2011 Here we come

Like most of us, I've been reflecting on 2010 and deciding what my goals are for 2011. I've tried to think of goals for the next year that will enhance my life, spiritually, physically, and mentally.

First things first - 2010 recap

February - Went on my first cruise to the bahamas and played with dolphins.
April - Visited friends for a weekend in Nashville.
May - Spent Memorial weekend in Louisiana - drove from Kansas City and saw everything in between!
July - Walked and completed my first 5k!! Looking forward to doing that more in 2011.
August - Spent a week's vacation with my parents - went to Fort Knox and watched my baby brother graduate from boot camp.
September - Went to Colorado Springs for Labor Day.
November - I turned 30!!!!! Went to Chicago to celebrate.
December - Children's Christmas program, shopping, Nebraska for Christmas.

These are just the high points. The summer was rather emotional with my brother leaving, my grandpa getting sick, etc.


NOW - Goals, etc for 2011

1. Talk to the people I love more often - I have one set of grandparents left, that I rarely see... my goal is to talk to them, and other people I love, more often, whether it's texting, random notes on facebook, cards, or calling.
2. To visit Nebraska more often, and not just on holidays - While this seems like a weird vacation destination, it's where I'm from, and the aforementioned loved ones live. :) Generally I only go on holidays and rarely see friends that live there... no more!
3. More gym time - I've been good, but it's time to get serious!! One night a week is devoted to the trainer. She gives me 'homework' to work on the other 3-4 nights that I workout. Game face on!!
4. More Bible/God time - For Christmas I got a devotional journal and prayers for women. Also going to try that whole 'reading through the Bible' thing. :)
5. Read 12 new books - One book a month; can't overdo it, I'm a busy girl!! :)
6. Go MAD - Do one random act of kindness a week. Whether it's buying breakfast for the person behind me at McDonalds or doing a favor for someone, without them asking and not expecting something in return.
7. Less tech time - Biggest Loser's Bob Harper has a challenge for 2011: Turn off your phone one day a week and be less reachable. If you can't go an entire day, go an HOUR. These days an hour with no technology seems like the world is ending! Another one of my friends challenged this year for every 20 minutes on facebook, spend 20 minutes in the Word.


My One Word doesn't focus not on resolutions, but on a word that is your vision and character for the year. My word for 2011 is CRAVE. I plan on reading Lysa Terkeurst's book "Made to Crave" but more than that, I crave more of life, more of my relationship with God! "Made to Crave" is just that.... satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food. I crave the change, the zest, the joy!

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Play practice, Christmas parties, no time!

I love the Christmas season, getting together with people. What I dislike is running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I dislike being tired and cranky... How do I get out of the holiday blues?!

Quote of the Day

"The reason people find it so hard to be happy is they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is and the future less resolved than it will be." - Marcel Pagnol"

Chicago

There was nothing better than celebrating 30 years with my best friends in Chicago. We had originally gone to see the Festival of Lights parade on the Magnificent Mile. Turned out the parade wasn't so magnificent, but we had a great weekend full of great food, laughs, and fun!

At House of Blues for Gospel Brunch!

At the Aquarium!

Sprinkles cupcakes are AMAZING! It's ok, I worked off the calories walking stairs at the train station! :)

Happy Holidays from Navy Pier!

Amazing Hawaiian French Toast @ Eleven City Diner

I ordered this...

[Image from Google images]

and I'm super excited about it! :) Can't wait to capture the Holidays with it!

Thanksgiving

T - Truth
H - Home
A - Accomplishments
N - New mercies every morning
K - Kindness of others
F - Family
U - Uniqueness
L - Love


I have so much to be thankful for. I'm truly blessed with the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for. So much encouragement and support, I couldn't ask for anything more. Count your blessings, not just today, but everyday. Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with sounds of laughter and feelings of love.

Birthday changes

Well, a new decade is here! It feels pretty good actually. I've been so focused on my goals for the last year, but as of late I've forgotten about them and have been working on making some changes instead.

New habits: I've started working out with a personal trainer each Wednesday. She gives me homework to do throughout the week when I'm working out by myself. I think she might be trying to kill me. :) Now, if I could just stop eating... or rather, eat healthier. What fun is that?! Sidenote: It has been helping to attend birthday parties and shower with my trainer because then I'm aware of what I'm eating. LOL

Keeping up with old habits: I'm still trying to get through the Bible... not jumping in feet first because I will quickly lose interest. Also going to attempt to blog (and read/comment) and read books!

New look: As I posted a few days ago, I got braces two weeks ago. Looking forward to the end result... already. :) They aren't hurting so far, I'm just mildly annoyed with brushing my teeth so much.

Keeping up appearances: I entered my 30's with Alex Haley... oh no. May need to fix that before my birthday trip.

All in all, it's time to start thinking about and taking care of myself. Maybe something I should have started at 25, but it's better late than never, right!? Might think about going to bed earlier too... hmmm. My birthday's over in an hour -- I won't be awake to see it end. Have a fabulous Tuesday!!

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Saturday of parties on little sleep.

Today I'm doing Operation Christmas Child packing party, birthday party for a 10 year old... feeling like I didn't sleep much last night. Have a great Saturday everyone!!

It's your job

Have you ever known the women who are stay at home moms to beautiful children, yet seem annoyed at their existence? I understand that spending 24/7 with your kids can be a little wearing, but being a stay at home mom is your JOB. Included in this job description is laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, etc. When your kid says they don't want to go home because it's dirty.... there's a little something going on and maybe you should listen.

Granted, I'm a single girl with no kids. I work with kids two days a week and see a LOT of parenting skills. Some good, some... not so good. I admire those parents who are stay at home parents, I hope that if I have children someday, I'm lucky enough to be one.

Now... these same women have one child and one on the way. Seemingly annoyed at the thought of pregnancy, yet before this WANTED to get pregnant. Ummmmm.... it probably hasn't changed since you had the first one. I'm just saying.

Hmmm

I never thought I'd be heading to the 30... with braces. It's been a week and three days. At first my mouth wasn't that sore, tonight it kind of does... and I find my jaw hurting the more I talk - which is really helpful at work. :)

One of my friends posted this verse when he got braces: "Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. " Psalm 34:8 At first I thought it was funny, now I get it.

If you have never had braces, try to imagine... this contraption holding your cheeks so your teeth don't get wet... then another device holding your tongue. Then come the tools and fingers in your mouth. It was quite the experience I must say.

Here's what I've learned:
1. Biting a sandwich feels weird.
2. Wax is your friend, even when you think you don't need it.
3. I'm already sick of brushing my teeth.
4. Even when you're 30, people will act like they're 10 and call you names like "metal mouth."

I was kind of dumb and made my appointment at 8:30 on a Monday morning... this is me that afternoon. I was sore and felt like I was on drugs. :)

I go for a check up in six weeks. Wowsa. :) It's a lot to handle and a lot going on in my mouth.

Four months away!

While ago I posted a list of 15 things I want to do before I turn 30 - in November. I thought I'd give a little progress report of how I'm doing! :)

1. Lose weight - more specifically; ALL the weight I need to reach my ideal weight. I'm working out more, and just completed my first 5k!
2. Go on a missions trip - Complete!!! Haiti was a wonderful experience. Can't believe it's been over a year!
3. Go on a cruise - And it was fabulous! I'd love to go on another one -- soon!
4. Take care of my debt - Still working on this one...
5. Swim with dolphins - Well, I didn't get to swim, but I did play with one!
6. Go to Boston - My favorite city in the world! I absolutely fell in love with the entire atmosphere!
7. See the Red Sox play at Fenway. - Yup... sang "Sweet Caroline" in the middle of the 8th inning and everything!
8. Meet the currently faceless man of my dreams. - Well... God hasn't brought him my way yet. Keep praying. :)
9. Learn to play the piano. - I'm currently calling a couple of people about lessons. Hopefully will start soon!
10. Grow in my relationship with God. - It's better... need to keep daily in the Word and prayer and make healthy choices for my spiritual life.
11. Improve the relationship with my parents. - I talk to my mom every day. My dad is another story...
12. Become a better communicator. - Well...
13. Stop sweating the petty stuff. - I'm going to prayer about more things, but it's always a challenge.
14. Broaden my culture horizons - Haiti definitely did this!!! I'm trying to get better about finding things locally as well, but my random event planner has felt the need to move to Wichita - whatever to her. ;)
15. Read the entire Bible. - I started and got bored in the OT... just found an intense reading where you can read through the Bible in 90 days on youversion.com, so working on that.

5k!

This weekend was a giant hurdle for me and I think it has inspired so much more.

Might seem small, but yesterday I completed my first 5k... I walked it, but I completed. It took me 1:08:20, but I completed. I have tried doing the couch to 5k, but I'm so not built as a runner. I hope to maybe be eventually be able to run it, but not now.

Yesterday's walk/run was to benefit SIDS. I walked with the K-Love/Air1 team, but the other members are runners. I have to admit when I pulled in the parking lot, I was nervous. A little intimidated by the runners, but quickly got over it. Right now the next one I'm doing is in October. :)

After the 5k

K-Love/Air1 team after the race

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

VBS takes the place of painting!

It's been a crazy week around here and it's about to get even more crazy. VBS starts on the 18th, so the next week will be spent buying craft supplies, painting decorations, and getting the church turned into a Rainforest. :)

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Next two weeks consist of PAINTING!

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Organizing bedroom while thunderstorms roll through.

Pretty much sums up my day! Hope everyone has a great weekend. :)

My bro

My Dear Dylan,

Seventeen years and 5 months ago, I was annoyed with getting another brother. Today, I could not be more proud of you. I admire you for making the decision to serve our country and do your own thing. I'm so glad that you turned out to be 'my buddy' like mom always said.

I can never express in words what I'm feeling. I cry because you're growing up. I want you to still be seven! :) I will see you in August, where I will definitely be crying. I'll tell mom to pack the tissues. I love you, baby brother, more than you know.

Love,
Your big sister



Today, I'm a [little] teary-eyed because my baby leaves for Basic Training at Ft. Knox.

Random Tuesday

First of all ~ I hate blogging when I ask people to do something (i.e. donate money to a cause). I'm not asking for donations, but I am asking for your votes. Below is an email I received this evening from a friend:

Dear Family & Friends,

Over the last two years Defining Media LLC has been producing the documentary Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America. The team is now heading into the final stages of post-production for the documentary and has been selected as a finalist in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge for the month of May. They’re in the running for $25,000 in finishing funds that will be the needed financial push to bring this film to reality – bringing all the important messages that Ms. Wheelchair America stands for to the greater public.

This is the final week of the Pepsi Challenge and they/we need your help. Right now DEFINING BEAUTY is ranked 117^th, they need to drop to the top 10 to win. In the first week they joined the challenge they went from 224^th to 80^th in three days so I really believe that they can get into the top 10, but only if all our contacts are tapped.

First, please register and vote here:

http://www.refresheverything.com/definingbeauty

Then, VOTE EVERY DAY until May 31^st.

Finally, send this message to all those that you think are in support of advocacy and change for the disabled and able-bodied communities across the United States

I was part of Ms. Wheelchair Nebraska for 5 years before moving to Kansas. It is so near and dear to my heart and these women are the most AMAZING people I've ever met. If you'll remember, I blogged about my friend, Crystal, eons ago. Your votes are appreciated! I had so much on my mind tonight, but I so need to find my pillow. Good night, all!

Playground

This morning I was watching my church kids run around the playground. I started thinking about when I was little and we'd get the swing going super high and then jump off. Now days adults freak when kids do this, and I find myself getting all motherly.

Remember when we had the metal slides and during the summer you'd burn your butt (literally) going down?! The tricks just to get down without getting hurt. Or flying across the metal monkey bars to get to the other side of the jungle gym...

It's so crazy how much the little things change sometimes. What playground equipment do you remember?

No More Excuses

I read a wonderful blog about body and Biggest Loser at Goddess in Progress and it got me thinking about my own struggle. *If you have yet to watch last week's Biggest Loser, exit now!*

Last week Daris had a struggle with food and ate way too much and gained 2 lbs the month that he was at home, despite the fact that he was training for a marathon at the same time. It's a mental thing, I get it. It doesn't matter how hard you've worked or how good you've been, you daily make choices. So Daris and Koli were below the yellow line and it's up to America to vote their favorite into the top 3. I voted for Daris, not only because I get his thinking, but he's cute! I mean really. :) Koli drives me bonkers because he is so consumed with winning the game, I think he needs to be knocked down a few pegs.

Recently I joined a 5k run/walk team. I thought it might be the motivation I need. In the next couple of days, I'm going to be starting Couch to 5k. I was going to start today, but I ended up painting all day and I'm sore from going up and down the ladder. Lame? Maybe, but at least I was being productive. Right? :)

Now - must sleep so I can chase kids in the morning!

Season of Lent

A month ago I experienced one of THE most emotional Ash Wednesday services in my life. Being raised a Lutheran, I've gone to plenty of Ash Wednesday Services, but this time, my heart was different. The congregation wrote on a piece of paper what we were giving up. As I wrote down my sacrifice for the next 40 days and left the piece of paper at the cross, I cried. Maybe it was the realization, that this time, I was truly MAKING a sacrifice. Completely getting the sacrifice that God gave for me. For us. My sacrifice was fast food. If you know me and what my schedule entails, this, indeed, is a sacrifice.

As Lent has progressed, Christi and I have had conversations about what God is trying to tell us. My message has been forgiveness. I don't usually have a problem forgiving, but as of late there has been two. I've been to conferences, church, etc. and every time I attend, the message is forgiveness. Yes, Christi, I get it. :) So... God and I are working on it. That's all I can say for now.

With 9 days left until Easter, this week being Holy Week, I can't wait to see what God has in store for the rest of the year! God is shaking me and working in my heart like He's never done before.

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Worship in beautiful weather is great!

I'm spending the weekend in Branson, Missouri at Young Christians Weekend, taking place at Silver Dollar City. Today was gorgeous and sunny, until late afternoon when a short thunderstorm rolled through... although the promise of a double rainbow that took place after just completed the day.

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Girls + sleepover = I need a nap!

My Heart...

It's been awhile. I'll apologize later for my absence in the blog world. Right now I need to share my heart with someone. Anyone. After yesterdays earthquake in Haiti, my heart is numb and emotional. I was in Haiti less than a year ago.. in Jacmel, which is approximately 25 miles from Port-Au-Prince. Jacmel has hotels and buildings down all over town. The news right now is that the orphanage of the Hands and Feet Project is ok. No damage, although they've been sleeping outside for fear of aftershocks. Even today they were having aftershocks that measure over 5.0.

Today on K-Love they had a Haitian Pastor call in to the morning show. He led a prayer that brought me to tears. I feel so helpless...

What can I do? I've been praying continually. I feel like it's not enough. I wish I had money to make a giant donation to help. Here's the thing... as Christians, we're called to take care of the orphans and widows. All of us need to do SOMETHING. We need to respond and put our faith where our mouth is and help. I'm not saying you have to send a ton of cash. If each person sends $5 or $10, it will make a difference.

There are many missionaries and U.S. groups over there that need our prayers. Their families need prayers for strength that their loved ones will be ok. Along with missionaries, there are many organizations over there as well. If you feel led to make a donation to help one of these organizations, please go to K-Love Radio website and view the list... or you can go to the website for Hands and Feet Project and make a donation directly to them.

Go... and be the hands and feet of Christ. Show the love of God, maybe to someone who doesn't know Him...