Hi, readers (hi, and hope you're surviving the monsoon, Mom)! I think I forgot to post anything last week, but oh well. This week's post will more than make up for it! Quick life update: I'm training for a half marathon, raising a puppy, and working. The end. Just kidding (kinda).
I am going to dive right into the topic of this week's blog: the Bachelor Best Fest. When my brother got engaged in February, I'll admit, I had a couple of tough days realizing it's not the Jace & Jen show anymore, and that he's moving along in life to start his own family. I couldn't be more excited about my future sister-in-law and all of the adventures they'll experience together, and that I'll share with her as part of our bigger, better, awesome-r family unit. It's just that, whenever we were young my parents told us "You two will have friends come and go throughout your life, but you'll always be in each other's lives, so be best friends." For whatever reason, probably the grace of God, we stuck to that. In most relationships, you hear people say they've had their issues and tough times, and sure Jace & I have gotten into a few arguments here and there, but I can truly say I don't feel like we've ever really had major dysfunction or problems with each other. It's a one of a kind thing, so understandably, him moving on is happy and sad (in a happy way).
Anyway, before I get too mushy, Jace & I decided that we needed one "last" best friends hangout weekend before he ties the knot. Unfortunately there wasn't a Switchfoot concert anywhere near us, so we settled for the next best thing: the beach. We toyed with a few ideas and a few beaches before settling on a random town near Texas, Surfside Beach. It's about an hour southwest of Galveston.
We got up early Saturday morning, and had Dunkin Donuts for breakfast, because we're obsessed with Dunkin and our dad raised us well. Then we hit the road for four and a half hours. When we pulled up to Surfside, we went over an intercoastal waterway bridge, and all of the sudden there was ocean as far as the eye can see. I don't care how old I get, the first sight of the ocean after not being there for some time will never ever get old. Some might call it an obsession; I'm fine with that.
We grabbed some greasy food at a little local place across the street from the beach, then went to spend some time by the water. We were pretty sleepy, so a beachside nap was in order. After that, we just started walking. We talked about everything under the sun (literally and figuratively) for a couple of hours. Then once we realized our legs were getting kind of tired and we were hungry yet again, we headed to Clute, TX, about 10 minutes from the beach. We went to the grocery store and got some amazing food at a well-reviewed Mexican restaurant. Unfortunately, my computer isn't cooperating, so I can't share pictures. We decided to share an appetizer of shrimp and rice in an amazing southwestern/Mexican-style sauce. Then we had tres leches cake, which was divine as usual.
Then we headed back to the hotel at what seemed like 10 pm, but was really about 8 if I remember correctly. Jace remembered to pack the N64 in his luggage, so we played Mario Kart, reminiscent of many years growing up, as well as the 2 years we were roommates in Wichita while I went to PT school and he played baseball and studied in undergrad. It was so much fun! I was so tired though, so at one point I was basically driving and sleeping and forgot to push the button and my little character's car went nowhere....being 26 is exhausting.
The next morning, I really wanted to get in a little beachside run while the sun was rising. We got up pretty early and drove back to Surfside. I also wish I could share a picture of the sunrise with you. Southwest Kansas has gorgeous sunrises, but there is no such a thing as a more beautiful sunrise over the ocean. I think I was meant to be a mermaid. Or a beach bum. We ran a couple of miles and just talked about life some more. I secretly think Jace is actually the oldest child, because he's way more wise, mature, and knowledgeable than me.
After we ran, we had breakfast and went to buy some kites and a football to play with on the beach. I don't know if I'd ever flown a kite before, but it was pretty cool. I felt like such a kid again. We played catch with the football in the ocean too, and I got seriously tackled by a couple of waves. So much fun. After a few hours of fun and unknowingly burning to a crisp we decided to have one last meal on the beach. I had shrimp tacos, which were good, but really weird to eat. I just feel like shrimp should be consumed by the whole, so trying to bite them in half as part of a taco felt awkward.
The ride home was a little tough because we were both pretty exhausted from spending all that time in the sun, but it was good to just keep talking and having important life discussions (and not important discussions, too). I'm so thankful we got to hang out for our "bachelor best fest." More than that, I'm grateful to God every day that I was blessed with such a close relationship with my brother. I can't wait to see how it changes and grows with all of the big things happening in the next year!
PS For you Cali & Florida beach snobs, a beach is a beach. I just had to get that off my chest. Go grow up in Kansas.
PPS What's the best road trip or beach you've ever been on/to?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Sunday, April 3, 2016
The Significance of Hills
It's April, guys (hi Mom)! I find it so hard to believe the year is already 1/4 over....it was just New Year's Day, wasn't it? Gotta enjoy it while it's here, or else it's gone quickly! It definitely feels like early summer in North Texas, and there are already wasp nests in every corner of the front porch. Sigh. Anyone want to come tackle them with wasp spray and a broom? We all know I'm a giant crybaby when it comes to bugs.
I have just been running, working, sleeping, and repeating. Holy smokes, there are a lot of injured people right now, and I'm trying to just help get them back to normal but it has been a little taxing being so busy, I'll admit. Half marathon training is also taking up a lot of time, but I'm still really enjoying my training plan by Nike! I have not done the same workout twice, so there's not really the whole "falling into the same old routine" thing going on, which is refreshing. Some of the longer runs are still tough but challenge builds character, right?
Speaking of running and "longer" distances, I got to head out to East Texas yesterday morning for the Tyler Azalea 10K. I've always heard that the eastern part of the Lonestar State is really pretty, so I decided to run a race there and find out for myself! WOW. Everyone was right, as it turns out. First of all, the weather was about 50 degrees and absolutely perfect for race day. Second of all, the course was seriously gorgeous. I've run through some really pretty places (i.e. Disney World, Galveston Beach, Trinity River) and I'd have to rank this race #1 as far as aesthetics go. Tyler has a lot of old, historical homes, which are in and of themselves beautiful to begin with. To add to the intrigue of those homes, all of them had beautiful flowers blooming in front of, around, behind, and in every direction you could see near them.
The course itself was actual pretty great too. There was running on old brick roads around the town square, through neighborhoods, and alongside some of the city's roads. There was a half-mile long hill (literally) at mile 4, which was so tough. Ironically, Thunderstruck came on my playlist at that time so I just laughed as I thought about how the pavement was being struck by my "thunder" thighs. Yeah, I have weird thoughts during races sometimes... To coincide with my weird accompaniment thoughts I also started thinking about hills and running and how it truly is similar to real-life. I apologize if my analogy is too cliche or if you've already thought through it before.
Basically, in life, we go up and down hills, with a few bursts of flat terrain, too. Of course the uphills are parallel to the tougher times in life, the challenges. I think God allows these uphills so we lean on him more, praising Him while we go up, have a hard time breathing, and feel pain. These ascents are where we are reminded so much of God's mercy. He could allow us to just go through the tough stuff on our own, which we deserve; but He doesn't. He pulls us up, all the way to the top of the hill, where we can finally see what we have been climbing toward. Uphills are a blessing, because we grow more and see more of God's power and sovereignty in these times.
Then there are downhills, glorious downhills. These are expressions of God's grace; the better times in life where we don't understand why it's happening, but God is blessing us beyond what we deserve. There can still be glitches if we don't watch our footing or get carried away going too fast, but descending down these hills are often such a relief after climbing up and being worn out. I like to say where there is an uphill, there's always a downhill....sometimes you just have to wait it out and run a really long uphill (like a half-mile long).
Of course there are flat parts of races too, the "day-in, day-out" parts of life. These are often where the race of life is made or broken. Sometimes, in races as in life, I'm guilty of just coasting through the flats, taking days for granted or not serving/loving/learning/praising/witnessing as I should, when this is the perfect time to adjust speeds and push it a little. Flats should be a time to work on different skills. In races, it might be speed, foot strike, cadence, or breathing. In life, it could be seeking out more ministry opportunities, visiting an old friend or loved one, checking something big off the to-do list, etc. Regardless of what it looks like, we should continue to offer praise and adoration to our creator for giving us these opportunities.
If you've never run, I hope the parallels above made some sense; I realize it seems a little scattered. In the end though, in both running and reality, I hope to follow in Paul's footsteps, where in 2 Timothy 4:7 he says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." I can't wait for the crowns of righteousness awaiting me, but most of all I can't wait to see the One who guided, protected, loved, and was an object of my adoration and worship throughout all of the uphills and downhills throughout my time on earth.
PS Read 2 Timothy 4. The whole chapter- SO good.
PPS What's the most pretty race you've ever run?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG:@jenbeingjen
I have just been running, working, sleeping, and repeating. Holy smokes, there are a lot of injured people right now, and I'm trying to just help get them back to normal but it has been a little taxing being so busy, I'll admit. Half marathon training is also taking up a lot of time, but I'm still really enjoying my training plan by Nike! I have not done the same workout twice, so there's not really the whole "falling into the same old routine" thing going on, which is refreshing. Some of the longer runs are still tough but challenge builds character, right?
Speaking of running and "longer" distances, I got to head out to East Texas yesterday morning for the Tyler Azalea 10K. I've always heard that the eastern part of the Lonestar State is really pretty, so I decided to run a race there and find out for myself! WOW. Everyone was right, as it turns out. First of all, the weather was about 50 degrees and absolutely perfect for race day. Second of all, the course was seriously gorgeous. I've run through some really pretty places (i.e. Disney World, Galveston Beach, Trinity River) and I'd have to rank this race #1 as far as aesthetics go. Tyler has a lot of old, historical homes, which are in and of themselves beautiful to begin with. To add to the intrigue of those homes, all of them had beautiful flowers blooming in front of, around, behind, and in every direction you could see near them.
The course itself was actual pretty great too. There was running on old brick roads around the town square, through neighborhoods, and alongside some of the city's roads. There was a half-mile long hill (literally) at mile 4, which was so tough. Ironically, Thunderstruck came on my playlist at that time so I just laughed as I thought about how the pavement was being struck by my "thunder" thighs. Yeah, I have weird thoughts during races sometimes... To coincide with my weird accompaniment thoughts I also started thinking about hills and running and how it truly is similar to real-life. I apologize if my analogy is too cliche or if you've already thought through it before.
Basically, in life, we go up and down hills, with a few bursts of flat terrain, too. Of course the uphills are parallel to the tougher times in life, the challenges. I think God allows these uphills so we lean on him more, praising Him while we go up, have a hard time breathing, and feel pain. These ascents are where we are reminded so much of God's mercy. He could allow us to just go through the tough stuff on our own, which we deserve; but He doesn't. He pulls us up, all the way to the top of the hill, where we can finally see what we have been climbing toward. Uphills are a blessing, because we grow more and see more of God's power and sovereignty in these times.
Then there are downhills, glorious downhills. These are expressions of God's grace; the better times in life where we don't understand why it's happening, but God is blessing us beyond what we deserve. There can still be glitches if we don't watch our footing or get carried away going too fast, but descending down these hills are often such a relief after climbing up and being worn out. I like to say where there is an uphill, there's always a downhill....sometimes you just have to wait it out and run a really long uphill (like a half-mile long).
Of course there are flat parts of races too, the "day-in, day-out" parts of life. These are often where the race of life is made or broken. Sometimes, in races as in life, I'm guilty of just coasting through the flats, taking days for granted or not serving/loving/learning/praising/witnessing as I should, when this is the perfect time to adjust speeds and push it a little. Flats should be a time to work on different skills. In races, it might be speed, foot strike, cadence, or breathing. In life, it could be seeking out more ministry opportunities, visiting an old friend or loved one, checking something big off the to-do list, etc. Regardless of what it looks like, we should continue to offer praise and adoration to our creator for giving us these opportunities.
If you've never run, I hope the parallels above made some sense; I realize it seems a little scattered. In the end though, in both running and reality, I hope to follow in Paul's footsteps, where in 2 Timothy 4:7 he says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." I can't wait for the crowns of righteousness awaiting me, but most of all I can't wait to see the One who guided, protected, loved, and was an object of my adoration and worship throughout all of the uphills and downhills throughout my time on earth.
PS Read 2 Timothy 4. The whole chapter- SO good.
PPS What's the most pretty race you've ever run?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG:
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Easter: I Get to Go HOME.
Happy Easter weekend, y'all! I got to make a trip back home to my parents' house for the weekend. Originally we were all going to meet in Lawrence and do Easter there, but due to some last minutes flips of the script we all ended up in Moscow, which I'm hoppy about (stupid pun intended). Jace and I of course had to get in a little lift at the old high school weight room, where we determined how much more athletic I am now compared to high school. For the umpteenth time, praise God I was tall. We also got to hang out with some family who lives close by, which made for an awesome, fun-filled Saturday! Now if KU could win and get to the final four, it'd be a near-perfect day....
This week as I was pondering topics to write about, I kind of had a writer's block. Then on the drive home last night in between listening to podcasts and teaching Ella how to whip/nae nae (she's a natural), it hit me: Easter.
Easter is a broad topic, but how could I not proclaim the gospel on the weekend we set aside to formally celebrate it as a holiday? My drive back to Kansas found me on the road until the wee hours of the morning, but my thoughts were vivid and clear. Just like I was driving to my earthly "home", Jesus was slain on the cross so that eventually I can really go HOME.
This weekend is the actual turning point in history, in the present, and in the future. God sent His son, one precious son, and He in turn endured the most painful death a human could go through. All the sins of the world, ever, were abolished because He submitted to His Father's will to bear your sins, my sins, the sins of the literal world population. Then he lay dead in a tomb before rising from the dead. You guys, He was resurrected on the third day, and because of that I get to spend eternity in the best home, heaven.
Coming back to Kansas and spending time with family and friends is such a blessing, and I do enjoy it immensely. The joy I get from it though, is not even one iota of comparison to the joy, awe, wonder, shock, love, etcetera I will experience when the few short years I'm on this earth are through. That's what gets me going, not trivial earthly pleasures, people, places, or things. Heaven can't come soon enough, but while I'm here I get to tell y'all about Easter and what it means to our lives.
Does everyone go to heaven at the end of their lives? Nope. That'd be cool, but in Romans we see "those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." I can only hope and pray to be an instrument He uses to open hearts and eyes.
Easter is more than bunnies and eggs. It's the only thing that matters. You and I and our eternal destination fully depend upon what happened on a blood-stained, wooden cross, and we are alive in Him because He overcame the grave and was resurrected.
If that doesn't humble you and cause you to fall on your face I don't know what will. Think about that in between your next handful of jelly beans.
PS what's your favorite Easter candy?
PPS on a scale from 1-10 how elated are you that Jesus died for your poor soul?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
This week as I was pondering topics to write about, I kind of had a writer's block. Then on the drive home last night in between listening to podcasts and teaching Ella how to whip/nae nae (she's a natural), it hit me: Easter.
Easter is a broad topic, but how could I not proclaim the gospel on the weekend we set aside to formally celebrate it as a holiday? My drive back to Kansas found me on the road until the wee hours of the morning, but my thoughts were vivid and clear. Just like I was driving to my earthly "home", Jesus was slain on the cross so that eventually I can really go HOME.
This weekend is the actual turning point in history, in the present, and in the future. God sent His son, one precious son, and He in turn endured the most painful death a human could go through. All the sins of the world, ever, were abolished because He submitted to His Father's will to bear your sins, my sins, the sins of the literal world population. Then he lay dead in a tomb before rising from the dead. You guys, He was resurrected on the third day, and because of that I get to spend eternity in the best home, heaven.
Coming back to Kansas and spending time with family and friends is such a blessing, and I do enjoy it immensely. The joy I get from it though, is not even one iota of comparison to the joy, awe, wonder, shock, love, etcetera I will experience when the few short years I'm on this earth are through. That's what gets me going, not trivial earthly pleasures, people, places, or things. Heaven can't come soon enough, but while I'm here I get to tell y'all about Easter and what it means to our lives.
Does everyone go to heaven at the end of their lives? Nope. That'd be cool, but in Romans we see "those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." I can only hope and pray to be an instrument He uses to open hearts and eyes.
Easter is more than bunnies and eggs. It's the only thing that matters. You and I and our eternal destination fully depend upon what happened on a blood-stained, wooden cross, and we are alive in Him because He overcame the grave and was resurrected.
If that doesn't humble you and cause you to fall on your face I don't know what will. Think about that in between your next handful of jelly beans.
PS what's your favorite Easter candy?
PPS on a scale from 1-10 how elated are you that Jesus died for your poor soul?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
Friday, March 18, 2016
Spring Breakin'
Hi spring breakers (hi Mom, on the couch 10 feet from me)! The title of this post is a little misleading, because I actually have no idea what spring break is anymore. It is definitely one of the very few things I miss about school! My parents still get one each year though, so they decided to vacay in north Texas this week, which has been nice. Ella is getting spoiled rotten, and I'm pretty sure she is now the favorite girl in the family. It's fine, I wouldn't dare try to compete with that cuteness.
I finished the Whole30 on Tuesday, and aside from the baby shower cake incident, I was about as compliant as I could have been, I think! It went really well. My measurements and overall body composition didn't change much, but I felt so much better! I really hope to stick to that type of eating the majority of the time now, just because I do know it's better for me to not consume so much processed junk. And if I'm disciplined and just decide "I don't eat something," then it's really not that hard to say no to the extra little treats that can be so tempting. I also just ate pizza and breadsticks for dinner, but it's Friday night, it was convenient, and I hadn't had it in a long time. I'll just have to make it a priority to keep track of when I will and won't allow myself to indulge! I think round 2 of the Whole30 will take place in June, between the RnR San Diego half marathon and my brother's wedding, because you know, pictures last forever. Stay posted for that, and seriously consider joining me! It wasn't even that bad.
Speaking of San Diego, half marathon training is nearly two weeks underway and is going well! I have done 8-week plans and 12-week plans in the past; this cycle I went with a 14-week plan written by Nike running. I am loving it so far, and would recommend it to anyone training! So many plans are just not doable for average runners, or busy people who have real jobs and don't run for a living. This plan is totally different! I am able to do every workout either outside or on the treadmill at the gym. I also like that it's not the same 4 workouts every single week. The track/speed/hill workouts are different every week, and although they're pretty stinking tough, I look forward to the variety of the runs. Lastly, I've also been enjoying the fact that I'm able to still lift heavy twice a week on this plan. I usually do a short run, then hit arms, legs, or back fairly hard. I'm learning more and more how important strength is in running (and life in general).
Last weekend, I ran the Panther City 5K in Fort Worth. It's been pretty rainy here, so the run next to the river was b-e-a-utiful. The river is full and the banks are so lush and green, it's like running in a movie during springtime. The course for this race got changed because of some overfilled levees, but it was still quite pretty and serene. It was windy on race morning and there were a few little, tough hills, but I ran my fastest pace in awhile, which was so encouraging! Ella even got to make the trip to cheer for me! I can't wait till her attention span allows her to run with me for a few miles.
In other news, KU won the Big XII tournament and is one win in to winning the national championship (a girl can dream). The Final Four is in Houston this year sooooo that would be a cool blog post, am I right? They need 5 more wins!
For those of you on spring break, I hope you enjoy it! Don't take it for granted, because there are people named Jenica who don't get a spring break. Boo-hoo. I've got some exciting stuff coming up this weekend and next week, so be sure to be on the lookout for the next blog! As always, thanks for hanging in to the end if you've made it this far. Ya'll are rockstars.
PS Taking a poll: will KU win the national championship? I say yes, of course.
PPS What's your favorite lift?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
I finished the Whole30 on Tuesday, and aside from the baby shower cake incident, I was about as compliant as I could have been, I think! It went really well. My measurements and overall body composition didn't change much, but I felt so much better! I really hope to stick to that type of eating the majority of the time now, just because I do know it's better for me to not consume so much processed junk. And if I'm disciplined and just decide "I don't eat something," then it's really not that hard to say no to the extra little treats that can be so tempting. I also just ate pizza and breadsticks for dinner, but it's Friday night, it was convenient, and I hadn't had it in a long time. I'll just have to make it a priority to keep track of when I will and won't allow myself to indulge! I think round 2 of the Whole30 will take place in June, between the RnR San Diego half marathon and my brother's wedding, because you know, pictures last forever. Stay posted for that, and seriously consider joining me! It wasn't even that bad.
Speaking of San Diego, half marathon training is nearly two weeks underway and is going well! I have done 8-week plans and 12-week plans in the past; this cycle I went with a 14-week plan written by Nike running. I am loving it so far, and would recommend it to anyone training! So many plans are just not doable for average runners, or busy people who have real jobs and don't run for a living. This plan is totally different! I am able to do every workout either outside or on the treadmill at the gym. I also like that it's not the same 4 workouts every single week. The track/speed/hill workouts are different every week, and although they're pretty stinking tough, I look forward to the variety of the runs. Lastly, I've also been enjoying the fact that I'm able to still lift heavy twice a week on this plan. I usually do a short run, then hit arms, legs, or back fairly hard. I'm learning more and more how important strength is in running (and life in general).
Last weekend, I ran the Panther City 5K in Fort Worth. It's been pretty rainy here, so the run next to the river was b-e-a-utiful. The river is full and the banks are so lush and green, it's like running in a movie during springtime. The course for this race got changed because of some overfilled levees, but it was still quite pretty and serene. It was windy on race morning and there were a few little, tough hills, but I ran my fastest pace in awhile, which was so encouraging! Ella even got to make the trip to cheer for me! I can't wait till her attention span allows her to run with me for a few miles.
In other news, KU won the Big XII tournament and is one win in to winning the national championship (a girl can dream). The Final Four is in Houston this year sooooo that would be a cool blog post, am I right? They need 5 more wins!
For those of you on spring break, I hope you enjoy it! Don't take it for granted, because there are people named Jenica who don't get a spring break. Boo-hoo. I've got some exciting stuff coming up this weekend and next week, so be sure to be on the lookout for the next blog! As always, thanks for hanging in to the end if you've made it this far. Ya'll are rockstars.
PS Taking a poll: will KU win the national championship? I say yes, of course.
PPS What's your favorite lift?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
I Just Want Some Chocolate!
Happy hump day, readers (hi, MOM)! It's been SO rainy here this week. I am thankful it's not snow or ice, but man I miss the sunshine. Everyone down here always says, "just remember you said that when it's 100 degrees this summer", to which I respond "oh, I know; that's why I'm down here and I don't complain when it's hot". I live for sunshine and warm days.
As many of you remember, I started a Whole30 about 3 weeks ago, which means yes, FINALLY, I'm on the home stretch! YAY! I also have a confession: I'm kind of a Whole30 fraud. So the story goes, Saturday some ladies from work had a baby shower for a co-worker who's pregnant. Of course, there were all kinds of delicious snacks and treats to eat, which I avoided. I had some of the ham and lots of fruit off the fruit tray. Easy peasy. Then, the leftover cake was left at my house.
Disaster.
I had already planned to freeze a piece for next week when the Whole30 is over. So I was cutting the cake up into different pieces to freeze and take to others who hadn't made it to the shower. I got some icing on my finger and the rest was history. Ya'll don't even KNOW how much I love cake, much less homemade, delicious cake with perfectly buttery icing.
I may have had some of the cake. Or a significant amount. Whatever.
Did it derail the Whole30? Technically, yes. Did I just throw in the towel and completely quit? Heck no. I got back on track and I'm going to finish strong.
I have been struggling SO hard this week though, thanks to hormones (girls, you know what I'm talking about). I JUST WANT CHOCOLATE! I even have, like, 2 bags of "paleo" chocolate chips in the pantry, but I'm not gonna do it. No sir-ree. There is plenty of fruit in the fridge, and I've got some dried jackfruit in a pouch which is pretty sweet too. If you haven't had jackfruit before, you should seek it out and try some! It's similar to pineapple, I think.
Like I mentioned in my previous post, I feel way better and way more energized since I've begun eating this way. However, I can't wait to eat the frozen piece of leftover cake and have a donut or two. I'm trying to figure out moderation, something that's never come easy to my black & white, no gray area, self.
Thanks for reading my little vent session; I hope it provided a little laughter or entertainment! By next week's blog post, hopefully KU will have won the Big XII tournament and I'll be sharing about my 5K and time with my family! :)
PS What's your favorite healthy sweet treat?
PPS What's your favorite cake flavor?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
As many of you remember, I started a Whole30 about 3 weeks ago, which means yes, FINALLY, I'm on the home stretch! YAY! I also have a confession: I'm kind of a Whole30 fraud. So the story goes, Saturday some ladies from work had a baby shower for a co-worker who's pregnant. Of course, there were all kinds of delicious snacks and treats to eat, which I avoided. I had some of the ham and lots of fruit off the fruit tray. Easy peasy. Then, the leftover cake was left at my house.
Disaster.
I had already planned to freeze a piece for next week when the Whole30 is over. So I was cutting the cake up into different pieces to freeze and take to others who hadn't made it to the shower. I got some icing on my finger and the rest was history. Ya'll don't even KNOW how much I love cake, much less homemade, delicious cake with perfectly buttery icing.
I may have had some of the cake. Or a significant amount. Whatever.
Did it derail the Whole30? Technically, yes. Did I just throw in the towel and completely quit? Heck no. I got back on track and I'm going to finish strong.
I have been struggling SO hard this week though, thanks to hormones (girls, you know what I'm talking about). I JUST WANT CHOCOLATE! I even have, like, 2 bags of "paleo" chocolate chips in the pantry, but I'm not gonna do it. No sir-ree. There is plenty of fruit in the fridge, and I've got some dried jackfruit in a pouch which is pretty sweet too. If you haven't had jackfruit before, you should seek it out and try some! It's similar to pineapple, I think.
Like I mentioned in my previous post, I feel way better and way more energized since I've begun eating this way. However, I can't wait to eat the frozen piece of leftover cake and have a donut or two. I'm trying to figure out moderation, something that's never come easy to my black & white, no gray area, self.
Thanks for reading my little vent session; I hope it provided a little laughter or entertainment! By next week's blog post, hopefully KU will have won the Big XII tournament and I'll be sharing about my 5K and time with my family! :)
PS What's your favorite healthy sweet treat?
PPS What's your favorite cake flavor?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Lent & Elections
Hello, March! Hi, Mom! How in the world is it already March? Here in Texas, it's still super warm but March has "come in like a lion", as the old adage goes. Sometimes I think God likes to remind me of home when I miss it, so He gives me 30 mph winds. I'm not that mad about it.
I don't have another race for a couple of weeks, and Ella is just growing, biting everything, and being adorable, so I wasn't sure what I wanted to write about this week. Then it dawned on me: it's the season of the 2 E's. Easter and elections. Stick with me here. You'll see how they're related soon enough.
I grew up in mostly non-denominational churches where Easter was a huge deal, as it is in most Christian churches. However, there was no Easter season; it was simply Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Occasionally I'd see friends or classmates walking around with soot on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday but didn't think twice about it. Then a couple of years ago I started to research Lent a little more. Through my research, I decided it is actually a pretty cool season to participate in and joined in.
Why do I celebrate Lent? Is it to get extra "points" or "level up" in Heaven? Is it to cancel out some of my sins and have God look at me in a better light? No, no, and no. None of it is about me, nor do I ever wish my salvation rested on my fallible human self. In celebrating Lent, one typically gives up something worldly or something that takes time away from Jesus. In addition, you typically add more Jesus to your life.
It's easy as a Christian (or at least for me) to fall into a rut, reading my bible, praying and going to church. These things are all extremely valuable in my daily walk, but any time I can get more of Jesus and less of the world and myself, I think it's pretty important to jump all over that opportunity. There is never enough Jesus in my life, and there is always too much Jenica. Jesus literally DIED on the cross; a painful, agonizing death that He in his human state felt every last bit of. And I think I'm too "busy" or forgetful to pray or memorize scripture? Yeesh. It's my hope that even after Easter is over, God will graciously keep me on the path toward Him.
So what does Easter have to do with the elections going on right now?
Lately, there have been posts all over social media about why one candidate should win and why the others are garbage. Blah, blah, blah. I also work with the public so there's a fair share of political conversation there too. The main issue I have with everyone debating over all of these candidates and their stances is this: Jesus gets no place in it. I hadn't really thought this way until recently, but it's so clear how selfish and just worldly we are in this country.
You see, we know from reading scripture that God's Will is purpose. We also know that He also has planned and thought out every moment of time from before Adam & Eve all the way through eternity. I get that there is confusion about elections and who runs the country by people who don't know God. But Christians getting bent out of shape? That baffles me. If you profess to know Christ and believe in His plan, I challenge You with this: chill out and let God run the world, because your imperfect human self is 100% incapable. Before you get angry about me being judgmental, please know I'm also speaking directly to my own brain here. I frequently get fired up about different issues (mostly sports, but occasionally politics) which just says to God, "look at how smart I am; why should I follow You?"
During this Easter season, I challenge you (and myself) to remember the power of Christ and His sacrifice. If He can die on a cross then raise again 3 days later, I'm pretty sure He's got this year's future president in His hands too, whether or not you or I like the outcome of the race. Keep this in mind: in the end, Jesus wins. And if you're saved by His grace, you win too. Heaven is going to be so much cooler than the U.S. And with that understatement of the year, I bid you adieu until next week.
PS Who are you voting for?
PPS If you have trouble believing or understanding this, why? And how can I explain?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
I don't have another race for a couple of weeks, and Ella is just growing, biting everything, and being adorable, so I wasn't sure what I wanted to write about this week. Then it dawned on me: it's the season of the 2 E's. Easter and elections. Stick with me here. You'll see how they're related soon enough.
I grew up in mostly non-denominational churches where Easter was a huge deal, as it is in most Christian churches. However, there was no Easter season; it was simply Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Occasionally I'd see friends or classmates walking around with soot on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday but didn't think twice about it. Then a couple of years ago I started to research Lent a little more. Through my research, I decided it is actually a pretty cool season to participate in and joined in.
Why do I celebrate Lent? Is it to get extra "points" or "level up" in Heaven? Is it to cancel out some of my sins and have God look at me in a better light? No, no, and no. None of it is about me, nor do I ever wish my salvation rested on my fallible human self. In celebrating Lent, one typically gives up something worldly or something that takes time away from Jesus. In addition, you typically add more Jesus to your life.
It's easy as a Christian (or at least for me) to fall into a rut, reading my bible, praying and going to church. These things are all extremely valuable in my daily walk, but any time I can get more of Jesus and less of the world and myself, I think it's pretty important to jump all over that opportunity. There is never enough Jesus in my life, and there is always too much Jenica. Jesus literally DIED on the cross; a painful, agonizing death that He in his human state felt every last bit of. And I think I'm too "busy" or forgetful to pray or memorize scripture? Yeesh. It's my hope that even after Easter is over, God will graciously keep me on the path toward Him.
So what does Easter have to do with the elections going on right now?
Lately, there have been posts all over social media about why one candidate should win and why the others are garbage. Blah, blah, blah. I also work with the public so there's a fair share of political conversation there too. The main issue I have with everyone debating over all of these candidates and their stances is this: Jesus gets no place in it. I hadn't really thought this way until recently, but it's so clear how selfish and just worldly we are in this country.
You see, we know from reading scripture that God's Will is purpose. We also know that He also has planned and thought out every moment of time from before Adam & Eve all the way through eternity. I get that there is confusion about elections and who runs the country by people who don't know God. But Christians getting bent out of shape? That baffles me. If you profess to know Christ and believe in His plan, I challenge You with this: chill out and let God run the world, because your imperfect human self is 100% incapable. Before you get angry about me being judgmental, please know I'm also speaking directly to my own brain here. I frequently get fired up about different issues (mostly sports, but occasionally politics) which just says to God, "look at how smart I am; why should I follow You?"
During this Easter season, I challenge you (and myself) to remember the power of Christ and His sacrifice. If He can die on a cross then raise again 3 days later, I'm pretty sure He's got this year's future president in His hands too, whether or not you or I like the outcome of the race. Keep this in mind: in the end, Jesus wins. And if you're saved by His grace, you win too. Heaven is going to be so much cooler than the U.S. And with that understatement of the year, I bid you adieu until next week.
PS Who are you voting for?
PPS If you have trouble believing or understanding this, why? And how can I explain?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
Saturday, February 27, 2016
I Love the Cowtown
Happy Saturday (and hello, mom)! I can't get over the fact that we have not had any winter weather in Texas. It's been so mild, and there are still wasps flying around in my yard. WASPS. And they've been growing since summer, so they're enormous. I also had to mow the lawn this morning, because it never did the whole "winter dying" thing. I can't complain though; that means better running weather, and more outside playtime for Ella!
This morning I ran the Cowtown 10K in Fort Worth. It is one of the only races I will run repeatedly, and it's kind of become a little tradition in my life. I ran my first 10K EVER in 2014 at the Cowtown, so it's a bit sentimental (that's about as sentimental as I get). I was supposed to run it last year, but there was an ice storm so the 10K was cancelled. I still got my shirt though, of course! Last year was also supposed to be the first time I did a race with my friend, Celeste. We should have done 3 races together up to this point, but this year's Cowtown was our first! Technology is great, but it was so good to finally meet her in person!
The weather this morning was about 50 degrees, which is my ideal running temperature. There was a light breeze, and the sun was rising over downtown during the race, one of the prettiest sights to see.
Going into the 10K, my goal was to run the whole thing and not have to take any walk breaks. However, upon starting this morning, I was unsure if that would happen or not, because the longest "training run" I'd done to this point was about 4.2 miles, when I run/walked the 10K in Waco at the end of January.
At about mile 3, I was ready to take a little walk break, but I overcame the mental weakness and pushed through. I felt like I wanted to stop a couple more times, so I slowed my pace a little but decided to just suck it up and RUN. I achieved my goal of no walking, which was great for my mental and physical strength, especially since this week marks week 1 of half marathon training for San Diego.
Overall, it was a slow and steady race. I've always said I'm the tortoise, and that'll likely never change. :) I can't wait to do the Cowtown again in 2017; running in Ft. Worth has become one of my favorite hobbies. I'd recommend it to anyone living in or traveling through the metroplex!
Just a short Whole30 update: it's going really well. I've told a few people what I'm doing and they're incredulous, wondering if it's extremely hard. It honestly hasn't been hard at all yet. Today marks day 12 and it's been smooth sailing, thank goodness. I have wanted a few paleo chocolate chips, and I miss stevia in my coffee terribly, but as for actual food, it's not that bad. I do feel much better, and I hope to mostly continue this style of food consumption after the 30 days are over. Of course, I'll have to spring for Dunkin on occasion, but all the added sugar just isn't really worth it (somebody remind me I said that in a couple of months).
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to watch KU wrap up their 12th straight Big XII conference title! RCJH.
PS: Who is going to win the NCAA national championship in basketball?
PPS: What's your favorite race you've ever run?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
This morning I ran the Cowtown 10K in Fort Worth. It is one of the only races I will run repeatedly, and it's kind of become a little tradition in my life. I ran my first 10K EVER in 2014 at the Cowtown, so it's a bit sentimental (that's about as sentimental as I get). I was supposed to run it last year, but there was an ice storm so the 10K was cancelled. I still got my shirt though, of course! Last year was also supposed to be the first time I did a race with my friend, Celeste. We should have done 3 races together up to this point, but this year's Cowtown was our first! Technology is great, but it was so good to finally meet her in person!
The weather this morning was about 50 degrees, which is my ideal running temperature. There was a light breeze, and the sun was rising over downtown during the race, one of the prettiest sights to see.
Going into the 10K, my goal was to run the whole thing and not have to take any walk breaks. However, upon starting this morning, I was unsure if that would happen or not, because the longest "training run" I'd done to this point was about 4.2 miles, when I run/walked the 10K in Waco at the end of January.
At about mile 3, I was ready to take a little walk break, but I overcame the mental weakness and pushed through. I felt like I wanted to stop a couple more times, so I slowed my pace a little but decided to just suck it up and RUN. I achieved my goal of no walking, which was great for my mental and physical strength, especially since this week marks week 1 of half marathon training for San Diego.
 |
| Literally thousands of people participate in the race weekend |
Overall, it was a slow and steady race. I've always said I'm the tortoise, and that'll likely never change. :) I can't wait to do the Cowtown again in 2017; running in Ft. Worth has become one of my favorite hobbies. I'd recommend it to anyone living in or traveling through the metroplex!
 |
| Sweaty, Sleepy, Success. |
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to watch KU wrap up their 12th straight Big XII conference title! RCJH.
PS: Who is going to win the NCAA national championship in basketball?
PPS: What's your favorite race you've ever run?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen
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