Z is for...

Zion

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Zion national park is one of my favorite places to visit because of it's natural beauty. Spreading across 229 square miles, it has an abundance of plant life, canyons, mountains and wildlife to admire.

If you are a lover of the outdoors, enjoy hiking or just love to take a scenic drive I HIGHLY recommend you visit Zion. You can hike up one of the many trails, take a guided horseback ride, go rock climbing, camp out, take a scenic drive or stay at nearby lodging to enjoy the weather and views.

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Above picture is Angels Landing, a popular hiking trail that gives an amazing view. It's not an easy hike but the view and accomplishment you feel at the top is well worth it.

Zion is a beautiful place that showcases just how amazing nature is.

Y is for...

Yogurt

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More specifically, frozen yogurt. This has become my new favorite treat and craving. I like to keep in mind that it's better than ice cream, even if it's only my a slight margin.

I don't know what it is about that soft serve dessert that just makes my mouth water but I sure have a hard time resisting it. The various flavors and toppings are a huge plus and I'm pretty sure I'm pulled in most by the fruit flavors that are all available via soft serve.

This will be one of the hardest things for me to give up in my goal to eat healthy but I always keep in mind that moderation is key. What would be the hardest thing for you to give up for a diet?

X is for...

X men

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No this isn't my favorite movie but not much comes to mind with the letter X. I will say that I have enjoyed all the X-Men movies that have been made and think some of the 'mutations' would be pretty awesome to have.

I mean who wouldn't want some type of telepathy? Granted I really wouldn't be interested in everyone's thoughts but knowing the thoughts of a few select people would be nice. The healing power Wolverine has would be amazing especially for kids, the elderly and everyone in between! 

I particularly like teleporting guy, being able travel miles in just seconds would be so useful and time saving. What mutation would you want to have if you had a choice?

W is for...

Wedding

The happiest day of my life, to date. Not to fret, this post is not going to be all about me or how beautiful my wedding was or how I wouldn't change anything about it or.... oops, this isn't about me, but more about the pressure some feel about getting married and planning a wedding.

Some have no interest or intention of ever getting married and some are so caught up in it that they search pinterest to pin hundreds of wedding images. I know more people who feel an urgency to get married and are stressed to the max about planning their wedding so that will be my focus.

Why is it that some women think they have to have all the bells and whistles to have the perfect wedding? Is it society and the 'keeping up with the Joneses' mentality that makes women want to have huge ceremony? Is it how we are raised that puts these ideas in our minds of how a wedding should be? Or it is how movies depict this event that makes it so stress worthy?

In my opinion, the simpler the better. People don't need a 500 person guest list or central park to have a fabulous wedding. All you need is the people closest to you and the one you love to make the perfect wedding day.

V is for...

Victory

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Oh the sweet feeling of winning. I am the kinda person that likes to be right, I'm working on it, but every time I come out right on a conversation it's a little victory for me. For some, a victory is being able to get up in the morning, not having a cigarette or not eating that piece of candy. Everyone has some sort of victory everyday and they should praise themselves for these small achievements.


The first thing that comes to mind when I hear victory is a football team winning the game or the winner of a battle. These are the types of things that most people would recognize as a victory but shouldn't we have our own small victories to celebrate for...


In my effort to eat clean and become a more positive person I have made a deal with myself that every time I reach one of my small goals it will be considered a victory. I will celebrate each one of these small milestones just as I would if I won a 5K run. Who wouldn't want to keep their goals if they got rewarded for even the smallest accomplishment? 

U is for...

Underdog

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So the hubs has been watching a lot of ESPN lately and when I was brainstorming for U, underdog came to mind. Now I was thinking of underdog as in sports, you know the team that everyone expects to lose.

Well I typed in underdog in the google image search and up came a ton of images depicting this cartoon dog. I must be out of the loop cause I had no idea who this cartoon character was or that he was popular.

Apparently, Underdog was a cartoon in the 70's and was on air for a total of 124 episodes. He was a superhero was similar to Superman as he would 'change' in a phone booth and come out as Underdog to save the day.

I must have been living under a rock because in 2007, Walt Disney released an Underdog movie and I don't remember that at all! Am I the only one who didn't know who this furry cartoon superhero was?

T is for...

Time

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What a precious commodity that we take for granted. People are always saying 'Man time flies!' Yet time actually doesn't change pace, ever, it's what we do with the time we are given that can make it all seem worth while.

I am one of those people that complain that time goes by to quickly but I think it's because I am so busy. I mean it's already the end of April, where did the time go?

 Well from here on out I have every intention to use my precious time for all the important things first like spending time with my family and enjoying this life I have been given.... That is until I become too busy and totally forget all of this, I hate that!

 

S is for...

Strong

When I thought of this word two things came to mind, fitness and an emotional state.

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I have been big on motivational quotes and pictures lately and the above picture is one of my favorite quotes. All throughout my childhood I was heavy and I remember always wishing I was skinny.

Earlier this year I shared that one of my goals in 2012 was to become healthier. In my quest to eat healthy and exercise regularly, some of my views of how I wanted to look and how much I wanted to weigh have changed.

I have learned that the scale doesn't matter as long as I feel good in my clothes and continue to work on eating clean.

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I am a firm believer that people are stronger than they think they are. Some people have various experiences that test their emotional strength and most of them would say that they came out stronger because of that trial.

The movie Yes Man just came to mind and I think it's because if you shut yourself off from experiencing different things and not doing things you wouldn't normally do, you'd be living life behind a screen door, just looking on.

OK that was a tangent but I can think of a few experiences in my life that I thought I wouldn't be able to handle and sure enough I was stronger than I thought I was and made it through just fine.

R is for...

Rose

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The icon for romance. Roses for years have been the go to flower for Valentine's Day, Anniversary's and Just Because bouquets for that special someone. The red rose is the age old symbol for love and romance but what about the other rose colors?

They say that pink roses symbolize gratitude and appreciation while yellow shows joy and friendship. Purple tells the recipient that the sender has fallen for them while coral shows desire. If enthusiasm is what you are looking for, buy some orange or apricot roses. You can buy some peach roses for sympathy or gratitude and white roses for reverence and humility.

These color meanings might not be know to everyone but wouldn't you rather play it safe and send orange roses to your boss instead of purple?

Q is for...

Quiet

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Believe it or not this was once a word used to describe me. As a kid growing up I was a shy and quiet little girl who wouldn't even say hi to the UPS man. 

As I entered middle and high school I still wasn't Ms. Outgoing but I was coming out of my shell. Talking to people I didn't know, even though they were my age, was not something I was comforting with.

Then I graduated, moved out of my parent's house and didn't keep in contact with anyone I went to school with. Therefore I had to come out of my shell to meet new people and make new friends. Let's just say I came out of that shell of mine quickly.

Now that I'm married I don't kinda went back in my shell a bit but I blame it on me liking peace and quiet too much. I like that the hubs is the super outgoing one and I just talk to those he finds to be nice or fun.

P is for...

Pie


Oh sweet pie, literally. Don't ask me why I kept thinking of pie when it really is one of my least favorite desserts but her we are, talking about pie.

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Now really I think that pie just looks delicious but my head is telling me that it looks better than it tastes. Who can make a homemade pie look that amazing anyways?

Well these days pie doesn't just bring dessert to mind, dinner is right there with it. With all the chefs and creative cooks out there you can find a pie recipe for just about any meal. 

From apple pie and berry pie to chicken pot pie and meat pies, everyone can find a pie to fit their needs.

O is for...

Operation

This age old game was the first thing I thought of when brainstorming. It might be because the hubs just had an operation so it was kinda on the brain but who cares, it started with O!

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I loved this game as a kid! I mean what kid doesn't want to be/play a doctor... Of course this game was impossible for me to win since a steady hand was not my thing as a kid so I just said if it buzzed it was OK.

I haven't played or seen this game in ages and the picture above makes me wonder why the guy on the game is 'large'. I understand that it makes it easier to get all the pieces on his body but does his belly really need to be that round? As a kid I really didn't care but does it send a message to kids? Do you think that kids make the connection that 'large' people are the ones that need operations?

Please don't take any of that offensively, I'm just sitting here thinking with obesity on the rise should we really have it 'promoted' per se on children's games?

N is for...

Nothing

That is what is coming to mind, nothing. I didn't start this challenge with any particular theme but as I have been writing these posts it seems that I write about the first thing that comes to mind for that letter.

Well I have been brainstorming over the letter N and have come up blank. Which is ok since the word nothing works perfectly.

I have learned since this challenge started that my writing skills are a bit rusty but that planning, research and several drafts later make up some of my best posts. I think by the end of this challenge I will have improved several different aspects of writing which will make me a better writer in the future.

I wish everyone doing the A-Z Challenge well.. We are almost there!

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M is for...

McDonalds

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Oh those golden arches. Why do they make me think of fat and oil? I think it's because I have seen how the movie "Supersize Me" ends.

Why is it that Americans have become so 'addicted' to fast food? Why do many Americans eat fast food several times a week? This is all just my personal opinion but I think it's mostly due to availability.

Now don't go thinking I'm going to preach to the choir because trust me, I have had my fair share of fast food. But you might remember this post where I shared my goals for the year and fast food is something I want to stay away from this year.

Fast food chains like McDonalds make it so alluring, tempting and convient to get their food that it's no wonder they are the biggest fast food company in America. The play place, happy meals with a toy, dollar menu, shakes, sundaes and various burger choices along with the vast array of advertising draws people in by the millions to eat the processed, unhealthy food they serve.

I know that it is a business and they market the company to increase their bottom line but when does it become too much? When does contribuiting to the growing epidemic of obesity need to be addressed?

Consumers have a responsibily on their part as well to educated themselves on what they are eating and to keep a healthy lifestyle. Why is it that consumers fail to keep a healthy lifestyle or educate themselves on what the harmful effects food can have on their bodies?

Why can't there be a 'fast food' chain that served healthy food? Why do all fast food places serve food that is high in fat, sodium, calories or sugar?

Is this...

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Or this...

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healthier?

 Make the right choice, pass on the fast food!

L is for...

Laughter

The world's cheapest therapy that can also improve your health.  Studies have shown that laughing can lower blood pressure, it increases blood flow, reduces stress hormones, defends against respiratory infections, increases learning and improves alertness, creativity and memory. 

Laughter not only can improve our health but it also can improve our relationships with others. Lets face it, everyone loves a good laugh. Sharing a laugh with someone bring you closer together and makes the day a little brighter.

Laughter or even a smile can make a person's day seem less stressful and elevate their mood. It can boost immune systems and turn a pessimist into an optimist. 

Best of all....it's free and contagious! So get out there, put a smile on your face, watch a comedy, tell a joke or find the humor in your life and laugh it up! 

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K is for...

Kim Kardashian


Wait, before you discount this post as a total joke, read a bit more....

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Before searching for this picture, I had no idea what Kim Kardashian even looked like. I was having a hard time thinking of a subject for the letter 'K' so I pulled up Google, typed K and just started adding random letters after it. Lo and behold Kim Kardashian came up as a suggestion.

Now don't go thinking I live under a rock or anything, I had heard her name before and knew she was famous but that was about it. I have no idea why the Kardashian's are famous or why people would want to watch a show about them but it seems they have quite the fan base.

So for those of you still reading this, here is what I found out about Kim: She is the daughter to some hot shot attorney, she became a star after being in the reality show "Keeping up with the Kardashians", she has been on numerous TV shows, has her own perfume, opened a clothing store, designed a line of jewelry, owns an online shoe company and released a fitness series.

So how is she different from every other celebrity out there?

J is for...

Jamaica

Oh how I would would love to be on vacation right now and Jamaica would be the perfect place to go. I mean who wouldn't trade in their office, desk and computer for lush green landscapes, warm weather and crystal blue water.

I would love to go back and vacation there. Not only do they have the sandy beaches, warm ocean water and tropical surroundings, they also have a variety of culture, history and natural wonders. 

Although anywhere in the Caribbean would probably make a perfect vacation spot, Jamaica will always be on my list of favorite places to vacation.

I is for...

Inspiration

“In this fast-paced life, do we ever pause for moments of meditation—even thoughts of timeless truths?”—President Thomas S. Monson

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I think that inspiration comes in all forms. A book, poem, nature, people and history are all things that can inspire a person. I think that all things in life have the ability to inspire people in life.

I am a religious person and believe that everything in life happens for a reason. All the happy times as well as the trials are given to us to teach us something and grow to be a better person.

Nothing is better than having someone or something inspire me to be a better person.

H is for...

Husband

My darling husband and I are coming up on our two year anniversary in about a week so let's learn more about the man behind the blog shall we.

The hubby's name is Justin and he is from New York. He works for a TV company, is a lover of pizza, mustangs, frozen yogurt, church and baked goods. He is a lefty, outgoing, funny, accident prone and a dreamer.

The first thing that attracted me to my hubs (besides his looks) was his humor. Let's face it, what woman can resist a cute and funny guy? Well I couldn't. As we learned more about each other I found that he was also a sweetheart and very family oriented. How could I NOT fall for him?

I know he loves me more than anything in the world even though I might not deserve it sometimes. This is to you hubs...

 I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER!

G is for...

Glamorous


What comes to mind when you read this word?

Is it the song by Fergie?

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Is it the Glamour magazine you saw at the store?

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Is it a 50's actress? Marilyn Monroe?

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This word has had many meanings throughout the years in my opinion. In years past it described movie stars, a way of living and alluring destinations. Some might still refer to the 'glamorous city lights' but I really don't feel it should be a word to describe today's society.

When I thought of the word glamorous the first thing that came to mind was Marilyn Monroe and the style of her era. The hairstyles, dresses, red lipstick and clothing styles are just so appealing to me.

 

It's a matter of opinion of course so what do you find glamorous?

F is for...

Favorites

 Everyone has favorites. Favorite color, favorite food, favorite restaurant, favorite dessert, favorite place to vacation and favorite place to shop just to name a few.

These might be things you ask when you are trying to find out more about a person or it might be months or even years before you find out that yellow is actually their favorite color.

I like to play twenty questions when getting to know a person and at least half of the questions starts "What's your favorite..." So I am going to answer some of these questions in a effort for you to get to know me better

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• Favorite color: Maroon
• Favorite type of food: Mexican-American
• Favorite store: Target
• Favorite dessert: Warm brownie with Vanilla ice cream
• Favorite holiday: Christmas
• Favorite place to eat: P.F. Changs (this usually changes)
• Favorite time of the year: Spring
• Favorite movie: Beauty and the Beast
• Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii or Caribbean

There you have it, a little insight into the things I like. What are some of your favorite things?

E is for...

Entertainment

Oh the things we find entertaining amazes me sometimes. From YouTube videos to people watching is all a form of entertainment for us. I mean who doesn't love to laugh?

Seeing as most forms of common entertainment like movies, shows, plays and recreational events can kinda be expensive, I like to find all the free entertainment I can!

People watching has got to be the best form of free laughter. I don't know why this amuses me so much but I think it's mostly the mannerisms that I get a kick out of. 

Have you ever tried to guess the age of a person by only seeing the backside of them? Try it and you will be amazed about how off you can be.

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What is your favorite form of free entertainment?

D is for...

     Dear

     Dear hubby,
     You are the greatest and I am the luckiest girl for snatching you up. I know we have our ups and downs but you are always there, loving me no matter what. I want you to know you are the world to me and I am so excited to experience life with you for eternity. You are my very best friend and couldn't ask for more. Love you.

     Dear pups,
     I love you dearly but will you please stop digging in the yard?! I hate scolding you and picking up your mess so stop this madness and we will both reap the benefits. If you could also stop bring in every single leaf in the house I would appreciate it.

     Dear parents,
     If you are reading this I am surprised, mostly because you navigated around the Internet yourself and got to my blog. I love you dearly. You raised me right and I think I have turned out alright. Thank you for everything you did to raise me to who I am today.

     Dear blog readers,
     Thank you for stopping by my blog and reading. Every page view and comment makes my day a little brighter. I hope you are not bored with my posts and can only hope that my writing become more and more enjoyable. I am thankful for every single reader!

C is for...

     Caring

     Caring is feeling or showing care and compassion. We protect, defend and fight for the things/people we care about. Some care more about their job and car while others care more about their family or people in need.

     Caring is universal as we all have something near and dear to our heart that we would never want anything to happen to. Most of us could write long lists about the things we care about but what would you put at the top of that list?

     Would it be your family? Your spouse? Your animals? Your job? Your car? Yourself? I would say my family makes the top of my list, I would give the world for them.

     What's at the top of your list?