Summer Days (cont'd)

August - Highlights (in no particular order)

Started my Real Food Challenge just in time - it was the perfect scapegoat for what will, unfortunately, likely be labelled as the "controversy" of the year, centered around (of all things) a chicken sandwich. Never been so glad to legitimately say "can't eat that". Instead, I put my money towards feeding hungry kids. That is Jesus, regardless of any opinion I may have about Chick Fil A or gay marriage or anything else.

I take it back. Someone must've informed all local eateries of my challenge and they set out to strengthen my resolve by flooding my inbox/mailbox with offers for free food (CRUEL.)

I made it through a meal at Cracker Barrel without a biscuit. This. Is. Huge.

"Guilt is not Jesus' medium. He is battling for global redemption right now; His objective hardly includes huddling in the corner with us, rehashing our shame again. He finished that discussion on the cross. Plus, there's no time for that"...."Guilt may be the first chapter, but it makes for a terrible story. Jesus gave us lots of superior material to work with. If your stuff and spending and waste and stress are causing you tension like mine is, just do the next right thing...We're no good to Him stuck in paralysis." - J. Hatmaker, 7

Husband got a job offer! Not the one we were hoping for, but nonetheless, we took it. God must have something good in mind (like teaching me to stop making my own dang plans)

Began listening to Christmas music. DON'T JUDGE ME!

Single-handedly supported Buon Giorno coffee with my frequent trips. Go local! Go caffeine!

Speaking of caffeine, I started weaning myself off of that stuff. Here's a tip: the people who tell you that herbal "coffee" tastes just like regular coffee...here's hoping they have a fire extinguisher handy cause their pants are on FIRE. Bunch of liars. Still, using their non-coffee product to cut down on coffee, within 2 weeks I made it to almost noon without noticing I hadn't had coffee - no headeache, no grumpiness. Success? Yessir.

Took my nephew for the afternoon. We went to Goodwill (his request, God love him), got him a snowcone (which he didn't really eat), built a monster blanket fort, watched a movie (in the fort) and made the best homemade popcorn ever. Love this child so much it hurts.

Made two desserts, which I could not eat, to celebrate Julia Child's birthday: "People who love to eat are always the best people." - Julia Child 

Watched the Olympics, which provided temporary fuel to my fire as I began training for my 2nd half-marathon. Said fire was promptly squelched by the deathly Texas heat. Training continues, just not with the fervor I would like.

Had another family bluegrass gig. We still don't have a band name. We still have a ton of fun.

In the same weekend, I threw a baby shower for a sweet preggo friend. Exhausting, as all good parties usually are, but went well! It was also a cheat day, and I felt like a led balloon after all my treats.

Wrestled with God and cried some tears over a personal issue. I'm slowly working up the courage to blog about it. In the meantime, I praise Him for a chest big enough to beat on as I wail, arms big enough to hold me when I collapse from exhaustion, and that voice big enough to speak calm into my tired heart.

I watched SO much 30 Rock. I think these people are my best friends (doesn't help that my actual best friend pretty much is Liz Lemon). I talk about them too often. And I sing Werewolf Bar-Mitzvah way too much.

Family vacation, PTL! It was only for 2 1/2 days, and we were in a semi-cramped, and super hot, condo, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Siblings, nephews, parents, husband and I went down to Schlitterbahn. There was much swimming, much laughing, much baby snuggling, and much Thanksgiving for the countless blessings these people usher into my life.

On our drive down to New Braunfels, Husband got a text message that set off a series of phone calls and, long story super short, led to an interview just one day after his previously-accepted job began. He needs to take & pass a new certification within a very short period to seal the deal, but excitement abounded anyway. The preferred school, the preferred district, and a door flung wide open for future opportunities. Like I said above, God must've had something good in mind.

Wrapped our 30 days of real foods with less bang and more quiet celebration, with a strengthened resolve to continue this quest for less crap, more health. Oh, and we may have eaten Joe T's. (What, we aren't perfect!)

Spent our last weekend in August working our tails off (what's new?), with family, baby snuggles, Hunger Games, a great going away party, and weather far too hot for us to be entering into my all-favorite "-ber" months. Good riddance to your weather, August, but thank you for the memories.

Soon to come (as soon as I can find a card reader...): A photo dump post! Stay tuned....

Love & Summer's Sun Setting,
K