Jan 24 - The Day I Argued With Myself

The plan was to start the day off with a 3 mile buddy run. I, however, left my buddy stranded since I woke up 10 minutes before our scheduled meeting time. Still, I brought my running gear for a lunch run to make up for the morning. Then it just started looking so ominously cloudy and gloomy....I argued with myself for, no lie, at least 2 hours on whether I should run, take a nap, or go to the grocery store on my break. I had settled on the store option, mostly cause I like shopping for food, but decided at the last minute to take the plunge and run. A short run. With hills. AND run to the store to get a snack. I had to do some walking, but it got done. And I'm sure the folks at Sprouts loved that I graced them with my post-run sweaty presence. The good thing about arguing with yourself is that you still always win. :)

Highlights:
1) Found a yum post-run snack on clearance, something called a Barookie, made by Eoni. Of course, I also found a box of whole wheat fig cookies that were not on sale, but I bought (and ate) anyway.

2) Met with my favorite Tuesday night people (small group) to plan out the next few months of our meetings. Colossians, Italian food and girls nights, here we come!

3) At group, I had the chance to witness true friendship in action between a few of my friends. So thankful for people who listen, pray and talk, all with the heart of Christ.

Love & Longer Than Usual Posts About Nothing,
K

Jan 16 - The Day My Mortal Enemy Returned

It’s funny how you don’t realize what actually feeling good really feels like until you don't. Seasonal allergies are the bane of my existence, and with their rude return to wreak havoc on my eyes and nose, I realized just how wonderful the months are when they stay at bay.  That tiny little unreachable itch and tingle in the inside of your nose and eyeballs is a surefire way to drive a person to the brink of insanity.  I’m pretty sure the whole mess is straight from the heart of Satan. But it’s my lot in life, so I resign myself to the itchy-eyed months ahead.  And despite all that, yesterday had its share of happy moments.

Highlights:

1) I got new planner refills! It’s almost silly how much joy this brings each year. Yay for organization!

2) Had some ciabatta rolls I needed to use, so I went to work making chicken parmesan paninis for dinner. Whipped up some homemade marinara, pan fried lightly coated chicken in olive oil and sprinkled on some grated parmesan, assembled and pressed on a panini grill. We ate it with some steamed veggies, and it was YUM! I love when simple, good-tasting meals come together like that.

3) Had a coffee date with a sweet friend. Note to self: do this more!

Love & Allergy Meds,

K

Jan 15 – The Day We Picnicked

Yesterday was full of memory-making goodness, so much so, I’m not sure what all to write! It started with one of those glorious, peaceful mornings that call you to savor time instead rushing through it. Those have a way of setting your whole day just right. It was followed by worship, study, a picnic with the best potato salad I’ve ever made and some of the best friends I could ask for, pie, pie, pie, stomach-hurting laughter, Central Market, family dinner, cake and ice cream, and a night of snuggles with a good-smellin’ baby. Where’s the repeat button?

Highlights:

1)  My husband got to fully experience the giggling trifecta that is me, Amanda & Lori (some of my oldest friends) in all its wacky glory. It’s like we’re perpetually 7, have no inhibition (running through a field with a bed sheet cape, anyone?), and we laugh til it hurts. It’s balm for the soul.

2) We saw a parrot on a leash at the park. Did you know people do that? Well, now you do.

3) I made this chicken for our picnic: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/02/25/recipe-the-best-whole-chicken-in-a-crock-pot/. So simple, and so good! Using leftovers (though those were slim) for tacos!

Love & Leashed Parrots,

K