazy because I never got any blisters when I was in the army wearing boots and now that I am out I get my first one!

School flow....so far so good! My classes aren't particularly hard this semester, but I did have to change up my education plans quite a bit. I wanted to major in biology, but because I am missing certain key classes that are prerequisites and I cannot take them concurrently, it would be a major set back if that is something I would want to pursue. The reason it would be a set back is because I already have so many units so I would be taking 1 class at a time for pretty much the next four semesters and I can't do that if I am going to use my GI Bill. The counselor wasn't saying I couldn't do it, but she suggested I consider something else that I could possibly be interested in so that I get a better value out of my benefits. Two of the options that wouldn't set me back were political science and psychology. I initially chose political science, but as soon as I was done I wished I chose psychology, I am definitely going to change to that. The only class I was short on for that major was psychology 1.

My sick puppy....so the last few week I have been having trouble in the potty training department with her. I know she is a puppy and there will be accidents, but the problem was she was walking and peeing at the same time like nothing was going on. When I take her outside she sniffs a bit and then goes, but sometimes she starts peeing like nothing happened...so crazy, and it was pissing me off so bad I can't even lie. So the day before yesterday I came home from work around midnight and I could tell something was wrong with her. I took her outside to go potty and it was like she was straining and taking longer than usual, but because it was dark I couldn't see that there was a problem. So yesterday morning when I took her out it was the same thing, but this time she is leaking blood. I was able to take her to the vet and $175 later she has been diagnosed with a UTI. I didn't know that dogs could get that, but I am glad that she is feeling better now because she was so miserable before I took her to the vet. And I am guessing that it explains why she was suffering from incontinence. Or at least I hoping. Anyways here is a pic, she needs a haircut I know...I was going to cut it that morning, but she was sick so now I have to wait till she is better next week and not peeing on herself anymore.

My sick puppy after our vet visit. She threw up after getting the shots that were meant to help her feel better.

Week 1 Fitness

So, this week I have seen my weight go from 144 to 148. I have been working out more, eating in moderation, eating healthier so I won't get discouraged by that because I can tell I am losing inches and my pants fit a little better this week. So, I decided that I am not going to weigh my progress based on a scale. Instead, I am going to tape myself. This morning I weighed in at 147.8 and my measurements were:

Bust: 36
Waist: 28.5
Hips: 38.25
Left Thigh: 24.25
Right Thigh 24.5


At the end of August I will weigh myself again, but I think I will tape myself every week, or every two weeks...not really sure yet! Anyways, I am seriously considering paying for a nutrition plan to help me with my goals of doing at least one bikini or fitness competition. So I will probably do some kind of online training with a trainer. Right now I am just checking out the different ones that certain people I follow on instagram (that I admire) work with. Its a big commitment and investment and I do not want to rush into it so at the end of August I will have hashed that out. That, and invest in a heart rate monitor! I am looking at the Polar FT4F, it has excellent reviews and looks easy to use. What do you guys think?

Working On My Fitness: Runyon Canyon

I haven't been to Runyon Canyon since I left for the Army. That was all the way in early 2010. The last few weeks have been so crazy and unexpected for me, but now its winding down into and I am trying to get my fitness in order. Especially if I am going to be considering doing ROTC...that is another story! If you have never been to Los Angeles before, let me tell you, there is more than just Hollywood.  There are so many trails to hike and some have pretty cool stuff like waterfalls and ruins to explore. Runyon Canyon doesn't have either of those, but its pretty well known and it is a WORKOUT. Coming from the Studio City side its all downhill and pretty easy, but coming back up takes effort. If you are out of shape it will be tough on you, trust me! Even if you walk it. When you are done, its the best feeling ever though! That last quarter of a mile I practically had to drag my dog because she just didn't want to go any further, she was so tired! Even as I am typing this now she is passed out right now! LOL

This hill right here is death LOL. You will get such a good burn coming uphill!

Ruby trying attempting to lay in a hole haha

She is trying to make the hole bigger for herself!

Still digging

Downtown LA in the horizon

Yep, you can see the hollywood sign from here--I will have to get a better picture after a good rain or during the holidays when the smog is low

She gave up! 

Knocked the hell out! LOL

 Anyways, I have also been getting back to my Army eating habits and the goal this month is to lose 10 lbs. Well, maybe I shouldn't say that. I want to lose inches and build muscle. My diet (now) mostly consists of some kind of seafood, mainly fish. I love my tuna mixed with avocado and pico de gallo. I will have to show you the recipe for that when my avocados are ready to be eaten...its super yum! :)  I also eat a lot of vegetables. I don't really drink enough water so I am making it my mission to increase that. I do not eat fried foods and I hardly ever eat out. I don't really eat fruit too often either...bad, I know! I try to stay away from starches because I just don't know when to stop eating them LOL. However I know they are important for energy, so I bought some sweet potatoes. During my vacation I was eating horribly and my body paid for it! I gained a couple pounds so now its time to lose it!

Super sweaty after that hike!

The Single Life...

Well for the most part I am settled in to my place. I originally wanted to get a one bedroom, but honestly I don't need it so I got a single instead... Its just me (thats what I tell myself haha). Plus, the extra $100 I am saving I could put it to something else. Like good food...or traveling. LOL I think you get the point. Anyways, I tried to make it look and feel a little more like home so I added a room divider and a table. I got the divider so that when I open my door people can't just look in and see my bed LOL. I got it for a good price on Craigslist too---$25! These things cost over a $100 so I was definitely winning in this situation. Now, I need a lounge type of chair that doesn't have arms.

And I got my puppy! Let me tell you, I have been looking for a brown standard poodle on the smaller side for two years and now I finally have her! I am not looking to breed so things like confirmation and pedigree aren't at the top of my list. I just wanted a companion animal. Honestly, I am not impressed with the breeder so I am not going to give them free publicity, nor will I recommend them to anyone else. She was shipped to me in a old and dirty crate which I wasn't happy about. When I paid to have her shipped here, that was supposed to be for her airfare to Los Angeles, a crate and the bill of health from the vet. I guess it was too much to think that I would actually get a new crate? And she is underweight! Anyways, she is very shy, which I am slightly concerned about, but she is getting better everyday so I won't gripe about it too much. I just have to make sure I socialize her well to noises and other environments because it is obvious to me that the breeder didn't bother. She is a sweetheart though! I decided to name her Ruby :)

Ruby, my brown standard poodle! She should be around 35-40 lbs full grown!

Before

First time ever putting something together!

After :)

I moved back to Los Angeles!!!

The last two months have been such a whirlwind and to be honest, I didn't think that I would end up back in Los Angeles, but here I am! Thanks to the war and the fact that my honey is about to be gone for 14 months (and we want to save as much money as we can) here I am back home. I am a sad to be apart, but happy that I am at least in a place that I LOVE. I found a cute little single apartment in two days and its pet friendly which was a requirement for me. I could have gotten a 1 bedroom, but its just me and I would much rather save the extra $100 for something else. Apartment tour and DIY projects coming soon! My little single needs furniture and I am currently looking for ideas. My color scheme is black, white and red. Pics coming soon!

Now that I have reached my final destination, normalcy can begin again! I have only been back a few days and have been trying to get myself situated and the mission is almost complete. Anyways, here are a few pics of my summer thus far! Many more to come!

I am horrible I know!

I am so wrong and I sorry for the lack of updates! Honestly, I have been doing a whole bunch of nothing! Seriously. Feels great, but it sucks at the same time because I feel so lost and without purpose. Guess I am just used to being busy and always working and now that I am not, I don't even know what to do with myself...like for real. Anyways...I have been exploring some of the state parks in my area and I have some pics to share in a later post, so be on the lookout for that. And, before you ask....the fitness challenge was a BUST!!! Gotta keep it real with you LOL...I am not going to give up though. And obviously, following through on things is something I need to work on :)
On another note, I have GREAT news! I will share more soon!!!!

Vacation and New Camera

I am on vacation while I am on vacation in California! I am so tired, I think I need another vacation all by myself LOL. I wish I could pack light, but I can never do that! I got a NEW camera that I am pretty excited about. Its a Canon 110 ELPH HS and it takes the most amazing photos for a point and shoot. They retail for around $229 and I was lucky enough to not pay that amount because I had a gift card for Amazon. There are vendors on Amazon that cannot list new cameras as new so they list them under refurbished so make sure you check out that section. I found mine listed for $146 and then with the $100 gift card I paid much less...honestly you cant get it any better than that!

I am in FLORIDA!!!

I am on vacation while I am on vacation!!! Thus, the lack of updates!!! Even though its a little overcast...the hot weather makes up for it totally....I was seriously freezing my tail off up north. I am visiting family for about 6 weeks and I packed for summer and when I got there it feels like fall! So that is no bueno..gonna make it work though by---going south for a while!!!!

me chillin in the hotel room

Also, don't forget the new site name! http://www.lovejessicarae.com

Updates | Blog name has changed, Dallas Zoo, Moving!

Some of you may have noticed I changed the name of my blog! I really wanted something more personal, but it was very hard to come up with something unique to me because my name is so damn popular. Sigh...anyways I found something perfect for me anyways! New blog name is Love, Jessica Rae. The new site URL is http://www.lovejessicarae.com  I still own the other url, but please update your browsers because this is the new site! I am still the same ol me though so don't worry =)

As of yesterday two of classes ended and I am soooo relieved! I have to admit, I almost gave up at the end and just said eff it, whatever grade I get is what I get, but I didn't and actually managed to get ALL the work I needed to get done, done! I literally had 10 minutes left of the course when I finally turned in my LAST assignment. No more procrastination for me...really. Cramming is no bueno. I have one more class and that ends on the 31st. I plan on taking my final early so I don't have to worry about it anymore.

I also went to the Dallas Zoo and got to use my nikon. I got a lot of awesome pictures!!!! I still have a lot to learn about dslr cameras and all the functions on them, what they are for and when to use them!
Not too bad though, huh?