Eclectic Alayna

Eclectic Alayna's Blog Has MOVED!

2009-01-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

Click the below link to go to the new blog.

It's still a baby with only a couple of posts and a lot more work needed. But, with enough love and care from me and all you readers out there, it'll be a great and happy blog.

Also, the subject is mainly knitting now. Later on, I will be creating another blog about me in general, but that'll be a while so don't be waiting on it and chewing your nails.

Well, for the last time:

Enjoy!

Alayna

Live * Laugh * Love

Oh My, It's Been A While!

2008-12-28T15:24:00.001-08:00

I am sooo sorry!

Geez! I was without Internet for *gasp* 2 and 1/2 weeks! We had to order a new service because the one we had kept not working for days at a time, then it just altogether STOPPED! But now we have a more reliable service. And it's soo much faster. We got it Dec. 24th, yes, Christmas Eve. I was so happy because I had just received my invitation to Ravelry.com (yipee!) and almost completely forgot about my baby here...my blog.

Well, now I'm back and having good ole time.

I got some great gifts for Christmas:

A new messenger bag (can't remember what brand it is, but it's leather. Yee!)

A fleece bedsheet set (for when my honey is gone for weeks)

Fleece pajamas (for the same reason as above...D is so sweet!)

A yoga mat

A pilates DVD and booklet

A blender (finally, I can make my famous smoothies...ok, they aren't famous, but they're great!)

A standing, living room lamp (we can see!)

$50 from my Nana

And many other little tricket-type things.

I was amazed that I didn't get any yarn or knitting items, but I guess it's a good thing. I've got too much as it is.

I got D a bunch of stuff:

A new fishing pole

A new tackle box

Some lures and hooks

A flanel shirt

A thermal shirt

2 t-shirts

A travel poker set

A gadget holder

And a camo belt with all these crazy add-ons.

He loves it all! Yay!

So, I mentioned Ravelry. I love it. I found a lot of groups on there that are based in my own town. I've joined a knitting group on Friday mornings. And there are sooo many awesome patterns and gadgets on there. I'm actually going to get an idea of all the yarn I have because of their "stash" feature. If you don't already have an account and you knit, get an invitation and have fun. Seriously! You'll love it. If you do have an account, add me to your friends: Me on Ravelry.

Oh, and I finished one sock for my buddy's wife. I'm more than half way done with the second one. Sorry, no pictures yet. There will be though, don't worry. And I finished the baby blanket, but I haven't been able to give it to S.B. yet. Derned it all!

Well, I'm back! Woohoo!

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Some News, Good and Bad

2008-12-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

Some news:

I'm a quarter of the way done with the baby blanket for S.B.'s coming baby, which, by the way, is coming into this world December 23rd by c-section. (S.B. is the lady who boards my sister's horse.)

Speaking of my sister's horse: she is a thoroughbred, 23-year-old, ex-race horse named Life's Precious. And last night was terrible...6 hours of terrible. Around 3:30pm PST, I was on the phone with D when he got a call from S.B. Some girls that work on the horse ranch called S.B. because they saw that Precious's leg was swollen and moved her into a stall. Their thought was that her leg was broken. After D heard that, he got back on the phone with me, told me, and I called mom. And she called my sister. And my sister called a few other people to confirm then called me for a ride. We spent about 4 hours with Precious and the vet. X-rays were taken and it was determined that her sesamoid bone was broken meaning that the tendons weren't attached. She's probably going to be put down, but I still don't know for sure...My sister was heartbroken. Precious is such a stubborn old girl, but you can't help but love her. You really can't. Anyway, that's the bad news of the day. I'd put a picture of Precious on here, but I can't find any that I've taken :(

Other news: I'll be finding out today if D is coming home this Friday or on Dec. 23. He'll be calling me tonight to let me know when to expect him. I would love to have him home at the end of this week, but we need the money so he should stay out. But it's up to NorthTree Fire International (NTFI).

Well, back to knitting and cleaning. Yay...

Yarn, Yarn, Yarn

2008-12-07T18:38:00.001-08:00

I have too much yarn...

See?

That's 50 skeins and 27 scrap balls...
How did I accumulate so much yarn?

Oh, yeah. I remember. I bought it (then didn't use it), I got it as a gift (then didn't use it), I found at my parents' place (then didn't use it). Good thing I'm using it now. I have plenty of socks to make and many, many other things as well.

But, seriously, that's a lot of frickin' yarn!

Here's a perspective picture.

That's a full size guitar...and that pile is twice as tall.

I have no room for all this yarn!!!

Help!

Well,
Enjoy!

Alayna
Live * Laugh * Love

P.S. I've started one of D's socks. Yay!

I love making socks!

2008-12-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

That's right! I love it. It's challenging and you actually have to pay attention to what you're doing. I started my mini practice sock last night and I'm already knitting the foot part. Next up, shaping the toes. Then I'm done with it and starting some wearable socks. Yay!

Of course, I'm working on a baby blanket as well. It's going quick but it's a bit boring because it's just garter stitch with a yarn-over near the beginning of each row. Yeah, it's a diagonally knit blanket, but it's so soft and great.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I love making socks!

Enjoy!

Alayna

Live * Laugh * Love

Knitted Socks

2008-12-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of myself. I've been wanting and wanting and wanting to knit some socks and I finally set myself on track to do so.

Yesterday, I went to this cute little yarn shop in town (actually, right around the corner from me) and bought two things: 4 double-pointed needles, US size 3; and a book called Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch.

I'm starting out making some small socks, as the book recommends, so I can get acquainted with the parts of socks. I think that, when I'm done with these practice socks, I'll give them to Jay & Amber's daughter for Christmas along with the scarf and matching purse I made a while ago. Of course, the socks won't fit her cute little three-year-old feet, but I have a feeling that one of her many baby dolls has cold fee that they'll fit.

Hmm....I feel as though I'm spoiling that little girl... :) And I'm having a grand ole time doing so.

Well, I'm taking my sister shopping as an early Christmas gift because she needs new jeans. But shhh! she's not supposed to know until we actually start shopping. -it's my mom's idea...and my mom's money ha!-

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Books, Knitting and Life

2008-12-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Book Update

I'm still reading A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. It's one of those books that you can't put down, but you also cannot read too much of it at a time.

Here's another excerpt from page 128:

"I walk down and I sit on the floor in front of the couches and I watch the game with them and Cleveland wins and the Winners collect their booty and the Losers bithc and moan and increase the size of their bets on the next game. The man who bet his slippers lost his bet. Now he wants to bet his sweater."

Knitting Update

from left to right, starting at top: pale green and brown coaster in moss panel stitch with single-crocheted border, yellow-pink-blue-green coaster in 1x1 ribbing, navy and bright blue scarf ornament in 1x1 ribbing, brown coaster in diamond stitch, (next row, left to right) multi-colored coaster in Pavilion stitch, snowman ornament [pattern found here], sweater ornament [pattern found here, sweater #6], cat ornament [derived from snowman pattern...no ears], silver-gray and green coaster in 1x1 ribbing, and a beige-ish scarf ornament in 1x1 ribbing length-wise

I'm making those coasters and ornaments like crazy. The picture isn't all that great - sorry. It's because there's no sun, just clouds and gloom and cold.

Some of those things just look wrong though. Like all the coasters...I just need to 'block' them or whatever, but I honestly don't know how. I know how to knit the hell out of something, but please don't count of my to completely finish it (ha!).

Oh, and the sweater...well, done wrong and not finished, but someone will like it nonetheless because, well, because it was made by me of course. And that cat was originally going to be a bear, but I couldn't figure out how to make the ears - and the face looked more cat-like than bear-like...so it's a cat!

Life Update

D is gone again.

He left Sun., Nov. 30. When down south a bit and is on fire watch for a pipeline project.

Pa-tooey!

And he's supposed to be gone for another 21 days...I miss him so much already.

But, yesterday, my friend Megan came over. Haven't seen her in so long, it was nice to catch up.

Also, my buddy Sam and his wife made their appearence last night. They were gone by the time I woke up this morning. I think they're staying the night again, but I'm not completely sure.

Well, got things to do, places to go (pay rent, check out this yarn shop in town that I didn't even know existed until this weekend - you know, important things like that :)

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

P.S. Working on coasters using this pattern: Coffee Dream Coasters.

Boots, Boots, Boots...and Knitting

2008-11-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

So, since I got those boots yesterday, I've been looking at other boots online. I so want these:

They are Oak Tree Farms Women's 'Rodeo Boots' - Brown. And I found them at BootBarn.com. I want them, but I probably won't get them anytime soon. That's ok though. I've got one pair of boots to make me happy for now.

Aren't they adorable though?

And I'm still knitting like crazy. I've made two more coasters, a mini scarf ornament, and half a sweater (I made it wrong...). Now I'm starting on another coaster. I need more variety of items to make. Any ideas?

Well, I hope you all are enjoying you're holiday time. I know I am.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

Thursday had just too much driving around for it to be considered a holiday. Yet is was the best one yet!

Ok, correction: it was the first holiday that Dustin and I have spent together and it was amazing, fun and relaxing...minus the driving from place to place, making our rounds.

We had dinner at my parents house. And for some reason...I didn't take pictures. I realized this when I got home that night and wanted to put some pictures from dinner on here.

Well, I did get a picture of my sister acting like a dork.

She was trying to fit herself into her old baby blanket. She and I used to dress her up in that when we were younger. It was a dress on her a LONG time ago...then it became a shirt...and now it's...well, what you see above lol

Anyway, after dinner with my family, we went over to D's grandmother's house to hang out for a bit.

Friday morning, we went to D's other grandmother's house for breakfast, then we ran around a bit...shopping.

Boots for me (of course, I managed to take a picture of those):

As well as pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a sweater and a couple bras.

D got himself a belt and a nice watch.

Enjoy! (I know I am)

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Book-reading Update

2008-11-25T15:23:00.000-08:00

I finished reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert the other day and needed to pick up another book.

Found A Million Little Pieces by James Frey in my bookshelf. It's D's book, but he's never read it. So I'm reading it now.

It's...well, interesting so far.

Here's a teaser from page 23:

"Her Father left when she was four and her Mother was a Heroin Addict who supported her habit by whoring herself to whoever would pay. She started giving Lilly drugs at ten and started forcing her to whore herself to whoever would pay at thirteen."

Geez, what a life.

That's basically what this books is about: drug addicts. But they're at a rehab clinic. It's a graphic book; not for those of sensitive minds and/or stomachs.

Well, there's my update.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

A Little Catch-up, and Knitting Like Crazy

2008-11-25T15:09:00.001-08:00

So, as I said in my last post, D's home!

And, also said before, Jay and Amber came for dinner on Sunday.

D cooked (lovely man that he is) his specialty: salmon, penne pasta with his special sauce, and some broccoli. Yum, yum!

We also watched Get Smart. I have to say, it wasn't the greatest movie I've ever seen, but it was funny. Of course, I was expecting to be bent in half laughing it up the entire time. My expectations were far too high. *tear*

Yesterday, I saw my dentist and got 3 fillings. My numb lip got caught on a tool so it's cut and slightly swollen. It still hurts a bit.

Today's been a lazy day. But my buddy Sam and his wife came over. They're going to be staying with me starting Dec. 1st. Sam's on leave for the holiday and I haven't spent time with him in sooo long. (By the way, he's in the Army. Silly me for not mentioning that before.) D should be leaving Dec. 1st for another project with the fire company he works for, so Jess is staying too.

And, I've been knitting practically all day.

I started the yellow scarf a few days ago and have been treking along slowly with it.

The two squares are my lame attempts at coasters. Basically, I'm just testing out stitch patterns and using those tests as Christmas gifts. As I said, lame.

The green and brown coaster was made using the moss panels stitch I found onKnittingOnTheNet.com. Then I crocheted a brown border to keep it from curling. And, of course, I messed that part up a bit.

The other coaster...I don't really know what to call those colors, but it looks good. I used thepavilion stitch found at the same place as the above. I didn't do the complete pattern because it was getting too big for me to be a coaster. I stopped and bound off at row 24.

So, yeah, that's what I've been doing all day. And now I'm using the same brown color I used for that coaster to make yet another coaster using the moss stitch border diamonds pattern.

I'm going to get back to that, maybe work on the scarf some more...finish eating my lunch (I forgot about it).

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

P.S. The entire time I've been knitting, this is what D's been doing:

...playing Crimson Skies on X-Box...
He's such a little boy sometimes. It's sooo cute! hehe

He's Home!

2008-11-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

Yup, that's right. D's home and I couldn't be happier.

Our friend's Jay and Amber are coming over for dinner here in a bit.

I'm just so giddy cool right now.

Oops, they're here.

Tell y'all about it later.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Done with More to Do

2008-11-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

Done with work for the time being. I love being able to work from home, whenever I want/need to. It's great freedom, but it's doesn't keep me as busy as I'd like to be.

I know I sound crazy for saying this, but I actually want that Monday through Friday, "9-to-5" job. I want constant, easily planned out and prioritized work. One of these days, I'll have that.

First stop: going to school for nursing.

That's right!

Starting next semester, I'm working on my prerequisites so I can 1) get into the nursing program and 2) get to that career I want.

Another crazy thing, I can't wait to start my full-time classes next semester. Yay! I love school.

Ok, done with the crazy statements. Now for something I don't like: laundry.

I was at the laundry mat ALL morning! Cleaning all these clothes that I found in our front closet. All of them are D's. How is it that he's gone over 4 months without a second thought of all these clothes?

So, now that everything's clean and dry, I get to fold and put away, which I dislike even more than cleaning the clothes.

And I need to do dishes,

clean the kitchen,

re-organize my bookshelves,

clean the living room (if only I had a vaccuum!),

clean the bathroom,

clean out our closet,

clean up the bedroom,

and I may as well clean the balcony. It's a bit gross looking.

So, obviously, I'm not doing all this tonight. I'm starting on it then doing the rest tomorrow. But, geez, what a chore list. Can't wait until I have kids to do some of these things. Haha! Just kidding. But I do want kids one day...

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Catching Up

2008-11-20T13:50:00.001-08:00

Ok, so my blog is still in its "starting-up and changing constantly phase." I swear, I've changed the background and everything a million times already (well, maybe not so many times, but enough times that I've lost count). Oh, and I haven't posted for about 9 days now...

It's hard concentrating on writing something when I don't really have anything else to do in a day. I'm on "vacation" right now. I say that with quotes because I'm still working. I'm not teaching water aerobics, but I am doing my virtual assistant work. Which, by the way, I need to get a newsletter out so I better get to it...but it can wait another few minutes while I write. :)

Anyway, I really wanted to knit all my Christmas gifts this year. I just wish I had decided that months ago instead of deciding such about a month and a half before Christmas. I tend to do that every year. I find my yarn after not doing anything with if for a month or so and all of a sudden I think I'm a super knitter. Ha! I crack myself up. I even made a ridiculous list of what I want to make everyone. I guess since I'm making fun of myself already and probably not make 75% of the things I wanted to, I'll put a general idea of what I wanted to make:

about 10 afghans,

5 beanies,

10 scarves,

7 purses,

and a shawl...

Wow, I'm silly.

I've made about 2 of the things above and started on 2 others. Then had to take apart one of the ones I started because I made a big goof on it. Hehe!

And I want to make socks but that will require me buying double-pointed needles. Psh, like I want to spend more money on my unpredictable hobby...OF COURSE I WANT TO!!! Gah!

Ok, I'm done with that.

D is coming home Saturday. I'm so excited! He'll be home for Thanksgiving week then go back and finish up. That's all I know and I wish I could know more of what's to come so I can plan around it all. But that won't happen. It's amazing how things work out. A guy with an unpredictable job gets together with a girl that loves to plan. Wonderful!

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

P.S. I've decided I'll make a bunch of skinny scarves. Those are easy and quick. Woohoo!

Me = SO Scattered!

2008-11-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

That's why it's been about a week since my last post.

With D gone and having a blast cutting big trees down, I'm not doing so great. It's hard sleeping alone in such a big bed. And it's just too cold for that. And I'm bored out of my mind.

Because of how much free-time I have, the house is practically spotless except for the 2 or 3 dishes in the sink and the empty Big Gulp cups on random tables. Oh, and my desk. That's never clean though.

Anyway, I just want him home and soon.

Plus, I shouldn't be expecting to pick him up until the 19th.

How do some people do this all the time? Go without their loved one for days, weeks, months on end? It's so hard to stay sane!

Any-who,

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Water Aerobics #4

2008-11-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

Today's workout came from 30 Minute Aqua Cardio Combo.

What I did was basically the same. I changed it up a bit because my class gets bored really quick.

I used the workout as a warmup too.

half jacks, pendulum, low kicks, tall kicks
washing machine, cheerleaders, ankle touches, heel touches
tucks
cross country ski with tuck
half jacks side to side
rocking horse, right leg, moving side to side
rocking horse, left leg, moving side to side
high knee jog, wide high knee jog, wide to narrow tucks

I did about 30 seconds each move. Then I did this order:

1, 2

1, 2, 3

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Took the entire hour with just enough time to cool down and stretch and do some requested moves.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Tuesday Teaser #2

2008-11-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm slacking. Here they are:

Teaser from Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, page 135:

"Me: Can we meditate now, please? Om Namah Shiv--

"Mind: Yes! Definitely! But try not to picture that lake is covered with...what are those things called--"

I haven't been reading Insomnia much, but I should. It was due back at the library 30 October.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Baby Blanket

2008-11-04T18:08:00.001-08:00

This is a picture of a part of the baby blanket I'm making for the lady who boards my sister's horse. It's gold and pink, but you can't really tell because 1) my camera is my phone, and 2) the lighting in my house is crap...that and it's cloudy and gloomy outside so no natural sun.

I'm making 2 pieces that look the same then sewing them together. It's simple but cute :)

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna

One Day Down, Thirteen To Go

2008-11-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

I can make it, I can make it, I can make it.

I have to.

I dropped D off this morning at the fire station. God! That was hard! I was composed and great, then I had to say good-bye and drive away. I started crying like a big baby. I miss him so much now. He may only be gone for 2-3 weeks, but I want him home, holding me while we fall asleep.

It's only been one day. I haven't cried as much as I thought I would, which is great! I've actually been knitting all day.

Project #1 is a baby blanket. Project #2 is going to be my first sweater. I got the pattern from Lion Brand, free (best price). Let's hope it turns out well. (eek!)

It seems the reason I haven't cried much is because of the wonderful hobby I've decided to pick up again: knitting. It'll be my tie to sanity (and, yes, the pun was intended).

Well, that's all I've got. Didn't do much today. Didn't even work today because I had to take D. Oh well. D is going to be making plenty of money so I can still work my two part-time jobs.

I love and miss him so much already.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Post Overview Week #2

2008-11-03T11:53:00.001-08:00

I was a little slacking this weekend because I wanted to spend as much time with D before he left, so here's last week's overview.

Sunday 26 October 2008

My Blog Daily/Weekly Plan

Daily Teaser #4

Post Overview Week #1

Monday 27 October 2008

Water Aerobics Workout #1

Working on a Healthy Plan

Tuesday 28 October 2008

Teaser Tuesday #1

Wednesday 29 October 2008

Water Aerobics Workout #2

"I Need A Good Time!"

Thursday 30 October 2008

Americans Work Too Hard

Friday 31 October 2008

Water Aerobics Workout #3

Happy Halloween!

Saturday 1 November 2008

None

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

Saw this on ReadingAdventures.

48%

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Sites

And Dustin, of course, got 83%. Whatever! He is trained in combatives and gun-use.

Enjoy!

And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

(psh! Bought all that candy and no trick-or-treaters...Oh well, more for me.)

Oh, and received news today that D has orders from the place he firefights for. He's leaving Monday and will be gone for 2 weeks if not more. The moment he said that today, I started crying. But it didn't help that he told me the moment after I woke up.

I love him and I'm going to miss him so much.

So now it's:

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Water Aerobics Workout #3

2008-10-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Warmup (4 min.)

Jog (2 min.)

Frog hops (30 sec.)

Quick step walk forward, back

Workout (30 min.)

Combo 1:

- Straight leg kicks, front (1 min.)

- Pendulum (1 min.)

- Straight leg kicks, front (30 sec.)

- Straight leg kicks, back (1 min.)

- Pendulum (30 sec.)

- Straight leg kicks, front (30 sec.)

- Jump shot (1 min.)

- Straight leg kicks, back (30 sec.)

- Pendulum (30 sec.)

- Straight leg kicks, front (30 sec.)

- Suspended jog (1 min.)

- Jump shot (30 sec.)

- Straight leg kicks, back (30 sec.)

- Pendulum (30 sec.)

- Straight leg kicks, front (30 sec.)

Combo 2:

- Tall kicks (1 min.)

- Karate kicks (1 min.)

- Tall kicks (30 sec.)

- Hamstring curls (1 min.)

- Karate kicks (30 sec.)

- Tall kicks (30 sec.)

- 5 Star tucks (1 min.)

- Hamstring curls (30 sec.)

- Karate kicks (30 sec.)

- Tall kicks (30 sec.)

- Elbow to knee (1 min.)

- 5 Star tucks (30 sec.)

- Hamstring curls (30 sec.)

- Karate kicks (30 sec.)

- Tall kicks (30 sec.)

Combo 3:

- Cross country ski (1 min.)

- Frog hops (1 min.)

- Cross country ski (30 sec.)

- Barrel jumps, side to side (1 min.)

- Frog hops (30 sec.)

- Cross country ski (30 sec.)

- Mermaid jumps - arms straight up, jump up keeping legs straight, tight abs (1 min.)

- Barrel jumps, side to side (30 sec.)

- Frog hops (30 sec.)

- Cross country ski (30 sec.)

- Under thigh tucks (1 min.)

- Mermaid jumps (30 sec.)

- Barrel jumps, side to side (30 sec.)

- Frog hops (30 sec.)

- Cross country ski (30 sec.)

Cool Down (3 min.)

Jog (1 min.)

Wide leg jog, slow and stretching (30 sec.)

Tucks (30 sec.)

Washing machine (30 sec.)

Stretch (5 min.)

It actually took a longer time, lasted the full hour alotted. Maybe it was because it was cold, raining and windy.

Anyway, inspired by: Aqua Pyramids.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Thankful Thursday #1

2008-10-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

This week, I'm thankful for:

1) Dustin's rationality when it comes to tough times. He may have that burst of anger when first finding something out, but, instantly, he starts thinking about how to work things out.

2) having two part-time jobs. Though I only work about 20 hours total a week, I'm glad I have something to entertain at least a part of my day. And I'm glad I'm making my own money instead of just sitting there hoping someone will make it for me.

3) the roof over my head and the food in my fridge. Don't know what I'd do without that.

4) free Internet and cable. I can't imagine paying for it now that I've had it for almost 2 months.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Americans Work Too Hard

2008-10-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

I started my day out quite groggy. Over-slept and still groggy. Just got out of the tub, spent about an hour in there reading such a great book. It's hard to put Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert down whenever I happen to pick it up.

Anyway, while I was dressing a few minutes ago, I decided against the underwear and the bra. Hell, I almost said "screw it," and walked out of my not-so-spacious closet naked. But, I didn't. No, because I wanted to have my back door open, letting in that gloomy light and air that comes with possible rain. Oh, but that air feels nice on my still-damp skin.

Yesterday, I had planned to take a walk, noticing as much as possible, then come home, go about my business, and eventually sit down and write about my walk in excess. Well, the walk didn't happen. And I didn't really "go about my business" either. I was a bit lazy yesterday. It seems I'm a bit lazy every day, though.

I sleep too much, either eat too much or too little, and have so little physical activity in my life that I feel, well, the best word I can think of is "blah."

I'm 19, living with my boyfriend, and already feel like that stay-at-home wife. And I'm not even married! I'm constantly bored. Monday, Wednesday, Friday: I teach water aerobics from 8am-9am, I lifeguard from 11:30am-1pm. Tuesday, Thursday: If I'm lucky, I have work for my aunt that I need to do. Otherwise, I'm sitting on the couch, watching TV, or cleaning up a bit. I want that 9-5. I want to be busy!

But, last night, while reading Eat, Pray, Love, I came across a bit that she wrote.

"...Americans have an inability to relax into sheer pleasure. Ours is an entertaining-seeking nation, but not necessarily a pleasure-seeking one. Americans spend billions to keep themselves amused with everything from porn to theme parks to wars, but that's not exactly the same thing as quiet enjoyment. Americans work harder and longer and more stressful hours than anyone in the world. But...we seem to like it. Alarmingly statistics back this observation up, showing that many Americans feel more happy and fulfilled in there offices than they do in their own homes. Of course, we all inevitably work too hard, then we get burned out and have to spend the whole weekend in our pajamas, eating cereal right out of the box and staring at the TV in a mild coma (which is the opposite of working, yes, but not exactly the same thing as pleasure). Americans don't really know how to do nothing. This is the cause of that great sad American stereotype--the overstressed executive who goes on vacation, but who cannot relax." (page 61)

And I identify with a lot of that. For one, I need to have constant entertainment to feel slightly happy. Secondly, I'd prefer working long days than maybe 4 hours a day (like I do now). Thirdly, I honestly do not "know how to do nothing." Well, let me clarify that. I know how to do nothing, but I'm not good at it. I don't find pleasure in it. I can't just sit there, because I'll end up twiddling my thumbs thinking of what else I could be doing to entertain myself.

I want to learn that, but can't think of how. And, then again, I don't want to learn that. I want to get going, keep going. I want to do something!

Well, there's my rant for the week.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

"I Need A Good Time!"

2008-10-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

I've recently (past 3-ish months recent) renewed my love for country music. All thanks to my lovely man! And one song that I just can't get enough of is "Good Time" by Alan Jackson (click it to see music video). Love it, love it!

Love it so much that I'm watching the following video over and over so I can get down to it with that awesome line dancing in the video. Woo! (Ha, no walking for me, just dancing. There's my exercise.)

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Water Aerobics Workout #2

2008-10-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

Warmup

Jog, pushing arms in front (30 sec.)

Jog, pushing arms in out to side (30 sec.)

Jog, curling arms up to chest (30 sec.)

Wide leg jog, curling arms up to chest (30 sec.)

Workout

Combo 1:

- High knee jog (30 sec.)

- Hamstring curls (30 sec.)

- Straight leg kicks, front (30 sec.)

- Straight leg kicks, back (30 sec.)

- High knee jog moving forward, back (2x)

- High knee jog moving right, left (2x)

- Tucks (20 sec.)

- All out jog (30 sec.)

- Cross country ski (30 sec.)

- Hamstring curls moving forward, back (2x)

- Hamstring curls moving right, left (2x)

- Tucks (20 sec.)

- Straight leg kicks, front, moving forward, back (2x)

- Straight leg kicks, front, moving right, left (2x)

- Tucks (20 sec.)

- Straight leg kicks, back, moving forward, back (2x)

- Straight leg kicks, back, moving right, left (2x)

- Tucks (20 sec.)

- All out jog (30 sec.)

Combo 2:

- Cross country ski (30 sec.)

- T & A jacks (30 sec.)

- Tire jog (30 sec.)

- Cris-cross jacks (30 sec.)

- Cross country ski moving forward, back (2x)

- Cross country ski moving right, left (2x)

- Tucks (20 sec.)

- T & A jacks moving forward, back (2x)

- T & A jacks moving right, left (2x)

- Tucks (20 sec.)

- Tire jog moving forward, back (2x)

- Tire jog moving right, left (2x)

- Tucks (20 sec.)

- Cris-cross jacks moving forward, back (2x)

- Cris-cross jacks moving right, left (2x)

- Tucks (20 sec.)

- All out jog (45 sec.)

Cool Down

- Frog hops (30 sec.)

- Jog, arms out to side (30 sec.)

- Wide leg jog, arms push down at sides (30 sec.)

- Gazelle leaps moving forward (4x)

Stretch

Taken from Rob's shallow interval training, obviously with my own spin.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Teaser Tuesday #1

2008-10-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

Inspired by: ReadingAdventures

Teaser from Insomnia by Stephen King, page 614:

"At that instant, another bright green ray quilled out of his aura. It shot across the weedy clearing beside the cellar-hole like a brilliant flashlight beam and into Lois's mouth and nose."

Teaser from Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbery, page 299:

"My experience with these infections is that they can take days to clear, even with strong antibiotics. But I didn't want to make her feel bad."

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Working on a Healthy Plan

2008-10-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting so badly to get back into shape. SO BAD! But, because of my shoulder injury (going on year 5 with it), I can't do what I used to do while in shape.

Push-ups? No way!

Sprawls? Ha!

Weight-lifting? Maybe 1-2lbs. Definitely not enough for me.

Swimming? Nope.

I could try running, but I've got a bad knee.

So, I'm left with walking (yawn!) and water aerobics (double yawn!). But, if I don't do something, I can guarantee my living in a psych ward by this time next year...or, more logically, by the beginning of next summer.

And what does Alayna do?

She searches and searches online and stumbles across some great things:

- yummy recipes (more like reminders of my favorite recipes: homemade fruit smoothies),

- walking for about 30 minutes each day,

- and an overall "thing" that will help me track food, exercise and more: FitDay.com.

On FitDay, I created my own deal, and made my profile public because I'm just that way. If I don't have some public support, it won't happen. I'm trying to motivate myself, but I definitely need some help. Hope my readers will be able to...that is, if I ever accumulate any readers. (Fingers crossed!)

My Fitness Log

What I find just shocking about my fitness lifestyle is that I can't do much without injuring myself even more...and I'm only 19-years-old! How rediculous is that?

Well, here goes. My goal is to get in shape/lose 15 lbs. by 31 December. Of course, my silly self decides all this when? Just before the holidays of course!

Let's do this!

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Water Aerobics Workout #1

2008-10-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've decided to post my water aerobics workouts on here. I teach/instruct a water exercise class Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8am-9am. Since I tend to do essentially the same moves for each class (though in different orders) I rarely have something new. That is, unless I get myself over to TurnStep.com.

This morning's workout was inspired by a workout I found on there: Aquatic Variety Class. I changed it up for my ladies. Here's my version of it:

42 minute Workout

Warmup (3 min.)

Regular job, pushing hands in front (1 min.)

Quick-step Walk - toes up, heels down, quick, small steps - forward and back

Workout (27 min.)

Combo 1:

- Regular job, pushing hands out to sides (45 sec.)

- Regular job, breaststroke arms, thumbs up (45 sec.)

- Pendulum (30 sec.)

- Wide leg jog, tricep kickback (45 sec.)

- Cris-Cross Jacks - arms cross in front and back, legs cross (45 sec.)

- Cross Country Ski, long arms (45 sec.)

- Cross Country Ski, arms front and back same time (45 sec.)

- Cross Country Ski, add a tuck (45 sec.)

Combo 2:

- Low kick, toes pointed (45 sec.)

- Rocking horse, right leg (30 sec.)

- Rocking horse, left leg (30 sec.)

- Lindy kick - one leg kicks backward and forward, right leg (30 sec.)

- Lindy kick, left leg (30 sec.)

- Tall kicks - opposite hand touches opposite foot (45 sec.)

Combo 3:

- Wide leg jog, bicep curls/tricep press (45 sec.)

- Wide tucks - legs start wide, arms stay straight out in front, tuck legs up (30 sec.)

- Fast Jog Intervals: 15 sec. Fast, 30 sec. Slow ; 30 sec. Fast, 30 sec. Slow ; 45 sec. Fast, 30 sec. Slow ; Repeat

- Hamstring Jog, arms push forward (45 sec.)

- Double hamstring curls, arms push down (30 sec.)

Combo 4:

- Tall kicks (30 sec.)

- Back kicks (30 sec.)

- Tall kicks moving backward, back kicks moving forward ; Repeat 2 times

Combo 5:

- Heel touch - opposite hand touches opposite heel in back (30 sec.)

- Elbow to knee - opposite elbow to opposite knee (45 sec.)

- Frog hops (30 sec.)

- Barrel jumps, front to back (30 sec.)

- Ankle touches - same as heel touches except in front - and heel touches, alternating 4 ankle, 4 heel (1 min.)

Combo 6:

- Tire jog (45 sec.)

- Jump shots (30 sec.)

- Cheerleaders (30 sec.)

- Cowboy kicks (30 sec.)

Cool Down (4 min.)

Washing maching (30 sec.)

Half jacks (30 sec.)

5-Star Tucks (30 sec.)

Gazelle leaps (4 laps)

Stretch (8 min.)

Shoulders, Back, Chest, Triceps, Deltoids, Quads, Calves, Inner Thighs

This morning's warmup was shorter than I would have liked, but it was ok. That and the ladies were very talkative this morning. Then again, they always are.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

Post Overview Week #1

2008-10-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 21 October 2008

About Me

Wednesday 22 October 2008

Random Morning Fun

Thursday 23 October 2008

Friday 24 October 2008

Daily Teaser #2

Dustin, and Work

Saturday 25 October 2008

Daily Teaser #3

My Day Explained with Pictures

Daily Teaser #4

2008-10-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Today's teaser is from Insomnia by Stephen King, page 117.

"Although cynics always sounded more plausible than the cockeyed optimists of the world, Ralph's experience had been that they were wrong at least as much or the time, if not more, and he was delighted to find that McGovern was wrong about Helen Deepneau - in her case, a single verse of "The Beaten-Up, Broken-Hearted Blues" seemed to have been enough.

"On Wednesday of the following week, just as Ralph was deciding he'd better track down the woman Helen had spoken with in the hospital (Tillbury, her name had been - Gretchen Tillbury) and try to make sure Helen was okay, he received a letter from her."

That was long, but that's the two sentences.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

My Blog Daily/Weekly Plan

2008-10-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

I know I don't have many (if any) readers right now, but I've decided to create a plan for my blog. There have been things I've stumbled across or just thought of that I knew I wanted on this blog but there's been no organization to it. Last night, while watching Blood Diamond with D, I sat down with a notebook and wrote out a plan. It looks a bit like this:

Sundays

Overview of Posts (a list of the previous weeks posts)

Mondays

nothing special

Tuesdays

Tuesday Teasers (a teaser of a book I'm reading)

Wednesdays

Wandering Walk Wednesday (I take a 15-30 minute walk, take pictures, come back home and tell you about my "adventures" while taking that walk.)

Thursdays

Thankful Thursday (a list of no less than three (3) things that I am thankful for that week. I'd also like readers to comment and make a list of things they are thankful for, trying to match my amount.)

Fridays

nothing special

Saturdays

Saturday Story (I post a bit of a story I'm working on. I'll make sure to write a bit each week. Then, when it's finished, post the entire story.)

This is just a rough outline and I will be making an actual outline for each week (which no one will see until the Sunday of that week: Overview of Posts). So there will be much more to expect each day.

Anyway, I would love to hear some ideas of what people would like to see me write about or do. So, comment away.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

My Day Explained with Pictures

2008-10-25T19:00:00.001-07:00

This is what I see when I lifeguard.
Nothing but water and tiny-looking swimmers.

I come prepared for a boring time.
Books, water, notebook, pen, and my cell phone (which is what I'm using to take the picture of course).

I was hiding from the music blaring from our television while he was cooking dinner. Then, all of a sudden, he decided to pick up the guitar and play along.

Him and his beer...enough said.

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna

Daily Teaser #3

2008-10-25T10:23:00.001-07:00

Today's teaser is from Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, page 21.

"Next stage finds you skinny and shaking in a corner, certain you would sell your soul or rob your neighbors just to have that thing even one more time. Meanwhile, the object of your adoration has now become repulsed by you."

Enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna

P.S. The books that teasers are taken from will be repeated, but the passages will not be. I am choosing teasers from books that I'm either currently reading or have read recently. I will start marking somewhere within each post which it is:

Current = Now reading
Past = Recently finished reading

This will probably change, but I'll make sure to let you know when/if it does.

Again,

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna

Dustin, and Work

2008-10-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of the first photos I took of D...when we first met. He changed how I see life and the world.

Last night, we went on a date to Applebee's. I don't think he was too happy with me taking pictures of him, but I know I was happy about it.

He had a bacon cheeseburger (ew!) and I had chicken strips (yum!).

Oh, and he had some beer.

Haha! Candid shot.

This morning, I taught a water aerobics class.

Below is M1 (in back) and M2 (in front).

Those two again, as well as P and several others.

Another shot of them.

I really like my job. But my shoulder was hurting this morning, making my job very difficult. Whenever I'm in pain, I tend to not be hungry nor have any energy.

I have to lifeguard lap swim in about an hour so I'm going to shower and be in pain a bit more.

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna

Daily Teaser #2

2008-10-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Today's teaser is from Dark Sky by Carla Neggers, page 252.

"The man straddled her prone body. She couldn't get a good look at him now, and she'd only had a glimpse of him as he'd grabbed her."

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

My Love

2008-10-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

This is my honey, D.
He's so cute when he sleeps.

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna

Doggies!

2008-10-23T13:35:00.001-07:00

I went over to my parents' house yesterday. They have two dogs and they're so cute!

This is Chico. He's the pure-bred chihuahua and a big butthead. He turned 6 on July 20.

This is the new addition, Bear. He's one of Chico's offspring and totally NOT pure-bred, as you can tell. But he is absolutely adorable and sweet. And way too hyper.

My cat Woody also lives with my parents. I can't keep him at my apartment...no pets :(

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna

Daily Teaser #1

2008-10-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Today's teaser is from Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, page 147.

"Two nights in a row now I've had dreams of a snake entering my room. I've read that this is spiritually auspicious (and not just in Eastern religions; Saint Ignatius had serpent visions all throughout his mystical experiences), but it doesn't make the snakes any less vivid or scary."

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna

Overview

2008-10-23T08:10:00.001-07:00

Here I go, trying to explain myself...or rather my blog. I came up with a plan for myself so I actually post almost daily.

1) Daily Teaser: basically like that Teaser Tuesday I found on ReadingAdventures, just every day.

2) Writing prompts: I found several sites with some great prompts, both personal and creative. These probably won't be done daily, at least not the creative ones.

There were a couple others, but, alas, I have forgotten because I didn't write them down when I thought of them.

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna

Random Morning Fun

2008-10-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

I found this on ReadingAdventures, a blog I just stumbled upon today. Thought it was very entertaining.

1 minute, 16 seconds

Created by Bunk Beds Pedia

Also found on that same blog: Tuesday Teaser. Check out the blog to find out what it is.

This teaser is from Insomnia by Stephen King on page 328:

"Yes, he had, yes indeed, but Ralph had a feeling it was too late now. Even if it wasn't, he had no intention of leaving Rosalie to the unpleasant little gnome standing in front of the coin-op laundry across the street."

Live * Laugh * Love

Alayna

About Me

2008-10-21T20:23:00.001-07:00

Hello all.
My name is Alayna. I've had blogs before, but have never kept them up. So now, when I feel my life is somewhat settled and there are actually interesting things that I'd like to share with others in the world, I am trying again. This time, I'm making it a goal to update my blog as often as possible; whether that be every day or once every two weeks, I will continue to update.

Here is a bit about myself.
I am 19-years-old (and, yes, I do feel my life is settling, even at this age).
I live with the most wonderful man, Dustin.
I work two part-time jobs. It seems they are just hobbies rather than jobs.
I am a Water Aerobics Instructor, Lifeguard, and Virtual Assistant. Those first two are one job, otherwise, I technically have 3 part-time jobs. But that's not actually true because it's only one company that employs me as a WA Instructor and Lifeguard.
I attend community college. Currently, I am enrolled in one class: Spanish. Next semester, I'm taking at least 4 classes at the community college in the town I live in. One of those classes with be an EMT course. That's basically the next step from lifeguard.

What to expect from my blog:
- more and more tid-bits about myself,
- knitting/crochet patterns that I find or create,
- fun pictures I take with my Samsung Instinct: http://www.samsungmobileusa.com/Instinct.aspx,
- and much, much more.

Hope you enjoy!

Live * Laugh * Love
Alayna