I feel like I'm on a one woman crusade to find time to blog, vacation, clean, run, do laundry, play with my new toy from Christmas, prepare for anniversaries, work, sleep and eat.
I'll try to break it down:
Christmas - it was amazing! DH was blessed by me, his one true love, with a gift of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. Yep, I paid for him to skydive on a date of his choosing. Since day one of meeting one another he has waxed poetic about free falling through the stratosphere. To put it lightly, he was stunned! I was equally stunned at my gift....a new Kindle! My trusty kindle was a hand me down and was literally first generation. It was one step up from a person following me around and turning the pages of a book. I loved it but had no idea what I was missing! Words with friends without an iPhone? Yes please!
Vacation - DH and I traveled to Yankeeland and spent the better part of a week with my family and friends. It was amazing and a balm to my heart. I love living here in the Deep South and totally appreciate that I didn't even need a coat this afternoon, but I miss my first home. It was so sweet to see how DH and my family got to know each other and find more out about each other.
Cleaning, laundry, sleeping and eating are pretty self explanatory.
Running - Runner Girl and I have barely ran since the marathon. Sad, sad, sad. I feel jiggly. No lie. I feel like a big fat blob. I think this year is harder than ever at the holidays because I've been so good about eating the right way (still having treats) but this Christmas has been rough.
Work - This has been a really tough week for me. Since last Friday I have seen 4 patients with hearing loss of varying degrees. Sometimes what we do hits a little harder than other times, and this week is one of them. Thank heavens I'm off until next week. I know that it's important for families to know what is happening with their kids, but occasionally I wish I could tell them "Just come back next week. Enjoy this last holiday or this last weekend. Because in the next 5 minutes your world will change forever."
Anniversaries - DH and I are celebrating our 1 year anniversary this weekend. I thank God every day for giving me a man that I had no idea I could ever deserve. A man who loves me for exactly who I am, not who I can be or who he wishes I were. I am blessed to love him and be loved by him.
Thank you for following this little blog this past year. I hope that I can continue to entertain and amaze (c'mon, we all know you're AMAZED every time you stop by) throughout 2012.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas everyone! For unto us a child a is given....take that gift and hold tightly to it!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Ornaments, Tacos and God....It's Christmas time in the South
C'mon, admit it, you were really curious about this title.
I know I haven't been blogging a lot lately. This time of year lends itself to running about like a chicken with it's head cut off, manic shopping sprees (usually for myself since I'm stressed about what to buy others) and an overall feeling of impending mayhem. I don't know that anyone wants to read about that as I'm not as witty or self-deprecating as a lot of blogs I follow.
So what's with the title, right? On Tuesday nights, at least when impending mayhem is held in check, I spend a few hours with the women in my Life Group. This is what bible study is called through our church, because we're doing life together - the ups, the downs, sharing both the joys and blessings and the sorrows and hurts...and always the the laughs.
Last night was the annual ornament exchange and taco night. Tacos for Christmas? Why has no one in Yankeeland thought of this? Everyone brought something and we had a feast - there was an inordinately large amount of shredded lettuce, tortillas from Uncle Julios, sopapilla cheesecake and the best company I could have asked for. Oh, and thanks to Pinterest for my ornament idea - it was a hit. Even though it didn't look quite like this one...errr....well, this is embarrassing, but Pinterest is having some sort of hissy fit or melt-down. I'll put a picture later, if I remember. Hey lookit! Here it is!
In the midst of all the fun, laughing, eating, sharing favorite Christmas movies and more laughing, we talked about what names we use for God. Redeemer, benefactor, forgiver, Emmanuel, ATM (I think this was All to Me but I remember it abbreviated to ATM) and others. In the season that focuses so much on the world and what we want and think we need, it can be humbling and refreshing to remember that Christmas isn't about trees, ornaments, presents and cookies - although these are all nice things and we should enjoy this time of year. But being reminded to keep focus on "unpacking Christ", to borrow a phrase from Ross Sawyers, is a gift that I cannot give thanks for enough.
Merry Christmas, friends, if I don't see you before.
I know I haven't been blogging a lot lately. This time of year lends itself to running about like a chicken with it's head cut off, manic shopping sprees (usually for myself since I'm stressed about what to buy others) and an overall feeling of impending mayhem. I don't know that anyone wants to read about that as I'm not as witty or self-deprecating as a lot of blogs I follow.
So what's with the title, right? On Tuesday nights, at least when impending mayhem is held in check, I spend a few hours with the women in my Life Group. This is what bible study is called through our church, because we're doing life together - the ups, the downs, sharing both the joys and blessings and the sorrows and hurts...and always the the laughs.
Last night was the annual ornament exchange and taco night. Tacos for Christmas? Why has no one in Yankeeland thought of this? Everyone brought something and we had a feast - there was an inordinately large amount of shredded lettuce, tortillas from Uncle Julios, sopapilla cheesecake and the best company I could have asked for. Oh, and thanks to Pinterest for my ornament idea - it was a hit. Even though it didn't look quite like this one...
In the midst of all the fun, laughing, eating, sharing favorite Christmas movies and more laughing, we talked about what names we use for God. Redeemer, benefactor, forgiver, Emmanuel, ATM (I think this was All to Me but I remember it abbreviated to ATM) and others. In the season that focuses so much on the world and what we want and think we need, it can be humbling and refreshing to remember that Christmas isn't about trees, ornaments, presents and cookies - although these are all nice things and we should enjoy this time of year. But being reminded to keep focus on "unpacking Christ", to borrow a phrase from Ross Sawyers, is a gift that I cannot give thanks for enough.
Merry Christmas, friends, if I don't see you before.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Long Version of Our Grueling Run
Who would have thought that Runner Girl and I would have managed to pick two 1/2 marathons in a row that had deplorable running conditions? Our first was about 18 months ago and was on the hottest most humid and disgusting day the Deep South had offered at that point. My run included a 2 mile walk in the middle so I didn't pass out alongside the race trail.
White Rock was this past weekend. It was low 40s and rainy. Another humid disgusting day, except replace the hottest with the chilliest. If we hadn't signed up for this together there was no way either of us would have gone. The day was the type where the only thing you wanted to do was to curl up on the couch, sip hot chocolate or tea and watch movies or bad TV. Instead we were all up at 4 to eat some breakfast and head to the Big D in time to beat the crowds. This race had 25,000 people registered to run this year. A rough 9700 finished the race. I don't know how many actually started. Enough ran that it took us 25 minutes just to cross the start line from our corral position.
It started really raining as we were shuffling toward that start line and It. Did. Not. Stop. Not for 13.1 miles. Not even after those 13.1 miles. It had been raining here for 2 days before the race. That equals a lot of standing water in these parts. So within the first mile we had damp clothes and soaked shoes and socks. That pretty much sums up the way the race went. I don't think I ever really warmed up, even over the end of the race.
Once we finished and made it inside for our medals and finishers shirts we cooled down fast. Like, fast. I was trying to stretch and basically every muscle in my legs seized up into little rocks that were not allowing any further movement. My running jacket (a poor choice of cotton blend) weighed an easy 7 pounds if not more and my shoes probably a couple pounds. Interestingly, my shoes don't stink all that much since they dried out.
Other than the rain and a section of hills, it wasn't a bad race course. It wound through some beautiful neighborhoods, the locals even stood out in the rain cheering us on and a few ambitious frat boys were handing out shots of beer in mile 9.
I am sad to confess that I totally was making fun of how Runner Girl was walking when we finished lunch....until I tried to stand up. If any of you are fans of How I Met Your Mother, it was pretty much like Barney on the subway, except I managed to get up just barely. I probably would have taken up DH on the offer to carry me to the car except I'm sure I smelled like a man.
Does it make me crazy that DH and I are considering running another 1/2 in April? Well, I'm ok with that because I know I can do it. Super proud of us, Runner Girl!
White Rock was this past weekend. It was low 40s and rainy. Another humid disgusting day, except replace the hottest with the chilliest. If we hadn't signed up for this together there was no way either of us would have gone. The day was the type where the only thing you wanted to do was to curl up on the couch, sip hot chocolate or tea and watch movies or bad TV. Instead we were all up at 4 to eat some breakfast and head to the Big D in time to beat the crowds. This race had 25,000 people registered to run this year. A rough 9700 finished the race. I don't know how many actually started. Enough ran that it took us 25 minutes just to cross the start line from our corral position.
It started really raining as we were shuffling toward that start line and It. Did. Not. Stop. Not for 13.1 miles. Not even after those 13.1 miles. It had been raining here for 2 days before the race. That equals a lot of standing water in these parts. So within the first mile we had damp clothes and soaked shoes and socks. That pretty much sums up the way the race went. I don't think I ever really warmed up, even over the end of the race.
Once we finished and made it inside for our medals and finishers shirts we cooled down fast. Like, fast. I was trying to stretch and basically every muscle in my legs seized up into little rocks that were not allowing any further movement. My running jacket (a poor choice of cotton blend) weighed an easy 7 pounds if not more and my shoes probably a couple pounds. Interestingly, my shoes don't stink all that much since they dried out.
Other than the rain and a section of hills, it wasn't a bad race course. It wound through some beautiful neighborhoods, the locals even stood out in the rain cheering us on and a few ambitious frat boys were handing out shots of beer in mile 9.
I am sad to confess that I totally was making fun of how Runner Girl was walking when we finished lunch....until I tried to stand up. If any of you are fans of How I Met Your Mother, it was pretty much like Barney on the subway, except I managed to get up just barely. I probably would have taken up DH on the offer to carry me to the car except I'm sure I smelled like a man.
Does it make me crazy that DH and I are considering running another 1/2 in April? Well, I'm ok with that because I know I can do it. Super proud of us, Runner Girl!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
13.1 in 2:28
Because of this....
and this....
I get bragging rights for pretty much the rest of the year!
PS. Wet cold shoes equals numerous blisters, FYI.
and this....
I get bragging rights for pretty much the rest of the year!
PS. Wet cold shoes equals numerous blisters, FYI.
Monday, November 28, 2011
I'm Sceered: Make Me Laugh Monday
I didn't even have to make the turkey from start to finish and I looked this petrified. I didn't want to end up with a Clark Griswold turkey.
Luckily the turkey was amazing....even if we barely made a dent.
Linking up with Kristen at A Little Something For Me....
Luckily the turkey was amazing....even if we barely made a dent.
Linking up with Kristen at A Little Something For Me....
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thanksgiving
DH and I spent Thanksgiving with his dad and family and then on our own and then with his mom and family.
We made it through three meals and still fit in our pants. I did take a bunch of pictures of the Thanksgiving meal we made at his place. It was pretty traditional as far as my family goes - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, rolls, gravy and pies. We forwent (is that a word like "forgoes"?) the sweet potatoes simply because my mom never made them - and aunt did - and we're only two people. We can only eat so much, even when we're talking Thanksgiving. Below are some of the pictures of the prep and the meal.
And maybe the most gratifying part of creating a meal as a couple? Cleaning up as a couple. He even wanted me to just go relax - love him.
DH's mom's family lives in a great rural area and we spent most of our day after Thanksgiving up there. They have these...
Luckily no one lost any fingers; they say Mikey and Caroline are biters.
P.S. I finally found a pie crust recipe that lives up to the "no fail" part of it's name!!!! I found it HERE and shall never stray again. Don't let the many steps or the smashing of the butter phase you...
We made it through three meals and still fit in our pants. I did take a bunch of pictures of the Thanksgiving meal we made at his place. It was pretty traditional as far as my family goes - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, rolls, gravy and pies. We forwent (is that a word like "forgoes"?) the sweet potatoes simply because my mom never made them - and aunt did - and we're only two people. We can only eat so much, even when we're talking Thanksgiving. Below are some of the pictures of the prep and the meal.
And maybe the most gratifying part of creating a meal as a couple? Cleaning up as a couple. He even wanted me to just go relax - love him.
DH's mom's family lives in a great rural area and we spent most of our day after Thanksgiving up there. They have these...
Luckily no one lost any fingers; they say Mikey and Caroline are biters.
P.S. I finally found a pie crust recipe that lives up to the "no fail" part of it's name!!!! I found it HERE and shall never stray again. Don't let the many steps or the smashing of the butter phase you...
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Pre-Thanksgiving Thoughts
I am thankful for having baking skills. I am also thankful for DH who will eat my pies no matter what they look like. Y'all, I'm scared of pie crust. I'm trying yet another one this week. And I'm making my first ever pecan pie. Shaking in my pants scared.
I'm thankful for a running partner who doesn't let me stop. I wish she would come over tomorrow and rub my sore calves. Those hills can bite me. Sigh...actually, after a couple more weeks we'll OWN those hills. Or at least be running them a little more consistently.
I'm thankful for family. I can't wait to talk with them on Thursday. I'll be missing my family, gathered around my parents dining room table. I'll probably cry for my mom at some point while making dinner for DH and I. She knows all the tricks. But I can't call her every 10 minutes when she's making her own feast for everyone.
I'm thankful for a break from work and a chance to plan for our Door Decorating contest after this break. I'm having fun just trying to figure out what the other teams are doing...especially the Circle Team. I'm incredibly tempted to cut just one circle into a square. Just one! I think it would be detrimental to my health though as Circle Cutting girl may cut me if I do that!
I'm thankful for grace, perspective, love, family, friends, running shoes, coffee, good books and pumpkin pie. But not pie crust.
I'm thankful for a running partner who doesn't let me stop. I wish she would come over tomorrow and rub my sore calves. Those hills can bite me. Sigh...actually, after a couple more weeks we'll OWN those hills. Or at least be running them a little more consistently.
I'm thankful for family. I can't wait to talk with them on Thursday. I'll be missing my family, gathered around my parents dining room table. I'll probably cry for my mom at some point while making dinner for DH and I. She knows all the tricks. But I can't call her every 10 minutes when she's making her own feast for everyone.
I'm thankful for a break from work and a chance to plan for our Door Decorating contest after this break. I'm having fun just trying to figure out what the other teams are doing...especially the Circle Team. I'm incredibly tempted to cut just one circle into a square. Just one! I think it would be detrimental to my health though as Circle Cutting girl may cut me if I do that!
I'm thankful for grace, perspective, love, family, friends, running shoes, coffee, good books and pumpkin pie. But not pie crust.
Monday, November 21, 2011
He's Treasure Trove of Funny: Make Me Laugh Monday
I promise I'll try to remember to check my jump drive for pictures that are A) Funny and B) Of me. But until then, I'm so glad I have DH to supply material for me.
His idea of a "smile"...this reminds me of the scene from How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. You know, that scene with Kate and Matt....oh, that's the whole movie, huh.
His idea of a "smile"...this reminds me of the scene from How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. You know, that scene with Kate and Matt....oh, that's the whole movie, huh.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
My Favorite Futeristic Device...
...would be one that could take the thoughts out of my head and transpose them directly onto my blog. I have all these great ideas for posts and things I want to say and I don't have the time or materials to write them down and flesh them out. And then they're gone, into the ether of my mind. Some snippets of posts or ideas that this phantom device would have caught...
I feel like a really awful horrible friend sometimes when I realize that I haven't talked to the people who helped make me who I am in far too long. Girls that, whether they know it or not, help keep me focused on who I am and that I take strength and comfort from that who I am is pretty dang awesome because they never forget it about themselves. These women span my life from before elementary school to the present.
I despair at this time of year because while I love giving presents I hate trying to figure out what the right present is. I agonized over what to get DH for his birthday, was affirmed by things he mentioned that I had indeed picked the right present, and then wasn't convinced until we were sitting rink-side while a hockey fight was taking place in the 3rd period. His Christmas present, by the way, is a no-brainer...this year. But I'm almost frozen with trepidation when looking for others. I take it personally when a present isn't the right one, like I've somehow dropped the friendship ball because I didn't get the exact perfect gift.
I just finished Chris Bohjalian's newest book The Night Strangers. If this book were a movie I would not have been able to watch it, it's that much of a thriller. It was amazing and agonizing and brilliant all at once. I couldn't stop reading to find out what happened but I didn't want to know either. The ending was, as always, true to life. I love a book where not everyone is happy as a clam at the end. When does that ever happen in real life? If we are to lose ourselves in a book then make it realistic or not at all. When the two mix I have a really hard time believing the characters. If this sounds a little too much to start with, read his Midwives or The Double Bind to ease into him as an author.
This week is my favorite week of the year. Thanksgiving!!!! I can't wait to make DH and I our very first Thanksgiving meal...a tradition that we intend on keeping for years to come.
And while the rest of the world is attuned to Bella and Edward, I am looking forward to THIS!!!!!
It's the best birthday present I could ever ask for. I only have 5 months to wait for it!
That's all I've got tonight.
I feel like a really awful horrible friend sometimes when I realize that I haven't talked to the people who helped make me who I am in far too long. Girls that, whether they know it or not, help keep me focused on who I am and that I take strength and comfort from that who I am is pretty dang awesome because they never forget it about themselves. These women span my life from before elementary school to the present.
I despair at this time of year because while I love giving presents I hate trying to figure out what the right present is. I agonized over what to get DH for his birthday, was affirmed by things he mentioned that I had indeed picked the right present, and then wasn't convinced until we were sitting rink-side while a hockey fight was taking place in the 3rd period. His Christmas present, by the way, is a no-brainer...this year. But I'm almost frozen with trepidation when looking for others. I take it personally when a present isn't the right one, like I've somehow dropped the friendship ball because I didn't get the exact perfect gift.
I just finished Chris Bohjalian's newest book The Night Strangers. If this book were a movie I would not have been able to watch it, it's that much of a thriller. It was amazing and agonizing and brilliant all at once. I couldn't stop reading to find out what happened but I didn't want to know either. The ending was, as always, true to life. I love a book where not everyone is happy as a clam at the end. When does that ever happen in real life? If we are to lose ourselves in a book then make it realistic or not at all. When the two mix I have a really hard time believing the characters. If this sounds a little too much to start with, read his Midwives or The Double Bind to ease into him as an author.
This week is my favorite week of the year. Thanksgiving!!!! I can't wait to make DH and I our very first Thanksgiving meal...a tradition that we intend on keeping for years to come.
And while the rest of the world is attuned to Bella and Edward, I am looking forward to THIS!!!!!
It's the best birthday present I could ever ask for. I only have 5 months to wait for it!
That's all I've got tonight.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Mustache Bash
It was a birthday weekend for DH! Long story short (and picture heavy) I threw him a 'Stache Bash. There were mustaches a plenty for everyone to wear, including a special one for the Birthday Man. There was tons of food, a variety of beer, Glazed Donut Muffins (thank you Pinterest) and one special game....I'll let the pictures tell the story.
I never thought about the process of drinking beer wearing a mustache.
The incredible bendable stache!
Sisters who share everything, including the upper lip caterpillar.
J and I looking fierce in our 'staches, but not as fierce as T.
And then deuces started flying.
A fine looking group of 'stache wearing ladies.
DH's sister and her guy
My Texas Person demonstrating how to take a self-portrait without the neck strain look I always achieve.
And finally....Pin the Mustache on Burt Reynolds. DH's sister was named honorary Bandit for landing the stache right where it goes!
My only question - how the heck am I going to top this next year?!?!?
I never thought about the process of drinking beer wearing a mustache.
The incredible bendable stache!
Sisters who share everything, including the upper lip caterpillar.
J and I looking fierce in our 'staches, but not as fierce as T.
And then deuces started flying.
A fine looking group of 'stache wearing ladies.
DH's sister and her guy
My Texas Person demonstrating how to take a self-portrait without the neck strain look I always achieve.
And finally....Pin the Mustache on Burt Reynolds. DH's sister was named honorary Bandit for landing the stache right where it goes!
My only question - how the heck am I going to top this next year?!?!?
Thursday, November 10, 2011
So Excited!
My lovely strong wonderful handsome sweet thoughtful DH has a birthday this weekend! It's a weekend of celebrating the fact that he was born and was raised to be who he is, because he's perfect for me.
Plans: Stache bash including some killer cupcakes and fake mustaches, a birthday surprise event, and a Dutch Apple Pie.
Pictures will follow next week. Lots of goofy pictures, probably. The best kind to celebrate.
Plans: Stache bash including some killer cupcakes and fake mustaches, a birthday surprise event, and a Dutch Apple Pie.
Pictures will follow next week. Lots of goofy pictures, probably. The best kind to celebrate.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Self Portraits: Make Me Laugh Monday
Kristen at A Little Something for Me has a new linky!!!
Make Me Laugh Monday....enjoy my embarrassment. (Kristen, only for you will I willingly show less than 100% flattering pictures of myself for the world to see).
There's this one....
Then there's these ones....
What the heck is he looking at and why do I look slightly concerned....
Oh, and a few of these....
I think we'll use this angle for all pictures from here to eternity. Who doesn't want three chins?!?! What am I even doing in those last two shots? Heaven help him, he loves me despite the faces I make.
Make Me Laugh Monday....enjoy my embarrassment. (Kristen, only for you will I willingly show less than 100% flattering pictures of myself for the world to see).
There's this one....
Then there's these ones....
What the heck is he looking at and why do I look slightly concerned....
Oh, and a few of these....
I think we'll use this angle for all pictures from here to eternity. Who doesn't want three chins?!?! What am I even doing in those last two shots? Heaven help him, he loves me despite the faces I make.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
I'm A Slacker
I haven't blogged in about a week. Sheesh. Can I even call myself a blogger now? I'm a pseudo-blogger, someone to not be taken seriously. The only thing worse is one of the women at work mentioned I hadn't blogged in a month....Facebook, I kinda hate you and your new "improved" wall posts. Apparently mine have not always been showing up.
Loyal readers....even the unloyal readers....I am still here!
I don't really have an excuse beyond being in love. It's probably not a good idea to blog when DH and I are having quality time.
Things here are finally cooling down - it's Fall and I LOVE IT. When asked what I miss the most living in the Deep South, there is one thing that comes to mind. Four seasons. Four distinct seasons. Four seasons that are pretty evenly distributed throughout the year.
Hopefully I'll have some good pictures from Craft Night on Tuesday!
Loyal readers....even the unloyal readers....I am still here!
I don't really have an excuse beyond being in love. It's probably not a good idea to blog when DH and I are having quality time.
Things here are finally cooling down - it's Fall and I LOVE IT. When asked what I miss the most living in the Deep South, there is one thing that comes to mind. Four seasons. Four distinct seasons. Four seasons that are pretty evenly distributed throughout the year.
Hopefully I'll have some good pictures from Craft Night on Tuesday!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Pinterest is More Addictive Than Crack
Well, I'm assuming it is as drug use has never been something I dabbled in.
Sorry loyal readers. I've been pinning away and forgot I had a blog. Promise a post this weekend.
Sorry loyal readers. I've been pinning away and forgot I had a blog. Promise a post this weekend.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Barefoot in the Park
DH took me to the park for a picnic. We did not re-enact this scene....
I love this movie. Have you ever seen it? If you haven't, you need to. There are few things more entertaining in life than a young Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in a Neil Simon play. We did take our shoes off, so technically we were barefoot in the park.
We took a picnic blanket and laid in the grass, talking about whatever came to mind. It was a perfect morning. I can't think of anything I'd rather do than spend the day with him.
Anyway, we went to the park and it was a beautiful day. The only thing I did to these pictures was crop them. The light was beautiful, the sky was a rich blue and the grass was a spring green. I just wanted to share.
I love this movie. Have you ever seen it? If you haven't, you need to. There are few things more entertaining in life than a young Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in a Neil Simon play. We did take our shoes off, so technically we were barefoot in the park.
We took a picnic blanket and laid in the grass, talking about whatever came to mind. It was a perfect morning. I can't think of anything I'd rather do than spend the day with him.
Anyway, we went to the park and it was a beautiful day. The only thing I did to these pictures was crop them. The light was beautiful, the sky was a rich blue and the grass was a spring green. I just wanted to share.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A Random Thankful Thursday
Too often I forget that I have a lot to be thankful for. Some of the things I'm thankful for today?
Meeting a teenager who I can help.
Having a manager who wants to help me hone my skills and actually takes the time to do it.
Understanding what it's like to have a sibling with a disability.
Pumpkin chocolate chip bars.
Seeing my parents work harder than anything to provide enough for all of us.
Having hot water come out of a tap when I turn it on.
Learning from my mom how to make biscuits when you don't have any milk but the recipe calls for it anyway.
Being lucky enough to help families and see them through their worst.
Rainy cool weather that lets me wear sweaters.
Meeting a teenager who I can help.
Having a manager who wants to help me hone my skills and actually takes the time to do it.
Understanding what it's like to have a sibling with a disability.
Pumpkin chocolate chip bars.
Seeing my parents work harder than anything to provide enough for all of us.
Having hot water come out of a tap when I turn it on.
Learning from my mom how to make biscuits when you don't have any milk but the recipe calls for it anyway.
Being lucky enough to help families and see them through their worst.
Rainy cool weather that lets me wear sweaters.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Kettlebell, Anyone?
I met with a dietitian today. She gets me. Hopefully I'll be able to stick with whatever plan we come up with. But more about that later.
On the way home I ran into Academy and bought a kettlebell.
This particular one came with a DVD workout and was all of $10. So I pop it in, warn Puppy to stay clear and go to town. About 10 minutes in I am dripping. Seriously. Like ran 4 miles at a good pace dripping. Like did hot yoga for an hour dripping. Thank heavens I was doing this at home because I would have been wearing minimal clothing required in a gym setting. I would have possibly been asked to cover up or leave.
The whole work-out lasted about 50 minutes with warm up and cool down. I was winded in a good way by the end, totally gross and sweaty and felt like I'd had an amazing work-out! Curious about how many calories a kettlebell work-out burns, I did a quick Google search. Conservative estimates are 20 calories a minute. What? That's twice what is burned during a run. According to one site I burned over a thousand calories....um, probably not.
Anyone have any ideas about what they actually burn using a kettlebell?
On the way home I ran into Academy and bought a kettlebell.
This particular one came with a DVD workout and was all of $10. So I pop it in, warn Puppy to stay clear and go to town. About 10 minutes in I am dripping. Seriously. Like ran 4 miles at a good pace dripping. Like did hot yoga for an hour dripping. Thank heavens I was doing this at home because I would have been wearing minimal clothing required in a gym setting. I would have possibly been asked to cover up or leave.
The whole work-out lasted about 50 minutes with warm up and cool down. I was winded in a good way by the end, totally gross and sweaty and felt like I'd had an amazing work-out! Curious about how many calories a kettlebell work-out burns, I did a quick Google search. Conservative estimates are 20 calories a minute. What? That's twice what is burned during a run. According to one site I burned over a thousand calories....um, probably not.
Anyone have any ideas about what they actually burn using a kettlebell?
Monday, October 24, 2011
How Long Is Long Enough?
There is an episode of How I Met Your Mother where Ted asks Stella to marry him...after a couple months of dating. According to DH, this is a little crazy. He's only known her a couple months!
This question has always been interesting to me. My question: How long is long enough? When did our society shift toward a long dating followed by a long engagement model? Why does this change in times of war and stress?
I don't think there's one right answer to this question. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and places where histories play a big part. If you've been hurt in the past and don't get past that easily then maybe it takes you longer to know that this person will not do the same. Maybe you've been hurt but you say C'est la vie and jump back in quickly. Maybe, like most people, it's not so black and white but an eternity of shades of gray.
How much of this also is a direct result of our culture? The idea that we, both men and women, can have it all. We just have to wait longer for some of it. And sometimes, we wait too long. Sometimes we let the most amazing opportunities pass by because we're so focused on what we want instead of what we need.
Do we search for the unattainable or the mythical in our other half? Are we always looking for something better to come along? When did we shift from seeing someone as a good loving capable providing human and only see them in terms of how attractive lucrative cutting edge they are?
I feel like these two ideas are completely intertwined. If we weren't always looking for something better maybe we could see what is in front of us. If we could focus on the person then we wouldn't be blinded by the public persona.
These are just some thoughts, half-formed at best, regarding how long is long enough.
This question has always been interesting to me. My question: How long is long enough? When did our society shift toward a long dating followed by a long engagement model? Why does this change in times of war and stress?
I don't think there's one right answer to this question. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and places where histories play a big part. If you've been hurt in the past and don't get past that easily then maybe it takes you longer to know that this person will not do the same. Maybe you've been hurt but you say C'est la vie and jump back in quickly. Maybe, like most people, it's not so black and white but an eternity of shades of gray.
How much of this also is a direct result of our culture? The idea that we, both men and women, can have it all. We just have to wait longer for some of it. And sometimes, we wait too long. Sometimes we let the most amazing opportunities pass by because we're so focused on what we want instead of what we need.
Do we search for the unattainable or the mythical in our other half? Are we always looking for something better to come along? When did we shift from seeing someone as a good loving capable providing human and only see them in terms of how attractive lucrative cutting edge they are?
I feel like these two ideas are completely intertwined. If we weren't always looking for something better maybe we could see what is in front of us. If we could focus on the person then we wouldn't be blinded by the public persona.
These are just some thoughts, half-formed at best, regarding how long is long enough.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Imperfection Personified
There are a lot of thoughts roiling in my mind right now. I've always had an idea of what I should look like, and let me tell you...I have never looked like my "vision". I know that my vision is unrealistic in every way.
My vision has been propelled by what the world has told me is attractive.
What the world tells me is acceptable.
What the world has told me is enough.
But what Genesis 1:27 tells me is that "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." So am I telling God that He's not beautiful? Am I really going to go there? Really? How conceited or small minded can I be? Why do I want to change who He has made me to be?
Because the world tells me that what He made is not good enough.
Let's put this in perspective. In the last 5 weeks I have ran 90 miles. And I have not lost a pound. When I use the BMI and body fat charts to see where I fall, they tell me I am overweight and obese, respectively. I would have to lose 40 pounds in order to have the body fat of a "fit" person. Seriously? Death would be the outcome of me losing 40 pounds. I would be skeletal, literal skin and bones. But if I subscribe to the formulas and equations that the world uses to measure my worth as a healthy being, I would have to strive for the unreachable.
What gets lost when focusing on the BMI and body fat charts is that I ran 90 miles in 5 weeks. My body is healthy and strong enough to run 90 miles. That is 18 miles a week....between a 1/2 marathon and a full marathon. Maybe this is one more race for me to run, outpacing my insecurities. Has He made me not good enough? He has given me a body that can move and run and play and work well. One of my favorite passages of scripture is Hebrews 12:1-2:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Because in every aspect of faith and life we are faced with races that require perseverance and commitment. Whether it be completing a work project on time, getting out and literally running, making dinner when it feels overwhelming and pointless or finishing the laundry. Why should accepting ourselves be any easier? We are our own worst critics, the most heartless shame-filled wonky-eyed individuals. Kinda like we're all stuck in one of those Claritan clear commercials...you know, where they magically removed the filter that allergies give you and voila! We can all see clearly. Um...can I get one of those magic pills please? It'll make me accept myself, right?
I am imperfection personified. Imperfection that I am learning to love. Until then I will cling to His perfect image that He knows me to be, even when I can't see it myself.
My vision has been propelled by what the world has told me is attractive.
What the world tells me is acceptable.
What the world has told me is enough.
But what Genesis 1:27 tells me is that "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." So am I telling God that He's not beautiful? Am I really going to go there? Really? How conceited or small minded can I be? Why do I want to change who He has made me to be?
Because the world tells me that what He made is not good enough.
Let's put this in perspective. In the last 5 weeks I have ran 90 miles. And I have not lost a pound. When I use the BMI and body fat charts to see where I fall, they tell me I am overweight and obese, respectively. I would have to lose 40 pounds in order to have the body fat of a "fit" person. Seriously? Death would be the outcome of me losing 40 pounds. I would be skeletal, literal skin and bones. But if I subscribe to the formulas and equations that the world uses to measure my worth as a healthy being, I would have to strive for the unreachable.
What gets lost when focusing on the BMI and body fat charts is that I ran 90 miles in 5 weeks. My body is healthy and strong enough to run 90 miles. That is 18 miles a week....between a 1/2 marathon and a full marathon. Maybe this is one more race for me to run, outpacing my insecurities. Has He made me not good enough? He has given me a body that can move and run and play and work well. One of my favorite passages of scripture is Hebrews 12:1-2:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Because in every aspect of faith and life we are faced with races that require perseverance and commitment. Whether it be completing a work project on time, getting out and literally running, making dinner when it feels overwhelming and pointless or finishing the laundry. Why should accepting ourselves be any easier? We are our own worst critics, the most heartless shame-filled wonky-eyed individuals. Kinda like we're all stuck in one of those Claritan clear commercials...you know, where they magically removed the filter that allergies give you and voila! We can all see clearly. Um...can I get one of those magic pills please? It'll make me accept myself, right?
I am imperfection personified. Imperfection that I am learning to love. Until then I will cling to His perfect image that He knows me to be, even when I can't see it myself.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Sprinkles and Spooks
I'm trying to keep up with this posting at least every other day thing...tonight I had high hopes of writing a pretty hefty post after going for a run. Then I remembered that I needed to finish some cookies for both a weekend Halloweeny party and for DH's co-workers.
I totally adore these bats. I'm not sure why. Maybe I'm destined to have boys someday and I can make them a constant stream of batman themed cookies? Heavens, my possible future children are gonna be fatties.
The pumpkins were only a good idea in theory. I bought chocolate jimmies, or for you southerners "sprinkles" and was going to use them to emphasize the faces. That was only gonna be workable if I was going to place individual jimmies on the faces. This is the face I made when I realized the flaw in my plan!
On top of all of this my hands are stained grey and I tried to instigate a fight with DH because I'm tired and grumpy tonight. Luckily he deals with my particular brand of crazy well. Sigh. Maybe I should have gone running after all.
I totally adore these bats. I'm not sure why. Maybe I'm destined to have boys someday and I can make them a constant stream of batman themed cookies? Heavens, my possible future children are gonna be fatties.
The pumpkins were only a good idea in theory. I bought chocolate jimmies, or for you southerners "sprinkles" and was going to use them to emphasize the faces. That was only gonna be workable if I was going to place individual jimmies on the faces. This is the face I made when I realized the flaw in my plan!
On top of all of this my hands are stained grey and I tried to instigate a fight with DH because I'm tired and grumpy tonight. Luckily he deals with my particular brand of crazy well. Sigh. Maybe I should have gone running after all.
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