One Girl. One Year. No Booze.

Me with a dirty martini -
one of my favorite libations!

Hey gang!
I’m starting up this blog again to document a big change for 2015…
…I’m going booze-free for 1 year.


Some background:
I have never been very heavy drinker.  I have certainly had those binge-drinking nights in college and a few in the recent years, but nothing I would consider an addiction. In general, I’d say I consume somewhere between 6-8 alcoholic beverages per week on average. Not a ton, but not exactly moderate either.


In the past, I’ve said that I want to cut back on my alcohol consumption for a number of reasons. The biggest reason is for the sake of my health, but also for being lucid on Saturday mornings, not having to deal with hangovers, or just to simply save money. However as I found out with trying to cut back on chocolate, sometimes it’s easier to just cut it out. Completely.


I started taking classes in nutrition this year, and they have opened my eyes to how amazing the human body is.  It takes a lot of crap from us, and keeps on trucking.  To function optimally, it needs a lot of hydration and nutrition. Alcohol is one of those things that has no benefit whatsoever to our bodies. The water in it is counteracted by the diuretic qualities, it’s processed in our body as sugar, and it contains no vitamins or minerals. It’s really just a toxin – a poison for our bodies and our little cells.  Alcohol also puts a lot of stress on our livers and our kidneys.


I know what you’re thinking: everything in moderation! And yes, some studies have shown that a glass of red wine here and there can be beneficial. But with my Italian heritage, I don’t think I’ve ever been able to have ONE glass of red wine. Come ON.


Now don’t get me wrong – I LOVE alcohol. I love toasting a drink to friends, and I love the association with celebration. I love trying new beers, ciders, wines, and spirits. Living in Colorado has opened new doors to tastes and flavors I’ve never experienced, and the people who craft these libations amaze me with every new sip. I even enjoy the loopy little buzz I feel after a couple of drinks with friends. I appreciate the craft of making alcoholic drinks, and the friendly bartenders I’ve come to know over the years.

Oh, Colorado beers. How I love you.

But in 2015, I’m doing something drastic, and giving my body a break for the first time in 12 years. I’m cutting out the booze.


From January 1^st, 2015 to December 31^st, 2015 I will not consume one drop, sip, swig, shot, glass, or pint of alcohol. I intend to blog about my progress here (whether good or bad), and hopefully inspire some people along the way. 

I understand that thousands of people have already done this, and it’s certainly not a new concept. So many people have fought their battles with addictions and overcome them. There are people out there who don’t drink because of health, and others that don’t because of addiction. I applaud those people for making the change for themselves and their families.  People that have overcome their addiction and can still be constantly surrounded by such a socially accepted practice amaze me.


Although my situation is different, I still seek empowerment from my decision. I want to do this for myself, but also to hopefully raise awareness. I want people to think about the way they want to drink – not just because it’s social, but because of how they truly feel about it. If you don’t want to drink, you don’t have to. If you do, you can do so responsibly.


I also want to challenge myself and see what I’m capable of. I want to see the changes in my body, my bank account, and hopefully in other surprising ways as well.


I will be tracking my progress on this blog daily, and also tracking big changes every 3 months, on these pillars:
1)   How I feel (in general – energy levels, mood, mentality)
2)   Money (savings)
3)   Physical changes (wellness and health, weight, sleep)


I am going to start a fundraising campaign in the near future. I’m still determining the company, but I will have the information up soon with how to donate.  If you’d like to support me in this endeavor, “buy me a drink” on that fundraising site. Want to “buy me a drink” on my birthday in March? Donate $5 to that campaign instead. It’s my non-booze fund!


Yes, a year is a long time. But considering the 33 amazing years I’ve already spent on this planet, it’s still just a blip in my existence. It could be a fantastic change, and I’m sure it will be a great challenge. Whatever it will be, it will be an interesting journey.

Cheers to 2015!

Hooray for September!

It has been raining cats & dogs here in Denver!  I've been loving every minute of it too.  I got up early today, put on my rain boots and my rain coat, and went splooshing in puddles.  It was awesome. 

It was like the weather thought "Huh, it's September now.  Maybe I should cool off?"  And it sure did.  And I'm a happy girl. 

Image via {here}

My schedule has been pretty insane lately, and I'm not sure how I'm going to make it all work.  I may need to figure out yet another strategy, and that is more than a little frustrating.  But I'll find a way and come out stronger in the end.  A little spoiler of what I'm working on... a new blog that's all about FOOD!  It's going to be a big project but I'm so totally excited about it.  More info to come soon. 

I am also still very happy that I (usually) get weekends off too, and that means a little extra time to enjoy the changing of the seasons.  

And to enjoy the little things, like this... 

Image via {here}

...and this...

Image via {here}

...and this...

Image via {here}

...and this...

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...and this...

Image via {here}

Hello, September!  So nice to see you again. :) 

Elizabethtown - it's all in the timing

I just re-watched Elizabethtown tonight.

It's not a great movie, and the first time I saw it I thought - meh, it's ok.
This time around I liked it a little more.

I'm not sure why, but it's been about 8 years since the last time I saw it.  Really when you think about it - a lot's changed in 8 years.  With me, with my life, with the world - all that junk.

It's funny how when we change, the way we see things change.  You can read a book, watch a movie, or meet a person - and everything is different.  You experience it completely differently than you did before!  It's certainly not something you think of at the time, but the second time around you think:  Man, I can totally relate to this movie.  Or man, this person GETS ME.  Or holy shit - why didn't I see this before?  It was right in front of my face!

Anyway, it's just funny.  Funny how things change.  How we change.

I liked this movie better the second time around.  The way they dealt with death.  With family.  With the insecurities that come with love - and the security that comes from finding someone who gets you.  It's kind of beautiful when you see it that way.

And it made me want to go on a road trip - really bad!  Ha!

You should check it out if you want a nice melancholy movie with a damn good soundtrack.  :)  It's a nice distraction.  Enjoy it.

Binders of High School VS Binders of College

The other day I was looking for some school supplies that I could re-use my 2nd time around in college, and I found this binder...

My jaw dropped at the treasure I had found!
Man, talk about bringing back memories.  All of my favorite bands from my later High School years are accounted for (Reel Big Fish, Radiohead, Third Eye Blind, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Dave Matthews Band, G Love & Special Sauce, Cake, Ani DiFranco, etc), plus all of my little inner-teenager dream life.

It was magical to run my eyes over this binder that so long ago I took the time & care to make.

So I decided to save this cover (as memories from my past), and on the OTHER side, create one for the Beth of Today / Tomorrow.

And I ended up with this...

It's a little simpler than my High School collage.
A little more organic.
Colorful, but a little calmer.

It's interesting how time and life changes us.  How we are born with our personality, but we eventually grow into the person that we are.  I still have so many qualities in my heart that shine through with that earlier binder cover, and I love every one of them.  They are strange and lovely and quirky, and they make me who I am.  Yes, I've changed a lot (as shown by my new binder cover), but it is all a part of who I am.

And that's pretty awesome!

Life changes

A lot of things have been changing lately, and I feel like I'm going through a transitional period...

Firstly, dating.  It's weird.  I very much have a love / hate relationship with it.  I easily tire of the "game" but still feel obligated to play it.  I hate WAITING for things to happen, BECAUSE of the game.  I'm already a bit sick of it, and it's only been a few months.  It's a strange adjustment, honestly!

I do go back & forth though, 'cause it is kind of fun (the excitement of it all).  But it can also be exhausting.  I also have those moments where I begin to feel a bit melancholy and a teensy bit lonely - which I absolutely hate.  It makes me feel helpless and kind of out of control.  Maybe it comes with the territory, but it's strange nonetheless!

Secondly, school.
To go back to school, to not to go back to school?  That is the question!!
I've thought about it many times, and this is the first time I'm seriously considering it.  I just want to keep learning, and to learn something in a field where I'm excited about the end product that I'm working towards.  It makes me happy just thinking about it.

But what to major in?  Nutrition?  Sociology?  What do I do with those degrees?  What will make me truly happy no matter what I do?  What will keep me excited and interested?

Unfortunately I'm having difficulty answering those questions.  But I'm working on it... doing some soul searching, and hopefully finding some kind of career counselor to point me in the right direction.

Thirdly, Spring.
This doesn't really have anything to do with anything, I'm just excited for the changing season!  Maybe it's a good symbol for the transition I'm going through right now.

Hopefully I'll have some answers soon, but if not, I guess that's OK.  I need to do some serious soul-searching, and figure some stuff out.  I just hope that I can get some kind of sign, and that I know it when I see it (or feel it).

All images found via Pinterest. 

My new apartment!

I know this is kinda belated (well, I've only been living there for about 6 days now - so I guess it's not THAT belated - ha!), but here is my new apartment!

This is the view when you first walk in the "front door" (it's in an early 1900's house that was divided into apartments).  Eventually I'm going to get those drapes on the couch up soon!  One of these days...

Pivot to the right, and that's the little closet there, and my little make-up station!

Turn all the way around, and there's the kitchen / bathroom / desk area & all that fun stuff!  It's small and cozy, but I've tried to brighten it up in my own way with lots & lots of colors. :)  That's just how I roll!

My itty-bitty bathroom just off the kitchen.  It actually does contain a "bath", which would be the perfect size for me if I were about 3-feet tall.  Haha!  But that's OK - I don't need much!

And my abnormally large kitchen for a studio apartment!  I really do need a decent-sized kitchen.  It's hard having no kitchen space and loving to cook.  So this worked out great!

I absolutely LOVE all of the light I get in here too.  I have a big window in the kitchen, and two more big ones in the living / bedroom.  It's just gorgeous.  Makes me feel sunshiney and happy inside!

I did have to give away some things (knick-knacks, clothes, etc.) because there just wasn't enough room for everything.  But I was OK with that - it's just stuff.  And it was kind of cleansing in a way!  Starting clean, right?

Also, my lovely friend Nikki stopped into my work yesterday and dropped of this beautiful bouquet of flowers for me.  Aren't they just gorgeous?  They really are helping my new little place feel like home.

I think I can be very happy here!

Things are getting much better

Hey Friends,

Sorry for the vague / sad posts lately, and for the lack of posting at all!  The big news is, John and I have decided to end our 2 1/2 year relationship.  The last couple of weeks I've been in a bit of turmoil - finding a new apartment, figuring out how to pack & move with a full-time job, while also dealing with the emotional stuff.

But luckily, John and I will still be friends.  And I actually mean that this time.  I've never had much luck with staying friends with ex's in the past (emotionally it's just hard), but I know that John and I came into each other's lives for a reason, and I can't imagine my life without him in it.

Honestly, I know this was the right move for us.  He's going to take his path and find the right girl for him, and I'm going to take mine and find the right boy for me.  Perfectly imperfect pairs, as I see it. :)

So over the past couple of weeks I've been focusing on me - working hard, finding a new place, finding a way to pack with a full time job, and moving in and getting set up!  It's been quite a whirlwind!  I still don't have internet at home either, so posting will be hard for the next couple of weeks.  I'll do what I can though!

I can't wait to post pictures of the new place.  It's so freakin' cute, and perfect for me.
Thank you to everyone who was there for me during this difficult / crazy time.  You know who you are.  I knew I could count on you, and I love you with every inch of my heart.

Here's to a new chapter in my life!
Love,
Beth

Image via Pinterest

Head VS Heart

Sometimes, things are hard

Sometimes the right choice isn't the easiest choice.
Sometimes a bottle of wine is the only thing to make you feel better (for at least a short amount of time).
Sometimes you just need some time to yourself.
Time away.
Time to listen to your heart (no matter what it says).
Time to grow and understand.
Time to figure out what the fuck is going on.

Sigh.  Things are tough right now.

I know they will get better.  But right now it sucks.

Luckily I have good friends that can console me with some good company, and some good food.

And wine.  Lots of wine.

Image via Pinterest. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I can't believe how quickly 2012 has gone by - holy moly!  What a crazy year it has been.  I got a new job, I learned so much about myself, I made some new friends, I got my head shaved (just to name a few things)... it has been awesome.

I am so happy to be where I am in life.  It is not perfect, but that's just not how life works! ;)  I feel so blessed every day to have so many wonderful people in my life, and that's what truly matters.  I have a job that I love with people I'm excited to see every day.  I'm working on improving myself.  I'm excited every time I look to the future and wonder what it may bring!

So now it's time to CELEBRATE!!!  All of the good times we've had in the past - all of the bad times we've gotten through together.  The life we've lived, and the life we have yet to discover.  Here's to the people we've come to love, and the friends we have yet to meet.

A very VERY Happy New Year to you all!!!  Have a wonderful, happy, and safe New Year!! XOXO

Images via pinterest.

St. Baldrick's Event - We shaved our heads!

Well, this weekend we did it!! 

Just a reminder - here is what we drove to Durango for, and why. :)

Taryn and I packed up some things (along with John), got up at the butt crack of dawn on Saturday (her birthday), and drove about 7 hours down to Durango.  It was a beautiful drive - the Aspens have started changing and they were all beautiful yellows & oranges scattered through the evergreens.  It was gorgeous!

We stopped at a tiny diner along the way (I think it was called Rooster's Crow or something), and got some coffee and breakfast, and a cinnamon roll the size of my head.

After breakfast we were back on the road again!

A nice "we still have hair" shot, with our big huge coffee mugs.  It was a bit chilly that morning!

John, contemplating breakfast with a beard scratch.

When we arrived in Durango, we decided to stop for a quick beer and some snacks.  We went to Steamworks, which had some pretty amazing beer!  Taryn even got a free drink because it was her birthday.  Win!  I had their Oktoberfest beer - it was absolutely fantastic.

Then we headed down to the center of town (it was such a beautiful & super cute area - I am now a fan of Durango for sure!), and we found out that it was Oktoberfest that day!  How fun!

John and Taryn - striking a pose at Oktoberfest!

Sisters & sunglasses!

We realized we were pretty pooped, so we got checked into our hotel and took naps.  My dad arrived shortly after (he rode his motorcycle down to spend the weekend with us), and after we all got cleaned up we headed to the Irish Embassy where the big event was going down!  We had to have some dinner first - I got their fish & chips (probably the best fish & chips I've ever had), and we all enjoyed some drinks.

They had an amazing Irish band there that struck up in song towards the end of our dinner.  They were awesome!  They had violinists, a guitar player, a flute player, a woman on the keyboard - and even an accordion!  They were so much fun!

Shortly after that - the head-shaving began!!

Taryn went before me...

John thought she looked like Tank Girl in this shot - haha!  Look at that smile! :)

Just about done! 

My turn!  I was a little freaked out at first - had some butterflies in my tummy, and a moment of "what the hell am I doing!?"  But it was awesome.  And the band played a little jig in the background while each of us were shaved.

Off it comes!

Taking off the last few bits!

Oh my gosh - it's all gone!  Ha!

It was so sweet because he gave us a special little shout out and had us tell our story.  They were thrilled about how much money our team had raised - over $3,600!  They even gave a shout out to our team member that couldn't be there (Megan) - Taryn told the guy that she was our "friend in Derby", and he thought she said "friend in Germany" - so that was pretty hilarious.

Here is Megan's lovely finished product!  She rocks it!

And here are the "after" pictures for Taryn & I!

John's hairier than I am now!  Haha!
He was so supportive of this whole thing - it only made me love him more.  Such a great guy. :)

Taryn got a free car-bomb for her birthday.  It was her first!  And after the hangover, probably her last... ha!

Such a happy girl!

Us with some of the other ladies that got their heads shaved that night - such amazing women!  They were fantastic!

Our new Scottish / Irish / English friend Richard - he told us jokes & stories, and his friend Roy was awesome too.  We had a really wonderful night!

This is one of my favorite pictures of the evening too - before & after!  Ha!

The next day we had some breakfast at the hotel, and made the long drive back to Denver (rubbing our heads in amazement).

All-in all it was a wonderful experience.  I'm so glad I did it, and that we could help such a great cause.  THANK YOU to everyone who made our team so successful, and who supported us in this endeavor!  You are all SO amazing, and my heart was so happy with love that I thought it would burst.

And by the way, showers are an absolute breeze.  :)

New Job Jitters

I gotta sit down and get real with you here for a sec... 

...I'm scared.

I kind of just realized it today.  I'm 1-week away from starting my new job, and I've got butterflies in my tummy - not just with excitement, but there's definitely some fear in there too. 

What if I can't make ends meet with how much I'm getting paid?

What if I absolutely hate it? 

What if I totally suck? 

What if / what if / WHAT IF!?!?

I'm going a little bit crazy... mostly about the money thing.  I have been working so hard to pay off my debt, and this will be taking a huge step back for me financially.  I'm trying to think of the big picture (happiness / future career / all that jazz), but it is certainly a bit jarring.  All of these "what if's" are swimming in my brain and making me dizzy. 

I need to stay calm and breathe. 

I need to take it one day at a time. 

I see why people stay at jobs for so long once they're comfortable there - even if they hate it!  It's easier.  It's convenient.  There's no fear of the unknown.  You've already built up the trust, and now I have to earn it all over again.  I have to learn how to do things again.  I will be out of my comfort zone. 

I think these are all pretty valid fears, and I'm sure a lot of people go through the exact same thing, and ask themselves the same questions.  But I'm going to face those fears.  It's scary, yes, but I can't keep living my life without taking that risk.  

Walk face-first into the "What If" and say I don't really know right now, but I'll figure it out!

That's what I'm going through at the moment.

I'm scared, but I'll be okay.  A life lived in fear is not a life at all.  

Wish me luck...

St Baldrick's - Head Shaving Event (UPDATE X2: We have a 3-person TEAM!)

My little sister is doing something pretty awesome for her 30th birthday. 

She found out that the St Baldrick's Foundation (which provides funding for kid's cancer research), is doing a head-shaving event to help raise money for their cause - on her actual birthday.  So instead of asking for gifts this year, she decided to raise money for the foundation and get her head shaved. 

For kids with cancer. 
How awesome is that? 

So we're making a little party of it, and going to Durango for the event that weekend!  It's going to be tons of fun, and who knows?  Maybe I'll be inspired to do the same myself.  Crazy, right??  Haha! 

I have always said that I wanted to shave my head at some point in my life.  Just to say that I did it.  And although I love my hair and have so much fun with it, it will grow back.  Probably much healthier too!  It'd be a clean start. 

I was also looking at their website, and so far this year 47,335 men have shaved their heads for the cause, and only 6,805 women have done the same.  Which is AWESOME, but c'mon ladies!  Let's up the ante a bit! :)  I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that the female donors are significantly less - our society has a lot of trouble accepting women with very short hair (especially a shaved head).  But can you imagine living out your adolescence without hair??  That already-awkward stage of your life would be even more difficult to handle.  So why not show those kids that not having hair is COOL!?  

Sometimes people can be so vain about their hair.  Heck, I'm guilty of it myself!  It's one thing to look nice, but to pay hundreds of dollars every month / every other month for a professional dye job?  Thousands of dollars for extensions?  (Sorry, Angela - I had to say it!  I still love you just the way you are). :)  Even the cost of hair products, trims, home hair-dyes (which screw up the environment anyway), just seems like a waste of money and time.  Aren't there better things to spend our money and time on?  

Those are all of the things I'm thinking of here.  Not that I'd go bald forever mind you, but once?  Why not?  
And really, women are so beautiful even without their hair.  Allow me prove that point... 

Mena Suvari - still stunning!

Alek Wek - love her big huge smile.

I'm sure everyone remembers when Natalie Portman shaved her head on-screen for V for Vendetta.  She totally rocks it!

This is a beauty queen that shaved her head to support cancer research - how great is that?

This is one lady who actually shaved her head for St Baldricks!  Pretty awesome,  huh?  She totally rocks it too.

Eve Salvail - you might recognize her from a bit part she had in The Fifth Element.  Gorgeous! 

Throughout my search I found MANY many more beautiful women with shaved heads.  They're everywhere!! Oh and of course, all of the ladies (and guys) that donated their hair to this cause! 

I actually had a boyfriend once that told me in all seriousness that if I shaved my head he would break up with me.  Can you believe that?  Apparently my external beauty was more important to him than my internal beauty.  Needless to say, we aren't together anymore.  My current boyfriend's feelings on the matter? 

Me: "I'm thinking of shaving my head for that event my sister is doing..."
John: "Heck yeah!  Do it!"

Love this guy.

Here is Taryn's profile page if you want to make a donation.  Even just $5 helps - that's one Starbucks coffee - you can give that up one morning for kids with cancer, right?  :)

All pictures found on Pinterest or google image search (except the picture of my sister)

UPDATE:
After thinking more and more about what an awesome thing my sister is doing, and thinking more & more about where I am in my life right now - I have decided to join her efforts!  Not just with fundraising support, but we are now a TEAM, and we're BOTH getting our heads shaved!!  I'm so freakin' excited. 

Here is a link to my personal page, and our team name is "Taryn it UP!"

Please support us in this cause to fight childhood cancer! :) 
THANK YOU!! 

UPDATE X2:
Apparently this has gotten bigger than I'd ever imagined!!  My lovely co-blogger / derby wife, Megan, has also decided to join our team and have her head shaved too!!  WOWZA!! 

Our friends have been completely amazing in our fundraising efforts, and we've already raised over $1k to help the cause.  I'm in awe. :)  Please keep it coming - and spread the word too!  I would love it if our team made it to the $2k mark - or even surpassed it.  How completely exciting.