Grab your running shoes

I know that I have promised myself before that I would get into running, but now I feel like I am in a "better place" mentally to actually commit. Here is a list of my motivations:

1. Wedding Bells: I would like to get married next summer, and what blushing bride doesn't want a fantastic figure? I have decided it is time to crack down and eat well and commit to 3 to 4 running sessions a week. I want to love the way I look in a wedding dress and feel confident lying on the beach in a two piece on my honeymoon. I'm sure Mark is very much on board! (in fact he is currently training for a triathlon)

2. Good Health: I want to have good health. I love the way I feel when I have been exercising frequently and eating well. I feel an overall sense of wellness. I also notice I am more energized.

3. 42k for 42 Kids: I have a friend who is trying to organize a team to run a marathon and get this team to raise enough money to afford sponsoring 42 children in Africa ( I believe Rwanda more specifically). She is running this October and I won't be able to get into shape for 42k that quickly, but I may make it my goal for next year. I am someone who needs a cause to run. I feel like this just may be the cause I need to stay motivated. If I know I am doing it to help someone else, that will keep me going. If anyone wants more info about the 42k for 42 kids here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=118463301864&h=uwgfg&u=8lupA&ref=mf

I have been diligent in my workouts the last two weeks. I will keep you posted on my success. Feel free to jump on the exercise motivation bandwagon!

Blessed

 I have obviously not attained my blogging goal since it has been quite some time since my last visit.  I will fill you in with at least one exciting part of my last few weeks.

Last weekend I participated in a walk-a-thon to raise money for water filter systems for people in African countries who do not have clean water accessible. We had about 20 people come out and we raised over $2300. It made me realize how blessed I am and how I take things like clean water for granted as I let my tap run as I brush my teeth, wait for warmer water to spew out and while I let it run while I wait for a more desirable drinking water temperatures. What a luxury it is to have the water we do have!

With this $2300, 23 water filters will be provided and installed. Families of 8 can use each water filter. So with one afternoon of walking and the small effort of friends finding sponsors, 184 people suddenly are given clean drinking water and the changes of diseases and sickness are drastically reduced.

I am looking forward to completing school so I can go to Africa. I have no idea which countries, but I so anxious to get there and start serving! 

If you are interested in donating to this cause it is through the Samaritan's Purse and it is called "Turn on the Tap: Safe water challenge". 

http://www.turnonthetap.org.uk/

picture from Google images

I Love Cupcakes

I am completely obsessed with the cupcake store. This delicious obsession was born a few years ago and quickly became a tradition for Mark and I. Every celebration Mark and I share always involves a trip to the cupcake store. In fact, I have a box under my bed full of memories from our 5 year long relationship and the majority of the box is full of partial cupcake boxes with the cupcake symbol and a handwritten date.  

I remember for one of our anniversaries I was living with Jill (Mark's sister) at Mike and Asha's apartment and I had left out the box on the counter. Jill naturally thought to throw it away since it was a dirty empty cupcake box that she was unaware had emotional ties to me. This resulted in my very first dumpster dive. I sifted through many people's garbage bags and saw the shiny cupcake symbol. Embarrassed to admit, I saved it and still have it.

Just last week for Mark's and my 5 year anniversary, he surprised me with a beautiful wicker basket for my bicycle. Inside the basket was a perfect white box with the cupcake sticker sparkling. The red velvet and sweet sixteen cupcakes were a fantastic choice. He knows me well!

The Start Of A Something Good! (and no...Not BC fresh eggs)

I have decided that I would like to follow in my cousins' footsteps with this whole "blogging thing". I have been inspired to start documenting memories and start reflecting more on life as I get older. My goal is to eventually get more in to photography and incorporate pictures into this safe of memories. I am going to set the pace at a few blogs a week (at best) as I know I need to give myself attainable goals.

Here's to new beginnings and fantastic memories!