friday fun five

1. i baked my very first two layer cake that turned out beautiful!

chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. now just to give it to someone so that they can enjoy it!

i’m weird and like white chocolate…all that chocolate on that cake just sounds…ugh…

2. I’ve been running a lot more lately and oh how my heart missed it!

last year around this time I was wearing this to go running…notice the mittens on my dresser and the scarf hanging…as much as I am glad for the warmer weather and sunshine…I miss it…especially the people, the mountains, the style of life, the singing, the languages, and so much more.

so am i saying i’d trade summer for winter? yeah, yeah, i would but it’s more of a trade minnesota for africa 🙂

3. ohh, and in case you didn’t know, it’s world cup! and it’s in south africa! woot!

and i hope these guys are still kicking the ball around 🙂

4. have i mentioned that i love kids?

I love that I get to work with them, play pretend car, chase them, take them bowling, find random places like Menard’s to play catch, bake cookies, and even take sleeping bags to slide down the stairs!

5. oh, it’s summer, which means work has slowed down and so that means more time to dig deep!

so, that’s what I’m doing…digging deep, soaking up all the time I have with God, seeing what He has for me in His timing, getting back up, and turning up the passion.  Yeah, I’m a *bit* excited to see all the ways that God is….faithful, BIG, trustworthy, loving, shepherd, delighted in me, and the one who pursues me! Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

What’s on your heart this friday? fun or serious? prayer requests? thoughts? encouragement? anything?

A Few of My Happy Places

My bed…so many pillows and blankets and things (usually not this neat, but rather covered with books, bags, mittens, random things). it’s one of those places you just sink into, curl up and feel right.

walking on the beach (florida, cape town, anywhere really)

my porch in africa or on one of the mountains and well africa in general

Lindo on my shouldersDriving in a car with big sunglasses on, windows down, music up loud

So, there are a few of my happy places. There are many more…but that’s a start. 🙂

What about you? Where’s your happy place/s? Do you have a favorite place? (I don’t do favorites!).

*Check out other happy places at The Gypsy Mama’s

Pocket Full of Thoughts

• Ha, I so need one of these….
• So excited about this new start because I am totally living out a “second chance” myself: a movement of people that would let radical integrity and radical grace consume them in their life and leadership.
• Took a nap on the couch tonight…so comfy and safe
• No cocoa for brownies….but popcorn when I woke up hit the spot
• New to me, free clothes make my heart so happy. seriously. 2 pairs of running tights and 2 under armor long sleeve shirts (plus, one with the thumb hole things!!! I am so set for running in the minnesota cold….) not to mention a cute tank top, other clothes and a fun bag.
• This looks totally awesome. I miss my bike and I heart Africa.
• Feeling the days slipping by so fast…
• We leave for debriefing and Cape Town on Saturday–what!?
• Why am I still up? Oh right, I took a forever long nap tonight.
• What are you up to?

 

I Can.

Running on base proves to be a little tricky here because I’m not a huge fan of hills.  I avoid them if at all possible.  I much prefer running downhill or on flat ground.  Lately, running proved to be a struggle since I took a week off for Cape Town and then was sick for a while during Family Days.  I’m just now trying to get back into the groove of things.  Though, I’ve been frustrated with my lack of motivation and lack of results.  I hadn’t ran in two days and then started talking with another intern, Allen, about running last night and the upcoming Flatberg race (15k including going up a mountain…).  The conversation gave me the drive to finally get out and complete a “good” run.

I started out this morning determined to get up and go.  I set my alarm and was out the door by 6:05 a.m. with my iPod Nike+ set to a distance of 7k.  About 2k into my run, I got this ridiculous idea that I shouldn’t just run 7k, but, no, I should run a 10k.  Mind you, the farthest I’ve ran in the last week or two has been around 35 minutes.  But, when I decide something that’s that.  So, I kept running and running.  Being bored, I did some run there and then run back along with some circles in the field.  Basically, I did everything possible to not go up hill and still complete a 10k.  All of that to say that I did.  I ran 10.02k in 55:30 min. which translates into a 5:32 min/km pace or a 8:54 min./mile.  This was only 1 minute slower than the 10k I ran in July. Woot!  For being out of practice, I was happy.  Also, I was reminded of the power of determination, persistence, and the need to set my eyes on an achievable goal while not letting my feelings get in the way or let my mind start believing the lies of “I can’t.”

So, what’s been your greatest accomplishment this week?

My bags are packed…

Well almost…they’re close enough!  I’m waiting for some laundry to get done tomorrow and then they will be packed and ready to go.  So, where am I going? Cape Town!!!!  And with whom?  My parents!!!!!!!  Notice, they get more exclamation points.  I’m pretty pumped.  I haven’t seen them since January 18th.  They’re a bit excited as well.  Plus, they’re bringing cinnamon crunch bagels from Panera which I have been craving since January 18th.  So, here’s to some adventure, some delicious food, and fun times with the parents.  See you next weekend!