Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012! Already?!

December came and went. Christmas came and went. This new year came and went.

Wow, that was fast.

I can't believe it's going to be January 2012 already.

We are SO ready for a new year.

We have moved from the paradise of Maui to the Emerald City of Seattle. Left gorgeous beaches and sun everyday to gorgeous green (and rain) everyday. Some might think we're crazy—we've actually have got that more than a few times.

But sometimes we do things for our careers and the ones we loved. Moving to Seattle was such a great opportunity for Chris and his career that we would've been stupid not to come here. Lucky for me I wasn't doing anything for my career on Maui. Besides getting my Nutrition and Wellness Certification and looking into starting my health and nutrition career there (there's absolutely nothing there in PR except for the resorts and they themselves are small), I wasn't doing anything to further my PR/event planning career. I have now started my health website, Healthy Food, Healthy You and hopefully will get that up and going here. Please visit it and check it out! I am your new personal nutrition and wellness consultant here to answer all your needs!

Currently, I am on the job search—along with the rest of America— and haven't been very lucky so far. I have a great lead on a job right now which I am hoping will turn into something. All you can do is to hope and pray! Please send me good vibes :) We all can't get bogged down by thinking "we'll there are just so many other people out there with a lot more qualifications or who may deserve the job more than me...." but why? You applied for the job because obviously you thought you fit the qualifications. We have to go with that feeling. Be confident. We all have the skills and talents that have got us to where we are today, for a reason. We have to know that and continue to strive to be the best we can be.

That's what I hope every day. With everything I do I hope to be the best I can be. If you don't ever try, you don't ever know.

As the new year wines down, we always reflect on what we have done (or maybe not have done); the people we have met; the people we have lost; the events we have gone to; the accomplishments we have achieved; the anniversary and birthday's we have celebrated; but are we ever really happy? I hope so. We get one life and we have to live each life to the fullest.

Things we have to look forward to in 2012:
My twin sisters wedding to her boyfriend of six years
My husbands best friends wedding
Going home!
Visiting family and friends
Celebrating our second wedding anniversary
Celebrating Chris' 30th birthday!
Celebrating my 28th birthday—yes, I'm excited about turning 28!
Getting to know our city more
Getting a new job
Meeting new people
Getting a puppy play mate (shhhhhh... don't tell my husband!)
Becoming more involved with the Chi Omega alumnae group here

I hope 2012 will bring more happiness in our lives and everyone else around us. I am determined to keep more in touch with the new friends I have met, re-establish old ones, keep the strong family dynamic we have and make it the best year for my husband and I.

I would love to hear what you are determined to do in the new year!

Don't Get (Holiday) Sidetracked Now

It's the beginning of the wonderful month of December! That means traveling, family time, stressing about gifts and staying on that holiday diet regime. You're thinking, easy enough right?

Wrong.

"There seems to be an assumption that when you travel, you can't eat healthfully, so you don't even make an attempt," says exercise physiologist Monika Woolsey, R.D.

Why is it that we get into this mind trap during the holidays that we are going to overlook all the hard work you did during the last year or even three months. Then say, "Well the new year is just a month a way, I'll do better next year." No. Stop that mentality right now.

It is never too late to start and even continue to make healthy lifestyle choices. I'm here to show you how. With a little help from Women's Health magazine, here are some super easy tips to stay on track with your hectic holiday traveling time line.

Breakfast in the Car(or plane)
Look for lean protein and low sodium eats. "A study published in the journal Obesity found that a protein-rich breakfast can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce cravings later in the day." yes, please!
My fav picks:
If MickeyD's is your place o' choice, go for the egg mcmuffin, without cheese (if you can), no hash browns! Ham is the lean protein and egg will keep you full as well. Egg whites only? Not always. The yolk actually contains most of the egg's nutrients, including cancer-battling choline and antioxidants that keep your eyes sharp.
Subway's new breakfast menu is awesome too! Always choose the whole wheat muffin, or 9 grain wheat, with eggs and load up on any and all veggies. Don't have a lot of time, choose a protein-rich low-fat yogurt instead of ice cream smoothie. Make sure to avoid these sugary, high-cal ingredients: apple juice, fruit syrups and sorbets.

Lunchtime
I always seem to get hungry on the plane. Whether I just ate or not. Women's Health mag picks out some entrees that can get you out of the airplane flying funk and enjoy the ride.
Black Bean Soup (yum!) "Fiber and protein pack this belly-filling meal. Not to mention black beans are a top source of immunity-enhancing antioxidants" especially importante when flying.
Veggie Wrap (with no cheese!) This easy-to-eat and super filling entree tends to be "high in water content, fiber, and other nutrients that help keep you hydrated and full but not the feeling of overstuffed."

Snacktime
I'm a big proponent of snacking. It keeps your metabolism burning throughout the day. Think of your metabolism as a fire—to keep it going, you need to continue to feed it with wood. Your metabolism works in the same way.
Master your metabolism:
"The process of metabolism establishes the rate at which we burn our calories and, ultimately, how quickly we gain weight or how easily we lose it," says Robert Yanagisawa, MD, director of the Medically Supervised Weight Management Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.

Of course, not everyone burns calories at the same rate.

Your metabolism is influenced by your age (metabolism naturally slows about 5% per decade after age 40); your sex (men generally burn more calories at rest than women); and proportion of lean body mass (the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate tends to be).

Smart Snacking
Low-fat yogurt: portion-controlled cup (if you get it without the fruit), "contains probiotics which can settle your stomach on a long car ride with those in-laws or by yourself."

Bananas: rich in magnesium, "a deficiency in this mineral can result in headaches and fatigues. Who isn't prone to these around the stress-filled holidays? Always have these laying around.

Nuts (my favorite!): "high in calories, yes. But their combo of healthy fat and protein can help keep you fuller for longer and reduce your total calorie intake for the day." Always choose the unsalted ones, please.

There is no reason to loose track of that diet now—or get started now. A combination of these easy steps, confidence, knowledge and support and you'll be on your way to looking good for the new year. Don't want to be side tracked? Make sure you tell your fam and friends that you do have a goal and would like to continue making healthy choices this holiday season. Once they know this, it will be easier for them to help you along the way.

Safe travels, fun family time, smart food choices and healthy eating!

Give Yourself Props Today (And Always)

With the last post of the National Health Blog Post Challenge, I think it's a great topic that everyone should write or just say out loud. I don't think we "toot our own horn" as much as we should. It's like we have become desensitized to saying that what we have accomplished isn't good enough to tell the world.

That's why we have bullying. Somewhere along the line, someone didn't tell them they were good enough or didn't speak up for themselves. I think it's OK to stand up for what you believe in. Stand up for yourselves and to those bullies—tell someone. Stand up for that job you just landed or project you just finished. Stand up and maybe others will too.

So for this post, here are three (or maybe a few more) things that I am proud to say that I am:
1. I'm a loving and caring wife, daughter, sister and friend
2. I'm healthy, motivated, intelligent and confident
3. My faith keeps me strong

I like to always think that others see myself the way I do. That's where I always try to be best wife, daughter, sister and friend I can be to the people in my life. If you love yourself first, it's so much easier for people to love that person too. It was hard to believe that when I'm living with psoriasis. A disease that can be detrimental to your health and depressing if not handled that right way. I'm really a strong believer that it takes confidence to get anywhere in life. Especially if you are diagnosed with something you can't help.

When my mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer, it was her confidence, strong faith and take on life that I think really helped in her recovery. She wrote about her experiences and was always confident that she was going to make it through. Same thing when my dad had a triple by-pass. The doctors told him not to drive at least a month after the surgery. But if you know my 76 year always-on-the-go father, that wasn't going to stop him. He was in the drivers seat about 3 weeks after his surgery and still hasn't stopped going. Hell, he even wants to go to Colorado in Jan and ski. My parents amaze me.

That's the kind of life I want to continue to life. I credit my parents with the confidence and strong faith I have today. The things that get me through the good and bad days. Living with psoriasis was really hard at first. It still is some days. But what I try to get across to my NPF mentee's is that if they understand the disease themselves, feel confident and want to tell more people about how it makes them feel—then that's the first step in the healing process. Stress is a big trigger of psoriasis—so any where to alleviate any of that stress in my life then I'm all for it. Writing helps a lot too. Don't write for anyone else. Write for yourself. Still not confident enough to publish a blog? No worries. Keep a journal of how you feel each day and you'll see getting it out someway is more helpful than you can imagine.

On this last day of the challenge and going into the first day of December, I challenge everyone to really dig deep and find what you are proud of. Get your girlfriends together over wine and cheese, go around the table and talk about what you like about yourselves. It's OK to brag. No judgement here ladies (and gents—who ever is confident enough to take on the challenge). Or gather your family and kids and ask them the same question. It's important to instill confidence in everyone we know. Make sure we do it the right way and we can start making this world a better place one person at a time.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Greeting Card Post for The Newly Diagnosed

Greeting card post! The greeting card industry is all about writing generally universal feelings in a presentable way that you can use to express yourself when you just can’t think of the words to say. In this post, we are to write a greeting card for someone in my community to help them express themselves about a new diagnosis, treatment, or experience.

Newly Diagnosed and Nowhere to Go?

Confidence is the answer
Knowledge is the key to getting there
Support is how you'll get there

New diagnosis can be scary, confusing and depressing
But it's the confidence you have and will always have to get you through this
And knowledge—learning more about your disease, advocating in your community—is the best way to gain more confidence

Having an excellent support system will get you through those tough times
Make sure to explain the disease to them, how it affects your body and how it makes you feel
Once they understand, it will be a lot easier for them to help you and you'll wonder what you ever did without them

Confidence, Knowledge and Support are all you need to get you from newly diagnosed and confused to on the road to a great recovery.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Say WHAT?!

Everyone hears really outrageous claims about their disease or any disease for that matter. Here are some things I have heard about psoriasis:

1. Ewwww, that's really disgusting! Is that like a really bad disease?
2. Psoriasis, isn't that like dry skin and you can just get rid of it with lotion?
3. Your disease looks contagious, you can't swim here or get your nails done here.

Sometimes people can say some really mean, uncalled for and unintelligent things. C'mon people, you can't really be that ridiculous and believe some of those claims or others you've heard or probably have even said.

It doesn't take that long to either research what it is that you know nothing about or ask. Just ask the person if you know they don't mind talking about it. Send them an email and let them know that you are there for them if they need to talk about anything related to their disease or their life in general. It's not that hard. We all need to have a little more compassion and not be so judgemental. If you saw a recent article on psoriasis, or a disease that someone you know who has, send them a link and let them know you are thinking about them and hope they have a great day. It means a lot.

I thought those claims were outrageous than, and I still think they are. It's those reasons why we need to bring more awareness to this disease. The more you know, the better it will be.

Next time someone may not look the same as you or have scaly patches of flaky skin—don't be judgemental. It's a disease that we are living with and doing our best to live life.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Be An Activist Today

Today we are to grab any quote from this website and just free write. I decided to search with the word inspire

The word inspire means a lot to me, personally and professionally. As part of the NPF website, a website I contribute to is the inspire talk discussion boards. Discussions can range anywhere from psoriasis, to heart health, to healthy eating, to cancer and to anything in between. Anytime I write, what I always try to do is inspire.

When I searched this word I came across a blog title 100 Ways To Be An Activist and I thought it was a great way to get started. People are always looking for a way to get involved, big or small. This is a great place to start.

Since there were 100 ways and I wanted to just pull one but couldn't decide, I just closed my eyes and pointed to one. This is what I pointed to:

63) Start an informative website for people to go to when they want more information on what you're talking about.

That's exactly what I am trying to do with my health website. I want to give people a resource they can come to whenever they need a question answered on anything psoriasis or health related. It is still in the early stages but with my health certification I feel like that is my way I am able to give back. Let me tell you, it feels great knowing you have a talent and you can use it to help anyone who is willing to help themselves.

Not to mention I am also signed up to run the Jingle Bell 5K Benefiting Arthritis and I can't wait. Half of people with psoriasis will eventually get psoriatic arthritis. Runs like this can help get the word out and hopefully find a cure sooner than later.

Take a few minutes and read the post and see what you can start doing in your community to make a difference and help as many people as you can.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

I Still Remember

I still remember..... I still remember going to Argentina almost every summer to visit my mom's side of the family. When my sister, brother and I were younger we would go to Buenos Aires almost every summer. Still thinking about it brings a smile to my face. We have a big family on my mom's side: she has two sisters and one brother and I have about 15 cousins ranging from two years old to 30 years old. We had some of the best times when we went there and I absolutely love every memory I have from spending my summer's with family. I haven't been back since I was like 15 maybe. I am dying to go back. Ever since I met Chris, he says really he wants to go too. He keeps hearing all these amazing stories from my family and how beautiful Argentina is. So I can't wait to start going with him and making more memories with him.

Memories that stand out:
My parents traveling with us three kids—my twin sister and I are a little less than a year apart from our brother, at the airport, with all our luggage
Our grandfather, Abel and playing in his apartment. He adored us!
Our Tia Porota and her cooking for us and shopping with her. She had so many photos of us in her apartment, she adored us too! We spent a lot of Christmases there.
My two aunts house and always eating big holiday dinners there, playing music, spending time with family
Always taking the "cousin photo" which my parents have framed each time. It's pretty cool!

Spending time with all the cousins, traveling to the beach, always eating, A LOT, listening to music, going out, driving, walking everywhere and anywhere.

I could keep going and going! But we have VHS videos(that's even funny now) of which we are convertin to DVD's of every year we've been to BA. It's the coolest thing to watch. Family is such a big important part of my life and I am grateful to be apart of such a great family.

I still remember :)

What's your nostalgic memory for today?

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Never Have I Ever

Everyone has played the game "Never have I ever" So here are mine: There are two things I have never done but can't wait to do: Backpack/travel through Europe and skydive.

I have wanted to skydive since I was 18, still haven't got around to it. I've seen the crazy videos, I've heard the scary stories. But it's just something that I have always wanted to do. You're only young and healthy once, so why not.

I think traveling through Europe is something everyone wants to do. Chris and I now have a goal we want to do it together. We both love to travel and living in that places we have, traveling to different locations has been one of the best things in our lives. Traveling through Europe would be amazing. Can't wait!

Something I have never done and wont budge on? This one is a bit hard. I know my husband said he would never sky dive so that one is kind of out for me as I just wrote about. So I am going to take a different spin and post a list of 5 things I haven’t done and why I haven't done it yet.

1. Bought a house : Have moved to 2 different places in the last 2 years, so we don't quite know where we're going to be in the next year, much less get into a 5-10 year mortgage

2. Backpack Europe : money, money, money, money

3. Start having kids : Read answer to number one. And notice I didn't say start a family. Chris and I are a family and we love it and are has happy as ever. Once we get more settled into our careers, have travelled everywhere we want and know where we want to live, then maybe we will.

4. Go back to school to become a Registered Dietitian : Still researching and figuring out a goal time and when would be good to start, not to mention money.

5. Had a honeymoon : Timing wise it didn't work out with Chris' work schedule. One year later and we still haven't been on one. We'll save up money one of these days and go.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

My Personal Mascot

Today's post: Give your condition, community, or self a mascot. Who is it? What do they represent? What is their battle cry? I knew exactly what I would like to represent psoriasis, in my eyes.

Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and to savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday.

Everyone with psoriasis—or any disease for that matter—wants to feel free, savor each moment and embrace everything this life has to offer. It's hard to do that when you live with something you didn't ask for. But I know I try everyday to live each day the best I can. It's hard to open up about psoriasis. So when we find those people who do want to listen, then we open our hearts and let them into our lives. It's not hard, so be patient, but we will get there eventually.

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration.

The hummingbird represents what we want to feel and do. Hummingbirds continue their journey no matter where they are or where they are going. They have their goal in mind—to get food—and they do all they can to get to their destination. No matter how I feel each day with psoriasis—the itch, the scratchiness, the flakes—I get through it, knowing that this is the life I have and I will get through it.

The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.

The battle cry: to find a cure. While we are doing that, we want to also be reminded that no one has perfect skin, we can and should be accepted despite how we look, everyone gets stressed no matter what they say and that we can find beauty any where. Think about the last time you saw a hummingbird? You just stop and try to watching them in the fleeting moments they are there. Admiring their beauty and grace. It puts a smile on your face no matter how you feel. The best remedy for anything is truly laughter. When you laugh, you seem to forget life's problems—your disease, stress, bills, family drama, job deadlines—and nothing seems to matter at that moment. We hope to get there one day too.

It's for this wonderful meaning and how much hummingbirds mean to my dad, that I have a hummingbird tattoo on my back. As long as I can remember, my dad has collected hummingbirds and still talks about them to this day. I also added a halo on the hummingbird to represent and angel for my mom, because she has a strong faith with God and always have. I have a piece of my mom and dad with me everywhere I go.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Lots To Be Thankful For

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues" Cicero

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, today's post only seemed right to write about what I am thankful for in my life.

My husband
My husbands job
Family
Friends
Our health
Our parents health
The roof over our head
Our puppy Mac :)
Being a mentor with the National Psoriasis Foundation
The strength and confidence God gives me to keep going every day
Katie Higgins, a new friend(and Chi Omega!) who has invited Chris and I to spend Thanksgiving with her and her family
Heat
Hot water
Warm clothes and water boots
The experiences, adventures and places Chris and I have been together that has led us to being happy today and everyday

The past two years living on Maui, I always got a free turkey from work—Thank you Grand Wailea—so no matter what, even though each year it was just Chris and I, I cooked that 12lb turkey with all the fixings and dessert. Needless to say we always had A LOT of leftovers. But we loved that it was just us, celebrating together.

Not to mention, I would help my mom cook at Thanksgiving, every year. This year, it's going to be the first year I'm actually not doing anything, besides bringing a homemade pie to my friends house. To say that I LOVE cooking is an understatement. So I'm definitely missing cooking and being around friends and family. So this year it's going to be kind of sad in a way. But we are thankful to be spending it with our new friends we have met here, knowing we have lots of love and support from our family in Houston.

I leave you with this traditional prayer of "general Thanksgiving"

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people. We bless your for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your inestimable love in redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we ask you, give us a true understanding of all your mercies, so that our hearts may be unreservedly thankful, and so that we show forth your praise not only with our lips but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days. We ask this through Jesus Chris our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Mushroom Rock, Maui, Hawaii

What image or place brings a sense of calmness over you?

Still to this day I talk about this place as one of my favorite places in Maui. Called Mushroom Rock, it's located by the Olivine Pools.

Words will never do this place justice, but here goes:

Majestic
Cleanest air to breathe
Serene
Calm
Peaceful
Quite
180 degree view of nothing but blue ocean
Listen to waves crashing and NOTHING else
Worries disappear, no care in the world
Smell of freshly, cut grass

It is definitely a hike to get there, but it is by far one, of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Chris literally had to dragged me away from this spot.

Once you get past the hike, you can walk right up to a mushroom shaped rock (see photo) and look over the edge and listen to nothing but the waves crashing against the rocks. You see nothing but baby blue water and the white caps of the waves. Take a deep breath in and it is the cleanest air you will ever breathe.

Whenever I am stressed, upset, depressed or angry, I will close my eyes, take a deep breath and imagine myself at Mushroom Rock. It brings me a sense of calmness and serenity.

I tell everyone who asks me and Chris about Maui and the places they should absolutely need to stop by Mushroom Rock. It will be a majestic and serene experience you wont ever forget.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Traveling To Paris

Photo by Jenny Poole.

DISCLAIMER: Ekphrasis post. Ekphrasis (writing about another art form). I chose to free write about a photo of Paris—and I have not edited—so don't judge that!

Paris. Effiel tower. Romance. Fashion. Food. Wine. Lights. Luxury hotels. Gondola rides. Chateaus. Culture.

I could go on and on. Those are some of the many things I have thought about when I think about traveling to Paris. It is definitely one of the things on my bucket list I have yet to cross off. As much as I love traveling, there are so many places I have yet to see. Chris and I also have a plan to backpack Europe some time. Save up and take off a month and just go with out an agenda, schedule or deadlines and see what else is out there.

That is one of the main reasons we took the job and moved to Maui and then Seattle. We don't have kids yet, no mortgage. Now is the time to see the world, and travel and live in different places. Before I get hate mail sent to me, I'm not saying you can't travel if you have kids. But it is just a completely different experience. Chris and I are doing this for US. Just us two. No one else. And it has been the best experience we have done so far. Paris is just another thing we are going to do together.

Living in these different places has given me a sense of wanting to see how much more is out there and experience it while I can. You're only young once so why not now? We have our health and his job we are thankful for; a roof over our head; a car; food on the table every day. Make the most out of where you are. Even if you can't get to Maui or Paris, make the most out of where you live. I'm pretty sure you haven't done everything in your city. And no, it doesn't have to cost a penny. Google is your best friend. Google "free things to do in your city" and I bet there will be so many things you never even thought of doing. That's what living is about. Making the most out of your day with the people you love. I couldn't imaging navigating through life without Chris, my family and friends.

Argentina. Canada. Jamaica. Mexico.
Check. Check. Check. Check.
I can't wait to add another place to that list. Since Chris has never been out of the country—till we recently went to Canada—I can't wait to experience the rest of what this life has to offer us together. It's always great to have a goal. Once you reach it, cross it off and never look back! Then start aspiring towards another one. Paris—granted, is a while away—but it's still something Chris and I have planned in our future. For now, we are happy living and exploring the Emerald City.

You never know what life is going to give you but as along as you are happy then that all that matters.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Turn That (Monday) Frown Upside Down

When I first saw this video I couldn't stop laughing and I still can't to this day! It's hilarious! Sometimes we all need to stop what we're doing and just laugh. Hope this makes your day a little better.

ENJOY!



This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

My Best Of

Best of. How do you just choose a best of from your posts, blogs, or work? What I consider my best may be different from what others consider my best. But nonetheless I knew which post I wanted to choose as my best.

I can write everyday about what Chris and I are doing here in Seattle, how the job search is going, new people we meet, etc. But I always try to make sure to put some encouraging words in my post no matter what I talk about. Whether it be for my psoriasis mentee's I help, my friends, health advice or just some encouraging words. So when I read this poem and post, I knew it had to be shared again.

I love it because it reminds us to just slow down in life, which I don't think a lot of people know how to do. Just remember that no matter what we are doing, what we go through, our jobs, the fights, the traffic, the deadlines, the job searching, trying to find forgiveness, stress, exercising, waking up early, the hot and cold weather—we have to always TAKE TIME. Take time be patient, be thankful for what we have and the people around us. I am every day. I hope this speaks to you as much as it does to me. What poem is your go-to poem or one that must be shared?

__________________________________________________________

Last month, we had some friends from Maui stay with us last minute due to some unforeseen family drama on their families part. Chris and I were glad we were able to be there for them and that they felt close enough to call us.

Before they left, Karen (whom I used to work with at The Grand) left me with a poem that hit home on way too many levels.

Last weekend made me realize that no matter how young or old you are, whether you're still in high school or not, whether it's work, home, friends or family drama—EVERYONE has it. But we have to make sure to take time for the special things in life, 12 things to sum it up. And always be grateful for the days we have with our family and friends, drama or not.

1. Take time to dream .... it hitches your soul to the stars.

2. Take time to work .... it is the price of success.

3. Take time to think ... it is the source of power.

4. Take time to play ... it is the secret of youth.

5. Take time to read ... it is the foundation of knowledge.

6. Take time to worship .... it is the highway of reverence and washes the dust from your eyes.

7. Take time to help and enjoy friends ... it is the source of happiness.

8. Take time to love ... it is the one sacrament of life.

9. Take time to laugh .... it helps with life's loads.

10 Take time for beauty ... it is everywhere in nature.

11. Take time for health .... it is the true treasure of life.

12. Take time to plan .... it is the secret of being able to have time to take time for the first eleven things.

— Author Unknown

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Do You Have Grace Under Pressure?

Today's prompt: Pick someone else’s post (from the past or from today) and write a comment to them. Write that comment as your blog post for today. Link back to them to let them know you were inspired.

I found this blog post and was inspired.

To Everyday Wishes: I would like to think that I live with grace while overcoming difficult decisions too. We are always going to come across challenges in life and it's how we handle those situations that make us the people we are today—grace under pressure and everything in between.

You most certainly are right that you aren't the only person having a bad and you're not alone. No one is perfect and if they make it seem that way then everyone knows it's a lie anyway :) All we can do is try to be best person we can be and help those around us. Just because you have a bad day, see someone who may not have perfect skin or looks different from you, doesn't give them the right to treat them different.

Living with psoriasis, an incurable, auto-immune disease that appears as red, scaly patches on the skin, has been really hard. The initial diagnosis was hard. But years later, I am now a mentor with the NPF and feel like that is my way of giving back, helping people when I can and having a little bit of grace while doing it.

I hope we all can make a little change and have a little grace under pressure—thanks for the reminder.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Time to Let It Be and Let Go

"And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be. "

Letting go of things you don't have control over takes a lot of courage and strength. Letting go of not having a job—much like millions of other Americans right now— is definitely a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.

The dictionary defines let as: to allow or permit; to allow to pass, go, or come
The dictionary defines go as: to move or proceed, especially to or from something; to leave a place; to keep or be in motion; to continue in a certain state or condition.

"To allow or permit it to pass." I am without a job right now because my husband and I decided to move to Seattle for a better opportunity for him—and we couldn't be more happier or grateful for that opportunity. So in that perspective, I do have to allow it to pass, but it doesn't make it easier. It has been about five months since I haven't had a full-time job. It's scary and depressing some times. But I'm allowing it to pass right now because I don't have any other option—or job offer.

"To more or proceed, especially to or from something." This meaning gives me a little more hope and courage. In order to overcome something you have to move on and away from it. Not having a job is an unfortunate situation. What am I doing to move on and pass it? I have done a freelance PR job for NYP that opened a new location in Queen Anne. That gave me hope. I was doing something that I excelled at and had great results. I am job searching everyday. It's not easy. Job searching is like having a full-time job. I can't even count the number of jobs I continue to apply for. That's when the waiting game sets in.

That's when it starts sinking in: I wasn't qualified for that job. There are so many other people out there that have more experience and better qualifications then me. Why did I even apply? I don't have a chance. My resume sucks. Yep, pretty much every question you can think of, I have asked and doubted my self. But that's all you can do. You have to be patient and wait. So, I am.

I continue to network everyday and all day. I'm working on my health website to get that up and going so I can start to get clients. Moving and proceeding, right?

Letting go is not easy. It's not something we want to do. Change can be scary—or great—however you look at it. But I am determined not to let this get me down. Letting go is just part of this little thing we call life. If life wants to throw this in my face. Then all I have to say is screw you. I've had to let go before and I will let go now. When I know I'm doing the best I can and everything I can to make each day counts, then that's all that matters.

Every challenge in life comes with an opportunity—whether you see it in the beginning or not. You have to want to change and make things happen. That's how I'm handling this no-job-no-second-income-kinda-bored-and-depressed-need-a-job-ASAP kind of feeling.

I know I have the experience, the qualifications, the background—and an awesome resume—to back it up. I will and continue to turn this challenge into great opportunities. Sometimes it takes you to write down what it is you're doing through and how you're going to change. Defining the words let go, really helped me in more ways than one. I know what it is I am going through and I know how I'm going to get through it. I do have the courage and strength to let it be, let go and let God.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

I Think I Can, I Think I Can

I think I can be patient
I think I can be the best wife, daughter and friend
I think I can wait for whatever God has planned for me
I think I can get a great job
I think I can help more people
I think I can be best person I can be
I think I can accomplish anything I set my mind to
I think I can run the 5k in December
I think I can freelance more PR projects
I think I can start my own health website
I think I can encourage more people to eat healthier
I think I can overcome the itchiness and stress of living with psoriasis
I think I can help those around me who need me more

I know I can and will always be the best wife, daughter and friend
I know I can be patient while living with psoriasis
I know I can and will get a job soon
I know I can run the 5K in December
I know can start my own health website

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

All I Really Want

I am dedicating Alanis Morisette's "All I really Want" to living with psoriasis. When I was in high school, I would blast Alanis ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. I love her! Her lyrics speak to everyone. Even when I was having a bad day, I would turn her on and sing my heart out. For whatever reason, I felt so much better. And still to this day, whenever they play her on the radio or I listen to her on Pandora, I'm crankin' it and singin' it out loud.

There are several lines from this song, that really speak to me especially about living with psoriasis.
Even the first paragrah:

Do I stress you out
My sweater is on backwards and inside out
And you say how appropriate
I don't want to dissect everything today
I don't mean to pick you apart you see
But I can't help it

Yes, I do get stressed out and no I can't help it. It doesn't help that stress—like many other things—can cause a flare up so we have to learn how to keep our stress levels down.

And all I really want is some patience
A way to calm the angry voice

What I can tell from being a psoriasis mentor is that all we do want is just some patience and way to deal with something we weren't given a choice about. We want to deal with those angry voices who banned us from pools, gave us weird looks, said we couldn't play with their kids and didn't even talk to us because we didn't have perfect skin.

What I wouldn't give to find a soul mate
Someone else to catch this drift

We just want someone who understands us and what we are going through. We shouldn't have to feel bad about something we can't help. Trust us, we are doing everything in our power to try to get rid of this monkey off our back. But right now, we're doing the best we can. So try to understand.

Why are you so petrified of silence
Here can you handle this?
Did you think about your bills, your ex, your deadlines
Or when you think you're gonna die

Just like you, we have everything else in the world to worry about. But on top of that we also have to live with psoriasis. Next time you're playing "Woe is me" Just stop for a second, and be grateful that you actually have a job to pay those pills and deadlines to work for.

All I really want is some peace man
a place to find a common ground
And all I really want is a wavelength
All I really want is some comfort
A way to get my hands untied
And all I really want is some justice...

This last paragraph really just hits it all for me. I just want to find some peace while living with this itchy disease. Find some common ground with others and see what has worked for them and advise them as much as I can. I just want comfort! We all want justice and answers to our questions. But for now, we have to live with the cards life has given us.

Thank you Alanis, for making it a little easier as I'm singing your songs and forgetting for about the itch, medications, topicals and tar baths that consume our lives.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Elevator Blog

30 secs to tell my blog-ry (my blog, my story—my blog-ry) Born and raised in Houston, Texas; married the man of my dreams; lived in Maui for two years and now living in the Emerald City telling people about our journey including all the ups and downs—his new jobs; my job searching; my certification as Nutrition and Wellness Consultant; work as a mentor for the NPF; and our second year of marriage in a brand new city. 1 min to tell my blog-ry My inspiration comes from my family, friends, work, husband and the life we are living together. Whatever we are going through as a first-time married couple—with no kids and no mortgage— I want to be able to help those couples going through the same thing. We have been grateful to live in some great places (Houston, Maui, Seattle) and we want people to know that it's not just about where you are but who you are with as well. I want to debunk that "one year and three year marriage itch" myth. In a marriage you have to fully committed to actually wanting to spend your life with this person, make them happy and live the best life you can together. We want to tell the same couples—or those who feel like they may be struggling—what has worked and what hasn't and offer up as much advice as we can. I like to touch on how being a supportive wife is a really essential component to happy marriage. I also like to bring in my experience as a psoriasis mentor and a certified health instructor. 2 mins to tell my blog-ry You might think living in three places in the last three years might be stressful. All while planning your dream wedding. Well, at first it was. What kept us sane was definitely the support of our family and friends. But for me it was also having an outlet to write down and document everything I was—and continue—to go through. At first Chris thought it was kind of silly. But while writing I thought it was a good idea to bring in a male's prospective too, and it seem to worked well. This is just life, thoughts and stories of a married couple living their life together. I like to talk about the amazing adventures we are so grateful to go through, our trials and tribulations, accomplishments and promotions and so much more. I also like to take time and write about my role as a wife and supporting my husband while trying to get a full-time job. I like to talk about stress—who doesn't have it—how I over come it; living with psoriasis and being a part of a reputable organization(NPF) and my health certification. As I continue to start my health website— offering educated guidance to clients seeking nutritional advice, weight management tips and enhancing health and fitness performance—I will be researching what I can do to help me along the way. I think society needs to look at choosing food in a completely different way. All it takes is a little knowledge and a different way of thinking and we all could be making healthy food choices—that's where I would come in. If we can help any first-time married couples by lending our advice and funny stories then that's a good day. If I can help make a difference in someones life dealing with stress and psoriasis, then I hope more people will find out. This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

See Yourself Succeeding

"The way you see yourself has a lasting impact."

Isn't that the truth? You have to be able to love yourself fully; be completely happy where you have been, where you are and where you are going to fully appreciate your goals; be happy if you accomplish something you set as a goal for yourself.

That has been the biggest challenge for me. To fully appreciate when something good happens, because we usually take for granted when those things come and wish it was something better, or think that we don't deserve it. Why couldn't it have come last month when I really needed the promotion? Well my co-worker helped me so much on the presentation, she should get most of the credit? Why? We all want to succeed. So we should be happy when we do. It's OK to take a mini celebration for those major things that we worked so hard for. Stayed up all night to pull off the greatest presentation of your job thus far? Time to celebrate! Worked double shifts and overtime to finally pay off that car? Rejoice you don't have any car payments, not the time it took you to get there.

I have always said that my life motto is NO REGRETS. There is no point to have any regrets. Everything you have done, experience, and gone through—bad and good— has led you to where you are today, right now, the present. You can't focus on the past or concentrate on the future. All we have is the time we are given today. So succeed in everything you can. And don't be in a rush. We will all get there eventually. We are gonna make it. We are gonna make it out of this. We realize that time is nothing at all but what we make it.
My high school experience, my hard lessons learned by making mistakes, the boyfriends, the fights with my siblings, too many jobs and homework to graduating and no jobs, death, crying, stressing out, getting my first job out of college, my family and long-time friends, heart aches, hospital visits, my first big paycheck, my amazing wedding to the most amazing man I've met, living and traveling together—everything has got me to where I am today.

Everything I do, I always try to succeed and make those around me proud. I feel like I've done a pretty decent job. Now, I can only concentrate on my life with Chris as we navigate this crazy thing called life—doing it together and hopefully succeeding as much as we can.

"The way you see yourself has a lasting impact on your life. When you consider yourself worth of achieving your goals... you'll become who you want to be. You'll see yourself as confident and capable, and you'll follow a different path—because you now see yourself walking toward success. We don't always realize the full impact of our thoughts— how far they reach or how they truly affect us and our goals. See yourself in this brand-new light. Think you can—and you will. Do all you can to become everything you want to be." Barbara J. Hall

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Me? A Teacher? Why Thank you!

We all think we are good at something. Good enough to teach a class? Maybe some of us are a little more confident than others. But if I had the opportunity to be able to teach a class, I would love to be able to teach it about healthy eating and finding the right balance between a healthy diet and life-long healthy decisions.

It would be based on my website: Healthy Food Healthy You which is a nutritional consulting company. Everyone has different nutritional needs and weight management goals and at Healthy Food Healthy You, we will work together to create a life style plan for you based on your nutritional needs and goals. There is always time to start your healthy lifestyle ­­— why not now?

Tutorial to include:
- Educated guidance to clients seeking nutritional advice, weight management tips and enhancing health and fitness performance
-Food supplement and nutritional advice such as vitamins and minerals
- Knowledge and resources to formulate and design your own personalized meal plan based on the new 2010 government healthy regulations
- Initial consultation to determine short and long-term goals
- Grocery Store Tour
- Reading(and Understanding) those Pesky and Oh-So-Long Nutritional Labels
- Exercise Tips and Suggestions
- At Home Cooking Experience for the working professional, on a budget (because who doesn't want to save money?)

Why do I feel like I'm great at this and the right person to teach a class on this?
Being a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant I have extensive and functional knowledge of nutrition, weight management, daily exercise and how to combine all of these important skills to meet a clients lifestyle goals. I also can offer a sound nutritional plan for optimizing health; advise and present a balanced and nutritional strategy and provide nutrition counseling and education.

I have also been a long-time sufferer of psoriasis which is an auto-immune, non contagious disease that appears as dry, red scales on the skin. Learn more about psoriasis here. After undergoing medication trials, experimenting with topicals and injections, I am currently 90 percent clear and have all the confidence in the world. Having psoriasis has given me the drive to educate myself on eating right and making life-long healthy decisions as well as the want to get my nutrition and wellness certification. I want to give my clients the knowledge and confidence I have—and believes it starts with healthy food which makes for a healthy you.

I like to draw inspiration and stay on top of nutritional news by visiting The Doctors and Doctor Oz.

I also like to suggest following Women's Health(@WomensHealthMag) and Men's Health(@MensHealthMag) on Twitter. For easy health tips, recipes and so much more to incorporate into your busy life.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

If It Aint Broke, Don’t Fix It

What is working well in your community, health care, blogs, social media, or your work in particular? What do you like about it?

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the Educational Summit for Patient Advocacy and the Implementation of the Affordable Care Act, as a mentor for the NPF. Phew, just saying the long title gets me winded. While a lot of the topics were a little over my head, I was excited to hear how, myself as an individual, can truly make a difference. Sara Kofman, from the NPF, was there to speak as part of some of the many patient advocacy organizations.

What is working, which is something she touched on that I think the NPF does so well, is that they inform and educate their volunteers and advocates so well. They equip us with the information we need in order to do our job better. I think that is something a lot of organizations and companies can learn from. In order for your employees, staff, volunteers, etc to be at their best, they have to be equip with the best and correct information. If they don't know what their own companies message is, then how are they supposed to reproduce that to others? Another thing that is working is people actually wanting to be informed and wanting to make a difference. To be apart of a generation making these changes is inspiring.

That's the thing that is so great online. If you don't know something, research and the answer—albeit, probably not the right one at first—is right there. It may take some digging, but you'll get there eventually. Social forums, blogs and discussion sites are the best for this. It allows the public to have an open conversation and get input from people ALL AROUND THE WORLD. The power of the Internet, right? I think that is by far the greatest tool. The power of being connected at our finger tips is changing the world and how we interact with one another. It's time to be apart of that and start making changes.
People my age love it. We were born and raised on computers. I can only imagine what it's going to be like when my future kids come into this world. But for people like my parents and grandparents who grew up on news print and handwritten letters, the Internet can be a funny thing. But there really isn't anything better than getting a handwritten letter in the mail. I still get them from time to time and I LOVE. And I still write them. It's different, but still cool with a vintage feel. To know that someone took the time out of their day to sit down—and not on their drive to work, their 5 min coffee break, during a board meeting or at dinner— and write something, leaves you with a good feeling.

So I leave you with the good of what is working in our health field and all around us, and how it will only continue to improve with education, research, discussions, blogs and social media. But I also leave you with this questions: when was the last time you wrote a letter to someone?

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

The Future of Online Activism

Our favorite social media sites are constantly undergoing renovations to become quicker to navigate, easier to interact with, all encompassing, mobile, and everywhere. Imagine the same thing about your community – how will they evolve, improve, and grow?

I remember the first time I saw a commercial on TV telling everyone to get more information by going to this World Wide Web address. It was the craziest thing. And it just took off from there. I started a computer learning class in high school—had to practice our typing skills; then how to write online correspondence; and get familiar with this new and amazing thing. And then I got my first computer! It has evolved since then and it will continue to do so.

With Google+ now, we see how email is evolving. You can now categorize everyone into circles and just see what they have been doing, who is connected to who, etc. I think google will only continue to improve. How? I am definitely not the expert. Because right now we can send emails, search online for ANYTHING, call and facetime with anyone in our phone book; watch movies; read books, all at our finger tips.

Who am I do say how that will improve? I can only imagine. But to me it's like that movie Walle. Where basically all the humans got so lazy that all they had to do was sit on their butts because this magical chip inside their head did everything for them. I sure hope it doesn't come down to that.

As far as social media goes, Facebook is by far the coolest thing for keeping touch with everyone. I am talking to my family from ARGENTINA on a day to day basis. Not having to worry about the time difference, or if I missed a major thing that happened in their life. Now we all know what happens—right as it happens. Which is really cool—and weird—in a sense. It will continue to connect people after years of not knowing where they were; it will connect adopted children to their biological parents(and has already done that); connect families after natural disasters. Leaders have even taken to Facebook to create groups on their organizations advocacy issues.

Twitter is also a great tool for online activism as well as pushing out important messages. Especially when natural disasters happen. The Red Cross is great about sending out tweets and updates on their efforts. In that aspect, it will only continue to improve the technology and presences to reach as many people as they can. Twitter has also been great with all the elections. To think that President Obama was the first president to fully incorporate social media into his presidential campaign was a huge leap in that department. He was reaching demographics they never were able to reach in the past. Online activism? Of course.

Social media has been great at pushing out important news in the health field too, which is what I love. I am able to stay on top of the current health bills that are being past; what I can do as a psoriasis patient and mentor; the representatives I can reach in my community to speak to personally and so much more.. If it wasn't for the National Psoriasis Foundation's online efforts to reach out to more people and bring awareness to this disease, I would never have been a mentor. Now I have the opportunity to do that as well. Health activism at its best.

It gives us those outlets we didn't use to have. It gives us a voice we didn't we have. And it will continue to give us a place where people can hear what we're saying and truly make a difference.

I look forward to what the future has in store and can only be thankful to be apart of all these incredible changes.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

My Personal Brand

As a Health Activist, you are a front-facing leader. What do you imagine you look like to your readers? What qualities do you possess. It’s OK to toot your own horn today – you have full permission to indulge. And don’t hold back.

I would like to think that everything I do exudes confidence and strength. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the confidence I have and the strength I possess.

You can't really reach your highest point if you haven't been through the lows. When I was first diagnosed with psoriasis, I was so embarrassed and I didn't want to talk about it to anyone, not even my family or closest friends. It was after undergoing numerous medications and medical trials; learning about psoriasis; and wanting to feel empowered with an incurable disease that I found confidence when I didn't think it was possible.

It was then that I found the National Psoriasis Foundation and went through training to become a volunteer mentor. I have gained strength, empowerment, confidence, leadership skills and so much more. Those are the attributes I would like to think my readers, followers, etc see in me.

I feel I also have a great ear and am not judgemental. I have been in that place before and have been judged by everyone. Let me tell you, it's not the greatest feeling. I want to be able to empower as many people as I can. With my experience, knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm I hope I can.

On another note: just today I received a call from Olga Tutlle, who is the Outreach Coordinator and in charge of the mentors at the NPF. She invited me to go to the "Assuring Patient Protections in Health Care Reform- An Education Summit" here at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. A representative from the NPF will be there speaking and she asked if I would like to go along. Of course, I said yes. Maybe I am doing something right to help those around me and show I have the leadership skills to be invited to a great, information event like this. I am really excited to hear about the upcoming changes in health care reform, and how as a patient and health activist, I am able to help.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

3 Truths and 1 Lie

The Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge

Tell us 3 things that are true about you, your condition, your Health Activism, or your life. Now tell us 1 lie. Do you think we will be able to tell the difference?

For those reading this blog who know me, will most likely be able to tell which one is the lie. But here goes.

I am in the process of starting a health and nutrition website with my AFPA Health and Nutrition Consultant certification.

Chris and I have backpacked through Europe and our favorite place was Tuscany.

I have had psoriasis for over 10 years and am now a National Psoriasis Foundation mentor.

I have family from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Spanish was the first language I spoke.

Can you guess which one is a lie?



Keep guessing?



Think you have it?



Well, by now you should know I do have psoriasis and have had it for a long time and I am also in the process of starting a health website. So if you guessed those, you're wrong!

Next, Spanish WAS actually the first language I spoke growing up. My mother is from Argentina and we would go almost every Summer. We had the best time.

So Chris and I have never backpacked through Europe. That is actually one of our long-term goals. He has only been out of the country once, and that was recently when we went to Vancouver. He has also been dying to go to Argentina since meeting me and hearing all these wonderful stories from my family. So our next, long, long-term goal is to take about a month off and go to Europe... before we have kids :)

Hope you enjoyed learning a little more about me and my life!

Think your close friends could guess the lie? Try it today!

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Case of the Mondays

The Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge

Write about something that gets you down, burns you out, or makes you sad. Purge it in a blog post.
Turn it around at the end. Tell Tuesday why you’re ready for it.

Let's see. Things that get me down: The fact that I don't have a full-time job right now. My husband has a great good job and he loves it. I do freelance PR and I had a really great project recently doing all the PR for a new restaurant that just opened up. I loved it! I felt so energized getting up everyday and working on this new project.

Now, I'm back to square one. When I think about the fact that I can't help contribute to our marriage, financially, and at a steady rate, it gets to me. I know things could always be worse. But it's like Chris and I keep getting things thrown at us and we're really not ready for it. Doctors bills that should've been covered by the insurance but weren't; expensive rent; bills; pet bills; car insurance, etc. Yes, bills that everyone has, but probably on two incomes. So we're trying to cut back where we can and hopefully get our savings back up to where it was before we moved here.

That's the major thing that gets me down. Smaller things: not seeing my family and friends as often as I would like; not working out when I should; not reading as much as I would like; driving around a new city not knowing the back streets; traffic; construction; our loud neighbors; my psoriasis.

Now, on to Tuesday. Bring it. I have pretty much been stressed to my max, so I'm ready to take you on like no other. I am actively looking for and applying for jobs which will eventually lead to me getting a job and making a steady income—fingers crossed. Cmon awesome company that wants to hire me! Chris and I are also setting a weekly budget for ourselves to make sure we stay afloat and on top of all financial things.

I always take things one day at a time and try not to stress out while doing it. I am always thankful for the wonderful husband I have who I am able to come home to (well, he is able to come home to me) and thankful for the life we have together. That's all you can do, is to be thankful. So bring it Tuesday, I am thankful for everything.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J