Lazy Days

The mister & I are taking a lazy day today....thankfully it falls in line with my "rest" day from the gym as well.  But it's so nice to lay low, get cozy, and just rest.  Granted the past two days have been off kilter from our new food regimen - but I blame that on Honey Isaac's birthday & a football coaches BBQ.  But hey - it's life right?!  And with that I'm trying to keep reminding myself that one or two meals doesn't make me a fail.  It doesn't demolish everything I've "done" this week.  It's just life.  And today is life.  And tomorrow will be life - and another chance to make another good decision.  

In other news....let me share this beauty with you all....

That right there my friends is my first "True Spartan" bracelet.  What I've mentioned I narrowly missed getting in the past two weeks.  And I nearly missed it this week as well.  Following our grueling Saturday work out our instructor Carlos said we'd have two "Spartan Challenges."  So we all circled up to see who would be the last man/woman standing from a blinded balance challenge.  It came down to me & my friend Misty -- she ultimately beat me in this challenge.  Darn pinky toe came up and then I was all messed up. But following that Carlos started sharing how the people in our class had shown some of the best improvement he'd seen since teaching and he wanted to acknowledge us all for our commitment & improvement since starting.  So we all got a bracelet! FINALLY!

In all honesty, I came home & started sharing the story with Honey Isaac and told him I how I wish I had really "earned" it -- and Lord love him, he interrupted me mid sentence saying -- "But you did earn it - you have gone each time & almost always given it your best or as best you could each time.  That means you earned that bracelet."  Man I love that man...because he's right.  

This is the first time I've been consistent going to the gym -- particularly to do something that is wicked hard & pushes me.  Sure, I was consistent with running...but most of the time that came pretty easy for me & it was just fun to be with my friends/running-family.  But this class -- this thing is a B-face most of the time & super hard for me.  And here I am in to my 3rd month, having only missed classes when absolutely necessary.  

So I proudly wore that bracelet all day & likely will again today.  Hell -- I might even wear it tomorrow & especially to class on Tuesday.  More as a reminder to myself that I am tough, that I can do it, and I can keep going.

Small victories my friends.....small victories!

Where is my head....& more importantly my heart?!

Yup I'm that girl who has been swimming just enough to keep my head above water.  Which, in reading back, isn't exactly something to be boasting about.  There are places in my life where I think "Lord, can it get any more busy? Please say no."  And then there are places where I look and think -- man you're kind of lazy.  Finding balance in these two is extremely difficult for me.  

I'm a firm believer that there is a sickness in my generation and it manifests itself in one of two ways....extreme, sickening busyness OR extreme, depressing laziness.  For sure it's a pendulum that swings from one side to the other for me.  I've yet to really find a happy medium between the two, often finding myself sitting on one side or the other.  And let me tell you operating from the extremes is/can be exhausting!  Emotionally, mentally, physically.  Probably the worst side effect of this sickness is the lack of gratitude & thankfulness.  Lacking in this area definitely makes for a ugly yellow/gray outlook on life.  

How dare I be so ungrateful?  How dare I compare my insides with what I think of someone else's outsides?  That's no fair -- to me or them!  How dare I look down my nose at the wonderfully, magical, tender circumstances God has so carefully laid & prepared for me.  He knows me better than all....even better than I know myself.  Where is the gentle thanksgiving in my spirit?  Where did I lose that along the way?  

Conversations over this past weekend & week have brought a spotlight to this in my heart & soul.  A painful recognition that I have underestimated the goodness, and a recognition that the sadness/frustration/angst is rooted from that place -- and not so much in the details I've decided are "wrong."  

Lord forgive me for this arrogance in believing & acting like I knew better.  Forgive me for ripping the control from your tender hands.  Help me Father to trust, even in the smallest of ways. To release & surrender.  For You will never leave nor forsake Your child.  Your goodness can not & will not abandon.  I'm choosing to smile - and to stop myself from grumbling even if about the small "insignificant" things.  "Wrap me in Your arms Lord"
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Football Widow No More

Before you get all worked up...don't worry...Isaac is still coaching football. ;)

I have a few friends who are coach's wives, follow a few ladies on Blogger/Twitter who know the perils of the season, and am pretty familiar with the struggles that the fall can bring.  And of course I've seen images like this floating around Pinterest

There is definitely a common theme amongst football wives/girlfriends -- a common identifier of being a "football widow" once fall camp kicks off.  Sometimes, truthfully, that indentifier has been used a guilt trip tool on my behalf.  I've used it to bemoan my situation.  I've used it to justify bratty behavior, or simply to not do the dishes.  How silly & selfish of me.  Here my husband is being used by the Lord in a way that he is able to be excellent, in a way that allows him unprecedented access to kids & their hearts, and in a way that offers opportunities for him to coach up, encourage, and in specific ways share his faith.  How awesome is that?  And yet, there I am...at home...one of his few places of peace/safety...acting selfishly because I am a football widow.  Hello kick to the gut!

Rather this fall I want to encourage Isaac, cover him, the coaches, & players in prayer, & free Isaac from the burden of having to dance to all my little demands(though sometimes they're not little, in all honesty).  I am casting off that identifier -- and instead replacing it with something like "football encourager," or even just....football wife! Remove the negative & replace with positive!  If you're of the praying sort, would you be interested in joining me pray for the McNary football team & coaches? Just shoot me a message/comment & once I have the list I'll share it with you.

And just for good measure...I did find a few photos from the trusty ol' iPhone from vacation! 

At the awesome Cascade Lakes Brewing Co. during our Ale Trail!

Where I spent most of my days...Eagle Crest Resort Pool...aka heaven!

And just for fun & reminiscing purposes...

Hard to believe it's already been 3 years!

Many more to come....now if only I could get back in to pre-wedding shape! FALL GOAL! ;)

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do not be afraid

There's been a stirring in my over the last 6-9months.  A stirring I've been thoroughly confused by.  A stirring that has taken me from one emotion to the next - mostly because I was & still am quite uncertain of what the stirring means.   

As a self-proclaimed control "freak" these kinds of stirrings - you know, the ones with no clear direction or meaning - tend to throw me off my game.  Truth be told I've mostly been stuffing or ignoring this stirring.  Probably because it seemed easier to do that than sit & dig in to what might be behind that stirring (sorry for the extreme use of the word stirring... can't think of a better term).  

Last evening I was blessed to be in fellowship with some of the kindest, warmest women I have met.  Women who inspire me to be authentic, women who's beauty is far deeper than just what is seen, women who, even if its just in that moment, are not afraid to live from their most confident place.  In our study time last evening I had a bit a revelation...that often times I make my own plans and develop entire scenarios/experiences in my own head & completely miss what the Lord is doing or is trying to teach me.  Looking back I think of all the things that I have missed -- how sad.

And I'm noticing in the past few days that God is clearly saying to me (the only clear thing I have right now)  is to not be afraid. In my weekly memory verse, in my morning study, in the quiet wisdom from trusted friends.

Who knows what that stirring is or what it means.  But what I do know is that I will not be afraid.  I will trust & I will praise -- because there is nothing that the Lord is doing that will bring harm.
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"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can mere man do to me?" Psalm 56:3-4

apparently...

so apparently falling off the face of the earth is kind of my thing...  i've been totally MIA from here, pretty quiet in the "twitterverse" (please don't judge me for using that term...), and pretty non-existent from instagram.  there have been countless times i've logged in, hoping to find some gem ready in my brain to share or to have some creative thing to display.  alas i did not...and thus i disappeared.
and in all brutal honesty - i mostly haven't had anything super "worthy" of sharing.  there are times that i wonder what the hell i'm even doing.  where the hell i'm going.  who the hell i'm even becoming....don't you just freakin' love your mid-20's?!  talk about inconsistency!  compound that with still trying to find my place in this whole football world - it's so much different than the last go around & it's terribly challenging to find my footing.

amidst all of this there has been one thing that has made its self known to me a number of times...and very clearly...

 so in the midst of all the confusion, in the dark times of my day or night....i'm trying to remember and hold true to these words.  there is a purpose, though it may not be clear right now.  it may not be clear for some time.  but regardless - i am not here on accident.  and my circumstances are not an accident either. in time i'll understand - and for now all i need to know is this.
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Small Changes

Ever had one of those days where you just think to yourself...."this right here, this what I'm doing, just isn't working."  From the moment I woke up that's what was running thru my head -- in some form or fashion.


My daily devotional was focused on finding & living in your true identity, found in Christ.   On my drive to work, a dear friend called & I am so thankful for the blessing of true, honest friendship.  And my work day began with a true, much needed & over due mom/daughter hug.  


Let's just say I tried to be aware of myself, my choices, & what not.... But mostly what I tried to do was be aware that I don't want to fight against where I am presently just to fight.  Realizing how much energy is spent fighting or being "right."
There are better, more worthy things to be focusing on & putting my energy towards.
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I promise I'm not dead in a ditch.....

We spent a lovely week in Las Vegas at a nice, quiet "resort" just outside of the strip -- which was actually very nice.  We were a 10min drive to the heart of the action but were far enough away that we could escape for peace & quiet.  My mom & I tried not to work, but there was one morning when I worked the entire morning.  And though I'm not proud of my actions -- I had a bit of a melt down.  It was ugly.  It was not fun.  It was exhausting.  And it just bred feelings of embarrassment & annoyance with myself after the fact.  The realization I had shortly after my "melt down" was that I have incredibly gracious people around me.  Though most of the time I really do not deserve their grace & understanding.


Second realization of the week came when I got home.  Looking back at the week, my vacation, there were more times that I was stressed/focused on work.  I used to be able to disconnect and dis-engage easily.  And now it's as though I'm completely unable to let go.  I get stressed to the max over small, insignificant things.  And I HATE(D) how I feel.  So it quickly became decision time.  Do I sit in this insanity....doing the same thing over & over again, expecting a different result.  Or take a step for additional help & information.  So I've decided to looking in to meeting with a therapist/counselor -- I need different tools to process those stressful situations, to approach & handle those situations.  
Truth be told, there's still a little voice trying to pipe up that "only the weak go see people....only damaged people need to pay to talk to someone" It's an ugly, ugly voice.  A voice that I know will try to make its presence known the entire journey.  But I'm blessed with wonderful family & friends.  One who, when I finally told her my thoughts, immediately sent me a list of recommendations & told me she'd be checking in to see if/when I made the first contact.


It is scary to be sharing this -- but I know that's only my pride trying to take over.  I'm not perfect & should expect myself to be.  God is forever molding me, I am a work in progress.  And I'd rather look & ask for help instead of going to a dark place of despair. 
Sorry for the somber post after being gone for so long -- but it's worth it to me, to be authentic & honest.  Here we go...
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Where's The Commitment?

This is the question I've been asking myself these last two weeks...where's the commitment?  Who would I be asking this question of you might be wondering.  Simply put....myself.  How many times can I start over?  How many times do I need to wonder when I'll get it or when I'll buy in?
Last week I had a conversation with my mom....and even though I didn't quite want to hear what she had to say, there was one nugget that stood out.  She told me that she has always seen me keep myself from being great.  Ugh...talk about gut check.

I've spent the last week or so trying to figure out where that comes from.  Definitely not the easiest thing to unpack, and I certainly haven't dug my way to the source, yet.  Likely I'll try to understand that part of myself for the rest of my life.  But what I have decided is that I need to stop getting in my own way.  I step in after a big of progress and "find" or "realize" some road block that is present to keep me from moving forward (silly, right?).
On a lighter note -- I'm so thankful for good friends.  Late night BINGO sessions (that ultimately were a bust sadly), selling a wedding gown to a uber down to earth bride (think classy white informal gown...no lace here ladies & gents), & an entire afternoon with two of my favorite cousins (favorite cousin by blood & favorite cousin by marriage).  Tasha & Chad are the greatest -- if you could ever meet these two, they would instantly be your favorite people on earth.

How do you commit to things or honor those commitments when life gets hard or in the way?
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where has the time gone...

First off may I just mention how bananas it is that it's March 1st already! March 1st! Weird...

That aside, not much to share unfortunately.  Except the fact that I'm already seeing how much different my life will be as the wife of a head coach.  It's March, honey is still at current high school & they're in the works to get him moved to McNary.  But at this point, he's getting uber focused on finding his staffing, getting connected to kids/parents, and just flat out hitting the ground running.  And here's what I'm already seeing....my commitment/responsibilities at the house have gone & will go through the roof! But yet I'm still beyond excited for Isaac & what's to come!

But more on that later...because I'm off to girls night for drinks & gabbing!
<3
 

Here's the deal...

Sometimes there are just days when nothing seems to go right, feel right, or be right.  Today was that day.  Everything felt off.  And so the only remedy for this type of day is to come straight home, put on the most comfortable clothing, eat a delicious dinner, drink an adult beverage (if you so choose), and watch some trashy TV. 


Yup that's right, trashy TV is a must on days like these.  What are you go to trashy TV shows?? Some of mine include the following: Basketball Wives, Real Housewives of...., The Bachelor, Teen Mom, Jerseylicious, Diners/Driveins/Dives, etc.  I will say I DEFINITELY steer clear of shows like Hoarders, Intervention & the like.  Those types of shows give me such an anxiety...yeesh.  


Friends I hope to have some more news to share on the home front, but the last few weeks our attention & focus have been on one topic -- one I can't share quite yet in its entirety.  But I'm hoping to roll it all out here soon.  But if you could, please keep sending those good thoughts our way!


Here's to being thankful tomorrow is a new day!
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Glory Glory It's Friday

Thank you Dear Lord baby Jesus that today is Friday... It has been a crazy week.  Filled with a crazy work schedule, craziness at home, hosting friends last night, spending time with my niece and trying to maintain a solid grounding.  To quite frank, my thoughts & emotions have been on a roller coaster & it's quite tiring.

I'm sure the Lord has something He's trying to teach me in this -- and I'm anxious to see what that might be.  But let me tell you, in the moment, in the thick of it...it is so challenging to rest knowing that to be the case.  So I am frantically trying to finish my work here at the office, so I can run home to pack for my weekend at the cabin.  My beloved cabin, one of the places where my soul truly finds rest.  

I'm hoping to just rest, relax, and enjoy the quiet....
What are you doing this weekend??
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Practice Patience

This season right now is one where we're not sure what direction we're going.  In fact we're kind of making movements forward in about two or three directions.  Not sure how any of them are going to work.  Simply moving forward until we are told to stop.

Isaac submitted his application for a head football coaching position at our local high school.  It'd be a step up for him professionally, and is something I know without a shadow of a doubt he would be FANTASTIC at.  He has that natural ability to assess situations & think logically, without losing the personal side of each situation.  But with the school district there are always a certain amount of unknowns. 

So it seems fitting that one of my areas of weakness, patience, would be tested in this time.  I am not what you would call a patient person.  (I am more the person that unwrapped gifts as a child, because the anticipation was more than I could bear)  I've been driving by the high school each day praying for God's will to be first, and for Isaac & I to be content in what plan He has for us.  Even if that means something different. (super honest moment....sometimes when I talk about this, I feel silly/shallow because on the spectrum of life there are so many other things to be focusing on.....)  We've been praying together & individually about what the immediate future holds.  And as is fitting, God is using his word to speak to my heart also about being patient, being content, and trusting in Him.  Sometimes easier said than done..but each day I try again & try to remain focused.  

Lord where are you leading? We are anxiously waiting to see what you have in store.  And we know we probably won't make sense of it all until we're at a point where we can look back & see how you pieced it all together.  Trying each day to trust, learn, & lean in to you.
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Substance

There have been many times that I log in to my blog and find myself at a loss for what to say...what to share...  Tonight is really no different.  i love catching up on my favorite blogs -- but a lot of times I worry that what I'm doing/saying is so trivial & lacks any true substance.


And that makes me think of other areas of my life...am I lacking substance in those areas also? Am I coasting thru on the easy stuff & glossing over the real life stuff?  It always bothers me when I'm in various situations & I can just tell when people aren't being genuine.  When there is something lurking beneath the surface.  It always irks me to a degree to go through meetings, coffees, etc with this taking place. 


On our trip to Hawaii this year I was able to have a genuine, truthful, kind conversation with Isaac's cousin's wife.  It was probably one of the best conversations I have had with any one in that family since we were married.  Honestly one of the best nights of our vacation.  I can't even begin to explain how comforting it was to be able to share my thoughts, fears, anxieties, thanks without any fear of judgment. It was such a gift to experience & share in that true, real substance.


What about you? A couple posts ago I shared about wanting to fully participate in all areas of my life.  To be fully engaged at all times.  This is one arena where I definitely need & want to grow in.  I want to be share my authentic self with those in my life.  I want to feel comfortable to consistently & constantly operate out of my true strengths, and not be so consumed by fear when it comes to my weaknesses.  How do you practice or live as your authentic self?
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Days of Gratitude - Day 2, 2011

Truth be told -- I am not in a very good mood right now.  Probably for a variety of reasons, one of which is that monthly jokester that likes to show up.  And with that comes the waves of emotions (man, I think I'm likely going to be an ugly MESS when I'm pregnant...oy), exhaustion, and the deep desire to curl up on my couch with a delicious, over flowing plate of green curry, egg rolls & pad Thai.  But that wouldn't exactly fit in with what I'm trying (or attempting to try...yes, attempting to try...) to do with my weight/eating habits.  Oh yah..and my heart freaking HURTS for my friend who experiencing extreme heartache today. Ugh.

So with keeping that in mind, I will try to find something to be thankful for today...

Day 2
Today I will choose to be thankful that I woke up in a comfortable bed & was able to take a shower in my own home, and drive my own car to my place of employment.

Beyond that I'm definitely in a blue mood -- how do you break these moods?
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Sick of Myself...

Sometimes I forget that life is hard -- like really hard.  There are days when you want to throw in the towel and escape to a sandy beach, free from all responsibilities.  And your only care in the world is to always have a full glass, that you have enough SPF, and there are plenty of reading materials handy.
The last few days have been that for me -- a battle to fight against the urge to either crumple up and hide under a blanket or run to the nearest warm beach to get away from it all.  I don't mean to sound overly dramatic but there's just been this air around me.

Even at BSF on Friday, I had the hardest time connecting with my discussion group & paying attention during the lecture.  Nothing in me wanted to be there. I goofed around during the hymns (typically my favorite time of the evening).  It was weird....and exhausting.  I hate this time of year when things are in transition -- hell, I hate transition in general.  I'm not a fan of change (don't stress, no major changes are on the horizon...but even small changes are stressful to me).  Call me a control freak - it's been something I've struggled with for my entire life.  I've always been the one to take the reins and lead the charge, knowing that I'd get it done some way or another.  I'd muscle my way through it if I had to.  It was very "me" focused...and even now, looking at this freakin' post there are more "I's" than anything else. BLAH! Do you ever just get sick of yourself...of hearing yourself talk...of over thinking situations.  I have hit that place -- the place where it would seem easier to just pack it in, because at this point in time I bring nothing to the table that isn't completely & utterly selfishly motivated. Barf.   A good dose of reality is needed -- a kick in the pants -- something!

How to break thru this.....if only there were an easy solution....
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A Tough Decision

I've shared before how I am a volunteer leader with a youth program where I live.  And that the reason I started leading again was for my niece....she had approached me half way thru her 6th grade year saying that she wouldn't go unless I was her leader.  To give you the entire backstory of my relationship with her and her mom (my half-sister) would take a while....and I'm afraid you'd stop reading.  So because of our history, I decided to move forward -- because honestly, she was the main focus for me.  I wanted to be able to share the goodness of the Lord, and how He had changed my life with her specifically.  It was a blessing to get more acquainted with her friends as well.  
Around this time last year, some things started to take place in our area that eventually led our team leader to step away from the ministry; which left our team with out a specified leader.  Regardless the other leaders & myself were committed to getting kids to camp in the summer.  In fact, I directly told my area director that I didn't care if I only took my niece -- that she was my entire focus.  The Lord was good, and this past summer we took about 30 kids to camp...6 who made new commitments to Christ (one being my niece!).  To say that I was excited & overwhelmed would be an understatement.  And since camp, my relationship with my niece has blossomed and grown, and the Lord has blessed us with opportunities to really share about our lives & where we God shaping us.  It has truly been a night & day change from what our aunt/niece relationship used to be.

That being said.....I feel like I'm at a crossroads.  There are things taking place, and truly things not taking place, that are causing me to reconsider my involvement.  I'm not sure how to move forward when in my gut something just does not feel right. Primarily what I'm battling is the notion that I stay involved with something while battling my internal feelings about the entire program(how it's run, where it's focused, and where it's headed...).  There's a stirring conflict inside my heart & my stomach.  And I'm not entirely sure how to approach it.  It's something that I'm definitely praying for -- and if you're of the praying mind, would you also?  Pray for discernment, pray for courage, and pray for grace.
Thanks friends.
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Mental Cul-De-Sac

Let's be honest right now....I have typed out about 3 different blog posts and trashed them all.  It's as though I have entered a mental cul-de-sac.

It's hard to come up with ideas for a post every once in a while.  It's hard for me because it's hard not to compare my blog to other blogs I read/follow.  Then the little whispers start in...you're not as "cool," "trendy," you don't go on enough adventures or capture them as well.  

But here's the truth....my blog is my blog.  My thoughts are my thoughts.  I don't need to be like any one else.  Nor do I want to be like any one else.  My parents love me as their daughter, my brother as his sister, my husband as his wife.  The most important people in my life love me all the same, and I them.  There are too many things about my life that are good to get caught up in those silly thoughts.  When things in my life are pertinent, funny, or just normal I'll share them.  Because I've always likened myself to being your average, American girl -- so why try to be anything different via my blog??

Back to my crazy exciting night as a football wife --- grocery shopping, and watching Dateline.  Yah, it's a whirlwind life I lead. ;)

<3

Tough Transition

This time of year is always hard for me.  I know I've mentioned it a few times but with fall in full swing, football has literally taken over my house and my marriage to a degree.
I always know to expect the flood of events, the flood of football related commitments; but there is one aspect of this season that seems to take me by surprise.  The amount of alone time is always a little hard to digest at the beginning of the season.


Example...Saturday morning, 1st Saturday post game...I was home alone cleaning, preparing for some of the football coaches to come over to *gasp* watch a football game.  Saturday evening was spent with wonderful friends & new friends.  Sunday took hubby back to school at about 1pm for school prep & football meeting, not returning until about 830pm.  And then despite the holiday on Monday, it was back to school at about 11:30am for football work, football meetings, football practice, more prep, football team dinner and then home about 9pm.  Needless to say I essentially spent the weekend alone.  Now normally I don't let this get me down...but it's always the first one or two weekends that kill me.  Now add to that scenario my three best friends are out of town, my parents are in Arkansas, and my sister & her family are out of town.  It felt like I was literally, not figuratively, alone with no one to call.  Insert pathetic, couch bum day on Monday.  Yup -- I was that girl.  The girl with no life, no friends, etc.  It was hard to ignore the lies that Satan was trying to sell me that day -- hell, it was impossible not to hear, and buy in to.  Boy oh boy was it hard...


All this to say that although I would absolutely never ask Isaac to do anything than what he is doing right now, it's still hard to transition from our summer life back in to school/football zone.  Because it's hard not to feel like I'm supposed to be a specific type of wife, or do specific tasks because I'm a football wife.  


So here's to another season.  Another year.  And hopefully this time of transition will pass quickly and I can move in to the joyful, fun part of this season in our lives.  
How do you handle times of transition like this? Regardless of how short the times of transition are.
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Friendships

The last couple days I've really been thinking about the friendships I have, the friendships that have died out, the friendships that are just beginning, and the friendship I ultimately have with myself.  


So let's start off from the beginning -- and be honest with the world.  I came home Friday afternoon after a ridiculously hectic, chaotic, and mildly stressful day at work.  Now mind you I love coming home, especially when my wonderful husband is home (likely the last Friday night he'll be completely free....).  But here's where it started to go downhill....  After eating dinner I found myself sitting on my couch (much like I am now) and it was like a wave of loser-dom came over me.  Honestly felt like a slug to the gut of self loathing.  It was likely rooted in my exhaustion from the day -- but hey, it sucked no matter how you looked at it.  Anyway I felt like a bum -- all my buddies were off either meeting together, or out doing "fun" things.  It was ridiculous to have spent any amount of time self loathing.  I was able to just voice it to Isaac, be honest about the little voice that was whispering in my ear.  And to be honest, it felt like a weight was lifted.  I brought that ugly voice in to the light & with Isaac's help & support I was able to see it for what it was -- a cheap lie Satan was trying to sell me.  Had I been by myself I likely would have bought in to it completely.  Bless Isaac and his kindness.


The rest of the weekend was spent experiencing those other three parts of the friendship wheel.  I had to spend time with a person who used to be a dear friend of ours.  But over the course of the past two years has drifted, and our friendship with him has drastically changed.  Which has sucked.  But to back up to that I was able to do something good for my best friend Monique.  I'll have to share at a later date :)  But it's good -- and one of those things that make you warm inside thinking about the goodness and happiness it'll bring to her & her hubby.  Love it.


All this to say that friendships are fluid things.  There's nothing stagnant or necessarily permanent about friendships.  They're always changing, growing, being shaped by shared experiences, and deepening.  It's a gift to have a friend -- but a bigger gift to be a friend.


<3
Weight Loss Weigh In: 157.4 (down 1.6lbs from last week!) HUZZAH!

Minor Setback

Well -- the blurry vision has presented a minor setback in my weightloss/work out program.  Let me just tell you that having to wear my glasses day in & day out certainly throws a wrench in my plans.  I already have noticed in myself that even in a 2 day break from working out my focus on eating healthy and in moderation is off kilter.  


Isn't that just so frustrating?!  Goodness it is for me.  How lame am I that in just two short days my eating habits have slid backwards, back down hill...  I'm trying to not beat myself up too much about it.  For me I've made some progress in that I'm willing to recognize that in myself and be aware of it.  I'm committed to losing my first 10lbs before Christmas. 


No giving up for me -- no beating myself up -- no talking down to myself.  
Here's to re-focusing, despite these minor setbacks...
How do you stay focused or get re-focused?
<3