Calling all runners:

Ok, I am, well, was training for a 5k.  I started with two miles, and yesterday I didn't just hit my goal of 3.1 miles, I actually ran past it!  I'm now 5k ready!

I got a little spark of motivation at my "turn-around" goal and just kept going.  I know it's only four miles but for me that is a huge step.  It was the most rewarding feeling on the way back, but it was also starting to get really painful.  As I reached the 3 mile marker, the sides of my shins started to burn.  I don't mean like oh my calf muscles are starting to cramp up, I mean my bones felt like they were on fire.  Ouch.  I think it has a lot to do with the types of shoes I wear while running, so that leads me into the purpose of my post, I need advice.

1. What types of shoes should I be running in? Anyone have any favorite types?
2. I'm not a fan of bananas... I'm also not a fan of cramping up on my run, so I need some potassium, right?  Well, what else is good for cramping up, oranges have potassium... I think, help!

A little advice that I've found helpful on my journey thus far:

1. Listen to music while you run.  I see people running with music all the time, I just haven't felt like it because I didn't want the headphones swinging around, and I didn't want to hold my iPod in my hands... no. Do it. 
2. Bowman saw a cat on a run about a week ago, and he pulled so hard I almost fell into the road.  That's when I knew something needed to be done. I saw this on Claires blog, and decided to give it a try. It's called the Gentle Leader, and it's basically a miracle worker on leash training.  Bowman is over a year old, and until this little gadget he thought he was taking me for walks rather than the other way around.  When I say this leash works, I mean instantaneously this leash works.
3. Stretch. Stretch stretch stretch.  I didn't think anything about stretching, I don't like it, it hurts, it takes more time-- I literally thought of every excuse not to stretch.  About a week into running I didn't stretch at all one Monday, went out for my normal run, and woke up the next day with the worst pain in my back. I could hardly breathe, couldn't lift my arm, it hurt. Alex gave me a "told ya so", and I've stretched since.

I'm officially 5k ready, and the run isn't until October.  Maybe I'll extend my goal to a 10k.  

Well, baby steps for now.

Just because

 

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."  

-Marianne Williamson

Wow.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Signing up for texts from Newspring could quite possibly be the best decision I've ever made.  I'm not sure if its on purpose or not, but I always receive the texts around the time that I wake up in the morning, and they serve as a tiny reminder about what I heard/ learned the in the last sermon.

This week Perry preached on why we shouldn't worry about the economy, and money (watch it here, seriously... everyone can relate to this). I feel like the closer and closer I get to growing up, the more and more finances can really stress me out.  But after really reflecting on Perry's message I wondered, when has God ever really let me go without?  Perry recommended that we take just 10 minutes to sit and think, or jot down, everything that the Lord has given us.

Mine hardly fit on one page.  There is so much that Lord has blessed me with, and it's foolish to think that I need money or any materialistic thing to bring me joy.  As I sat and thought about what I wanted to put I began to realize that the Lord works in mysterious ways... I know, that sounds cliché, but it is so true.  Doesn't it always seem like eventually everything works out? My mom always told me that things have a way of working out, and I'm just now starting to realize that when you're at your breaking point, perhaps its God who gives you a little push to make it through.  The little push could be: kind words from a friend, financial help or some financial miracle, perfect "timing", there are so many instances in my life where circumstances just happened to work out.  The Lords capabilities are endless, so it seems ignorant not go to him for help, for guidance, but also for praise and thankfulness.  

Some things that I'm feeling utterly thankful for lately:

1. My friends, family, and loved ones.  Through all of this I have support, happiness, laughter (a lot, actually, a ton of laughter), good memories, and strong bonds. 
2. I want to put an emphasis on family, I've never gone a day without a roof over my head, without food to eat, without a more than adequate education.  I've never gone a day without hope, without love, I am more than blessed for the family God has given me. 
3. My life.  Seems rather broad, but I mean it, my very existence.  
4. My health.  I'm so thankful that God created for me a healthy, able body, and I try not to continuously take for granted how much of a blessing that is.
5. Forgiveness and rebirth.  It is because the Lord gave his only son, to wash away our sins and bring us back to life.  For this I am so thankful, for this I am obedient.  This brings me joy.

Spring fever!

Is it sad that it's only February and I've already got spring fever?!  With Clemson's bi-polar weather we've been experiencing i'm not sure if i'm going to step out into the freezing cold with a winter coat, scarf, and boots, or if i'm going to attend class in a t-shirt and norts (nike shorts).  

Lately I've been really contemplating a new wardrobe for student teaching (even though that's like a year away...) and so I'm attempting to stray away from my comfort zone with bluejeans.  I have a pair of above the ankle dark denim skinnies that I am absolutely obsessed with because they are so comfortable/ still classy and chic.  It's because of this, and my spring fever, that I'm really having a tough time not blowing my budget on these brightly colored skinnies that I could totally wear in the classroom! Here are a few I love:

find 'em here!

find 'em here!

find 'em here!

find 'em here!

Ready for spring? I know I am! What are you trying out this spring? 

The grammys: best, and worst.

I'm not sure if I was the only one so wrapped up in Valentines day specials on Sunday evening that I didn't even think to flip to the Grammys... "The Proposal" was on, so you'll have to excuse me because I'm a sucker for romantic comedies.  So in the midst of all of the best dressed, and worst dressed debates I decided I would take a look for myself.  In most cases I would have to say that I agreed with the NY Daily News, but in some cases I did not.  Here's a little bit about what I think about the celeb's and their Grammy attire (... but then again, what do I know, I'm just a southern girl with a simple style).

WORST

Nicki Minaj: I'm scared...

BAHAHA, ok now scared

Leave it to Snookie...

Why is her name Sasha.

But, along with the bad came plenty of GOOD

Twinkle, Twinkle, Carrie Underwood

As if Julianne isn't beautiful

Short and sassy, get it Kate!

Katy: eat your heart out Russell

Kelly is on fashion police

I didn't get to watch, but I did get to poke a little fun at my own personal do's and don'ts of the Grammys.  Just wondering, what did you guys think?

I did it!

First off, notice something different?  Although I tried to make an adorable blog template all on my own, it just wasn't user friendly.  So, I went here which I found on Ryann's blog, and bought a cute little template that was a little easier to navigate, and looks very simple and clean.

Also, big BIG news: I just wanted to share the fact that I finally did it, I got Baptized! That is undoubtedly VERY awesome, but I have even better news to share, my best friend/ boyfriend also got baptized with me.  If you had asked me two weeks ago, I would have assured you that I was going to hit that water either alone, or with a stranger; however, I couldn't have asked for someone better to experience that with.  A friend of mine actually got it on video (which I didn't even think to ask her to do), but I am so glad that she did!  So, even if you didn't get to experience it with me, you can still experience it here! I'm so so excited to see what the Lord has planned for both of us, and we'll both be completing the ownership class at Newspring on the 26, and then I intend to find some time to volunteer!  I'm really excited as well as enthusiastic about a chance to volunteer, and I would love the chance to volunteer at Kidspring!

On a completely other note, there is also some super interesting news about Alex that I'm excited to share.  Alex had CO-OP interviews all last week, and although he was a nervous wreck, I was fairly certain that he'd be absolutely fine.  And what do you know? I was right.  He made a list of his top five, and bright and early Monday morning his #1 and #1.1 (that's how close they were to each other) called within 15 minutes of each other.  The scary part of this is that he has to make a decision.... tonight. Now obviously he held one particular co-op above another, but the catch is one is in ATLANTA (two hours away), and one is in CHICAGO (feels like two-hundred-billion hours away).  So you're thinking, easy decision, ATL so you can stay close to your beautiful and brilliant girlfriend... welp, Chicago is offering a signing bonus as well as a little more an hour.  YIKES. Pray for him in guidance to make this decision, asap.  But honestly, I'm so proud of him I'd be happy with either one.

ATL

vs.

CHI-TOWN

The Super Bowl... Commercials.

I don't know about everyone else, but i'm neither a Giants fan nor a Patriots fan... so, basically I enjoyed the super bowl helping make delicious food, cleaning up, enjoying some time with friends, and watching HILARIOUS commercials.  I've heard some people say that they really didn't like the commercials this year... I just have to say that either they're crazy, or really difficult to entertain.  I thoroughly enjoyed some, and I figured I'd share them with you.

via YouTube

via YouTube

via YouTube

via YouTube

Be My Valentine

Well for one I can't believe it's already February, time seriously flies! Also, with the 14th coming up in less than two weeks I figured it was only appropriate to do a little Valentines day post.  I don't know about everyone else, but I find it extremely difficult to Valentines shop for boys.  When you think about it, they have it pretty easy!  They have a unwritten male checklist that they can follow and therefore there is no way to disappoint.  Flowers, check! Dinner reservation, check! Somewhat thoughtful but not even really necessary gift, check! Now of course, they can go above and beyond, but even if they do the bare minimum, they're on the right track.  Us ladies on the other hand, not that easy.

So, my first gift idea for your significant other (because guys, even your girlfriend would enjoy a homemade desert), thanks to Lauren Conrad I found a very scrumptious looking sweet treat that would make a wonderful Valentines day gift... they do say the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right?  Well i'm absolutely certain that this face is true for Alex, that boy loves to eat. These beautiful creations are Red velvet brownies with a White Chocolate buttercream.

via smells like home

Second, V-day cards a must.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a store bought card that's thoughtful, funny, or anything else really, but for this Valentines day I think it would be cute to make a card, that way its obvious that it took thought, effort, and it was made with love. I found so many great sites via pinterest for valentines day gifts, but one in particular you have to check out is here! They're so precious.

I'm on the prowl for some other great valentines day gifts! Share yours with me, trust me I need some help deciding! I'll make sure I keep you updated if we try these sweets and treats!