My Life. My Heart. My Journey.

My Blog Moved!!!!!

2010-07-12T19:59:00.001-07:00

Please find me here from now on...

http://lifeheartjourney.wordpress.com/

Sunrise, Sunrise

2010-07-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the saying, "Red sun in the morning, Sailor take warning?" I've heard it since I was little, that if the sunrise was red, there would be "rough seas" later. So, after my alarm went off at 5:45 this morning and I saw this sky, I'd say we will see an afternoon storm today. Also, the sky was full of "horse tails," which supposedly means a change in the weather is in store. I love the weather, what can I say. I write this as I lay in bed, with my coffee, in my robe. Life is good.

Ahhh, so nice to run in cooler weather. It's truly amazing how much the heat and humidity can take out of you. I've been doing lots of treadmill running lately. Because even getting up at 9:00 it feels too hot outside. So, I hadn't seen a sunrise in awhile, hence why I got up so early this morning. I felt like I could have run forever. I ran a new loop around town today that I mapped at exactly five miles. I wasn't even tired when I was finished! Summer, I love you...but you are terrible for my running! I'm excited for fall temperatures, and my long cool runs outside. This morning it kind of felt that way. I felt like I could just run, and run, and run. When I started my run I didn't see a soul around but as time went by people started on their morning commutes. I will soon have one of those, since my Master's end is growing near! :) I will likely be running early more often then. I conciously made an effort to run sloooww today. Sometimes I think I race out of the gate and exhaust myself. By keeping a slower pace today, it helped me save energy to disperse throughout my run. At the end of my loop I almost wanted to take a few more streets because the morning was too pretty but, I just decided to call it a day.

I also found a dollar bill on my run! Which paid for half my coffee... :)

After my run I was craving some caffeine so I hit up a local restaurant that brews Starbucks. I am NOT a coffee snob and I don't have to have Starbucks, I just really love it! I met a few regulars in there, and recruited them to come down and see me in the bar at Arris'! :) I ordered a cafe latte, which I requested only be coffee and steamed skim milk, no flavored syrup for this girl. I got a discount since I work locally, not bad, eh?

I had to take care of a few things this morning, had a long survey I was required to fill out for the NAIA that had been hanging over my head so I got that out of the way and now I'm anticipating seeing a former college classmate of mine on Kathie Lee & Hoda this morning.

My music for my morning run came from The National...

This is how I met him

2010-07-09T10:16:00.001-07:00

Last night when I was at work someone was asking how my boyfriend and I met. Well, where do I begin? I might embarrass him by primarily dedicating this post to him, but he can deal ;-). The truth is, he is the person responsible for the biggest smile I've ever worn. He is the light in my eyes that my friends and family say they've never seen before. He is hands down, the most incredible person I've ever come accross.

Five years ago was any other ordinary college day. I walked into a class I was less than thrilled about taking, Intro to Bible. I walked in that room and that's when I saw him. I think I forgot to breathe a few times. I can't remember if I sat next to him the first day or waited a few days to migrate his way but nonetheless, we ended up sitting next to each other in that class for an entire semester. I started drawing on this notebook he had. We played tic-tac-toe and hangman and doodled our names because we were sooo bored in class. He tried to be shy at first but I "forced" him to converse with me :) The truth is, I was dating someone else at the time. But I knew there was something special about David. Some reason why we met. I yearned to find out why.

We began to keep in contact over instant messenger and text messages. Probably something our significant others over the years were not aware of (oops! :) But I loved talking with him. We had some of the most amazing conversations. He had depth. He asked me questions I never thought to stop and ask myself. He constantly made me wonder and why I didn't just drop everything and ask him to be with me, I don't know. Now it's because we say we had other lessons to learn before it was "our" time. We hung out in the same groups of people, I'd see him everywhere on campus and we'd just pass each other by. But not a single day went by I didn't wonder what my life would be like with him. Not a single day did I walk by him and say a thousand words in my glance. Over five years we went in and out of touch, but for the most part, if we weren't physically having some means of communication, he was in my thoughts, constantly. And through a series of events we ended up here. Together. I don't know if I truly ever believed we'd be here but I hoped for it, every day, in every breath. I think every couple has a story. But for me, our story changed my life. For five years only a handful of people only knew about David and I's connection. And now, it's the most amazing gift to be able to walk by his side, my best friend and supporter, as his girl friend and be able to wear the feelings I've felt for so long on my sleeve.

Just like riding a bike...

2010-07-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

You know the old saying, "it's just like riding a bike?" Well, now I know why! The minute I hopped on this bike all the muscles and feelings came back instantly. The last time I rode a bike was the summer of 2005 after I had surgery and couldn't do much else in the way of physical activity. A fellow assistant coach who lives in my building let me borrow his bike to take out for a few spins, (since I'm in the market for one). So I lowered the seat and took it out for a ride today. It took me a little bit to get the hang of the gear changing, etc. but once I did I loved it! I broke a really good sweat and rode four miles in just under 25 minutes. I definitely could have gone farther, but I didn't want to do too much of a good thing! I didn't want to over do it and then feel like I hate riding a bike so, I just went for a short little ride :) Can't wait to buy my own! Today I listened to some Citizen Cope on my ride...

I followed it up with a protein shake. I love protein shakes!

My blood sugar has been all out of whack. I'm somewhat hypoglysemic and so is my dad and sister. Sometimes when my blood sugar plumits I can feel it coming on and frantically eat a banana or some peanut butter. Sometimes it just hits rock bottom before I have any chance at all. When it does that, I break out in a cold sweat instantly, see black spots, and feel like I'm going to faint on the spot. It's not fun! Poor David had to witness this once :( But most of the time, I do okay. Lately though, I just feel like my blood sugars all over the map and I realized I'd stopped drinking my protein supplement, (primarily because I ran out of it). So, I went to the store at the beginning of this week and picked up some more and so far, I've felt a lot better this week.

A couple of months ago I took a picture to show my progress of "being fit." I took another one today, just to compare. The one on the left is before, and on the right - after. Looks like I'm keeping on track.

David and I both have the weekend off to celebrate his friend's wedding. I'm sooo looking forward to another great weekend with him! Long weekends are great because it makes the week so short, and here we are upon anotherrr weekend! I just have to get through work tonight, and I feel like another bike ride is in store for me in the morning! I'd like to ride a few miles then run a few miles...get that mini triathlon feel to my workout...ha!

Adios!

An Amazing Weekend

2010-07-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Wow. I think I have finally caught up from a long but amazing weekend. Holiday weekends are so great but I feel like when you get back you have so much to catch up on. I did NOT want to leave the lake and come back to reality. Literally staying on the water for two days with my boyfriend and family was so great. We began our holiday weekend by floating the James. We put in at Galena...so much fun!

Saturday morning we headed to Table Rock and hung out on the dock for two days. The weather was uncooperative but it did not hinder our fun! I had such a blast just sitting around, talking with everyone, spending time with David.

I'm not going to lie. I pretty much ate and drank as I felt necessary while I was away on my weekend. There were times that I felt guilty but, I had such an awesome time any guilt quickly left. As soon as I returned, I got right back at it, and I already feel like myself again :) Yesterday I began my day with an easy four mile run that basically kicked my butt. (That's what I get for taking a few days off, huh)! This morning I did my normal sprint routine and tomorrow I will do a 30 minute boot camp I found another another blog I read. http://www.graduatemeghann.com/.

On a sadder note. Life has changed so much this week for a few people I know and I just want to take a minute to offer my sympathies. My childhood friend Travis, lost his mother this week to a 2 year battle with Pancreatic cancer. She was always around us as kids and she's always wore a smile. Such an inspirational lady. During her battle she continued to update her facebook with her condition. I even remember her once asking for prayers, not for her, but for her family, because they were taking it so hard. I know that she is in God's arms. Free of pain. We will all miss her so much.

Our family friend Lance's house burned to the ground last night. I received that phone call this morning. And my heart also goes out to him. I'm so happy he was able to get out in time as well as his son. Things can always be replaced. Your thoughts and prayers for these people in my life are greatly appreciated!

Love Me Some History

2010-07-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

I can't help it. I'm an absolute sucker for some history. I love, learning about history. So as people should remember the real reason for the season at Christmas, I can't help but remember the same for the fourth of July. The commemoration of the Declaration of Indepence from Great Britain. There's a feeling I get when I'm submerged in a historial place. The feeling I got when I visited Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington or the way I felt standing in front of the Black Wall in Washington D.C. Those places signify times of why we stand in freedom today. I'm in awe and completely amazed be the tribulations our country survived.

This weekend is going to be full of outdoor activities. I'm taking David home to Springfield and we're floating the James River near Galena tomorrow.

Saturday is a pool day and Sunday morning we are off to Table Rock Lake to enjoy the Fourth of July, watch fireworks from the water on the boat, and see another sunset like this one I saw last Fourth of July.

It was last July 5th that I decided to make my life a healthy one. I've since lost around 40 pounds. I'm PROUD of myself for sticking with something that's so difficult for so many people. When I return from the weekend, I will include before and after pictures and talk more about my amazing journey. Time to celebrate!

Eat, Pray, Love

2010-06-29T12:02:00.001-07:00

There are some mornings that I wake up and wonder, could life get any better? For the most part my days are simple, uneventful...calm. I don't lead an extraordinary life and my seconds are not monumental. But my passion for life however, most certainly is extraordinary. My heart, open; and my love - remarkable. I lead a life that I believe I was created for, and there is no greater feeling.

I began my morning with a four mile run. It wasn't too hot, a nice breeze, some hills made it challenging, and it got my blood pumping. After lunch at Panera Bread with David, I wandered around Barnes & Noble. Probably one of my favorite things to do. I love reading. There are so many different types of literature I could literally get lost in body and mind in a place like that. I went in there with the intentions of purchasing my LSAT book, and got sidetracked by dozens of other books. Eat, Pray, Love is next on my list. With the movie coming out, I'm anxious to read the book first. I'm in love with the title alone. Eat, Pray, Love. So simple but so meaningful. The pure definition of the smallest, yet most beautiful aspects of life.

It's funny. Sometimes I wake up and the words just pour out of me. As if I can't wait to sit down and put the painting I have in my head into words on the paper in front of me. As I write this, I'm listening to one of the most beautiful compositions I've heard in awhile.

Last night David and I watched half of Avatar, I was too sleepy to finish it! And I loved what I saw! I was unsure after previews what I thought but I was intrigued. I can't wait to finish it!

Something I wrote...

So still, let this light
Fall upon me.
To show me the touch
I cannot feel,
To feel the light I seek.
I am whole now.
Awake in the dreams,
Of dreams undone,
You are the one.
You are night beneath-
My sun.
I am whole,
And whole has won.
You are one,
My one.

True North

2010-06-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

I will never buy gas from a BP operated station, ever. I am disgusted every time I turn on the news and I think it's a tragedy that our beautiful beaches, innocent wild and plant life are suffering. I think it's so easy to just watch stuff like this on the news but when you start to see beaches you visited as a child, places you remember so vividly, covered in thick black tar it sorts of makes me want to throw up. This picture is from Pensacola Beach, Florida, a place I've visited several times. It came from a story about how much the oil in the water is destroying the white sand beaches. Something needs to be done!

On a more positive note! I woke up feeling great about my life today. Something about the summer just makes me a happy girl. I'm going into my accounting class tonight half way understanding the material which makes it a little more tolerable, went for a nice run this morning and I'm coming off a nice, relaxing weekend in Columbia.

I played a two day golf tournament at Columbia Country Club, it was hot and tiring but lots of fun. It's so nice to be competitive with golf when for a long time I haven't been. It's a bonus to play well! The guy I played with is a regular at my bar and he asked me to play several months back. It wasn't until we started talking during the round did I learn his wife passed away and I presume this was the first tournament he's played since her passing. Watching him get a little emotional after our last putt of the tournament went in for par, is enough to make anyone stop and take a moment to be grateful for what we have and who we love.

I spent the weekend with David at his new place just down the road from his old one. He was kind enough to look over my accounting homework with me last night :) Every day I wake up and it feels like a dream. I never dreamed that the boy I met five years ago who I could never get out of my head would one day be at my side. But I'd always hoped it would work out that way. Every day he continues to surprise me with his kind heart, beautiful eyes, and amazing soul. This is the kind of love that changes your life forever, I can promise you that.

"You are my compass. You are my true north..."

Healthy, Sexy, Strong

2010-06-22T13:55:00.001-07:00

There's a reason why I hate dreaming. Because usually the bad ones far surpass the good ones. Last night I had one of those dreams and I was so happy that my alarm awoke me from it this morning. It just made me so happy to be alive, breathing and experiencing life. Every day is truly a blessing. I think it's easy to forget that sometimes.

This morning even though I woke up fairly early, it still felt way too hot to run outside. I think when it's this hot and the humidity is 95%, a mile can feel like an eternity and I just feel like it does more harm than good. So instead, I decided to do "speed work" on the treadmill in the comfort of the A/C. Everyone does speed work differently depending on what they're training for. I'm, not really training for anything. After a week or two of including some speed work into my routine I notice my mile pace gets faster. I always do the same kind of speed work which is, 38 second sprint intervals (a dead sprint as fast as I can) on a 1.0 incline. I did this for two miles this morning and I sweat instantly. I know I'm working hard! It's nice to change it up for your muscles. I also swam some laps at the pool yesterday. For the first hour they section off lap lanes so I went down and back several times. I thought I was in shape! It was hard! It's also very much about your breathing as well. I loved it!

The other day I called my sister and was upset because I'd gained a pound. A pound! seriously? I had to stop myself and do a little reality check. I don't know why I'm concerned about my weight when I've never felt more comfortable in my skin and my shape right now. I feel like a very healthy woman! Today I'd since lost three pounds so...forget it! Weight really means nothing. I'm done weighing myself! What's the point! I feel amazing and that's all that matters. I don't think it's conceited for a woman to say "I've never liked what I see in the mirror, more than I do right now..."

Healthy. Sexy. Strong!

A Little Bit Stronger

2010-06-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

This morning was one of those mornings that I couldn't get out of bed. Last night I felt exhausted after going on a six mile run on the MKT trail in Columbia then working all evening, and this morning my body just wouldn't let me move. I must have needed the rest. Because I didn't really get out of bed until 11:30 this morning. How lucky am I that I have the option to lay in bed that long, but I must have really really needed it, because most mornings I make it a point to set my alarm just to get up and get an early run in. I hate wasting the day away. But sometimes I think we just have to listen to our bodies.

Over the weekend I saw Sara Evans in concert on a street in downtown Columbia. It was amazing. She's even more beautiful in person and her voice is incredible. I've always admired the woman that she is, and the fact that she is from Missouri is awesome! She played a song that will be on the soundtrack of a new movie this fall, and it was co-written with Lady Antebellum. It was called Stronger. I saw a lot of tears from the people standing around me. The lyrics were beautiful and real. I love the line that says, "Even on my weakest day, I get a little bit stronger..." AMEN! I think it's amazing how words can make us feel.

I think when you're a bartender there are always going to be people who come in that are "interesting." Last night I had one of those people come in. He'd obviously had a few drinks. He had daughter he'd lost touch with ( a sting I think he felt because it was Father's day) and he was shot three times in Vietnam. And while sometimes these people are a little hard to take, it reminded me of something; that we all have a story. We've all been places. We've all loved, and lost, and been through things some people might never understand. We all have a story. It just kind of reminded that I feel like I'm creating my own story right now, and it all seems to be writing itself. I hope that 20 or 30 years from now I can sit with a glass of wine and reflect on the days where I didn't just live my life. I really lived.

I've found myself craving a routine lately. Don't get me wrong. I feel absolutely blessed to be in the position I'm in right now. I literally can do what I want most days and I don't have to wake up every morning for a job. I am able to focus on my health and well being and have the time to exercise. I feel blessed for those reasons. But also, I think as I get a little older, I'm anxious to keep moving forward through these chapters in my life. I'm excited to live in a normal housing situation, (as opposed to the complex we all live in) and I'm excited to use what I've been learning in every day life. I'm definitely going to enjoy what is left of my time here as a graduate assistant until I graduate December 10th. But I am so eager for what's ahead.

"No love lost, no love found..."

2010-06-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

As I was running today a rap song came on my ipod. I listen to eclectic mix when I run, even slow songs can get me going sometimes; help me find that zone of clarity and peace. But today in one of those songs a lyrics popped out at me and it said, "no love lost, no love found." I didn't expect to find such a profound thought from a rap song but then again, I respect a lot of that genre of music because many of those rappers are also talented poets, believe it or not.

I always knew growing up that I had a special sense for the emotions of life. When I feel, I really feel. Being passionate about what I do, who I love, in every breath, in every word. When I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm lost-found, in love, in transit. Wherever I am, I'm constantly feeling. But I honestly never dreamed that I'd be here. I don't think it takes a year with a person, or two years, to find an exceptionally deep connection. I think it takes a simple moment to at least feel differently about a person, than the next. I think it's up to us and only us, to define our feelings and let our heart guide us from there.

Five years ago I met that person. That person that you glance at from across the room and no words are needed. A person that you can sit next to and feel so much you can barely stand it. A person that changes you from a simple meeting. When I met him five years ago I knew. I just knew. But, I went on about my life and I loved other people. I experienced life and went on journeys but never once did his face leave my mind. So when I heard, "No love lost, no love found..." helps me to understand why I was blessed with the gift of not loving him then. An unanswered prayer. Because something in the universe knew that it wasn't our time then. But now...now we are found.

This weekend was incredible. I took David home to meet my family and let him see where I come from, where I was raised. Such a special place to me. We spent the weekend outside floating the river and we went to the lake. It was so nice being there with him. He is the closest thing up here I have to home. Reminds me of a quote I love from the movie, Message in a Bottle..."You are my compass, you are my true north."

I'm loving my summer so far!! My first love is fall but summer is coming pretty close. There is nothing better than a warm summer evening sitting on the deck having a drink or watching the sunset on the lake. I have a feeling that great things are in store for me this summer.

I don't do numbers

2010-06-09T14:13:00.001-07:00

Needless to say, math is not my forte. Numbers in general are not my thing. Whatever side of your brain contains the attributes of being numbers oriented, I am the opposite. I think with words and interpret my thoughts through them. I started accounting on Monday and, I am humbled. Having never taken a single business in my undergrad and made it this far through my MBA without any problems has been great, until now. I was lost in class on Monday night it's pretty much a similar struggle trying to get through the homework. Luckily I have a boyfriend who is better at numbers than I.

Monday I was still in Springfield so I ran a four mile loop on the country roads. I love running out there. It's so peaceful. It was early, 6 (ish) so the sun was still just coming up over the horizon. It felt quick too, I think I'm starting to speed up during my run. No complaints there. After taking a rest day yesterday I ran 4.5 this morning before work. I don't like it that when I run four miles I feel lazy now. What have I done to myself? I had intended on running six today, but honestly, I just wasn't feelin' it. So I turned home sooner than I had planned but, that's how it goes some days.

I'm still eager for this purchase...

This is a Garmin Forerunner. Isn't she pretty? I'm going to buy one, I just don't know when. I've found them cheapest on ebay. I can't wait to have one. These track your heart rate, calories burned, distance, etc...It's a little GPS you wear like a watch and they also come with heart monitors you stick on you. I think this little device will get me out of bed to run on days I just don't feel like it.

Lately I've kinda had some things on my mind regarding my running. I've tried to stop and evaluate and focus on why, I run. Is it because I enjoy it? Is it because I'm trying to lose weight? I think for awhile I kind of lost my focus. For the first part of my healthy journey I was trying to lose weight. I was careful of what I ate, I worked out literally seven days a week. I busted my ass. I quickly lost 30 pounds in result of this....And have since probably lost another 10. But now, I'm at my goal weight. I'm at a weight I feel healthy at. I just want to maintain a strong mind and body. I enjoy running because I like breaking a sweat and I like getting my blood pumping in the morning. I understand why exercise can be an addiction now, why girls get eating disorders because if you're not careful you can let it run your life. So I guess this is my concious effort to let it work into my life, not rule it. I love running and it gives me confidence. I'm not soo consumed by what I'm eating anymore. I eat healthy. I treat myself here and there. And I enjoy my life. I think that's what's most important. I truly feel the healthiest I've ever felt in my life. I think I'm more in tune with my body than I've ever been.

8 Miles

2010-06-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is what my cousin get's for joking about putting this picture on a blog. Be careful what you wish for!!! (Sorry ladies, he's newly engaged :) Lol...I told him just for sending me this picture I was going to put it on my blog. This is him standing in the gym he opened "417 Fitness." It's a 24 hour facility which I am a HUGE FAN of! I think it's such a good business concept not to mention works better into people's lives. All different types of people like to workout at different times, or in some cases can only work out at certain times, so this type of facility is so much more accomodating.

Speaking of my cousin. This is the beautiful engagement ring he bought for his new fiance Ciana. We are so excited to have her in the family!!!

Well I am so happy to say that today I finally conquered an 8 mile run. This probably sounds so small to some runners out there but it's something I've been working up to and I'm so excited to say that I finally accomplished my goal. It took me about an hour and 25 minutes to run 8 miles but I am completely uninterested in my time. I'm just pleased to say I finally did it! I felt in such great shape out there today. I just kept running, and kept running. I took two days of before this run, and it did the trick. The heat hurt me a little but I tried to stay on sidewalks with shade as best I could.

I have another long night of work ahead of me before I get to have an early breakfast with David so I can see him before I head home for a few days. Life is good.

Once Upon A Time

2010-06-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I used to play volleyball. Many years ago, I could play some volleyball. It is one of my favorite sports next to golf and one I used to be pretty good at. Last night I went with my boyfriend and a few of his friends to Mexico, (Missouri, ha!) and played volleyball in a little co-ed league where people just show up and play. Before I knew it, I was diving all over the floor. It was so, much, fun. I forgot what it was like to just get out there and play. I laughed a lot, did some silly things, and actually managed to play alright. We are planning on going back for more next Wednesday night, but I'm not sure I'll do the diving on the floor part again.

I had planned on a long run today. Planned. However, after lifting weights yesterday for the first time in awhile (I've kind of stopped lifting with running so much and all), and playing volleyball last night for three hours...I feel like I can't move today. My muscles are sore in places they haven't been sore in a long time. So I'm going to take it easy today and, do six miles tomorrow.

This picture represents something I have dreamed of for a long time. I think when people think about their lives and finding that pure state of contentment, where any other moment or any other element of life does not exist, except the one in which we find ourselves captivated in, it could be different for everyone. Well this is mine. I want a lot of things out of my life. But this is one I yearn for. I want a house, with a wrap around porch, and a rocking chair next to a lake. I want a place to do my writing, drink my coffee, watch the sun rise and fall. I want to accomplish things in my life so that I can have this one day. Contentment.

So Happy

2010-06-01T10:45:00.001-07:00

After I got back from South Dakota Saturday evening, I was able to relax and enjoy the rest of Memorial Weekend. It was much needed! Sunday I started my day with a five mile run and then after some unpacking and laundry, had a bbq with my boyfriend and good friend Zac! The weather was beautiful and it was so nice to unwind for an evening!
Yesterday I was ready to take it easy and relax. David and I went to a State Park just north of Columbia to check it out. We were hoping to find some trails to hike, but they were nowhere to be found :( However, it was beautiful nonetheless. It was called Finger Lakes State Park, where there are lots of tiny little lakes everywhere. I'm so happy to have found someone who shares my passion for the outdoors and beautiful, scenic spots like this one :)

This morning I woke up motivated. I'm going to kick my butt this week working out. I'm finally pretty much running pain free and I'm ready to get in ricidulous shape! It feels so good to get out there and run and break a good sweat. Today I went on another five mile run but it felt like I could have run forever. My legs were fresh after a day off activity yesterday and I still feel that runner's high as I write this. Recently a very nice girl I've met from the area sent me a message inquiring about some of what I do as far as living a healthy lifestyle....And again, I'm profoundly honored that any of you even read this much less would find guidance in me. It makes all the days I don't want to run, or eat healthy, or write....so worth sticking it out.

After my run I had a hair appointment and I feel like a new woman! I followed that up with some grocery shopping and I think I cleaned the store out of fruit. I was hungry when I went in there and left with an orchard. Apples, Oranges, Grapes....ahhh. I love summer!!

Isn't it amazing how our lives can be so impacted by just the presence of another person? There have been so many mornings in the last year, that I've woken up without a path, without passion, just wandering aimlessly about my days. Until now. I can't stop smiling. Everything in my life seems sweeter now that the person I met five years ago, and I, have found our way back to the feelings I felt the day I met him. I'm thankful for the choices I made to be here with him, and god bless the broken road for getting us ready for this adventure. I'm. So. Happy.

100th Blog

2010-05-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, today is my 100th blog. Sometimes I feel like it should be more...but life happens and I get busy, and sometimes things in my life are just interesting, ha! This is my main source of expression. It's where I go when I have something to say, feelings to translate into words...my sanctuary. My whole life I've dreamed of where my words might take me. More than anything else in my life, my words have been a source of confidence, self expression and guidance. When all else fails, my words are my constant. They're the one thing that no one can ever take from me. I still dream of the day I could write my own book. I think I've lacked inspiration before....but the older I get, the more I learn, and love, and feel. The more I want to share my experiences with others. My life's story is probably no more intriguing than the next, but that's how many authors become best sellers. Finding the right way of telling it. So maybe one day, I'll wake up to find my dream has come true. Right now, I'm currently living one of those dreams. A fairytale, more or less.

Today was a beautiful day in South Dakota. Warm! I didn't even know that word was in this state's vocabulary! :) It was great to be out on the golf course. It's nice to get some exercise and watch golf, it does make me miss my glory days though. My girl played even better today (76,75) so far, which definitely puts her in the top 10, likely in the top 5. Such an accomplishment! I love getting to watch her play, she's a great player! We will likely have afternoon tee times for the next two days, so I'm planning on a few scenic bike trail runs through Rapid City; tomorrow morning for sure.

One of my great high school friends lives in Sturgis, South Dakota, about 30 minutes from where I'm at in Rapid City. She's headed here tonight to have dinner with me! I can't wait to catch up with her! What a treat!

""We've grown to be one soul - two parts; our lives so intertwined that when some passion stirs your heart, I feel the quake in mine..."

Made it to Rapid City

2010-05-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

After a long trip we finally made it to Rapid City. I'm not kidding, that drive across the state of South Dakota on I-90 has got to be the most boring drive I've ever experienced. It isn't until you get to the Badlands and near Rapid City does the terrain start to get really pretty. Whew! Tough to stay awake when there's nothing to look at. But regardless, we made it here with no problems. Last year I wasn't on my health kick, or into running so I didn't pay attention to the beautiful park, lake and trail that is in front of our hotel. We walked through it last year, but when we got here I took a long walk through there scoping out where I can run this week. There's a long bike trail that runs along the river all through town. Here a few pictures from my walk.

We stopped in Sioux City, Iowa Friday night. The only hotel rooms left in the town were suites, so that's what we got. It, was, awesome. I had a king size bed I passed out in after a long hot bath. Sunday morning I got up with plenty of time to run three miles on the treadmill and consume a great breakfast :) Got my day started off right. My metabolism must have been going a million miles an hour because I was hungry all day long. I kind of like that feeling and it especially is worse when I wake up really early to exercise. I'm so relieved I have a place to run outside not only to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Black Hills, but I get so sick of running on treadmills! My attention span only carries me through about three miles before I give up. There's also two hot tubs, and a sauna...which I will most definitely be taking advantage of!

Yesterday was the day my uncle gave up his battle with ALS. I remember I was at Nationals my sophomore year of college when it happened. My Uncle Jay was the light of my life. He was stern but I always made him laugh. He truly had the greatest laugh! He was a man that would do anything for his friends, a quality I always admired him for. It's a tough day but I'm also so thankful for the time that I got to know him and I'm thankful he was my uncle. So I'm thinking about the celebration that was his life tomorrow. I miss him more than anything. Here is a picture of one of our walk teams in honor of his memory!

This morning, first I slept in and then I got up to go on a run. In result of some bad weather we got here yesterday the river next to the bike trail here was flooded, and closed. So I ran the trail around the lake in front of our hotel. Since I obviously had no way of measuring my distance I just kept my time on my watch and ran for thirty minutes. After I finished I did some extra little cardio things as well as "body weight strengthening," I've been instructed by our trainer to do to help my pulled muscle heal. It hurt to do them, maybe that means once I do them for awhile, it will slowly start to get better? Maybe?

I'm looking to buy a bike. I think it will take some of the heat of my legs and that way on days I don't run, I can ride my bike. I also want to do a mini triathlon, but to do that, I have to get a bike first. So this is my project now!! I've kind of made a decision not to be sooo concious of what I eat. Granted, I definitely eat many of the things I want but sometimes I feel like it consumes my mind? When, really, I'm at the weight I want to be...and I no longer am trying to lose any more, just maintain a healthy body. So I'm going to just keep the mindset that, I'm eating to fuel my body, be healthy about it, and that will be that. :)

I'm so blissfully happy. I never dreamed that I could feel so content. It's weird how things just work out that way for you. I'm out here in South Dakota and normally on these trips I tend to feel a little homesick or, just missing the people that I love. But knowing what's waiting for me when I get home, is more than enough to get me by. I just love my life right now!

Ready to Leave

2010-05-22T06:54:00.001-07:00

There are mornings where I wake up, take a deep breath, and can't be any more thankful for my surroundings. It's a beautiful morning. Already warm, the sun is shining, a sign that a pleasant day is in store for us. I wish I didn't have to spend mine driving but, that's ok! Hopefully everyone else can enjoy it for me! Since I woke up with plenty of time to spare before I leave for South Dakota, I considered going on a run but...I resisted to give my leg some rest. I'm starting to really believe that rest is more important than anything, especially after taking a day off...I feel like I can run forever! I'm approaching my 100th blog! I'm still shocked that people actually read this...and I'm so thankful if you are reading it right now. A big part of why I write this is for myself, but the fact that you're taking the time means more to me than you know! I'm so thankful!

Last night I went to see a hypnotist at a comedy club in Columbia with some fellow room mates/coaches. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was so great! I was entertained the entire time and couldn't stop laughing! I'm so happy that I went. I'm still not sure I believe in hypnosis. Well, let me rephrase that. I believe in hypnosis. I believe in an alternate state of mind and focus. Because I've felt that before. I believe that I've experienced that state of mind and focus that you're still aware but you are somewhere else, yet not asleep. However, I'm not sure that I believe the acts of the people who were "hypnotized" last night. It's going to take a little more convincing! Entertaining, nonetheless!

I have to cut this short because I've got to get ready for the 16 hour drive I have ahead of me! I'm excited to see the Black Hills and the Badlands again! Next blog will be from SD.

Run a marathon

A Great Surprise!

2010-05-21T13:04:00.001-07:00

I was so surprised at work last night when my mom and aunt walked in! What an incredible surprise. It made my day! They came in for a few drinks and dinner to keep me company while I worked. It's so nice to get a taste of home when I'm up here. Here is a picture of my aunt and I while I was hard at work last night :)

I had a full day planned today of packing, homework, laundry, etc, etc...and especially after making breakfast plans with my mom, aunt and the boyfriend :), I knew I'd have to get up early to run. So, I set my alarm for seven this morning and I actually woke up ready to go! I had a great night's rest and my legs felt so rested after taking yesterday off. It was a little misty and muggy this morning but a perfect temperature for running. This time around, I mapped my run before I started, and found a perfect little run around town for 4.5 miles which I finished around 40 minutes or just under. I took it easy and enjoyed the scenery. Still nursing my sore leg! Here is a picture from Dave and I at breakfast this morning. It was so nice to get up and get my blood pumping and then follow it up with some yummy breakfast and some people who mean the most to me!

I am, for the most part, all packed and ready to leave for Rapid City in the morning. It's not too difficult to pack for these trips. I mean, I've been doing it for six years now! I pretty much have it down to a science. And...golf trips don't require too vast of an attire, so that makes it easy. Tonight I'm getting together with some people from William Woods and going to a comedy show before I see someone else very special before I have to leave for a week :( But, after I return...Summer is here! And we have a long list of things to do!

A good friend reminded me I've been slacking on my bucket list...

Stay at a Bed & Breakfast

Happiness

2010-05-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

I feel like all we've seen for the last week is rain...although on many days I don't really mind it. It's so calming. Just like I love when the seasons change, I love the changes in weather too. It keeps me reminded that life is always changing. Not to mention, getting to lay in bed with the windows open, listening to it....such an amazing feeling. Right now I'm listening to an instrumental piano song called Seasons of Life...beautiful

http://www.youtube.comuser/ShaneWalshMusic?feature=pyv&ad=4438481385&kw=piano#p/u/0/sP1uZQOQGSU

Today I am taking a rest day from exercise. My leg still hurts so on days I run, and rest, I want to make them count. I want to do a longer run tomorrow, and since I'll be on my feet all night at work tonight...I'm using this spare time to conquer the mass amount of homework I have to prepare for two final presentations on Monday (which I will be missing for golf). So I am doing all I can to help my group prepare. After Monday...only three classes left of my Master's! I can't believe it. And while we have accounting all summer which I am not looking forward to at all, I do see light at the end of the tunnel!! It's truly amazing how the time flies. I feel like I just moved back here and now, in December...I'll be done again. I feel so blessed to be getting a free education!

I feel so at peace today. I am so content with where my life has led me that I can't ever imagine that I was ever in any other place. There were times when I would wonder what my life's plan was. I wondered if I'd ever start seeing the signs to lead me. When the whole time they were right in front of me, waiting, patiently...I spent my morning writing a letter. I have talked about it on here before I believe, but I am so in love with writing letters. People forget how powerful they can be. We are consumed by such a modern age that we forget how simple words on paper may affect us. So many thoughts, feelings and emotions go into writing a letter. I am consumed by feelings right now. I'm in a place I never thought I'd get back to. I'm in love with my life. The people in it. The way that I feel. I think only we as individuals can define and sort out our feelings. I think we make choices to acknowledge them and gratify them. I feel empowered that I chose to explore mine. I feel blessed, and lucky...and so hopeful for what my future holds. I'm inspired by another person who shares those same feelings and is passionate about the things that life and love can offer us. I truly believe the best is yet to come.

Yesterday I really got the feeling that summer is here. Could have been the humidity, the warmth...reminds me of all the summer days I will spend on the lake. So I can have more moments like these...More moments I can't find words for.

Tomorrow I will start packing to leave for South Dakota on Saturday. Not exactly a tropical getaway, but beautiful terrain out there, nonetheless. The glass is half full.

5.18

2010-05-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today felt like kind of a long day, and here it is 11:00 and I just got home from work but I for some reason felt the urge to write. I started my day with a run. I've been having issues with a sore muscle in my leg for a few weeks...and even after taking several days off the pain is still there :( Saw the trainer today, and it's just a pulled muscle so, while I'll probably keep running on it. Lots of stretching, and easy running is in store :) It was beautiful outside this morning. I started my run with no idea where I would end up and it turned out to be such a nice one. After I got home I mapped it out on my favorite website (which I know I keep mentioning mapmyrun.com) and it mapped out to 4.5 miles. Perfect!

Saturday I leave for Nationals with one of our girls who qualified and it's in Rapid City, South Dakota. It will be quite the drive out there! One which I made last year at this time. I visited Mt. Rushmore as well as the beautiful Custer State Park...so I am anxious to see new things this time around. I am most likely going to find myself on some scenic runs and with lots of free time...luckily the hotel has a gym, sauna and two hot tubs. I'm sure I'll manage! :)

Did I mention that I am SO happy? :) thought so.

Here are a few pictures from last years adventure in South Dakota..

Where do I begin?

2010-05-17T09:25:00.001-07:00

I had the most amazing weekend, ever. My travels took me to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to stand up with my great friend from college, Maria, and watch her get married. It was so nice to just get away for the weekend. I got to see so many of my college friends as well as make some new ones, and the ceremony was absolutely beautiful. You know, I was thinking. Throughout my life I've never gone to church every single Sunday. A big part of the way I believe in my faith, and a higher power has come from my real life experiences. Through those I have found my faith and conviction. However, when it had been awhile since I'd made a visit to church I'd find myself taken back by the fact that every time, it's like I was called there. Like the sermon was for me and directly reflected my life's current happenings. And, as I stood up with Maria...it was no different. So many things the pastor said resonated with me so much. He talked about the fact that love is looked upon so much through our thoughts and feelings that we forget that it's also many other things. Like patience, sacrifice, understanding. He said recognizing that those are the things that will carry you through would make a for a happy life together. He said that we should strive to be the couples that other people look at and say, "that's how it's done." That love is about making each other better people. Through loving someone else, we become better people. I couldn't have said that better myself.

This blog is called My life, my heart, my journey for a reason. It's where I can document my thoughts, my feelings, my life...because it helps me to be able to reflect and use my words to understand my journey. So...that being said. My journey is changing all the time. In the last year there were times when I thought I had it all figured out and times where I had no idea where, or who I was anymore.

Five years ago I met someone who made an impression on me, and some part of me always believed that I was put in that moment, to meet him, for a reason. That impression never went away. When I met him, I sat in class with him every other day for four months. We talked a lot. He understood me, and over the last five years I've had conversations with him that I never believed I'd have with anyone. Unfortunately, our timing has continually been off until...well...now. Finally. I finally made a choice to rearrange my life so that I could have the opportunity to have what makes me happy. When I was younger I always dreamed that life and love were such a fairytale. But through other relationships and experiences I almost let myself believe that that wasn't true. That life isn't extraordinary, or passionate, or full of grace. I know that life isn't a movie, but...through finding my way back to him I realized that life and love can be anything we allow it to be. Standing with him at the wedding this weekend, I felt proud. I felt safe. I felt like I was meant to be in that moment and allowing myself to feel all of those things, and I was finally gratifying my journey's purpose. Honestly, I almost didn't write about this at all because I can't find the right words for how I feel or how thankful I am for him or this experience. But...he is so much a part of why I know where I'm supposed to be. Sometimes I choose not to talk about my personal life on here but...I feel so blessed, and proud...that we finally found our way back to those feelings we found five years ago. I'm amazed.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

There is a scene out of one of my favorite movies where they make "midnight margaritas" and sit around a table and laugh, and laugh and laugh. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stQ31X8COWw. The other night was one of those nights. I sat around with a few of my girlfriends and laughed until I cried. I feel like margaritas tend to have that affect on me! :) It was so nice catching up with them and just kicking back for a little while. Much needed!

Yesterday morning we left bright and early for Illinois for the conference tournament which starts tomorrow. We left at 6AM which means I got up at 5AM and it came early. However, as I was walking out of my building yesterday morning the sun was starting to peak up over the tree line and reflect off of the lake, it was..beautiful. Two geese were the only ones occupying the lake this morning and it just made me feel a certain way. They mate for life. Isn't that crazy? I think that's so special. That means wherever they may go, whatever they do, they know where they belong.

Today is Mother's Day! I am so blessed to be the daughter of the most amazing woman I know! She is truly my best friend, my heart...and my soul. She is the receiver of the phone calls when I'm in tears or when I'm laughing; my good news or my bad. She's the one who will lay with me for hours while I cry about my failed relationships or smile about my new ones. She is my voice of reason, encouragement, my kind eyes. I am so lucky to have her guidance. All of these I know she got from her own mother, who we miss and loved so much.

I am SO excited for next weekend when I get to stand up with my good friend Maria from college and watch her take the PLUNGE! :) It will be such a fun weekend with friends! Here is a sneak peak of my dress :) She has good taste!

May 5

2010-05-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Today is a date that is never easy. I’ve talked about it before on here but when I was 15, my great friend Nathan passed away while we were in class one day. A day that has stayed in my mind ever since. And while, as time goes by….it gets easier and life has gone on, and on, I don’t think there’s a day where some part of me doesn’t think about him. So many people’s lives were changed forever on that day. Today Nathan would have been 24. He was blonde headed and blue eyed, and I can’t help but think about how handsome he would have grown up to be. He was the most amazing person. He made me smile every, single, day. He comes from the most amazing, strong, and loving family I have ever met. Knowing them has helped me to understand the person Nathan was growing up to be. It’s helped me to understand that Nathan looks down on us from a place we haven’t known yet. It helps me to heal. I miss him all the time. That day changed me forever. Happy Birthday Nathan!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Tonight I'm getting together with some friends to celebrate Mexico's Independence. Why not, right? I had a late night at work last night and work all day today, so I will be ready to kick back tonight. :)

After two long runs the last couple of days I took the day off and lifted weights this morning before work. My muscles are still sore from hot yoga, last Saturday. Must mean it works, huh! And after 9 miles between Monday and yesterday, I need the rest! I'm going to enjoy this beautiful day, think about my friend Nathan, and smile.

Take a Risk

"Write a Book"

2010-05-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

I love this weather! Yesterday morning while I was still at home I woke up to a beautiful morning to do a quick four mile run before I left. It only reminded me more why I love the country so much. So simple out there. Uncomplicated. No busy streets, people wave when they pass you by, all you can really hear is the sound of the wind and the birds sing. I needed a good night's rest last night so I headed to bed early after class and listened to some relaxing music, did a little writing, opened my windows and fell asleep. I woke up this morning to a very warm morning...And set out on my five mile run. These miles are coming so much easier now, makes me think I'm finally starting to build up that endurance I've been searching for. I mapped out five miles on mapmyrun.com last night and finished it today in just under 50 minutes.

I had a wonderful weekend at home. I got to hang out with the people I miss the most and it was amazing. My sister came in town from Tulsa from the weekend and I got to spend some precious time with my beautiful niece.

Addelin loves listening to Lady Antebellum (She must get it from me!) So I held her while I was playing it from my mom's phone. These are the moments I can never find words for. So amazing.

I had a night out on the town with my cousin, his girlfriend, and lots of my friends! It was so fun to get all dressed up and go downtown. Saturday I did some shopping for a new wardrobe I'd been saving my money for. As my weight loss has progressed...literally none of my clothes fit me anymore. A great problem to have, but frustrating sometimes also! So...I saved some money and found some clothes to fit my body. It was so fun! Here are a few pictures from the other night's festivities.

Write a Book

I'm Back

2010-05-02T19:26:00.001-07:00

I've kind of been MIA from the blog. On the contrary, I've written more this week probably than I have in a long time. Most, which I will hide away and be able to look back on one day and realize why everything truly does happen for a reason. I remember the last big decision I made for myself, I've grown so much since then and I've recently made another decision that does alter my life but, does not alter...ME. These tests and trials do not define us, our strength comes from acknowledging them, adjusting...overcoming. Life is so hard in that way. Sometimes the best thing, is the hardest thing. I think that is most often true. But I have already felt my wings begin to spread. I already feel free. I think I was misled. I think I lost track...I think I was losing sight of the person inside me. I have changed so much in the last year. My life has literally turned upside down. When I look in the mirror, I see a different person, body, confidence. Something, I'm not even used to yet. But what a positive change it has been for me, and I think the strength I gained from that positive life change will carry me through this one. I have missed seeing the beauty in life. I had forgotten how much passion there can be in what we think and feel. I'm ready to get back to that. I'm ready to allow myself to flourish. There will never be another person who will take that from me.

Ever.

The other day I had an awesome opportunity to visit a deer farm that a friend of mine owns. I think it’s so interesting to get to know something that you don’t often get the chance to. The farm is about 15 minutes outside of Fulton, very remote, so beautiful. I feel like if I could spend my life living in a place as serene, and as calm as that, I would be content. It was so nice to just get out of town and spend time in the country for a little while…

Do you ever find yourself in a place you feel like you were called to? I felt that way yesterday when I went to hot yoga. It was the hardest class I've ever taken, but it felt so good to push myself and focus. When you go to these classes they tell you to focus on yourself, disregard any thoughts or happenings outside of that room and focus for 90 minutes, in intense heat, on only yourself. AMEN. At the end of these classes they lay you down, turn off the lights, and play some awesome music to start cooling you down and relaxing you. The song she played was called, "The Power of Goodbye." And in so many ways, in that moment...I felt like I was right where I needed to be.

Today I woke up sore from yoga and took the day off of any kind of activity. I needed the rest! Before I head back to Fulton tomorrow I've mapped a four mile run on the roads around our house, so I can get up and enjoy the beautiful morning. I'm going to try and really push myself this week, hopefully run the most miles I've run in one week. Which will have to be like 22. Some people run that in a day, ha!

I've been thinking of so many things I want to experience, accomplish, etc. in my life and so I've decided I'll make a "bucket list." So I figured at the end of my posts I will add something to that list.

Skydive.

I Get Lost in the Beauty

2010-04-29T07:38:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I think the hardest part about life is having the courage to experience it, regardless of all the details. When really, all that matters is the moment you're in. It's funny. Sometimes life starts to pass us by and we just never stop to notice. The truth is I've made a lot of choices in my life, as I think everyone has. I don't regret them, I don't analyze them, I just follow my heart. I truly believe the path I'm on was chosen for me. Sometimes it's so hard and sometimes I get lost in the beauty of it all. There's a quote, from my favorite movie Practical Magic...

Do you ever put your arms out and spin and spin and spin? Well that’s what love is like. Makes you heart race, turns your world upside down. But if your not careful, if you don’t keep your eyes on something still, you can lose your balance. You can’t see that you’re about to fall.

I'm keeping my eyes on something still.

Last night I had the most beautiful dinner on the bluffs at Sumit Lake Winery. I LOVE wineries!!! After visiting Temecula in California I fell in love with wine culture. Luckily there are a few within reach here! Going to Hermann, Missouri, staying in a bed and breakfast and drinking wine all weekend is something on my "Bucket List" so I plan on doing that very soon!

Today I'm doing something very exciting! A friend I've met up here in Fulton raises White Tail deer and he offered to let me come out and see them. They are tame and will come up to you! I'm sooo excited!

Saturday is my 10k if the rain stays away!! Ahhh!!!

Starts with Goodbye

2010-04-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have the most incredible family who never ceases to amaze me. They are my whole world, my rock, my strength. They're there for me when I need them most. There's something about going home that eases the soul, and that's exactly what I needed yesterday.

Saturday I had an awesome 5k. The first 5k I've finished where I wasn't tired at all, and felt like I could have run a few more miles. It was misting the whole time, and by far the hilliest 5k I've ever run...but I still enjoyed it and it was nice to run with aquantainces that I've met through the YMCA up here. This was my fifth race and I'm getting so addicted to them!! There's no feeling like crossing the finish line, that is for sure!

This weekend I'm headed home to celebrate an early Mother's Day with my mom. I'm SO excited to be signed up for my very first 10k!!!! I've been looking for one and it just so happens there is one this coming weekend while I'm home. 6 miles...but I know I can do it!! I might be really tired when I get done, but this is going to be a big challenge for me that I am ready to take on. I think when life throws curve balls at you, and you feel like nothing makes sense, challenging yourself helps to remind you how much the human spirit can, and will prevail.

"I guess it's gonna have to hurt,

I guess I'm gonna have to cry,

And let go of some things I've loved,

To get to the other side,

I guess it's gonna break me down,

Like falling when you try to fly,

It's sad, but sometimes moving on-

With the rest of your life,

Starts with goodbye..."

Earth Day!

2010-04-22T09:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Earth Day! I wish I could say that I make a conscious effort to be "green." But I don't drive a hybrid car. I drink bottled water. And I don't use reusable grocery bags (I use the plastic ones for when I travel for golf). So sue me! However...I really want a Brita water filter because the commercial on tv makes me feel so guilty. And I'm working on the grocery bag thing. When I was in fourth grade they sent baby trees home with us for Arbor Day. I took that tree home and my dad and I planted it in my front yard and it's still living and getting bigger all the time! My dad always said one day later in life I should take a picture of it and take it back to my school, just to show them because I doubt that many fourth graders actually made it home with that little tree, much less kept it alive! I really need to make a better effort at being more energy efficient as well as just taking small steps to help the environment. And while I don't go through mass amounts of plastic water bottles, I shouldn't buy them in the first place. But I'm not even sure a Brita water filter will fit in my mini fridge, lol...

Yesterday I was on my feet all day long. I was in bed by 8 o'clock and probably went to sleep around 10. It. Felt. Great. Because I went to bed so early, I woke up early...and got a start on my day. I had yogurt when my feet hit the floor so it could digest before I started my run. At first - I was kind of struggling on my run. I think I was just sleepy. Once I hit a mile I felt perfect, my legs felt rested...and it was beautiful outside. I made a loop around town, which I mapped online when I got home, and it turned out to be 4.0 miles on the dot. I should have kept going :( I wasn't that tired...but I got near campus and just decided to call it a day.

I bartend tonight and tomorrow night for Alumni weekend it's probably going to be c-r-a-z-y. After my 5k Saturday morning, there's probably a good chance I'm working part of the day on Saturday as well...we're kind of understaffed and it's going to be so busy they need all the help they can get! So...I'm going to get as many naps in as possible.

I was thinking last night that we haven't seen many good spring storms yet. Anyone who knows me knows I love the weather because that's how I was raised. My dad grew up in the heart of Tornado Alley in Oklahoma and he taught me to always be aware of it. Not to mention, I've played a sport for most of my life that requires me to be outside, so I just learned to know what to expect when I was out there. I love storms...and I'm ready for some! One day, my dad and I were at the golf course when a bad storm rolled in. I don't usually get too shaken up by storms but I won't lie, this storm scared me to death. A member at our course who lived one mile west said he was staring at a tornado heading straight for us and that we should all take cover. So, my dad and I jumped in the car and headed east to a field we were pretty sure would be a safe place to sit and watch. Here are a few pictures from that day. We never saw it touch the ground but this was enough to scare me. The pictures were from my phone, so pardon the quality...

Isn't it amazing what our earth can create??

And that has made all the difference..

2010-04-21T17:55:00.001-07:00

I think in an otherwise hectic day, the first moment we have to slow our breath, find our center, feel our chests rise...and fall, is the moment we reconnect with ourselves. I worked eight hours last night to wake up early and work eight more today. I don't mind because I love making money but it does get exhausting sometimes! I looked forward to nothing more than coming home to relax, change into some comfortable clothes and catch up on some words that have much needed writing.

After dinner with a good friend tonight, on my drive home it was an evening similar to those I remember at home. It's warm, and kids are all outside playing. I noticed things about this town tonight I've never really stopped to notice.

Behind the building where I live there is an Eagle nest in the tree. It's the biggest nest I've ever seen. I'm so fascinated with Eagles. I have posted pictures on here of the Eagles that live around here and now they're having babies in the nest outisde, soo amazing. I think its the allure of them. They're not commonly seen, they symbolize so much, and they're beautiful. I remember the first time I actually saw one spread its wings above me and I was just in aww...I feel blessed to be so close to something so special. Something we don't normally take the time to stop and appreciate, and absorb.

So in the beginning, when I learned that writing would become probably the biggest part of who I am, who I never knew I was, who I would become...I found my words by writing poems. I initially began writing to cope with the loss of a very dear friend but it was through that grieving - and healing, that I discovered that writing was my best form of expression. I rarely ever write poetry anymore but there has always been a poem that I've loved and found so many meanings through. I thought of that poem today.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could-

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood,

and I—I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference

Robert Frost

"Let it Go"

2010-04-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Today has been a busy day already!...And I'm in for a busy week. Today I had some things to take care of that had been waiting on my plate for awhile, so I just had to go and do them. One task was booking a hotel room for a wedding I'm in May 15...My good friend from college is getting married and I'm so excited to stand up with her and watch her walk down the aisle! (I will be sure to take lots of pictures!) It will be a weekend affair since the rehearsal will be Friday night...and I'll get to see some of my sorority sisters, can't wait! Chad's coming with me for the weekend so I'm excited to have a hot date ;)

'm working a lot this week because this weekend is Alumni Weekend for both William Woods and Westminster...and the bar gets packed! We have to have more than one bartender...so I had to work-and I will make lots of money! Our golf team will be traveling this weekend...so I won't be able to go with them :( But...I'm sure they'll do just fine without me! Haha...Since I'll be here anyway I decided Saturday morning I will get up and run a 5k for the YMCA where I am a member. I have met so many nice people at the Y, and it's weird...you kind of look for them when you're in there. You get used to seeing the same faces and it's kind of nice to have the consistency. There is a big health fair going on that morning as well, nothing like promoting health and well being! I'm hoping for a personal best, but coming off a late night of bartending...we shall see.

This morning I had the most yummy breakfast! I bought fresh strawberries at the grocery store and dipped them in light, vanilla yogurt. The perfect combination, and not too heavy in my stomach before working out. Today I decided to run inside on the treadmill so I could lift as well...so I ran three miles and lifted weights after. Tomorrow is my rest day (I work all day anyway)...and I will gladly take it! I will probably do a long run Thursday, rest Friday..and run my race on Saturday...what a great week!

When I got home from golf on Sunday night my parents called me with some sad news. The cat I've had since I was nine years old passed away on Sunday. I'm not going to lie, it hit me pretty hard at first. No matter where my busy life takes me, and while I live in Fulton now, there are so many things that make "home." I've been so used to going home and having those same consistent sources of love and comfort that I think I often take them for granted. My sister has now moved to Tulsa, my cat won't be waiting for me when I come home to visit, life---changes. As I have been posting about frequently I am so horrible with change. My cat lived a long life, fifteen years! But, that doesn't make it any less painful. That being said...I'm going to miss her so much. I hope one day I can get my own animal to fill that void. Isn't it amazing the love you can feel for an animal?

This morning I was reading a post on one of the two blogs I follow. eatliverun.com. She was posting about how today was just "one of those days" for her. That she just laid in the middle of her living room floor, focused on her breath (something they teach you in yoga, it WORKS!), and just let - it - go. It was like reading one of my own posts. Sometimes, that's all you can do is just relax, focus on your breath, and the rest will work itself out. Anyway...it's worth reading. The post is called "Just Breathe."

A Windy Day

2010-04-17T13:54:00.001-07:00

It's easy to get worn out on these trips, especially when we leave after I've had tiring week, but it is days like today that I am reminded why I'm so fortunate to be in this position in my life. The girls played great today in less than favorable conditions. I remember, I always use to play my best on bad weather days. I think it makes you focus, take your time, and really concentrate on what you're doing. At least that's what I saw in them today. This is a big tournament. 18 teams some of which are pretty good, and we are currently in 2nd place, only 3 back from the lead...which is nothing in golf terms! They deserved a good round and I was proud to be able to watch it today! We have never won this tournament, always taken 2nd....so...I think tomorrow is the day.

I set my alarm for 6:00 this morning to allow time to run on the treadmill in the hotel gym (which is way less elaborate than it sounds). My legs have been feeling really worn out lately...the last couple weeks I've been hitting it pretty hard and I just feel kinda run down, and a little dehydrated! I'm not used to sweating on outside runs! Ha! So...this morning I ran an easy 3 miles, put a good sweat in and called it quits. I'm not running tomorrow so I can start Monday off with a long run, and feel refreshed.

This town is about the size of Springfield, Missouri. There is a lot to do here and I sooo wish I could escape for a cold beer! :) Those are few and far between these days between golf, running, work....but that's not necessarily a bad thing either!

I'm in a good mood today. Despite a less than great night's sleep (Thank you Baymont Inn!) and the mold I found on my bagel this morning lol (thank you again), I feel blessed, content and excited for what's in store for my life over the next couple of months! Life is changing a lot and I think it's only going to keep evolving and I'm excited to grow and change with it! As much as it's changed over the last year I think the best is yet to come.

I also have missed a friendship in my life, that is finding it's way back in, and you know those signs I was talking about? I'm pretty sure someone up above was trying to tell me something last Monday morning. And, as she may or may not be reading this....I feel like this picture says more than I ever could.

4.15

2010-04-15T09:26:00.001-07:00

This morning I set my alarm early enough before my run to allow my breakfast to settle. I ate half of this Glucerna soy bar and drank half of this Naked juice. I'm usually really skeptical about any kind of "bars" I eat, but this bar is designed for people with diabetes and since I am somewhat hypoglysemic I thought I would give it a try! It actually was pretty decent, and filling.

So I set out on my five mile run, which now I'm thinking I should have placed at the beginning of my week because I'm not going to lie, today five miles felt like an eternity. If I look sweaty and exhausted in this picture, it's because I was! Ha! It was hot, dusty and when I got home I went straight to lay down on my bed, which I could not get up from for

awhile. I had intended as using tomorrow as a rest day, so I wanted to "go the distance" today. Just when I feel like running gets easy, I am humbled once again! I finally found the trail that our cross country coach referred me to and it was very serene and senic. There was an awesome bridge that I regretted not having a camera to document. There's something about bridges! I guess I feel like they've been there so long and withstood so much...just gives me a certain feeling. Kind of the same feeling I get when I'm in the country. I loved being raised in the country and there's not a place in the world like being there.

When I got home my shins were feeling it so I lathered them up in some biofreeze that my mom so graciously gave me :)

This weekend the golf team is headed back to Illinois to Bloomington/Normal for Illinois Wesleyan's tournament. I love, love this course! I always played well there so I never mind going back to see it :) I will probably run Saturday on the treadmill at the hotel, but for the most part, I'm taking it easy this weekend. Rest, rest, rest!

Feels like Florida

2010-04-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

I took this picture hiking in Colorado last August. The weather could not be more perfect today. I had nothing to wake up for this morning but I set my alarm for 9:00 so I could run earlier in the day before it got too hot. It was still hot! This morning when I walked outside I got that warm feeling on my face like I feel when I'm in Florida...a sign that summer is not far off. I had intended on running a five mile loop today that our cross country assistant coach told me about, but when I got to where I thought the trail was supposed to start, it was nowhere to be found - so I bailed and ran a different loop. I will have to ask him what wrong turn I took!

The aroma in the air was amazing today! Things are definitely in bloom. But there is TONS of stuff flying through the air and my allergies are killing me! When I got home I mapped my run on my favorite website, and it turned out to be four miles so....booo. I will have to find out where I went wrong on my path today so I can run the five tomorrow.

Do you think that there are signs in life?

Do you think that if you look hard enough the answers to all of your questions are right in front of you? I'm not sure I ever believed this but I'm not so sure anymore. As I wrote yesterday life is changing a lot. Even in the last year my life has kind of done a complete 180 and it's been nothing but a positive thing for me. I moved back to Fulton. I fell in love. I gained friends and lost some and now I find myself thinking back on where I've been and where I'm going and it's sort of just happening for me. Yesterday I feel like I had one of those signs, which is why I bring it up. So it just makes me feel comforted knowing that maybe the best thing really is just to let life work itself out on it's own...

I feel refreshed today. After finishing class last night I just felt so so good about things. I'm soo pleased with where my life is right now! I'm so fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to get a free graduate degree and have had the opportunity to focus on my mind, and body. I got a good night's sleep with the windows open, and I'm just happy today. I'm at peace.

4.12

2010-04-12T08:54:00.001-07:00

Wow, this has been a pretty eventful week for some people who are most important to me in my life. All of which I'm not going to say on this very public outlet, however, life is rearranging for some people I love in a big way.

I am terrible with change but as I get older I find that it is unavoidable and most importantly natural. I think it's everyones first instinct to want to resist change because people are afraid of the unknown. I am one of those people. I hate not knowing what life has in store for me, I like to control the events that happen to me and never more in my life has it been entirely out of my control. Which I guess, for me, means that I might as well welcome the change and go with the flow. I know that I woke up this morning feeling so fortunate that my boyfriend is my best friend and my rock, my supporter and my encouragement at the end of a long and tiring day; that I have a loving family and great friends. And all the rest, will fall into place naturally. I've been carrying around a pretty heavy heart the last couple of weeks and I'm just so thankful to have the people I love surrounding me.

You know, it's weird. As much as life changes I have somehow fallen into a constant and that is running. I don't run tons of miles and I'm not built like a runner, but it challenges me, gives me something to hope for and look forward to, and to push me. I'm running five miles at a time now which doesn't tire me at all, and I can't wait to run my half marathon. Yesterday I went for a four mile run and just took it at an easy pace, enjoyed the scenery and it was great. It is such a release and I just have fallen in love with running. I logged my most miles in a week last week, and that was 21. Some people run that in a day, ha! But...baby steps. I had intended on taking the day off yesterday, but ended up not being able to resist the beautiful weather and ran anyway, so today, I'm forcing myself to stay off my legs so I can put in longer runs the rest of the week.

I have a final class tonight so I am going to do a few things to get ready for that, and take it easy. Only four more classes after this until I am DONE with my Master's!

I am so sad that I won't be able to run the William Woods 5k this Saturday because we will be in Illinois again for golf :( But I hear there are lots of people turning out for it! I'm trying to find a 10K right now but they're kind of few and far between!

Master's Sunday

2010-04-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful morning this morning, going to get better all day. I'm not running today because my legs are due for a break so I am just going to relax and rest. There is a huge half marathon/marathon in St. Louis today and I just cant help but get so so excited to think that in 8 weeks or so that will be me! 13.1 miles here I come!!! It's funny though, on the days I know I really need to rest all I want to do is run. But, I will feel refreshed tomorrow for a long run.

The girls played so much better yesterday. They improved by 24 strokes and won the tournament...so so proud! It was a windy day and they prevailed just like I knew they would. The air force base was really busy and I got to see some very interesting planes take off! When we got home I went for drinks with my friend Jenna and kicked back a little bit. It's going to be a couple of hectic weeks ahead as well, so I needed to relax.

This evening I'm headed to St. Louis to see Chad, and tomorrow night is my final for my Marketing class, all we have to do is turn in a paper, woo hoo! It's MASTER'S SUNDAY!

4.9

2010-04-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Today was a long day of golf, haha. The girls didn't play as they can[ (and will tomorrow :) ] The weather was beautiful,the sun was warm and I watched planes take off, and land...take off, and land alllll day on the air force base. I started my morning by hitting up the hotel gym. Isn't it elaborate? But, it's all I needed. I ran three miles while I watched the Today Show and the time flew by.

After getting ready for the day I had a yummy breakfast followed by Starbucks which is right next to our hotel, and we headed off to the course. Tomorrow, will likely be the same routine. The girls will shotgun start at 11:30...and hopefully things go better!

That about recaps my day, nothing too interesting happening today! Can't wait for 75 and sun tomorrow, and my own bed tomorrow night.

McKendree

2010-04-08T14:13:00.001-07:00

Today has been a much better day so far. This morning, my alarm went off at 6:00 and I woke up feeling well rested and headed to the gym. I ran 3 miles in 28 minutes, about a 6.1 pace, and it was relaxing, and felt good to sweat! I feel kind of spoiled after running outside in all this nice weather, running on the treadmill just wasn't as nice :( But, regardless, I felt awesome after! After a wholesome breakfast and some coffee we got on the road and headed to Illinois for McKendree University's tournament. It was cool oustide today, mid 50's, cloudy and windy. We hear the weather will be improving tomorrow. I'm ready for 70's again.

I walked 18 holes with the girls today so I am beat. We are headed to dinner and then I'm heaed straight to bed. They tee off tomorrow at 10:00. Did I mention, it's the MASTER'S?

4.7

2010-04-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

"A Quiet Moment"

My words are what I go to when everything else seems to be out of place. It has been a hard few weeks. I feel like I've just been having "one of those days" for a few weeks now, and today topped it off. I feel exhausted today, mentally, physically, all of it. I always feel so lucky because, in the grand scheme of things, my life is not that hard. I'm not working 40+ hours a week. I don't have to worry about bills, for the most part. I have it pretty great, but still, there are days where I just feel so, so tired. When I woke up to a flat tire this morning, I just wanted to sit in a ball and cry (like a big baby!) because I'm just in a funk. I have a lot on my mind, I'm busy with golf, I miss my boyfriend all the time, I miss my family. Sometimes being here just gets to me in that way, and it's a little hard to take. Still, today I tried to keep my head up and realize that, this is just any other day. All we can do is keep breathing...And so I survived it. It always helps to hear encouraging words from the ones I love on the phone, as well.

I took the day off running. Primarily because my legs need the rest, and I also had zero time today. I was busy from 6:00 this morning until now as I write this, and still have a few things on my agenda. We leave bright and early in the morning for Illinois for McKendree University's tournament. I plan to wake up even earlier and run three miles. I think after a good night's rest tonight, I will feel like a new girl tomorrow. It's funny; I needed the rest off exercise today but, I've never wanted to run more than I did today. It's healing, replenishing and allows me to focus when I need to most. My day will start off better tomorrow than it did today.

As I'm writing this, a song is playing, where the chorus has never been more fitting than for any moment than this...

"Let the sun rise, let the birds sing, let there be light, let there be morning, I don't know how, I made it 'til now, let there be light, let there be morning..."

Another Week

2010-04-05T10:10:00.001-07:00

This year is already flying by. Already April? Where does the time go...I can't help but notice the majority of my friends' facebook status updates were about how much they hate Monday's, or-another week at work. And here I am, just hanging out in my room relaxing after my run this morning. I feel blessed today.

I left St. Louis early this morning :( because Chad had to get up for a meeting. So I decided to go ahead and get up and start my day as well. When I got back to Fulton I immediately got on mapmyrun.com...(My new favorite website!!) And mapped a run around town that equaled exactly four miles. I ran it in 40 minutes flat...not bad. It's weird how four miles comes so easily now...can't wait to see what I'll be capable of here in a few weeks. I'm "somewhat" following Hal Higdon's half marathon training program but, I'm really starting at like...week 4...since I've already been running awhile.

I was having a conversation with on of our players at lunch today. He asked when I would run my half marathon and I said well....I started this healthy journey last July....so I just want to run one before this July...I never dreamed that in the same year I would lose 30 something pounds and run a half marathon...so that's all the motivation I need to run my 13.1 miles in June!

The weather was so strange this morning. Dark off to the northwest my whole drive home, and I thought for sure I was going to get rained on during my run...and now it's hot, sunny, and muggy. I had fully intended on getting a nap in today...but now that I've gone on my run, I'm awake and am thinking about playing 9 holes this afternoon before class. Finally, I have NOTHING due for class tonight so I am going to slack off all day. Woo hoo!

Chad and I have been together six months now. I can't believe that. Time seriously flies by. It gets harder and harder to leave when I visit him, but I can't help but think about how much we will hopefully be rewarded for this separation later in life. He's changed my life a lot. I met him during a transition in my own life and he's helped me to persevere and simply, have a reason to smile each day. He is my best friend, and I think there are exciting things in store for us.

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by what you bring to life...." John Homer Miller

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day outside. I'm spending this Easter with Chad in St. Louis. My mom came up to visit me for part of this weekend also, so I decided I'd use my last few days of the weekend to be with Chad. This day started out with an awesome breakfast at our favorite place, Benton Park cafe, which I have mentioned on here before. It was, delicious! After that, Chad had to go into work at the golf course for awhile so I decided I would take off on my own adventure, and go for a run in Forest Park. It is soo pretty there. So many people around, so much going on yet still quaint in it's own way. I wish Chad could have gone with me! We played golf together at the Forest Park golf course there a few weeks ago, and it was so much fun. Here are a few pics from my run.

Things are finally starting to bloom! It's like that happens right before your eyes. Seeing everything turn green and bloom out made my run very scenic today.

I had intentions to cook an Easter dinner for Chad and I this evening, but I made this big mistake of not buying the ingredients yesterday, and nothing was open today! Luckily, Trader Joes AND Whole Foods came to my rescue, and I was able to get the things I need for dinner. I'm making a healthy taco salad, with ground turkey instead of beef. Oh, and of course, I bought some beer! This day is too nice not to sit outside and enjoy a beer on Chad's deck. ;-)

I'm trying to be more domestic as I enter my mid 20's. (UGH!) I'll be done with my Master's in four classes and I figure once I truly get thrown out into the real world, I need to be a little better prepared. So, this is good practice!

Happy Easter!

Best. Day. Ever.

2010-03-31T13:24:00.001-07:00

Today was one of those perfect days. When I'm up here in Fulton and feeling blah I like to get out of town and take time to just be alone, do something thinking, reflect...So this morning I got up and headed to Columbia to run a trail I heard about from a classmate of mine. It's called the MKT nature trail and it was, a-m-a-z-i-n-g. The trail was interactive, some activities were placed periodically on the sides of the trail, water fountains, the works! It's nice to run on a trail path rather than concrete. I saw lots of other people out there with a common goal and it was just an awesome feeling! It is nice to be running through the woods, next to a creek, just finding that peace and serenity it's so easy for all of us to lose in our busy lives. I ran four miles and made a couple stops for some picture taking.

I think it's so easy to get caught up in life and forget what we're really doing here. It's easy to get busy and forget to stop and take a moment to relish in our opportunities. I feel so blesed to have been given the chance to be in a place in my life - where I have the freedom to take off and run trails mid-week and enjoy the beautiful weather that's upon us. I truly believe it was a gift that I was able to have the time to focus on myself and my well being which helped me to lose weight and change my life. I am always thinking about my next step and lately I have found that by taking life one day, one hour, one precious minute at a time I'm able to just go with the flow. I live my life proactively but for now, it feels good to just cruise along. I just want to stop making plans for myself and allow them to just happen to, and for me. So these are the feelings I've been having lately and that's what sent me out on my venture today, and I found this sign...

Someone was looking out for me...(I usually have a pretty good idea of who that is)

Today was just one of those days where I fall so completely in love with life. When I sit back and think wow, we are so small in the grand scheme of things and how lucky are we to be able to take moments like I had in today. And that's exactly what I did. I took it in.

"Calm down, deep breaths, and get yourself dressed. Instead of running around, and pulling all your threads, and breaking yourself up. If it's a broken part replace it. If it's a broken arm then brace it. If it's a broken heart then face it, and hold your own, know your name and go your own way. And everything will be fine..." Jason Mraz

Springfield Weekend

2010-03-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

I came home to Springfield for the weekend to run a 5k with my sister. My aunt and uncle are in town from Indianapolis and unfortunately my mom is out of town for business so I won't get to see her this weekend. :( Last night my dad and I took my relatives out for some delicious food at one of my favorite places here in Springfield, Metropolitan Grill. This place has got it going on! It's very trendy, upscale, yet relaxed. Literally everything I've ever tried at this place has been incredible, and last night did not dissapoint. I had a few glasses of Riesling (and a whole lot of water!) and for my entree I ordered a pasta dish with shrimp, feta, grapes and a few other goodies! It was an interesting combinaton and so delicious. My uncle is Italian and from the Bronx, he knows his food and his wine...he loved this place!

I am still feeling so puny...My lungs are filled with fluid and I can't get rid of this terrible cough. I'm on antbiotics so I'm hoping that at any time I'll start feeling better. I've been sick for almost a week now...And I'm just ready to feel normal again! I had already paid for a 5k, so I didn't want to back out today. Especially since my sister was going to run with me so I just laced up my shoes and toughed it out. Once I got going, I felt ok; sort of felt like I was sweating the demons out, but once I got done...I felt it, and currently still feel it, as I write this from the couch which is probably where I'll stay the rest of the day. This is the sickest I have been in a long time. Boo :( However, the 5k was awesome, and I think my sister and I managed to put up a pretty good time! It was by far the windiest day I have ever run and that most certaintly took its toll on us. We were chipped so our official time should be posted later...I'm excited to see! My guess is in the 29 minute range?? We shall see!! Here are a few pictures from this mornings race...

It looks like we're in store for a beautiful week of weather which makes me sooo happy that Spring is here! Maybe for my next 5k I won't have to wear under armour! Tonight is a relaxing night in, cooking pasta with my relatives and getting some much needed rest! I hear rain is moving in tonight...

Ready for the weekend

2010-03-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

When I thought I couldn't feel any worse, I woke up this morning feeling terrible. I put a call into the doctor today because I am miserable :( Not sure where I came up with this sickness but I'm ready to be better. I have a 5k this weekend that I need to be better for!!

I'm excited to spend some time at home this weekend although my mom is out of town so I won't get to see her :( Guess it will be some quality father/daughter bonding time! I have plans to play golf with my dad on Friday, and then to run the 5k with my sister Saturday morning. My aunt and uncle will also be in town from Indianapolis. My uncle is full Italian so when they're in town we're guaranteed some good eats and of course wine :) It has been awhile since I've seen them so I'm excited for that!

On a sad note...I just want to express condolences to family and friends of Gary Russell. He was a golfing buddy of my dad's...and he was tragically murdered a few days ago. I knew him while I worked in the pro shop at our golf course and also played some golf with him on occassion. It's shocking, horrifying, and makes me ill to think about. The suspect is in custody and let's just say, I hope he gets what he deserves. It's still pretty hard to stomach right now!

Sorry I have no pictures for this post, but I will have lots after this weekend! Just not a lot going on right now and trying to feel better. Rest rest rest. I'm ready for the weekend!

Ready to Feel Better

2010-03-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

I hate when I'm not feeling normal. I've aquired a sickness from somewhere (most likely being on a bus for 24 hours with 13 others)...but I'm doing my best to fight it off. I woke up this morning with a terrible scratchy throat and plenty of aches and pains. I'm not sure I wasn't running a fever today. I went to the gym regardless, and when I got there I realized I should have stayed in bed! I ran a quick mile and my body just wasn't feeling it. My equilibrium felt off, my body hurt, and when I realized I was doing more harm than good, I left. I had to prepare for presentations in class tonight and all I wanted to do was sleep, not fun! I've taken ib profen today to cure the aches and pains but trying to refrain from taking anything else. Since the weather is going to be so beautiful tomorrow, I have plans to wake up and run outside. Since I'm running a 5k Saturday, I like to plan a few rest days and do 3 mile runs the other days. I've mapquested a 3.2 mile run around town tomorrow, so hopefully I wake up feeling better and can do that.

I cannot wait to run with my sister this weekend! This picture was taken of us on Christmas Eve (one of my most favorite days of the year!) She has been working hard on running and I can't wait to see how we do together! I told her to bring her ipod for our race, because I can't talk and run-I'd probably pass out, haha! The 5k starts and ends at the Marriott hotel (for those of you in Springfield.) It says its a flat and easy track...we shall see!

My article was published today in the William Woods Wellness newsletter and it looked great! I'm trying to figure out how to make that link accessible because since it's an email newsletter it's a little different. When I figure that out I will post it on here.

Sorry this is so short..kind of an uneventful day today!

Catching Up

2010-03-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

What a long week. The drive down there and back was absolutely brutal. When I was on the team I took for granted getting to sleep the whole time and watch movies on the bus. Now I appreciate what our GA's and head coach had to do. It's rough to be the only one awake in the middle of the night driving. I think it pays to have a healthy body when your so physically exhausted. I think when you get to that breaking point where you feel like you can't go any more...which is kind of the way I felt on the way down, you have to find those reserves inside of you to survive it. Also, the recovery time is shorter when you're healthy, have proper nutrients, etc. But...we made it and that's all that matters. It was an awesome week of sunshine and warmth...much needed. The more I go down there, (twice this winter) the more I fall in love with Florida. Luckily my Uncle lives there so I always have a place to stay! The warm weather made me very excited for a summer in the Ozarks. We had the opportunity to go to the beach one afternoon and lay out in the sun for awhile, the waves were the biggest waves I think I've ever seen! The wind was high and the waters were rough that day. Here are a few pictures from the week.

It feels good to be back in my own element and space. I ran every day but one while I was in Florida, once outside but mostly on the treadmill in the hotel gym. I didn't feel comfortable crossing streets in new territory so I opted to run a few miles each day inside. I think I managed to find a healthy option (for the most part) at every fast food restaurant you can imagine! Which I'm pleased with, that way if I ever "have" to go to one, I know I won't go hungry. :) I actually feel like I lost weight on the trip. We did some walking on top of the running I was doing, and since I managed to eat pretty sensibly, I think the week was a success!

I had been wanting to get a protein supplement, either to use as a meal replacement or just after a workout but I hadn't found one that wasn't freakishly high in calories (this is at Wal-Mart in Fulton) but they finally got Jillian Michaels protein supplement in. It's only 100 calories per serving, unless you're using it as a meal replacement and then you double the serving. I'm excited to try it...I'm detoxing today after this past week so I'm using it as my meal tonight. I also picked up a few "Naked" juices. There are a lot of flavors I like but today I purchased a new one called "Green Machine..." It has lots of interesting goodies in it like barley grass and spinach, combined with fruit...we shall see what it tastes like! I like buying the small bottles because since it is fruit, they tend to be high in (Natural) sugar thus being a little high in calories so the small bottles are perfect portions.

I'm so excited for another 5k next weekend and the best part about it is...my sister Emily is running with me!!!! I have been wanting her to run with me for awhile in one and I think it will be so much fun!!! We are running in the Frisco Highline Run for Boyscouts. It's a pretty big race (so I hear) and you get a cool tech shirt and finishing picture! I'm excited!

I'm pretty much playing catch up tonight and relaxing in bed. I want my body to recover quickly so I am going to conserve any energy that I have left.

The big 2-4

2010-03-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me! Wow. What a long trip. We left yesterday morning at 8:30 and arrived in Port Saint Luice, Florida about the same time this morning. I'm exhausted but trying to tough it out and enjoy my birthday! I haven't slept at all, literally...at all since we left. I look tired in this picture! And this was just the start of my driving journey. I drove through the entire night until we arrived this morning, and it was very tiring!

I took this picture of the sun coming up this morning. I haven't seen a sunrise in awhile! I don't want to waste my birthday away today by sleeping so...after we got to our hotel I put on my running clothes and went for a jog. I probably ran a mile and a half or a little over, and I felt soo much better afterwards. I broke a good sweat and just released some steam...very healing. The rest of the day I've spent laying by the pool and I've already managed to get a sunburn, that was quick! It was nice to shut my eyes for a couple of hours, even if I wasn't sleeping. I'm going to take a hot bath and soak for a long time before we head to dinner with the team tonight. Tomorrow we are practicing all day at PGA Village. I'm glad I brought my clubs! :)

I have to say it's a little hard spending your birthday away from those you love the most but it's been so comforting having their words of encouragement and love today. It's easy to find yourself at a breaking point when you've gone without sleep for over 24 hours but it's so nice to hear such kind words from everyone! I'm very, very blessed.

Do What Moves You

2010-03-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

Well I'm all packed up to leave for Port Saint Lucie, Florida tomorrow! We are taking both teams down there to practice in the warmth for their Spring Break. The drive, however, is going to be brutal. 20 hours. Whew! I'll be driving as well as the head coach, so it's going to be a long haul! Once we get there I will be excited to relax and play some golf (I'm taking my clubs too!), but it's get the getting down there part that will probably be exhausting. As long as we make it by Sunday morning so I can bask in the sun all day for my birthday, ha! This picture is where we are staying across from PGA Village. A Holiday Inn Express but not bad, eh?

I went to the grocery store and stocked up on foods today that will help me manage my healthy eating while we're gone. I bought healthy snacks so that I'll never allow myself to feel "famished" thus avoid over eating, at a probably not so healthy restaurant! Luckily our hotel has a pretty good size gym, so my running gear is packed! I will also probably have to do some outside running in the 70's.

Speaking of running...I found out about a website on another blog I read called http://liftyoursole.myshopify.com/ ...a website by a woman who creates different items tailored to runners, walkers, yoga, etc...It's amazing! This morning I ordered a little charm that says "live love run"...I'm excited to get it in the mail when I'm home for Spring Break! Her slogan is "Do What Moves You..." I think that's so meaningful and applicable to life in soo many ways. Inspiring!

I've switched up my running routine on the treadmill lately. After speaking with one of our cross country coaches he told me to just gradually push it, run just a few tenths farther or a little faster and wow! I've become a big fan of interval training. And while it requires a bit of attention to the treadmill it's still worth it, raising and lowering your heart rate a lot. Today, I loved what I did. I ran at a fairly decent pace for three minutes, sprinted as fast I could for one minute, then walked one minute...and kept repeating that. It wore. me. out! I was dripping in sweat when I left the gym today, I loved it!

The picture below is of PGA Village where we will be practicing for the week. I'm going to get up bright and early to run before we depart at 8:30 tomorrow morning. Our first day there will be my birthday. How come birthdays aren't as fun every year you get older? Haha!

Wellness Article

2010-03-09T10:15:00.001-08:00

This will be sent out in an electronic newsletter to all William Woods Faculty, Staff & Students very soon. I'm very excited because after letting them read over it they've asked me to write a monthly column on my progress and anything I'd like to share about what I've learned on healthy living. I feel honored to get to share my thoughts and I hope maybe I can be of help to someone! The articles will primarily be 200-250 words. Here is the text for my first article being published...

When people make a choice to make their lives healthier, whether it be through some great epiphany or just a simple choice, so much focus is immediately put on nutrition and exercise. And while this is a huge part of changing your lifestyle, for me it also began with having a healthy mind. Several months ago I decided to start looking at my life in a more positive light in many different aspects. I have found that when you make positive changes in all areas of your life, those changes will eventually trickle down into living a healthy lifestyle. Notice earlier I used the word nutrition in place of diet, because I don’t believe in dieting. I believe in eating healthy, not depriving yourself of foods you love to eat, and most importantly being active. I have success by not living with a mindset that I am on a constant diet or I have to exercise every single day. Instead of a temporary fix, I made a permanent lifestyle change, where I am conscious of what I eat and remain active. I still enjoy rewarding myself with foods I love in moderation. I am proud to say that I lost thirty pounds in five months by maintaining this mindset, working hard and most importantly staying positive. Surround yourself with others who will support your efforts and provide encouragement. That was most certainly a very large part of my success.

They also asked me to get into contact with a woman on campus who helps with putting together the Woods Magazine, thinking maybe I could do some volunteer writing for that publication as well. I'm very excited! I love writing soo much and I haven't had many opportunities lately to practice, much less, publish anything.

Aren't they pretty? These were the running shoes I went and got fitted for, for my birthday. To all of the people who told me shoes make the difference, you were right! I wish I would have done this a long time ago. Today I ran a quick two miles and I felt like I could have run forever. I think that comes from not focusing on how much my shins are hurting, and just running! William Woods is sponsoring a 5k April 17th so providing I am not gone for golf, that will probably be my next one!

I leave this weekend for Port Saint Lucie, Florida with the golf team. It's about two hours south of Orlando. We're staying at PGA village. I'm pretty excited to be in the warm sunshine. I'm definitely taking my running stuff down there! This will pretty much be like the fifth birthday in a row I've spent with the golf team, as my birthday is ALWAYS on Spring Break! :) On Sunday I'll be the big 2-4!

A Great Weekend

2010-03-08T13:19:00.001-08:00

I had such a great time at the Relay for Life 5k! There were probably only 50 runners, so a smaller number but it was still fun! It was soo windy outside and half of the course we ran was straight into the wind. It felt like I was running but not moving and that is frustrating! I still managed to run my best time and enjoyed it. It was a nice way to start my morning off!

This weekend I celebrated my birthday ( which is this coming Sunday) with my family because I'll be gone on Spring Break with the golf team the 14th. I had an awesome time seeing everyone because I hadn't been home since we got home from Florida!

I went and got fitted at a place in Springfield called The Starting Block for new running shoes. They put me barefoot on the treadmill and filmed my legs and my steps to see what kind of runner I am. It was so neat seeing how that is all done! I ended up buying a pair of Mizuno's...broke them in today with an outside 3 mile run on this beautiful, beautiful day! I ran pain free!!!! Can't wait for more outside running as the weather continues to get better!

I'm also VERY excited to have an article published in the next "Wellness" newsletter for William Woods. This is a circulation covering a variety of topics on health and wellness for the William Woods Students, Faculty & Staff. I'll be writing on the experiences of my healthy living journey and what I've learned about getting healthy and taking care of yourself physically and mentally. I'm SO excited! I haven't had an article published in awhile and I'm honored to be able to share my experiences on a topic I've become so passionate about. I will include the text of that article in a blog as soon as I have it done!

I can't believe it's already almost mid March. The time seriously flies by. Before you know it, golf season will already be over it goes so fast. It makes me want to cherish every day instead of letting them just pass my by. Going home always helps me to put my life into perspective. Sometimes I'm just going and going non stop and when I go home, to the country, it helps me take that time I need to just focus and appreciate what is around me. I needed it!

This is where I've been

2010-03-03T19:51:00.000-08:00

I knew there might come a day where the words for this journey I’ve been on for the last seven months might come to me, when there would be a time where I begin to understand, appreciate and absorb the feelings. I think now is that time. Whether your body changes for good or bad, if there comes a day when you look at yourself in the mirror, in pictures, and you see something new…it makes you feel a certain way. For me it began July 5th 2009.

I’ve never really struggled with weight. I’ve always been active, athletic and involved. But an athlete knows when our bodies are not what they once were, and it’s as if you crave that sweat and hard work you once put yourself through. I found myself feeling that way more and more until finally I decided it was time to make a change. I had tried before but it never stuck until finally, well…it did. Over the last seven months I’ve committed myself to reading daily blogs on healthy living and eating, and books on personal stories of healthy triumphs for people who once thought it to be impossible. I read a blog of a woman my age, who graduated college and also decided to make a healthy life change. They are small parts of big inspiration I receive from a lot of outside sources. I spent a lot of my life comparing myself to my friends, other girls my age because as a girl, it’s what we do as part of our human nature. But I think the key is ignoring those thoughts of what we think we should look like because the truth is everyone is built differently, everyone is beautiful in their own way, and you will never again in your life, have the opportunity to be someone else. That being said, the day I began this journey was the day I accepted that I could make a transformation in the reflection I saw in the mirror, in my mind and in my heart and soul. I chose to make a positive change for myself. My body is healthy but so is my mind. When I started to run at the beginning of this I didn’t expect to find a passion. I didn’t expect that it would fill a void in my life. It gave me something to hope for, to work towards, to challenge and exhaust me at times. It gave me strength. I never enjoyed running and now it’s given my life so many things.

I never dreamed I’d want to run 5k’s or a half marathon (this summer!)…much less enjoy it. And now, I’m looking to those goals and beyond them. Crossing my third finish line this Saturday means so much to me. These were goals I set for myself and I'm accomplishing them a little at a time. I think becoming a graduate assistant and getting my Master's was a gift from God. It gave me the time to focus on myself, my health and human spirit. I'm the happiest I have ever been, and I say those words with absolute conviction. I truly believe someone was watching over me (I have a pretty good idea of who) and guided me to this point in my life. I feel blessed to have found the will power to do it, yet I am still humbled so often. I think the most amazing part about the way I feel right now is the fact I truly believe this is only the beginning. I think I will go many many places from this point and how incredible...

A New Week

2010-03-01T11:43:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to find an unpleasant surprise :( I first noticed something wasn't right when I looked in my car and saw all of my stuff thrown everywhere, my glove box and console open. Then I noticed the keyhole on my door was pulled out from my door and my door was wide open. I assume this person was looking for money because I didn't have much in my car to steal except a bunch of stuff I should have cleaned out anyway. Luckily, my golf clubs were not in my trunk, whew! I'm soo thankful my windows weren't broken out. Regardless, not a fun experience. Could have been much much worse though! At least they spared my car and left me with that, ha! I also am thankful I took my dome light out a few weeks ago when it wouldn't shut off, otherwise I would say my car wouldn't have started this morning since my door was open all night.

After I processed this event this morning I went to grab some coffee before hitting the road and heading back to Fulton. When I got here I decided I should go for a run outside because I need my shins to get used to the pavement again for my 5K Saturday, since I've only been running on a treadmill for awhile. I measured it later in my car but it came to exactly 3.5 miles and I probably ran that in a very comfortable 30 minutes. It was nice to just take it at an easy pace and enjoy it. It was actually nice to run outside, not toooo cold. I enjoy running outside so much better because I get to look around at stuff and not focus on my time or if I'm tired. I saw a few of my customers while I was out running around downtown and said hi to them, a nice way to spend my day. Can't wait for a hot shower and relaxing in my bed tonight!

I had such a great weekend with Chad...every morning I wake up I am soo thankful.

Great Weekend

2010-02-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's been such a pretty weekend here in Soulard! I think the weather is slowly starting to improve. The highs this coming week look like we may be able to make it on the golf course for practice. This will be my last weekend here for a little while since Chad and I will both be getting busy with golf season, so we wanted to have some fun last night! We went for drinks at a place here in Soulard called Hammerstones. I was wanting to go there because I met the nephew of the owner when he came into Arris' one day while I was bartending and told me about it. They had a band and we had some great drinks! Chad and I love to try new beer, that's always been something I've enjoyed. I especially like to try local flavor! Of course since I looove Schlafly beer and the company as a whole, I tried their Scotch Ale on tap. It was DARK! Probably darker than the Extra Stout I had at the brewery last weekend. I followed it up by a Relax Reisling. It was a HUGE glass of wine. Delicious! Chad tried a few beers from a local brewery in Hermann, Missouri. I was so intrigued by his first beer, called Skyscraper. It had a grape taste to it, and coming from the wine country in Hermann, it made sense! He also had a wheat beer he really liked. The brewery is called Tin Mill.

I love meeting new people! I think it's part of absorbing life. I like to learn about where people come from, where they're going. What brought them to this beer at this bar. We sat next to a couple who said they'd been married for 32 years, an amazing accomplishment! They definitely kept us laughing and it was interesting getting to know them. They said they admired us for trying all kinds of different beers. Just a small little experience that makes me appreciate life so much!

This morning we woke up bright and early and headed to a little cafe we'd been wanting to try for breakfast. It was excellent. It's called Benton Park Cafe here in Soulard. Sooo my type of place. David Gray playing over the speakers, quaint, delicious. I love small little places who don't have to be overbearing in size. I think with a small venue like this one the service is awesome and they're able to keep it personal. Another place that reminds me of that sort of feel is Tellers in Columbia. I'm a huge fan!

This week I'm off class and will start a new one March 8th. Just going to take it easy until I go home on Friday. I haven't been home since we got back from Florida at the end of January so I'm excited to see my family! Next Saturday is my 5k for Relay for Life! I'm soo excited to be able to donate to an excellent organization. At this point I only know one person around me affected by cancer, and that is my childhood friend Travis's mother. She was a big part of our group of friend's lives when we were younger and I'm honored to contribute with her in mind. She's such an awesome lady!

Yoga

2010-02-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

Yoga is a cure all. I wish I lived in a place where I could attend classes regularly but living here doesn't allow me to do that :( I guess that makes it more special when I do get to go! For now, I'm limited to my yoga dvd and podcasts in my little room. It still works though! I obviously had too much time on my hands today and decided to capture a few poses and check my form. I was sore from conditioning with the team yesterday and thought this would be the best way to stretch it out! I ran a mile, lifted weights and followed it up by coming home and doing a 20 minute dvd. Short and sweet. I wanted to take it easy today because I'm going to run longer tomorrow and I want to have the energy to do that. I'm hoping while I'm home next weekend I can sneak off to Sumit Hot Yoga for a class!

I guess now would be the appropriate time to thank my cousin's girlfriend Ciana for this new yoga mat she bought me for Christmas! :) Thanks CI!

Today I'm off work because I am doing study hall for the golf team tonight. I finally have a day to really do nothing and I'm bored! I guess I like to always be doing something. This weekend I'm headed to St. Louis which will be my last weekend for a little while because Chad and I's seasons are about to start and things will be hectic! At least we can share in the chaos of golf season!! That's what brought us together in the first place :)

I'm excited to go home next weekend, I feel like it's been forever!

Monday

2010-02-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

I made a trip to the grocery store this morning and here are a few of the things I picked up. G2 Gatorade and yogurt are my essentials. I love G2 because it's half the calories and sugar but I still get the electrolytes I need that water just can't give you. I didn't realize how much your body needs them until I did hot yoga, and having them included in your body's nutrients makes all the difference. This is why they only sell SmartWater at Sumit Hot Yoga, because the water includes electrolytes. They are e-s-s-e-n-t-i-a-l.

I also bought these new Green Giant veggies I heard were delicious. They are included on the Weight Waters plan, and they offer a bunch of different medleys. I got a few to try, hopefully they are good! These things are easy for me to take to work so I can eat healthy for dinner in such an unhealthy restaurant setting!

I'm excited to be running another 5k for Relay for Life March 6th. I'm headed home that weekend to celebrate my birthday with my family (which is actually the 14th), because I'll be gone on Spring Break with the golf team. There are two races that day, and I've chosen to run in the Relay for Life one. Since my last 5k (December 27th) I've been so eager to do another, so I can't wait! And it's for a great cause and what could be better than that!

In attempt to get off of the plateau I've been cruising on for awhile I have changed up my running a little bit. I'm running a lot faster and I can tell a difference in a weeks time. Plus, when you're running faster you feel like you're really going places! :) I am going to keep increasing my speed this week and next, so hopefully by the 5k I will be able to achieve a personal best! I'd like to run this one in around 27 minutes. Three 9 minute miles I would be pleased with. Hope the weather is decent that day!

I'm not too concerned with my weight anymore, and I mainly just run to keep in shape and because it makes me feel good and overwhelmed with energy...but I think it's important to keep goals set. I think it's important to be able to look at yourself and see your hard work pay off, regardless of weight loss. Being consumed by a number on a scale will only drive you crazy. My body changes so often as I put in more hard work or less and it's easy to see. I took a picture today so I'd be able to look here in a few weeks and hopefully see some progress! But I'm very happy with how far I have already come. It's most definitely a marathon, not a sprint.

I have a lot of energy today and I'm feeling good. I ran two miles this morning when I got home from St. Louis and now I'm preparing for a final presentation tonight I have for my Entrepreneurship class. After this class I will start Marketing Research Decisions....One class closer to my MBAAAAAA. Wish me luck!

Love Schlafly

2010-02-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the prettiest day. It was so nice walking outside and not freezing. I'm in St. Louis this weekend with Chad. The beautiful weather yesterday was kind of our first glimpse that golf season really is upon us. He is at practice with his team right now while I write this, sitting in his living room drinking coffee and watching it rain. Pretty relaxing.

Yesterday we went shopping at a place called the St. Louis mills in North County, and then followed it up by going to my favvvvorite place. The Schlafly Brewery! I am a huge fan of their beer for many reasons. For one, it has awesome flavor and it's brewed in this small little place, it already distributes to multiple states but it does a lot to give back. They hold their own farmers market, and the farmers who attend are the farmers who the brewery donates their grain to after it's been processed several times for beer...it's still edible for cows. They do a lot more than just make beer which I appreciate! I love trying new beer and when I go to schlafly I try to get a different one every time. Last night I had the Extra Stout (and wow, it was STOUT!) and I also had the APA. I like it a lot, kind of a had a floral taste to it which I don't normally love but this one was pretty tasty. I had to laugh, as I was walking up to the bar to order our beer these women were sampling about four beers and didn't like any of them. They ended up ordering a rum and diet, let's just say I would NOT go to schlafly and order hard alcohol! ha! Maybe I should look into working as a PR person for Schlafly...ha! My dream job! :)

This morning Chad and I went to Panera for some breakfast. We do this a lot on Monday mornings before I head back to Fulton, but it just sounded good for Sunday morning. And sometimes it's the smallest things about a person you can cherish the most. Sometimes I feel like in those short few minutes over a meal I feel like I learn the most about him. We have the best conversations and I love it that we can just talk about life and it just makes me realize even more how lucky I am to have found him. He makes me think and challenges me, and that is a quality I value most in a person. He probably doesn't know it but, those are some of the times I cherish the most.

I also want to just take a minute to address this...I have been noticing on many of my friends facebook status' that many of them have been affected by the death of a young man from Springfield the other night. And while I didn't know him personally I do know that he was very good friends with many of my friends, and I know how hard it is to lose a friend because I've had to go through it before. So I just wanted to let you all know, should you be reading this, that you are in my thoughts. It has to be the most painful experience to have to say goodbye to someone at such a young age. It never really goes away, and continues to affect my life today...but it does get easier, and it will. That being said...I'm so sorry.

I think we are just going to take it easy today and relax. This weekend has been sooo relaxing, I think I needed the rest!

2010-02-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the prettiest day. I'm in St. Louis this weekend with Chad and it was nice walking outside and not freezing. It was kind of Chad and I's first glimpse that golf season is upon us! I took this picture of the arch on my phone as we were passing by it in the car. It's kind of one of those things for people that live here probably never really notice, but I'm still pretty taken back every time I see it. When I took the time to read about how it came about, now even just driving by it, it's awesome to see.

Beautiful!

2010-02-17T10:31:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I walked out of the building where I live on campus and saw a camera set up on a tripod on our patio. It was pointed towards the lake that is behind us, and all I saw were a bunch of geese! But today we got an email of pictures that one of our Website Development guys took of bald eagles out there yesterday. I'm fascinated with them! One day, my dad and I were out on one of our many adventures we would tend to go on, and we were driving on a bunch of back roads to get to Bentonville, AR. We stopped by a field that had more bald eagles than I could count cohabitating in the trees. We sat there for a long time just watching them and taking pictures, it was truly breathtaking! So I just wanted to share these pictures from the eagles yesterday.

I'm SO happy to see the sun shining today! Isn't it amazing how much the weather affects your mood? I walked outside this morning and felt warmth on my face, I feeling I think I had forgotten! I'm SO ready for summer and the lake! I was looking through pictures I took from this past summer at Tablerock, and this one makes me sooo ready for nice evenings on the water...I took this sitting on the front of our friend Sharon's beautiful houseboat!

Well, time to work on homework for a final I have on Monday, blah! St. Louis for me this weekend to see Chad.

2.15

2010-02-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

I guess part of documenting my daily activities is actually taking pictures of them...so here is my first attempt, ha! This morning I woke up extremely motivated. I've been stuck on a plateau (as far as my weight loss) goes anyway...and I'm ready to be done with it. I'm not really losing weight anymore but I still see differences. It's weird how your body changes but your weight doesn't. Today I sat down in my floor to stretch really good before I went to the Y and ran a few miles. No makeup and my hair is not fixed, deal with it! :)

These are my beautiful flowers Chad surprised me with on Valentine's day! I was so surprised. We haaad agreed not to get each other anything...but I appreciate them so much and I can't stop looking at them! They mean a lot to me. He means a lot to me...words can't even begin to say how lucky I feel to have him in my life.

So I've been wanting to do this for awhile but today I finally made the choice that I am done drinking soda. I only drink diet, but still, it's terrible for you and I'm done. This is only day one and I'm already withdrawling :) I guess I could have worse vices, but this is not going to be easy! I KNOW I will feel sooo much better. Water is the key to health and it's time to start chugging it. I also bought a new vitamin today, which I think will help replenish the nutrients I'm not receiving at our dining hall (which I eat most meals at). We are however, lucky to have so many healthy options at ours...so I do pretty well, considering!

Today has been the longest day. I had met with my group for two hours before class, then had 3 1/2 hours of class and two presentations. This Master's stuff is getting tougher! But, next week is my final, and then I'm on to my 8th class, out of 12! I can't believe that I started this time last year and I'm getting closer and closer all the time. I'm in Entrepreneurship right now, and I will follow this by two different marketing classes, accounting, financial decisions, and my capstone. Then FREEDOM!

Letters

2010-02-11T09:36:00.001-08:00

I love seeing movies, for a lot of reasons. I guess for those few hours you’re somewhere else. You can put yourself in any kind of world you want to be in, to feel how you want to feel. Last night I saw “Dear John.” As a woman I guess this is pretty predictable but I was pleasantly surprised when it wasn’t cheesy at all. When I was a lot younger, not long after I started writing I bought a book. It was called Write Your Heart Out. I still think about that book a lot. It talked about the power of letter writing. How very strong the written word can be in a world that so often forgets to slow down, breathe, interpret our thoughts and feelings long enough to allow our hands to write them; on paper. That’s when I fell in love with writing letters. I think there’s no better gift than putting your heart on paper. Just a small part of why I feel so blessed to be able to express myself. This movie was about two people who fall in love in a very short time, before they’re separated for a very long time. So writing letters is all they have. It was a beautifully written script (I have always dreamed of writing one). Sometimes I’m thankful for romantic chick flick’s because while it isn’t real, it helps you to evaluate the love story you find yourself in. Life is passionate, romantic, funny…it’s so many things. I think the best part about life is that, while much is out of our control, we do have the power to love, to feel and be felt. And that, I think, is a gift. Ok…I’m done being sappy! :) I guess this tends to be my journal so sometimes it feels good to just write.

This weekend I'm headed to St. Louis for my first Mardi Gras! I've never been and I'm really excited! My boyfriend lives in Soulard, the district of St. Louis where it all takes place. This is a picture I found of the celebration in St. Louis. I can't imagine what it's like in N.O.! I'm going to try and take lots of pictures so I'll hopefully get some of those up the next time I write. Looks like the weather is Cloudy and 36, with a chance of snow. Brr, but nothing a little beer can't cure :)

Sorry this is so short and sweet but I have lots to do! I'll leave you with lyrics to a song I love by Amanda Seyfried, called Little House.

I love this place
But it's haunted without you
My tired heart
Is beating so slow
Our hearts sing less
Than we wanted
We wanted
Our hearts sing 'cause
We do not know

To light the night
To help us grow
To help us grow
It is not said
I always know

You can catch me
Don't you run
Don't you run
If you live another day
In this happy little house
The fire's here to stay

To light the night
To help us grow
To help us grow
It is not said
I always know

Please don't make a fuss
It won't go away
The wonder of it all
The wonder that I made
I am here to stay

I am here to stay

An Awesome Day

2010-02-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Today I had the honor of being in the presence of someone very special at lunch! Reverend Kyles was standing on the balcony with Martin Luther King, Jr. at the time he was shot and has produced a documentary called, "The Witness," about seeing his assasination. He is at William Woods to give a speech this evening. What an incredible feeling to see him! To think that he was there with a man who forever changed civil rights at the time he was killed, is incredible to me. I love learning about our nation's history in a time I wasn't alive because it helps me understand where my country and has been so I can better know where it will go. The "I Have a Dream" speech is one that I think echoes in the head's of many who were there to live it, which just shows how powerful words can be. I feel very lucky today. I am truly moved.

This is our new team picture we took a few weeks ago. Today our teams had conditioning and I decided to run with them. I like to work out with them because I feel like if they see me suffering, it won't feel so bad for them-and I don't know...maybe help motivate them a little bit? It also reminds me of my glory days on the team. Ha! We did some easy jogging to warm up for probably 15 minutes. Followed by a sprint relay, some balance exercises, and more sprints with lots of push-ups, sit ups, burpees and jumping jacks in between. Whew! That was a workout! I still didn't feel too well this morning. I slept until 11, (I know, I know) which I never normally do, but I must have needed it! I did fine running though so hopefully I'm on the mend.

One of my classmates took this last night during our break. We had gone outside to check the status of the weather since some of them have to drive a ways to get there. My friend made me a miniature snowman, ha! I'm almost done with my 7th class out of 12 for my Master's. Where does the time go?? I can't wait to be done!

Rest

2010-02-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

It's a snowy day in Fulton. This is a picture of the view behind the building where I live on campus. I woke up not feeling very well this morning so I think I'm just going to take it easy until class. I'd like to work out but I honestly think it would do more harm than good, so I'm just going to give my body a rest today.

When I feel like this I chug "Emergen-C"...which is 1000 mg packets of Vitamin C. When ever I'm not feeling great this definitely helps!

I bought a new book when I was in Florida that I found out about from a blog I read. It's called "The Spark." It's not a diet book, but instead teaches you how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I think most people who lose weight and keep it off, do so by making fitness or activity a part of their daily lives, as well as remaining concious of what they eat, but not obsessing about it. This book is fairly new and they are calling it a "movement" because it has helped so many people lose weight and get healthy. What I have read so far I'm very pleased with!! It's motivating and teaches you life skills that can be used in other aspects of your life. It also talks about the fact that making the decision to get healthy directly affects all parts of your life and I can personally say this is true with myself. After I got "the spark" to get healthy and lose weight, 30 pounds later I have never felt better and now staying healthy is a part of me.

Here is a link to the website http://book.sparkpeople.com/default.asp?f=GG_TheSpark&gclid=COj7_c-x458CFRTyDAodEybrIA

I think it is time for me to lay down and get some rest...

Feels Good to be Home

2010-02-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

I love warm weather, and I love Florida...but I do love the Midwest. There's just something about this part of the country I'm in love with. I came home to stay at my parent's house a few days before heading back to Fulton...and it just reaffirms the fact that I do love where I'm from. I was born and raised in the country and I love it here. I love the fact that life is simple here. The Ozark Mountains are very much a part of my childhood and growing up...and I think they always will be. That being said, it kind of feels good to be home :)

Today between all the laundry I had to catch up on, I managed to go to a Bikram class which is 90 minutes of yoga in 100 degree heat, and it is HOT. You have to wear very tight clothing because it eventually becomes saturated. Kind of gross, but so great for you. Definitely a detox..There are two types of "hot yoga", one kind is a flow where you are continually flowing into different poses. Bikram, which I did today...is more static poses, difficult poses you hold for a long period of time. It takes a lot of core strength and I am sure I will be sore tomorrow! I never used to be a believer in yoga but since I've started doing it I'm a firm believer. It takes a lot of focus-especially in heat-as well as strength. When there are mirrors surrounding you it forces you to look into the reflection and appreciate what you see. Yoga is great at helping you understand your bodies strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. Skills I think go beyond the walls of a yoga studio.

Probably the biggest help I received throughout my healthy journey has been reading healthy living blogs. The two I read most often are young women around my age, who also decided to make a healthy change in their lives, lost weight, started running, and continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are some of my biggest motivation on days I simply don't want to excercise or eat right. Yesterday...I was reading one and some readers (she has several thousand) had been asking her questions about her boyfriend who she sometimes includes in her blogs. They live a few hours apart in Florida and a lot of people asked how it works. He actually got on her blog and answered that question by saying this...

"Yeah, the distance thing isn’t ideal, but it’s not a killer. For instance, I’ve driven to Orlando on a weeknight and had dinner with her before. It can work…and it does work. A day at a time, that’s where we are. Let’s put it this way…she puts a smile on my face that can’t be replicated, duplicated, or imitated…and whatever direction I have to go to keep that up, that’s the road I want to be on..."

I couldn't explain it better. And while for right now I have to live an hour and a half away from my boyfriend, and people ask me the same kind of question, this is the perfect answer. Things just work if they're supposed to. Life goes on the course it was meant to explore and it is our job to just let it happen. Not to dwell on everything else. Nothing is ever perfect but with patience, an open heart, and simply appreciating a situation for what it is, anything is possible. After all, it was that same frame of mind that led me to him in the first place.

Back to Missouri

2010-02-02T08:03:00.001-08:00

It's our last day in Florida, we fly out this evening. It's raining so not a good day for travel, and I am NOT looking forward to going back to cold weather. I can't wait for Spring, Summer and the lake! Before the rain hit I took a two mile run around the neighborhood while my dad walked along. I picked oranges from the tree outside and had one for breakfast. So delicious! I think I could used to living in a place like this. So much going on, beautiful scenery...love it. Last night we visited a place called "Casey Key"...just another key around Sarasota and there were some incredible houses. Rumor has it that Tom Cruise has a house on the street we looked at and we saw John Gotti's daughters house...wow!

Well, I have to get my bags packed so I'll leave you with a few pictures...

A Beautiful Wedding

2010-01-30T19:12:00.001-08:00

What an incredible week. The wedding was picture perfect, the location was incredible, and the ceremony was absolutely breathtaking. This is a picture in the airport before we left. It was so fun having 26 of my friends and family on the same plane!

The wedding took place on Siesta Key beach just a few steps down from where we stayed. We all stayed in the same resort that surrounded the pool where the reception took place.

I was still in my p.j.s in this picture! Morning walk on the beach :)

We had an awesome surprise bachelorette party for my aunt at a place called The Daquiri Deck, it was sooo yummy!

The wedding ceremony took place Thursday evening around 5:00...my aunt looked so beautiful and I can't express how happy I am that she found such a wonderful person to enjoy life with. Here are a few pics...

(My beautiful mom walking before my aunt)

There is a certain feeling I get when I'm in a tropical place. It's awesome just getting to walk the beaches or take a jog. I think there's a smell to the air, a different feeling in the breeze, and a source of contentment. It's nice to separate yourself from normal life and make time to experience new things. I think when you make that time to really absorb your surroundings you can more easily appreciate the simple things in life.

I've thought a lot this week about the journey my aunt has been on. From creating a life with my Uncle Jay, to losing him to a terrible disease, to persevering and overcoming, and being born again. I admire her for having the will to love again, and the bravery to feel the many different emotions that life hands us. Life is a journey and we all go different places but I think it's most important where we end up. I know that my life has changed so much even in a just a few years and it's very much a part of where I'm going on my own journey. It's been so nice being surrounded by my loved ones this week and just enjoying each other's company. The fact that we were brought together because two people found each other is awesome to me and I'm so grateful.

At many weddings there is a verse from the bible read I have always loved. And while the versions may vary there is always one constant beginning line. 1 Corinthians 13:4. Love is patient. This is so important to me especially at this point in my life. I have found someone that has turned my world upside down and makes me a better person. And while we don't get to see each other every single day, just having faith and understanding that love truly is patient, helps me to understand that there truly is a reason for everything. Right now, love has to be patient; and I truly believe that's because the greatest reward is yet to come.

2010-01-25T11:09:00.001-08:00

This picture was my last trip to Florida…exactly two years ago…I’m so excited I get to be back there tomorrow! I can’t believe I leave tomorrow. I feel like it was just yesterday that we were planning this and now it’s here…life passes by fast I guess. I’m so happy that my Aunt Jean is getting married. My Aunt lost her husband, my uncle, to a terrible disease called ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s a disease that I think many people are oblivious to until you are affected by it in some way. Our family unfortunately was, and I know that we all suffered a great loss. But I’m so happy to see that my Aunt was able to survive and overcome, and meet a wonderful person like Mike. I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of such a special day for her. The majority of the plane is people attending the wedding, which is this Thursday on the beach. I know it will be a very special day for all of us!

This is the beach where we will be in Siesta Key.

I have a lot to get done today because I'm still not completely packed and I have class tonight. In the morning I'm going to go on a quick run, and then head to Springfield to fly out! Next time I write will be from Florida...yay!

2010-01-19T12:23:00.001-08:00

Today I received a message I got goose bumps when I read. It’s weird because here lately I’ve received a few similar messages about people who are reading my blog and are inspired by it. I seriously am moved without words because by doing something I love and having an impact on others is the greatest gift. This is why I want to write a book one day. Just have to think about a storyline, first :)

This awesome young lady sent me a message about how she is just starting to get back into working out and she already feels so great and that I inspire her to do it. It’s ironic because I found my inspiration through other healthy living blogs and it’s seriously what keeps me going on days I just don’t want to run or do anything. I know I still have a long way to go on my own journey, but if I could ever be of any help to someone else on theirs, it would be an honor.

I’ve started a new running routine where I don’t run everyday anymore. It’s just TOO much for my body to take. I also find it ridiculously hard to run and lift in the same day so, now I’m alternating and I like it a lot better. Mondays and Fridays I run three miles and Wednesday I run four. If I feel like running on the weekends I will, other wise on my off days I lift and do ab work. My shins don’t hurt so bad this way and my body doesn’t feel so beat up! I also feel like I get a lot more accomplished on my running days, because I have more energy.

I woke up this morning really missing college golf. Maybe I dreamed about it? Maybe it’s just from getting started back in it for the spring season, maybe it’s because it’s some of the best memories of my life? Maybe all of these. I just really miss being an active college athlete. I’m an assistant golf coach and my boyfriend’s the head coach at another University, and between the two of us-I miss it so much! He does an awesome job with his program, and I admire the passion he has for what he does. He wants them to succeed-like I wanted to succeed in golf in college, and sometimes I’m just in awe of him.

Really looking forward to some warm weather next week in sunny Florida!

1/18

2010-01-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

Just looking at this picture relaxes me, so I'm really excited that in one week I will be in Siesta Key, Florida! My aunt is getting married on the beach at sunset next week! An event my family has been looking forward to for awhile. I'm eager to get out of cold Missouri and do some walking on the beach. I plan on writing a lot while I'm down there. Just taking time to relax, reflect and breathe. I'm lucky to lead a not-so-stressful life however sometimes its nice to put yourself in a new place, if just for a little while and take time to truly release and relax yourself.

Something has been on my mind for quite awhile. When I came to college I found an instant connection the legal system. I changed my minor to Political/Legal studies for that reason. For most of college I'd planned on going to law school but when the time came I was overwhelmed with graduating and finishing my finaly golf season. So, instead, I decided to get my MBA. That's a decision that I know ill only help me in life, but my heart is still telling me to go to law school. It's my passion, it's the only thing I really feel that comes naturally to me besides writing. So I've begun to look at some LSAT test dates and I fully intend on taking the test, so that my entrance into law school would begin in the fall of 2011. I feel like this is one of those things that I will always regret if I don't, at least, try. It's kind of scary to think about three more years of school, but it's also incredible to think about doing something I know I will love.

I definitely believe that life is all about taking it a day at a time. Sometimes it's easy, especially at this age, to try and sort everything out in one day. But the truth is, life can only be lived one single moment at a time. So for now, I'm just going to be thankful for every day, and live my life firmly and joyously in the moment.

1/14

2010-01-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

I don't live in a third world country. I also don't live in a third world country that's been hit by a devastating natural disaster. I don't know what it feels like to not have a roof over my head or not know where my next meal is coming from. My heart aches for the people suffering in Haiti and never do I feel more helpless than in situations like this one. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people there. I think the human spirit is most prevelant during these times and I hope they're able to recover from this. Just a reminder how lucky we are in the United States!

So a few people I've talked to lately said they are actually reading this, which I am so flattered by. I really just write this to document my thoughts and feelings, and my life's journey but if you're taking the time to read this I could never thank you enough.

I actually ran four miles yesterday with no problem! That's one mile closer to 13 and my half marathon :) Hey, if running one extra mile at a time feels like accomplishment I'm just gonna go with it! I wish I were born with the natural ability to run long distances but I just wasn't. I do enjoy it though, so one mile at a time! I'm looking at half marathons to run this Spring. Whew, I never thought the words "half marathon" would come out of my mouth, ha! The truth is that I've never truly encountered a feeling of accomplishment as I have found through running. I think because it's something that doesn't come easy for me, my body endures a lot through it and it takes an extra level of mental toughness to push through each mile. It's something I've never enjoyed in my life until now and I watch my body transform from it, it's just an incredible feeling.

I just ran across this picture on my computer. This woman is amazing. For those of you who didn't see this story when it broke several months ago, she is a "plus" size model and this picture was taken candidly of her in a natural sitting. She's a big inspiration to me because she's beautiful...and her body is natural and she is no way plus size. Most women look that way when sitting like that and this picture published in a major magazine caused a major uproar. I say you go girl!!

Resolutions

2010-01-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me hiking the ski mountain in Steamboat, CO in August. This was a month into the start of my last 6 month journey to GET HEALTHY.

I realized that I never took the time to write down my new year's resolutions even though I definitely had given it some thought. Some of these are more like goals...And while I realize I'm a few weeks past the new year, better late than never.

So...here are a few I have come up with.

1. Drink more water!

2. Take a risk

3. Dedicate my time to a purpose to better the life of someone around me (Most likely in the form of volunteering.)

4. Remain a positive influence to our younger generation of girls, showing them that truly loving yourself as you are is the only definition of beauty we should know.

5. Run a half marathon! (I am so excited for this!)

6. Take the LSAT

7. Go with the flow. For me, this means to let my life lead me on it's course. I think our life is destined to naturally evolve where it should and I am open and excited for the possibilities.

8. Love unconditionally. For me this means to let those I love, to know how much I love them each and every single day. Life is so precious and short, I want those important to me to know how grateful I am for their presence in my life.

9. HAVE FUN! I plan on having lots of fun doing whatever it is I may be doing. Life is always better with a smile.

So these are just a few I have been thinking about lately that I think are important to me for 2010. Below is a picture I took last May in South Dakota. Just ran across it and thought I'd share. Breathtaking.

"Life is short but sweet for certain"

2010-01-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up to four inches of snow and thought I'd be stuck inside all day because I drive a Mustang but, I cleaned my car off and made it to the gym! There was something kind of motivating about driving alone in the snow in my little car to go workout. There weren't many people there but I ran a couple miles and watched the snow blow around outside. Woke me up and I feel refreshed after a good night's rest :) I love snow before Christmas, but after the new year I'm ready for the lake and warm weather!

Yesterday I was in Subway and had one of those moments you feel like you only see in movies. I was standing in line next to a very elderly woman, who was speaking to a man she knew that wanted to buy her and her husband's lunch. He told her, you two have been married for 70 years and I want to buy your lunch, and of course you never fought once in all that time! She says, of course we did, and I'm glad because there was a lot of great making up. It just put a smile on my face. I think those are the simple moments in life which I am most grateful for.

One of my very best friend's, and first college room mate Bre, suffered a great loss of an aquaintance of hers, whom she was very close with the family. I exchanged several emails with her yesterday and we just talked about how short life is, and how over time we live our lives normally without every really giving that much thought or consideration; until something like this happens and it makes us all stop and say, whoa. There is a Dave Matthews quote..."Life is short but sweet for certain." And I can't think of anything more true. Live it up. Below is a picture Bre took for me while I was in college, holding a picture of a very dear friend of mine who passed away. She is very talented and I appreciated her taking this because it's so special to me!

While I was in St. Louis for NYE I had the chance to see my friend from college, Sarah. Her place was so cute, (which of course it was because she is!!) and we had a great conversation. It's so nice to catch up with old friends. It's so crazy to think just a few years ago we were all in college together all the time, having the time of our lives. But the changes we've all encountered from that time I think have nothing but help us grow, and flourish. Each chapter of my life continues to be different in its own way and very very special! The beauty of life is that it's never, ever, constant. As it evolves our natural course is to just go with the flow.

"You were meant for me, I believe you were sent to me"

2010-01-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

I guess part of getting older is that you don't receive the luxury of having lengthy holiday breaks but, these two weeks off were much needed. I think about last Christmas and I did not see myself ever going back to Fulton, and I had this conversation the other day. And while a lot of the times I'd much rather be at home with my family or in St. Louis with my boyfriend, I do feel extremely lucky to be able to extend my education and also have enough free time to enjoy myself. This time next year I will have my MBA and that's a great feeling. Where or what I will do after that is still a mystery but that's part of the excitement of life. A part of me does miss having a structured job, (I can't believe I just said that!). I think it's the waking up in the morning having coffee and watching the news that I really miss, haha, but I am excited to see what life has in store for me and what path my life may take from here.

I ran another 5k!! It's such a rush and an incredible feeling to complete it. I actually enjoy running now and that's something I thought I'd never say. I'm planning on running a half marathon this summer so that's a great goal I have to work up to!!

In 2009 I moved back to Fulton, started coaching golf and made a choice mid summer to get healthy and I feel blessed to say I've lost 30 pounds and have never felt better! I also met a person I didn't expect to meet at a time I didn't expect to meet him, and my life has changed for the better. He's just one of the many blessings in my life. I know I'm a lucky girl but I think we're all very lucky to get to live and breathe and feel life. I will leave you with lyrics of a song I love called Beloved One by Ben Harper.

We have both been here beforeknockin' upon love's doorbegging for someone to let us inknowing this we can agreeto keep each other companynever to go down that road again

My beloved one My beloved One

Your eyes shine through me

You are so divine to me

Your heart has a home in mine

We won't have to say a word

With a touch all shall be heard

When i search my heart it's you i find

My Beloved One

My beloved one

You were meant for me I believe you were sent to me

From a dream straight into my arms

Hold your body close to me

You mean the most to me

We will keep each other safe from harm

Flying By

2009-12-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've been saying this a lot lately but, I truly am blessed. I get to come home for the Holidays from my graduate school which I'm lucky enough to get for free, to a loving family and precious memories I get to make. I know that other people are finding themselves in not so ideal situations around the holidays and it just makes me take extra time to stop and be grateful for what I have and what I've been given, the gift of life and happiness every day.

I can't believe how fast the holidays flew by. Was I not just posting about Thanksgiving? I'm always sad when it's all over because I enjoy it so much but I have a lot to look forward to in the new year. I've begun to think about some New Year's resolutions and I'm excited about them! Life has already changed so much in the last year, I'm excited to keep the trend steady.

Sunday I'm running my 2nd 5k race and I'm soo excited. The forecast says it will be 26 degrees, so definitely a chilly one! Buuuut I'm not exactly traning for the Boston Marathon (not yet! hehe!) so I'm just going to run it and enjoy myself.

Life is Changing

2009-12-13T12:31:00.001-08:00

Twelve days until Christmas. This is my most favorite time of the year and it’s flying by. Sometimes so fast that I wish I had the ability to stop time, if just for awhile, and relish in the beauty of my life, my happiness and the journey that I’m on. It must come with age, but I truly could care less about any material aspects of the holiday. I just want to be in the company of my family, good food and maybe a glass of wine :) My life has changed so much in this last year, just when I thought I was done with change. Five months ago I made a promise to myself to turn my life into a positive, healthy and thriving one. So today, my body has changed, my attitude-but most importantly my soul. I feel the healthiest I have ever felt, and I’m the most positive about the capability of myself and others around me. I take nothing for granted and I am thankful, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. for the way that I am blessed.

I’ve met someone I didn’t expect to meet, at a time I wasn’t looking, in a place that I love and he probably doesn’t know it but he’s affected my life in a bigger way than he probably knows. I don’t know what tomorrow brings but I truly believe that is the beauty in life and in love.

I run my next 5k December 27th so that is what I'm working towards right now. I've been working with atheltic trainers getting ultrasounds on my shin splints three times a week and it's already helped so much. I'm so looking forward to heading home on the 18th to start the holidays and enjoy the time I have off!

There's something about...

2009-11-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

...Being home for the holidays that gives me a unique, intimate appreciation for the love I have for those around me. I see college kids home from college, I see more traffic than usual on the roads from people scrambling around trying to get prepared for the family they have coming in, and I saw the look on my mother's face when she walked in the house as I sat there, home two days before she thought I would be. Those are the things that make me appreciate the most simple things about being alive. The holidays put a lot of stress on people for legitimate reasons. Money, preparation...there's so much to do. But it's important to take time to remember why we get together as families, as friends, to honor a tradition or faith. As I get older, coming home for the holidays has transformed for the excitement of opening presents to the relishing in the blessings of my wonderful family and amazing friends. Let us remember that not everyone has family to sit around a table with or devour into delicious food. I'm so very thankful for that.

This morning I went to my very first "Hot" yoga session, formally known as Bikram. It's traditionally 90 minutes long and a series of 27 "poses," in ideally a room that's heated between 100 and 105 degrees. I have literally never sweat so much in my life! I underestimated the strength I would need (glad I've been working out everyday). It truly takes focus and endurance to make it through the whole class but I felt absolutely amazing after I was done!!! Most of the other women, and one man, around me were a little older than me but had rock solid bodies. I'm so glad I went and tried it out because I feel like I'm busting at the seams with energy right now! I'll be going again Wednesday, running my first 5k on Thursday, and doing yoga again Friday. Busy, but healthy week! I might have to reward myself with a cocktail and/or massage at the end of it! :)

Tonight I'm meeting up with a few people who are running the 5k Thursday downtown, and we're going to run the course. Just to get a little idea of what it will be like (cold) on Thursday. Then I might have a glass of wine...ha!

The picture at the top, I took when I was driving home yesterday! The sky was breathtaking.

A Beautiful Sunday

2009-11-22T13:09:00.001-08:00

It is days like these that make me feel so lucky. The weather is beautiful, the sun is shining and I feel so, alive. I went for a run and it was one of those runs where you just forget what you’re doing and you just run, and run. It has become so much of my release; just puts me in another place sometimes. My life has changed so much and I wonder how it will evolve. I feel like I’m always writing how, if I would have looked at my life at 23 if this is what I would expect. I know that I never expected the blessings I have received or the gift of life I value so much. I think our journey on earth is about finding that purpose, that contentment with ourselves and each other. For the first time in my life I feel like I’m on that journey and I’m finding my way. I think for too long I underestimated myself and as I get older I understand that I have the power to do as I choose and accomplish anything. I think we all have that power. As I’ve started to understand myself more I believe in the choices I have made and will continue to make. I believe that what we endure and encounter is part of the plan and understanding that is crucial.

I’ll be going home this week for Thanksgiving, running my first 5K in four days. Yay!! The picture is of my good friend Jennifer at her recent wedding…taken by Lance Climer.

Friday, November 20

2009-11-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

I love this picture because I think it exlemplifies a strong and confident woman no matter her age, race, physcial capacity, etc. I think this picture speaks a thousand words in regards to the endless capacities we have as women. I truly believe our capabilities come from the strength we carry in our head and our hearts. That kind of strength is what I strive to focus on, on a daily basis.

The weekend is here. I honestly must live a great life because I don’t mind the weekdays either. A day off and beautiful weather, no matter which day of the week is great for me. Fridays are fun, because I’ve usually come off of a good night bartending and have some money burning a hole in my pocket :)

Today I went to Columbia, and had a great wholesome lunch at Panera. Then I invested in new running shoes which I’ve long been anticipating! I’ve been fighting shin splints for too long and everyone I talked to said it’s my shoes so…I hope here in a week or so I’ll be reporting that I’m pain free, for good. I’m going to try and break them in over the next several days before the turkey trot http://www.dcoonline.com/turkey_trot.asp Thanksgiving morning! I’m so excited to run my first 5k! I’m very much looking forward to going home for the holidays over the next month. Being up here and away from my family, though not very far, helps me cherish the memories I get to make with them during my time home. I’m so blessed to be loved so much by my amazing family. They truly have been my support system over the last several months and my motivation to keep running, and to keep powering through even though some days I just don’t want to. It is most certainly their words of encouragement that keep me after it!

I guess it must be the holidays, but I’m missing Nathan a lot lately. Time passes but I still miss my friend so much. I can’t help but dream about what he would look like now, how his voice would sound…I miss his spirit and his passion for life and those around him. He’s an easy person to miss but I’m so at ease knowing he watches over me. Until next time…

Lazy Day

2009-11-18T12:13:00.000-08:00

Wednesdays are usually my days where I find myself sitting here in my little GA bungalow with nothing to do, not that I’m complaining. I’m off work on this day because we have study hall for the golf team tonight which I have to monitor, so until then I’m free to do as I please. I worked out this morning. My shin splints are back so I’m headed to look for new running shoes on my next day off, Friday. I want to have good shoes to run in for my 5K next week! I’ve been talking about getting them for awhile, and I’m sick of limping off the treadmill so it’s just time!

Today is a sad day, as a high school friend’s dad passed away this morning completely unexpectedly. As I try and try to remind myself that our time here on earth is precious, it is days like this one that make that thought settle into my mind. I’m sad for him and his family, and my heart goes out to them in their difficult time.

I was watching a show on T.V. about a girl who had lost a lot of weight and she looked great, but her inner confidence still saw the body she had before in the mirror. She talked about her journey to begin to relish in her reflection and have confidence in both her inner, and outer beauty. And while I have similarly been going through a healthy life change, I found it particularly inspiring. There’s something about getting out of bed in the morning and loving the person that you are, in a purely confident and content way. Sometimes it makes you feel like you can take on the world, and there’s no other feeling like that. Anyway, that’s all I have for now. I will leave you with this…

"I believe that man will not merely endure; he will prevail..." - William Faulkner

Veteran's Day!

2009-11-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

Today is special because what an incredible thing to be able to take a day out of our busy world and lives, to honor those who selflessly have given their service for the greater good. And while I have not personally been affected by our most recent tribulations overseas, I know others who have been and continue to be. Not to mention that in my eyes, any person who has ever put on a uniform to serve our country; is a hero in the purest form. So, needless to say…I’m thankful for our veterans!

I signed up for the 15th Annual “Turkey Trot,” a 5K run benefiting several organizations in Springfield on Thanksgiving Morning. I’m VERY excited! What a great thing to be able to run for a good cause. It will be my first 5K but I’m thinking I will probably want to do many, many more after I conquer the first one. This morning I ran 3 miles to get a taste of what it will be like on the day of the run, and I wasn’t too exhausted so…I think I’m ready to go! I’m going to run a whole lot in the next few weeks just to make sure I’m prepared, even thought it’s not thaaat far…I’d still like to put down a decent time! :)

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is in two weeks. Seriously, where does the time go?

(The picture of me above was taken in Florida....)

November

2009-11-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

My grandpa is such a supporter of mine, as well as usually my reminder that I haven’t written in awhile :) So I thought today was the day I should sit down and take some time to do so. Yesterday I stopped for a moment and thought, it’s already November? Where does the time go. This year has truly flown by and what a whirlwind it has been. At the beginning of this year I made the decision to go back to school to get my Master’s, and while some days I think, “what was I thinking?”, I am soo very thankful I did because it’s brought me to a new point in my life. I’m already in my sixth class, and only six to go. I can’t believe it and how proud I will be to be graduating this time next year with an MBA. I still have that desire to go to law school so, I’m not counting that out when I’m done with this task in my life. I’m really the happiest I’ve ever been. Without consciously making an effort to wake up in the morning and look for something to cherish I’m just blissfully content with my life; day by day, breath by breath…I am blessed. I was in class on Monday evening and our instructor asked, “what is the hardest thing for a human to do?” Our class agreed, change. And I was struck by that statement because so often I am writing about how much I’ve struggled with change and growing up, and learning that it’s one of the hardest things for us all to do is so interesting to me. I used to fear change; especially after college. But after deciding to go back to school and meet new people and experience my college town as more of a citizen than a passerby, it has given me a new outlook. I can’t believe the holidays are already among us. My most favorite time of year because it’s time for us all to sit back and take the time to just be with the people we love and reflect on all we’re thankful for. As I get older, that excitement about the presents starts to fade :) And I just look forward to being with the people who are most important in my life.

The Most Beautiful Day

2009-10-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

(A picture I love of my sister & I) This morning after getting an incredible night's rest, I went for a jog around town. I ran all through downtown and it was so pretty. The leaves are changing and starting to fall, all the stores had their doors open and people were out and about. Gave me such a certain feeling I wish I could find words for but it's just that feeling of total contentment. It's weird how the seasons change right before our very eyes and I guess life is like that too. This is my most favorite time of year because of the holidays. They mean I get to spend time with my family and friends and get to enjoy life a day at a time. I won't say that I'm ready for the cold of winter but, I'm ready for what this time of years brings to the joy in my life.

I love running because it gives me time to focus and think about things. It serves as my release in the busy busy life I've been leading for the last few months. Soon, when golf is over I won't have so little free time and I'm sure I'll be complaining that I'm bored! :) Isn't that the way that always works?

I titled this blog "The Most Beautiful Day" because it's just one of those perfect days. The weather is beautiful. Not a cloud in the sky. I feel rested and ready to take on the world and yet I've had the time to sit around and enjoy it. I've done some writing, cleaned a little and managed to do some laundry after my run! I am going home to Springfield next Thursday and I'd say it's going to be in perfect time for the leaves to be soo pretty. I can't wait for that.

I'll leave you with this...

"There is a harmony. In autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been…”

A Beautiful Day

2009-10-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

So it's already the middle of the week? We just got back from our tournament in St. Louis last night and the girls did great, I'm so proud of them! They took 2nd out of 20 teams and it was hosted by an NCAA Division II school, and we beat a lot of them! It will be great for our ranking and the weather the second day was no fun so, great playing for them. The pic I took on my phone on the way from the golf course back to our hotel downtown.

It's a beautiful day outside. Cool and calm. The leaves have changed since I saw them three days ago which makes me realize how fast this year has gone by. I have made time to go home next week for several days which can't come soon enough. I've been so busy with golf and work and haven't taken any time to just go home and relax. I am still fighting a cold which I'm dissapointed I got because I was feeling so healthy. I must have jinxed myself by posting that on my blog. Hopefully I get to feeling better soon!

I ran a couple of miles this morning and my shins were killing me so, I may have to take a little time off running for awhile because sometimes the pain is just too much to bear! I might have to start biking which, I don't mind either, I just have gotten to enjoy running so much I'm not ready to give it up.

Today is just a quiet day. I'm at peace, and relaxed. Each day I've just been kind of doing my own thing, living my life and taking care of my daily tasks. Just kind of moving with the world though I'm not moving it at all. And I mean by that: I'm not doing anything extraordinary but I'm just living my life for the moment and I think that's the most important thing to remember. I'm an independent young woman at 23 and I have absolutely no idea where I'm going from here. Someone asked me the other day what my future plans were after I get my MBA, and I had no answer for them because who knows where life might take me from this point on. All I know is that I'm very, very excited to find out.

I'm a very very happy girl right now.

TGIF!!!

2009-10-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well everyone, Friday is finally here! I actually have the whole weekend off until I leave for golf on Sunday. I'm very excited about that!Tonight I have a good friend coming in town, and I'm excited to see her! Today the weather is very much like fall. Cool and crisp but the wind is blowing so hard!

I'm going through a little bit of a hard time right now. You think as you get older you start to figure things out but I think it's been completely the opposite for me lately. Life has changed some for me recently but I don't think change is always bad and I'm just taking it a day at a time. I miss home a lot and can't wait to go home for several days here in a few weeks! I need to replenish my soul :)

I'm still working out every day and some days its so hard to get motivated! But I've lost 24 pounds now so I'm really excited about that! I feel so much healthier than I used to! I never get sick anymore and I eat right and it's nice to have energy from that! I try and run 2 or 3 miles on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and on the off days I lift and do other cardio that's not as strenuous on my shins. After changing my cardio a few weeks ago my body changed fast, I guess the trainers know what they're talking about! :)

Take care everyone...happy weekend!

Another Week

2009-09-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

It's only 1:00 in the afternoon and I've already gotten a lot accomplished. I woke up early this morning and drove back from Springfield. I went yesterday early to spend my mom's birthday with her. It was a really quick trip but soo worth it since I got to spend her special day with her!! I don't realize how much I miss being home until I haven't been in awhile. The leaves have changed more up here than down there, which has always been interesting to me. You can tell when the countryside is on the verge of changing over to fall, and that's a beautiful feeling. The picture is of my grandpa and I taken yesterday...I love him sooo very much.

I worked out after I got back in town this morning, had some lunch, then went to see the trainer again after I ate for my shin splints. I ran two miles this morning, but I probably won't run tomorrow because they hurt so bad :( Ohh well, what can ya do, right?

I have a really busy week ahead. I work, have golf stuff, and then we leave Saturday for a golf tournament. It will be a big one at University of Missouri - St. Louis. After this next tournament, we only have one left which will be at home...how the time flies!!

I think I may try and make a visit to a corn maze and pumpkin patch some time this week. I always love doing stuff like that!

I ran into a person I knew from Rogersville while I was home yesterday and she told me she always reads my articles in the News-Leader, and I told her about my blog. So I've included her on my email list so I hope she enjoys it! I'm so very thankful for all the kind words about my writing. It's something I love to do and something I will do my whole life.

Well that is all for today, nothing too interesting going on! I have to get ready for class tonight. Four hours of Management Systems! :) Who doesn't love that? I will leave you with this quote...

Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best. - David O. McKay

Saturday...

2009-09-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well I thought we were going to have a day of sunshine but a storm just brewed up and it's been pouring. Trying to find the motivation to be productive but it's pretty tough today!

Last night I went to a blues festival in downtown Columbia called Roots, Blues & BBQ. I had always wanted to go but never made it over there, until last night! The food smelled amazing and I listened to some great music, and had a few beverages :) Is there anything better than beer and bbq? Doubtful!

There were two young women at the gate of the festival interviewing people about their experience. They asked me what "roots" meant to me. And I got to thinking about it. To me roots is being proud of where you came from, appreciating your culture and all the Midwest has to offer. I'm so proud of where I'm from. Just loving that down home feeling you get when you're driving through the country or cooking some bbq...I love Missouri and I fully intend on staying here!

I somehow managed to wake up this morning and run a couple of miles. I felt so good afterwards I needed it! Iced my shins after that and I feel relatively pain free today which makes me very very happy. I never thought the day would come when I actually enjoyed running. It's such a good release though! Good for the mind body AND soul.

Tomorrow I'm going home to celebrate my mom and aunts birthdays (they're twins). I'm so looking forward to getting out of here, even if it's just for one night! I'm getting up at the crack of dawn, well actually before the sun comes up and I'm going to get on the road so I can be there to eat breakfast with my mom on her birthday. So until next time...

The Sun!

2009-09-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

I was wondering when we would see the sun again, the weather has been gloomy all week. Today is absolutely BEAUTIFUL outside!! I am relieved of my duties for golf until Monday so today I'm going to work on some relaxation! I think I may hit up a pumpkin patch today! There is also a Blues festival in Columbia I may be attending this evening!

It's so nice to have a few days off work! I don't realize how much I do until I have days like this one where I am free of obligations. Soo nice. I worked out this morning but kind of took it easy. One, because of my shin splints and two, because I feel lazy! :) I think we're all allowed to have days like this one. I think the weather is supposed to be nice all weekend as well, which will be great. I'm heading to Springfield early Sunday morning to spend my mom's birthday with her....it will be nice to get out of here, even just for a night! I'm so excited that fall has just begun and this serene feeling will be around for awhile. Even with a few changes I've gone through lately that were unexpected, I'm only looking forward and not dwelling on what could have been or would have been. I think life has a way of working out, leading you in the direction you are supposed to go, and surrounding you with only people who share the same outlook. I could sit here and say that I'm dissapointed in a situation or I can reassure myself that this is all part of the plan. This time next year I will be about to graduate with my Master's and moving home again to be with my family!! Can't wait.

"If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity, it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye, and say, "I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me..." - Ann Landers

Fall!

2009-09-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ahh the first day of fall. I love it! I can't believe how much some of the trees have already changed, especially on campus. This week is kind of a busy one and I'm not even working much. Lots going on with golf, and my new class, Management Systems, has some homework (unlike the last one). I can't believe I'm in my 5th class already for my Master's. I hope the whole thing goes this fast! We are required to do a "Capstone" presentation for our final class in front of a panel of people which may include attorneys, business execs, bankers, etc...and present a business we think could be successful in the surrounding area. I think we finally decided on our business last night and I'm soo excited for it. It's something really off the wall but realistic, and I am so excited to keep working on it!

I guess a Happy Birthday is in order for my cousin Clint! He is 27 today. The picture above is one I love, of he, his girlfriend Ciana & I.

Monday!

2009-09-21T12:08:00.001-07:00

...I decorated my door! :) I live in a little complex with other assistant coaches. I'm sure my male neighbors will enjoy this, ha! Just trying to promote fall fever since it's my favorite time of year!

I see a lot of people complaining about Monday's on facebook, and I assume if I had a real job I'd probably complain as well. I do have my class on Monday's but I don't always mind it. Monday is the day I get the most accomplished!

This morning I woke up and worked out. My shin splints are killing me so I'm probably going to have to break down and either buy new running shoes or buy in-soles, per instructions from my cousin Clint, the gym owner! :) I'm not going to give it up so I suppose some remedy is going to have to be sought. I then went to Wal-Mart and did my weekly grocery shopping, which I think I get entirely too much enjoyment out of :) I pretty much got the essentials like I always do, water, gatorade, whole-wheat crackers and yogurt. Those are the things I usually run out of on a weekly basis.

I have homework due (Before the first class, which starts tonight) so I managed to get that done and now I'm working on some laundry and catching up from being gone all weekend for golf. This week isn't going to be too painful either, which will be a nice break.

Some bad weather is moving in, I'm not complaining since I love storms, but too bad I'll be in class.

Anyway, still struggling with some difficulties right now. Kind of tired of writing about it since that's all I've been doing so I'll just leave you with this quote. Have a wonderful day everyone.

"To forgive an enemy is easier than to forgive a friend..."

On the Road Again...

2009-09-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you Mr. Cash! Love that song.

Sitting in the hotel room, these get pretty regular this time of year. Golf didn't go as well as we had hoped today but it's going to be better tomorrow. I'm sitting here trying not to think of all the things I have to do this coming week but I can't help it. I am looking forward to the one night I have off which is next Friday! Those come few and far between right now between all that I'm up to. So next Friday night I am going to have big plans :)

Otherwise I'm missing home a lot today. I missed my niece Addelin's first birthday party today, which breaks my heart. That's the trouble of being away from home. Which is why I can't wait to move back...I think it will be here before I know it! And I think my life is going to change a whole whole lot by that time :) :) :)

I have not a lot to say because I spent my day on the golf course, (rough life, I know...) So I'll leave you with that. Talk to you Monday morning.

Never an Easy Day

2009-09-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!

Well today is the day my dear friend Nathan passed away 8 years ago. Time flies because I can assure you it still feels like yesterday. I will say however, as I get older, that sadness you want to feel and the painful memory of the experience truly starts to fade, and I just want to celebrate his wonderful life. It really makes you want to look at those around you and cherish them with your whole heart. So today I'll have him in my thoughts in nothing but positive way, because he was such an amazing person. Life will never be the same.

On another note, I leave today to take the golf team to Illinois for a tournament. Another NCAA D-II tournament, so a bigger one like earlier this week. I have played this course in college and it isn't too challenging, one of my favorite tournaments so I'm hoping the girls put on a good show!!! :)

I'm getting ready to go get my workout in before we leave. I spoke with a personal trainer last night because I feel like I'm stuck in a rut with my workout and she gave me some awesome tips that I think might kick my butt!! I'm also going to one of her classes next week!!! Can't wait!! Have an amazing weekend.

Lots to Do

2009-09-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

...Just a pic I love of my cousin and I!!

Hello everyone!!! Only one more day until it's Friday!! However, my work for this week is far from over. I got my workout in this morning, and now I will go to golf practice and bartend tonight. Tomorrow we leave for Illinois for a big tournament! This is one of my favorite tournaments with a tough field so I'm looking forward to it. I think we will do great!!!

I'm in a great mood for a Thursday. Nothing special about this day but...I woke up on the right side of the bed and working out felt awesome! Nothing like breaking a good sweat. On my agenda today...I'm going to get a Brita water filter, because someone did an excellent job advertising them during the premier of The Biggest Loser. The advertisement went something like, showing a woman on a treadmill with a bottle of water, and it said, "30 minutes on the treadmill, forever in the ground..." So...It worked and now I feel guilty for all the bottled water I go through. Enough is enough! I'm going to just break down and buy one, (they aren't even that much cost wise) I just hadn't taken the time to go and get one.

Otherwise, I've been following up on the story about the Yale murder. So tragic. It's amazing how many murders there are on college campuses a year, because some are so big they're like their own cities which allow crimes like that to occur. I look forward to them catching the person responisble for this one...

Have a great day!!!

Happy Wednesday!

2009-09-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

So a good friend reminded me that I hadn't blogged in awhile. I always say that I'm going to try and write regularly, and then life gets in the way! But I promise I'm going to make a concious effort to document my daily journeys.

Right now I'm wondering where the time goes? It's already halfway through September. The leaves are already changing, due to a cool and wet summer, and the air is crisp, already resembling fall. I can't complain because fall is my most favorite time of year! It starts getting dark earlier, the days are cool and calm, and it's such an intimate, delicate time of year that allows you to take it all in. Needless to say I'm verrrrry happy that the seasons are changing! I love the Midwest because when the seasons change, you feel them in every aspect. It's easy to differeniate between them and all they are. I suspect the next few months of my life are going to be great ones!!

I've been running around like crazy with the golf team. They are traveling so much so it's keeping me busy. I'm also still bartending, as well as going to classes so I don't have much free time to sit down and write like this. Feels good! I have been regularly reading a blog about healthy living, eatliverun.com and it's so entertaining as well as inspiring reading about her daily life, as she is my age and shares many of the same attributes, so she inspires me to do my writing, as well as live healthy!

I'm still excercising every day and it feels so good! I've lost 20 pounds which was my goal, so now I'm just trying to maintain a healthy body and mind! It feels so good to get out of bed in the morning and exert energy into bettering myself. I feel more healthy all around, eating the things I should be and focusing on positivity in my life. Doesn't get much better!!

So for the most part my mood has been great. However, I am a little dissapointed lately. I for the most part experience minimal problems with instances like this one. But lately I feel a little misled. I feel like I do my best in supporting my friends, colleagues, etc...and that's all I could ever ask from them. I unfortunately have discovered otherwise lately. I've thought about it, written about it...But I still don't have the right words. I know that I'm a positive person and anyone, who has anything negative to say, should take those thoughts elsewhere and re-evaluate their own lives. So until I find my words for that...I'm just going to continue to live my life the way I know how. I'm sooo blessed to have such an amazing family who supports me in all I do!!!

Until next time....(which I promise won't be long!)

Packing

2009-08-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

Well this picture is to give you a good indication of how much I've accomplished packing! Which is not a lot! I leave tomorrow for Colorado and I'm very excited but I have so much to do today!

Also - I got my grade for my last Master's class and I got an A. So I'm three for three! 9 to go :(

The next time I'll blog will be from Colorado! Wish me luck!

Friday!

2009-07-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

TGIF!

I didn't get to sleep last night until around 2:30 because I was bartending and karaoke is usually a big hit! But I still managed to get up this morning at a decent time and get my morning work out in. I only did around 20 minutes of cardio and some lifting, because quite frankly I was feeling lazy this morning. But that's what Friday's are for!

After spending a few hours at the pool this afternoon, I think I'm going to do some cleaning, relaxing and maybe put a little more cardio in :) Tonight I have drinks planned on a patio at a local bar. It's a beautiful day to be alive!

Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for. - Joseph Addison

14'er

2009-07-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I just got done riding a bike for 9 miles, in a class called "X-biking." It's a high intensity cycling class that gives you a great cardio workout. I've been working out every day trying to prepare for a big challenge I'm facing next week!

On Tuesday, August 4th I leave for Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I'll be going with my best friend Megan and our main motivation and insentive to go is to climb what is called a 14'er. There is a group in Colorado, who climbs 14 thousand foot mountains, (which there are quite a few of.) I'm not exactly sure of the name of the peak I'll be climbing but I'm certain it's going to be probably the greatest physical challenge of my life. Luckily, the leader of the 14'ers happens to be a good friend of Megan's, and is helping us prepare for what we will need on the climb.

I'm enlcosing a picture of one of the 14'ers the group climbs, to give you an idea of what kind of challenge it will be for me. I've been instructed to take things like plenty of energy food to last all day. A lot of water (of course), sun glasses, rain gear, hat & gloves (because at 14 thousand feet it can easily snow). We also were instructed to clip our toe nails short because on the descent if they are long you can get what is called a "black toe" and lose your toe nails. (Yikes!) We are getting picked up at 5:30 Friday, August 7th to go and it will probably take us until sun down.

What am I getting myself into?? But I'm so very excited! I think life is all about challenges. So I'll leave you with a quote I love...

"What ought one to say then as each hardship comes? I was practicing for this, I was training for this. - Epictetus"

A Verse I'd Like to Share

2009-07-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

I return to where I never left, reconnect with that from which I was never separate, remember what has always been true. When I stop the struggle, I expand into unbearable awareness. There is nothing to say, no "You" to thank, nor "Me" to be grateful, ... When one of us sings, we all recall the music." - Faulds When one of us is thirsty, we are all thirsty. When one of us IS, we all ARE.

6.29.08

2009-06-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

It is weird how the world changes. We get so used to our constants that we fear, and almost resent the idea of change. We forget that our time on this earth is limited, short, and at any time life my change. I’m bartending at a local place while I get my Master’s degree. I love it because I get to talk with people, find out about their lives, where they’ve been and where they’re going. I get to share a short amount of time with complete strangers who I often can tell just need someone to talk to.

Yesterday I received the news that one of my “Regulars” passed away. And while he wasn’t a perfect person, and had many issues as many of us may, he was still a person. Just last week he came in for a drink and told me that he knew his life was messed up. He knew that he was unhealthy and had a drinking problem, and probably a drug problem as well. But he was ready to get it in order. If I’m being honest I don’t think he probably ever would have. But he passed away at work, from some type of over heating related issue. He was probably dehydrated because alcohol consumed his veins. But I’m still affected by it. Do you know why? Because he was a person. And through all of his issues I know somewhere inside of him he wanted to make it better but he ran out of time.

When I heard the news I was overtaken with sadness because I just wish he could have had the chance to make things right for himself. He said these exact words the last time we spoke. “I know my life is messed up, but I have lived a good life.” So I use this as a reminder to the rest of us to cherish every single second. And I’m thankful to him for reminding me to do the same.