Chasing a Loft and Discovering a Need

I've realized that my consistency in posting on this blog is maybe a New Years Resolution just discovered!  Let's see!! Well we have encountered an entire holiday season, and I think it's safe to say I'm finally settling back into Tennessee.  

Living in Knoxville has been quite a ride so far!  I believe I actually saw every downtown 2 bedroom loft there was to see.  I had an epiphany pretty much right before purchasing a perfect little spot on Market Square.  That may have been one of those moments that I will never forget for the rest of my life.  Do you ever have a moment where you think, "Wow! I feel like I just aged a few years!" or "I really feel like an adult"?  Now we all know we are adults, thats not the real earth-shattering thought.  I believe we all have moments though where we realize in a second or so that we just took a leap into a new chapter of life.  For me those have always looked like a promotion or move with my company.  In October though, I actually met a mortgage consultant.  She pushes over a piece of paper stating that this bank would loan me an amount of money.  She actually confirmed in this country I am qualified to actually own a home.  

I think most just take this for granted.  Most people would say, "Duh Chelsea! I mean anyone can buy a place.  It may be crappy, but everyone can own a place."  I really couldn't believe it, because it validates I'm getting old.  I ultimately did not buy a home after realizing it was a larger commitment than I was ready to make.  I did find it compelling to think of other people that do not have the ability to own or have a home.  

According to the Homelessness Research Institute, 24 states have experienced an increase in people experiencing homelessness on any given night in 2011.  Luckily, Arizona and Tennessee are not on that list of states experiencing this.  The national average for homelessness is 21 people out of every 10,000.  Out of those with an annual income at poverty level in the United States, 50% of the monthly income goes towards rent.  When considering this, a lot of things role through my head.  It seems silly to me that we as a country do not help those 21 in every 10,000 that need help.  I think to myself, if I have the ability to keep a roof over my head and help others why haven't I?  I won't say that I'm going to make it my mission to solve the country's problems, but it is only natural to think about the question, "What if?"  This ties into what I'm studying in Acts in regards to being a disciple of Christ.  I would encourage you all if you have any interest in understanding how you can help in ending homelessness in the US, please visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness at jttp://www.endhomelessness.org or the United States Interagency Council at http://www.usich.gov/.  

Chasing New Dreams

Alright everyone.....cue Kool and the Gang music NOW!!!! Its time for "Celebration" to blast throughout my apartment!!!  I officially accepted a promotion to be the Key Account Manager of Food Service- Workplace for Pepsi in KNOXVILLE, TN!!!! I start in less than 3 weeks and could not be happier!  I know its been a while since I've posted last, but I've expressed my desire to move back to the South for a little while now.  I was elated to see that official offer and can't wait for a new adventure to come my way!  I get to call on accounts like University of Tennessee amongst all universities, K-12 school districts, and the entire healthcare segment!  It has just been another confirmation that God does hear our desires and knowing that He has control ultimately of the plan He has for me, I am truly blessed :)

The Snyder girls are all in one city people!  This hasn't happened in almost seven years, so look for more posts to come! :)

Chasing New Beginnings!

Wikipedia: Times Square 

Many people I run into have mixed feelings about New Years Resolutions.  What do you think about setting NY resolutions?  Helpful? Waste of time? Good in theory?

Stephen Sharpiro has done some research I found very interesting and thought some of you would like to know.  According to Goal-Free Living (Sharpiro's book), 45% of Americans usually make New Years resolutions and 17% sometimes set resolutions.  Out of those people, only 8% are ALWAYS achieve success.  The more depressing statistic is one in four people have NEVER succeeded in completing a resolution in their lifetime.  That's pretty alarming to me!  As I looked a bit more into this research their was an interesting correlation to age and amount of success in achieving these goals.  Almost 40% of people in their 20's achieve their resolution at least every other year.  If 40% of people my age are able to succeed in these goals my question is why don't we set them more often and achieve more?  Out of the 60% that are not successful in these resolutions, where is the disconnect?  

I think most of us think that New Years resolutions mean setting a huge dramatic change in our lives.  Maybe it does for some people.  I feel like over the last 4 years I've learned setting smaller goals more frequently allows me to see the bigger picture.  I also have begun the art of creating S.M.A.R.T. goals.  If you are unfamiliar with what that is, I have found a great resource called the Goal Setting Guide.  I've also found that when I set goals, I absolutely have to tell someone about it.  This may be a personal preference, but I've found if I tell someone about a goal I have or something that I feel is important and ask for accountability I'm more likely to follow through.  The bottom line is that everyone has to take responsibility and motivate themselves to achieve what they desire.  Here are some ideas of resolutions I have for 2012:

• Take 5 uninterupted minutes everyday for myself to sit and be silent.  I can write. I can pray.  I can read trash tabloid magazines. I can dream up my next reality TV idea.  I can do whatever I want as long as I am take 5 minutes of personal uninterrupted time to myself everyday.  
• I will take 30 minutes at least once a week to study Rosetta Stone Spanish until I complete the first two levels of the program.  I've had it for a year and have taken lessons off and on.  I've heard people say once you leave school it's hard to go back....try adding in the astericks of learning at home.  I know myself well enough to understand that I have to make a conscience effort to make this one happen, but I have plenty of drive to make it happen I think.
• This one is a distant third but I would like to complete the Chicago Marathon this year.  My aunt and friend will more than likely be running it and this one is a huge stretch for me.  I know it isn't impossible, because I finished a marathon in Denver this year.  I also remember the pain of 26.2 miles and the toll it takes on your body and personal life for that matter.  Interestingly enough while I was training for Denver, I envisioned my aunt running the Chicago Marathon in 2009.  The city, the course, the amount of runners, the accomplishment, all of those things kept me training.  To be able to run that race would be amazing I think.  
• Lastly, I want to continue growing my relationship with Christ.  This one for me is the reoccuring resolution/goal.  I can say that having consistent quiet times with God are an opportunity for me, so here I am.  I am putting this on here as the commitment that everyone can ask about now.  

There are a few of my ideas.  Many people include weight loss, growing wealth, or maintaining/creating relationships as some of theirs.  2012 is a time to begin making your life look like what you want it to be.  The reality is you don't even have to wait though!  What will yours be?!  

    

Chasing Lululemon Clothing!

Scoop Neck Tank (realsimple.com)

So this may be a reoccurring topic of my future posts. Just saying!  Lululemon as many of you already know is probably my favorite guilty purchase.  Why is it a favorite?  Well I always have the excuse of, "this piece of clothing will drive me to inevitably be in better shape!"  Enter link to amazing Lululemon Hybrid Jacket.  I mean REALLY?! How can you resist this in the light blue color?!  This takes me back to how I constantly have to change my mindset now.  I used to say this is way too much to pay for clothing.  I already have workout gear.  While I believe you don't need to necessarily buy this brand of athletic gear, I think its important to have true motivation for working out.  Some people love to know they can eat their favorite piece of cheesecake.  I enjoy buying ridiculously comfortable, fashionable athletic wear.  I know that by buying Lululemon, I am committing myself to wear this and where better than to work out.  I recently bought this jacket above with a couple of other items.  Below are pictures (courtesy of lululemon.com) of my favorite items for this season.  Take a look and let me know your favorites!  Enjoy!!

Featherweight Hybrid Jacket (lululemon.com)

Running crops

Chasing Old School Exercise

There are many days that it is truly a conscious effort to go to the gym.  You have to go through the trouble of changing clothes, driving to the gym, and the hardest part is motivating yourself to actually stay on a treadmill long enough for you to break a sweat, right?!  Well I have a couple of new solutions to get your heart pumping in less than 10 minutes!

Remember Jump Rope for Heart back in elementary school where you had to jump rope for hours and never seemed to get tired?  Try that now people!  The other day I picked up a jump rope at the gym and tried to go for 10 minutes at a moderate pace.  What an amazing workout!  It seems so silly that hopping over a rope for a little while can drive a heart rate up and keep you entertained.   If you want to make the workout a bit harder, try pairing an iPod with this exercise and jump to the beats of your favorite song.  Another great feature is you can do this in the convenience of your own home!  If you can eliminate a drive to the gym or get a similar workout quicker, why wouldn't you try it?

Say jump roping isn't your thing.  Well my second suggestion will give you ab muscles that you haven't seen before!  This may sound a little crazy but get out your leis and get to hula hooping!  About a month ago at work we had a hula hooping contest for the comedic value, but I will tell you what.  When I tried hula hooping for more than 5 seconds I realized there is actual skills required to do this!  I've learned its all about shaking your hips but you will find your entire core needing to engage to make this work.  I found this to be a ton of fun and another thing that would be great to do around young kids or friends at parties.  Don't want to take my word for it?  Check out Alison Sweeney's blog where she endorses this as well!

Chasing Pumpkin!

So the season is finally here!  PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!  I must say, between pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin porter, pumpkin bagels and muffins lead me to feeling as if I am in heaven during the fall and winter.  To spice up your kitchen this season, check out the PHENOMENAL recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars from Weight Watchers. :-)

Via Weightwatchers.com

Ingredients

	1 spray(s) cooking spray
	9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
	3 Tbsp butter
	16 Tbsp fat-free cream cheese
	1 cup(s) sugar
	2 cup(s) fat-free sour cream
	1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
	1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
	1/4 tsp ground ginger
	1/4 tsp ground cloves
	3 large egg(s)
	1 cup(s) canned pumpkin

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325ºF. Coat a 9 X 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line bottom of pan with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can use a 9 X 13-inch nonstick pan.
  
• Grind graham crackers until fine in a food processor or place crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush with rolling pin. Place crumbs in a small bowl.
  
• Melt butter on stove top or in microwave and pour over graham cracker crumbs. Mix with a fork until completely moistened.
  
• Press crumbs evenly into bottom of prepared pan and place in refrigerator while preparing pumpkin filling.
  
• Place cream cheese in bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and mix until incorporated.
  
• Mix in 1 cup of sour cream until just combined and then add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Add remaining sour cream and mix until just combined.
  
• Slowly beat in each egg one at a time until incorporated, and then mix in pumpkin. (Note: For best results, all ingredients should be at room temperature and mixed as little as possible, until each ingredient is just combined.)
  
• Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared pan, spread evenly throughout and smooth top.
  
• Bake until set at edges, about 30 minutes. (Note: The very center will be a little loose.) Cool completely and refrigerate overnight before cutting into 18 pieces and serving 4 Points Plus per serving!

I LOVE new discoveries. A Phoenix excerpt

I absolutely love that I lived in Phoenix for over 6 years and just discovered Postino!  For those who don't know anything about this place, it is an incredibly cute wine cafe in Phoenix.  A friend and I went on Tuesday night for Bellinis and Bruschetta.  If you haven't been there you need to check out their website and go Monday or Tuesday nights after 8pm.  They have a special for $20 you get a bottle of wine and plate of bruschetta (typically could serve 2-3 people).  When was the last time you tried something different?  Whether it is trying a new wine bar, changing to a lipgloss color, or visiting your local farmer's market there is an overwhelming feeling of excitement that surrounds someone with little changes like these.  Have you all found anything new and exciting that made your day lately?

Courtesy of Postino Winecafe