Bridges Through Life

Currently July 2019

July 19, 2019 by Alicia 2 Comments

I sometimes forget I live in this little bubble of mine where I read healthy living blogs and listen to podcasts and other people don’t know about these blogs or podcasts. I love sharing what I am into with others, because I also find out about books, podcasts, latest products from others (influencers perhaps?). I am definitely highly influenced by others, but I am also at a point in my life where I know what usually works for me. I still like to explore when I want, but sometimes I just like to read other’s opinions on products and just take in different perspectives. We all come from different backgrounds and perspectives and I think that should be respected. Moving around has helped me see this a lot and appreciate, not only my own background, but hearing other perspectives. I don’t know if this totally ties into this post, but here is what I am currently up to this July. Maybe you will find something that interests you, maybe you will find this totally boring. Either way, I appreciate you reading along and following with my crazy life.

Current Book: Finished Michelle Obama’s book over the 4^th of July weekend and now I want to read the book I bought for my honeymoon trip that I never got to, The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand. Likely this will wait until August when I finish my classes though.

Current Podcast: Never Thought I’d Say This hosted by Jodie Sweetin (Full House!!) and Celia Behar. You guys…I am not a parent yet, but OMG this podcast is hilarious and makes me want to laugh out loud. If you are a mom, I think you will love it even more.

Current Purchase: Third Love bras. I’ve known about Third Love for a couple years I feel like and it was time for a couple new bras, specifically I wanted a strapless one (not sure what happened to my old strapless). I took their quiz and got a size and then ordered, but the cups were too small so I exchanged them. Exchanging the bras was an easy process, just be prepared for waiting a week for the first delivery and waiting another week for the exchange. So basically I feel like it has been since July started I was waiting for these bras, but I am happy with the exchange and excited to have a strapless bra to wear with certain shirts and dresses.

Current drink: On my La Croix passionfruit obsession right now. I like having one after dinner some nights.

Current TV show: Just finished watching Good Witch season 4 on Netflix and I see the season 5 is currently on TV and it was already renewed for season 6 so I’m excited. Besides that, the usual Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Gilmore Girls when I watch TV, but usually I only watch TV while I eat for about 15 minutes or so and then I get bored and move onto something else.

Current Food: I made a cauliflower fried rice the other night with veggies from our Misfits Market box. I need to write a post on that because the deliveries have been awesome.

Current countdown: 19 days until I am done with my summer classes and finals. I’m nervous for the finals, but I have been successfully staying about a week ahead on the homework since July started so that will help so I have time to study and review before the finals. Hopefully they go well. Then it’s onto reception party planning and some housework for a couple weeks before Fall classes start up. I can’t believe I started grad school a year ago in August. Having homework definitely makes the days fly by even though it can be stressful at times with working full time and managing everything, but I am still grateful for this MBA program.

On a fun note, I also did the Color Run last week with some friends.

The next couple weeks will be filled with lots of study time, but then I will get a little break and looking forward to another State Fair day.

Fourth of July 2019

July 9, 2019 by Alicia Leave a Comment

Here we are a week into July already. These days are flying by and I officially have plans every weekend until labor day…what?!? Some fun plans and some study plans because I have finals in there, but still, this summer isn’t long enough. I did have a pretty great July 4^th week and weekend. I didn’t see any fireworks, which I do miss, but I spent a lot of time with family friends. Brian went up home on Wednesday after work and I only had Thursday off.

Thursday I spent the morning going to the gym and knocking out some homework and laundry (good times…but ahead for the weekend). In the afternoon, I headed up to see a friend visiting with her new baby. Well her baby is 4 months going on 5, but I hadn’t met her in person. She was the sweetest and most chill baby. She had quite the tiring days of being passed from person to person.

Friday morning was a typical work morning, except without homework to do, I found myself with “extra time” since I also don’t normally go to the gym on Friday mornings. I instead had some time for backbending and taking a quick walk around the block at 6:30am. Though I slightly regretted doing that in my work clothes being that it was quite humid and I was sweating before I even got to work, but it was nice to get moving early.

Luckily I also got to work a bit early and began chugging away at some bills. We were able to leave a bit early and I decided to hang out with family friends some more. I stayed for dinner which was fun and got in lots of chatting time before getting home around 9pm.

Saturday morning I decided to go to yoga and we did so many hip opener type work and deep squats that I need to add into my warm up for the gym I think. It was a challenge and felt amazing. I then did my weekly grocery shopping and was surprised Wegmans wasn’t too crowded. I guess July 4^th is a popular vacation time. My family always took vacations in August due to the camp schedule, it worked out better. It was nice to quickly shop and even not wait in line to check out!

Once I got home, I had some lunch and Brian was on his way to the family friend’s house. I drove up around noon and hung out for a bit. Mostly I read on my kindle while Brian geeked out with his friend. Brian briefly got to meet the baby before she went down for her nap. Since it started to storm in the afternoon, we decided to head back and have some time to make dinner.

my company — Rosie keeping me company while I read

Sunday morning I dragged Brian to the gym and then we went to see Toy Story 4. I was not expecting much for a 4^th movie, but I think it was even better than 3 and I loved it. Brian and I both were laughing and enjoying the movie, so I highly recommend. I told Brian that was the last movie I was really interested in seeing for a while too. I rarely go to the movie theaters twice in the span of 4 weeks, but had to see Secret Life of Pets 2 and Toy Story 4. I told him next up is Frozen 2 in November!! That might be harder to drag him to.

Sunday afternoon was beautiful outside. The 4^th and 5^th were quite hot so I didn’t spend much time outside. Sunday I made up for it and took my Supply Chain book outside to read a chapter. I’m still trying to stay a week ahead so that it’s much less stressful. I only have 1 more month then finals and done for summer, but that sadly means summer will be coming to an end soon.

While I was reading, Brian cooked up some pork tenderloin and zucchini fries. I had a bag of salad left from our friends the other night so that made a great complete plate for dinner.

Now we are back to regular work weeks for a bit. I’m looking forward to the weekend as I have The Color Run on Sunday. I have basically barely been running so I am sure I will be walk/running, but it will still be a fun time as I know a couple other people participating too and I think I’m going to bring my Go Pro along for some fun photos.

Movies and Cookies and more Weekend

July 1, 2019 by Alicia 1 Comment

And just like that, we are halfway through 2019. I really don’t know where this year is going. I was just reflecting this weekend and thinking how I’m 29 years old and that’s still weird to say. I don’t feel that old (which is probably a good thing). Friday was month end at work, but we actually got a great early start so it was shortly after 5 that I was able to leave. I had dinner at home and then Brian and I went to see Secret Life of Pets 2 which was really good. Next on my movie list is Toy Story 4, maybe next weekend.

wore a dress to work and the office decided to be cold go figure

Once we got home, it was time for bed for both of us (an old married couple already lol). Saturday morning I enjoyed sleeping in. Somehow Brian was awake before me, though he didn’t get out of bed. I enjoyed laying in bed until 7. Brian recently bought black out blinds for the bedroom so that helps with sleeping in, but I have mixed feelings about them since I enjoy waking up to the sun. It was nice to sleep without an alarm though. I had some breakfast and shortly after 8 I headed out to yoga. I haven’t made it to many yoga classes lately with all my homework, but trying to do some at home when I can. I enjoyed the class as it challenged me, holding poses for longer than I would on my own and really giving my arms and shoulders a workout.

After yoga, I headed to Target and Wegmans. I picked up some sushi for Brian and I for lunch and we enjoyed the afternoon and evening at home. Our neighbors were having a graduation party from 2pm onward so our street filled up with cars and it was nice that we stayed in. My homework load is finally light this holiday week, so I actually used the time to get a jump start on the following week’s homework. The last week of classes in the first week of August will be crazy with having homework assignments and finals so I feel the jump start now will be good.

I decided to make some sugar cookies and use my wedding cake cookie cutter. I want to make some sort of cookie table for our August reception so this was a test. They turned out delicious and I will frost them when I make them for the reception. The only downside was using the oven because it was 90 degrees out and we only have an AC unit in our bedroom, so the house was about 80 degrees.

Saturday night, I made dinner while Brian was napping. I made turkey burgers, but this time I cooked the bacon and onions first before mixing them in. It seemed to add more flavor, but the bacon was light so I need more next time. I also cooked up some potatoes. I will soon be talking about our latest vegetable delivery that I am loving, but we got some good small potatoes I sliced up and cooked like potato chips but without frying. I also topped my burger with a bit of avocado as I had a half to use up.

Sunday morning was time with Brian. We ate breakfast and then headed to the gym together. It was my first time doing squats in a couple weeks as I ordered a size up in my knee sleeves and was waiting on those. Then Brian wanted to go for a walk. Sunday was only a high of 72 and the coolest day of the week so it was actually perfect for a walk.

We then were going to head to Dunkin for iced teas, but the line was crazy so we drove a little farther to Tim Horton’s and as we pulled in, I was thinking a donut would be good. For some reason I can’t eat Dunkin Donuts because they make me feel sick, but Tim Horton’s donuts don’t. I don’t know what the difference is, but my donut was delicious. Also, I have found that Tim Horton’s iced tea taste better and is cheaper for the same size, so worth the extra 5-10 minute drive.

We came home and Brian experimented with some stir fry making, first ricing some cauliflower and then mixing in ground pork, eggs and frozen peas. We also used coconut aminos for a soy sauce replacement this time. Last time he made a similar dish, I had quite an upset stomach after and I think soy sauce could have been a culprit, but I had also not eaten my normal foods that day so it could have been other factors, but played it safer this time. It was funny to watch Brian cook in the pan outside with his turkey fryer burner, but it was also nice to not heat up the house too much. The cool and windy day was perfect for opening the windows and cool the house down to 75 which was better than 80 the previous day.

My afternoon began with the only thing on my agenda for the weekend which was my supply chain simulation. It was kind of like playing an online game (except that I am graded on it), where there are 4 “players”; manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler and retailer, and your only job is to place an order and see how it affects the supply chain. It was quite interesting as I quickly learned, do not place high orders as the object is to keep the lowest inventory without too many backorders either. I definitely learned a lot doing it and it was interesting as we didn’t know who the other players were or what they were ordering until it came to my turn. I then did a short write up of my strategy, which developed as the game went on. Now I am free of homework for a week before the last 4 weeks of classes sneak up on me. It will be nice to enjoy my day off on July 4^th. Work will be busy this week with month end and losing a day on Thursday, but that will also make the work day go by more quickly and at least I can focus on the first 3 days and then have a day off and then work Friday and weekend. It already seems so fast!

I even had time for yoga play!!

Any plans for the 4th of July?

The Weekend it did not Rain

June 24, 2019 by Alicia 1 Comment

We finally had a weekend without rain!! It has been raining here pretty much non stop it seems and even if we get one weekend day without rain, it seems rain is on the radar the next. Water levels are high and there has been flooding in some areas. Luckily we are safe from all that, but I was happy it was finally not raining, as was everyone else. It was obvious everyone was out and enjoying the weather this weekend whether it be camping, cookouts or just riding their bike outside.

My weekend started with getting my finance test out of the way. It was on my mind all week and I planned to take it Saturday morning. Seeing as I couldn’t sleep in with the test on my mind, I was up at 6am on Saturday and made a quick breakfast before sitting down to start my exam. I had a 5 hour time limit and was hoping to be done in about 2…well time flew by and I took 3 hours total before submitting. I checked over my answers at the end and made sure everything at least had an answer. It was multiple choice and there were a few I spent quite a bit of time working on trying to get one of the multiple choice answers. I don’t know my grade yet, but hopefully I did ok. The best part was I was done and it was only 9am. With that off my mind, it was time to enjoy the weekend. I didn’t feel like jumping right into the next homework lesson.

Brian and I decided to take a drive to order a grill. We have a specific one picked out but it’s kind of top of the line and not really sold in this area so we put in an order and hopefully will get a price quote and order it this week. Then we headed to the Syracuse mall. We used to walk the malls together when we were in the Philadelphia area and didn’t have anything to do and it was nice to get out and go to the mall since I hadn’t been in a while. I didn’t have anything in particular I wanted to buy, but we did grab lunch at our favorite Cantina Laredo. I even got a coupon for the first day of summer on Friday in my email and I was like, OK we are going there for lunch.

The mojitos there are my favorite, but I don’t recommend them on an empty stomach especially when you don’t drink often. 2 sips in and I was feeling it and dizzy. I had to wait to drink any more until I loaded up on chips, salsa and guacamole when we got that. Even then I could actually only drink half my drink and shared with Brian at the end. And yes this is why I don’t drink, besides the fact that I don’t like the taste of alcohol and I really don’t like simple syrups as they just upset my stomach.

We ate lunch first and then spent a while walking the mall to walk off some of the food and drinks. Brian wanted a quick massage so he did a 30 minute massage while I wandered the stores and sales racks. I tried on a couple things, but just didn’t love anything. Once we met back up we started making our way back towards the car and passed Old Navy. I found a couple tank tops I liked and tried them on. Since I never know how the clothing sizes will be, I tried on a small and medium. Both fit and looked fine but I decided to go with the medium in case it shrunk at all. I have had that issue in the past where a small fits fine until I wash it and suddenly it’s a crop top.

So I left with 2 tank tops and a full belly. The mall wasn’t crowded at all for a Saturday as the weather was nice and everyone must have been out. We only spent a couple hours there and then stopped to catch up with friends on the way back. By the time we got home it was around 5 and we were still quite full from lunch, but I did make a nice salad.

We also finished Ralph Breaks the Internet which we had started to watch Friday night while eating before I went to study a bit. I actually can’t remember if I saw the first Wreck it Ralph, but oh man the Ralph Breaks the Internet was so good. I was just amazed at the creativity in the movie and the Disney Princesses were a riot!

Once that movie was over, I actually watched a Netflix movie, Mystery Murder with Adam Sandler. I enjoyed just laying around for the evening and decided Sunday would be more of a homework day.

Sunday morning I was surprised I slept in until 7am. That is sleeping in when you usually are awake around 5am for the gym. I had a nice relaxing morning and then made a quick trip to Wegmans for some groceries before starting some homework. Late morning, Brian and I headed to state park to rent paddleboards and enjoyed an hour paddling. We brought along the Go Pro (which I recently had replaced) and it worked great for taking photos while paddling. I need to get some other accessories for the Go Pro though to wear it to get some nice shots.

Sunday weather was so beautiful and with the nice breeze it didn’t feel that hot paddleboarding. On our way back, we grabbed some spedie salads to go and then ate and I finished some reading and working on homework in the afternoon.

In the evening we had dinner with family and then just relaxed. I was so happy to be done with my test and enjoy the weekend out and about. I got some nice sun and finished another bottle of sunscreen. Also my sun shirt worked great for paddleboarding and it was nice to not have to worry about sunscreening my back and shoulders.

Now it’s back to the work week and the last week of June. June just flew by. I hope we have some nice weekend weather coming up just like this one.

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