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[emgenue]

Hello, Tumblr!

We're halfway through 2023 and what a year it has been.

These past few years have been filled with tragedy; I've lost many people dear to me. It's only now that things are beginning to change, starting with a shift in mindset to count my blessings.

I've also accomplished many things I never thought possible. I know I'm making my loved ones proud. The last year has been a grind. I'm finally transferring to a four-year university to major in aerospace engineering. I'm participating in a NASA program, summer classes, and working on top of it all. A girl barely has time to breathe.

I admit, I've been losing myself in the hustle. I am no longer present in the journey. No one talks about the agony of the battle; we only see results. I did become a yoga instructor. I was in the healthy weight range of around ~135 lbs. and I looked and felt great. Keto worked for me. I was exercising 4-5 days a weeks and living life for myself and not for anybody else's expectations.

Then, everyone died. My support network was decimated in two years. I dropped out of school multiple times and sought therapy to get through the loss. It was a hard journey to get here, but here I am. I've lost so much. I can't lose myself.

So here we are. I weigh more than I ever have and I still feel and look great. My body does so much for me and I am grateful to have my health. There is more to life than an ideal. I don't think I have it in me to chase for a "dream body." Instead, I want to chase the feeling of having energy in the morning, of experiencing the joy of being one with my body.

Yoga allowed me to connect my physical health with my emotional and spiritual wellbeing. I am currently in a state of disconnect and I am seeking to re-establish this foundation so I can be present in my journey. I am an ambitious woman with goals, but I deserve to enjoy my life every step of the way. The hustle does not have to be miserable. Life truly is too short.

Goals for 2023

The rest of this year will be about habits. I have six months to build the foundation for the next year and onwards to the rest of my life. The easiest guideline for me are the five pillars of wellness.

Movement

Walk 10,000 steps daily

Yoga 1-2 time a week

Sleep

8-9 hours

Wake up 08:00 daily

Hydration

64+ oz. of water daily

Carry Hydroflask everywhere

Breath

5 minute sessions with Apple watch

5-10 min. meditation every evening

Nutrition

Eat breakfast daily

Make mindful choices when eating

These aren't in the order of importance, but roughly my personal easiest to hardest. Movement lifts my mood and is a natural anti-depressant. I love to sleep. Water is easy as long as I have my giant Hydroflask with me.

I struggle with breath and nutrition the most. I notice my shoulders are tense and I don't exhale fully when I'm stressed. It builds up and I feel like a bundle of nerves at the end of the day. Nutrition is a challenge for me because I am indecisive and hardly eat a meal a day.

These habits are health-related, but if I want to feel my best, the body is the easiest to control and master. If I wanted to lose weight, keto was extremely effective for me. However, I am a different person with different goals now than I was in 2019. I want a sustainable lifestyle change. I want to be healthy down to my bones, not just on a scale. Ultimately, I want to feel like myself again and, with my ridiculously busy schedule, baby steps will ensure that I reach my destination all in due time.

Wish me luck!

Em♥

[emgenue]

Hello, Tumblr!

It’s been a little while since my last update. I’ll post my stats at the end.

I haven’t been consistent with keto since I had my wisdom teeth removed and I just got back from Mammoth yesterday.

Even if the weather didn’t allow for tubing, I still had a great time sledding on a little hill and making a snowman! We walked to Canyon Lodge from our Airbnb and it was the most exercise I’ve gotten in a long while. We relaxed in typical Asian fashion by playing Mahjong well into the night.

Mammoth is beautiful and it doesn’t having the crazy mountain roads of Big Bear. It took some time to figure out everything we needed for the trip, coming from Southern California and all, but I’ll definitely be returning.

When we arrived home after a 5 hour drive, we went from snow to rain. My sister and I aren’t big Superbowl people and were tired of Mahjong so we went home early. We got home so early, in fact, that we had time to do something spontaneous. So here’s another update: I got my nipples pierced.

Here’s the thing. I’m not really the time to do tattoos or piercings. I’m pretty cookie cutter when it comes to body modifications. My mother had my ears pierced when I was just a baby. My main reason for doing this was because it’s one of the ways to treat inverted nipples. That being said, it hurt. My sister said my face went pale white when I sat in the chair and I’m actually pretty tan. My pain tolerance is usually pretty good, but those were a very long two seconds. Having her screw the ends in was more painful than the actual needle. The piercer, Nikki, was soothing and professional. She did my brother’s ears last year and my sister’s with me. This may be the only piercing I’ll ever get, but I have to say I have no regrets.

I’m not sure how this will work with me returning to the gym this week, but I’ll figure it out! Without further ado, here are my stats:

05 February 2019 - 146.4 lbs. -0.9 lbs.

Waist - 31.5″ -0.5″

Hips - 39.5″

Neck - 13.5″

Upper Arm - 12.5″

Bust - 38.0″

Thighs - 24.5″

I didn’t lose as much weight these couple of weeks, but my focus moving forward is building muscle and getting stronger!

[emgenue]

Hello, Tumblr!

News of the week: I had my wisdom teeth removed on Thursday.

I had a few days off work and I decided to squeeze it in and get it over with while I’m still under my parent’s insurance. This is my first surgical procedure.

I have so many regrets. The first few days weren’t as awful as I expected. Pain and swelling hit hard on day 3. I had to double up on my pain meds. It was so bad that I couldn’t sleep. Good times.

I slept all day yesterday and it was my first day back to work today. I’ve only taken 800 mg of ibuprofen today so that seems like progress.

Since my diet has since consisted of soft foods, I had to eat some mashed bananas and mac and cheese. I couldn’t live off green juice, soup, and protein shakes forever. I’ll be back on keto as soon as I can chew properly.

Pasta and milkshakes just don’t taste the same as pre-keto. I actually think I’ll be fine without them. I don’t even recognize my tastebuds anymore.

With that, I’ll keep you guys posted. I’ll see if I can start some light stretching and exercise at my post-op appointment.

Em♥Powered

If you’re interested, here’s my weekly stats:

21 January 2019 - 147.3 lbs. -2.7 lbs.

Waist - 32.0″ -1.0″

Hips - 39.5″ -1.0″

Neck - 13.5″

Upper Arm - 12.5″

Bust - 38.0″ -0.5″

Thighs - 24.5″

I lost almost 3 pounds this week! I’m attributing that to the forced liquid diet. While I did lose some booty and bust, I also lost an inch off my waist! I’m very excited.

The last time I weighed this much was July of 2017. I gained 10 pounds from April 2017 to October 2017 and another 10 by July of 2018.

It’s very nice to see some progress since I started my weight loss journey on November 5, 2018 at my highest weight: 165.7 pounds. I’m 18.5 pounds down 76 days later!

I feel that it’s definitely possible for me to hit my goal of 140 pounds in the next three weeks, right before my birthday. I just have to be consistent and I’m thankful for you guys keeping me accountable. Let’s rock this year together!

[emgenue]

lovely blog

Thank you! I love the vibes of your blog. You're so beautiful.

[emgenue]

Happy Monday!

As you may know, one of my goals this year is to run a 5K.

That may not be much for you marathon runners out there, but I’m starting at ground zero.

Cardio is not my jam. I was literally the last kid in gym class to finish the lap - and I wasn’t even overweight!

I can attribute it to bad lungs, but it was honestly laziness and the unwillingness to push myself a little further through slightly laboured breathing.

Exercise was never something I had experience with as a child. I was very sheltered. I don’t want that anymore.

I’m incorporating cardio into my routine. This program starts running slowly and at your own pace. I’m on my way to that 5K!

Since it’s that time of the week, you can keep reading for my stats:

13 January 2019 - 150.0 lbs. -1.0 lbs.

Waist - 33.0″

Hips - 40.5″

Neck - 13.5″

Upper Arm - 12.5″ -0.5″

Bust - 38.5″

Thighs - 24.5″ -0.5″

I did this workout for 4 days last week! I made a mistake when I did it before leg day. I have never felt that much fire in my inner thighs. I have no regrets now. I see the results in my measurements! Where are you at with your fitness goals? Please don’t just focus on the scale! How you feel is what’s most important.

Em♥Bark on Your Journey

[emgenue]

Happy Tuesday!

I found this workout through Pinterest. The results are insane. I’m not going to lie. I definitely needed to cheat a little bit and I used a yoga block right before the pelvic thrusts. Regardless, I’m committing to doing 4 days this week. What are your goals?

As a short Filipino woman, no one in my family has a butt. We were blessed with washboards instead! Let’s change that through hard work.

I love Blogilates. Cassie Ho is not just an influencer. She has a beautiful heart to boot. In addition to this workout, I’m also doing her Journey to Splits to get more flexible.

For those of you who don’t know, I’m planning on receiving my 200-hour yoga teacher training certificate in May from @orangecoastcollege. I’m a long way from perfect, but I want to be the best teacher I can be. Yoga is definitely more than a workout. It’s a set of ethics and values that should be a way of life.

Who’s all in this year?!

Em♥Brace the Burn

[emgenue]

“If you do not know where you come from, then you don't know where you are, and if you don't know where you are, then you don't know where you're going. And if you don't know where you're going, you're probably going wrong.”

-Terry Pratchett

All races begin at a starting line. We’re at the starting line of where we want to go. This is going to be very embarrassing, but we’re going to get real here. I’m going to give you my measurements at the end for anyone who wishes to take a look.

Now, this blog isn’t just about my fitness journey. I fully intend for it to be all-inclusive of the decisions I’m making in life. However, your body is your temple and it’s about time I start worshipping mine.

Goals for 2019:

Health

115 lbs.

Do a @whole30​.

Do the splits.

Run a 5K.

Dream Big

Become a yoga instructor.

I try to incorporate bucket lists items into the things I want to accomplish this year. For reference, I am a huge fan of @inkwellpress​. I follow the podcast religiously and this is my second year of A5 inserts for my navy blue Filofax. I’ve been through many different planners and this one, with its emphasis on goal-setting, has won my heart. Since this is basically my first day, rest assured that I am not sponsored.

Let’s make it a little less scary and break it down:

3 Month Goals

Health

130 lbs.

Lose 10 lbs. a month.

Stay on keto.

Do the splits.

Stretch for 10 minutes each day.

Run 30 minutes straight.

Run 4-5 times a week.

Dream Big

Begin the semester for Yoga Teacher Training @orangecoastcollege​.

Em♥Blaze the Trails

P.S. If you’re interested, here’s all of my goals and a little history of what I’ve accomplished so far:

Height: 5′1″

05 November 2018 - 165.7 lbs.

Waist - 35.0″

Hips - 40.5″

Neck - 14.5″

Upper Arm - 14.3″

Bust - 39.0″

Thighs - 26.0″

Inconsistently goes on keto. (Hi, Thanksgiving).

16 December 2018 - 150.9 lbs.

Waist - 33.0″

Hips - 40.0″

Neck - 13.5″

Upper Arm - 12.5″

Bust - 38.5″

Thighs - 25.0″

Hello, Christmas!

06 January 2019 - 151.0 lbs.

Waist - 33.0″

Hips - 40.5″

Neck - 13.5″

Upper Arm - 13″

Bust - 38.5″

Thighs - 25.0″

Goals for 2019:

Personal

Read 12 books.

Be punctual.

Be accountable.

Learn calligraphy.

Social

Travel somewhere new.

Have a photo shoot.

Make 1 friend daily.

Financial

Complete a no-spend challenge. (It’s happening, January)!

Save $100 every month.

Pay off car by July.

Health

115 lbs.

Do a @whole30​.

Do the splits.

Run a 5K.

Dream Big

Become a yoga instructor.

Negotiate a raise.

Learn to play piano.

3 Month Goals

Personal

Read 15 minutes a day.

Read 1 book a month.

Wake up 15 minutes earlier every week.

Social

Chicago on 21 March 2019.

Aunt’s wedding.

Financial

Create a budget.

Buy own groceries.

Pay for own gas.

Health

130 lbs.

Lose 10 lbs. a month.

Stay on keto.

Do the splits.

Stretch for 10 minutes each day.

Run 30 minutes straight.

Run 4-5 times a week.

Home

Read How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend.

Write 1 love note to top 3 daily (especially when upset).

Dream Big

Begin the semester for Yoga Teacher Training @orangecoastcollege​.

[emgenue]

Hello, 2019!

Who’s on board with “New Year, New Me?”

Let me begin with the statement that I am not one of those people that believe in New Year’s resolutions. Another day with a new name does not change the person you are. New habits lead to a new you. That’s what this blog is about. So, let’s try this again.

Hello, 2019!

My name is Emilie and I’m here to prove to you that I can be accountable. Here I am, declaring to the world that I’m going to change this year.

I know what you’re thinking. “You’re not going to change!” “People say that every year.” “What makes you different?”

I’ll tell you this: Nothing makes me different. I am 100% just like everyone else and that’s why I’m going to change my life this year. Because if I can do it, you can, too.

I’ll be honest. I don’t have the best habits. I can be lazy and stubborn. I don’t stop eating when I’m full and I stay up way too late. I’m not even punctual! (Sorry, not sorry, boss).

I’m also tired of being tired. With a family history of diabetes, I don’t want to end up with health issues later in life. My body is at a point where I don’t look overweight, but I’m not skinny either. No one bothers to criticize me and I’ve been complacent with my health for way too long. There’s a point where potential stops being cute.

This year, I’m going from goal-setter to goal-getter. I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing this for you. With the hope that my journey inspires you to make changes in your life, let’s make 2019 the year of change!

Name your year. Mine is Catalyst.

Em♥Brace Yourself

[emgenue]

25 Things To Do Before You Turn 25.

"1. Make peace with your parents. Whether you finally recognize that they actually have your best interests in mind or you forgive them for being flawed human beings, you can’t happily enter adulthood with that familial brand of resentment.

2. Kiss someone you think is out of your league; kiss models and med students and entrepreneurs with part-time lives in Dubai and don’t worry about if they’re going to call you afterward.

3. Minimize your passivity.

4. Work a service job to gain some understanding of how tipping works, how to keep your cool around assholes, how a few kind words can change someone’s day.

5. Recognize freedom as a 5:30 a.m. trip to the diner with a bunch of strangers you’ve just met.

6. Try not to beat yourself up over having obtained a ‘useless’ Bachelor’s Degree. Debt is hell, and things didn’t pan out quite like you expected, but you did get to go to college, and having a degree isn’t the worst thing in the world to have. We will figure this mess out, I think, probably; the point is you’re not worth less just because there hasn’t been an immediate pay off for going to school. Be patient, work with what you have, and remember that a lot of us are in this together.

7. If you’re employed in any capacity, open a savings account. You never know when you might be unemployed or in desperate need of getting away for a few days. Even $10 a week is $520 more a year than you would’ve had otherwise.

8. Make a habit of going outside, enjoying the light, relearning your friends, forgetting the internet.

9. Go on a 4-day, brunch-fueled bender.

10. Start a relationship with your crush by telling them that you want them. Directly. Like, look them in the face and say it to them. Say, I want you. I want to be with you.

11. Learn to say ‘no’ — to yourself. Don’t keep wearing high heels if you hate them; don’t keep smoking if you’re disgusted by the way you smell the morning after; stop wasting entire days on your couch if you’re going to complain about missing the sun.

12. Take time to revisit the places that made you who you are: the apartment you grew up in, your middle school, your hometown. These places may or may not be here forever; you definitely won’t be.

13. Find a hobby that makes being alone feel lovely and empowering and like something to look forward to.

14. Think you know yourself until you meet someone better than you.

15. Forget who you are, what your priorities are, and how a person should be.

16. Identify your fears and instead of letting them dictate your every move, find and talk to people who have overcome them. Don’t settle for experiencing .000002% of what the world has to offer because you’re afraid of getting on a plane.

17. Make a habit of cleaning up and letting go. Just because it fit at one point doesn’t mean you need to keep it forever — whether ‘it’ is your favorite pair of pants or your ex.

18. Stop hating yourself.

19. Go out and watch that movie, read that book, listen to that band you already lied about watching, reading, listening to.

20. Take advantage of health insurance while you have it.

21. Make a habit of telling people how you feel, whether it means writing a gushing fan-girl email to someone whose work you love or telling your boss why you deserve a raise.

22. Date someone who says, “I love you” first.

23. Leave the country under the premise of “finding yourself.” This will be unsuccessful. Places do not change people. Instead, do a lot of solo drinking, read a lot of books, have sex in dirty hostels, and come home when you start to miss it.

24. Suck it up and buy a Macbook Pro.

25. Quit that job that’s making you miserable, end the relationship that makes you act like a lunatic, lose the friend whose sole purpose in life is making you feel like you’re perpetually on the verge of vomiting. You’re young, you’re resilient, there are other jobs and relationships and friends if you’re patient and open.”

-Unknown

[emgenue]

[emgenue]

malformalady:

In the small town of Ashland, Pennsylvania, Route 61 takes an unexplained detour; a “Keep Out” sign straddles the original highway. Ignore the warning and you’ll arrive in the abandoned town of Centralia, where an underground mine fire has been burning since 1962 when residents accidentally ignited a vein of anthracite coal. Despite efforts stop the fire it still burns today and could burn for 250 years. Some houses still stand but most have been demolished. ‘Silent Hill’ was based on this town.

[emgenue]

Women are their own worst beauty critics. Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful. At Dove, we are committed to creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. So we decided to conduct a compelling social experiment that explores how women view their own beauty in contrast to what others see.

Thank you, Dove...

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