productive.

how do you spend your day? if i would have asked myself this a month ago, I would have answered "At the gym..." ( working...not working out, unfortunately) See my boss was on maternity leave so I was working almost full time,between school and the fitness center. BUT little mama came back to work last week and put me back on the morning shift. (the morning shift is 4:45 a.m. incase anyone was wondering!) So I've had to work myself into a new little groove, and I'm beginning to LOVE IT!

Yes, it is extremely difficult to roll out of bed at 4:30 a.m. But thats exactly what I do... I ROLL out of bed, throw on fresh sweats and flip flops, make a bowl of hot oatmeal, and hop in the car. The nice thing about working mornings, is that no one expects me to look my best :) haha So with my shift ending around 9 or 10 in the morning, I'm left with a free day, because i take no class on MWF. So my latest dilemma has been deciding how to fill it. I've tried everything from napping after work and getting up at lunch, to doing things around the house to keep me busy, but i inevitably crash before i get anything done.

TODAY WAS HUUGGGGEEEE. Today was the day I found my groove! During the slow hours at the gym this morning I managed to study for a medical terminology quiz AND finish a 3 page study guide. I got off work around 10 and felt a little motivation to get a run in early... so my sweet boss gave me a new tredmill workout (lots of interval training). I figured I would just do half or so.... 1 hour later.... I had run almost 6 miles and had consistently ran for an hour! INSANE! talk about stress relieving... there is truly no better drug than exercise!! Then I left the gym and went by my professors office to take a quiz. Overall.... By lunch, I had finished ALL my homework, studied for a test, got 5 hours on my time sheet, and ran 6 miles! TALK ABOUT BEING PRODUCTIVE!

Needless to say, today was an awesome day! I spent the rest of the afternoon with B at home celebrating his mom's birthday and running little errands around town. The weather was beautiful and I've never been happier! So I was so excited for my run today, I've pumped myself up for an early run in the morning before class.... let's see if I can make Thursday as amazing as Wednesday!!! I'm hoping! :)

It's funny how little days like this can make me feel so absolutely wonderful! I think God gave me a love for running to make me feel my heartbeat and remind me that I'm alive. I want to live everyday with as much love and passion for life as God intended!

Until next time,

G

spring breakin'

So, this year's spring break is definitely a little different than the ones I have had before. This year I spent the first few days relaxing. On Saturday me and B took our chocolate lab Kate to Little Rock and climbed Pinnacle Mt. -SO much fun!

[me and kate at the top!]

 We spent a great day hanging out in Little Rock Saturday, visited family camping at White Oak Lake on Sunday, and relaxed a lot on Monday & Tuesday. The relaxing consisted mostly of fishing and watching episode after episode of Greek on Netflix.

[can i please say that Netflix is the best thing EVER.]

Now that my spring (1/2) break is over and Wednesday is here... I'm back to work. Oh, the life of a working college girl. But it's okay! I wasn't complaining when this precious little number arrived on my doorstep via F21.

[Yes, I'm addicted to online shopping. So what?]

And as you know, floral is a weakness of mine :) So anyways, the rest of the break will be spent working at the gym and hanging out with Kate. B managed to escape South Arkansas for the rest of the week to go on a canoe trip, must be nice... eh? haha Kidding! I'm excited he's getting a break from his hectic pre-vet schedule!

So amidst all the spring break chillaxin' and my birthday creeping around the corner, other worries have been coming up. Dealing with everyday stress is enough, but sometimes things can get complicated and overwhelming. This verse is the banner hanging in my head that helps me enjoy the simple things while not stressing over the problems inevitably popping up here and there:

1 Peter 5: 5-7

"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. "

God wants me to throw all my worries on Him. I'm not supposed to handle it all alone. I need to avoid a prideful attitude and admit that I cannot do it by myself. In His own time, God will decide how to take care of my problems. The key point is that HE will decide in HIS own time. My life is according to His plan, not my own. I don't have to worry, because I know my God will never let me down. In the meantime, I just have to pray with a humble and selfless heart. I need to present my requests and anxieties to Him all the while understanding that I cannot expect help how and when it is convenient for me, but instead how it relates to God's plan for my life. I'm casting all my worries on the Lord today and starting fresh when I wake up. I find comfort knowing that He cares for me.

Until next time,
G

love for japan

      Everything that is going on in Japan right now breaks my heart. From the earthquake, the tsunami, and the terrible problems with the nuclear situation, it is all so unreal. I've noticed lately just how important it is to stay in touch with the rest of the world. It makes me realize how small my problems are and that there are hearts out there that are truly hurting. My biggest problem this week is writing a paper for class... really, Gabby? Really? It just puts things into serious perspective. Say your prayers for those in Japan suffering right now, and those around the world who have loved ones in Japan. This is truly a time to step back and evaluate what little things you take so seriously...

Until next time,

G

let the countdown begin!

T minus 20 days until I'm the big 2-1!

Talk about birthday bliss.... Ahhhh! All that's missing is a glass of wine :)

thoughtful thursday

    Something can only make you as happy as you allow it to. This is something it's taken me years to realize. I once held the mindset that what I have isn't good enough and I wanted something different. Whether considering my clothing, my lifestyle, my body, my job, or my relationships, I always wanted more. I was always wanting something different, which I assumed meant better. However, I was wrong.
   The problem was I was spending all my time trying to enjoy what I didn't have and never would. I either day dreamed or pushed the limits to get things that were not and could not be mine. Instead of enjoying the things in my life for what they are and uncovering their beauty and worth, I constantly told myself that my life wasn't good enough. I told myself it could be better.
   I have now learned to take things for what they are. Everything and everyone has a meaning and a value. Everything has a purpose. God has me where I am supposed to be and has provided me with more than I could ever need, so why should I keep wanting more? I've learned to not take the things in my life for granted, because they may not always be there. I need to cherish the people and relationships God has given me and give them every part of me.
    What I have didn't make me happy in the past, because I never gave it the chance to, my attention was always focused on something else. Now, I am happy. I recognize the things God has put in my life for the blessings they are.

 SMILE. Be thankful for this season in your life.

Until next time...
G