Thursday, February 28, 2013

Accountability



Accountability is always good- most of us have it at work, with our friends, etc.  But, how many of you have it in your fitness life?  If you are "smart" then you will be able to answer with a hearty "ME"!  Last month I saw on Kaylie's blog about workout buddies.  Basically you come up with some goals for the month and have someone that you check in with regularly to see how you are doing.  My buddy for the month of February was Caitlin who blogs over at Chasing Chels.  Interestingly enough we found we have quite a bit in common (although I am quite a bit older than she is- by about 13 years).  She lives in Pittsburgh (where my dad grew up) and loves to run (while I don't LOVE the run I don't mind it).  She also has been a preschool teacher until recently (which I am- LOL)  Anyway, she was a great partner.  Checked in with me regularly on how my three goals were coming along and when she read something on my blog- she emailed me to just let me know she was thinking of me.  That, my friends, is how you stay accountable :)  Thanks Caitlin!  and my March partner is a young (younger than Caitlin) high schooler so that's a whole new dimension and perspective for me :)

My February goals were 3-fold:
1) to have lights out by 10:30 on the weeknights.  I actually did pretty well on this- had a few nights that I struggled (mainly Sundays) but overall I hit this one!
2) to add at least 1 day of strength training- this one- didn't do so well with it :(  Need to get on this
3) to have at least one meatless meal a week- this tended to be breakfast because it's a little easier to do.  I like my meat- what can I say (and when I do meat it's chicken and turkey)

My March goals are still being ironed out but I have a feeling you will see 1 and 2 on there again.

Caitlin- thanks for a great month!  You rock!

So- my question to you is- do you have someone to hold you accountable in your fitness goals?  Who and HOW?

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

True Strength

**sorry for those who got this as a double post in a reader- I thought I set it to schedule on wednesday and it published automatically when I finished.  I didn't want it "live" until Wednesday so I deleted and redid it.

The Free Online Dictionary defines strength as the following:
 The state, property, or quality of being strong. 
 The power to resist attack; impregnability.
 The power to resist strain or stress; durability.
A source of power or force. 
 One that is regarded as the embodiment of protective or supportive power; a support or mainstay.

The Bible (my "dictionary") defines strength as being found in God.  Just a few verses that I highlight today regarding strength:
1 Chronicles 19: 13- "Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” (this is an interesting story in the chapter...)

Psalm 18:31-33 (I LOVE this imagery)- "For who is God, but the LordAnd who is a rock, except our God?— the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.  He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights."

Psalm 28:7- "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him."

and Psalm 46:1- "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."


I think, as you can see the world's definition of strength and the Bible's definition of strength are pretty much one and the same- the difference?  The source of that strength.  Sadly, the world sees strength as physical or even mental.  I believe the Bible defines strength on all levels- including physical and mental but taking it one step further to the spiritual.  I have been attacked lately on several things- physically (my knee), mentally (discouragement) and most recently spiritually (wondering if I am hearing God correctly).  Thankfully, I have a good foundation on the spiritual and mental side of things and am working on the physical aspect in order to fight off those attacks.  




Now, how does this relate to fitness, to sweat, to leaving it all out on the floor? 

 

 I think it fits in here perfectly... to know that when you have reached the end of all that you THINK you can do, the strength that got you to where you are- when you dig in deep, when you're at that "quitting" moment- THAT is what is going to get you through.  Just as, for me, I know the Lord is what got me to where I am and HE will carry me (he says so multiple times in both Psalms and Isaiah)!  

**disclaimer: I know that not all who read my blog believe as I do, however, these latest posts are where I am personally at this point in time.  I will not deny my faith as it is a very real part of who I am and my daily life (physically and spiritually).  So please know that I will at times take this blog in a different track (I guess that today is one of those times).  If you ever feel the need to ask more questions please comment below or send me a personal email (email is in the about me part).  If not, know that not ALL of my posts will be in this vein.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Dreamers

 This week Holley asked us to take a look at some God-sized dreamers that we knew personally, in the Bible or just out there in the world.  I have been thinking about this off and on all week and today at church it hit me- I know, personally, 2 God-sized dreamers and their families.  This week is our Global Impact week (aka missions conference) and today in class one of our national missionaries spoke.  Now, the thing is, I KNOW this missionary.  I have been to his country and worked with his family 3 different times.  The first time was 10 years ago this summer, again in 2005 and then I traveled by myself for 2 1/2 weeks in 2006.  Who are these amazing God-sized dreamers?  George Romeos (Marcy and children) and Fotis Romeos (Mary and children).  Where?  Athens, Greece.  It's been way too long since I have been there and this place holds a HUGE place in my heart and it has long been my desire to return. 


George and Fotis are brothers who, along with partners, had the vision for The Cosmovision Center.  This center is a "multi-purpose facility" and "is located just a few miles from the new airport of Athens and only 17 miles from the historic spot of Mars Hill in downtown Athens."  The vision includes The Transformation Center (youth sports and family facility), International Center of New Testament and Mission Studies; The First Greek Christian School of Athens and The Base of various Educational Programs. 

2003


2005

2006

As you know the economic crisis in Greece has led to a higher unemployment and a HUGE need.  Not only that but there are many people coming in from other countries.  These two men are amazing God-sized dreamers who need our prayers to continue their work.  Their dedication to God, to their families, to their country, and to those who are lost and seeking is so inspirational and reminds me so much of when Mordecai tells Esther- that all that she is going through is for such a time as this.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Sweat Pink, running, and life

Three totally random things and yet, all weave together like a tapestry.

Sweat Pink-earlier this week I got an email saying that I had been accepted as a SPA (sweat pink ambassador).  Basically it means that I am "tough and girly" (haha) and not afraid to sweat pink.  It's a great support system and it gives me another means to encourage and reach out to those in my own community!


Running- I'm behind in my half marathon training because of the knee issues.  I'm a little frustrated and starting to question my decision to run this.  Part of me feels like I should have planned for more time and then the other part of me has realized that quite honestly, I just don't like running long distances.  I like the 5K's and 5 milers but anything beyond that just seems like a chore.  So, I have come to the conclusion that it would have to be one super cool, special, awesome race to bring me out of half marathon retirement (One of the Disney races would be one of those).  And you know what- that's okay.  Of course, this could all change once the weather stops acting fickle and decides what it's going to be- this back and forth from cold to warm and sun and rain is messing with me! 


Life- well, life is just life- busy, nonstop, eccentric, extraordinary, and just overall crazy!  The calendar is crazy- I sit and go through my March and think it's pretty much gone already.  How did that happen?  (and it technically hasn't even started yet).  I have been working on work stuff (long days, meetings, etc), doctor's appointments (good visit- will chat more later on that), nutrition class stuff (yeah, I finally decided to just do the readings and quizzes rather than the projects as well- the time is overwhelming and something had to give), and the steps for health coaching (more on that later as well). 




So, that's a peek into what's been going on- will keep on truckin' along and know that Spring Break is a month away!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

What will you do?


Today's challenge from Holley was all about looking at our life and taking that step now that we have removed something from our life that could stand in the way of the dream.  I took out my TV (except for Monday night Biggest Loser) and found that this past week was still so crazy that I didn't get done all that I needed to during the week BUT, I didn't fritter away my time staring mindlessly at the tv either.  This week will be a good test of my time.  I'm not counting Monday since it's not part of my week but I do have a long day on Tuesday and then the rest will be "normal" with a dr appt on Thursday so no school for me that day.  My plan is to try to work a little every night on various things.  I have a menu plan set up- I need to set up a nightly plan as well- what I will work on both personally (you know, house stuff) and professionally to get ahead.



Now, my big step will be two fold- one, I will actually make that plan and two, this week I will be filling out the application for a local class to be held in May on health coaching.  It's a one day thing and costs about $100.  The application has to be turned in by April so I want to get this going.  I will be mailing the application and check next Monday, the 25th (so feel free to hold me accountable).  The online nutrition class is way more science oriented then I ever wanted so it's kicking my rear (in a good way) but I am not a quitter so I am determined to finish- no matter what!  Thanks for sharing my dream with me!  ETA: I downloaded the reading for this week- I have a request in to switch from an application level (quiz, plus, a travel plan for eating, plus a mind map/webbing for this week-week 5, 7, and 9).  This mind map took me FOREVER on week 3 and this week's material alone will take me hours to read, let alone process.  Anyway, I have requested to an understanding level which is reading the material and quiz only.  The only difference is that I won't get a certificate (which I am okay with) :)  I'll see what comes of my question.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Borrowing Trouble..

which I am not but I think I figured out the reason for my being "off" this past week (besides my dislike of that holiday).  It hit me when talking with someone but this Thursday is my yearly urologist appt.  Back in 2009 I was diagnosed with a kidney disorder (Medullary Sponge Kidney) that in essence turned my life upside down.  It has been this past year that I got serious with the dietary changes that needed to happen and I have seen pretty good results from that.  It's the reason I cut out wheat and soy along with other odds and ends.  Anyway, I go for my yearly visit to him every year around this time and even though I haven't really had many problems (actually until today- I have not had any at all and I'll find out Thursday if today's had anything to do with it or not since it'll still show up in my *ahem* testing)- anyway, even though I haven't had many problems it still makes me nervous and uneasy around my appointment.  Why?  I know it can't be changed (although one part of me wants to request another CT scan to see if there's been any changes at all- however, he said he won't request one because of the radiation) but it's just always there- in the back of my mind- just wondering- what is going on inside my body. 



However, this whole experience is what has led me to wanting to become a health coach- to help others who need guidance in this area as well.  4 years later, I am starting to see the reason behind this.  I wish I could see the end result but since I can't I'll just hold on, trusting that He will guide me.

 

Friday, February 15, 2013

Being Still

Lately I have felt this sense of urgency that something (or some things) needs to change.  I am like a hamster circling in his wheel over and over- doing the same things, day in and day out, with no end in sight.  There's a scene in While You Were Sleeping where Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is talking to her boss and has handed him the wedding invitation.  He asks her if she was insane and her response is: "Yes, Jerry. I'm insane. I go to work and I sit in a box like a veal. I work every holiday, I go home to a cat and now a rich and handsome man has asked me to marry him and I've said yes. OK. That makes me a total raving lunatic."

Well, other then the fact that I don't have a cat and nobody has asked me to marry him- this is how I feel.   So, lately this has been my focus.
 It's why my posts have been sporadic, and maybe a little more philosophical/thought provoking than my normal fitness related/running posts.  My time seems in high demand lately (this week alone I had an 11 hour day, a 12+ hour day, and 2 10 hour days) so the downtime I have had I have been spending it focusing on where it needs to be spent- my heart.  Unfortunately, my physical side of that has slowed down (at least this week).  I have done what I could when I can- next week my time should be different and I can do more.  All I know is that I am still working to find that balance.






So, in the meantime- I will slow down, take some time outdoors, have sporadic blogging, focus on my various relationships, LIVE, and be still just to hear what is being said.  In all of that, I hope to rediscover my joy for life (I'll be honest and admit I have been struggling with that lately). 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

My funny Valentine

and I am not a fan- however, I am a fan of silly humor (is that an oxymoron?)  Anyway, I pulled a few of my favorite funny pins regarding singleness :)  On this day that I don't particularly enjoy I NEED the funny today.












I really have nothing else to say- hope they made you smile

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Saying Yes- or No...



This picture has been me lately- so when I went back and reread Holley's "assignment" for the week I just shook my head and chuckled- because obviously God is trying to get my attention.  So, here goes...




Anyway, Holley's challenge was to identify the one thing/things/person/people we can say "no" to in order to head toward fulfilling our dream.  My "thing" is silly in a way- it's TV.  When I get home after a long day I tend to plop down in my chair and turn on the tv and get lost in my work.  The thing is- the tv distracts me and I end up not getting done nearly what I need to.  So, my goal, is, throughout the work week, I will not turn on the tv (other than Biggest Loser on Mondays) until I have completed what needs to be done.  The work week is the biggest thing for me- because then I leave it all for the weekend which then leads to overwhelmed and having to say no to people (friends) for lunch and such because of unfinished work (obviously I already say no to people and since the only other thing taking up time is my full time job that I can't say no to that left this "thing").  This is huge for me- and would appreciate your prayers in this.



So, as I take this next step- I just pray that this will help with the time management of my job/classes/future steps toward my dream.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Singleness and Valentine's Day (non fitness related)

Oh, if only it worked like that at this grown-up stage of life.  What works in elementary school definitely does NOT work now!  LOL :)  Seriously though- you may be wondering what this has to do with fitness, or food- and the answer is...absolutely nothing.  It does however have some to do with having a healthy life.

In 37 years I can count on one hand the number of "dates" I have had on Valentine's Day (and in full disclosure- they have been with my dad or kids I have babysat so their parents could have date night)

 Is it hard?  Sure it is- in my opinion this is the hardest day for 2 groups of people- those who are single (and not by choice) and those who are married- yet just as alone. :(  It doesn't make it easy to see couple after couple, commercial after commercial, ad after ad- all reminding you of that "one thing" you are missing.  And yet, I have learned that if one really takes a look- that "one thing" is there...

That emptiness- that feeling of despair- it's a LIE!  Again, it's hard but YOU, you my friend, are beautiful.  You ARE worth the pursuit.  You ARE loved.  Maybe not what the world considers love- but by eternal standards- I am loved beyond my wildest dreams!  Share with someone today just how much they mean to you- and do this daily- not just focused on one day of the year...

So, as you prepare for this Valentine's Day- whether single or married- remember to share love with those around you.  You will never know when your actions will be the ones to encourage someone else!




(and yes, I KNOW Valentine's Day is next Thursday but this was on my heart today so- today it is) :)

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

My Heart...

On Monday I was looking through Pinterest, watching The Biggest Loser, and going through some tags on Shazam (music app that listens to music on tv/radio to help you know what the songs are) and I felt the need to post this blog.  This blog is a few days in the making (meaning I started it Monday night and I finished it whenever it ends up published) but the one thing I felt I needed to do was share my heart.

First up- this song by Hawk Nelson- Words: Just take a peek at these lyrics (just a portion):
Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't want to say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

You can heal the heartache
Speak over the fear
God, your voice is the only thing we need to hear

Words can build us up
Words can break us down
Start a fire in our hearts
Or put it out



See! Told you :)

Second- these beautiful ladies from The Biggest Loser-not only their inspiring stories- but the words with their pictures.  By the way you can check out Abby Rike's book by clicking on her name.  AMAZING story!





And I believe the statement above is so true- it's time to lead by example- in our healthy lifestyles as well as spiritual.


YUM- I made this the other night but amended it for my dietary restrictions- instead of peanut butter I used sunbutter, white chocolate chips and splenda (I didn't have any honey and I am not a fan of honey anyway).  Goodness- it was delicious!  Next attempt I will add sliced bananas and maybe freeze it a little :)  Check out the link here!





and a funny to end the post :)  I have another post from the heart (this one regarding singleness and Valentine's Day coming up soon- it's "written" on paper and in theory just need to get it here on the computer.  I also will have a FUN (yes, I used that word) Valentine's Day post :)






5 by the 5th- February



AND run 4 out of 13 in 2013.  I had signed up for virtual 5K My Sorta Birthday 5K.  I went with the free version- mainly because I needed to do free ;).  I did get this GREAT bib and will be able to laminate it and add to the frame at a later date.  We have had some more crazy weather (snow twice this past weekend) so this was another treadmill one.  Was a little slower but I felt good after it was done.  I'm not a fast runner and I never will be (and that's okay).  For me, it is all about setting a goal and reaching that goal.  Unfortunately I did NOT get my chance to run today like I planned- I ended up with some stomach pains and not feeling well so figured I probably should not do the 6 mile run.  I have a meeting after school tomorrow and then I'll end up at Planet Fitness (which I joined last week).  I might try to do it on the Arc trainer- we will see :)  ETA: that did not happen either *sigh*


This is also my February run in my 5 by the 5th!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Dreaming- Fears vs. Faith


This week Holley asked us these questions:  What’s one fear you’ve faced when it comes to your God-sized dream?  And what’s the truth that’s bigger than that fear?

ETA: While watching Biggest Loser Monday night Jillian Michaels said something that fits perfectly, "Feel the fear- do it anyway."  LOVE that!  There will always be fear... what matters is what you do with it!

Wow- nothing like hitting where it "hurts" :).  Fear- can grab a hold and threaten to choke the life out of you OR it can make you stronger by turning your back on fear and taking holding of faith.  I guess that's what it comes down to- will I let fear grab hold of me or will I grab hold of faith?


My fear is three-fold- that I am 1) too old to make this change and 2) that I can't afford it financially and 3) that I don't really have God's direction on this.  However, I flip the table on these- 1) Why NOT now?  Why NOT before I really do get too old to make this change? 2) I have seen God provide in so many ways for me in the past- do I REALLY think He can't do this?  and 3)I know that God will close any door that is not where He wants me to be so as long as I continue walking in Him and walking through where He has placed me then I KNOW He is going to be with me.  And THAT is His truth.  I can't help but look at 1 Kings 19:11-13 (ESV):
11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”






I want to listen for that whisper... 

This is a link up with Holley Gerth's series on God Sized Dreams