Tuesday Tidbits of Randomness

As I have mentioned I finally went to the doctor last week.  I did get the diagnosis, have a plan for treatment, and have begun that process.  When all of this first started I thought it was PF (because that was a common thing) and then as I started pinpointing pain I realized it was more along the lines of the achilles tendon area.  When I had to postpone my appt earlier in November I started really focusing on the area and amount of pain when I had it so I could chat with the dr about it.  On Black Friday it hit randomly (and bad) but I had a better idea of pain- so when I googled it I came up with the inflammation of the bursa sacs and Haglunds.  Well, sure enough, it's Haglund's Deformity.  It all ties together but thankfully I don't seem to have it as bad as some.  Mine's not as easily seen- it was found through the x-ray.  So, I have some expensive anti-inflammatory cream (I can't use NSAIDs due to my kidney issues), some stretches, some foam heel "lifts" (which hurt the bottom of foot), and a follow up appointment at the end of December.  I am trying to avoid physical therapy due to cost if I can but if that's the route I need to go then I guess I will figure it all out.

Along with diagnosis comes the desire to actually run.  Interestingly enough, since black Friday I have had very little heel pain.  I want to get out and do the run walk thing to see how it goes.  However, I also don't want to push it.  I have contacted Mizuno and told them my issues and asked for suggestions based on the need for a little bit of a heel lift.  They suggested the Wave Paradox- guess I better start saving my pennies- it's not the cheapest shoe on the market LOL...  

picture from the Mizuno website

At the time of this writing- there are only 8.5 days left until Christmas break.  I am working on the "me" time- it's coming along- but I still have some other things to figure out.  I know it will all come together but hoping that a fresh start/clean slate in January will get the ball rolling.  

And last, my favorite part of this post- 5 years ago some friends of mine had their twins at 25 weeks.  Sara shares their story here- it has been an amazing journey- check out the video at the end and just bask in His goodness! 

December 3- Do Life Big

I know that might seem like a strange title but it is appropriate for what I planned on posting and then, even more appropriate after something major happened in my town on Tuesday.

I was driving home and this song came on my playlist which fit right in with my planned post.

Then I got home and read this article and life became a whole lot more meaningful- this post became a whole lot more heart wrenching, and in reality- has helped me put things in perspective more than ever.

So- here goes:

6 months- 6 months from today is a big day in my life- the big 4-0.  They say age is just a number, and yet, there's a lot that has taken place in that span of time- love, heartache, loss, change, and most important- life.  As I approach this milestone I have to ask myself if I am really living or am I simply existing?  Most days I feel like I am just going through the motions.  I have a choice- in June- when I look back on the last 6 months- these upcoming 6 months- am I going to be able to say, "I really lived!" or am I going to plod through life, just existing?

Life has a way of not turning out like planned- and you know what?  That's okay!  God's plans are bigger and His ways are higher than mine.  He has a beautiful future ahead for me- whether that's one day, one year, or another 60 years.  Regardless I want to live my life big:

Oh, I wanna love, wanna give every day I live,
I wanna do life big,
I wanna love, serve, and give every chance I get,
I wanna do life big,
Oh, I wanna love, wanna give every day I live,
I wanna do life big,
I wanna love, serve, and give every chance I get,
Oh I wanna do life big,

Read more: Jamie Grace - Do Life Big Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

So- today- make sure to tell those around you that you love them- hold them close and give them an extra hug!

December 1- Making a Plan

So - I ended yesterday's post with the idea that it's time for a change- the first step in making a change is making a plan.

So- what's my plan?  Knowing that my month of December is CRAZY and since I am in waiting mode to see what the podiatrist says on Thursday my plan needs to be very basic.  Meal planning- that's it- for the physical aspect.  Drink the water and then actually EAT what I PLAN!  My hope is that Sunday I have had the time (and taken the time) to do some meal prepping for the week.  The rest of that involves tracking.  It's what I did before and I saw great results.  I tried to get away from it because I felt like I was a slave to MFP and yet, it worked, so not sure why I am fighting it.  Get rid of those fried foods, eat more veggies, cook more!  That's my plan.

Mentally and emotionally- this one is harder for me-I think it's the not knowing from day to day what's going to happen that affects this.  However, I know that I need to take one night- surely I can take one night- and make it just mine.  Nothing work related, nothing "anything" related except to clear my mind- whether that be through tv, reading, or journaling.  I also need to set a specific night of the week for work related items (this may be two nights)- that could be anything from grading to lesson plans.  And, if it's not one of those two nights- I don't work on it- unless it's a pressing need to get it done.

One month- I am taking these one month at a time.  This is not where I planned to be on December 1- but reality is- it's where I am.  The only way to move forward is to start where I am and don't look back.

(Thank goodness for this).  One step at a time, one day at a time...  Off and "running"

Deep Waters

Yep, that's what I feel like I am in right now.  Water so deep that I am barely treading water.  Physically, mentally, emotionally, and yet, not spiritually.  Could it be better?  Of course, it always can but God has become the one constant in my life.  He has literally been my rock.

The waters have been deep:

Physically- I have lost my desire to exercise and that scares me- part of that I know is the pain in my heels (appointment is schedule for this week); I have not been eating right.  I do well for a while and then I see slow (or no) results and so I give up.  I have gained weight- it's the bottom line- I told someone tonight that I am not only back where I started 2 1/2 years ago but I am past that- now instead of x number of lbs to be in a healthy range I am at x plus 20.  I am scared, frustrated, discouraged, and disappointed- and yet- I am not alone- they are deep waters- but He is with me.

Some days the water has been deep enough that I am one wave away from going underwater and not having enough strength to break the water line again (this is not a cry for a help or a thought that I am thinking thoughts that should scare anyone).  This is where it has gotten rough mentally.

Some days the tears flow and they add to the deep water and it is as if I am alone in that great big body of water- and yet, I am not alone.  I keep going back to the verse above- and then I read the verse in context...

Life is going to happen- it says so right here- the question is- what am I going to do about it?  Am I going to live a life of faith- one that lives out this verse- one that has the Shadrach prayer in Daniel- "but even if you don't"?  Or, am I going to live a life of fear and timidity?  One that allows the worry of life take over?  One that allows the waters and waves to crash over me?  That catches me on fire as I walk through the flames?  

I know which one I want to be- you?

It's time- time to learn to swim in those deep waters instead of treading water.  Time to live knowing He is right there with me.  Time to make a plan knowing He will guide me every.single.step of the journey.  Yes, it's time...  Who's with me?

Who I am and what I am Not!

**I am not promising to begin blogging regularly but I do miss it and miss putting my thoughts down in my little corner of the world so I am going to make more of an effort.  With that said, this is where my thoughts have been the last few weeks.

One of the definitions of failure is "lack of success, falling short".  I have spent many evenings in tears reliving my days and trying to figure out where I went wrong, what I did wrong, what I can do better and each time I walk away feeling as if I have completely failed.  Now, whether that's true or not- who knows but it's where I am right now.  I read this blog this week and I felt like Jennifer Dukes Lee (guest posting) was reading into my heart.  I even told my dad this week that I feel like a failure and that fight the lies daily that say I am nothing, that it's not worth it.  Because I have failed this week (and many weeks)- I have lost my patience, I have lost sight of ministry, I have forgotten to see with His eyes, I have hardened my heart, I have focused and listened to the lies.

You know the thing that gets me is when people (both Christians and non-Christians) berate or look down on people for struggling in this area.  Because quite honestly the struggle is real.  I know WHOSE I am but I still fight the lies that the enemy throws at me.  The seeking of approval of man is there- whether it be through relationships (of any kind), job evaluations, and even through the collection of materialistic things.  We post blog posts hoping for comments to show that someone is reading (and while they are nice that's not why I do it), we post statuses or tweets hoping for likes, comments, favorites or retweets- all in a bid for someone, anyone, to acknowledge our existence- and when it doesn't happen- we feel like a failure.

So this week as I was pondering my thoughts and dealing with the lies I had to put down What/Who I am because it all negates what I am NOT!  So, who am I really?

- I am a daughter- twice- my earthly father (and mom) and my heavenly father.
-I am not only a daughter- I am a princess- because my heavenly Father is a King and not just any king- but the King of Kings. (2 Corinthians 6:18)
-I am saved- because of placing my faith in Christ I will one day walk the streets of gold and be given a new name. (Revelation 3:11-12)
-I am a friend. (Proverbs 17:17)
-I am beautiful- I may not always feel it and it may not be the physical beauty that the world defines as beauty, but He reminds me that He looks at my heart and not at the external. (1 Samuel 16:7)
-I am delighted in and sung over! (Zephaniah 3:17)
-I am loved. (John 3:16)
-I am a treasured possession (Exodus 19:5)
I am worth it!  Just because I haven't found "the one" doesn't mean I am not worth it- just means I am going to continue to trust and wait. (Psalm 27:14)
-I am not alone- EVER! (Deuteronomy 31:8; Matthew 28:20)
-I am HIS! (Revelation 3:5)

At the end- I want to be like Apelles!

Sunday Inspiration- Calling

This is something I have been considering a lot- how do we know that we are really following His calling?  How do I know that I am hearing His voice and not following what I "think" is His voice?  How do I know when it's time? And even more- What exactly is my calling?  That last one- I have kind of lost sight of but now, in the wake of shifting tides, strong currents and hurting friends and family I am feeling my heart being tugged to revisit my life, to find my calling.  Can a calling change?  What I think has been my calling for years seems to be changing- or maybe it was the "means" to find my true calling?  Deep thoughts- maybe too deep for a Saturday night.  

So, what brought this up?  Just some things going on- including my INSANE schedule that has not allowed me any "me" time the last 6 weeks.  So, today I took that "me" time- I had work I really needed to do but I knew that I needed this more.  I had plans to go for a drive in the mountains BUT the weather did not cooperate so that has been postponed.  I ended up just taking a day and doing nothing- I ran some errands, took a nap, and I read a book (on my computer since it was a library book that couldn't be downloaded to my iPad).  While I was reading (this is where I admit that it was a "chick" book- a Christian/inspirational romance novel about a single girl who goes to Russia for a year to teach English) BUT I read this and knew why I chose this book from the library 

 (Susan May Warren- Everything's Coming Up Josey)

And then I read this and felt like I was reading the prayer I have prayed for the last few years- and while I know it's not falling on deaf ears it's not being answered the way I want it but then that makes it all about me- and it's not all about me.  So, what does that mean?  It means that when I pray this prayer from this point on I am going to try to remember that it's NOT about me- it's about what He wants to do THROUGH me and what will bring Him glory.

And I'll leave you with this:

ETA: I know I have some things missing- I am heading to church but will fix them when I get home.

ETA2: They are fixed :)

Where did August go?

Seriously!  It came and went before I could blink.  Within the month of August we completed 3 weeks of school (just started week number 4), participated in the ALS #icebucketchallenge (my donation went to John Paul II research facility because they don't support embryonic stem cell research) and I had the last hurrah of traveling to Atlanta over Labor Day weekend.  While in Atlanta visiting friends we went to a Braves game- it was a GOOD game (Braves won 1-0 on a Gattis homer) but the highlight was what is my August "new/fun" thing.  August was SO busy that I literally went down to the last day!  Part of the reason we chose the Sunday evening game was that there was a concert after the game- so my "new/fun" thing- going to the after game concert- which just happened to be one of my favorite Christian bands- Newsboys.  I have been to several concerts- including seeing the Newsboys (before Michael Tait was with them) BUT I have never participated in a concert in that type of setting.  Oh my- it was amazing!  First of all, there were about 45,000 people at the game that night (crazy in itself) and at least half of those attendees stayed for the concert.  Now, you may have heard of the movie- God's Not Dead?  Well, these guys are in it and of course sing the song.  There is absolutely nothing here on earth like hearing over 20000 sing "We Believe", "The Resurrection Song" and "My God's Not Dead"- and can you imagine heaven- wow!

Now, what should I do for September???

Sunday Inspiration… on a Tuesday

This past weekend I traveled to Atlanta for the holiday weekend.  I spent time with friends, had my spirit renewed through a challenging message at the church I visited as well as through a concert that evening (more on that in another post) and left wondering, what is my dream?  What is God calling me to do?  You see, every time I leave the Atlanta area I leave with the desire to move there- but is that me or is that God?  I question because I also desire to move closer to my family and Atlanta is the opposite way from them.  Instead of moving closer to them I would be moving further.  I have friends down there who have become like family and they encourage me (at least once or twice a month) to move down there but I honestly don't know what I would do- teach?  possibly but I don't have my master's so not sure how that would work.  Health coach?  Possibly but I have a few things I need to get figured out personally before I can guide anyone down that trail.  So???  Instead of answers I have lots of questions- but the questions are the same no matter where I consider a change.

One of the many things I do on trips is listen to music and this song came on a couple of times and the lyrics struck me- do I really believe and live them out or am I just paying lip service?

"Don't know where to begin
It's like my worlds caving in
And I try but I can't control my fear
Where do I go from here

Sometimes it's so hard to pray
When You feel so far away
but I am willing to go where You want me to 
God I Trust You

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees

So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You"

Things I am pondering right now… am I TRULY willing to go where HE wants me to and when?

Sunday Inspiration: New Year, New Look, and Rambling Thoughts

No- I know it's not the new year but it is a new school year and I was playing with another blog (a teaching blog that is "private" for now as I figure out if I want to do anything with it) and ended up playing with templates.  After doing that I decided to play here.  It was free but I am just trying to figure out if it is "too much".

I just realized we are halfway through August and have not done my August "new thing".  Any suggestions?  I have no clue!

School has started- it's been crazy busy.  We are on an extended day so the students are there until 3:30 and that means teacher contract time is 4:00.  I haven't been home before 6:30 any evening this week between chiropractor appointments and running errands and staying after school.  I am still feeling a little overwhelmed so show me grace in my lack of posting please. :)

Part of the feeling overwhelmed has been brought about by falling into the comparison trap.  I follow several teaching blogs on BlogLovin', FB and Pinterest.  I see all of the pretty pictures on Pinterest of classrooms.  I see my co-workers' classrooms.  Life has been crazy enough that my classroom is not where I want it but I had to let go of a few things.  Well, looking at these pictures has led me to feeling inadequate as a teacher.  I know (and someone pointed out on FB) that it's not about what the classroom looks like- it's about what goes on inside the classroom but that doesn't change the fact that I feel like my room is blah.  I need to do some cheap (thrifty- or free) fixes that won't take a lot of time.  I need NEED/WANT to have a life outside of school this year and with already leaving later it has been rough already…  Any thoughts?  Any ideas?

The chiropractor- has been my back's saving grace these last few weeks- I had to move a lot of boxes and furniture and in the process I have been dealing with a serious stiff back and possibly one that's out of alignment (based on how it has felt and the noise it has made during adjustments- serious snap, crackle and pop going on).  Unfortunately the stiffness and lack of flexibility/pain I have had has seriously limited any exercise.  I had great intentions on Tuesday for getting a run in but right as I would have changed and left- the rains came down!  Hopefully I can shoot for this Tuesday instead.

So- my question for you- how do you avoid falling into the comparison trap?

Living Life

This post is going to be a mish-mash of "information".  A conglomeration of sorts of all that has gone on this summer!

Let's start with June:
June brought a trip to Ohio and Indiana.  It also led to my new "adventure" for the month- my new thing that I did for June was paddle boarding.  I did not make it to the standing up part but hopefully the next time I'll be a bit more confident and get it.

I got to watch my nephew play baseball and spend some much needed time with my mom and dad.


July brought volunteering for the Pilot Fireball Classic.  It's a race I ran last year but was not prepared for this year.  I still have not been consistent with my running- I am still dealing with some heel pain and issues so probably need to make it to a doctor but have held off at this point (quite honestly, I am sick of doctors).  I also was still working to find out some results of medical tests- the bottom line- my labs came back completely normal so nobody is sure what is going on and I suppose I just need to be more diligent in my choices.  It would help I suppose if I were more motivated to exercise but at this point I am still working on that.

My July adventure was a trip to the Elizabeton/Johnson City area for my friend Crystal's grand opening at her studio.  I traveled with my friend Glenneth.  It was a Monday night and we left around 2 (got back around 11ish).  We did 5 different 30 minute classes including a Piloxing class (which was new to me). There were two dance classes and two strength/cardio classes along with the Piloxing class.  My Heart Rate Monitor isn't working right now so I have no clue how many calories I burned but it was a lot- I had sweat pouring off!  Crystal's studio is called Train Dirty Fitness and she has an amazing line up of classes and instructors!  If you are in the area you should check it out!

July also consisted of moving my classroom from my PreK room to my first grade room, working on setting that up and completing many hours of training- in July alone I did about 33 hours.  I also started back to work on Thursday- kids to come on August 11.

So, there you have it- a synopsis of my summer.  It's been busy- but a good busy.  I had another part of this post that I was going to put in here but it's long enough so that will be another post for another day (which is a good thing).  Hopefully I can make some time to get it posted this week!

Sunday Inspiration- We were Made to Thrive

I have been in the car and in my classroom a lot the last couple of weeks, traveling to trainings, visiting with family, and working to get set up for this year and this song gets me every time.  Especially this part:

We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive

Read more: Casting Crowns - Thrive Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

For so long it seems like I have been in survival mode and am not thriving in many areas of life.  I think that's why this song resonates in my heart and has become one of those songs that I have put on repeat.  I don't want to live an ordinary life- I want to grow, I want to be, I want to thrive.  Now that I have determined that- it's time to make it a focus and a goal.

Sunday Inspiration- Try

I haven't posted a Sunday Inspiration in a few weeks- part of it has been due to traveling, part due to not knowing which song to pick, and part of it just not blogging while I took a break from a lot of things.  It has been a frustrating summer in some aspects- trying to figure out some health stuff that there appears to be no medical reason for and yet nothing seems to be working and yet, in other aspects it's been a rewarding summer.  I found out about a week and a half ago that I am moving back to first grade from preschool which I am super excited about- I think the change is going to be a good thing.

Moving on to the Sunday Inspiration- making the rounds over the internet/facebook is this article about Colbie Caillat.  I have listened to some of her music before but after seeing this one today I decided to take a listen.  Read the interview and then listen to the song and know that no other words are needed…

Colbie Caillat



I know that I needed these words today- as I struggle with the person looking back at me in the mirror.


On another note- I have emailed the winner of the book. :)

Seeking Rest- #spiritualwhitespace

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.  All opinions are mine.

Back on June 3 I wrote this post.  I had planned to be done with Finding Spiritual Whitespace and write a review last week but- well- life happened and it didn't.  Then, the more I tried to read it the more it just didn't seem to be "working" and I seemed to be forcing it.  I finally put it down and read other books.  Then came the review week- I really needed to buckle down and get going.  I ended up having an "emergency" dr appt to go over some test results- which I was (and still am) extremely anxious about (but unable to discuss right now until I get more info).  I was sitting there reading and all of a sudden came to chapter 16 "A Love Note".  I felt as if I could have written the first part and then, I read the second part and knew that God wanted me to read it, in that moment, at that time.  The chapter talks about the one word that God placed on your heart today- as I read the word that kept coming to mind was trust. Bonnie starts the section by saying "Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to hear God say something new.  But there are seasons where one word is more than enough.  Sometimes one word trickles into a series of soul conversations and takes us on a weeklong, monthlong, or yearlong journey to savor, cry over, and explores with Jesus."  Trust- my heart whispered, simply trust.  You don't know what is going on, you don't know where this journey is taking you BUT, I do.  Lysa TerKeurst mentions in her book Made to Crave about the phrase "but God"- this is one of those times when it was a "but God" breathed into my heart, into my soul.  While I am still seeking answers and waiting on phone calls- I am choosing to listen to that voice, to rest and find that whitespace with Him.

In this book Bonnie tells her story- her journey through her struggles and her freedom found in the resting.  While I could not relate to her story, I could relate to the journey.  Because, the bottom line is, we don't all have the same story nor the same journey but the rest and freedom found at the end of our story is the same, if we allow Christ to work through it.  The book is divided into 6 parts and it's not meant to be hurried through- take your time, read each chapter, participate in the prompts at the end of the chapters and really find out what God is saying to you before moving on.  The very last chapter Bonnie provides a menu of ways to "awaken your soul to rest".  My plan is very simple- to go back through that last chapter and use her suggestions to "tell my story."

I want to leave you with two thoughts from Bonnie:

"We can move out of the gate because he goes before us.  He'll carry us back when we fall.  You and I were meant to go on new journeys, to pursue desires God plants in our hearts.  Let's unearth the dreams we've long lost, buried."

and "Sometimes you have to suffer the pain of the past to realize who you truly belong to."

While traveling this past week I was listening to my music and put together a spiritual whitespace playlist- take a look, take a listen, and rest…

Oh, and as a way to put this book in your hands- I am going to be giving away a copy of the book- if you are interested in winning this please comment below answering the following question:

How/where do you find rest?

This giveaway will go on until Wednesday, July 9 at 10:00 p.m.  At that time I'll draw a name and contact the winner and get it sent out  (I am personally sponsoring this giveaway because I believe that someone needs to read this book!)

Sunday Inspiration- Happy Father's Day!

I did a tribute to my mom on Mother's Day and it would be a travesty if I didn't do the same for my dad on Father's Day :)

But, seriously, I could go on and on about my dad but honestly, I wouldn't even know where to start.  He has always been there for me, encouraged my dreams, and went without to make sure our basic needs were met.  He modeled faith in trying times, joy in happy times, and tears in sorrowful times.  He has modeled forgiveness- by forgiving me, forgiving himself, and forgiving others.  Is he perfect?  No, but I know he seeks to serve the one who is and that makes him my "hero".

This short  (1:00) video made me smile and think of my dad and how a relationship with a father SHOULD be (and I know that not everyone has that which makes me even more thankful that I do):



and then there's this longer video (5:00)  by J & J


and I'll end with these…

Sunday Inspiration- Come as You Are

I was looking on iTunes this week and came across this song- I went to youtube to listen to the whole thing and immediately downloaded it.  I have never been a huge Crowder fan (just not my style) but his solo album is a completely different sound.



and the lyrics- a balm for a weary heart that sometimes strives too much to be "perfect".  I know there's no such thing as perfect but too often we put up that front or wear that mask that we want other people to see.  And then, when we are alone or the mask slips, we feel shame, embarrassment, and hopeless.  Take a listen, soak in the words that you hear and then read these words again:

So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are

There’s hope for the hopeless
And all those who’ve strayed
Come sit at the table
Come taste the grace
There’s rest for the weary
Rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t cure


Those last two lines- Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't cure. That, is the balm for a weary soul- for the soul that seeks out that spiritual whitespace- for the soul that longs to connect with the heart of God

Found here

#fuelyourbetter Vega Sport Campaign review

*I was given the opportunity to review this product in exchange for an honest review through fit approach/sweat pink ambassadors.  All opinions are my own.

One thing that I have struggled with in any of my training has been the fueling AFTER I am done.  About a year ago was the first experience I had with dehydration while running and then afterward I couldn't get electrolytes back in me fast enough.  That experience with dehydration left me exhausted, sore, and rundown for a few days.  This year I was determined not to fall into that so when I had the opportunity to review this product I jumped at it!  Vega Sport has a #fuelyourbetter campaign going on and I chose the Recovery accelerator because, again, the after the run seems to be my hardest time.

Vega Sport has products that are plant -based and what is important to me is that they are gluten free and soy free (this is huge because there are so many products that aren't).  You can read more about the Recover Accelerator here on their website

I used Recovery Accelerator after several shorter runs- since I am just getting back into it- both on my treadmill and outside.  With it being my first runs back after the surgery it would be expected that I would have some soreness but with using this product I didn't have the soreness I expected.  AND, I could tell a difference the day that I forgot to bring it with me to use after running outside.

The one con was the thickness of it.  A pouch is almost an ounce of powder.  You are supposed to add the powder to 12 oz. of water and mix it up.  I specifically bought some 12 oz. bottles of water to try this with and I will say I am still hunting for the perfect ratio.  For me there was almost too much powder and it became too thick (I had to keep shaking it up to keep it from clumping) with that amount of water.  However, using too much water took away some of the taste (which in my case was tropical).  I still have several packets left and will continue to play with the ratios of the mixing.  I am sure that using the whole packet leads to the right amount of recovery supplement- I just wish there was a way to have it be about the amount that's in a Crystal Light packet which seems to be the perfect size for those bottles.  

  I didn't get it to test it as much as I would have liked to but look forward to further testing and seeing how I can make it work best for me.  I also would like to try out some of the gels that they have to help with fueling.  I am always on the lookout for the best fuel.  

How do you #fuelyourbetter?

You can follow Vega Sport here:

Twitter: @VegaTeam

Instagram: @vega_team (I don't typically take pictures of my "after drink" so I don't have any there but will work on that for the future LOL)

Looking for Rest- #spiritualwhitespace

Today is the day!  It's launch day for Bonnie's book Finding Spiritual Whitespace.  I will admit that I am not finished with the book- it's not one to be "devoured".  I have been reading it in small chunks and just recently had to stop and go back to reread a part because of the impact it had on me.

Bonnie is doing a giveaway over on her blog faith barista

Bonnie's story is one that everyone can identify with- in some way.  With heartbreaking honesty she guides the reader through what it means to find that spiritual whitespace, to rest, and the realization that in the midst of stress, turmoil and pain God is there.  (and that's my review from not even finishing the book- look for the full review next week!)

In the meantime- I invite you to check out Bonnie's blog, purchase the book HERE, and join me on the journey!

*in full disclosure- I received a copy of this book for free to participate in the launch- all reviews are my own

Living Life (random thoughts and where I have been)

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School is out!  And that means it's time for a fun, restful and enjoyable summer.  My first order of business was a trip to Atlanta to visit friends, do some shopping (but not a lot) and take in a Braves game.  The good part about the game- they won!  I love going to the games and if I lived there I have a feeling I would be at several- even if I had to sit WAY up in the cheap seats to go to them.  I have been told that I should move there by my friends (several times)… the bad part about that- it's the opposite direction of Ohio and Indiana.  The good part- it has the Braves (and my friends of course LOL).  

My birthday is Tuesday and I will be 39 (but who's counting LOL).  I decided on May 3 that for the next 13 months I was going to do one new thing a month.

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I struggled on what to do for May but then my mom and some of her friends from Indiana made the trek down to Pigeon Forge and I was able to spend some time with them.  With that came lots of laughs, fun and my "new things" for the month.  I have lived here in Knoxville for 19 out of the last 21 years.  5 years in college (not counting breaks or summers) and then back from 2000-present.  In all of that time I have never once gone to the Titanic Museum or to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede.  I can now cross both of those off of my list :)  Yes, as crazy as it sounds those were my "new things" for May.  My thoughts- I really enjoyed them both.  In fact, I enjoyed the Titanic Museum way more than I thought I would and I learned a lot.  It was really interesting to wander through the museum and learn about various pieces of history.  Then, that night we went to the Dixie Stampede which, if you are ever in Pigeon Forge, is a lot of fun to watch.  I was thoroughly impressed with the whole show.

 

Now that my "adventures" are over for now (not really, I'm still planning) I am planning on settling in for the month- I have a couple of trainings to go to, a doctor appointment or two, some running to get started on and books to read.  I also have a couple of blog posts to write- including a product review, a book review and such (the first post for that will be Tuesday which is why I posted this today), and a race recap.

So- my question to you- what do you think should be on my mini bucket list?  So far I have: going to the Biltmore, going paddle boarding,  and riding The Virginia Creeper

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