Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a impact on ur life recently

I have caught myself making wayyyy better decisions when it comes to snacking, or even just meal preparation.  The program has not resulted in a ton of weight loss for me yet, but I'm sticking with it! I am also so proud of myself this week for not giving into cravings this week when Ryan is not around.  We'll see what the scale says tomorrow, but I try to keep telling myself this is for life, not just week-to-week, so no matter what it says, I need to and will continue making smarter, healthier choices.

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

I am blessed in my life to know a lot of inspirational people and a lot of people who give me inspiration when I need it! But to try and target someone I haven't talked a lot about in my blog, but especially this challenge, I am going to choose Shae!  Shae is the true epitome of someone who has followed her dreams, and I have always looked up to her for that.  She danced her way out to San Francisco and has an awesome job AND still dances for two (or is it three?) dance companies!  I know she gets the attitude to never give up from her Mom, and Shellee, her mom, is a very inspirational person as well.  She always put a lot of faith in me in high school and encouraged me to reach for the moon (even if you miss, you'll land among the stars) as well!  Both Shae and Shellee have given me confidence, inspired me in the past, and on top of that, Shae has always been a wonderful friend.  Thanks for all you do Shae! =)

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

There are a lot of things I want to do before I die...but I guess the biggest thing is that I want to see the world.  And that's gonna take a long time, so I better get started!

Help! I'm Suffering From a Lack of Inspiration

Dear friends and family that actually read my blog from time to time,

I am in need of, no, I am hurting for some words of wisdom, recommendations, advice, and inspiration in several different areas in my life.  I'm feeling lost/stuck/bored/unmotivated/frustrated and could use a little boost from those of you who have been there before.  If you feel like you can help me with any of the following items, please leave a comment or email me or call me or make a skype date with me...any help is soooooo greatly appreciated!

1. I am in a workout rut...granted, I know I will be riding my bike more often here soon.  But I need some good indoor workout advice that does not involve going to the gym...something fun and that actually works, and that I can do in the privacy of my own living room or bedroom.
2. RECIPES! If any of you have any healthy, lean, and preferably low in weight watchers points, recipes that you could share with me, I would be so grateful! I do have some tried and true healthy recipes, but I am making the same stuff all the time and eventually, it makes me want to cave in to my cravings of naughty food that I have NOT had in a long time.  And in the end, that makes it harder to keep on track.
3. Self-esteem is lacking right now. And I know this is something I need to fix myself, not something anyone else can do for me.  But some of you have been there before, what are some good ways to get out of a funk? I know it's a phase, and it's probably related to the first two on this list as well, but any advice is totally welcome here.
4. How do you continue being motivated when you get bad news on something you've been working hard for?  I know for some people, it makes them want to try harder, I however, want to give up.  Not that I do, or will, but that's the feeling I get.  How do you get motivated after some bad news?
5. Crafty inspiration please!  I have a sewing machine, cross-stitch hoops and thread, scrapbook stuff, and a bagillion photographs and picture frames.  I have lots of things need to make some fun stuff, but have no idea what to make! I will take any useful websites, magazines, ideas, classes, etc.

Thank you so much for any advice, comments, resources, etc. that you share with me.  I greatly appreciate it and will gladly swap some of my "famous" advice for yours! =)

Sincerely,

Sarah

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Isn't this obvious?!

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

I'm sorry....I cannot pick just one, I'm going to have a hard enough time narrowing it down to my top 5.  These are not necessarily always going to be my favorites (well one obvious one is), but if I don't know what to listen to or am having a bad day, I turn one of these artists on and I am happy! :)

The Beatles

Beyonce

Foo Fighters

Incubus

The Barenaked Ladies

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

I love lots of things...but seeing as how the weather is FINALLY starting to get nicer, and I need to start training for RAGBRAI, here ya go! :)

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Enough said.

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

This one does not really apply to me...I'm gonna sound like a goodie goodie, but I don't really do messed up things.  There was this one crazy, random night though when my friend Brooke and I ended up meeting some people that were taking a limo around town and we went with them, bar hopped all over, got tons of free drinks, witnessed an almost orgy (haha), and had a ton of fun!!  Here are a couple pictures from that beginning of the night to the end of the night:

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Wow, so many people have gotten me through so many different things in my life.  I have to do a couple pictures again...I'm sorry!  Different people have helped me through different stages in my life.  **NOT PICTURED: Lindsey Marken.  Lindsey Marken was my best friend in elementary school and I don't know what I would have done without her.  She was the most important person in my childhood, besides my own family.  Tragically, Lindsey passed away when I was a junior in high school, but she hadn't lived in the area for quite some time.  I will always miss her and treasure my memories of her in my heart.

My whole life

Various years, but especially the last year of high school and still to this day!

From that winter day freshman year of high school to present =)

Closer every year

These girls have been through many ups and downs and
supported me on the most important day of my life!

For the past seven years and all the rest of our lives.

There are many more people who have helped me in many different times of my life.  Thank you to everyone who has been my friend, especially when I needed it the most.  I hope I have been able to return the favor to you! 

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

My sister about to jump on me when we were kids

Sand in our pants :(

Night out in Iowa City

Playing around on Photo Booth with my brother

Cali playing catch!

MUSTACHE!!!

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

And not because of the value or anything like that, but what it means.  I feel so blessed when I look down at my hand and know that I was lucky enough to marry the love of my life.  It reminds me of our history and everything to come in the future.  I love you Ryan!

Day 06 - A picture(s) of a place you've been to

I have been blessed enough in my life to have gone to quite a few different places.  This is a tough-one, because I have loved them all.  I'm just going to put up pictures of different places I've been, and keep in mind that I don't have many pictures from my childhood on here, otherwise I would include some of those pics as well.  For example, my favorite place I went as a child was South Dakota! And I loved our trip to Washington D.C.  Also, while I was in high school, we went to Virginia ( I think I might have some of those pics) and I fell in love with the East Coast then.  You have seen me post pictures about Vegas and Costa Rica, so here are some other places I've been:

Florida

First trip while I was in 7th grade

First of two trips in high school, with Stephanie!

Florida 2003

Last trip, January 2009

Virginia

At Busch Gardens

Lincoln, Nebraska (International Thespian Festival)

Rosebud, South Dakota (Mission Trip)

New York City (been three times)

NYC 2002

2008

2008

The Bahamas

Arizona (to visit Shorty)

San Francisco

Where are some places you have been?  What was your favorite vacation spot?