America the Beautiful.

Many of you who saw my tribute video to Colorado singing "America the Beautiful" have come to this page asking me questions and wanting to know who I am, so here goes!

Hi, I'm Shaylee. :) I'm 22 years young.  I can't actually play guitar that well, but I like to try. ;)
This is my blog and I've been writing in it ever since I moved here to Lake Mary, Florida near Orlando.  I'm a singer/songwriter with a dream to make music that changes the world.

I DID grow up in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  I lived there for 19 years before I left. I still consider it home and it is definitely where my heart is.  Practically all my family lives there.  I'm a Wasson T-Bird (spent all my school years in District 11) and after graduating I attended New Life School of Worship where I met my husband, David.  Then I got married and moved.  Leaving the Springs was extremely hard for me.  I missed hiking, climbing, running in fresh air, and most of all--the mountains.  I feel alive when I'm in them and I guess a part of me hasn't been the same since I left them.

So, it comes as no surprise that when my parents called me and told me about a fire in the mountains, my heart sank to the floor.  And then when Tuesday the 26th rolled around, every single one of my friends started posting pictures on facebook and I was right there with you all--no sleep, worried, praying nonstop just wanting to see a miracle.  It was that day that my uncle Brad, aunt Lynn and cousins Delaney & Lunden were asked to evacuate their homes (they lived on Ashton Park Place).  When my uncle had gone back to his house to get some more valuables Tuesday afternoon, the smoke was so thick he couldn't even see in front of him.  It was so eerie and he didn't see any more people driving near his streets, so he left.

It was confirmed a few days later that they lost their house.  I can't imagine the feeling of not being able to come back to a place you've built memories in and to a place where you've raised a family.  I thank God that they are all safe and they seem to have such a positive outlook on it all and it really has made me inspired and has made me think about gratitude and being okay without possessions.  I've had to ask myself if I lost everything, would I still have my faith?  It's a hard question to answer.

{ Enter picture of my family here as soon as I get a good one!! :) }

During the day the fire started to the time structures started burning, I knew there wasn't much I could do but pray (and us Floridians were praying hard for you all, too) and create something that would inspire. So, I immediately thought of "America the Beautiful."  To me, that song is the epitome of the Colorado mountains and that view you see at the top.

Music is a universal language and it speaks when words can't.  I'm so glad that this video has touched you and inspired because that was my hope and prayer while recording this, finding images, and telling you the story of my family.  Thank you to the firefighters who are risking their lives to protect this AMAZING city, and my heart continues to go out to those of you who lost a home (or a loved one).  Please share your stories with me, I would love to hear them!  I am overwhelmed by the stories I've read so far of loss and hope.  I know, without a doubt, Colorado Springs will rebuild and will come out stronger than ever because you all are the definition of what community looks like and I'm proud to be associated with all of you.

I posted the video below in case you haven't seen it yet.
To like my Facebook music page:  http://www.facebook.com/shayleesmusic
I hope you all stop by and say hello! :)

--Shaylee

lately (my florida realizations).

Lately I've been seeing life from a new angle; a new leaf, if you will. I didn't even realize it until I stayed up until 4:30 AM texting my best friend Holly on Friday night.
We were talking about the insanity of life, dreams, hopes...but then we started talking about Florida.
Recently, David's heart has been geared toward moving back to Colorado so we can be near my family & start our own family there. I want that, too... but I don't want it right now.
And before my Colorado friends/family flip out, let me just explain myself.

I've always been superrr close with my family. We tell each other everything, they showed me unconditional love (still do), and we were just very tight-knit. Then I met David who flipped my world upside down. I wanted to marry him, but I didn't necessarily want to move across the country the day after our wedding so that we could be with his family/friends. I knew marriage was about sacrifice--I had watched that from my own parents--and I chose to make the leap of faith, even if that meant leaving my family.

People ask me all the time, "How did you do that?" "Wasn't it hard?"
Um, yes. I started this blog as a means to express some of the stuff I was going through, which wasn't even the icing to what was really going on inside of me. {I may seem open on this blog, but I'm not generally an open person. I keep a lot inside and only tell the deep parts of me to a handful of people}.

Anyway, adjusting to the first year of marriage is hard enough in itself. David and I didn't live together before we were married, and throughout our entire engagement we had a long-distance relationship. So, add all that up with the fact that I was 19 years old, had never lived on my own before, and we had only known each other for a little more than a year and those were ingredients that would either bring us closer together or drift us further apart.

Spring Break 2009

At first they drifted us apart. I've talked about this several times before. Our marriage wasn't strong in the beginning.  Somedays I wasn't sure if we would last.  And when we would fight, I would leave... but I had nowhere to go.  All of the people that I would feel close enough to share things with lived 1,600 miles away.  So, eventually I would have to come back home and we would talk and work things out (sometimes until the wee hours of the morning).

See, if I would have never left my family physically, then I would have never been able to leave them emotionally.  I'm still close with my family, don't get me wrong, but I think God knew all along that though moving would be hard for me, it would grow me and stretch me and it would all become part of my testimony of things that I've been able to overcome.  Also, this and other circumstances that I've endured with David have brought us closer than I ever thought was possible.

God doesn't want us comfortable. Ever.  Our lives should be constantly growing, morphing into something that may seem ugly at first but you better believe it's going to turn beautiful.  This is why I question if moving back to Colorado is the path we should take.  There are two sides of me.  One side is family, family, family--I love them all so much and my heart aches to be with them.  But the other side of me is music--being able to pursue my dream of singing and performing, which has been instilled into my heart since I was very little.  The opportunities I have here in Orlando are completely non-existant there.  So, I'm waiting.  I'm praying.  I want the next move to be completely up to God.  I don't want to live here forever, but I don't know what the future looks like... it's hard being patient sometimes. :)

The best is yet to come, and the future is bright (literally).  After 2 and a half years, I'm finally starting to see the small things that make me love Florida.  Here are a few...
1. Animals.  All I ever saw in Colorado was deer, maybe a bear or a fox.  Here?  I see twenty different species of birds (and I LOVE birds) a day right outside my window.  I always see armadillo, more dead than alive, unfortunately, while driving to work.  Lizards... what can I say? At first I was so intrigued, now I have to watch my feet when I walk down my stairs so I don't accidentally step on one as they dart all around the stairs. I still think they are super cute, though.
Then there are the animals that are ever-present that I (thank God) have not encountered yet: Gators and Panthers.  And don't forget the insects.  I hate all insects, but I promise you every single day I see a brand new insect that I've never seen before.  I actually start to look forward to it because I'm a nerd and like to do my research.
2. Weather's the same all the time.  I miss seasons a whole lot.  However, it is nice to know I don't have to scrape snow off my windshield before I go to work.  My two essentials:  Sunglasses, and an umbrella because Florida's storms are fast and furious.
3.  I'm able to wear cute flip flops and sundresses all the time.  Enough said.
4. A "vacation" is a 40-minute drive away.  The beach/beach condo? 40 minutes.   Disney World? 40 minutes.  Universal? 40 minutes.  SeaWorld?  Less than 40 minutes. :)
5.  Family BBQ's with the in-laws.  I'm blessed to have awesome in-laws.  About once a month we have a BBQ in their beautiful screened-in backyard with David's sister Shanon and her husband Tyson.  After we are done eating, we swim in the pool or hot tub, or we sit at the table and play Apples to Apples or Catchphrase.  If I never moved here, I would have never became close with Shanon or David's parents.  :)


So, there's a few.  Have a beautiful weekend!  Enjoy where you are and live in the moment!

weekend recap.

cheap finds. a good friend. the beach. awesome seafood restaurants.
that's what I call a good weekend.

dreaming.

We've been doing a lot of dreaming lately.

Yesterday officially marked our 2 1/2 year anniversary and it's crazy how fast time has flown. We are now officially at the stage of being able to talk about babies and houses.  We may not be ready for either right now, but we are looking at houses all over the United States.

It's crazy because for the first time in my life I have no idea where we will be in one year.

At the start of our marriage, all I wanted to do was start a family and have a bunch of kids.  I felt like I was ready, yet God thankfully had another plan.  The first year to two years of our marriage was spent adjusting.  It's easy to live with one sinful person but then you add living for another imperfect person into the mix and it's a whole other dynamic.  We've been through some extremely rough patches.  Somedays I didn't think I was going to make it.  There were moments when I cried to God, asking him why he would bring us together if we were not meant to be.

But God had his hand on us the entire time.  He still does.  God is working in all areas of our lives even when we don't see them or feel His overwhelming love.
I'm not perfect, David's not perfect and our marriage will never be perfect.  But I thank God every day for His grace that He has extended to us.  It doesn't matter what you've done or said in your life--God loves you and when you ask for His forgiveness, His love, mercy & grace outpours into everything in your life.

Let this be an encouragement to you.  Wherever you are in life you have a God who loves you deeply.  It's a love that we as humans cannot begin to fathom or wrap our minds around; it's an unconditional love that isn't judging or condemning.  His love for us is a perfect love.

The other day at church I saw a picture on the wall that perfectly brought the message across of God's forgiveness.  This young man was broken and crying, but was wrapped in Jesus' arms.  Underneath was this Scripture:

"If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand?  But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared."  Psalms 130:3-4

Look at the people you around and surround yourself with those that show that grace and compassion to you.  Being honest is needed in all relationships, but being a judgemental friend is a whole other story. If you feel condemned, find new relationships. If you're somebody who sees yourself as a person who doesn't do much wrong, you need to evaluate your life.  I mean it.  Sit down with a pen and paper and ask God to speak to you about the things in your life that need to be changed in your heart. All of us have dirty hands.  Not even the greatest Preacher who has spoken 50,000 sermons and has helped save 1,000,000 lives is innocent.  In God's eyes, our greatest works are still filthy rags.

These last two years--but even more recently--we've evaluated.  We've evaluated the love we need from each other, we've evaluated what it means to be a Godly husband or wife.  We will always be evaluating until we die.

But at this moment in my life I feel my marriage is the strongest it's ever been.  Though Satan has attempted to use people or events to destroy us and although he has tried spreading lies into our family, we choose to not let him win.  And we refuse to feel condemnation from the enemy.  We run to the arms of God.  And every time we fall, we will keep running.

We're going to fall a lot more in this life.
It's inevitable.
But we are blessed to have a Savior who died for us.
And he fights for us & will until our mission is done here on earth.

That's the best feeling in the world.

Because of Him, we are able to dream.  We are able to create, to hope, to plan.  He's the center of it all.
Thank you, Lord.

photo shoots have their own page now!

So, as you can see I have a lot of interests and hobbies.  To keep this blog more organized, I have created a seperate blog for all photography-related posts.  You'll be able to see all my latest pictures on there.  The website is here. :)

one day.

one day I'm going to have a little boy.

he's going to be my heart and soul--a piece of what david and I have created in life.

because we're nerds (but mostly dreamers) we already have his name picked out. it's the perfect combination of adorable cuteness for a baby and masculine manliness for a grown man.

I'm excited for that day.

not now, but one day.

{pics taken with the incredibly cool bradyn, 3 years old}

birthday festivities.

I went outside this morning to get something from my car and was taken aback by the humid and hot temperature.  Yes, I know I live in Florida, but I thought maybe we would have a few more weeks of nice, subtle mornings.  I'm guessing that's over now and summer is coming in full-force.

It's perfect timing because we are escaping to Colorado for a week in just a few sweet days.
I'm so excited--it has been 9 months since I have seen my best friends and it has been 6 months since I've seen any of my family.  It's going to be good.

My birthday didn't really go as expected.  I ended up working that day about 15 hours.  By the time I got home, I was so tired and just went to bed.
The next day was celebration.  And my husband did a good job.
Many times I have to remind him of the things I like, the places I want to go... etc but when I woke up and went into the kitchen to get water, I started bawling uncontrollably.  There was a hand-written love note to me and six yellow roses.  Nothing does it for me like hand-written things and beautiful blooms.  But what was so sweet about it was that I wasn't expecting anything like that.  And just to read his heart on paper made me cry.  Yes, we live together and see each other everyday, but we don't always tell each other we love each other enough.  Life gets busy and other things demand our attention.  It was so sweet of him.

Later that evening after he got off of work, he told me we needed to leave because we had somewhere to be.  I quickly got ready after being lazy all day and working on projects.  We drove to Orlando, which is very rare for us.  Generally, we avoid Orlando unless we absolutely have to go there.  The traffic, the chaos, the tourist drivers... no, thank you.  But when we do go to Orlando it's usually for something exciting.  He took me to Dexter's.

It's a restaurant we have near our house, but this one was a different atmosphere.

He ordered this Asiago Cheese dip and I had a few nibbles.
It was delicious to say the least.  I still kept with my shrimp salad, though.
Afterwards, we walked around outside--looking at the cute boutiques and shops.  I found this owl necklace I really loved but it was like, 50 bucks.  Bummer.
Next, we went to Starbucks.  It's not a hang-out with David unless there is Starbucks involved.
We told the barista it was my birthday and asked for something free.  He said he couldn't do that.  And then David whipped out a free drink coupon for HIS birthday that was back in February.  The barista accepted it and said, "I'll make this myself for you."
He gave us two grande frappucinnos with a shot of expresso in each--for free.  The guy was awesome.

Please excuse the burn on my hand...so not attractive at all

After I got over my massive stomach-ache from that fat-filled frappe, we walked to the movie theatre.  He originally had planned to see Titanic in 3D with me, but they wouldn't accept his vouchers for a 3D movie which is stupid.  Nonetheless, we saw the Hunger Games (his second time seeing it) and it was an impressive movie so I was happy with it.

It's funny.  Every time either of us plans to do something, our plans usually change in the middle.  We have NEVER had a hang out that was perfectly orchestrated and planned.  I like that.  I like being married to somebody who's spontaneous.  He makes life so much more interesting.

twenty-two.

When I was a little girl, I always imagined myself years down the road--where I'd be, the man I'd marry, the house I'd live in, the car I'd drive, and the kids I would have.  Now that I'm older, I imagine myself as a kid again--carefree, dependent, secure, safe, dearly loved every day.  I know I'm loved, but nothing replaces the embrace of a mom after falling off a swing set and dropping my popsicle, or a dad who rubs your hair while you fall asleep crying because of what mean girls said at school.  Those are moments that have forever shaped me.  They have taught me life lessons.

The older I get, the more I remember my childhood.  Running on hardwood floors with bare feet, the smell of the garden hose when we would fill up the pool (and filling up the pool was a momentous occasion because in Colorado you never knew how long summer would stick around).

The way my parents would teach me how to spell words correctly--me writing "Probly" and hearing my mom's tender voice, "It's Prob-AB-ly.  Spell it out."  I still remember the way she said it and the way she looked. I remember the wild flowers that would grow on the side of our yellow house--how my little brother Jeremy and I would play in them, catching bumblebees and keeping them as pets either in mason jars or in the screens with our windows closed until they died, then having a special funeral for them--trumpet playing and all.

             

I remember the day my parents woke me up to tell me that I was going to have a little sister, and meeting Kiley for the first time.  She was the most beautiful baby in the world to me and I remember saying, "I'm going to give her hundreds of dollars for her birthday every year so she can spend it at the mall."  (Sorry, Kiley, in reality I'm not actually rich or I would hold myself to that statement.)
I remember all the times I "performed" for family, friends, and sometimes just the stars.  The front porch was my favorite stage.  I enjoyed creating things...I always wanted to invent something new.  Every summer I convinced myself that I was going to create a robot and I was not going to give up.  So, for a few days I would start my robot, thanks to paper and glue, then realizing that I can't actually create a robot out of paper and feeling stupid.

I remember the summers spent outside rollerskating with the neighborhood kids  and trying to create an ambience of a skater rink with Britney Spears, N*Sync and Backstreet Boys blaring from the boombox in the front window.


I was a hopeful little girl, always dreaming and thinking of something.  My teachers didn't understand me.  I doodled on all my papers and hummed songs, especially during math lessons.  I made my first book when I was 6 years old.  It was twenty pages long about a princess named Shaylee, complete with illustrations of stick figures. With long hair, of course.  I was proud of that book and my parents made a big deal about it.  They pushed me in all areas of my life that I had interest in.  They wanted me to the best I could be.

Those were moments that shaped me.  They are just a few of many, many moments that keep reappearing in my memory more and more each day.  In a world of "information overload," it may be surprising to hear that.  But it's not surprising to me because I love to remember.  I wouldn't be standing here today without those little moments in my life, and without the support of a loving family.


Sometimes I forget that I'm married and moved away years ago.  Sometimes I forget that I'm an adult now with a job, with bills, and responsibility.  It all happened too fast.  How can you prepare for these moments of "adulthood" anyway? I don't think any amount of preparation will prepare you.  There is nothing predictable about life.  There is nothing predictable about God.  I think remembering where you came from is how you get to where you're going.

Today, I'm twenty-two years young.
And as much as I don't want to get older, I know I need to.  There's a whole other perspective out there waiting for me.  There are new memories that will form.  There is more "magic" to be created with my little ones when God blesses me with them.  There are more possibilities and experiences right around the corner.  It's good to remember and it's better to live now, even if it's unfamiliar or uncertain.  I'm looking forward to this new age that I've never been before.  This is a new chapter in my story; a new journey to embark upon.

my master cleanse experience--and losing 12 pounds!

As many of you know,  I endured a two-week cleanse called the Master Cleanse.  I journaled throughout my experience so that people could be informed of what happens during the process.

What is the Master Cleanse?

Morning:  Drink 32 oz of SEA SALT water

During the day:  With every 10 oz of water, mix 2 tbsp of FRESH squeezed lemon, 2 tbsp GRADE B Maple Syrup (I found mine at Publix), and 1/10 tsp of cayenne pepper

Night:  Drink laxative tea before bed

What does it do? 

It gets rid of all the toxins in your body, as well as fecal matter living in your intestines that could be have been there for an entire decade (so nasty).  It also aids in putting you at a healthier lifestyle--one centered around fruits and vegetables, not sugar and processed foods.

My whole life has been a constant struggle with weight.  A few months ago, I went to the doctor's for a physical.  He told me that not only was I overweight, but I was obese.  Obese!  When I heard that word,  I couldn't believe it.  I guess I was in denial all this time, but I never saw myself as obese.  But even with the facts right in front of me, I didn't do much to change it. I was depressed, didn't have energy, and just wanted to eat or sleep.

It wasn't until we went on a Disney Cruise and my father in law snapped this photo that I realized how badly I've been taking care of myself:

This was such a fun day -- riding with family on Castaway Cay, Disney's Island... BUT this picture makes me cringe and it keeps me going with my weight loss.

I looked up cleanses, seeing if there was one that would work for me, and that's when I came across the Master Cleanse.  After a lot of research, I decided to take the leap and try it out.  I was consuming 3,000 calories a day on average probably and hadn't exercised in months, but I decided to believe in myself and take the leap.  So I did.  

Before I share my journal with you, I just want to say.... honestly... if I can do it, YOU CAN TOO!

I was doing this while having a job & in the run of a show.

Maybe the Master Cleanse isn't right for you, but I recommend finding one that is right... maybe a juice cleanse.  Cleanses are important because they clear out our system and give our organs a break.  I plan to do this every 6 months.

Some tips if you decide to do this:

1.     Do NOT make the lemonade ahead of time and store overnight.  The Cayenne Pepper will dilute the water and the drink will be very SPICY.  It will be almost unbearable to drink.  This happened to me the first day and I drank all 85 ounces like that because I didn’t want to waste it.  I decided to take a gulp of water each time I took a gulp of the lemonade.  But I had a show that night, and I did notice the burning a little bit while singing.

2.     When doing the saltwater flush, it’s best if the water is at room temperature.  It’s much easier to drink that way from my experience.

3.     May be TMI, but if you feel like you have to pass gas, you’re not really passing gas.  GET TO A BATHROOM IMMEDIATELY!

Day 1: March 23, 2012

Weight: 186 pounds

11 PM

Feeling very hungry, so I think I am just going to go to bed.  Can’t drink any more lemonade, it was way too spicy today because I made it wrong.  I didn’t feel hungry all day because I drank every 2 hours or so, and then lots of water in between.  I think I peed a total of 30 times today.  I have cravings, but that’s natural as my body gets off the crap it’s used to.  I’m also tired, but have read up on that and the first few days you are very tired because there are so many toxins leaving your body.  About to drink my laxative tea and then get some sleep.

Day 2: March 24, 2012

Weight: 183 pounds

12 PM

It’s early in the day and I’ve already experienced lots of…uh… crap in the bathroom. 

I drank the saltwater flush today but took my time and didn’t do it all at once.  So now I have to go to the bathroom every 15 minutes.  Today is a lot more than yesterday.  It feels like there is pee coming out but on the other end.  Again, may be TMI, but I want everyone to know what you WILL experience on this cleanse.  A lot of people recommend to not leave your house until 2 hours after you have had the saltwater flush, and this is why!! Listen to the advice!!  I feel a difference in my body today.  I lose weight in my face first and today my face looks less puffy.  My skin also looks like it’s glowing.  I’ve lost 3 pounds since yesterday, which surprised me.  I haven’t been hungry yet today, but I think I will make my first lemonade drink now.

11 PM

I’ve been hungry since 6 PM, like legitimately hungry.  I counted the calories I consumed and realized I didn’t have enough today.  I only had 950 calories. NO GOOD! I need to up my intake tomorrow.  David had me pick up Wendy’s on the way home from the theatre.  Torturous, but I didn’t eat anything!  Self-control! Feeling exhausted, cranky, hungry and worthless.  Literally I do.  What has happened to me?  I know that feeling down has a lot to do with getting off this addiction to food and all the bad things leaving my body, but I want to be myself again.

Day 3: March 25, 2012

Weight: 182

6:30 AM

Hello, bloating stomach.  I only got 5 hours of sleep last night because we are leaving for church in an hour and I want to make sure I’m cleaned out before I go.  Just had my saltwater flush.  Feeling okay today, just bloated like I said.

11:30 PM

Had a lot of energy today!  Made sure I got atleast 1,200 calories in from the syrup & I’m feeling great!  World of difference from yesterday.  My friend Hannah came over and she and David had chips & fresh salsa and delicious-smelling pizza.  My sense of smell has always been great, but ever since yesterday it has heightened even more.  Anyway, I made the pizza myself  (put it in the oven, took it out) & didn’t even think about touching it.  I feel like I’m on top of the world.  I’m very proud of myself & who I’m turning into.  I was once a slave to food addiction and now I’m running from that lifestyle. I’m overcoming.  I feel my stomach shrinking, my skin glowing more and more by the second, and I’m starting to feel more like the confident young woman God wants me to be.  This cleanse has been a win-win.  11 days to go.  I believe in me.

Day 4: March 26, 2012

Weight: 180

I can’t believe I’ve lost 6 pounds in 3 days.  I feel great.  A little sluggish at times, but overall I think my body is getting use to this lemonade drink.  It actually started to taste delicious today.

Day 5: March 27, 2012

Weight: 180

10 PM

I almost quit today.  Almost gave up.  Craving everything and it felt a lot like day 2.  Had some headaches and lots of grumpiness.

Day 6: March 28, 2012

Weight: 179

11 PM

I wasn’t hungry today until I went to my audition and we did the dance portion for almost two hours.  Haven’t been exercising on this at all obviously, so this made me extremely hungry.  Met David and some friends at a Pizzeria.  They were already done eating but the smell was in the air.  I gulped down 30 ounces of lemonade, telling myself that one day soon I could eat pizza.  I actually imagined Old Chicago, which is an amazing restaurant that we don’t have here in Florida, but they have in Colorado.  I’m going there next month and I WILL be cheating that day and will have their Italian nachos & pizza.  Okay, gotta stop talking about food now 

Day 7: March 29, 2012

Weight: 176 pounds

Heartburn today.  Had lots of energy today and felt like I got a lot of things done, though.

Day 8: March 30, 2012

Weight: 176 pounds

I’ve had INTENSE heartburn for the last two days, and that is no good as a performer.  It means burping at the wrong times!  I still feel like my body is being cleansed and everything, but I’m starting to full-on desire food. I think about it all day long, every single day.  I may end up cutting this short.

Day 9: March 31, 2012

10 AM

Didn’t weigh myself today.  I threw up last night and I don’t think it’s normal.  I ended up being so light-headed and sick that I had a few plain crackers just to put something in my stomach to absorb whatever was left.  As soon as I put it in my stomach, I was magically okay.  I’m thinking this may be a sign that my body wants to go back to eating foods, but I’ll do this for a few more days and see what happens.

11 PM

I had a much better day today, but still not feeling completely well. So, I’m going to take my tea and go to sleep.

Day 10: April 1, 2012

Weight: 176 pounds

I’m still grouchy and I really thought I was supposed to be “enlightened” by now.  It’s been 10 days without food and it feels like two months.  And I have to sit here and watch my husband eat an entire box of Oatmeal Crème Pies.  Heck, I don’t even like Oatmeal Crème Pies, but anything sounds good right now.  Anything.  The only thing keeping me motivated right now is the thought of losing more weight and getting closer to the weight I desire and the weight I need to be at according to the doctor.  4 more days, just 4 more days…

Day 11: April 2, 2012

Weight: 175 pounds

Down 11 pounds!! Woot!

I was energized today. I decided to start adding an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to my drinks.  It has enhanced the flavor and has kept me up and going with the energy.  I think I should have had this much all along, and then lowered my intake with the cayenne pepper.

Day 12: April 3, 2012

Weight: 175 pounds

(Didn't journal)

Day 13: April 4, 2012

Weight: 174 pounds

My Act 1 costume is starting to become too big on me -- I'm swimming in it!  Even though the scale only says 12 pounds, I feel like I've lost more in inches. I'm no longer a size 14 in jeans.  I'm almost a size 12, but not completely yet.  I can wear 12's but it isn't extremely flattering quite yet.  Still though, not being able to fit in my jeans made me jump up and down in excitement. 

Day 14: April 5, 2012

Weight: 174 pounds

Today is the big day! The last day.  Wasn't sure if this day would ever come.  I'm excited to eat again, but I know that I need to treat my body better.  The whole point of this is to put me back into a healthy lifestyle and I think I will be accomplishing that.  This weight loss isn't going to be fast from here on out, it isn't going to be easy either, but if I can go two weeks without solid food I think I can pretty much do anything.

Two days later (after easing off) I had my very first salad.

I actually woke up and said to David, "I'm so excited!!!! I'm going to the salad bar at Albertson's!"

I realized that was a pretty redneck thing to say... but oh well, I drove on over and stacked a giant plate with spinach, lettuce, every other veggie in the book, strawberries, blueberries, etc... then I drove home and took pictures of it before I gobbled it all down.  Well, not exactly gobbled.  I had three bites then was full.  So I ate more the next day... and the next. :)

 My tastebuds were going crazy.  Every taste was unique, different, and was like the scene in Ratatouille where I saw fireworks going off in my head.  Also, my tongue was having a hard time differentiating between the coldness of a strawberry and the warmness of a bite of David's soup I had.  It was almost as if I hadn't eaten in weeks... oh wait.

It was an experience, and like I said before I plan to do it again and again.  Since then,  I have been eating healthy -- making sure to stay away from processed foods and really rely on the good stuff.  I still haven't eaten meat, but have been eating fish and seafood.

Thank you for reading all of this, and as always I will continue to update you on my progress!!

easter sunday.

It's a beautiful morning, not only because it is Easter Sunday but because it's another reminder that every day is a blessing-- that I don't have to live in guilt or shame with my life because Jesus paid it all on the cross.

I have a confession to make.  We weren't able to make it to church today.  I had two shows yesterday, getting home around midnight.  David was throwing up everything yesterday and was pretty ill, so when I came home I wanted to make sure I was able to take care of him and love on him.  Let's just say I slept through my alarm by a few hours... still feel so tired and have to leave again in about an hour for our last show.  David says he feels a lot better than yesterday, but he's still trying to sleep it off. We want to spend Easter with his family but he has to get better in order to do that.  So,  I decided I could sit here and feel guilty about not going to church on Easter, or I could realize that my relationship with God is what matters so I choose the latter.  I spent time with him today.  I have so much to be grateful for!

1.  The Master Cleanse is over and I've lost 12 pounds!

I'm very happy with my progress and excited for my future.  As a young woman who has spent almost my entire life feeling like something is holding me back, and then realizing that that something is that I haven't been confident with the weight on my body, this change is a positive one.  I have a long way to go, but I think if I can go 14 days without food, I can pretty much do anything when it comes to being healthy.  My next step is the 30 day Shred... I want to finish it!  I will keep you posted on my progress.

2.  The cast and crew of The Marvelous Wonderettes at the IceHouse Theatre

It's very rare to be in a show with three other girls and there not be any drama.  It's been an amazing last few months spending every day with these ladies.  We became like family, and I will miss them so much! 

3.   The Seussical at Baggy Pants Theatre

17 year old me with a friend who played Horton the Elephant

 Well, I found out a few days ago I am cast in the Seussical at Baggy Pants Theatre in Maitland!  So excited to do the show again.  Last time I did it I was a senior in high school and got to play Gertrude. This time I'm a bird girl, but am excited to work with a new theatre.

Those are just a few of my many reflections today!  I plan on posting the journal I kept during the cleanse just in case anyone wants to know what it's all about, so I will post that very soon!  Have a wonderful Easter, everyone!

life and weight loss.

Life.
It goes on even when you're not ready for it to keep going.

The weather has been pretty perfect here in Florida, surprisingly.  It hasn't been very hot or humid & we've had our windows open for the last 2 weeks just enjoying the breezes.
David started a new job that I think he really loves and I think he is great at!  He's been very busy, meeting new people every day and getting the chance to get to get to know people.
The Marvelous Wonderettes has two more weekends left.  Bittersweet, but I'm hoping this cast will be back for The Winter Wonderettes, which will be playing at the IceHouse in November/December.  I auditioned for another show two days ago and am waiting to see if I get a part.  As soon as I find out, I will post of course. :)

I am also beginning this new lifestyle change.  As many of you know, I've been heavy my whole life.  I ended up losing weight before my wedding, then after I was married it started piling on again pretty quickly.  Trying to keep up with David's eating habits made me "blow up" in size... haha.  So I've decided to start changing not only my body, but my way of thinking about food.
I started the Master Cleanse 7 days ago.  It's basically a concoction of fresh-squeezed lemon, Grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper that you take all day long whenever you're hungry.  In the morning you either have a laxative tea or saltwater, and at night you have laxative tea.  That's it.  Most people do 10 days, some crazy people do 40 days, but I decided on 2 weeks.
Some days have been really rough, other days haven't been as bad.  But I've kept going, and I'm proud of myself.  Food no longer has control over me -- I have control over it!  That's a wonderful feeling when I've been in bondage to food for so long.  It's not easy to overcome, but I'm doing it and will continue to do it.  So far, I've lost 10 pounds.  I have a long way to go before I get to where I want to be, but I plan to take it in steps.  I'm already thinking about what I want to do AFTER the cleanse ends next Friday, and I'm considering being a vegan (for a short amount of time, and then if it's for me I will continue with it).  Realistically speaking, I will probably become a Pescatarian & then I will definitely be incorporating lots of cardio and strength training.  We will see.  I plan to take it a day at a time -- focusing on the goal & how I'm going to get there. I don't want to overwhelm myself with some crazy weight loss goal.  When I do that, I fail.  So I'm going to lose ten pounds at a time. I will definitely keep updating you guys!
I've been journaling since the start of the cleanse so I will post that next Friday when I see my final results!  Have a great weekend, everyone! Come see the show if you have a free night! :)
www.icehousetheatre.com

the marvelous wonderettes.

Well, the show is finally almost here!  We open on Friday and we are all very excited.  Thank you to Darlin Barry, Philip King, Myles Thoroughgood and Kristin Beall for everything when it comes to creating these characters and the era of the '50s and the '60s.

The show runs from March 16-April 8th.  Please come check it out!  I'm sure you'll laugh a few times ;)

Here are some pictures Scott Hodges took:

paradise on earth.

I was in the presence of paradise this last week.

Soaking in rays, staring at crystal-clear waters, playing with my niece and nephew, laughter with family, seeing spectacular shows which always jumpstart endless inspiration for what's next...I would have to say this vacation on the Disney Dream Ship was pretty spectacular.  I did not want it to end but I woke up this morning and we were told to eat breakfast and then leave the ship...the time flew by as it tends to do.

I feel so relaxed and am in awe of God and the beauty He has made here on earth.  We are rejuvenated and refreshed---I'm ready to go full force into what I have going on now & now focus all my time/attention on the last two weeks of rehearsals before the show opens.

It's time for me to sleep before another day tomorrow but I will post the rest of the pictures soon.  The Baio family is still here and we have a few days left with them.  We gotta soak it all in and enjoy every moment.  We aren't promised tomorrow, but we have today.  And today is paradise.

me in 2 days...

Not to brag or anything, but I will be riding this in 2 days.

Thank God for vacations!

life.

Right now I am relaxing on my couch watching One Tree Hill (last season) with David... love this show so dang much.  We are addicted.  And my favorite character is Brooke and always will be.  She may be a bit crazy but I love her low voice and her hubby is pretty hot, too (I think Julian looks like David).

In 5 days we will be on a DISNEY CRUISE traveling to the BAHAMAS and CASTAWAY CAY!  No big deal or anything... ha ha.  Just kidding, I'm really excited.  It will be nice to get away for a few days, see David's family and just relax.  I probably won't be actually relaxing.  David said not to bring any of my music from the Marvelous Wonderettes, but I'm going to, anyway.  Learning 27 songs in perfect harmony with choregraphy ain't easy, folks.  We'll see how long I'll be able to go without rehearsing.  My guess is a few hours.  :)

So, anyway, there is not too much else going on right now.  The days are just blurring together... right now I'm looking at 50-hr weeks with work and rehearsal, so I lose track of the days pretty easily!  In fact, I forgot the cruise was this weekend until somebody reminded me!  Gotta love it.

Okay, well just wanted to write a quick update. Have a great week!

chill out time.

Whew.

There's a lot going on in my life right now.  I'm a bit overwhelmed, truthfully.
I'm also grateful, though.
I know I say it a lot, but it's true.  No matter my circumstances I am blessed.

I have been cast in a 4-character musical called The Marvelous Wonderettes.  We did our second day of choreography today and it is so fun.  Our choreographer is truly teaching us the essence and art of the fifties -- the way we move and act.  I've always wanted to portray somebody from the fifties so I'm loving this!

Thank you all for your TREMENDOUS, OVER-FLOWING support for my music.  I'm so amazed and feel honored and blessed and... yes, grateful. :)
For those who haven't seen my cover of "Skyscraper" yet, go check it out on youtube and let me know what you think.  Check it here.

Much love to you all!

the green & teal living room.

A lot of people find it totally unacceptable to have a green & teal living room.  But I say "Break the rules!"
This room is not done yet by any means, this is just a preview!  I am going to attempt (key word: attempt) to paint a few canvases to hang on the walls.  I also want a frame art wall so I am deciding what it is going to look like. Also, baseboards/windowsills will be Antique White.   When this is all done we will probably be ready to move and then we'll have to paint over it!  :)

My sis-in-law gave me the bird cage clipboard for Christmas and I absolutely adore it!  I also really love the curtain on this window--I got it on clearance at Pier 1!

Love the coasters!  My friend Laura Himschoot painted them.

It's hard to get the true color of the wall in pictures.  These are the walls where I will be hanging my own art.  Would really love to put in contrasting colors like purples, reds, and pinks.

The table lamps are the next to go.

Centerpiece for Kitchen table.

At first we didn't know how we felt, but now we are really starting to love it.
Tell us what you think!  Would you paint your living room bright colors?

bleh.

So I feel like a terrible blogger.  I've completely disowned my blog since the last time I posted, which feels like an eternity.  Please excuse my tardiness.  People keep asking me where the New York pictures are.  They are right here... on my computer... and I'm honestly too lazy to get them edited/uploaded.
Maybe I have an excuse.  A week ago I was very ill with nausea, chills, etc... and then I developed this nasty rash.
What did I do? Well, I did what I normally do--researched like crazy--and found out exactly what was wrong.
Then, after a few days I paid $30 for a nurse practitioner to nod and say, "Yeah, I believe you are right.  That's exactly what it is.  Here take these pills."
Gee, thanks.
I have the Shingles.  And yes, they tingle.  If tingling feels like small knives digging into my skin every 5 seconds.
So, the last few days I've been painting my living room trying to get my mind off of it.
I'm done painting now and I'm not sure I even like the color.  It's called "Apple Orchard" so it looks exactly like a green apple.  I wanted something that is not typical (I HATE browns) but this may be a little too much.  I'll post pictures tomorrow and you can give me your opinions.  But please do keep in mind my taste is much different from everyone else's.  I have a teal and apple-green living room here, people.

Okay, well I just wanted to post and say I'm still alive, and that pictures will come even if it's a few years from now.
In the meantime, I finally have a facebook "fan page" for my music.
You can check it out and like it here.

hello, 2012.

I never thought it would come, but it's here at last.  2012!
When 2011 rolled around last year, I felt God was really stirring one word on my heart: Change.
I believe that was a word that could not have been more far from perfect.
A lot of changes happened.  My second post of the year was all about change, ironically enough.
I touched on it back then:  I've never been a huge fan of change.  I'm a very grounded, loyal person so sudden, spontaneous and quick things don't always boil over real well with me.
But as we went through a few bumps in the road in 2011--together--I became so much more of who I am meant to be, someone who has strength to stand in all aspects of life and it's wild journey.  I learned that true strength doesn't need to be buried underneath.   True strength is found in the Lord, and He has never left my side.

The bad things: We lost a few jobs, David's childhood dog passed away,  endless car troubles, a car crash, many tonsil related illnesses, losing my keys on a roof,  insecurities and fears, a friend who passed away, and a few other little issues here and there.  What felt like a really bad year is actually not so bad when I say the good things.

The good things: Visited New Smyrna beach many times, Miami, Colorado twice.  Went to Disney World... we auditioned for American Idol in Charleston and I auditioned for the voice in Orlando!  Went to Georgia for the first time. I turned 21 years old and had an amazing Princess-themed birthday party.  I got a part in my first musical in three years, and started performing again all around Orlando, had my very first paying photography gig, and we sang at our first wedding together. My best friend Beth came and visited us for a few weeks. I flew to Wyoming to be with my grandparents on their special 50th anniversary. We flew to Texas to see my brother graduate from Air Force BMT.  Went to a Taylor Swift concert and it reignited my love for music, and then I went to NEW YORK! MY FIRST TIME EVER!

When I compare the good with the bad, it is obvious to see which one triumphs.
Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful year of change, and I can't wait to see what is in store for 2012.  What will the theme be this year, eh?

-Shaylee

{photos} Kristy.

You can call this a "Part 1" of New York pictures.
While in New York, we went to the Kelsch's house.  Here are my favorites of Kristy.





My very own bff Bethany Brander is an amazing photographer who used me as a model countless times when she was first starting out, and during this photoshoot I found a stick that reminded me of something she would do during one of her shoots.  So, I rolled with it and am happy with the results.  Plus, Kristy is tall and pretty just like a model!



(my favorites!! ^)