They say "home is where the heart is." As I was traveling to Hawaii, thinking of my impending doom on my flight (where did this flying phobia come from??), I was struck by my thoughts of "coming home." Hawaii, for those of you who don't know, is not home. This is only my third time being here, but, two of my most favorite people in the world live here--my parents. These are the people who love me, support me, spoil me, teach me, and guide me. These are the people who raised me, who taught me how to live. These are my role models, who I aspire to be like. I love my parents more than I can say. And they are home. Being with them, with my brother by my side, is the epitome of home to me. They are my heart.
I never thought that I would have another place that I would consider home. But over the past five years, Seattle has become a home to me. My friends, who have loved me, encouraged me, challenged me, and laughed with me, have become a second "home" to me. My job, my church, my pub, my cat...they've all become a part of this home that has enveloped me and made me content and thirsting for more at the same time.
I know this isn't a life changing post, and certainly not the most exciting for getting back on the wagon while blogging, but I'm immensely grateful for my homes and the people who make them.
Showing posts with label what I love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what I love. Show all posts
Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Independence Day
Today, was such a relaxing day. It was actually a very relaxing weekend. I was able to take some time, reflect, hang out with friends, and REST. Rest was really what I needed. Rest, and time to restart. I've been really contemplating on how blessed I am--I have a great family, good job, wonderful friends, my health, a more than adequate roof over my head, and much much more. I am able to go and do anything I want, and I feel so free.
I'm so thankful for all that I have, and it's days like these that remind me that I need to live life to fullest. That I need to KNOW who and what I'm created to be, and to take hold of that and be that person. I'm so excited for the future--heck I'm excited for the present and what I have before me. I feel my life coming together--and it's not like anything has changed drastically, just my outlook I guess.
Today I started my 10k training. I'm so excited. I've filled out my calendar so I know what I'm going to be doing, have my 5ks scheduled, and am super stoked for the IronGirl 10k on Sept 11th! I think that my goal for this upcoming year is to run one 10k every 3 months, and to run a half marathon next year around this time. This time last year, I had never even run a lap around a track, and now I'm planning on running a half marathon. I feel amazing. Life is good, God is good. Ok, time to go to bed. Gotta start going to be closer to 10pm so I can get a full 8 hours :-/
I'm so thankful for all that I have, and it's days like these that remind me that I need to live life to fullest. That I need to KNOW who and what I'm created to be, and to take hold of that and be that person. I'm so excited for the future--heck I'm excited for the present and what I have before me. I feel my life coming together--and it's not like anything has changed drastically, just my outlook I guess.
Today I started my 10k training. I'm so excited. I've filled out my calendar so I know what I'm going to be doing, have my 5ks scheduled, and am super stoked for the IronGirl 10k on Sept 11th! I think that my goal for this upcoming year is to run one 10k every 3 months, and to run a half marathon next year around this time. This time last year, I had never even run a lap around a track, and now I'm planning on running a half marathon. I feel amazing. Life is good, God is good. Ok, time to go to bed. Gotta start going to be closer to 10pm so I can get a full 8 hours :-/
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Seeing Clearly
I went to church today. One of my new year's resolutions was making it to church 3/4 Sundays of the month. I have failed at that, but I'm always glad when I go, because I am always challenged by what Richard is teaching. Let me just take a sidenote and say that the reason I go to Bethany is not because of the people (I haven't fully connected yet), it's because they have a great leader in Richard. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't follow him blindly or think he's everything I need to get me through life. However, he is like no other pastor that I have "been under" in the past 10 years of my life. He is so well balanced, open to differing opinions, well traveled, intelligent, thoughtful, LOVING in word AND deed, as well as strong in his faith. He does such a great job of opening his arms to everyone while embracing his beliefs and living them fully. And he has a church that serves the community, houses the homeless, feeds the hungry, serves the needy, builds wells in Africa, gives generously, and is committed to their spiritual walks. It's not perfect, but it's exactly what my wandering, hopeful heart needs at this point in my life.
Today he talked about the kingdom of God, and how it is "now and not yet." How when Jesus comes, there will be no wars, no tears, no hunger, no oppression, reconciliation, and earth will basically be everything this it was created to be. He will come to fix everything. That time, obviously, is the not yet, because I don't know if you're living in the same world I am, but there is still war, tears, hunger, oppression, homelessness, poverty, and injustice all around. However, we have this opportunity to bring the kingdom now. We have the opportunity to wipe tears away, put down arms, feed a hungry child, stand against violence, and give all that we have. That is our job--to bring about this kingdom as much as we can.
However, we get caught up. We get caught up in three things: "Jesus...and," "waiting," and "power." Some people wait because they have this attitude "if jesus is coming back why should I do anything?" Why should I try to save the environment, be an educated consumer, etc. when it's all going to be gone and 'done over' when Jesus comes back? But that's not what Jesus did when he was here. He healed the sick, he fed the hungry, he raised the dead. He lived very much in a 'kingdom now' kind of world. And that's the same one we're living in. Some people think it's about getting power. They think "if I can align with the right people, then we can take over and MAKE everyone believe what we want." If I can bully them into believing it counts right? Wrong. So very wrong. And there are countless times in history that Christians have had this mindset, and many still do--and it's evident in our world right now.
For me, 'waiting' and 'power' are not big issues. It's just not been the way I've thought after living in this world, questioning my faith, and coming to my own conclusions. "Of course," I say to myself, "these are obviously not how we bring about the kingdom and people who think that way...fail." Oh, but then there comes the "Jesus, and.." and I am stuck with a big fat "F" on my head as well.
Richard talked about the fact that Israel's problem was never a rejection of Jehovah, it was always the fact that they wanted to have Jehovah AND another god aka an idol. They thought they could have Jehovah and Asherah but really, what they were becoming most like was Asherah. Their focus, was Asherah. Idols. Idols, idols, idols. We talk about them all the time, I've heard the speech before and identified idols in my life in my younger years (men, media, etc.), but it seems like it's something I needed to hear again because whoa do I have a big idol in my life: money.
It was surprising to me, because I pride myself on giving to worthy causes. I pride myself on being generous. But when I really look at money, and how I've used it, and how I focus on it, and how much I THINK about it and where it goes--I realize that it's a huge idol in my life. I thought it was clothes shopping--whoops back to money. I thought it was my job and getting more education so I can make more--whoops back to money. Everything that I've been thinking about and that my life is centered around is money. Shopping, job, clothing, eating out, travel, bills, tithe, giving. None of these are bad things. None of these things are inherently evil. But my focus on money has been eating up and taking over my life. It's been about Jesus...and what I'm doing with my money. Am I saving enough? Am I paying my bills on time? Do I have enough to travel? And in the end, really, it all just has been about money. Jesus, and the awesomeness of his message and everything he has been about has been pushed aside by my own personal Asherah--money.
Enough. I'm tired of my inner thought life being consumed by cash. Richard said "the kingdom resonates and offends." What the kingdom brings is so appealing, but what I have to give up to bring it about, what it throws in my face, is not so appealing. I know that I cannot end all war, and that I cannot feed every hungry person, but what am I doing to make the kingdom visible to people? What am I doing to bring the kingdom? And most of all, where am I "opening up the vicegrip of my life" so that I can see and experience the kingdom better? For me, I feel like it starts with money. It starts with me re-evaluating my budget. It starts with me tithing fully, not partially. It starts with me paring down my spending habits on eating out and clothes. It starts with me letting go of money as security, and opening my eyes to my role in this kingdom that God wants to bring to the world right now.
I've been finding myself saying more and more these days 'I'm not perfect.' I'm starting to see very clearly that it's true, but there's hope. There is love, there is compassion, and there is life to fullest at the end of that realization. Awesome.
Today he talked about the kingdom of God, and how it is "now and not yet." How when Jesus comes, there will be no wars, no tears, no hunger, no oppression, reconciliation, and earth will basically be everything this it was created to be. He will come to fix everything. That time, obviously, is the not yet, because I don't know if you're living in the same world I am, but there is still war, tears, hunger, oppression, homelessness, poverty, and injustice all around. However, we have this opportunity to bring the kingdom now. We have the opportunity to wipe tears away, put down arms, feed a hungry child, stand against violence, and give all that we have. That is our job--to bring about this kingdom as much as we can.
However, we get caught up. We get caught up in three things: "Jesus...and," "waiting," and "power." Some people wait because they have this attitude "if jesus is coming back why should I do anything?" Why should I try to save the environment, be an educated consumer, etc. when it's all going to be gone and 'done over' when Jesus comes back? But that's not what Jesus did when he was here. He healed the sick, he fed the hungry, he raised the dead. He lived very much in a 'kingdom now' kind of world. And that's the same one we're living in. Some people think it's about getting power. They think "if I can align with the right people, then we can take over and MAKE everyone believe what we want." If I can bully them into believing it counts right? Wrong. So very wrong. And there are countless times in history that Christians have had this mindset, and many still do--and it's evident in our world right now.
For me, 'waiting' and 'power' are not big issues. It's just not been the way I've thought after living in this world, questioning my faith, and coming to my own conclusions. "Of course," I say to myself, "these are obviously not how we bring about the kingdom and people who think that way...fail." Oh, but then there comes the "Jesus, and.." and I am stuck with a big fat "F" on my head as well.
Richard talked about the fact that Israel's problem was never a rejection of Jehovah, it was always the fact that they wanted to have Jehovah AND another god aka an idol. They thought they could have Jehovah and Asherah but really, what they were becoming most like was Asherah. Their focus, was Asherah. Idols. Idols, idols, idols. We talk about them all the time, I've heard the speech before and identified idols in my life in my younger years (men, media, etc.), but it seems like it's something I needed to hear again because whoa do I have a big idol in my life: money.
It was surprising to me, because I pride myself on giving to worthy causes. I pride myself on being generous. But when I really look at money, and how I've used it, and how I focus on it, and how much I THINK about it and where it goes--I realize that it's a huge idol in my life. I thought it was clothes shopping--whoops back to money. I thought it was my job and getting more education so I can make more--whoops back to money. Everything that I've been thinking about and that my life is centered around is money. Shopping, job, clothing, eating out, travel, bills, tithe, giving. None of these are bad things. None of these things are inherently evil. But my focus on money has been eating up and taking over my life. It's been about Jesus...and what I'm doing with my money. Am I saving enough? Am I paying my bills on time? Do I have enough to travel? And in the end, really, it all just has been about money. Jesus, and the awesomeness of his message and everything he has been about has been pushed aside by my own personal Asherah--money.
Enough. I'm tired of my inner thought life being consumed by cash. Richard said "the kingdom resonates and offends." What the kingdom brings is so appealing, but what I have to give up to bring it about, what it throws in my face, is not so appealing. I know that I cannot end all war, and that I cannot feed every hungry person, but what am I doing to make the kingdom visible to people? What am I doing to bring the kingdom? And most of all, where am I "opening up the vicegrip of my life" so that I can see and experience the kingdom better? For me, I feel like it starts with money. It starts with me re-evaluating my budget. It starts with me tithing fully, not partially. It starts with me paring down my spending habits on eating out and clothes. It starts with me letting go of money as security, and opening my eyes to my role in this kingdom that God wants to bring to the world right now.
I've been finding myself saying more and more these days 'I'm not perfect.' I'm starting to see very clearly that it's true, but there's hope. There is love, there is compassion, and there is life to fullest at the end of that realization. Awesome.
Friday, May 13, 2011
One Of THOSE People
I think I'm going to become one of "those" people. You know, the people you see bicycling around the city with their gear on, rain or shine? Yea. I think I might be on my way to becoming one of them. As you all know, I've been enjoying my bike immensely ever since I've gotten it. Usually it takes me 10-12 minutes to walk home (depending on how fast or slow I'm going), so if I needed to go back to my apartment to get something, it could easily turn into a 30 minute trip including me grabbing what I need and such. Today, it took me ten minutes to bike to my apartment, grab what I needed, feed and pet Shakira, and then get back. And of course I was so excited about that that I forgot to actually SEND the document that I went to my apartment to get until just now. I'm such a ditz sometimes :) It's just such an awesome and convenient mode of transportation--especially in a city like Seattle.
As I'm paying off my debt, I'm thinking of getting out of this apartment managing business and buying my own place. There are so many affordable condos out there, and now that I have a vehicle to commute with, living in Greenwood, Lake City, Shoreline, Maple Leaf, or any of the outskirts of Seattle proper doesn't seem so unappealing. It actually makes them more appealing because I think of how much healthier my body would get having a longer commute.
And when I think of all of the upkeep for a car--payments, insurance, gas, oil changes, etc.--and how expensive it can be, the bike tune ups, new chains, tires, and other gear I need to become a rainy day commuter don't seem as daunting. Sure, it's an investment at first, but having a bike will be easier on the environment, better for my body, and lighter on my pocketbook. I think that if I ever get married, and the situation would be possible, I'd want to be a one car household. It would be nice for myself or whoever I'm with to be able to bike to work, and use the car for recreational activities vs. everyday getting around.
This completely blows my mind because I don't think I would be on this side of this conversation even 6 months ago. I was scared of getting a bike because of hills, my weight, looking stupid, and now, I'm thinking of having a bike as my main source of transportation in the future. Craziness. My life, has changed. I am so thankful!
As I'm paying off my debt, I'm thinking of getting out of this apartment managing business and buying my own place. There are so many affordable condos out there, and now that I have a vehicle to commute with, living in Greenwood, Lake City, Shoreline, Maple Leaf, or any of the outskirts of Seattle proper doesn't seem so unappealing. It actually makes them more appealing because I think of how much healthier my body would get having a longer commute.
And when I think of all of the upkeep for a car--payments, insurance, gas, oil changes, etc.--and how expensive it can be, the bike tune ups, new chains, tires, and other gear I need to become a rainy day commuter don't seem as daunting. Sure, it's an investment at first, but having a bike will be easier on the environment, better for my body, and lighter on my pocketbook. I think that if I ever get married, and the situation would be possible, I'd want to be a one car household. It would be nice for myself or whoever I'm with to be able to bike to work, and use the car for recreational activities vs. everyday getting around.
This completely blows my mind because I don't think I would be on this side of this conversation even 6 months ago. I was scared of getting a bike because of hills, my weight, looking stupid, and now, I'm thinking of having a bike as my main source of transportation in the future. Craziness. My life, has changed. I am so thankful!
Gaining Life
I am so happy to have the life that I have now. I'm happy because I have chosen it--and it's full, happy, and good. A couple of years ago, you would have found me full of fear, waiting for other people to accompany me before I did anything else, and not willing to try new things. I can't remember exactly the moment (although if I read back into my blogs I could probably find it), but I do remember God pulling me out of my fear, and teaching me that there is nothing to fear when I have his love surrounding and supporting me. This quote helped me as well :"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live" Dorothy Thompson
I have done so many new things with my new life, and one that has absolutely changed my life is running. This time last year, I was in the beginning of my weight loss journey. I was working out at home, doing Jillian Michaels videos and DDR, and feeling pretty damn good. I was getting bored, and with summer coming around, I knew I wanted to get outside. So what about running? I have always wanted to be a runner. Here's a blog post from April 11, 2007:
"Now, as far as health, I really want to shed some pounds. And, honestly, I want to look even better in my clothes ;) Here's a goal: to bring out my inner runner. My dad was a runner. My brother was a runner...my mum was a runner. I've had dreams of me running and feeling so amazing and free...having that dull burn in my lungs and the tingling in my legs but not wanted to stop because it felt so good...I feel like my body is craving that. My whole family (including me) is/was athletic. So, I'm going to try to bring out my inner athlete. Who's my competition? Myself. Who am I doing this for? myself. I don't feel like it's even a situation of "i want to look on the outside like I feel on the inside" Because I feel great in general. I just want to be able to love my arms. I want to not have to suck my tummy in so much...I want to be confident all over. We'll see what develops eh? Yes."
I had wanted it for so long, and finally, I decided that I was going to do it. Cue the couch to 5k training and in July I started running. Now, let me tell you, I had NEVER run a lap around a track. I was the girl who walked the mile, who "ran the curves and walked the straights," but never a whole lap. I remember the feeling, running around the track and realizing that I ran a whole lap. A WHOLE LAP! Then I ran two, then I ran three. I couldn't believe it--but really I could. I've always wanted it. I've always known that I could do it, but fear held me back.
Now I'm here today, just recently having run 4 miles straight without stopping, and to be honest--I know I can run more. I've run a 5k for every month--except March when I climbed 70 flights of stairs--and I've seen my body change and grow leaner and stronger. I'm training for a 10k, with a goal of running a half marathon next year. A half marathon?!? I can barely believe it. But once again, I can. Because I'm a runner. I've always been a runner. It's been in my heart and my gut all these years and I just had to let go of the fear and do it. I am so, so, so, proud of myself and my accomplishments.
I have done so many new things with my new life, and one that has absolutely changed my life is running. This time last year, I was in the beginning of my weight loss journey. I was working out at home, doing Jillian Michaels videos and DDR, and feeling pretty damn good. I was getting bored, and with summer coming around, I knew I wanted to get outside. So what about running? I have always wanted to be a runner. Here's a blog post from April 11, 2007:
"Now, as far as health, I really want to shed some pounds. And, honestly, I want to look even better in my clothes ;) Here's a goal: to bring out my inner runner. My dad was a runner. My brother was a runner...my mum was a runner. I've had dreams of me running and feeling so amazing and free...having that dull burn in my lungs and the tingling in my legs but not wanted to stop because it felt so good...I feel like my body is craving that. My whole family (including me) is/was athletic. So, I'm going to try to bring out my inner athlete. Who's my competition? Myself. Who am I doing this for? myself. I don't feel like it's even a situation of "i want to look on the outside like I feel on the inside" Because I feel great in general. I just want to be able to love my arms. I want to not have to suck my tummy in so much...I want to be confident all over. We'll see what develops eh? Yes."
I had wanted it for so long, and finally, I decided that I was going to do it. Cue the couch to 5k training and in July I started running. Now, let me tell you, I had NEVER run a lap around a track. I was the girl who walked the mile, who "ran the curves and walked the straights," but never a whole lap. I remember the feeling, running around the track and realizing that I ran a whole lap. A WHOLE LAP! Then I ran two, then I ran three. I couldn't believe it--but really I could. I've always wanted it. I've always known that I could do it, but fear held me back.
Now I'm here today, just recently having run 4 miles straight without stopping, and to be honest--I know I can run more. I've run a 5k for every month--except March when I climbed 70 flights of stairs--and I've seen my body change and grow leaner and stronger. I'm training for a 10k, with a goal of running a half marathon next year. A half marathon?!? I can barely believe it. But once again, I can. Because I'm a runner. I've always been a runner. It's been in my heart and my gut all these years and I just had to let go of the fear and do it. I am so, so, so, proud of myself and my accomplishments.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
It's Your Friends Who Make Your World
"Wherever you are, it's your friends who make your world." William James
I have this quote stuck up beside a picture of myself and my best friend, and I know it's simple, and pretty cliche, but it's so true. It's the people in my life who shape my world and make it fuller, richer, happier, and just better. The longer that I know my best friend, the more I realize how thankful that I am that I have her, and how grateful I am that we both stuck it out relationship-wise to get to the point we're at. We talked about our careers, our goals, our futures, our strengths, weaknesses, faith...everything. It wasn't the longest conversation, but it just reaffirmed the fact that we know each other, and accept each other despite our many faults. I vaguely remember the ups and downs, the laughter and fights. What I know now is the comfort of our relationship, and how much we've each grown into the women we are today. I love my bff :)
I have this quote stuck up beside a picture of myself and my best friend, and I know it's simple, and pretty cliche, but it's so true. It's the people in my life who shape my world and make it fuller, richer, happier, and just better. The longer that I know my best friend, the more I realize how thankful that I am that I have her, and how grateful I am that we both stuck it out relationship-wise to get to the point we're at. We talked about our careers, our goals, our futures, our strengths, weaknesses, faith...everything. It wasn't the longest conversation, but it just reaffirmed the fact that we know each other, and accept each other despite our many faults. I vaguely remember the ups and downs, the laughter and fights. What I know now is the comfort of our relationship, and how much we've each grown into the women we are today. I love my bff :)
Winding Down
I'm on day 28 of my 30 for 30 and I'm not only feeling super happy, but a little sad that this adventure is almost over. I've loved and resented the challenge, but feel great that it's something I've followed through with to the end. Kendi actually posted this entry about 30 for 30 and losing sight of her goal, and I thought it was really pertinent to me as a person doing this for the first time. I realized that I have to have my own goals, and that I have to figure out what works for me. Changing out some pieces midchallenge, being able to shop, looking forward to my future wardrobe were all things that were essential to getting me through this 30 for 30. Shopping while on the 30 for 30 helped me to be way more conscious of WHAT I was getting in terms of what would be versatile, or great to wear in the upcoming season vs. next season, etc. It also helped me not to despair about only wearing 30 things. I really enjoyed the journey, and am inspired in so many different ways.
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| Day 28: Teal Dress & leggings-Ross, White shirt, cardigan-Old Navy, yellow belt-Jeans Wearhouse, Tights & Boots-Target, Necklace-Forever 21 |
Friday, May 6, 2011
I Like...
Yoga. I've expressed this before, but I'm going to say it again--yoga rocks! There's nothing like the stretch and burn that you get with a yoga workout. I always feel limber, elastic, and warm all over after doing yoga AND I feel relaxed.
Shakira. Not the singer (although I find myself singing her catchy tunes every once in awhile), the cat. That's right. My cat Shakira. She is the sweetest, sassiest, cutest little butterball that I know. I will eventually have a post dedicated to my little girl like the true cat lady that I never thought I would be, but I just have a couple of things I want to say that I like about her. When I come home, she's waiting at the door, meowing while throwing herself down waiting to be loved. She tries to swipe her food cup out of my hand when I'm dishing up her food. She curls up as close as she can to me whenever she can--whether it's right on my chest or nestled behind my legs when they're curled up behind me. She snores when she sleeps. She acts like I've abandoned her when I take a bath and will pace and meow until I threaten to put her in with me. When she fails to get her toy, or can't capture the laser, she walks away as if she doesn't care then gets back into attack mode. She is just the most wonderful, full of personality cat that I've ever met and I love her :)
Men with beards. I've said this before, and I'll say this again--I LOVE a great beard. I saw a guy today when we were touring another club, and I swooned a little as he had a nice scruffy beard AND he was teaching little kiddos. I can't help myself, I'm a sucker for a great beard. My (male) coworker told me I have a thing for men who look like Jesus, and I responded "Well I do love my Lord and Savior!" A little wrong? Yes. But I can't help myself :) Now don't get me wrong, there are awesome beards, and not so awesome beards. I know them when I see them, not all beards are created equal.
Oh yes, and after this beard search I was reminded that I super like Gerard Butler. The little girls from BGC asked me who my celebrity crush was a couple of weeks ago, and I was like, oh Gerard with your beautiful eyes, sexy voice, and perpetually scruffy face. He's so hot I can't even stand it :)
Shakira. Not the singer (although I find myself singing her catchy tunes every once in awhile), the cat. That's right. My cat Shakira. She is the sweetest, sassiest, cutest little butterball that I know. I will eventually have a post dedicated to my little girl like the true cat lady that I never thought I would be, but I just have a couple of things I want to say that I like about her. When I come home, she's waiting at the door, meowing while throwing herself down waiting to be loved. She tries to swipe her food cup out of my hand when I'm dishing up her food. She curls up as close as she can to me whenever she can--whether it's right on my chest or nestled behind my legs when they're curled up behind me. She snores when she sleeps. She acts like I've abandoned her when I take a bath and will pace and meow until I threaten to put her in with me. When she fails to get her toy, or can't capture the laser, she walks away as if she doesn't care then gets back into attack mode. She is just the most wonderful, full of personality cat that I've ever met and I love her :)
Men with beards. I've said this before, and I'll say this again--I LOVE a great beard. I saw a guy today when we were touring another club, and I swooned a little as he had a nice scruffy beard AND he was teaching little kiddos. I can't help myself, I'm a sucker for a great beard. My (male) coworker told me I have a thing for men who look like Jesus, and I responded "Well I do love my Lord and Savior!" A little wrong? Yes. But I can't help myself :) Now don't get me wrong, there are awesome beards, and not so awesome beards. I know them when I see them, not all beards are created equal.
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| Clipboard Jesus? Yes please! Fuller trim, well kept. |
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| Vom. Ratty, umkempt, full--but not in the good way, picture gives off the scent of patchouli |
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| Yes. Just...yes. |
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| Patchy. No thanks. |
Oh yes, and after this beard search I was reminded that I super like Gerard Butler. The little girls from BGC asked me who my celebrity crush was a couple of weeks ago, and I was like, oh Gerard with your beautiful eyes, sexy voice, and perpetually scruffy face. He's so hot I can't even stand it :)
 |
| Swoooooooon! |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Plans For The Day
The sun is out! The sun is out! I'm so happy to see sunshine. This means, a smoothie for breakfast, biking to work, something light and delicious for lunch, foursquare after lunch w the coworkers, kiddos being able to run their energy out in the courtyard, and a run after work. It also means warmth on my face, yummy melting popsicles, water balloons, beaches, swimming, frisbee, bbqs, camping--basically the start of SUMMER! Can you tell I'm excited for the sun? Gotta make the most of it, it appears so intermittently around these parts.
And with those thoughts, I'm going to listen to Matt & Kim's 'Daylight' and dance around while I get ready :)
And with those thoughts, I'm going to listen to Matt & Kim's 'Daylight' and dance around while I get ready :)
we cut the legs off of our pants
threw our shoes into the ocean
sit back and wave through the daylight
sit back and wave through the daylight
threw our shoes into the ocean
sit back and wave through the daylight
sit back and wave through the daylight
Monday, May 2, 2011
Don't Stop Get It Get It!
I don't know why I love this phrase so much. I use it often. Way too often. It does, however pertain to this post. May 1st was my unofficial first day of refocusing my life back on weight loss and healthier living. Don't get me wrong--every day of my life I think about the choices that I'm making and how I can be better. But, I've been on a kind of hiatus from actively pursuing weight loss. It's been great, but as I'm bicycling and feeling stronger and falling in love with my body as it is, I'm also desiring more. I want to be more fit, I want to run farther, and I want to eat better.
So, I'm going for it. Today I biked 15 miles and challenged myself by biking up harder, bigger hills. And I did it. I got myself up those hills without stopping and I am proud. It reminds me of how powerful I felt when I took control and actively pursued a healthier, fitter lifestyle. I have a few, simple, straightforward goals.
1) Exercise 5 days out of the week.
--This will mostly consist of running and cycling for cardio and yoga for lengthening and strength. On rainy days, I will do some other cardio video at home.
2) Drink water.
--Copious amounts of water. Not diet coke. Water. Not 8 ounces. at least 80.
3) Track my calories
--Everything that I put in my mouth will be tracked on my trusty spark people page. It's a great way to see what I'm putting in my body, and it encourages me to think twice about those sugary sweets I'm so fond of :)
4) Eat more fruits and veggies.
--I can be really terrible about getting all of my fruits and veggies in. I want to eat at least 2 pieces of fruit and 1 serving of veggies per day. I'm not sure if that's the appropriate amount, but it's a start.
5) Curb my sugar addiction
--I love candy. I also love cake, pie, cookies, fruit snacks, brownies ala mode, ice cream. I love sugar. I was most successful and feel the BEST when I let myself have these things occasionally vs. everyday.
6) Blog daily.
--Blogging keeps me accountable. That's pretty much it. I also enjoy writing (most of the time).
7) Continue with my 5k for every month, and run the IronGirl 10k in September
--Run for your rights 5k, May 7th
--Susan G. Komen for the Cure 5k, June 5th (make up for no 5k in April :-/)
--Fremont 5k June 10th
--See Jane Run 5k, July 17th
--Run 4 Thier Lives 5k, Aug 21st
--IronGirl 10k, Sept 11th
Don't stop, get it get it!
So, I'm going for it. Today I biked 15 miles and challenged myself by biking up harder, bigger hills. And I did it. I got myself up those hills without stopping and I am proud. It reminds me of how powerful I felt when I took control and actively pursued a healthier, fitter lifestyle. I have a few, simple, straightforward goals.
1) Exercise 5 days out of the week.
--This will mostly consist of running and cycling for cardio and yoga for lengthening and strength. On rainy days, I will do some other cardio video at home.
2) Drink water.
--Copious amounts of water. Not diet coke. Water. Not 8 ounces. at least 80.
3) Track my calories
--Everything that I put in my mouth will be tracked on my trusty spark people page. It's a great way to see what I'm putting in my body, and it encourages me to think twice about those sugary sweets I'm so fond of :)
4) Eat more fruits and veggies.
--I can be really terrible about getting all of my fruits and veggies in. I want to eat at least 2 pieces of fruit and 1 serving of veggies per day. I'm not sure if that's the appropriate amount, but it's a start.
5) Curb my sugar addiction
--I love candy. I also love cake, pie, cookies, fruit snacks, brownies ala mode, ice cream. I love sugar. I was most successful and feel the BEST when I let myself have these things occasionally vs. everyday.
6) Blog daily.
--Blogging keeps me accountable. That's pretty much it. I also enjoy writing (most of the time).
7) Continue with my 5k for every month, and run the IronGirl 10k in September
--Run for your rights 5k, May 7th
--Susan G. Komen for the Cure 5k, June 5th (make up for no 5k in April :-/)
--Fremont 5k June 10th
--See Jane Run 5k, July 17th
--Run 4 Thier Lives 5k, Aug 21st
--IronGirl 10k, Sept 11th
Don't stop, get it get it!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Work, Work, Work It Out
I just went on a 9 mile bicycle jaunt to UVillage and back. I'm very proud of myself because I only left H&M with a smaller sized dress--I didn't buy ANYTHING new! Woo! I'm trying to be more conscious of what I buy, how many times I'm going to wear it, etc.
I was talking with the BFF and we agreed that we love the trek to UVillage. The Burke-Gilman trail is so convenient, there are sweet stops on the way (Gasworks anyone?), and it's not too strenuous. I'm proud to say that I'm no longer afraid of Seattle hills. This last long ride I made it up without stopping, and I ended up taking a detour that took me up another hill just so I could some more exercise in. Ridiculous...but awesome. My legs and butt are going to be BANGING by the end of the year...at least that's my hope :)
It feels like the year is going by sooooooo fast. I can't believe it's May tomorrow, and that summer is almost here. I really need to get back in the groove of running and watching my nutrition intake. I want to lose at least another 40 lbs before the end of the year, and I feel like I've just been coasting this whole year--and now we're in May and I'm like crap! The good news is, is that I lost 40 lbs of my weight pretty much in 6 months. So, the fact that the year is almost halfway over does not discourage me. Also, I'm pretty comfortable with my body. I like this size, and even though I do feel pudgy sometimes, I still feel confident.
Anywhoo, I have 2 5ks to run this month and I seriously need to get my running back into gear. I love how strong I feel when I run. There's nothing quite like the exhausted, allover burn you feel. I love running with my favorite music, with my sunglasses on, watching the people around me go about their business. Exercise boosts my confidence in who I am and what I can do. I never in my life thought I would call myself a runner, and I sure as heck never thought I'd be biking around Seattle. Funny how life changes when you start DOING things instead of wishing for things eh? Life is good :)
I was talking with the BFF and we agreed that we love the trek to UVillage. The Burke-Gilman trail is so convenient, there are sweet stops on the way (Gasworks anyone?), and it's not too strenuous. I'm proud to say that I'm no longer afraid of Seattle hills. This last long ride I made it up without stopping, and I ended up taking a detour that took me up another hill just so I could some more exercise in. Ridiculous...but awesome. My legs and butt are going to be BANGING by the end of the year...at least that's my hope :)
It feels like the year is going by sooooooo fast. I can't believe it's May tomorrow, and that summer is almost here. I really need to get back in the groove of running and watching my nutrition intake. I want to lose at least another 40 lbs before the end of the year, and I feel like I've just been coasting this whole year--and now we're in May and I'm like crap! The good news is, is that I lost 40 lbs of my weight pretty much in 6 months. So, the fact that the year is almost halfway over does not discourage me. Also, I'm pretty comfortable with my body. I like this size, and even though I do feel pudgy sometimes, I still feel confident.
Anywhoo, I have 2 5ks to run this month and I seriously need to get my running back into gear. I love how strong I feel when I run. There's nothing quite like the exhausted, allover burn you feel. I love running with my favorite music, with my sunglasses on, watching the people around me go about their business. Exercise boosts my confidence in who I am and what I can do. I never in my life thought I would call myself a runner, and I sure as heck never thought I'd be biking around Seattle. Funny how life changes when you start DOING things instead of wishing for things eh? Life is good :)
Friday, April 22, 2011
Raindrops are fallin' on my head...
You know what I love? Mornings after a rain. That crisp, dewy air ripe with fresh scents of grass, flowers and pavement. There's nothing like breathing it in and basking in the glory that is a rainy night turned into a spring morning. I was going to try to capture it in picture form, but alas, no camera could ever really capture the feeling, and I suspect my amateur photographer skills would not help the cause. So, I'm just going to let you all use your imaginations on that one. It's pretty great.
This week has been pretty exhausting. I've been working an awesome 7-3 schedule, but my sleep schedule still thinks I'm working 11-7. So, I'm going to bed around 11pm or 12pm (sometimes later), and then feeling pretty damn grumpy when I have to wake up at 5:30am. Once I get into the groove of going to bed earlier, that schedule is pretty great. I can't decide what I love more--having a whole morning to myself to eat breakfast, exercise, and get ready slowly, or an afternoon free to do whatever I want. There are pros and cons to both I suppose. I guess I just have it good :)
I'll have to admit that the first couple of nights, what kept me up is this new Oregon Trail game on Facebook. I know, I know, I sound like a complete and total nerd for staying up to play this game, but it's addicting! It's one of those games that you can halfway pay attention to while doing other things, and they have little perks and rewards in the game. It's not like I'll come home and just play Oregon Trail for hours, but after I've been out, I will definitely decompress by opening it up and playing a bit. I think it's comforting because it reminds me of my childhood, hunting buffalo, fording rivers, and dying of dysentery all in the safety of my classroom or home. I love that stupid game and I'm not ashamed!
This week has been pretty exhausting. I've been working an awesome 7-3 schedule, but my sleep schedule still thinks I'm working 11-7. So, I'm going to bed around 11pm or 12pm (sometimes later), and then feeling pretty damn grumpy when I have to wake up at 5:30am. Once I get into the groove of going to bed earlier, that schedule is pretty great. I can't decide what I love more--having a whole morning to myself to eat breakfast, exercise, and get ready slowly, or an afternoon free to do whatever I want. There are pros and cons to both I suppose. I guess I just have it good :)
I'll have to admit that the first couple of nights, what kept me up is this new Oregon Trail game on Facebook. I know, I know, I sound like a complete and total nerd for staying up to play this game, but it's addicting! It's one of those games that you can halfway pay attention to while doing other things, and they have little perks and rewards in the game. It's not like I'll come home and just play Oregon Trail for hours, but after I've been out, I will definitely decompress by opening it up and playing a bit. I think it's comforting because it reminds me of my childhood, hunting buffalo, fording rivers, and dying of dysentery all in the safety of my classroom or home. I love that stupid game and I'm not ashamed!
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