Well, I haven't moved in yet. I still haven't closed yet. That happens in 6 days - woo!! I have, however, gotten lots of things lined up for the house...
*Security, internet, and DishNetwork will all be installed/hooked on the 31st, the day after I close.
*My new fridge (Thanks, Mom and Dad!!!) will be delivered on the 31st (that's a week from today, hehe).
*Utilities are set to switch to my name next week. (No deposit needed. Great credit scores rock!)
*My paint colors have been chosen and are just itching to cover all of the white walls in the house. Well, I reckon I'm the one itching to cover the white walls. I love color too much to live in a white house.
*Fabric for my windows in the kitchen, living room, and my sewing studio (I like the sound of sewing studio better than sewing room) are all picked out. I had to order 18 yards (18 YARDS, people!! EEK!) for the kitchen and living room and 7 for my sewing studio. My sewing studio fabric has arrived - I'll pick it up tomorrow evening after the guy that's buying my chicken coop comes by (aka - after I get paid for the chicken coop and I have cash for the fabric). The fabric for my kitchen and living room has been back ordered...or something like that. The lady said to cross my fingers and hope it comes in next week's shipment. ACK! This is a staple in my space, people! I need it! Please pray. :)
*I have maybe about 10 boxes packed so far. Yeah...not a lot, I know. I'm getting there!!
*My house is all I can seem to think about for about 85% of my day.
*My final "walk through" (umm - to make sure the sellers did what they said they would?) is Friday afternoon. I can't wait!! I always get so excited when I get to see my house. lol
*Oh, and I'm officially cleared by the bank to close!!! Woo!!
I think that's all. I've been pretty busy with this house stuff lately, but it's been a lot of fun. I think I drive my friends and family crazy talking about it so much. Oh well. :)
802
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
long lost blogger
Well, I don't seem to be very good at this blogging thing. I do pretty good for a couple days, but then it just goes downhill. Here's a tiny update:
I haven't been able to sew much because my sewing room has been a complete MESS for the past several months.
Running has been at a stand still (ha!) because of the heat.
I bought a house.
School is about to start, which means work is about to start back up for me. I'm pretty pumped about being on a "normal" schedule again.
Oh...did you catch that I bought a house? YAY!! I snapped a quick picture of the "SOLD" sign:
In less than a month (28 days to be exact...I guess that would be a month if the month just happened to be February on an off leap year, but that's getting too technical), I'll be moving out of my parents' house (whom I very dearly love) and into my own! WOO!! I don't have any good pictures right now to share with you, but I'll definitely share them when I do!
Speaking of my new house (hehe - my house - I like the sound of that!), I've been trying to get things done for it. I found a steal of a deal on craigslist for a table and 4 chairs for only $60. My parents went with me to check it out (Daddy's big red truck comes in handy!), and with Mom consistently pointing out all of the flaws, I talked the guy down to $40.
I sanded them all down, and I'm now in the process of painting them. Dad needs to do a little fixing up on the table, but it'll be great when it's all said and done!
This is the table before sanding. (hmm, I may have sanded a little before snapping this picture, actually.)
Half way done sanding the table top. It took FOREVER! But, it's now ready for a new finish!
Here are the chairs after being sanded. They'll just be white (I thought about an accent color for the seats - still not too sure about that though). I'd like to get 2 more chairs.
I haven't been able to sew much because my sewing room has been a complete MESS for the past several months.
Running has been at a stand still (ha!) because of the heat.
I bought a house.
School is about to start, which means work is about to start back up for me. I'm pretty pumped about being on a "normal" schedule again.
Oh...did you catch that I bought a house? YAY!! I snapped a quick picture of the "SOLD" sign:
In less than a month (28 days to be exact...I guess that would be a month if the month just happened to be February on an off leap year, but that's getting too technical), I'll be moving out of my parents' house (whom I very dearly love) and into my own! WOO!! I don't have any good pictures right now to share with you, but I'll definitely share them when I do!
Speaking of my new house (hehe - my house - I like the sound of that!), I've been trying to get things done for it. I found a steal of a deal on craigslist for a table and 4 chairs for only $60. My parents went with me to check it out (Daddy's big red truck comes in handy!), and with Mom consistently pointing out all of the flaws, I talked the guy down to $40.
I sanded them all down, and I'm now in the process of painting them. Dad needs to do a little fixing up on the table, but it'll be great when it's all said and done!
This is the table before sanding. (hmm, I may have sanded a little before snapping this picture, actually.)
Half way done sanding the table top. It took FOREVER! But, it's now ready for a new finish!
Here are the chairs after being sanded. They'll just be white (I thought about an accent color for the seats - still not too sure about that though). I'd like to get 2 more chairs.So, there you have it. I'll be out of the p-rents' house at the end of this month, and in a home of my own! I'll update you on the furniture process as it comes along. And there will be lots of pictures to come, of course! :)
775
775
Thursday, May 19, 2011
also
The Also Principle: An attitude about everyday life that says, "I will do more than what is expected of me because I am working for the Lord."
In Genesis 24, Abraham sends his servant out to find a bride for his son, Isaac. The servant and his team of camels begin their journey and arrive at the town of Nahor when the women are out to draw water. The servant asks God to cause the right woman for Isaac to answer his request for water with, "Drink and I'll water your camels also."
Why? Because the kind of woman who would be willing to draw 50 gallons of water for 10 camels in addition to what her family needed, would be a woman with character: responsible, serving, industrious, courteous, willing to share, charitable to strangers, etc.
There is nothing special about doing only what is expected of you, or thinking, "That's good enough. It's not my responsibility anyway." Instead, make it a practice to go beyond what is expected without desiring praise from people.
--From Devi Titus' book The Home Experience
Wow! What a challenge!! What do you need to do -- also?
717
Thursday, April 28, 2011
tiny people
Watch this.
I just did. And boohoo-ed the whole time.
My heart has been breaking for little ones with these terrible diseases. To think that a small child, some not even old enough to talk yet, has to go through this hurt and pain is so terribly sad. Thank God for St. Jude and the help they provide.
Having a heart for orphans and for missions, my mind goes to the little ones over seas. It is such a beautiful blessing to have St. Jude in the lives of these precious children, but what about the ones without that hope? The parents not knowing how to help their babies through this. Will you pray for them?
689
I just did. And boohoo-ed the whole time.
My heart has been breaking for little ones with these terrible diseases. To think that a small child, some not even old enough to talk yet, has to go through this hurt and pain is so terribly sad. Thank God for St. Jude and the help they provide.
Having a heart for orphans and for missions, my mind goes to the little ones over seas. It is such a beautiful blessing to have St. Jude in the lives of these precious children, but what about the ones without that hope? The parents not knowing how to help their babies through this. Will you pray for them?
689
Monday, April 25, 2011
come awake - again
I've come across this song so many times since yesterday. I absolutely love it. a lot.
It's a call to change. A call to turn from who you once were and to find new life in Christ again - even if you are already a Christian, it's so easy to be burdened by "the lie of inward shame." Come awake - awake to new life found in Christ, that you may already have but are not living in fully, or that you have never known before. Come awake - rise up with Christ just as He rose from the dead. That was the whole purpose of His coming - to live, die to our sins (not to His sins because He had none, but to our sins), and then rise up again, giving us new life in His new risen life.
Christ Has Risen by Matt Maher
Let no one caught in sin remain
Inside the lie of inward shame
We fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to Him who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely You've bled for us
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bowed to none but Heaven's will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold You down
In strength You reign
Forever let Your church proclaim
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
The glory of God has defeated the night
Sing it, o death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
Our God is not dead, He's alive, He's alive
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Rise up from the grave
Will you come awake?
680
It's a call to change. A call to turn from who you once were and to find new life in Christ again - even if you are already a Christian, it's so easy to be burdened by "the lie of inward shame." Come awake - awake to new life found in Christ, that you may already have but are not living in fully, or that you have never known before. Come awake - rise up with Christ just as He rose from the dead. That was the whole purpose of His coming - to live, die to our sins (not to His sins because He had none, but to our sins), and then rise up again, giving us new life in His new risen life.
Christ Has Risen by Matt Maher
Let no one caught in sin remain
Inside the lie of inward shame
We fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to Him who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely You've bled for us
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bowed to none but Heaven's will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold You down
In strength You reign
Forever let Your church proclaim
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
The glory of God has defeated the night
Sing it, o death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
Our God is not dead, He's alive, He's alive
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Rise up from the grave
Will you come awake?
680
Sunday, April 24, 2011
come awake
He is risen!!
Meg, a blog friend of mine, posted this today. Well, I say she's a "blog friend" only because I feel like I know her after reading her blog for so long, however I'm pretty positive that she has no clue who I am at all. That's okay though. :)
This video is so simple, but so incredible at the same time. Check it out...
Meg, a blog friend of mine, posted this today. Well, I say she's a "blog friend" only because I feel like I know her after reading her blog for so long, however I'm pretty positive that she has no clue who I am at all. That's okay though. :)
This video is so simple, but so incredible at the same time. Check it out...
Saturday, April 23, 2011
all before a rooster crows
Fair warning: this is a long post. However, it may be worth reading. You decide.
Jesus.
He is the Son of God, the Lamb of God, our Messiah, our Savior. And He is alive!!
Easter is such an exciting season. I try my hardest every Christmas and Easter to fully grasp and understand what these "seasons" mean...I try to understand the huge sacrifice God made in giving His only Son, Jesus, and then to think that He willingly died for my sins - He died for me.
This year, when I think about Easter, I can't seem to get the story of Peter out of my mind. He keeps coming up again and again as I attempt to understand the gravity of what happened those many years ago when Jesus died and then was made alive again. Why does Peter come to mind? He isn't my Savior - he isn't my Lord. He didn't die for me. But, his own personal story of when Jesus died has been teaching me a lot this Easter season.
Read with me...
Background Info: This first part takes place at the Last Supper in Luke after the disciples have disputed first over who will betray Jesus, and then over which of them is the greatest.
Luke 22:31-34 ... [Jesus says,] "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."
Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know Me."
So, in this passage, we see Jesus giving Peter a warning - a prophesy of sorts - about his (Peter's) future actions. At first, Peter says that no, he will not turn his back on Jesus, his faith will not fail. He said he was willing to go to jail with Jesus, and then even said he was willing to die with [for] Him. But then Jesus gives Peter a very specific way that his faith will fail. Before the rooster crows, Peter will deny his friendship with Jesus (well, not just his friendship with Him, but that he even knew Him). Jesus didn't say this would happen just once, but three times - three times before the rooster crows.
Let's see what happens...
BG Info again: Between these two passages of scripture, Jesus takes his disciples to the Mount of Olives to pray (I love in verse 39 of Luke 22 when it says that Jesus went out as usual to the Mt. of Olives. In other words, He was in the habitual practice of going to talk with God - to spend time in prayer with Him ... are you? hmm). While there, Judas comes with some Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus. Judas "outs" Jesus by kissing his cheek (my preschool Sunday school class giggles at this part every time!). Jesus is arrested and taken to the house of the high priest.
Luke 22:54-62 ... Then seizing Him, they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with Him."
But he denied it, "Woman, I don't know Him," he said.
A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them."
"Man, I am not!" Peter replied.
About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean."
Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown Me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Wow. Think of the anguish Peter must have felt when he remembered Jesus' words to him. It says that Peter went outside and wept bitterly. I'm sure it wasn't exactly macho of men to weep bitterly back in the day, but Peter's heart was filled with such great sadness that he couldn't contain it.
Let's relate this to our own lives for a second. In the first passage that I shared with you, Jesus confronts Peter and tells him that Satan is going to be biting at his heels to get him to slip up and sin. Peter looks at Jesus and says that there is no way this could happen because he was committed and devoted to Jesus and to being His disciple - even if faced with jail time and death. Jesus was persistent though, and said he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Step back and think about your life really quick. Has the Holy Spirit ever convicted you about something that you're doing - or even about something that you're just thinking about doing - OR even just something that you don't see yourself doing, but you're human and it could happen anyways? Hopefully you can say yes because this is how God speaks to us and leads us to walk in His will. What is your response to this? Do you dismiss it, maybe think about it for awhile and then dismiss it, or do you actually heed the warning and pray to God and rely on His strength to get you through this "trial" and temptation?
What did Peter do? He denied that it would happen, received a second warning, and then we know what happened after that. In the second passage I shared, we see how Peter really did deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. Did Peter remember Jesus' warning the first time? The second time? The third? No. He didn't remember at all until he made eye contact with Jesus right as the rooster was crowing. Do you think Peter just dismissed what Jesus said and carried on as normal? Maybe. Maybe not though. Peter may have been troubled by the warning for awhile, but then things got crazy with the soldiers coming to arrest Jesus, Judas betraying Him, and then Jesus being taken away.
Sometimes we are convicted and warned by the Holy Spirit about certain sins in our lives, or even sins that aren't there yet but have the potential of becoming a part of us. These convictions may make us stop and think for awhile, but the most important thing is what we do after those initial moments of being convicted. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the "things of life" that we forget the lessons that the Holy Spirit has taught us through God's Word and time spent with Him in prayer. I know there have been the Holy Spirit has brought something to my attention, and I haven't exactly done much about it. Or I've not been in the situation, but the Holy Spirit will show me how I should stay away from the situation, and then I still step into it anyways.
God gave us the Holy Spirit as a helper, a guide until we meet Him again. Jesus was the disciples Teacher, helper, and guide. And although He is very much so alive and not bound by the chains of death any longer (woo!!!), God sent us the Holy Spirit as Jesus isn't not able to walk beside us and teach us like He could with the disciples.
Could Peter have remained strong in his faith and not deny Jesus that day? Certainly. If he was trusting in God's strength and not letting his human mind carry him all over the place, he could have very well not have denied Jesus. But then, Peter would have not realized his extreme need for forgiveness and a Savior. I think sometimes God can use our sinful moments to truly show us our desperate need for a Savior - and that's when Easter becomes very clear. We are not deserving, but He is still so very giving and forgiving.
So, this Easter season, as we take time to be still and rejoice in the active life of Jesus, don't forget to heed the Holy Spirit's warnings. And take a moment to revisit the times in your life that you know you were not heeding the Holy Spirit's convictions. Take a moment to realize your extreme need for a Savior.
Maybe then we'll be able to grasp the very real forgiveness that took place on that very first Easter weekend.
631
Jesus.
He is the Son of God, the Lamb of God, our Messiah, our Savior. And He is alive!!
Easter is such an exciting season. I try my hardest every Christmas and Easter to fully grasp and understand what these "seasons" mean...I try to understand the huge sacrifice God made in giving His only Son, Jesus, and then to think that He willingly died for my sins - He died for me.
This year, when I think about Easter, I can't seem to get the story of Peter out of my mind. He keeps coming up again and again as I attempt to understand the gravity of what happened those many years ago when Jesus died and then was made alive again. Why does Peter come to mind? He isn't my Savior - he isn't my Lord. He didn't die for me. But, his own personal story of when Jesus died has been teaching me a lot this Easter season.
Read with me...
Background Info: This first part takes place at the Last Supper in Luke after the disciples have disputed first over who will betray Jesus, and then over which of them is the greatest.
Luke 22:31-34 ... [Jesus says,] "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."
Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know Me."
So, in this passage, we see Jesus giving Peter a warning - a prophesy of sorts - about his (Peter's) future actions. At first, Peter says that no, he will not turn his back on Jesus, his faith will not fail. He said he was willing to go to jail with Jesus, and then even said he was willing to die with [for] Him. But then Jesus gives Peter a very specific way that his faith will fail. Before the rooster crows, Peter will deny his friendship with Jesus (well, not just his friendship with Him, but that he even knew Him). Jesus didn't say this would happen just once, but three times - three times before the rooster crows.
Let's see what happens...
BG Info again: Between these two passages of scripture, Jesus takes his disciples to the Mount of Olives to pray (I love in verse 39 of Luke 22 when it says that Jesus went out as usual to the Mt. of Olives. In other words, He was in the habitual practice of going to talk with God - to spend time in prayer with Him ... are you? hmm). While there, Judas comes with some Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus. Judas "outs" Jesus by kissing his cheek (my preschool Sunday school class giggles at this part every time!). Jesus is arrested and taken to the house of the high priest.
Luke 22:54-62 ... Then seizing Him, they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with Him."
But he denied it, "Woman, I don't know Him," he said.
A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them."
"Man, I am not!" Peter replied.
About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean."
Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown Me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Wow. Think of the anguish Peter must have felt when he remembered Jesus' words to him. It says that Peter went outside and wept bitterly. I'm sure it wasn't exactly macho of men to weep bitterly back in the day, but Peter's heart was filled with such great sadness that he couldn't contain it.
Let's relate this to our own lives for a second. In the first passage that I shared with you, Jesus confronts Peter and tells him that Satan is going to be biting at his heels to get him to slip up and sin. Peter looks at Jesus and says that there is no way this could happen because he was committed and devoted to Jesus and to being His disciple - even if faced with jail time and death. Jesus was persistent though, and said he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Step back and think about your life really quick. Has the Holy Spirit ever convicted you about something that you're doing - or even about something that you're just thinking about doing - OR even just something that you don't see yourself doing, but you're human and it could happen anyways? Hopefully you can say yes because this is how God speaks to us and leads us to walk in His will. What is your response to this? Do you dismiss it, maybe think about it for awhile and then dismiss it, or do you actually heed the warning and pray to God and rely on His strength to get you through this "trial" and temptation?
What did Peter do? He denied that it would happen, received a second warning, and then we know what happened after that. In the second passage I shared, we see how Peter really did deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. Did Peter remember Jesus' warning the first time? The second time? The third? No. He didn't remember at all until he made eye contact with Jesus right as the rooster was crowing. Do you think Peter just dismissed what Jesus said and carried on as normal? Maybe. Maybe not though. Peter may have been troubled by the warning for awhile, but then things got crazy with the soldiers coming to arrest Jesus, Judas betraying Him, and then Jesus being taken away.
Sometimes we are convicted and warned by the Holy Spirit about certain sins in our lives, or even sins that aren't there yet but have the potential of becoming a part of us. These convictions may make us stop and think for awhile, but the most important thing is what we do after those initial moments of being convicted. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the "things of life" that we forget the lessons that the Holy Spirit has taught us through God's Word and time spent with Him in prayer. I know there have been the Holy Spirit has brought something to my attention, and I haven't exactly done much about it. Or I've not been in the situation, but the Holy Spirit will show me how I should stay away from the situation, and then I still step into it anyways.
God gave us the Holy Spirit as a helper, a guide until we meet Him again. Jesus was the disciples Teacher, helper, and guide. And although He is very much so alive and not bound by the chains of death any longer (woo!!!), God sent us the Holy Spirit as Jesus isn't not able to walk beside us and teach us like He could with the disciples.
Could Peter have remained strong in his faith and not deny Jesus that day? Certainly. If he was trusting in God's strength and not letting his human mind carry him all over the place, he could have very well not have denied Jesus. But then, Peter would have not realized his extreme need for forgiveness and a Savior. I think sometimes God can use our sinful moments to truly show us our desperate need for a Savior - and that's when Easter becomes very clear. We are not deserving, but He is still so very giving and forgiving.
So, this Easter season, as we take time to be still and rejoice in the active life of Jesus, don't forget to heed the Holy Spirit's warnings. And take a moment to revisit the times in your life that you know you were not heeding the Holy Spirit's convictions. Take a moment to realize your extreme need for a Savior.
Maybe then we'll be able to grasp the very real forgiveness that took place on that very first Easter weekend.
631
Monday, March 21, 2011
knowledge
I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2
This is my verse for this season of my life.
(Can I just say, without disregarding the sincerity of this post, that the word thwarted is a pretty funny word?!)
566
This is my verse for this season of my life.
(Can I just say, without disregarding the sincerity of this post, that the word thwarted is a pretty funny word?!)
566
Friday, March 18, 2011
i ran
I went for a run this morning! I did 5k in about 30minutes. It was a little rough because I haven't run in several weeks, but I did it, and I'm glad I did. :)
550
550
Thursday, March 17, 2011
sprints vs distance
Kickball. Tons of fun, right? Definitely!
Our school formed a team of teachers to battle another school's team of teachers in a game of kickball.
We're such tough competitors, aren't we? Be afraid...be very afraid!
(Yes, the tutu made an appearance!)
Our school formed a team of teachers to battle another school's team of teachers in a game of kickball.
We're such tough competitors, aren't we? Be afraid...be very afraid!(Yes, the tutu made an appearance!)
We had an absolute BLAST! There were tons of laughs, a few confusing moments, and hopefully we were able to raise some funds through concessions for our schools. Our school didn't win (sad!), but that's alright. I hear there will be a rematch next year (hopefully), and we're supposed to actually strategize and practice maybe once. ...we'll see!
So, that's the background to my post. Now for my point. :)
I can go out and run 5miles, no problem. I actually enjoy it, oddly enough (a year and a half ago, I would have laughed in your face if you told me to run 5miles). So, I should be fine running around some silly bases, right? HA! Good gravy, my thighs are STILL bothering me! I didn't realize sprints worked a completely different sets of muscles than distance running. But, now I do!!
Speaking of running, which I speak of often, I haven't run since last week. This week has been rough with my grandpa's funeral, and then some things at work (prayers appreciated!), so I haven't gotten out for a run at all this week. We're furloughed tomorrow though, so I'm hoping to get out for a run while I'm off.
And one more thing. If you haven't watched the new show Coming Home, you should definitely check it out! Just have some tissues handy. :)
543
So, that's the background to my post. Now for my point. :)
I can go out and run 5miles, no problem. I actually enjoy it, oddly enough (a year and a half ago, I would have laughed in your face if you told me to run 5miles). So, I should be fine running around some silly bases, right? HA! Good gravy, my thighs are STILL bothering me! I didn't realize sprints worked a completely different sets of muscles than distance running. But, now I do!!
Speaking of running, which I speak of often, I haven't run since last week. This week has been rough with my grandpa's funeral, and then some things at work (prayers appreciated!), so I haven't gotten out for a run at all this week. We're furloughed tomorrow though, so I'm hoping to get out for a run while I'm off.
And one more thing. If you haven't watched the new show Coming Home, you should definitely check it out! Just have some tissues handy. :)
543
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
waiting
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. Ps 130:5
That doesn't say "I will wait for the Lord." No, it's in the present tense - it's right here and right now.
What does it look like to wait? Different people do it in different ways.
Waiting for recess in my 1st grade classroom is pretty difficult. My students are constantly asking if it is time to go out yet, watching the clock very closely (although they're not exactly experts at telling time - even when they try to tell me it's time to go out), and wiggling in anticipation. They're not exactly very patient wait-ers.
Waiting for my sister's attention is difficult for her two oldest children, however she has definitely trained them to be more patient in their waiting. If she is talking on the phone or with someone that is there and her children want to tell her something, they've been taught to put their hand on her arm until she has a moment to speak with them. Do they do this always? No way. But, do they do this at times and with reminders? Certainly! I think it is the most ingenious idea ever - I've even thought about implementing something of the sort in my classroom...but it'd be difficult to have 21 little hands on my arm at the same time since they all need me at once. :) So, although my sister's children are bursting with some important piece of information, they can wait semi-patiently by practicing what their momma has taught them.
Waiting at a stop light is not always fun. I was running to Target one night this week, and while I was sitting in the turn only lane, I sat through at least 3 red lights - all of which skipped our left turn signal. Yes, I was a little impatient. But, I waited, at when the light turned green for me to turn, I was so super excited and pumped!!
Waiting on God and His timing is sometimes hard as well. Okay, let's be honest - it's usually a hard thing to do. But think about it - when we are patiently waiting for something, the moment it happens is much sweeter than if we were fretting the whole time. And as humans, we're not exactly born as great wait-ers. It's something we are taught (or not taught, depending on the parents). It's the same thing with God. He teaches us to wait.
So, I wait. My whole being - heart, mind, will - wait on His timing for His blessings in my life.
Hopefully there is a bit of patience in my waiting.
That doesn't say "I will wait for the Lord." No, it's in the present tense - it's right here and right now.
What does it look like to wait? Different people do it in different ways.
Waiting for recess in my 1st grade classroom is pretty difficult. My students are constantly asking if it is time to go out yet, watching the clock very closely (although they're not exactly experts at telling time - even when they try to tell me it's time to go out), and wiggling in anticipation. They're not exactly very patient wait-ers.
Waiting for my sister's attention is difficult for her two oldest children, however she has definitely trained them to be more patient in their waiting. If she is talking on the phone or with someone that is there and her children want to tell her something, they've been taught to put their hand on her arm until she has a moment to speak with them. Do they do this always? No way. But, do they do this at times and with reminders? Certainly! I think it is the most ingenious idea ever - I've even thought about implementing something of the sort in my classroom...but it'd be difficult to have 21 little hands on my arm at the same time since they all need me at once. :) So, although my sister's children are bursting with some important piece of information, they can wait semi-patiently by practicing what their momma has taught them.
Waiting at a stop light is not always fun. I was running to Target one night this week, and while I was sitting in the turn only lane, I sat through at least 3 red lights - all of which skipped our left turn signal. Yes, I was a little impatient. But, I waited, at when the light turned green for me to turn, I was so super excited and pumped!!
Waiting on God and His timing is sometimes hard as well. Okay, let's be honest - it's usually a hard thing to do. But think about it - when we are patiently waiting for something, the moment it happens is much sweeter than if we were fretting the whole time. And as humans, we're not exactly born as great wait-ers. It's something we are taught (or not taught, depending on the parents). It's the same thing with God. He teaches us to wait.
So, I wait. My whole being - heart, mind, will - wait on His timing for His blessings in my life.
Hopefully there is a bit of patience in my waiting.
Friday, March 11, 2011
going home
Over the past few years, my family has had to deal with a lot of death. December of 2008, Uncle Mike was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. In February of 2009, just a month and a half later, he died from it. Then, in December of 2009, my grandma died. And just last night, my grandpa died.
He was an amazing man. Full of love, a deep passion for flowers and gardening, and fun fun laughs. He was tall, strong, and strikingly handsome. He always reminded me of an older Andy Griffith, and everyone knows his good looks. :)
He told my parents this past fall that he had a talk with God. He said that God told him he would be going home in the springtime. And he did. The weather is changing, warmer days are coming, and we're soaking up the springtime weather.
We may have lost three very special and dear people in our lives, but they are now partying with Jesus in heaven. Selfishly, I want Grandpa to stay here with us. I want him back - the old grandpa that I knew and loved growing up. Selflessly and joyously, I celebrate in the fact that God chose to heal him completely and make him whole again.
In the midst of our pain, there is a bright hope for tomorrow.
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He was an amazing man. Full of love, a deep passion for flowers and gardening, and fun fun laughs. He was tall, strong, and strikingly handsome. He always reminded me of an older Andy Griffith, and everyone knows his good looks. :)He told my parents this past fall that he had a talk with God. He said that God told him he would be going home in the springtime. And he did. The weather is changing, warmer days are coming, and we're soaking up the springtime weather.
We may have lost three very special and dear people in our lives, but they are now partying with Jesus in heaven. Selfishly, I want Grandpa to stay here with us. I want him back - the old grandpa that I knew and loved growing up. Selflessly and joyously, I celebrate in the fact that God chose to heal him completely and make him whole again.
In the midst of our pain, there is a bright hope for tomorrow.
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011
esty shop memo & a real rain check
Just fyi - the etsy shop is in my sister's name, not mine. Soooo...although it says Jennifer S., I'm there too! :)
I sold this little bag today.
Time to make more stuff!!! :D
So, I was planning on a good run this afternoon. Took my running clothes to work and everything - couldn't wait! It was going to be the perfect ending to a work day that included a PTO-catered Italian lunch - yum!!! (Thanks, PTO moms!!! You rock!!)
So, I stayed for a yearbook committee meeting as we wrestled with the yearbook software (we will prevail!!), and the closer it got to my marvelous afternoon run, the worse it looked outside. My teacher friend (and just friend in general!) Ashley kept asking if I was sure about going running this afternoon. Well, I was at the time...until I left. By then, the sky had opened up and it was POURING rain. Craziness!!
So, needless to say, no run today. Instead, I headed to Old Navy with a "free ankle jeans" coupon one of my students had given me. I tried on some "ankle jeans" (aka capris...or any jean that showed your ankle - who knew? lol), fell in love with a cute sun dress, decided I looked terrible in Old Navy's "ankle jeans" (something about my big hips/thighs just doesn't mix with them), and bought the lovely dress along with a few other things. So, although I didn't get my run in, it was a good afternoon of shopping. I actually forgot about the monsoon outside while I was looking around Old Navy....that is until I had to swim back to my car to head home.
Will try again tomorrow!
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I sold this little bag today.Time to make more stuff!!! :D
So, I was planning on a good run this afternoon. Took my running clothes to work and everything - couldn't wait! It was going to be the perfect ending to a work day that included a PTO-catered Italian lunch - yum!!! (Thanks, PTO moms!!! You rock!!)
So, I stayed for a yearbook committee meeting as we wrestled with the yearbook software (we will prevail!!), and the closer it got to my marvelous afternoon run, the worse it looked outside. My teacher friend (and just friend in general!) Ashley kept asking if I was sure about going running this afternoon. Well, I was at the time...until I left. By then, the sky had opened up and it was POURING rain. Craziness!!
So, needless to say, no run today. Instead, I headed to Old Navy with a "free ankle jeans" coupon one of my students had given me. I tried on some "ankle jeans" (aka capris...or any jean that showed your ankle - who knew? lol), fell in love with a cute sun dress, decided I looked terrible in Old Navy's "ankle jeans" (something about my big hips/thighs just doesn't mix with them), and bought the lovely dress along with a few other things. So, although I didn't get my run in, it was a good afternoon of shopping. I actually forgot about the monsoon outside while I was looking around Old Navy....that is until I had to swim back to my car to head home.
Will try again tomorrow!
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011
the itch
I've got an itch.
an itch to sew!!!
I've been finding more and more adorably cute bag patterns lately (all kinds of bags!!), and I can't wait to get started with making them!! I've been busy making tutus for people (btw - if you'd like one, I'll make you one for $20! Just let me know.....these are not on my etsy shop), so I haven't had much time for pleasure sewing, I reckon. Not that I don't enjoy making tutus - I do! They're pretty relaxing to make. I'm just ready for some bags!!
I'll throw some pictures on whenever I've gotten some made!
Hope you can wait until then! :D
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an itch to sew!!!
I've been finding more and more adorably cute bag patterns lately (all kinds of bags!!), and I can't wait to get started with making them!! I've been busy making tutus for people (btw - if you'd like one, I'll make you one for $20! Just let me know.....these are not on my etsy shop), so I haven't had much time for pleasure sewing, I reckon. Not that I don't enjoy making tutus - I do! They're pretty relaxing to make. I'm just ready for some bags!!
I'll throw some pictures on whenever I've gotten some made!
Hope you can wait until then! :D
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Sunday, March 6, 2011
my first sale
I sold my first item on my etsy shop!!!! WOOOHOOO!
I was actually a little sad to see it go, but I'm so super excited about selling something. :)
Such a cute wristlet! It found a new home in Murphy, NC. I may have to make myself one. I still have some of that fabric left.
Here's to many more items sold! :D
I was actually a little sad to see it go, but I'm so super excited about selling something. :)
Such a cute wristlet! It found a new home in Murphy, NC. I may have to make myself one. I still have some of that fabric left.
Here's to many more items sold! :D
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Get Your Rear in Gear ...in a pink tutu!
Last year, when I was just getting into running, one of my students' parents mentioned putting together a team for the Get Your Rear in Gear 5k benefiting colon cancer. I jumped on the chance to be in the team, and we were eventually named the Wise Cracks (haha!).
We ran the race again today. Our team just about doubled this time though! We are teachers, spouses, friends, and children. Here we are...
(You've guessed it - I'm the one in the pink tutu.)
My big brother Aaron (affectionately known as Bubba to me) ran in the race as well.
I helped him pin his race number on.
We ran the race again today. Our team just about doubled this time though! We are teachers, spouses, friends, and children. Here we are...
(You've guessed it - I'm the one in the pink tutu.)My big brother Aaron (affectionately known as Bubba to me) ran in the race as well.
I helped him pin his race number on.*ahem* Can I just say that I beat my big brother in the race?! :D Aaah...victory! I still love him though...and of course, he still loves me...even if I do rub it in his face just a few times. :)
Quick picture before the race.
Quick picture before the race.The race went really well. I didn't remember the course being very hilly, and it really wasn't. There were a few hills, but not an abundance, and they were completely bearable.
I always do a really big sprint at the end of the race, trying to beat the clock.
I must say that I'm pretty much a beast at running when I do this.
I run hard, and I run fast.
If only I could run that hard and fast during the whole race - I'd beat the pants off everyone there!
I always do a really big sprint at the end of the race, trying to beat the clock.I must say that I'm pretty much a beast at running when I do this.
I run hard, and I run fast.
If only I could run that hard and fast during the whole race - I'd beat the pants off everyone there!
Okay, so..my time for this race. The clock as I crossed the finished said I ran it in 30min 36sec (boo!!). But when I started thinking about the course, they didn't really time it very fairly. Instead of starting your timed chip when you crossed the start line (having it be a true measure of your race), they started timing when they started the race. So, although I was probably in the middle of the pack, meaning I didn't cross the start until probably a minute or so after the first people did, they timed me as if I started at the front of the pack.
That being said, I checked my Nike+ time, and I ran the race in 28min 59sec!!!!! Yes, yes...that is UNDER 30min, people!! Woo!! I was so proud!!
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Side story! So, in the last picture I have up there, take a peek at the tall guy with the blue shorts on. Okay, now rewind to last month when I ran the Cupid's Cup 5k race. This guy was standing around near me and some friends waiting for that race to start. He talked with me a little about my tutu - he was wearing bright pink shorts, so we teased about switching so I would wear his bright pink shorts and he would wear my pink tutu. I saw him briefly after the race, we said good race, and went our separate ways.
Fast forward again to this morning and this race. Shortly after the race began this morning, this random guy ran up beside me and was like, "HEY!!! Remember me?! Wanna trade still?!" It startled me, but totally made me laugh!! He continued running...buuut! I caught back up with him and finished just a second or two behind him at the end of the race. I wanted so bad to run back up beside him and catch his attention before we crossed the finish, but he was just a hair too quick. That's okay though. I still finished in under 30minutes. :)
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That being said, I checked my Nike+ time, and I ran the race in 28min 59sec!!!!! Yes, yes...that is UNDER 30min, people!! Woo!! I was so proud!!
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Side story! So, in the last picture I have up there, take a peek at the tall guy with the blue shorts on. Okay, now rewind to last month when I ran the Cupid's Cup 5k race. This guy was standing around near me and some friends waiting for that race to start. He talked with me a little about my tutu - he was wearing bright pink shorts, so we teased about switching so I would wear his bright pink shorts and he would wear my pink tutu. I saw him briefly after the race, we said good race, and went our separate ways.
Fast forward again to this morning and this race. Shortly after the race began this morning, this random guy ran up beside me and was like, "HEY!!! Remember me?! Wanna trade still?!" It startled me, but totally made me laugh!! He continued running...buuut! I caught back up with him and finished just a second or two behind him at the end of the race. I wanted so bad to run back up beside him and catch his attention before we crossed the finish, but he was just a hair too quick. That's okay though. I still finished in under 30minutes. :)
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Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Zumbathon!!
My approach to Zumba? Lots and lots of bouncing! I do the movements and motions of the dance, but I add my own little bonce to everything I do. I'm not exactly sure why - an abundance of energy, an attempt to burn more calories during the workout, or maybe just my insecurities thinking that if I bounce around, I'll look like I know what I'm doing. ha - Not the last one for sure!
Today was Zumba Tuesday at work - love it! Jana, our instructor, is so much fun! She had several new songs for us today, which are always fun! I think this is about our 6th or 7th week doing it, so I've gotten used to the songs we do regularly. The new songs definitely put me in my place and remind me that no, I'm not that great at shaking my hips....and no, I'm not really all that coordinated. But!! They are super fun. :) I usually find myself jumping around/bouncing even more on the new songs because I'm still learning them. But when I get a certain dance or progression of moves that I couldn't do the week before, I get so excited!
Anyhoo - so the whole purpose of my post was to tell you about the Zumbathon! Jana got us (my friend Ashley and I) to do it, and I'm super excited! It's the 12th, and we'll do Zumba for 2 hours with 9 different instructors (I think she said 9). We'll just zoom through the different instructors, who all have different styles and focuses in their Zumba approach, and have lots of fun doing so! Ashley and I signed up and paid today...and we got some fun Zumba shirts too! Yay! Can't wait to tell you about it after the 12th!
I think I'll wear my tutu. :)
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Today was Zumba Tuesday at work - love it! Jana, our instructor, is so much fun! She had several new songs for us today, which are always fun! I think this is about our 6th or 7th week doing it, so I've gotten used to the songs we do regularly. The new songs definitely put me in my place and remind me that no, I'm not that great at shaking my hips....and no, I'm not really all that coordinated. But!! They are super fun. :) I usually find myself jumping around/bouncing even more on the new songs because I'm still learning them. But when I get a certain dance or progression of moves that I couldn't do the week before, I get so excited!
Anyhoo - so the whole purpose of my post was to tell you about the Zumbathon! Jana got us (my friend Ashley and I) to do it, and I'm super excited! It's the 12th, and we'll do Zumba for 2 hours with 9 different instructors (I think she said 9). We'll just zoom through the different instructors, who all have different styles and focuses in their Zumba approach, and have lots of fun doing so! Ashley and I signed up and paid today...and we got some fun Zumba shirts too! Yay! Can't wait to tell you about it after the 12th!
I think I'll wear my tutu. :)
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Monday, February 28, 2011
sleepy, sneezy, and grumpy
I had a headache all weekend. Literally - all weekend. It hasn't bothered me much at all today, which I am highly thankful for - however, now I'm sneezing like crazy, I didn't sleep well last night (I've acquired a habit of waking up at 3:30AM each morning - really, Ellen?!), and I felt semi-grumpy today at work today.
I was planning on a 2.5mile run today. I didn't do it in hopes of finding some relief through my rest. Tomorrow is Zumba (in my pink tutu, of course), and then hopefully I'll pick my 2.5mile run back up either Wednesday or Thursday.
Happy March tomorrow, everyone! Only 61 days of school left. :]
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I was planning on a 2.5mile run today. I didn't do it in hopes of finding some relief through my rest. Tomorrow is Zumba (in my pink tutu, of course), and then hopefully I'll pick my 2.5mile run back up either Wednesday or Thursday.
Happy March tomorrow, everyone! Only 61 days of school left. :]
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Sunday, February 27, 2011
didn't do the 4.5mile run
I did a 5mile run!! Yay! :D
My day was a little crazy yesterday. I got up around 7:30-ish, but it was definitely too cold to run at that time. My poor body was screaming for me to get back in the bed after I walked Izzy, but I stayed up...sitting around the house in my running clothes (hmm, motivation maybe?).
Well, I gave myself until 10:00 - I was going to just sit around and relax until then. Around 10:00, my mom called me about a serger sale at a fabric store in town. So, what'd I do? I told her that I couldn't come check it out because, of course, I was planning my run for 10:00 and I must get it done.
Yeah, no. That's not what happened. I hopped in the car, went to the fabric store, and bought a new serger and a bias tape maker (yay!!! I hate making bias tape!!!). By the time I left and was heading home, it was about 12:00, and my precious nephew's 2 y/o birthday party was scheduled for 1:00. So, of course I wouldn't have time to run - it'd have to wait.
Nope! I decided that I could go to the party stinky and sweaty. So, I went for my run. As I was approaching the 4.5mile point, I realized that I was still a ways from my car, but Eli's party was quickly approaching. Soooo...I kept running and covered another 1/2 mile so that I could get to my car faster. Yay! I must say that this is the first time I've ever ran extra during a pre-determined distance run. It felt great!!
I also think I had a great run because I didn't listen to music (an absolute must for me). Instead, I listened to the Daily Audio Bible podcast. Can I just say that I love this podcast? It reads through the Bible with you over the year...but it's all audio. It was great to run as I listened to Leviticus (it was about clean and unclean food regulations in the OT), Mark (great reminders through the stories of the woman who was healed by touching Jesus' robe, and also Jairus' daughter's healing), Psalms and Proverbs (the scripture from Mark was so thought provoking for me that I didn't completely catch what Psalms and Proverbs said for the day).
Anyhoo - I noticed that I was running faster during this run, and I think it's because my cadence wasn't competing with the rhythms of the songs. So, that may be my new thing. I'll listen to the DAB podcast while I run.
P.S. more about the serger and bias tape maker will come later!! hehe
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My day was a little crazy yesterday. I got up around 7:30-ish, but it was definitely too cold to run at that time. My poor body was screaming for me to get back in the bed after I walked Izzy, but I stayed up...sitting around the house in my running clothes (hmm, motivation maybe?).
Well, I gave myself until 10:00 - I was going to just sit around and relax until then. Around 10:00, my mom called me about a serger sale at a fabric store in town. So, what'd I do? I told her that I couldn't come check it out because, of course, I was planning my run for 10:00 and I must get it done.
Yeah, no. That's not what happened. I hopped in the car, went to the fabric store, and bought a new serger and a bias tape maker (yay!!! I hate making bias tape!!!). By the time I left and was heading home, it was about 12:00, and my precious nephew's 2 y/o birthday party was scheduled for 1:00. So, of course I wouldn't have time to run - it'd have to wait.
Nope! I decided that I could go to the party stinky and sweaty. So, I went for my run. As I was approaching the 4.5mile point, I realized that I was still a ways from my car, but Eli's party was quickly approaching. Soooo...I kept running and covered another 1/2 mile so that I could get to my car faster. Yay! I must say that this is the first time I've ever ran extra during a pre-determined distance run. It felt great!!
I also think I had a great run because I didn't listen to music (an absolute must for me). Instead, I listened to the Daily Audio Bible podcast. Can I just say that I love this podcast? It reads through the Bible with you over the year...but it's all audio. It was great to run as I listened to Leviticus (it was about clean and unclean food regulations in the OT), Mark (great reminders through the stories of the woman who was healed by touching Jesus' robe, and also Jairus' daughter's healing), Psalms and Proverbs (the scripture from Mark was so thought provoking for me that I didn't completely catch what Psalms and Proverbs said for the day).
Anyhoo - I noticed that I was running faster during this run, and I think it's because my cadence wasn't competing with the rhythms of the songs. So, that may be my new thing. I'll listen to the DAB podcast while I run.
P.S. more about the serger and bias tape maker will come later!! hehe
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Friday, February 25, 2011
vision
I went to the eye doctor this afternoon. Well, first I had to run home to get my glasses, and then I went to see the eye doctor. Sad times since the school is like 2 minutes from the office, but I live like 15 minutes away. It's alright though....I made it!
I somehow talked the doctor out of dilating my eyes - yay!! I got sick once after having my eyes dilated. I wasn't even sure I would be able to drive home because I was dizzy, and when I got home, all I could do was crawl into the bed and sleep. Once I woke up, I was fine. It was crazy though! So, needless to say, I avoid it at all costs!
As I was sitting there with the big contraption thing covering half of my face - trying to figure out the letters on the wall in front of me - I realized that I was holding my mouth funny because I was trying to figure out the letters without him making them bigger. Then I giggled under my breath because I'm sure I looked like a complete goofball - sitting there with a big "mask" on, making random guesses as to which letters were on the wall (okay, so maybe they weren't that random, but some certainly were!)...with my face all twisted up in concentration. If I were the optometrist, I would have laughed at me!
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I somehow talked the doctor out of dilating my eyes - yay!! I got sick once after having my eyes dilated. I wasn't even sure I would be able to drive home because I was dizzy, and when I got home, all I could do was crawl into the bed and sleep. Once I woke up, I was fine. It was crazy though! So, needless to say, I avoid it at all costs!
As I was sitting there with the big contraption thing covering half of my face - trying to figure out the letters on the wall in front of me - I realized that I was holding my mouth funny because I was trying to figure out the letters without him making them bigger. Then I giggled under my breath because I'm sure I looked like a complete goofball - sitting there with a big "mask" on, making random guesses as to which letters were on the wall (okay, so maybe they weren't that random, but some certainly were!)...with my face all twisted up in concentration. If I were the optometrist, I would have laughed at me!
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
3.5miles + captive pictures
I did my 3.5mile run today! It went really well. It went a lot faster than I excepted. I mean - I've run 3.5miles tons of times before, but it went by really fast today.
So, Saturday...I'll run 4.5miles. :) Trying to take small steps towards a 10k again so that I can run on April 1 with no problem!
In other news....
I was hoping to post some pictures of the skirt I made (the first one...the one that makes my hips look wide lol), but for some reason, I can't get my laptop to read my camera card. I usually just pop it in my laptop, and it'll read just fine, but it isn't doing anything tonight. Very odd!! So, I'll see what I can do about that (maybe open it on my tiny laptop to see if it'll work there) and get the pictures up soon!! I was also hoping to list some of my items on etsy to sale, but the pictures are being help captive on my card. bah!
Have a happy Friday tomorrow!! :) We always do "Fun Friday" activities in my classroom (basically, we extend our learning from the week with complete hands on activities each Friday). Tomorrow, we'll be making a teeth model thing using tooth picks and mini-marshmallows (among other things...). It should be fun, and I'm sure I'll have a few pictures to share.....that's if my laptop starts to cooperate with my card.
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Update only about 10 minutes later:
So, I restarted my laptop, and now my card is responding fine - weird!
Here's the skirt I made!! I call it my "hippy skirt" since it makes my hips a tad wider. You can't really tell in this picture thought since my hands are on my hips. Oh well.
I haven't decided if I'll actually wear it or if I'll cut it up to use the fabric to make something else. I think the skirt would be better if I had used a cotton fabric instead of a heavier weight fabric - I just thought this fabric would make a pretty skirt, so I used it. :)
Hopefully I'll have pictures of my other skirt soon!!
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So, Saturday...I'll run 4.5miles. :) Trying to take small steps towards a 10k again so that I can run on April 1 with no problem!
In other news....
I was hoping to post some pictures of the skirt I made (the first one...the one that makes my hips look wide lol), but for some reason, I can't get my laptop to read my camera card. I usually just pop it in my laptop, and it'll read just fine, but it isn't doing anything tonight. Very odd!! So, I'll see what I can do about that (maybe open it on my tiny laptop to see if it'll work there) and get the pictures up soon!! I was also hoping to list some of my items on etsy to sale, but the pictures are being help captive on my card. bah!
Have a happy Friday tomorrow!! :) We always do "Fun Friday" activities in my classroom (basically, we extend our learning from the week with complete hands on activities each Friday). Tomorrow, we'll be making a teeth model thing using tooth picks and mini-marshmallows (among other things...). It should be fun, and I'm sure I'll have a few pictures to share.....that's if my laptop starts to cooperate with my card.
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Update only about 10 minutes later:
So, I restarted my laptop, and now my card is responding fine - weird!
Here's the skirt I made!! I call it my "hippy skirt" since it makes my hips a tad wider. You can't really tell in this picture thought since my hands are on my hips. Oh well.I haven't decided if I'll actually wear it or if I'll cut it up to use the fabric to make something else. I think the skirt would be better if I had used a cotton fabric instead of a heavier weight fabric - I just thought this fabric would make a pretty skirt, so I used it. :)
Hopefully I'll have pictures of my other skirt soon!!
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
rain check
Today's run will require a rain check - though not because it's raining.
Being a 1st grade teacher requires me to be pretty active, right? Well, not today. Our principal got all of us 1st grade teachers subs so that we could have a day of planning for the rest of this year and for next year. So, we sat in a room all day. All. Day. Long. One of my students' parents went out to get us lunch...and we ate in the room. We had a couple potty breaks. But, we got LOTS done. Finished just about all of our long range plans for next year (basically, when we will teach what) and some other housekeeping type things. Mr. H also got us subs for a day in April, so we will finish up our LRP then and do other "fun" things on that day.
So, you'd think I'd be bursting with all of this energy, making my run much easier, right? Eh, maybe if the day had landed at another time of the month. After work, I went by the church where I do children's ministry to meet with the pastor, which got me home around 5:30. I'm beat! Right now, all I want to do is curl up with a heating pad and eat lots of chocolate.
3.5 miles didn't happen today, but it will tomorrow!! :D
happy chocolate eating, everyone!
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Being a 1st grade teacher requires me to be pretty active, right? Well, not today. Our principal got all of us 1st grade teachers subs so that we could have a day of planning for the rest of this year and for next year. So, we sat in a room all day. All. Day. Long. One of my students' parents went out to get us lunch...and we ate in the room. We had a couple potty breaks. But, we got LOTS done. Finished just about all of our long range plans for next year (basically, when we will teach what) and some other housekeeping type things. Mr. H also got us subs for a day in April, so we will finish up our LRP then and do other "fun" things on that day.
So, you'd think I'd be bursting with all of this energy, making my run much easier, right? Eh, maybe if the day had landed at another time of the month. After work, I went by the church where I do children's ministry to meet with the pastor, which got me home around 5:30. I'm beat! Right now, all I want to do is curl up with a heating pad and eat lots of chocolate.
3.5 miles didn't happen today, but it will tomorrow!! :D
happy chocolate eating, everyone!
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011
cupid's cup
The Cupid's Cup 2010 was my first race ever. My cousin Cindy and I ran it together in honor of my grandma - she died December of 2009 from heart problems. The Cupid's Cup benefits cardiovascular health. Cindy wasn't able to run this year because she broke her tail bone snowboarding. Sad times.
I'm proud to say I shaved a little off my time this year (even if only by maaaybe a minute and a few seconds...haha).
It was a fun race - including a "cupid" at the start and finish of the race. He had lots of muscles!! ....they were fake though (sad). It also included a pink tutu - yay! This may be my new race outfit from here on out - but I haven't quite decided about that yet.
So, here you have it...me, my pink tutu, and cupid.
He kept kissing my hand while we waited for my dad to take the picture. Can't tell it by this picture because he finally came up for air, but good gravy! It was a bit awkward.
Cupid also saw me approaching the finish line and had a fit. He hollered at me (he remembered my name...??) and said he'd been waaaaaaiiiiiiiiting for me...and then he proceeded to run to the finish with me. No fun pictures of that though.
Some of the other teachers from work ran as well. Sad to say I didn't catch a picture with them. Next time, ladies!! (not that they read this....)
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I'm proud to say I shaved a little off my time this year (even if only by maaaybe a minute and a few seconds...haha).
It was a fun race - including a "cupid" at the start and finish of the race. He had lots of muscles!! ....they were fake though (sad). It also included a pink tutu - yay! This may be my new race outfit from here on out - but I haven't quite decided about that yet.
So, here you have it...me, my pink tutu, and cupid.
He kept kissing my hand while we waited for my dad to take the picture. Can't tell it by this picture because he finally came up for air, but good gravy! It was a bit awkward.Cupid also saw me approaching the finish line and had a fit. He hollered at me (he remembered my name...??) and said he'd been waaaaaaiiiiiiiiting for me...and then he proceeded to run to the finish with me. No fun pictures of that though.
Some of the other teachers from work ran as well. Sad to say I didn't catch a picture with them. Next time, ladies!! (not that they read this....)
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Monday, February 21, 2011
routine
I ran 4miles today. It was a good run. I did 4.03miles in 40:07minutes. I'm hoping this will help me get to my 10k run under and hour. I'll be doing the Cooper River Bridge Run on April 1st. I ran my first (and last) 10k in about an hour and two minutes, so hopefully I can knock it under an hour!!
So, I'm trying to keep setting a goal for my next run so that I'll be more motivated. So, I hope to run 3.5miles on Wednesday. It'll be just a bit trickier since I'm also planning on heading to the church for a meeting with the pastor (I'm the new part-time children's director there). So, I'll just have to gauge my time and decide if I have time to run before or if I should wait until after meeting.
Just trying to establish a running routine again!
I don't think I mentioned that I also ran on Saturday - I did 5k then.
Tomorrow is Zumba day! I'll be wearing my tutu again. :)
So, I'm trying to keep setting a goal for my next run so that I'll be more motivated. So, I hope to run 3.5miles on Wednesday. It'll be just a bit trickier since I'm also planning on heading to the church for a meeting with the pastor (I'm the new part-time children's director there). So, I'll just have to gauge my time and decide if I have time to run before or if I should wait until after meeting.
Just trying to establish a running routine again!
I don't think I mentioned that I also ran on Saturday - I did 5k then.
Tomorrow is Zumba day! I'll be wearing my tutu again. :)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
workout with wheels
I felt like I needed to relieve some stress/tension tonight, but it was too dark for a run. So, I hopped on the exercise bike we have tucked away in the "storage" portion of our basement - aka the part I don't call my "area." That's always fun as I'm crowded in by "stuff" that we've stashed back there. Kind of relaxing though because it takes me away from everything for awhile. I usually take my laptop and look up a movie or show I want to watch while I ride. Or I take my Nook and read for awhile.
Tonight, I biked for an hour and a half and went 20miles. Ridiculous!! (and not intentional) It started with my show not loading up - grr - and then I got a phone call...so I talked. And then I started my show because it finally loaded - and then I got another phone call (pretty popular tonight! It doesn't happen often - maybe once in a blue moon lol), so I talked again...and then finally got back to watching my show. By then, I was pulled in to the episode and wanted to "ride it out" (haha....pun intended!) until it was over. So, that landed me at 20miles. Too bad running 20miles is much more difficult than biking it!!!
I must say that I do feel less stressed/tense. Exercise is great like that! Since I started running, I've always said that my students could probably tell when I've been running and when I haven't. I seem to be more easy going. Good or bad - it is what it is!
Happy new week, everyone! Enjoy it.
Tonight, I biked for an hour and a half and went 20miles. Ridiculous!! (and not intentional) It started with my show not loading up - grr - and then I got a phone call...so I talked. And then I started my show because it finally loaded - and then I got another phone call (pretty popular tonight! It doesn't happen often - maybe once in a blue moon lol), so I talked again...and then finally got back to watching my show. By then, I was pulled in to the episode and wanted to "ride it out" (haha....pun intended!) until it was over. So, that landed me at 20miles. Too bad running 20miles is much more difficult than biking it!!!
I must say that I do feel less stressed/tense. Exercise is great like that! Since I started running, I've always said that my students could probably tell when I've been running and when I haven't. I seem to be more easy going. Good or bad - it is what it is!
Happy new week, everyone! Enjoy it.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
made #1
I've been admiring a skirt tutorial on a blog for a couple weeks now. I decided to give it a shot last night.
I made my first skirt!
Well. I made a bubble skirt once, but it was entirely too short. Like - can't bend over/when you sit down, you're not sitting on your skirt - type of short. So, I cut it up and made fabruckets for a friend's Christmas gift with the fabric. The fabric was much better suited to fabruckets.
Anyhoo - so I made a skirt last night. I used some old fabric my mom gave me - white curtain fabric with a floral print in pinks, reds, greens, and blues.
I finished it in about 2 1/2 hours - not too shabby for me and a new pattern!
No pictures yet. I'm still in my pj's - trying to motivate myself to go running (did I mention that I made cupcakes last night....and ate one for breakfast this morning? oof! I need to run...). I'll get picture soon and share them with you. :)
Happy Saturday, everyone!
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Update on Sunday night: So, I have a picture of me in the skirt, but it's not that lovely. lol I'll add it tomorrow. In the meantime, I've made another skirt, and I LOVE LOVE it!! I just need to get an invisible zipper to put in it, and then I'll get a picture of it as well. It turned out much better. Yay for a sewing machine, fabric, and creative moods!
I made my first skirt!
Well. I made a bubble skirt once, but it was entirely too short. Like - can't bend over/when you sit down, you're not sitting on your skirt - type of short. So, I cut it up and made fabruckets for a friend's Christmas gift with the fabric. The fabric was much better suited to fabruckets.
Anyhoo - so I made a skirt last night. I used some old fabric my mom gave me - white curtain fabric with a floral print in pinks, reds, greens, and blues.
I finished it in about 2 1/2 hours - not too shabby for me and a new pattern!
No pictures yet. I'm still in my pj's - trying to motivate myself to go running (did I mention that I made cupcakes last night....and ate one for breakfast this morning? oof! I need to run...). I'll get picture soon and share them with you. :)
Happy Saturday, everyone!
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Update on Sunday night: So, I have a picture of me in the skirt, but it's not that lovely. lol I'll add it tomorrow. In the meantime, I've made another skirt, and I LOVE LOVE it!! I just need to get an invisible zipper to put in it, and then I'll get a picture of it as well. It turned out much better. Yay for a sewing machine, fabric, and creative moods!
Friday, February 18, 2011
friday night
Mom's away for the weekend at a quilt retreat. Oh how marvelous it is for her to just sit and sew with friends all around her.
Dad and I went to Chili's for supper tonight. I love Chili's....a lot. I always get the honey chipotle chicken crispers with corn on the cob and veggies. With a honey mustard to dip my chicken in. And water to drink. Delicious!
I've been eating entirely TOO MUCH this week. I don't know what it is. I think I ate half a box of cheez-its throughout the school day today. oof! That's a lot. :o
I must run tomorrow. I must!
Dad and I went to Chili's for supper tonight. I love Chili's....a lot. I always get the honey chipotle chicken crispers with corn on the cob and veggies. With a honey mustard to dip my chicken in. And water to drink. Delicious!
I've been eating entirely TOO MUCH this week. I don't know what it is. I think I ate half a box of cheez-its throughout the school day today. oof! That's a lot. :o
I must run tomorrow. I must!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
not about running...but tutus and praises
When we've been there ten thousand years...bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing Your praise than when we first begun.
This has always been my favorite verse of Amazing Grace. Think about it...ten thousand years of singing God's praise, and we won't even be close to scratching the surface of our praise to Him! It makes me wonder what I'm doing right now to add to the praise of eternity. I don't want to waste the time I have here when I could be singing His praises in my everyday life - showing people His love and grace. I want to be intentional about this. Real about my walk with Christ.
I wore a tutu today to the Zumba class I'm in at work. I wasn't going to, but I decided that I would at the last minute. Let me tell you, this little pink tutu gave me so much confidence for some reason. I was able to shake my hips and dance right along with everyone else without worrying about what I looked like. Okay, so maybe I still worried some, but it was so silly to me. Why would a tutu make me feel any better? I looked like a complete nutcase, but I had so much fun. (I'll be wearing it next week as well. ;)
Why did I randomly start talking about my tutu? I want that same confidence in my praise to God. I want to be able to speak His name to people at work and around me. Not that I don't do this when the opportunity comes - but I want to be more intentional and not accidental in singing His praise to others.
My tutu gave me great confidence in Zumba. Christ is my strength and His love and desire for me are my confidence. But just like having to decide to wear my tutu...I have to decide to do something with this confidence.
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This has always been my favorite verse of Amazing Grace. Think about it...ten thousand years of singing God's praise, and we won't even be close to scratching the surface of our praise to Him! It makes me wonder what I'm doing right now to add to the praise of eternity. I don't want to waste the time I have here when I could be singing His praises in my everyday life - showing people His love and grace. I want to be intentional about this. Real about my walk with Christ.
I wore a tutu today to the Zumba class I'm in at work. I wasn't going to, but I decided that I would at the last minute. Let me tell you, this little pink tutu gave me so much confidence for some reason. I was able to shake my hips and dance right along with everyone else without worrying about what I looked like. Okay, so maybe I still worried some, but it was so silly to me. Why would a tutu make me feel any better? I looked like a complete nutcase, but I had so much fun. (I'll be wearing it next week as well. ;)
Why did I randomly start talking about my tutu? I want that same confidence in my praise to God. I want to be able to speak His name to people at work and around me. Not that I don't do this when the opportunity comes - but I want to be more intentional and not accidental in singing His praise to others.
My tutu gave me great confidence in Zumba. Christ is my strength and His love and desire for me are my confidence. But just like having to decide to wear my tutu...I have to decide to do something with this confidence.
446
Friday, January 14, 2011
daily affirmation
I'm not always the most positive person about myself.
I think I'm going to try to change that this year.
I'm a child of God - He is my Creator.
He made me.
That's pretty cool, if you ask me.
I saw this video on another blog, and I love it. I think I'll start doing this in the mornings before I leave for work.
Yep - I'll dance around on my sink and everything. Check it out!!
What do you think?
Okay. Maybe I won't dance around on my sink like she did. Maybe I won't say these things out loud and get as excited about it as she did.
But I think I will try to make a point of being more positive about myself and who I am in Christ.
My daily affirmation is found in the Word. I'll start there.
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I think I'm going to try to change that this year.
I'm a child of God - He is my Creator.
He made me.
That's pretty cool, if you ask me.
I saw this video on another blog, and I love it. I think I'll start doing this in the mornings before I leave for work.
Yep - I'll dance around on my sink and everything. Check it out!!
What do you think?
Okay. Maybe I won't dance around on my sink like she did. Maybe I won't say these things out loud and get as excited about it as she did.
But I think I will try to make a point of being more positive about myself and who I am in Christ.
My daily affirmation is found in the Word. I'll start there.
418
Monday, January 10, 2011
Snow day
Well, we've had our second "big" snow of our winter season already, and it's only the second week of January? Good gravy! So, because of our 7+ inches of snow, we had no work (school) today, and we'll be out tomorrow as well.
Having gone for a run on Saturday and not feeling any pain whatsoever, I was pretty excited about getting back into a training regime for my running. But, today's snow has put a road block up. Arg. I decided that I'd pull out my WiiFit game for some exercise this evening. I must say that I forgot how difficult those things can be! Woo!
So, seeing as how I'm one that needs to have a plan, I think I've come up with a semi-plan for now. I'm going to do the Cooper River Bridge Run (10k in Charleston, SC) in April. I'm hoping to train enough to get my time under an hour for the run. That gives me 3 months to train for it. I know I could run 10k right now, but I really want to improve my time and make sure it's a good race for me. I'm also planning to run an 8k in May (I think it's May...), with some 5k runs scattered here and there throughout.
As much as I hated canceling my Disney Marathon run, I also know that it was for the best because my knees really would not have been able to handle the 26 miles I would have run. So, I'm going to make the best of my pain-free knees and go from there. I'm hoping to train over this whole year towards the Disney Marathon for next year. That's my New Year's Resolution! :)
Happy running, friends!
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Having gone for a run on Saturday and not feeling any pain whatsoever, I was pretty excited about getting back into a training regime for my running. But, today's snow has put a road block up. Arg. I decided that I'd pull out my WiiFit game for some exercise this evening. I must say that I forgot how difficult those things can be! Woo!
So, seeing as how I'm one that needs to have a plan, I think I've come up with a semi-plan for now. I'm going to do the Cooper River Bridge Run (10k in Charleston, SC) in April. I'm hoping to train enough to get my time under an hour for the run. That gives me 3 months to train for it. I know I could run 10k right now, but I really want to improve my time and make sure it's a good race for me. I'm also planning to run an 8k in May (I think it's May...), with some 5k runs scattered here and there throughout.
As much as I hated canceling my Disney Marathon run, I also know that it was for the best because my knees really would not have been able to handle the 26 miles I would have run. So, I'm going to make the best of my pain-free knees and go from there. I'm hoping to train over this whole year towards the Disney Marathon for next year. That's my New Year's Resolution! :)
Happy running, friends!
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a new year, and some new knees!
I've been terrible with keeping up with this blog! My apologies. :)
I went running yesterday. Ran 5k. And I had no knee pain at all. None! Zip! Nada!! That's the first run since September that I didn't have knee pain afterward. I think I'm back in the game, folks! It's so much easier to go for a run when you're not afraid of killing your knees again.
So, I have a goal for myself. I was supposed to run the Disney Marathon today, but I didn't because of my knee. My goal is now to train over this year so that I can run the Disney Marathon next year. I know I can do it - I have no doubt about that. I just have to set my mind to it and just do it. I think training for a year will help me to do it slowly so that I don't have another injury.
Considering that a year ago, I was still only running about 8 minutes at a time (using the C25K plan), I think I'm doing pretty good...even if I didn't run a full marathon today. :)
I went running yesterday. Ran 5k. And I had no knee pain at all. None! Zip! Nada!! That's the first run since September that I didn't have knee pain afterward. I think I'm back in the game, folks! It's so much easier to go for a run when you're not afraid of killing your knees again.
So, I have a goal for myself. I was supposed to run the Disney Marathon today, but I didn't because of my knee. My goal is now to train over this year so that I can run the Disney Marathon next year. I know I can do it - I have no doubt about that. I just have to set my mind to it and just do it. I think training for a year will help me to do it slowly so that I don't have another injury.
Considering that a year ago, I was still only running about 8 minutes at a time (using the C25K plan), I think I'm doing pretty good...even if I didn't run a full marathon today. :)
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