Running - Take 2

 In December, I was stressed with finals, so I quit running. Then winter break hit and the college gym was closed, so I took a little bit longer break from running. January brought on the most stressful time of work and a new semester. Before long, running had fallen to the back of my mind. 

Lately, I've really struggled with depression again. Mostly from missing family that I love but no longer see. Last week, I could tell I was starting to get close to the edge again, a place I don't want to find myself in again. So I decided it was time to hit the gym again. I was hoping to make it an hour, but quit after 30 minutes. But I did at least run part of it, so I'm not as out of shape as I feared.

As luck would have it, I'm now entering Spring semester finals, so its hard to find time to run again. I've only been able to make it 1-2 times a week, but hopefully when the semester ends, I can go more often since I don't plan to take classes this summer. 

Tuesday night, I pushed myself pretty hard, but I was able to run a mile in just over 13 minutes, and I made it the full hour. I know I'll be able to work back up to running at the pace I was before. 

 When I got home, I decided to do some ab exercises. I got out my yoga mat, turned around to get my iPad so I could play the video of exercises I found, and when I turned back, this is what I saw. Little stinkers thought it was for them. I pushed them off, but they kept sneaking back on. 

Change

This year, with all the stress of work and school, my Younique business has kind of taken a place on the back burner. I still sell it, but I don't promote it as much as I would like to. So I decided to find a balance by at least trying to post a selfie of my look everyday. 

Its been fun. It has forced me to break out of the norm and try some different looks from time to time. I've also learned the importance of blending and I've started to try and keep my eye brows plucked better so they have a girly shape and don't just run amok everywhere. 

I've also realized I wear a LOT of black, mixed with grey. After that, I own a few shirts in other colors, but I rarely wear them. Black has become my color.

  

I've also been trying to get a picture with every product in the various colors. I have the eye products covered pretty well, but now I'm working on getting a picture of all the different lip sticks, lip stains, etc. 

I'm getting better at finding good lighting and using my self timer on my camera. 

If you are interested, you can follow that blog at Lipstick, Lashes & Foundation, Oh My!

But what I have enjoyed the most is seeing the change in myself. Last summer, I snapped a selfie as I was walking into the college to take my final test for the semester. I had worked hard to finish early in hopes to go camping several weekends before the fall semester started. I had no idea that a week later my ex would leave me for another woman. 

Each time I looked at that dress in my closet, I couldn't bring myself to wear it. It always reminded me of that day and how happy I was, how happy I thought we were. 

This week, I decided I was only holding myself back and it was okay to wear my favorite dress again. I then decided to take a picture to compare with. Holy crap! I barely recognize myself. So much has changed since then. Back then, I was living in a false sense of security and a so called "happy" marriage. I've switched to contacts and dropped about 50 pounds. I've learned that I can not only live alone, but thrive on my own. Most importantly, I've learned that true happiness can only be found in God. 

Business of the Month

Utah Power Credit Union was selected as the Business of the Month. Since my cousin works there, he asked me to be in the picture with him, along with a few other Moon Lake Electric employees since we are their main customers at this location. 

I was tempted to say no, because it was one of the very few days I didn't wear black. (Seriously, its about all I wear.) But since the weather had been starting to warm up, I was trying to wear all of my sweaters one more time for the season. The reason I agreed to be in the picture is because earlier that day, I had found an old picture, in the same sweater, and I couldn't believe the difference!

On the left is February 2017 and on the right is November 2016. I was shocked to see how much weight I have lost. I was also thrilled to see how long my hair is getting. 

My 34th Birthday

This is going to be my year. A year of self discovery, a year of growth, a year of awesome! As I drove to work on my birthday, I realized that 34 is the perfect age. I'm at the perfect age to start the next chapter of my life. I know the Lord has amazing things in store for me this year. 

I started the morning off with a few gifts. 

I decided to treat myself to a few new Alex & Ani bracelets and a new Pandora bracelet since mine doesn't fit well with my recent weight loss. 

I also decided to buy 2 new charms to go with it.They had a sale running that day and I was also able to buy a ring for almost half off. 

I love my birthday. I've never understood why people hate them. There is nothing wrong with turning a year older. I always try to spend the day in celebration. Those who know me, know I rarely eat these days. Most of my meals consist of protein shakes. But I decided to treat myself to some of my favorite foods. I started the day off with a frappe and muffin from my favorite coffee shop. For lunch, I went to Arby's, just so I could order cheese sticks. 

My growing collection of Alex & Ani bracelets. 

The best part of my day was having this lovely rose show up at work. I was kind of bummed that I would be missing out on flowers for my birthday. But "E" surprised me and sent me a beautiful rose. I've left it on my desk all week to enjoy. I find it so sweet that from another state, he would take the time to find a florist in my area and send me a rose. 

I had a few friends spoil me as well. Jessica got me a soft, purple blanket for my couch. 

For dinner, the Cairoli family took me to my favorite Mexican Restaurant. Being with friends was the perfect end to the day. Jana even paid for my meal. Jess got me a beautiful floral arrangement and Jennifer bought me chocolates and a gift card to my favorite coffee shop. 

My mom stopped by during the day to give me this cute sign she found. I love it!

Seriously, I just know that this year is going to be great. God has restored my joy and He is always faithful!

Pictures

I wanted to do something to mark my divorce, but I had a hard time deciding what to do. I contemplated taking a trip, but school made that impossible. Instead, I decided it would be fun to do a photo shoot. I love photos and I decided I needed some of myself. Something to mark this new chapter of my life. I did some looking on Facebook and found Tereza Thomas. I loved her work, so I contacted her and we set an appointment.

We were  supposed to meet the first part of November, but then something came up and she had to reschedule. When I saw there was snow, I decided it was worth the wait. She was so much fun to work with and I love how the pictures turned out. It was so hard trying to narrow it down to my favorite, so instead, I give you my top 10 favorites. 

This picture was actually the last one we took. I had let her choose the locations and the poses. But I couldn't resist a fun picture of throwing some snow in the air. I love how it turned out. That grin you see, that is from the Joy that Jesus has given me. 

This was probably the funniest picture. She told me to look serious, but instead I laughed. She got some fun pictures of me laughing, but somehow she managed to get a serious shot too. 

These last four are my other favorites. 

I'm so glad I decided to do a photo shoot. I think every woman should do it. I felt so beautiful and I love having proof of it. I also love seeing how happy I look. I plan to make this a yearly thing to do.