Hit with a BAM!

My intention for the blog is not to turn it into a preaching one but I do feel as if I'm being pulled in a certain direction this time in my life. I feel as if I'm being guided in a way that is hard to really explain.

Last night I had a revelation. I'm an impatient person. You know the want it.need it.gotta have it.right.this.second. type? That wasn't my revelation lol but it did make me think of a stronger thing. An "Aha! You're right Lord. As always."

I won't go into detail as to why I'm being impatient or to why I was even thinking about backing off but I will say that I got a hard slap with "take this time to better your relationship with Me. Let me work on your heart so it can be where it needs to be when my plan for you arrives."

I mean I've never thought that before. Ever. I've never had such a strong voice in my head and feeling in my heart about anything like this before. It was calming, relieving, and almost downright scary. lol

I found myself flipping through my devotional and coming across tons of things that are so fitting for the right now. I shared one on Instagram this morning. I can't help but think and just know He does know exactly what he's doing. I mean duh...I shouldn't have doubted. :)

Here are the verses I was hit with:

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life" -Psalm 143:8

"God's timing is part of his ways. I may be tapping my watch, but He is never late. He may seem slow, but He is always right on time. God is faithful, and you can rely on His perfect timing. Fix your eyes on him and the journey to your destination. There are things to be learned along the way that will enhance me joy of a promise fulfilled."

First of all, before I share anymore, HOW FITTING WAS THIS? I literally was drying off after taking a shower when His words hit me. Not even an hour later I was sent the above in an email. Does God have an email? Because I'm pretty sure he forwarded me that. lol!

and the last one I'll share with you is:

"I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances"- Romans 8:28

And that he does my loyal readers, that he does.

Have you ever been hit with a "BAM" moment before?

The Rise in Young Divorcees

When I was flying to Portland two weeks ago I was reading through a magazine (Cosmo) and came across an article called "The Rise in Young Divorcees".  I'd link to it but apparently Cosmo didn't put it on their site?
I wasn't surprised by what I read because it made total sense.The article explained that "40 % of brides who say their vows between their 20th and 25th birthdays can expect to renege on the "till death" promise (compared to 27% of those who wait until they're older). Lurking behind that statistic is a little-talked-about trend: According to relationship counselors, there seems to be a sudden spike in the number of smart, confident, successful women who feel driven to get married as soon as possible-whether or not they've found the right guy." It goes on to say "These aren't high-school-dropouts or women who think they need a man to be happy. They're self-assured, independent types who are just trying to live their best life." In fact, it's their desire to have it all that backfires."
After reading the article I actually think it makes a good point. I never saw it from the "having it all" aspect because to me marriage isn't about that. But I do see how it has turned this way.
I think in today's society we have this thing where we have to have our life to-do list checked off by a certain age. College, Career, Marriage, Kids, etc. There seems to be such a rush in getting these things and competing with others for them. What do you think? Since I'm a "young divorcee" statistic (it's still weird to say that!) I'm interested in knowing what y'all think about this.  

A Time to be Silent and A Time to Speak

You know when you're excited for a 3 day weekend because that means you get more time at home for relaxing? Or being with family. Or possibly sleeping in. Hey my baby loves her sleep. I get to still sleep in on the weekends.

While I was lucky enough to sleep in and get in a few naps myself when K slept, I still found myself at my wits end as the weekend was dwindling down. I'm exhausted this morning. I need a weekend from the weekend. Work even seemed less stressful and I couldn't wait to walk in this morning.

I applaud moms of multiples. I really do. You have such a hard but rewarding! job.

I struggled a lot this weekend with keeping my cool and working with my patience level. I said prayer after prayer after prayer that I would just make it to Tuesday morning without a freak out.

Last night I may or may not have muffled a loud(ish) "Baaaaaaaaaah!" or maybe I didn't let Kinsley run around in a tutu all day because otherwise she'd scream. Maybe I didn't let her tell me "no" over and over again. Then watch her do downward dog and scream. Oh how I just love that word "no".

This morning I awoke hoping that it was the end of the storm. Literally too because you know "depression Beryl"? yeah. that.

As always I received an email from Proverbs 31. I wrote about the last time it really hit home for me here.

This morning was about being silent. Something that, if you know me personally, I struggle with. I have no filter and my mouth is faster than my brain. I often find myself making to do lists, going over the day, or even thinking about random things all while I should be focusing on my prayer.

My brain is so heavy and full that I'm sad to say I don't really focus on prayer sometimes. I just get it over with so I can finish my thoughts. Sometimes I'll slap myself mentally to focus but more often that not I drift off.

Wendy writes "To be honest, silence wasn't easy for this girl who likes to gab. I wanted to tell God what I thought would be good solutions to my problems. To-do lists ran through my head, instead of peace and quiet. Dusty shelves and piles of toys distracted my attention.

It felt unnatural not to be talking, so I resisted it.

I shared my uneasiness with God but knew silence and stillness were things I needed to practice. During these times I heard God's gentle encouragement, "Shhh. Be still. It's okay to be silent. You don't have to say a word."

I think I took this in a different way than what she meant it for but it still hit home. Basically I'm burnt out. I pray for patience but I'm too busy being impatient with God to really listen. 

I walked away from this email with relief almost. It made me breathe for this first time in three days and let go. It reminded me that God is in control and that I should just be silent, relax, and know that things will be okay. 

I'll continue to pray for patience and for the rest that only He can give. 

Besides that I mean really? I'll miss the days when Kinsley doesn't want to prance around in her tutu so I should take it all in. 

The "No" thing though? That I won't miss. Sadly I think that word is here to stay. :)

Happy Tuesday!

Matthew 11:28-30, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." 

Ecclesiastes 3:7b, "...a time to be silent and a time to speak."

Another 13.1 in the books

I should be writing this post with excitement and pride but instead I'm just glad it's over. I'm glad that I survived it.

Let's be honest. We knew I wouldn't PR. We knew I wasn't training. at all. So I didn't go into this expecting anything. I just wanted the experieince and I wanted to finish.

Finish I did but barely. I was not prepared for the West Coast hills, the freezing rain, and the wind.

I'll admit it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I am happy that I finished at all because around mile 6, like last time, I hit the race hard mentally and just wanted to give up. I wanted to be in a warm coffee shop under a blanket somewhere. Or at least in a porta potty because I had to pee!

 

For a while I kept up with my pace group and stayed right on track as if I did train. I surprised myself that I just fell right into the groove. Then? I had to pee like a race horse and since it was the inaugural race they weren't exactly prepared. I had to wait a few miles before even seeing one and even then I think it was not race related but for construction workers only. Oops. 

That's about the time I lost the pace group and never found them again. That's also about the time that every single hill in Oregon started kicking my ass.

 That bump in the road? Was me...you know just...resting.

Those hills are no joke. This flat road Florida gal was being tortured. My butt does thank you though downtown Portland. Very much.

I finished with a far from stellar time. Once I crossed the finish line a lady passed me and said "you deserve that medal. You worked your ass off." I wanted to turn around and look at my ass because really lady? How did you know? But instead I smiled and said "Thank You". 

Would I run this race again? Despite the rain, cold, and hills. Yes. Yes I would. Because I want to make those hills my bitch and come out with a much better finish time. Along with a banana and a warm blanket at the end that I did not receive this time. I WILL get my warm blanket!

The recovery process was a lot easier this time than it was in my first half marathon. I don't know why but it was. I was only out of commission & hated life for one day. So we are making progress!

I plan on running in two more half marathons this year and yes, I will be training. I always forget how much I love running until I want to die in a half marathon. Then it hits me that "oh yeah! I do like doing this".

Thank you for all of the support on here, Twitter, IG and Facebook! It meant a lot to get encouraging messages and texts throughout the entire race.

Question: Is anyone planning on running in the Rock and Roll Savannah 1/2 Marathon this year?!

 

 

Materialistic

I'm back! I survived the flights and the half marathon.

I don't even know where to begin about this trip or the race itself.
I'm not even sure you want to know about the race because it was horrible. Just horrible.
Of course I didn't expect to PR but I dang sure didn't expect to finish when I did.

Lesson learned: Always, always train. duh.

While I was away I kept thinking "oh! This would be a great post!" "I should write this down or go blog right now about it so I don't forget". I had TONS of moments but never wrote anything down. Of course when it comes time to write up a post I draw blanks.

So let's start from the beginning shall we?

We left for Portland, once we arrived there I knew I was in love. It's a completely different world than it is here in the South. or Florida for the matter.

Mt. Hood from the plane.

The hills, the mountains, all of the greenery, the weather! Everything sucked me in instantly. The people? So laid back and non-materialistic.

I had no idea just how materialistic Jacksonville is until I was in OR for a few days. You aren't being judged by what you are wearing or what you're driving. No one cares about how much you spent on this or that. They were just so accepting.

Granted I probably looked out of place since my flats, jewelry, monogrammed everything and over-priced cardis were a constant but they didn't care. 

It was so refreshing. And rather depressing coming back to Jacksonville where you have to live up to everything once again.

Speaking of materialistic I was able to catch a few outfit of the days for Chic Style Modern.

The entire outfit is Old Navy.

This was in Vegas and the weather was gorgeous!

 Night out to go see a show in Vegas

Top: Charming Charlies

Blazer: Target

Jeans: Chaps

Flats: Tory Burch

Bag: Kate Spade

Does anyone know why I can't make this the right way up? 

Cardi: Tory Burch

Jeans: Chaps

Top: Ann Taylor

Flats: Target

A day in Portland. This was my favorite outfit. So comfy and nautical!

With that said my race recap and review will be up tomorrow. So many new things to share!

While I'm glad to be back home with my baby girl, I sure do miss Portland.

Happy Thursday y'all!

 

Rude Passengers

Before I left for my trip I told Twitter that this was going to be the longest flight I've ever been on. 5 hours to be exact. I then asked jokingly if I should make conversation cards and bring them to ask my row mates and get to know them better. I also asked if I should bring UNO. lol

I was completely joking. I don't want to be bothered on a plane. Especially if I have to be on it for 5 hours. Just let me, my kindle, and iphone be at peace with one another.

Asking these questions brought some remarks to my attention and I had to ask the rest of Twitter:

What rude/crazy thing has a stranger done to you while on a plane?

Some of the responses I got are hilarious &/or just unbelievable! 

Here are a few of them:

Can you believe that people made out right next to a complete innocent stranger? lol I mean I know worse happens on flights but wow. Klassy.

I'm happy to say that the only annoying thing that has happened to me on a flight is a big (ger) guy was sitting behind me (on the way home from Blissdom) and he kept breathing like he just ran a marathon. AND SNIFFING SNOT UP HIS NOSE CONSTANTLY. 

You do not even want to know how many times I wanted to turn around and throw tissues at him.

I was beyond happy to get off of that plane.

So here is your question for today.

What is the weirdest/craziest/rudest thing that you have encountered during a flight?

 

Five

It's the day after my 1/2 marathon. I may or may not actually be here since you know I'm writing this ahead of time. I haven't trained and I'm pretty sure I'll be spending the majority of my race time in a medic tent.

Anywho, Meet Lena! A fun loving mama and wife! This post makes my heart happy and a tear may or may not have made it down my face.

Enjoy!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to sweet Sonja for letting me post today – I found Sonja on twitter a few months back, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to “know” her! 

My name is Lena, and I blog at Life with LeeLee & B…plus Annie Louise! My blog is mainly a way for me to journal and keep a record of all our big events in life – adventures in parenting, house-fixing-up and just daily life! I hope you will stop by and join in the fun!

When I was thinking about what to write for this guest post, I really drew a blank.  Does that ever happen to you when you begin to blog?  It always happens to me when I sit down and stare at that blank, white space and that scary button called “publish”.  

Yikes.

Anyways, I started thinking about things that are coming up – big, momentous events, including my five year wedding anniversary.  

Five years.  That almost seems like a milestone, doesn’t it?  

I actually started blogging a little while after we got married, so my blog is about to have a big anniversary, too!  And it’s funny to go back through my archives and read about what was important to me then – five years ago.  What mattered to me.

And oh my word, how things have changed.

I always had this picture in my head about where B (my hubby) and I would be on our five year anniversary….in a big, beautiful house, 2+ babies running around, me at home, perfect dinners on the table, etc etc etc.  The list goes on and on. 

You see where I’m going with this, don’t you?

Today, we’re in the same house we were in 2007.  We have one beautiful daughter, Annie Louise.  I’m currently a working mama.  And I rarely, heck NEVER, have perfect dinners on the table.

Does that make a difference or make me unhappy?  Absolutely not.  

Because you see, five years ago, happy meant something totally different to me than it does today in 2012.  Things that I thought would make me blissful don’t even make me crack a smile.  

A big, beautiful house won’t make me content.  But a squealing, running-around-in-nothing-but-a-diaper makes the biggest, goofiest grin come across my face.  In 2007, the thought of being a working mama made me scowl and frown.  But in 2012, providing for my family both financially and with access to healthcare makes me shine with pride. 

When I do go through my archives on occasion, I wish I could meet that 2007 Lena and tell her that all that “stuff” doesn’t mean a thing.  But I guess that’s something we learn as we get older and wiser, huh?  Everything that happened from 2007 and on has made me the woman, the wife, the mama that I am in 2012.  We can’t talk about the present without giving a “nod” to the past.

So, here’s to five more years of blogging and marriage…and lots of love to my sweet hubby for sticking with my crazy, neurotic, OCD self.  I couldn’t have picked a better partner to mellow me out.  You’re the best, B.

And thanks for reading along today, and don’t forget to stop by Life with LeeLee and B…plus Annie Louise and follow along!  

Sometimes we just need a little reminder

There's not too much to say before you read this post because I think it says enough. It touches very close to home and is really close to my heart now. 


Thank you so much Mandy!


& oorah :)
------------------------------------------------------------------------



I'm so honored to be taking over Sonja's blog space for today!  I hope she is having a fabulous time away!

Let me start off with a little intro about myself.  Hi!  I'm Mandy

I'm a twenty-nine year old {ouch} wife and teacher-turned SAHM.

My husband is Skip {he's thirty, hahaha} and we've been married together for 8 1/2 year and married for 6 1/2.

I have two sweet sweet little girls who I could not love anymore if I tried.

Little M turned three on November 29th

And Baby C is nine months old.

I blog over at Mommy Musings.  I also have a blog Facebook page and am constantly spewing mindless nonesense on Twitter.


I thought long and hard about what to write for Sonja today...maybe something about being a mom of two girls?  Some fitness tips?  Some creative home improvement project I've been working on?  Life as a cop wife?  An antidote about when I was Marine Corps Wife?  But an old blog post I wrote kept sticking out in my mind.  I go back to it myself when I need a quick reminder about what is really important in life.  So I thought I'd share this old post with you, as a reminder to pause and remember...


Sometimes I get tired of picking up the girls toys all day long....

.....but then I think about all the children without toys.


Sometimes I get so tired of Baby C not sleeping well....

....but then I remember she is my last baby and I will soon miss these days.


Sometimes I worry about money and how much our mortgage is....

....but then I remember how lucky Skip and I have been to be homeowners since I was 22.


Sometimes I get stir crazy sitting at home with the girls because it's too much to bring them out.....

....but then I remember just how lucky I am to stay at home with them everyday.


Sometimes I complain about my husband's weird/long hours....

....but then I remember to be thankful he has a job.


Sometimes I forget Skip was ever deployed..it was so long ago and I occasionally take advantage of seeing him every day now...

.....but then an image like this burns in my mind.

It is our front yard.  We are flying the flag at half staff..in honor of the New Jersey Marine who was killed in that terrible helicopter crash and is being buried today. 

....but then I remember how lucky I am that Skip came home, alive and safe.  We were able to get married, buy a house, work, and raise our girls, only because he came home to me.



Sometimes we just need a reminder....

5 Things for Sin City

Viva Las Vegas! I think it's only fitting that I have Katy's post today since I'm in Vegas as well. Hopefully I get to have a BD (is that right K?? lol!) with her while I'm here!
Really I'm in Portland right now adding this post but after reading it I'm kind of worried! This FL girl is pale. I also eat more than carrots and celery. Hello? Totally going to VooDoo Donuts tomorrow. PLEASE google that RIGHT NOW.


Anyway, I have a sunburn just reading this! Now onto Katy :)
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Hello readers of Running In Pearls!!

I'm Katy from Only in Vegas...

Since Sonja is busy jet setting the states for the next two weeks, I volunteered to do a guest post. Yay!

A little about me? I am originally from Minnesota, where I grew up on a farm. I know, I don't look like your typical country girl. But I was adopted when I was a baby, and somehow got stuck with a pretty cool older brother. Proof? [He's gonna hate me for these pictures being all over the web...oops!]

I have serious addictions to: leopard print, painting my nails, neon, shoes and most importantly Red Bull and Starbucks. [I would like to say that Sonja and I share a common love for the last two...We have also come to the conclusion of: Do NOT have more than two Red Bulls in one day!]

Back to blogs. I'm over at 

Only in Vegas...because I live in the Fabulous Las Vegas!!

 

Since the lovely Sonja will be gracing the amazing City of Sin with her presence on this jet setting trip. I thought I'd share a five things that I have learned while living here.


1. Image. In Vegas, image is everything. It definitely has its pros and cons. But it has helped me become aware of my self image. I also love enjoy working out. I know Sonja is a half marathoner, but me? I used to think along the lines of:

I've never been a fan of running, but somehow this year I got convinced to sign up for The Color Run. It's only a 5k but that was long enough for me.

My thoughts on the experience? AMAZING. I am so signing up next year...if this is come to your city [or one near you], sign up! This actually made me enjoy running.



2. Pools + Drinking. Vegas is hot. We're in the middle of a desert! That is where pools come in handy. You either have a pool or you are good friends with someone that does. Word to the wise: Drinking + Pools = Hot Mess.

It can get pretty ugly. Or people can get pretty ugly. People think that delicious mojito, margarita or vodka Red Bull they are sipping on is keeping them hydrated. WRONG! I have unfortunately learned from experience that it is rough a few hours later. So if you come visit and enjoy the pools, please drink some h2o....and use sunscreen!!!

3. Nature differences. I have learned there are some big differences between Minnesota and Nevada regarding the nature department. I have to admit I do miss grass. Odd I know. 

But within the first month I moved out here, I learned about different bugs/insects. Mmhmm. More importantly, I learned about scorpions...and it wasn't a fun way. I have gotten stung by a scorpion. [Not something I've ever wanted to cross off a bucket list, but I can now.] 

Sent this to my mom, she freaked cause she got I got a scorpion tattoo. Really Mom? Really?

I'll spare you the actual picture of the scorpion, but LUCKILY it was like a really bad bee or wasp sting. But I will gladly be more than willing to never experience that ever again.

4. Social Butterfly. Ok, image is everything in this city. But I would have to say that 'who you know' could probably tie for first place as well. Vegas is known for its clubs, concerts, events and shows. I get asked why I don't go to all the shows....truth? Money. They are expensive. But I have learned that you have to know the right people OR be the right friends on social media, you might get/win some free things.

 

I have been able to score concert tickets, movie passes, bar tabs, show tickets, etc mainly because of social media AND who I've met of the past few years. I have also learned that Vegas is loyal to it's locals. There is always pretty good deals for locals...especially if you are a local lady.

5. Yourself. In a city that is constantly going 24/7 and judging everyone on their looks, it's important to have two things: a best friend and alone time.

 

People get burnt out here really fast. Or get caught up in the gambling, partying, drinking concept of Vegas. I have found that I get by because I have a best friend that I can talk to about anything. I also find that a little self meditation [and by meditation I mean laying by my pool] helps relieve stress and keep me in line.

I hope I haven't scared anyone from visiting Vegas. Because let me be honest. I LOVE VEGAS. So if anyone ever comes out here, let me know! I love showing this city off or lending a helping hand [err answering questions?] Come say Hi on my blog anytime...you can also find me on Twitter through out the day as well.

Thanks Sonja!! ...and ENJOY your vacation!

Day to Night Outfits

Aloha!

I'm on my way back from Vegas! Hopefully I've won some moolah and (I'm?) am the proud new owner of a Louis. Yeah? I can dream.

Today we have Holly! Can I just tell you right now how much I love this lady? I die at her fashion posts and IG pictures everyday and she's just a sweet gal!

Also her blog name is "Running In Stilettos" and my old blog was "For the Love of Stilettos" and now it's "Running In Pearls" in case you didn't know. So basically it's meant to be that we follow each other. 

Yeah.

So here you go! Enjoy!

--------------------------------

Hey there, cats and kittens, and Running in Pearls readers!

I'm Holly and I blog over at Running in Stilettos.

While Sonja is away, I thought I'd stop by and talk one of my favorite topics: fashion!

Before Sonja left, she was trying to pack for two different climates, yet trying to keep her suitcase under the weight limit, or save enough room for her hair products ;)

One way I try to save room in my suitcase is by packing outfits that can transition from day to night.

Here are three outfits that you can take from day to night life:

Source: shoppingfordistractions.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

One of my favorite outfits is jeans and a t-shirt, with a chic twist.

Rock a t-shirt and skinnies with flats and a statement necklace during the day.

At night, swap the flats for heels or wedges, grab a clutch, put on some lipstick/gloss and hit the town.

Source: Uploaded by user via Holly on Pinterest

Staying comfy and cool is key for me during the summer, or in the Vegas heat {right, Sonja?!}.

This outfit screams comfy and cool, with a punch of flirty and fun.

Source: theberry.com via Holly on Pinterest

At night,

swap the angelic white tank for a sexy black one.

I like the touch of leather in the belt and clutch for texture and contrast.

Keep the jewelry light or go all out depending on where you're headed.

Source: lookbook.nu via Holly on Pinterest

Colorful crops and a slouchy, light weight top, plus flops or flats are perfect for hitting the strip by day.

Source: gabbagabbagorg.tumblr.com via Holly on Pinterest

At night, swap the slouchy tee for a flowy blouse or tank, with

plenty of bling and a patterned clutch to add interest. Get it, giiiirrrrrl!

So whether you're off jet setting like Sonja, or just looking for a way to stretch your summer wardrobe, I hope you find inspiration in these spring/summer chic outfit like I have!

Thanks for having me, Sonja!

And don't be a stranger ya'll, stop by my blog, or hit me up on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram (@hritter18)!