Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 27

I'm thankful for the simple pleasure of coffee in the morning. I didn't like coffee and despised the smell of it. The closest I came to coffee before graduating college, yes graduating college, was coffee ice cream or frappachinos from Starbucks.
When I started my Dietetic Internship by the second day I couldn't even keep my eyes open past 10 am! Something had to change. So I forced myself to give coffee a try. It definitely took awhile. I had to choke it down for a few weeks. But then I really started to enjoy it. Fast forward a year, and I need it.. enjoy it every morning!! Don't think that was my intentions to get hooked. But earlier this week, we didn't have any creamer so I skipped out on my morning coffee. It was definitely a simple pleasure that I missed having in my morning routine. Mmm good.


What is a simple pleasure you are thankful for?

Cheers, Whitney

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 26

Criticism I am thankful for is, criticism is for my writing. 
Let me start from the beginning. English has never been my best subject, but I've always gotten by. Well when I got into college, you know those essays you have to write after you get accepted? Well I wrote mine. And when I went to orientation and was scheduling my classes, I couldn't schedule my English course! I got all bent out of shape and had no idea why! I found out that I didn't meet the word requirement for the essay (oops!). Well I tried to appeal it but it didn't work.. I ended up having to take a 4 hour bridge English course my freshman year. It ended up being the easiest A I've ever gotten but it still didn't make me feel that great.

Fast forward to my senior year when I was applying to Dietetic Internships. Like I've said before, the process is grueling and hard to explain. But for every place you apply you have to write a personal statement. Which is just a glorified essay saying why they should pick you and what you can offer their program. Besides your grades and extracurricular activities, this is the largest piece they judge you on. For me this was terrifying. I knew my writing wasn't great and I had to stick out with my writing.. in a good way!

Well I didn't get accepted anywhere in the first application process. So I applied to a few openings with the University of Cincinnati's program. My professors were grading our statements, so luckily they knew my work ethic and have seen what I am capable of in class. I thankfully got accepted but this was after my professor/Dietetic Intern Coordinator expressed her concerns for my writing. Dietitian's have to chart in clinical work and she was worried I wouldn't be able to express my findings in writing clearly. I just cried right there. How was writing, one of the first things we learn, holding me back? I agreed to take a few beginning courses over the summer before my internship started. I think that it really helped and made me more conscious of my writing. I continued to focus on my writing portions throughout my internship. I actually got complimented a lot on the clarity and thoroughness of my charting.

And look at me now. Successfully completed my internship and have this blog!! That is one thing that held me back at first from starting a blog and putting myself out there, through one of my vulnerabilities. I feel so much more confident now and I am so thankful for my growth.

Cheers, Whitney

Monday, November 25, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 25

I'm thankful for knowing how to be a sister. And I am thankful for my sister.

My sister and I are three years a apart. I am definitely the more outgoing, louder, attention seeking one; while my sister is smarter, creative and shy. When she was born, I was always trying to steal her thunder and 'regressed' trying to be like her to get the attention (See below).


Of course we fought like sisters, and sadly I was kind of a bully big sister. However when I went to high school, when we eventually started to work together, and when we cheered together- we really got a long and became close. I always wanted to stick up for her, make sure she was okay, and borrow her clothes! That's what sisters are for right?!

For having quite different personalities, we still have a lot in common. And living in different states definitely has not hindered our relationship. She has taught me to be protective and mindful, so I am forever grateful for that. I hope most people get to experience the joy of a sibling and that bond.  




If you have a sibling, do you you cherish your relationship?

Cheers, Whitney

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 23 & 24

Day 23:
I am thankful for seeing (& hearing) live music. If you have been following along, I'm sure you can remember my excitement seeing John Mayer and Matchbox Twenty this summer! Let me just say, I am thankful music and musical talent everyday! I love the way music makes me feel and when you can relate to a song or artist.
I'm thankful that I get many opportunities throughout the year to see live music. Whether it's a cover band, a solo artist in a cafe or my main man John Mayer! I think concert tickets are one of the best ways to spend money. I'm sure others would disagree, since you don't receive anything physical. But the emotion and experience I get from a performance will always stick with me.

Artists that have blown me away with their performances:
  • Obviously John Mayer and Matchbox Twenty
  • Twenty One Pilots. They are by far the most passionate, energetic performers I have ever seen!
  • Maroon 5
  • Luke Bryan
  • My churches worship team.. They know how to kill it every weekend. Elevation Worship.
  • Pretty much any country artist in a bar
Wanna see performances:
  • Tom Petty
  • One Republic
  • Justin Timberlake- I love seeing his current tour posts! I'm sure he puts on a great show.
  • Coldplay
  • Eric Church 
Day 24:
A physical trait I am thankful for, is my smile. My grandpa always jokes that he can see all 32 of my teeth when I smile! I even got voted best smile in yearbook surveys throughout school.

Random smile fact: I smile abnormally big most of the time and I'm always the person that messes up a picture because my eyes are closed, so I try to make a conscious effort to make my eyes wide and open.. When I look back at my wedding pictures, I'm like wah why aren't my eyes more bright and open?! Well my smile looks extremely huge in all the pictures. I guess I just couldn't help it!!




Question(s) of the day:
What is a physical trait you are thankful for?
What are you must see suggestions?

Cheers, Whitney

Friday, November 22, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 22

An expectation I am thankful for, is the expectation to live a healthy life. This is an expectation I have for myself. Also, as a dietitian I think that it is an expectation as a professional to be able to speak on behalf of living a healthy, active life. Who would take advice from a dietitian you see at an unhealthy weight or eating a plate full of fried food? I'm not saying I eat like a rabbit. Or that I don't enjoy myself and enjoy the foods that I like, even if they have no nutritional value.

However I expect myself to try new things, keep up on my vegetable intake, and enjoy physical activity a few times a week. That way I can live a long, healthier life for myself and my family!




Some things that keep me in check are:
  • Buying healthy food! I hate to waste food so if I buy, you bet its gonna be eaten. 
  • Writing down my physical activity goals for the week. It helps keep me accountable.
  • Following food/health blogs. I usually subscribe via email to blogs that I like so when I get that email I'm reminded to keep up.
  • Indulge in a craving. If I'm craving an Oreo, I'll have an Oreo. I won't eat a whole row, only a few, to satisfy my craving without binge eating them all later.
  • Try to eat at home as much as possible. Then you know how the food is prepared and what you are eating! Plus, it's budget friendly!
  • If I'm eating out I'll make sure to have some vegetables.. For example, if I'm getting a sandwich I'll make sure to get steamed veggies on the side rather than french fries. If I'm at Chipotle you can bet I'm gonna get their amazing sour cream but Ill ask for some extra salsa or fajita vegetables. Ordering pizza? Load up on the vegetables.
  • ..or if i'm eating out I'll save some for later. An awesome trick is asking for a box when you get your meal. So you can pack half of it up without being tempted to keep picking at it!
Do you have any tricks or tips that keep your eating habits in check throughout the week.

Cheers, Whitney

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 21

I am thankful for a roof over my head. This is definitely something that's easily taken for granted. Recently there was some nasty, devastating storms near my Ohio family. Destruction of homes, people injured. Not only do tornadoes and storms scare the crap out of me!! But I'm thankful for the safety of my family and friends. And that they have a sturdy roof over their heads.
I remember when I was younger every time there was a tornado warning or even a storm brewing I would cry! Like you know how dogs sense storms and go hide in the shower.. that was me. They still give me bad anxiety. I fear thee destruction they can cause.

On a brighter note! I'm thankful for our parents homes that we get to visit this next week. I will be spending the next two days cleaning and packing for our trip home for Thanksgiving!!

Have any of you been a victim of a inclement weather or destruction of a home?

Cheers, Whitney

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 20

A trait my husband possesses that I am thankful for, is my husband's patience! Considering his good looks, ability to make me laugh and happy, I am unbelievably thankful for my husband's patience! Patience is not one of my strong suits. So finding this trait in a significant other is a blessing.
In the beginning of our relationship, I made Keith work a little hard, but he was patience and sweet. He waited until I was ready and I hope he feels the wait was worth it! He still continues to be patient with me and my bull head, my job hunt and my girly antics.


Cheers, Whitney

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 19

First of all, happy birthday to my beautiful mother!! I can't wait to see you next week!




I am thankful for the Happiness Project book. I read it not that long ago but it definitely has been sticking in the back of my mind. I'm always thankful for reading something that opens up a passion or inspiration in me, or opens up eyes.
To recap it again- it is about a woman who is happy with her life but wants to be HAPPIER. She takes a whole year to focus on her happiness and each month she focuses on a specific aspect of her life. When I was reading this book I took notes and looked at different areas of my life I would like to put more energy in to.

Side note: I think this book would be great for people wanting to make changes in the new year, and stick to them!

The Resolutions I would like to focus on are: (some are taken from the book or quotes from the book that I liked)
  1. Energy- get more sleep; act more energetic;
  2. Marriage-  “Go to bed at the same time- more sleep, sex, or a conversation.”  “Each married couple should have an outdoor fame, like tennis or golf, and an indoor game, like Scrabble or gin,that they play together.”   “Both men and women the most reliable predictor of not being lonely is the amount of contact with women.” And use our Love Languages
  3. Family- Be a treasure of happy memories; make time for projects; keep in contact
  4. Friends- Remember birthdays; make new friends; be generous; show up
  5. Money- Buy needful things; give something up
  6. Work- Pursue a passion; make steps; partnerships
  7. Play- Things I enjoy: scrapbooking, outdoors, reading, photography; “Studies show that each common interest between people boosts the chances of a lasting relationship and also brings about a 2% increase in life satisfaction"
  8. Attitude- be kind
  9. Religion- keep a gratitude notebook; invest time into the bible
  10. Health- keep up my running routine; try new things; eat
I didn't quite come up with 12, one for each month, but it's a start. She put a lot of effort and research into her resolutions. It doesn't have to be that elaborate. But I think focusing on certain aspects, that we know and want to improve is a start and can make a huge difference!
I mean who doesn't want to be happier?!

What would you focus your happiness project on?
Do you have any book suggestions?

Cheers, Whitney

Monday, November 18, 2013

Thunder Road Half Marathon

Well folks.. it happened!! Fifteen weeks of training and I completed my first half marathon!!!

It was a beautiful morning for a run- cool, cloudy and no wind! Unfortunately, the week of my race my knee started to cause me pain. I stayed off of it and biked the week before. But on the second mile the pain hit me! I was hoping it wouldn't flare up that soon. But it was a pretty hilly course (it said rolling hills, but I think it was more of rolling mountains!!) so I think that triggered it faster. I worked through it and only made a few stops to stretch it out. And with a few bathroom breaks, I still made a decent finish time!

Keith, as always was an amazing photographer and cheerleader!!

TONS of people there. It was amazing. 


Keith got to witness a wedding propasal. How sweet it this!!











FINISHED!!


Cheers, Whitney

The Thankful Project: Day 18

I am thankful for the choice and freedom to move. I have to admit that I could never up and move to a different state, from home, alone. For people who do, I truly admire that. I just am not someone that can meet new people without a security blanket, aka a friend or my husband.

When I went to college, I moved two and a half hours from home. It wasn't like I ever dreamed of getting far from home. But going to college a little farther than most, to a big city, with some of my best friends.. I just couldn't wait. I really loved all that a city had to offer; tons of opportunity, lots of different people, and you never run out of something to do. While I did get home sick, I liked my new life and freedom I made away from home.

When Keith and I had the opportunity to move... Again this wasn't always a huge dream of mine to jump states as soon as a I graduated. But I welcomed the opportunity. We were lucky to have our parents support and our close friend's support. We are the only friends of mine that have actually moved far from home. So sometimes I feel secluded or like I'm missing something. And I'm not saying I would ever consider moving back closer to home. However, I love our life here and I love this state!! Again it's given us lots of opportunities, amazing new places to adventure and we've met some awesome new people. It's fun and a true blessing, discovering more with your husband and starting from scratch somewhere new!!

Have you ever made a big, brave move away from home?

Cheers, Whitney

Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 15, 16 & 17

Day 15
I don't think I would ever say I'm thankful for an annoyance! I'm sure Keith would agree that I have a lot of annoyances. I blame my heightened sense of hearing for most of my annoyances. I am not proud or happy that so many things get under my skin but what can you do..
Anyway.. After much thought. I am thankful for the annoyance or slight OCD of wanting a tidy, clean home. I'm not saying my home is always spic and span. But I do like my house to be in order and I enjoy taking care of my home.

Day 16
I am thankful for owning a pet. I cannot get enough of our kitty. He brings so much joy to our lives. And I cannot wait to add to our family this Saturday!! My puppy fever has been through the roof since spring so I'm like freaking out!!
I think Sonny with love his new sister too.





Day 17
I am thankful for my dining room. It was the room that took us the longest to finish so far in our house. It was the first room we painted but it was not a pretty end project. So we put off the touch ups and finally finished it last weekend!! It is my favorite room because one, it is one of my favorite colors, which was also one of our wedding colors. Two, because I could use a lot of our new Crate and Barrel gifts in there. Three, because it has some meaningful treasures in there for me as a wife, or now a 'Money'.

We still need to hang some art work.




Question of the day:
How was your weekend?
What are you thankful for this weekend?
I am thankful for time spent with my husband, a successful first half marathon and puppy supplies shopping!!

Cheers, Whitney

Little Unknown Facts

A little random, unknown fact about me is that I love surveys!! I love answering the questions and filling them out. Whether it's a product survey, customer survey or a survey about myself. I love them all so when I read Olive to Runs: Kickin it Old School post I knew I had to play along. 
This survey was brought forward by Elaine over at The Miss Elaineous Life (and is co hosting with Brittany) which she found from a post she wrote in May of 2008! It's called Old School Blogging.
If you choose to participate, don’t forget to tweet them @elainea and @BrittanyVandy, and use the hashtag #OSBlog!


Your cell phone? Is always on me. 
Your significant other? Is my absolute best friend. I don't know what I would do with out him!!
Your hair? Is finally long! It hasn't been this long since my Junior year of high school. 
Your mother?  Is beautiful and stylish. 
Your father?
 Is the hardest worker I know. 
Your favorite thing? Food.
Your dream last night? I don't remember. 
Your favorite drink? Beer. Currently Redd's Apple Ale or Shiner Holiday Cheer 
Your dream/goal? To be a mother.
The room you are in? My living room.
Your fear? Tornadoes. Or any other destructive weather.
Where do you want to be in six years? Happy, with a few children and have a successful, established career.
Where were you last night? Snuggling with Keith watching, Man of Steel. Great movie! (Besides some of the Sci-Fi characters)
What are you not? A person who makes conversation easily with strangers. I wish I was.
Muffins? We just finished off some Pumpkin Almond Muffins I made. Delicious!
One of your wish list items? A Garmin watch for running and riding boots.
Where you grew up? Findlay, OH.
The last thing you did? Went shopping for our new puppy!
What are you wearing? Flats, skinny jeans and a button up. My favorite weekend look.
Your TV? Is on. Keith is watching a NFL game.
Your pets? We have one chubby kitty and will be adding a puppy this Saturday!
Your computer?  Is still a mystery to me.
Your life? Is in a lull. 
Your mood? Is content.
Missing someone? My best friends from home.
Your Car? Is freshly cleaned.. But only on the inside. It needs a bath.
Something you are not wearing? A jacket.
Favorite store?  Target. They have everything, including Starbucks!
Your summer? Was filled with weddings!

Like someone? I like all the runners I completed my half marathon with yesterday. The energy and commitment is contagious. 
Your favorite color? Red.
When was the last time you laughed? In the car with Keith.
Last time you cried? Watching Grey's Anatomy.
What is one thing on your To-Do list?  Write my Thankful Project Posts! I am behind.

What is an unknown fact about you?!

Cheers, Whitney

Thursday, November 14, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 14

I'm thankful for the blessing of my husband's job. Even though I'm not the one going to his job everyday, I am extremely thankful for it. Keith was blessed to have gotten a co-op with Chiquita after his sophomore year while at the University of Cincinnati. He continued to co-op with them until his senior year. They then announced that they will be moving their head quarters from Cincinnati, OH to Charlotte, NC. Keith was graduating over the summer and they were moving that summer-fall. He was offered a full time position if we decided to move. We definitely talked it over and weighed our options. We decided it was a good move for us so we packed up and moved!! Keith continues to work with them, and enjoys his job. He has been blessed to get a few promotions over the past year which has allowed us to get a house, live comfortably, and let me continue my search for job.

Free bananas every week is a plus too!!

Chiquita sponsored Despicable Me 2. So they had an early premier of the movie, in 3-D for employees and their families! 


Cheers, Whitney

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 13

We are almost half way through the Thankful Project! It's not too late to start. I have to say it is definitely a challenge. I'm trying to be creative and in depth with my posts!
Today we are writing about abilities we are thankful for. Usually I don't look at Kenzie's page until I finish my post or at least think of my topic. Well today I cheated.. I'll blame my groggy state of mind and reading blog posts still laying in bed this morning. Well I have decided to borrow her unique idea and write 28 abilities that I am thankful for! I mean I love lists and there are too many things to be thankful for to just pick one!
I am thankful for the ability to..




  1. Smile
  2. Make other people laugh
  3. Enjoy food
  4. Run
  5. Read
  6. Cook
  7. Care for my husband
  8. Volunteer
  9. Continue learning
  10. Listen to music
  11. Speak
  12. Love
  13. Spend time with friends & family
  14. Write this blog
  15. Decorate my home
  16. Sleep
  17. Smell candles
  18. Style myself
  19. Take a bath
  20. Multitask
  21. Capture moments with a camera
  22. 'Sing & Dance'
  23. Enjoy silence
  24. Go to church
  25. See 20/20
  26. Take care of my husband and furry child
  27. Go outdoors
  28. Live everyday!
Cheers, Whitney

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 12

I am thankful for the opportunities my church has given me! The first week in December, Keith and I will be attending, Elevation Church, for a year!! It has been one of the biggest blessings since moving down here. This is the first church we attended in Charlotte, and we haven't been anywhere since. The passion and faith of this church is contagious and uplifting.
They have a few campuses around Charlotte. We have been attending the Uptown campus, which is in the downtown area of Charlotte. Since moving it is now a 20-30 minute drive for us. We still make the drive but do admit that occasionally we live stream the service from our home on Sunday mornings.
However, a few months ago, our church announced that they are building a campus in Lake Norman!! Which is now the area where we live. The new location is only a few miles from our home!



We felt so blessed and see God really moving in our lives. This is a time for us to give our time to our church and make stronger connections with the community. Last week we attended the launch meeting where we worshiped and they trained us to be volunteers. We are beyond excited to have this amazing opportunity to help launch this campus and be a part of it from the beginning!

They are also celebrating the season of thanks, with 52 days of thanks and praise.

Cheers, Whitney

Monday, November 11, 2013

The Thankful Project: Day 11

First all, thank you to all the veterans who have served, are serving or will be serving!! 


In spirit of thanks, I am thankful for being taught to write thank you notes and to be gracious. Ever since I was little my mother always made we write thank you notes for any gift I received. I remember thinking how tedious and annoying it was. Then it turned into how fast can I get them done. Then I enjoyed picking out and having my own stationary and thank you notes. And to this day I still write them. For birthday gifts, Christmas and to my preceptors during my internship. I love getting snail mail, so why wouldn't someone love some snail mail thanking them for something good they did?! I think it's a small, quick gesture that goes a long way.


Question of the day:
Do you send thank you notes?
Do you enjoy getting them?

Cheers, Whitney

Sunday, November 10, 2013

ONE WEEK!

I am ONE WEEK (well 6 days) FROM MY FIRST HALF MARATHON. I cannot believe that the week is here. I am feeling pretty confident and very excited! Here are my stats from my training...

Time: 35 h, 25 m, 33s
Miles: 226.75 miles

I mean that is A LOT of time and miles for me. I am extremely proud of myself.


I also found this awesome post. Running has definitely taught me a lot in the past few months! And hopefully I can stay on track and keep up the progress I have made after my race. It will definitely be challenging with the winter months and chilly weather rolling in.

20 Life Lessons Running Has Taught Me


Cheers, Whitney

The Thankful Project: Day 8, 9 & 10

Woo I've slacked this weekend. But it was all in the name of spending time with my husband this weekend! We had a weekend with zero plans so we were excited to finish up a few things around the house and enjoy ourselves.
I just have to share this picture. Friday night we had our friends Dan, Maggie and Wesley over for dinner. Sonny has never been around a baby before. He was SO confused!


Now it's time to get back on track to my challenge. The Thankful Project!! Even our church is celebrating the months of thankfulness and a time to be gracious. Check it out here!!

Day 8
I am thankful for the words I love you. I don't think you can say I love you to the ones you love and care about enough. I tell my parents and friends every time we talk, I tell Keith multiple times a day and I tell my cute kitty too. Sometimes I can't believe that some people never hear these words. One of my favorite movies Love Actually (which is a great holiday movie!!), in the first scene says "Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around." 
I absolutely love this. I am thankful for love and getting to experience love every single day! ..That was a kinda mushy one, huh? 

Day 9
I am thankful for this photo. Words cannot express how much I love my dad and everything he has done for me. This picture is so precious and dear to my heart.


Day 10
I am thankful for the memory of childhood adventures with my cousins. First of all- my mom is one of five and my dad is one of seven. On my mom's side I have 12 first cousins. On my dad's side I have 11 first cousins. And both sets of my grandparents live on the same road, which is a road over from my house. While my sister and I were the only local grandchildren we still have a good relationship with all of them.

My cousins on my mom's side all live out of state, from Florida to Washington state. They usually visited once a year in the summer. These were the most exciting weeks of summer. We would always go to Cedar Point, Amish country, swim in our pond, and make many ice cream trips. We don't see them as much anymore, most are in college/working all over but I will always treasure those memories!

My grandparents on my dad's side lived close to a farm so we were always visiting the sheep and cows, playing in the hay mounds or four wheeling. We always stayed the night at my grandparents too, even though we lived right down the road but it was always wall to wall sleeping bags and movie night anytime we were together. I remember crying my eyes out every time we had to leave and say bye. I have younger cousins now and it's funny to see them do the same now.

I am truly thankful for such a large, close family on both sides. Unfortunately I'm not home so I can't bless you with all the cute adventure pictures from my childhood but here are both sides from my wedding.

My mom's side. We are missing a few cousins here.

My dad's side.

Question of the day:
Are you ever thankful for 'zero plan' weekends?
What are you thankful for this weekend? I am thankful for the amazing fall weather we had this weekend and the quality time I got to spend with my husband!

Cheers, Whitney