Lent

No, I am not Catholic.  I am a Baptist - always have been... BUT my baptist youth group back home does observe Lent.  Every year I give up something from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday to remind me of the sacrifice God made by giving us his son, Jesus, and what Jesus did on the cross for all of us sinners.  Every time I do this I am constantly in awe that it is so hard for me to just give up something for 40 days.  I have done everything from the internet, gossiping, TV, speeding, soda, sweets, committing to read my bible daily, etc.  I try to challenge myself each year to think of something that will be difficult for me.  Each time I am tempted to "cheat" on my Lenten promise - I immediately think about how if this is such a hardship - just think of how it must have been for God.  This year it will be no chocolate or soda.  These are my guilty pleasures.  I love chocolate and if I can't have it - soda usually give me a bit of sweetness that I feel is needed. This year - I will do away with both.  I am committed to handle this small sacrifice to remember the greatest sacrifice of them all.  You should join me!!

V-Day Treats

Because I am such a sucker for ALL holidays and a teacher... these pictures of Valentine's Day ideas are the cutest.  How do people come up with these things? 

                    

Be Confident

Who is up for the challenge?

You can say that again... after a recent conversation with a good girlfriend of mine, I saw this quote and thought that just about sums up everything we had talked about.  Why do guys seem to think you will automatically get wasted, go home with them, end up staying the night, and well, you know the rest?  Because girls do it ALL the time!!  What ever happened to the process of getting to know each other first?  What ever happened to ladies have boundaries?  What ever happened to having "rules"?  I get it... everyone is different, times have changed, and everyone can make their own rules.  BUT, that doesn't mean EVERY girl wants the same thing... I think until we acknowledge what it truly means to be a LADY, we will have to face that we won't find as many "gentlemen" either. 

Turn The Page

"Move on.  It's just a chapter in the PAST.  Don't close the book - just turn the page."

I came across this quote and it just hit home for me.  The past definitely makes us who we are.  I believe with my whole heart that events that happen define us as people we become in the future.  The past occurred on purpose - to teach us something.  It should be kept in the PAST but the lesson should never be forgotten.  I think all too often we tend to dwell on it, myself included.  I am learning to turn the page - with my career, relationship, friendships, and so much more.  Thank you to those of who remain characters in my life book.  I am so very grateful for each of you. ;)

Mix It Up

I must admit I am Type A to the extreme.  So what, right?  Well, while this can have its' advantages... it also has many disadvantages.  I often find myself having to perfect everything, I am a naturally competitive, and I don't like the word NO. 

I am currently taking a hiatus from running... my legs (IT band really) doesn't love me.  I am not able to run the distance I am used to without it bothering me.  Since I am stubborn and can't just settle with a very short run I have been not running at all on it and allowing my leg/knee to heal completely.  This is a BIG thing... ususally I run through the pain.  Go ahead... call me an idiot.  The doctor told me that runners are like drug addicts.  They NEED to get their fix. 

Well, I started doing hot yoga when I was really getting into racing.  I had always heard about how great it is from my friend, Jordan, but never really thought it was for me.  NOW... I am addicted.  I go at least twice a week.  I love how it makes me feel.  However, I also think I have to be able to do everything like the people beside me.  You know the ones that have been practicing yoga for 10+ years.  Yeah, there's that competitive thing.  It's been challenging for me to realize I need to focus on what I can do only.

Recently, I have decided to start swimming laps for another cross-training activity.  Ha.... this is a joke.  I haven't swam since middle school.  I purchased my first "adult" Speedo, goggles, and hit the pool.  I have only swam laps 4 times now but I am getting better each time.  I will make that water my friend. 

Lifting weights... I still hate that but I am making myself do it anyway. 

So Kaitlin the cheerleader/dancer... turned into the runner/yogi/swimmer/strength trainer??  WHAT!?

I think the whole point of this rambling post is in everyday life we all compare ourselves with each other.  This person can do this so we automatically think we should be able to as well... I think focusing on being healthy and happy to have each day is the most important.  Listen to your body... exercise for FUN.  Find something you LIKE to do... it shouldn't be a struggle.  You should ENJOY your workout.  I get it... this is random.  I am rambling... just something I am passionate about remembering this year.  My other "NY Resolution" - workout for fun, love each and every workout, and be thankful my body allows me to exercise.

2012

What I learned in 2011 and hope to remember in 2012.

1.  Never give up on something you think is a passion of yours. 

2.  Never let one person define your self-worth in your career.

3.  You’re stronger than you think. 

4.  There is always a light at the end of the tunnel; it may just be a very long tunnel at times.

5.  Relationships aren’t easy and sometimes the unexpected happens. But whatever is meant to be, will be.

6.  You can’t plan out your life and expect it to work perfectly.  God does that for you.  Timing is everything.  Trust in him always.

7.  Chocolate can be considered medicine or therapy.

8.  You can do what seems impossible if you work hard enough for it.  Set a goal and be determined.

9.  Your family will always be there for you and tell you the honest truth (like it or not).

10.  Good friends are what make life worthwhile.  Make your friends a priority.

11.  Be grateful for every opportunity and try to learn something from it.  No matter if it was a good or bad one...  there’s a reason you experienced it.

12.  Don’t get overwhelmed with the big picture.  Take everything one day at a time and appreciate that you have each day. 

Here's to a new year FULL of wonderful possibilities... hoping there are more ups than downs.  Wishing each of you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!