I love the Biggest Loser.. it is so motivating and encouraging. Definitely pushes me to want to be more serious about my health and how I care for myself. Sure - I drop the ball a lot of the time, but I guess the biggest lesson to be learned is to keep moving on, keep moving forward. So I'll see what I can do about that!
And one way I'm going to be doing that - is getting back to the running ladies! We're putting in our names again for the Nike Women's Half Marathon for this October. So to get back in to running mode - I'm going to have to start now...a solid 6 months head of time to be fully ready & prepared. But I'm looking forward to it... as MoMo & I describe it, those are our b***h sessions. Not always, and not for the full time. But there's something about running outside (rain or shine might I add...) and being with a great girl friend and being able to just spit out whatever comes to mind; that way you're not suppressing it internally. Plus it helps build a foundation of things to talk about on those long runs & especially during the big race. Though I have to admit, there were lots of long periods of time where we didn't talk -- just rhythmically moved along to the beeps of our watches telling us to walk or to run. I miss it more & more the more I talk about it....so here I go! Time to bust out my running shoes & watch again!
That being said...is anybody reading this? Hmm..maybe I'm just shooting thoughts out in to the ether here. And that's ok too - happy to just have an avenue to let loose those random thoughts.
Oh & by the way...this being Holy Week & all...we're having a Good Friday service at church this week at 7pm if you want to join. And then I'll be at the 9:30am service on Sunday for Easter if you want to join! Would love to see you and celebrate with you - plus we can jam together while my hubs plays on the worship team ! New Harvest Church on Portland Rd -- come join me!
<3
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
I'm Baaaaaack!
Well a week in the desert doesn't nearly seem long enough - especially when it's spent with my wonderful husband, fabulous parents, & hilarious brother. But it was such a blessing to be all together again, and Isaac fit in wonderfully, as could be expected.
We spent our time lounging by the pool, sharing "pupus" with our dear friends the Rands', cathching up with the Austell's (our friends from way back -- my dad & their dad "Uncle Bud" are best buds, went to Japan together, so we spent a ton of time together), took my brother to the casino 2 or 3 times, and took the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. And of course we made the hour drive to Anaheim to visit the happiest place on earth -- it was a great vacation all in all. I really couldn't have asked for a better vacation. Even the drive down & back with my folks was nice. Quiet, relaxing & beautiful scenery to pass the time. I also was reminded of how silly my parents can be. As they get older, they more and more funny.
So today, to try and stop as much chaos as I possibly could - I came in an hour early and pounded thru a TON of my work! I was pretty impressed with myself to say the least! ;)
But now it is back to reality, back to bills, back to work, back to trying to work out (I'm starting running again -- signing up for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in SF again this year...cross your fingers we make the cut again!), and back to making the Parker household a home. We're getting there - got two new dressers put together, a new TV in our room. It's almost come together. Next projects on the list: clean/organize the garage, clean/organize the office, re-do the backyard. Then I think we'll pretty much have a handle on it all. I guess I should probably put up a couple pictures of our completed spaces - just to have documentation of our progess. Yeah.... that's what I'll do.
Happy to be home!
<3
We spent our time lounging by the pool, sharing "pupus" with our dear friends the Rands', cathching up with the Austell's (our friends from way back -- my dad & their dad "Uncle Bud" are best buds, went to Japan together, so we spent a ton of time together), took my brother to the casino 2 or 3 times, and took the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. And of course we made the hour drive to Anaheim to visit the happiest place on earth -- it was a great vacation all in all. I really couldn't have asked for a better vacation. Even the drive down & back with my folks was nice. Quiet, relaxing & beautiful scenery to pass the time. I also was reminded of how silly my parents can be. As they get older, they more and more funny.
So today, to try and stop as much chaos as I possibly could - I came in an hour early and pounded thru a TON of my work! I was pretty impressed with myself to say the least! ;)
But now it is back to reality, back to bills, back to work, back to trying to work out (I'm starting running again -- signing up for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in SF again this year...cross your fingers we make the cut again!), and back to making the Parker household a home. We're getting there - got two new dressers put together, a new TV in our room. It's almost come together. Next projects on the list: clean/organize the garage, clean/organize the office, re-do the backyard. Then I think we'll pretty much have a handle on it all. I guess I should probably put up a couple pictures of our completed spaces - just to have documentation of our progess. Yeah.... that's what I'll do.
Happy to be home!
<3
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
St. Patty's Day!
Tonight I will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day at Momma Marilyn's house by feasting on her AMAZING corned beff & cabbage (along with other goodies!!)
She is one outstanding cook - one is sure to never leave her home with an empty tummy!
Yum! Can't wait! Hope you have a great St. Patrick's Day too!
<3
She is one outstanding cook - one is sure to never leave her home with an empty tummy!
Yum! Can't wait! Hope you have a great St. Patrick's Day too!
<3
random thoughts
I really am enjoying this blogging journey - but in all honesty, am a little apprehensive/uncertain of it as well. Who really wants to hear/read what's going on with me, what random thoughts are going through my brain, what things are changing in my relationship with Isaac, etc. I don't suffer from some over-inflated notion that I'm so important that people are just hanging on to see what happens next. Maybe it's just the uncertainty that I don't want to just put out energy for something that is of no value.... hmm....
Perhaps the value in this is the mere fact of having a place to drop my thoughts - pure & simple, good and/or bad.
On another note - things with Ike man are good. We've been counting the days until we leave for vacation and both of us need it bad. Ran ourselves ragged the last few weeks and need a place & time to just unwind & rejuvenate. This is much needed. It'll be interesting to see how things play out - our first "family" vacation with my folks & brother since the wedding. I'm sure things will be fine - but the dynamics are different, so we'll see.
My mom made mention this morning about my dad being forgetful and a little off. She seemed genuinely concern a bit. Prayers on that would be awesome. My pops is almost 60 - but I know he'll be around for a while. Just want minimum concerns right now - and want to enjoy being around him. I love that man - he taught me how to have standards in my life, how to work hard no matter what, he is a living example of how to make your life better no matter what your background is, and he taught me what it was to be cherished by the man in my life. I love that man - he's been an amazing dad over all, sure there were tough times and hard times....but in the long run, I couldn't ask, nor would I want to, for a better dad. He never forgot flowers on Valentine's day, Whitman's chocolates at Christmas, and always took me on father/daughter dates. He's awesome.
Phew...a little bit longer than I was expecting...
Now to finish work, chow down at St. Patrick's Day dinner at Momma Marilyn's. then PACKING! Palm Springs - here I come!! Photos/posts to come during the trip!
<3
Perhaps the value in this is the mere fact of having a place to drop my thoughts - pure & simple, good and/or bad.
On another note - things with Ike man are good. We've been counting the days until we leave for vacation and both of us need it bad. Ran ourselves ragged the last few weeks and need a place & time to just unwind & rejuvenate. This is much needed. It'll be interesting to see how things play out - our first "family" vacation with my folks & brother since the wedding. I'm sure things will be fine - but the dynamics are different, so we'll see.
My mom made mention this morning about my dad being forgetful and a little off. She seemed genuinely concern a bit. Prayers on that would be awesome. My pops is almost 60 - but I know he'll be around for a while. Just want minimum concerns right now - and want to enjoy being around him. I love that man - he taught me how to have standards in my life, how to work hard no matter what, he is a living example of how to make your life better no matter what your background is, and he taught me what it was to be cherished by the man in my life. I love that man - he's been an amazing dad over all, sure there were tough times and hard times....but in the long run, I couldn't ask, nor would I want to, for a better dad. He never forgot flowers on Valentine's day, Whitman's chocolates at Christmas, and always took me on father/daughter dates. He's awesome.
Phew...a little bit longer than I was expecting...
Now to finish work, chow down at St. Patrick's Day dinner at Momma Marilyn's. then PACKING! Palm Springs - here I come!! Photos/posts to come during the trip!
<3
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Afternoons
Usually the afternoons are when things calm down a bit for the day. I've done a ton this morning, called a bunch of people (mostly to tell them I'll be out of the office -- countdown: 2 days!!), and run around like a crazy person. But there are two things that seem to be getting me through the chaos of today... getting to spend lunch at Claggett Creek with great kids & Pandora on my phone.
Honestly - I think I would be one of the most depressing people if I couldn't listen to music. How awful. But thank the good Lord above for whomever invented Pandora, made the app, and keeps it running!
The other thing running thru my head right now is the message shared by my pastor on Sunday. Barry has been walking through a series titled "Fill the Holes in Your Soul" and this past Sunday his focus on was forgiving others. And one piece that really stuck out to me was the fact that my inability to forgive horizontally (i.e. to those around me) will inevitably affect my ability to receive forigveness vertically (i.e. from my Lord & Savior). What a gut check -- sure I'm forgiven, my salvation will never, can never be taken - but it's obvious that God has to forgive me daily, but if I'm stubborn and hard headed about giving forgiveness than how am I able to receive it? Check into Matthew 18:21 & on. Good stuff.
Headed to a middle school choir concert tonight - gotta love those 8th grade girls in concert choir. So fun.
Oh WyldLife... good to have you back in my life :)
<3
Honestly - I think I would be one of the most depressing people if I couldn't listen to music. How awful. But thank the good Lord above for whomever invented Pandora, made the app, and keeps it running!
The other thing running thru my head right now is the message shared by my pastor on Sunday. Barry has been walking through a series titled "Fill the Holes in Your Soul" and this past Sunday his focus on was forgiving others. And one piece that really stuck out to me was the fact that my inability to forgive horizontally (i.e. to those around me) will inevitably affect my ability to receive forigveness vertically (i.e. from my Lord & Savior). What a gut check -- sure I'm forgiven, my salvation will never, can never be taken - but it's obvious that God has to forgive me daily, but if I'm stubborn and hard headed about giving forgiveness than how am I able to receive it? Check into Matthew 18:21 & on. Good stuff.
Headed to a middle school choir concert tonight - gotta love those 8th grade girls in concert choir. So fun.
Oh WyldLife... good to have you back in my life :)
<3
Monday, March 15, 2010
One of Those Days
Have you had one of those days that from the moment you force yourself awake, you can just feel "it." The intangible "it" that follows you around? Nothing seems to be quite right - a bit off? Even as I type - that feeling is engulfing me. Spelling errors galore - and tons of time spect backspacing to correct myself.
Urgh!
It must just be the anticipation of getting out of town as soon as possible - and that is the only thing overwhelming my thoughts. So much so that everything else feels like an incredible burden. Hmm...I guess I need a little time off more than I thought! Or maybe I'm just severely Vitamin D deprived - thank the Lord for Palm Springs, family, DisneyLand, and relaxation! Now I just need to figure out what books I'm taking with me to read!
<3
Urgh!
It must just be the anticipation of getting out of town as soon as possible - and that is the only thing overwhelming my thoughts. So much so that everything else feels like an incredible burden. Hmm...I guess I need a little time off more than I thought! Or maybe I'm just severely Vitamin D deprived - thank the Lord for Palm Springs, family, DisneyLand, and relaxation! Now I just need to figure out what books I'm taking with me to read!
<3
Friday, March 12, 2010
Changes
Things they are a'changin' in our office. We have an agent leaving the team - and that is actually alright, and out right good! But this change is leaving a few things within our office that will need more coverage... So what does that mean for me? Simple...I'm getting my R/E license to help with the distribution of the work. I think it will be good. I'm not certain if real estate is what I will forever want to do, but for this season in life, it will work. I'll still maintain the administrative piece of my job primarily, but this added element will open me up to do some real work for commission. Which I think will be cool. Thankfully it's not a super pressure thing from my boss (aka mom) to be doing real estate full time right away. We'll see how this all works out & comes together. I'll keep this updated about that journey.
It seems like the closer I get to leaving for vacation the farther away it seems or the longer it seems to take for the days to pass. No matter.... it'll be here soon enough! Just hope that I have everything ready for the trip!
Countdown: 6 days!
<3
It seems like the closer I get to leaving for vacation the farther away it seems or the longer it seems to take for the days to pass. No matter.... it'll be here soon enough! Just hope that I have everything ready for the trip!
Countdown: 6 days!
<3
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Coming Into My Own
I'm starting to feel like I'm coming into my own. And last night at my small group - I could really feel that, for the first time in a long time. I so value that group and the two women who "lead" us. The wisdom & fun that each woman brings is awesome. And honestly, for a long time I felt like I didn't quite fit...at all. But ya know what, that's ok. I bring something different. My value within that group is just different -- not less than, not unworthy...different. We read thru I & II Peter and there were a couple things that stood out plainly & clearly to me.
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." I Peter 4: 7-8
and...
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." II Peter 1: 5-8
How profound to stay in the mindset that all those qualities must be built upon one another. Obviously I can't love if I'm not even kind. I can't be self-controlled if I don't have the knowledge to know what to be self-controlled about. Just a little nugget I found valuable.
Giving praise today for strong friendships - for growth of other friendships - and for challenges to help me grow.
<3
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." I Peter 4: 7-8
and...
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." II Peter 1: 5-8
How profound to stay in the mindset that all those qualities must be built upon one another. Obviously I can't love if I'm not even kind. I can't be self-controlled if I don't have the knowledge to know what to be self-controlled about. Just a little nugget I found valuable.
Giving praise today for strong friendships - for growth of other friendships - and for challenges to help me grow.
<3
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Muscle Thru!
Today is one of those days where you just need to muscle thru. Where you pick yourself up by your boot straps and keep moving forward. I can't even begin to tell you all the things I had to, and did, check of the list this morning. It definitely was a whirlwind by the time 11:30 rolled around.
But in the midst of all of that - I had to stop & be thankful. Thankful for a job number 1. Thankful for a gracious employer (aka mom) that keeps me employed. Thankful for work that seems to be pouring in from all angles -- so much so that it's hard to keep it all straight...though we're doing our darndest! And thankful that we know and trust that all of our hard work & long hours will be paying off soon.
And with all of that I am 100% ready to get the heck out of dodge & get to beautiful, sunny Palm Springs with my husband & family. I'm very much looking forward to the drive down with my folks. I think it will be a good time to just be together the three of us -- it'll be the first time since getting married. I think they miss me...and somewhat miss the way things used to be.
I was reminded last night how much I value Isaac and the man he is. He came home from a long, cold, wet, & frustrating baseball practice & helped me finish up the details for the WyldLife dinner/meeting at our house. Then he kindly spent an hour with the director's kids (who happen to be our neighbors too) watching Toy Story 2. Followed up with an incredibly kind gesture of doing the dishes while we met. How did he come in to my life? Where along the lines did I earn that gold star in God's book to be worthy of being with that caliber of man? He's awesome -- plain & simple. Thank Lord for him...for his kindness & generosity...for his love.
Countdown to Palm Springs: 8 days!!!
But in the midst of all of that - I had to stop & be thankful. Thankful for a job number 1. Thankful for a gracious employer (aka mom) that keeps me employed. Thankful for work that seems to be pouring in from all angles -- so much so that it's hard to keep it all straight...though we're doing our darndest! And thankful that we know and trust that all of our hard work & long hours will be paying off soon.
And with all of that I am 100% ready to get the heck out of dodge & get to beautiful, sunny Palm Springs with my husband & family. I'm very much looking forward to the drive down with my folks. I think it will be a good time to just be together the three of us -- it'll be the first time since getting married. I think they miss me...and somewhat miss the way things used to be.
I was reminded last night how much I value Isaac and the man he is. He came home from a long, cold, wet, & frustrating baseball practice & helped me finish up the details for the WyldLife dinner/meeting at our house. Then he kindly spent an hour with the director's kids (who happen to be our neighbors too) watching Toy Story 2. Followed up with an incredibly kind gesture of doing the dishes while we met. How did he come in to my life? Where along the lines did I earn that gold star in God's book to be worthy of being with that caliber of man? He's awesome -- plain & simple. Thank Lord for him...for his kindness & generosity...for his love.
Countdown to Palm Springs: 8 days!!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sweat It Out!
That's what I'm trying to do every morning -- or get as close to every morning as I possibly can. I've recently wanted to really start waking up early in the morning and taking advantage of my gym membership by getting into the gym early and starting the day off right. I'll be honest -- it's challenging for me. It's tough for me to wake up - but once I'm up, I'm awake. It's the initial waking up piece that's tough!
But I'm determined to make it a habit; strike that, a lifestyle! I've been somewhat consistent - but of course there's room for growth.
On a side note - I just saw a commercial for a show on NBC called "Who Do You Think You Are" where celebrities trace their family origins back as far as they can. Makes me think about that statement....I know who I am within my family, my circle of friends, etc. But the most significant piece about who I am is who I am in Christ! I'm slowly coming to the place where I know & believe that out of that all other things flow. Who do I think I am? I KNOW that I am a beloved, cherished child/heir to the eternal throne. What a gift! What a wonderful blessing! What a spectacular God!
I've been starving for a manicure lately -- note to self, must find quick, easy, economical home manicure experience! The digits are looking a little rough! haha
Countdown to Palm Springs: 9 days!! Wahoo!!
<3
But I'm determined to make it a habit; strike that, a lifestyle! I've been somewhat consistent - but of course there's room for growth.
On a side note - I just saw a commercial for a show on NBC called "Who Do You Think You Are" where celebrities trace their family origins back as far as they can. Makes me think about that statement....I know who I am within my family, my circle of friends, etc. But the most significant piece about who I am is who I am in Christ! I'm slowly coming to the place where I know & believe that out of that all other things flow. Who do I think I am? I KNOW that I am a beloved, cherished child/heir to the eternal throne. What a gift! What a wonderful blessing! What a spectacular God!
I've been starving for a manicure lately -- note to self, must find quick, easy, economical home manicure experience! The digits are looking a little rough! haha
Countdown to Palm Springs: 9 days!! Wahoo!!
<3
Doing My Civic Duty
Today I'm going to DPSST to help with their training for police recruits. I've done this before and had a great time. But I'll spare the details.
Just wanted to share a quick thought before I head out the door...
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ form the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade - kept in heaven for you..." I Peter 1:3-4
The gift I treasure the most is this gift of inheritance -- in LIVING hope. My hope resides in a living God, one who treasures me. What an amazing gift. Praying that revelation for all those dearest to me.
<3
Just wanted to share a quick thought before I head out the door...
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ form the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade - kept in heaven for you..." I Peter 1:3-4
The gift I treasure the most is this gift of inheritance -- in LIVING hope. My hope resides in a living God, one who treasures me. What an amazing gift. Praying that revelation for all those dearest to me.
<3
Monday, March 8, 2010
I'm Dreaming Of...
A couple of things I'm dreaming of right now...
a beautiful, spacious & completely ORGANIZED closet
going on a cruise... boy oh boy do I love cruising!
Beautiful Palm Springs -- only 10 more days!
Obviously the HAPPIEST place on earth!
And thankful for the gift of the chance to experience all of these.
<3
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Things I Am Thankful For
1. a multi-talented husband -- my goodness that man has so many talents! he can fix things in the house, make a plan for our jungle of a backyard (just waiting on that tax refund $$ to get to work!), paint beautiful pieces that I'm super proud to hang in our home, and many other things!
2. a mother who I know will always have my back - but won't let me live in la-la land my entire life. She is a wonderful woman who has worked hard in every area of her life. She challenges me to live my life to highest level that I can and to treasure those around me.
3. a home where Isaac and I can build our life together - we are so happy to be together, creating a life that is all our own. A home that is open to family & friends at any time.
4. a great group of friends that I truly give thanks to God for. They are awesome, I am so blessed. After many years of frustration and feelings of loneliness - these girls are an answer to many prayers.
and finally... quiet Sundays where I can kick up my feet and power up for the next week of craziness.
God is good and He is in all things -- I feel like I'm really starting to see His presence in all areas of my life. This is so fun!
<3
ps -- Ike & I are reading a book "God of Life - God of Darkness" about the Holy Spirits heart/love for native Hawaiians and Hawaii in general - very good. Give it a read! Definitely worth it!
2. a mother who I know will always have my back - but won't let me live in la-la land my entire life. She is a wonderful woman who has worked hard in every area of her life. She challenges me to live my life to highest level that I can and to treasure those around me.
3. a home where Isaac and I can build our life together - we are so happy to be together, creating a life that is all our own. A home that is open to family & friends at any time.
4. a great group of friends that I truly give thanks to God for. They are awesome, I am so blessed. After many years of frustration and feelings of loneliness - these girls are an answer to many prayers.
and finally... quiet Sundays where I can kick up my feet and power up for the next week of craziness.
God is good and He is in all things -- I feel like I'm really starting to see His presence in all areas of my life. This is so fun!
<3
Friday, March 5, 2010
Hi My Name Is Anna, And I'm A Slacker...
Alright Alright -- I know to the blog-o-sphere, waiting 5 months to update a blog is in some ways a major sin against humanity. But may I please beg for forgiveness. My last update was done right in the middle of football season - and then that ended, and it was time to get focused on my marriage. Since I was actually able to see the hubs again! Yay!
The past couple months have been really fun for Isaac & I. We took our first "silly newlywed" trip in the first part of December. Isaac's alma mater was playing for the Hawaii State H.S. Football Championship -- so we made a deal that if we won at the casino on Thanksgiving, and they won their final playoff game, we would head over. They won...we won...and we made our way to HI for a quick weekend trip.
Christmas was spent with family here & Isaac's brother in Denver. It was a fun trip all around because it was the first time I had spent a long period of time with his brother & fiance. We lounged around, caught up, went in to Downtown Denver, etc.
With the start of the new year came a new lease on life for the Parker Duo -- we have decided to get really serious about how we take care of ourselves (let's just say that we both packed on a couple pounds after the wedding/honeymoon). We have started cooking at home more (healthier & financially smart decision), working out more consistently & with purpose, and being more mindful of how much sleep/rest we give ourselves.
Needless to say - we're taking care of ourselves and looking forward to a bright, healthy future together! Yay!
I think it's about time to start chronicling our adventures together -- maybe not so others read it and say "Oh wow...look at those Parker's," but for our own enjoyment to look back later in life.
So, my name is Anna...and I am a slacker...who is striving to change :)
<3
The past couple months have been really fun for Isaac & I. We took our first "silly newlywed" trip in the first part of December. Isaac's alma mater was playing for the Hawaii State H.S. Football Championship -- so we made a deal that if we won at the casino on Thanksgiving, and they won their final playoff game, we would head over. They won...we won...and we made our way to HI for a quick weekend trip.
Christmas was spent with family here & Isaac's brother in Denver. It was a fun trip all around because it was the first time I had spent a long period of time with his brother & fiance. We lounged around, caught up, went in to Downtown Denver, etc.
With the start of the new year came a new lease on life for the Parker Duo -- we have decided to get really serious about how we take care of ourselves (let's just say that we both packed on a couple pounds after the wedding/honeymoon). We have started cooking at home more (healthier & financially smart decision), working out more consistently & with purpose, and being more mindful of how much sleep/rest we give ourselves.
Needless to say - we're taking care of ourselves and looking forward to a bright, healthy future together! Yay!
I think it's about time to start chronicling our adventures together -- maybe not so others read it and say "Oh wow...look at those Parker's," but for our own enjoyment to look back later in life.
So, my name is Anna...and I am a slacker...who is striving to change :)
<3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
