Friends

As I reflect on this year, the thing that I realize I am most thankful for is my groups of friends!

I feel very blessed, as I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I have friends, best friends, close friends, friends who live far away, friends who have lived in my home, friends in ministry, friends who are in ministry that gather away from ministry, friends who like FRIENDS, friends who like HIMYM, friends who like the office, friends who like to ski, friends who like to run, friends who like to go to sporting events, small groups, friends not connected to the church, ministry cohorts, teams, walking buddies, different camp staffs that I am blessed to be a part of, and so much more. I feel like I am connected to people through numerous circles. And this year, I feel especially blessed! I don't know how I would survive without these people in my life! They fill me with joy! They encourage me, they listen when I am down. Sometimes they relate to the mental health issues that I struggle with, sometimes they don't, but they listen anyways. Sometimes we laugh about what it means to be OCD, sometimes we share the struggles. Some friends are easy to travel with, and make life fun. Some stay home and give me rest.

Some friends are closer through facebook, some are close enough to meet for coffee.

It's all different kinds of friends, and all different kinds of people. Old, middle, young. Tall, short. Skinny, Not as skinny. Great huggers, non huggers. Funny, serious. Random, Surprising.

Everything.

Man, I AM BLESSED!!!

I am so thankful for these friends!

And those are the thoughts that have been filling my head lately.

It could always be worse!

After the weekend that I had, and the readiness to quit, I received the best email that I could today! I know it's a forward, but it gave me great perspective! It could always be worse! Enjoy!

When you have an 'I Hate My Job day' [Even if you're retired, you sometimes have those days] Try this out: Stop at your pharmacy  and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson. Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed. Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.  Now the fun part begins. Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is this statement: "Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested

and then sanitized."


Now, close your eyes and repeat
out loud five times,' I am so glad
I do not work in the thermometer
quality control department at
Johnson & Johnson.'


HAVE A NICE DAY; AND REMEMBER,
THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE
WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A
PAIN IN THE BUTT THAN YOURS!Â

Â

if you haven't got a smile on your face
and laughter in your heart....

Maybe you should go and work
for Johnson and Johnson!

Responsibility

Are parents no longer requiring or encouraging their children to take responsibility for their actions anymore?

I have had two situations in the last month, where parents have completely ignored what their child is doing, or how they are treating others. I had to cancel an event last night because a student signed up with a group of friends, and did not tell their parents or bother to show up. When I called to ask if the kid was coming, I got hung up on. Then, when I asked the kid to be in better communication with their parents and to cancel ahead of time next time, I got reamed.

Okay, even reading this, it seems like I'm over reacting, because the kid you are probably thinking of while reading this, is the exact opposite of who this happened to. This is a church going family, strongly involved, and a family that I considered myself to be close to. I try to support the family every day, and am in good communication with the parents. The parents have told me that they don't want their kid to go on the mission trip, so when the kid kept trying to sign up, I continued to tell them to talk to their parents. So, last night I sent an email to the student, asking them to talk to their parents ahead of time next time, because it is important to be in communication with them, I was shocked to get this phone call to word bash me today.

I just don't even know how to handle it right now. The parent almost hung up on me again, before I could explain what actually happened. Thankfully by the grace of God, they listened to the truth of the stories, rather than the side they had made up. But unfortunately, I am not sure that they actually heard, or know that I have been supporting them all along.

So, what do you do when it really is the kid who is muddling up the communication. Do you stop communicating with that kid? Because obviously, the parents think something else is going on.

I don't know.

All I can say is that this really sucks right now! 2 kids, one month.

I guess I'm great at this job.

or not.

Advent

I'm working on a sermon of hope and waiting. It's about the Advent season, and I am really excited about it. Problem being, I'm experiencing a little writers block right now. I guess I should go ahead and take a break.

But really, this is a fun message to write. I never realized how much I love about the Christmas season, but it just keeps coming! Plus, it's an excuse to listen to Christmas music all day.

The song I think I'm going to focus on is "God of us" by Shaun Groves

Hope has come
To the world
Heaven's son is
Born to earth
To hide beneath our
Flesh and bone
Call us friend
And call this home
Emmanuel
God with us
God with us
Emmanuel
God with us
Love has come
Weighted down
By splintered beam
And thorny crown
To take our nails
And taste our steel
Spill his life
And grace reveal
Savior
God for us
God for us
Savior
God for us
Heaven come
And take our hand
Whisper till we understand
Move our stubborn
Hearts to love
The very least
As you love us
Spirit be
God in us
God in us
Spirit be
God in us
Emmanuel
Savior
Spirit be
God of us
God of us

When procrastinating goes wrong

I fly a lot. I mostly use Southwest, so until they recently changed their rapid rewards program, it was easy to get a free ticket. I had a free ticket, but wanted to make sure to use it for a really good trip, so I kept putting it off.

Well, the time came to use it. And can you believe it...it expired 10 days ago! DANG IT!!! My own procrastination has gotten the best of me!

Luckily, I was able to renew it for only $50, and a $50 ticket is still better than a $500 ticket. But seriously, had I paid attention, I could have had a free ticket! I tried, but it wasn't letting me use it so far in advance, so I quit trying. 10 days too long, I guess.

But, if these are the things that I rant about, I must say...Life is pretty good!

And, no matter what, I still get to escape to Florida in February! Counting down the days!

Training, Round 2

Today is the day that I am supposed to start training for my next half marathon. But to be honest, I am feeling much less motivated than I was last night! I don't know why! Today is a beautiful day, so normally I would be excited to run! But for some reason, maybe it was because I was supposed to have plans today, or maybe because I'm feeling my allergies attack, I don't know. Either way, I am not feeling any kind of motivation!

But one way, or another, I will get in a run today! Even if it's just down the street!

Thankful

Today I am feeling especially thankful!

Thankful for a warm home, a roof over my head, a car to stay out of the rain, but mostly for great friends!

As long as I feel that it took me to settle here, I now enjoy the peace and comfort knowing that I am settled. I love being near family, but more so, I love my friends and the many groups that I get to be a part of. I feel so blessed, as I meet with different pods of friendships throughout the week.

I am so blessed, and so thankful.

I can't imagine being in this world alone, and I am thankful that I am not.

Reflections

It's been a long time since I last blogged, but a lot has happened since then.

I just spent the last 3 hours talking with some friends about life, about things going on in the world around us, and about the weekend. And yet, I still feel like I have so much more to get out, so I figure it's a good time to blog!

It's been an odd last few months.

In the last 2 months, I have...

run a half marathon

had two visits with my best friend (who I normally see twice a year)

gone to my 10 year college reunion

rejoiced with a friend who got great news

prayed for a friend who got difficult news

lost a friend and member of our community in a car accident

been a dean at a senior high retreat

been to a middle school retreat

contemplated leaving youth ministry

realized why I am in youth ministry

struggled with youth ministry

and dealt with an unbelievable amount of drama from people around me, and at church.

Needless to say, it has had it's highs and lows. Super highs and super lows.

So, now, as I am returning from a retreat, I had already announced that this was going to be my last year as dean. I felt like the weekend went well, there were a few snags along the way, but nothing giant. It was a good year to end on.

However, coming home, the reality of the weekend has set in. The many negatives of being in charge. Not only in being the "bad guy" to a bunch of people you don't know, but then also hearing more negative than positive. Usually it is a good mix, so I can take it in stride. And part of me takes this info as "oh well, it's not my problem." But unfortunately, an even bigger part of the complaints, I can actually agree with.

But I'm still in that weird place of when to use my voice and when not to.

Change is good, but sometimes too much isn't always better.

My problem, is I can see everything from both sides, so I can't really fall on where or what I believe.

I guess that's what's so good about feedback, it brings up a lot of ways to think.

But then, I think about what made the weekend for me. And it had NOTHING to do with the camp! The camp was merely a facility and reason for us to be together. But the way I interacted with my group this weekend, and the way they interacted with eachother was the best gift I could have been given for this month. I was very stressed about my group before going, and this weekend couldn't have been any better for us. So when it all comes down to it, that's my answer! That's why I loved this weekend, it was because of the students that I got to spend it with. And they are my reminder of why I do what I do.

It's the heart to hearts that come late at night, and are rare. I feel like great talks come all the time, but these genuine heart to hearts only come once every few years, but the impact lasts a long time.

And the situation that I was worried about, worked itself out. Didn't bring me down, and made our dynamics so much greater.

So, in the end, as a result of the last few months, I have decided to let some things in my life go. Being the dean for CPYA is one of them. It's nice to know that next year I can just bring my students and share in that time with them. It's refreshing!

So, I'm not going to let the rest get to me. It's all behind me, and this is a brand new year...

Starting now!

Retirement

Today seems as good a day as any to retire from youth ministry. I am so frustrated, and am dreaming of a day where I don't have to put up with some of this crap. I am at wits end.

Adventures in missing the point. Can't help but think that I went wrong somewhere along the way.

Then I get saddened, because I wonder, would I go to church if I wasn't forced to be there every week?

I don't know.

It's time to turn off my computer and walk away, because I'm pretty sure that I'm going to blow my top at the next email that comes through. And I could regret that.

Finisher!

Today I ran my first half marathon! What an experience!

My day was filled with joy and tears of emotion! I just can't believe what I have accomplished in one year! A year ago at this time, I couldn't even run 2 miles, and I was stressing about if I would be able to run the 5k that I had signed up for in December. Here I am, one year later, completing my first half marathon, and knowing that I am already signed up for another!

It's that sense of accomplishment, knowing what I have overcome, and how I am not only making myself proud, but am making others proud as well, that brought tears to my eyes. I was a little embarrassed that I was getting so emotional, but I don't think anyone noticed. I just can't believe it.

Now, if only I could take the rest of the day off...

oh well! :)

Run

Today I ran again, for the first time in what feels like forever! Okay, I guess I ran a couple of times over the last 2 weeks, but not like this. It sure felt good to get out there! Now I just need to get my eating under control. I will get back in shape. I WILL!!!

Pet pieve

I hate discovering that your students are lying to you, via facebook.  Just be honest!

To run, or not to run?

I've been getting really nervous about my upcoming half marathon.  I've had a very long summer "vacation."  Vacation meaning that I have not been taking care of myself.  I've been eating crap and not exercising.  As nervous as I am, I only have a month until the half marathon.
Well, on Sunday, my friends talked me into getting up early and going for a run (on my actual vacation).  Made it 4 miles, no problems, and because of great distractions!  Now, I feel like I can do it again!  So, here's to a new attitude, and a great hope that in one month, I will be able to run the half marathon like a mad woman!
PS, haven't waterskied in YEARS, but managed to get up 3/3 times this week!  Feeling great about the changes in my life!  Here's to a new year!  (my years go off of my birthdays!)

Trust

Sometimes it is so hard to trust in God. I just want to take matters into my own hands, but I already know how that will turn out. I know that it's better in the end, but it is so tough sometimes! Just waiting and trusting.

And that is my 100th post, and my life!

To the beach...

My best friend is coming into town tonight! It's been so long since we've hung out, just the two of us. We're headed out to the beach to spend the next few days. I'm so excited! We will read, relax, play games, and just enjoy life! Sometimes, mini vacations like this, are much better than the big vacations!

Dinner

One of my favorite things in life has become cooking. Unfortunately, my meals don't always turn out that well! For example, the now "traditional" messed up blueberry coffee cake that I serve at every GCE planning meeting!

Anyways, I'm trying a new recipe tonight! I'm so excited about it! I don't know if it will be any good, but just having time to cook, means that I have a night off. And, that, to me is a WIN!!!

I didn't do today what I had planned to do, but it's okay! I've got tomorrow, and tomorrow is a new day!

For tonight, I am enjoying a dinner at home, and maybe a chance to put some shelves together for my game room. Who knows! Maybe I'll be crazy and clean my room! Either way, tonight is mine.

WIN!!!

Life of adventure or stuck in a rut?

I've been reading a bunch of blogs tonight, catching up on old friends, and what not. It seems like almost everyone has a blog about their family and kids. I feel like I'm missing out on something. It's such a weird thing, because I do appreciate the freedom of my life, and that I can do what I want, when I want to. I love sleeping in and staying out late, but I just feel like I'm missing out on something. It's such a weird thing to complain about, since I don't even put myself out there. I just always believed that God would bring that perfect guy to me. Unfortunately, when I thought he had, the guy didn't get the same message! Oh well, all in God's plan.

I guess I'm kind of feeling sorry for myself tonight. Truth is, I can't wait to get married and have a family. But at the same time, I really do love and enjoy my life right now. I don't want to grow up! I love having my game room outside. Planning parties for the youth group. I love having "pick me up" nights in Portland... you know, where a friend calls and you head out the door at 9:30pm to go meet them at some random pub.

It's a weird mix of feeling like I have everything, and that I'm missing out on something big. I just don't want my ENTIRE life to be the youth group. I don't think that's healthy, but I sure do enjoy them and our crazy last minute get togethers. I guess I associate having a family with having balance, and that's not true if you don't work for it.

Maybe I shouldn't be blogging so late at night, I don't feel like I'm making much sense, and I think I'm being too vulnerable.

So, if you're reading this, just know, I am content with life, and excited for the changes of the future!

Also, my favorite thing about being single, is traveling! I love that I can pick up and go, and go to amazing places! I'm not sure that I'm ready to give that up!

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But in reality, I've got a pretty good life! I'm too selfish to give it up! If I could just have the best of both worlds...

Race #2

Race #2= SUCCESS!!! I did it, a two race weekend! I feel great! I'm debating about taking tomorrow off or not. I'll see how I feel. Either way, I'm taking it light. I was supposed to do a 5 mile run tomorrow for my training, but I'll see. I may just do a 3 or 4 miler, and do the 5 next week. I think I'm back to the place of enjoying running, which is a good place to be! Now, I hope I can keep this up through Suttle Lake camp. That's the only week of my summer that I'm worried about, but I've got one more month to prepare!

It was fun to run with my kiddos today, and to be a part of the community with them.

Good times!

And now, the H2O challenge is over. I've had my cup of coffee, so you can believe there will be no Sunday afternoon nap! But I have a quiet house, and a few hours to kill. A nice relaxing afternoon at home. You gotta love it! I am grateful!

Back on track

After gaining back almost 20 pounds, today I kicked off healthy eating again! So far, so good! I started this morning running a 5k. I may have gained back some weight, but I'm still ahead of where I was a year ago! I still can't believe it! I'M signing up to run stuff for fun!?! Tomorrow I have another 5k, and afterwards will have a big cup of coffee, because our water challenge will be over! I swear, by cutting out drinks, I made up for the loss with chocolate chip cookies, and found myself in a world of trouble! Oh well, today is a new day! And tomorrow will be too!

It feels good to be making some changes in my life. I am thankful for friends who keep me accountable, and encourage me along this journey. They say good friends are hard to find, well, I consider myself extra blessed!

A run in the sun

I just went for what was supposed to be a 2 mile run, half way through my first mile, I got bored, and decided to try a new route. Had a great run, was pushing myself (because I get bored easily) and knew that I would be amazed at my new distance when I got home. Made it home, feel really good, really accomplished. Logged it in. 2.65 miles. That's it?! Man, I was sure I outwitted myself and ran 5 miles or something without even realizing it! Oh well, I'll try again next time! :)

Youth ministry struggles

As I began to write this blog, I got stopped. So many thoughts, feelings, frustrations. I don't think I should say anything. I just need prayer.

I am reminded of grace, but am struggling to find it.

My heart hurts for these kids, for these families.

Lord, hear our prayers.

Where to begin?

Where do I even begin?

Exciting things have been happening. My faith has been turned upside down/inside out/and right side up again. Things in life are coming together, while other things are falling apart. It's been the good, the bad, and the ugly. And now...it's the REALLY good!

I got a call from my parents last night telling me that they would be singing in Bethlehem right after Christmas. I vaguely remember them telling me about this. Anyways, they told me that the company just opened up the trip to friends and family! Did I want to go? If so, I needed to sign up a week ago. WHAT?!?!

So, today has been a crazy day, trying to get a hold of my pastor while he's on vacation, talk to the session, and my youth co-mission, but all is looking good! Lord willing, I will be going to Israel in December! How cool is that?! I'm super excited! Now I just hope I can raise the money!

Today has been one of those days where I am thankful that I'm still single. I know I wouldn't have gotten a last minute phone call to travel the world if I was married or had a family. This is one of those days that I count my blessings, and know that someday, God will have the right guy out there for me, and I'll be willing to change. Until then, I'm living it up!

I've been wanting to blog about some of the other stuff going on for a while, but don't know how to word it. Now that I have time, I can't remember all that I wanted to say. Maybe tomorrow I will finish those thoughts.

But for now...I'm jumping for joy!

Time's been good

It's been quite a month! Let's see, in the last month, I have been to the Bahamas, Greece, France, and Spain. Tomorrow I find out how much weight I have gained officially, but I'm not worried! I worked hard for this, and I enjoyed my vacations to the fullest!

Today I tried to go for a run, for the first time in 2.5 weeks. I was impressed! I made it 2 miles. But boy was it tough! I guess all of the fried food, sugar, and wine caught up with me! But tomorrow is a brand new day! Tonight I made a healthier dinner (although I wasn't able to eat it because the chicken had gone bad). It's the thought that counts, right? I did have some zucchini for dinner, that's a start.

Someone asked me yesterday when the last time I had a vegetable was. Not fried? Ummm.... it had been a while!

But like I said, I enjoyed every minute of it! The weight came off once, it will come off again. And running 2 miles, is still further than I could run even 6 months ago. So I'm in a good place!

Today I got to catch up with an old friend, babysit the boys, and went for a run. It was a good day!

And tomorrow is a fresh start!

I love this place that I'm at in life right now! It feels good to be me!

Update Already!

I was thinking about some of my friends who blog, and how so many of them haven't updated lately. That's when I realized, I haven't updated lately either! Whoops! So I guess, before I ask, I should update first!

Too bad I don't really have much to say! My life has been pretty self-centered lately. That's no good, and definitely not worth blogging about!

I'm getting ready for our big lasagna feed/talent show/and silent auction at church on Saturday. That's pretty much where my mind is! I will have a big blog update in a month, but for now, there's not much to say!

So here's what I have learned, and what I will share today...

SUNDROP...(pop)... is delicious!

I love my friends!

My dog has been super sweet lately, I love when she's all cuddly and stuff!

and, I've eaten way too many cookies this week.

Other than that...have a great day!

I DID IT!!!

Well, I did it!!! I lost that 2 lbs that I needed to. Actually, I lost 3.2 lbs. I guess I'm an over-achiever! I'm so excited! I have hit my 50 lb mark. Still short of my goal, but this was a great milestone, and I know I can make it to my goal, no problem! Even if I stay here, I'm feeling great, happy, healthy...and that's what matters! The funny thing is, I told myself that if I made my goal today, I would start "Cruise week" and just go crazy. But now, I don't even want to! I think I'll stick to healthy eating until I reach Dunkin' Donuts on Thursday! That's only 2 days away, it won't be hard! Then I can also have the satisfaction of knowing that when my friends see me, I have lost 50lbs, and not just 48. I know it's not really a big deal for most, but for me, this marks so much more than just losing weight. I feel healthier! I AM healthier! I'm running, I'm active, and I'm much more confident. That's really what makes me feel the best, is that I'm confident.

So it turns out 30 WAS my year! And 31 is turning out great too!

Training

Training is going great! Feeling better today after last night's set back. I got up at 6am (yes, if you know me, you read that correctly!) and went for a 5.25 mile run. I felt really good. It was nice to stop, but I believe I could have kept going if I needed too! I ran a bit slower today, which seemed to help a lot. The best part was: as I finished my run and started walking the rest of the way home, it started to rain. YES!!! I got a great run in before the rain! Also, I was able to put my new reflective jacket to use! It's not as nerdy as it sounds, it's a Nike running jacket that's reflective and still stylish. So that was fun! Especially since when I bought it in December it didn't fit QUITE right, but now it fits great! I still don't think that I'll lose my 2 lbs this week, but that's okay, because I will eventually lose it. Slow and steady wins the race.

Discouraged

I'm feeling a little discouraged today. I was doing good, even took my youth group to VooDoo Donuts and didn't get anything. Went to the gym, but weighed myself there. I don't think I'm going to hit 50 this week. I knew it was a long shot, but I'm bummed. Then we had our youth group party tonight, and I ate WAY too much! So here I sit, full, bloated, and discouraged.

I know 2 steps forward, one step back. I know it's not a big deal, and I will reach my goal before we know it. But I'm just a little bummed, because I was so hopeful!

Oh well. I won't give up until I know for sure on Tuesday.

Tomorrow I am going to attempt a 5 mile run. I'm pretty excited, but will be more excited when I don't feel so gross! Why do I do this to myself? SELF CONTROL! Still praying for it!

Vacation

For many reasons, I am more than excited for my getaway next week. I'm counting down the days-5! I can't wait! I leave, I come home for just under 2 weeks, and then am back on the plane to travel the world! When I come home, I have big changes awaiting me. I feel excitement and relief! My life is in motion, and boy does it feel good!

On another note...

I weigh in on Tuesday, and am praying that I may have dropped 2 more lbs. If I did, I will make my 50 mark! So exciting! Then I can relax, and focus on training for the half marathon. If not, I am now realizing how soon I will be back from my trips, so my health will be back on track before I know it! Until then, I am going to enjoy coffee and pastries, and knowing that I have made a long term difference in my life. I'm not worried about gaining too much weight on my trips, because I think I have made an over all change in my health, and I don't think my body will let me. Plus, one of the things I am looking forward to is running in the park in Pamplona. It's little things like that, that make me realize how far I've come in the time of a year.

Today is my one year anniversary of the kidney stone that changed my life. What a day it has been! What crazy year this has been! The best part, is that I made this life change for me. Not for my Grandma, not for my family or friends, but for me. No more kidney stones! And I just can't even begin to explain how I'm feeling this last month. My self confidence has returned, and I am enjoying life to the fullest...even with the recent valleys.

I feel like I'm writing/rambling too much today. It's just a great day of reflection. This isn't for anyone else, just for me and my joy!

Solutions and Conversations

I've had a lot of good conversations this week. I'm feeling stronger, and feel like I finally see a good outcome. I'm feeling hope. Mostly, I'm sensing a solution. That's what I need most right now is solution.

Today I am thankful for great people in my life. Actually, that is my everyday thanks. I feel blessed by my friends and partners in ministry.

Not much more to say, need to be vague, but want to share hope. Asking that you continue to keep me in your prayers. Comfort, peace, guidance, wisdom, and patience.

Thanks!

BIND

I love doing this "Bible in 90 Days" with my youth. It has been so interesting, and I have learned so much from them. We're a third of the way through, and every week as we gather together, I am taken aback by what they have learned, observed, or thoughts they have on our readings. I am so impressed with this group of youth! And it's fun going through together, because they catch things I don't, and vice versa! I have to say, I wasn't excited to start it, but I am LOVING it! And I'm so proud of my students! They are INCREDIBLE!!!

January

I ran 38.11 miles this month, including two runs that were over 4 miles. I'm feeling good! I'm feeling confident! But my favorite thing is seeing how much I have changed in a year.

My friend is in the Emergency Room today with a kidney stone. I feel awful for him, no one should have to be in that pain! But for me, it was a great moment in my life...the beginning of a great change. As much as it sucked, I am very thankful for my kidney stone, because it changed my life.

I was walking with a friend of mine the other night, and she reminded me that 30 was my year. At the time, it didn't seem like MY YEAR, being as I had the kidney stone, lost both my grandparents, and ended it as single as when I started. But then I realized that it really WAS MY YEAR!!! It was just in a different way than I imagined! Everything that went wrong, ended up being used to better myself in a different way. Who would have guessed a year ago that I would have signed up for a half marathon. Or even just have run a 5k.

What a year! It's been a wild ride! February marks the one year anniversary of the kidney stone, and my start to good health. I shall celebrate with a cruise to the Bahamas!

Really? A runner?

Well, I just did something crazy! I signed up for the Portland Half Marathon! Really? Me? Running a half marathon? I can't believe it! But a good friend was with me, encouraging me, and helped me to see that I can do it! So now, the training begins! I already talked another friend into running with me! Good times up ahead!

I just can't believe it! I'm filled with excitement and nervousness! What a crazy year this has been, and what a change from only 10 months ago! In fact, Even since September, there has been quite a change.

I just can't believe it!

I'm doing it!

Home

Today is my last Saturday at home for a few months. I may be "home" but the calendar is filled. So today, I am enjoying my house, peace and quiet, and doing nothing. I have deemed today "PAJAMA DAY!!!" My only plan is to get out for a quick run, and then to come home, put on sweats, and nap the rest of the day. I don't feel too bad getting excited about this, because I live a busy life. So, I'll take the rest when I can get it. Time to stock up!

The day is already going by too fast!

Treat yourself

3 years ago, my church gave me a gift certificate to spawish.com. I've always been afraid of massages, because I'm so sensitive. But, this week I hurt my back at the gym, so I thought, why not. I'll finally use it.

Unfortunately, because I waited so long, I wasn't able to use it, but I went ahead and got the massage anyways. I have to say, it was a nice treat for all of the hard work I have done lately! While I was "dreaming" I set up a few new goals. I decided on my ultimate health goal, and went ahead and made a plan of when I will get my next massage. I'm going to treat myself to a massage on July 24, as a treat for completing another great week at camp, and the Manzanita 10k. I'm pretty excited about this plan!

A good friend pointed out that 30 really was my year! It just wasn't "my year" as I thought it would be. But it did turn out pretty wonderfully! 31 is going to come in as a close 2nd. I think I have a great year ahead!

Feeling Good!

I'm feeling good today, and quite accomplished! I ran my farthest distance since high school today, 4.32 miles! I'm pretty excited! It gives me hope that I will be able to run the 10k in July!

A year ago today, I was in such a different state of mind. I guess it's true, once you start running, you'll learn to like it! Really, it's more that I don't want to go back and lose this ability! I could stay where I am and be quite content. But I think I will keep pushing myself instead, and see what happens.

Resolutions?

I just read a blog that said we shouldn't share our resolutions, because we get the same satisfaction from sharing our goals as we would achieving them. Good in theory, but when I told people that I was going to run that 5k for my grandma, I felt like I couldn't just talk anymore, I had to follow through. Same with the New Years eve run. I feel like sharing actually keeps me accountable. However, I can also see the other side and say sharing is just a fun way to talk. So, I have a new goal for the year. I actually have a few goals, but one in particular. Do I share it, or not? If I reach this goal, it will be after a week of camp. I'm half way to signing up for it. My only hesitation is that it is the morning after a week of camp, which is really tiring.

To share or not to share, that is the question.

Either way, I'll tell you that I'm back on track! As soon as I kick this nasty cold/flu bug, I will be back to training. And, I think I'm starting to enjoy the run!

I need to figure out a way to log my miles.

Until next time...

Race Results

I PR'd at the race last night! Feels pretty good! I didn't think I did a very good job, I felt really slow, and started cramping at the end. But I made it the whole way! Now I'm busy looking for that next race! I don't think I'm ready for a 10k yet, but I'm going to start training, and hopefully by the end of the year I can do it!

This race felt especially good! A year ago, I could barely last 15 minutes at the gym without getting bored, and worn out. Now I'm loving running these 5k's. Who am I? The best part, is that my new year's resolution for last year was to not lose weight, but to enjoy the year to the fullest. Well, guess what? I enjoyed the year to the fullest, and part of it was by losing weight!

It's fun to have some new goals that I never thought I would achieve. Tomorrow we are wearing our shirts to show off our accomplishment!