Day 44

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 44: A picture of someone you’re told you look like.

Lots of people have told me that I look like Kelly Clarkson. And though I can see why they would say that - I think that she and I have the same "type," I have to politely disagree. I think that my features are prettier, and slightly  more delicate, than hers. 

A few others have said that I look like Joss Stone. Maybe I'd look more like her if I were blond? Again, I can see some similarities between certain facial features, but I don't completely agree. 

I think I look a lot more like this girl. She's a Brazilian actress (I don't remember her name. She was part of the cast of a Brazilian soap opera my mom used to watch.) 

What do you think?

Day 43

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 43: A picture of something you can’t function without.

I often wonder how we (as a human race) functioned without personal computers. Last night, as I was trying to fall asleep, I was thinking of a time when I didn't depend on my laptop, because to be completely honest, I depend on my laptop for almost everything these days (read the news and stay up-to-date on current affairs, keep in touch with my loved ones who are far away, download/listen to music, etc.) So, what did I do to pass the time when I didn't have a computer? How did I stay connected to the rest of the world? And you know what I realized, that I've had my own personal computer since I was about 9 years old (and before getting an actual computer, I always had one of those kid computers, the VTechs and the whatnots.) Granted, back then I only used it to play video games, but the point is that I've always been highly dependent on technology. I guess that for me, the greatest value that a computer has is its potential as an educational tool. I can't even tell you how many audiobooks I've downloaded in the last year, let alone how many eBooks or PDFs I've read. Lately, in my attempt to become fluent in multiple languages, I've been getting into podcasts a lot too! Anyways, I'd definitely say that my MacBook is currently the item that I simply could not function without.  

Tips for preventing holiday weight gain

The average person tends to gain about 2-5 pounds during the holidays. However, very few people try to actually lose those pounds afterwards. Also, those that do try to lose them quickly find that it’s quite a difficult task. So, I propose that we not gain any weight in the first place (or at least to try to minimize the damage.) And to help in this endeavor, I’m giving you some of my tips for preventing holiday weight gain. Last year I actually lost 3 pounds during the holidays, so I can assure you that holiday weight gain is not something that's inevitable. Try to implement as much of these as you can, not only during the holidays, but in your regular day-to-day life as well.    

1. Stay hydrated. Much of the weight that we do gain during the holidays is water weight. So, a way to avoid carrying excess amounts of water in us is simply to increase our daily intake of water. Not to mention that we already know how water helps flush the toxins out. Also, I find that when I don’t drink the amount of water that I’m supposed to in a day, I feel lousy, which leads me to overeating.

2. Avoid the sugary holiday snacks. Instead, snack on fruits and veggies. People often underestimate the massive amounts of calories found in all those sugary holidays snacks (cinnamon buns, gingerbread cookies, chocolate treats, sugar cookies, etc.) In addition to the obvious, the fiber provided to us by fruits and vegetables will help us stay fuller for longer, helping us to curb mindless eating.

3. Eat as you normally would. In the past, I would starve myself during the day on Christmas Eve just so that I wouldn’t feel guilty for having an over-indulgent dinner. However, little did I know that this led me to overeating. It’s better to stick to your regular diet during the day because that way you won’t be as hungry and are less likely to overindulge at dinnertime.

4. Workout. With all the Christmas shopping, holiday parties and get-togethers, this is one of the busiest times of the year. That said, try to squeeze in a workout everyday during the season, especially on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Working out will make you feel better and you’ll get the added benefit of burning a few calories in the process.

5. Don’t drink your calories. Avoid eggnog, the holiday drinks at Starbucks (peppermint mocha, gingerbread latte, etc.), and mixed alcoholic drinks. During the holidays, our consumption of alcoholic beverages also tends to increase. I’m not telling you to stop drinking completely; I know I’ll certainly be having a drink or two. But, I do recommend that you stick to wine and champagne, avoiding the mixed cocktails as much as you can. If you’re still dying to have a cocktail, then I’d do research on how to make your favorite one a bit less caloric (i.e., use Coke Zero instead of the regular one for your rum and coke, etc.)

6. Relax! Be mindful of what you’re eating, but also remember that this is the season to spend some quality time with your loved ones, and that food will always be around. Try not to see food as an enemy that must be defeated, but as something that we need, and something that makes life a bit more enjoyable. I’ve found that the more I stress out about losing weight, the harder it becomes for the weight to come off. Not only that, but it also leads me to insomnia, which isn’t good for weight loss either. So yea, a few indulgences here and there won’t be completely disastrous. Again, be mindful of what you eat, and try not to indulge every single day – it’s when we constantly make poor choices that our weight starts to slowly creep up.

Days 37 - 42

I've been in somewhat of a slump lately, and didn't really feel like blogging, so I apologize for my lack of posts in the previous week. I'm doing a lot better now - I think I've finally figure out how to get myself out of these funks I get in from time to time. It involves a lot of positive self-talk and many, many hours in the gym, in case you're wondering. ;) Anyways, I'm back and I've brought with me all the posts that I missed.

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 37: A picture of the people you spend most of your time with

I spent about 6 years living in the United States, and though I'd always come home for the holidays and for summer vacation, I truly missed feeling that I was a part of a family. I've been back in Honduras for about a year now, and although there are certain moments when I get frustrated and upset with them, I voluntarily choose to spend most of my time with my family. I don't know where this life is going to take me, but I'm fairly certain that I don't belong in Honduras. As such, I know that there will come a day when I will leave this place yet again. I hope that wherever I end up, I have my family close to me, but I know that there's a chance that that won't happen. Therefore, I'm soaking up every moment I get to spent with my family now, making even more precious memories in the process. 

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 38: A picture of the best part of your day

Even though I have trouble sleeping, the best part of my day is probably when I sleep. And that's probably the reason why I value sleeping so much, too. Because it is VERY rare for me to get 8 hours of sleep, I cherish whatever few hours I get. LOL. That said, I have to admit that my favorite time of the day varies on a day-to-day basis. I also enjoy that first sip of coffee in the morning quite a lot. 

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 39: A picture of your favorite movie

"Amélie is a story about a girl named Amélie whose childhood was suppressed by her Father's mistaken concerns of a heart defect. With these concerns Amélie gets hardly any real life contact with other people. This leads Amélie to resort to her own fantastical world and dreams of love and beauty. She later on becomes a young woman and moves to the central part of Paris as a waitress. After finding a lost treasure belonging to the former occupant of her apartment, she decides to return it to him. After seeing his reaction and his new found perspective, she decides to devote her life to the people around her. Such as, her father who is obsessed with his garden-gnome, a failed writer, a hypochondriac, a man who stalks his ex girlfriends, the "ghost", a suppressed young soul, the love of her life and a man whose bones are as brittle as glass."

I first saw Amelie when I was a senior in high school, and it's been my favorite movie ever since. I think that what I like the most about it is the fact that it's a simple storyline, with quirky characters that everyone can relate to. But, at the same time, it encourages the viewers to indulge in their own fantasies. Also, even though the plot itself is simple, what really makes the film are all the little details it contains. And of course, because I am a romantic deep down, I am enthralled with the romantic storyline, which touches upon the idea of soul mates. 

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 40: A picture of your favorite Disney character

I always identified with Belle, mostly because of her love for reading, but also because she constantly longed to get out of her small, provincial town and was always dreaming of exotic, faraway places. Also, I just find the entire story of "Beauty and the Beast" to be very endearing, and I always found Belle to be a lovable character. 

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 41: A picture of your pet

This is Fiona, my pet bulldog. We got her in 2006, making her 5 years old. I just love her and whenever I'm not in Honduras, I miss playing with her so much. Let me just mention that she's very well trained. If she needs to use the bathroom, she'll go to the door and try har to get our attention until we open it for her. 

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 42: A picture of your dream house

It's no secret that I want to live in New York City. Therefore, my dream house would probably be a luxurious penthouse overlooking the entire city. The apartment itself isn't so important, I'm sure I'd be able to work with whatever I'm given. However, I definitely want the view to be amazing!

Days 34, 35, and 36

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 34: A picture of your currently most played CD.

I'm sure that I've mentioned this many times already, but I love Christmas music!!! Christmas music is just so uplifting and cheerful, that I find it hard to believe that some people don't like it. I mean, holiday cheer is contagious, and in my household, Christmas music plays a huge part of the festivities. Now that this has been established, let me add that I adore Michael Bublé. I think he should come sing me to sleep every night. He has such a soothing voice and is an amazing performer - I saw him in concert last year! Anyways, you add the two together, get his Christmas album, and voila - there you have my current most played CD. I truly do recommend it. My favorite song on it is "Cold December Night," which Bublé wrote himself. I love the fact that it's a NEW Christmas song!

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 35: A picture of your favorite place to eat.

I know that the question isn't "What is your favorite restaurant?" in which case, I'd still post the same picture, but every time that I've been to Sushiko to eat, I've had an amazing time. Most of my friends are as in love with Japanese culture (and food) as I am, so whenever we get together and have a meal at Sushiko, it's always led to the creation of very pleasant memories. My best friend Danny and I had a tradition in which we'd go to Sushiko to have eel rolls and tempura! It was out of this world!

60 Day Picture Challenge - Day 36: A picture of your ‘other half'.

I don't have a person that I could call my "other half." And it's okay. I'm focusing on loving myself at the moment, for I truly think that one cannot love another person before loving himself/herself first. And that is why I posted a picture of me. :)

Friend Questionnaire

Me answering questions about, you guessed it, me:

1. What human quality do you rate the highest?

2. What faults do you find easiest to forgive?

3. What quality best helps a person get on in life?

4. What do you regard as life's greatest boon?

5. What would you miss most in life?

6. What do you think of present day Western Civilisation?

7. What do you consider the most important invention in the history of man?

8. Do you belong to any religious denomination? If so, which?

9. What do you consider the first essential of a happy marriage?

10. What historical figure do you admire the most and why?

11. What classic work of art has impress you the most?

12. Name 5 of your fav' books

13. What are your fav' flowers?

14. What is your fav' colour?

15. What is your fav' animal?

16. What is your fav' exercise?

17. What weather and season do you like the most?

18. What is your fav' food and drink?

19. what is your fav' recreation?

20. What is your motto in life ?

*I missed number 4. Whoopsy! My answer to "What is life's greatest boon/blessing?" would be Family.

Antes de las seis

I haven't posted one of my cover songs on here in the longest. I'm always recording songs, though. So, check out my YouTube channel if you haven't done so already (www.youtube.com/user/aerisbandy). Anyways, here's my latest cover, Shakira's "Antes de las seis."

No actues tan extraño

Duro como una roca

Si te mostré pedazos de piel

Que la luz de sol aun no toca

Y tantos lunares que ni yo misma conocía

Te mostré mi fuerza bruta

Mi talón de Aquiles, mi poesía

¿Qué harás?

Sólo una historia más

¿Qué haré

Si no te vuelvo a ver?

Si desde el día en que no estás

Vi la noche llegar mucho antes de las seis

Si desde el día en que no estás

Vi la noche llegar mucho antes de las seis

Mucho antes

No dejes el barco

Tanto antes de que zarpemos

Hacia alguna isla desierta

Y después, después veremos

Si me ves desarmada

¿Por qué lanzas tus misiles?

Si ya conoces mis puntos cardinales

Los más sensibles y sutiles

¿Qué harás?

La vida lo dirá

¿Qué haré

Si no te vuelvo a ver?

Si desde el día en que no estás

Vi la noche llegar mucho antes de las seis

Si desde el día en que no estás

Vi la noche llegar mucho antes de las seis

Mucho antes de las seis

Mucho antes