A Good Place.

Anyone else feel like 2013 is flying by?  It’s almost JUNE!  I head out Thursday evening for Memorial Day weekend with one of my favorite people in Salt Lake City and as I began making a packing list I thought – good grief, it’s already Memorial Day!  For me this has been a big year already – new job, Africa trip, new cities, new states, lots of travels, lots of changes both big and small.  But even with all that has already happened this year I’m surprised to say this year still feels like it has flown by.

I’ve shared in a few previous posts that I spent much of this past fall deciding what I wanted this year to look like.  I had been listening to what the Lord was telling me and I knew this would be a year of change.  I wanted to make sure I didn’t let this year slip away without accomplishing my goals.  I knew this year would require that I be intentional.  So, I wrote them out as always but this time I made a plan to meet with my accountability partner over a cup of coffee and report in on my progress. 

I have 11 goals on my list for this year and I have completed 5 now.  I’m not ready to tell you all of my goals yet but I will tell you about four that are checked off…

Travel to one new place.  Well, I’ve accomplished this once already (oh Austin, Texas how I loved you) but I’m headed this weekend to check another city/state off the list in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Choose/begin new job.  I don’t know how much I shared about this previously but going into the Christmas break I had a few job offers and I felt the Lord was leading me into something new but I just couldn’t quite put my finger on what that might be.  I turned them all down in early January when I returned, feeling as though the Lord was telling my to be still and wait for his leading.  Three months later I would start my job here at the church and I have felt the Lord confirm over and over that this is what He had for me all along.

Missions trip.  I completed this one early on with a trip to Togo in West Africa.  It was amazing. I could have done without the whole food poisoning thing but honestly, I’m anxious to plan my next one already.

Lead a bible study.  I just finished a semester and I’ve decided to go ahead and lead one for the summer as well.  This has been such a sweet, sweet time with girls I have grown to love.  Definitely a worthwhile goal for the list.

I should probably say that many of the remaining goals are in progress.  I’m reading through the bible in a year with several of my friends and I’m on track with that but of course I won’t be finishing that til the end of the year.  One of my goals involves weight loss and I’m on my way but I haven’t completed it just yet.  Two of my goals are financial and I’ve made big strides towards those but they will likely take til late in the year to be checked off.  I’m 28 books into my 80 book reading goal for this year as well for those of you not keeping up with my on Goodreads.

But most of all as I think about how this year has gone and where I am in my goals – I’m just thankful to be in a good place.  I am humbled by the Lord’s guidance, provision, and overflowing blessings.  He has been so good and so faithful.  I continued to be wow’d and truthfully – I’m having a blast!

Love,

B

In House Business.

First off, I want to celebrate that my blog hit 30,000 views over the weekend! That's a pretty big milestone and I was thrilled about it. So thank you to all my readers from the bottom of my heart, it's nice to know that what I write, gets read. So, use this as your excuse to eat dessert today- we're celebrating!

I had a great time in South Carolina this past weekend. First off, as a Christensen, the Carolinas have a special place in my heart. They're also currently home to my two favorite people - my sisters. Sadly, I wasn't able to see those two this weekend but it was great nonetheless.

I enjoyed the entire trip but the highlight for me was probably the 3 mile walk Thomas and I took Sunday morning. It was fun hearing about his neighbors and childhood stories while seeing where he 'grew up' (he moved around a bit like I have). The weather was unbelievable and it was just a great chance to enjoy that and chat together.

I also got to do my bible study homework while the sun rose, with a lake view. I mean, what more could a girl want? I woke up early (my freakish internal alarm clock does that to me) and while the house was still quiet, I got to spend some time with the Lord. I was so glad I remembered to bring my study with me. We're currently doing, 'He Speaks to Me' by Priscilla Shirer and it's getting me pumped up for the sequel, Discerning the Voice of God. I've put a lot of thought into my prayer life over the last year or so but I think frequently as Christians we talk more than we listen in our 'quiet times' and I'm only now realizing the error of that way.

Last week we took off from bible study and hosted a spa night at my place. Three talented friends donated their time and talents and the proceeds benefited our friend Tiffany's mission trip to Russia this summer. One of the services was eyebrow threading and can I just say my eyebrows have NEVER looked this good - Monica just earned herself a new client.

It really turned out to be a fun night and the concept played out so well, Tiffany is using it again this summer. So...success!

I also wanted to debreif a bit about my doctors visit last week. Thank you to all the people who let me know you were praying for me - your prayers were felt! For the first time ever I was really excited about the doctor I met with. He was incredibly kind and took the time to try'n get to know me and what I've been going through with my health. He wasn't too quick or rash to make a course of action but I truly feel like he's serious about getting the results I want - my life back.

They did have to take 4 viles of blood to test which wasn't fun, obviously. I hate having my blood taken as a few of you may remember from the one and only time I tried to donate blood and had a rather tramatic experience. Eck. But maybe the tests will shed more light on the situation.

For now, I'm trying out a medication for IBS and it kept me well all weekend while I was with Thomas and his family. You may remember that I previously declined the medication route to see if we could cure my problems with dietary changes. Unfortunately that was a major bust so medication it is. I'd love your continued prayer as we iron out the solutions to my problem. But I'm encouraged to have a specialist I like and a plan of action in place. One more thing...I'm joining up with some lovely blogging ladies for this:

And over the next 8 weeks I plan to lose 12 pounds over the next 8 weeks. That's 1.5 per week. I think that's a challenge but doable and healthy. I will be doing that by continuing to count calories and bust my butt in the gym. I've been on this journey almost a year now - but it'll be fun to link up with these darlings and maybe some good progress before summer really kicks off. So please stay tuned and I'll take all the encouragement I can get. ; ]

After two great weekends out of town I'm looking forward to playing a little catch up (mostly on sleep and sunshine) at home this weekend. Life is good, friends. Life is really good. Thanks for being a part of it.

Love, B

I Don't Wanna Be Anything Other Than Me...

I used to be obsessed with Gavin Degraw and then when his hit song because the theme for One Tree Hill I started to be annoyed by it. But the truth of it remains and it seemed only appropriate for the title of today's post.

I know I'm famous for being freakishly organized and over-committed but I have to confess that's been even worse than usual lately. If you haven't noticed my reading list for this year is growing at a snails pace because I haven't even had time to be my freakishly disciplined self about reading. Between leading a bible study, working a full-time job, volunteering with the church's sports ministry, working out every day (usually, being a homeowner (which is way more work than people think), and trying desperately to still be a good friend - I have been slammed!

It seems like every week I have to get up a little bit early and stay up a little bit later just to keep up with my day-to-day life. Whew. Can't a give get a break? Or a maid? A personal assistant maybe?

I think I've combined all possible tasks that can be be multi-tasked. I've even taken to writing things on my to do list like 'eating your freakin leftovers before they go bad' and 'if you don't clean something off your tivo your shows will stop recording'. This is a whole new level of sad, even for me.

One a bright spot, my life has been even more fun than usual lately. My house has been filled with people and baked goods on an almost daily basis (don't worry, I'm sticking with my diet). I've been trying to cook a little more, stay home a few more nights, and let the people who need to have a chat come to me. It hasn't reduced my slightly over-the-top schedule but it has at least kept me in one place a little more often?


(I baked these yummies for the 6 softball teams I've been helping out with on Friday nights)

I'm excited to get away next weekend to the Keys with Jess and just unwind. I can't wait to have the 12 hours in the car with her (6 down 6 back) to just catch up and gab about what's been going on (I have quite a few good new stories to tell). To lay in the sun and get my favorite kind of TLC - the kind that makes you tan. Maybe eat some good Keys-ish food and get a few pretty pictures. 10 days til we depart!

The best is when you find friends you can hangout with and get things done at the same time. My friend Lindsay is a great example. We've run together the last 2 Thursday nights so now only have I gotten my workout in, with company, but we've gotten to spend some quality time together as well. Poor girl really has to hold herself back to run my pace, but she's kind not to make me feel bad about being THE slowest runner on Bayshore.

Still trying to find healthy balances and create more space to just be - but no complaints about life, it sure is good right now.

Love,
B

Blessed by You.

I want to start off this morning by letting you all know what a blessing you are to me. I was overwelmed by the response to last weeks update on my stomach condition and where I stand now. My facebook inbox was flooded with concerned friends making suggestions, offering their prayers, and showing support. The same came in from blog readers I haven't had the pleasure of meeting in real life, twitter buddies, and everyone inbetween. You all amaze me.

I'm grateful for your prayers. Prayers have seriously carried me through the last 10 months. I am eternally thankful for each and every prayer that's been offered up on my behalf. And humbled by your support and encouragement.

The 'funny' thing is, I write my blogs in advance (usually) and so I wrote that update post a few days before you all read it and by the time it reached you I was in the midst of my worst 48 hours of sickness yet. Ironic? Maybe a little. But I knew when I did the Daniel Fast that coming off of it would have some physical reprocussions for the ole tum. And reprocussions it has.

Truth be told I had a lot of time to sit in the bathroom and think during those 48 hours and I was thinking about how thankful I am for you all. I found that even at the point of dehydration and exhaustion, I was encouraged by you. I am surrounded and supported by a great group of people. I feel so undeserving.

I've got some great new ideas from a few of you as well. Some I'd never considered, such as acupuncture! So we'll see what the next few weeks hold. But regardless of the outcome - I'm encouraged and in good spirits.

I was brought to tears by a great song Sunday morning that reached me exactly where I am and I wanted to share it with you all in hopes that it would encourage any of you who are going through some tough stuff lately...

Faithful God - Gateway Worship

If I call, will You come
When I cry, do You hear
I believe every tear
Is caught up by a faithful God
So I will cry until You come
Cast my cares into Your arms
I can't see past this storm
But I'm counting on a faithful God

Faithful God
You hold my life secure
All my days are Yours
I believe
My God is like a fire defending me
Faithfully

I believe You still heal
And demons still bow
I'm convinced there is power
In trusting in a faithful God
So I will praise till You appear
And set Your foot upon this shore
I declare that every foe
Is subject to my faithful God

I know that You are mine
And I am Yours, I am Yours
I know Your faithfulness
It will endure, it will endure

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.

Love,

B

A Little More Thoughtful.

I shared earlier this year that one of my goals in 2011 is to be more thoughtful. That can be one of those vague resolutions like 'eat less chocolate' - is that one less piece per day or one less piece per year? You know what I mean? It's easy to let yourself off the hook. I don't want that to be the case for me. I want to be purposeful in my relationships this year and truly spend more time letting those I love know.

A new addition to my desk at home and to my organizational life has been an outgoing mail organizer. Not only does this remind me to send out birthday cards on the right days and bills before the their due, but it's a good way to track how I'm doing with my thoughtful gestures (read: notes).

I took this picture when I first bought the organizer but it's not halfway full of my outgoing cards which will be sent one a day (unless they go out with a bill or something). But don't think I've made this just another chore on my long 'to do' lists (although sometimes I do put them on there so I can check them off). I really try to write to the people who are on my heart and mind, and send them something that will encourage them. Mostly, I just send cards because I'm far better at putting my thoughts into written word then verbalizing them and I truly hate talking on the phone.

From time to time I've been known to send something a bit more exciting - like a recent 'mixed CD' (circa '95, I know) to a girlfriend in Indiana. She'd had a tough couple of weeks of chaos and I thought, this will make her laugh (out loud). Things that require I go to the post office have to be a little less frequent A. because my budget for stamps has already tripled this year and B. because honestly I don't want to spend every lunch break trying to get something mailed. But from time to time a package is just more fun to receive.

One neat thing about sending cards this year (I've already sent over 30) is getting them in return. That's not why I started but it's been a nice bonus. And I will admit I'm more consistent in writing the people who write back. That's natural, right?

What are some ways you show people you've been thinking about them? I'm always looking for new ideas.

Love,
B

A Tough Update.

You may want to start by reading this.

When do you stop ‘toughing it out’? At what point do you admit physical defeat and accept that it’s probably time to go through more testing? We’ve all had to answer some of these questions in relation to our health in our lives. It’s a tough crossroads to be at.

April will mark a year since I began having …trouble (understatement) with my stomach. After a disappointing first go around with medical help, I determined to exhaust every option I could on my own. I tried different ways of eating (or not eating). After reading that exercise has been known to eliminate IBS symptoms I started working out 7 days a week instead of 5. I’ve tried getting more sleep, reducing my stress, and everything else that’s ever been posted on the internet.

I’m not allergic to dairy products.
I do not have a gluten intolerance.
I don’t have any diseases, disorders, or deformities.

In fact, I’m freakishly healthy. My doctor couldn’t find one single reason I should be getting so ill.

When I began the fast I prayed for some answers. I figured if the answer I got was not getting sick during the fast it’d be worth exploring the dietary realm again…but alas, I got sick 3 days of the 21 I was eating only fruits, veggies, beans, and nuts. Ouch.

So, maybe my answer wasn’t what I expected but there may still be an answer there. Maybe the answer is, I can’t just eat healthier and exercise more – I may really need more help. This is a scary answer for a girl who dreads the doctor. I honestly googled ‘pulling your own wisdom teeth’ before finally agreeing to go have mine pulled (sans drugs, naturally) by an oral surgeon. I HATE all things medical. I hate taking medicine. I hate the smell of doctors offices. I hate waiting rooms full of sick miserable looking people. I hate that they weigh you (what’s what about, anyway?). I hate being touched by strangers. Hate hate hate – with every fiber of my being the whole experience.

Don’t believe me? Let me tell you a story. When I was 10ish I swam competitively for a club. Apparently when God made me, he saw fit to give me slightly angled ear canals that retain water. My first year swimming I had 9 ear infections. Now, this wouldn’t be major except I don’t like the doctor. So instead of coming to my mom, complaining like children do about my ear hurting, I kept swimming. And swimming. And swimming. If I told her, I’d have to go back to the doctor, take more meds, sit out of the pool – you get the idea. So I sucked it up for so long (over a month) that the doctor literally told me it was a miracle I could still hear. He told my mom the pain I must be experiencing from THE most intense ear infection he’s ever seen – could ‘make a grown man cry’. I responded, well since I’m not crying – can I keep swimming?

I’ve always been a pretty tough cookie. My Mom tells funny stories about how I never cried as a child. And about some of the odd injuries I managed along the way…but this isn’t really about toughness anymore. If there was ever any doubt I could hack it with some pain, I’ve proven over the last year that not only can I handle the pain but I can be sick in 6 different states and still get my job done. But there comes a point I suppose where you can’t just keep ‘surviving’ and you have to seek out answers.

I know that the next steps won’t be pretty. Or fun. Or simple. Or pain free. I dread with every fiber of my being the very idea of tests and poking and prodding all over again. Of trial and error. Of discouragement at appointments with no answers. But I’m beginning to think, I don’t have another choice.

If you’re a believer, I’d love your prayers over the next week or so while I consider this. It may be time to make the plunge and start all over again trying to figure this out. To say I’m dreading it or even that I’m scared would be a gross understatement. I'd literally cut my own stomach out to avoid it if I could (I googled that too – it’s a no-go).

God is in control and I trust He has a plan in all this. Pray that my hope, my rest, and my faith would always be only in Him.

Love,
B

Fast Update.

Ok, I'd like to address something breifly before this post begins. Fasting is not typically something you make public (biblical fasting that is). Now, I broke that 'rule' if you will because this particular fast was a challenge from a blog reader so it was public to begin with. I personally don't think that's taken away from the spiritual aspect and benefits of it. I was met with some...criticism for talking about my fast openly. I respectfully disagree with the criticism but if you're bothered by it, feel free to not read about it, I will not be offended.

Anyway, the fast continues. Today was Day 14 of 22 (normally 21 but I want to finish with 2 of my friends). If you're wondering if it's getting easier the answer is yes and no. I'm past my caffeiene withdrawal and my cravings are greatly reduced though admittedly not entirely gone so those are positives. What is still tough is as someone who spends an hour and a half in the gym a day and is pretty active all the time - going without the protein and iron I normally get from meat has been really tough for me. I can literally feel my body crying for it during my workouts even though I've been eating peanuts, leafy greens, etc. It's just not having the same effect for me. Oh, and I take a multi-vitamin.

I'd be lying if I said it hasn't really taken the joy out of food (and drinks) for me. I mean, I'm doing it and I'm doing fine but I haven't been this unexcited by food maybe in my whole life. I have found a few things to be excited about like fresh fruit smoothies (no yogurt, no sweetners, naturally)...

After a quick trip to Whole Foods on lunch - drink: pineapple, banana, and coconut. Yum.

Also, turns out when food loses it's excitement you have to find something else to be pumped about on your lunch break. When I quit eating out to save money and lose weight, I would use my lunch break to go get a fountain diet coke during 'happy hour' (half price). Well that got nixed for the Daniel Fast so, what was I to do? Retail therapy filled a few days. Checking the mail and watching TV back home (I live 2 miles from work) filled a few. Went for a couple drives over the bay and back just to get out and see the water.

I've shared a little about what's been happening on the spiritual side of things with the fast but most of you are curious about what I'll do differently when the fast is over? This has been an interesting thing to muscle through. I know I won't stay vegan. Frozen yogurt and meats will be amongst the first foods added back in after the fast (slowly, so I don't get sick). But that's not to say this has been a failure in opening by eyes to some things...

I hope to stay eating fresh fruits and veggies with every meal (though maybe not AS every meal). I plan to stay away from the 4 a day diet coke addiction for good this time. Maybe 1 per day...or a couple per week even. I know, that's big for me. But I'm finding that I enjoy drinking more water...even though I miss my afternoon diet coke treat.

I've never been much of a bread or milk person to begin with so that hasn't been a sacrifice and it won't really be returning (occasionally I'll eat bread out but I don't buy loaves of it). I will keep at the whole wheat pasta since I finally found some I like, though that will be out for g-free month in March.

Oh the other question everyone seems to be curious about - do you lose a bunch of weight? This probably depends on which foods from the fast you're eating. If you eat all peanuts, pita chips, and chips and salsa - I'd guess not. My first week on the fast I lose a little under 3 pounds but I purposed to stay within my calorie goals for my weight loss AND I worked out everyday (which is tough when you're fasting). This hasn't been about weight loss for me, but I also didn't want to derail my progress.

Thanks for all your loving support and prayers. It's been a tough 14 days but the end is nearing and the benefits continue to out weigh the sacrifice.

Love,

B

Check up, Check In.

I wanted to take a blog post to catch you up on my personal life. Most of what I blog isn't directly related to my everyday life so from time-to-time I like to pause in the chaos of my thoughts, suggestions, and musings to just tell you what I am up too. Today, will be that day.

The Family.

I was recently blessed with a quick visit from the parental units. They popped through Tampa for a quick spend-the-night in the condo (their first time seeing it) before heading to a couples retreat for the rest of the weekend in the Naples area (my Mom said Naples my Dad said Ft Meyers...I'm not really sure where they were). It was a hilarious time of my Dad wandering the condo repeating over and over how 'quality' my place feels & how much he 'loves the Spanish architecture'. Mom noticed the places I missed cleaning and started making a list of fix it, buy it, or polish it projects for her next visit.

Dad, who opted for the airmattress in the guest bedroom proceeded to wake half my complex screaming about the high quality (of course) of my airmattress, to which I had to remind him about 20 times that night to stop yelling down the hallway, I share walls with my neighbors! Mom and I enjoyed a slumber party in my room talking about all of our ideas for decor in the coming months.

I recognize how incredibly blessed I am to have such wonderful parents. I love every minute I get to steal with them in whichever state, game, hotel, or work event is so happens to be. I'm grateful that despite the distance, I'm spoiled rotten with seeing them every 2 months or so.

The Workplace.

In work news, we're about 6 weeks out from our first NFL event of the season. The down time was appreciated to learn the ropes, catch up on the less pressing tasks, and prep for this year. I am however, glad to be getting back at it. We will kick off the Spring Event Season with our Tampa FKE at Raymond James Stadium on April 24th. I'm back in touch with vendors and working towards what I'm confident will be a great event, featuring our own, Coach Tony Dungy as the speaker!

I'm anxiously awaiting the finalization of the date for our spring event with the Indianapolis Colts, of course. I will be letting those of you in Indiana know when I will be headed that way, in hopes that I will be able to find some time with a few of you while I'm there. I look forward to my times in Indy to catch up with my parents, my buds at the Colts, and my darling friends who still remain up that way.

The Blogfront.

I'm excited to say that my 'little blog' has really taken off in the past few months. I've received a few exciting offers lately. One from my a book distributor who would like me to link the books I read to the option to purchase from their website, in return I would get paid. I'm in touch with them but at this point have made no conclusive decisions. I try hard to protect this space where we can 'chat' and communicate - I do not in any way want it to be overrun with ads or things of that nature. The offer is flattering and I continue to consider the option. I guess you'll figure out sooner or later if this works out.

As you know from my 'Party Planner Diary' series, I'm in the process of planning a party that is to be sponsored by Dove. Edelman's out of Chicago and I have stayed in touch since my last blog adventure with them and we now are joining forces on another Dove related adventure. Exciting times for me, as the last Dove experience I had converted me to Dove deodorant AND exfoliating body wash as well as got me giving myself regular 'piticure's. I love their products and the ladies of Edelmans have been a delight to work with, both times. I'm only sorry they won't actually BE at this event.

I do have several giveaways coming up! As I do some Random House book tours, I will give away a copy of a few of the books I will be reading. Also, courtesy of Dove, several of my readers will get free product as well. You're the reason I get these offers, I can't leave you high and dry! So be watching for my freebie posts. I would like to keep fairly regular giveaways on my blog for you all, as a thank you for all that you contribute to my life!

Lastly in 'blog news', I received my first gift from a reader. One who was incredibly insightful in her gift choice and sent me this...

Thanks to Shawn, a darling friend and reader who is currently on deployment. You were so sweet to think of me and send me such a thoughtful, adorable gift. My coworkers also thank you as they will no longer have to hold the door for me as I flash in and out packing for events. You have no idea how handy this gift really is in my work life. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship, readership (is this a word?), and your thoughtful gift!

Personal Life.

I've been insanely occupied by my reading the past week or so. This week that includes staying up entirely too late for a work night, reading Shutter Island. I'm attempting to finish this book before I go see it with friends Wednesday night. If you're already seen the movie you can tell me if you do or don't like it but don't spoil it for me, I heard it's different from the book!

I'm anxiously awaiting a few days off to 'beach it' with my best friend Candy on her spring break from grad school. Along with 5 days of vacation together, I'm getting excited for her wedding this Fall! I tried on my bridesmaids dress last week (floor length!). The dresses are orange, which I think is a fabulous choice although I really better stay on top of my tan game this summer by my new pool! She bought a beautiful wedding gown last week. So exciting. I love weddings. And dancing at receptions! Note: I'm a terrible dancer.

My Small Group (through church) just had their first visit to the condo. With all around stamps of approval we're now planning a sleepover there soon. It's so wonderful to finally have a place of my own, to myself, to have people over too. I never feel alone there. I enjoy the quiet when I get it and I have great friends who find ways to invite themselves over the rest of the time. I love that about them.

I'm hosting several gatherings at the condo in the next few months so I've been excited with the progress there. I now have seating! My steal of a find on Craigslist (originally from Scan Design) couch has been a smashing success. I'm anxiously awaiting my Mom's visit during which we're going to upgrade the blinds, repaint my trim, and touch up my walls. She also volunteered to make me curtains and buy me a few things (like a rug) that I'm still lacking. Isn't she the best? Anyway, Mean Girls, Dove Events, and House-warming parties oh my!

Also this month my cousin, Wesley will be down this way playing some baseball for Hamilton College. Can't wait to see him and hopefully my Aunt Ju and Uncle David while they're here watching. I'm glad that Spring Break beings influxes of friends and relatives my way!

Monday nights I'm now co-facilitating a group for the Dave Ramsey class at church, Financial Peace University. Mandy (my co-leader) and I have the best group, I'm sure of it. The first week we had a cookout and got to know everyone. Last night we kicked off Lesson One on saving and how to 'pay yourself first'. Two of our group members are already paying off g's (thousands) of debt. This group knows how to get after it. I love that about them. I'm confident I will learn as much from them as they learn from me, possibly more.

I really need to face H&R Block and get my taxes done this weekend. Gr. I don't know why I'm dreading doing my taxes, especially since I was a first time home buyer in 2009 so my return will be happy.

Ok, I think that's enough about me.

Love,

B