13 May
Well, folks. This year is the year. I will be doing something I’ve always wanted to do: a triathlon…a sprint triathlon. I’m also considering doing my second half-marathon. I just had so much fun last year. I start my training this week. Wish me luck!
What have you always wanted to do? Make this year, the year…
1 May
Have you ever thought, “If I was able to travel more and see more, my life would be different, better.”? Or maybe you have experienced life-changing adventures across the globe, and now you think you can achieve those feelings of ecstasy again only if you go far from home. I have often had these thoughts, but this weekend, on my drive from North Carolina to Florida, I realized short trips and even simple commutes can be just as impacting on my life as extended exertions to far-off destinations. I believe our lives can be different and better, and we can experience those feelings of youth, connectedness, and fulfillment everyday even if we don’t have the opportunities to travel as much, as far, or as often as we’d like.
My 3-day road trip included stops in Chattanooga, Tennessee to see a friend; Birmingham, Alabama to climb at Moss Rock Preserve; Pensacola, Florida for a wedding and to visit my parents; and Brevard, North Carolina to see the Looking Glass Falls in the Pisgah National Forest (after getting lost for a couple hours in the backwoods of the North Carolina mountains). I traveled alone, listening to audio books and music along the way. I felt as if I was on a journey of self-discovery.
“I felt as if I was on a journey of self-discovery.” Isn’t that the feeling that makes traveling so rewarding and unforgettable, leaving us on a quest to find the same awareness again? I discovered this weekend I feel most alive while traveling, because I am not concerned with my past or my future in those moments. I am interested only in what is happening around me now: sounds, food, people, nature, coincidences. Absorbing everything in my direct path. I believe this is the key to experiencing the feeling of fullness not only on extended vacations but also on our way to work or on a quick weekend trip. Live your life as a traveler…seeking adventure by living in the present every day, every where you go.
via absolutely beautiful things (Anyone know the artist?)
17 Apr
Henry is the adorable 2-year-old boy I nanny. He loves cars, especially Lightning McQueen, firetrucks, and diggers. He has the funniest laugh out of any kid I know. His father, Aaron Vandemark, is the award-winning chef and owner of Panciuto, a fine dining Italian restaurant in Hillsborough, North Carolina, so it is no surprise that Henry eats the best meals a 2-year-old has ever been served: soft shell crab from Harper’s Island, duck and sweet potato ravioli, and sauteed asparagus drizzled with olive oil. Nonetheless, like any other two-year-old, he also loves ham and cheese sandwiches, yogurt, pickles, popcorn, and chocolate.
Read more about and see more pictures of Henry after the jump…
16 Apr
Do you ever wonder about people’s secret talents, hobbies, pet peeves, or other idiosyncrasies that never come up in conversation because they’re either too random, not brag-worthy, or just forgotten? If someone unexpectedly asks you to give a trivia answer about yourself, what would you say? Is your middle name uncommon? Can you do a front flip? Do you only brush your teeth in the morning?
Here are a few of my own (Don’t judge!)…
More of my secrets after the jump!
8 Apr
You may have read on this post that I gave up all beverages except water for 40 days as a part of blood: water mission‘s Forty Days of Water campaign. Well today ends the 40 days, and I am enjoying it with stove-top espresso! Instead of drinking coffee, juice, soda, beer, and all the other beverages I love, I drank only water for 40 days and donated the money I would’ve spent on drinks to blood: water mission who assists in bringing clean drinking water to our neighbors in Africa. I donated a total of $260 and now have a new found love for water (which has never been my beverage of choice).
Like any challenge or change we face in life, it was a hard battle at first, but, eventually, I evolved and grew, and then, it wasn’t so bad. In fact, I truly feel it left me better…
Did you participate in Forty Days of Water, lent, or any other fast? How did it go?
13 Mar
Motivational by Calamari Studio
I’m back from my Florida trip, and my race went better than expected. I ran the whole course and clocked in at an hour and forty minutes. I LOVE races! I never would’ve thought those words would fall from my lips, but the energy, motivation, and sense of accomplishment I gain after finishing a race is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. With thousands of people running with you and the massive crowds of folks cheering you on along the way, it’s hard not to enjoy running! I’ve decided to do one race a month this year from 5K’s up to a half marathon. While in Florida, I also got to spend time with family and friends, visit my college campus (which has EXPLODED in the past 5 years!), and take a quick trip down to Cocoa Beach. I, surprisingly, learned a lot about myself and found closure in some areas of my life. I love how traveling can bring you to a new level of awareness and connectivity. Have you ever experienced this on any of your travels?
If you’re looking for an adventure, check out Venture Expeditions.
Venture Expeditions is this amazing organization that links athletes with humanitarian organizations by providing group trips that focus on a specific cause. Whether you bike, run, or hike, you can find amazing opportunities to “Benefit the world. Discover your soul.”
22 Feb
Have you ever fasted? For Lent or otherwise? I’ve done several fasts in the past…some fasts from food, Facebook, soda, etc…and I’ve always been blessed by the results: deeper fellowship with God and man, higher spiritual connection, healthier body, clearer mind, and greater self-confidence. I had no intentions whatsoever to do a fast for Lent this year, but this evening thought, “Why wouldn’t I?” A silly thought maybe but having not fasted in several years, knowing the benefits of fasting, and wanting to deepen my relationship and fellowship with God…seriously, why wouldn’t I? The best reason I could come up with for not doing it was, “It’s going to be hard!” And…yes…it will be…but sometimes the hardest things we go through are the best things for us.
In my bio on my About page, it clearly states I am addicted to coffee, which, I am. I also enjoy juice, hot tea, and beer…all of them pretty much daily. I rarely drink water. I know. Awful! It’s just never tasted, well, sugary to me! So, in an effort to give myself the absolutely hardest challenge possible, I’ve decided to join some friends of mine and give up all beverages except water starting now until April 7th.
I’m joining blood: water mission in the Forty Days of Water campaign. Instead of buying coffee, juice, soda, beer, and all the other beverages I drink daily, I will drink water and donate the money I would’ve spent to help bring clean drinking water to my neighbors in Africa.
You can follow my progress and support my 40 day fast by donating to blood: water mission through My Profile page.
Are you fasting for Lent? If so, from what? What are your views on fasting? “It’s awesome!” or “What’s the point?!” I love to know your thoughts…
Forty Days of Water – 2012 from Blood:Water Mission on Vimeo.
Lira, Uganda from Blood:Water Mission on Vimeo.
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