The Greatest Gift

Without a doubt, Easter is my favorite holiday. I love the sense of renewal and promise that comes along with the season. As Christians, we celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; we are reminded that our imperfections are forgiven each day through His grace. This is truly the greatest gift.

The spring season brings more that pesky allergies and anxious feelings for the summer. It is a time to move forward. We are breaking out of the winter months and into the land of newness and revival. The scents of new blossoms and freshly cut grass are constant reminders of the blessings we are offered each day.

I hope your day is full of laughs with family and friends, Easter egg hunts, and smiles as y’all remember the greatest gift. 

The Long and Short of It

This morning started with an 8 mile run through my hometown. In order to make sure I got all my miles in, I had to do some looping around the small town.

I used to get a little nervous for my long runs. There is a daunting feeling knowing I will be running for over an hour. Last summer I wanted to build endurance, and I thought the best way would be to start running longer. My first experience with a "long run" was not good. I hadn't researched or talked to other runners enough to know that there is a science behind it all. You cannot go out running the same speed as you would for a quick couple of miles. There is a definite need for pace-setting. It is important to listen to your body as you pound the pavement.

I was feeling great this morning. I felt like my body could go on forever. I realized that in some ways I would rather run longer distances that shorter sprints. Long runs are a great time to get in touch with my body, mind, and soul. I love the freedom that running permits me. I am able to be alone and think, listen to music, or soak up my surroundings.

Short or long, I have never regretted a run. I hope you are enjoying your Easter weekend!

It Takes Just One

The job hunt continues for me. I am working at being patient, while remembering to be proactive and take charge when the situation calls me to. I know that the best is yet to come.

I continue to hold on to the words of my best friend, Katherine. "One day you don't have a job, and the next you do." Of course this is true in any part of life. One day you are single, the next you are married. One day things seem to be in your favor, then you find yourself in a storm. One encounter, one moment, one second can change everything. As I embrace each day, I know that everything is happening for a reason. I am blessed in every way and have a lot to look forward to.

So, you tell me, what are you excited about?

Messy Pony

I was throwing my hair up into a pony the other day, making it messy. In fact, by the end of it, it looked like one hot mess. Then, on top of that, I used sprayed Kenra so that each mess would hold it's place. Now, this is just a part of my daily routine, but I got to thinking about how strange it really is. I mean, we (and by we, I mean girls) strategically mess our hair up. We don't like to look to finished. Heaven knows we can't look like we care too much.

I was surfing around on Pinterest and found that messy ponies are everywhere. Not only are they on the heads of many girls, there are actual steps in achieving the messiest of messes on our heads.

So when did the "I just rolled out of bed" look become so popular? Does anyone remember when girls slicked their hair up into a nice little bun? I suppose there is a time and place for that too. I believe they call it the library? Or perhaps a ballet recital?

If you ask me, messy is the way to go. Then when it really does get messy, no one will ever know. See, it's all about the strategy :-)

What Are You Wearing?

I have convinced myself that perfume just doesn’t ‘stick’ on me. There are people that you can smell as they breeze on past. Then there is me; it doesn’t matter how many squirts I put on, because I just never get that luscious scent.

Yesterday I was proven wrong. I was subbing for a third grade classroom. One of the other teachers stopped me at recess to ask, “What are you wearing?” I was a little shocked, mostly because I didn’t ‘waste’ a puff of my Viva La Juicy on any nine-year-olds. All I had put on that morning was coconut lotion from Victoria’s Secret. She continued on, “Jamie* told me she was asking you questions because you smelled so good, and she wanted you to come over to her desk!”

I guess the way to smellin' like a lady isn’t $85 worth of Victoria Beckham’s latest scent after all. So why do I keep buying it? In hopes that some day it will ‘stick.’ 

*name changed :-)

Mom and Movies

The other night I realized I was in desperate need of some alone time. I sat in my room and listened to Lori Line piano music while writing. It was just what the doctor ordered.

“Wind Beneath My Wings” popped up on my playlist. It got me thinking about the first time I watched Beaches with my mom. I was only a few years old when the classic flick starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey first came out. My mom must have rented it one afternoon, and I got the pleasure of watching it along side of her. Now, I do not remember this day exactly, but I love hearing my mom retell the story. Many of you may know that Beaches is incredibly sad. There is a part when “Wind Beneath My Wings” plays as the young Victoria deals with the loss of her mother. On this afternoon years ago, my mom looked over at me during this very scene. She told me I had tears rolling down my face. My mom was surprised that I was moved by this scene at such a young age. “I didn’t even know that you understood what was going on.”

There is a part in the movie where Victoria mentions that her hands are the same as her mom’s. I realized the other day that I have my mom’s hands. Every now and again I look down at my hands and think of my mom and our afternoon movies.

The Naughty Spot

I’ve been a bad, bad blogger. For some reason I have had difficulty tuning into my creative side. Usually I have “ah-ha” moments that lead to my blog posts, but lately I’ve had a lot of… well, nothing.

I have been searching for entertaining writing ideas. I have been going through quite a few changes. Often it is hard to completely wrap my head around it all. When there are uncertainties in life, it is hard to share them (especially when posting them online). Things are not exactly “stable” for me right now; therefore, I am reluctant to be an open book.

What you must know is that I’m very happy. Even though life can be crazy, it can also be fun and exciting. The new adventures that I am embracing make me smile. Life really is good right now. Hallelujah!!

My weekly goal is to be a better blogger. Until then, I will place myself in the naughty spot. Toodles!