Running...and other things.

I have finally started working out again. It's been awhile since I've made a consistent effort into actually scheduling it into my day. I find that life, as wonderful as it is, is always going to be busy, and wether I am working one job, two jobs, or no jobs...there is ALWAYS an excuse to not make excersizing, or my health a priority.

Over the past few months, (since January to be exact) the Lord has really impressed upon my heart the need for balance. It is so easy for my life to get out of balance in all areas, that eventually, everything gives way and I have a melt down. Since then, I have been implementing all sorts of "healthy" choices into my day to day routine. From dietary, to spiritual, to personal. It has been difficult, but awesome. It amazes me just how faithful the Lord is in my life...in our lives. I love how he loves me, simple as that.

So, here I am...adding another item to my day. Sometimes it amazes me just how much I do...I don't say this to brag or pat myself on the back...but I really do alot!! Being married and taking good care of a home and all the chores that entails, two pets and a husband along with working a bit more than full time...then adding in alone time, friend time, husband time, excersize, quiet time and on and on. And I don't even have kids yet...sheesh. Woman are amazing...mothers especially!!

Back to running- I started three weeks ago...5 times a week. Two weeks ago, I started (with an official conditioning guide) training for a 5k. So here I am, heading into my fourth week, and it has been AWESOME. I feel better, look better, have more energy and am loving it. I love conditioning my body. I love to see how strong it really is. Today I picked up a book on running called "The Complete Book of Running for Women". Here are just a few benefits I have learned since opening it up...

-Running is the quickest and most efficient means of weight loss

-Running reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of women

-Running lowers your heart rate and blood pressure

-Running reduces your risk of stroke, the second leading killer of women

-Running lowers your risk of breast cancer (yes and amen!)

-Running enhances your immune system

-Running helps keep your intestinal tract in good working order

-Running enhances your respiratory system

-Running may reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

-Running improves your health and well being DURING pregnancy

-Running may reduce the symptoms of menopause

-Running prevents muscle and bone loss that occurs with age

-Running is good for your joints

-Running helps prevent a decline in reaction time

-Running leads to a long and happy life

So, the question is...why NOT run!? Well, it's still early in the game...but getting healthy makes me feel so good. Part of my motivation to begin with was to be nice and fit for our move to Maine...because once there, being actively outdoors will be a part of most, if not all of my days. So much to look forward to...cheers to a good run, and the future:)

Here...still.

So, lately...and by lately, I mean over the past three and half years, I have REALLY wanted to leave the geographical location in which I, and my lovely husband, currently reside. I have NEVER done well staying in one place for very long. I always have to be doing something, going somewhere, moving, seeing, meeting, adventure, adventure, adventure...repeat.

I know this DOES NOT appeal to everybody. But I love to explore, I love the unknown and discovery. Very few things in life make me happier than being out on the open road, either by myself or with someone. I love, love, LOVE it. My most favorite memories are of crazy road trips I have taken, and almost every single one a random last minute decision. From random drives to Vegas in the middle of the night, to sudden decisions of packing up whatever would fit in my car to move to Anchorage, Ak where I knew NO ONE. I also did this when I moved here. Except in this circumstance, I knew a few people:)

I have experienced such beautiful places, driving from Los Angeles to Anchorage...through Canada and the Northern Territories. Seeing things most people probably never will, like driving, and camping from Anchorage to the Arctic Circle, and then onto the Arctic Ocean. These memories are so precious to me...these places, these experiences. For awhile I got to live on an Island, with very few people, and very MANY bears (largest bears in the world:) I lived in a house on the beach, where every morning when I looked out the window I could watch pods of Orcas swimming around the bay, rubbing against the rocks at the bottom. Then in the evening, feel the ocean breeze blow in through my window, smell the mix of pine trees and salty air, and listen to the buoys bobbing on the water. Right outside my door was paradise. I MISS these things.

Don't get me wrong, I love my life. I am so madly in love with my husband, and feel so blessed to be married to such a Godly man. I have a good life...I just miss those things that I feel like have made up so much of who I am. I don't want to lose them, those passions, those things that the Lord has placed in my heart that make me who I am. I don't want to think that those moments are over, and that those adventures were only for the past...but never to be experienced again.

The Lord has definitely given me grace to be here as long as I have...and heck, he could continue to provide that grace through another season. However, it doesn't feel that way now. If feels like things are winding down, wrapping up...coming to an end. And like the itch that I feel to go...to experience life, to have adventure and once again BE in the outdoors and feel my heart come alive again is going to be a reality once again. This time, I have a husband, and a best friend to share these things with:) I look forward to this...to adventure with the man I love...and for the Lord to meet us in the midst of it. For a heart awakened once again.

Until then...let the countdown begin:)

Anchorage, Ak

Kodiak Island, Ak

Aurora Borealis, Ak...nothing like it!!

Kodiak Grizzly, Kodiak Island, Ak

Kodiak, Ak

Life. Is. Life.

I would like to start this by saying, my husband is AMAZING. He blesses me EVERY day. I can't imagine what my life would be without all of his support, leadership and love. He truly is one of the most selfless people I know...and it blesses my heart more than words could ever convey. Thank you Lord, for the most perfect gift:)

That being said, in all "real-ness"...I am desperate for really good girlfriends. For some reason, I have been in this massively DRY season of friendship. I am tired of my heart aching for just someone to chat with, to sit and laugh or cry with. A kindred spirit. I have these things with my husband, and I am working on having more alone time with the Lord. But, I just miss having that connection with another woman right now. Sometimes I think, well, if we just move, all will be well. But, that's the running away part that I am so good at. It makes me think something is wrong with ME. Sometimes I just wish I was a different person. But then, the Lord reminds me of who I am, and the way He has created me...so then why sometimes do I feel so alone? Se la vi.

What a depressing post. Oh well, it's where my heart is at this moment. So much emotion, I think I could cry for days. I really am so thankful for so much, but today...this is me.

Adventures in Photography

So, I have been practicing my photo taking skills here and there over the past year or so...I mean more seriously then in the past:) I have to be in a pretty confident mood to feel like I will be successful in even getting ONE good shot out of MANY. If I don't feel it, then I don't try. However, I am trying to change that attitude. About a year ago in May, I visited my sister in Virginia, while there she asked me to take some engagement pictures of her and her fiancee Brad. I am such an amateur, but had alot of fun, and felt it was a great opportunity to practice! I also shot some pretty sweet pics of her FABULOUS engagement ring. Seriously, this ring was so fun to shoot just because of the style and intricacy. This brings us to, today. I decided to have some fun and shoot my ring, along with some super cute hair clips that my sister in law (Laurisa Ballew) makes for her business SaSa Blue Design. Mostly I was just having fun and practicing with both of my cameras, seeing what I could get with angles and lighting. I have to say, I have the most fun shooting texture and with natural lighting. Those, as of now, are my favs. None of these photos are edited, as I have not figured that whole arena out yet...one step at a time! Anyways, just thought I'd share my favs:)

(ps. these arn't in order, and I know they are not amazing, but it's a start:)

Always have to do a self portrait...
Love shooting small objects with a textured background...


Had fun with my ring, it's dirty, so isn't very clear:)

I just love the light through this tree:)
Texture, love texture...

Isn't this ring AMAZING!
I know this is overexposed, but I love the background:)
Yes, it's blurry, but I just love this shot...and I actually like the blurr...

think it looks creative:)
My favorite, Aimee has the best smile, and she is

gorgeous. I love seeing her happy:)

Old Journal Entry

Acadia National Park, Maine 09.14.09

I was rummaging through one of my journals, and found this entry. It's less than a year old, but still, the time seems like it was an eternity ago. When I read it, it made me so happy...it's simple, but again, the Lord's faithfulness is why I was able to be in this place, and to write this entry.

September 14, 2009

I am sitting on a boulder that is perched atop an entire coastline of boulders and rocks...looking out at the amazing, vast ocean. I am in Acadia Maine, with my family, on a trip that is an answered prayer. My heart feels so alive in this place, being in nature, exposed to unquestionable beauty at every turn. The sound of the ocean and it's pounding waves...the rich hues of blue and green in the water, topped with accents of white foam. The seagulls calling out to each other, and the solitude of being alone to fellowship with the Lord and enjoy His beauty. Thank you Jesus for this day.

I'm Back!!

Me and Ashton @ McCormick and Schmick 09.04.08

Ok, so I have been wanting to start blogging again, but have opted out every time the thought entered my mind. Why? Well, because there are too many thoughts, and not enough time to write them all down. There is also this little thing called articulation that, more often then not, seems to elude me. Well, enough is enough! Due to a long over-due get together with a precious, precious friend and her encouragement, I will tackle this blog again. Thanks Ash, you have no idea what you did for my heart today, and thank you Jesus for friends:)

It's been awhile...

Well, it's been awhile since my last blog. Alot has happened, and Rob and I have been busy...as usual:) I just got back from a trip to Virginia, which was such a blessing for me to go on. Rob stayed home and worked, but blessed me so much while I was away. I'm a lucky girl, what can I say:) I am very excited for a two things we have coming up in September. The first thing will be our One Year Anniversary!! The second will be our ten day trip to Maine:) I am very much counting down the days...I know this summer will fly by! We will also be official Ihop staff as of June 4th and are very excited and blessed with the opportunity. Since moving here in March, our house has finally become a home...thanks to many friends, family and my hubby. We love it here, and have been so lucky to have the roomates that we do. The Lord continues to show his faithfulness EVERYDAY...and I continue to be humbled. This truly is "the life" and I couldn't imagine it any other way. For anyone that is reading this, I would just ask for prayer, for myself, my family and especially my sister. Somethings have happened in the past couple of months that have really discouraged and brought up alot of pain in our family. I would even call it a tragedy, but know that the Lord will work all things together for good. However, in the midst, my heart is broken, and I am having a hard time diciphering up from down. I apologize for the jumbled mess that this blog is. I am not even sure why I wrote this, maybe it's just a small cry for help. Please pray. It works. Thanks.