May 12th, 2010
May Inspiration & Type A-ery
CURRENT INSPIRATION
Finding Mentors – I’ve been working really hard on finding rock star business women to learn from and be motivated by these days. I love spending pockets of time going through sites and finding ladies who knock my socks off and remind me to stay inventive, positive and focused. Leigh-Ann from Freckled Nest and Danielle LaPorte from White Hot Truth are different but beautiful daily reads of mine. And they’re even Canadian! You can’t beat that.
Summer Lifestyle Makeover – While it’s still too cold here for a lot of summer clothes (*shakes fists at the sky*) I’m still in need of a summer lifestyle makeover. I’m going to start rising earlier, living with more intention, eating healthier, and working out. I want to glow this summer! I’m going to be mobile for a big part of May, but when I’m home again I’m even going to join a yoga studio. I’m deciding between a Bikram & Moksha studio- any suggestions?
Starting an inspiration journal- I’ve started to collect images and quotes that resonate with me and collect them all in one place. I found an old binder and covered it in doilies and mod podge and have started printing out pictures and buying magazines to clip up. It’s a fun project so far, and there’s something about seeing all these things I love in one place that makes a picture of me come into focus in the process.
My scanner – I just inherited one from Mister’s family and it’s so exciting to be able to scan things! This month’s collage is from my most recent scanning rampage. Guard your vintage postcards, I’m on the prowl!
THIS MAY I WILL…
Take an amazing adventure – I can’t wait to hit the road this month! Driving from the prairies to the west coast and then coming back through the mountains is something I’ve always wanted to do. I bought big sun glasses for the occasion and I’m so looking forward to exploring the amazing places you suggested! I’ve printed out all the suggestions and am slowly working my way through them. More than anything I’m excited for a change of scenery, get me to the ocean & the cherry blossoms! Stat!!
Wish the Vegas Bloggers well – To the girls & guys who are going to Blogger in Sin City next week: HAVE SO MUCH FUN! This will change you in the most amazing way. It’s intense, it’s a marathon, it’s a dream, and it’s a weekend of pure love. You will come home with changed feelings about what blogging is. These people will shake you up in the best way possible, and while I can’t be there this year, I’m excited to be there to do it all again next year. Bloggers are some of the most amazing, generous people you’ll meet and I can’t wait to come home and read how in love you are with each other. =)
Learn to use my toy camera – I really wanted a way to make some of the photos on our road trip special, so I bought a lomography camera as my birthday present to myself – she’s a Diana! This is my week to figure it out before I hit the road with it, wish me luck!
Have a birthday – I’ll be turning 25 in Seattle at a gorgeous bed and breakfast with the Mister. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate.
What?! Seattle! What Bed and Breakfast?
.-= Je´s last blog ..If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball =-.
If I could do anything this May… hmm… Buy a one way ticket to Paris… I could do that, but then i’d have to like fake my death so the govt would forgive all my student loans.
So I guess my reasonable answer is that I’d like to drop 4-5 lbs by memorial day weekend. I somehow managed to put on 4-5 lbs recently and would like it if they would go away!
Absolutely ! I would love to coordinate something, you just let me know!
Best,
Hannah Katy
.-= Hannah Katy´s last blog ..1,364 Pearls: The final strand of pearls, and the ones that I will always wear after Graduation Day. =-.
I’m going to miss you next week but you’ll be with us in spirit. And your birthday celebrations sound lovely. I can’t wait to see pictures!
that is an amazing birthday idea- and so sad i wont meet you in vegas :(
.-= Chelsea Talks Smack´s last blog ..Being broke isn’t the WORST thing that could happen….I could’ve been born Amish? =-.
This May I’m going to start meditating regularly and keeping a meditation/spiritual journal. I’ve been wanting to for a while, I need to just clear time and space to get to it!
.-= Tiera´s last blog ..Mixtape Monday Vol. 5: The Tuesday Edition =-.
A lot of people (myself included) sometimes… uh… vomit after bikram the first time. It’s REALLY intense. People say the second time is better, but I never went back because guess what? I hate being hot.
Have fun on your trip!
Thank you! This is the kind of very practical heads up I was hoping for! lol I think that I might join a normal studio first and then try hot yoga after my body understands what I’m asking it to do. Thanks so much =)
I will join you in having a birthday this may as well, and I am starting an inspiration journal as well!
Best,
Hannah Katy
.-= Hannah Katy´s last blog ..1,364 Pearls: The final strand of pearls, and the ones that I will always wear after Graduation Day. =-.
That’s fantastic! We should coordinate journal show & tell posts =)
Goodness me I can’t wait to see you! It’s going to be brilliant to be able to go to fun places and spend time with you!
.-= Awmb´s last blog ..How I make my home more homey =-.
what a great may you have planned! :) i’m hoping to get out of town at the end of the month for the memorial day weekend. nothing too crazy, but still fun.
.-= suki´s last blog ..Price per Use Ratio =-.
I love your ideas btw…one of mine has been to find a mentor since i’m working on starting my online store. So thanks for these links on these 2 gals…sounds like they’ll keep me inspired :)!!
Ooh, I’d also like to go on a drive…just take off one day and end up someplace :)
.-= Piper´s last blog ..{chuckle out loud – cool paper clips} =-.
That’s the best thing about being online, it’s so easy to find them! I have a twitter list called “Blogspiration” that you might enjoy- it’s all crafty, internetty girls who I consider my mentors (even if they don’t know it!)
I love the idea of an inspiration journal!! It’s an idea I’ve been toying with for a long time. I need to get on it! I feel you on the “summer lifestyle makeover”–I think it’s something a lot of people lately are feeling. I know that I’m hoping to make one too, and really I am hoping that it turns into a total-lifestyle-makeover. :D One that lasts, you know? This ideaa of living with intentionality…it’s been coming up SO MUCH lately, and it really hits home to me. It’s something that I’ve lacked in my life lately and I just really want to take it back! I want to live with purpose.
I hope you & the mister have a fabulous road trip! What an exciting adventure, I am so happy for you! <3
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Fridays in Focus: {Tomorrow is always fresh.} =-.
That’s exactly what I’m working on, a summer change that soaks up to impact my whole life. I’ll be writing more about it in June, I’m so excited to share! If you have any tips let me know!
This kind of inspired my new blog post. May is about winding down for me though, June is going to be all about adventures! :)
.-= abby´s last blog ..some goals and celebrations. =-.
It did? That’s amazing! On my way… =)
My May is all about adventures. I leave for Seattle on Saturday and on Sunday I hop on a cruise ship and cruise around Alaska for 7 days. I’m beyond excited!
.-= terra´s last blog ..Crossing things off, getting ready & making adjustments =-.
Alaska? That sounds amazing! I can’t wait to see pictures!
I can’t wait to hear all about your road trip! I hope you’re going to get some yummy pizza at Sparta’s in Seattle. I definitely am when I’m visiting at the end of May. :)
I’d like to be able to finish some projects around the house before the end of the month and lose 10 more pounds….even though that kind of seems impossible. We’ll see!
.-= steph anne´s last blog ..To Have a Spotless, Fresh, & Sparkling House Seems Impossible! =-.
If anyone has the follow through to keep working hard on getting in shape, it’s you miss! I’m excited for you, you can totally do it =)
And I’ll definitely check out Sparta’s! We’re making lists of places in all the different cities and then whittling it down from there lol
Hopefully, fingers crossed, getting a Visa to work in Canada! Yay!
.-= Elly´s last blog ..Late Night Drives =-.
Yes!! Get a visa! I can write a letter and submit a collage of reasons why you are awesome to the queen if you like? I bet she could fast track this whole process ;)
Ha! I’m already in the process, just waiting to hear back from the consulate . . . fingers crossed I’m accepted! Though, I’m sure a brilliant list of awesome wouldn’t hurt :) I actually can’t wait, I hear Canada is AMAZING!
.-= Elly´s last blog ..Late Night Drives =-.
Well it will be if you’re here! =D
Your blog is beautiful, I can’t wait to read more. Thanks for checking mine out!
You’re the sweetest, thank you! =)
i REALLY want to complete some film projects i have in the works. the ideas are there and ready to go, now i just need to DO IT. get my butt in gear and dive in. i have some friends who work for production companies that want to put my stuff in film festivals, and i say that’s pretty good motivation to get stuff done! ;)
.-= kelly ann´s last blog ..sunsets and songs. =-.
FILM projects? Kelly ann, that’s so cool! Do you have a portfolio online I can steal a look at?
not at the moment, but i’m in the process of designing a website for all of my projects – film, photography, etc… dang is it time consuming! i will definitely let you know when it’s up and running. :) thanks, dear!
.-= kelly ann´s last blog ..sunsets and songs. =-.
Your road trip is going to be so much fun! I’m so excited for you!
This May, I want to be able to complete the 30-Day Shred. I’m on Day 12 so I can’t stop now! ;)
.-= Stephany´s last blog ..The Preppy Mafia Award =-.
Keep going! I can’t wait to see how you do with it- I’ve heard it’s just crazy! My problem is I would do that and then pat myself on the back and hit the couch- I’m thinking that something like yoga might help just by being something I do on a regular basis without over doing it.
I’m big into the over doing it lol
Looks like you have quite the busy month and I’m sooo excited for you!
.-= Liz´s last blog ..Mahalo Maui =-.
I am dying to see your inspiration journal!!! You have to do a post on it. I am all over doilies right now!!!
But, good luck with the yoga. I love yoga but I don’t do it, ever. Slap on the wrist to me.
Happy May!!! :)
.-= Kristi´s last blog ..Pretty Feet. =-.
Thanks for the idea Kristi, I will! =)
This week I did yoga in a studio for the first time (I’ve done lots of DVD’s in the past, but that’s it) and I loved it SO much. Becoming a member isn’t cheap, but I think it will really improve my quality of life. So I’m looking into it as well!
.-= Kathleen´s last blog ..Dog Park, Farmer’s Market, Paint, and Mothers =-.
I’d love to hear what your experience is like, I’m going to be doing a month of normal yoga & then when I’m more used to it I might try hot yoga. I’m a fan of easing into things. =)
I’m pretty sure we’re looking forward to hearing about your road trip as much as you are to actually DOING it! *Stoked face!* And hmm, something I want to do before May’s over: practice night photography at Griffith Park Observatory! Haha, something a bit more out of reach: travel to London.
Oh night photography sounds amazing! I bet the bridges in London would look great at night ;)
I’m looking forward to finishing my degree and replenishing my creativity! Your idea of an inspiration journal may be just the ticket! I can’t wait. :)
.-= Anne-Marie´s last blog ..Behind words =-.
Refreshing and replenishing your creative side is so important! Aside from the inspiration book I’ve started a coil bound journal that’s just for any ideas I have so I never let an idea evaporate, and that’s been a really fun & easy project too.
This was SUPPOSED to be my May-ke My Life Better initiative, but so far, not so good. But, you’re right…there IS still time.
May-ke? You’re way too cute. There is still a lot of time, even if May just lays the groundwork for June =)
“…there’s something about seeing all these things I love in one place that makes a picture of me come into focus in the process.”
I need this. The picture of I have of myself is so, so hazy. My post about personal style was kind of my long-winded way of stating this one sentence of yours. You’ve inspired me to start my own inspiration journal. :-)
.-= Renee´s last blog ..The Pendulum =-.
Oh have fun! I hope you post about it!
If I could do anything this May…? That’s tough! I’ve got Vegas next week (WILL MISS YOU), and then over Memorial Day I get to go home and spend a long weekend with my family, which is a dream (I’ve been missing them, esp my sister so much lately!), so I think I’ve got May covered.
OH! I’d like to cook at home more. So far this month has been a whirlwind of social activities, which means a LOT of dining out.
.-= Doniree´s last blog ..Can I get you anything? =-.
It sounds like you’ve got May covered! But somehow I’m not entirely surprised ;)
My road trips to Minne won’t be the same this summer, by the way!
I am (selfishly) very excited for your trip!
.-= hillary´s last blog ..And I Don’t Want To Disturb What We Keep Quiet =-.
lol Does it make it better if I’m just straight out selfishly excited for it? That would make you indirectly selfishly excited for it by my calculations *adjusts glasses*
life and possibilities…both good things. this is a summer for me.
(aaaand speaking of ms-almost-celebrating-her-birthday I need your address so you can home to a surprise!)
.-= Bridget´s last blog ..this day =-.
I loved your comment about the big sun glasses. I used to have a pair but my parents kept making fun of me for looking like a bug. Not that it stopped me from wearing them – until they disappeared. I still question how that happened…
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..Don’t Be Such a Baby =-.
lol! Oh no! I’m sure they just sent them to a farm, with lots of room to run around where they could play with other sunglasses. ;)
Probably sounds a bit silly and lame, but I want to get the whole house cleaned, just once, so the thought of what I need to do next is not always at the front of my mind.
.-= claudia´s last blog ..it was never meant to be ours =-.
Oh Claudia, I have two dogs who are more hair than dog. The clean house thing is a Big One for me too =)
I started an inspirational journal last year, but I haven’t added anything to it in a while. Great idea!
And your Summer Lifestyle Makeover sounds exactly like my goals for the summer too :)
.-= Taylor´s last blog ..Music Monday And Randomness =-.
Oh, good luck then! I think buying a magazine every few weeks has been a big help in making sure that I keep mine up to take- and I’ve started using Delicious to save links so I can print the pictures out later.
Kyla, I hope you know how interesting & beautiful your hobbies & interests are – & as a result, how interesting & beautiful your life is, or at least seems. You just seem like such a grateful, thankful, inspirational person. Lots of people use the word “inspirational” lightly, myself included, but I really mean it. Everything you do just seems geared toward happiness & beauty – & there’s nothing more inspirational than that!
.-= Suburban Sweetheart´s last blog ..Fake It ‘Til You Make It (Or the Ways in Which I’m Still Not an Adult) =-.
Thank you so much! A grateful and happy person is definitely who I’m always working on being- it definitely takes an effort, but the world feels like a much better place to be a part of when I’m in that mindset =)
Your blog is very pretty. I love the dainty colors!
.-= Chickything´s last blog ..Mama’s Day =-.
Thanks so much! I’m glad you found me =)
It sounds like May is going to be a wonderful month for you! :)
If it isn’t I’m definitely going to have words with it lol ;)
Aww! May looks so full of exciting adventures and possibilities! I am thrilled for you, and happy early birthday, doll!!
This May, I am practicing kindness and open mindedness — two things I thought I had under control but realize we can always work on ourselves.
<3
Kindness & open mindedness are definitely skills you have to always keep up to date with! I’m working on paying more attention to the positive than the negative- I’m getting better at it bit by bit!
I’m obsessed with vintage postcards. I dream of creating a wall-sized collage of them in my bathroom when we own our a house someday.
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..Mom =-.
And by “we” you mean you & I right? Because between your puppy and a collage wall, that sounds like a dream. =)
Of course! We can let J and Mister visit every once in a while, but it’ll just be you, me, puppies, and postcards!
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..You Want to Be My Friend on Facebook =-.
Your upcoming roadtrip is making me itch to do one of our own. I guess I need to be patient … we’ve got a camping trip planned in June (a 5-hour drive) and a beach trip planned this summer (a 17-hour drive). I guess I’ll eventually get my fix!
If I could do one thing this month, I’d travel to Savannah, Georgia to see some dear friends. Too bad our weekends are full and our bank account is low. Sigh.
A beach trip sounds amazing! I haven’t been to the beach in a number of years- we have a cabin, but it’s always being used by the family all summer, we’re luck to get a weekend in three months. I think we might rent a cabin and steal away to it just for fun =)
Next May. 2011. Vegas. It’s a date.
Thank goodness I get a Kyla fix this August otherwise my May “to do” list would involve coming to camp out on our lawn :)
I think my biggest thing I want to do this month is after classes are done in FOUR DAYS is take two weeks to whatever the heck I want. Like read my cooking magazines. Go on long walks. Sleep in until 11am. I can’t wait.
I also can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
.-= Nora´s last blog ..Top Three DDs*: Cat Food and Sobs =-.
You’re SO CLOSE! I hope we can catch up before I leave, I’m in Nora withdrawal.
This is great! I want to do a lot of those things too! I hate hot yoga, though. It’s a nightmare for me.
Thank you for the blog recommendations! They’re great!
.-= Windsor Grace´s last blog ..Throw a fit =-.
Thanks for the heads up! I realized that I won’t be able to do hot yoga until July with the two sittings I’m doing for my tattoo & the whole “don’t get it wet at all” thing after- I’m going to start with a normal class (that won’t leave me soaking) and then test the hot yoga waters when my tattoo is healed.
Happy almost birthday, KR!
.-= Good Girl Gone Blog´s last blog ..Operation Cute Apartment: that one key piece =-.
Thanks, lady =)
I am so excitied for you. May is going to be a great month for you. I’ve lost a bit of my momentum for the moment but I’ll find it again soon. I want to enjoy each and every moment of time spent with my friends and treasure conversations with my long distance friends. I want to dance and sing till my feet hurt and I’ve got no voice left. I want to celebrate small things.
I think your being a little less motivated than usual is most people on a very good day, for what it’s worth ;)
May sounds very exciting for you, and I’m envious of so much of that being things you’ve decided. I’ve decided a few things too, but haven’t found your enthusiasm. This month I want to throw caution to the wind and apply for a job beyond my league. I’ve smaller aims but this is the main one for now.
.-= Charlie´s last blog ..Green Tea Totaller (Sometimes) =-.
I think my enthusiasm comes from a sense of this summer being all on my shoulders! Last summer (I blogged about it here) was very different because I left a job, took some time off, and then had a really hard time finding work – so it didn’t go how I wanted at all! I’m hell bent on making this one count =)
I love the energy of this post – I can feel your excitement! I think I’m going to start living with more intention in May as well – not let my evenings be sucked up by watching TV shows online, and reading more books/spending more time with the husband instead.
.-= Becky´s last blog ..What’s your purse personality? =-.
It’s one of those things you have to make a conscious decision about, but it feels amazing when you do =)
Get a new couch for my apartment! I’m in desperate need of one.
.-= Veronica´s last blog ..Book Review: Ransom =-.
I absolutely love those ideas!