Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Longish Weekend, Longish Post

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Slippery and Slower (Metaphor for the Day, too)
9:12 AM on Monday, May 28th


I wanted to go to the park one last time before the beach, and this was my best bet to avoid rain. It had rained some the previous days and there was rain in the forecast starting later that day. I made it through with just some light drizzle at times and some wind, only slipped once. It was on the grass, too, so I didn't get any cuts or muddy! However, from a combination of my tiredness and putting safety before speed, it was much slower than I have been going. My whole morning was slow; I didn't get started until almost 9:15!

On the way home, I went by the old house to see Mom and Dad who were set up in the garage trying to yard sale some last few things. I went through a box from my room of lots of old stuff that I am going to mostly part with. There are such great memories of my childhood passions in there...I took some pictures, although there are some things that I've already gotten rid of, because I am going to make some memory scrapbook pages this summer (I hope...I have lots of projects on my list...).

After the sale was done, Mom added up the money, and I will proudly say that I earned them $208 extra dollars (they only made less than $50 from the actual sale) from posting things on Facebook and talking with people on there. I wanted to get paid commission, and they didn't like that idea.

More slippery: back and forth on our plans for the beach. The weather looks pretty rough for the next couple days, and Mom doesn't want to drive through downpours nor do our check-in and grocery shopping in it, so she is thinking about waiting a day. This got me so sad! I have been wanting this vacation so bad...we didn't get to go last year, and our family just needs a good time away! Mom is having surgery right after we get back home, so there is no chance of us extending our stay like we did the last time. But again, I have to remind myself that my joy in life does not depend on where I am or when, the weather, or anything else. I just need Jesus.
So the final verdict? Taking a day from the beginning...but I will make the most of it! I hope it pours all it can the next day or so, so when we get there, there will be no rain left! Sorry for all my Manley Church friends there at beach camp!

After the yard sale I stopped in GB to check on how my friend's first solo shift was going, then had a core workout to do when I got home, so I didn't get to the shower until after 1:00! Also being tired, I was moving slow. I got stuff done around the house, but it just took a long time!

In my Bible study today, it hit two things that I encountered today: the glory of God's creation and doing every little thing, even the daily mundane tasks, to the glory of the Lord. Even though the weather at the park for my run this morning wasn't the best, it was still so refreshing to get out there in nature to run rather than on the roads again. I go to the park when I need an extra boost. "The whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3

The second page of today's devotion was with 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." Simple, but so meaningful in that God gives us ways that we can use things we already do every day to bring Him glory. So no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I have purpose. For my running, I can be thankful that I have the opportunity, in my eating, I can fuel myself to have energy to do what He brings me to each day. I have to eat well to be able to live well! I believe that is why this verse begins with eating and drinking. If I am not healthy, I can't do anything else. Even on days like today when I do seemingly menial tasks like help my parents at a yard sale, unload the dishwasher, or chat with someone on Facebook, I have the opportunity to do something positive.

This was not planned at all, but it is National Hamburger Day! Dad grilled for us after he got done working on the old house. It was really late, but I am getting used to that by now. It was a great coincidence that this holiday fell on Memorial Day this year, since so many people celebrate with cookouts. Just unfortunate that it was not good weather. I am not a big burger fan, mainly just the plan/premade kind (I need more flavor), so Mom let me buy some of my own choosing! These were chipotle salmon burgers from Aldi! She wants me to eat salmon because of the more fatty acids it has compared to other fish, but she hates the smell. So here we found compromise. I didn't have to eat a cardboard-tasting burger, and she didn't have to smell salmon in the kitchen!


Now for the end of the weekend!

I got an email from both Elli Quark and Aldi, that for a limited time, Aldi would be carrying Quark! None of the stores around here have it! Aldi is one of my favorite places anyways, so I had to go check it out. FOMO is real in my life. Now you may be asking, "What is Quark?" and I don't blame you. It's yogurt, kind of, but it's not. It's actually cheese. So rather than yogurt, it's like cheesecake in a cup! It is German-style, which takes a lot longer, but it has a unique taste and texture, along with cleaner ingredients, no added sugar (no added anything actually), and 12-17 grams of protein! This is one of those times when I take an opportunity to treat myself with something special even if it costs a little more.

New waffle again! I am also in the process of finishing many leftovers so I don't have to throw away or freeze much before vacation, so that encourages me to get creative! I am so happy that I've been able to get my waffle fluffiness back like I used to. I do better with the waffle iron than the pancake skillet, too, for now. This one was banana, avocado, and a new natural chocolate peanut butter that I picked up at the wholesale store. I really wish I had gotten more packets of it now! I used to not like avocado or guac much, but one day I got this sudden craving for it, and now I can't get rid of it. I think it is my body craving higher-quality fuel for my training. Adding moisture to waffle and pancake batter is key to getting the right consistency, too, so this is a win-win!

Finally, my Daniel Plan book that I ordered on eBay finally came! I have gotten the emails for a long time, but they have been so encouraging that I decided to get the book to read while I am at the beach. With this second opportunity at a great life and competitive running, I want to make more effort to take care of my mind, body, and spirit the way God intended so that I can live out my full potential!

Monday, May 28, 2018

Long Hours, but Short Time

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Long Hours, but Short Time8:59 AM on Saturday, May 26th


The day seemed to go by so quickly, but it was actually drawn out so far. I ran and luckily missed the rain again. It was off and on all day. I somehow got distracted before I took a shower and missed the opportunity to take a nap. It started when I put away some freshly washed running clothes and decided to pick out the clothes to take on my trip. I've saved up a lot of my new/nicer running clothes for this beach trip, and I get strategic with my color coordination! I have different stacks of various outfit options with each color combo. I am so happy to be healthy and getting even fitter! It just feels better to wear new clothes, too. I never want to wear my new things or use new products, etc because I am always waiting for "a better time," but I've come to realize that there really is no "better time" than now, because time flies by, and I end up with so many things unfinished. "Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16 This summer I am heading back into a new lifestyle with really running cross country, back to being more social, joyful, and sharing my life, so the time is now! It's already the end of May! Agh!
This is one of my favorite snapchat stickers with the cute little egg, and this Saturday I was really excited to try a new egg scramble that I thought up! It wasn't much special, but it was good and things my body needs after a run! I also needed to finish a bag of roasted chickpeas, so that helped, too. Egg, chickpeas, coconut oil, onion, and honey.
(I'm all about the free things. Yes, I take packets from restaurants.)
And of course to feature some highly relevant comics...
Before I knew it, it was time to go into work. Our hours have stretched out, so my shift would inevitably be later than it already is. We had a lot of customers, which is good, but it is also hard to train a new employee when we are having to serve people all the time. However, I plan my later nights when I will take a rest day the next day, so I am more at peace with being there late as well as taking a break the next day! This was the latest that I've been there, though. It could've been later, but we got just enough done to get by with having enough cones for the mall the next day.
Of course, Mom and Dad were already in bed when I got back, but I went in there and sat because they were watching one of our favorite funny movies: Dumb & Dumber! I was tired and just wanted to go to bed, but I know I can't sleep well if I'm too hungry, so I still ate some...making bed even later, but I know that's how these days go!

I know it's good for me to not be so strict about my timing and just go with the flow and "live a little," but I have gotten into a really late night habit all the time, and this is making my days hard when I have a lot to do or have to get up super early! Sometimes I get naps, but I need more night hours so I can get up early. Work and workouts and projects and summer fun need my time and energy! #PrayersPlease

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Extra Rest Day, XC Yay!

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Extra Rest Day, but XC is Here!
9:55 AM, Thursday, May 24th


This is the first week that the work schedule has been way drawn out from morning to night every day, so I am getting a taste of every shift option...not sure how I like it or how I will be able to work it with my workouts. Lots of work, right? Yeah, all kinds. Personal projects, making money, and training. I worked late last night, so I am taking an extra rest day! I actually enjoy that since I've been working there. Late shifts give me a greater incentive to fuel better post-run and to recover more the next day. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and hot, so I was sad that I had to stay inside. However, I spent the morning outside and did a nice bike ride (and ran up one hill for fun). Then I laid out and listened to last Sunday's church sermon that I missed until literally 15 minutes before my shift started, then rinsed off and changed clothes. I didn't even wear makeup.

I have finished the grain mix of buckwheat, quinoa, and millet that I've been using every day, so I am finally back to oatmeal and pancakes/waffles! Today I used a new peanut butter that I picked up at the wholesale store, and I really wish I had gotten more now! I am also so happy to get my fluffy consistency right again! This one has strawberries, blueberries, natural chocolate peanut butter, and an egg. Must say, one of my best.

I also made some great new smoothies at work today! #UpsaleCertified getting people to add fresh strawberries. The first guy said he liked orange creamcicles, so I suggested our mango and vanilla and added berries! The second was like strawberry lemonade, lemon sorbetto, fresh berries, and coconut milk! I am not a super trendy follower, but I do love nut milks' taste better than cows' milk.


But above all that, I am so excited that cross country season is finally getting started! It has been so long since I've really been training for anything, and my insides are full of fire and butterflies. I'm a little nervous, but really just fired up. I'm ready to get back into training and being with teammates! Coach has been sending out info and training schedules this week. It will be a lot of new things, but I'm excited to get started.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Resilience

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Over the Hump (fluffy dog, burnt backside)
9:09 AM on Wednesday, May 23

This day started out rough, but I got over the hump. It was also hump day, Wednesday, so I guess that fit. I've been super tired, and this run was tough, especially since there was a lot of wind one direction compared to what it has been being. I told myself during the run that it was good prep for the beach next week. I was glad to have more time at home before going to work later in the afternoon, so I went over to the old house and did one of those routes. I was feeling down and discouraged all morning, but on the run, I started getting over that hump, too. Mental energy affects physical energy, which didn't help me then, but once I got motivated, it got better. (There is also this huge fluffy dog in the neighborhood, and the past few times I've been there, he has followed me home. He's like a bear; I could cuddle him, but he is basically as big as I am.) I really need to change some things if I want to be able to have more productive days, keep my job while still doing all my cross country training, eat well, sleep well, and have time for family and friends.


Mom made dinner while I was gone running (yes, in the morning) because she was going to the old house to mow and get stuff ready for the yard sale. This let me have some time to myself and have a good meal to take with me. Thanks to Mom for making sure I get the fuel!



It was a beautiful day, so I was determined to take advantage of it! This week I've finally gotten to start working on my tan and getting used to the heat, but I know the beach will still kill me this year! I always tend to lay/sit more where my front gets more sun, so I laid on my belly all I could. That ended up being the whole time I was outside...hours! It was the hottest day I've had so far and the most sun I've gotten, hence the "burnt backside," but it wasn't bad. 



The (second) best part of the day was my fort! I was a creative kid, and it came back out today. I wanted to be outside, but also had so many things to do and look at on my laptop or iPad (emails, articles, calendars, Bible study, etc). As you probably know, you can't see those things well in the sun. BUT I made a cover for my head, papers, books, snacks, etc, while my body was still in the sun! That also helped me keep myself from overheating. To make it even better, there was an outlet right there, too. This was one of the greatest ideas I've had.


My Bible study that I did here today added to this day getting better! It was like a direct answer to my prayers. I've been so indecisive over what to do for my job and balancing my life, asking God to show me what to do. I have gotten so many little messages from God along the way the past few months, I had no doubt that He would somehow guide me, but I didn't know when. This Daniel Plan devotion started with Isaiah 48:17. WOW. The theme of the devotion was resilience. Dictionary definition-the ability to bounce back and recover from illness, adversity, depression, and the like. WOW. It kept on, hitting at simple things like if you don't eat a good breakfast, you can still eat a good lunch. If you make a wrong decision, you can learn from it and start fresh each day. When we face challenges, we can see them as opportunities. These are the things that I have been keeping in my mind to help me through the tough days. Yeah, the day may have started out rough, but every step of the day is a new opportunity.


I also worked from 4:45-10:30, training two new employees, but it was good, so at least that wasn't too stressful. My job is more tiring than you would think! But good coworkers make it so much better. Then I got to watch NBA on the couch and eat some more dinner with mom and dad. That is my favorite way to end the day.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Sliding Socks



9:04 AM on Monday, May 21, 2018

I would rather it be my socks sliding than rocks, but it was still a little annoying. With around 4 miles left to go, one of my socks totally fell off the back of my foot, and was only around my arch. The next one wasn't far behind. I was very thankful to be able to go to the park today because I was so tired and really not feeling a neighborhood run. I saw some little turtles, too! Praise the Lord for a day off! I really enjoyed it! Mom was gone most of the morning, so I had a little time to myself before she was back. After some time out in the sun and Bible study, I took a shower, deep conditioned, and did a face mask. Then I took a nap! It was not as long as I would've liked, but I needed to eat. But a quick yet quality nap is better than a lengthy yet cruddy one! I got to go back outside later, too. The sun took breaks about the same time I did.
I love to match the comics with my life, if you haven't noticed. Mutts often features my posts on their Instagram story! Those are flowers that Mom got from a student at her school. My post-run breakfasts are often random things so that they can be quicker so I can move on to other things or work. Lately, I have done about like that comic, having turkey bacon and sweet potato and some spice! A carb and a protein. Then I add some chickpeas or leftover baked beans.




Phoebe has become adventurous and finally stepping outside. She doesn't last very long, but she is getting better. I honestly want her to stay inside so that she is with us more! I have gotten attached lately.


Finally, National Strawberries and Cream Day! Thankful to the "$10 Box Store," I got to stock up on a lot of different flavors of these.


Today's Bible study time: 
Hebrews 13:5-6 was pretty fitting. But God always does that. I have also come to a place in my faith where I can make any passage relate to my life. I know the Bible is full of things we can use in the present day. I have come to admit that I am a hoarder, and I have issues with money! I like it, I love to shop, but I never want to spend money, and when I buy things, I never want to use them. But that is no good! I have no reason to worry about these things, because God will always give me everything I need. Getting a job has also been so good for me in that I can make my own money to pay for things and to save for later. Now I fear what I will do without one. I want to buy things for myself and for others, and I need to do so for the right reasons. Not be superfluous but be good to myself. Use the good things I buy, and take care of myself. Share and take care of others. But "Keep yourselves free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
So while my life may be sliding around like my socks, God's got me.


Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Life-Giving Energy

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I started out this day drained even though there were good things ahead. I had a lot to do before a wedding, grocery shopping, and work, but I ended up having a lot more time than I expected, so I took a devotion that I had gotten in an email out on the back deck. It was such a beautiful day that really helped set my mind and heart on a better track. God's Word has an amazing way of doing that.

I get the emails and follow on social media The Daniel Plan, because it is just so encouraging to living a healthy life for the glory of the Lord. This week's email was titled "Life Giving Energy" and that devotion was just what I needed! I have also been wanting to get my own health habits better, especially now that school is out, it's summer, and I'll be going away for school again next year, and running collegiality! I've always gone up and down with my health with a huge issue this time last year, so right now is a perfect time for God to really help me get it together. It's one of those inner motivations that you know can't come from anywhere else!

The opening verse was Genesis 1:29, "God said to them, 'I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of the earth and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food." Since the very beginning of time, God created the world for us to live in and live off of. He gives us all that we need. You think nature is good now? Imagine when it was perfect, and we were in perfect peace with it and God. Because of our own sins, trying to take things into our own hands (life and food), we are never fully satisfied, and our relationship with God isn't perfect (but that's why we get grace). To enjoy nature is to enjoy the simplest form of God's blessings.

This is why when you eat healthy, real food, you start to crave it more and more. It's satisfying. You feel good and good about it. Same with God. The more time you spend with Him, the more you want to and the more you learn. Just like with sin or any bad habit, with food, you have to take out the bad and replace it with good. You can't just get rid of something. It's always a struggle, but struggle is necessary to change, and it's necessary to grow closer to God. If everything was easy, we wouldn't need Him.

Change is a big fear of mine, and I have so many little habits. I like routine and comfort. But to better myself physically and mentally, I have to try new things. To be of better use to God, I have to go outside of my comfort zone, go new places, do new things, talk to new people, do things that I don't really want to but know that He is telling me to. One of the best things to keep me going is to remember that God has been faithful to give me success, safety, and joy in the past, and He will surely do it again.

I also have a hard time doing things just for me; I always want others to benefit too, so if I was going to do something to help myself just for me, I would usually put it off. To counter this, I remember that God knows our hearts and rewards accordingly. I need to take care of myself in order to take care of others. He wants me to be my best so that He can use me more and more.

"How abundant are the good things that You have stored up for those who fear You!" Psalm 31:19
He always provides! We don't have to worry. As long as we put in the effort to follow God's plans, He will fill in the blanks (or change things when we mess up because He's in charge anyways).

So now I am even more motivated to get and keep myself healthier! For myself, for God, for my family, for Chattanooga, to be a positive influence on all those that see me. I can't pour from an empty cup.
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So about this day ahead that I mentioned earlier! Turns out it could've been way different, but work is disorganized, so I never totally know until it happens.
I went to a friend's wedding at 2, and it was so great! I don't know how I am going to make it through my own wedding. The past few I've been to I almost cry thinking of walking down the isle with my dad. He has my heart already. I didn't get to go to the reception later that day, but I ran in the store real quick, grabbed something to eat at home, and went right back out the door to work. It was supposed to be at Mayo Garden Center in Knoxville. Long story short, the schedule got changed, no one told me, I was totally unprepared to take everything down there by myself, a relatively new employee was by herself in the shop on a hot Saturday night...you see many things wrong here?? So I stayed and worked the night shift with her. That was another little way God was at work. I got to help someone out, and we had a great time. That's one of the best things about my job; I get to connect with people.


Finally, there were some holidays today! National dog mom's day and national babysitter's day, and I am both! Two more things that give me joy, those kiddos and my doggo.


Saturday, May 5, 2018

Will Reap a Harvest

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"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially the body of believers." Galatians 6:9-10

Today's world is more demanding that ever. There are just way too many things pulling our time, energy, and attention in too many directions all at once. It's no wonder that we are all so stressed out and worn down. We can all fall guilty to being consumed by the world. It's part of being human. We lose sight of the simple things that matter most. We get so caught up in doing that we miss out on being. As life has really worn me down at times over the past year, getting back to the root of life is what fills me and helps me keep going. No matter where I am or what I am doing, there is purpose in it. I can find a way to serve God in any situation. He is in control and has us wherever we may be for a reason. We are in a spot that no one else is, and that is where we are to serve. While it may not be where you would put yourself, the goal is the same no matter what or where. Do good. Be that light of the Lord; bloom where you're planted. His blessings will come when we stop striving for more and are satisfied with where we are. His timing may not be when we would ask, but it is always best. Patience is hard, but it is worth it for his prize.

Yesterday evening after a draining week and especially draining day at work, all I wanted to do was sit down and rest. Seeing this first little bud of my plant filled my heart with some kind of simple pleasure. It reminded me of what I've been telling myself when I am worn down. I am here to serve the Lord. He will take care of me and give me the energy to do what He calls me to do. Today's devotion was on the passage in Luke 12, one verse saying that if God provides for the grasses to grow, how much more will He provide for us? We don't have to worry, but only trust Him. Everything else will come.

So when you feel drained or discouraged, remember that God knows your problems, your heart, your intentions; He loves and appreciates you even if it feels like no one else notices or cares. He rewards in ways that no one or thing on earth can, and that makes all the difference.