Hi! I’m Angie.

“Isla de Angela” is the name I’ve given the serene place in my mind that I visit when I meditate.  Wow, that sounds flaky!  But keep reading – it gets better!

Here’s the deal:  Despite having a really great life (supportive family, loving husband, great kids, financial security) I’ve struggled with depression, negative thoughts, weight, and low self-esteem issues for almost 2 decades (YUCK).  Meditation is new to me, as is the realization of how to find my inner peace, living in the moment, Hot Yoga/Bikram Yoga, and “being present”.  But all of those things (ie.. F*L*A*K*Y* things!) have lead me to a door of happiness and now that I’ve found it I want to keep it open!

Isla de Angela, the blog, is a place for me to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the good things in my life (no matter how seemingly small).  I’ve learned one of the best ways to bring more happiness and moments of joy into my life is to be thankful for the happiness and moments of joy that are already here!

I pledge to myself that this blog will remain a joyful place – never to become another “chore” on my to-do list.  This is a labor of love I give to myself.  If it adds some pleasure to your life as well, then that’s a bonus for both of us!

Thanks for stopping by!

Angie

Miscellaneous Stuff About Me (updated 8-11):

Mom to 3 (S (15), A (12), M (10)  & Jack Bower (4 year-old Weimaraner) and Cooper (4 year-old Long Haired dachshund)

Wife to 1 (J)

42  years-old (young?)

Happily married for 17 years (1994)

Have lived in MI, TX, OH, LA, OH, PA, IL, VA, and now back in IL

I love to take pictures, digital scrapbook, read (inspirational self-help books, cooking book & mags, scrapping magazines, Oprah’s Magazine, and fiction.)

I really enjoy going to the movies but usually wait for DVD.  I love to cook.  I recently discovered Hot Yoga/Bikram Yoga and L*O*V*E to H*A*T*E it (it’s incredibly hard but incredibly rewarding!)!  (As of August 2011 I haven’t gone in over a year.    I’m seriously trying to find the courage to return, though.  I felt so good when I was going regularly…)

I’m a SAHM.  I’d be lost without my laptop and iPod (I primarily use the iPod to listen to books on CD and self-guided meditations).  But my DVR is a pretty important piece of electronics in my home, too!  I watch a lot of tv – but by using the DVR I can watch it commercial-free and when it suits my schedule (which makes me feel like I’m in control and not a slave to my tv).  Some of my top picks are:

The Good Wife, Dexter, Weeds, NCIS, The Mentalist, Castle, American Idol (my guilty pleasure), How I met your Mother, Modern Life, ANTM (another guilty pleasure), The Big Bang Theory, Community, 30 Rock, The Middle, Mike & Molly, and Suits, .  

Lastly, I think Arrested Development was the best sitcom – EVAH! (you NEED to watch it on DVD if you’ve never seen it!)!  I think Criss Angel is a magic man (some of the things he does – are totally, totally Mind Freaking)!  And I really miss Oprah.

Hmmm….  that should be enough for now! 

Would you like to be friends?