Sunday, April 4, 2010

New Beginnings

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

Today was a beginning of a new chapter, for me, of sorts - I was baptized! It was an incredible experience that I was blessed enough to share with my sister (my bff), my brother-in-law, and my nephews Brady and Masen (double-gift getting to watch the boys be baptized). It has been something that I have always wanted to do, but my fear of water has always kept me from it, which sounds so ridiculous when I write it, or say it out loud. Talk about letting the devil dictate something to you. Thankfully, Dawnie set everything in motion and finally I did it! And it feels GREAT! My Lord is always there for me and as this next chapter on my life begins...well, only the Lord knows what will come next. I am excited and thankful that I can turn it over to Him and He will direct me. How refreshing!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

My first 10K...well kind of...

Yesterday, I completed my first 10K.....well sort of.... I walked a big portion of it, but I finished it, which I think is the important part. But, it made me ask, "How do people actually get to the point where they can run six miles, or 13.2 for a half marathon, or 26 for a marathon?" Can I really do this? But, I feel like I need to keep working towards this goal. The easiest thing to do would be to say that running isn't for me and move on to something else. But, I don't want to quit. I want to have the satisfaction of starting out at something, not being good at it at all (ahhh...yes, flashbacks to high school and being horrible, HORRIBLE at cheerleading), but working hard and getting the satisfaction of becoming capable, becoming -dare one say- good at it. Do others get to the point where it is easier to say forget it and move on and not get the satisfaction of achieving the goal, or is it just me? I think that somewhere along the way, I have lost a bit of my "fight" or my "try." Maybe continuing to work towards my goal of running will help me rediscover that girl that worked so hard to make the cheerleading squad. I will keep you posted.

On a different note. London's Run was wonderful. It was incredible seeing so many people come together for such a wonderful cause, to see such unity and community support. The organizers of London's Run do an incredible job. It is a positive, uplifting experience and I am honored that I was part of Team Natalie. I am already looking forward to next year.

Blessings to you!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Ahhh....frustration...

Well friends, my attempt to start running and training for my first 10K, was sidelined on day 2. Needless to say, I am so frustrated. I started my training program this past Monday...I was so excited, it went so well. I am using a training application that I downloaded on my iPhone, and it is great. On Tuesday, I was ready for day 2 of my training. I headed out and am on my merry way and my foot and ankle start hurting. I finished my run/walk, going three miles, but was unable to train on Wednesday and have been sidelined, pretty much, since then.

Here is my question, to my running friends....what do you think caused this? I didn't twist my ankle or anything like that....and what are your recommendations to get back on my feet, or should I say foot.

Until next time...I hope that you are having success with your new years goals.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Traditions

Good morning,

As I get ready to make my grocery list, for New Year's Day, it made me think of family traditions....My Nan used to make black-eyed peas every new years day. You may be thinking, black eyed peas? Why? New Year's Day black eyed peas is a southern tradition; the black eyed peas are supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. I have had several people ask me, throughout the years, if I believe that black eyed peas really bring luck and prosperity and my response has always been...I am not going to tempt fate and not eat them...it can always be worse!

But in reality, I think the reason I continue to eat black eyed peas, every new years day, is that it is a tradition that was instilled in me from childhood. We lose so many things about young selves as we grow older, this is a little snippet that I can keep tucked away and bring out once a year. There is something in getting my pot of peas ready and the making of the cornbread that transforms me back to a different time and place. It brings me the hope of tomorrow, while thinking of years past...yes, I get all that from a pot of black eyed peas. I love traditions and sharing them with others.

What are some of your traditions? Let's make this a year of continuing traditions of years past and creating new traditions for the future. Wouldn't that be a wonderful gift! Until the next time....

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Good morning! This is my first attempt at blogging. I always enjoy reading other peoples blogs; their thoughts, what is going on in their lives, their children's lives, what they are aspiring to...so, I thought to myself, perhaps someone my be interested in what is going on with me as well.

Although I enjoy the holidays, I am always so thankful when they come to a conclusion. The end of the holidays, for me, brings me new inspiration, new energy, a sense of closure and that feeling of unlimited possibilities. What is next??? The excitement is building.

I am hoping that this blog will help me to achieve some of the goals I have always wanted to do, but for some reason, never seem to accomplish. I am hoping that by putting my thoughts and ideas out into the "bloggisphere," I will be more committed to them and actually follow through!

In 2010, I will be turning 45 years old....it is hard to believe for me. I think this is what people call middle age, much to my dismay (although as my sister always reminds me, the alternative is pretty grim). With that being said, it is time to start living life to the fullest and doing what is important to me. I recently went back on Weight Watcher's. To date, I have lost 10 lbs. Only 25 left to lose, but at least I started and have survived the holidays. One of my next goals I am planning on focusing on this year, is running. I want to become a runner. Now, God did not bless me with a runner's body. Most of you know me and my physicque, so you know what I am talking about...short legs, a bit on the busty side...I do not scream runner when you look at me. So, this will be a bit of a challenge. But, I know that I can do it. By the end of 2010, my goal is to run a half marathon....will I do it, only time will tell.

What are some of your goals for 2010 my friends? Let's work on them together...whether near or far, we can support each other and encourage each other to achieve our wildest dreams and our loftiest goals. I can't wait to hear from you....until my next blog, here is the healthy living, loving life, and enjoying the day. Blessings....