http://www.bloglovin.com/katiewhittenkatiemichellew@yahoo.comhttps://www.facebook.com/katie.whitten.79http://instagram.com/kayteedubuhttp://www.pinterest.com/5whiteviolets/breaking-it-up.tumblr.com

Thursday, September 18, 2014

LIFE CHANGES.

I can't even begin to tell you everything that has changed over the past couple of weeks.
I would say "sorry for ignoring my little ol' blog here", but really- I'm not.
Life is kicking me in the a**
I have decided to change from my hourly pay office job into a commission only role.
I'm terrified.
It also might be happening a lot sooner than I anticipated.
Which isn't good for certain aspects of my life, like paying rent and bills.
You know, that silly concept of wanting to have food and shelter.

If you have been ready my past posts, you will know that I haven't stuck to my schedule.
Not that I haven't been getting things done- but I have been slacking in other areas.
I really need to pull together a plan and stick to it.

Anyone else out there in the same boat?

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

CONFESSION: I'M TERRIFIED OF WINTER

Winter is coming.  That's a fact.
Don't try to tell me that Winter is still many weeks away.
Don't try to tell me that there are still sunny days to enjoy.
Winter is coming.  Winter. Is. Coming.

The view from my apartment window before it really dumped snow!
Growing up in Southern California- where it basically never rains, and when it does you can still wear flip flops... Winter in the Pacific Northwest is absolutely brutal.

Confession:  I didn't own a jacket with a hood until I moved up here last year.

From the first snow dusting last year.  It was a winter wonderland!
Is it too early to prepare for Winter?
I am going to say no.
Just yesterday I purchased from Amazon.com a pair of boots and some Vitamin D pills.
Next on my "to buy" list is a SAD lamp. And a dog.
The dog may need to wait longer than the lamp.

The water fountain in the atrium of my apartment complex- frozen over from coldness!
Who else is preparing for winter right now? Tell me I'm not alone! I'm scared. 
 
Vodka and Soda

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

TUNES FOR YOUR TUESDAY

I feel like my Tuesday tunes have been a bit of a flashback.  But, you know what?
I don't care!
These songs are awesome.  This one in particular makes me just want to drive around and wreak havoc.
This girl is such a bada$$ like. I can't even.


Sleigh Bells "Comeback Kid"

Monday, August 25, 2014

WEEKENDINGS- LET'S DANCE!

What a weekend!  I feel like I had a great balance between staying in and going out!

Friday, I left work a bit early and hung out with my friend.  We went out to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery and saw the HUGE sturgeon fish!  There I learned something about myself- big fish really freak me out!
Then later that night I met up with some girl friends for dancing at Barrel Room.

Sheila, Me, Allysum. We didn't plan on all wearing matching black outfits!
We ended up migrating over to Whiskey Bar a bit later.  Oh man, so much dancing.  Whiskey Bar had an awesome DJ playing.  I'm not sure if this is TMI, but I was dancing so much my hair was drenched in sweat.  Can that count as a workout?

Saturday, I met up with one of my old co-workers that was in town and had lunch at TILT.
Oh my holy huge delicious burger!  I wish I took a picture.  It was so good.
I wouldn't be disappointed if someone wanted to eat there again!
Then Saturday night I went out to Hobo's to celebrate my friend winning the Mr. Gay Portland contest and headed over to Barrel Room AGAIN for yet more dancing. I just love to dance. Dancing is my favorite.

I had lunch with my friend on Sunday and vegged out to some Doctor Who.  Ah, just living the life.

What did you get into over the weekend?

Weekending

Sunday, August 24, 2014

WEEKLY FORECAST

I'm a bit of a terrible person and I didn't do a single thing on my goal list last week.
Not. A. Single. Thing.
What's the point of making a goal if I don't do anything to works towards it?
I just don't even know.
Maybe if I did some sort of reward system for completing each one?  That could provide a bit more motivation!

Here is what is on my list this week:
- work out 3 days
- find a day planner
- clean my apartment
- clean my car (inside and out!)

As I noted last week I was going to make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wraps.  And, you know what?  I did it!  It was pretty good.  The first day I put it in lettuce wraps, and for the second day left overs I added a little bit of ranch and put it in a tortilla because I didn't feel like being healthy haha!  It was delicious and I don't regret that life choice! 

Sorry for the horrific-ness of this Iphone photo!
 I'll definitely be making it again this week because I already have all of the ingredients and don't want to go shopping!  My sister made the Skinny Crockpot Thai Chicken and she said it was so awful she spit it out!  I still might give it a go.

I have a short work week this week!  I am taking Friday off so that I can go up to the San Juan Islands with some friends to camp for the holiday weekend!  I will be taking my camera to practice some photography skills. We plan to go kayaking/whale watching, bicycling, wine tasting, etc.  I'm excited!

What are you goals and plans for the week?

Thursday, August 21, 2014

CUSTODY OF THE CONDIMENTS

Relationships are great.  You get to share things.  Discover things that the other person likes and you get to incorporate it into your life.  The person cooks for you which is awesome if you're a terrible cook like I am.
But, what happens when you break up?
All of the things that are mutually shared now need to be divided.

"I'm going to take some food out of the fridge", he said. 
"I'm going to bring some of the groceries over to my new place", he said.

It's been 2 weeks, and I am still discovering things he took from the fridge and cupboard.
Oh, I want to saute up some spinach- nope can't do that because he took all of the oil.
Many times I have slammed the fridge.  Cursed the heavens.   MothaF*****!

Oh, I want to dip my single serving size frozen pizza in some ranch?  Can't do that because he even took the tablespoon of ranch that was left in the bottle.
*I shake my fist*
Which is actually really funny since he couldn't seem to throw out anything.  I never understood that.  You finish something and.... put it back in the fridge?  It's the same distance to the trashcan!

So, who decides who gets custody of the condiments?
I suppose he did in this situation.
He was nice enough to leave me 2 half eaten boxes of taquitos (guess who ate the other half?  I'll give you a hint that it wasn't me!) and some freezer burned chicken.  What a sweetie.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

CONFESSION: I'M OBSESSED

I've turned into one of "those" people. You hear people talking, and you're just like huh? what's all the hype about ya weirdo?
Well, I have to say it has happened to me.
I like Doctor Who.
There. I said it.
What? You can't read that?
ok
I like Doctor Who.
Better?
No?
Ok, Fine.
I like Doctor Who.  I like Doctor Who and I don't care who knows it!
I'll tell you though that it didn't happen over night.  I watched the first season (against my will), and then it just evolved.  This show is bloody brilliant (read that with an English accent will you?).
And now, I want all the things Doctor Who in my life.
Here is my Doctor Who wish list:

1- This coffee mug
Dr Who Dalek Cup - "Caffeinate" 

2- This t-shirt
 

3- This artwork
The Original TARDIS Doctor Who Geek Print on Unframed Upcycled Bookpage 
Give me all the things!
Anyone else out there nerding out to Doctor Who?  The new season starts this week! 

Vodka and Soda

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

TUNES FOR YOUR TUESDAY

Last night was rough.
Like, really rough.
Hanging out with ex-boyfriends is never a good idea.
Is anyone out their friends withe their exes?? I need to know!
It hurts.
But, what is happening is that my heart is healing and that's all I can ask for, right?
So, what better way to help than with music!
I've liked this song for a while and haven't listened to it in a long time.
I think it's rather fitting- if I do say so myself.


How's your Tuesday going?

Sunday, August 17, 2014

WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF?- GROCERY SHOPPING EDITION

Why do I always wait until the last minute to go grocery shopping?
I didn't do very much yesterday, and I thought about going to the market,
but sitting around just seemed so much more fun, right?
And now, this morning, I'm starving.  Like ravenous, don't talk to me I'll bite your head off mean
- and there is no food in the fridge.
Why.  Why do I do this to myself!!
It's my own fault. I've set myself up for failure.

Here's the game plan for this weeks food situation:

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wraps
and also maybe the Skinny Ranch Dressing too!
Skinny Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken

I'm really trying to focus on healthy meals to get my mind and body back into shape!  I think these recipes look delicious and I'll let you know how it turns out!

What does your menu look like for the week?

My goals for the week:
- workout 5-6 days
- eat right and portion controlled every meal
- write in my journal everyday
- write letters to my friends in other states
- research things to do when my friends/ family come to visit in September

Friday, August 15, 2014

HOW TO: GET THROUGH A BREAK-UP

People break up all the time. And it's hard. Really hard.
Some find someone else to move one with right away, so that makes it easier
(I suppose)
But, what about those of us who need time to heal before jumping into another relationship? How do you do that?
Here are a few things that I've been doing that seem to help a bit:

1- Stay as busy as possible.
I have been saying "yes" to every single possible thing that I have been offered to do. I have: gone on a hike (I HATE hiking), gone to countless happy hours, tasted beers at the Portland International Beerfest, floated the Clackamas and Sandy river, tanned on Sauvie's Island, gone out dancing...etc.



 2- Create a playlist of songs that make you feel better. Here is what is on mine:
(I don't normally have such weird taste in music... or apparently I do!) 

3- Surround yourself with friends that support you.
You absolutely need to have friends that can see you for the way that you are- not the way that you are telling yourself that you are. I was having a touch day (texting people and saying things I shouldn't a la crazy ex-girlfriend). My co-worker was so kind to me. She gave me a rose quartz stone that her friend had given her when she and her boyfriend broke up. It's supposed to give you healing energy in the romance department as well as help you put out energy to find someone else. It was so kind. I cried.

4- Exercise 
Not only does exercise give you those endorphins- but you'll be getting a super hot bod to make your ex jealous. Brilliant, right? I think yes.

 5- Let it all out. 
As much as you don't want to cry about it anymore. Let yourself. Or else you will be sitting at your desk at work, crying. It's embarrassing. Get it out while your home alone, driving in your car, wherever. Don't hold it in. You can't heal and move on if you don't let yourself grieve. It's ok. Slowly start to do things (one little thing at a time) and you will start to move on with your life. You will find someone else.

These are the things that I have been doing to try and help myself get through this tough moment in my life. I have some family and friends coming up to visit in a few weeks so I have something else to look forward to.  What are some ways that you get over a breakup?

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Breaking up.

Man, breaking up is hard.
Even when it's a mutual thing.
Even when you know it's for the best.
It's a weird place to be.  Between knowing whats best, and feeling what's best.
I'll get there.
I'll find someone else.
I'll be fine.
But you were my best friend.
Best friends are hard to replace.
Life is hard.
I need a dog.





Tuesday, June 24, 2014

"If neurotic is wanting two mutually exclusive things at one and the same time, then I'm neurotic as hell"

First things first- I'm obsessed with Sylvia Plath (hence her quote as the title of this post!).  
Ok now that I've gotten that out of the way- let's segway to the two mutually exclusive things that I want right now:
 I want to eat whatever I want, and I want to be skinny.  
Why is that so hard to have both?  
I have lost about 25 pounds (used to be 30...whoops), and now I just need to lose 15 more pounds to get to my goal weight.  
Ugh- but cookies. 
Ok- let's not think about that.
Cheese?
No.
I digress.

Voodoo Donuts- Downtown Portland.  I forget what kind this was.  Something with peanut butter.

 I feel like I am so close and I have already come so far!
Well, to be honest I hardly tried at all to lose those first pounds.
I'm a jerk, right? sorrynotsorry
Who wants to buckle down with me?
There are so many ideas out there (thanks, Pinterest!) to get started with.
I'm thinking a combo of kickboxing, running (gross), and yoga with clean-er, portion controlled eating.  Sound like a plan?
Who wants to join me?
Summer is coming so soon (thanks Pacific Northwest weather for the forecasted rain for the rest of the week!).  Just keep thinking, Shorts, dresses, bikinis, sunshine, river floats, boating, sunshine. Did I say sunshine yet? Sunshine!

Sunday, June 1, 2014

One year.

It's amazing what can happen in a year.
 Exactly one year ago today, I packed up my little 10 year old Ford Focus, and moved to Vancouver, WA from Los Angeles, CA.
 I thought the job offer I got would be my foot in the door to the publishing industry. 
I got a part time job at a little cafe on Mississippi Avenue in Portland, OR to supplement my income while putting in time as the underling until I would eventually move up. 
Well, that cafe job was the worst, and I had to quit. 
Which meant that I had to find a new job in order to keep living up here. 
And, I did. Less than a month later. 
I had to quit the publishing house, and start a job in a new field that is always changing.
I moved out of my terrible living situation (gotta love craigslist roommates, right?) and into an absolutely lovely studio apartment in Portland. 
I am able to walk to work every single day- and I love it. 
Did I mention that I've lost nearly 30 pounds in this past year? yikes!
I'll have to post a transformation photo or something!
Only 10 more to go!
 I just signed a years lease at this little apartment o' mine- so what are my goals for this next year? 
Well, definitely lose those last 10 pounds! 
Become secure in work. 
Cultivate the friendships that I have made up here so far. 
Find new friends to hang with! 
Explore the city and surrounding areas more! 
write and write and write 
Yes- I do think that this year is going to be great. 
...and taking more photos. 
Yes, more photos are needed!

I can't tell you how happy I am that Summer is almost here!  Listen to this- it makes me happy.



 P.S. My dad says a surprise is coming for me in the mail tomorrow! I wonder what it will be!