Mondays are for. . .

Ugh.  What is it about Mondays that inevitably makes them so terrible?  I mean seriously. I always wake up feeling like I'd drank a bottle of NyQuil, it seems everyone on the road has forgotten the rules of traffic (oh wait, I live in Atlanta -- that's normal!), and even if it was possible to have an IV of caffeine, it still wouldn't be enough!  So other than incompetent drivers and oversized cups of coffee, what exactly is the purpose of the dreadful day of Monday?

We have Mondays so that we can gripe about the beginning of a new work week, reminisce on the fun we had over the weekend, and then move forward.  We fuss and then we get over it, because even if the next six days are hectic and stressful, they're never as bad as today, simply because they're not Mondays.

We also have Mondays so we can guiltlessly enjoy an evening in sweatpants and a pizza after a 30 minute workout.  It's a day to delve into the Word of God for encouragement and reflect on the sermon we heard yesterday.  A day to enjoy the simple blessings, like nice weather and time to the pups with my husband.  And . . . a day to be thankful that everyday isn't Monday!

cold weather brings . . . a cold

It's nice that the temperature finally feels like it should in January, but unfortunately the cold weather brings sickness, too.  I'm pretty sure I've consumed an unnatural amount of hot drinks and soup-like meals during the last 6 days.  Obviously no one enjoys being sick, but I absolutely hate it.  So, to be honest, this post is mostly for me, because I need to focus on the little things that bring joy to into my life when I'm not feeling so hot.

things that've made me happy while feeling quite crappy:

- Sweethearts.  It's not too early for Valentine candy is it?  Didn't think so!

- On Monday I picked up my sweet mother-in-law from the airport, and then enjoyed some pho with her and my wonderful mom.

- Tuesday night, when Byron arrived home from work to find me asleep on the couch with a fever, he stood in the kitchen cooking me homemade chicken tortilla soup for dinner.  It was delicious.  [I'll post the recipe soon.]  He's THE best.

- Sweet puppy cuddles.

I know what you're thinking, and no, I don't position her for photos. . .

- Completing my first 5k of 2013 without dying.  With the combination of cold temperatures and trouble breathing due to congestion, I'm just glad I finished.

My sweet friend and co-worker, Paige, who signed me up for this run.

- fresh fruit, soft tissues, hot chocolate, and pajamas

Is it summer yet?! 

Welcoming the Weekend

As I let the pups out this morning and breathed in the brisk air, glad it wasn't going to be another wet day, it occurred to me that sometimes all it takes is a little, or a lotta, rain to remind you to be thankful for the simple ways God blesses us.

Come to worship Him 

with thankful hearts and songs of praise.

Psalm 95:2

After a week like this week, it's nice to be able to sit at home with my sweet husband [and a nice glass of Chianti] to write a blog post relax and enjoy each other's company.  And, for the first time, we're sharing a bottle of wine!!  I know what you're thinking, it's not because I'm a stingy Wine-o, but our taste buds never agree -- he loves scotch, hoppy-hoppy-hoppy IPAs, and sweet wines, while I like full-bodied, dry red wines, heffeweisens, and tequila.  But this bottle is a good compromise -- Finallyyyy!!

Querceto 2006 Chianti Classico

Earlier today as I was running some errands I snagged these great Le Creuset dishes. [I love a good sale!!]  Before I'd even paid for them I was already deciding what I wanted to cook in them tonight.  I really wanted Spinach Artichoke Dip, but wasn't able to make it to the grocery [the vacuum was literally calling my name], so I decided to save that for another day and create something with the ingredients we had at home.  And that something just happened to be one of our favorite dishes: bacon wrapped pork chops with apples and onions.  Delish.

Aren't these dishes wonderful!?
[I'll post this recipe soon!]

With full bellies we've cuddled up on the couch with Mook and Bridget to happily welcome the weekend.

Happy Friday!

in the midst of the storms

The past few days have been rough and I'm not just referring to the awful weather [although it didn't make anything better].  It seems I've been living in the eye of some storm, constantly pouring stress and reasons to worry down on me.  In addition, combine a week full of rainy days and 23 third graders to the mix. You'll likely end up with a headache and very little patience.  Today I am thankful for:

- God's word [and a husband who encourages me with it]

- the upcoming weekend [with a holiday on Monday! whoop!]

New Year's Resolutions

Nothing says "Happy 2013!  Now make a new resolution," like frosting, sprinkles, and homemade double-doozies.
[yes, I have the taste buds of an 8 year old]

January is supposed to be the month when everyone's super-motivated to work towards their New Year's Resolutions, and unfortunate for me I can't seem to find the motivation to actually make a one.  Hmmmph.  I can't decide on/think of a good one.  [Hense it's 14 days into the new year and I'm just now writing this...]

Ideas bounce around in my head like popcorn kernels in the microwave, but nothing seems to stand out and say, "Pick me!"  Last year I made the decision to run a half marathon: a capricious resolution, but a goal to work towards and something to look forward to [or dread -- same difference?].  So naturally, I've been asked, "What's up for 2013?  A marathon?" to which I reply, "There are lots of things I want to do in 2013, but running 26.2 miles is not one of them."

I want to challenge myself this year -- I love to push myself -- so instead of one resolution, I'm making a few.  Why not?!  So here we go:

1. Tithe - 10% each month.  No excuses for the amount or 'forgetting my checkbook at home.'
2. Run - 1 race per month.  12 races in a year.
3. Stop Worrying - Sounds crazy, right?  You're thinking, How's that possible? I don't know.  Is it possible? I don't know.  So what's my plan of attack for this one?  Prayer.  I need to cast my anxieties on God, ask earnestly, and trust that He's got in all in control.
4. Run 1,000 miles - Did you read that right?  Yes!  Why do I do this to myself?!  Like I said, I like a challenge.  Right now, I've run 2 miles this year. [don't judge me. or do. whatever.]  Hey, that means I only have 998 to go!

Okay, so there are my 4 goals for the year.  They don't sound super crazy, but I'm quite positive I'll be challenged in a way I haven't been before.  We'll see how it goes!  What are your resolutions?

let me brag about my friends

It's an unlucky situation that some of my friends no longer live in the same city as me. And if we do live in the same city, that city is Atlanta, meaning it's huge and comparable to living in different states when driving on 85 and 285.  Does it make them bad friends?  No.  Absolutely not.  It does, however, leave a friend-shaped hole in my heart longing for girls' nights, coffee dates, and shopping.  I miss them like crazy, but that means when we finally do get back together we laugh without ceasing and pick up where we left off.  

Over Christmas I was finally able to get together with these two a couple times!

such wonderful friends at our wedding

I have the greatest friends and if you beg to differ, we'll end up in a fight.  My favorite thing about these friends is their heart for the Lord.  Our friendships are built on the steadiest of foundations.  They're trustworthy and encouraging with hearts of compassion and even though it may take a game of phone tag, I know they're reliable and they'll eventually call me back.  I can honestly say we've never fought and we just might be the most drama free group of girls you'll find.  Just girls being ourselves without trying to impress one another.  Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky to find such friends, and although I'm not quite sure, I consider it one of the most wonderful blessings in my life.