I did it!--Again!

Saturday I finished my 3rd half marathon! It was a great experience and it felt good to prove that I could once again run 13 miles straight. Even better, I got to run in my home town with sites that are near and dear to me. So what's in store? Who knows! I will probably run another in the near future but I'm not in any rush either.

For now I'm just proud that I can do hard things. And know that when I'm determined enough, I can accomplish almost anything. Go me!

And while it was "snowing"...

This trip is officially happening...A dream come true! Coming soon June 2013. Can't wait!

The "blizzard" of 2013

This is what got me a day off of work on Wednesday...

I'll take it! #slushquester #perksoflivingontheeastcoast #dcoverreacts

 

three cheers for the old guy

I've always had a tender spot in my heart for old people. When I was a kid, my family and I ventured out to one of our favorite dinner spots, The Hickory Pit in good ole' Oakland, CA. Ok, maybe it was just one of my favorite places. They had good chocolate silk pie, what can I say? Back to the pit. This restaurant was located near a retirement home and  many old people got lunch there. Often I observed all of these old people eating their ribs, baked potatoes, and coleslaw. Sometimes they were alone and sometimes they were with other old folk. Nonetheless, as I watched them, I often teared up. I wondered if they were lonely, if they had family close by, and if they were happy.

All of it is really sappy, I do realize this, but then again it's me, so what do you expect? Stay with me.

That tender spot still exists. After work, I go on my 3-4 mile runs and sometimes I see this old man on my street walk along with his cane. He's bundled up in his winter gear proudly displaying his redskins beanie. I often think how this man has so much determination to walk even when he's so old and even though he barely moves an inch. With his trusty cane, he is outside making his way up and down the hill of our house without fail.

Today was no different. I saw the old guy, my eyes swelled with tears, and I had an epiphany.

It doesn't matter how fast or slow we go, it's just that we keep on trying.

It's nothing new or monumental but it struck me how much the Lord loves this old man and that he's proud of him for taking another small step in the frigid cold. It made me remember how much the Lord loves me and that he's proud of me for still trying. Sometimes I want to give up. Sometimes I wonder why my life track may be slower than others, but I still try. And he's cheering for me because I do. Just like he cheers for the old guy. Hip, hip, hooray!

The end.

RIP Matthew Crawley

I knew it was happening. I mean, my sister did send me the link to the article that Dan Stevens, otherwise known as Matthew Crawley wasn't coming  back to the show before the first episode even premiered. I was prepared for this moment, to say the least.

But I can't help it. The last 2 minutes of the final season 3 episode of Downton Abbey I cried, yelled, grunted and many other unearthly noises were heard. I'm just sad that Matthew, the one character that I really liked from Downton is now gone. Oh well, at least we know he loved Mary forever...bleh.

So here's to you, Matthew.  I miss you already.

Celebrating love in all of its forms.

Happy Valentine's Day! I have to keep with tradition as this is my 5th year of writing on Valentine's Day. I don't really have anything substantial to say except that this year I am celebrating love in all of its various forms. 

Here are a few things that I love right now:

1. Talking to this group of 3-4 girls in my 4th period class about the latest Downton Abbey episode. Priceless.

2. Dressing up as a flapper at school to celebrate the Roaring 20s and dancing to the Charleston.

3. Growing my hair out and wearing red lipstick. See recent profile pic.

4. Living in DC. I have been here for almost 4 years and this city steals my heart. I love the monuments, history, museums, culture, and beauty. I am so blessed.

5. On that same token, having so many friends who I readily rely on. I love going to a gathering and catching up with someone that I have known since birth (shout out to S-dog) then chatting it up with my old mission pals, then reminiscing about the BYU days with some wardees. I have an incredible support system. Thank you all for being my friend!

6. Embracing the bull by its horns. I feel so empowered in my life to become my best self, to be happy in the present, and to embrace opportunities that come my way.

7. My family and their enduring and eternal love. I don't always talk with them, but I think of them often and love them so much.

8. Reading and becoming more cultured. Ok, so I've only really read 2.5 books lately but the culture is starting to flow...

9. Salads with pears, feta cheese, golden raisins, and poppy seed dressing.

10. The overwhelming feeling that the Lord loves me, He has my back, and he is orchestrating some great things in the near future.

What do you love right now? (Audience participation appreciated!)

The January un-funk

In the past I have posted about the midwinter funk that I find myself in come the New Year. Just see here and here for some "for realsies" examples. It normally happens that I feel bored, depressed, sad, pathetic, untalented or any other melancholy thought in the midst of winter gloom. But this year has been different so far (who knows, the winter can be long and come February things can change).

So why has this year been different? I think because I have formulated my most recent mantra. You know I'm full of them. Here it is:

Control the Controllables

As I've come to focus on the things that I can control I have gained so much peace. Life is still hard and things are not always what I want them to be. But there are things I can control. This month I have focused on training for my half marathon, spending quality time with friends, reading some good literature, letting go of things I can't control at work, eating better, and embracing January for what it is: a cold, lazy,
nothing-too-exciting-month. As a result, I have been happy. I also know that I have power to change my circumstances. I am an agent unto myself. I can be anxiously engaged in lots of good causes (yes, I'm paraphrasing some D&C in here). I choose to be happy each day. And I can choose to trust the Lord.

So if you're having one of those days or funks, here's my advice: Set goals and embrace the things you can control. You'll be happier. I hope I can remember that come Valentine's Day! :)