Third Time's the Charm

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Third Time's the Charm
9:10 AM on Tuesday, May 29th

This morning did not start off too well...I was late getting started to head to the old house to run, but then I realized I forgot my watch (which I had also done a day a couple weeks before). It was also raining. The weather forecast was wrong, as usual, but I don't like running in the rain. (At least it wasn't cold, I told myself) I hadn't gotten too far, so I turned around and ran upstairs and back out. Then after making it a little farther down the road, my windshield wiper flew off. Why? I don't know; it wasn't even raining hard. They were brand new wipers! Just a couple weeks old! So there I was, still driving down the road, called Mom to ask her what to do, and she told me to come back home because I can't be driving around in the rain with no windshield wipers (but I thought later now a legit reason to say that I couldn't go into work at moment's notice). Frustrated with circumstances but pleasantly surprised by Mom's encouragement, I headed out the door for a third time. This time I ran and made it the whole way with no disasters. The rain wasn't even bothersome.

Following this run, I was most excited to try a new egg scramble that I thought up. For some reason, I've been craving avocado lately. I didn't even like avocado until like two weeks ago. I think it's my mind and body trying to tell me something. So this bowl was scrambled egg (which I do in the microwave--so fluffy and fast!), avocado, and onion. And coffee, always (unless it's tea). "Life is crazy good" even though today life started out just crazy. I'm thankful to have been safe, healthy, and able to run.

After taking one last day to do a deep conditioner and face mask, I worked on some clean up and packing tasks around the house then laid down for a nap. When I'm having a hard time, this is something that I have come to cherish to get me through a day. My sleep has not been acceptable the past few months, so I'm trying to make up for it where I can. It was a great nap, too.

Lesson learned, I can get blood drawn and shots no problem, but stick something through my ear, and it tears me up. I'm personally fine with it; there is just something about the afterthought of there being a hole punched through my cartilage that makes me sick when something goes wrong. Long story short, I tried to change my stud to a hoop, and it was a curved post that I could not get in the right angle. I finally did, but then I couldn't latch the back, asked for Mom's help, and that was even worse than just trying to get it through my ear. I almost passed out/threw up twice and ended up leaving it until the next day not even latched in the back.

Next up was another new wonderful waffle! I really like carrot cake, and I discovered that using leftover canned carrots from previous dinners is one of the tastiest things...I've started using it in both oatmeal and waffles! I'm also in that point before vacation where you throw together random leftovers, so in this batter was also some peas, white beans, and pineapple juice. For the carrot cake affect the batter also had almonds and raisins, which is more normal. The topping was peas, carrots, honey, juice, and maple peanut butter.

Another habit that we have gotten into is eating dinner really late. So this night Mom and I actually sat down around 7! That was early! So I took a break between dinner and dessert to do my devotion for the day.

I have all kinds of Bible study things I would love to get to, but I have come to really believe in quality over quantity. Some days I may only get through a few verses or one small page in a devotional, but it can still speak to my heart more than much lengthier things sometimes. All it takes is a little work of the Spirit. The last in a series of 4 about seeking to glorify God, this was focused on trials. In Philippians 1:29, we are told to remember that with believing in Him includes suffering for Him. But we can find peace when we suffer in living for Christ because then we are doing something right. If life was easy in this world, if the world accepted us, we would not be living the life Christ has called us to. What really stood out to me here was the direction of prayers. It is natural to want to pray for relief from a circumstance (even Jesus asked if the Father could save the world any other way), but the way we should turn our hearts is to change our attitude. The challenges we face are great opportunities to grow personally and to share with others. “Tests lead to testimony.” I can surely attest to that. No, I don’t like all the things I have been through, but I am thankful for them. I may have failed, but I have received grace, mercy, and strength to come back and be able to try again, and more importantly, to share the encouragement that I have received with others.

Speaking of encouragement...Beth Moore is a good one, and I am glad to see that she seems to support the Warriors! GSW FTW.

And it was national paperclip day. Small, but so handy! Papers, picking out things, poking things, unlocking doors...

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!

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

Savoring Summer

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 The last week of summer break approached faster than I could imagine.  It hardly even seems like we had a summer.  I spent every moment I could outside, soaking up the sun.  I love summer weather so much, I don't know how I get through the rest of the year.  This summer was one of the best, but there's still fun left to be had, always things left that I want to do.  Here are some things that I squeezed into that last little bit.

I had this little event planned for at Panther Creek one morning to invite people to do a little devotion and bring items to donate to Food on Foot as they have a rush of needs at the beginning of the school year.  They are always open for donations and volunteers, and I believe that this is a great way for anyone in Morristown to help the people right here where we are.  This world is a pretty dark place, but God is the light that overcomes it all.  When we are filled with Him, we are also a light that He uses to reach out to others.  I am really motivated this year to live differently, do new things, make my life a better gift to the Lord!

This is the view of the lake from where we met.

I have a friend who graduated from Tennessee High a couple years ago and now runs cross country and track for ETSU named Macy Carrier.  She is such an example to this world of how to be a light!  I see her heart for others at work all the time, and it makes me smile and want to do more myself.  Living life like that really is contagious.  You don't have to boast in all you do; people notice.  "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."  2 Corinthians 10:17  She has gone on mission trips, babysits, and is just a positive example in general.  The past two years, she and some friends have even put together very successful 5k races to raise money to build a well of clean water and to raise money for a children's home.  I came upon this article about her from her town's newspaper that tells a lot about how great a girl she is and learned some things even I didn't know!  I just wanted to take a moment to share a little about her!

 There for a while, it rained at some point, usually multiple times, every day for a couple weeks.  That obviously frustrates me!  I redecorated my dry erase board with this verse and picture to try to keep my perspective right.  I am blessed, and I shouldn't let a little rain ruin that!  (Although that is one of my most difficult times to be positive.)

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all the living creatures of every kind on the earth."  Genesis 9:16

I couldn't believe it; after our team's cross country camp, I made RunnerSpace again!  This was two weeks in a row!  (Jessica and I were flying high-bottom right)

I don't watch a lot of tv, but when I do, it's usually with my mom and dad at dinner.  We always watch sports if there's a good one on or Big Bang Theory.  That show just cracks us all up!  However, my dad laughing so hard, or as mom says, "getting tickled," is funnier to me than the actual show.  Sheldon is my favorite.  Here he is with all his cats. 

This summer the weekends just did not work out for the lake, which makes me sad!  I am used to spending all Saturday and Sunday out at the lake, as well as the long weekend Mondays!  This year, I have only been out 3 or 4 times total!  Mom and Dad went a few more times, but between house projects, family events, vacations, camps, and bad weather, this was the least we have ever been out to the lake.  We took a couple weeknights to go get some skiing water while we had the chance.  It's so nice at night; there are few people and calmer water.  It's quite peaceful!

We had to take a picture together to prove that I really did get to hang out at the lake some!  Erika and I have literally grown up together on the lake.

When you have a long day at the lake, dinner to go is convenient.  By that time, we're usually pretty hungry, too!  We often stop by Taco John's.  They have room for us to park the boat, too, so that helps!

I actually found this verse a while back, but couldn't find a time to work it in, but I gotta share what I learn!  I hate feeling like I'm wasting time, so this verse goes right along with that.  If you waste the time God gives you, you're not going to have anything good come out of it, or you may find that your free time is taken away!  When you put your mind to doing good, God will help you succeed.

As a little kid, I would daily sleep in until around 10:30 when Mom would come drag me out of bed.  There's no time for that anymore!   Sleeping in is considered 7:30-8:30, sometimes 9:00, but I do cherish a good night's sleep!

I really like this quote.  Every day is a new one.  Take it on as a challenge!

Another positive quote I came across was from Aristotle:  "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work."

New phone wallpapers!

"...See how the flowers of the field grow...If that is how God clothes the grass of the field...will He not much more clothe you?...So do not worry...But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Matthew 6:28-31, 33

I got paid a couple times during this last week of summer!  I dog sat for my neighbor's grandkids and bathed my own dog for mom and dad.

Even more money!  I find change almost every day.  I am a professional runner.  I get paid.  Kinda...

After losing my beach tan during the weeks of rain when we got home from the beach, I have finally gotten it back!  This weather has been pretty great lately, hot, humid, sunny.

I feel like this is how my parents look at me all the time.

And speaking of food...

The Florida State coach came over for dinner and dessert one night to talk about me and their running program, which was really cool!  We fixed grilled chicken salad because that is something just about every single person, especially athletes, likes, and it is simple to make!  I had to snap a picture because it was the prettiest salad I've ever made.

The meal on the right is a new thing I've decided that I like together.  It is also one of the best post-workout meals I could make, too!  It's sweet potato with it's cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg topping; fish with some seasonings; and chia seed on top of it all!  I added some turkey sausage to this one, too, for an extra umph.

More new goodies I've found at the store for heading into school

I am stocked up on protein bars for like months, but there are just so many varieties of flavors that I love!  Kind is also a great brand with tons of good-for-you ingredients.

 

On our way back from a visit to Alabama, we stopped in the Target to look around, nothing special in mind, but you just can't pass up a Target!  I ended up getting these two gelatos and a yogurt to have for my road trip dessert!  I also got a new granola to have on hand, which is a variety available exclusively at Target!  These were all new products to me, and they were all a success!

These are two new protein bars I found at Walmart.  They're pretty good, but not my type.  After I finish them, probably not getting anymore!  They are very chewy!

We have a new race this year at a new location, so we had practice there one afternoon to try it out.  It is in a mowed hayfield, so it's pretty hard to breathe!  Along with the recent weather and no shade to be found, it was a tough afternoon.  But there were some really pretty sunflowers!  You can find good anywhere if you just think about it. 

"For all people are like grass, and their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord endures forever."  1 Peter 1:24-25

My main goal (going along with using it for the Lord):  Enjoy Life.

"So I commend the enjoyment of life because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad.  Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him."  Ecclesiastes 11:8

 Simple, yet so wonderful!  Here I was participating in "enjoyment of life...under the sun,"eating a dark chocolate chip waffle, drinking coffee, and followed the rest of the day with even more joy in what I did!

Last thing before school started on Monday:  sub deb pledge tea at the country club.

We all got dressed up and had a dessert buffet while we got to introduce ourselves to the freshmen and their moms and talk about some things we're going to do this year!