For how difficult life has been in my professional life, things in my personal life are going great today! I'm on top of the world!!!
1. I was asked to be in my best friends wedding today!
2. I just won an entry into the race I have been training for! Talk about encouragement! Now I HAVE to run the whole thing...even if it's 90 degrees out!
3. One of my best friends has accepted our request to speak for our youth camping trip (This is kind of a professional and personal joy)
4. I just bought my plane ticket to SA for the race, and found a flight that lets me stay one more day in SA, but get home before an event on my return day in PDX!
5. It's just been a really good day (again, professionally and personally)
I'm on top of the world, and it feels good! If nothing else, this joy will last through a great run tomorrow, since now I am in super training mode!
I can't believe I won!!!
The contest was to tell them in 200 characters or less why I should get a free race entry. It was hard! I could definitely win with 200 words, but not in characters, but I did! I got it (along with 12 other people, but I am one of them!)
So, I'm doing this for you, Grandma! And in your true honor, I'm even saving money! Because why would I waste money to fly down for a race? That makes no sense!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Ready to run
It's amazing how words stick with you! I think that I have forgiven and moved on, yet I have realized that one of the last conversations I ever had with my grandma is the conversation that fuels me. It's because of this conversation that I run. It's because of this conversation that I am so excited for my next race.
My next race is going to be in San Antonio, and is a half marathon. It goes along my grandma and grandpa's favorite places in SA. Because of this, I feel the need to run this half. I have some personal goals for this half, but mostly, it is to run where my grandparents were. Then, at the end of the race, I am going to eat at their favorite restaurant and then go visit their gravesite. I realize that this is a bit unconventional, but there is something about it that is bringing me hope and healing as I train for this event. The last time I was so fired up about a race was the first 5k I ran, which I also ran in my grandma's honor. I can't wait to visit their grave and say...Look at what I did! Look at who I am! And hopefully, I will feel some sort of closure and/or accomplishment!
In the end, she got her way! My lifestyle has changed, I am doing a lot more now than I ever had before. But I also know that if she were here, she would still be disappointed in my shape, my size, and in many of my life decisions. But the thing is, I am enjoying life. I am happy! I am proud of where I have come from, and excited for where I am going! I love life! The past, present, and excitement of the future, I love it all! And that's what keeps me going!
So, I know this is going to be a very emotional race, filled with ups and downs, but in the end, I am the one who is going to be proud. I have reached so many of my goals this year, and have so many more within reach...and THAT is a great thing!
My next race is going to be in San Antonio, and is a half marathon. It goes along my grandma and grandpa's favorite places in SA. Because of this, I feel the need to run this half. I have some personal goals for this half, but mostly, it is to run where my grandparents were. Then, at the end of the race, I am going to eat at their favorite restaurant and then go visit their gravesite. I realize that this is a bit unconventional, but there is something about it that is bringing me hope and healing as I train for this event. The last time I was so fired up about a race was the first 5k I ran, which I also ran in my grandma's honor. I can't wait to visit their grave and say...Look at what I did! Look at who I am! And hopefully, I will feel some sort of closure and/or accomplishment!
In the end, she got her way! My lifestyle has changed, I am doing a lot more now than I ever had before. But I also know that if she were here, she would still be disappointed in my shape, my size, and in many of my life decisions. But the thing is, I am enjoying life. I am happy! I am proud of where I have come from, and excited for where I am going! I love life! The past, present, and excitement of the future, I love it all! And that's what keeps me going!
So, I know this is going to be a very emotional race, filled with ups and downs, but in the end, I am the one who is going to be proud. I have reached so many of my goals this year, and have so many more within reach...and THAT is a great thing!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Abraham
This week seems to be a continuous circle of Bible stories. It seems that Abraham seems to be the theme for the week, for some reason, his life keeps coming up. I am reminded of parts of the story that I had forgotten, and been told parts of the story I never realized. I've noticed that when I read the Bible, I tend to focus on certain parts of the story, and forget the rest. I love the story of Abraham, when God tells Sarah that she's pregnant, and she laughs. It's such a simple line between her and God that makes me laugh, because I feel like it's a line from How I met your Mother,
God "You laughed"
Sarah "I did not laugh"
God, "Yes, you did laugh"
I don't know why, but I love it!
But anyways, another part of the story that I tend to overlook is the part where Abraham tries to take his life into his own hands. He wants a son, and He does what he can to get a son.
Tonight, I sat reflecting on this. Am I trying to do things on my own, or am I trusting God to lead me? The world, my friends, all tell me to take action. But as I pray, I do not feel that leading from God, so does that mean to wait? Or am I being lazy? Where is the line?
I have an idea that I am getting excited about, but I wonder if I should follow through, or if it is just my human excitement. I'm trying to pray for discernment. I asked a friend, and she thought it sounded great, and in theory, I think it sounds great, but it could also be a disaster. Okay, really, it wouldn't be a disaster, I just don't know if it's as good as an idea played out as it is as a dream.
But I guess, either way, it's fun to dream!
So is this one of those times that I wait, I pray, or is God just saying..."I don't know! Surprise me!"
I don't know.
God "You laughed"
Sarah "I did not laugh"
God, "Yes, you did laugh"
I don't know why, but I love it!
But anyways, another part of the story that I tend to overlook is the part where Abraham tries to take his life into his own hands. He wants a son, and He does what he can to get a son.
Tonight, I sat reflecting on this. Am I trying to do things on my own, or am I trusting God to lead me? The world, my friends, all tell me to take action. But as I pray, I do not feel that leading from God, so does that mean to wait? Or am I being lazy? Where is the line?
I have an idea that I am getting excited about, but I wonder if I should follow through, or if it is just my human excitement. I'm trying to pray for discernment. I asked a friend, and she thought it sounded great, and in theory, I think it sounds great, but it could also be a disaster. Okay, really, it wouldn't be a disaster, I just don't know if it's as good as an idea played out as it is as a dream.
But I guess, either way, it's fun to dream!
So is this one of those times that I wait, I pray, or is God just saying..."I don't know! Surprise me!"
I don't know.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Cleanse
I was talking to a friend tonight, about how some people had said something to another group of people, and had hurt their feelings. As I discussed this, I realized that the "victims" were actually the ones harboring the anger. I realized that I really need to get better about letting things go. The problem is, this situation really doesn't involve me, but because both sides talked to me, I can't let it go. They have probably forgotten the conversation, and I am the one who is letting it bug me, and am worrying about it. And why?
Sometimes I feel like I just need a good cleansing. I have two times of the year where I go through this process. Usually on my birthday (because that's when I make my resolutions for the new year) and for New Years, along with everyone else. I'm starting a health cleanse on Monday, and I almost feel like I need a spiritual/emotional cleanse to go along with it. Get rid of the toxins in my life. Say my apologies, and focus on the relationships that are encouraging, rather than discouraging.
I cleansed myself of one mental toxin yesterday, and I feel much better about it. The thing is, is that if the friendship is not healthy, it is not good for either person. So, why try to force something that is not there? I'm not sure if I need to take action or not. Honestly, I think I am probably over reacting, but it is always good to sit back, type out my thoughts, and think about the good and bad of situations. And tonight, I realized that I just need to let stuff go. And I need to focus on that fresh start.
Tomorrow is a brand new day!
But, boy am I excited for Monday!
Sometimes I feel like I just need a good cleansing. I have two times of the year where I go through this process. Usually on my birthday (because that's when I make my resolutions for the new year) and for New Years, along with everyone else. I'm starting a health cleanse on Monday, and I almost feel like I need a spiritual/emotional cleanse to go along with it. Get rid of the toxins in my life. Say my apologies, and focus on the relationships that are encouraging, rather than discouraging.
I cleansed myself of one mental toxin yesterday, and I feel much better about it. The thing is, is that if the friendship is not healthy, it is not good for either person. So, why try to force something that is not there? I'm not sure if I need to take action or not. Honestly, I think I am probably over reacting, but it is always good to sit back, type out my thoughts, and think about the good and bad of situations. And tonight, I realized that I just need to let stuff go. And I need to focus on that fresh start.
Tomorrow is a brand new day!
But, boy am I excited for Monday!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Musicals and memories
Sometimes I wish my life was a musical. I think I can find a bit of my story in every musical I see. Today's message is brought to you by Les Miserables. As I watched/listened to "on my own," I thought about how much I could relate.
I'm really good at the one sided relationships, and I felt her pain.
I feel like today has been a "look at all of your relationships" kind of day.
I went to zoo lights tonight with one of my good friends. We calculated that we have been holding this tradition for 14 years. We go to the old spaghetti factory then head to zoo lights to drink hot cocoa and ride the train. Tonight, that's really what we did, we went straight for the train line, and as we waited our hour and a half, we talked about everything past and present. How it was two years ago that she had just started dating this guy, and last year was experiencing her first year of marriage. Tonight I shared all of my horrible dating stories (which I feel like I've been sharing a lot lately, and always end with the other person saying "I'm so glad I'm not in the dating world anymore." Thanks.)
And we talked about what could happen in the coming years, and how our lives will be changing with dating, marriage, and eventually kids. It was really great to share this time with her, and to talk life, love, and faith. I can always open up to her in a way that I don't with very many people. I love our tradition. It may come only once a year, but it is a good few hours of quality time, and always encouraging.
So, what did I leave with?
I'm on my own. But amazingly, I'm really okay with that right now! I've turned a corner, and am in a new place, and I love the road that is ahead. A road of mystery, of excitement, and of course...two months in Africa! Who knows what will happen within this next year, and where I will be for zoo lights 2013? The world is my oyster!
I'm really good at the one sided relationships, and I felt her pain.
I feel like today has been a "look at all of your relationships" kind of day.
I went to zoo lights tonight with one of my good friends. We calculated that we have been holding this tradition for 14 years. We go to the old spaghetti factory then head to zoo lights to drink hot cocoa and ride the train. Tonight, that's really what we did, we went straight for the train line, and as we waited our hour and a half, we talked about everything past and present. How it was two years ago that she had just started dating this guy, and last year was experiencing her first year of marriage. Tonight I shared all of my horrible dating stories (which I feel like I've been sharing a lot lately, and always end with the other person saying "I'm so glad I'm not in the dating world anymore." Thanks.)
And we talked about what could happen in the coming years, and how our lives will be changing with dating, marriage, and eventually kids. It was really great to share this time with her, and to talk life, love, and faith. I can always open up to her in a way that I don't with very many people. I love our tradition. It may come only once a year, but it is a good few hours of quality time, and always encouraging.
So, what did I leave with?
I'm on my own. But amazingly, I'm really okay with that right now! I've turned a corner, and am in a new place, and I love the road that is ahead. A road of mystery, of excitement, and of course...two months in Africa! Who knows what will happen within this next year, and where I will be for zoo lights 2013? The world is my oyster!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Who AM I?
I ran my first marathon yesterday! What the heck? WHO AM I?!?!
I never thought I would be the girl to run a marathon! I'm the girl who takes naps! I love TV! I have an addiction to cookies! I might be able to work out on the eliptical for 30 minutes, but that's pushing it! I am NOT a runner!!!
And yet, in the last year, I have run/walked/walka-jogged 3 half marathons, the hood to coast, numerous 5k's, a few 10k's, and a full marathon! WHAT THE HECK!?!? Seriously, all of this started on October 9 of 2011, so that's all in less than a year.
Who am I?
Well, I'm still figuring that out! I just know, I'm not done living yet! There is too much to experience! Who knows what I will do next?
But this just goes to show me, that we can do anything! There are no limits! For how much I have accomplished in my life, I feel like I haven't even started yet. There is so much more to do, so much life to live!
So what's left on the list? Well, honestly it doesn't matter, because none of this was ever on my list, so throw that list out the window and just live!
Also, I find it interesting that I keep talking about this as my "first" marathon! I already want to do another one, just so that I can see if I can get a better time. The funny thing is, I could care less about my time! I hate when people ask about my time, because it's not about the time, but about the journey. I just know that I can do better on that journey.
Good thing I'll be out of country next year, so that I don't have to think about it yet!
And the song in my head today?
Ryan Shuppe and the Rubberband, "Dream Big"
This picture is from around mile 19, where my family came to cheer me on! I saw my mom and nephew down the road, and ran over to them, and they ran a ways with me, then I stopped to give hugs, celebrate, and of course...take some Ibuprophen! My sister realized that she forgot to take a picture, so I had to "take a loop" so that's why I look kind of funny, but I had been running when I saw them, and that felt good! Plus, I was almost done...hence the smile! Ibuprophen, and a short 10k left. Life was good! And...Life IS good!
Okay, I guess I'm not done talking about this yet, because there is still more I want to mention.
I am so blessed! Not only did my family come out and cheer me on, but they brought our "extended" family (an old student of mine and her mother) with them! Then, at mile 25, when I was so focused on seeing the mile mark, I didn't even realize that the people standing in front of the sign were my friends! My friends came out to cheer me on!!! How awesome is that?!?!
Then, to top off the night, my friends came over (another group) and celebrated with me! We drank champagne, ate pizza and guacamole, and just talked about life, the marathon, and Africa fundraising. I am SOOOOOO blessed!!! I'm such a lucky girl!
And quite thankful!
I never thought I would be the girl to run a marathon! I'm the girl who takes naps! I love TV! I have an addiction to cookies! I might be able to work out on the eliptical for 30 minutes, but that's pushing it! I am NOT a runner!!!
And yet, in the last year, I have run/walked/walka-jogged 3 half marathons, the hood to coast, numerous 5k's, a few 10k's, and a full marathon! WHAT THE HECK!?!? Seriously, all of this started on October 9 of 2011, so that's all in less than a year.
Who am I?
Well, I'm still figuring that out! I just know, I'm not done living yet! There is too much to experience! Who knows what I will do next?
But this just goes to show me, that we can do anything! There are no limits! For how much I have accomplished in my life, I feel like I haven't even started yet. There is so much more to do, so much life to live!
So what's left on the list? Well, honestly it doesn't matter, because none of this was ever on my list, so throw that list out the window and just live!
Also, I find it interesting that I keep talking about this as my "first" marathon! I already want to do another one, just so that I can see if I can get a better time. The funny thing is, I could care less about my time! I hate when people ask about my time, because it's not about the time, but about the journey. I just know that I can do better on that journey.
Good thing I'll be out of country next year, so that I don't have to think about it yet!
And the song in my head today?
Ryan Shuppe and the Rubberband, "Dream Big"
Okay, I guess I'm not done talking about this yet, because there is still more I want to mention.
I am so blessed! Not only did my family come out and cheer me on, but they brought our "extended" family (an old student of mine and her mother) with them! Then, at mile 25, when I was so focused on seeing the mile mark, I didn't even realize that the people standing in front of the sign were my friends! My friends came out to cheer me on!!! How awesome is that?!?!
Then, to top off the night, my friends came over (another group) and celebrated with me! We drank champagne, ate pizza and guacamole, and just talked about life, the marathon, and Africa fundraising. I am SOOOOOO blessed!!! I'm such a lucky girl!
And quite thankful!
Monday, August 27, 2012
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