A Love & Hate Relationship: "To Do" Lists

I like lists. I enjoy writing them in neat and orderly point form. I enjoy organizing them so that my plans, errands, and random things "to do" are in tact. I depend on lists, so I don't miss that dreaded dentist appointment or important due date. Call me old fashion, but I simply like writting lists (although PS I do have my 'written'-list(s) entered into my Blackberry and MACPro iCal. Duh.)

Anyway, I've come to blog about my list liking obsession addiction because I've been bad...yup, I've been neglecting the lists. Don't get me wrong, I've been writing them alright...

See a brief version of todays list:

• 10AM Take little brother back-to-school shopping (check)
• 2PM Starbucks & Nail Appointment (check, check ! )
• Complete business proposal (semi-check)
• Submit poem for OTM magazine (half-check)
• 7PM gym (check ! )

...I just haven't been crossing everything the really important things off. Not to say that my nail appointment isn't important (my cuticles need weekly care, attention must be paid) but I probably (most definitely) should of finished my business proposal first. Shit shit shitty. Oh and, in my other defense, my little brother really needed my help before he wandered into Abercrombie & Ditch, only to reek of a preppy ubiquitous brand name with no style or soul.

However, also to my defense, my business plan is neither late nor overdue (thankfully). It's just the fact that I a) lacked prioritization and b) will have to work extra hard this weekend (except for the little-tiny fact that I'm away, at a friends cottage). Shit shittier shit. BUT, to my utmost defense, Monday will be my conquer-all day.

Man, I hate lists...well, only when certain "to-do's" miss the check mark and I end up freaking out - just a little bit - and swallowing a pang of guilt as I type away with my freshly painted purple nails. Whoopsy !

Come Monday I'm back to business, no more bullshit list-ing!

My Phases of Intensity - A Journey to Live Better

I often go through phases of intensity, especially in regard to eats, drinks, and "favorite" things. When I was young my cabbage patch doll "Sarah" went with me everywhere and anywhere...until I got the puppy in my pocket hotel travel kit mansion that is. Last summer, I think I ate an apple with organic crunchy peanut butter every single afternoon. Oh, and I continuously play new songs on repeat, until I can longer stand the sound; and right now, I've traded my daily Starbucks skinny vanilla latte for a sugar-free vanilla soy green tea misto.

I am quite certain that my self-proclaimed "phases of intensity" stems from the fact that a) I am a Gemini b) I like, and prefer, to live 'non-linearly' and c) Like most people, as I grow so do my interests.

However, despite my many retired sports (age 12: I thought I was destined to be an olympic figure skater) and hobbies (new destiny at age 15: broadway actress), I have established a true and constant passion in my life - something that I am continuing to practice, as I grow and change over time. This constant passion - aka obsession? - of mine is to live the healthiest and most balanced lifestyle possible; as Pure + Simple Co. Owner, Kristen Ma, so eloquently puts it, "Holistic Vanity" is and has been my hobby for some time now. Although my lifestyle is not 100% Holistic, I am taking positive baby steps to improve my lifestyle, each and every day.

This past summer I have begun to challenge my physical and mental weak spots, taking note on certain causes and effects pertaining to my diet, energy levels, and physical stress. I've come to realize that too many dates and other dried fruits are far too dehydrating for both my skin and internal organs. I continue to work out everyday - in some form or another - however I realize that I need more variety, whether it be lifting weights at the gym, walking outside for an hour or more, Moksha yoga, or rollerblading.

I'm also trying to eat an even more balanced diet consisting of predominately fruits, nuts, veggies, fish, no-dairy, whole grains, and occasionally chicken. Although, to be honest, a controlled and regulated diet is definitely the most challenging..I mean, movie popcorn, rocky road icecream, and Starbucks lattes simply taste and smell so good! Damn the fluffy-buttery popcorn goodness!!

Alas, despite my love for food (do you blame me?) and troubled sweet tooth (Um..hello, chocolate!), my journey to live, feel, and look my absolute best will continue to prevail and grow to great new heights. Over the course of 5 months, I've dabbled and grown extremely found of both Vega and Pure + Simple products. In particular, the Vega Sport natural plant-based performance optimizer "pre-workout" beverage is a new favorite of mine for it literally optimizes my workouts, leaving me to feel refreshed and energized.

And as for Pure + Simple...there are no words. In short, I am in love with their products and philosophy. Not only do they inspire a healthier lifestyle, but prove that natural skin care is indeed the answer to all problems, ranging from sensitive skin (that's me!) to anti-aging, and more.

During my slow yet powerful self transformation, I now sleep solid throughout the nights, have better flexibility (my poor hamstrings are healing from too much strenuous exercise), have stronger nails, shinier hair, whiter teeth (going strong on no coffee!), a more glowing complexion, and a happier digestive system. So far, I'm ready to feel and experience further results.

From retro-skater Barbie to spooning from the Nutella jar (...yes, it's true), some passionate phases of intensity were never meant to last. But as old habits die hard, new ones are born, with more intensity, passion, and determination than ever before.

jessicamuhlbier.com Website Photo Shoot

A talented friend of mine and I are in the midst of creating a website for myself - jessicamuhlbier.com! He is predominately doing the "design" work while I am tackling the content, colour scheme, and most importantly, which pictures to use. Another talented friend of mine (I have so many friends of talent!) is simply genius at photography so he was kind enough to take a few shots of me looking "techy".

I will likely choose 2-3 photos for my website, which ones do you like best? Granted, they have yet to be edited aka polished to perfection. Decisions, decisions. . .

#1

#2

#3

#4

[this is one of my favorites thus far]

#5

[this one is silly but cute...I kinda like it :P]

#6

[Unfortunately, this picture was quite big so it appears to be a little pixilated here]

My friend of mighty talent took approximately 300 photos, can you believe it? It was literally click-click-click-click, I barely had time to smile let alone pose! However he did a wonderful job - I foresee him being very successful at what he already does so well.