Simply Christmas

Hey there!

You are probably still sprawled out on the couch, right now- just how they left you last night after dessert! A holiday hangover from all the holiday cookies and grandiose feasts! That's okay, though because the day after Christmas is always weird and low frequency, anyways. Regardless, hopefully you all had a great holiday full of love and memories.

Here are some pics from my nice little Christmas with my mom. A simple, but memorable Christmas. :)

Happy Holidays

Dear You,

No one needs a calender to know that special time of year is here. In honor of the holiday spirit, we naturally feel the need to take care of the ones we love. We get them heartfelt gifts, make them yummy food, and just love the them that we don't always see around the year. We just put a little more effort into what really matters.

I love the holidays.


Wishing you a loving holiday season,
IotaDaily

For the Common Kitchen Klutz

Hello!

So, since the holidays are coming, grand feasts and tasty treats are becoming more and more a concern to the people of the America. It could be causing many a sleepless for those common kitchen klutz, like myself. Even Christmas cookies manifest into terrifying nightmares of vengeful burnt gingerbread men and ho-ho-horrifyingly undercooked Santa Clauses. Not pretty.

This holly jolly, good times wool, the white noise likes to pull over our eyes, with the misleading commercials and idealized TV shows- if it makes you feel any better, here are some cheats from my good friends at TLC for the fellow baker-wannabes that weren't born with a whisk in their hands. I don't like messing up, but if and when I do, I like to know what I did wrong.

For Inquisitive Minds

Good morning, loves!

So as you probably already know, this school year was my first year as being an online scholar. I absolutely love it with the flexibility it gives me. I love it so much that I wrote an argumentative essay about how great it is. Home or online schooling often raises controversy with parents so I thought that what better to write this essay about? Being that I have an inside look at what it's like.

For any inquisitive minds, here is the essay I wrote. After you read, tell me what you think about it. What are your views on alternative education?

Oh, Charlie Dog...

Why my pup takes pleasure in laying on the coffee table is beyond me...

Times Have Changed, My Friends

Jib Jab

Hello!

Okay, so there is this genius website that takes America's love of laughing and lets you give it your personalized touch. From Happy Birthday, to Happy Holidays, to Happy Tuesday- the number of gut wrenching videos is endless! And you know what makes it so funny? It's seeing the faces of your loved ones dancing and singing along. The fact that you know the stars of the video make it just as funny as seeing them in person seranade you- so fun!

Check out a few of my creations:

My three little brothers- no joke, this is them in 10 years!
Break Dancers

My dad and stepmom dancing-
Charleston

Holiday card-
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree



Make your own personalized eCard at www.jibjab.com.

Bringing in the Holidays

 Holiday song that we can relate to as dog owners :)

Dog tags ring, are you listenin'?
... In the lane, snow is glistenin'.
It's yellow, NOT white - I've been there tonight,
Marking up my winter wonderland.

Smell that tree? That's my fragrance.
It's a sign for wand'ring vagrants;
"Avoid where I pee, it's MY pro-per-ty!
Marked up as my winter wonderland."

In the meadow dad will build a snowman,
following the classical design.
Then I'll lift my leg and let it go Man,
So all the world will know it's
mine-mine-mine!

Straight from me to the fencepost,
flows my natural incense boast;
"Stay off of my TURF, this small piece of earth,
I mark it as my winter wonderland.

~ The I love Dachshunds page on Facebook

Thank You, Sir Isaac Newton

Good evening, my loves!

So I was schooling today and in a science lesson (I'm studying Sir Isaac Newton and mass and gravity) and came across this explanation of mass. In response to a previous blog, Me and the World, isn't that so true.

Scientifically, our mass- compared to the mass of other common objects around- us is large. That's why we don't feel a tug from those objects, pulling us in (like how the planets are pulled to the sun by gravity). But our mass compared to the earth is smaaaaaall. We notice the earth's gravity because earth's mass is far greater than our own. -Let me repeat that: earth's mass is far greater than our own.- In turn, the gravitational force acting between relatively small objects is not as strong. That's why books, cars, and dogs are not drawn toward you, and that's also why you don't slide into the person sitting next to you.

Hmm, so in other words: we aren't the center of the world?? Big shock.

Thank you, science, for backing me up on this one.

This isn't directed to anyone, specific, I just love finding ways to relate school to things I'm interested in. It makes it more fun.

BAB-AY!!!

Good evening!

So real quick- I've really been getting into The Cosby Show, here lately, and I just came across this episode, and it just made my heart melt and cheeks smile! The lip-sync is hil-ar-i-ously perfect and little Roody is the best! Here is the Huxtable family serenading Cliff's (Bill Cosby) parents on their 49th wedding anniversary. Enjoy!

Guess What I Got?

A LAVA LAMP!!

Never, in my wildest hippy dreams, could I wish for anything far-er out!

;D

What do Your Kick Back Times Look Like?

I sure do hope you are doing well on this fine Thursday night! The week is coming to a close and that long awaited weekend is gently approaching. Usually on weeknights like these my mom and I take pleasure in kicking back with our puppas and a magazine to enjoy a TV show or two. What are some of your wine down nights rituals?

I have to tell ya that the TV shows have been pretty darn entertaining, recently! My week schedule has come to look like this:

Stovetop Popcorn

Hello loves,

You looking for a way to spice things up on your Friday night movie night? Stovetop popcorn is so much more fun than microwavable! Especially if you've never tried it before! Trader Joes has it- that's where I found mine. Now, it might not be as exciting as the late night thriller you're about to watch, but- hey- it beats lazily counting down the seconds on your microwave screen...

Here are some pics when I tried it out:
I made a pretty good batch!

20 Questions for the Light Hearted

Hi there,

Has it been awhile since you've taken inventory of all the things inside of you? All those memories of your childhood that shaped  who you are, today. Those silly little questions that the way you answer them makes you you. I was browsing the web to find some good questions to ask and came across some really fun ones. Enjoy!

Love Philosophy

Hey lovies!

So I was meditating the other day and this quote came to me. I had to Google it to make sure that I hadn't heard it from somewhere else! Completely origan-al, guys, I am quite proud! This is the first time something has come from my meditation sessions! So here it is, the big debut:

"You have to love the person more than you fear anything else"

Hope you guys like!!

Love,

IotaDaily

Internet Transfer

Hey-lo there!

Just to let you guys know in advance, I am in the process of getting my Internet transferred over to another provider over these next few days so that means that for the next few days I will be Internet-less. Further more, no IotaDaily. :(  The guy is scheduled to come on Wednesday afternoon to give me back Internet again, so until then- for a person who gets her TV through the Internet (Hulu rocks)- I will be watching a lot of movies and reading lots of books. I promise to get back to you as soon as it's back up! Stay tuned until Thursday!!

Thanks for your patience!

Dancing Fingers

Good morning guys!

Hope you're enjoying your relaxing Saturday morning so far! Check out this new Chanel commercial. It's so cute and such a simple idea. You can't help but want to let your fingers dance along.... :)

Have a great day!

Daily Dose Makes it to Facebook!

Hi sweets!


Do you happen to be apart of the wonderful occult they call Facebook? Do you find yourself spending too much of your lunch break on Facebook, then you do on Daily Dose? Does that make you sad? Well, get ready to turn that frown upside down because Daily Dose has hit Facebook! That's right, Daily Dose (Personal Blog) has broken into Facebook and is ready to steal the eyes of millions!


...Okay guys, ouch! Daily Dose is not literally going to steal your eyes, I promise. But perhaps it might steal your heart with all the heart-warming posts and motherly advice... Who know what could happen when you click that "Like" button? You'll never know until you do...


"Like" Daily Dose on Facebook, TODAY!
Daily Dose Facebook

Unbelievably November

Happy November, guys!

Can you believe it's November already? I mean, no duh, you look at your calender and see it: November 1st- you have hard core proof showing you that it is, indeed, November already, but can you BELIEVE it? September just about came and went and October was pulled out right from under our fashionable Halloween capes, and then now here we are. Unbelievable!

... You know, except from the hard core evidence the calender brings to the table. Then, it is completely believable, as we covered before.

*Sigh* It seems words cannot describe the discontentment I feel as the end of the year approaches.



Oh how you lie, calender,
It most certainly does not feel like November....

Feeling: Nostalgic.

Happy Halloweeeen!!

BOO!!

Hello, out there, to all of you ghastly ghouls, grumbling goblins, and wicked witches! Today- or should I say tonight- shall be the a night of outrageous costumes, assortments of candies, and begging, lots of begging! Though polite, that is basically what we are doing, you know that right? ... ;D

I am sad to say that this year I will not be trick or treating, due to the fact that I would much rather enjoy kicking back and watching the trick or treaters, not being one... Well with that said, my mama and I will be walking the neighborhood, people watching then returning home to pass out more candy! And how very excited we are!

Now, it's no joke that the big motivating factor in this crazy concept of the great Halloween is the candy. No one is going to want to walk down a street in a costume for the simple joy of exercise. What's the fun in that!? It's the candy, people. It's those little bars of goodness that is enough to motivate kids across the nation to walk the streets for hours and hours, until their tiny legs can't take anymore. It's true.

So, tell me, what's your favorite candy? Studies show that the Top 5 favorite candy bars of the nation are: Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Kit Kat, and Butterfingers. Leave your answer in the poll section below!

Have a great Halloween, guys! See you tomorrow!



Have fun,
IotaDaily

Sunday Outing

Hello,

This Sunday the family decided to come out from our nice little apartment and visit the world for a little bit. We visited the San Diablo Foothills and strolled through the hills as the pups ran free- off leash for a change! Stay tuned for more Sunday- Fun-day pictures and our adventures through our brand new home.

Hope you enjoy!

Johnny the Bagger

Hola, mis amigos!


Hope you are having an awesome day so far! And if you aren't, I'm sorry, but I bet I can make it better!

I came across this video- again from my mom- when she came home from work after talking to her boss, Mitzy. Remember how I talked about the Mitzy System? Well, it turns out that the Mitsy System was inspired by Johnny the Bagger.  My mom and I watched the video pretty blindly. Therefore, I am not going to tell you what Johnny the Bagger is about, but just that it is very inspirational and that it made my mom tear up a bit.

Full disclosure: it might not look interesting in the beginning, but it gets more into it as it goes on.

Please enjoy and be inspired by Mr.Johnny the Bagger.

Go Be Productive,

IotaDaily

The Mitzy System

Hi love bugs!

You are going to love this. So a few days ago, my mom came home telling me that she has a bedtime story for my baby blog. She said that her amazing boss has a secret to her success. My mom, being a success junkie herself, asked what it was. My mom's boss said that instead of taking ownership in an idea that she had and moving forward- using the idea that was clearly stated as her idea- she makes it to where it is the team's idea. Mitzy, my mom's boss, makes it to where the idea that she had in her head is thought up of in the teams head, without Mitzy having to say it. By doing this, it was an idea the team came up with, not Mitzy, the boss.

My mom and I both love Mitzy to pieces because she does these things. She is so sweet and considerate of the team and others (like me, who is clearly not working as an employee), but also is a boss and has won many awards for her initiative and strife for getting things done. By operating this way, Mitzy accomplishes both of these things: being considerate of the team and having them participate in contributing, as well as having the office run efficiently and productively. And I think just having the team feel like they are contributing, makes the office run more efficiently because there is communication and a relationship behind the boss and the employees.  Nobody likes being TOLD what to do but love sharing ideas and working together.

If this does not apply to you in the sense that you don't have a job, think of other ways the Mitsy System can work in your life.



Keep Moving Forward,
IotaDaily

Trip Pics

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

So yesterday I told you all about my exciting journey in following my heart. Today, I'll show you some pictures of the not-so-glamorous trip out there! The poor pups were confined to the backseat and pushed their tiny little snouts as close to the front seats as possible! I think they must have gotten carsick at some point in time.... luckily our car came out reasonably clean for having two diggidies in the backseat- their hot, smelly breath blowing against the max-powered AC.... yum.

One tip for traveling with dogs,

....Try to avoid it by all cost!

Honey, I'm Home!

Hey honey!


We did it! 12 hours, one cramped car ride, and four enthusiastic passengers hopped in the car and made the journey-took the risk- of following our hearts to the one place it's always been: California!

Over the weekend, my mom, myself, and my two long haired doxies packed our car with all of our most precious possessions and took off on a rather exciting excavation across the country! ... Okay, so maybe it wasn't across the country, per say, but it sure did feel like it!

My poor pups were confined to the backseat on top a pile of blankets and pillows, having to make do with whatever space they could get! They must have gotten carsick at some point because they started getting closer and closer toward the front of the car. That middle section between the two front seats with the armrest in the middle, yeah, well Charlie, the younger one, was practically glued to it the whole time! This was his first road trip and I don't think he enjoyed it too much- he whined the whole time. Well, except for maybe the last 30 minutes! ... Of course, he was sitting in my lap by that time. Was the only way we could get him to be quiet!

Florence + The Machine Newbie

Why hello there!


Check out this Florence + The Machine song. It's a remix with the band, The XX (you might remember their song, Intro from a previous posting) which makes it definately different than Florence's others, but still has her beautiful voice, so you know it's good! ;)


You've Got the Love


Pay it Forward,
IotaDaily

Ingenius Cure for Hiccups

Hey there!

So yesterday night, my mom and I were watching some Dancing with the Stars and had just got finished gobbling down our dinner when something really exciting must have happened on DTWS because I hiccuped. Still with food in my esophagus, this was a little nauseating so I got up and got a glass of water. I hiccuped again. The storm had begun.

My hiccups started becoming more and more frequent and violent. The sound coming out of my throat echoed through the house as my body jolted as if it had just been zapped by a defibrillator. They were not getting any better and water nor deep breaths could save me now.

In the act of saving my own life- as my dear mummy to the left of me could not contain her laughter- I rushed over to the computer and Googled "how to cure hiccups." Now note that my typing skills were not at their prime in this moment of utter fear and frenzy so the words were formed in between jolts. Once I hit enter, the first link that came up was a 30 Second Cure for Hiccups. Of course I was extremely impatient so I was just going for the first link I saw, but somehow it was divinely the link that, indeed, worked.

After following the 6 simple steps (with no props needed, I may add) I was cured! Slightly out of breath from the exercise and the 20 minute episode I just endured, but my hiccups were cured! A miracle, I would say. My life was on the line for just a second, there. Thank goodness I am healed.

So if your life is ever threatened from this nasty thing we call hiccups, a cure:

How Can You Not LOVE It?

Hey guys,

So today, I am choosing to come out of the closet with my passionate love affair that has been going on for quite some time now. Some may call it wrong or say I am a freak of nature... but guys, I have to be honest, here.

Okay, so here it goes: I am in love with the new Coldplay song, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall. There, I said it! Man it sure does feel good to get that off my chest! I've been discretely tappin' my toes and boppin' my finger to this song for god knows how long and I don't how much longer I could've taken it!

Well... now that it's out, you might as well meet my new love.... Every Teardrop is a Waterfall by Coldplay. Beautiful video, beautiful lyrics, beautiful melody- I'm in love. Accept me for it.

 

Don't Judge,

IotaDaily

Seriously, Let's Just Talk it Out

Hey sweeties!

So I was just ho-humming along in my grammar book today, doin' the daily grind, as I came across this slightly proverb-ic sample sentence:

The way to solve many problems is in a simple conversation.

How true is that! We make things so much harder than they need to be by not just talking it out! All this fooey about "the silent treatment" and holding your tongue just a) prolongs this uncomfortable energy between you and the other parties involved and b) is just like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. The only person you are hurting by not sitting down and having a simple conversation about the elephant in the room- the only person you are hurting is you.

Seriously, just talk it out. A load will be taken off of you by doing so and being alleviated of this load, will free up all this energy that you can put towards other things that promote you being productive!

So life lesson within a grammar lesson! All in a day's work here on Daily Dose!



Keep Moving Forward,
IotaDaily


P.S.  So how do you think the infinitive phrase is used in that sentense? ...Just humor me- scroll down to the polls section under the subscribe area (hint, hint) and click on what you think. Thanks guys! :)

• noun as subject
• noun as predicate nominative
• adjective
• adverb

My Bucket List

What's yours? I'd love to know! Comment section below!! :)

Video Quality

Hi everyone! Hope you are having a rock star day, so far!


A Tip for Video Quality on Daily Dose:


As I was watching some of the videos I have posted on this blog, I realized that the video quality is not always so amazing. Especially with videos that have words. It must be because it's through YouTube, you cannot enlarge the screen with that little button. I played with it for a little bit and noticed that if you just click on the middle of the screen in the video, it will take you to an external link where you can view the screen more comfortably. This goes the same with pictures, as well.


Sorry guys! I know it's just another step added into your busy, busy lives, but just hang in there! ;)





Hope this helps,
IotaDaily

INGNITE YOUR SOUL Motivational Video

This video is so inspiring! I can just watch it over and over! Brilliant quotes + beautiful artwork + rock star music = one awesome motivational video! Watch and love! Enjoy.




Be Your Extraordinary You,
IotaDaily

I Am Me and You are You

Do you ever find yourself saying, "I can't believe that person...." or "What was that guys thinking? That __________ (fill in with your word of choice) just cut me off!"? Do you ever hear yourself being so frustrated at people? "The nerve of some people," right?



I have to admit, I catch myself giving my two cents about what I think of that person's actions from time to time. But I realized something a few weeks ago while have lunch with a friend of mine that made me think twice about my two cents.



As humans, we are (typically) raised by our parents with a certain moral standpoint. We are raised to realize right from wrong. They tell us what side of the sidewalk to walk on down a two way street, when to speak while adults are having a conversation, and more serious than that, they tell us what religious paths we should follow, what political sides to hang your hat on, even what people fall into different categories of relationships. They are merely speaking from their own morals their parents told them. This is good, for without our parents telling us these things, we might not know what categories we fall into.


...Or it is?


From these lessons our parents have installed in us, we base our whole lives around who to talk to, who to agree with, and who get involved with. As we age, we get more and more set in our ways, putting your hand up to all those other naysayers out there. We build up barriers and walls to intentionally separate ourselves from the unwanted people of this diverse earth. It is not just you, it's everyone. Everyone putting up impenetrable walls to all kinds of people. To an extent, it makes sense. I mean, you are not necessarily going to go and make friends with an ex-serial killer, are you? To an extent this categorizing technique protects us. To an extent.



What happens when it is just a regular person? He's just walking down the street, minding his own business. No criminal appearance, no immediate red flags- they're safe. Our parents taught us to be nice and make friends, right? So we converse with this seemingly normal stranger. The deeper and deeper we get into the conversation, we start to get a look at how the person thinks. This is when those red flags start popping up. You seem to hit a tough spot when you ask a question and find out that, "oh, they are Christian," or "oh, they are a republican," or "oh, gosh, they are gay!" Those barriers come shooting up. Next thing you know, they are talking more about these red flag triggers and that's when serious judgment starts. "They are actually proud being a republican?" And then it ends up being the topic at the dinner table- "I can't believe this person ___________." No longer a normal stranger off the street. (All of the common categories I just listed were only used as examples.)



You see how quick it is people click from normal guy to righteous republican? Just a few words and judgments are made. We, as people really don't give anyone a chance. Now that the person has an opposing view, we immediately block them out. Like I said, the world is such a diverse place; you can't escape opposition. True, you may not want to be best friends with the guy, but if anything, detour the conversation. It's so easy to block people out, but it is so much more beautiful letting people in.



I guess what I am saying is that we, as humans, immediately jump to conclusions and assume that that type of person is a certain way, or that guy that cut you off is a bad person when if you look at the big picture, they are just being them. Instead of resisting them, just take a step back and remind yourself that I am me, and you are you. *MMS...



The people in this world are so much better than we give them credit for. You are going to be frustrated sometimes, but whatever that person just did is exactly that- what that person just did. You may not agree with the action, the person, or the world in general at that moment, but it is not your place to make a quick judgment about them. It is your place to not agree, but to remind yourself of how you are not them. We are all humans, here. We are all just trying to live our lives the best we were taught. It may be different than yours, but that is why you are you.




You are You,
IotaDaily

Inner Child

Sometimes, it's okay to embrace your inner child....

Stay Free,

IotaDaily

Sundae, Sunday

It's Sundae, Sunday! Yay!! 

To enhance this days Sunday-ness, I have attached a link to some songs that I absolutely LOVE to listen to while relaxing on my bed on Sundays. I hope you enjoy your day!



Sunday Soundtracks




Stay Smiling!
(... that would be REALLY painful... don't do that!)
IotaDaily

Word Verifications

Howdy, ya'll!


Okay, so is everyone familiar with those pesky word verifications? You know, the things that make you type in words after you write all your comments on Daily Dose? Yes? Well, I never knew what the reason was for this inhumane act of tediousness, so I took a little field trip! (Really, it wasn't anything special- I Googled it. :/ )
Image via Wikipedia
What do you think the reason is behind this madness? My mom and I came up with sobriety test, a test to see if you are human, a vision test (which if it was, I can't even pass it sometimes!), and a stupidity test! What could it be.....

As it turns out, those jumbled up letters are actually a spam test. You can't just post anything, from anywhere because if a post accidentally got an unwanted buddy attached to it, it could shut the whole website down! I know, what would you do without Daily Dose? Well, you do not have to worry because we've got backup! Next time you are complaining about "GDERFFLE" in funky, smushed together text, remember that it's just Daily Dose's way of saying "We are looking out for you!"





P.S. While attemping to respond to a comment, the word-question I got for my "sobriety test": doping!


Stay Safe,
IotaDaily

For the Worry Warts

A good friend of my moms and mine has a great perspective of life and talks all about how she sees it. Here is one of her articles in her weekly newsletters we have subscribed to- love it!!!!

A SELF-CREATED STATE~ Worry

"Worry is an extension of fear and can also set you up for attracting that which you don't want in your life.

We have all had the experience of worrying about something at some point in our lives. Some of us have a habitual tendency to worry, and all of us have known someone who is a chronic worrier. Worry is an extension of fear and can be a very draining experience. In order for worry to exist, we have to imagine that something bad might happen. What we are worrying about has not happened yet, however, so this bad thing is by definition a fantasy. Understood this way, worry is a self-created state of needless fear. Still, most of us worry.

One reason we worry is because we feel like we're not in control. For example, you might worry about your loved ones driving home in bad weather. There is nothing you can do to guarantee their safe passage, but you worry until you find out they have reached their destination unharmed. In this instance, worry is an attempt to feel useful and in control. However, worrying does nothing to ensure a positive outcome and it has an unpleasant effect on your body, mind, and spirit. The good news is that there are ways to transform this kind of worry so that it has a healing effect. Just as worry uses the imagination, so does the antidote to worry. Next time you find that you are worrying, imagine the best result instead of anticipating the worst outcome. Visualize your loved ones, path bathed in white light and clearly see in your mind's eye their safe arrival. Imagine angels or guides watching over them as they make their way home. Generate peace and well-being instead of nervousness and unease within yourself.

Another reason we worry is that something that we know is pending but are avoiding is nagging us an unpaid parking ticket, an upcoming test, an issue with a friend. In these cases, acknowledging that we are worried and taking action is the best solution. If you can confront the situation and own your power to change it, you'll have no reason to worry."

Written wonderfully by the marvelous Mary Powers.


If you want to hear more of what Mary Powers has to say, click on her name and it will take you straight to her web address, where you can sign up for weekly newsletters.

How to Lead Your Best Life

Top of the mornin' to ya!


Well, lovies, today I have one of my favorite dosages (postings) that speaks right to my soul. It actually is from one of my favorite blogs, CA Yogi. I love everything from the way CAYogi arranges her words, to the deep message she conveys. Love it, love it, love it! Any free time you get from reading Daily Dose, check out www.cayogi.com- there's some profound stuff on there!

 

What do you mean by "LEADING Your Best Life?"

Lead Your Best Life,
IotaDaily

Go Forth



Go Forth,

IotaDaily

10 Years Strong

Good morning, everyone.


So, as I am sure you know, today is a very a nostalgic day that has people all over the U.S. going back 10 years ago to September 11, 2001.


I don't have much to say, given the fact that I was only 3 years old when ashes filled the air on that eerie day in New York City, NY and Arlington, VA, but all I can say is just how much respect I have for America. Every single American citizen should feel so proud and so honored to be able to call yourself a survivor. This day, this seemingly tragic day, should not be about how grief-stricken we are that this happened to us, this day should be about how proud we are to have pulled through this and having become a stronger country for doing so. We are a resilient, but we do hurt. The goal is to pull together when things get tough. Together we will hurt, but together, we shall rise.

Image via Wikipedia

We Will Rise,
IotaDaily

How to Sushi

Hola mi amor!

So do you remember a few posts back when I talked about my wonderful adventure through the Mekong Asian Market? Well, the shrimp rice wraps my mom and I wanted to make were... horrible. I'm not gonna sugar coat it- they were slimy, chewy, and crunchy all at the same time! Note to self: next time, eat it with the sauce!

Although shrimp rice wraps were off the Iota CookBook, we just so happened to pick up a bamboo roller thing-a-mobab and with the left over shrimps made California Rolls! It's a tricky from a birds eye view (it took a few replays on the Youtube video) but after you get the hang of it, they are just so dang fun!

Here is the short version of how to make them- enjoy!

You will need:

• non roasted seaweed flats
• depooped shrimp (medium sized is fine)
• white rice
• cucumber, avocado, carrots- whatever floats your boat
• and one bamboo roller thing-a-mabob

How to make:

Take your bamboo roller and stretch it out. Put one seaweed flat on top. Smear a thin layer of rice over the seaweed, but leave about 2" clean. At the opposite end, place your ingredients in one horizontal line. Then, take the end of the bamboo roller from that same side and fold it over all of your ingredients, then cup them all together. Take the bamboo roller back, leaving your cupped ingredients, then roll the cup forward (with the bamboo roller) and cup again. Repeat until you have a long cylinder roll. There should be that 2" extra seaweed that you left clean just kind of hanging out. With that, take some water and dab it over the that seaweed sticking out, attaching it to the rest of the roll. Now, you should have a long roll. Just take a knife (dip in some water for cleaner cutting) and cut up the sushi into fourths and serve.

Serve with soy sauce and wasabi and ginger, if desired.


And that pretty much it! Easy, right?
...

Oh, just Youtube it!

Half a Dozen Handies for Handling Heart to Hearts

Can you remember when the last time was that you just needed to get something off your chest? Something you just could not hold in anymore. Whether it was how you were the one who knocked over mom's favorite vase, or how ugly you find your besties new favorite pair of shoes to be- it just had to come out. You feel like a horrible person for saying it out loud, but even worse holding your tongue! What do you do? How do you handle situations like this?

I've been here... plenty of times. It plays a number on your stress levels, and is like the State Standardized Tests of your conscious. Over and over you play different scenarios in your head, trying to figure out the best way to put it, but every time you think you are going to say it, you just can't seem to bring yourself to do it. So it sits in that frontal lobe of your brain, like a tumor, getting bigger and bigger with everyday you hold it in.


Here are Daily Dose's Half a Dozen Handies for Handling Heart to Hearts:

1. Mean what you say, say what you mean, but don't say it mean.
2. Nothing happens until something moves. Not doing anything will do exactly that- not do anything.
3. Bugs and wishes- It bugs me when you ________ and I wish you would __________.
4. Put your head in your stomach. Don't speak from your head because nine times out of ten, it will not come out nicely.
5. Speak from your heart- ground yourself before talking and think about only the key things you want to say. This way, it comes across very clear, not all mumble-jumbled.
6. Be yourself, stay humbled, always do your best, and as they say- God will do the rest.

Let me just emphasize that these things are not meant to be hard! It sure does feel like it, but they are not meant to eat you alive- they are designed as a test for the human conscious to see how strong it is. Although you feel like it is "like the hardest thing you have ever had to do, in the history of the universe," these things are put in our way in order for us to learn how to handle them. So then next time we realize that it is not a matter of what happened or how the other person takes it, it is a matter of just getting it out. Because in retrospect, it is better being the one who said what they needed to say and opened up that window of communication, than being the one who is unhappily, internally dealing with the problem.

It builds intimacy. Once it is out of you, it is up to the person(s) on what they will do with it. It could go one of two ways:

• You can either both say your peace, hug and make up, and move forward being stronger than before,            or
• You can say your peace, the other person pushes you away, and you move on being lucky that that relationship- the one that does not accept you being you- is not as predominate in your life any more and move on to find one that does accept you. And let me just tell you, that if a person loves you for you, they will push through it.

It really is that simple.

So next time a cancerous situation is overtaking your conscientious mind, just remind yourself that it is not the end of the world if you say or don't say what you need to say- it might actually be the beginning of a new one. One with or without this weighing on you. So keep your chin up, hold yourself high, and never hold yourself back from saying something you genuinely feel needs to be said. The person will or will not get through it, but once you get it out, it will make it a whole lot easier moving forward.



Stay True to You,
IotaDaily

Roll Covers

Houston, we have a problem: Toilet Paper Cozies.

Cottonelle is getting into the minds of millions, convincing them that their rolls of toilet paper have been laying around in the nude, everything hanging loose (if you know what I mean), for their whole lives and now we need to cover them up. Craziness! It's a trick! Don't buy into it! It is just more- though clever and funny- commercial propaganda bologna and a cheap way of making money.

Now, I know it sounds very tempting and now all you can think about it your toilet paper laying around, al natural, but you do not need it. Repeat after me: I do not need that roll cover, I do not need that roll cover, I do not need that roll cover...

...


I think I need that roll cover!!

California's Calling

Hi there, it's me again. How are you?

Oh, that's great!

Me? I'm just fabulous, thank you for asking! I actually have something I have been meaning to tell you!

What is it? Well, you just have to guess!

.... Okay, I'll just go ahead and tell you because you'll never guess it!


(How'd you like my conversation with myself? They say it's scaring when you start talking to yourself, but I think it just make the conversation more interesting! Who are "they" anyways?)


Big news my friends! Over the summer time, my mom and I have been doing a lot of research and a lot of back and forthing, but, now, it is official- I am moving to California, baby! Even toned weather, beautiful sand in my toes and sea breeze in my face, seasons that actually change- that's the life! After our first move to San Diego, about 5 years ago, my mom and I decided that our hearts were in California. It was only recently that we decided to take on a new form of the California we knew ("SoCal") and set our tracks on Northern California ("NoCal") in the San Francisco Bay Area. It's less surfer dudes and more hiker/biker/kayaker people and that is right up our allies! We were always California girls, so now we will be living our truth! *MMS...

So yes, big news. I will no longer be living here in Phoenix, AZ, but it will always hold a special spot in my heart!

Until next time, my loves!



Keep Moving Forward,
IotaDaily

Hang in There

Remember: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, THEN Friday!

Hang in there,
IotaDaily

Konichiwa

Konichwa!

Yes, I'm Japanese for the day. Does it suit me well?


Well, the reason for this sudden change in nationality: last Thursday, I had the privelage a visiting Arizona's finest, Mekong Asian Market. My mama and I were in search of the ingredients for some shrimp rice wraps we had seen in a magazine, a few weeks back.


Now, this was a very humbling experience for me! It was like going to the Arizonian Chinatown! A whole different culture, inside that place. It was definately something that stuck with me (including that nasty fish smell!) So memorable, that I had the opportunity to write a memoir for school, right around this time and I wrote all about my revolation! If you would like to hear about it, I wrote all about it in "I Speak: This Week" spilling all my rants and raids- you are more than welcome to check it out!

Enjoy!


Stay cultured,
IotaDaily

Keep Your Pants On...

How you doin'?


It's no secret that styles have changed over the last 100 years. The tables have flipped, the leaves have been turned,- many, many times- the story's been revised, but no matter what, the goal has always stayed the same: people still keep their pants on. Let's be thankful for that. Here's a quicky of how much we really have changed in the last 100 years. Enjoy!

Embrace the Change,
IotaDaily

Evil Dragons- What Can 'Ya Do?

Hey guys. Okay, so I could sit here and tell you this fluffed up story about how I wasn't blogging because I was deserted on a desert island for the past 2 weeks and had absolutely no contact with the outside world or to my HP Desktop computer... I could tell you that... But I won't.


I will tell you the truth: Last Friday night, as I was far off in deep dreamland, I was swept by my feet in the dark and twisted witching hours, by a vicious dragon. He captured me and held me captive in the highest tower of the highest castle and refused to let me go, for I was just too beautiful to let slip away. It took some pretty harsh words to escape his grasp, but I shattered his heart to pieces and he let me go. I just got back home, last night and wept tears of joy, for I was alas, reunited with my bed pillows and my 526 Build-a-Bears that comfort me and watch over me as I sleep. Sad story, yes, but it's the truth.


Well, now that that's all cleared up, I kinda have grown fond of the theme I have had going here, with the everyday Dosages (postings), so.... I think I am just gonna stick with that, but you will know that it's really September 14th, on this side of the computer screen. ;)




My Deepest Condolences,
IotaDaily

Remember September?

Hello, September. How are you? You haven't changed much, but it sure is nice to see you again.

Leaves are changing colors, the air is getting crisper, days are becoming shorter- autumn is near, my friends! Well, at least for normal people who get the privilege of kicking golden leaves down the colorfully picturesque sidewalk! Oh how I wish! Fall in Arizona is that one day where you walk outside in the normal shorts and a T shirt and you think it's the typical 90 degrees and then are so rudely immersed in icy cold chill. It must be the thin air... not a fan of the unexpected! Brrrrrr!

Well, one of my favorite things about the not-so-changing seasons is the ability to walk into those yummy candle shops and inhale that invitingly wholesome cinnamon- pumpkin aroma. Love it! So that's why, just a few days ago when I went shopping with my grandma, (okay, I know, just lay off because she is actually cool... some might even say "hip") I told her that we just HAD to go and make at least one stop at a Yankee Candle or a Bath and Body Works. So we did, because there is no arguing with my inferior puppy eyes and needless to say, I was in hea-ven!

Any who, 45 minutes and $60 later, we walked out with new lotion, shower gel, a gorgeous candle and candle cozy to kick off the holiday season! (Did you know that it is not even October yet and they already have CHRISTMAS decorations out!!! Madness!!) Can you believe I just said candle cozy!? According to the info lady at the store, "it's all the rage!" Not exactly my words, but if it makes people buy more candles, it can't hurt! Only downside of the day: my sniffer is still stuffed from smelling all the holiday candles. :( Although I don't think a stuffy nose is going to keep me off my candle addiction anytime soon! 

Oh, yes, the joys of the holidays. My favorite times of the year, by the way! I just hope that the essence of autumn is enough bring them early on, this year. A girl can only dream...



Just Keep Dreaming,
IotaDaily

Pulls Me Through

"Be yourself,
Stay humbled,
Do your best.
And, as they say,
God
Will do the rest."

 ~Mama

Word of the Day

Hello there,

I don't know why, but this word has been stuck in my head, lately. For some reason it is just constantly replaying itself lik a broken record! Scruple, scruple, scruple- enough! So I took that as a sign to do something with it, so now I am doing something with it! Use it wisely. Enjoy.


scru- ple

[skroo-puhl]

noun, verb, -pled, -pling. noun

1. a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions.

2. a very small portion or amount.

3. a unit of weight equal to 20 grains (1.295 grams) or ¹ / ₃ of a dram, apothecaries' weight.

4. an ancient Roman unit of weight equivalent to ¹ / ₂₄ of an ounce or ¹ / ₂₈₈ of an as or pound. Compare as² ( def. 2 ) .

Scruple,

IotaDaily

Distracting Distractions

Happy Motivational Monday, folks! Ready, or not, here it comes!

So since today is typically a day where people are "getting back to the daily grind," a lot of times you might find yourself having a hard time concentrating, or constantly being distracted. Well, I found this fascinating video that teaches you how to distract you from your distractions. Although it might not be the most practical, I found myself compelled to share it with you and hopefully it lightens up your marvelous Motivational Monday!

Stay Motivated!
IotaDaily

Stereotypical Weekdays

Okay, so tomorrow is another Manic Monday, again. *sigh*

I know that people typically don't like this day. I have heard words like "dreadful," and "tedious." But, honestly, Mondays are tragically misinterpreted! They are meant to be the beginning of our weeks, not the end of our weekends! But somehow it has translated into our minds- from the very start- that Monday means, "Its time to stop having fun and get back to work."

Well, what I say to you is: seriously? You don't let your life control you- you control your life.*MMS... You are going to let things like stupid stereotypical weekdays bring you down? You should know, right now, that stereotypical weekdays have no place on this blog. So suck it up and look at this Monday, and all the Mondays to come not as Manic Mondays, but Motivational Mondays! You know, or, you could just continue being overwhelmed with intimidation every seven days. It's your choice, but I have to say that, my friend, is just a terrible way to live!




Keep in Control,
IotaDaily

Week 3, Day 21

Week No.3 and still in love with my beautiful blog! I really hope you've enjoyed my rants and raids and have stayed with me long enough to get a feel for what Daily Dose is all about! I know I tend to talk a lot, but I really would love to hear what you have to say, too! Laugh, cry, leave a reply!


So, because this is another special day, I though I would include a gluten- free recipe for cupcakes. You know, considering I would have brought cupcakes to celebrate if you could actually eat them. They are so delicious, you would have never have known they had absolutely no wheat in them! My mouth is watering, as we speak, so without further ado- here is a celebratory cupcake for Week No.3!

Gluten- Free Vanilla Cupcakes w/ Mocha Icing

Keep Talking,
IotaDaily


P.S. Recipe and picture from Gluten Free Goddess. Go to http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/ for many more gluten free recipes.

Smartphone Dorks

Hidey ho, reader- oh! It's Friday!!


In the name of this long awaited and cherished day, I have a down-right hilarious video that I laugh at every time I watch it! Whether it's the guy at the beginning with his deep voice or the three smartphone dorks, I can't help but chuckle when I see it! I think I'm most attracted to it because I can relate to the dorkiness factor of it...

Now I love all the Geico commercials- I think they are genuis-ly designed to make people repeat it word-for-word! Like last night, my mom and I were going back and forth with the, "Can switching to Geico," trying to match our voices to the guy at the beginning. Though I don't have one, I know enough about smartphone apps for this to make me smile!



Enjoy your Friday!!!





Stay happy,
IotaDaily

When You Wake Up

Salutataions!

How are you all today? Good, I hope! :)


So today, my mama says me to pay attention to what you are doing when you wake up. You see, she believes it is important information that we are getting from something beyond ourselves right before we wake up, and right as we are falling asleep at night. Now, I don't know if you believe in a higher power or a God or whatever you want to call it- I concider it all basically the same thing- but I do know that I have gotten the ideas for some of my most inciteful and meaningful pieces of written work right when I wake up.

I know that when we get up in the morning we have gunk in our eyes, horrid morning breath, and are probably pretty groggy and out of it, but- if you can- try to remember what you just dreampt about or if there was anything in specific that you were thinking about (other than coffee), you might just get a masterpiece!


So that's all my mama has to say today! Enjoy!



Pay Attention,
IotaDaily

Grandpa's Midnight Snack

Hello, loves!



So, while I was surfing the web the other day, I came across this very cool baking video. I know what your thinking- "Cool baking video? This is, seriously, the best you can come up with?" But don't judge based on my lack for better adjectives! It's not like your typical youtube video, where someone just turned their video camera on and started doing stuff. It's actually relaxing.

I know the sound of beet cake makes your hair turn gray, but I'm sure it is not that bad. It probably just sounds like something you would find your grandparents splurging on for a midnight snack. I know, I know, it doesn't give it much credibility for the fact that I have not actually tried it, myself, but the video was just so beautiful I just could not wait! Although my attempts will probably not be as photogenic, it has inspired me to make it. And I will get back to you on how that goes. But for now, just sit back and watch the video! For you, my loves!


Stay healthy!
IotaDaily


P.S. If you liked this, you can check out more videos by Tiger in a Jar on http://www.vimeo.com/.

Which Intelligence Are You?

So here we are- Monday, again!

I know, not the funest day of the week, not an easy- breezy Sunday, nor a normal, status-quo Tuesday, but look at it this way: they only come every 7 days! Well, to kick off the new week, I thought that I would share with you a quick quiz I took last year. Maybe it will give you a clearer picture on how you learn and make this week, and weeks to come easier to handle.

So, I took this test at the very beginning of my seventh grade school year and thought it was really cool! You answer the questions given and it calculates your score on which multiple intelligence section you are strongest in. Which ever one that is, is supposedly how you learn best. Whether it be through visual pictures, moving around and physically doing things, or through musical songs and hums, that is how you are able to catch onto things best. It was a great tool for my middle school teachers to know how to get the lesson through our thick skulls! ;) If you like taking tests and learning things about yourself, click on the link below and it will bring you to the site. You can take the test, see your results, and learn about the different intelligences. Which intelligence are you?


Multiple Intelligences Test

Hang in There,
IotaDaily

Her Morning Elegance

Hey, loves!

It's Sunday fun-day! And today, do I have something to share with you! I with this post, I attached my favorite video ever! I've probably watched this video, oh, a good... 50 times! It was made by a bunch of still photo shots played consecutively to create a video stream. How cool is that? And the song is perfect for the video, which always makes flow things better. :) I love, I'm sure you'll love it, so now, I shall share this masterpiece with you- enjoy!

My Sister's Closet

Hello, hello, hello!

Are you interested in cute clothing, but only budgeted for some much to spend? If you are living in the state of Arizona, my friend, My Sister's Closet is the place to go!

My Sister's Closet is a consignment business that, with your help, makes money off of your clothes. But even better: they help you make money off of your clothes! You take a collection of unwanted clothing to a shop in your area, give it to the people who will sort through which ones they think will sell, and while they are doing that, you can walk around and scope the store out for yourself. Now, the My Sister's Closets are not just your typical consignment shop- they have standards. First off, their store is always decorated and all dolled up with cute accessories that make you feel like you are anywhere, but a consignment store. As far as clothing, they will only take clothes that have a certain brand. Absolutely no dirty stains or tares. And the clothes they take have to be generally cute so they can sell. And trust me, these standards make for good shopping- you can find designer brand clothing for practically nothing! So in this short time period, you have gotten rid of unwanted clothing and picked out new ones! And best part: you're account will grow and grow with every time someone buys one of your pieces.

This this is great for starving fashionistas, looking for quality clothing and some extra cash. With the money in your account, you could have a store credit- where you use that money on anything in the store- or you could "cash out" with just a few bucks less than the store credit and spend that money anywhere!

Folks I'm not joking, here! I love this store and find great pieces that I love to wear! It is worth a peek!
From my closet to yours: Enjoy!



Stay savvy!
IotaDaily

Berry Goodness

Berry Goodness

• 1/3 cup of organic pomegranates
• 1/3 cup of organic raspberries
• 1/3 cup of organic blueberries
• 1/3 cup of beet juice (it sounds bad, but really it makes the smoothie!)
• 1 organic banana
• water
• ice (optional)

Story Time

"Okay, so once upon a time, there was these friends: 1/3 of pomegranates, 1/3 of raspberries, 1/3 cup of blueberries, and, well, you know the rest of the crew. At 5:59 AM, right before the doors of Trader Joe's were about to unlock, everyone shot a quick glance at one another, and mouthed, "This is the day," with a subtle nod. They don't know how it happened, but they had become the food that everyone seemed to just... miss. As the expiration dates crept closer and closer, and the hours ticked on, you could practically smell ethylene gasses in the air. The crew was starting to get nervous. Poor, lonely, stand- alone banana's skin started to bruise with pain as he watched all of his friends get snatched right from under him. Who would want just one banana when they can get five for the same price? Perhaps the young lady and her mother out, smoothie shopping? Possibly, but spirits were down and the crew had come to know that the woman always seem to have this discerning taste to them. They know when a banana has had his say.

But, not this dynamic duo- they figured it was a long day, all they wanted was just to get home and relax. So they wung it, and off the check out counter victoriously flew the ecstatic crew. What was in store for them? They had no idea, but were just so happy to be chosen. From the store to the blender, the crew mixed and swirled beautifully together, creating a nutritiously delicious beverage that filled it's consumers with just about as much joy as they felt. And they all live happily ever after... The End."

The Cold, Hard Truth

Beautiful story. Very inspiring! And to be honest, this drink was just as good as the story told! Very easy to make and very easy to drink. As opposed to those nasty green concoctions that people tell you is good for you. I'm sure it is, but by the time it gets into my stomach, my body is ready to return it, if you know what I mean. (I mean "throw it up," if you didn't get the reference.) This yummy beverage is nothing like that. It doesn't have any yogurt to give it some consistency so, if anything, it's more of a juice, rather than a traditional smoothie. Although it is smooth, so would it be considered a smoothie?... Oh, I guess it's up to you to decide!

One Week Down...

Guess what today is!

Okay- yes, today is Saturday, but it is a very special Saturday! Today marks one week all alone with my blog! And if I do say so myself, I think I have done pretty darn good! No panic attacks or breakdowns, thankfully, and I have stayed right on it attending to it's needs. (Which is pretty good considering anyone who knows me would tell you that I tend to have a problem following through with things.) I am a committed Blogger Mama! I have given the poor thing a few drastic makeovers, but I think we have both hung in there.

Anyways, I just want to thank you- if there is anyone out there reading this. Thanks for hangin' in there with me! There is plenty more to come, so stay tuned!



Keep Moving Forward,
IotaDaily

Me and the World

Hey, YOU!

It's Friday, everyone! For some this means weekend is near, others it means the week has just begun, and for some, it might just feel like any other day. Wherever you are, out there, I hope you will enjoy your day, have enjoyed your week, and are enjoying your life!

Something struck me the other day: it's August 19th. Do you realize that, my friends, we are 3/4s finished with the year? That means that another year, another 365 and 1/4 days are almost, yet again, behind us. Now I don't know about you, but I feel.... hungry. But, aside from that, I feel like in all my thirteen years, I haven't done much. I haven't gone to outer space and lived to tell the day. I haven't thrown caution to the wind and climbed to the top of Mt. Everest. Heck, I haven't even seen the world's biggest ball of yarn! What have I, Alexis Szoke, done? What influence have I made on this big world?

You know I've never really thought about it, how small we are. Not in the sense of how much we matter to everyone else, but how small our individual, physical body is. I mean think of how many people fit on this earth and cohabitate together. I don't know exacts, but I'm pretty sure that that's a lot of fingers. Think of the value of one person over another. How can one person have a bigger value than another when, in retrospect, we are all pretty much the same? We all start off as a small speck in the universe and, to be honest, that doesn't change though out your whole life. No matter what you do, how many people you influence, or not, we all are just specks. Perspective.

So for as small as we are, why is it that our problems seem to be so dang big? I mean, "in the history of the universe".... really? Are they really that big? Please tell me how- for as small as one person may be- your, mine, their problem is really any bigger than anything else. The substantuality of any one thing that happens in our own worlds is not "just the way it is"- we make things as big, or as small as it is to us, in our own worlds. But, when we stop getting so sucked into our own worlds, and take a step out into THE WORLD, we would see how tiny our own problems and our own world is.  Perspective. *MMS...

We catch glimpses of this other world (aside from our own) from time to time, but to actually live in this space of not yours, not theirs, but just the world, you would be living for something so much bigger than you and me. And that, in my mind, is how to live.* Then, living your life by how many days, weeks, years will no longer matter. What you "have done" is no longer relevant to what the world has done with you. Your influence is not measured by how many people you have graced, but not at all. Perspective.

"Whether single events or processes that take weeks, months, or years, these experiences remind us that the world remains a magical place."

Keep a Perspective Mind,
IotaDaily

Numerical Out Look on Life

Hello, again!

I hope you are having a great day, where ever you are, out there!

Well, today I have this cool little out look on life I came across while surfing the web. If you can crack the code, it's really clever and totally true!

*MMS...

(Let me give you a hint: A=1, B=2, C=3, etc.)

Keep a Positive Attitude,

IotaDaily

The Rut Cycle...

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing- that's why we recommend it daily" -Zig Ziglar

So I thought I would start the day off with nice little motivational quote on self motivation!

Something I have not only noticed with myself, but with others around me, is this cycle people go through when setting goals for ourselves.

Like going to the gym- we feel really excited and gung- ho about that idea of a firm and tight body we got from those airbrushed fitness magazines, so we enroll in a gym membership. We are already feeling like a million bucks from just enrolling and feel totally compelled brag to everyone about the fact that, "I have a gym membership." We pack our cute little $20 gym bags that we bought from Target, and we strut in the gym with it hanging off our shoulder, a towel wrapped around our necks, like we are some pro. Again, feeling like a million bucks. We stroll on over to the weight section, do a once- over of the long rack of weights, and- of course, being the inexperienced cocky gym fools, we are- go straight for the 50 lb bench press. 2 minutes later, we stumble out of those same doors we just ever-so-casually wandered into, with buckets of sweat pouring down our bright red faces. Needless to say, that's the end of our gym memberships! At this point, we want nothing to do with that place! Well, until a year later when we're flipping through those fitness magazines, again. Then, we find ourselves feeling really stupid for ever quitting and giving up on that goal, so we go and enroll ourselves in a gym membership, again.


So not to say that you have the same problems I do with that torture hall people call a gym, but do you see the pattern? I call it the Rut Cycle.

The Rut Cycle

1. You set a goal and you feel really confident about it.
2. Then, you actually start putting that goal in action.
3. Soon, you wonder why you ever even thought this was a good idea and stop.
4. So you feel guilty and start all over.

Does this sound familiar?

What I think I forget about the goals that I've set for myself, is that this energy and motivation I felt at the very beginning needs to be constantly being replenished with some motive to keep you going. For some it is dedicating that goal to someone else and have that other person to constantly be their motivation to keep them going. Others are those people who, every day they wake up, sike themselves up in the mirror, saying things like, "You can do this. You are amazing and awesome and there is nothing that can change that. Let's go out there and make it a rock star day!" For me, I need to blare my radio and jam out to my favorite tunes to get me motivated. But, you know, we all have our ways to self motivate ourselves, and everyone might come across it in a completely different way then the next, but the thing we all seem to have in common is that we have to be persistent. Whatever it may be, it has to be something that we can count on. That is what will keep us going.

So I agree with Mr.Zig Ziglar- motivation doesn't always last, that's why we have to have something to resort to to save us from the Rut Cycle. The goals that we set for ourselves are kind of important, whether it feels like it or not, because it represents us moving forward. When you get trapped in the cycle, you aren't moving forward. We have to keep moving.


Keep Moving Forward,
IotaDaily

God Bless America!!

One of my latest "ABC Obsessions" is America's Got Talent. I wasn't really a hard core fan until last year when my mama and I started watching the show. We were amazed at how much talent America does have! This season seems to be no different! From the hilarious auditions at the beginning of the season, to now, mind boggling magicians, heart racing real life stunt devils, to adorable children singers- this show is like a Vegas show every week! My mom and I have found some acts that have just crashed and burned, then acts that are phenomenally inspiring! Like this one:

(Those are people!!!)

The show had me speechless, again for another one of their shocking contestants- Silhouettes. This contemporary dance group has an amazing expression of art that I don't think anyone has ever seen before! In honor of America, the beautiful, and everyone who has risked their lives defending her, Silhouettes contortion-ized their bodies in ways to look like famous American landmarks and it is just phenomenal! They are definitely top runners in the competition for me, but aside from that, they are one of the most unique forms of expressions of art I think I have seen to date!*MMS... I'm so excited to see what they bring to the table next week!

If you love them, too, be sure to vote for them!

Stay unique and stay tuned!
IotaDaily