Influence Conference 2014: Meet and Greet

In normal fashion, I'm a little late to the show.

BUT.

I don't care because I'm so EXCITED to spend 4 days driving, dreaming, scheming, talking, laughing, drinking WAAAY too much coffee, filling up and resting my soul.

Erin and I leave our beloved Des Moines early tomorrow AM to head to Indy for the 2014 Influence Conference!

This will be my 3rd year attending the conference (I'm a lifer at this point) and I am really excited to see all my old friends and make many new ones!

Without further adieu, here is a lil bit about me:

I love writing, reading and hot drinks.
I love cool mornings, long easy runs and hot yoga.
I love cooking, eating local and craft beer.
I love both my jobs- Arbonne Consultant & Think Digital Project Manager.
I talk better then I listen (I'm getting better!) and I love people. All of them.
Expect hugs.
I love woman empowerment and world-changers...like the ladies of the Influence Conference!
I love my God, my family, my friends and my boyfriend. <3
Also, I love this goofy face, my furkid, Roxy.

The theme of this year's conference is BUILD.

Each year I've come to the conference, I've left changed a little. I love coming in with an open heart and mind and just letting God speak to me in all the ways I don't expect.

This year, I'm particularly excited to see what happens AFTER the conference. God has been speaking to each of us in different ways in our lives and now is the time to take action. 
I can't wait to see what this group of powerful women will show to the world!

Every year, I find myself a little zapped by the end of the conference. Not just emotionally and mentally, but physically as well. Lots of late nights, weird eating schedules and just generally being in an unfamiliar place.

For me, that means I can't leave the house without my Arbonne Nutrition Essentials! Protein powder for smoothies and snacks,  Energy Fizz Sticks made with green tea for an afternoon boost, and Herbal Detox Tea for late evening chats. I love being part of a company that makes amazing pure, safe and beneficial products I use every day.
I'll have a few samples and I'd love to share so don't hesitate to find me. :)

But be ready, I might just hug you.

SOON, FRIENDS!! XX

Sunday 7 1-26-14

I haven't done a Sunday 7 since October. Eeek.

January is almost over and we are in a new year. So much is changing and so much is the same. Either way, I have things to share. 

1. I feel it's important to mention this first because it's a big deal. I've made a pretty big decision about my future working self and it involves a lot less corporate and a lot more of being my own boss. I don't have all the details figured out yet, but I have made a goal to get out of the corporate rat race by the end of the year. It's going to be a lot of work and a lot of dedication, but I'm ready. It's time. (This article is cheering me on)

2. I've been working out a lot. Trying to get back up to 30 mile weeks and lifting 2-3 times a week. This means I'm spending a lot of time at the Y and getting up early. It's hard getting up in the dark to workout, but every. single. time. I'm glad I did.

3. It's January. For most of us, that means resolutions of some sort. I've been sticking to my 100 day challenge. I've missed 1 day so far and I don't plan on missing any more. It's been a dark winter and I'm still pulling myself out of the muck on a daily basis, but having intention and purpose helps.

4. I've been reading a lot. I have read 3 books so far this month and I'm currently in the process of reading 3 more. I don't know how to read one book at once, I like a variety. I highly recommend 'We Are Water' by Wally Lamb. Next up for me is Elizabeth Gilbert's latest. 

5. Movies. T and I have seen some good movies so far this year. American Hustle on our annual New Year's Day movie date and just this last week we saw Her. It is bizarre and beautiful. I love the cinematography and the story. Before you think it is a weird movie about a guy in love with his phone, go see it. The message is so much deeper. 

Post movie discussions at the brew pub

6. I'm leaving the country. In about 3 weeks I'll be spending a week in El Salvador with a group of people from my church. I'm nervous and excited and nervous and REALLY EXCITED. This is my first trip out of the country and my first mission trip. I also just got my first passport. So. many. firsts. If you think of it, pray for safe travels and open minds. I've had a little bit of weird anxiety dreams about this trip. Thanks friends.

7. Roxy is a senior citizen. My pup turned 8 this week. Which is really 56 in dog years which means she gets early bird specials and discounted movie tickets. Really, she just remains being the best heater/snuggler ever as evidenced by this sleepy Saturday afternoon nap picture. 

What have you been up to lately? Did you make any goals for 2014? How is your progress?

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?

Sunday Seven: 4/7/2013

Even though I had to work almost all weekend....

I didn't let it get me down.
It was absolutely beautiful!!

1. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw a barrage of pictures Saturday starting with 1st shorts and tshirt run of the season!

 It was awesome. I got in 8 miles with my girlfriends before I set off for breakfast with this guy before work:

He's my favorite. <3

2. Also, I know not that many people care, but our teams played each other in the NIT tournament this week.

 The Hawks prevailed, but then we lost the championship. Bummer.

3. I'm sort of obsessed with eating everything out of a mason jar.

Tomorrow, read about all the best Mason Jar Foods.

4. Favorite screen shots of the week:

Apple Pie Smoothie- I def want to try

Avocado fries?? Yes Please.

HA! I love this. 

I definitely want to try this

5. I've read Andie's blog for a couple years and I revisited it this week looking for a recipe. These posts: losing your fear of food and being constantly hungry, definitely gave me some food for thought. (pun intended). I yo-yo with food and it's about time I strike a healthy balance.

6. If you haven't gotten your ticket for Influence Conference 2013, you should read this post. I have a little blurb!

7. This week finally felt like spring. There were so many signs of warmer days to come:

Iced coffees

New run shoes!

YELLOW

Patio dinners

How was your week? Are you finally enjoying some signs of spring? Morning and evening walks are good for both me and Roxydog. 

Five Minute Friday: After

I'm so excited to joining Five Minute Friday again. At least joining in a timely manner. :)

I love joining here with another group of writers and weaving words and thoughts just for the love of writing. I love reading what other people have to say about the word of the day and discovering how our diverse backgrounds influence our thoughts and words.

Whether you are a writer or not, Fridays are so much better when you join up with Lisa Jo Baker and the wordsmiths of Five Minute Friday.

The rules:
1. Lisa Jo posts a word on her blog that is the theme of Five Minute Friday.
2. Write for 5 minutes on that word. No editing. No agonizing over each sentence. (you can spell check after though).
3. Post on your blog and link up with all the other writers on the blog.

Today's word:

AFTER

I got up this morning and had a big glass of water.
After that, I read the bible and said a quick prayer.
After that, I heated up old coffee and took my dog for her morning potty break.
After that, I lifted weights in my basement gym. 
After that, I got that same dog on her leash and we walked for a morning chai latte and stroll through the art park just down the street.

After that I will eat, shower, and head to work.

All the while I will be wondering what I will be doing after I get off work. After I get home. After I check the mail.
Oftentimes I find myself living in the after. Planning for what comes next after the toils and to-dos of this day are over. What happens after I turn 30? What happens after my lease is up? What happens after we get married?

There is a saying that about the present being a gift. I tend to forget that TODAY is happening while I'm always living in the future, wondering about after. 

Today, while the sun is shining and birds are chirping and spring is in the air, I'm going to forget all about the after. I'm going to live in today- enjoying each second as it occurs. 
I don't want to look back years from now and think 'Why was I so worried about what happens after?'

Stop.

I really like this word today.
I have an inclination that many of us will be writing about not living in the moment as much as we should. In this hustle and bustle world we live in, it's nice to just take a break from planning and mapping out each step and just BE.


Take a deep breath readers.

It's Friday. And the sun is shining. :)

I hope you take some time to enjoy living in the moment today!

Sunday Seven 3-10-2013

This has been my spot for the past couple of days.

It is gray and rainy and snowy and cold and wet here.
I'm even wearing grey clothing today.

BUT- all this inside time during the waning days of winter gives me some time to get caught up on all the quiet time things I love- knitting, movies, reading and writing!

1. Despite all this cold weather, I've been getting my run on:

Last Sunday, I did 2 runs- one early 6 miler with Deena

Then a slower 4 mile loop around the frozen lake with Roxy. 

I ended up with 23 miles last week.

This week, I ran my normal weekday runs.

A SUPER cold 4.5 on Thursday that froze tears on my face. 

A pretty decent 7.5 with my Saturday run girls

And another 5.5 mile mental run this afternoon in the run.

For a total of 25 miles.

These 30 mile weeks seem to keep eluding me...

2. I decided to join the HealthySELF challenge this month created by Lindsay @ TheLeanGreenBean and Elle @ Nutrionella. This week's challenges were:

Saturday, March 2nd - Spend time prepping food/snacks for the week
Monday, March 4th - Make a list of 20 things you're thankful for
Thursday, March 7th - Eat at least 3 food groups at each meal

Saturday, March 9th - Do a commercial break workout

I did some prepping on Sunday like I normally do for the week instead of on Saturday. 

I sort of forgot about this on Monday and made my 'thankful list' on Wednesday. There are BIG things I"m thankful for- T, family, Roxydog, great friends, basic needs met, Hope, that the rest of it just ended up being all frivolous but comfort things- my favorite comfy spot on the couch with tea and a book, boots and skinny jeans, handwritten notes, cookies, date nights. It was fun and reflective to make that list and I think I'll review it often.

I totally spaced Saturday's challenge...but I don't have commercials since I watch Netflix. HA

3. The day has come...a little earlier than I wanted...but it's here nonetheless. License restriction time. 

The line at the DOT. Just to get a number. To wait in another line. Ugh.

Let's just say it wasn't the best part of my day Saturday. 

But it's here. And I'm studying bus schedules and walking more. I guess I'll have to learn to plan a little better, eh?

4. And since I can't go anywhere, I guess that means I have a lot more time here at home. Which means I finally got caught up on what's in my Pocket:

• More reasons to strive toward a vegetarian diet:
• The largest study ever conducted in the UK confirmed vegetarians have healthier hearts: "The self-proclaimed vegetarians had a 32 percent reduced risk of both fatal and non-fatal heart disease, accompanied by lower blood pressures and cholesterol levels, as compared to non-vegetarians. They consumed, on average, more cheese, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and less milk."
• At the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition, it was concluded that vegetarians have more favorable chronic disease outcomes
• Even though I love running, there are some things to hate about it too.
• You can't really stretch your IT band, but these yoga stretches sure do make you feel like it.
• And speaking of running, it's not always easy. And it's not supposed to be.
• Sometimes friendships just end. And that's okay.
• Every time I try to track calories on Fitness Pal- I feel like I'm starving. Who eats 1200 calories a day and survives? Not this girl, and in fact- not most people. Know your numbers.
• If I hadn't see this on Kelsey's twitter, I might have never believed it. We should be concerned.
• I may read this post everyday.  Thanks to this list of 6 blogs that will change your life.
• This made me laugh out loud. I need to use Emoji more. 
• Sort of a long read- but a lot of interesting thoughts on gender equality and the roles of parents today- who should work and who should stay home.:  "...couples often create a family myth about why they made these choices, why it has turned out for the best, and why they are still equal in their hearts even if they are not sharing the kind of life they first envisioned."
• This inspires me. A simple life is a happy life.

5. I heard this song at the coffee shop yesterday and I shazammed it and then now I can't stop listening. 

Sorrow found me when I was young, 

Sorrow waited, sorrow won.

Sorrow that put me on the pills, 

It's in my honey it's in my milk.

Don't leave half a heart alone

On the water, 

Cover me in rag and bones, sympathy.

Cause I don't wanna get over you.

I don't wanna get over you.

Sorrows my body on the waves

Sorrows a girl inside my cave

I live in a city sorrow built

It's in my honey, it's in my milk.

Don't leave my half a heart alone, 

On the water, 

Cover me in rag and bones, sympathy.

Cause I don't wanna get over you.

I don't wanna get over you.

Don't leave my half a heart alone, 

On the water, 

Cover me in rag and bones, sympathy.

Cause I don't wanna get over you.

I don't wanna get over you.

(From:  http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/t/the_national/)

Why are sad songs always the best?

6. I'm late to the party on this I'm sure, but Dads are the original hipsters makes me laugh so hard. I will have to find and scan a picture of my dad back in his days of full beard and coaching shorts early 80's polyester style. He still rocks a kick-ass Ron Swanson-esque mustache. Because he can. 

As evidenced in this picture of him from Christmas circa 2010. Hopefully he doesn't mind me posting it. Love you Dad. :)

7. I watched both of these movies today. Both good. In bizarre and awkward ways that make movies real and good.

Jeff Who Lives At HOme

Tiny Furniture

If you need advice on all the best movies you didn't know you were missing, check out this guest post from my buddy Dannette. 

I can't wait to see The Place Beyond the Pines. Most because I think Ryan Gosling plays those sad, emotional trainwreck types perfectly. (Hello, Blue Valentine?)

What's been going on in your world this week?