"There's not a star in Heaven that we can't reach; if we're trying; so we're breaking free!" -HSM
Yes, I'm having High School Musical references as my title and my intro line, because I FORGOT how much I absolutely love that movie and the music :) Shout out to my girl Rose who jammed out to the music and watch the movie multiple times with me during high school!!!
Anyway, to get back to the real reason for this post...today put the week off to an amazing start! Woke up around 7:30a, had some of my quiche cups, worked in PEBL until class, ate my Greek salad for lunch with string cheese and jello for snacks, came home, watched an episode of White Collar (SUCH a good show!) with Jesse and Buddy, had some celery and peanut butter, then attempted to do some Physics homework (but failed miserably...), had an awesome dinner (portabella mushroom burgers with provolone cheese and edamame and v8 juice!), then tried more physics (gave up again), and decided to center myself with some Candlelight Yoga :) Now I'm having my dessert (vanilla ricotta creme!) and getting ready to go to bed! All in all, I'd say today was pretty spectacular as far as health goes!
I'm attempting to do the South Beach Diet; I read through a book that I have about the diet, and I really like it! It's not very restricting at all; there's a short "detox" phase of two weeks, but you still get to eat TONS of good food...just like I had today! ;) So we'll see how it goes!
Also, this week I'm really trying for my "Morning Person Project" to turn myself into a morning person...so...I'm gonna be trying to wake up at 6-6:30a to put in a quick work-out and then read/do some homework before going to school/work in the lab! Work-out options are: morning yoga, jogging with Buddy, Jillian Michael's DVD, Wii Zumba, Belly Dancing DVD, swimming at UCF, or a 6am spin class (which would mean waking up at like 5:45...but hey, we'll see! Ultimately, I would like to be able to do a combination of the workouts mentioned, because now that I'm a maid of honor for Andy & Tim, I would REALLY like to drop a dress/jean size or two before the wedding in August!
So those are the new goals:
-Follow the South Beach Diet
-Wake up between 5:45a-6:30a
-Put in a 30 min AM workout
-Lose 10 pounds/1-2 dress sizes/1-2 jean sizes by May would be nice :) Just in time for graduation!
All right, time to walk Buds, and get ready for bed!
Here's to a tomorrow just like today!!! :)
Monday, January 23, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Slacking off...Ugh!
I've been doing all right lately...but still kinda slacking on the workout part!
Poor Buddy was sick the past two days, so we didn't get a chance to do our morning jogging...but that's still no excuse! We'll be getting back on track when he's back to normal :)
In the meantime...VOLLEYBALL TONIGHT! :) So excited! 30 minutes of the best cardio everrrr...well, maybe not the best/most efficient...but DEFINITELY the most fun! ;)
Okay so don't judge me...but I also bought 3 "dance" classes for $15 at this new place that opened in the area! I hear it's a really good workout and NO I do not plan on practicing at home hahaha but this studio also does Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, and more! And it's an all-women facility which I really like :) So I know it's a little risque, but I'm not going to spend $18 dollars to try one class if I don't like it! So I figure getting three one-hour classes would work lol
I think I just need a kick in the butt to get moving again! And I really need to go grocery shopping for staple items that I can get together quickly and travel nicely, because this semester I have less time than ever! But it's been going great so far :) I'm making sure to balance my time between taking time for myself and Buddy, and focusing on schoolwork. My new year's resolutions have been going pretty well too!
Flossing, wearing sunscreen, and meditating have been my top three that I have done really well with so far :) The workout ones are still there, but not at prominent...I'm working on changing that though!
Well, I think that about wraps it up for the day...but volleyball tonight, jogging either tomorrow morning or Saturday morning, and maybe something fun on Sunday/Monday :)
OH! And Buddy FINALLY got his AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate! Mom was nice enough to send me a photo of it! Check it out! He's an official CGC! :)
Poor Buddy was sick the past two days, so we didn't get a chance to do our morning jogging...but that's still no excuse! We'll be getting back on track when he's back to normal :)
In the meantime...VOLLEYBALL TONIGHT! :) So excited! 30 minutes of the best cardio everrrr...well, maybe not the best/most efficient...but DEFINITELY the most fun! ;)
Okay so don't judge me...but I also bought 3 "dance" classes for $15 at this new place that opened in the area! I hear it's a really good workout and NO I do not plan on practicing at home hahaha but this studio also does Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, and more! And it's an all-women facility which I really like :) So I know it's a little risque, but I'm not going to spend $18 dollars to try one class if I don't like it! So I figure getting three one-hour classes would work lol
I think I just need a kick in the butt to get moving again! And I really need to go grocery shopping for staple items that I can get together quickly and travel nicely, because this semester I have less time than ever! But it's been going great so far :) I'm making sure to balance my time between taking time for myself and Buddy, and focusing on schoolwork. My new year's resolutions have been going pretty well too!
Flossing, wearing sunscreen, and meditating have been my top three that I have done really well with so far :) The workout ones are still there, but not at prominent...I'm working on changing that though!
Well, I think that about wraps it up for the day...but volleyball tonight, jogging either tomorrow morning or Saturday morning, and maybe something fun on Sunday/Monday :)
OH! And Buddy FINALLY got his AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate! Mom was nice enough to send me a photo of it! Check it out! He's an official CGC! :)
Monday, January 9, 2012
First day of my Last semester of undergrad!
Wow...I can't believe how fast time has gone! I will be graduating in a mere 4 months...absolutely CRAZY!!! But I'm definite super excited for it :)
It's strange having to focus so much on the future now...internship application deadline fast approaching, planning for graduation, dress shopping for Tim & Andy's wedding in August...it's all coming up so quickly!!! Tough decisions have to be made and I hate feeling selfish for trying to do everything possible in order to make my dream life (life!) come true...I just hope everyone understands as these things come up, but these are the most important months as far as bringing up my GPA, finding professors to write me letters of recommendation, and networking to find the most fitting opportunities for me in the near future.
But enough of the serious stuff...Buddy & I went on an awesome run today!
2.32 miles in 24 minutes, with a 10:42/mile average and 275 calories burned!!!
I call that a good day :)
I had Molecular Cell Biology today for my first class of the new semester!
Other than that, I have a lot more to accomplish within the next month...so I better get my booty moving!!!
It's strange having to focus so much on the future now...internship application deadline fast approaching, planning for graduation, dress shopping for Tim & Andy's wedding in August...it's all coming up so quickly!!! Tough decisions have to be made and I hate feeling selfish for trying to do everything possible in order to make my dream life (life!) come true...I just hope everyone understands as these things come up, but these are the most important months as far as bringing up my GPA, finding professors to write me letters of recommendation, and networking to find the most fitting opportunities for me in the near future.
But enough of the serious stuff...Buddy & I went on an awesome run today!
2.32 miles in 24 minutes, with a 10:42/mile average and 275 calories burned!!!
I call that a good day :)
I had Molecular Cell Biology today for my first class of the new semester!
Other than that, I have a lot more to accomplish within the next month...so I better get my booty moving!!!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
First Buddy Run of the New Year!
All right!
Yesterday was Buddy boy's 2nd birthday! Look how ADORABLE he is!!! :)
He had a nice dinner and fun time at work! :) He got cookies from everybody and three new squeaker tennis balls!!! And yes, they say Happy Birthday on them ;) hahaha!
Anyway, to keep with the work out theme, Buddy and I went on a light run today! Took a stop at the dog park so he could play and get some water :) We ran most of the way except for when he took a potty break haha
So we've been keeping with new year's resolutions so far! :) Enjoying the last few days before school starts again...here we go!
Yesterday was Buddy boy's 2nd birthday! Look how ADORABLE he is!!! :)
Anyway, to keep with the work out theme, Buddy and I went on a light run today! Took a stop at the dog park so he could play and get some water :) We ran most of the way except for when he took a potty break haha
So we've been keeping with new year's resolutions so far! :) Enjoying the last few days before school starts again...here we go!
Monday, January 2, 2012
A Review of 2011: A Preview of 2012
So this post has taken me longer than I thought it would to update! Ideally, I wanted to post this on New Year's Eve...but I had a lot more to say than I imagined I did...
So here it goes!
Like any year, 2011 was definitely a roller coaster of a year...but like any year, mistakes were made, many things were learned, a LOT was accomplished, opportunities may have been missed but better things came around, and SO many amazing things happened!!!
There were extreme roommate issues which taught me that I can't be the doormat that I've been all my life; that I need to stand up for myself and speak my mind more often. That whole fiasco had so many obstacles for me; seeing one of my best friends going down a dangerous path, seeing a lot of similarities in her that I had seen in myself at one time, confrontation is NOT one of my strong points, financial instability and uncertainty as my parents and I took over the entire rent for my old apartment, and the frustration that came with the whole thing.
There were ups and downs throughout the year; rejection, self esteem issues, financial problems, many relationship issues...then there were the highlights of good grades, fun family trips, new accomplishments, proud moments (especially of Buddy!), and making new connections that are paving my future even more every day!
There were so many blessings from this year; so many things that couldn't have been planned...by me at least :) The Big Man upstairs definitely had things planned out for me this year!
Especially for the research assistant positions I got in the Cognitive Sciences Lab, the ACAT Lab, and the Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab. There are so many things that panned out better than I could have EVER imagined; most importantly the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference. Meeting everybody that I admire and idolize at that conference definitely made me more motivated than ever for my future endeavors!
I definitely reached a point of burnout during fall semester since I had so much going on all the time, but it helped me realize where my breaking point is! And when I have too much on my plate...but I need to give a big shout out to Jesse Smith for keeping me grounded during those times and always supporting me :) He stuck around through all of my rants and tantrums haha He also made my 22nd birthday 11/11/11 one of THE best birthdays ever!!! I'm definitely lucky to have him around ;)
But this year is going to be my healthiest, greatest year ever! I've been in my slump for long enough and recovered over winter break (and also caught up on Seasons 4 and 5 of Dexter!) This semester is going to be difficult, but I think I'm refueled and ready for it: Molecular Cell Biology, Physics II, Animal Physiology, History & Systems of Psychology, and being a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Chin's Psychology of Human and Animal Interactions class (which I'm SUPER excited about! Thanks again Dr. Chin!!!) Not to mention still working for CogSciLab and PEBL!
So my BIG resolutions are:
1) Lose 10 lbs
2) Become Financially Sound
3) Reinvent Myself (in a good way!)
The little resolutions to go along with that include flossing, exercising, getting GREAT grades, not using my credit card, meditating, making more time for myself, getting a new job and/or internship, keeping in touch with friends and family more often, and there's a few more too :) But those are the most important ones so far!
Anyway, I think that about wraps it up...but I'd like to finish with a quote from one of my NEW favorite movies: New Year's Eve!
Reminding us to stop, take a moment, reflect, and celebrate :)Not just on New Year's, but everyday.
"It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the New Year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To remember both our triumphs and our missteps - our promises made, and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures - or closed ourselves down, for fear of getting hurt. Because that's what New Year's is all about: getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about 'what if' and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight - and it will drop - let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long."
So now I'm ready for a fresh start, a new semester, and a brand new year!
Watch out world, because this is Melyssa Allen's year!!! ;)
So here it goes!
Like any year, 2011 was definitely a roller coaster of a year...but like any year, mistakes were made, many things were learned, a LOT was accomplished, opportunities may have been missed but better things came around, and SO many amazing things happened!!!
There were extreme roommate issues which taught me that I can't be the doormat that I've been all my life; that I need to stand up for myself and speak my mind more often. That whole fiasco had so many obstacles for me; seeing one of my best friends going down a dangerous path, seeing a lot of similarities in her that I had seen in myself at one time, confrontation is NOT one of my strong points, financial instability and uncertainty as my parents and I took over the entire rent for my old apartment, and the frustration that came with the whole thing.
There were ups and downs throughout the year; rejection, self esteem issues, financial problems, many relationship issues...then there were the highlights of good grades, fun family trips, new accomplishments, proud moments (especially of Buddy!), and making new connections that are paving my future even more every day!
There were so many blessings from this year; so many things that couldn't have been planned...by me at least :) The Big Man upstairs definitely had things planned out for me this year!
Especially for the research assistant positions I got in the Cognitive Sciences Lab, the ACAT Lab, and the Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab. There are so many things that panned out better than I could have EVER imagined; most importantly the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference. Meeting everybody that I admire and idolize at that conference definitely made me more motivated than ever for my future endeavors!
I definitely reached a point of burnout during fall semester since I had so much going on all the time, but it helped me realize where my breaking point is! And when I have too much on my plate...but I need to give a big shout out to Jesse Smith for keeping me grounded during those times and always supporting me :) He stuck around through all of my rants and tantrums haha He also made my 22nd birthday 11/11/11 one of THE best birthdays ever!!! I'm definitely lucky to have him around ;)
But this year is going to be my healthiest, greatest year ever! I've been in my slump for long enough and recovered over winter break (and also caught up on Seasons 4 and 5 of Dexter!) This semester is going to be difficult, but I think I'm refueled and ready for it: Molecular Cell Biology, Physics II, Animal Physiology, History & Systems of Psychology, and being a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Chin's Psychology of Human and Animal Interactions class (which I'm SUPER excited about! Thanks again Dr. Chin!!!) Not to mention still working for CogSciLab and PEBL!
So my BIG resolutions are:
1) Lose 10 lbs
2) Become Financially Sound
3) Reinvent Myself (in a good way!)
The little resolutions to go along with that include flossing, exercising, getting GREAT grades, not using my credit card, meditating, making more time for myself, getting a new job and/or internship, keeping in touch with friends and family more often, and there's a few more too :) But those are the most important ones so far!
Anyway, I think that about wraps it up...but I'd like to finish with a quote from one of my NEW favorite movies: New Year's Eve!
Reminding us to stop, take a moment, reflect, and celebrate :)Not just on New Year's, but everyday.
"It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the New Year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To remember both our triumphs and our missteps - our promises made, and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures - or closed ourselves down, for fear of getting hurt. Because that's what New Year's is all about: getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about 'what if' and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight - and it will drop - let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long."
So now I'm ready for a fresh start, a new semester, and a brand new year!
Watch out world, because this is Melyssa Allen's year!!! ;)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I'm back!!!
Gosh, I can't believe it has been over ONE WHOLE MONTH since I've made a post on here!
Things were crazy with the last few weeks of school...the conference, work, finals! It was all such a whirlwind!
But the Society for Marine Mammalogy conference was absolutely AMAZING!!! I got to meet so many world renowned researchers and talk with them about their research, ask them for advice about graduate school, and possible internship opportunities!!! I got to sit down and talk to Dr. Herzing, Dr. Harley, Dr. Kuczaj, Dr. Dudzinski, Dr. Pack, Dr. da Silva...and SO many more! While I was staying the week with my parents I also got to take the chance and meet with the USF Psychology Department about graduate school. One of the professors does research in animal stress and memory models!!! IT WAS SO AMAZING!
Anyway, enough about that...I know this is meant to be a workout blog, but I just get so excited about this stuff!!! :) But it is relevant because I'm more motivated than EVER to get myself back to normal! And I mean normal like...not how I've been feeling/acting the past few months...but anyway, here we go!
I figured starting before New Years would help me get a jump start on sticking to my resolutions :) So far I've done pretty well! I've downloaded the OptumizeMe and miCoach apps to help get my butt in gear!!!
And I also have a pretty awesome gift waiting for me once I finish my challenges ;) But I'm not saying what it is yet!
So today I took Buddy on a run to the dog park and we had a great time! He's been SO tired for the rest of the day! He's actually passed out next to me on the couch right now ;)
I'm definitely feeling good about the end of 2011 and I'm excited for the start of a new year, 2012! The year I graduate from UCF with my undergraduate degrees :) It's so strange not knowing where I'm going to be this time next year...for the past four years it has always been, I'll be home for Christmas break, getting ready to go back to school...but this is the first time I have NO idea where I will be or what I will be doing!!! It's actually kind of a nice feeling knowing that anything is possible :)
Wow, I'm starting to get SUPER cheesy now and I think it's because I'm getting tired...but last thing: mom and I saw the movie New Years Eve and it was SO GOOD!!! It definitely made me want to reflect on this past year...and my life :) So I'll be doing a reflection of 2011 on December 31st!
Things were crazy with the last few weeks of school...the conference, work, finals! It was all such a whirlwind!
But the Society for Marine Mammalogy conference was absolutely AMAZING!!! I got to meet so many world renowned researchers and talk with them about their research, ask them for advice about graduate school, and possible internship opportunities!!! I got to sit down and talk to Dr. Herzing, Dr. Harley, Dr. Kuczaj, Dr. Dudzinski, Dr. Pack, Dr. da Silva...and SO many more! While I was staying the week with my parents I also got to take the chance and meet with the USF Psychology Department about graduate school. One of the professors does research in animal stress and memory models!!! IT WAS SO AMAZING!
Anyway, enough about that...I know this is meant to be a workout blog, but I just get so excited about this stuff!!! :) But it is relevant because I'm more motivated than EVER to get myself back to normal! And I mean normal like...not how I've been feeling/acting the past few months...but anyway, here we go!
I figured starting before New Years would help me get a jump start on sticking to my resolutions :) So far I've done pretty well! I've downloaded the OptumizeMe and miCoach apps to help get my butt in gear!!!
And I also have a pretty awesome gift waiting for me once I finish my challenges ;) But I'm not saying what it is yet!
So today I took Buddy on a run to the dog park and we had a great time! He's been SO tired for the rest of the day! He's actually passed out next to me on the couch right now ;)
I'm definitely feeling good about the end of 2011 and I'm excited for the start of a new year, 2012! The year I graduate from UCF with my undergraduate degrees :) It's so strange not knowing where I'm going to be this time next year...for the past four years it has always been, I'll be home for Christmas break, getting ready to go back to school...but this is the first time I have NO idea where I will be or what I will be doing!!! It's actually kind of a nice feeling knowing that anything is possible :)
Wow, I'm starting to get SUPER cheesy now and I think it's because I'm getting tired...but last thing: mom and I saw the movie New Years Eve and it was SO GOOD!!! It definitely made me want to reflect on this past year...and my life :) So I'll be doing a reflection of 2011 on December 31st!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Slump...
Things haven't been the greatest lately; kinda in a slump/rut...especially for exercise! Which my pants are definitely starting to tell me that I've been slacking off haha
I don't know if this semester is just catching up with me or what...but I've been feeling totally drained lately.
Trying to break out of it, but something else tends to come up to give me an excuse not to work out...not to get outta bed right when my alarm goes off...not to get ahead on that assignment that's coming up.
Maybe I just got used to one good thing after another happening, and now that things have calmed down they just seem more mundane...
or maybe I just had my expectations set too high...for a lot of different things this semester.
Disappointment is one of my biggest pet peeves...especially when I've disappointed myself in some way...but just disappointment in general really sucks. Not finishing the triathlon challenge was when this funk seemed to start off!
I haven't really been motivated to cook lately either (lack of time has a lot to do with that too) and I've been eating really horribly the past week or two...or three.
There's a lot of stuff going on that I wasn't expecting and I think that it's hitting me so hard this time because I haven't had to deal with any sort of bad news in a while!
I don't feel like I took all of the great things that have happened this semester for granted, but I definitely think senioritis is beginning to set in and I'm starting to hit the point of becoming "burnt-out!"
Time to resort back to my "20-Something, 20-Everything" book for some self-help advice :)
Until then, the next time I get my ass moving I will post it on here ASAP!
I don't know if this semester is just catching up with me or what...but I've been feeling totally drained lately.
Trying to break out of it, but something else tends to come up to give me an excuse not to work out...not to get outta bed right when my alarm goes off...not to get ahead on that assignment that's coming up.
Maybe I just got used to one good thing after another happening, and now that things have calmed down they just seem more mundane...
or maybe I just had my expectations set too high...for a lot of different things this semester.
Disappointment is one of my biggest pet peeves...especially when I've disappointed myself in some way...but just disappointment in general really sucks. Not finishing the triathlon challenge was when this funk seemed to start off!
I haven't really been motivated to cook lately either (lack of time has a lot to do with that too) and I've been eating really horribly the past week or two...or three.
There's a lot of stuff going on that I wasn't expecting and I think that it's hitting me so hard this time because I haven't had to deal with any sort of bad news in a while!
I don't feel like I took all of the great things that have happened this semester for granted, but I definitely think senioritis is beginning to set in and I'm starting to hit the point of becoming "burnt-out!"
Time to resort back to my "20-Something, 20-Everything" book for some self-help advice :)
Until then, the next time I get my ass moving I will post it on here ASAP!
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