New Year: Time to get Active

Yes! It's 2010. Every year is a transition from the next and everyear some make resolutions and of those few, half attempt to keep them. Since the New Year's Day has already past there's no pressure, it's just helpful change. I vouche in the past my extra-curriculars including Track & Field, Volleyball, Basketball, Yoga, Dancing, Zumba, and more. However, as time has progressed I'm tempted to do things that are fun and uplifting. Sometimes going to gym isn't fun or uplifting. Instead it's a gym couture fashion show. The equipment is sweaty and it's facilities are packed. Don't get me wrong, I will work out there too but when I want to escape the busy, technological
ambiance of reality I do team sports. My newest endeavor is adult league basketball. They have teams for nearly every sport, from, Hockey to baseball. It's available for nearly every age group too! The best thing is you'll have an opportunity to add another social group to your life and be active! Being active in team athletics will aid anyone on and off the court(field, etc), for it builds character, leadership, communication skills, friends(let's hope) and most of all cardio! So get with it! Get on you computer and find out some adult leagues near you.


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This Is It

This Is It is amazing. If you're on vacation and you want to watch something entertaining and truly heart felt...this is it! Michael is a genius, & icon in so many ways. This practice was enduring and really made you think, if Michael at 50 could work so hard, why then do so many entertainers lack energy when they're performing..AMA's this year is just one example? Check that out for yourself if you missed it.






One of my favorite moments
is Criminal and Billie Jean which happens to be one of the last songs he performs. These two segments really showcase him and his loving heart. After watching this I realize what an extraordinary person Mike was and how mankind lost a valuable assest and caring person. And on another note, I advice entertainers & professionals in any field to watch this movie and have wishful hopes to work at his level. I encourage myself and others to step your work ethic up and go after whatever it is that you want in life. Good luck & God bless King Michael and his family. Everybody enjoy this vacay, then its back to work.


- Posted using BlogPress from Ashleigh's iPhone

Top Xmas Gifts on a Budget

This holiday season has posed many with the question of can I afford Xmas. You can but always keep in mind that's not what Xmas is about. Yes it is about celebrating the birth of Jesus but in doing so it is about giving and being with people you care about and showing them that you care. If you have some extra funds here are a few gift ideas that won't put a huge hole in your pocket, but maybe they will...who knows.

1. Steamer. So, many people need to steam their clothes and their priced between $24-$30

2. Running shoes. These can encourage someone you care about to work out. $29-$100

3. MP3 Player

4. eharmony trial for someone who is lonely or hasn't dated in years $19-$29

5. A Great Book. Encourage people to read, please

Just a thought, perhaps one of these ideas will work for your situation.

Stay Grounded & In Touch

There are a number of things we do daily but sometimes finding time to stay grounded is difficult. However, it is more evident than ever that we need to take time to tell the people who mean the most to us that we care. We need to take time for pampering and most important take time for oneself. Even if we're in a recession there are still things that bring our heads out of the clouds and grounded back on earth. Check out the list of things we all should consider that may help with self-confidence or for those 'just because' moments!

1. Get the brows: threaded (my fav), waxed or tweezed. This will boost your confidence immediately

2. When was the last time you wrote a letter to a friend or family member? Send out holiday cards or JB cards. Writing a letter can be therapeutic and a form of expression...get with it!

3. Cook dinner for someone other than yourself, who cares, cook for two. Just take time to make something good, even if your not a top notch chef.

4. Set some goals for yourself, yearly, monthly, daily, etc.

5. Try something new: rock climbing, ice skating, dinner @ a new restaurant, shop at a new store, try Twitter, polish your nails a different color, learn another language, paint, whatever you do just get to it!

Even if none of the suggestions sound like something you would want to do give it a try. Good Luck!

I Can't Believe Brittany Murphy is Gone

It came without notice. Brittany blessed us all with her contagious smile in Clueless. She has appeared in countless movies. Her charm has captivated us all. It's easy to adore the bubbly star and today we had to say good bye because she is no longer with us. She died this morning from cardiac arrest in her Los Angeles home. It's very sad to say good bye but, she will be missed. http://www.dailyfill.com/Brittany-Murphy-Dies-At-Age-32-44909/

3 Months

Three months means a ton to an array of people. It could be the amount of months one has been sober, the time before you depart to that amazing vacation, or the time since someone has left your life. For me it marks the end or the beginning of a relationship.

The first three months are spent getting to know each other. You try to visualize yourself with your mate. You get used to each others likes and dislikes. The whole time you're trying to impress them, get to know their friends, get a feel for their schedules and most often seeing if the two of you have a future together. Three months marks a point for evaluation and...lets not forget an anniversary(gifts, dinner, and dessert :).

If you're approaching your three month point here are some things to consider looking at closer.

1.Does your mate Show you they care? As in, go out of their way to bring happiness to your life?
2.Do you spend quality time together?

3.Are you invited to events with your mate and their family/friends?

4.Have you and your mate had an argument/disagreement? (if not, that's not healthy)

5.Are you HAPPY? (deal breaker)

6.Is there chemistry? (sexual attraction, butterflies, anxiousness, googly eyes, or plain interest)

7.Do the both of you want a similar future? (i.e. kids, marriage, travel, careers, rich, fashion)

8.Do they bring out positivity or something else in your personality?

Many times we as humans ignore the signs that the relationship is a flop, just like some movies. Why continue to invest in a relationship where their stock is worthless? Take full advantage of three months, as a point where the both of you can be mature adults and either celebrate the occasion or depart on reasonable terms. Most wait until things sprawl out of control and people get hurt. That is painful and unnecessary.

Thank goodness we have a gift it's a small voice in us all called, "Intuition," or common sense. Either way I wish you a Happy Anniversary!

GO FOR IT

Shall it be reiterated, the American economy is in turmoil and the unemployment rates have increased? Anyone who has graduated in the past year or planning to has a lot of decisions to make. There are no longer visible entry level positions, and any internships available, are mainly for school credit. It's as if the industries are closing their doors to the many qualified young adults. Many college graduates are opting to further their education and seek Master's or other higher degrees, but for those who don't, what should they do?

Its easy to get down on yourself and loathe in self-pity parties. Questions kick in, whether or not your doing something meaningful with your life. Questions that either bring you back on track or bring you down in spirits. However, the more challenging part is to maintain optimism and get on the path you desire. Go after whatever it is you desire whether or not you parents agree with you dreams. As adults we forget how to dream BIG and make those thoughts come true. And, in our everyday lives, we often forget to appreciate the moment we are in. For example, if your working at a job and not a career, you have an okay social life and your young, healthy and vibrant...you have the freedom you may not always have when consumed with your career. I was always told one of the hardest things in life is to maintain that balance with you career, social life (which includes family, friends, and LOVE relationships), and health. Usually, one of them is off balance, but inevitably it keeps us all on our toes.

Believe in yourself, first off. Our economy may be temporary in a recession but we don't have to be. This is the time to ignite that passion for things we enjoy and get to it. Spend more of your free time with family and friends. Partake in Bar B Q's and other savvy events. Prepare dinner and engage in meaningful conversation.

Don't be side-tracked, by misery, discouragement and negativity. When the economy folds, one can wither take advantage, like the wealthier individuals and invest, purchase and sale both real-estate and stock; or open a business and become an entrepreneur. Whatever ideas you've been hovering inside, release them and capitalize off them.

Change shouldn't be, "scary," but challenging and embrace an opportunity to explore careers, education, and yourself. Often we share our ideas with family and friends who manage to shoot them down, not primarily because they don't support us but they aren't risk takers. Naturally, man-kind gets comfortable in their lives and decrease the need to both have adversity and create it.

Why be like everyone else swimming in grief and disbelief. Seize a time to walk your own path, try something else, go after a goal that you believe in. Some people may not have jobs but many are still employed. There is a career out there for you too!

My advice is to start a club or support group, get involved in your community. Do volunteer work to keep your mind stimulated. Who knows a position may open up in the non-profit sector or it can serve as a experience on your resume. Keep a journal during the period of transition; it could be utilized as a tool for others in the future or a reminder for yourself when this moment, in your life, has passed.