Pictures from the homestead

After church on Sunday morning, the whole crew met up for Mother's day lunch at our favorite homestyle cookin' joint.  (The whole crew = my grandparents, my parents, my aunt & uncle, cousin & his wife, my sister & her kids, Jay & me.)  The restaurant was giving away free red velvet cake to all the mothers, but as my cousin's wife and I learned, they didn't bother to ask who was a mother and who was not.  All of us adult women at the table got a piece.  I suppose I earned my piece by being the best auntie in the world & she earned hers by being a mommy to a beagle.

Jay and I followed my parents (who were driving my sister's minivan with her crew in toe) back to their house to just hang out for the afternoon.  We found ourselves out by the swing set.  After the Princess demostrated her mad skillz on the monkey bars, we decided to go track down Beautiful the donkey.

My grandparents came over to the house as we were loading up, so they decided to join us on our journey.  Mamaw hates having her picture taken so for the entire afternoon these are the only shots we were able to get of her.

Jay was slightly more creative getting his picture of her than I was. 

He captioned this one "sexiness in a pickup", but prefaced that the redneck in him wanted it to be a picture of me holding a beer can, rather than a Pepsi can.

We found Beautiful on the back part of the farm, protecting her charges.

My pawaw got Beautiful because several of his calves went missing the night they were born - no doubt cyotes were to blame.  Its her job to protect them, kick the crap out of anyone who tries to mess with them.  Although she's not above kicking them if they come between her and her feed.

At first the Princess didn't want to get her shoes dirty, so she requested that Jay hold her.  She quickly got over that though and got down to the business of letting the donkey eat out of her hand.  Beautiful sneezed on her, so the Princess had enough.  I stepped in to help Jay out feeding the donkey.

The countrified men looked on, probably amazed that what they consider chores we consider a fun way to spend the afternoon.

We call this section of the farm "honeymoon lane" because my Papaw (on the right) had to go milk cows on this part of the farm on his wedding night. 

I'm not sure how I became lucky enough to get all blessings of growing up on land this beautiful and none of the chores, but I'm not going to complain!

Mount LeConte Take 2

A little over a month ago I took a day off work for Jay & I to hike to the top of Mt. Leconte.  Jay & I got into an argument about a mile in The weather was terrible so we decided to turn around and save it for another day. 

A coworker mentioned going this weekend,  so Jay and I decided to give it another try.  The hike to Leconte Lodge is 5 miles via the Alum cave trail (there are several ways to get to the top).

I could talk all day about the area, the history, and what its like.  Instead I'm going to skip straight to the pictures.

The Lodge:

You can click the picture to make it larger or I can save you a step.  It reads "LeConte Lodge" then under that "Elevation 6593" and the date.  The elevation is important because LeConte is the 4th highest peak east of the Mississippi.  Sure, the Rockies make the Smokies look like babies, but for this side of the country Leconte is just about as good as it gets.

To stay in a shack like this on the top of the mountain, people make reservations a year in advance and pay over $100 (per person) to stay.  If you do stay, be sure your food is protected - you never know when a mouse or a bear might be tempted to share.

One of the aerobics instructors at my gym also works at LeConte, so I had to hunt her down while I was up there.  Sure enough she was trying out new moves for the next class she'd be teaching.  One thing is for sure - those steps were not made by Reebok.

After that we headed up to Myrtle Point.  I'd been up to the Lodge area 2 other times, but never had I made it to the true summit of the mountain.

High point is the tallest part of the mountain.  As we passed, Jay decided to stop and make it just a hair taller.

Myrtle Point, while not the true summit, certainly has the best views.  The views going out are wonderful, but can be a little concerning if your child wanders off and gets a little too close to the edge.

The views from the point itself are magnificent.

My willingness to talk to strangers typically pays off - and this day was no exception.  I offered to take a picture of an entire family together, so they returned the favor.

Sometimes I forget just how blessed I am to live in the middle of all of this natural beauty.  Not to mention almost 12 miles of hiking and I wasn't all that sore the next day!

Mixin' it up - Oh My blog!

aka Freestyle Friday.  I did a Shrinking Jeans Monday project a few weeks late, and never got around to posting the pictures.  Then Pubsgal nominated me for an award and the two meshed together beautifully.

First the award:

Here's what I get to do:

•  Get really excited that you got the coolest award EVER! 
  EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
  Good enough?
• Choose ONE of the following options of accepting the OMB award:

1.  Get really drunk and blog for 15 minutes straight, or for as long as you can focus.
2. Write about your most embarrassing moment.
3. Write a “Soundtrack of your childhood” post.
4. Make your next blog a ‘vlog’/video blog. Basically, you’re talking to the camera about whatever.
5. Take a picture of yourself first thing in the morning, before you do anything else (hair, make up, etc)and post it.

•  Pass the award on to at least three, but preferably more, awesome bloggers as yourself. Don’t forget to tell them.

Here where my shelved Monday project comes in - I'm going to take a few liberties with the instructions.  I mean the point is to make a fool of myself right?  So here you go my pictorial embarrassing Monday Project moment - Super Boo goes Skiing.

May I interject that I love being a super hero?  I use to call my adventures "Fat ass goes to _______".   Mostly because all of our memories are on a camcorder - video taken from my dad walking behind my mom, sister, and I.  Totally not a flattering angle.  Anyhoo, so glad I have a positive adventure name now.



Step one in the skiing process (when you live in an area that never gets substantial snowfall) acquire snow gear.

CHECK!

Step two - find a place to ski

CHECK!

Step 3 - Try not to get discouraged that this little guy picked up skiing quicker than you.

If a ski suit circa 1980 and a small child skiing circles around me isn't embarrassing enough - I'm not sure what more you could want!

Okay fine, I'll admit that I only went down the regular slope twice.  I stayed on the learners hill practically all night.  When I finally got going, I'd freak out that I was going to fast and I'd bail.  I got very good at stopping and at getting up unaided with my ski's on.

Now for part 3, choosing 3 other bloggers to shame themselves for the entire blog-o-sphere to see.

1. Amy (who could just add this to her Miss-series)
2. Amanda (who could use a break from law school stress right now)
3. Jen (who's always up to something fun with her 3 monkeys)

Thursday's Three

Normally I'm happy enough to participate in the Sisterhood's Thursday's Three by replying to their post with my answer.  This week's three thought provoking, and I think it deserves more than just a 2 minute glance.

Lisa has asked us to fill in the blank:

When I look in the mirror I like my...

1)   Hair.

Even back in the day when I wasn't working on loving myself, I couldn't help but admit I had great hair.  My mom and sister both have thick, coarse hair that is difficult to manage.  Not sure how I wound up with fine hair - but I'm thankful.  Granted its just as thick as theirs, but that really makes it the best of both worlds.  I don't have to worry about limp, flat hair like most people with fine hair.  I also don't have to worry about unruly hair.

My hair does that I want it to, and in most cases without a fight.  I typically wear it curly due to workouts.  A glob of gel & 2 minutes and I'm ready to face the world.  If I workout/shower at night, I let it dry naturally and use the curling iron on it the next morning for that Claire Bennett look.

(source)

Yep, that's me.  I totally look like that. 

When I'm feeling really adventurous, I wash my hair, then use the hair dryer and a straightening iron on it.  The 15 minute process didn't seem to be all that involved until I discovered the beauty of the wet/curly look.

It even looks good short. Okay so I thought it did you might not.

Okay so this picture is proof that the pixie cut isn't the most versatile, but I loved it none the less. Most of the time I would spike the back, making it look funky. 

2)   shoulders/upper back.

Oh look - a picture of my curly hair in a pony tail! (I went looking everywhere for a curly hair shot).

I love all the work and improvement I've done on my upper body.  I could stand to have a bit more of shrinkage in the arms, but I love the way my shoulders and back have really started looking.

Don't neglect your weight training boys and girls!!!

3)   my hands. 

They may not score me a hand modeling gig, but they've served me well.  How else would I change gears on my bike, write this blog, stuff donuts in my pie hole, or chop fresh veggies for lunch?  Not to mention holding up around 2 carats worth of bling.  Larry Bird has nothing on me ladies - 33 diamonds total (22 small stones in the engagement ring + the big one & 10 in the wedding band).  That's not easy work for my little left ring finger.

Given the tendency to arthritic hands (my mom at 54 years old already is dealing with them) I know I need to appreciate them now while they are working well!

Now its your turn!  Fess up, I know there is something you're just dying to brag about!

21 Day challenge - week 1

Before I tell you about how mediocre I was with keeping my goals, let me remind you what they are:

1. Eat 5 fruits and veggies every day
2. Serve 1 veggie every night with dinner.
3. Pick up the house every night before I go to bed.

I've actually done the best with the one I thought would be the hardest - serving a veggie with dinner.  Jay claims that he doesn't like vegetables, I don't think he gives them enough of a shot.

Wednesday: Jambalaya mix + Italian sausage + can of corn (drained)
Thursday: Wasn't home for dinner
Friday:  Leftovers - Jambalaya, shells & cheese w/rotel, something else I can't remember
Saturday: Pepperoni Pizza = FAIL!
Sunday: Didn't cook dinner but had black bean and corn salsa for lunch
Monday: Chicken Pot Pie (can of Vegall included in recipe)
Tuesday: Pizza with banana peppers (by Jay's request - SCORE

So I'm 6/7 on that one.  Not bad if I do say so myself!

As far as my 5 fruits and veggies, some days I've only made it by the skin of my teeth (assuming that pizza sauce counts) other days were epic fails.  I'm doing well at getting a couple of pieces of fruit in, but the veggies are a struggle for me. I've purchased carrots and cucumbers to snack on, and then of course get the 1 veggie at dinner.  Any other suggestions for a veggie that could be paired with lunch to get my 5th in?

Picking up the house, well that's a work in progress.  Its hard to keep a tidy house when you're married to such a busy and important man.  Seriously though, Jay works very hard to provide for our family.  While the feminazi inside me protests, I've come to realize that if I want to have our house paid off in 5 years I'm gonna have to pick up a dirty sock or two that doesn't belong to me.

Even though I haven't been doing a great job of picking up the house nightly, I have been doing a little along the way.  That little has made a big difference - I don't have such an overwhelming job at the end of the week when I go to clean.  This habit is definitely one that shows immediate rewards and I'll keep around a while (if a bit modified.

For those who haven't already, check out my latest 5K race report here.

How are your goals coming?  Tells us all about them then head over to the Sisterhood to link up!

Proverbs Living

I just recently finished Kaleidoscope by Patsy Clairmont.  Booksneeze sent it to me to review.  Its the first nonfiction book I've gotten from them and I very much enjoyed it.  With each chapter Clairmont takes a proverb and delves into real life applications.

When I first got the book, I sat down with it and flew through the first couple of chapters.  Its easy to do, as they each are just about 4-6 pages long.  I quickly realized, however, that's its not a book to be devoured.  Rather its meant to be taken bit by bit, one chapter at a time.

As someone who prides herself on my quick reading skills, it was difficult to only take 4 pages at time, reading the small book over the course of a month.  To do anything else with this book is to miss the point, to read with no regard for what the book has to say.

Each night before bed, I settled in with the book, a notebook, and a pen - prepared to do the homework questions that follow at the end of each chapter.  Without the questions and related scripture passages, this book is merely a collection of cute, sometimes emotional stories.  With the questions, the reader dives into the scripture and challenged to apply it to every day living.

I very much enjoyed the experience of the book.  Clairmont, who's most known for her humor, is very honest with the her struggle with depression.  Its refreshing to see someone on the other side of such a dark illness, shining the light with the message of hope.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

SMARM 5K & Sisterhood run month!

Being the kickin/awesome Shrinking Jeans member that I am - I psychically knew in advance that May was Sisterhood run month and signed up for a 5K weeks ago.

OR

I just so happened to run a 5K on Saturday and then hop on the web to see this morning that the Shrinking Jeans ladies have claimed the month.



First off I want to say - if you're not a runner, don't think you could be a runner - just give it a try.  Its amazing where it has brought me this past year.  Like the One More Mile tee says "You don't have to go fast, you just have to go."

I'm certainly not the best runner in the world but I can tell you that its about far more than pace times - its about that feeling of pushing yourself.  Its about digging deep.  Its about knowing you can.

Because as long as you have two legs and two lungs - I promise you can do it.  It may take a little work, but you totally can.

Probably not very encouraging that I'm mixing this post telling you to lace up your kicks and hit the pavement with the race report for my worst 5K ever.  Then again maybe it is.

I started the morning with the breakfast of champions - normally foodies who take pictures of all of their meals get on my nerves.  To you I say "to bad so sad" and "deal with it!"

Not quite the breakfast of champions, but it sure was yum.  Please don't comment on the grease soaking through the biscuit wrapper.  I realized it was greasy.  And I just didn't care.

The race registration was in the Dollywood Splash Country parking lot.  If you'll notice on the sign, denim in the water park is expressly forbidden. 

Yes, that is something people in this county have to be told.

Moving right along, there was a long line for registration, but I had gotten there plenty early so I took my place and waited.

I wish I had some clever things to share with you about the race, but unfortunately most of the race was filled with me gasping for breath. The pollen here is outrageous and my chest has been hurting for the past week or so.  Its very frustrating when something as natural as breathing hurts every time you do it. 

I knew I probably shouldn't race, but I had already paid my entry fee so I decide to push myself.  Also, the 2009 SMARM 5K was my first race ever, and I was interested in rerunning the course to compare times.

Want the comparison?

2009 - 33:59

2010 - 36: 48

Sad huh?

Only would I have thought it was sad if Pubsgal didn't do so hot on a race because of her diabetes?

Would I have felt the same if one of the Team Shrinking Jeans gals performed under par because of one of their leg/knee/foot issues?

Of course not.  I'd be sure to praise them for their hard work and perseverance.  Finishing under those circumstances is a victory itself.

So why was I disgusted with my performance?

It wasn't an oh crap I'm out of shape and winded form of having trouble breathing.  5 minutes into the race I was gasping for air and couldn't get a deep breath.  By the top of the 1st hill I was wheezing.  Near mile 1 I started getting dizzy.

That's right, so little oxygen was getting in my system I got light headed. 

Several times I had to stop and walk just so I could get a good breath. 

This is one time I can say that I sucked out loud.  Literally. 

At the turn around point I decided to give up on having a good race (or else I just faced facts), and decided to encourage others along the way.  There were a couple of women around me, and I tried to be as encouraging to them as possible.  Also as I encountered people I knew headed toward the turn around I would cheer for them.

A couple of ladies from the local running group were just a little behind me.  "Great job ladies keep it up!"

The guys behind them took issue with my cheer.  "What about the fat men?  Are we not doing great?"

Even though I didn't know them, I became their cheerleader upon request.

I must admit I'm a bit thick in the head sometimes.  Over the past year with the Sisterhood, over the past 2 decades being a Christian, I never knew what my spiritual gift was. 

God claims that He gives a gift to all believers.  Since I didn't have a problem with the Jesus as Messiah claim, or the walking on water claim, or any of His other miracles, why did I choose that one Biblical truth to doubt?

Because it pertains to me.  As annoying as those people are who can't take a compliment - I was given a gift upon turning my life over to Christ, yet I couldn't see what it was.

This past week, as I've been giving up things for God (calorie counting/the Daily Plate, the Daily Mile) I considered the Sisterhood.  I came to the realization that the Sisterhood was good for me, and I am good for it.

Why? 

The same reason that this race should be considered a success.

The same reason the Covenant 5K should be considered a success.

Because I was using my spiritual gift.

I'll give you 3 guesses as to what it is, and the first two guesses don't count.

My purpose in blogging?

My purpose in racing?

My purpose in life?

Encouragement.

Only I'm really seriously thick in the head because this post should have been a red flag for me.  As should have been this one.  And by my own admission this one should have been the kicker.

Only it wasn't.

And while i waited at the finish to cheer on the 86 year old man who finished in just under 53 minutes, I was still disgusted with my performance.

As a matter of fact I didn't "get it" all weekend.  I went home, showered, then went straight to bed.  Then I devoured a novel, then another trying to get my mind off the race.  (Oops, forgot about the 8 mile post race bike ride.)

Finally God hit me over the head yesterday morning with the sermon.  We read in John 21:1-14 about how after denying Jesus, Peter went back to doing that which came naturally to him - fishing.  Only he spent all night catching nothing.  The next morning, Jesus paid them a visit and instructed them to a net so full of fish they couldn't bring their catch in.

The point?  Without God there is no point.  Its just a fruitless pursuit.

Yesterday I gave everything up.  I knelt at the alter and told God that He could have it all.  During our discussion this morning He gave triathlon training back. 

Not for me, but so that I can encourage those other first timers along the way.  Or maybe for those veterans who need a reminder about how awesome they really are despite their times.

He gave it all back.  All but my pride. 

I've said that my goal is to finish the race but dear God please don't let me be last.

Taking back the triathlon I had to agree that last would be okay.  Not finishing will be okay - assuming that I give it my all. 

So once again I leave you with the choice...either:

This was my worst 5K ever.

OR

This was the most enlightening race of my life.