New Year, New Me

Ciao friends,

Boy oh boy, this year has been something else. I guess that's what a first year of marriage combined with college and opera performance and a part time job and personal development is like?

Yesterday was my birthday, and I am now at the point where I can probably get away with just saying "I'm a 20something" because that's easier and more delicate than revealing my birth year and actual age. I am grateful to have made it another year and I try my best to not take life for granted! But at the same time, I want people to respect me for me, not base their opinions on my age. Honestly I don't even have many friends "my age" but of all ages! Some of my closest friends are actually twice my age, and that's perfectly perfect for me.


Now that I *am* a new age, however, I think this is a good time to refocus my energy, thoughts, and productivity. It is my last year of college (yay super senior/music major/transfer student) but it is also the year of my standing up for myself and taking care of myself.

Taking care of myself physically and emotionally is my goal, and I don't always succeed, but it is my aim to be the best Alexandra I can be so I can better serve the world and help others. It is my hope that I will be a better wife and friend this year, and inspire others to be their best selves.

For the first time ever I am listening to podcasts and reading personal development intentionally, and WOW! We have SO much potential, ya'll! I mean really, you can be in the best part of your life or the worst, and you could change lives. I really believe it.

In fact, my name meaning (Hebrew, isn't that neat?) is: Helper of Mankind.

Well there you go! I was named to help others! But I gotta help myself too. That's been my biggest struggle.

I'm going to be very transparent right now, and if you don't want to deal with that then I suggest you find another post or blogger to read :)
I have been dealing with depression and it has taken physical tolls on my body that I am battling every day. This past summer I would have mornings where I woke up, said goodbye to my husband going off to work, and I would go back to sleep on the couch for hours and hours until I absolutely had to go somewhere (like my job). Then I would come home exhausted from my job (lifting heavy things by myself, standing outside for hours in the Alabama heat, not eating enough) and go to bed right after eating something out of necessity.
I felt I had no purpose, I felt no drive, I felt lost.

(side note: starving youtself and THEN eating is a really sucky way to go, don't do it! It's something I'm still battling, and I honestly have to FORCE myself to eat breakfast, and it's helped my energy and depression so much)

I wasn't living for the right reasons; some could argue that I wasn't really living at all.
But I have slowly begun changing my habits and building healthier ones. Thank God for the people in my life who have encouraged me and not left me (oh yeah, that adds to depression, getting friend dumped frequently and not being able to be close to people you desire that friendship with...). I have some amazing friends who are consistently there for me. Some of those friends happen to be coaches or fitness friends :)

You may be able to see where this is going: I am back to more regular workouts AND drinking Shakeology. I am still working on my consistency, but wow do I have energy and drive more than I used to. Yes, I still deal with depression and loneliness (I don't see my husband a few nights a week because of school) but working out TRULY helps me fight it and kick it in the butt!

So, the point of this ramble is:
*I want to inspire and help others
*I want to be the best Alexandra I can be (and be proud of this next year of life!)
*I want to have confidence and strength to chase my crazy dreams (DO IT, DREAM BIG!!!)


I'm not sure if I will be blogging regularly, or if I'll transition into vlogging on youtube, or maybe I'll do both! We shall see.
But let this post encourage you, please: YOU are worthy, YOU are capable, YOU can get out of the darkness and run freely in the light.

If I can help you in any way, even just by listening to you, please message or comment. <3


With Love,
Alexandra Anne

my friend on my wrist

So there's this craze going on that I'm totally on board with, I didn't get into it because it is trendy but I'm totally aware that it is. Who cares?? It's AWESOME.

Oh I should explain what I'm talking about; my fitbit! For Christmas my then-fiance-now-husband got me what I had been desiring for MONTHS, a Fitbit Charge HR. :) :) :) And since I have opened said present, I am obsessed. There are tons of articles out there on the pros and cons of having a fitbit, and how others are equally obsessed, I recommend you Pinterest them or YouTube them.

But this is my post about it, because I love it :)

Here's why!


*It tracks my daily steps, duh; I've read around the internet that it is recommended to walk at least 5k steps a day to maintain health, and 10k steps a day to lose weight. When I hit 10k steps in a day my fitbit starts buzzing like crazy and gives me a virtual high five! It's awesome! It also encourages me to walk around more, one night I was so close to beating a friend in a challenge (I'll get to that below) so I went outside at 11:57 pm to get as many steps in 3 minutes as I could! Yeah, like I said, obsessed!

*It tracks my heart rate, which helps me know how certain activities affect me whether it is stress levels or workouts, or lovey times with the husband ;) 

*Due to the heart rate tracking, my fitbit tells me how many calories I've burned in a day! Now, I am one of those people who DETEST tracking calories. So. Much. But if I can see how many I'm burning, I'm more likely to track my intake and then I can see true progress and hold myself accountable!

*It's comfy. I am so used to wearing now, I feel naked without it (I have to take it off to charge it or when I shower, and when I got married!) 

*It's also a watch. I just have to flip my wrist over and it appears, no touch required (but sometimes I touch it too, it has a touch sensitive screen and a tiny button on the side to make the different options show up) 

*It tracks stairs and hills climbed in a day too!

*The app is the other cool part- I can see my sleep (tracked by the fitbit's heart monitor) and see how restless I am or how many times I wake up at night. I can also track my food on the app and it'll tell me if I still have calories allowed to consume based on how much I've burned!

*On the app I can challenge and be challenged by my friends! There are daily challenges, week-long challenges, and weekend challenges, and several people can join at once! It's another awesome motivation. 

Do I need a fitbit to be healthier? No. But does it help inspire me to make healthier choices? YES. I love it so so much. I'm super grateful to the husband for getting it for me! 

***** 

If you have a fitbit, add me as a friend and we can challenge each other!

Check out my #commitedtothesexy board on pinterest (and on instagram) for fitbit ideas, workout ideas, recipes, and more! 

Happy walking!'

xoxo,

Alexandra Anne 

#committedtothesexy

I've never done a post with a hashtag in the title, but I want this to be my focus.

When I got engaged on February 28th, I knew that I had a reason (officially) to push myself to be the best version of myself I can be. It's not just about me anymore, I am going to marry my best friend and commit my life to him. He deserves the best Alexandra Anne there can be. So we came up with a phrase to get us through the health journey we are both taking; we are #committedtothesexy.

Every workout, every veggie-packed meal, every sore muscle, it's all worth it for us. We are committed to making healthier choices.

Now that we are setting a date for a January wedding (YAY!) that gives me about six months to get healthy and get sexy for that wedding dress. I want to be a beautiful bride, and a hot wife.

Longterm, however, I want to be healthy and happy. I want to feel strong and capable of anything. Feeling sluggish SUCKS. Having clothes not fit SUCKS. You know what doesn't suck? Endorphins, yo. I'm serious, the high I get post-workout is fantastic and keeps me coming back.

I'm NOT a morning person, and I'm not a person who gets excited about going to the gym. But I'm working on both of those. I am excited about the sexy wife I'm going to be :)

It's ok if I have a bad day, we are all human. I want to document this journey in my life, my fitness journey. I am committed.

Are you?

-----


*This month I am utilizing the awesome program from Beachbody called 21 Day Fix, and drinking chocolate Shakeology
*I am also going to start taking fencing lessons/class
*And I'm utilizing the fitness center at my current apartment complex :)

Do you like my pink hair? I am practicing for when I'm a rockstar ;) 

If you're on a fitness journey too, I would love to connect with you! I'm all for encouragement and accountability. Check out my contact page :)


xoxo, Alexandra Anne

New Year. 2013 Style.

I wrote this a few days ago, and have decided to share it with ya'll. Here are my thoughts about the past two years and how God has worked in my life. He's so amazing, and the journey continues...

"2011 was the year I fell in love with opera, fell back in love with God, and fell in love with a new man. I had many ups and downs, and they both were extreme for me. At age 17 I had to grow up quite rapidly. My 18th birthday was spent away from family, this was part of the down of the year. 

2012 has been my year of growth. Where in 2011 I discovered my passions, in 2012 I tested them. I flew around the country trying to find my new home. There were times when I had no idea of the future at all, and I had to completely trust God. I gave Him my everything, all my dreams, and one day I said "God, I need an email from Houston today." Within the hour I was accepted to the University of Houston, and had been given a music scholarship from Moores School of Music. 

The past two years have taught me a lot about faith, passion, love, and hope. 2012 has truly been a year of hope for me. I hoped I would get into college, I hoped for my relationship to strengthen, and I hoped to stay strong on my own. 

2013 is here. Beyond this upcoming school semester, I have no idea what this year will hold. I have 3 and 1/2 years left to finish my double major, so school looks like my focus. But where does God want me? What does He want my focus to be on? Where will He take me? What does 2013 look like? 

Healing.

Wisdom. 

Love. 

Strength. 

I'm gonna shine for His glory. 2013 is now." 

 May YOUR 2013 be blessed! 

I'm gonna start this year with gratitude. What are you thankful for? 

xoxo, 

alexandra anne <3 

The Shire

Tonight is a freeing night for me; any homework/studying I do is "ahead" because all of my work due tomorrow is already completed and turned in. So, I am relaxing in some studying.

As I read and study, some beautiful Howard Shore is joining me with his orchestrations for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I had forgotten how wonderful this music is, and it takes me back. (As a nerdy girl, I am very very very excited to see The Hobbit!!) I remember seeing "The Fellowship of the Ring" in theaters TWICE when it came out. And every time a new movie came out, I got the soundtrack. The orchestrations are just marvelous and wonderful!!

It is music like this that reminds me how much I love music. I had a conversation yesterday with a friend about my future and my career path; she said it would be so sad if I lost my voice and couldn't sing, my career would be over. Well, this is true and untrue. Yes, I couldn't do opera if that were the case. But guess what? Opera is merely my focus right now! I'm passionate about MUSIC. If I am involved with music in any way, I am a happy duckling. Truly, I could be so happy in so many different vocations.

So, tonight? I'm going to let an orchestra surround me and overwhelm my senses. I have a date with music tonight, that is. And I couldn't be happier.

I thank God for the blessings of music and joy and happiness! Music is His gift, I believe, to me, my only true physical constant. Life is full of changes, especially for a college student. But God and music are always there. Always.

I'm in love. With music.

xoxo, alexandra anne

ps. have a lovely week!

Journey Through Job-Land

Hey ya'll! I have a lovely guest post for you :) Meet my newest blog friend, Cate! She lives in one of my favorite states, Indiana, and we are getting to know each other through emails and such. I hope you enjoy today's post on one of her journeys! Check out her page, and give her some blog love, at A Little Bit Of Spunk. 

Hello Journey of Journeys readers! I'm so glad that Alexandra is offering me the chance to introduce myself in the blog world! She is my first "bloggy" friend, and I am grateful for her! I'm a 24 year old living in Indianapolis, IN. I like reading, playing with my puppy Tucker, and doing random things with my boyfriend, Tyler.

We're big fans of taking really bad car pictures

I am extremely lucky to have a full-time job that I actually enjoy (most days). However, it took me a long time to find it. This is my journey.

May 2010

I graduated college at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois (go Red Devils!) with my bachelor's in Communication emphasis in Public Relations, and a minor in Criminal Justice. I knew exactly what I wanted to do: be an assistant account manager at a well respected PR firm in downtown Indianapolis.

I still remember the day I applied at the PR firm. I must have checked and rechecked that email and its attachments a hundred times. I was so excited that day, and the day after that. It was the first "big girl" job that I applied to, and in my opinion would be the only one I needed to apply to.

Needless to say, I am still waiting to hear back from that firm. I was absolutely crushed, and embarassed. I quickly realized I needed to get my butt into gear, and filled out apps and sent resumes like crazy. Unfortunatley, the economy meant that a lot of firms folded or downsized, so 3 months after graduation, I was still unemployed.

August 2010

I grudgingly started working at my hometown's Kroger, where I had worked during the summer and breaks in college (I even worked at one in Illinois for a semester). I transitioned from a cashier to a General Merchandise Clerk, which basically meant I stocked shelves in the non-grocery section of the store. I haaated it. I went to high school with my manager, and always thought he was a jerk, so that didn't help.

January 2011

After suffering few the summer, fall, and winter at Kroger, I knew it was time for a change. I applied at a daycare that my boyfriend at the time's sister worked at, and was hired on to teach the 2-3 year olds. For the first time, I had a job that I enjoyed. The pay was crappy and the hours were long, but for a few months, I didn't care. And then my first student loan payment came My payment amount was almost half of what I was making per month at the daycare.I knew I needed to find a better job, and I was also having issues with the owner of the daycare/my boss (fyi, she did not see any harm in depriving children of food, water, or the bathroom as punishment).

May 2011

I had applied for many "big girl" jobs, with no response. Coming back from my lunch break one day, I had the incredible urge to quit, and so I went to my bosses office. She met me outside with a stern look on her face, and said "sit down. Now." Gulp. Had she heard that I was looking for an actual job?Long story short. I unknowingly broke a confedentiality agreement (that I don't remember signing) that included not being friends with parents. Oook. Needless to say, I was let go. I was absolutely crushed, and then remembered that I was going to quit that day anyway. I smiled, said thank you, and went on my way. Ironically, on the way out the door, I got a phone call for an interview that would change my life.

It was for an insurance company. They were new in the area and wanted to interview me for a potential managment position. Now, me being a new college grad, I had not heard of these sometimes being scams, so I sent up a quick "thank you" to Him, and went to the interview. I was hired as a "manager-in-training" and started immediately. My real job was a sales associate. We didn't go door to door, but instead worked exclusivly with union members and their families, making appointments. I've always been a friendly person, so selling came naturally to me.

September 2011

I was doing so well at the company that I was promoted to a Training Manager, and sent to a conference in Texas. While there, I learned a lot about myself, and the company. I had become a lot more independant, and self confidant. I didn't let anyone push me around, including my very controlling fiance'. So, when I got home, I left him. I moved in with a coworker who needed a roommate, and things were great. Two single gals, rocking at their jobs. Suddenly, the dread of having a fully-commisioned salary hit. No one was buying anymore. I was still making money off of my team, but not the 2-3k per week I was used to. My roommate and I both decided to start looking for more stable jobs, with benefits.

November 2011

I walked in to my bosses office after a morning meeting, and quit. Just like that. Ironically, the same blessing as before happened, and I had a call for an interview in my voicemail as I was quitting. This time, it was for a temp position as an admin assistant for a financial company. I went through three rounds of interviews, and got the job. I would start working for 40/86, a subsididary of CNO Financial, the following week!

March 2012

After an awesome 4.5 months at 40/86, the woman I was covering for decided to come back. I was in full out panic mode. I had interviewed for a few positions within CNO, with a glowing reccomendation from the president of 40/86, but I wasn't a fit with the positions they had available. I immediately signed up with a temp agency, and got two interviews the same day I signed up. The following day, I went to an interview for a sugar company and a racing team. The HR director at the racing team called my recruiter as soon as I walked out of the shop, and wanted to hire me. I was shocked, but very happy.

August 2012

I was a temporary receptionist for the team until May 1st, and then they offered me full employment. I of course said yes, and have been happily working in my "little world" in our lobby ever since. I work with mostly guys, so it is like having 95 big brothers/ dads (which is nice when I hear a funny noise in my car). Everyone is extremely nice, even the drivers! Again, for security and confidentiality reasons, I can't blatently display which team I work for without permission, so rather than wait to post this until I do get permission, I'll just tell you that I work for a team that has very good drivers, and we did well in this year's Indy 500.

I am so incredibly happy with where I am now, job-wise, but I also remember the two long, frustrating years it took me to get here. The one thing I would say to people looking for their first job is to never give up. Even if you apply to hundreds of jobs each week, only get five phone calls, and one interview, at least you are trying. That's what counts. It doesn't hurt to pray about it too, like I did :)

Come visit me at www.alittlebitofspunk.

blogspot.com! You won't be sorry...but if you are, I'll make you some kickass cookies to make up for it!

Cate

Going For A Ride

EDIT: Written by my lovely sponsor Emily!! :) :) :) Check her out at Love Woke Me Up This Morning

They always say you should write what you know.

I've tried that - and it doesn't work. Not for me at least.

I'm not quite sure what it is. Maybe I feel like what I know is too boring. Maybe I just don't know how to make it sound interesting and entertaining.

Seriously though - dragons, fairies, and unicorns are much more fun. That's part of why I write fairy tales. If you get stuck in a boring spot, just throw in a dragon and you have an adventure.

However, I feel the real reason is that I don't know how it ends. When you write fantasy and re-tell fairy tales, you can come up with an ending. You can make everyone "live happily ever after" or put some dark twist on "happily ever after."

With real life, you don't know how it ends.

In real life, you don't know if they "get the girl" (or guy... depending on who you are). You could land the job or get into the college you want, but those might change along the way. You'll get bumps in the road and never really understand why they happened. You can travel to far away places, but you come back home eventually. The family drama may or may not stop. The friendship and relationship drama may or may not stop. You might have kids along the way, but you have no idea how they're going to turn out.

In real life - you don't always know how it ends.

While sometimes that can make it work with writing what you know. Write stories based on your own experiences. But what happens when you can't tie up the story in a pretty box and put a bow on it and say "and that's how I figured it out?"

At the same time... isn't that the beautiful part of this journey of life? The not knowing?

Yeah, there are times when we get frustrated not knowing what's going to happen. It's stressful when you aren't sure which path you should take next and where you're going to end up.

But that's all part of what makes it exciting.

Whenever I think about maybe changing my life and I'm not sure what to do I have a friend who is always telling me "You can do anything!"

Usually I roll my eyes and respond with "That's too many options. It doesn't help me at all."

At the same time ... you really can do anything.

That's all part of life.

Sometimes we just need to chill and pick a path. Doesn't matter what path. God will be with you either way.

Source

Just pick one and go.

Because it can always change.

That's life.

You don't know how it ends until... well... it ends.

Just enjoy the ride.

And Compliments

Last day of the 15-day Challenge. I know I didn't do all 15 days, but I've had fun with the days I did do!

Today's challenge is: What's the best compliment you've ever received.

I've heard it in different phrasings depending on who has spoken to me, but the best thing would probably be when someone tells me God has great plans for me and that I'm going to succeed. It's not just because they think I have talent, but they truly believe in God's glorious plan! I am so grateful and humbled to be part of that :)

"'For I know the plans I have for you', says the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you'."

Have a great week ya'll!! <3

Xoxo,
Alexandra Anne

PS. Let me know if you'd like to do a guest post sometime :) And keep an eye out for Emily's post next Sunday!

Day 9 :)

Linking up with Life of Love for the 15 Day Challenge :)
Today's challenge asks: "Tell us the best day of your life to date."

I can't just pick one...and I'm sure I'm forgetting a bunch! But here are a few off the top of my head:

*The day I fell in love with opera- I can't say what day exactly it was, but it was mid-June 2011 when I was in Arezzo. I was sitting in a master class listening to some older students singing beautiful music, and I just knew. I finally knew passion.

*The day I first told Michael I love him- I was so excited to tell him, and so nervous too! I had been feeling it for a little while, and at that point (it was early in the relationship actually) we were trying to keep track of each other's feelings for the other. So he would ask "how are you feeling about me now?" And by that point all I could say was "I'll tell you in person, k?" (I was out of town for an audition, so this conversation was had  several times in phone calls; but I couldn't wait to tell him!) The next time I saw him in person was actually his birthday (Michael has the same birthday as Jarrod, one of my best friends, so we had a double birthday party at my house). I had a few minutes alone with him before the party started. So he asked, again, "How are you feeling about me?" I smiled and replied "I think I kinda love you." :) I was lucky to hear him say he loved me later that night. :) :) :)

*The day I told everyone I will be attending the University of Houston Moores School of Music- this had been a heartwrenching subject for me. I wanted so badly to just KNOW where I would be going to school. Everyone asked me, every day, what my plans were. Music majors have it tough; we don't even get to audition until February of senior year, where most of our fellow seniors already have roommates planned. I was in limbo for weeks, not knowing what school I would go to. But God answered a very specific prayer, and by leaning on Him, His plan was finally revealed to me! Such a neat moment for me. And I am beyond ecstatic to be going to Houston! Funny fact, U of Houston was the first school I visited last fall when I began my journey to college ;)

*Graduation day :)- That day we look forward to, ever since we were little, but especially since freshman year. Seniors always look so cool, and reign on high. Well, being homeschooled, I never really felt like a senior, but I was on an adventure. Graduation was a wonderful day because I could shout to the world that I was DONE! I had so many friends and family come support me and watch me walk :) I also had the pleasure of singing an aria for the performance section of graduation, and I led the congregation in a hymn during the ceremony. I came home with my closest friends and family, and we enjoyed pizza and croquet. That's all I need really. The people in my life. I'm so blessed by the people God put in my life! My parents are my rock foundation, my best friends listen to me vent and have helped me when I was at my rock bottom, and my boyfriend always puts a smile on my face. So many individuals have helped me all my life, and I am eternally grateful. And guess what? I'm always ready for new friends :) I want to be that person for someone else!

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all." -Helen Keller

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." -Dr. Seuss

Xoxo,

Alexandra Anne 

What's in a name?
Here are some nicknames I've earned over the years (and some funny stories to go with!):

Alex- this is probably the most obvious nickname, and the majority of my family and random people in my life call me this. It's simple, logical, and I respond to it. (I probably respond to "hey you" as well =P). BUT, for years I detested this name because of its androgynous ways; I still remember being a little kid and hearing a kid at the pool tell me that "Alex is a boys name." Well, poo on you, mister. I will respond to this name, as I have no control over what people call me ;)

Allie- originally from the grandparents, who called me, from birth, Allie Bird. No idea why I'm a bird....perhaps they want me to fly? Well, if my family isn't calling me "Alex" they are usually calling me "Allie." Especially my siblings. (little kids can't really say "Alexandra," not to mention "Alexandra Anne;" it's too much for a kiddo!)
Allie Anne- this first came from two of my best friends, and now my boyfriend calls me this as well. I love it because it is special, and those three are the only ones who call me that. Plus I think it sounds cute. :)

Alejandra- from Jarrod, and random individuals across my life. People just like to say my name in funny accents, I suppose.

AAA- This is easy to type, and people DO indeed call me this to my face. "Hey Triple A, how's that coming?" Etc etc. If other people in the room don't know my full name, they look at me reallllly funny. But once I explain my initials, they think it's pretty cool (ok, I'm just assuming they think that ;) I think they are cool initials!)

Alee- From my Brazillian friends whom I met (funnily enough) in Italy of all places.
Alessandra (bionda)- what my Italian friends called me; in my class in Milano, there was another Alexandra (she was from Germany!) so she was Alessandra Marone (brown, because she had brown hair) and I...well. I think you can figure out why I was called Alexandra Blonde ;)

Boo- This is from my Daddy. Ever since I was little, he has called me that. He still does :) He's the best Dad I could ask for. <3

My full name is: Alexandra Anne Austin (please note: alexanDRA, not alexanDRIA; there IS a difference ;) I'm a girl, not a city)

What nicknames do you have?