Thursday/Workout #3

I never quite got around to posting today's workout. I really really wanted to run 3 miles, but walked too much to count it as a complete run. So here's the running part..

So close to 3 miles!

Amen! I have been using these runs as a vent for all the frustrated/angry/confused/anxious energy I store up over the course of the previous day and spend a good chunk of my time thinking things over. I also really enjoy this new habit of listening to Breakaway podcasts because I know I'm using my otherwise free time for spiritual growth and it feel GOOD!

I've been researching several half-marathon training plans and each of them have at least one rest day a week and two cross training sessions that I can fill with an hour of any other cardio/exercise, which means tomorrow morning at 6:00am I'm waking up for Sunrise Yoga at the student rec center with one of my roommates and another girl from the house. I haven't done yoga since probably Christmas so we'll see how this goes.. Later in the day I'm going to do some aerobic swimming with Ryan followed by some much appreciated tanning time with my sistas. I can't wait!

Until tomorrow!

Does anybody else dislike this new blogger set-up? I'm turned around and a bit frustrated, much like when myspace got a facelift, and then Facebook did the same. It's like my virtual world had an earthquake and my bedroom's all jumbled around in a giant pile.
AmIRight?

This morning I missed my only class, an 8:00am. The entire week I've been up and at 'em by 8, and today, the one day it matters, I don't even bother getting out of bed. Such is life!
It's not like that was the last class before my final.. oh wait. -_-
So instead, today I will go shopping for maxi dresses. I may be a mini human, but I'm a mini human that can shorten and hem maxi dresses. Maybe I'll wear said maxi dress to the horticultural gardens and plan this weekend's birthday trip to some underground caves near San Marcos!

Today's sounds: Young the Giant, Foster the People, Phoenix, and Fleet Foxies.

On that note, I'll leave you with this:

Vulpes vulpes

The Red Fox

UPDATE: Didn't find the perfect maxi, but I studied the pattern of the ones I liked and I'm buying some rayon and jersey in a few days to just sew my own!

My next craft EASILY will be:

It really is all ok.

That is all.

"Overcoming Jealousy" applied

You know how it feels to almost enjoy seeing someone who you might envy fail at something? I can relate to that whole heartedly. There are certain people it almost pains me to see succeed.
Say this other person gets a job; suddenly that's the only job I ever wanted and I hate her for it.
Say she gets a great haircut. Instantly I'm bitter that I hadn't acted on my impulses and gotten that hair cut a month ago.
Say she has an unfortunate experience. My day is suddenly brighter.
I've always assumed my jealousy and envy had everything to do with this person because that's where it was focused. Today's breakaway podcast got me thinking differently:

"It's not even about THEM.. it's about you. The problem isn't the person, it's in you! And you want to know where the real problem is? It's not even between you and another person... You have a problem with God."

What? Come again? My problem isn't with this girl, but with God himself? You must be kidding me. I love God! He's given me everything in this world and there's no way I could ever hold any issue with myself against Him.

"Here's the hard fact tonight.. Whatever problem you feel like you have or inadequacy you believe you've got tonight, God could have fixed that. He could have made you cuter, funnier, more athletic, more talented... and He didn't, and that's the truth."
"He's not always fair, and he never said he would be, but he's good."

And there it is. He has given us these faults and "short comings" and problems within ourselves to overcome because it's all part of His plan for us.

Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."

"God has given you a different race, and so don't be jealous of others. God's got something for you and you don't know it yet, but you know Him, so run!"

You can imagine how ironic it was to hear this while I was actually running. I picked that specific message knowing jealousy was something I struggled with daily and got a little nod of affirmation that it was directed to me.
I've got no idea what my race is or where it's headed or if I've even left the starting gates, but I do know that my goal now is just to run, whole heartedly and with endurance.
I need this action of physically running to give myself quiet time with God. I am literally running away from all other distractions that could get in between me and Him. It gives my day a new sense of purpose and focus that I haven't had in forever. I feel more aware of how I treat others and my own body. I am able to let go of the reigns and just BE. It's a funny feeling.
Double post today. Yikes!

Wednesday/ Workout #2

       Since yesterday I have been catching up on a campus-wide bible study A&M has every Tuesday called Breakaway. Five to nine THOUSAND college students travel to our basketball arena once a week and worship God and get incredibly applicable lessons from the most amazing study leader, Ben Stuart. Unfortunately I've only made it to a few of these this semester and with recent events really found myself craving the guidance and encouragement Breakaway generally provides. I downloaded the last 10 weeks of services and started moving along, listening to three yesterday and another today while I ran.
So far I've covered:
        Song of Songs Part 1: Attraction
        Song of Songs Part 2: Deepening
        Song of Songs Part 3: Wedding Night
        Overcome Jealousy
We're currently finishing up a study of Song of Solomon focusing on attraction, love, sex, marriage, and the like, but if you scroll down there are tons of other topics.. Earlier we went through the lines of the Lord's Prayer.. "Engage the World" from the beginning of this school year was great too. They're all great! Here's the link:

Breakaway Podcasts

Listening to these is amazing therapy for me. I can bring my focus away from the issues I'm dealing with and set my sights back on God, something I'm struggling with a lot. Lately I can't make myself sit down and read my Bible so having someone break it down for me audibly is incredibly helpful.

Today's workout: (While listening to "Overcome Jealousy")

 

I don't like to run in squares.. I get lost and scared easily on runs so I tend to run up a distance and then turn around and go back the exact way I came. ha! What a weird kid.

work out #1

So today I started my half marathon training and I already like the way I feel.

I've been up since 8:00 since I had advising at 9:30 so I've already been to campus and back, accomplished a big item on my to do list, and gone on a run.

1.9 miles

around 18 minutes

I'd post my tracker screenshot but I accidentally hit "Finished" with .3 still to go. Next time!

What I have to get used to in long-distance is that I'm no longer running for speed. I have to find a slower pace, even if it's something I'm not happy with, in order to go further and longer.

I also haven't invested in a good pair of running headphones yet so I struggle a lot with keeping earbuds in my ears. I'd say about 70% of my run I'm messing around with them, but I run so much easier with music! I've asked for a good arm band to hold my iPhone for my birthday so maybe my next purchase will be matching athletic head phones.

In addition to workouts I'll also be changing my diet. No soda, very little candy, minimal processed carbs, no dessert (except froyo!). So far today I've had yogurt for breakfast and a bowl of carrots/broccoli/grapes/strawberry after my run. We'll see how long this lasts. Luckily our chef usually prepares relatively healthy food at the house and if not, we've always got the salad bar and yogurt in the fridge!

I have the feeling people aren't going to be interested in reading my workout and eat habits every day so I might start a side tab that keeps track of my half-marathon adventure. Not that many people follow this blog in the first place!

Happy Tuesday!

so,

For a rather long time I have been dissatisfied with my fitness and tonight I have officially decided to make a real change.

My 8 week half marathon training begins tomorrow.

I'm tired of feeling like I have no energy.

I'm tired of wishing I was in better shape.

I'm tired of looking at myself in the mirror and being disappointed.

I will be in control and determined and focused. There is nothing, except for a few lousy finals, that stand between me and my goal.

That is all. Hold me accountable!

What's in Your Purse?

I've always wondered what some women carry in their massive oversize slouchy purses and totes. I recently acquired a lovely springy kelly green basket weave purse that is just the right size for everything. It carries all my necessities and even a cardigan or a pair of sandals for weather changes. Here's a fun little segment I like to call: "What's In Your Purse Right Now, Kate?"

There you have it. Welcome to my life. Besides the basics (wallet, checkbook, keys, iPhone, sunglasses) I carry:

-Essie Nail Varnish in "Peach Daquiri"- It's been on my toes since the day I bought it. Love!

-Nivea "A Kiss of Flavor" Strawberry Tinted Lip Balm: light-weight and tasty with a hint of red.

-Trader Joe's "Enrich" Moisturizer... says it's for face, but I use it everywhere for ashy emergencies!

-Mom's Cosmetics Brand pressed powder. I tend to get shiny after 3:00 pm and you never know who you will meet in those 3:30 RPTS classes!

-My Kindle, Alice. She is like my third child.. (the first are Spike and Dinah)

Not pictured: a Bigelow tea packet, generally Green Tea with Pomegranate or Mint Black tea! I ask for hot water at the campus coffee shop (free!) and brew my own tea while I study!

I'm interested to know what you've got hiding in your bag.. Mine is rather generic, though I know young mothers must have some goodies!

weekend update with Kate

Alright, so a bit has happened since Thursday.

On Thursday my sorority hosted its first annual Anchorman, a male beauty pageant showcasing 12 gentlemen elected by their men's organizations to compete in talent/formal wear/question and answer pageant for the title of Anchorman 2012, along with some sweet prizes. The night was a fantastic first try, albeit there were a few technical problems with the sound. So that took up my Thursday evening, after which I moved on to my second item...

Thursday night, Ryan and I drove home to Dallas so he could get his hair cut and I could visit my parents and bring a load of clothes home! It was just a quick trip home, less than 24 hours, but something I desperately needed! You may already know that I have been having some difficulty in changing my college major. Well, call me crazy, but I received a sign while there.

While putting away some books I had brought home, I conveniently found my Horticulture Department Curriculum Handbook and sat down to flip through it. I found a few science majors in Horticulture I had forgotten all about, one being my official new and final major,

Bachelor of Science Horticulture, Fruit and Vegetable Production and Management

Working in nature and with plants is a deep love of mine that I just discovered in college, and while I love Accounting, it's just not something I could see myself enjoying studying, and above all else, my parents have always told me to follow my heart and study something I am passionate about.

With the massive popularity of organics and the revival of do-it-yourself gardening, I can see the fruit and veggie industry going crazy over the next few years. It's also something that will never become irrelevant and growing techniques have been rather steady for the last 20 years. I love the idea of being constantly surrounded by life and spending my future discovering the wonders and beauty of one of God's creations I feel is often overlooked.

SO! I created a new college schedule to fit that study track, yadda yadda, had wonderful discussions with my parents about my future, and then headed home Friday night!

Saturday brought a day full of Aggie Traditions and and excitement. After almost THREE years of construction, our beautiful Memorial Student Center finally re-opened! Ryan and I got to wander a bit and I'll post photos when the crowds die down and I can get good shots. We also attended a touching memorial called Muster, held on the 21st of April every year. It is a ceremony where the names of Aggies who passed in the last year are called out, and for each, members of the ceremony who knew them answer "Here" to show they are not forgotten and their legacy lives on through our love. A lit candle is held by a friend or family member and the flame is passed throughout our auditorium until each name is read. It's an honored tradition that A&M has been carrying for years and years, and one of my absolute favorites!

Today I am bouncing from meeting to meeting and getting some homework and cleaning up taken care of before my busy three weeks! My first final is this Wednesday which I am PSYCHED about because that means the end of my Political Science class. Whoop!

I really didn't have time to blog about this.. not sure why I decided I did.

Happy weekend!

registration woes

SPOILER ALERT! This is essentially a rant.

For those of you who are attending large universities, please sympathize;

It's registration season.

Nothing gets a migraine going for me like registering for a new semester. It seems that no matter how hard I study or succeed in classes, the university never lets me have an easy registration. Each semester it has been a complete nightmare. This one especially. I am in the process of turning my BA Horticulture/Business Minor/Event Planning Certification into a BBA Accounting/Horticulture Minor. It's a mouthful and apparently the most difficult transfer in the world. It's crazy. I feel the headache coming on. I'm also trying to register for summer courses at my community college where they have placed a HOLD on my registration status. Evidently the school at which I am CURRENTLY AN ONLINE STUDENT has not received my application. It's ridiculous. Did I mention they don't turn down any applicants? It's an open application.

Meanwhile, I'm contemplating whether I could still get a job post-graduation with a Horticulture degree and I'm panicking that I won't enjoy business classes and will slowly drown in drab business casual.

Amongst all this chaos, I am preparing for my sorority's spring philanthropy event happening this evening. I fortunately volunteered to be a team captain which means extra responsibility. Yay.

I'm sure there are people out there saying "Girlfriend, just let go and put it in God's hands. He'll take care of it for you." But let me tell you Girlfriend, registration is something He won't even get involved in. IT'S THAT BAD.

Pats on the back and silent encouraging looks greatly appreciated!

ahem. LADIES:

I have always had a special place in my heart for feminism. Credit to my wonderful parents, I have always been conscious of the negative images of women presented to me by television, advertising, and other media sources. In addition to unrealistic physical ideals, we're assaulted with marginalization of women's ability to be successful in politics and the workforce. Like most girls, I've been affected by negative body image and desire to be "prettier, skinnier, more popular, more like the other girls" and fortunately come out of the other side without much damage to my self-image and desire to succeed and be independent. Something about hearing women discuss the media and its negative influences on younger girls and their perception of self-worth and power really hits home for me. Thus, this blog post had to be written.

This evening I watched a film on campus called Miss Representation.

It did many things for me.

1. Reminded me that I play a vital role in altering the perception of young women in my community as a leader in an organization that is typically viewed as self-absorbed, ditzy, or a "social club" full of party girls.

2. Refreshed my desire to be a successful, independent, influential role model for girls and women at my university, in Delta Gamma, and even back home.

3. Made me want to be active in a women's rights organization.

4. Rekindled my love for the band Metric.

I would highly recommend every woman watch this film and share its message with the younger and more impressionable girls in their life. It has some language and images that definitely aren't appropriate for girls under 13 but the themes are extremely important to communicate to girls in the middle school-high school-college age range.

Remember:

"You can't be what you can't see." -Marian Wright Edelman

Be a respectable, intelligent role model for the younger girls (and guys) around you. They need your influence in their lives to combat the self-obsessed idiocy they see each day on television!

announcement

This lovely lady is my best friend in the entire world, Jill.

That is Jill's older sister Leah. She's getting married in August.

And THIS is the route (roughly) Jill and I will be taking to Leah's Northern California wedding. That's right folks, we're taking a BEST FRIEND TRANS-AMERICAN ROAD TRIP! (whoop!)

We decided it's time that we see the sites the western United States has to offer. Hopefully our journey will take us through Roswell, the Grand Canyon, to see the Redwoods, to Yellowstone, and wherever else we can fit in our drive. We will spend (around) two weeks on our voyage, documenting each moment through various media and spending countless dollars on gasoline.

I am especially excited because this is the acceptable substitute my parents have allowed me because they couldn't get on board with my rural Peruvian excursion. Maybe next year.

Either way, I am BEYOND excited to live out of a car and explore countless wonders with Jill by my side. If anybody has visited somewhere astounding in the general direction we're heading, let me know! We have no idea where to visit and would love input.

I have some more news to share, but I will wait until tomorrow. On a related note, life is really great right now. Busy and at some points out of control, but really awesome. I love where I'm at. Thank the LAWD!

Happy Tuesday!

under constuction

don't mind the mess while I play around with layouts!