The source of my stress- OPINIONS WANTED!

Friday, February 24, 2012

It has nothing to do with my nutrition, or health or exercise... except that being this stressed causes me to lose motivation and crave high-fat, high-sugar 'comfort' foods. I know you wonderful Sparkers will understand that problem! So instead of freaking out or giving in I'm doing a bit of venting and asking for your opinions and suggestions instead...

The venting, and some background information: For those who have been following my status updates (infrequent though they may be) you know that I've been working on my final semester of school, and getting my Associates of Applied Science in Photographic Technology. The final semester is portfolio, advanced projects, and business planning, and all together the goal is to get us ready to hit the ground running with our photography skills. It is an awesome way to be sent into the world instead of being left to our own devices!

My original plan even up to last month was to get a job in a teaching or research hospital doing medical documentation. As a research staff member I didn't need to worry about business names, promo-pieces, etc. This semester for portfolio I've hooked up my camera to a microscope, with plans to demonstrate skill in order to get a job, but the images are turning out wonderfully bold, graphic, and downright awesome! I AM LOVING IT!! They are definitely in the realm of fine art, and even classmates are lining up to purchase them!! It's wonderful having the possibility to make a living this way, but I'm not prepared and the gallery show (the photography department's version of walking the stage at graduation) is in about 2 months. That means I now need to have AT THE VERY LEAST (in addition to the regular required portfolio and 2 large gallery wall display pieces- aka. the easy part) a working business name picked out and some business cards to pass around.

My problem: I've become totally overwhelmed at needing a business name! How do you even go about picking one? I had one chosen, only to find that not only is the name taken (because if they weren't anywhere near here I wouldn't give a second thought), but the name AND local D.B.A. are taken by a wedding photographer who lives about less than an hour from me! I have some business cards designed and laid out, but now don't even know what information to put on them.

So I'm looking for Business Names!! Please let me know what you think... good, bad, or ugly. Silly or serious suggestions! I just need ideas to use as a jumping off point because my brain is tapped out right now.

Thanks and I love you wonderful Sparkers, you!
~ Laura

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3 Weeks To Go- Status Update!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Hello Sparksters! I miss you all very very much, but have been SWAMPED with school and work these past few months. I have three weeks until my goal, which is to be down 30 pounds in time for my cousin's (formal) wedding on New Years Eve! So **drum roll please**

As of tonight, I have 3.2 pounds to go, with 3 weeks to get there!!!!! Tomorrow I'm going to buy a dress to wear to the wedding, and I'm no longer sure what size I even need. How cool is THAT?! Pictures TBA!!!

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Home Remedys For A Stuffy Nose?

Thursday, July 14, 2011

I feel ok (knock on all the wood around) except for this head cold, which has plugged up my nose something fierce. Also, for some reason I've been craving sugar. No idea if its related to the cold or not. Most importantly, its tough to breathe through my mouth while doing things like talking, chewing food, sleeping, etc... so I'm soliciting advice!! Ive stocked up on butternut squash soup (out of chicken noodle ATM, but this has more vitimins anyway) and tissues.

What home (or easily available, Over The Counter) remedies do you use to clear a clogged head?

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Would you walk two miles for $5 in healthy food?

Sunday, July 10, 2011

So today was the first day of one of the local Farmer's Markets, and to kick off the season the MAYOR lead a 2 mile walk. It was sponsored by a local health insurance company, and was a one mile course (two laps) through a beautiful (and hilly!) neighborhood. Everyone who finished the full two miles was rewarded with a $5 gift certificate to the market, so talk about motivation!! I kept track of my walking times, and made a good cardio pace.

Mile 1- 20 minute mile
Mile 2- 25 minute mile

The market was wonderful. The entertainment was a local gentleman playing the guitar, and singing Lyle Lovett and Jimmy Buffet. Even though its a teeny weeny little local market, all of the food is fresh, and from farms that are no farther than about 50 miles away. Proof that healthy food isn't too expensive... Here is what I bought:

1 large bunch basil- $1.50 (for making freezer-pesto that will last a while!)
1 pint organic snow peas- $2
2 small squash- 75 cents for the pair
1 quart organic raspberries- $1 cash and $5 gift certificate
1 loaf fresh (still warm from the oven!!) rosemary potato bread- $4.75

The bread was my splurge purchase for the day. I almost walked away without it, but that danged sample was just too delicious! If anyone has an easy recipe for something similar please share, as I'd be willing to learn how to bake...

So the question is, would you walk two miles for $5 in healthy food?

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My body found it's happy weight... But

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

But this isn't where I plan to stop!!

For about 3 weeks I've been stuck at 185.2 lbs. The original goal was to lose 25 pounds in 3 months. The deadline was Independence Day (July 4th). Yesterday's weigh in was still 185.2 pounds, making a total loss of only 10 pounds! Truly worthy of being a Slowest Loser . On the bright side, I lost 10 pounds!! .

Today I have officially amended my goals, and looked out to the end of the year. Consider this a New Year's Pre-Resolution... 30 pounds (total, so a 10 pound head start!) by December 31st, 2011. My cousin is getting married on New Year's Eve, and last time the extended family saw me I was the chubby one in a family of skinny-minis. Talk about motivation!!

Wish me luck... I may just need it
~ Laura

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