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

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

Dear 18 Year Old Me

As part of the National Health Blog Post Month Challenge

3. Dear 18 year old me. Write a letter to yourself when you were 18. Be sure to tell yourself what to do more of, what to do less of, and what you have to look forward to in the next few (or several) years.

Dear Sabrina,

Well, let's see. You've had a pretty good life so far, so have that to be thankful for. And I promise, it only gets better from here. Granted, you will be thrown some curve balls along the way but it's how you deal with them that makes life so much easier.
Always remember where you came from. Family is the most important thing and you have the best one. Every family has their drama and fights but always remember they aren't going anywhere and life is too short to be mad. Remember mom's words "always be patient, you're going to get where you're going eventually. Don't stress and take a deep breath" and take on life with dad's carefree and forgiving attitude, being there for the ones you love. Remember your bond with Marina and Nicholas. Siblings fight all the time and the past is the past, mend fences and love with the big heart you have.

Being diagnosed with psoriasis is a hard thing to learn—but things could be worse. Even though there is no cure for this auto-immune disease, dealing with it in the right way will help you out in the long run. Be patient. You will be able to make a difference while having this disease by becoming a NPF mentor and help more people than you know. Hang in there, it gets better.

College will be the best time of your life. Scary at first, like every new experience. But tackle it with the confidence you have. You will change your major SEVERAL times, but you will eventually find something you are great at. Join a sorority and you will make a difference, meet some life-long friends and your future bridesmaids.

You will meet the man of your dreams. It's not going to happen fast, so don't get frustrated. And throw away your plan of "I'm going to be married by 25 and have 2.5 kids by the time I'm 30" Be patient (starting to sound like a theme, huh?). When you meet him, you will know and he will change your life in so many amazing ways. He will be the strong and confident, unique and caring and the most handsome man you know. You will learn how to compromise, be financially organized (yes, it's possible) and love him unconditionally. Yall's marriage will be the happiest most exciting time in your life to date. You will also live in some really cool places with each other, rely on only each other and learn how to take on life together.

You will also have the best job out of college, interning (and eventually being promoted) at a reputable PR agency. Look to her as your mentor because everything you learn from her will give you the confidence you need professionally to do some amazing things.

Be better at receiving constructive criticism and becoming more proactive. You will learn time management skills and how to prioritize the many projects in your life.

Continue to be the kind-hearted, sweet, smart, forgiving, confident person everyone tells you, you are. Love unconditionally. Be patient. Everything happens for a reason. Be thankful everyday. This life is what you make it and will be the best one you can live.



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

My blog is being turned into a TV show!

Ha, I got your attention! It really isn't being turned into a TV— don't we all wish we were on TV for a little while?! This is my second blog post, so read on :)

2. My TV Show. Your blog is being turned into a TV show! Congrats – you’ve
earned it. In fact, you get to co-write it. Write about the TV show based on your life or blog.

Eeeekkk, I thought the book titles were hard. I can't tell you how many times I've heard in passing, conversations with friends, FB updates "my life should be turned into a reality show" or wow, that is definitely reality TV show ready.... Everyone wants their 15 mins of fame. And if they say no they don't, then they're lying!

Now, back to my TV show. I would love the TV show to incorporate all my book titles, hehe! Basically chronically my life as a twin, the good and the bad (definitely some drama for the ratings); my family dealing with the health scares of my parents; my diagnosis with psoriasis which was in high school—like high school isn't rough enough on a teenage girl, I now had to deal with a disease we knew nothing about—then later going on to become a National Psoriasis Foundation volunteer mentor; my sister getting her first teaching job; my moms cancer treatments; meeting my husband (add in some ups and downs) and then our marriage(lasting longer than 72 days, mind you. Too bad, Kim K!). Then a season finale can be that Chris accepted the job to be the Mauitime Art Director and we move to Maui!

Season starts off with us living in paradise and chronicles the tough times—no job for me or friends for awhile, small place, planning our wedding, adjusting to a completely new island lifestyle, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous(can you say Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Josh Radnor, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban?) and the good times—Chris excelling in his job, being honored for his design work, meeting life-long friends, visiting breath taking places and everything else in between. Shots back home to include my sisters promotion at school; brother moving to Colorado; updates on my parents; Chris's brother graduating high school and starting college. Season ends with Chris accepting another job to become the Associate Art Director at the Seattle Met Magazine! Surprise—time to move, again!

Next season starts off with our new life in a COMPLETELY different city. Going from living in tank tops, swimsuits, shorts and flip flops to jackets, scarves and rain boots; handling the death of a very close friend; still no job for me; public transportation; moving expenses; new puppy; one year anniversary; family visits; planning and leading my first event; learning a new city and the list goes on.

So there you have it. No, I haven't given this any thought..... what would your TV show be like? I'd love to hear!

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

Weekend on the West Side

I definitely relish the weekends we have together here - because they don't come often enough. That is thanks to working in the Hospitality industry - open 24/7, 365 days a year - yay.

So when I saw that I actually had a Saturday off, I was ecstatic. We got to sleep in—well, let me rephrase that—Chris slept in, I slept till about 8:45. I honestly can't sleep any later. Once my body gets the 7-8 hours it needs, I'm good to go, literally. My body just naturally wakes up. I would have to say that I am definitely my dad's daughter in that aspect(among many). My day, still to this day, will be up at the crack of dawn. Doesn't matter what time he went to sleep, he is up to get his day started. Thanks dad, I like it this way too :)

I am also a big breakfast person. So I always love being able to stay home and fix breakfast for us. On the menu was homemade Huevos Rancheros—Christopher loves anything Mexican. I have to tell you , they tasted great! AND - he had breakfast in bed. I'm the best.

I put some left over turkey I had in the slow cooker, along with my recipe for Turkey Chunky Chowder so it would be ready for us when we got back.

We ended up spending the day in Lahaina (one of our top fav places here). We love shopping on Front Street. Yea, it's pretty much safe to see that we both have a shopping problem- which isn't good. Seeing as how that is the only thing we really spend money on here. Well, that and eating out. We have a blast going in to the real surf shops here. It by far was a tell-tale sign of the things we use the most here: Chris bought new Reef sandals and I bought a new Billabong swim suit. That's pretty much what we use the most here. Oh, and the day before, Chris was there with his family and bought a swimsuit for himself, too.

It's so weird to see how our wardrobe has changed. We honestly spend out time in shorts, swimsuits and flip flops, or "slippers" as they call them here- I do not like that word BTW. But I think we like the way it is right now.

Then of course, we had to eat lunch at Cool Cat's "Best Burger on Maui for 7 years in a row." Ironically, I had a mahi mahi sandwich, which was so flaky and moist- satisfied my fish craving. I eat their burgers all the time, I like to switch it up. Chris on the other hand, does not. "Why get something else, when I know what I'm going to get is good." We're SO different! I love to switch it up. But we balance each other - that's why we work so well, in case you were wondering.

Next, was beach time at Ka'anapali. It was such a pretty day, considering it had been raining like cats and dogs the last couple of days. Nothing like, beer in the hand, sun on our faces and crystal clear water to swim in. I tried to meet up with my cousin, Carla, but we always miss each other. Maybe next time.

Time to head home. The whole day was amazing. And even better - I didn't have to fix dinner. It was waiting for us. Thank you Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker. We even had the leftovers tonight and it tasted great.

I love weekends like this. I love spending time with my husband doing things we like to do. I love knowing we are making the most of our weekend/time/free time here.

Why can't I be off every weekend, or at least a Sat or Sun? Can all our weekends be like this?

Did you make the most of your weekend/free time?

Dedicated to the Wonderful People in My Life

On Christmas Eve, I have so much to be thankful for!

1. Wonderful husband

2. Amazing family

3. Great friend

4. My strong faith

5. Being healthy

6. Having a job

7. A roof over our head

8. A car to take us to our jobs

9. Food and water

10. Living in paradise

These are just the many blessings in my life. Living away from our family has been hard but what has made it easier for Chris and I is the fact that we are in this together - always have been, always will be. God has blessed us with living in this beautiful place and we definitely make the most of it. We are both close to our families and talk to them every day. We thank God for the amazing family and connections we have with our family and friends back home.

2010 had it's ups and downs, like life does - but I am proud to say that we have stuck it through like the troopers we are. My mom has been doing great during her chemo treatments, my dad's health is great and he is still as active as ever; my sister got engaged to her long-time boyfriend; my brother and his wife moved into a new place - oh yea, Christopher and I got married!!! We are surrounded by the best families in the world!

Having a strong faith is also important to me. One of my 2010 resolutions was to have a stronger and deeper faith: continue to go to church on Sundays, and Holy Day's of obligation, read the bible more. I am proud to say that I have kept that resolution up and it feels great. Faith is a strong part of my life and drives my decisions and makes me the woman I am and the wife I want to be for Christopher.

In 2011, I want to continue living my life with a strong faith because it feels so good; I want to learn more about Catholicism; have Chris want to go to Church with me; get my AFPA Nutrition and Wellness Certification (more about this in a later blog); get a full-time job; become a National Psoriasis Foundation Mentor; freelance more. These are things on my to do list and part of my New Years Resolutions. But to me, I don't look at my resolutions as something I "have to do," I look it them as something "I want to do." It really makes a difference.

I know God has amazing things plan for us and I CAN NOT WAIT to see what he has planned for us in 2011.

Have you held up for your 2010 New Year's Resolutions? What are you thankful for? What are you most looking forward to in 2011?

Some special words I want to leave you with:

As Christmas draws near, it's time to clean up the house so everything will be in order for the celebration. Going to church on Christmas will mean each of us has to get cleaned up and ready too. Cleaning takes a little time and effort, but the result is well worth it.

God takes time, if we let him, to clean us from the inside out. Ask God to forgive you for your sins. As God to help you love those around you. As God, to heal any hurts or sorrows you have. God is ready to create a new and clean heart within you.

Lord Jesus, embrace s with your love so that we might accept your Word in our lives.

Im Hoooommmmmmeee!

I have been home now for about a week and a half and I haven't stopped going since I got here. But I wouldn't have it any other way! Seeing as how I haven't updated since then, you can tell how busy I have been!! Thing's I have done:

1. Had my first dress fitting
2. Found white shoes and earrings
3. Mom found her beautiful dress!
4. Dad and bro got fitted for their tux/suit
5. Met with the venue coordinator to finalize floor plans, cake design and food
6. Met with DJ to finalize play list
7. Met with florist to finalize all flowers (I have the best florist ever! Flowers by Lois)
8. Bought my dresses for: bridal shower, rehearsal and bachelorette party
9. Attended my awesome bridal shower!!
10. Picked up gifts for flower girl and others

Wheeewwwww!!! That's a lot of stuff in a week and a half! And I'm still not done.
1. Started with the seating chart- that has to be one of the most stressful thing EVER!
2. Attend my final dress fitting next Sat
3. Hopefully get my bridal portraits taken
4. Do a trial run with my hair stylist and makeup artist
5. Find my sister and BM's their shoes!!
6. Attend bachelorette party!
7... and so much more.

It has been a little stressful but so great being back and seeing everyone, especially spending time with my family and staying with my sister! It's hard being away from friends and family especially since both Chris and I are big family people. I already knew I was lucky to have the family and friends that I do, but being here with everyone makes me feel even more lucky and blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

I have even had time to go to a UH football game with my sister, her boyfriend, my bro and sister in law; shopping with my mom and sister(what we do best!); have some lunch/coffee dates with my BM's; shoe shopping with my sister in law; hang out with friends at Sawyer Park (awesome place!); met and got marriage advice from Houston Rocket's Shane Battier! So it hasn't been bad!

My parents have made me into the woman that I am; my sister and brother take care of me even when I don't have to tell them; my amazing friends keep me grounded; my fiance keeps me wanting to be a better woman and wife :) for him. I couldn't ask for a better life!

Thank you to everyone who makes a difference in my life and keeps me sane :) Bear with me through this "emotional, stressful" and happy time of me and Chris' life before we start our life together as husband and wife. We couldn't do it without you!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Today I am wishing all the fathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, uncles and soon-to-be fathers a very HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! But especially my father, the best dad in the world, Bill Dreyer!!

It was weird going to Church today and not be with my dad. All the dad's received blessings. But I did talk to my dad before I went into Church so that counts for something :)

Today the Father's homily was very inspirational. "Are you in it for you or are you in it for others?" Such a great question to ponder, especially on this day. Are you in this world for yourself - are you selfish and self centered? Or are you in this world for others - do you think about others and want to live your life to better others? It's not hard to know where I belong. That is definitely in the second category. And I owe that to my father (and mother!).

My father is one of the most unselfish man I know. He lives his life making sure me, Marina, Nick and our mom are all taken care of. Overcoming prostate cancer, triple by-pass surgery and hormone shots right now, he is the epitome of the strongest man and wonderful father. He lives his life for others. That's how I am living my life. Not for me, but for my wonderful family, friends and Christopher. To live your life this way is to be helpful, not hurtful. That's how God lived his life. He lived it for us.

Thinking of another aspect of my life coming up: my future nuptials. Most marriages end in divorce because one or the other is living for themselves, and not for their significant others. That is not how I want to live my marriage and I am going to work my butt of to have the kind of marriage my parents have. They are living for each other first and then for their kids. Same with Chris' parents. They are still married and are living for themselves and the kids. It is truly why a happy, healthy marriage is important to Chris and I. We have these amazing examples that a strong, happy, health marriage is possible.

Three 1/2 months from now, Chris and I will begin our journey as husband and wife. Living our lives for each other and not for ourselves.

On this special Father's Day, take time out to show love for the father figure in your life. Let him know how much he shapes you, the way you live your life and how much you love him. I know I already have and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.

I love you Bill Dreyer.