Good Morning!!

I've officially turned into a morning person! Woo hoo! I get up every day at 5:30 and so far, I LOVE IT! I start my coffee, do my quiet time, go for a 30ish minute walk/jog, then shower and get ready for the day. It's a great new routine and I plan to stick with it!

Instead of trying fad diets and specific eating plans, I am simply starting to cook at home and not eat out. I can tell a huge difference in how I feel and look! Even if the recipe has butter or milk or cream cheese in it, eating small doses of that at home is healthier than picking up fast food. Every day my jeans fit better than they did the day before!

I also found a new workout website that I LOVE! It's called Blogilates. Google it and it's the first site. She is pilates based but she has all different types of videos. She has longer pilates videos that focus on the whole body. Or, shorter challenge videos that focus on one body part. You do your workout to the beat of a current pop song (call me maybe, what makes you beautiful, etc) so it's upbeat and fun! I just did the inner thigh challenge - holy moly.

This week has been a pinterest recipe win week! No pinterest fails!! (I'm about to eat what I made tonight. it could be a fail but it looks and smells great!) I made Jalapeno Shrimp Enchiladas tonight. Earlier in the week I made Broccoli Cheese soup. And, last night, I made Creamy White Chicken Artichoke Lasagna. I love cooking!!

Tonight, I'm going to brew some decaf coffee, sweeten it with Pumpkin Spice creamer, read, and prepare for this storm/cold front coming in!!

For Saturday: Go Hogs! Beat Ole Miss!!!!!

Out of Shape

It's amazing ridiculous what months of inconsistent workouts can do to you! I started Jillian's 30 Day Shred back up today and thought I was going to die (or throw up). Man, I'm out of shape. But....I'm back in the game! I've picked out all the recipes I'm going to cook this month & I'm challenging myself to 30 Days of Jillian. Then, a day of rest and a new 30 Day Jillian DVD in November.

Here we go!

How Refreshing!

This past week has been one of the most refreshing I've had in a while! It was an incredible mixture of productivity, relaxing, hanging out with dear friends, and shopping :)

It all started last weekend. I went to NWA with one of my best friends, Sarah. Saturday night we had a wedding to go to of a good college friend and Sunday was Sarah's birthday! The wedding was A BLAST! Our friend met his wife after college, so we didn't know her or their new circle of friends. So, there were only about 8 of us there that knew each other. It was perfect! We sat at the same table for dinner and all danced together. It was so fun to hang out and catch up on life!

Sarah and me!

With Victor, the groom!

Sunday, Sarah and I went to church and then her parents had a birthday party for her at their house. It was so sweet to meet her neighbors and family friends and to celebrate her day!

Monday night, I went to coffee with Allie, Haven, & Merritt. It was so good to hang out and catch up and get an hour together.

Wednesday night, I spent hours browsing Old Navy, TJ Maxx, and Target. PERFECT night! I got a new dress from Old Navy and a cute dress from TJ Maxx! Can't wait to wear them! I love browsing and shopping with no agenda and no time frame.

Last night, I went to Chris & Melissa's house and hung out with them and baby Evan. He is the cutest child! :) His personality is starting to come out and he was loving me ;) He was talking and smiling and laughing at me - melt my heart.

Today was SUPER refreshing. I woke up around 7 (no alarm) and started the day by grocery shopping. I know I sound like a mom (or grandma!) but I love shopping on Saturday mornings before the crowds hit. Then, I DEEP cleaned my apartment. I vacuumed, dusted, did dishes, did laundry, organized, straightened...everything. It feels so so so good! I looooooooove a clean apartment!

Thank you Jesus for giving me a refreshing, enjoyable week! 

25 for 25

In honor of turning 25, I'm giving you 25 random facts/confessions about myself:

 1 - My favorite animals are elephants and giraffes. I really want to go on an African safari one day!

2 - I can touch my tongue to my nose. 

3 - My sophomore year of college I dyed my hair. I will never do that again. 

4 - I lived in Breckenridge, CO for 3 summers during college. Summit County will always have a piece of my heart and I'm itching to go back asap (just not in the winter....)

5 - I am NOT an animal person. Yes, I do have 2 fave animals but notice they are not ones I will run into on a normal basis and have to pet (except in India and when that happens, you pet and ride the elephant!) Yes, I had dogs and cats growing up and I love my own animals. But, I don't do well with animals and I just don't love them. Sorry. 

6 - Pink is my favorite color. 

7 - I worked at Dairy Queen for a summer (in CO).

8 - I also worked at an Oxygen Bar for a summer (also in CO).

9 - Summer is my favorite season. I would be happy to never experience winter again. I would also be happy to find a way to have snow days during summer weather. 

10 - When I read a book series or watch a TV series, I get attached. The characters become my friends. I start referencing them by first name, like we know each other, and I'm always telling their stories (I can relate any life situation to a Friends episode.) So, when they're over, I cry. And, I don't mean just a few tears...I'm talking sobs. I still cry like a baby during Michael's last 2 episodes of the Office & the last episode of Friends, no matter how many times I watch them. 

11 - I love writing with colored pens & I love marking out my to-do list at work with colored sharpie.
12 - When clothes shopping, I navigate towards blues, without even realizing it. My closet is full of shades of blue - stripes, solids, plaids, polka dots.
13 - I love to read.
14 - I love candles. Any time I am home for a few hours, I'm burning a candle.
15 - I'm very clumsy & I bruise 'like a peach' (name that show...hint - see #10).
16 - I was on Drill Team in 7th & 8th grade. I was a cheerleader in 9th grade & 11th-12th grade. My sophomore year I took off, had foot surgery, and was football manager & water girl.
17 - I miss cheerleading - stunting, cheering, dances, jumps, all of it.
18 - I enjoy getting older - it means I'm wiser ;) (hopefully). I don't like drama that the younger years often bring.
19 - I've cut my hair 3 times to donate it.
20 - Country music is my favorite music of all time.
21 - Sweet vs. Salty = sweet every.single.time. I rarely salt my food. I could always eat something sweet.
22 - I really like naps.
23 - My family means the world to me.
24 - I enjoy trips to Wal-Mart or the grocery store. I like perusing the aisles and taking my time (unless there are a million people there.)
25 - I want to live in India. 

Phelps vs. Lochte

I will ALWAYS choose Phelps!

24 races.
22 of those brought him medals.
18 of those medals are GOLD.

I don't care who you are...that's freakin' impressive!

Yes, I choose Phelps.

It's a Daily Choice

Getting up early to spend time with the Lord instead of pressing snooze...it's a daily choice.

Working out when I really really really don't feel like it...it's a daily choice. 

Making a fruit smoothie instead of eating something chocolate...it's a daily choice. 

Cooking dinner at home instead of driving through a drive-thru on the way home...it's a daily choice. 

Loving people when they hurt you instead of getting frustrated/mad/angry/bitter...it's a daily choice.

I know I should have learned this lesson a long time ago but in the past couple of weeks it's really started hitting me. All decisions have to be made daily. I may fail one day but the next day is a new day and I have the chance to make the right choice. Today, I chose to get up early to be with the Lord. I chose to work out. I chose to eat at home. I chose to make a fruit smoothie. Tomorrow might be completely different. Selfishness or laziness might take over. But, it's okay because Saturday will be a new day. All I can do is make choices for the day I'm in. Good choices day after day after day will turn into good habits and long-lasting change. This is what I'm going for. 

Happy (almost) Friday! Remember, if you messed up today, tomorrow is a new day!

2 weeks from today...

is my 25th birthday!!!! Wow! I can't believe it's already almost here.

Last year, I wrote out a lot of goals for year 24. Around my birthday, I'll do a recap post and see what goals I accomplished, didn't accomplish, and got started on.

I definitely didn't accomplish my weight loss goals. However, I did challenge myself a lot, made some progress, backtracked, and learned a lot of what works and what doesn't work for me in the weight loss department. So, year 25 will be the year for the get healthy switch...for real this time!

I just finished Day 2 of Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30. Gosh it is SO MUCH harder than 30 Day Shred. However, if I completed 30 Day Shred in 30 days, I can do this one 5 days a week! This one has 4 weeks of workouts instead of 3 and it's A LOT more intense. I might even stretch it out more than 4 weeks so that I can really improve on each week before moving on. This will decrease my risk of injury (since I'm old now! ;) ) and will increase my stamina, endurance, and confidence.

Welp, I'm off to figure out what's for dinner. What can I make with an egg, salsa, cheese, chicken, pork chops, and berries? haha that's about all I have in my apt...I just can't get myself to get back out into the 110* heat for the store tonight.

My Favorite Spot

My favorite spot in my apartment is the right side of my couch. Weird? Maybe! Let me tell you why...

The right side of my couch is where I sit in the mornings with my coffee and my Jesus. This is where I sit with my Bible, my praise music, my journal, my colored pens, and my scripture memory. I love my times here in the morning. I love sitting here and reading chapters and chapters of God's Word. I love writing in my prayer journal and pouring my heart out to Jesus. I get up from the right side of the couch and I am refreshed and ready for the day. Thank you Jesus for meeting me each morning!!!

Weekend in NWA

I had the best time in NWA this weekend!! I got to do so many fun things and spend time with such fun people!

Friday, I got to Bentonville, a little after noon. Jason, Sarah, and I went to Crystal Bridges, a new art museum up there. It was so cool! I'm usually not into that kind of stuff but I really really enjoyed it. Next, we went to the pool! What else do you do on a warm sunny afternoon?! :) That night we met up with Megan for dinner then headed to the Naturals game. Shawn met us there and after the game they had an incredible fireworks show!!! Since I didn't get to see fireworks on the 4th (burn ban), this was a great replacement! We went back to Sarah's house and stayed up late talking.

Sarah and I outside Crystal Bridges

Meg, Sarah, and I at the Naturals game

Meg, Sarah, me, Jason (a little kid took this so it's kind of blurry)

 Saturday, we slept in, then went to the original Walton's 5-10 store. It was cool to see the history of Wal-Mart. I learned so much about that family and the store and am amazed at how it's grown! We walked around the Bentonville square and then grabbed lunch at the Flying Fish. That afternoon, we went our separate ways until we met up at our friends' wedding. Sarah and I went to the pool. Literally, as soon as we walked through the gates, it thundered. So, we weren't allowed in the water - instead, we laid out and sweated off lots of calories! That night, we went to the wedding. It was a blast! There was great food, yummy cake&cupcakes, lots of dancing, and tons of great friends.

Me and Sarah! Reunited at last! 

Me and Allison - great friend!!

My weekend in NWA was fun, relaxing, and refreshing! I'm so blessed with incredible friends!

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July!! I love this holiday! It's smack dab in the middle of summer (my fave season) & there are so many great things about it:
Fireworks
SUN
Laying out
Music
Fam & Friends
Day off :)

It's the first time, that I can remember, being in Arkansas and not being at the lake. In college, I was always in Colorado or India for the 4th. The rest of my summers, I am ALWAYS at the lake! But, the mid-week celebration threw some glitches in the plan. So, I'm laying out solo today and making some plans for tonight.

Happy 4th! Don't get too hot, stay safe, and remember the people who fought and still fight to keep us free.

Just Living Life

Welp, I haven't been on here in a while because I just don't feel like there is much to blog about. I'm spending my days working and my nights cooking, hanging out with friends, watching TV/movies, reading, doing puzzles (crossword & jigsaw - and yes, I'm like a grandma), and the occasional working out.

I've been SUPER dizzy lately from the antibiotic I've been on for acne so no exercising for me right now or I'll literally fall over (which is highly likely for me even when I'm not dizzy...). However, I cut the meds down and dizziness is going away so I plan on starting up Jillian's Ripped in 30 for the month of July! Great news on the acne front - it's FINALLY clearing up! After over 3 months of antibiotic, nightly Retin-A cream, and very mild face washes, my face is looking better. For all those that experienced acne as a teen, I AM SO SORRY. I can't imagine having the face issues I've had recently while going through the harshness of middle school/high school. I mean, yes, I'm SUPER annoyed at being (almost) 25 and having terrible acne, but I might rather have it now than middle school!

Tomorrow is Friday and I'm thrilled! I have a wedding to go to Saturday and I have lots of meal plans with lots of different friends over the weekend! Then, Sunday, you can find me by the pool since there isn't a 3 day weekend for July 4th this year!

Back in the Kitchen

The above pics are a depiction of my Saturday...it was glorious. That was my plan for today too until my body decided it wanted to wake up the dizziest I've been in a long time. So, no sun & heat for me today :( but I did nap (twice) and plan meals for the week! (more on that later) So, it was an equally relaxing and enjoyable Sunday afternoon!

Now on to the main point of the post...the craziness of the past 2 months of my life (out of town ALL.THE.TIME) kept me from cooking. I've come to love cooking over the past 1.5 years of living on my own so 2 months without it is too long!! Well, I'm back! This afternoon, I spent a good 1.5 hours browsing pinterest & food websites for new ideas & recipes. I made my menu for the next 2 weeks and I'm heading to the store soon for this weeks list! I'm so so so excited to be back in kitchen! (my waistline and scale are also excited...)

Lifestyle update: The last 2 months led to little-no exercise and lots of fast food. The weight I lost....well, some of it has been found again. However, the next 6 months of my life look to be conducive to eating healthy and exercise. This girl is thrilled! I have 3 new Jillians I'm about to start (well, 1 at a time. Otherwise, I might die). I plan on nixing fast food and eating at home. I'm not going to cut out sweets or breads or drastic things like that. When I do that, I crave them. BAD. So, I'm going to eat fruits and veggies, drink water, practice portion control and smart eating...THIS will lead to a doable lifestyle change and to weight loss/control.

Also conducive to eating healthy & cooking at home is our new KROGER MARKETPLACE! Guys, if your town doesn't have one, visit Central Arkansas. We have 2 (1 in my town and 1 30 minutes away). LEGIT grocery store. The first few times you visit, your trip will be about 3 times as long as normal because you have to find where they put everything (oh, just me? whoops...) But, it's well worth it for all the  items they offer and the huge produce section. And, I don't mind the long trips. I enjoy my wal-mart and grocery store trips. I know I'm weird for this but something about it is enjoyable to me!

I'll leave you with this weeks menu and I'll post updates later:
Breakfast:
Cereal or Crockpot Morning Casserole

Lunch:
Leftovers
PB&J (my new obsession for another post)
Salads - spinach leaves, strawberries, blueberries, sunflower seeds, etc

Dinner:
Shrimp & Pesto Pizza
Ranch Chicken Tacos w/salsa & guac
Double Crusted Honey Pork Chops w/brown rice & steamed broccoli

Have a great week!

Will There Be Beaches in Heaven?

I really hope so! If there aren't, I know there will be things even more beautiful! But, I really really really love the beach! Yesterday, I went to a town outside of Destin, with some staff friends, called Rosemary Beach. It's the cutest little beach town with cobblestone streets and buildings that look like Italy. We laid out on the beach for a while and then explored a bit. We sat in a cute cupcake shop (and, of course, got a cupcake). Then, we had dinner at a little restaurant called Cowgirl Kitchen. We passed our plates around and ate family style. It was a perfect 1st day in FL! So refreshing and encouraging to be around staff friends!

Today, I'm going to spend some time doing office work (can't forget my normal job duties even though I'm at the beach!) and then spend some time with Molly, my dgroup leader 5 years ago!!! There might be some pool time, some dinner, and a little OKC Thunder watching going on too! :)

Happy Monday friends! 

ps-Mondays would be a lot better if they were all spent at the beach ;)

If Every Weekend Were a 3-Day Weekend

Why can't every weekend be a 3-day weekend? My SIL & I contemplated this very question at lunch yesterday, while sitting on the screened in porch after a long boat ride.

If every weekend were a 3-day weekend:
-I would be uber bronze in the summer.
-I could deal better with being tired during the week.
-I would have more time to cook and clean and would ultimately be more productive (as a result of being able to deal with being tired because I know I'd be getting plenty of sleep on the weekend).
-There would be more time with fam & friends.
-I could travel even more. 

However, every weekend is not a 3-day weekend so I'm going to cherish the ones I have!

This past weekend was PERFECT in every way.

Thursday night, I headed to Hot Springs with my bros. We met up with my SIL for dinner, then headed to the gparents house. We just hung out, laughed, watched some TV, & went to bed.

Friday, I had my DOP on the screened in porch. It was incredible. Great day! That evening, the kiddos, aunt & uncle, & my mom arrived.

Saturday, I woke up and cooked cinnamon rolls for everyone. I had a great time letting Joshua help me out! (love that kid!) We spent the day on the dock laying out. Literally, all day. LOVED it.

Sunday, we went out on the boat! There are 2 lakes that back up to each other in HS - Ouachita & Hamilton. We grew up going to Ouachita but now my gparents live on Hamilton so we go there. Where the 2 lakes meet, there is a dam that pulls water from the bottom of Ouachita into Hamilton. We call it the "cold water." It's become a tradition to go there and jump in whenever we go out on the boat as a whole fam. However, we've never done it this early in the year. We normally go for July 4th or Labor Day. Guys, the water was FREE.ZING. (yes, read that as 2 syllables for the full effect). I'm talking colder than white water rafting or intertubing the Blue River in Colorado. It takes your breath away. But, I did it! And it was worth it because once you get out into the 90* heat, you feel fine. Such a fun day!

Heading to the cold water!

Sunday night we went out on the boat for fireworks. They weren't as good as years past but it's still fun to go out on the boat at night!

Since Monday was the last day, I started it early. On the dock at 11, out on the boat around noon, short lunch break, back to the dock until 3:30.

Incredible weekend full of family, food, SUN, boat rides, laughter, & sleep! I loved it. Now, I have a great base tan to take with me to Destin! Counting down until I leave on Saturday. Can't wait for 10 days in Destin & lots of fun times with our staff and students!

Today is Dragging....

Lately, my work days have been FLYING by. However, today, it's going so so slow. I think it's because tomorrow is my DOP, so I won't be in the office, and then it's a 3-DAY WEEKEND ON THE LAKE!!!!!!!!!!! Man, I can't wait to lay on the dock for 3 days straight - sweating, swimming, and soaking up the sun. Pure bliss.

that dock right there...that's where I'll be if you need me!

Happy Memorial Day!

I Heart Weekends

I LOVE weekends. Whether it's a calm, lazy weekend around my apt or a weekend out of town for something, I love them! I love the fellowship it allows. I love the adventure. I love the events and special times. I even love the later nights which lead to later mornings and naps.

This past weekend I was in Tulsa, OK for one of my besties weddings!!!!! Oh my. It was such a fun weekend. I got there Thursday night to start on the festivities. We stayed up late watching movies & hanging out. Friday morning, the girls went to get our nails done & then headed to the Bridal Luncheon. Friday afternoon, we headed to the wedding site (also where we were staying for the weekend) and got settled in before rehearsal. The Rehearsal Dinner was a flippin'  blast!!! It was western themed so most people had on cowboy boots. Then, we square danced!!! Holy cow. What a fun time!! I loved it! After square dancing, the wedding party went to the hot tub/pool and hung out!

Saturday was WEDDING DAY! We decorated the ceremony site and reception site in the morning and then spent the afternoon getting ready and taking pics. The wedding was BEAUTIFUL! Everything was perfectly Taylor and Hayley and so sweet. The reception was fun and the site was so cute. After the bride & groom left, we cleaned up and did what anyone would do...went to QT. So fun!

Sunday, I met up with Laura at Utica Sqaure. We went to church, lunch with her fam, Mayfest, Blue Dome District fest, & headed to Tad and Emily's wedding at the Tulsa Rose Garden.

The weekend of weddings was a blast but less than 6 hours a sleep each night caught up to me! Yesterday was  a rough day at work and I needed lots of sleep last night. I still plan on going to bed early tonight too :) My body can only run off of adrenaline for so long.

I'm pumped for this weekend of relaxation ahead...3 days on the dock in the 90 degree weather with 0% chance of rain. I'll take it!!!

The Day I Couldn't Get Warm

Yep...that would be today. It's 84* outside and I have my space heater on full blast in my office. I'm now that girl - you know, the one that's cold ALL the time. Thank you hormones. Thank you sped up metabolism (seriously, thank you for speeding up!). Thank you almost-25-year-old body for changing your mind this late in the game. I used to be the other that girl - yeah, the one that was HOT all the time. Don't get me wrong...if it's hot outside and I'm outside, I will still be hot and sweaty (I sweat like a man). But, I now find myself freezing inside most places. Guess I'll have to start carrying my pink polka-dotted blanket around ;)

Stay warm, friends!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

I have the best friends ever!!! Huge thanks to Chris & Melissa and Nick & Megan for letting me use one of their cars while mine was in the shop!! Holy cow are my friends servants. Their willingness to let me use a car for 1-2 days at a time is such a blessing. Even in the midst of frustrating car problems, God reminded me of His faithfulness and provision through these amazing friends! Love them!

And...skyping with friends in India always reminds me of how blessed I am too! I got to Skype with Alison this a.m. and Grant, Nicole, & Baby Jack and Kelsey tonight. Love my friends!!

Basking in God's faithfulness and His blessings as I drift off to sleep...

It's a Monday

Symptoms of a Monday:
-I woke up after CRAZY dreams 4 different times last night
-My contacts wouldn't go in this morning
-My car needs to be towed
-My car's water pump blew it's gasket

But:
-My God is Sovereign
-My God provides
-My God speaks to me
-My God loves
-My God hears my prayers
-My family & friends are incredible and drive me around and let me use their cars
-I have the money to pay for my car (because of point 2 above)
-My brother, Chandler, helps me deal with my car needing to be towed and water pump replaced
-I get to eat at Marketplace Grill tonight with 2 incredible friends, courtesy of my amazing boss
-After the water pump is replaced, basically everything under my hood is new within the last 3 years

So, in the midst of a terrible case of the Mondays, my God is with me and He knew how this whole day would pan out way before all of this happened. Thanking Him for His presence and His plan, even in the midst of frustration!!

no motivation

i've been m.i.a. because i've had NO motivation to write a new post. life and work and sleep habits and eating habits have been crazy crazy busy and out of whack. so much so that i sleep in any free time i have. hence the no posts in a million years.

recap:
-i've been out of town the past 17 weekends (exaggeration but it's been at least the past 5)
-april staff training in tulsa 1.5 weeks ago for 6 days
-a million projects and to-do lists at work to prep our summer events
-finishing perspectives (it's over! i loved it but i'm pumped for the extra time)
-sleeping and relaxing all weekend at the lake this past weekend (to recover from april staff training sleep deficit)
-staying up 'til at least 12 or 1 or 2 every night at AST (i quickly found out i'm no longer a college student)
-still loving my macbook pro
-pumped to start eating healthy and working out again next week - will be using some healthy pinterest recipes now that i have a working computer
-love my fam - loved the time with them at the lake

random: i took a nap after work today and now i'm getting everything crossed off my home to-do list...at 9:30pm when i should be winding down

next post...my plan to switch all my makeup products to e.l.f. products. get excited! :)

Love Languages

Have you heard of Love Languages? I'll give a brief explanation in case you haven't. There are 5 Love Languages:

1-Physical Touch

2-Quality Time

3-Words of Affirmation

4-Receiving Gifts

5-Acts of Service

Most people feel loved/receive love in 1-2 different ways and they give love/make others feel loved in 1-2 ways. 

My receiving languages are Physical Touch and Quality Time (that may or may not be why they're first on the list/easiest for me to remember). I don't really know what my giving languages are but I think they're a combo of 3,4,&5 on the list. Yes...weird. I love to be hugged and have quality time with people - that's how I feel close. But...I think I show people love by affirming them or doing something for them or giving them things. Anywho, I've been SO SO SO busy and out of town recently, that I don't feel very close to some of my friends. Because, I haven't had ANY quality time with ANY one. This past weekend, I had great fun and quality time with staff friends and I'll have more this weekend!!! But, I haven't had any time with 501 friends in the past month and I just miss them. It's sad! I see them once a week but that is not enough q.t. for me! I'm excited for this summer when things are a little more calm and I can get some great  hang out time with my 501 gals.

I've known my Love Languages for a while but the older I get, the more I realize the truth behind them and the importance they play in relationships. I legitimately feel disconnected from so many friends if I don't get consistent quality time with them.

What are your love languages?

ps-You can find more information about Love Languages at www.5lovelanguages.com or read the book by Dr. Gary Chapman.

pps-I'm just writing about my personal thoughts - I have not read the book and I'm not being asked to write this by the author or anything. He def does not even know I exist!

Super Hero Birthdays & Bachelorettes

Last weekend was packed full of great times! Friday night I attended a Super Hero Birthday Party for one of my 501 friends' husband. He loves super heroes so that was the party theme! It was so fun just hanging out with friends and celebrating a birthday!

Some of us at the party!

Saturday, I got an early oil change and then headed to Fayetteville for Hayley's wedding shower and Bachelorette party! So so fun!! There were a ton of people at the shower & Hayley and Taylor got some great stuff!

Wedding Party & House Party before the shower!

Me & Allison - love this girl!

Me, Allison, & Tash

After the shower, we headed up to Rogers to go out to eat and stay at a hotel to spend even more time with Hayley! We had a great time!

Dinner at On the Border!

Sunday, I left super early to beat the storms home & took a LONG nap at my mom's house. It was much needed! Then, I set up my new computer and just spent time with my mom and brother. It had been way too long since we spent low-key quality time together.

I had a wonderful weekend! Looking forward to a good week and another fun wedding weekend!!

Macbook Pro

It's here. It's set up. I'm typing this post from it. I'm in Heaven right now. 

LOVE it! :)

Weekend update coming soon!

Weekend in Pics

 Good Friday: Church service @ Fellowship then dinner and froyo with friends

Hillary; Al, Hil, & Adam @ Orange Leaf; Beautiful Merritt; Allie, me, & Brandon @ Chipotle

Allie & Hillary; all the girls after the Good Friday service; Merritt & Brandon w/froyo samples; Merritt & me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easter Sunday: Church then lunch, dessert, & pics @ my aunt & uncle's house!

my fam!

all the cousins

me, mom, & nana - tradish 3 gen pic! :)

all the girls

So grateful for my fam & friends! Even more grateful for the death & resurrection of our Savior!!!

Good Friday

Tomorrow is good in many ways.

1 - I'm pumped to have a day off to clean my apartment  before the next 2 months of my life are insane. Yes, you heard read that right...I'm pumped to clean my apartment. I love a great deep clean. The process looks like this: windows open, blinds open, fans on, candles burning, music blaring, me dancing whilst cleaning. I cannot wait.

2 - It will be the first day I work out since last Friday! I know I've needed physical rest after being sick, but it's been mentally driving me crazy to not work out! I got in the habit & love the way it feels & can't wait to start up again. I plan on going for a walk/jog & starting Jillian No More Trouble Zones. So excited.

3 - Most importantly, the day is good because it's the day Jesus Christ died and saved us from eternal condemnation. It's the day He suffered death on the cross for me & for you. It's the day His own Father could not even look at Him because my sins were placed on Him. It's the day He breathed His last breath & died so that we may be with Him for eternity. What an incredible sacrifice He made. What an incredible day to remember Him & honor Him & love Him.

This Easter, please remember the real reason. It's not about candy & baskets & eggs & bunnies. It's about the death & resurrection of our Savior. His death on Good Friday was undeserved. His resurrection 3 days later proved that He is God, cancelled out all of our sins, & allows us to have a relationship with Him. Please remember this & believe this & apply it to your life. A relationship with God is the only thing that saves & is the most satisfying relationship you will ever have. If you don't know Jesus, please please contact me. I would love nothing more than to tell you about Him & the love He has for YOU.

Mid-Week Confessions

1. I had Chick-Fil-A for dinner last night. That was my first full meal since Friday night. I probably only ate a days worth of calories Saturday, Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday (before CFA) combined. That's how sick I was. And all of those calories came from saltines & 2 bites of oatmeal. Literally. I couldn't eat anything.
2. I'm ready to  be 100% again. Today, I'm back to nauseous. Ugh. Must.Get.Well. So much to do!
3. I haven't worked out since Friday morning's last Jillian sesh. I know I need to rest but it's killing me to not work out. After creating a habit & instilling that desire...I want to work out!
4. Getting sick is a great not-so-fun (but effective) way to push past that weight-loss plateau. Chalk me up for another 2 lbs lost.
5. INSTAGRAM FOR ANDROID CAME OUT!!!!!!! Sorry to yell about that but finding that out made.my.day!! Normally Android is up to speed on their apps but instagram took waaaaaaaaaaaaaay tooooooooooo loooooooooooooong to come out. However, it's out & I'm a happy camper. Follow me @: morgantedder. What is your instagram name?!?!
6. I tried to order my *NEW* Macbook Pro last night! Woo hoo! But...debit cards have an online limit. No worries - I drove myself over to the bank first thing this morning, they increased my limit for the day, & it's being purchased today (along with a hot pink neoprene sleeve...DUH). This girl is a double happy camper. My dell is 4.5 years old & takes 10 minutes to turn on & warm up. Every webpage freezes for at least 4 minutes. I'm not exaggerating at all. This is truth.
7. My nails are very Easter approp. My toenails are pastel blue. My fingers are mint green with a lilac accent on the ring fingers.
8. Sorry that #1-4 are all about being sick. That's been my life this week.
9. I need to take more pictures of my life so this blog is more interesting...instagram should help with that! :)
10. Here's a pic of me & Al at the wedding this weekend!

11. I traded Jillian DVDs with a friend. While she uses 30 Day Shred, I'm using No More Trouble Zones! I'm excited!!
12. I'm in my first tank top of the season without a jacket & I feel a little bare/scandalous. I'm not...but I feel that way because I was constricted by layers for all of winter.
13. I just found out we're closed Friday for Good Friday. Unexpected surprises like this bring me so much joy!

No Wedding Cake for Me

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred in 30 straight days was successfully completed!! Woo hoo! Friday morning I woke up at 6:00 am & did my last sesh. It felt great to finish it!!

Friday afternoon, Allie & I headed up to Fay for Will & Heather's wedding! Friday night was a fun rehearsal & dinner and then a decently early-to-bed night. Finally, Saturday, the day had arrived! Allie & I arrived at the hotel for her to do hair & me to keep things on time. After the bride & bridesmaids left, Allie and I got ready and then headed to the barn to be ready for the festivities! The wedding was beautiful, the reception was fun, & they're now Mr. & Mrs.!!

Sunday, I had big plans of running and lifting weights and starting my April out with a workout bang. That is, until I threw up at the above wedding reception & ran 100.4 fever ALL DAY Sunday. Fever is no fun. Let me tell you. You can't get comfortable. You hurt all over. You just want to sleep. You can't eat. NO FUN. I didn't come into the office until 1ish today. My brain hurts & is super foggy & I can't concentrate on much & I'm skipping Perspectives tonight. I'm so grateful God kept me well until I finished the 30 Day Shred, so that I could complete it fully!!

The title of this post refers to the fact that I didn't eat wedding cake because of how sick I was. If you've been reading this blog long at all, you should know my love for sweets and that this is a big deal. Even today I kind of regret not eating at least a little bit of it! (that's how much I LOVE wedding cake). I also have been drinking Diet Coke since Saturday. When I'm sick, water is not appealing. I had to have some flavor. This April is def not starting off how I imagined it would with working out hardcore, staying with only water, & eating healthy...but God is in control and I'm just grateful to be feeling better & getting rest!

Exhaustion

It happened. I hit the wall of complete mental & physical exhaustion. For the past 3 weeks, I have been getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night (most closer to 6). While this may work for some & I can handle it for a few nights, I can't do it for 3 weeks in a row. Don't get me wrong, I've LOVED every reason I've stayed up late & gotten up early, but it's wearing me down. So, tonight, as much as I don't want to, I'm staying home from 501. It's killing me. But, it's the right thing to do. My weekends aren't restful (for extremely joyful reasons) so I have to take a night off somewhere.

I also say mental exhaustion because processing things with God is hard & wears me out. It's good but it's tiring. He's teaching me. I'm learning to listen better. I'm learning to process & discern the whispers. I'm loving it. But, I'm tired.

I plan on my night off looking like this:
1-pack for the weekend (ie: figure out jewelry for each dress & throw everything in my duffel)
2-work out (2nd to last day of Jillian!!!!!!! then run/walk because it's b-e-a-utiful outside)
3-eat dinner
4-spend some time with Jesus (hopefully without falling asleep on the couch)
5-do a little Perspectives (if my eyes are still open)
6-go to bed

I get off in 15 minutes...almost bed time!

Cheat Days

Running after a cheat day is HARD. I gave myself a cheat day last Friday because friends were in town & I had a wedding shower to go to that night (cake...duh). Saturday, I was regretting that cheat day. I had the worst run I've had in a long time. I could barely run 5 minutes. TERR.I.BLE. No more cheat days for me. I'm increasing the fruits, veggies, & lean meats & getting strict again!

I only have 5 days of 30 Day Shred left. Woo hoo! I can't believe it! I am obsessed with Jillian now...can't wait to get more DVDs!

This weekend is Ganson's wedding!!!!! YAY! Cannot wait...I've been waiting for this since the summer of 2010 ;)

I found a dress yesterday for the Rehearsal Dinner. I ran to TJ Maxx on my way back into cway & tried on like 9 dresses. None of those were screaming "buy me!" As I handed them to the worker, a random dress on the dressing room "no thanks" rack caught my eye. I tried it on & LOVED it! I brought it home & figured out I literally have like 11 different jewelry options. This dress will probably end up being one of the best purchases ever. Score. I'll try to post some pics from Friday - or you might have to wait until Easter (yes, I already know I'm wearing that dress for Easter too).

God & I are getting close. As an almost 25 year old single girl whose future is only known by God & who is coming up on the end of her 2nd year of her 3 year contract, I'm going to God with questions & requests for wisdom, clarity, understanding, discernment, etc. to know what the next step is. It's scary. It's exciting. It's weird. It's faith building. It's trust building. It's mysterious. It's part of life. It's drawing me nearer to Him. I love it.


Other than the storms in the middle...I'm loving this 10-day. Bring on summer!

Partly Cloudy

Mostly Sunny

Isolated T-Storms

Isolated T-Storms

Isolated T-Storms

Sunny

Partly Cloudy

Sunny

Sunny

85°

86°

86°

82°

79°

83°

81°

77°

78°

Storms

The torrential downpours, tornado watches, & severe thunderstorm warnings got the best of me last night. I wussed out on driving to LR (I got Chan's permission & he understands my fear of storms/driving in the rain) & stayed in Conway instead. I got home from work, cooked & ate dinner, then proceeded to relax on the couch before working out. 1.5 hours later, I woke up & got productive. haha. I folded my laundry, started on Perspectives, finished Level 2 of Jillian, caught up on some TV shows, spent time with God, & welcomed my apt guest for the week. Good thing I took that nap because Ganson didn't get there 'til midnight! We stayed up until past 1 talking & less than 6 hours later my alarm went off. You better believe I pressed snooze for quite a while this morning. It's ok though...I can handle a few nights of not much sleep if Gans is with me!!

Tonight, I'll start level 3 of Jillian. I'm excited to see what is in store but a little terrified at the same time - I have a feeling it's going to be much harder!

I kind of wish I could be at home, in bed, napping right now. But, I'm a working gal now & I don't get the college luxuries of spring breaks, month long Christmas breaks, or daily naps. Don't get me wrong - I love my life, my job, & not having to study...but on days like today, where I'm tired & it's raining, my bed is calling my name. I have loved naps my whole life & I will always love naps. Promise. :)

Stay dry, my friends! Good news - it's not supposed to rain this weekend! We can make it!

Happy 20th!

My YOUNGEST bro turns 20 today. Did you get that? My youngest brother is no longer a teenager. All the sibs are in our 20's. Where has the time gone?! Happy Birthday Bro!!! (He doesn't read this but it's the thought that counts) Tonight, we're going out to eat for his bday - I was officially invited by the sis-in-law, despite Chan's not wanting me to come. Oh well...I'm going anyway because he's my brother & I love him & he deserves to have me it's an  honor to drive to LR to be around on his bday.

Happy 1st day of Spring! I'm celebrating by wearing a coral & mint scarf (from India, of course), my coral cowboy boots, & a size smaller jean!! Woo hoo! I'm officially down 11 pounds & a pants size. The lifestyle change is still going well. I haven't been quite as strict on the sweets (my downfall) which is probably why I feel like I'm plateauing. So, I'm about to decrease the carbs & save the sweets for the most special occasions (bdays, weddings, & showers). I'm enjoying this change, the results, & my increased love for exercise & all things healthy!

Today is the last day for Level 2 of Jillian. After tonight, I'll be 2/3rds of the way done with the 30 Day Shred! I can't believe it. I've LOVED Level 2. I'm a little terrified of how difficult Level 3 will be but I'm ready! I'm ready for more muscle definition, more energy, & more results. LET'S GO!!

In honor of spring, do something 'springy' today! :)

Pi Day

Yesterday was great! I got a lot accomplished at work. It was sunny & 80* out. God met me in my quiet time & I enjoyed His company. I made some support calls & got a few appts lined up! Some Fay friends came down for a cookout. We hung out & had delicious pie afterwards (you have to have pie on pi day!) We drove around to see some of the cway trademarks (Stoby's & the Hendrix tunnel). Then....at 11:00 pm...I went home & did 30 Day Shred because I hadn't done it yet! Holy Cow. I'm just going to toot my own horn & say I'm so proud of myself & feel so accomplished. Haha. Not only was I just up hanging out past my bedtime...I actually worked out past my bedtime! Wow. Ok, enough about that. I failed at getting up to SHRED this morning (I had only gotten 5 hrs of sleep when my original alarm went off-who can blame me?!) so it will be another late night of shredding (after 501) but I'm okay with that! I'm just excited that I actually desire to work out & crave doing it everyday! Haven & I even agreed that we could give ourselves yesterday off if we wanted to because we were hanging out so late...but I just couldn't do it. I committed to 30 days in a row & I'm going to finish my commitment!

In other news, I'm obsessed with this weather. I plan on being outside as much as possible this weekend (except that I just looked at the weather & there are clouds & lightning on each day...boooo). Maybe I'll just have to shop for some new jeans instead (my old ones are too big! woo hoo!)

Next week, my youngest bro turns 20. What?!?! None of us will be teenagers anymore - we are ALL in our 20's! Time is flying. But, I sure do love how my relationships with my bros mature/grow as we get older & in more similar phases of life. (they still treat me like I'm the younger sister that they think is an idiot...but, hey, I know it's all in love). I love my fam!

Happy Thursday, friends! 1 day closer to the weekend!

India...

...is on my mind.
...is in my heart.
...is what I think about most.
...is what I pray about most.
...is where I want to end up.

I love the country. I love the people. I love the sights. I love the sounds. I even love appreciate the smells.

My plea to God when I'm struggling: "Lord, use me while I'm here & please send me soon."
 

Veg meal

Cows on the sidewalk

Shopping with a friend

Taj Mahal

In traditional wear

Hyderabad

Kids at a wedding

With the Bride and Groom at the wedding

One day...I will be there.

Shredding & Nail Polish

I've officially completed 1 week of Jillian Michaels! Woo hoo! That's further than I've ever gotten in the 30 Day Shred. Every day it gets a little bit easier. I can tell my strength & endurance are increasing & I'm pumped to see how I feel at the end! Only 3 more days of level 1 - Sunday, I'll jump up to Level 2.

More exciting exercise news....yesterday, I ran 10 minutes straight! It felt great outside & I was feeling great so I just went for it. Loved it. I need some new shoes, but other than that, running felt good & I can't wait to improve in that too!

I'm still loving healthy foods. Chick-Fil-A is seriously the only fast food that ever even sounds good & I don't go there regularly (haven't been in weeks). I've been off Diet Coke for a month now - wow! I drink my morning coffee, lots & lots of water, & hot tea.

I'm feeling good! I'm committed to this lifestyle change & I can't wait to see where it takes me!

Also important: I bought 3 new nail polishes this weekend :) I know neons are way in this year but pastels are much more forgiving for the yet-to-be-tanned-winter-white skin I'm sporting right now. So, I got 3 pastels  - Revlon Dreamer (periwinkle/blue), Revlon Minted (mint green), & Revlon Charming (lavender/lilac). I've been looking for the perfect shades of these colors for a while & they jumped out at me on my weekly Wal-Mart trip. Love.

Happy Wednesday!

My Faves

These girls mean the world to me! We had a great night at Stickyz for the Leap Day Show! I'm beyond blessed by their friendship!!

Leap Day

There isn't much to write about today except that it's LEAP DAY! A day that only comes once every 4 years deserves it's own post, right? I kind of think it should be some kind of holiday ;) It's been a great Leap Day!!

I had some great time with God this morning.

I'm wearing my new leopard flats & a scarf and bangle from India today (any day I wear an India item is a great day!).

I got to Skype with Kels & get some great updates on life.

There have been some great convos/hang out seshes around the office today.

There is an Adam Hambrick/Andy Davis Leap Day Concert in LR tonight that me & the girls are going to! Fun times are def ahead.

It's also the last day before the 30 Day Shred. Which might warrant me eating something sweet ;) but probably not, since I'm trying to be disciplined.

Happy Leap Day!! I wonder what I'll have to write about on Feb29,2016?! That's fun to think about :)

Let's Dance! & other weekend festivities

I took a Ballroom Dancing class in college & had a lot of fun with it! It was a simple, 1-hr class that was a much needed break in the midst of nursing school. Since that semester, I've done 0 ballroom dancing...until Friday night! There is a community center in LR that does Ballroom Dancing 3 Friday nights a month. A bunch of 501-ers went last week & had a blast!

Haven, me, Courtney, Allie, Laura

love these friends dearly!!

Saturday, I got brunch with a dear friend & then headed out to shop! Even without getting anything (that was not the case this time!), shopping is so therapeutic. I love to wander & peruse through stores & get inspiration for new outfits. I thrifted a couple of great shirts from Savers & got 3 great pairs of flats from Target! They may or may not be the exact same in different colors.
        

Yep, all 3! Leopard, nude, & black. No buyers remorse or guilt here!

Saturday night, I got to celebrate the birthdays of 3 friends by going to a joint party! It was a casual, laid-back night but still fun! I started getting tired around 10:00 so I peaced out pretty early...it might also have had something to do with where I was in Mockingjay (Book 3 of The Hunger Games) & the fact that I was so ready to finish! However, I read 10-20 pages & fell fast asleep.

Sunday, I went to the early service at church so I could get back to cway to get everything accomplished on my to-do list. However, half of those didn't happen because it's ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE to put down Mockingjay during the last 200 pages. So, I finished the book. I'm sad it's over - I get real attached to the characters during series & I'm always sad to finish. That afternoon, I went on a long walk/run in the beautiful 70-degree weather & lifted some weights. Loving the spring-like weather!!!!

also, loving this quote! i love lifting weights!

Friends, have a great week! Enjoy your extra day in February! :) This Thursday, March 1st, I'm starting the 30-day Shred w/a friend. If you want to say a prayer for us, we're gonna need it! ;)