See You At The Starting Line!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T23:02:00.004-05:00

Most of us are exhausted or maybe even hungover so I will keep this short and sweet.

First, Happy New Year! May this be a wonderful and fruitful year for all of us.

Now that I have gotten the niceties out of the way, have you thought about your resolutions? You know, those things that we all say we are going to do and never do. "This year will be different." "I will keep my resolutions this time." "I am older and wiser, that will make a difference." Sound familiar? Let's face it, we all have the best intentions but what is really different today than last week, last month or last year? Nothing. That is the problem. We expect that the world will change so that we can change. Let me be clear, THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN.

Here is the reality, we have to change. In spite of our jobs, our schedules, our family or our athletic abilities, WE HAVE TO CHANGE, NOT THE WORLD. We have to change the way we see food, look at exercise, see our coworkers, speak, think and act.

This is the only way we will keep our resolutions. This is the ony way to make life change happen. We have to have the determination to be different. Push yourself. Put yourself first. Remind yourself that you are worth whatever it is that you are doing to make your life better.

I said I would keep this short so let me conclude with this thought. Change is not easy. It is not supposed to be. But you are worth being the best you you can be. Now, what will you do to be the best you can be in 2012?

I will be posting my resolutions over the next many days and would love to know yours. Please post them below so we can all encourage one another.

And again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Meet a Miracle Child

2011-11-08T13:36:00.005-05:00

My husband and I have been raising funds for The Children's Miracle Network Torch Relay. Meet one of the kids that benefited from the generosity of good people just like you.

Sydney Thomas | Sydney Orlando, FL

Sydney was a very active toddler so when she became lethargic after fighting what her parents suspected was a common cold, they knew something was seriously wrong. As Sydney's condition continued to deteriorate, her parents took her to an after-hours emergency pediatric clinic where tests showed Sydney was dangerously close to falling into a diabetic coma. Don and Nicole were shocked to learn their daughter had juvenile diabetes.

Sydney's routine quickly changed to include daily blood tests and insulin injections. Searching for the best way to manage their daughter's condition, Sydney's parents took her to Shands Children's Hospital at the University of Florida where University of Florida physicians determined she was an excellent candidate for an insulin pump. This technology allows her parents to enter the number of carbohydrates Sydney eats each day into a wireless remote control. The pump continuously administers the proper amount of insulin.

Now Sydney is full of energy again, learning important things like ABC's and how to help check her own blood sugar. Meanwhile, University of Florida researchers continue to seek a cure for diabetes with the help of Children's Miracle Network.

What will you do to make sure that the next child is taken care of just like Sydney?

Please click here to donate.

Will you help me help children???

2011-11-08T11:02:00.002-05:00

Hello to all!

At the end of this week, my husband and I are participating in a 5K walk to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. We are joining the Orlando World Center Marriott team since this is where my office is located. As a team, we are trying to raise a combined total of:

$25,000!!!!

I know that sounds like a ton but we are also trying to build a team of 100 people. That would be only $250 for each of us participating. This is a very realistic goal, with some help.

This is where my request comes in... will you help? We walk, you donate, kids in YOUR area benefit. That is right, the money raised in each area goes to children's hospitals in that area. What could be better? This money goes to help kids in your neighborhood, in your school, maybe even your family!

I will be posting more information on the walk and the wonderful cause that it supports as the week goes on. If you have heard enough and would like to help us beat our pledge, please Click here to donate.

Whether you donate or not, thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Advice for the bad days...

2011-11-01T15:25:00.005-04:00

Was just given a phrase to remind me of my goals...

I know that Kate Moss was given a lot of heat for this statement but when you are in week 2 of a diet, have hit a wall, and the world is overflowing with leftover Halloween candy, it is what you need to hear. All of a sudden that chocolate in front of me didn't seem nearly as appealing as the look on my husband's face as he compared me with a photo from a year ago (20 pounds heavier!).

I want to see the look in his eyes when I reach my goal and saunter through the house in my wedding dress!

Hello water. You look yummy!!!

I Hate Weekends!

2011-10-31T11:01:00.003-04:00

OK, I don't hate the weekends but I do hate what they do to my diet and my resolve. The schedule is never normal, we travel, meet up with friends and wander around town together. This does not help to keep the best choices, especially when you are following a stricter plan.

That being said, I am starting day 6 over today.

Enough said... see you tomorrow.

Daniel Fast - Day 4 and 5, quickie overview

2011-10-29T10:44:00.002-04:00

The last 2 days have been a blur but here are the highlights...

Food has consisted of apples, bananas, lots of leftover Pumpkin-Black Bean soup, a few bites of rice and beans at work (not good for all sorts of reasons) and a small cheat evening with friends.

The cheat night is something that we knew was going to happen sooner or later. We have too many friends that love to invite us to dinner or events, especially at Disney. Last night was the chance to hang out with an awesome couple from up north named Karen and Wayne. They invited us to the Big River Grill and Brewery at Disney's Boardwalk. We had never been there so we were excited and sad at the same time. The menu is amazing! That being said, we cheated a little bit by sharing a beer flight and a cheesy crab dip appetizer but my entree was a garden salad and a side of green beans and carrots. Drank lots of water and felt good about our choices. We did end up at a fantastic Disney lounge later and I had one cocktail.

I say all this to say that we all have choices. Today is another day and I will be responsible for my choices. This fast and these weeks are between me and God and my body. I will do what I need to do to be obedient and healthy but there is no need to be rude to our ever gracious friends or to cause uncomfortable moments over a silly menu. I am hoping to turn this into a lifestyle but I refuse to be the obnoxious person at the party complaining that there is nothing to eat or telling all my friends that what they consume is poison. It is just not worth it.

Exercise - None on Thursday but I did run 3.18 miles in 40:25 yesterday. Not where I would like to be but I am still moving. Yeah!!

Weight - 150 (3.8 pounds down) So close to being a woman in the 140's I can taste it.

Have a great Saturday all!

Daniel Fast - Day 3 wrap Up

2011-10-26T06:35:00.002-04:00

Day started pretty well with a touch of yesterday's headache. It was gone by the time I got to work. Luckily this is still the portion of any life change where the newness still keeps you interested. I know in a week or so I will be struggling with the food and the devotionals but I will be thankful for this period while I have it.

Morning weight - 151.6 (down 2.2)

Breakfast - Banana
Lunch - Last nights Tofu Stew with rice
Snack - Banana
Dinner - Green salad with avocado and Pumpkin Black Bean soup
Bedtime snack - Handful of green grapes

Workout - 2.3 miles in 30 minutes on treadmill (would have been longer and faster but I forgot my socks and the blisters became a bit much to take). And then a brisk 30 minute walk with my husband.

Today's devotional talks about dedicating our bodies to God for all He has given us. I look at my chubby frame and wonder why in the world God would want this body. It is soft, oddly shaped and squishy in all the wrong places. Well, it has also gotten me from birth to today with quite a bit of abuse. I have had back surgery, damaged my knee so it crunches when I walk up stairs, been shocked, fallen, broken vertebrae, crushed fingers, and been conked on the head too many times to count. All of that abuse and this body is still willing to carry me around, dance, climb ladders and trees, and most recently, complete a 1/2 marathon with too little training to prepare it.

I guess after all that, this body has been pretty remarkable. I owe it to it to continue training and eating better. I bet there is alot this body still has left to do.

What do you think you could do if you were a bit healthier? It is not that hard to start. Where would you like to begin?

Daniel Fast - Day 2 Wrap Up

2011-10-25T11:36:00.003-04:00

Today was a little harder. My head hurt from the caffeine withdrawal and it is making my neck and shoulders ache. I know I will feel better in a few days but this part always stinks. Lots of water has diluted the headache some.

Also, there is a group promoting their new frozen pizza across the hall from my office at the hotel where I work. The whole hallway smells like pizza. God is probably crying He is laughing so hard.

Breakfast - Apple, water
Lunch - Black Beans and Brown Rice (leftovers) with a little homemade salsa. And lots of water.
Dinner - Tofu stew (recipe from the Daniel Fast cookbook) with Brown Rice

Weight - 153.8 (same)
Exercise - Today was a long work day so we have rescheduled the run for tomorrow.

The Daniel Fast focuses on setting your spiritual health above the wishes of your soul and the cravings of your body. My soul has been taking a beating lately as we have been talking in our house where we are vs. where we started. There is a great deal more pessimism and skepticism in our hearts than there was 6 years ago when we first ventured into Florida. I hope these few weeks will just be a beginning to a more thankful, optimistic future.

Off to bed and then on to Day 3...

Day 1 - Wrap Up

2011-10-25T09:33:00.002-04:00

Meant to post this last night but here it is.

Breakfast - Apple, Water

Lunch - Green salad with oil and vinegar, water

Snack - Can of V8

Dinner - Black beans, Brown rice, Homemade salsa, Organic blue chips

Starting weight - 153.8

No workout today as we ran on Sunday night.

Monday was a little tough (tired of our salad bar at work) but nice to be cooking again. Need to find the devotional that goes along with this plan.

What am I thankful for today? Our ability to make this choice to do this. We are blessed to have the food available and the funds to dedicate to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Day 1 of a New Journey

2011-10-24T09:35:00.004-04:00

27 days until the Women's 1/2 Marathon in St. Petersburg.

74 days until the WDW Marathon Weekend 1/2 Marathon

and 20 days left to my 21 day Daniel Fast.

OK, I know that someone is thinking that a Fast is a very bad idea, especially when training for a race. Probably very true, but this is not a regular fast and if we always waited for a convenient time to do things, would we ever get anything done?

Let me tell you a little about the Daniel Fast. In short, it is a Fast based on excerpts from the book of Daniel. Basically, I will be eating beans, brown rice, vegetables, fruit, juice, lots of water and some soy products. The Fast comes with what you cannot eat. That includes meat, fish, dairy, eggs, processed anything (white sugar, white flour, etc), preservatives, and most of what we eat every day.

Anyone thinking they could not do it? You would be surprised. First of all, my wonderful husband will be joining me for this 21 day journey. A little support goes a long way. Just ask anyone who has run a race with a friend. Always a better journey when you travel together. Also, Susan Gregory has put together a wonderful site full of tips, recipes and a blog. This is where John and I went the first time we did this almost 2 years ago. Check it out here.

The Daniels Fast is a fast for the body, soul, and spirit. This will be 21 days of training not only my body but my heart and mind also. I will still be running but I hope that at the end of this I will not only be a better runner but a better wife, a better friend, a better disciple and a better person.

Wish me luck! ... Change that... will you pray for me instead?

100-Year-Old Marathoner Fauja Singh Runs For Late Loved Ones, And For All Of Us

2011-10-17T20:31:00.001-04:00

100-Year-Old Marathoner Fauja Singh Runs For Late Loved Ones, And For All Of Us

Please click the link above to see how it is never too late in life to start your running journey. It just takes a beginning with one step...

I Found The Finish Line!!

2011-10-12T19:30:00.006-04:00

If a picture says a thousand words, this one speaks of a thousand steps...

This is my good friend Amanda and I after crossing the finish line at the 2011 Disney Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon. There is so much to tell about this experience but let me hit the highlights.

The high points:
* We finished!!
* We finished together. Always a plus.
* The medal is awesome!!!!!
* We had friends waiting for us at the finish line. They even too the picture.

What could have gone better:
* Training. Really needed to train more. Enough said.
* Miles 10 to 12 were pretty rough. Neither of us had run that far at one time and it showed.
* I have bad knees. It took a week for the one to stop hurting so I could walk normally.

All that being said, it has been almost two weeks and I still can't get over that we did it. I started this journey and this was meant to be a sort of ending. What it has turned out to be is the end of a chapter. The next one has already begun. 39 days from now I have my second 1/2 marathon. Again, Amanda and I will be doing this together. This time, I know what to expect (sort of) and I can't wait.

Please know, if I can do this, so can you. So can anyone. All you have to do is start.

So, where will you start?

Check out Amanda's play by play of the race here.

Good friends...

2011-07-26T22:46:00.003-04:00

Some friends have a very short attention span. Some get irritated very easily when you disagree. There are others that try to change you to be something they think you should be or more like them. I have had a few friends that judged wether we were "friends" or "just acquaintances" by how often we saw each other (that was a fun conversation while I traveled for work in Washington state and my friend lived in Atlanta.) There are childhood friends and work friends and church friends.

As you can see, there are friends in all aspects of our lives. Tonight, I want to introduce you to two friends that are always there when I need them, no matter what.

Not what you were expecting? Well these two friends have followed me in bags,been thrown in the back seat, tossed under clothes on the floor of the bedroom, and kicked under the bed. They have patiently waited for me to allow them to carry me further towards my goals. No judgement, no anger, no resentment. They ask for nothing.

Tonight, the three of us ran and walked three miles. Tomorrow, they have the day off. No matter what, I am sure they will be waiting for me on Thursday morning, ready to go just a little bit further.

OK, is this cheesy? Of course. But think about it. These are the best friends you will have as the miles tick away and you have no idea if you will make it to the finish line. Have you thanked your shoes lately?

Back on the training wagon!

2011-05-30T22:36:00.003-04:00

Although I have fallen off the exercise wagon as of late, the calendar has continued to count down. We now have 121 days to go before the 1/2 marathon at Walt Disney World. And I am so far from ready.

As scary as how quickly those 121 days will fly by, that is not what is important. I am going to focus on the goal. That would be starting and finishing a 1/2 marathon in October. If you have fallen off the training wagon (or never found one to begin with) this would be a great time to start. Come join me and lets get healthy together!

Running on Empty

2011-03-16T07:17:00.000-04:00

Let me start with this statement, I am NOT a dietitian or a nutritional anthropologist. I am a regular person who has recently learned a valuable lesson. Our bodies need fuel!

OK, I am sure you are thinking that is a dumb statement. Of course we need fuel. Isn't that why we eat? But now I want you to think about how any times you have skipped lunch and said, "Oh, I can afford to miss a meal." Do you think your body agrees? I have read books that say no and talked to experts that say no. On Saturday my body screamed no. We are following a training plan that has 3 workouts a week with 2 set as timed run/walks and one as a distance run. This past Saturday we had a 4 mile workout scheduled. Let me tell you what we ate beforehand. Nothing. We had a light dinner around 8pm on Saturday, didn't drink much water, went to bed, got up on Sunday, tooled around a little, had coffee and went out at noon to run.

The outcome? It hurt. Not the little sore, knee hurts, kind of sore. The kind where you feel like your body is shutting down. Your skin hurts, you are freezing and have goosebumps in the 80 degree Florida sun and you can barely will yourself to keep moving. As I walked most of the last half of the course I had time to think about why this was so hard after 2 good workouts last week. The conclusion is that my body had no fuel to make it move. I felt like a car running on fumes. My car can't run on engine oil and brake fluid alone so why should I think my body can?

We all diet and deprive ourselves. When we should be eating more good foods we all have a tendency to just cut back on the bad and fool ourselves into thinking that we are "being good." We know that we need a certain amount of calories to function but seem to forget it when the scale is stuck. Please, find a healthy eating plan and follow it. Try this for a month. See if you don't feel better, have more energy and are safely losing weight. So many of us have reprogrammed our bodies into a constant starvation mode that it holds onto every calorie. Find a way through consistent healthy eating and multiple small meals (not 2 or 3 huge meals) to change that programming.

Do any of you have plans or diets you follow that work for you? Please share! And happy eating!!

Journal
Workout:
8pm - 2.5 miles in 30:13. Jogged the whole time. Hoping to do that again on Thursday.

Diet:
7:45am - Banana, vitamins
10:30am - 1oz trail mix
1:00pm - clam chowder, green salad
5:30pm - Mini Luna bar
9:00pm - bowl of turkey chili with cheese, tzaki sauce

Journal for Monday 3-14-11

2011-03-15T21:51:00.000-04:00

Journal
Workout:
Day off.

Diet:
7:30am - Banana, vitamins
11:00am - 1 oz trail mix
2:00m -Rice, Green beans, Picodillo (Meat, potatoes, olives)
4:30pm - Mini Luna Bar
10:00pm - Green salad with chicken, tzaki sauce

Journal for Sunday 3.13.11

2011-03-15T21:40:00.000-04:00

Journal
Workout:
Not today. Still recovering from yesterday.

Diet:
10:00am - Banana, vitamins
2:00pm - Chicken Taco Soup
6:00pm - Blueberry Chibani Yogurt
9:00pm - Salad, 3 Wings, Cheesecake

Rewards - you have earned it!

2011-03-12T10:19:00.002-05:00

OK, so I told you about setting baby goals yesterday. Today is when I suggest rewarding yourself. Yep, rewards. Those things you get when you have achieved something great or have won. If you have reached a goal, baby or grown-up, you have won. You are a winner. You deserve to be proud of yourself and enjoy it.

I am sure that some of the people (out of all 6 of you that read this blog) are the type that think you are not worthy of rewards. You think you are just doing what you are supposed to or that what you have accomplished is nothing compared to others. All I can say is that is a load of puppy poop! If everyone could lose weight, would The Biggest Loser be a hit or the weight-loss industry be a multi-billion dollar business? If everyone could jump up and walk or run for miles there would not be a gym on every corner. You have made changes that have changed you. That is awesome and you should enjoy it!

On to the rewards. I am not thinking big and crazy, just a little something to think about when you want to eat doughnuts or skip a workout. Mine include a new pair of shoes and a haircut. They can be whatever is important to you. Whatever helps you celebrate the milestones you have reached. I am setting mine based on weight loss and one on race times. Here is what I have set so far, but they may change.

Lose 5 lbs - Home mani-pedi
Lose 10 lbs - New dress (nothing crazy, just colorful)
Lose 15 lbs - New shoes
Lose 20 lbs - Cutting my hair. (My husband is a little nervous about this one!)
Run a 5K in under 30 minutes - Cute running outfit (Think I already picked one out at Walmart)

OK, so most of these have to do with clothes. I am a girl, what do you want?! And I love that my husband loves to shop with me. That is the best reward ever!

So take your goal list and write rewards next to at least some of them. Foot massage, new lipstick, date night at your favorite restaurant. It does not matter, as long as they are something that you will enjoy. One note, I am not a fan a food as a reward. When we do that it becomes one of two things. First we get so stuck on NOT being able to have that item until we "earn" it that we feel like what we are doing is a punishment. Or second, we overdo it. Food is fuel. Don't deny yourself or it becomes the center of your world. But that is another conversation.

I would love to know what you think are great little rewards. Maybe I will change mine...

Journal
Workout:
4 mile walk/run. in 54:47. Today was hard! No fuel and I felt it.

Diet:
10:00am - Cup of coffee with cream and sweetener, vitamins
2:00pm - Gyro with cucumbers, tabbouleh salad, med sprite
5:00pm - Most of a Peach Chibani yogurt. Shared with hubby.
9:00pm - Ceasar Salad, Grilled squash, Homemade Chicken Gyro
11:00pm - small bowl of mac-n-cheese, few bites of chicken

Weight:
161.0 (-4.4 lbs)

Do your goals have babies?

2011-03-11T07:24:00.000-05:00

What is a Baby Goal? These are the little stepping stones that we reach while working towards our big main goal. They are the best! Easier to reach, come more often and give us a sense of pride for how far we have come, even before we make it to the finish line. Think of them as the mile markers in a long race.

I reached one of these last night. This is not a biggie for anyone else but I am excited. On Tuesdays and Thursday's our training plan has us run/walk for 30 minutes (plus warm-up and cool down). I normally will run for 2 or 3 songs, walk a minute, run a bit, walk a bit, etc. Last night I ran the whole 30 minutes! Not a crazy fast run but a huge milestone for me.

Do you have baby goals? Beat this time and then the next time? Lose 5 lbs, then 5 more and 5 more? Say no to chocolate for a day? Then a week? Then a month? I said this next statement with big goals but it is true here just as much...

WRITE THEM DOWN!!!
And check them off. Keep track of your successes. This is your "Honey Do List" for your healthy life plan. You know how good it feels to mark items off that list?...this feels even better! Let me share mine with you so you have an idea of what I mean.

1. Finish a 5K in under 45 minutes - done 2/26/2011
2. Finish a 5K in under 40 minutes - done 3/5/2011
3. Finish a 5K in under 30 minutes
4. Lose 5 lbs
5. Lose 10 lbs
6. Lose 15 lbs
7. Run for 30 minutes without walking - done 3/10/2011
8. Run for 45 minutes without walking
9. Run for 1 hour without walking

What are your baby goals? I really do want to know. And next, what do you do when you reach them? More on that tomorrow. Happy Friday!

Journal
Workout:
Not today but a 4 mile run/walk is on the schedule for tomorrow.

Diet:
7:45am - Special K cereal with skim milk, vitamins
10:30am - 1 oz of trail mix
1:30pm - Green Salad, side of Red Beans and Rice, Mini Yogurt (2 bite sample)
4:00pm - Mini Luna Bar
8:00pm - Cheese pizza, 2 med thin crust slices.

Weight:
161.4 (-4 lbs)

Have a Plan B

2011-03-10T07:55:00.001-05:00

This morning was one of those great days that was full of opportunity. Until I opened the door, that is.

Stayed a friend's house last night and she was going to work-out with me today. We were up early, ready for the cool front that came in, music in hand and then we saw the gift from above. Rain. Now, we have run through sprinkles and even light rain. This was not light rain. This was a beautiful downpour (we live in Florida and need it so it really is beautiful) that we were not running in today.

I needed a plan B. Up and ready to workout, I found one. I have resistance bands so out they came. I will still run later but for now this will have to do.

Here are my go-to plans when the first workout plan falls through.

1. If time is the issue - Since I like to workout in the morning I have time to figure out when else in the day I can get a work-out in. Normally it is after work. I pass by my gym so there really is no excuse.

2. When location changes - My friend has dumbbells, I have resistance bands, my husband bought me the Wii Fitness. I have other options. I just need to utilize them.

3. If it is a matter of pain - Again, there are options. The gym has a pool. Not good for fat-burning but works muscles and gets your blood flowing. Plus it is great resistance.

4. Illness, exhaustion, etc - Sometimes it is OK to say that you are taking a day off. Just don't make it a habit. It is real easy to say "I will workout tomorrow" and tomorrow becomes next month. Take a 5 minute walk. Watch it turn into 10 or 20 minutes. Even a little bit of movement will make you feel better.

Having a plan B makes it so much easier to make changes in your schedule. It gives you options when life throws a curve ball.

What are some of your favorite Plan B's?

Journal for 3-10-2011
Workout:
Morning - Resistance Bands
9pm - 2.55 miles in 30 min run. Finally ran the whole 30 minutes with no walking. Not fast but still made it.

Diet:
8:30am - Banana, water, vitamins
9:30am - Oriental snack mix
1:00pm - Black bean soup, side salad
2:30pm - A little bit more of the snack mix
4:00pm - Mini Luna Bar
10:00pm - Santa Fe Chicken and Black Bean soup

Weight:
No scale at friend's house

Journal for 3-9-2011

2011-03-09T11:57:00.000-05:00

No real post today but am trying to get better about my journal.

Workout:
No workout today

Diet:
7:45am - Banana, water, vitamins
10:00am - 1oz of trail mix
1:00pm - Salad and Cold Green Bean salad
4:00pm - Mini Luna bar
7:30pm - 2 chicken soft tacos, black beans, rice
8:30pm - 2 mini Hawaiian rolls

Weight:
162.4 (-3 lbs total)

Journal for 3-8-2011

2011-03-09T11:53:00.000-05:00

No post today but yes on a journal.

Workout:
Warm-up
2.43 miles in 30 minutes of run/walking on a treadmill
Cooldown
3.05 miles total

Diet:
7:45am - Banana, water, vitamins
10:00am - 1oz of trail mix
12:00pm - All vegetable salad
3:30pm - Mini Luna bar
9:30pm - Lean Cuisine Chicken and Pasta bowl

Weight:
Not today

We Survived Disney's ESPN the Weekend 5K

2011-03-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! Today is the day after race day. Yep, we did another race. Yep, it was at Walt Disney World. And it was great!

OK, great is a post race reaction. There were moments that hurt and were difficult and we both wondered if we could do what we had set out to accomplish. Well, we did. I wanted to beat my time of last week's 5K and run a majority of the race (as opposed to walking with running spurts.) We have been following the Jeff Galloway training plan that has you running only 3 days a week. This has been great! It gives your muscles a chance to heal between runs, something we did not think about last year when we would run everyday until we HAD to take a day off from sheer exhaustion.

So last week I finished in about 40:18. I say about because it was the time off my timer. No D-tag timer for a family fun run. Here is this week...

John and I are proud of this week. We know we have far to go before the 1/2 marathon in October but this makes us both realize that we are on the right track.

Whatever you are doing, don't give up. Don't get discouraged. Life change is not supposed to be easy. I am sitting here with aching quads, sore hamstrings and a knee that has had better days. And I love it! This means the muscles worked hard. They get a few days off and then we continue. The journey has just begun...

Check out Jeff Galloway's training plans.
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/run-disney-training-consultant/

Training Day #2

2011-03-03T19:37:00.000-05:00

Not the best start to a day but nothing like a workout with your hubby to end a rough one. It is the best way to leave all the stress and crap of the day behind and focus on one goal...putting one foot in front of the other.

And don't forget, your feet don't have to move fast, just forward. Go ahead, put down the computer, set aside the remote, lace up your shoes and take a stroll around the block. If you are anything like me you will want to do it again and again.

Today's Journal

Workout:
Warm-up
2.5 miles in 30 minutes of run/walking
Cooldown

Diet:
7:45am - Banana, water, vitamins
10:00am - 1oz of trail mix
1:45pm - Salad with a grilled chicken breast
3:30pm - Mini Luna bar
9:45pm - Chicken and dressing (An actual one serving, much smaller than anyone ever thinks.)

Weight:
164.0 (-1.4lbs)

5 Good Reasons to Workout with a Friend

2011-03-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

I started my training program yesterday but I did not have to start it alone. My friend Valerie got up and went with me. She is awesome! Encouraging, fun to hang out with and even took the photo below of my first official training day for the blog. She has inspired me to share my favorite reasons to workout with a friend.

1. Accountability. If you know someone is up and waiting for you it is a lot harder to stay in your warm soft bed.

2. Company. Roads, gyms, and even living rooms (wherever you workout) seem much less lonely when your buddy is there with you.

3. Encouragement. How many times has a pat on the back or an encouraging word lifted your spirits in other areas of your life? The same is even more true when you are having trouble finding the strength to finish that last lap.

4. Competition. OK, so not everything is a race but sometimes it is fun to just see if you can beat your partner to a certain tree, or if they can catch up after you pass them. If you pass them. Childish? OK. Effective to make you both push harder? You bet!

5. Fun. Who are we kidding. If this was torture we wouldn't do it. Make it fun. Chat, goof around a little, joke about the bikini or back brace you will need when it is all said and done, whatever it takes. Just enjoy yourselves.

Now it is your turn, grab your pal and hit the road!

Training Day 1 (53 more to go)

2011-03-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

I did it. I started! Yep, I am excited about it. How many people do you know that want to change or want to try something new and never get out the door? I get to celebrate because I got out of bed, out the door, down the street and around the pond many times. Yippie!

Now for the factual journal part of the blog. This is the part I hope no one ever sees but I have to write it down.

Workout:
Warm-up
2.3 miles in 30 minutes of run/walking
Cooldown

Diet:
8:15am - Banana, 12oz G2, vitamins
10:45am - 1/2 plain bagel
1:45pm - Heart healthy wheat pasta with chicken entree, 1 C over cooked vegetables
5:00pm - 2/3 cherry muffin
10:30pm - Lean Cuisine Chicken Pot Stickers

Weight:
No scale at friend's house but yesterday was 165.4 (ick!)

How did you do today?

Goals!

2011-02-27T11:33:00.000-05:00

Do you set goals? Of course you do. We all do. But are they quantifiable and measurable? If not, then how do you know when you have achieved what you set out to do?

How many people have you heard say things like, "I want to be healthy." or, "I want to lose weight." or even, "I want to get in shape." What does that mean? How do you know when you have gotten there? To be successful, you cannot be this vague.

We all need to set defined goals. Yes, I know, with a concrete goal there is a much higher chance you will fail. OK, have you processed that fact?... Need another moment?... OK now? ... Good, then lets move on. Face it, chances are YOU WILL FAIL. Not all the times, but sometimes. Get up, dust yourself off, and try again.

Let me put my money where my mouth is (so to speak) and share my goals for the next 7 months.

1. I will complete running work outs 3 days a week.
2. I will do one official race every month. (Personally, I need something
to train for that is not too far away.)
3. I will control my diet so that I can lose 20 pounds.
4. I will run (or run/walk) the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon in
under 3 hours.
5. When I fall off the wagon, I will get back up the next day and start again.

Now that I have told you mine, what are your goals for the next few months? Have you written them down? Try it. Post them on your fridge, your bathroom mirror, or at the bottom of this site. Somewhere that you can see them and remember why you are doing what you are doing. Do this, see them everyday, and tell me it is not easier to reach them. I can't wait to see how this works for you!

New Starting Line

2011-02-27T11:14:00.000-05:00

This is my blog. It has always been sort of a dumping ground for my ramblings. That is all changing, including the name of the blog.

It has been quite some time since I posted but I have decided to use this blog as a journal. A running journal that is. That's right, my chubby butt is trying to run. Not just an open ended "I want to be a runner!" but an "I will run a half marathon in October of 2011 at Walt Disney World!" kind of runner.

Here is my checklist:

Running shoes? Check.
Training plan? courtesy of run Disney/Jeff Galloway - Check.
Supportive husband? Double check.
Athletic ability? Hmmmm...

OK, so I am no Jackie Joyner-Kersee but I have 2 legs, and they work. What else do you need? This isn't about being an Olympian. This is about setting a goal for myself and working to make it come true. My husband and I have picked at running for exactly a year now. The first 5K we ever did was at Walt Disney World last year. It was the Princess and the Frog Royal Family 5K. I was hooked. We have sort of trained and done a few more races (one included me run/walking 8 miles around 3 parks!) but I have allowed life and my own weakness to get in my way.

No more! Yesterday I did the Beauty and the Beast Royal Family 5K. I even finished in a decent time for me. If I can do that after not running for almost 3 months and then training for 2 weeks (only 6 sessions) what could I do if I actually tried and focused? I guess this is my chance to find out. Come join me over the next 17 weeks as I follow the training program. In fact, I will post the link below and you can do it with me! Please, join me at the starting line for the rest of our lives!

Jeff Galloway's training tools: http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/run-disney-training-consultant/
(I am doing the Half Marathon Training Program for Beginers)

Want to run at Walt Disney World too? http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/sports/rundisney/

What's in a name?

2009-06-20T10:21:00.000-04:00

William Shakespere wrote, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

The same is true in leadership. One of my bosses wrote me a message while discussing an internal issue that said, "There is more to leadership that a title." I did not think much about it at the time as there was so much else being discussed. A day later when that IM conversation needed to be pulled up to make sure all our i's were dotted, I re-read that line. In light of what was going on, it seemed utterly profound.

What do these names and titles mean? There are expectations and responsibilities that go along with the titles we give to and take away from one another. The president of a company should have the final say, have the company's best interest in mind, and be able to lead. The pastor of a church is to be a spiritual guide and a walking example of God's love. A mother is expected to be nurturing, gentle and be able to cure every hurt. We all know that these are ideals and often unattainable goals.

What does your title say about you? Do you define yourself by it? Who would you be if it was taken away tomorrow?

How about a child of God?
A friend?
A good parent?
A loving spouse?
A life that God thought worthy of dying for?

What title do you give yourself?

What's your dream??

2009-06-13T20:16:00.001-04:00

Following a convervastion with my weekend manager about my current work schedule (7 days a week) and my husband's dream (to work enough that I only have to work one job) my manager asked me, 'what's your dream?'

Win the lottery so neither of us have to work?

Work only the weekend job?

Find a way that the weekend job can hire me for during the week?

I don't know. I never stop long enough to dream. There is work to be done, dogs to be fed, a husband to appreciate and a house to save. I am actually at work, but as long as phones get answered and everyone is greeted all is good... but, now that I have stopped for a minute to think about it, what is my dream...

Work somewhere I love doing something I love.
Getting my husband back to Disney. He is happiest when close to Mickey Mouse.
Raise a family.
Serve God by serving his children.
Finding my lost relationship with God.
Reconnecting with lost friends.
Learning Spanish.
Taking a vacation with mu husband.

I could go on but we could be here all night and I have to get ready to head home, feed the dogs, see my husband and sleep so I can be back at work at 9am tomorrow. Sunday is my day to sleep in!!

What is your dream??

Relevant Relationships: Once in a While Friends

2009-04-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

On to those I was to shallow to realize how well I did not know.

One example should do it. This is where many of us often fall in this business of traveling, working events and occasionally seeing the same people year after year for a day or two at a time. We chat for a minute, hug, and are grateful they made it one more year. They are our “event friends and family” for a week at a time. We start up where we left off, catch up a little and then move on until next year.

Hello next year!

Before this conference I was informed that I would have a roommate this year. Very odd as I am normally the only female on an all male crew but we have combined forces with the host of the event so there are more ladies in the mix.

So, I arrived at the hotel around 10:30 last night local time. My roommate is a woman that I knew and was excited to find out I rooming with. She had tried to stay up to greet me but had fallen asleep with the TV on long before I arrived. Still, some how, she woke herself up enough to say hi and sort of chat for a few minutes. Few minutes turned into 1 ½ hours and I knew her better, loved her more and hated myself for having not known what her last few years had been like.

We saw each other for a few minutes at half a dozen conferences over the years and I would always be happy to see her. I thought I knew a few things and that is exactly what I knew. A few insignificant nuggets. In that short time as we both lay, jet lagged, in hotel beds, I learned about her recent struggles and the truth behind her brave face and constant smile. My admiration for her talent has evolved into utter respect for her strength and a deep desire to grow our friendship. This is a woman who has turned pain into knowledge, adversity into opportunity and has found windows to climb through when doors have slammed shut. What a blessing and an almost missed opportunity. She is a role model for strength and character.

Who around you do you “think” you know. What can you learn from them? How can you turn those “once in a while friends” into the relationships that God will bless you through?

Relevant Relationships: The Old Employer

2009-04-14T14:08:00.000-04:00

This week has been a huge eye opening experience into my own lack of depth in relationships. Mind you, I have always been a bit of a “fall off the face of the earth” person. You spend your life with those around you and since I moved a lot in my college, post college, starting my career, early marriage section of life (about ages 19 to, well, last Thanksgiving), it was a survival technique. I needed to spend time with those around me and the long distance relationships kind of took a back seat. It didn’t mean that I loved those individuals any less but we would just not talk for months. With some people we would pick up where we left off and others couldn’t take it and the relationship suffered.

This week has included spending time with an old employer, people I considered friends, but now realize I never knew, new relationships, realizing what a gem my husband is, and the finishing of The Shack by Wm. Paul Young.

The Employer:

My old boss asked me almost a year ago to help with a worship conference in California. I love this stuff. It is one of the few times I feel like I am using the interest and knowledge God has given me for His purpose. The boss is pretty great too. This is the man that gave me a job on nothing more than my persistence and willingness to learn. This was around end of 2004, I think. I ended up being with that company for almost three years, only leaving because I got married to my best friend who happened to be taking a position 6 hours away. Don’t get me wrong, job was awesome but this was my husband. My ministry is to support his. More on this later

I have realized how lucky I am to still be a part of this company and in this persons circle. Since “leaving” I have taken day jobs for Paul’s company, worked conferences, spent 3 months working from Tampa when the office manager in Atlanta suddenly quit, learned how to do video shoots, and done emergency service calls with 10 minutes notice. Why? Because I see in this man 4 qualities that inspire me to walk through fire with a water pistol with him if he asked. And they are:

1. He is ever evolving, always learning, always reading and constantly looking for the next way to improve his skills, his company and his person.

2. He forgets the bad. Why waste time remembering it.

3. Is encouraging and supportive to his employees. Why tear down those whose job is to make you look better?

4. Loyal to his own detriment. Will bend over backwards to take care of clients, friends and whoever else needs it.

Is your boss like this? Would you travel across the country because they said they needed you? Would they say they needed you? What does that relationship look like on your end?

What are other ways you know you have a great boss?

Out of sight, out of mind...

2009-03-28T09:22:00.000-04:00

OK, so let me explain this photo. Near our home there is a shopping center with a hardware store, a few doctor's offices, a discount department store, a freestanding Waffle House and a few other restaurants including the world's great chinese take-out. The center decorates for Christmas, as do many public places. The hang stockings and Christmas tress on the light posts and call it festive. That is great in December.

It is now almost April.

This is the last decoration hanging. It is tucked off to one side of the center, behind the Waffle House and blocked from the parking lot by palm trees. Very easy to miss when taking down the rest. No one will see it. Out of sight, out of mind.

But, from the street it is clear as can be. For all who drive by to see. 3 months after Christmas.

How often do we feel this way? If I hide the mess in the closet, the house will be "clean." I can put the papers in a drawer and deal with them later. Just shut the blinds and the collection of rusty tools doesn't exist. All that is well and good, look around my house and you will see these are not guesses. But, what about when we try to hide who we are? Does noone know that you envy your friend's pretty wife or your neighbor's expensive car? Nobody sees the desires you have when on the internet? They can't hear the comments you make to yourself about someone you don't like? These are the things that we feel are natural and human. As long as we don't act on them, we are OK, right? Out of sight, out of mind. Right?

God knows. God sees. God hears.

"Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their work in darkness and think, “Who sees us? Who will know?" - Isaiah 29:15

This is not a judgement, it is an observation of my own life that I am sharing with you. God knows the launguage I use when at my job. What about my frustration whe driving behind someone I think is too slow? Or the odservations that pop in my head when a fashion tradegy walks by at the mall? As long as I don't say bad things in front of my "God" friends I am OK, right?

Wrong. God formed us and can see our shortcomings and flaws even when the rest of the world is blocked from them. He knows, that is the bad news. He knows these things and still loves us, that is the good news. It is now my job to live, knowing that God is there, so that one day He will be proud to call me His. I must take down my own stockings, no matter who else sees them.

What stockings do you think you are hiding from God?

The Bacon Explosion!!

2009-02-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

OK, so first let me say to the 3 people who read this, I'm sorry. I fell off the face of the earth. I will attempt to stay on the crust of previously mentioned planet for as long as possible.

On to the point of said post...The Bacon Explosion!!!!!!!

SO... What is a Bacon Explosion you may ask? In short, it is pork, rolled up in pork, wrapped in pork with bbq rub and bbq sauce baked for hours. Intriqued?? We were two when we found this on the internet (the springboard to fame for all crazy ideas that rock!) and even more so when BBQ Addicts made it on Fox and Friends. A few people were coing over for the big game so we figured, why not! Here it is...

First, lattice your bacon into a tight weave and add BBQ rub...

Then, spread out your 2 lbs of sausage and top with cooked, chopped bacon and BBQ sauce. We used a mix of sauces.

Roll up the sausage...

And wrap it all in the bacon lattice and cover in more BBQ sauce and seasonings...

Finally, bake it until done.

What do you think?? It was delicious but we will only make this once or twice a year. One slice is more than enough.

Here is the link for the official recipie. Enjoy the cardiac unit!!

http://www.bbqaddicts.com/bacon-explosion.html

Life is always full of suprises.....

2008-07-13T23:05:00.000-04:00

Just a quick look at how funny God can be... I was asked to manage a booth for my old company at a worship music conference for 2 days this past week.

Quick explanation:
Booth- Table with products, brochures, and other paraphanelia from the company.
The old company- A wonderful audio/visual company that I would walk through fire for anyone related to it.
Worship Music Conference- 2 days of publishers presenting new and newly arranged choir music to worship ministers

OK, back to the moment at hand. I walked into the building where the conference was held and had a starnge moment of de ja vu. You see, about 5 years ago I walked into this building with my dear friend Bob (and founder of our media team - I was the second member, but that is another blog) and many other members of our church including the band and worship minister. We were attending a "How to run audio in church for people who don't know how to run audio" seminar. It was being run by this company located in northern Atlanta. They were very nice and very helpful and was just the type of company I was looking to work with...hmmm.

Through many e-mails and a few calls I started working with PDH Systems. 5 years later I find myself back in the same hal (it looks much smaller) working for PDH. I left the state but still worked when I could and now I am back and would still do whatever they need. Life has a funny way of coming full circle. Do you ever feel like that???

... I wonder what God's next funny little little moment will be.

Sunday Night Replay...

2008-06-23T00:26:00.000-04:00

Have 3 weeks really gone by? Feels more like somewhere between 1 day and 10 years!

OK, now on to today.

Have you ever left church (or work) and felt like you thought your head would explode from the recent events? How about later when it started to turn into, "that wasn't so bad" and finally into "what the heck happened today?" Welcome to our day.

I must say "our" since my husband John had one of those days too. Can we say, "all around chaos?" I'm sorry, how about "look at all these opportunities to serve our community better!" Is that better? Let me explain.

Today began as the week had ended. We were all concerned about volunteers. Combining volunteer slots that hadn't been filled, volunteers cancelling, and volunteers not showing up, we came up with an equation that sounded something like this...

Volunteer opportunities (minus) actual volunteers (plus) last minute issues (equals)...

chinese food for dinner.

Make sense? It does in our house. It's that "new new math."

How about the highlights (and a few lowlights for balance):

-Pasor is in Savannah for a wedding. No problem, summer is a little slow and the message is on a DVD.

-Uh oh, summer is slow. For volunteers also.

-Message on a DVD is great...unless the DVD dies 5 minutes into a 25 minute message.

-And then my husband (can you feel the pride) pulls a God-breathed message out of his cute little backside. And what a message it was. Or so I heard...

-Kids Church - our projector died. How will we watch our video message? How about on the floor, on a laptop, where we can all hear and see each other? Sounds good to me.

-Thank you to four of the greatest volunteers in the world. They did what was needed, what was asked, and what worked. And their kids helped!!!

-On a frustrating note, I still struggle with those volunteers that tick off what they have already done to justify leaving a need unfilled. Why do we all do this?

-I went against a direct order from the pastor. And if I had it to do all over again I would. We are where we are because he trusts us to do the best with what we have. That was today.

Add in washing the dog and spending a few late hours at the office and there you have it. Until tomorrow...

Sunday night replay...

2008-06-01T23:12:00.000-04:00

Yeah!! It is Sunday evening. That means that my first day of leading the children's ministry is over. I actually only had to take care of the 1st-5th graders as the previous leader had arranged for volunteers for the rest of the areas. That was a blessing as I don't think I could have pulled it all together myself.

There were some great highlights today...

We started the "One Prayer" series this week. 5 weeks on the importance and strength of prayer. I am so excited.
Joseph, the volunteer, was on today. He is great with the kids and was a huge help!!
We actually sang and danced to worship. I had my concerns that the songs wouldn't be well received but they kids were great.
Glitter. How can it be a bad day with glitter?!?
We all prayed for what was most important to us. Family, the homeless, friends to know Jesus... all prayers by the kids.
Wrestling pay-per-view with husband and friends. Wings, mac-n-cheese, and good friends. Seems like old times.

I think that about covers it. I did get a call this morning from a good friend in Tampa. She has had the worst last few weeks and yet she called us to let us know she was thinking of us. I have never felt so humbled and loved. Good note to end the day on.

Don't look back...

2008-05-31T23:31:00.000-04:00

How many times have we heard this phrase. It is used when we are dumped, when you pass a bad accident and even when you don't want to show how interested you are in that cute person you just walked by. My husband and I have heard this phrase many times in the past month since we moved from Florida to Georgia. His best friend said it when we started in a conversation about how upset we were to have to move. Our new pastor advised us this when anything was said about how different the new church is from the old. We have even said it to each other in trying to make the loss of our beloved house, friends and Tampa easier to stomach.

Let me digress for a moment. We, my husband and I, can be a little stubborn sometimes and even downright dense on occasion. God knows this. He knows that most subtlety is lost on us. You have heard of "the writing on the wall?" We need it in block letters and addressed to personally to us.

So, here I am, getting ready to leave a 2 day trip back to Florida for a family vacation when God sends me one of these crystal clear notes. I have just gotten on the road, heading towards Georgia, and I reach to adjust my rear-view mirror. Very simple procedure. Done every day all around the world. What could go wrong? This...

That's right. The mirror fell off the windshield into my hand.

It only took a moment to get the point. How can I look back when I can't see it. All I can do now is focus on where I am going. All that being said, this feels like a good week to do just that. Look forward, towards all the possibilities that lie ahead. The past has brought me to this point, but I cannot live there.

How about you? Where is your focus?

A picture is worth a thousand words...

2008-05-28T21:26:00.000-04:00

Or a couple hundred zzzz's. This poor unknown dad has just about had enough of the "happiest place on earth," don't you think??

Happy napping!

The Two sides of Disney World

2008-05-28T10:35:00.000-04:00

This has been an interesting week. I have had the chance to spend a few days with my cousin and her family (husband and 2 little girls) at Walt Disney World. Normally, my husband and I would come over for a day (when we lived in Tampa) and park hop, see the shows, ride our favorite rides, and leave when we were done. That is side 1 to Disney. It includes snuggling on the top level of the ferry to the Magic Kingdom, stealing a kiss in line for the Rockin' Roller Coaster, and feeling sorry for the parents who's children are having a Mickey Meltdown in the middle of a crowded park. We were free to see what we wanted and to do as we wished.

Now, add a 3 1/2 year old and a 6 year old. Yesterday I saw Disney through the eyes of a child getting to hug a princess while she herself was dressed all in poofy layers. I listened to the squeals of joy as my oldest niece rode Space Mountain, and LOVED it. I sympathized as my cousin in law tried to reason with a 3 year old having a Mickey Meltdown. And I sat in awe at the this wonderful family sharing their precious memories with Aunt Sarah. This was side 2 to Disney. The snuggling on the ferry was now a father and daughter and the kisses were from mommy to a skinned knee. Two very different experiences and both wonderful. And it is only day 2!

Sunday night reflection...

2008-05-25T22:19:00.000-04:00

You want me to what???

OK, let me start this way. I love kids. I love to babysit, I have worked at a daycare, I have awesome nieces and nephews. I love to play with them, watch them learn about the world around them and listen to them giggle. I LOVE the giggling.

All that being said, this weeks begins one of the scariest adventures I have ever partaken. I am taking over the Children's Ministry at StonePoint Church, where my husband John is the new Connections Pastor. The current (for a few more days) Children's Director is a college student who is moving on to be a part-time Middle School Girls Ministry Leader at a local church. Today was the day that the announcement was made and next Sunday will be her last. She will be missed and the kids love her. Just like Paul, she is off to continue her ministry.

So, here I am. Stepping in to lead a wonderful group of volunteers who don't know me from Eve, after all, we have been here for three weeks. Stepping in to provide curriculum... Oh heavens! Stepping in to provide guidance to new volunteers, although I don't even know where everything is. Stepping in to care for and protect the future of our little corner of the kingdom...

Wait, I can do that part. That comes out of love. I know I love them already. Even the ones I haven't met. Jesus loves me and I know who I am. These are children, who haven't even had the chance to be as unlovable as I am, and I am still loved. It is my job to show that love to all I encounter. Of course that includes the children.

OK, I got that out of the way. What else was there...? Well, the volunteers will get to know me. Between phone calls, e-mails, Sunday mornings, home groups, and some out-of-context fellow-shipping, we will laugh, cry, fuss, fight and become family. The curriculum is covered by Group.com and Kidmo so why would I even begin to worry. As for what is not known, the current volunteers are an invaluable resource. If I don't ask, that is my fault. And our pastor has been great and nothing but encouraging. And the current director has promised to be available.

So, they want me to what???

OK, when do I start?!!

When God closes a door...

2008-05-04T20:38:00.000-04:00

We have almost all heard this one. When God closes a door, He opens a window. I disagree. Who wants to climb through a window to continue the path you were on? What happened to back doors and the next door down the road?

This week, I have seen this thought live itself out in two ways. Since my husband, a former worship pastor and now an associate pastor, can only hear this thought process so many times, I will share it. Here is what came to mind as we drove to our new home. First…

“…He gives someone else the key.” My husband and I have recently left our beloved house in Wesley Chapel, FL. This was our dream home. Open floorplan, great kitchern, and a backyard that was not huge but backed up to a retention pond and wetlands. It had been described by a dear friend as “just comfortable,” a huge compliment to us. We have moved north to Georgia to continue John’s ministry and have rented our home to dear friends from church. They love our home almost as much as we do and I know will take good care of it. I am sure they will change this and that (paint, shelves, carpet…) but that is what you must do to make it yours. Their two beautiful girls have their rooms and they will no longer be known as the “grandma bedroom” and “John’s closet” and that is OK. This house was blessed by our friends and anointed with oil on the day we moved into it be a sanctuary and a place of ministry. I am sure that Tracy, Keith, Grace and Emily will continue that ministry of love and friendship.

Second…

“… He gives you a new one.” Here, in Newnan, GA, is the new door. It leads to a townhome off the main drag just a hop, skip, and jump from John’s new church. The floorplan is a little more structured, the kitchen is still great and the yard is, well, sorry Molly. But, it is just fine for a young couple with only a Basset hound and a Siamese cat to call home. Our ministry called us here and who are we to argue with God. We will make this home ours and have already started with shelves and a lighting fixture in the storage closet. We have the beginnings of wonderful friendships and are closer to family on both sides. We have already struggled with how the furniture will be arranged (should it ever get here but that is another story) to best accommodate fellowship. We set aside a room to entertain friends’ children and look forward to maybe having our own in the house. It is smaller so we’re able to save a little to put to good use for the kingdom. I am sure that we will look back someday and have fond memories of our time spent in this home and the love that came through the door with every friend.