Currently {August Edition}

Wearing... either scrubs, gym clothes, or pajamas. Fashion blog, here I come.
Reading... What to Expect When You're Expecting, and it is the most boring book ever. Any other pregnancy book recommendations?
Trying... to work as much as I can and save, save, save!
Eating... pretty much everything. Hello appetite. Nice to see you again.
Drinking... orange juice. I just can't get enough of that citrus-y goodness.
Going... to the lake in a few weeks and can't wait! I need some relaxing friend-time like nobody's business.
Loving... this weather. I mean, come on people. When has August ever been this splendid in Arkansas?
Hating... that we live in a rent house, but that is the season we are in right now. I'm trying to come to terms with it.
Discovering... that all this baby stuff doesn't need to cost half my paycheck. Consignment shops, I think we're going to get along well.
Enjoying... any time I can get with my hubby. Between school and working full-time hours, he isn't home near as often as I'd like. We soak up every moment we have together, and it's glorious.
Ruminating... on God's faithfulness. He is constant, despite the storms. He loves me, despite my sin. How crazy amazing is that?
Feeling... itchy. During our hike this weekend, I got several bug bites.
Hoping... it is just a few bug bites and not poison ivy. Josh and I are highly allergic and that stuff eats us alive. Finger crossed.
Listening... to A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin on audiobook. Game of Thrones is my favorite show and the novels are proving just as intriguing.
Thanking... my friends and family for already loving on this baby. Between thoughtful gifts in the mail  and loaning loads of baby gear, I feel that Josh and I may actually be able to afford this child. Jen, Jess, and Rach...I'm looking at you! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Wondering... if 10pm is too late for a snack?
Finishing... the week's laundry. Sunday is laundry day and I actually look forward to it. There's something relaxing about folding towels. Worst part: putting it all away.
Starting... to eat "healthy". Now that my appetite is back, I can see how weight gain can easily get out of control. Now that I want to eat a variety of foods (and not just peanut butter crackers), lots of veggies and lean meats are being added back into the diet.

Lately in 2013

Who wants to join me in questioning where January went? And who stole half a February?  Time has been slipping by, but in a good way. I've been so busy with work, hanging with friends, and doing new things that my week flies by in anticipation for the exciting weekend, which of course happens too quickly.

Isn't that how life goes? You are so busy doing life that you don't even notice the days going by. I'm loving every second of it. And now, here are my recent happenings of the year.

Lately in 2013

1. I'm an athletic volleyball star. 
Well, "athletic" and "star" is relative. And by relative, I mean kinda not true. Josh and I are on a recreational volleyball team and while we are all amazing, our team hasn't quite won a single match. Or a single game. But I have hope. We all have skills and are determined to win. Plus with Josh as obsessed as he is, we have to win or I'll have a very unhappy husband the rest of the season. Nobody wants that.

Coach and Volleyball Master says "We MUST win!"

2. I have hair and a lot of it.

In a few short hours, I went from this:

to this:

 And I love it! Goodbye fine, thin hair and hello long locks.

3. I have a new boyfriend.

Seriously, Mr. Maddux is the sweetest, cuddliest, funniest baby that I get to love on. I particularly love that his mama trusts me to keep him for hours at a time, even though I have limited baby experience. But it's much more experience than my husband, who pats him on the head like a dog. But I think he's getting the hang of it. 

4. I have the most fun siblings ever.
A 10-year old and a 30-year old who is like a 10-year old sure keep me young. Derek keeps me posted on the latest Razorback happenings and Jaden makes sure I know the cool, new lingo. Thanks to them I am one hip sister.
Last weekend the whole family came up to Northwest Arkansas for the Special Olympic Winter Games and us sibs had some great bonding time. Plus we got to celebrate our mom's 50ish 29th birthday. It was a much needed weekend of family togetherness. Even though I only live 3 hours away, I don't see them near enough.

5.  I choose Josh as my Valentine over my young boyfriend. 
Nine years of Valentines with my best friend and they only get better. Like every year, we kept it low key with cards and chinese takeout. I think we both nailed card-selection this year.

To her

To him

6. I'm a runnin' fool.

I sometimes question my sanity getting up on Saturday at 5:30 in sub-freezing degree weather, but I love running in a I-hate-it kinda way. Good thing I have dedicated running buddies and ever-changing routes that make my runs go by fast and have me looking forward to next time I get to hit the pavement. 

17 miles. Say what?!

My next few months are scheduled with weddings, races, European vacations, and maybe a volleyball win or two, so it doesn't look like life will be slowing down anytime soon. Bring it on. 

What have you filled your 2013 days with? Lots of fun, friends and family? 

A List

My mind is random today, but I still have a few things to share. Please bare with me.

1. I are currently obsessed with several television shows: Mad Men, Game of Thrones, and Girls. Sadly, these all come on Sunday evening which means either 1)I stay up really late (aka: 11pm) to watch all of them, then super be tired Monday morning, or 2)Save a show for later in the week and avoid all form of social media. Clearly my life is full of problems.

2. I worked on Memorial Day, although it wasn't too bad because it was a paid holiday and I was out by lunchtime. I immediate came straight home, took a 2 hour nap, then went on a 30 mile bike ride, which was promptly followed by a double dip ice cream from Braums. Pretty darn good Memorial Day if you ask me.

3. I'm getting faster. On Sunday I had a brick workout of a 15 mile bike ride followed by a 2.5 mile run. You would think that my pace would suffer after riding hard for over an hour, but I averaged a 8:46 pace! This time last year, I was thrilled to keep a 10minute pace for a couple of miles and now I'm easily holding a sub 9:00. Who am I?

4. I signed up for a 5K this Saturday and I'm kind of nervous. I have a goal time in mind, but I am mainly using it to get into "racing mentality." I have never truly pushed myself during a race before- I always hold a comfortable sustainable speed. Saturday I want to push myself so hard I could be throwing up at the finish line. Doesn't that sound horribly wonderful!?

5. Triathlon training has taken over my life. If I'm not running, cycling, swimming, or yoga-ing, I'm resting or eating. Oh, and I have to manage to throw in work, sustaining an amicable relationship with my spouse, and planning a baby shower. June 24th couldn't get here soon enough.

6. Despite being completely drained, I've never felt stronger or happier. This tri-training, crazy hectic life kind of suits me.  Who am I?

7. My dog has bad breath. As a result, Josh and I have been alternating brushing her teeth with this little doggie toothbrush. She loves it; I do not. 

So, what randomness is happening in your life right now? Anything as boring interesting as mine?

I'm a Grown-up

Early last week, I had to say goodbye to my super awesome car. And by "had to" I mean "get out of my drive way asap!" While it was super fun to drive and I couldn't have asked for a cooler car to have during college (thanks mom!), I have come to realize that I am a grandma and I now prefer comfy seats for my aching bones and extra cargo space for my rocking chair and doll collection. 

Here I am a few years ago enjoying the coolness of my car with friends. How young and carefree I was back then...

After two years of saving for a new car, Josh and I finally put it to good use this weekend. Holding that much money in my hands was a little overwhelming. I felt a tug of my heart when we handed the cash-wad over, but I think Josh and I made a pretty good trade.

Introducing the Clark's new ride: the Ford Edge

The leather seats are oh so comfy. The ride is oh so smooth. And the inside has oh so much space. 

Being a grown-up is oh so much better!

On A Boat

Josh and I spent last week on a boat. We ate, drank, and relaxed each day. They say pictures are worth a thousand words, so instead of boring you with an essay, I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Lots of amazing food

Fresh guacamole

Steamed veggies at every meal

Two desserts at every meal

Heaven

We actually worked out every day.

This was one of my favorite parts! 

Up by 8 every morning and headed straight to the treadmill. 

If I only had time to do this in my real life.

 A few drinks

Okay, more than a few.

And our bill at the end of the trip reflected that.

 

Plenty of fun in the sun

SPF 50 all around for these two white bodies.

I swear we were the two palest people on the boat.

 And of course some formal pictures

Thank you honey, for taking these beautiful pictures so seriously.

I don't think the photographer appreciated it much.

We had a wonderfully relaxing time and we were dragging our feet to get back to the real world. After a week of being waited on, it was quite an adjustment to actually fix our own food and make our bed. Woe is me.  

Did you get an spring break? Or where you an adult and work all week?

The Naked Face Project...so far

At the beginning of February, I decided to participate in The Naked Face Project by locking up my makeup for the entire month. 

Going to bed January 31st, I was nervous and anxious knowing I had to wake up the next morning and go to work with a "naked" face. At 6:30 the alarm buzzed and I jumped right out of bed. I showered, blow dried my hair, and then...I was done. It wasn't even 7am yet!

Man, I could get use to that routine! No styling of hair. No make up. Quick and easy! So much extra time in the morning!

The first week was a little awkward for me. People at work kept saying: "Have you gone tanning? Your face is really red!" -No I just have really rosy cheeks, but now I'm blushing. "Something is different about you. What is it." -Oh you know, I'm not wearing makeup today, or tomorrow. Get use to it. "Are you not wearing makeup, cause I can really see your freckles." -Yes Sherlock, I have freckles.

It has now been 15 days since I wore make up, and I must say it is quite nice! My skin is incredibly soft and getting ready is such a breeze! Also, I love the fact that I can wipe my eyes without worrying about smearing anything. However, I still feel like something is missing when I see myself in the mirror, especially when I go to work or dress up for church or dinner with friends.

But I'm really enjoying this project! Each day I am becoming more comfortable with my "naked" face and I'm loving it more and more. It is oh so freeing!

YAY for growing and pushing yourself! And YAY for improved self esteem!! 

Weekend Monotony

Lately, when I talk to my friends and family from my home town, the first thing I am asked is "What have you been up to?" Although I understand the reasoning behind the question (and I always ask the question back), I hate answering. I don't enjoy answering the question because it makes my life seem dull and monotonous.

The response is usually something like "Oh, you know, same old stuff: working and running."

While that may seem rather boring to some people, I actually find my day-to-day life 100% enjoyable and packed with things I love.

This weekend was no different.

Friday I went out to eat with coworkers for a much needed evening of relaxation and laughter. After having a semi-stressful work week, it was nice to have fun with people I truly enjoy working with.

The best therapists in NWA fighting over a huge bowl of perfected quacalome

My Saturday looked like the same Saturday I have had for the past 12 weeks. I had a relaxing morning and a hardy breakfast, then completed my long run of 17 miles. This is hands down the longest I've ever run. Luckily, Josh ran the first 8 miles with me; the last 9 miles I tackled solo.

And while your running around Fayetteville for 17 miles, you might as well run errands while your out.

Hello massive-looking arm and tiny-sweaty head.

Our Redbox drop off is only 2.3 miles away. Having a purpose for the run made it feel a little different. Problem was, I didn't have quite the mission the other 14.7 miles.

But it was a successful long run nonetheless: total time- 3:04 with an average pace of 10:48. Not speedy, but I'll take it. One thing I've learned about marathon training is that I can't worry about my time. As this is my first marathon, my primary goal is just to get it done. So if I have to skip, hop, or crawl all 26.2 miles I will. And if it takes me 6 hours to complete, awesome. I just want to finish!


On Sunday, after church, Josh and I spent some quality time together grocery shopping and cleaning- oh so romantic.

Josh looking quite dashing. 

Sorry that I posted this honey. Wait, no I'm not.

Later in the day we kicked off the first meeting of the semester for our community group. We are starting a study called Real Marriage by Mark & Grace Driscoll. We are really excited about this study and what God has planned for our marriage. I'm also super pumped about getting to know the other couples in the group. There is something so special about getting together with other believers to encourage and support one another.

So, while my weekends may have the same theme over and over again, I wouldn't choose to spend them any other way. I love the consistency in my life!

What did you do this weekend? Do you find your weekends consist of the same activities? Do you love it or do you desire some more spontaneity? 

Goodbye 2011

So, yea. This post was due well over a week ago, but between the holidays and my obsession with The Hunger Games Triology, I've been WAY too busy to set aside 20 minutes to blog. I wish I could blame it on spending way to much time logging miles in the 'ole Asics, but sadly I've been battling stupid non-running-related injuries which have kept me sidelined for the past few weeks. 

But alas, my holidays were splendid. They were spent with my favorite people and I was reminded how blessed I am. Kind of like this past year.

2011 was pretty amazing, to say the least.

We saw lots of snow at the beginning of the year.

A lot of time was spent with friends.

I rocked some awesome races:

 like a wintery 5k,

my first triathlon,

 

an awesome half marathon with friends,

and a memorable half with my hubs.

 We went on a family cruise.

 Josh and I spent my birthday in Hot Springs, hiking and staying at our family's lake house.

We celebrated our 1 year anniversary!

We moved to Fayetteville.

My mom got a pool.

 And we got a puppy!

At the beginning of the year I proclaimed my love for new year resolutions and set a few for myself. Lets see how I faired...

1. Run a 5K, 10K, and half marathon; and set a new PR

Partially accomplished: I completed a 5k and a half marathon and set personal records in both. Wahoo! But I never even signed up for a 10k.

2. Save 20% of our yearly income

Done! Despite the cost of moving, we were still able to keep our savings at 20%, with $8 surplus. 

3. Take a photography class

Complete fail: Never gave this more than a second thought. 

4. Become more confident in my sewing abilities.

Between baby showers and the need to decorate my house, I consider this partially completed. I suppose you can say I am more confident in my abilities, I still have no real clue what I am doing. 

Taking this time to reflect over 2011 has me even more excited for the possibilities of this new year. Stay tuned for the epic resolutions of 2012!