Holiday TRAINing Derailment

Finally back for an update on my BREAK-over goals.  Seems that Christmas Break didn’t slow down the crazy that much.  I have made progress toward some of my goals, even with some obstacles in my way. 

For example, I finally got my Christmas decorations up about 2 days before Christmas.  Nothing like cutting it close.

A few other goals, cleaning out the barn, redecorating the upstairs bathroom, and working on the taxes… well, they were not completely neglected but not finished either.  I still have a few more days off.

I did finish a good book, A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck.  His Grandma Dowdel books always bring me joy.  I also got to spend some quality time with my Granny, my Mama, and my brother’s family.  Good stuff!

A super-cool surprise was getting some GUITAR time with my favorite guy in the world… and I did say GUITAR TIME—not singing time.  He taught me four songs that now I am accountable to practice.  HMMM… it’s interesting.  The more classic 3-chord numbers I learn on GUITAR, the more inspired I become to write my own classic 3-chord numbers.  Anyway, more about that later.

Here’s the update you may be waiting for… DID I finish 40 miles by the end of the year?  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I gave myself 14 days to finish 40 miles. (Click HERE to read about it in this POST.)  

Fighting last minute Christmas must-dos, crazy weather, and illness, I am close, but don’t know if I’ll fully meet the goal.  Today is my last day, and it’s not over yet, but I still have almost 7 miles to go. 

I went into this knowing that I might not make it, but with 3 days to go and only 12 miles left, I was feeling good and SURE I had this.  THAT’S WHEN IT HIT ME… and I do mean HIT me, like a Mack truck hauling it on the interstate… the stomach virus from… well you’ve heard of the place. 

I’d already lost one day (Day 4, Monday) doctoring my poor baby with this horrible thing. (She proclaimed her sick day THE WORST DAY EVER, and I was inclined to agree with her.  I can’t stand to see my baby sick.)  Truthfully, I thought I had a touch of her virus the next day (Tuesday), so my time on the RED DIRT was shorter that day, only 2 miles instead of the 4 in my plan…

BUT I HADN’T SEEN NOTHIN’ YET.  Monday, I was up and raring to go—super productive and on the right track.  I finished 4 miles and was feeling great.  I came in, had a healthy lunch, and BOOM!  Mack truck!  Out of commission all evening and the next day.  I did lose 4 pounds in 2 days, but I do not recommend this plan! So yesterday, still a little weak, I got back on the RED DIRT track, walking like a wounded turtle, but I made up a little by doing 5 ¼ miles.  Today to finish out my goal, I’ll have to do almost 7 miles.  I’m not saying I will, but I am not giving up either.  God has given me the GRACE to want to finish, but I am still a fallible girl. I’ll let you know what happens!  

Christmas Break-Over

My life has been CRAZY. The word routine seems to have been deleted from my vocabulary, along with the words rest and organization. So for Christmas Break I am determined to get some things done, clean some things up, set & meet some goals. The Christmas "Break-over”, I'm calling it.

The last bell rang Friday, and I started to make a to-do list in my head. How will I get it all done?  I started thinking how I hate to tell people my goals because then they'll know if I fail. I hate the idea of anyone thinking I'm all talk and no action, and what if things don't work out?  Sometimes they don’t.  What if I lose focus? 

Then I’ll feel the guilt of being a failure, and who needs that? But suddenly I realized that maybe somebody out there does need that, to know that failure can happen, but fear of failure doesn't have to stop anyone from trying. Maybe I'm not the only one. Or maybe this will keep me on track since I wouldn't want you to see me fail.
So here goes... Cue appropriate sound track... Christmas Break-over Goal 1 is to run/walk 40 miles by the end of the year. This may sound totally unreachable to some while others are thinking "so what, that's no big deal".  Let me explain that there are 13 days left in 2015. That means I can only skip 3 days of 4 miles each day to do this-- 4 days actually, since I killed 4 miles yesterday on day one of Christmas Break-over.

Another note, I am not one of those folks who counts every step I take all day long; I am only counting specific RED DIRT Gym time, only those miles set aside for the purpose of getting me fit.
I CAN do this, but it's gonna take focus, dedication, and maybe some new Nikes; mine have just about had it... So Santa if you're reading this... ;)
GRACE and peace to all through this wonderful season.

Goal
40 miles by year's end

Day 1 Friday 12/18.....4 miles

Stitch Fix Anticipation

Stitch Fix Anticipation

I have always loved clothes.  I can remember getting my very first fashion magazine.  I was mesmerized—the pretty colors, the way the clothes and accessories were put together, the hope that one day those items might be mine.

Fast forward to my first day of Pinterest… wardrobes of every style, variety, color, season at the touch of my fingers.  LOVE!  If only I could get my hands on those clothes, just to try them on, see them once, and send them back.  I even journaled this idea once:

2/9/13
Wouldn't it be awesome if all of the items I have pinned on “Wardrobe Wishes” on Pinterest were right here & I could try them on & keep the ones I love. That would make today an awesome day. And I would look super fantastic! Woo.

That was before Stitch Fix.  Today IS that awesome day! If you love clothes, if you have no time to shop like you want, or if you just really like getting packages in the mail, you have got to check this out!  Stitch Fix is a clothing subscription!  I just thought I loved getting that magazine in the mail.  Talk about interactive!  Stitch Fix can come as often as you want.  I have chosen to receive a monthly fix.  Five items come, based on a profile I have filled out and a Pinterest Board I made.  YAY!  I get to try on the items, keep what I love, and send back what I can live without.  I get to tell my personal stylist what I loved, what I didn’t, and why.  And did I mention the return is super easy and free. 
I have had 4 fixes.  My first was in July.  I don't always keep all the items, but there is always at least one item that I love.  The items are very high quality(at least the ones that I've kept so far have been), and they are unique to my area, so I won't see someone else dressed as my "twinkie" as we used to call it in junior high.  By the way, I did keep all 5 items once and received the bonus 25% discount.  Woo!

Today is my StitchFix day!  I can't wait to see what that delivery truck brings down my RED DIRT drive. It feels kind of like Christmas!  Stayed tuned.  I’ll show you what I got.  In the meantime GRACE and peace to you and yours.

How to get motivated Part 3: Recruit a workout partner

Part 3

Recruit a workout partner

One thing is for sure, accountability works…whether it's in exercise, eating right, or even Bible study. When I know someone is counting on me, I am more likely to try hard.  I just can’t stand the idea of letting them down.  Having a friend to workout with you makes it easier to get to the trail or the mat or wherever you choose to get your sweat on. 

First of all, a friend will cheer you on when you don't really want to finish. And there are plenty of times that I didn't want to finish but I kept going simply because someone was watching. 

Sometimes a partner creates a little friendly competition.  There are many people who thrive on this kind of motivation.  If that’s you, use it to get going!

Another thing to consider... there are so many cool partner workouts on Pinterest and in fitness magazines that look like so much fun.  I don’t know about you, but I love to try fun new workouts, and how can I do that without a workout buddy?

It’s been proven time and time again that we become like the people we hang around.  So grab hold of a purpose-driven encourager and lift each other up! God has given me the GRACE to work next to a beautiful and like-minded friend who encourages me and often joins me in my fitness journey.  We coach each other and cheer for each other.  I don’t know what I’d do without her. 

I have also had the opportunity to work out with an amazing group of ladies at Texas Fit Chicks.  I love these ladies of all ages and fitness levels.  And our trainer, Jessica… well, it would take another post entirely to tell you how much she has meant to me.  If you’re in Texas and have the opportunity, check out Texas Fit Chicks… the first class is always free. 

You will make new friends, be inspired by real, motivated, hardworking women, and your overall health will thank you.

Whatever your workout plan, don’t go alone.  My good friends cheer me on, count on me, and keep me motivated. They inspire me to inspire others. 

How to Get Motivated: Part 2: Get something new

Part 2: Get something new

This week, I'm talking about motivation, especially in fitness. You see, I took some time off... And then some more time off... And then some more... It's been awhile since I was consistently working out. Not good.  I needed to get up & get movin'!

So I got something new.

Now don't worry. You don't have to break the bank. In fact, I got my something new for free.
You may need something different, but here are some ideas...

1. Get a new workout
Today's technology makes choosing a workout so easy. There are tons of apps that will help get you motivated. There are about a million Pinterest challenges to choose from. Or you can go old-school with a DVD. My recent fix: I found 2 free apps for my phone. A running app that I can set to whatever challenge level  I want (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) and a 7-minute workout app which challenges my full body. Yes, I said 7 minutes!  It's hard to talk yourself out of that.  But you have to choose what works for you. Whatever gets you going.

2. Buy New shoes.
Since I was a kid, getting a new pair of comfy athletic shoes makes me feel a bit like running. Nothing's changed. New shoes and/or new workout clothes could be the inspiration you are looking for. Get dressed, feel good & rock on.

3. Make a New playlist.
Buying a couple of new hits on iTunes (May I recommend a tune from RockingP Genuine album? J)or just re-vamping your workout list could get you out the door easier. I know downloading something new onto my song list just makes me want to hit the RED DIRT trail.

4. Remember each day is a New day.
Each day has its own troubles... Rain falls on your trail, family crises ring out on your phone, time melts off your schedule. You may regret what didn't happen yesterday, but you don't have to regret today.

I pray God gives you the GRACE you need to work up a sweat & to feel proud of your hard work. Try something new today. It may be just what you need to start a fire

How to Get Motivated

 PART 1
Lately, I haven’t been as motivated in some areas as I need to be.  You might have noticed that.  I can’t remember the last time I posted something on this blog.

My workouts have not been as consistent as needed either.  I’m surprised the scale and the fit of my jeans hasn’t called this out louder.  Change is always subtle, but it will produce results, positive or negative.

So it was about time I got this crazy train headed back in the right direction.

There are miles to be run, songs to be written, encouragement to pass on.  No time for crying.  I had to get moving.  Here’s how I got motivated to start working out again.

I GOT MAD.

ANGER --Sometimes it works for me.  I just get flat-out ticked off at my circumstances and go after them with a vengeance.  Nothing fuels desire better than a little righteous anger.

Believe me when I say there is nothing wrong with getting angry at Weakness and knocking it down.  WEAKNESS certainly creeps up and attacks us at any given moment, but we don’t have to be defeated.  Instead we can use WEAKNESS as a catalyst for change, a starting point to gain strength.  Get ANGRY at what’s holding you back and defeat it through hard, sweaty WORK.

Like the old saying about hitting rock bottom... there's no place to go but up. So push off, and let FAILURE be an opportunity to rise. Only when we recognize and acknowledge areas that need improving, can we act on making them better. Sometimes the revealing of our weaknesses gives us clarity and persistence to reach for our strengths.

This is not the end.  Get your hands up and get in the fight.  Your struggle may not be about fitness, but something else.  We all have so many battles to face in our lives, and once we get one opponent knocked down for a moment, another is swinging from the other side.  

I hope that no matter who you are or what your struggle, you can find a little GRACE and encouragement in this series of posts.  I’m not done yet, but the GUITARS and RED DIRT are calling my name. So I’ve got to get in the FIGHT, but I’ll see you tomorrow, and I’ll be stronger.  Will you?

A Gift that Shines

We are not promised tomorrow, but if we are awake today, breathing in, breathing out, we have a purpose.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always focus like I should on that purpose.  Some days I am just a swirl of distraction, flitting around like some overexcited bee in a garden full of spring flowers.  I am busy, but don’t stay at any one flower for too long.  Thus at the end of the day, I think, what did I do today?  Some days I am just a grump, a stagnant pool of complaints and bitterness.  Yuck!  Nothing is getting done, and I know it. 

But on the really good days, I SHINE.  I look at the day ahead as God intended, an opportunity to teach, encourage, & bless the people He very purposely puts into my path. 

Today is a day like that.  On days like this, I fully embrace the opportunity to learn & grow in Him, and become more of the woman He created me to be.  I am up, I have my purpose in mind, and I am going to be a blessing today.  This morning my opportunity will be leading music at cowboy church with my sweet hubbie.  I am always amazed at God & what he teaches me through this task of leading praise and worship. 

Already this morning, in preparing for the church service, I have been reminded of how we are each fearfully and wonderfully made… And how each day is skillfully crafted by our loving God… a GIFT to each of us. 

Also, I have been reminded of how I love to make things, especially as a gift to someone I love.  I take time to make it special.  I love that gift as I make it because I love its recipient.  When I give that gift to whomever it’s intended, I want them to love it, too, to use it well, to understand the love I put into it. 

Since I am created in His image, I think God maybe feels the same way about us.  Most likely, He wants us to use the gifts that He has given us with the love and care He has put into them.  He has given us a wonderful mind, a strong body, a mighty spirit, & a portion of time.  How happy it must make Him when we use the gifts He’s given with the love and honor He intended.

So today, don’t forget that you have been given a GIFT by Someone who loves you.  I pray that we will all have the GRACE to receive it and use it in a way that honors Him.

Happy New Year!

August, a bittersweet time of year-- so sweet because, as an educator, it's the beginning of a brand new start-- new pencils, new gradebook, new shoes, and most importantly a new set of  students to love.
However, to taste the sweet, you have to face the bitter end of summer and all its time at home with family, all its freedoms, like morning runs and midday trips to town to shop at local storefronts.
Today is my first teacher day back.  I haven't touched my classroom since I painted it in June.  I am having trouble getting it through my head that the schoolyear is already starting again.  My things-to-do list is growing rapidly, but as always, I will get it done.  And this year, I will keep the procrastination to a minimum.
The good news is that right now, I have a fresh start, and I am believing this is going to be an amazing year.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: The old has gone, the new has come."
 2 Corinthians 5:17
So to all of you out there headed to school or sending your precious, God-given treasures off to expand their knowledge, Happy School Year!
I pray God gives you joy in abundance and GRACE to get through the tough days.

The Queen of Procrastination

All hail the Queen!

Don’t worry.  I have not become suddenly full of myself.  I am not so proud of this kingdom.  In fact, this kingdom needs to be conquered.

I am talking about this Kingdom of Procrastination that I have built.  Let’s take a tour. 

If you were to study the history of my kingdom, you’d find that it’s not a free nation.  It’s a place governed by fear and unrest, where the queen (me) allows herself to be manipulated by lies, what-ifs, and other distractions.  This is not a healthy state for a kingdom.

In the northern section of the kingdom, you find the Stress District, where no one is on time and Last Minute is the Sheriff.  He’s always tyrannically yelling things like, “We don’t have time!” and “Hurry!”  The Queen resents him.

In the center of this kingdom is The Forrest of Clutter, a wild and frightening forest that is overgrown with unattended paperwork and abandoned items of every sort.  Everyone in the kingdom is disgusted by this place that threatens the entire land.   It needs to be cleared.

Through this forest flows a river of wasted time and money which pools into the southernmost part of the kingdom, the Enchanted Paradise of Dreams.  The Queen knows this a wonderful place.  She loves planning trips there and occasionally getting to visit, but she is often so exhausted from traveling through the other lands that she can’t enjoy her time there.

What will the Queen do?  She MUST do something.

Do you live in a similar kingdom?  If you do, you know how suffocating it can be.  But it doesn’t have to be this way.  Little by little, I know I can make the changes I need to clean up this kingdom, to expand the Enchanted Paradise and to at least help the Sheriff become less abrasive.

This is daily battle.  I can do this! I am not really a queen, but a Princess, a daughter of The King of Kings.  I am more than a conqueror and I will conquer this kingdom with the help of my KING and His instruction book. 

Proverbs 31:27 “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

3 Reasons This Blog HAD to Happen (or What's up with that page title?)

1.  GRACE-

  Before you know anything else about me, you need to know one thing.  I am a believer.  I have been given the gift of God’s grace through salvation.  I am not going to beat anyone over the head with my Bible, but it is important that you know where I stand.  I am by no means perfect, but I know what I’ve experienced, and I think I should share it.  There is definitely room for more positive talk out in the world.  God has blessed me beyond measure with a healthy, happy life, a wonderful family, and the opportunity to watch some pretty crazy dreams come true.  So it’s my sincere hope that someone will find a little hope, a little encouragement, a little GRACE in my chatter.  From time to time, I’ll share a scripture, a song, a quote I find inspirational.   
Click here to listen to my version of “Amazing Grace”, a song that still gives me chills every time I hear it.

Inspiration dwells in quiet places.

2.  GUITARS-

If you clicked the link above, you heard my super-talented husband on GUITAR and me doing what I love most in the world to do- sing!  And if you aren’t sold on grace yet, throw this in your blender and see if it comes out a smoothie.  I am a shy, afraid-of-everything, super-nerd who is not comfortable in crowds.  My husband is an athletic, outgoing, outdoorsman who believes you can do ANYTHING you want to do—I don’t mean he’s one of those people who says he believes it—I mean he’ll flat-out get up and just do it while other people (like me) are still scratching their heads thinking about how it might not work.  He got his hands on a guitar when he was a teenager, had few lessons, and hasn’t stopped perfecting his skill since.  GUITARS are a HUGE part of our life and our living. 

When I first fell in love with him, he was playing and singing a song he co-wrote.  After a date, he wanted to play a song for me.  As his unique voice and skillful playing filled the kitchen, it filled up my heart.  I knew at that moment: He’s the ONE. 

Now years later, together, we write songs, record, perform, lead music—it’s what we do.   
To find our album Rocking P Genuine 
on i-Tunes, click  here. For CDBaby, click here.

Our first album

3.      RED DIRT-

I think our life is unique because even though we really enjoy performing often and in a lot of venues, home and family is VERY important to us.  We look forward to the moment we bump back down our RED DIRT drive.  We love being together at home, surrounded by our loved ones, eating a good healthy meal.   

There's Red Dirt at the End of Our Rainbow

We worked really hard for our piece of RED DIRT and we enjoy country living so much.  This land provides us with so much… from inspiration, to sweaty work, to food for the table, and a spacious place to enjoy life.  We love it out here.  It’s our gym and our playground; our refuge and our meeting place.  Out here we’ve learned that having something takes hard work, and that sometimes, it’s best to use what you’ve got instead of getting more.