Resolutions

I personally do not believe in the New Year's resolution. I feel that any promise to yourself can be made any time of the year. Eight weeks ago, I promised myself that from now on I WOULD work out. Not that I should or have to. As I was running my five last night, I wanted to stop. I had no reason to. I wasn't out of breath, by then my foot stopped hurting, and I had a good pace. I asked myself what I would be doing if not running? My answer was probably arguing with my daughter to eat her food. So...I finished my run!

I do want to try something after the holidays though. I have to say that it is much to easy to get fast food. It is cheap and simple. With my husband deployed, the easiest thing is to eat wrong. Which totally throws off my working out. I want to try clean eating. I am not going to go crazy with it. I just want to make decisions about my food that I will not feel bad about an hour later. I love vegetables, and have been getting into fruit, so it isn't like it is difficult for me. It is just easier to not cook. Although, I do love sushi!!

So, I don't want to say that this is a New Years resolution, but a necessary life change, just like working out. I think that the first few months will be difficult, but maybe after eight weeks, it will be easy like running is now!?!

This next year is going to be interesting. We find out where we will move, when will move, maybe try to have another child, and I get to see all of my hard work pay off. My goals of the half marathon and races will be accomplished.

Five miles today!! So, I found great running shoes. The only problem is that running in them hurts my toe. Yes, just one. Anyway, So I tried out another pair. OMG, what a pain. I thought they actually would be really nice. They have extra room in the front for your feet to move forward, and stabilize your feet. I will never buy those again. I usually buy a particular brand, but where I live their assortment is small. I hate getting shoes online. Well, this is it for today!

I am going to be starting an A-10 picture in two weeks. I have it in my past posts. It is really neat looking. It is going to be on the biggest canvas I have ever done, and the biggest one I could buy. It is 36X36!! Crazay! Does anyone have any ideas on what they would like to see me paint? I usually have a hard time deciding what to do. Let me know if you have ideas! That way you get to see your idea come to life!!!!!

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Hey guys, please like my page on Facebook. It is Art By Larissa. If you cannot find it by searching, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/LarissaBabbitt !!! Thanks!!

Hey ya'll! Just kidding, but I am kinda bored right now! I just made another blog. It is more about getting my pictures out there, rather than blogging like I do on here. I will probably post similar, if not the same, stuff on there. But, If you would like to visit, it is at Tumblr.com: http://artbylarissablog.tumblr.com/. I am really getting into all of this computer promoting stuff! I know that it is a slow process, but right now learning about all the places to post things is fun!

I get excited when I get a new "like" on Facebook. Like, really excited. Is this normal!?! Anyway, right now I have 136. I know it isn't a lot, but I like when people that I don't know decide that it is interesting enough to like and view!

I ran 4.5 yesterday, and 3.5 today. I could not get into it today. It took all of my effort to even get to the gym. I like lifting more than anything at this point. Well, I did enjoy running yesterday. Ugh, it kind of upsets me. My goal today was supposed to be five miles, but I think I hit a wall running because: 1) I ran out of time at the gym, only 2 hours of kid sitting allowed, 2) My legs are exhausted. Normally I would say it is because I was being lazy, but not the case. I at least can feel good about that.

On a happier note, I am so excited to see my dad. I haven't been able to visit him at my childhood (aka really just teen years) home in about three years. I love being back. I love Christmas in the house too. I don't know why, but the house isn't small but it feels cozy. Especially with the tree, soft lights, and my dad. This was the place that I lived the longest in my life, so not only that, I still have family there. When he moves, if ever, it would stink to lose that feeling of "home". Anyway, it has been a year since I have seen my dad though. He came to visit me last year. I am from Las Vegas, NV. I love Xmas in general there. Even without snow, it just feels right. Even if it is cheesy, I love the Xmas stuff/decorations at the mall near the house!

Sorry for rambling.....but this is my blog, ha!

Crazy cat lady!!!

Lamby!

My business cards!!!

Just saying this again because I am starting out in the realm of business, I would like everyone to know that I have a store on Etsy.com called ArtByLarissa. I can paint anything you would like. On Etsy you can only post the pieces that are already complete. My past posts show the work that I have done. I can do anything except for faces. I have trouble with humans! Also, if you have time, "like" me on my Facebook page. It is Art By Larissa. I also have a blog on Tumblr: http://artbylarissablog.tumblr.com/. If you would like anything, just message me! Thanks! Oh, and tell your friends!!!

I ran 4.5 miles today. A vast improvement from even before my foot surgery. I am really excited about this. Not only am I a rarity, in that I enjoy running, but if I keep up this pace I will be ready for the 1/2 marathon in about 16 weeks. Apparently the rule is for novices, 16 weeks is the beginning of training and eating right. Not that you shouldn't do that any way, but I have a habit of indulging in food that isn't great for a person.  If you are an avid runner,12 weeks is the start, FYI. I am finding the race, in my head, to be daunting. I am excited about it, but at the same time I just started running again. . I have to say though, I have been lifting weights, and doing things like squats with weight. I believe that this has helped tremendously in my able to have endurance, get my breathing under control, and be stronger in general. I also have been able to change how I breath while running. I always had a certain way of doing it, even in track in high school. Apparently it was wrong. I can now run, and not be out of breath after 4.5 miles, just sweaty!! Does anyone have any tips?

Oh, the holidays!! I love fall and winter, Uggs, boots and sweaters!! So, I gave my painting to my aunt. It was sad letting it go! I got attached to it! I guess I will feel that way every time I paint a picture, and it goes to its owner.

I have been trying to get back into running. After my foot surgery, I am really hoping that I can run without pain all over. I have signed up for five running events for the next five months. I am running a 5k Zooma, 5k Muck Run, The Gasparilla 8k, 5k Color run, and finally a half marathon in Clearwater. I am excited about each of them. I want to prove I can do it, and feel good about myself. I am scared about the half marathon though! I do have a workout buddy, so that is helping the preparation a lot easier than going it alone.

I have been doing pretty well since my husband deployed. Our daughter is a handful to say the least. She is growing so fast and learning like crazy. I have to say having a two year old is fun, but exhausting. I really don't know what I would be doing if she wasn't born. I guess I would just be really bored! So glad she is happy and healthy. It does make things easier.

Oh, I want to add.... I am signed up to be a bone marrow donor. I have been on the list for about four years. I know that it is a painful process, but I think that if donating something so simple would save a life, it is worth it. I am saying this because a lot of people do not think of it. If you have have a need to help others, but do not know exactly what to do, please consider it!!

DONE!!

Latest view!

Just added my older paintings and drawings to ArtByLarissa on Etsy. If you follow me, like me on facebook, and pass the word on to your friends! I would appreciate it! If anyone has any cheap ways to promote artwork, I would also appreciate the knowledge to do so! Thanks! Oh, also if you read my blog +1 me, and let me know you're reading!

Watercolors and drawings

This is an example of what my next painting is going to be close to!

I am expanding my sales potential! I now have a store on Etsy! ArtByLarissa At this point I am selling my canvas paintings. I am going to be getting all of my paintings, past and present, professionally photographed and then turned into prints. This way I can get my work out to those who like them, but don't want to pay for an original. That is the thing that stinks about painting on canvas. You need a certain person who wants a certain thing, and they have to want what you offer. I think most people just want an already done piece of art from a place like Z Gallery. I like this store though! Any who, I am also going to be painting an A-10, I will post a pic of what I am going to paint. I am doing it for my husband, and then make prints off of it. It is an awesome picture. I am going to change it up, so no copying! If anyone that reads this is not already my "friend" on Facebook, check out my page Larissa Babbitt.

Closer!

Almost done!

What's New

Things have been sort of up in the air for the past two months. My husband has deployed. Even if things seem more difficult, it does leave time to paint. I have replaced the time spent with him with painting. I plan to use the months with him away to add new things into my life. I am taking up a dance class to learn the Tango, which is something I have always wanted to do. The neat thing is that you don't need to bring a partner, and they have child care! School is boring as usual, but I will finally be finished in September. When that is over I begin a new adventure in school: My masters/ doctorate in Organizational/ Industrial Psychology. I am really excited to begin this! Anyway, this is what has been going on with me.

New Painting

Prague clock

New competed work

I know this may appear odd, but I had set prices for pictures in my mind that made sense. I have to say, that now I need to view the picture first, and then give a price that I feel is appropriate for the amount of work. So, If anyone had asked before, it is what it is, but from now on, it needs to be talked about, and shipping will have to be researched. Again, I am not trying to make anyone buy anything, I am just clarifying what I am trying to make a career out of!

I haven't painted much in the past few years. I guess you really need the motivation, time, and a bit of calm in your brain to even put brush to canvas. I am not saying I am a great painter, but I love it. I think I am a good painter. That at least is something I can be proud of. Here are five of my paintings I am proud of!!! I do wish they were brighter on here! The modern is my first acrylic, the others are watercolor!

A-10 Nate flies.

UH-60

Excited to paint today. It has been a few years. I always get nervous about it. I know that most things work out, but it is like adrenaline spikes when I think about it! Acrylics, brushes, and all are set up!

On another subject, I am going to Hebrew school, and Torah classes to convert to Judaism. I know most may be confused by this, but it is in my heart. Because I was not brought up with a religion, I have missed out on spirituality most are at least familiar with. I feel at home at Temple, and their beliefs, religion wise, match up to how I feel in an unexpected way. This is a new adventure in my life. I am scared because I am so lacking when it comes to knowledge regarding any religion, especially Judaism.

I have been sewing a lot. Pillows, curtains, and soon Eva's quilt. So far, not so bad! I cannot wait to take a pic of my bedroom when all is done.

Pics, because most get to see my daughter growing up on facebook, this blog is going to be about me. A little selfish, but just saying. Most pictures on here will be to explain and show what I have been up to.

I also have been working extremely hard on a cook book. At this point I am past the half way point. I have collected about 200 pages front and back. So, I have made a reference page for guick guide to pick dinner. Then I made a callendar of about 150 dinners quick to make to make decisions easier. The last part has been going through the book for the 150 dinners and making an ingredient list, just so that getting food for the week will be easy peasy! Only 100 recipes left to write up. Pinterest is killing me though. I find new things every week.

Eva has been entering the terrible two's, teething her last two, and just being a crazy snack cake. Sooo glad this weekend was a four day!

Nate has been working his butt off, so when he is home, it feels good to have my best friend back!

School is going well...again! I am now back into psychology. I take classes at the University of Phoenix Online. I take 5 week classes that never end. They begin on a Tuesday, and then end on a Monday. Kinda sucks, but at least it is going by fast, and it is only one year left. After this, I will begin a Masters/ Doctorate mix degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. So Dr. Babbitt I shall be. Hopefully by the time Nate retires, I will have a Doctorate, and be able to work. (This can be like HR stuff)

Sometimes, I loose myself just being a wife, mother, and things that go along with that, so it will be nice to have a great degree, and make my own money to help support and contribute.

New adventure in writing...

This is my first blog. I think that it will go something like this: a diary,a rant, and a place to reveal my life as I see it. Friends, I am doing this for entertainment, and for those that wonder what's up with my life, if you care. If you don't, please ignore then! If you would like to view my blog send me you email, and I will add you to view my blog when you want to!