tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39579810983115993772024-03-14T00:13:22.049-07:00From Lame to LeapingWendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-44730818219865582282015-02-19T08:34:00.000-08:002015-02-19T08:34:44.725-08:00Poser12 weeks until my very first NPC bikini competition.<br />
<br />
A lot of amazing things have taken place along with the mental and emotional struggle.<br />
I've always heard it gets mentally tough but I am understanding more and more everyday how hard it really is.<br />
<br />
You go from eating whatever you want (not necessarily junk 24/7 but snacking when you want) to getting a meal plan (strict diet with once a week cheat meal) to NOW-cutting (no cheats for 3 months).<br />
Food is just food but when you can't have something, it gets tormentuous. I had to detox myself from Chipotle, Starbucks, and my precious pack of mini Kit-Kats.<br />
It's getting easier but man, I was angry/sad/frustrated. Especially during the monthly cycles. <br />
Thankfully I have a patient husband and teenager that supports and understands me.<br />
<br />
Progress is starting up. I have always been "skinny" but never felt "fit." Some people are okay with being skinny and have even said to me, "If I could be skinny like you I'd be fine." But I wasn't/am not fine. <br />
I have so much built up in me that I know I can offer, being skinny is not okay.<br />
<br />
Ive heard talented people say they've always felt BIG inside but the small of them held them back, until something was finally released.<br />
I am not going into this competition to WIN anything but if I do, great.<br />
I am going to fulfill a purpose I felt put on me back in 2007. I didn't know the resources or the right way to get there. I was also VERY scared. I tried to do things on my own and it did not work.<br />
I finally got the information I needed and took off.<br />
I gave up marathoning (for the meantime) to build muscle and saw crazy changes.<br />
There have been a few things that have tried to detour me. I developed Shingles in November (it lasted 2 weeks) and just recently got a spasm in my upper/mid back from changing 10 45lb weight plates on a leg press. I twisted wrong and felt a jolt. I had to take off a week off of training and get xrays, CT scan, and the crap scared of you (not really but a little). But, it healed on its own and I was back at it!<br />
<br />
I gave up social media (Facebook and Instagram) for the time being and it has been so freeing. Not seeing unnecessary drama and obsessing over how I should be looking for this competition helps me focus on ME.<br />
This blog is my last social cord. It was here before Facebook and Instagram. I will continue to use it over time just to let my voice heard and to declare that I believe God is doing a work in me. I cannot wait to fulfill an ultimate dream. <br />
<br />
"Everything you need is already inside."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwFMlb94aKSH3OOKcjr0aKY44K9obh84UpfExLahrMXkrkfyfvrmpRvzBLo9EGo7OUVoVVOsHO1xIDoHhkAlUdzD06w3xFinyhlVhLcJKJSugc8Pr7DSHiVubtK6YSEvwGFpgxhx6QIk/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwFMlb94aKSH3OOKcjr0aKY44K9obh84UpfExLahrMXkrkfyfvrmpRvzBLo9EGo7OUVoVVOsHO1xIDoHhkAlUdzD06w3xFinyhlVhLcJKJSugc8Pr7DSHiVubtK6YSEvwGFpgxhx6QIk/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traps with lower fibers are finally forming!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdOey4cruNrlHmaXbbG-Dypk5DKskyAOMr2zfH19Gfdz1ZNS0EtrqmSLYjiARK5T6vn5BDkpH0wY_heaG04mX3vjx0bGdgtTMMjyseKatqzbRgbjPJaAcMkzEFcm7VzSx_1CPaBmmbfA/s1600/abs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdOey4cruNrlHmaXbbG-Dypk5DKskyAOMr2zfH19Gfdz1ZNS0EtrqmSLYjiARK5T6vn5BDkpH0wY_heaG04mX3vjx0bGdgtTMMjyseKatqzbRgbjPJaAcMkzEFcm7VzSx_1CPaBmmbfA/s1600/abs.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, hello there abs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1WpuGsiu4YbnIZiBVZvzprwVB-7017B7IkcpuW_hkckigiS7WBtvYR4feNNLQhsO649ZgkHC43YKMEtiG1Kgrd7wEtc2RtWFJHXMSsu_z93_RivcioVU24Q2Dz0tYiuGHWT7UEr41tM/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1WpuGsiu4YbnIZiBVZvzprwVB-7017B7IkcpuW_hkckigiS7WBtvYR4feNNLQhsO649ZgkHC43YKMEtiG1Kgrd7wEtc2RtWFJHXMSsu_z93_RivcioVU24Q2Dz0tYiuGHWT7UEr41tM/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GLUTES!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kbx5wMmv_1kozdZnc_ZAn5ijQqG1wWNyFwT979lXuDmuAXHjSM_LMsxPIKsbkuY275SiUGu5OqWlCfRjbALPCCYFg38r0SazQraQ0WkHL9O5_XvJZbUn1k083Q-6LZ4i983T0lEyA5U/s1600/IMG_2468.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kbx5wMmv_1kozdZnc_ZAn5ijQqG1wWNyFwT979lXuDmuAXHjSM_LMsxPIKsbkuY275SiUGu5OqWlCfRjbALPCCYFg38r0SazQraQ0WkHL9O5_XvJZbUn1k083Q-6LZ4i983T0lEyA5U/s1600/IMG_2468.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After much debate, I've decided on the green.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJVcGnvZ-ggRNkJRDriPzff8sd8H0k2-WzHGHDvnc00q3IPeCfAlxdcRyojfvSSTzugO1GZfEEF1NEoNsjWoaQK9rmiyebqFOJBtpj9oBwd8Jv0kukjvfpeqFKzzL3AHf1qG_OlsEIb4/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" height="232" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First ever group posing practice with the ladies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0p3_U5oYkvvRsNcD86jmsi9ZOuH3mkHAX7x__Wehc4qitfWchU8BN_d9zf9F4UwQB4XQGI5JFROStLMkF5O9zuSSUL0_mITpHJgFdOC80hHPLw142kbqqDHGFILv-lD_ET2vPZ5EBGI/s1600/IMG_2450.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0p3_U5oYkvvRsNcD86jmsi9ZOuH3mkHAX7x__Wehc4qitfWchU8BN_d9zf9F4UwQB4XQGI5JFROStLMkF5O9zuSSUL0_mITpHJgFdOC80hHPLw142kbqqDHGFILv-lD_ET2vPZ5EBGI/s1600/IMG_2450.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dallas Rae is my fit idol. I love her personality and honesty. And, the body is my goal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-79529699306137767902014-11-28T16:45:00.002-08:002014-11-28T16:45:36.807-08:00#futurecompetitorIts been six months since I've committed to being a bikini competitor.<br />
It is a journey let me tell you.<br />
<br />
Ive had some emotional times for sure and that has caused my mental state to shift. I have said farewell to running for now and making that change was the hardest move. Being a runner for almost 10 years with 9 marathons under my belt, it was sad to see it go. BUT, I am still a runner and plan to do my 10th marathon next fall (Marine Corps Marathon or Women's Nike Marathon San Fran).<br />
<br />
I eat so much more than I ever have. I never thought I'd consume so much protein. I never realized the importance of it. I always thought the frailer-skinnier-less you weighed, the faster you would be. The lie detector proved, THAT WAS A LIE.<br />
I am on 6 meals a day and theres proof that its benefiting me.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihztDEIq_KcJpP7a6FrKXk-HHFphjbXvSUESo5kjKd1va_JY7zD5I30BmIJH-knucye2q37txdj5GCjiibRbrxUxUBv6esq-OAiOTjM4CNREvhmlhFHo_919eRkfkTj8prh73dy70WRoY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihztDEIq_KcJpP7a6FrKXk-HHFphjbXvSUESo5kjKd1va_JY7zD5I30BmIJH-knucye2q37txdj5GCjiibRbrxUxUBv6esq-OAiOTjM4CNREvhmlhFHo_919eRkfkTj8prh73dy70WRoY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally-QUADS!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
May will be my very first bikini competition. February 1st I start cutting my meals and that is when I will start seeing lean take place. <br />
Until then, I am enjoying the journey and enjoying my bulking phase.<br />
<br />
In local news, I have a high schooler now and that is what it sounds like-high school. I still think Im cool but she thinks I'm "aight, I guess." <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY34LjOmdOawkb1BsgO8SD6Hu0I2D7ugtZwTEcsdW0v2j0kNzMLVMmX1bE166ETavsUPVFByxDanOD1VB1I6BFxSYixohjSdSxUz6a5-YxGoEr0Xa5Nb8H3Ww_XxBg5p5I8895VF3vqvA/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY34LjOmdOawkb1BsgO8SD6Hu0I2D7ugtZwTEcsdW0v2j0kNzMLVMmX1bE166ETavsUPVFByxDanOD1VB1I6BFxSYixohjSdSxUz6a5-YxGoEr0Xa5Nb8H3Ww_XxBg5p5I8895VF3vqvA/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoulders and arms! Ive never had any before!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdLX4TEPPVgw7OPAS7uYSpv8gj6ZvnWfJlgPRcCYlQbz3puidMkzVV1-4XZLCK-B7TCrKvKZpad5q6hmW01wBMJ-FzvNRR_CAXgJEhTmIb5Wpimnrinn_Ln5M1s9GV6ripYrFAeS1KHE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdLX4TEPPVgw7OPAS7uYSpv8gj6ZvnWfJlgPRcCYlQbz3puidMkzVV1-4XZLCK-B7TCrKvKZpad5q6hmW01wBMJ-FzvNRR_CAXgJEhTmIb5Wpimnrinn_Ln5M1s9GV6ripYrFAeS1KHE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">125lb deadlifts! Gimmie those hammys!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We move into our new home right before Christmas and the finished basement has just enough space in a corner for my at home gym equipment. I.cannot.wait.<br />
Babe retires in 2 years and I know he's ready for his own thing. He deserves it. <br />
Life is just sailing. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. We've weathered some storms in the past and I feel like we are on the upside. <br />
When God gives you purpose, passion, and drive-you gotta go fulfill it no matter what comes your way. A few years ago I veered off, got distracted, and wondered why God even still loved me. Here it is almost 6 years later and Im so filled with Gods grace and purpose, I am pumped to serve and do HIS will.<br />
I got tired of praying "get by" prayers. I wanted GOD prayers. I had to give up Facebook for that prayer to start coming true. Too much negativity.<br />
They're here now. Let's go!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS1i8KNhGaFDZAlSi1MxgxOvJXoVViLU4kX0S0m_ZRaU_Lkxux_kQn-RivPkyHkFaJLO6df29_I0tIWyv-y7QS2D2-18NaXy-AJKT3AyfST02-MgmPNXRupbBL4UJujIGp8cPJLT0lqo/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS1i8KNhGaFDZAlSi1MxgxOvJXoVViLU4kX0S0m_ZRaU_Lkxux_kQn-RivPkyHkFaJLO6df29_I0tIWyv-y7QS2D2-18NaXy-AJKT3AyfST02-MgmPNXRupbBL4UJujIGp8cPJLT0lqo/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The heels! #futurecompetitor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-8017379840195471362014-07-15T16:58:00.002-07:002014-07-15T17:01:46.675-07:00The 'Pump'...The most satisfying feeling you can get in the gym is the 'pump'...-Arnold Schwarzenegger<br />
<br />
and I won't quote the rest (awkward).<br />
<br />
I can't even begin to express this newfound feeling I have for the gym. <br />
I set a goal, years ago, to someday be a fitness competitor. I signed up and in less than a year, I will be.<br />
Right now I'm in the BULKING stage. I'm trying to gain muscle after years of running and not fueling myself properly. <br />
I was always sitting at 110lbs and anything over made me feel "fat." I know now how dumb that sounds. So, in the meantime, I've gained about 7 lbs and I'm thickening up in areas of badonka donk. Haha!<br />
<br />
All of this meal plans, not so much cardio, and a "lift heavy" plan is new to me. I've had to retrain my brain on fuel and wean myself away from all the cardio. <br />
I can say I've enjoyed every bit of it.<br />
<br />
I freaking love squats, deadlifts, and leg press. I always wanted to do them but feared the main gym where all the "meatheads" are, haha. I changed gyms, got a trainer/coach, and got bold. It was that first step that was the hardest. Everyday since then, I go in like I own the place and lay it down. <br />
<br />
The PUMP, as Arnold calls it, is life altering!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeThZV1yWjL1shwjhuipSnwnM1LDtcJzsWgWwZWcmzTc6x-k2bNozdzNhUJBqGsrs2RUveQCrUlBtzHzUsk6JPjTD44d9M8-FQoIS_JgzHyXZoE_Sn4KI-m1BaO27lOo6IeoInkVb_wM0/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeThZV1yWjL1shwjhuipSnwnM1LDtcJzsWgWwZWcmzTc6x-k2bNozdzNhUJBqGsrs2RUveQCrUlBtzHzUsk6JPjTD44d9M8-FQoIS_JgzHyXZoE_Sn4KI-m1BaO27lOo6IeoInkVb_wM0/s1600/photo+3.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glutes taking their appropriate place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not sure what God will fully call me to do but I'm enjoying the journey! I love that I can be more than a runner. I feel strong and determined. I'm not looking back and if I do, it's to wait for others who want to come along with me.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomtHcllr3eKacEoHMWcjhx59hOy8dhGJ-xf00ivEEmtJ6L_rfP5ab_lzq4xzmi9yukBLwWkRsInHwYCd31uuYPYdzXzVj89VrrDJuBzDgQppTKhMfRMSxB85ov9Wublln33eP1feoowo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomtHcllr3eKacEoHMWcjhx59hOy8dhGJ-xf00ivEEmtJ6L_rfP5ab_lzq4xzmi9yukBLwWkRsInHwYCd31uuYPYdzXzVj89VrrDJuBzDgQppTKhMfRMSxB85ov9Wublln33eP1feoowo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delts, tris, and bis...oh my!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt50J-nBkoj_UCAWw9IJEG80e-6C1Ar1X40bBYhgAJMjXPFjXmZWWv38w2g5Jt7TcLbhzSjVsWTIb1Rxzk_gpq245TTnVUZyozM0fW4-tW5PkPjfubCQJlOwvNCURwp76Ida6Adn9AUs/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt50J-nBkoj_UCAWw9IJEG80e-6C1Ar1X40bBYhgAJMjXPFjXmZWWv38w2g5Jt7TcLbhzSjVsWTIb1Rxzk_gpq245TTnVUZyozM0fW4-tW5PkPjfubCQJlOwvNCURwp76Ida6Adn9AUs/s1600/photo.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squats are up to 90lbs and I'm working on getting lower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-72285631882449941372014-07-04T09:33:00.000-07:002014-07-04T09:33:02.702-07:00FACE the BOOKCelebrating 2 weeks of being off of FACEBOOK.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's an amazing feeling.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I always looked at people strangely when they said they didn't have a Facebook. Who doesn't have Facebook? Its the outlet to the world and communication to people who live far away/nearby (we just don't like being face to face).</div>
<div>
It's also stressful.</div>
<div>
I allowed it to consume me and at times, it took away from my child.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few months ago I got the feeling of giving it up. I contemplated it and debated it. I came up with all sorts of reasons to NOT let go of it. </div>
<div>
And then it clicked.</div>
<div>
Reach out to those people if you want to stay a part of their lives. Don't just 'like' a status or picture, get to know them again and not through social media. </div>
<div>
Facebook doesn't have to be complicated and I complicated it. I would get so aggravated at things and that would put me in a negative mood.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The day I got rid of it, I did something amazing. I spent that time, that I normally look at Facebook, facing THE BOOK.</div>
<div>
I read in James through The Message version and I fell in love again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's the thing about The Word. It IS social media. ANYONE can be a part of it. There are REAL stories of peoples lives open for everyone to see/learn from, there are STATUS' that are uplifting/encouraging (they're called scriptures), and there is LIFE when you open it--and you don't need a password to open it either.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What's on your mind today?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-10295110144607337262014-04-07T14:21:00.004-07:002014-04-11T11:08:59.548-07:00Maniac!Well, I am UNofficially a maniac...a Marathon Maniac, that is.<br />
<br />
I have qualified for the club by completing 2 marathons in 16 days. It is when I pay for entry to the club that I will be official and receive my number.<br />
<br />
I completed my 7th marathon at the Publix Georgia Marathon, in Atlanta, on March 23 with a finishing time of 4 hours and 44 minutes. The weather was supposed to be rainy but thankfully it barely drizzled and was overcast the whole time until I crossed the finish line. That's when the sun came out! It was amazing. Atlanta is tricky being hilly in some spots so I saved energy by walking/trotting up hills. Overall, I was super proud of my run. The only thing I regret was taking a banana and orange at mile 21. I have never done that and I started feeling sick at mile 23. After the run was over and I was back at the hotel, I ended up throwing up and dry heaving for a while. It was horrible. NO MORE fruit towards the end of a run.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeZNFXoE3lXnRiEkzsxyUP0DAdBgOC1Sip4inyPetNdIckhL2_9wUS019jHhf7DDR8Y0RamfySy0sRZeeBjcWgRN3AsUJG7G8lH_mvn1nYkpBsfgvi3hOy7PRqIuxugkN6nfMhNX3UnE/s3200/1922407_10202721529112490_171335916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeZNFXoE3lXnRiEkzsxyUP0DAdBgOC1Sip4inyPetNdIckhL2_9wUS019jHhf7DDR8Y0RamfySy0sRZeeBjcWgRN3AsUJG7G8lH_mvn1nYkpBsfgvi3hOy7PRqIuxugkN6nfMhNX3UnE/s3200/1922407_10202721529112490_171335916_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view over Atlanta.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKSqK87lp05m0wlcRLCx5_z4vhtKfg6BEC81I_21hqniBspP4x4P2qsOcUS6bla1U6O506jwcSz3X4CYYYoJA5sTUqTL6DR69R6gM2XXa9lTrSaAip5-DxMkrEQch2tRReH3BphEYylA/s3200/603596_10202721529432498_2080861991_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKSqK87lp05m0wlcRLCx5_z4vhtKfg6BEC81I_21hqniBspP4x4P2qsOcUS6bla1U6O506jwcSz3X4CYYYoJA5sTUqTL6DR69R6gM2XXa9lTrSaAip5-DxMkrEQch2tRReH3BphEYylA/s3200/603596_10202721529432498_2080861991_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yikes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eN65Tk93hwh611JDbPX41MhOaTH1SMda62b_KUFpgCwCVYmdHz3xrLAcCeSY5x2RGnzvbuXOOePsEnffYzkffBe0-Nb5nFPhlj6s0Guv211lea8TWx2x_ppzZR13z9cHMZxFww4WaG4/s3200/1920390_10202721421349796_246254700_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eN65Tk93hwh611JDbPX41MhOaTH1SMda62b_KUFpgCwCVYmdHz3xrLAcCeSY5x2RGnzvbuXOOePsEnffYzkffBe0-Nb5nFPhlj6s0Guv211lea8TWx2x_ppzZR13z9cHMZxFww4WaG4/s3200/1920390_10202721421349796_246254700_n-1.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centennial Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-XnCu2EaauHnsqpEW7ZnhvlO7cKeoFvDSBIZ3fAtsjNEvqmw3PhieSWohYxCvTXYMNxquv-85Ohq59JH7Ax1kx59kACK7d9R_FYdq6vGn3qEHQoji3UPSMrBt25b7eUt7P4HsTFWBtc/s3200/1799918_10202732413544594_91100474_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-XnCu2EaauHnsqpEW7ZnhvlO7cKeoFvDSBIZ3fAtsjNEvqmw3PhieSWohYxCvTXYMNxquv-85Ohq59JH7Ax1kx59kACK7d9R_FYdq6vGn3qEHQoji3UPSMrBt25b7eUt7P4HsTFWBtc/s3200/1799918_10202732413544594_91100474_o.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marathon #7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I toured Centennial Park and rode the huge ferris wheel that looked over Atlanta. Fighting my slight fears of heights by facing them.<br />
<br />
April 6th I completed GO! St. Louis Marathon with a friend of mine. It was her first marathon and my 8th. Again, a hilly run but the weather was 45 degrees at the start and got up to 61 degrees at the finish. It was amazing. <br />
Jeremy couldn't go due to work so I took Maddy with me. The night we got in, <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-3c9LNcFHCS04jCUwHVmglwkkWjKp9IyR_7yAFAKEUagJeqR5z1LB-YSKyjdY4SA6u_V-6_a8S-8xzBXXV43XJCPw6_qcZwdNDWZuTiiRlpwg-063IJuT_VdA_37cvHGFnxRiv19AGM/s3200/1901502_10202803883931309_1145592173_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-3c9LNcFHCS04jCUwHVmglwkkWjKp9IyR_7yAFAKEUagJeqR5z1LB-YSKyjdY4SA6u_V-6_a8S-8xzBXXV43XJCPw6_qcZwdNDWZuTiiRlpwg-063IJuT_VdA_37cvHGFnxRiv19AGM/s3200/1901502_10202803883931309_1145592173_n-1.jpg" height="150" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfies with Lou Ferrigno...The INCREDIBLE HULK!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JplTz8VgwA1J9UekUigQ8niLpYB-SU06y3urN1p1JyYQ8DXEIexBErRxDoz9fgdW4XfCk1nN4L6Kkoq6XTvGsz7TVS6PvojNKdBbHOVIa9GLX3Kh59vdVOeUyiHYeOntw5r3aUM6h2c/s3200/10154132_10202807829749952_977471957_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JplTz8VgwA1J9UekUigQ8niLpYB-SU06y3urN1p1JyYQ8DXEIexBErRxDoz9fgdW4XfCk1nN4L6Kkoq6XTvGsz7TVS6PvojNKdBbHOVIa9GLX3Kh59vdVOeUyiHYeOntw5r3aUM6h2c/s3200/10154132_10202807829749952_977471957_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdYmOCrBincLG3LpjRwys90wNIsiNrNRYIL7oILicqRxUCS54Nr-8u6zZAea4jL__iq7Ell86YsBJaPA6dRCp5fZt4cJdNSWerf0k7LyYhd08ppx_QZBrXLswW5gA2Ix-njY9nQxBX_E/s3200/1509325_10202808788533921_508835319_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdYmOCrBincLG3LpjRwys90wNIsiNrNRYIL7oILicqRxUCS54Nr-8u6zZAea4jL__iq7Ell86YsBJaPA6dRCp5fZt4cJdNSWerf0k7LyYhd08ppx_QZBrXLswW5gA2Ix-njY9nQxBX_E/s3200/1509325_10202808788533921_508835319_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">650 FEET!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
we ate at a fancy cafe. We had been there for about 20 minutes when in walks LOU FERRIGNO. Yes, I said The Incredible Hulk. It was crazy. He was there with a few friends and I was freaking out. I decided to ask for a photo and he kindly allowed it. So, of course, we did a selfie. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnfD5T03oWT6hHP316augTMcS2FN-ttbUQXuQugcucyRx-burr8nvRJOVMWlAam2lmHc6DKavU7l_j8Dffcl-p_qKrfyx4x16AGw8K7-sRtsVWuuCpwODrzlMysJghOi31oWZPCmUfI8/s3200/485559_10202808789093935_499759587_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnfD5T03oWT6hHP316augTMcS2FN-ttbUQXuQugcucyRx-burr8nvRJOVMWlAam2lmHc6DKavU7l_j8Dffcl-p_qKrfyx4x16AGw8K7-sRtsVWuuCpwODrzlMysJghOi31oWZPCmUfI8/s3200/485559_10202808789093935_499759587_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see the Cardinals stadium.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day we toured the arch. It was amazing. I was very shocked at how when we got to the top of the arch it actually felt like it was swaying. My knees got weak and we lasted no more than 10 minutes. Ugh. Oh well, I once again fought my fears.<br />
<br />
I have one more marathon in May (Colfax Marathon in Denver) and then its time to relax. Well, not really relax but take a break on traveling. I signed up to be a fitness competitor but won't actually compete until my race goals are done. This summer I am focusing on lifting more and HIIT. My trainer wants to help me improve on my runs first. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWZzDTNdh2Y3FUX75tvEozKGMlQpo1vjNkm59I4wFbXivSpj-fxLAwVXp87-dBfnknxAJKhiINO5x7yA1KVYwUt1ymqbhkgE4HiTTFEnfnn8Y4O5nAWGlQZgJSxVn_6z7assEFyPv-b8/s3200/1546030_10202814046425365_241165286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWZzDTNdh2Y3FUX75tvEozKGMlQpo1vjNkm59I4wFbXivSpj-fxLAwVXp87-dBfnknxAJKhiINO5x7yA1KVYwUt1ymqbhkgE4HiTTFEnfnn8Y4O5nAWGlQZgJSxVn_6z7assEFyPv-b8/s3200/1546030_10202814046425365_241165286_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>I can honestly say I am more fit in my mid-thirties than I was in my late teens and most adulthood.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55eEIp8tPEynklXHB10Fga29lRukTzPV7RCntBkZnm7-kgzw-ftST3j-o-sGWyEdt4sEQzTNPtjVf7pgixqHRS01I7671YnmyWeaRpeJUpitU2RNG5J2FSPkgkTdShI-jmUA0uj2F0cw/s3200/10176187_10202814046785374_1187131195_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55eEIp8tPEynklXHB10Fga29lRukTzPV7RCntBkZnm7-kgzw-ftST3j-o-sGWyEdt4sEQzTNPtjVf7pgixqHRS01I7671YnmyWeaRpeJUpitU2RNG5J2FSPkgkTdShI-jmUA0uj2F0cw/s3200/10176187_10202814046785374_1187131195_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>What can I say? When The Lord shows you what you can do, go for it. I have allowed negativity and doubt to run my thoughts for too long. Its time.<br />
<br />
May 2014-Colfax Marathon in Denver<br />
(TBD:September 2014-Omaha Marathon in Nebraska)<br />
October 2014-St. Louis Rock and Roll in Missouri (doing this one as a training run)<br />
November 2014-Seattle Marathon in Washington<br />
<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-55793683978955549222014-03-16T17:56:00.000-07:002014-03-16T17:57:14.391-07:00January, February, and March MadnessAnd here we are again. Struggling to make time to post.<br />
<br />
Recap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zo8fdlJt7g0VbTQ6TW61w5g1PN78p-zOrRAN1uNhbuKERXOPsmVekeoCAgb0qTqRgPCEmK1htoZ5mg2RYwZvLHWpeoviDrJMmAEbCt02bdS2NPOia6z2ifc81JvxYi3-6BbAV9Orb1w/s1600/1090884_10202305585914170_1970514092_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zo8fdlJt7g0VbTQ6TW61w5g1PN78p-zOrRAN1uNhbuKERXOPsmVekeoCAgb0qTqRgPCEmK1htoZ5mg2RYwZvLHWpeoviDrJMmAEbCt02bdS2NPOia6z2ifc81JvxYi3-6BbAV9Orb1w/s1600/1090884_10202305585914170_1970514092_o.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddy going in for surgery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>January</u></b>-Maddy was hospitalized AGAIN for two weeks. This time she had Pneumonia and Strep. It was a rough go this time seeing as her lung function was down to 35%. She had issues with a PICC line and we made the tough *but oh so worth it* decision to get a PORT. It was a minor surgery to get a small plastic piece under her left chest skin but everything went well. For future hospitalizations and blood withdrawl we'll use the PORT instead of going through a vein. It was a tough stay for her due to the amount of children on the peds floor with FLU, she was unable to have friends to visit. Maddy is my hero--straight up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLalnljna1FtMdNLV7W5xZ5_Ngj8OK9yS0gef-eZPhoJSBZaB59Wf7B12LcktJFXHw4NKkC6OXhM58rQNKECITLR9hYNmZjdgBIP2CJqvMgASjzWEzluRlGc8-7LvzbeCd-3RCtIvRIgI/s1600/1546080_10202299894851897_1891883301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLalnljna1FtMdNLV7W5xZ5_Ngj8OK9yS0gef-eZPhoJSBZaB59Wf7B12LcktJFXHw4NKkC6OXhM58rQNKECITLR9hYNmZjdgBIP2CJqvMgASjzWEzluRlGc8-7LvzbeCd-3RCtIvRIgI/s1600/1546080_10202299894851897_1891883301_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddy throwing up deuces post surgery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>February</u></b>-Nothing too interesting going on. Marathon training continued and I WAS supposed to complete marathon #7 in state #7 but it didn't happen. <br />
Got my very first MACRO calculation for my body type. I am not very good at keeping track of protein/fats/carbs but I gotta get with it. I want to be LEAN and that won't happen if I'm not doing my part. *shaking finger at myself*<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDTrklpVfp4eFkPL-8tVdC_yiU8o8csyQ6oC1rvAtZnF3szmi4wuOqSuTh0X0PKKpnRyJohMpyPixo7YiFUInCAhIk215BEjGje8uMKROpR3n15Y9tH10LgUfRQNBTPIUa-W_a0NZ_ZY/s1600/1535080_10202320592769332_626125678_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDTrklpVfp4eFkPL-8tVdC_yiU8o8csyQ6oC1rvAtZnF3szmi4wuOqSuTh0X0PKKpnRyJohMpyPixo7YiFUInCAhIk215BEjGje8uMKROpR3n15Y9tH10LgUfRQNBTPIUa-W_a0NZ_ZY/s1600/1535080_10202320592769332_626125678_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February progress shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>March</u></b>-Well, March 2nd was SUPPOSED to be my marathon #7 but it didn't happen. The "runwives" and I drove over 7 hours to Little Rock. It was a great ride down and the expo was amazing. Bart Yasso, the editor of Runners World, was there to give a presentation. We were then able to meet him. I PROUDLY boast about being the first to take a "selfie" with him. Silly but awesome!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYaAtwdLag0Eg8IHZgJfEuCvr2AJizA_BtPEfMt-xpEAr1wCKh47ocK6KSO7CcEDtGeGcsHHtm8EjPyP_msjxSYdRhksv2pbY4LfVb0m94Zf2KQMGgqWV_8Q6gEz-3gRJulixii5FgFs/s1600/1911872_10202583011409634_248218951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYaAtwdLag0Eg8IHZgJfEuCvr2AJizA_BtPEfMt-xpEAr1wCKh47ocK6KSO7CcEDtGeGcsHHtm8EjPyP_msjxSYdRhksv2pbY4LfVb0m94Zf2KQMGgqWV_8Q6gEz-3gRJulixii5FgFs/s1600/1911872_10202583011409634_248218951_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"SELFIE!" with Bart Yasso</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sunday, marathon day, rolls around and it's raining like crazy. It started out being 54 degrees and by the time it was all over it had dropped to 30 degrees with an ice storm headed our way.<br />
They ended up canceling the race due to severe weather. My friend and I were almost to mile 18 when they canceled and detoured us to a nearby Wal-Mart. Freezing cold blistering winds and we were wearing shorts.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO47q6IoHj_vtK1UDwAId01T7J9uPsL8yai9Sgmrasbe3tQ8ap99ToO3e2foNig0V5c1AfSK0t_433nkEEYdUi5LV_yQ9c2jz7Wwi5ODPnFI6Mbdf1l3o78xPs6vSlAvkPL6pyVEYAGsY/s1600/1981876_10202589634375204_1336979076_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO47q6IoHj_vtK1UDwAId01T7J9uPsL8yai9Sgmrasbe3tQ8ap99ToO3e2foNig0V5c1AfSK0t_433nkEEYdUi5LV_yQ9c2jz7Wwi5ODPnFI6Mbdf1l3o78xPs6vSlAvkPL6pyVEYAGsY/s1600/1981876_10202589634375204_1336979076_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain AMY-rica and Wendy Woman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were pretty disappointed. Not so much because of the weather but because the race officials came back and said they rerouted us NOT cancelled the run. Even though there were black signs from police that read race cancelled, they still said they only rerouted us. We all know it was so they didn't have to refund us our fees. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcCgRnotvsgCKLG55pXcu0UFPkMfjOiH75oyJUcOi75uZYUWztF-8flFKJLzp4gQlDPnv5nlDtI0GdTJ2VeTwwB0SgMk7t26H9JCboabh7QX7qbfI95lyyX1sNx36QyN6ESRLzvJ-9M0/s1600/1969754_10153888035825051_496488049_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcCgRnotvsgCKLG55pXcu0UFPkMfjOiH75oyJUcOi75uZYUWztF-8flFKJLzp4gQlDPnv5nlDtI0GdTJ2VeTwwB0SgMk7t26H9JCboabh7QX7qbfI95lyyX1sNx36QyN6ESRLzvJ-9M0/s1600/1969754_10153888035825051_496488049_o.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runners detoured at Wal-Mart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next year, I am not running Little Rock Marathon. I will run their other Arkansas marathon, "HOGEYE Marathon," and wear my LSU gear!!!<br />
The next day it literally took us 2 hours to get out of Little Rock. My car was solid ice. Thankfully one of my "wives" drove 10+ hours home for us.<br />
<br />
In ONE week, March 23, I will FINALLY complete marathon #7 in Atlanta, GA. April 6th, marathon #8, will be in St. Louis, MO. May 25th, marathon #9, will be in Denver, CO. <br />
With 3 marathons in 3 months, I will qualify for a bronze level in Marathon Maniacs. I cannot wait to be a part of this community.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DIHuyn7h55Aqy-bOzNg0o5eFwmLX6qfq7OWjHkq1pGQIDMD15IYT91q1Zlmz2vK3skXkekhm2x6uQaDWOfS_GVfjVQcrmaaNgkbGCXvOeI1GiMj6sJ-BjJscxAF19yrgzkYOLFwHuLU/s1600/1970741_10202589634695212_588937312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DIHuyn7h55Aqy-bOzNg0o5eFwmLX6qfq7OWjHkq1pGQIDMD15IYT91q1Zlmz2vK3skXkekhm2x6uQaDWOfS_GVfjVQcrmaaNgkbGCXvOeI1GiMj6sJ-BjJscxAF19yrgzkYOLFwHuLU/s1600/1970741_10202589634695212_588937312_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "runwives" with our EPIC medal for our unofficial finish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Well, that's it. It's crazy how time really does fly. Busy or lazy, I just don't know the difference these days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-81474671089942260872014-01-05T16:11:00.003-08:002014-01-05T16:11:32.211-08:00Cheers!First blog of the year is here!<br />
<br />
As I've said before I don't believe in resolutions, I just believe in goals and accomplishments. So, with not having resolutions, I'm able to keep moving forward in my goals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8893E7hSMHWYiBLYofntqUgbgh0j6VxyzoO0okU2KFw9Zskpvk6k9NAR8pQiPIWFfT264Lhuj3yj_4lNHDBocqNER236cWJFzLpMEH0T12QMHkfyr90qeAej_k1i2TWu-YBBM7foIQqo/s1600/IMG_7759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8893E7hSMHWYiBLYofntqUgbgh0j6VxyzoO0okU2KFw9Zskpvk6k9NAR8pQiPIWFfT264Lhuj3yj_4lNHDBocqNER236cWJFzLpMEH0T12QMHkfyr90qeAej_k1i2TWu-YBBM7foIQqo/s1600/IMG_7759.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resolution Run 5k</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1mr87SRoA05uA_c6LO31rqdn4AvrlTOQuS3O6fSasSWjRVuJlFVHQMu2irA70AfqDBBdEohuaEoTpcy2vlJyjEe5p8hxV1zs18OF8tgtYf-_7lEmWmck4rKXc4Ubq7jsqKLtwmjyZjo/s1600/IMG_7777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1mr87SRoA05uA_c6LO31rqdn4AvrlTOQuS3O6fSasSWjRVuJlFVHQMu2irA70AfqDBBdEohuaEoTpcy2vlJyjEe5p8hxV1zs18OF8tgtYf-_7lEmWmck4rKXc4Ubq7jsqKLtwmjyZjo/s1600/IMG_7777.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangover Half-Marathon (my Babe)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_5nNhbF7YxlLVoBuCX_pbzSEa0HIAXXxEw-pUc-y2Eu8XpExfASGNRH4bzgiIFNvqXgFAoeZbQX9wETSf3l2aYqJAJjkvf2hyphenhyphen2nwWTPMN18_cT141T0TLpFsftdbjk_CLBE9kdh6XDs/s1600/IMG_7763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_5nNhbF7YxlLVoBuCX_pbzSEa0HIAXXxEw-pUc-y2Eu8XpExfASGNRH4bzgiIFNvqXgFAoeZbQX9wETSf3l2aYqJAJjkvf2hyphenhyphen2nwWTPMN18_cT141T0TLpFsftdbjk_CLBE9kdh6XDs/s1600/IMG_7763.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run Into the New Year 5k<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Resolution Run 5k at 5pm on New Years Eve, Run Into the New Year 5k at 11:45pm on New Years Eve, and Hangover Half-Marathon at 10 am on New Years Day! It was a long night/morning but we had a blast.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxOrLqmuTpYZZ0G9GmXccyrS4EVelpQpHDJ_ta2odjuG1vFkzVmhIaLpZGetm9YTTXB_c-T6RSm9tfg8ne8G3FF_jgCcOL6frWS4y61qiXOkwq6ts0A3b2A94gMi5EjiX6XMpbCG5paw/s1600/IMG_7784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxOrLqmuTpYZZ0G9GmXccyrS4EVelpQpHDJ_ta2odjuG1vFkzVmhIaLpZGetm9YTTXB_c-T6RSm9tfg8ne8G3FF_jgCcOL6frWS4y61qiXOkwq6ts0A3b2A94gMi5EjiX6XMpbCG5paw/s1600/IMG_7784.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#UGLYSWEATers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our "UGLY SWEATers" team also won "Best Costume".<br />
Overall, it was a great day but man, I was extremely exhausted. <br />
<br />
In other news, this new year is going to take a lot of getting used when it comes to my child. My sweet girl turns 14 and will be entering high school. I'm not really going to say much more because honestly, I have no words.<br />
I get so excited at the thought of achieving my goals but that means TIME and time isn't something you can buy or buy back. <br />
So, my purpose is bittersweet.<br />
But, I will say I am very thankful she is so supportive of me. If arthritis hurts, she's comforting. If I'm freaking out about a run, she rubs my back or plays with my hair. If I get so excited about a future run and our sight seeing, she supports the travel.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_p7Ba1YQbFDkVk_2k49kqV9JLlC5KyvKR9I27c8H1EZRMplqoEWJ7c22dTqi5qZUANCU-UgBU6-TqupmYEXFwzULwOZsg3NmJZnNICSV9SDz6DAbJwJKGc1O2yqq-U7uL1AdxLrZsbI/s1600/IMG_5614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_p7Ba1YQbFDkVk_2k49kqV9JLlC5KyvKR9I27c8H1EZRMplqoEWJ7c22dTqi5qZUANCU-UgBU6-TqupmYEXFwzULwOZsg3NmJZnNICSV9SDz6DAbJwJKGc1O2yqq-U7uL1AdxLrZsbI/s1600/IMG_5614.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why do you have to grow up?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am so proud of who is she becoming.<br />
<br />
The final goal I'd like to accomplish this year is my Marathon 2015 savings jar. I had seen a savings plan for 52 weeks and I'm applying it towards my marathon fund. The marathon I chose for 2015 will end up being a west coast one or an upper east coast. I'd like to have "unlimited" funds to explore the surrounding area. So, I started with what the plan asked for and added some change. I'm excited to continue this plan until the day the plane leaves to take me to my destination. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgQ91ACAtFAcADj_6NoYBH_1E5pTSdnVizO_uabDzBz9N8-gGCtE6ORa0Rle22JUSPfH8SHKFfIybZ7tCXf4mj46lxxZjyeqSDmMpOuKcipHbOE7mFBHbMuemNXKL1ErN17AS0Sx-PwI/s1600/IMG_7855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgQ91ACAtFAcADj_6NoYBH_1E5pTSdnVizO_uabDzBz9N8-gGCtE6ORa0Rle22JUSPfH8SHKFfIybZ7tCXf4mj46lxxZjyeqSDmMpOuKcipHbOE7mFBHbMuemNXKL1ErN17AS0Sx-PwI/s1600/IMG_7855.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marathon 2015 awaits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, heres to the new year! Cheers!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CeV5KSWGjy26lAY2XAGt14gAq0dq7Lxr64wyxy0raYw0F8XmQW9NE6W1BSwEqSscKTVmRttM-Kjvzizn0eQIhdI0xX0SE6BblQcZbVXUw02tKuKSqTZOj-DOQAoT5wzgj9DpQcqJhco/s1600/IMG_7781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CeV5KSWGjy26lAY2XAGt14gAq0dq7Lxr64wyxy0raYw0F8XmQW9NE6W1BSwEqSscKTVmRttM-Kjvzizn0eQIhdI0xX0SE6BblQcZbVXUw02tKuKSqTZOj-DOQAoT5wzgj9DpQcqJhco/s1600/IMG_7781.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most encouraging runners I know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-61852768217380927482013-12-29T13:13:00.001-08:002013-12-29T14:03:04.032-08:00All Good Things Must Come to an End...or do they?Crazy how things work out!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just this morning, during a workout, I poured my heart out to a friend about this blog.</div>
<div>
Why did I abandon it? Why did I leave it? Why did I drop it off on a doorstep for someone else to care for? (Haha, not really that far but you get it.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used to be so good at documenting my victories as well as my failures. Yes, I said failures because failures aren't always a bad thing. "I can accept failure, EVERYONE fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."-Michael Jordan</div>
<br />
<div>
I have had so much go on this year but too lazy to document.</div>
<div>
So, we decided I would just start here. Put down all the great things that happened this year and start fresh for next year. </div>
<div>
I don't believe in resolutions. I believe in dreams-goals-accomplishments. So, I've made it a goal to continue this and I WANT to fulfill it. So here goes:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>2013</u></div>
<div>
<b>January</b>-My literal dream of meeting John Mayer came true.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvjZUOmJzeaqgFCCzpoNJinIAQ3cWk2RHVULJRKQHo8IYYFNBeGAhMv78tD51uaORoRjMPYDyTd_4wyIUI0yGJHeWw5bjDHiKVdfOECzoRfvBOxOz5XPSwdZTWps-SBRYXMH-FHgMJGg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvjZUOmJzeaqgFCCzpoNJinIAQ3cWk2RHVULJRKQHo8IYYFNBeGAhMv78tD51uaORoRjMPYDyTd_4wyIUI0yGJHeWw5bjDHiKVdfOECzoRfvBOxOz5XPSwdZTWps-SBRYXMH-FHgMJGg/s200/photo+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="text-align: center;">February</b><span style="text-align: center;">-I was introduced to Beachbody and became a fitness coach. I met amazing people and got to be a part of watching peoples lives transform due to a healthy life change. </span></div>
<div>
<b>March</b>-I became a mommy to a teenager and we spent our last month together (Babe was deployed) getting to know each other all over again. This time I watched a young lady be born.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnUUSurwIsfH19wQKRTgDlvx5PUwe8Ue1eBydaoEA1ulWGN5cpCYdodSitHsGAZGWWkGWK5rWDep0Mn2MK3d0dn3YETc_gYMhZzU7Q7NHR6AZRcgERHotQv9aWi46v2uflB_SdpGjHaI/s1600/IMG_4440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnUUSurwIsfH19wQKRTgDlvx5PUwe8Ue1eBydaoEA1ulWGN5cpCYdodSitHsGAZGWWkGWK5rWDep0Mn2MK3d0dn3YETc_gYMhZzU7Q7NHR6AZRcgERHotQv9aWi46v2uflB_SdpGjHaI/s200/IMG_4440.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The teenager.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<b>April</b>-Babe came home after 6 months overseas. He missed out when both of his grandmothers passed away and their funerals. He also missed out when our cat Morrison passed away. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>May</b>-I PR'ed during the Prairie Fire half-marathon. I ran an 8:00 min/mile for 13.1 miles. My finishing time was 1hr 44min, putting me 11th in my division and 165th overall. I cried at the finish line. I also said good-bye to a good friend as her family moved overseas (fist in the air to military). I then made a decision to temporarily say good-bye to some toxic family members. I couldn't allow them to breathe negativity in my life anymore. Until the day of renewal comes, I'm content with the decision that was made.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iGRakP3v3BKEFPiD3M0HtYQ8MIlIxQrLvhgtJDcZujI5YXsig7NJNAEsJUilUg2Q_4HzH-kWLUhPd24IrrO3xOp0HQZQHj965px4q4lIfHaqagNwhf0DUq0u7un0gGPj3C3JNtxMLsc/s1600/IMG_4449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iGRakP3v3BKEFPiD3M0HtYQ8MIlIxQrLvhgtJDcZujI5YXsig7NJNAEsJUilUg2Q_4HzH-kWLUhPd24IrrO3xOp0HQZQHj965px4q4lIfHaqagNwhf0DUq0u7un0gGPj3C3JNtxMLsc/s200/IMG_4449.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome home Babe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOtll1j6kE9phVXfAZKXaN8Tlu4tmhrnlAvOwnmM9zocQbh9vheoP_3gTtvWQjh_AqZAiInZzmd0RKtIgN83zfSRpZGev_37sA4n4PohcVftgOq3sNlmLR8OvVtyzZU5ZB-RXFqt4wnc/s1600/IMG_4716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOtll1j6kE9phVXfAZKXaN8Tlu4tmhrnlAvOwnmM9zocQbh9vheoP_3gTtvWQjh_AqZAiInZzmd0RKtIgN83zfSRpZGev_37sA4n4PohcVftgOq3sNlmLR8OvVtyzZU5ZB-RXFqt4wnc/s200/IMG_4716.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1:44:48</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b>June</b>-It wasn't a happy time but we had to put our sweet Anabelle to rest. It was the hardest time of my life. She helped me tremendously during my panic/anxiety.</div>
<div>
<b>July</b>-John Mayer concert in Kansas City! (It was no meet and greet but it was still an amazing concert.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4nQCHcKorzCiC93MyVjU3Gh2lyyeYIbCj-yITUWj3i8e88FTZrN1VykYmTq59VFg3urpJvljBjodr8n-Mdc7-ocSNu_1euOmp0u8OedevzgVo-UrCyg5prOkcQ7gKW_mOepSnooHJwI/s1600/IMG_5211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4nQCHcKorzCiC93MyVjU3Gh2lyyeYIbCj-yITUWj3i8e88FTZrN1VykYmTq59VFg3urpJvljBjodr8n-Mdc7-ocSNu_1euOmp0u8OedevzgVo-UrCyg5prOkcQ7gKW_mOepSnooHJwI/s200/IMG_5211.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest in Peace Anabelle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HB5Zr4nBKGJ8lk9PV4SimjyVSIkSHq-8bT2v0hIkrnrXGS08WpDRw0zo6w7Bprd2No0_K_AmBdOGncBbgc6Ymb_BLl_XDEjWwuSvvXaAqw77agy2IdBzOKcY6NraTfI8S57g2iQdbRU/s1600/IMG_5742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HB5Zr4nBKGJ8lk9PV4SimjyVSIkSHq-8bT2v0hIkrnrXGS08WpDRw0zo6w7Bprd2No0_K_AmBdOGncBbgc6Ymb_BLl_XDEjWwuSvvXaAqw77agy2IdBzOKcY6NraTfI8S57g2iQdbRU/s200/IMG_5742.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kansas City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b>August</b>-Met two new runners and they immediately became family. We would summer train during hard months of pure heat!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3FeNv4oj_bx1itg5mNdQ_UCFQdGPO5O3F7JIq0l2lUrEIphEs8HagLCAfgTIUnFiHGCsfB7a9N-PJqNZhi0AkanZXNQVZRWzeUlx0Eooc_6J5YdmqNDBjlnso2_ARi1xNwkBriXP-r0/s1600/IMG_6482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3FeNv4oj_bx1itg5mNdQ_UCFQdGPO5O3F7JIq0l2lUrEIphEs8HagLCAfgTIUnFiHGCsfB7a9N-PJqNZhi0AkanZXNQVZRWzeUlx0Eooc_6J5YdmqNDBjlnso2_ARi1xNwkBriXP-r0/s200/IMG_6482.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David and Gwen join the crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_kSdtLtt83FeR3HeOUMGgXOZdAKTxjvDCS0gCWGuSgbFYQP7yzgJ5C9_kOFqZ4aIFoeU8RnLDxHMSVfgBrEFVXezI5UbWa8gOEFxttAIgg6j0ZaiU0Gj1JPx4jAL8Dl7jQ_ln1vVd2o/s1600/IMG_6164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_kSdtLtt83FeR3HeOUMGgXOZdAKTxjvDCS0gCWGuSgbFYQP7yzgJ5C9_kOFqZ4aIFoeU8RnLDxHMSVfgBrEFVXezI5UbWa8gOEFxttAIgg6j0ZaiU0Gj1JPx4jAL8Dl7jQ_ln1vVd2o/s200/IMG_6164.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qz_njvAL7R6JA41EhPyyaprm26DkLJ41xifrXaHl1JShenZ3pxScI93krk9Z6r9Y7u42uGLmZbId0Rb5obIwSOhiuYXbWTl1bbaFFzQ-dKpmPW-ZAJEWAUVRPDmeR696nZP2ZeMqwjE/s1600/IMG_6162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qz_njvAL7R6JA41EhPyyaprm26DkLJ41xifrXaHl1JShenZ3pxScI93krk9Z6r9Y7u42uGLmZbId0Rb5obIwSOhiuYXbWTl1bbaFFzQ-dKpmPW-ZAJEWAUVRPDmeR696nZP2ZeMqwjE/s200/IMG_6162.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We got two new Burmese kittens and we named them Moose and Marie.</div>
<div>
<b>September</b>-I was sick with a sinus infection for 3 weeks but still trained hard. Migraines would hit me like crazy but I pushed through.</div>
<div>
<b>October</b>-Maddy gets hospitalized for 2 weeks with a severe lung infection. When doctors are worried, that means you need to pray and pray hard. It was also a time of realizing who truly cared for your family. It was a hard reality.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nw3QZTQwQOx4sDQvzSaOSsC6hb6Y__R-4h8tYYBQO6Ma_weaSNiUnSqKuUD-8bXgEueIwfK0ICPlNR6iGGlOeqKIQAGj7LXPeLEMVIA0FRBQDpIoQdjgwOU1XhXcF8_2T42k76u2G_o/s1600/IMG_6878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nw3QZTQwQOx4sDQvzSaOSsC6hb6Y__R-4h8tYYBQO6Ma_weaSNiUnSqKuUD-8bXgEueIwfK0ICPlNR6iGGlOeqKIQAGj7LXPeLEMVIA0FRBQDpIoQdjgwOU1XhXcF8_2T42k76u2G_o/s200/IMG_6878.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween in the pediatric unit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOQOjtlcVGqjwY5YKw_KDebtUdca8utoLZwByP9XSKYwyCbSxCxaY_E4RTl_cnUOE43XSJeEZlKRRQciaDJBxUQ-j11jy1NUz4K_RDbH0SWdc6glFRqAfGuiVQwBoJQn6cVwICb5FyhE/s1600/IMG_6738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOQOjtlcVGqjwY5YKw_KDebtUdca8utoLZwByP9XSKYwyCbSxCxaY_E4RTl_cnUOE43XSJeEZlKRRQciaDJBxUQ-j11jy1NUz4K_RDbH0SWdc6glFRqAfGuiVQwBoJQn6cVwICb5FyhE/s200/IMG_6738.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delta F 508-Maddy's CF gene mutation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesg9JvO-zghriycqGAVFzbzkujFZHwFtzm44TMZ32xyoBiRrMGHW1fRGOjlZ8vuEK1PBJir5Y0R4A-o3kFoRru_yHFjsXEJc_Szsl_JfJJD7JJrBGmrzG_qt2rAf6mtfWmTD_uu_dFXw/s1600/IMG_7200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesg9JvO-zghriycqGAVFzbzkujFZHwFtzm44TMZ32xyoBiRrMGHW1fRGOjlZ8vuEK1PBJir5Y0R4A-o3kFoRru_yHFjsXEJc_Szsl_JfJJD7JJrBGmrzG_qt2rAf6mtfWmTD_uu_dFXw/s200/IMG_7200.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Liberty Bell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8eFM2_UlKgbc0GyqGCrd3ybeqbdxjBGIQ3j6VO2gBUJ4MdZTUV9Y02w4aIJMj12q-SeKZ6sCKOnveF1WE7ui9_A0JN8HiGz8CizFgsRWWCLTCdz49cCBtru51RNBS4IZzWGzG4GNYpU/s1600/IMG_7125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8eFM2_UlKgbc0GyqGCrd3ybeqbdxjBGIQ3j6VO2gBUJ4MdZTUV9Y02w4aIJMj12q-SeKZ6sCKOnveF1WE7ui9_A0JN8HiGz8CizFgsRWWCLTCdz49cCBtru51RNBS4IZzWGzG4GNYpU/s200/IMG_7125.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>November</b>-Even during the toughest times, I still made it to Philadelphia and completed my 6th marathon. I heard The Lords voice the whole run. I technically missed a total of 1 month of training due to me being sick, Maddy being hospitalized, and migraines BUT I still finished under 5 hours. I prayed to at least finish in 4 hours and 45 minutes and I ended up finishing 4:46:03 (SO CLOSE!)! I was still good with everything. We even ventured out to Scranton, PA. to see the sights of where some of The Office scenes were filmed. We had a blast!</div>
<div>
<b>December</b>-John Mayer meet and greet with an amazing front row seat concert. This time we traveled 15 minutes to see him because he came to Wichita. Babe was starstruck. I think his exact words were "oh crap, its John Mayer." Best night ever!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIFVtJzouoppuHGHXPCo7ZtENwUaHwdYQE4ZXGnmkHhgoDrOiuKCfN70y4OJ4-YFcCwhRFRsjKpl2Oy4PfUFMNNgTiex_J7NiHp9uApZ4NMQzwTGCayvIVLNpJVIRSUlZN7F0A2FmSCQ/s1600/IMG_7419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIFVtJzouoppuHGHXPCo7ZtENwUaHwdYQE4ZXGnmkHhgoDrOiuKCfN70y4OJ4-YFcCwhRFRsjKpl2Oy4PfUFMNNgTiex_J7NiHp9uApZ4NMQzwTGCayvIVLNpJVIRSUlZN7F0A2FmSCQ/s200/IMG_7419.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front row seats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMwZ9SE31XVHNhlf4RIEYZKwelyd_sQS_KW_Kc4ThgVYZZ5yWLRt-l6iImIA6DKS_DMcgYRSTQRY354VPARKvs44jp5FirOcYEhAdPEMYOWdZizYnmMYPNOODTjWLYrPHhVR4Y4Tzg8A/s1600/IMG_7397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMwZ9SE31XVHNhlf4RIEYZKwelyd_sQS_KW_Kc4ThgVYZZ5yWLRt-l6iImIA6DKS_DMcgYRSTQRY354VPARKvs44jp5FirOcYEhAdPEMYOWdZizYnmMYPNOODTjWLYrPHhVR4Y4Tzg8A/s200/IMG_7397.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So there it is, 2013! I'm ready for 2014. I'll kick off the New Year running two 5k's and a half-marathon all in 12 hours. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"A goal without a plan is just a wish."-Antoine de Saint-Exupery</div>
<div>
<u>2014</u></div>
<div>
Mar-Little Rock Marathon</div>
<div>
Oct-St. Louis Marathon</div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-51117339701572923652013-05-24T11:47:00.001-07:002013-05-24T11:47:42.732-07:00The Fountain of YouthMay 23rd was 16 years that I have been graduated from high school! We recently had a class get together and chatted about how 16 years is VERY close to 20 years of being out of high school. YIKES!<br />
We all know, in that amount of time, that things change. Some for the good, some for the bad.<br />
The majority of things I hear these days, when talking about fitness, is how the person wishes they could look and feel the way they did back in high school.<br />
Guess what?<br />
You can!<br />
Guess what again?<br />
You can look and feel BETTER!<br />
<br />
I have found that "The Fountain of Youth" isn't a quick fix of botox, breast augmentation (although thats not necessarily a bad thing), or fad diets.<br />
It's eating right and fitness. <br />
What I mean is 70% clean eating (eating as close to its natural form as possible) and 30% fitness. Meaning don't stress over eating what you want and then trying to burn those calories--you'll never make up for it. You'll have to run a half-marathon (13.1 miles) to make up for that whopper, fries, and medium soda that you had for lunch.<br />
Instead, focus on ways to fuel and feed your muscles. Muscles are made in the kitchen. I am a slow learner. I have to see it working, first hand, for people before I jump on board.<br />
Im seeing results and loving it!<br />
Do I want to be the way I was in high school? NO WAY! I want to be who I am NOW!<br />
<br />
Visit my site if you need help!<br />
<br />
"The Fountain of Youth really is just a puddle of sweat."-Chalene Johnson (TurboFire)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VqaX84_MsZfTFalRgbaM9FChS21A_QKjwGzUACO-EeecfB8PQDQp7OaDEjzEGG80oUF91FEmyQhKsfxyRDn3KJHPesq_zwWoTllsemvRrv3KrOzNWvORc23RJC5xd83hUoN0t5Jnqbc/s1600/IMG_4974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VqaX84_MsZfTFalRgbaM9FChS21A_QKjwGzUACO-EeecfB8PQDQp7OaDEjzEGG80oUF91FEmyQhKsfxyRDn3KJHPesq_zwWoTllsemvRrv3KrOzNWvORc23RJC5xd83hUoN0t5Jnqbc/s320/IMG_4974.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently taking studio pics with your BFF was cool back in '97.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBErpMyqtiJSASKF7z3zTighKQtLQW2ItOKTWlVdnGEPhjLuLKQfbQNWUvswlaKFqStOxwewXDMsWMzoCg3ZhHwdXPXTw_bPSAmicTJEm3DhXyhllc_Uj99QzsSy7dYXm_4oDgeZDicCk/s1600/IMG_4645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBErpMyqtiJSASKF7z3zTighKQtLQW2ItOKTWlVdnGEPhjLuLKQfbQNWUvswlaKFqStOxwewXDMsWMzoCg3ZhHwdXPXTw_bPSAmicTJEm3DhXyhllc_Uj99QzsSy7dYXm_4oDgeZDicCk/s320/IMG_4645.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is REAL sweat...and no I don't glisten. TurboFire has changed my life...and made my runs so much faster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRLdAa1ZI9NIREWIy5VEDJiIS532_Jr4t73WisB6tDBvIaUj16spIxgv5LVFoZsiZBKVsqsG_BnolGvw-a5bIWE-Ttb3AugFGytQxxN9otdft1AMNivaMsNS5fLG4HiSE3Fj3VB6K2Yg/s1600/IMG_4947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRLdAa1ZI9NIREWIy5VEDJiIS532_Jr4t73WisB6tDBvIaUj16spIxgv5LVFoZsiZBKVsqsG_BnolGvw-a5bIWE-Ttb3AugFGytQxxN9otdft1AMNivaMsNS5fLG4HiSE3Fj3VB6K2Yg/s320/IMG_4947.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend of 20 years, April. While the other girls were checking out each others hair and such, I gave April major props on her biceps. That girl is buff!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-2738295248485703612013-05-13T17:46:00.000-07:002013-05-13T17:46:00.887-07:00To be continued...As I have said before, this blog is used for my "failures" as well as it is victories.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was not a good day.<br />
Yesterday was Mother's Day.<br />
<br />
While everyone was busy posting about their moms and all the wonderful posts about their moms, my heart was empty.<br />
<br />
I have struggled for years at why my heart feels empty when it comes to my mom. It's very hard to explain. <br />
I didn't grow up in the best home life and that's okay. It took a little while to get to the "okayness" of why I grew up that way but I haven't quite understood the mother/daughter bond...or lack thereof.<br />
I get the bond between my child and I (I absolutely love it) but I have never understood what it's like to be THE child.<br />
<br />
I know my parents loved me. I know my mom loved/loves me. But, to the depths of REALLY knowing, I don't understand it.<br />
I am sure this post seems meaningless to some, especially if you've understood your role in your relationships.<br />
For someone like me, I am completely numb at being a daughter to a mother. I don't know what that feels like.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, there was some misunderstanding between a family member and I. The person totally misunderstood what I was trying to say. Instead of asking me or reaffirming what I said, they completely spread the word around at their interpretation. It caused havoc with some family. <br />
And again, I was left with the thoughts of how I have no one. <br />
<br />
Maybe you might view this as a pity party. I really don't.<br />
I look at this as reality. <br />
<br />
<br />
If you are reading this and you are family, please know this is something the Lord is working out in my heart. It isn't something I am doing on purpose or doing to get back at anyone.<br />
I don't know why my heart is hardened.<br />
<br />
To be continued...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59TAa8LTK_nc3hZDvayFqFc0rGfusCpXSqGy39YhZev9pBk7e6cs8fw4uWacLic6B6NvzHWaifxclqCrsO-H4CchyqVKb0a74A6dobMbWePzh9wrmOB6mX0r5SMMn4Umt5_0S7fsPcWU/s1600/IMG_4538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59TAa8LTK_nc3hZDvayFqFc0rGfusCpXSqGy39YhZev9pBk7e6cs8fw4uWacLic6B6NvzHWaifxclqCrsO-H4CchyqVKb0a74A6dobMbWePzh9wrmOB6mX0r5SMMn4Umt5_0S7fsPcWU/s320/IMG_4538.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I love, adore, and admire my child. I hope to be like her one day! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-42265801431388887532013-04-27T18:24:00.000-07:002013-04-27T18:24:19.726-07:00U2A few years ago, I watched a documentary over Bono from U2.<br />
<div>
He was being interviewed over his faith and how most of his songs, in some way, are about Christ. </div>
<div>
Out of the whole interview only one phrase stuck out...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Sometimes you just have to sing the blues"</div>
<div>
<br />
How appropriate for that time in my life when I was speechless, emotionless, and heartless. I had been through some major heartache and I had NO idea how to get rid of it.<br />
I had prayed, I had sought, and I had thrown myself down at the Lords feet.<br />
One thing I had not done, was mourned.<br />
<br />
"Mourned? Why would you do that when you have faith?"<br />
<br />
Well, because mourning is a natural feeling and because Jesus mourned a few times. <br />
<b>*</b>When Lazarus died, Jesus cried. "Then Jesus wept."-John 11:35<br />
<b>*</b>Praying in The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was in agony. "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."-Luke 22:42 "He prayed more fervently, and he was in agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood."-Luke 22:44<br />
<b>*</b>On the cross while being crucified, not only was Jesus in pain but HE was overwhelmed with the sin of others (yours and mine included). He was heartbroken. "...My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"-Matthew 27:46<br />
The only difference is that I could not praise during my storm. I only questioned. Why had I let myself get this far away? Why did I allow others to come in and make room? Why didn't I grab my armor of faith and "fashionably" defeat the enemy's schemes to destroy me?<br />
I had sunk that low in my emotions. To the point of shutting down physically and emotionally. <br />
I did the only thing that could help me mourn...<br />
<br />
I grabbed on to John Mayer.<br />
<br />
I know, I know, it sounds CRAZY! But, I grew up in the south and blues/jazz/raspy voices have always gotten my attention. <br />
I have appreciated John Mayer over the past few years but it was when I couldn't do anything but listen to his music, to get me through, is when mourning took place.<br />
His lyrics were right on and I cried through most of his songs during that rough patch in my life. So much so, I would park my car in parking lots and cry out. It was a good release.<br />
<br />
But now, life has changed for the good. I've reconnected with my Lord and HE has guided me through those rough times.<br />
Only now when I listen to John Mayer, its all respect for his music-mainly his guitar skills.<br />
<br />
In November 2012, I had a dream.<br />
I dreamt that a friend of mine (another JM fan) and I got to meet John Mayer at a concert. I asked my friend to take a picture of me and John so I could put it on my Facebook profile. She took a ton of pictures but they were all blurry. I finally took the phone away from her and took a self pic. Before I could look at the self pic to make sure it was okay, I woke up. (I hate that!)<br />
<br />
In December 2012, I got some news.<br />
After 2 years of not being able to sing because of a knot on his vocal cords, John Mayer was going to do a charity concert in Montana on January 16th, 2013. There would be a chance to get "meet and greet" tickets as well. Not only would John Mayer be singing at the charity event but Zac Brown would be there too. I HAD to do this!<br />
So when tickets opened up to buy online, I was there!<br />
It took 45 minutes to get those tickets but I got them. I also got front row tickets to the concert. <br />
I CANNOT tell you how excited I was! I was shaking!<br />
<br />
With Jeremy being deployed, it would be me and Maddy venturing out to Montana. We would fly out there, meet John and Zac, and fly back the next day.<br />
I have NEVER done anything spontaneous like this before but we all need to take a chance sometime and I did.<br />
<br />
January 16th came and the meet and greet was here. Maddy and I were second in line to meet him.<br />
When it was our turn to go up, I shook hands with Zac and then John (Johns tall, by the way). We chatted for a moment and then I asked John my most nervous question, "Can I take a picture of us?" and he said, "sure!". He leaned in and I snapped a selfie!<br />
And you know what? It went on my Facebook profile!<br />
<br />
EVERYTHING happens for a reason! It took getting to the depths of darkness to recommit myself to my Lord and then on to meet John Mayer. I know God allowed that time of sorrow to eventually fulfill a part of my "bucket list". <br />
Now, when I listen to JM I hear his music and I smile. I WAS there and now Im here. And OH MY GOSH, I met JOHN MAYER!!!<br />
<br />
Are you feeling despair? Do you feel like singing the blues?<br />
It's okay to. I never thought it was okay to. I always thought I had to praise during tough times. <br />
Don't get me wrong I have praised during the hardest times of my life but this time I could not. And God understood.<br />
Man, am I ever thankful for grace and everlasting love!<br />
<br />
BTW-I get to go to my next John Mayer concert in July near Kansas City!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlJb1EPBJ1sNlG-_vsman97HJdsCqhquF079K6uek882grepJUECRy4FyYBs_WqyEKDAEdBVHtk9h0FzLXXxnYkkngwff4R1lg446wa5HKYTT4Ev_3mxz9j_VNXM3HCbgbHf1pn-TeUg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlJb1EPBJ1sNlG-_vsman97HJdsCqhquF079K6uek882grepJUECRy4FyYBs_WqyEKDAEdBVHtk9h0FzLXXxnYkkngwff4R1lg446wa5HKYTT4Ev_3mxz9j_VNXM3HCbgbHf1pn-TeUg/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Maddy when we landed in Bozeman, Montana. If I wasn't a southerner, I'd definitely be a northerner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiwfcDQSiaGsg6AjyYQYGqTg0eE2x-KjMiHVpO-VO6N6pwOy7j6i5YX6mKoY_wLfKJVUHU57bwzzh9gDK17aHAQ5ePrzPIXR5CAdA1e8Pw7vg68NCnf1cNahUs1fUirxf2xbdVRx0YIA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiwfcDQSiaGsg6AjyYQYGqTg0eE2x-KjMiHVpO-VO6N6pwOy7j6i5YX6mKoY_wLfKJVUHU57bwzzh9gDK17aHAQ5ePrzPIXR5CAdA1e8Pw7vg68NCnf1cNahUs1fUirxf2xbdVRx0YIA/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Can I take a picture of us?" "Sure!"-JM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aQy_TMV_TseSd94VcVpKCrhW5aZc8ryIkqc00f1P-pKl8VnIMc6fHWWCeFb_IHA9wlYrLqJjgYFAbiMvhkR8Dpu8F8nx_GsiyWsnrDqlF0KPYIrIS9BccUxAUTDOeqJ0GcaeYABnVFg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aQy_TMV_TseSd94VcVpKCrhW5aZc8ryIkqc00f1P-pKl8VnIMc6fHWWCeFb_IHA9wlYrLqJjgYFAbiMvhkR8Dpu8F8nx_GsiyWsnrDqlF0KPYIrIS9BccUxAUTDOeqJ0GcaeYABnVFg/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front row seats at his first concert in 2 years.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJZ-9uR7XlF__IllCJrwUaH1ItuExDupMGCZF1dB-drehH0kvPotdNAkDO5As7j777jvhaFUfUZcO7Erl3RwAm0qlszrEdaAO1ovP-p-9SvBUU6Akwhhpp_9b9VK8b4-5RzbmAFIjfO0/s1600/photo+4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJZ-9uR7XlF__IllCJrwUaH1ItuExDupMGCZF1dB-drehH0kvPotdNAkDO5As7j777jvhaFUfUZcO7Erl3RwAm0qlszrEdaAO1ovP-p-9SvBUU6Akwhhpp_9b9VK8b4-5RzbmAFIjfO0/s320/photo+4.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Mayer and Zac Brown-best.night.ever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-82057343417428598602013-04-17T15:08:00.003-07:002013-04-17T15:08:35.847-07:00From LAME to LEAPING!It seems like eternity since I've blogged.<br />
I am not sure what to write anymore.<br />
Ive been a lot better at talking about things with people than journaling about them, whether it be in prayer or about something.<br />
<br />
Things have changed TREMENDOUSLY in my life over the last few years and I'm so excited to share stories along the way.<br />
First off, I am a recovering Panic, Anxiety, OCD, and hair puller. I laugh at myself when I say that because its CRAZY and TRUE.<br />
I suffered a panic attack in January 2010 and since then I've had to redefine myself. I sought first in the Lords eyes and then on to who I need to be. HE is showing me more and more each day on who HE designed me to be. Not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. <br />
Its been interesting the things Ive had to learn along the way but how else is a person supposed to grow?<br />
God has a sense of humor, I just need to learn not to take things TOO seriously.<br />
<br />
One of the main things that HE has changed is my fitness level. I never thought fitness could go beyond running. The day I discovered running, that was it. I was a runner. I've never gotten away from it nor do I ever want to. I just didn't know the calling would go way beyond who I thought I was. So, as of February 2013, I am officially a Beachbody coach. I like to look at it more as a person who helps you mentally and physically...so a life coach. <br />
My goal is to help others through the toughest part of their lives. If you are uncomfortable with the way you look and feel, I am here. I guide people through a program that is right for them and help them along the way to stick it out.<br />
I am currently coaching a group of 9 girls (all online) through TurboFire. That at home program is amazing. It has changed my outlook on how I was to feel and look. I want to be healthy. I want to be fit. I want to be all I can be and more.<br />
Check out the site and see if you're interested in anything. My next group will start at the end of June and that group will be Insanity. I am looking forward to that 60 days of "Bananas".<br />
<br />
www.beachbodycoach.com/missqueenwendy<br />
<br />
The other life change HE brought me to was "clean-eating" (eating food as close to its natural state as possible). I stay away from anything processed as much as I can. Not everything is 100 proof but it has worked for me to stay away from them. <br />
It took me years to find what was for me and I'm not giving it up.<br />
I found people who are truly inspirational with their health and have encouraged me along the way. <br />
I dropped 10 pounds of unwanted fat like that. My agility and speed have increased. My energy level skyrocketed and my thought process seems more clear. <br />
If someone would have shared this with me 9 months ago, I would've ignored it. I guess I had to find out for myself.<br />
I do want to add that I have a "treat" day sometimes. I usually have that day on Saturdays and it's been Chic-Fil-A every time.<br />
However, lately, I've not really been in the mood for that "treat". I feel more like ME when I stick to what I have planned out.<br />
Just know, I think its okay to indulge.<br />
<br />
Like I said at the beginning of the blog, I have a lot of things I want to share. I just don't want to overwhelm myself of the reader.<br />
So I'll end it with this one thing:<br />
<br />
In 2007, I was running on my lunch break and I was angry at running. (Runners go through that from time to time. We wonder what is the purpose of it all.) I remember asking God, "why!?! Why do others seem to have progress but not me?"<br />
Then I heard HIM say, "because you were once LAME and now look at you-you are LEAPING!"<br />
HE was right. <br />
There was a period in my life where I could barely walk and here it is, years later, I am a 5 time marathoner (hopefully a 6 time marathoner in November). <br />
<br />
How about you? Are you LAME? Are you stuck?<br />
Don't fear that. Seek it out. HE has more for you than you know. Maybe you've heard that a lot but never saw results from it. Don't give up. Your breakthrough could be right around the corner.<br />
<br />
"Mark out straight paths for your feet so that those who are WEAK and LAME will not fall but become STRONG"-Hebrews 12:13 (NLT)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENIquSpf3nf8IGwCrW_gCrIMMv7QeykwHmdHvR701sI0ppf_wLmqYsk4fGp0TG3w_mLEktrfcEBDzVc35IZgTfXnCk96tSrhfE2eAG1ds3J1zHlm439RpcmGaPQ6ev5iBnEQ6LmSRWsE/s1600/IMG_4098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENIquSpf3nf8IGwCrW_gCrIMMv7QeykwHmdHvR701sI0ppf_wLmqYsk4fGp0TG3w_mLEktrfcEBDzVc35IZgTfXnCk96tSrhfE2eAG1ds3J1zHlm439RpcmGaPQ6ev5iBnEQ6LmSRWsE/s400/IMG_4098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1799243541"></span><span id="goog_1799243542"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-29871223992582607792011-12-03T07:38:00.000-08:002011-12-19T04:47:42.171-08:00"I just came to Hello..."<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Since this blog can be like a diary to me, I do feel lost when I am not up to date with things.</div><div> </div><div>It has been a few months since my last post so I thought I would quickly jot down a few things.</div><div>First off, my hubby came home! We survived our first 6 month deployment (the past ones have been 4 months)! It was a great reunion at the airport with the patriot guard showing up and some squadron support. For a moment, I felt as if we were thanking the people for their support more than my husband for his duty. We were so humbled by the love that surrounded us.</div><div> </div><div>Maddy is now in middle school and it was one of the hardest things I had to go through but I survived. Letting your child grow up and learn on their own is not easy-but I guess the Lord feels that way when we are brokenhearted at our own expense. Its amazing how I forget that I am a "learning" child as much as she is to me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OlGpJqldT-_EaYLmJ3fwjzmHvOnATzoD29XkEZ-sX4DtwFGEcXFX1S-YPwU26CdU5g2Z8ZhO6-nLluJf0exd_ByAZXH6w2WKHTOxbJap8FSaUxkVLbcN0a64IcPmDslwDm86Gl0mJQk/s1600/frankie.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 150px; height: 200px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681937385860637186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OlGpJqldT-_EaYLmJ3fwjzmHvOnATzoD29XkEZ-sX4DtwFGEcXFX1S-YPwU26CdU5g2Z8ZhO6-nLluJf0exd_ByAZXH6w2WKHTOxbJap8FSaUxkVLbcN0a64IcPmDslwDm86Gl0mJQk/s200/frankie.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO9-wnvjWpm7kXWCwwDUhCbdVVpIRIS3I15LxNLqmWT1DSIy18M34DLPB1-sY9l7kt5xZeh9YQbxxGiiEpDHDZ0Zi3v0JvThnCDbBOyWXxTerkBX_qbXwCccKmwGAU6xJY3rMLiJK46o/s1600/kids.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 150px; height: 200px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681937395648878418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO9-wnvjWpm7kXWCwwDUhCbdVVpIRIS3I15LxNLqmWT1DSIy18M34DLPB1-sY9l7kt5xZeh9YQbxxGiiEpDHDZ0Zi3v0JvThnCDbBOyWXxTerkBX_qbXwCccKmwGAU6xJY3rMLiJK46o/s200/kids.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Frank is getting so big and actually used our "cheap" couch upstairs as a huge chewtoy. We come home every now and then to some shreds on the floor. We discipline him and then love him. He has filled a gap that seemed to be left open in my heart. It's awesome!</div><div> </div><div>Anabelle and Morrison are doing well...as well. They are getting old in their age and at times I see Morrison struggling to walk upstairs-I'm pretty sure he has arthritis. They are in their late 60's according to cat years. I never thought I would love cats but these two changed my heart. I am thankful for them and their old souls. </div><div> </div><div>I have been feeling great! Occasional arthritis in the wrist and shoulder but only with weather change. Other than that, I can proudly say I still enjoy the runs and weight training. I have put on 10 pounds of muscle in the last year. I feel healthier and so much better about the overall care of my joints and muscles. </div><div>FACT- LSU is EPIC (Maddys favorite word). FACT-they beat Alabama and Arkansas, with that being the only thing I cared about this season! Coca-Cola is the only red and white colors worthy to be called "classic"! Roll Tide and WPS (Woo Pig Sooie) are done! Haha!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYBgRGfLHt_fZYxcXLHsl86i13bUNuFNe9J8DAAJNcvEI1-zEUquS-5ecGVD_ddAT0QRBy7mIjINGg5tIP3V2LtId36nHWqjiuBF0dDG9PFyEQuPucZODI8sGzLqk89QVIMNlYinb_RQ/s1600/wrists.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 150px; height: 200px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681937391117656082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYBgRGfLHt_fZYxcXLHsl86i13bUNuFNe9J8DAAJNcvEI1-zEUquS-5ecGVD_ddAT0QRBy7mIjINGg5tIP3V2LtId36nHWqjiuBF0dDG9PFyEQuPucZODI8sGzLqk89QVIMNlYinb_RQ/s200/wrists.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-1r4BRsXxMeEQydPsCxqG2EOI3n9H8ySt4315Kh4AXas81VhEUgCc77EMXNAxfiGAZmpaa7qUC2lX0Do3yjqFpJDGfouVwL3WgB4b4AauH_uwkb0Ve00Yu_FcdWkmLNvmrlfE-96iek/s1600/Roll+coke.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 150px; height: 200px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681937393885806258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-1r4BRsXxMeEQydPsCxqG2EOI3n9H8ySt4315Kh4AXas81VhEUgCc77EMXNAxfiGAZmpaa7qUC2lX0Do3yjqFpJDGfouVwL3WgB4b4AauH_uwkb0Ve00Yu_FcdWkmLNvmrlfE-96iek/s200/Roll+coke.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>I am so thankful for all that we have gone through this past year. It has brought us closer as a family and taught us many things along the way! God is still and will continue to keep working in our hearts, revealing himself to us in every way. We always need to be alert and attentive. Why would we want to miss something?</div><div> </div><div>I am sorry if this seems so bland-I started to feel like I had abandoned this thing and now that I am back, I am not sure what to say! Soooo, in honor of the song that gets stuck in my head over and over...</div><div> </div><div>"I just came to say Hello!"-Martin Solveig</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Oh, and BTW-I am super excited about the upcoming flicks:</div><div>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo-Dec. 21st</div><div>Hunger Games-March 2012</div><div>Abraham Lincoln-Summer 2012</div><div> </div><div>heehee!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-1773632967028448862011-06-30T18:56:00.000-07:002011-06-30T19:35:33.433-07:00Winter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizK-mumQjPpbRCn25qVLWBOQO19y9nmDxUVlYRUpwcCEE2qgHuepZnhzn35HQ_fndgya7f8zpRVslBuPQu-eX3BCj1oUWDsc9mlVd5uZev13r9_ChspkKVvacec0Xl5Q9A7x1zCQZDUkM/s1600/Photo434.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624206933443860626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizK-mumQjPpbRCn25qVLWBOQO19y9nmDxUVlYRUpwcCEE2qgHuepZnhzn35HQ_fndgya7f8zpRVslBuPQu-eX3BCj1oUWDsc9mlVd5uZev13r9_ChspkKVvacec0Xl5Q9A7x1zCQZDUkM/s200/Photo434.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Today I felt the "worst" part of my job...saying good-bye to some pretty awesome people. I have to recognize this family for everything they do. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>A father in the military as an officer working on his masters degree and a mother (former officer) working as a hospital administrator. Their twin boys were in my classroom and I/we fell in love with them. They also had another son in April of this year. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>How do they do it? Going to school, both working full time, raising a set of 2 yr. old twins and a 2 month old. Within the last few months they have been getting ready to PSC and move to another base. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Well, that time was today. This is the day we were dreading since they shared the news that they got orders to another base. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>It has been a while since I have cried that hard over something at work.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>This family is amazing! Their children are exceptional! The parents have super patience and it reflects through the children, who in return have patience with other children.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>How did they become such a great family? </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I can see through their pictures, their relatives who come for visits, and in their conversations with each other and their children, that it rooted from being active and attentive in their family. They are not selfish, they are not prideful, they are not overbearing, they are not rude, they are not bitter, they are not fake...they are true role models of humbleness, genuine, and being real. Always smiling and Gods grace all over them. Even in their busy times you would never know they had things going on. Things that some of us would cave under stress.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>There are "seasons" in which people are supposed to be in your life and today felt like winter to me.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>I am going to miss these children so much and I will miss them because of their parents. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>How do you see your kids in the next 5 years? Will they be whining for your attention? Will they be needy because they are lacking something? Will they be TOO reliant on you? Are you overbearing, overlyprotective, or is it YOU that is afraid for your "babies" to grow up and you keep them in a bubble? </div><br /><br /><br /><div>We all do hese things to an extent. I mean, I have struggled with many things lately with Maddy...but it hasn't been about HER. Its ME. Take a look inward and see what is it that is most important to you. Is it your job? Facebook? Your hobby? Maybe even church? Too much serving can not only burn you out in the long run, it can burn your children out...now.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>First ministry is at home. It's time to prioritize. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-55294680485703369072011-06-05T18:33:00.000-07:002011-06-05T19:15:12.309-07:00Grow up!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrBQ_LeJi5jHXmg4y63F9F6ulssK2ZcmwG7XJ6yrbVJzIoS3tubnSsx5kSm38AJkn4DXnWTcLarsw5AmCMsb1-TM8_zcoelTOOOdxi_Uy5rOx7CH2ObV0K2e31UXfyE3fQw6UDkhYawE/s1600/my_saleen+003.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614924145770364834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrBQ_LeJi5jHXmg4y63F9F6ulssK2ZcmwG7XJ6yrbVJzIoS3tubnSsx5kSm38AJkn4DXnWTcLarsw5AmCMsb1-TM8_zcoelTOOOdxi_Uy5rOx7CH2ObV0K2e31UXfyE3fQw6UDkhYawE/s200/my_saleen+003.jpg" /></a> I have to confess that I am completely torn at the moment.<br /><br /><div>Torn between trying to keep my 11yr. old a baby and letting her go to grow up.</div><br /><br /><div>People say that time flies...but really, it does.</div><br /><br /><div>It is hitting me hard lately that I will eventually have to let her go. </div><br /><br /><div>It is some parents desire to get their children out of the house someday as grown independent people but a little part of me wants to have a big house with separate wings, so she and her husband can live there. I just don't want to see her grow.</div><br /><br /><div>Tonight, as we took Frank on a walk, we noticed a group of children on the porch playing and laughing. Maddy got a little sad. When we got home we sat at the table and talked about why she was so down. "I just feel like I know you want to protect me but sometimes I feel alone. You don't let me go to friends houses or chat with them. I don't even have a cell phone to talk," she says as she's crying heartfelt tears.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ugh, is this really happening??? Do I tell her about the family friend whose older brother touched me inappropriately when I was 5 yrs. old? Do I tell her the damage and hurt that computers/chatting can do? Do I tell her about the same damage/hurt that can happen through talking and texting? </div><br /><br /><div>I had to take a breather when she was saying these things to me...because she was right. I am very protective. There is one thing I pray for Maddy to keep with her always and fear of letting her go is fear of her losing the one thing you can't get back.</div><br /><br /><div>I can honestly say that I am trying to let her go as much as I can (in my eyes) but I am sure it is as little as I can in hers.</div><br /><br /><div>I was able to open up to her about a few things and not overwhelm her and I know as she gets older she will be able to understand a little more but right now I wish her growing would just stop. </div><br /><br /><div>You always say how much others children have grown but you don't really see it with your own until a day like this.</div><br /><br /><div>I know that trusting God with your child is what we should do and I know that our children aren't really ours. He is intrusting their little spirits in our hands and trusting that all we have to do is trust Him and we can't go wrong. On a day like this, that is hard to do. </div><br /><br /><div>I am going to seek out what the next step is on how to let go more. It may be a slow process but I have to start somewhere.</div><br /><br /><div>"...how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." Matthew 7:11 (NLT)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614924148045380802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcpZUW6J8lXY_v2lf8V2Nmrk7O2QrOWTmuD-ax294RPj8TDO-ZkS7fX8TE93pkQnSaxpvc4n8EjaFtNrJPVyySK7Ka0eib0Fj26dItDO_H79fL3Jl7U1hkP3cdkSDd3QqeTgAJ6ntKZk/s200/Photo1839.jpg" />I guess I need to Grow Up about her growing up!?!</div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-72959823756051563522011-05-17T16:09:00.000-07:002011-05-17T16:40:34.255-07:00A Pain... In My Foot!<div>It has been over 2 years since my first/last injury.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Other than the typical "Runners Knee," I haven't had any problems...until last week. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I noticed this ache in the ball of my left foot. It goes away over night but around 3pm <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJnUNW7eYAAMSHdZAvMhw9E6ypY4tQnqLCjbEHg2GC0O87v5eZ75BZ4C35hbhk0hqSDrjWkMhb8C-6BP0k2Nyku7U_bvGilsdv3gAEbCk1gZBJn12arkTacxy889Yc-OWYhcv_O3spHI/s1600/imagesCASQO7HM.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607832633638833330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJnUNW7eYAAMSHdZAvMhw9E6ypY4tQnqLCjbEHg2GC0O87v5eZ75BZ4C35hbhk0hqSDrjWkMhb8C-6BP0k2Nyku7U_bvGilsdv3gAEbCk1gZBJn12arkTacxy889Yc-OWYhcv_O3spHI/s200/imagesCASQO7HM.jpg" /></a>everyday it starts back up again.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Today I decided to google what I am going through and found some interesting information and images. I am not advised to see a doctor unless the pain sticks around for more than a few weeks.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrZfiOOLugTP0cOPKPYFhWZzvYZ0-6pxtKHAGfNxyIOB8saurNFjSoQNPxNYDMdWkqplJPq1LwkaYhKIZ_PYVc81yY57fVQuC8S39Dl7r_UqgL7jpxaXWcip4fl0sq3rxK3BqkV8kGBQ/s1600/imagesCA8EK33W.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 139px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607832623731936418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrZfiOOLugTP0cOPKPYFhWZzvYZ0-6pxtKHAGfNxyIOB8saurNFjSoQNPxNYDMdWkqplJPq1LwkaYhKIZ_PYVc81yY57fVQuC8S39Dl7r_UqgL7jpxaXWcip4fl0sq3rxK3BqkV8kGBQ/s200/imagesCA8EK33W.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>It is called Metatarsalgia. It is pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>This has to be the worst pain I have felt in a long time. This aching, throbbing, irritating pain that reminds me it's there with each step. </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRur_tQB3OiFCG0Nem1-pm8HDHui2UFZ0tHQx0rSlseyBMqfxopGbShAwi6trhqcT-NhNZF_v8Md-z_wJ2UD8uhG6leDR8-JF5zgewqauAED2eVS1IA8671erN5LpYlN8LeN6jKdofWJs/s1600/imagesCA2OC8HS.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 164px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 169px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607832619387997618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRur_tQB3OiFCG0Nem1-pm8HDHui2UFZ0tHQx0rSlseyBMqfxopGbShAwi6trhqcT-NhNZF_v8Md-z_wJ2UD8uhG6leDR8-JF5zgewqauAED2eVS1IA8671erN5LpYlN8LeN6jKdofWJs/s200/imagesCA2OC8HS.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>So, I guess I get to see what cross training, until pain goes away, feels like. I plan to rest it, ice it, and get to know the bike a little more. But hey, at least I get to enjoy that! </div><br /><br /><div>What a pain...in my foot!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>*I had to throw in an image of someones foot. I am guessing they didn't clip their toenails and it started to dig into their foot. *sigh* OUCH!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYDSrQzHzgWMbft-JhKnXsG2lQBAXON7Ypa-DGmOlrAQbVVBjtjFfkcwED8KEEmjkwLrBXo04-w3ERqhL2uuFt9vKyZzF5PC2os4OZl9pQrZCYolHLaDaFHiXUwXvktq6XkTQ-mEAkoM/s1600/imagesCA1PX5X4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 186px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 139px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607832622252782802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYDSrQzHzgWMbft-JhKnXsG2lQBAXON7Ypa-DGmOlrAQbVVBjtjFfkcwED8KEEmjkwLrBXo04-w3ERqhL2uuFt9vKyZzF5PC2os4OZl9pQrZCYolHLaDaFHiXUwXvktq6XkTQ-mEAkoM/s200/imagesCA1PX5X4.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-67163464415653390412011-05-01T10:42:00.000-07:002011-05-01T12:51:41.240-07:00Pace Yourself<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>May 1st is the first best day of my life. On this day, 12 years ago, the Lord brought Jeremy (Babe) and I together in marriage.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>I am not big on flowers or froo froo things, so when Babe asked me what I would like for a gift, I said "I would like to run the Wichita 1/2 Marathon" ...and so I did.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Because I am into completing and not competing, I had planned on giving it my all and beating...myself. After all, I can be my best competition.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I woke up this morning at 5:30am and already heard the wind blowing. Ugh, Kansas and it's wind! Now, I really had some voices in my head. "Just quit now. How are you going to PR in this? Who is there to support you? Who cares?" and then I had to "shhh it."</div><br /><br /><div>I am going out to give it what I have. I am going out to run because I love it. I am going out to ENJOY what God has allowed me to do. I am going out to run and support others striving for the same goal. I am going to pace myself.</div><br /><br /><div>It started out great but ended after mile 8 when I began to feel that side stitch. It didn't fully hit but I did have to take some breaks and walk it out. </div><br /><br /><div>When I looked down at my watch and noticed the time, I realized I wouldn't PR and I got discouraged. I then tried to pick up the pace but it didn't work. I ended up having to stop again and rest. I was so thankful for water stops and supporters on the side. Wow, what would we do without those volunteers and encouragers?</div><br /><br /><div>My best 1/2 marathon was last April with a 1 hour 53 minute finish. Today it was 2 hours and 1 minute. I was fine with that!</div><br /><br /><br /><div>After a good stretch from the awesome volunteers from Wellness Group, I took off to head home. After being a whiner when it comes to ice baths, I did what I knew works for me. My Nestles double chocolate milk, hot bath, cooling eye mask, and ending with a hoodie while watching "The Office" reruns. Of course I had to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQxPoVzFGMcbRdfXjzTCsUMADOYTmN04fdahaCL6PQbWV00Bw8bxfvjGv2w0oPOC4DBNClofPR8Lbd8Fek4YZxlOrUvhschfRlrXePI9XHMhKlL4GeWxISKkTVQGvFgdJDWThkWUSyLQ/s1600/Photo1693.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601835878895205698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQxPoVzFGMcbRdfXjzTCsUMADOYTmN04fdahaCL6PQbWV00Bw8bxfvjGv2w0oPOC4DBNClofPR8Lbd8Fek4YZxlOrUvhschfRlrXePI9XHMhKlL4GeWxISKkTVQGvFgdJDWThkWUSyLQ/s200/Photo1693.jpg" /></a>have a certain cuddler on my lap...Anabelle.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Now that is a way to end a great cold run!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>While sitting here and thinking about how much running is like life, I came up with a few things.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo6aeIFG7092VRqC4HHjt4N17OnPpi_j7daLGL-PNJXaajUNdeWQnlXkjtrAVauroZOnU5x4c5dgbjvD6wlggiKJPERsMHiB9R2lwzOzZl0C7BTWNyuoZm38Td-3fmZTn0JcyFFJGGVU/s1600/family3.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601835386916274802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo6aeIFG7092VRqC4HHjt4N17OnPpi_j7daLGL-PNJXaajUNdeWQnlXkjtrAVauroZOnU5x4c5dgbjvD6wlggiKJPERsMHiB9R2lwzOzZl0C7BTWNyuoZm38Td-3fmZTn0JcyFFJGGVU/s200/family3.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Marriage is all about pacing yourself.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>You have to fight the voices when you face each day with your spouse. You have to take on Gods image and thoughts of you, and them, when you are headed towards the finish line.Getting ahead of yourself only runs you down, so sometimes you have to take a rest...in Him. A<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrZmY-EvVlPDeRBos6vvotk6QwcKhNUOJrcLokVog_pMKqg_oX-MrfMy0RMKnySbFYM5xZ7yRZhoqxJZO2F08fri4eMQNBGv9QpaL4knNwbrcQYijreFKbUO9FdnpcyTCLJg8p7gTOtY/s1600/DSCF0057.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601828107186394658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrZmY-EvVlPDeRBos6vvotk6QwcKhNUOJrcLokVog_pMKqg_oX-MrfMy0RMKnySbFYM5xZ7yRZhoqxJZO2F08fri4eMQNBGv9QpaL4knNwbrcQYijreFKbUO9FdnpcyTCLJg8p7gTOtY/s200/DSCF0057.JPG" /></a>llow others (volunteers) to uplift and nuture you in times of discouragement.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Because weather is unpredictable you have to be prepared to face whatever storms come your way. </div><br /><br /><div>There may be times when you have to speed it up some, we don't want to get lazy in this commitment. I mean, sometimes you just have to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9wI0kgeQnT5dVeyeGW9kYaVuz0oajnt6hQSC2UzTadn2MTP_r01E1xN8tGHO6UntLAOCiFN4Q7Rl07_AtN2G9ZrzKBATlMaJyKo6SqNkIhZmGtncvroEkDDpOrLhEOQpWNJkczRwvOE/s1600/CIMG2209.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601830848909148482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9wI0kgeQnT5dVeyeGW9kYaVuz0oajnt6hQSC2UzTadn2MTP_r01E1xN8tGHO6UntLAOCiFN4Q7Rl07_AtN2G9ZrzKBATlMaJyKo6SqNkIhZmGtncvroEkDDpOrLhEOQpWNJkczRwvOE/s200/CIMG2209.JPG" /></a>have faith in what God is directing you to do, even if it doesn't make sense. Being TOO comfortable can lead to laziness which can lead to falling behind.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Finally, your marriage is not like everyone elses. It's your own. Some things may work for you that don't work for others...like ice baths vs. hot baths.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>It's not a competition, it's not a contest, it's not a matter of who is better...it's doing what God calls you to do and enjoying it!</div><br />Allow God to be your Pacer. Only HE knows w<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-2I8_N6Sg9h29rhH-krDTbIvnmgX____TP5hA0s_M8m2k_L_VkmY5EjAc0VwpKlt2PrTqHKv_Srqx6m6sTUtcbhQYEhpHCFioxvkUTLJKuk0Ei5zxzLyCjiO6_RLwpl6GaVlsC3Ua2I/s1600/DSCF0055.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601828092866617682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-2I8_N6Sg9h29rhH-krDTbIvnmgX____TP5hA0s_M8m2k_L_VkmY5EjAc0VwpKlt2PrTqHKv_Srqx6m6sTUtcbhQYEhpHCFioxvkUTLJKuk0Ei5zxzLyCjiO6_RLwpl6GaVlsC3Ua2I/s200/DSCF0055.JPG" /></a>hat pace you need! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M9NFgyHamA6_nS44_fXqQB5Ob0Aoo5KaHNvhx67opyCPdeTupxO5VZQ5mO4WRLZjynZ6Mfhj0O0CeNeJK2KqDPYzRk4EjwO2TS2bu_E_jlAqbq5YmpbNLx_woGDw_PhUCohNqb5cxtY/s1600/CIMG2792.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601830853189218962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M9NFgyHamA6_nS44_fXqQB5Ob0Aoo5KaHNvhx67opyCPdeTupxO5VZQ5mO4WRLZjynZ6Mfhj0O0CeNeJK2KqDPYzRk4EjwO2TS2bu_E_jlAqbq5YmpbNLx_woGDw_PhUCohNqb5cxtY/s200/CIMG2792.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-64143012049535371002011-04-17T16:41:00.000-07:002011-04-17T18:23:06.866-07:00"Brick in the Wall"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDs_EZBLMbx6A3HWo49G0vPOhY5CCHYLquPbwbi4JYBRVZfqkqK8X8t7A1vozijinwWqODAxeMt57iqB26_llqdTbp0vJW32Hd9Uee9ptP1ApbyTQjg7hv0nJGYAayjRtOKR1SBbUUHc/s1600/imagesCA4XYGFX.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596727931750862050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDs_EZBLMbx6A3HWo49G0vPOhY5CCHYLquPbwbi4JYBRVZfqkqK8X8t7A1vozijinwWqODAxeMt57iqB26_llqdTbp0vJW32Hd9Uee9ptP1ApbyTQjg7hv0nJGYAayjRtOKR1SBbUUHc/s200/imagesCA4XYGFX.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>In the last blog I poured out my frustration on how I felt about a situation that day. I was in a funky mood about "ME"...and then I realized, "it's not about me."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You know those situations I talked about God using to help me be more sympathetic? Yeah, he did it again today. Practice makes perfect right?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>There is this new volunteer at church who started helping me in the class since Jeremy has been gone. I was very welcoming and ready to show her how I time manage the 3 yr olds with worship, cirriculum, snack, and play. The first time she came was great, it was the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time that didn't seem like I was giving my heart fully to her. </div><br /><div>Sure everyone's teaching method is different and no not everyone has patience for child care. I guess I just don't get bothered by some things that others do. </div><br /><div>She didn't seem to like when children made a mess or got loud. She wasn't rude to them or mean, I could just tell in her demeanor that she was aggrivated.</div><br /><div>One thing about that was her grandson was in my class, so she wanted to serve in there.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today I went in and was going over the lesson. She happened to walk in and start showing me all the things she had planned for our activities. I listened with an open heart but with my mind already made up on how we were to do this lesson. So I guess I wasn't totally listening to her.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All of a sudden she said, "it's really loud out there. Have you been out there yet?" (Our church had a local classic rock station and band come out to end our "Classic Rock" Sermon on the Mount series.) I said, "no, I haven't but I know it does get loud sometimes." She then said, "I know. The church I came from was not like this. In fact, I was a lot more connected with those people than people from here. You are the only one I've connected with. I don't attend service here. I just come for my grandson." </div><br /><div>Immediately my heart was humbled. All that selfishness and frustration I had felt in earlier weeks had vanished.</div><br /><div>We then continued the conversation. I was able to hear her heart on some things and it was good.</div><br /><div>I listened to her ideas for an activity and it was awesome. She played guitar and brought instruments for the children to play. Since it was Palm Sunday we began to sing "Hosanna" and march around the room rejoicing in what Jesus was doing. I can honestly say I truly felt as if I was welcoming the King while He rode in on a donkey. What a great idea she had!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After we were done teaching we had a great departure. I went in for worship and our band was playing "Brick in the Wall." What church do you know of that plays songs like "Beat It," "Brick in the Wall," and "Sweet Child of Mine" and ties it into the message? Not many. Most churches would call that blasphemous or outrageous. When behind closed doors people listen to that music and think about OTHER things rather than God when listening to them. They don't tie any of those songs to something God is doing or has done.</div><br /><div>Well, while I was listening to "Brick in the Wall" and embarrassing Maddy by rockin' out (haha), I felt the Lord speak about that song. He said, "some people feel like they are just another brick in the wall but they aren't. The maker (ME) carefully made them the way they are and they are planted where they are for a reason." and it made me think about EVERYONE I had felt I was angry at last week for being rediculous. </div><br /><div>Although they have areas in their life that "I" feel can be better by attitudes, my attitude was not right.</div><br /><div>Maybe they didn't see that part of me...or maybe they did. Whatever that looks like only matters to ONE person...HIM, because it is only then I can begin to truly care.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words."-St. Francis of Assisi</div><br /><div>"Your walk speaks louder than your words."-(Unknown to me)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, I ask you "what does your walk look like?" Are you the obvious, dreading, 'please don't need me to do something', 'please don't ask me for prayer', 'please don't go into a long life story',-kind of Christian or are you the hidden one, the fake one, the 'I'll be nice to your face but roll my eyes later at how rediculous you are.'</div><br /><div>God doesn't do that us, so why would we to others? </div><br /><div>Like I said before, I'm still learning. I don't want to be a "don't" attitude anymore. I want a "want" attitude.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>By the way, I used to think that the song title "Brick in the Wall" was "Breaking the Law"...until a few years ago!</div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-47853324692919797832011-04-10T11:24:00.000-07:002011-04-10T11:45:46.651-07:00With Sympathy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtRdrn1TJuAFJMJEy05cgBwfc_wtx8y8J159CmoSAn6NzU8dXx-2nvoxYpip3xRHOtuQF2r-ccXcWPvNXBNebS3qJ6f0IDoXoINuuhPf9teWh92Fh8yEab86MkUR-s4Krl09Zhoel4Ho/s1600/Photo1502.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594027411586041714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtRdrn1TJuAFJMJEy05cgBwfc_wtx8y8J159CmoSAn6NzU8dXx-2nvoxYpip3xRHOtuQF2r-ccXcWPvNXBNebS3qJ6f0IDoXoINuuhPf9teWh92Fh8yEab86MkUR-s4Krl09Zhoel4Ho/s200/Photo1502.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>I have been struggling lately with being sympathetic towards some lately. Perhaps, its the rediculousness I see. Does that make it right??? I have fought with myself time and time again about not having a "sweet soul" or compassionate heart. I then started realizing that that is just not me. I believe that God brings me to situations to where I can practice it but overall, I'm just not. I'm not sympathetic to the attention seeker. I'm not encouraging to the prideful person who already KNOWS what they want me to say. I don't have a lending ear to the one who brags about every materialistic thing they own and yet struggles with inner peace but isn't ready to find a way out. I got a phone call recently from someone that I "fleshly" dreaded to answer. I answered it and it was the same story. You ask me how I am and the minute I am done saying, "I am well, how are you?" I hear all about everyone elses issues. I have backed away from those situations and I am wondering how much more do I need to back away...or do I at all? Love isn't rude, Love isn't self-seeking, Love isn't boastful, Love isn't proud...right? Man, what is my problem?!? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The photo is of Morrison. We call his look a "not impressed" look. I guess even animals can show you how to live...because even though we get this look all the time, he still loves us and wants to be around us.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>#stilllearning </div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-33692967371266696642011-03-25T15:35:00.000-07:002011-03-25T16:38:01.473-07:00Stretching, I will...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfre5sa-RMzra0qHpfWP76LOC0qMcRL-BsKxijeL4xEWdTT7NM3si1_csZY7HuD-uz5SIUoRmo4Svyuok71JGMZC0junEWE9EbRgDN6cA9PhEcDdF3X8RDZGxSjfGyGst0wSYT03tUFHo/s1600/images%255B6%255D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 140px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588164099965470018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfre5sa-RMzra0qHpfWP76LOC0qMcRL-BsKxijeL4xEWdTT7NM3si1_csZY7HuD-uz5SIUoRmo4Svyuok71JGMZC0junEWE9EbRgDN6cA9PhEcDdF3X8RDZGxSjfGyGst0wSYT03tUFHo/s200/images%255B6%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Okay so the title of this blog isn't TOOOO funny but everytime I think of Yoga, I think of Yoda.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I never really took interest in stretching. I have been a "runner" for 6 years now and could probably count on all my fingers and toes the number of times I actually "stretched." I wanted to be better not only for running but for my mental health as well. </div><br /><div>So, for the past 3 months I have been an avid stretcher by taking yoga at the YMCA. I love it! </div><br /><div>Now, I am not into all the logistics of Yoga. I do not "hummmm" or "pray to the gods of poses" but I do believe it has helped me physically, which in return helps me mentally and the other way around. I have successfully held poses for the amount of time required and actually felt my heart be glad (like I would in a race) when I accomplish such difficult moves.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN7SPDkBsJd_-lHq-rPMsN6tuIVjIlSwQpkS3nQ_XuEkO_RyluaXF6uwHIh4I_pC_iFnuxcbrxTqP7vRHuMdnc7UHFIweP-3bq-On2n8PRWrFhvqOgzI4jAz8BobRTshkiqhIIgCfaiQ/s1600/images%255B3%255D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 177px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 147px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588164102165379490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN7SPDkBsJd_-lHq-rPMsN6tuIVjIlSwQpkS3nQ_XuEkO_RyluaXF6uwHIh4I_pC_iFnuxcbrxTqP7vRHuMdnc7UHFIweP-3bq-On2n8PRWrFhvqOgzI4jAz8BobRTshkiqhIIgCfaiQ/s200/images%255B3%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I feel great and even notice my posture changing. </div><br /><br /><div>This new road of physical fitness has been amazing. I thought a marathon was something but in reality it was just a small glimpse of what God can do through you if you allow it. When you are in that moment with yourself and your "weakness"-push through. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Yoga has shown me how to focus, relax, perservere, discpline yourself, and push through. I am not sure where this will take me, but I am pretty excited to find out! </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP_rH4yBqrXONEgREhTMTgRBk-om8VcYWTsLsP5jLp3FuIZOYdbsP79AF5HJgEMNzzxIRkCuTxvYnx9A3zY_xNsBmhLd-3exqb7iSpQpHUO4DNTohWYFQblH5ETRP_U9WmzgH6WLU8b8/s1600/imagesCAXRVX6G.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 126px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588164099957046290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP_rH4yBqrXONEgREhTMTgRBk-om8VcYWTsLsP5jLp3FuIZOYdbsP79AF5HJgEMNzzxIRkCuTxvYnx9A3zY_xNsBmhLd-3exqb7iSpQpHUO4DNTohWYFQblH5ETRP_U9WmzgH6WLU8b8/s200/imagesCAXRVX6G.jpg" /></a><br /><div>"No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it."-Hebrews 12:11</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>"May the force be with you."-Yoda</div></div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-90522658911500210452011-03-21T09:32:00.000-07:002011-03-21T17:48:34.582-07:00SPRING (give her a) BREAK!Well, it's here! The time that all students (elementary, middle school, high school, and college) wait for...SPRING BREAK!<br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>It's that break that's not too cold, not too hot, and means that it's almost time for school t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwduYaFkNPCvESBkIRTunJ-ZSHo5YYkOa7Oq7qfbOAUG3c5qbFq_Vw_kaLui789btqyxqy073NWsCOCYQVe8ZlR1GKHH49y1IZe7ATCFgPvhDq4fZEyo-kpISot4dNQ5psh2LvMrUYGIU/s1600/Photo1322.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586695010124755858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwduYaFkNPCvESBkIRTunJ-ZSHo5YYkOa7Oq7qfbOAUG3c5qbFq_Vw_kaLui789btqyxqy073NWsCOCYQVe8ZlR1GKHH49y1IZe7ATCFgPvhDq4fZEyo-kpISot4dNQ5psh2LvMrUYGIU/s200/Photo1322.jpg" /></a>o be over and on to the next chapter.</div><br /><br /><div>While some of our friends are making trips to Cancun or Kansas City...we are making a trip to the hospital.</div><br /><br /><div>Even though Maddy has done well with weight gain, her lung function hasn't improved much s<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlmmlIsSXn85xtj0IGUVFBxjQfR20Wx8fOkCUQhIwPvTOeZAZbKOzkcPLsGM2yudrSyC_67JV1_l9IvB42BEOfxxok-uw9qVkoYJbtrad9UjKKJw8JnD-mIUbbPyE5zYH9UqDKSWbSYE/s1600/Photo1321.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586695008373522594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlmmlIsSXn85xtj0IGUVFBxjQfR20Wx8fOkCUQhIwPvTOeZAZbKOzkcPLsGM2yudrSyC_67JV1_l9IvB42BEOfxxok-uw9qVkoYJbtrad9UjKKJw8JnD-mIUbbPyE5zYH9UqDKSWbSYE/s200/Photo1321.jpg" /></a>ince November. It was time to make a move.</div><br /><div></div><div>I took some leave during the week of Spring Break so we could head down to Louisiana but it didn't work out that way. </div><br /><br /><br /><br />Maddy was pretty upset when she first found out we had to go to the hospital and who wouldn't be. So, even though Maddy has to tough it out this week (and next) for the better of her health, we have decided to postpone the fun of Spring Break for another time. <img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586695013652975218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih4Yey7RTpmcnrYBR9WoUlSeN_icAeu4fvMlgIz9wjPc06LVOrJZDnDU1pimVp-EtkwCnqIWNhT9T4Rl7v9elxV-0WCc8Qe06QIHXrKFQoG_wTSWY2gLBdEPVn-ip3gDXa1dDH7Gbgdc/s200/Photo1323.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Instead, we tried to find some positives in being in the hospital. Maddy gets to wear her pajamas all day long, she gets to eat junk food all day long, she rode in a wheelchair, I fed some things to her, she got to watch her channel all day long, and play her DSi. I know that it is easy for m<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunANXodKCccK8PuJZ8sxieDH954826GDvOd-0xEh6dobjq2VMhHjOqV-gFBjdFO2RWlP4lzBbAJkRpNBTSpnh-rBYZD6Yx7vFY04zXlETO1ZKKn6oY7dUqeEgF4CivJ8fldzYRBrno2w/s1600/Photo1320.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586695002420790194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunANXodKCccK8PuJZ8sxieDH954826GDvOd-0xEh6dobjq2VMhHjOqV-gFBjdFO2RWlP4lzBbAJkRpNBTSpnh-rBYZD6Yx7vFY04zXlETO1ZKKn6oY7dUqeEgF4CivJ8fldzYRBrno2w/s200/Photo1320.jpg" /></a>e to see the good in a "tough" situation but I also have to get to her level too. </div><br /><div>Right before they did the I.V. I noticed a change in Maddy's demeanor. "Maddy, it's okay to cry," I said to her, "you don't always have to be strong." Then she cried. I hugged her and kissed her forehead and then the nurse walked in. I then noticed her demeanor change again...it was "GO" time. She took it like a champ and was ready to "fight." Maddy is ready to fight C.F.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcFao7ZsJbX-dSKJlQxH2wUFxYsj2Veg7N2iV_9p3dQLu8wBbhTsCVrzZwPSprwv1Jrfuq926JgwFQiHmRgUBwZsoz5hxi83V69ej9P1aY9PAfRQyGx73fhlJHbDX7dMbfrqLiLFTWcw/s1600/Photo1314.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586694997147113314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcFao7ZsJbX-dSKJlQxH2wUFxYsj2Veg7N2iV_9p3dQLu8wBbhTsCVrzZwPSprwv1Jrfuq926JgwFQiHmRgUBwZsoz5hxi83V69ej9P1aY9PAfRQyGx73fhlJHbDX7dMbfrqLiLFTWcw/s200/Photo1314.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>We don't always know the things that will happen. People say to have faith. I think that is true but I also believe "Thy will be done." God is so merciful, sovereign, and just. I know HE doesn't like seeing Maddy go through physical pain...so much more with emotional pain. It hurts HIM as well. We just lean on HIM and trust. </div><br /><br /><div>"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on YOUR own understanding."-Prov. 3:5 </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-54376790412937846042011-03-17T17:05:00.000-07:002011-03-18T19:16:38.003-07:00ConvictedI don't know about you but whenever I feel convicted, it stings.<br /><br /><div><div>It's like you are trapped. You know what you should be doing and when you don't, God convicts. Sometimes conviction hurts and sometimes it's just beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div>This past week I learned that my cousin, Charles, was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison for violating probation and drug charges. </div><div><br /></div><div>Charles was my favorite cousin growing up. His mom is my moms sister and they were close, which meant WE were close.</div><div><br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585229734386038946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuf8exC-l6KCj-7D15mqs9EzFHndkEw2Kin_6obMAldusMi9x_iGZA79Md0C1tIdZ25NBob3T8JdHLfbQ1K8Ozyziw4lYSsZYnVh1xSTsFol9pYCjZIT5aHzeYUVVeQkZN13m-k3f_J4/s200/Photo1285.jpg" />Charles was my protector and I always knew I could count on him to be there. </div><div>Years went by and our families went separate ways.<br /><br />Charles and I would no longer see each other except for major holidays. He would get married and have children, as would I. We did what everyone else had done...we grew up.</div><div><br /><br />After a motorcycle accident a few years ago, Charles seemed to have distanced himself from everyone and everything.</div><div></div><div>I remember going to Louisiana during Thanksgiving in November 2008. I couldn't wait to see Charles. As he was walking up to my grandmothers porch, I ran up to greet him and hug him. He hugged me back and his response to me was, "I'm not sure who you are but...okay."</div><div>He then walked past me and I was left standing there in shock. Did he really not know who I was?</div><div>I talked with some family members and they told me to just hang in there that he was just struggling with some things.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0ZX-7ZILL9MrVg9ZKj4x2u4mItHdRb8KZjxMTTvf8ebrOtnv_CAR0tnoOpUx-u1hsUK7DV05o3V_icod49i1YA9s-eZMlnq-3G7fnFzxUwEo6dyxKKIEXuwyRgFBgrJWJQjQUykhlho/s1600/Photo1288.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585229742056111394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0ZX-7ZILL9MrVg9ZKj4x2u4mItHdRb8KZjxMTTvf8ebrOtnv_CAR0tnoOpUx-u1hsUK7DV05o3V_icod49i1YA9s-eZMlnq-3G7fnFzxUwEo6dyxKKIEXuwyRgFBgrJWJQjQUykhlho/s200/Photo1288.jpg" /></a><br />*Divorce, medical discharge from motorcycle accident, loss of friends, not having a heart to see his children, pain killers, sudden death of new wife, etc.* What do you mean he was struggling with SOME things? I'd say he was struggling with a lot. </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>It all caught up with him on the night he was caught speeding and busted for drugs. </div><div><br />There is a lot more to Charles than just all that. He was missing some things while growing up. He was missing his dad. His dad cut out on him as an infant. His mom remarried when Charles was 3 years old and that man adopted Charles. Charles called him daddy. Later on Charles parents would divorce and daddy would no longer be active in Charles life.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhJSeptK00F6Ff5G3jNIILNg-fOM0iJ-_LtdCs93l05x9c9NVu0vEkkr6GK6akv8sbfTvNsKHQfcfMqlpCLdD7M0lsulLAZztI1CKhMc8mmKTlfC-CdBiWUcUeGWGhx2z36PpOED1W3g/s1600/Photo1289.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585229738970407602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhJSeptK00F6Ff5G3jNIILNg-fOM0iJ-_LtdCs93l05x9c9NVu0vEkkr6GK6akv8sbfTvNsKHQfcfMqlpCLdD7M0lsulLAZztI1CKhMc8mmKTlfC-CdBiWUcUeGWGhx2z36PpOED1W3g/s200/Photo1289.jpg" /></a><br /><br />You see, we are all like Charles in some way or another. We have this sin in our lives that we allow to overrule. It's one thing after another and keeps getting piled up until one day we get caught. It's easier to point out the "obvious" sinner rather than take a look at the sinner in secret...which is you/me. We can tend to make everything look "perfect" on the outside but inwardly struggle with who we are.</div><div><br />Charles was going through a rough time and he kept pushing it. Now he has to deal with the conviction of the law, his family, but most of all his God.</div><div></div><div>Growing up Charles was always there for me. He protected me, cared for me, and loved me. I think it's time for me to step up and give back to him what he gave to me.</div><div><br />I wrote him a letter for the first time this past week. I am praying for a conviction in heart for the convicted. God is the judge and HE will give Charles the ruling he needs...lovingly. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEwSG8V7eO_p-XukfiC-x3CYjE9N9UKTVhZvssTpCgtidgS3Zk2O81A-aMD-33ncakHhDId2hsaFpw0tS90JPaa80uKoBpFjFJIGKCiueDgBLQ5rLoJa2LSNEfMkQOuUC0RLyNzgw3Gk/s1600/CIMG2811.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585218144498060274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEwSG8V7eO_p-XukfiC-x3CYjE9N9UKTVhZvssTpCgtidgS3Zk2O81A-aMD-33ncakHhDId2hsaFpw0tS90JPaa80uKoBpFjFJIGKCiueDgBLQ5rLoJa2LSNEfMkQOuUC0RLyNzgw3Gk/s200/CIMG2811.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div>"...My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you."-Hebrews 12:5</div><div></div><div>"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent."-Revelation 3:19</div><div></div><div></div><div>Charles-your name means "man" or "manly." I don't think that means you have to be "tough" to be a "man." Be humble and allow God to soften your heart. I know you grew up thinking you had to be the "man" for your mom and a "man" to your dad. There is only one type of "man" you should be...a God-fearing, God-loving, God-admiring, God-focused...man. I love you!</div></div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-29551018111144863232011-03-06T16:08:00.000-08:002011-03-06T17:31:20.557-08:00My Own Worst Enemy...I have been loving Netflix! I have enjoyed the 'documentaries' on there. But I have to say my most favorite things to watch are seasons of "Intervention" and "Obsessed" season 1.<br /><div><div><div>I have always loved psychology. The way the mind works and mental illnesses have always moved me. I want to know more about people and if they are struggling, mentally, with things...what caused it and let's get to the root. Doesn't that excite you? :)</div><br /><div>After taking psychology classes and really being interested in OCD, depression, and schizophrenia, I realized that these illnesses aren't just something these people are choosing to do. It's deep rooted and that is what made me want to be a part of helping others.</div><div> </div><div>When I was 9 years old my mom took me to a psychologist. I remember, in Louisiana, it being this old white victorian house that was turned into a clinic. I walked up creaky stairs with a bag of "Cap'n Crunch" in a bag and sat on a wooden bench, waiting on the doctor to call me in. I wasn't nervous. My mom had told me that we were going so I could tell the doctor why I was angry at my dad. Was I angry? I didn't know I was.</div><div>The lady gave me a white piece of paper and crayons. She asked me to draw a "typical" day of what my home life looked like. I began to draw the first thing that stuck in my mind. It was a day when my step dad and mom were arguing and locked us (kids) outside in the backyard to play. I didn't feel right that day as I swung on the tire swing and tried to go inside (to check on my mom) but when I tried to open the sliding glass door, it was locked. I remember being scared that day for what was happening on the other side of the door.</div><div>I described the picture to the doctor and my mom was called in to discuss what was going on in the picture. I never went back to the clinic after that day.</div><br /><div>Fast forward 21 years to January 17, 2010. I was getting to bed early due to having to run a long distance the next morning. Jeremy and Maddy were downstairs watching t.v. As I laid down and began to relax it happened. Dizziness, heart racing, heavy breathing, heavy chest, slurring speech, and not recognizing my surroundings. I ran downstairs and it kept hitting me. Was I having a heart attack? I had never experienced anything like this in my life.</div><div>After suffering all weekend with this feeling, I went to the E.R. They ran test after test all to find out it was a panic attack. </div><div>They prescribed me medication (which I didn't take) and sent me on my way.</div><div> </div><div>The panic itself was enough to drive me mad but it was the months that followed that kept my mind busy. </div><div>I had developed some OCD tendencies by not washing clothes, cleaning house, and picking my left eyebrow hair until there was nothing left. I am sure that sounds weird but MY mind was telling me that if I washed clothes or cleaned house, that meant I was preparing to die. So, I lived by the "I'm not going to do ____ for fear of dying," in everything I did.</div><br /><div>I had also developed depression. I would cry while making dinner, not wear make up or decent clothes to work, I quit running and socializing. The turning point for me was when I was driving down the road and a voice told me to "run into that light pole and die." After telling Jeremy about that, he encouraged me to go see a doctor and I did.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyrCZujga6z29if7MNHj8jCz2UghmsZbp1oWsooTst1TQg7ja8EqimGUILFNvsAYN_nkg7eifsY-lDhHuNYAA7SNGBkEZ7NXRkDCWuDvJP5GzsmY8InC171CyIjGkL8KcqpMui3ziXM0/s1600/Photo626.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581143045917121058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyrCZujga6z29if7MNHj8jCz2UghmsZbp1oWsooTst1TQg7ja8EqimGUILFNvsAYN_nkg7eifsY-lDhHuNYAA7SNGBkEZ7NXRkDCWuDvJP5GzsmY8InC171CyIjGkL8KcqpMui3ziXM0/s200/Photo626.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>It was amazing to me the road trip MY mind was taking me on. It was scary, dark, and desolate. No one could understand. I lost hair to the point of balding. I was an "eyebrow" puller (I did this to not confront the anxiety). I lost weight. I lost friendships and relationships over it. I tried to describe to these people the best way I could about the torment and feelings I was having but it was like hitting a brick wall. It took over.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KtiBT5MPl0fCSEGw7ibD88ePxG9qYCHd9pJXI5aaqYceWjNh-s3ZN4L02z8k_3jpBRbWg9UqIalTiZrRPhO3s3aE44zsFk2ECxaO7T1snvLsheMxfvQQVdO6EYH6R_r-kuynAOclroI/s1600/Photo839.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581143040308576802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KtiBT5MPl0fCSEGw7ibD88ePxG9qYCHd9pJXI5aaqYceWjNh-s3ZN4L02z8k_3jpBRbWg9UqIalTiZrRPhO3s3aE44zsFk2ECxaO7T1snvLsheMxfvQQVdO6EYH6R_r-kuynAOclroI/s200/Photo839.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I sought Christian counseling and discovered the root to why I had been through the valley. It was a mental breakdown because I had taken on some burdens and emotions that I couldn't let God have. I was afraid to let them go. Already knowing the outcome, I tried to hold on to those things for as long as I could. I remember getting a "warning" from God about a month prior to the panic attack but I ignored it. Consequently I had to endure some mentally tough months.</div><br /><div>I had studied these things, so I should know what to do right? Wrong. It is out of your control. EVERYTHING is out of your control. Why are we holding on things we don't need to? Why are we not allowing God to handle things? Why do we visit those dark places over and over again only to feel pain? </div><br /><br /><br /><div>It was by grace that I was able to and continue to get through. The grace of God. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhOFhBTLFCvpE-Jl4aUxZYlNjYRSat0oZ59ZoIiNKrCvQEvtY4qJCqlDxE36RqJ4g68eeJZLH6kQ6JIOvjESc-OtUn2FTq8SYbmUmOKspJRXYnYl3gKpNyorp1wHuZhp-7S2cGblx-W0/s1600/Photo885.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581143050824843314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhOFhBTLFCvpE-Jl4aUxZYlNjYRSat0oZ59ZoIiNKrCvQEvtY4qJCqlDxE36RqJ4g68eeJZLH6kQ6JIOvjESc-OtUn2FTq8SYbmUmOKspJRXYnYl3gKpNyorp1wHuZhp-7S2cGblx-W0/s200/Photo885.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>You hear people say that all the time but when I say it, I feel it. He loves me that much to stick beside me. I mean, I didn't let Him take control of those areas in my life and it brought me to my knees...and He is still here. </div><div>I don't pick my eyebrow hair anymore because of anxiety, it's mainly a habit when I'm doing homework...or blogging, oops! My hair is finally growing back, woohoo! I am also still VERY interested in psychology...so much more now!</div><br /><br /><div>"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad."-Proverbs 12:25</div><br /><br /><div>I guess you could say I hit "rock bottom" and God held an Intervention. I accepted because I needed to be free. Free from my own worst enemy...ME.</div></div></div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-41416462386844925632011-02-27T15:58:00.000-08:002011-02-27T17:45:26.828-08:00Stay Tuned...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpPA722RAJO8Mq2gJFPA_IKOzlEEG5LnwelF-bdYm954jqSA6Ab1X7Q87ED2yc9Tgq1k_dq8ZFayEC-ZmjjpqUqeTAtohyphenhyphensEASN7hlUf9aRMfbyNJGkHVToMO4VzbqQAvK94x-5MbeE0/s1600/Graphic__Music_-Headphones-_Heart%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578549486662054290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpPA722RAJO8Mq2gJFPA_IKOzlEEG5LnwelF-bdYm954jqSA6Ab1X7Q87ED2yc9Tgq1k_dq8ZFayEC-ZmjjpqUqeTAtohyphenhyphensEASN7hlUf9aRMfbyNJGkHVToMO4VzbqQAvK94x-5MbeE0/s200/Graphic__Music_-Headphones-_Heart%255B1%255D.gif" /></a><br /><div>I have talked about how much music speaks to me repeatedly in my blogs. I have talked about how awesome it is to hear God and feel what He is saying through the music. Well, He can also convict you through it as well.</div><br /><div>I felt the Lord calling me to check my heart when I listen to music. It was one of those things where I didn't really feel it was affecting me too much but the more I listened to certain things the more I felt myself falling into my old thinking patterns.</div><br /><div>This may sound completely rediculous to people who aren't into God or people who aren't willing to change and that's okay. Not everyone goes through the same transformation of heart at the same time. Mine just happens to be the right time and I bet when convictions happen to you, it will be at the right time as well.</div><br /><div>If you think about it, we all have this desire to sing and sing loud! I sing loud everyday and it sounds a little like this..."the wheels on the bus go round and round" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Children love those songs. They love to do motions to them, dance to them, and sing loud to them. Music moves people.</div><br /><div>When I run and workout I like to listen to any and all kinds of music, but my favorites are Enrique Iglesias, Katy Perry, and Pit Bull. If you listen to any of these types of music you will know that the rhythm pumps you up. But as the rhythm speaks to you, so do the words..."My girlfriends out of town and I'm all alone," "You're hot then you're cold, you're yes then you're no," "Baby I don't care, I don't care what they say" and I could go on. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This past week I have been struggling mentally with things and I kept feeling the conviction on my heart that it is rooted in the music I am listening to. The crazy thing is, it's not related to the ones I listed above, although those have played a part in my attitude at times. It comes from the songs that make me feel blue, on purpose. </div><br /><div>After today's message about asking God what exactly it is that I need to change and what it is exactly I need to do...I now know. </div><br /><div>For the time being I have to say good-bye to an artist. This artist doesn't really offer much but broken hearts and sadness. </div><br /><div>Bono (from U2) once said, "it's okay to sing the blues" and I agree. I think there are times in our lives when we have to. I also think that when those times pass, not to relive them time and time again by feeding into the sorrow.</div><br /><div>Why does music have such an affect? Because we were meant to worship. Our hearts yearn to rejoice and be glad. That is why when we hear songs to lift up the Lord our souls get so excited and overwhelmed because we are singing to our King.</div><br /><div>So, why would we want to relive and go back to tough times? If our God has delivered us from it....stay away from it.</div><br /><div>Are you having a hard time with what goes in your mind? If not for sadness' sake, how about prides' sake? What about lusts' sake? How about angers' sake?</div><br /><div>I am not saying that all music is bad or that any is. I LOVE music! I LOVE concerts! I LOVE anything that makes my soul move. I just think that it has ways that can speak to the soul and its time to start feeding it right. I am not sure how I will be on this road to conviction but it was freeing to hear the Word speak directly to the thorn in my flesh. I am ready to sit still long enough to allow God to remove it and bandage it up. I am so thankful His mercies are new everyday.</div><br /><div>"All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts..." Ephesians 2:3</div><br /><div>"For out of the heart come evil thoughts..." Matthew 15:19</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Don't feed the evil thoughts and desires. Stay tuned...into Him!</div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3957981098311599377.post-89318167556767793052011-02-22T17:48:00.000-08:002011-02-22T18:51:19.164-08:00It's oFEETcial!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc4X67DmONnPuVbS96BF36AEuxUb94ybmEp_36XirbvuhBs8LZ0VFs_8DFssLaPOTjwhb4Jo3XERNRHrXVnVM-o-ktJ_czPoI-XGKxTSkyuAKtxyU29tu6CNDAru7UY8emcfYTGffNVs/s1600/Photo1116.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576711303532857762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc4X67DmONnPuVbS96BF36AEuxUb94ybmEp_36XirbvuhBs8LZ0VFs_8DFssLaPOTjwhb4Jo3XERNRHrXVnVM-o-ktJ_czPoI-XGKxTSkyuAKtxyU29tu6CNDAru7UY8emcfYTGffNVs/s200/Photo1116.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Well, it's official...the warmer weather is approaching! </div><br /><div>It is normally this season that my feet go through the terrible training torture.</div><br /><div>The heat, swelling, rubbing, peeling, and sweating of my feet make these "dawgs" look horrible. Why do we have toenails anyway? I seriously could go without them!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My original plan was to try and run 2 marathons (in different states) a year but with Jeremy deployed, Maddy in school, and knowing that there is life beyond running-it didn't work out. I know everything has a purpose and I have enjoyed the journey of rediscovering what I am physically made of. I have decided to wait until November to feel the joy of completing that 26.2 again!</div><br /><div>I have also been training with my good friend, Sarah, and getting her prepared for her first half-marathon on May 1st. It is amazing how "breathing life" into others can change who you are. I have enjoyed our talks on every run. I am so thankful for her and how completely honest I can be and not feel judged. I mean, isn't that what the Lord would want? He already knows our hearts. So, why not share the depths of it with someone who can uplift, encourage, and be honest back with you? </div><br /><div>There was a runner who once said to me, "you never stop training" and he was right. You are always training...in life.</div><br /><div>How is your training going? Are you encouraging others? Are you uplifting others? Are you giving to others? What about those that you feel are less deserving of God's love? Are you harboring bitterness? Are you being prideful of your relationship with the Lord? HE is for EVERYONE and you can't fully receive what God has for you if you aren't helping others in the sport.</div><br /><div>Training won't always look pretty. You may get discouraged, you may have setbacks, and you may, at times, feel defeated. Keep going! When you reach the goal, you will look back and see how hard you trained and the prize will say it all...official!</div><br /><div>"All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize."-1 Corinthians 9:25</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Are you ready to experience some sweat, swelling, blisters, "loss of toenails," calluses, pain, and all that ending in joy? Get up and lets go! It's time to make this oFEETcial!</div><br /><div></div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293743228273594338noreply@blogger.com3