What I've Been Up to Lately: April Recap

I fell off the grid there for awhile.
After I gave up social media for two weeks I'm having a harder time getting back on.
I really liked the quiet.

So instead of some lengthy post about all my April goals met and those not met....I'll give you a high level recap and lots of pictures. :)

- Spend time in the word and prayer more
By far, this has been the easiest thing this year. I love starting my day with She Reads Truth and April was no exception. BTW, if you haven't yet joined- you should. The Hosea devotional is sorta blowing my mind. I'm loving this as part of my spring morning routine.

- Stop Overcommitting.
I have a problem. It is not solved. I honestly can't wait for the 'stress' part of the 7 experiment. I think this part of my life is getting MAJOR overhaul soon.

- Get Simple (fashion and spending fast)
I have not bought any more clothes. In fact, I got rid of MORE stuff. But I haven't been good about spending. I have trips and things coming up so some money has been spent there that normally would not be.  And I bought a couple things at the Flying Pig Expo- but all on sale and very minimal!

- Eat (mostly) vegan
Epic fail in April. So. much. dairy. It also reared it's ugly head on me this weekend and I took stock on how my overdoing it (see 'stop overcommitting') ties in directly with my stress and sugar/cheese level. Backed off a little. I cannot stress to you how much better I feel without dairy. Will I ever learn? Dang cheese.

Loving healthy salads in a jar

So good. And so. bad. 

- Give priorities priority (more family, regular volunteering, scheduled writing sessions)
I am loving not working all the time with taxes. I got to spend a whole day with my nieces and meet my grandparents for dinner. I have been volunteering at the shelter at least once a week and it really does make my heart happy. As for scheduled writing sessions....well I had some friend and family time to make up, but expect more of those in May. After all, it is my birthday month!

- Rest in the big picture
I really should read my goals more than 2x a month. Because I forget this one. A lot. Some days I feel so connected to God and what His plan is and how I fit in and how T and I fit in. Other days- it is the farthest thing from my mind. I'm going to try and start journaling 10 minutes a day again (last year goal!) because I feel like it really made me focus on what is happening in my day and organize my thoughts. This year is one of so much change and growth and I don't want to miss the forest for the trees.

April Goals:
#imoversugar- Eh. Definite work to do. May is a new month.
Finish War & Peace- DONE!! Review to come!
Blanket- Uh...sorry baby Gwen. Hopefully it will stay springy and you won't need this till fall?
RELAX: #restisbest- I did get some resting in. And it was glorious. I'm looking forward to a summer full of rest!

Lots of 1sts this month:

1st Track Workout

1st Patio Dinner this season

1st Bike Ride

1st run in Shorts!

1st Iced Coffee of the Spring

Other April happenings:

It's fun getting your hairs did when you can drink wine.

Salon Hair is always the best

It was still cold enough for a stocking cap most days

My women's work group took a tour of a local farm to learn about CSA's. So cool!

Girls night!

Boston Memorial Run with my Saturday girls

Drake Relays Race!

Patio Happy Hours with this guys

Some silly dog has allergies and needed a vet appointment

Dinner to send off one of our running gals!

We will miss you Deena!

Silly Shenanigans with this guy

My goals for May are super simple:

ENJOY.

I turn 30 this month and I run 3 different races and take 2 out of town trips. I just want to have fun and remember every second of my last days in my 20's and my first in my 30's. 

This is my anthem. Expect to hear more of this. 

What have you been up to?

What's your anthem these days?

March Recap & Fashion Fast Update

It's April!
Winter is over!

Well, sorta.
This is Iowa.

We definitely had more sunshiny days versus cold ones and I'm glad to say things are finally turning green with the rains of this month.
Even though the rain never stops.
I'm not complaining.
Sorta.

March came and went so fast. I literally blinked and we were 2/3 of the way through the month.
However, I did manage to meet some of my goals:

- Run 100 miles this month: I made 111 miles in the month of March! This turned out to be a goal that kept me sane during this busy month. You can follow all my training on dailymile (I have a widget on the sidebar)
- Finish War & Peace: I'm still reading. I have less than 500 pages to go and a few days to finish. I'm hoping to wrap this up mid-month. I have now checked this out from the library 4 times....

- Send out wedding save the dates: DONE!

- Make some progress on baby Gwen's blanket: About halfway. I didn't have as much time to work on this during March as I would have liked, but it'll get done in April. 

Here is a little update on the rest of my goals for 2013:

- Spend time in the word and prayer more

Thanks to some amazing She Reads Truth plans for Lent and Holy Week, this has been easy. Our small group also started back up and I'm feeling very encouraged and blessed by the things I'm reading in the Bible. I think this is the first time in my life that I really WANT to read the Bible. All of it. Over and over. I want to be one of those people that can relate real-life scenarios to a Bible story.

I've been trying to pray more often and more effectively. She Reads Truth plan for post- Easter is all about prayer and I'm learning so much! Mornings with devotions and prayer has really become a special time for me.

- Stop over committing (rule of 2)

This has been pretty easy. I think I'm getting better at saying 'no' and not having a license sort of makes it impossible to do just do whatever, whenever. I'm really, really, looking forward to tax season being over so I can spend time reading and sitting on my patio writing.

- Get simple (fashion & spending fast)

I broke down.

I forgot I scheduled a Stitch Fix box for the last week of March as a reward for not buying anything for the first quarter. This was before I decided to not buy for the whole year.

Of the 5 things, there were 2 shirts I really liked.

So I caved.

See? how could I resist? I'm calling it an early birthday present and I made myself get rid of 4 shirts as penance. #balance

As for other spending, we booked a trip for our birthdays and I hired a painter for my house...so yeah. I see the trip as a good investment and treat for us. We are seeing one of our favorite bands and visiting lots of friends. It will be a really good time and probably the only trip we take this year. Also- we paid cash for it with bonus/tax money so I didn't charge anything.

- Eat (mostly) vegan

I think I've mentioned more than once how my sugar habit is out.of.control.

Jami did a #whole30 and is now all hatin' on sugar. Like the sugar police.

(I kid, I kid. She's awesome and I live close enough to her we could be real life friends. That may just happen.)

But anyway- it inspired me to be more mindful about my sugar intake and QUIT FEEDING MY FACE WITH DESSERT.

Seriously.

I haven't broke myself of the chai or the latte (I love that creamy spiciness), but I do sugar free when I can and I'm considering a pre-30 years old 30 day clean up of me. In honor of getting old.

At this point, I'm picking one day a week that I get a treat on. This varies because things come up. Last night I had this.

I split it with T and it has vegetables in it so it basically doesn't count and makes up for the vegan peanut butter cup I had on Monday.
Right?

Obviously, I have work to do here.

Use the #imoversugar hashtag on Instagram to share your healthy eats. It's super inspiring.

Also, check back Saturday for  a Homemade Larabar Recipe.

- Give priorities priority (more family, regular volunteering, scheduled write sessions)

I got to spend a lot of time with family this month.

Maybe it doesn't seem like a lot but we aren't the 'see each other every week' kind of family, so a birthday dinner, Easter celebration and whole day with my nieces was a special treat.

Volunteering is going great. I love, love, love serving food to my people downtown.
I'm actually signing up for more days and hoping that I can get to know each one of them a little better.

My scheduled writing sessions have been damnear impossible during tax season, but I expect that to change very soon.
I can't wait.

- Rest in the big picture

You know, T and I have had so many talks about our upcoming marriage and what our future will look like. I was dealing with my old house this month (finding a renter which came through- seriously, Praise Jesus) and we had a serious discussion about our future living arrangement and fears with being in such close quarters together.
We love each other. A lot. But we also love our alone time. It was good to admit that and talk through all those things we might be feeling a little nervous about. And also, to remember that we get to be married. To each other.
It's pretty exciting stuff.
Our future is so bright and the big picture in front of us is an adventure I can't wait to start.

Goals for April:
-#imoversugar: Give this a real shot. No excuses
- Finish War & Peace: i swear. this time. for real. I WILL FINISH.
- Blanket: It's going to be too warm for blankets by the time I finish if it's not April. So this one is getting top priority.
- RELAX:  #restisbest Tax season is coming to a close. Bike season is starting. Taco Tuesdays!! Yesssssss.

How was your March? Can you believe 1/4 of the year is OVER??

What goals do you have for April? What is your favorite thing about spring?

Talk to me, people.

February Recap & Fashion Fast Update

It's the first day of spring but it sure doesn't feel like it!

We are experiencing some bitterly cold windchills here in the Midwest...nothing like the warm temps we were experiencing last year at this time.

However, we've had our daylight savings time switch and our days are getting longer so warm temperatures can't be far away!

Plus- our little indoor plants are starting to bloom!

Either way, I'm ready for bike rides, sunset dog walks and reading on the patio. 

In the meantime, here's a little update on what I was up to during the month of February.

Just to remind you, I had some general goals for the year:

- Spend time in the word and prayer more
- Stop over committing (rule of 2)
- Get simple (fashion & spending fast)
- Eat (mostly) vegan
- Give priorities priority (more family, regular volunteering, scheduled write sessions)
- Rest in the big picture

I'll be honest, I didn't even plan any specific February projects until about halfway through the month and by then I was overwhelmed, burnt out and ready for some rest.

So...instead I'm just going to focus on the GOOD that happened in February.

I've been really focused in my morning devotions. I changed up my morning routine to do my #shereadstruth before I even get out of bed. I like to read while I'm under the covers and then say my prayers out loud. I started doing that a few weeks ago after our small group started back up. My pastor likes to use this quote when talking about prayer: 

'To clasp hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.' (Karl Barth). 

Since I gave up coffee for Lent, I think it is the best way to start the morning. Just me, the good word and Jesus. I dig it. 

My last espresso latte on Fat Tuesday

I still miss coffee. HA.

BUT- I think I've finally found a balance with the occasionally soy chai tea latte or steeped green tea when I'm craving something warm and soothing.

And speaking of giving things up...

This book is wrecking my life in a bazillion amazing ways. 

I'm really enjoying walking through the book with my church small group and connecting with other bloggers who have worked through the series. I don't think I'll ever be the same after reading this book.

I sucked at time management in February.

As I mentioned, I ended up overwhelmed, burnt out and ready for some rest in mid-February. 

So I took a couple days off work. I cooked, cleaned, met  my brand new niece and just enjoyed a break from all the craziness of working 7 days a week- sometimes 12 hours in one day. 

4 course Vday dinner created by yours truly

Baby Gwen

Evening sunset in my hood

I still have so much to learn about finding balance in my day-to-day life but lately I feel like I hit a stride. Hoping it sticks around. 

Aaaaaand....month 2 of NO SHOPPING!!!!

I'm not having any issue with this. I have been purposely avoiding catalogs and fashion emails and since we are in perpetual winter maybe that makes it easy. 

Along with stressed out and burned out- my eating habits suffered. 

My favorite local ice cream sandwich- Fat Tuesday indulgence

One of a few cupcakes I ate this month

I still meal-prepped and ate mostly healthy during the day, but at night when I had time to assess all the things I had going on, I'd get stressed. And miss coffee and want snacks. So I may have ate a lot of popcorn and cookies. 

I'm trying to turn that around this month!

I'm avoiding late night eating and keeping a food journal to help me identify those times when I feel snacky. I think staying up late leads to bad eating habits for me so working on more sleep too.

My volunteering gig is going great. I love serving people so much. 

My amazing fiance recommended a writing night and it was so therapeutic. Just what I needed!

 I had a great girls night with my running group friends- love those gals!

I even found an hour to donate blood one lunch break- feels good to give back in such an easy way!

T and I spent a Saturday afternoon with the little of my family- checking out dinosaurs and eating Zombie Burger. The kids loved it.

And of course- date nights with this guy.

Never. gets. old. 

February was a trying month. 

I struggled with my schedule and with emotions. I felt like staying in bed for days at a time. 

But I came out of it. And I'm learning. 

How to listen to my body. 

How to listen to my soul.

How to adapt to challenges.

How to not always fight the flow of life. 

How to try again.

So for March- I'm making goals:

- Run 100 miles this month: I'm already over 60 miles and 2 weeks to go. I hit a BIG goal last week of 30 miles!! If you don't already- find me on dailymile.

- Finish War & Peace: I'm about 500 pages in and it's getting interesting. I'm scheduling reading time and plan to make big dents in it this weekend. 

- Send out wedding save the dates: almost done! Just a few that I had to gather addresses for.

- Make some progress on baby Gwen's blanket: I started it but have a ways to go. I might need a little coffee shop time for reading and crocheting. 

- And of course- #restisbest

How was your February? Do you have any goals for March? Does it feel like spring yet in your city?

Sunday Seven 1/27/13

Today we had an ice storm that was both a blessing and a curse.


Curse because....
- We missed church and the El Salvador Potluck (bummed)
- My grandparents were going to come to church with us ( maybe next week Gma & Pops?)
- I didn't get my outside long run in with Jamilee
- I showered just to put on clean sweatpants
- I've been sort of lazy


Blessing because:
- I didn't leave the house (no work!)
- I ran 9.18 miles on the treadmill in 80 minutes
- I cleaned, did laundry and cooked for the week
- I listened to Jami Nato's Influence Session (amazing- go get it for you- in fact- get all of them!)
- I wrote this post!!

1. I am love love loving the SheReadsTruth Soul Detox plan we are doing right now. I did it last year in January and it is one of my favorite plans. We have read some of my favorite scripture this week: Romans 12, Hebrews 3, Colossians 3....all so good. The plan focuses on figuring out what are our destructive and toxic thoughts and letting them go. Turning our thoughts towards Jesus. To be honest, this is an area of my life I struggle in- staying positive and not getting wrapped up in greedy and self-critical thoughts. Reading these scriptures remind me of what's really important. If you haven't checked out SheReadsTruth and The Influence Network- you should.

2. I ran 24 miles this week. WOOT!! I'm excited that I'm headed in the right direction for my goal.

Post 3 miles of 800 repeats on the 'mill

3. It's also really good that I did that many miles because it's been a fatty week of eating for me. I went to Irina's Restaurant with some girlfriends and we ate our weight in Russian food. It was amazing! Expect a full review....

Nostrovia!! (To Health!!)

4. Since we had Monday off for MLK Day, I got to enjoy a little bit of this:

It was perfect afternoon. I enjoyed a strong cup of coffee, my favorite butterscotch blondie and quiet reading time. It was a nice start to the week.


5. I'm still in love with Pocket. Here are all the things I was reading this week:
- I wanted to dog on him with the rest of the world, but this post on Manti Te'o made me think twice
- I've been having a hard time with the winter blues this year. Like a really hard time. I'm hoping this challenge gives me the kick in the rear I need
- Ginna's post on being okay with not liking popular things struck home with me. Check it out.
- Um, yes. Let's stop doing this people
- I found this rebuttal pretty interesting. (Article being rebutted here)

6. I organized a Sandwich Club for a local men's shelter Bethel Mission. It was so amazing to see so many ladies I work with come together to serve those in need in our community.

We had a great turnout and were able to donate 200 brown bag lunches (each containing a sandwich, a cookie, apple and a bag of chips), over 70 extra sandwiches, 10 lbs of ham, plus the remaining apples, cookies and chips.
I'm so grateful to be part the Community Outreach Co-Chair for our women's group at work.
I love to serve.
It's my love language.

7. Speaking of love language...apparently food is also my love language. I've been baking a lot of muffins lately. And chili. And salads. Just a lot of kitchen things in general. I can't stop it. Nor can I stop how much I love this:

My two favorites curled up in bed watching Parks & Rec reruns. Ah. Bliss.

How was your week? 

I got another super busy week coming up so I'm so thankful for this Sunday of rest!

#restisbest

Five Minute Friday: Stay

Good Morning.
It's Friday in November, just a week before Thanksgiving! What a great time of year.
I have a busy day ahead so I'm starting my day off right:
- #shereadstruth meet up with some of my good friends
- #FMF post
- Last night's Grey's Anatomy and work email before heading to the office

So...before I can get on to the dramatics that are Grey's Anatomy (and work email...HA!) I'm going to get my write on.

Today's Word: Stay

Lisa Loeb.
That is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the word 'stay.'
For the life of me I cannot remember any lyrics to the song I used to watch on repeat on MTV, but I do know it was heart-wrenching. And held so much longing. Because isn't that the definition of 'stay'?

Think about all the ways we use this word:
'Stay here.'
'Why stay together?'
'I can't stay here anymore.'
'Please stay with me.'
'I want you to stay.'
'Won't you stay here?'

It seems in each situation we are longing for the steadfast company of another.

I'm getting married a year from now.
'Stay' sounds like a marriage word to me.
My hope is that when I do get married, we 'stay' together.
That doesn't always happen.
Neither one of us 'stayed' despite previous attempts.

But when that day comes where we declare our love for each other in front of our family and friends, my hope is that we also declare our 'stay.'
Our steadfastness.

'Let's stay together.'
'I am so glad you decided to stay.'
'Let's always stay this way.'

What feelings does the word 'stay' evoke to you? Do remember that Lisa Loeb song? Whatever happened to her anyway?

 

Try out 5 minute Friday on your own, then head over to Lisa-Jo Baker's blog and check out what stay means to others.