Quick Update

I've been a bad blogger lately. There's so much I want to talk about but I just haven't been motivated or couldn't find the right words to get it out.

2013 was a crazy year. So much happened. It was a lot of work and long days and tears and emotions, but in the end it was completely worth it. My husband and I celebrated our one year anniversary, to which several people congratulated us having made it through what they considered to be the hardest year. Everything should be smooth sailing from now on then right? :) We completed most of the remodeling in our house which was a PAIN but I'm so glad to have it done. We managed to squeeze in a trip so San Diego and LA in November with family. I managed to read 28 books last year, which I was pretty proud of. I love to read and tried to make a conscious effort to take more time to do so and was proud that I managed 28. I know for avid readers, that may not sound like much, but I averaged more than 2 books a month, and with the busy year we had, I thought that was pretty good. I've already read one book and start two more so far this year. I'm challenging myself to read 35 before 12/31/2014.

So what now? In 2014, I'm trying to get back on track to a healthier and more fit lifestyle. I tried and failed several times last year, only making it a week or so before going back to old habits. I'm already past that hurdle as I can say I'm on day 9 and have religiously stuck to my guidelines from My Fitness Pal and am already down 3 pounds. My ultimate goal is to lose 44 pounds. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to make it, but I can try right? This time I will not get discouraged and lose hope. I'm going for a lifestyle change, not a diet (or so I keep telling myself). My stomach has adjusted to my smaller portions and intake at least. Let me tell you, those first few days were like torture. I was so hungry. All the time. But I made it through and I'm already seeing results - on the scale at least. I finally bought the pair of running shoes I had been ogling at all year (it helped they were on clearance for 80% off) and am planning on trying to break them in soon. Now to actually get my butt in gear, put those babies on, and head out the door.

I'm also going to try to get back into regular blogging. Whether it's once a week or every two weeks, or even once a month, I don't want to ignore it anymore.

My DNA Coding

Last May I bought a voucher (either through Groupon or Living Social, I can't remember which anymore) to for Connect My DNA, where they send you a sample packet, you collect a dna sample (in this case a cheek swab), send it back, and they tell you about your DNA markers and show you where people with similar DNA markers are around the globe.

ConnectMyDNA™

I bought one for me and one for my husband. We received the sample packets, set them aside, and finally got around to sending in our samples a few weeks ago. Then this morning we both received an email that said our DNA results were in. Now I should state that from when I first bought it up until this morning, I thought it was a test for your ancestry and heritage, but it's not. I was quite shocked because after checking,  my results showed that my #1 Country Connection is Hungary. A country I have no known relatives or ancestors from or in. Then I looked further down the list of matched countries and saw that many of my top 15 are Eastern European, which as far as I knew was not in my blood line.

So after doing some more research on the website, I was able to figure out what was being represented.

Here's a little information about ConnectMyDNA™ and it's different parts:

It is a cutting-edge product that ushers in a whole new way of looking at your DNA. Using a process known as genetic fingerprinting, we look at 13 of your specific genetic markers (Loci 13) and convert them into your very own genetic emblem - The Gene Ring™.


Gene Ring: The Gene Ring is a symbolic representation of the 13 positions of your DNA that we analyze at our laboratory (seen here in your Loci Values). The position of each green marker around the ring is in direct
correlation to the numeric values in your Loci Values. These values are calculated using a standard STR DNA test. For each loci, there are number values that represent the loci passed onto you from your mother and father. If there is only one number present for a loci, your parents shared the same loci value that was passed onto you.

My Gene Ring - Love that it's green!

DNA Connection: Your ConnectMyDNA™ results consist of 2 sections. The first section is a map of your #1 Country Connection and a chart listing all of your country connections. You can scroll through this list to view all of your results. One you click on a country it will take you to a secondary page containing statistical data. The second section on this page is your Gene Ring™ and your DNA Profile (Loci tested), which was used to create your Gene Ring™.

My Connection Results

About The Country Connections: ConnectMyDNA utilizes current databases that represent the modern world population structure. Your unique DNA signature is used to calculate the frequency of occurrence of your DNA profile with different population databases from around the world using a standard population genetics formula known as the Hardy-Weinberg equation. The numerical value of the different calculations identifies your top country connection. Your top country connection represents the population that you most closely resemble based on today’s demographics, not your past. Again, we want to stress that ConnectMyDNA is not an ancestry test. What is does show however is that on some level we share commonality with other people on a global basis. If you view your results and see a country that you feel is out of the ordinary based on what you know about your heritage, view it as a new connection to a population group that on a very deep level is connected to you as part of the whole human genome. Step back and look at humans in terms of where we started millions of years ago and where we are today. Everything has changed and yet something very fundamental deep within us remains the same … something that connects all of us and makes us unique and unlike any other living species on the globe. Our DNA.

ConnectMyDNA is intended to get you interested in learning more about yourself and others in a fun and educational way.


So after reading more about it, these 13 Loci have nothing to do with what you look like or your family lineage, but about what other human beings in general share my common markers. These are my top matches.

Top 15:

1. Hungary
2. Kosovo
3. Belarus
4. Germany
5. Croatia
6. Czech Republic
7. Russia
8. Poland
9. Slovenia
10. Portugal
11. Spain
12. Norway
13. Lithuania
14. Austria
15. Bosnia

Has anyone else tried this? Did anyone get results that they weren't expecting? Now I REALLY want to try the ancestry DNA matching!

That one time when I eloped to Jamaica (pic heavy)

I've been a bad blogger and haven't updated in a long time. I thought to try to get back in the swing of things, why not share the most important thing that has happened in my life since my last post. I got married! My fiance and I went to Jamaica in December (just the two of us) and officially tied the knot on December 12, 2012 at 4pm. It was intimate, quiet, and pretty much perfect. The sun was setting, there was a slight breeze, and a gorgeous location.

A fun shot before the ceremony

I love this picture - luckily the sun didn't stay there for long.

The officiant  was a pretty funny guy - we also got to know the staff pretty well so many of them came to watch. You can  partially see our butler, Danae right behind me (in the black and gold). She was so incredibly nice! 

I really didn't mean to cry, I didn't even think I would, but I couldn't help it!

Everything's signed and it's official!

I guess it's a Jamaican thing to point when taking pictures so we had some fun with it

Just after cutting the cake and feeding each other a piece - the photographer was telling me to put my finger in his mouth (to feed him cake) but we just couldn't stop laughing at the request. This picture turned out way better than that one would have anyway.

Our first dance

And some fun Instagram ones for good measure :)

I love this picture! The timing and the filter were perfect.

Changes

I have had a green, 2003 Ford Mustang since February 2005. I have always loved Mustangs and my dream car is a 1967 Fastback. I loved this car.  In the seven and a half years I had it, I only let 3 other people drive it. I washed it myself. It was my baby. On the hottest day of July (it was 106 degrees here in Sacramento) I was stopping by my optometrist to pick up my prescription sunglasses and on my way home, I noticed my air conditioning wasn't very cold. Then, as I was approaching the round about near my house, I heard some terrible noises coming from the engine and then smoke was everywhere. I immediately turned off the  a/c  and drove home.

 

Turns out the  a/c  compressor went out. Which is $1,100 to fix. I don't have $1,100 and I did not want to finance an expense that large, especially when the car itself only blue booked for just over $3,200. As much as I loved my car, at 111,000 miles and now with a broken a/c system, it was time to start looking at our options. Not even the fans worked, which also meant no defroster or heater in the winter. My Fiance was wonderful and switched cars with me since he works earlier and would be driving home at a cooler time of day, so I didn't suffer too much. Even with no a/c I think he enjoyed having a powerful car to drive for a while, but he'd never admit it.

Anyway...I've had my eye on the Kia Optima for over a year now and have been watching out for deals. My original plan was if I ever bought a new car, I would just keep the mustang and buy the new car flat out without trading it in. With our predicament, plans changed. We had originally decided to wait until after the wedding and tax season for our rebate to help with a down payment for a new car, but then one of the local dealers advertised the 2013 Optima at a fantastic deal. We didn't go with the intention of leaving with a new car, simply to check it out and see if it was an option, but at that price, we couldn't turn it up. We ended up trading in the mustang, which covered our portion, so we paid nothing out of pocket and walked away with a brand new, 2013 Kia Optima.

As sad as I was to say goodbye to my mustang, I knew it was time. I know eventually, some time down the road I'll have kids and need a more family friendly car and I think the Optima will be a good choice for that, but it was still sad. Goodbye old friend. You will be missed!

25 Questions: Want To Know More About Me?

I borrowed this post idea from Arianne at Arianne Cruz. This seemed fun and I enjoyed reading her answers. You should check hers out!

1. Do you have any pets?
   Yes, I have 2 cats. A girl, Snickers is 6, and a boy, Spike, who is 4. I love them dearly. They are basically my children.
2. Name 3 things that are physically close to you.
   My It’s a Grind Happy Holidays travel coffee mug, my phone, and my Victoria’s Secret lip gloss in Impulsive.
3. What's the weather like right now?
   Not fall enough! It’s 81 degrees, with a high of 97.
4. Do you drive? If so have you crashed?
   Yes and yes. I’ve had my license since I was 16 and have been involved in three accidents. Only one of which was my fault.
5. What time did you wake up this morning?
   5:30am. I’m usually up by 5:10, but slept in a little.
6. When was the last time you showered?
   Last night.
7. What was the last movie you saw?
   In theater: Batman; The Dark Knight Rises
   At home: The Avengers
   Yes, I'm a comic book reader and superhero fan.
8. What does your last text message say?
   “Okay. I love you George. Have a good morning yourself! Talk to you soon.”
9. What's your ringtone?
   Sugar We’re Going Down by Fall Out Boy. I miss them so much. Get back together already!
10. Have you ever been to a different country?
    Yes, Jamaica.
11. Do you like sushi?
    No, sushi and I do not mix. I’ve tried several different kinds, at several different points in my life and I have hated it every single time. The most recent time being only last month. I don’t like anything that tastes like the ocean.
12. Where do you buy your groceries?
    Safeway, Bel Air, or Target.
13. Have you ever taken medication to help you fall asleep faster?
    Only when I’m sick. Bring on the Nyquil!
14. How many siblings do you have?
    I have two brothers; one older, one younger.
15. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?
    Both, but I prefer a desktop to a laptop.
16. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
    Ugh, I will be 27 next July :(
17. Do you wear contacts or glasses? 
    Yes, I have prescription glasses and sunglasses.
18. Do you color your hair?
    I’m very proud to say I have never put chemicals in my hair. So to answer the question, no, I do not color my hair.
19. Tell me something you are planning to do today. 
    I have my PartyLite unit workshop tonight. I’m looking forward to it! Free pizza :)
20. When was the last time you cried?
    Um…I think August 24th.
21. What is your perfect pizza topping?
    Mushrooms and olives with a white sauce. Delicious!
22. Which do you prefer-hamburgers or cheeseburgers?
    Cheeseburgers.
23. Have you ever had an all-nighter?
    Nope. Well, at least not for school or studying related. I have stayed up for more than 36 hours before. I went to a midnight screening of Serenity, with a 5am shift the next morning, and a motorcycle  ride (one of those long ones with lots of other riders) with my dad after I got off of my shift. It was a long day.
24. What is your eye color?
    Grayish-blue.
25. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke?
    Pepsi is sweeter than Coke, at least I think so. Not sure if I could tell the difference in a blind taste test, haven't tried to.

What are your answers? If you decide to do this, let me know in the comments, and I’ll check it out!

Why I've been MIA

Let's see. I haven't posted in almost 6 months! Where have I been you ask? It's been a crazy 6 months that's for sure.  Where to start…

February. I was surprised with an edible arrangements basket and a beautiful necklace on valentines day.
On Friday, February 17th, I came home to an apartment full of candles, rose petals, and a a handsome, sharply dressed man on one knee. He happened to be holding a great book with a ring inside. It was sweet and romantic and it couldn't have been more perfect. I said yes! We've set the date for 12/12/12 and will be eloping just the two of us. I can't wait!

The pictures don't do the proposal arrangement justice. He was on one knee with the book in the heart when I got home :)

March. We closed escrow on our house and officially became first time home owners! It was a crazy, stressful, and hectic time, but we completed the move successfully. The first "renovation" we made to the home was to take out the glass-slider shower doors from the guest bath and put up a shower curtain. It looks a million times better. Managed to tear down a lot of the old wallpaper that was in the house when we moved in. Still haven't had a chance to paint yet.

April. Finished with everything at the apartment and finally secured everything at the new house. I received a promotion at work. I tried fondue for the first time at a local place called The Melting Pot. I believe it might be a chain, but I'm not sure. It was delicious!

That's an oreo covered marshmallow. Amazing.

May. We went to Wicked! I had been wanting to see the play since 2009 when it was in San Francisco, but the tickets were so expensive it wasn't really possible. So in December when tickets opened up for the Sacramento engagement, I bought right away. Then about 2 weeks later I found out that I had WON a set of 4 tickets to the opening night! I couldn't believe it. So we sold the tickets we had and took some great friend to the show with us.  It was amazing! We also went camping over memorial day weekend. It was cold and rainy pretty much the whole time, but we still had fun :) 

Wicked things

Camping. Saturday afternoon was the nicest of the weekend. We went hiking to University Falls. Forgive my lack of makeup and haircare, it's camping!

June. We went to a Sacramento Rivercats game (the minor league team to the Oakland As) which was a lot of fun. I haven't been to a baseball game in years.

That's actually a hamburger in the shape of a hotdog, with onion pieces inside. It was delicious.

July. My brother's birthday, my birthday, and my car. My poor car. The day I went to pick up my new prescription sunglasses (which I had been so excited about) my car's AC system went out. This day happened to be 106 deg outside. It turns out it's going to be about $1000 to fix, which I don't have, so no fans, no air, and no heater (for when the time comes). Blech. 

My George surprised me for my birthday with a pool! Can you believe that? He spent an afternoon in 100+ degree weather putting this thing together to surprise me. It's so much fun! Just big enough for the yard and to lounge in on the hot Sacramento days. I love it! I have my lounge chair with a cup holder for my drink and can just relax in the water.

So far that's been my last half year. It's been exciting and hectic and I couldn't be happier! I have my fiance, my cats, a home, and a job.  I've been keeping up with my makeup and nail polish obsession. Here are a few manicures and looks I've captured over the past few months. I'm trying out the whole cat-eye/winged liner look and am really liking it!

Audrina's Train Ride

My niece, Audrina, on the train at Small World Park for her second birthday. She loved it! I know you can't tell from the photo, but afterword she wouldn't stop talking about the train. She probably went on it 10+ times.