I'm 23 years old!!!

While I had at one point dreaded turning 23, my life perspective has recently changed. Not only did I turn 23 (about 40 minutes ago!), but I have never felt more satisfied and fulfilled within my life and the goals that I have. I mean, I ran a 1/2 marathon, a 10 miler race, traveled all over the U.S. during the summer, volunteered my time at Burn Camp, spent too many hours in the library studying, and last but not least continuing grad school. Not too mention all of the other cool things I've done.

But what really makes this birthday amazing, is the path God's will has taken me to. For instance, the friends and family that he's placed in my life, are amazing, incredible people and I don't know what I did deserve such amazing love! Receiving messages and phone call all day was incredible, but it also just showed me how important and purposeful each and every person is to my life. Not to be sappy or anything, but I am just continuously blessed with each person that has in some way, made an impact on my life. Reflecting upon that and spending time not only with friends, but with Jesus - well that just made for an incredible birthday.

God Bless!

The difference between a good day and a great day

Compare and Contrast:

Monday:

1. lots of class
2. elliptical at the gym
3. read my bible and journaled
4. did absolutely no homework
5. watched the Redskins and Braves both lose
6. homemade coffee

Tuesday

1. went to fieldwork (which I love)
2. elliptical at the gym and a 3.5 mile run (which I also love)
3. read my bible, journaled, read parts of 2 other books, and spent time listening to God
4. did SBP, EBP, Tutorial, and AT homework
5. watched Glee, watching the New Girl, and I'll attempt to watch Parenthood @ 10 (though that is past my bed time)
6. homemade coffee + starbucks coffee

I mean these are just a few examples to express how much better Tuesday was than Monday. Maybe it's because Monday is the beginning of the week and therefore doomed to be miserable, or maybe it's just all in my perspective. Who knows. But today was fabulous.

God Bless.

When all else fails, pray.

Today was a really great day. There wasn't much school work to be done (though I got ahead on some projects), I read my bible, journaled, and even managed to ready a couple chapters in Lady in Waiting and the Five Love Languages (both are awesome and I highly recommend them - but beware, they are intense and cause an in-depth re-evaluation of the way you live your life). I took a brief nap, watched a couple episodes of Friends and went to the 6 o'clock service.

And ever since church, I just can't stop crying. The message was really inspiring and redeeming. It was all about shame and how the past is in the past. If God has let it go, why can't we? It was all about love too and how we can't deny the love that God provides to another person. So why do we? Both messages spoke wonders into my heart. And I guess have made me kind of emotional. I'm not sure why. And I'm not even sure what it means. But what I do know, is that when all else fails, pray. So that's what I'm doing. Pray for me this week please. I need it. I'm not sure what's going on, but I feel like something big is happening. Pray that whatever it is, I seek God and my faith is strengthened.

When all else fails, run.

I love running. It relieves my stress, reduces my anxiety, and pushes the limits. Just today, I competed in the VA 10 Miler in Lynchburg, VA. It was fabulous in the way that only running hills up and down can be. But it was. You don't understand until you do it.

There is no feeling that compares to pushing yourself to the finish line and accomplishing the feat. The best part after the race is not the being done part, it's when your body aches and is sore all over because you just did something not a lot of people can do. The physical and mental exhaustion are just a glimpse into the victory. It's more than a competition, or contest. It's about the wanting to run and the will to succeed. There is nothing better than pushing your body to limits you never knew you had.

Welcome to the Smoosh Room

Or in this case, the smushin' cushion. Yes that's right. All you Jersey Shore-fans be jealous. Because in my apartment we don't have a smush room - we have a smushin' cushion. Nope, it's not my, nor Morgan's mattress, it's a real live cushion sitting in our living room. I have to admit, I was hesitant at first, letting random people sleep (and other things) in our living room just sounded like a disaster waiting to happen. But as the week presses on, it's growing on me. I mean, there's nothing better than waking up to random strangers getting it on in 1458. In fact, it's pretty awesome because the smushin' cushion travels! You can take it anywhere. You can take it on the stairs or in the kitchen or even another bedroom if your *ahem* heart so desires.

The best part about the smushin' cushion is that if you're not using it, it folds up. So please dear friends, come visit me and fantastic smushin' cushion. Just make sure to wear your shoes at all times. Who knows what's on the carpet.

Sarcasm.

The joys of running

I have to admit, now that I've become a runner (and I do consider myself a runner - if you disagree see quotes below), there are a lot of joys in running. Like the ability to push myself mentally and physically. After 13.1 miles of straight running, I consider myself mentally and physically prepared to run. There's also the sheer will to run. Once I start running, I cannot allow myself to stop until I've crossed the finish line or at least my destination. More times than not, I am able to go even farther than planned. I don't even mind the running alone part - in fact I both embrace and enjoy it. It gives me a chance to clear my mind and figure my out my emotions.

There are however, some things that any runner, new or old, "forget" to mention about the quality of the sport. For instance, the chaffing. It never stops even with the anti-chaffing sticks and spandex shorts, it's just something you have to get used to. The blisters. They're the worst. Blisters don't care how far you run or what shoes you wear, they just appear all over your feet. And I mean all over. For instance, I recently got a blister near the toe nail on my second toe. After draining it, but leaving the skin on, I figured it would heal up as most blisters do (sometimes you just have to run through the pain and discomfort). Well, this paticular bliter is causing my said toe nail to fall off. It's literally hanging on by th cuticle. Then there's the soreness. No matter the distance, muscles become sore. Again, just something you learn to deal with. Lastly, the sweat. While running long distances is my new passion, I do find it a bit irritating when the sweat drips down my forehead and floods into my eyes bring not only dirt but old makeup. My eyes tear up and then I run around for a few seconds with the inability to see. It's fabulous.

But in all reality, I do love running. There's just something about the pushing yourself until you've got nothing left that's both addicting and rewarding. You should try it.

Here are a few of my favorite running quotes:

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
--John Bingham

"I often hear someone say I'm not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner."
-Bart Yasso

"I run because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought."
--Arthur Blank

"Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best."
--Michael Johnson

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
- Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham

And another week bites the dust.

Which of course means that another week is starting. This week coming up is so jammed pack with things to turn in and things to get done before my 10 mile race, that my head is starting to spin. Somehow though, everything always manages to get done even if it means staying up late and missing a few blog posts. :)

Last week, despite the ridiculous craziness that had ensued, was probably one of the best weeks I've had in a long time. Why, you ask? Well mostly because I spent so much time in the bible and in prayer. It's not something I do often enough and making it a priority has just given me a new energy and strength each day. In all honesty, I know that God's strength is what's driving me right now as I am in completely exhausted, yet somehow I'm still able to keep going.

Besides reading the book of Acts and learning incredible Truths about the Holy Spirit (which I highly recommend for anyone who's interested -and if you need help getting into it, definitely read Forgotten God by Francis Chan - he breaks apart the Holy Spirit in challenging and refreshing ways), I've been reading the book of Ruth.

Ruth has never really interested me. I don't know if it's because it's one of those stories you hear over and over again when you're little, or if it's more the Old Testament that's hard for to handle, but I've always had difficulty with it. Well, turns out I'm reading this book (Lady in Waiting) and while it may sound totally lame to most of you reading this, it's been really good for my heart. It's all about finding satisfaction and fulfillment in life in your personal relationship with Jesus. I know, I know. It sounds so typical-cookie-cutter Christian, but I picked up the book and have had a hard time putting it down. It's challenging my thoughts and my heart is definitely worth the read. Anyways back to my point, I've been reading Ruth. And learning a lot. It's neat to see the relationship between Ruth and Naomi and how their leap of faith was rewarded by God. If you haven't read it, check it out. I'm still in the process, but each day brings something new.

So from Ruth I'm learning what it means to have faith and what a woman of God looks like. And from Acts I'm learning about the Holy Spirit and the power that comes with faith with Him. And while this has been the best Spiritual week I've had in along time, it's actually been one of the toughest weeks I've had. Was I having a bad week and turned to the word or did I turn to the word and then have a bad week (sometimes the devil does that to you)? I'm not sure. But I do know it has only strengthened my need and desire to keep reading through. I'm genuinely excited to read more this week and see what amazing things God has in store for me.

Another note, I went to Heather and Paul's wedding which beautiful. Heather made the most gorgeous bride! The reception was a little cold but it was so fun to see their happiness and love for one another celebrated.

HR

Twas the night before peds,

and all through the ridge,

not a person was moving,

not even the fridge

The clothes were all hung

by the dryer with care

In hopes to get dry,

most likely by air

The rooms were all small,

the closets so tight,

shared bathrooms alone,

caused quite the fight

OT girls were nestled,

all in their beds,

with hope of the morning,

not far from their heads

When out in the lot,

there rose such a noise,

but who could it be?

ghetto gangster boys!

The doors were all locked,

the windows shut tight,

but no where to go,

they were scared in the night!

Call Kelsey, call Megan,

Call Shendy and Kara,

Call Amy, Call Jo-Bear

Call Erin, call Sara

Call someone who's close,

or ugly or hot

just call the cops

'fore someone gets shot

Watch out for those floors,

they're so strong and sturdy,

and look at our neighbors,

so classy and purdy

It's only a year

Can we make it? You ask

by the grace of God and

the power of my flask.

Just another rainy day

Just another way to procrastinate. I have a to-do list a mile long, but I feel like doing none of it. For instance, I'm going out of town tomorrow to go to dear friend's wedding which requires packing and outfit selection. I have to write everything out on a calendar (the one I had got ruined), create a "toy" out of things you would find at home where a child does not live, read 20 bajillion chapters for a quizzie that I could quite honestly care less about, write a letter, read my Bible, read my book, mapquest directions, make dinner, go to a group meeting, etc. I have no energy, better yet, no desire to do any of these things - except go out of town. So I figured, why not just pour out my soul on my blog where EVERYONE will read it. Hah. Wish I had some profound thoughts for you, but I've got nothing.

So enjoy the rainy day. It seems I can only procrastinate so long.

!Buenos dias!

Sorry for the lame title, but in all honesty, today was a good day. After a meeting and a class, we have an extensive 3+ hour break before our assistive tech class. Debating on the necessary caffeine intake required to make it, we headed on a quest: to the Starbucks across campus. After we made it and indulged in a little (okay a lot) of coffee, I made the spontaneous detour to see my favorite Spanish professor (who is kind of dreamy in that I'm-extremely-intelligent-and-have-an-accent-to-die-for kind of way). It's been two years since I had class with him, so I wasn't really expecting him to remember me. When I got off the elevator on the 4th floor of Keezel, I was pleasantly surprised to find, not only had his office moved, but he was in it! I kind of peered in and did a double take to make sure it was him (it was!). He looked at me for a minute (or maybe like 20 seconds) before he realized who I was! That alone was enough to make my Woeful Wednesday wonderful. Then we had a great little conversation (in Spanish of course) followed by my mass amounts of giggling and hair twirling. Okay I didn't really giggle or twirl my hair, but I have to say I was really nervous to see him. All in all, it was a great little reunion and who knows, I may stop by again some time (I mean he did invite back). Did I mention he was my favorite professor? Yea. That accent, those dark eyes, and that tan skin definitely reinforced my desire to marry a Spanish man. Look out Spain, here I come.

First day of fieldwork

Today was my first day of our pediatric fieldwork. And mine was AWESOME!!!! I really love my pediatric classes, so having the fieldwork in place really helps reinforce all of the concepts that I've learned in class. Not to mention my site is AMAZING.

I think mostly I like this population, because I'm just a kid myself and I have three sisters of various ages that I've babysat and played with and know how to relate to.

On another note, I'm thinking of changing my blog name. I haven't come up, with anything serious yet, but some laughable contenders are The Tantalizing Tales of Tristan and Bitches in Stitches. haha laughable yes.

Quick thought or two...

One thing that I absolutely long for, and I'm being completely open and vulnerable here, is to find a husband, get married, and be blessed with children. A dream far fetched? I don't think so. But, it's something that I constantly think about. For instance, if I'm not going to meet someone at JMU (and btw I am completely 100% sure that I will not find someone here, but I'm okay with that), where will I meet someone? As a grad student in a class of 22 girls, my options are slim.

There's always church/bible study which is ideal. Even the gym wouldn't be so bad. Quite possibly the "bank boy" would make a delightful boyfriend. :) However, I always feel that there's a time crunch. And I've finally figured out what my problem is. I'm so invested in this idea that society has for me (- go to college, get married, go to college, get married) that I'm not thinking about the idea that God has for me.

I recently heard this quote, "Don't pray that God will put someone in your life, pray that you're ready for them when they come." Nice words. Guess where it was from? Millionaire Matchmaker, yet another "realistic" view of when you should meet someone. Though the words do speak some truth.

My big realization hit me last night after bible study: I don't need to be focusing on what kind man I'm looking for or even what kind of wife I'll be someday. I need to be focusing on what kind of woman God wants me to be. He has this perfect plan for my life and while it would be tragic (at least in my eyes) to never get married, He should be enough for me throughout my life. So my goal this semester is to focus on being the type of woman that God wants me to be - not who I want to be or who I think anybody else wants me to be.

I'll leave you with this final thought that has really inspired this new thinking:

"A woman is not born a woman, nor does she become one when she marries a man, bears a child and does their dirty linen; not even when she joins a women's liberation movement. A woman becomes a woman when she becomes what God wants her to be."

Yea.

A Day To Remember

It's amazing how a tragedy links people together forever. It's disheartening and sad that every 11th of September will be a day that no American will ever forget. My heart goes out to every family and friend affected by the tragedy as my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I remember being in 8th grade English class. I didn't even know what the World Trade Center was. And now I know, I will never forget it. The rest of the day seems blurry. I remember people's parents picking them up early for school, all after school activities were canceled. I remember walking into my house. I remember seeing the images replayed over and over again on the television. I didn't really know what was going on. Terrorism seemed so distant, I didn't even understand what that was either.

I remember hearing incredible stories, both good and bad. I knew that this day would never be forgotten. And even as I remember it now, nothing will amount to the lives lost and the families changed. I know there's not much that I can do, except remember.

Thank you to all the firefighters, police officers, and military for serving your country then, now, and for every tomorrow. The only hope I have for this world, comes from the hope of another.

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. " Romans 5:5

Race Day Photo

Enlarged just so you can see it better. I'm a little proud still. :) 2:15:13.

I placed 2064 for my gender and my overall place was 4874.

Va Beach Half Marathon

I did it! I ran consecutively for 13.1 miles with a time of 2:15:13 to finish the Rock N Roll Half Marathon. It was literally one of the hardest mental and physical challenges I have ever completed. I had to get up around 5:30AM to get ready, make it to the race by 6:30 and then my heat was on around 7:25. I was nervous and excited. And thank goodness for the adrenaline and energy! I ran steady and passed a lot of people until about mile 10. That was the hardest part for me. I knew there were only 3 miles left, but it was so difficult to keep going. I had to tell my self things like "You can't walk now because you could have walked 5 miles ago!" and "There's only 3 miles left, make it to Mile 11 and then decided". Once I hit the top of the bridge on the way back (around mile 12) I knew that I could finish the race.

But it also had me thinking, there was no way that I could run another 13 miles. I don't know how marathon runners do it. Afterwards, I was and still am incredibly sore. But the accomplishment of the feat is so much greater than the physical pain. :)

I'm getting ready to sign up for another 1/2 marathon and am running a 10 mile race in a couple of weeks. A new hobby?? I'm thinking yes. There is nothing more painfully satisfying.

And so it begins...

Three days into school and I'm already exhausted. And this week has been a joke. At least for grad school. Monday we had class from 1:00 - 4:00 which actually went by kind of fast. Tuesday we didn't have class since that's our clinical day. Wednesday we had a fieldwork meeting (which my placement is awesome btw) and then our night class from 4:45-7:45. It sucks. It literally drains all the energy out of my day.

Today and tomorrow we just have one class both from 9:30 - 12:00 which is nice. However, still long. I just hope today goes by fast so I can go to Old Navy and Victoria Secret to hit the sales. Did I mention we're finally getting cable in our rooms???