happy birthday Jesus.

life is about living.

To whom it may concern,

You. Yes you. This is my wake up call to you. Your eyes are filled with envy, your heart with worthless aches towards destructible things and your mind preoccupied with how to get more. More power. More material things: houses, property, jets, boats; all things that will eventually burn. It’ll burn bright and its ashes will rise above you as you remain with empty hands and an empty heart. Where did this drive towards material things orientate? When did more become better? The answer is less, my friend. Happiness is found in less. It is the secret that is becoming difficult to be heard. It’s being muffled by society, for society is whispering lies into your ears. It’s whispering, “You need more. You need to be at the top. More money. More glamour. This is the American dream.” It’s getting a tad redundant isn’t it? More, more, more. I’ve dwelled in the shadows and watched this madness for too long. I’ve seen you walking down the street, taking each step in your leather shoes with pride. I’ve seen you wear that grin of success almost as good as your overpriced threads on your back; but, my friend, your heart is a black hole. You’ve fallen into their trap. You see the billboards and you want they advertise, you have put your aspirations of the back burner to become “successful”, you smile at the number of zeros on your paycheck, and you’ve forgotten your element.

My friend, I have empathy for you. Society is the driving force behind your behavior. It makes it so appealing, doesn’t it? Living a beautiful life filled with success, money, and things sounds great. But, are you living? Can you feel your soul? Stop and feel. Imagine. Dig deep and discover your passions. That, my friend, is living. Turn off the television, don’t flood your mind with worthless gossip and don’t occupy your space with material things. I can see clearly the path that we are headed down. Society has our hand and it’s leading us. One step at a time, one foot in front of the other, walking towards a superficial lifestyle. Are your eyes beginning to open? Do you realize how far you’ve fallen, how many steps you’ve taken? My friend, it’s reversible. Let go of the hand guiding you, stop in your tracks, turn around and run. Run towards love, simplicity, and art. Run towards companionship, laughter and new beginnings. Once you’ve run so far in the opposite direction stop and feel your heart. It’s alive.

You’ve been the victim. It’s the culprit that I fear. The culprit, who is injecting envy into our veins and breathing greed into our lungs. It displays images of useless plastics, urging us to believe we need it, it will bring us happiness. It convinces us that things can mend broken hearts, forgiveness can be bought. Love can be shown through diamonds and pearls. Stop buying into the lies; shield your eyes from the billboards that are mocking you every time you pass. Its attempt to mold me and you into mirror images of each other is sickening but yet becoming successful. The society sees you as a dollar sign. It markets its products to you in the most deceitful way and instills envy into your eyes. You want what you can’t have, covet your neighbors, and greed eats away at your soul. Greed. It’s a beast that society is feeding and you, my dear friend, have grown selfish. You spend extra hours at the office instead of home with your spouse with the excuse that you’re working for the future and you waste precious time on making an extra dollar. You’re losing family and friends but gaining things. Things that are covered with glitter, looks so glamorous and feels so glamorous only to be dusted off and revealed as absolute nothingness. Big cars can’t fill voids and big houses only make you realize empty space surrounding you. So, put down the credit card. Shut off the television. Discover what makes your heart beat fast. Learn your passion again. Close your ears to the media. Do you feel like your waking up?

Share the wealth. There’s enough of it, that’s for sure. The business men at the top drive their fancy cars giving off toxic fumes while children die from empty stomachs. It is pure selfishness; isn’t it, my friend? We have enough. Stop reaching for more, but instead distribute it. Society has made us believe that we always need more. Need. Not want. Need. What we need is for the world to stop hurting. Once the greed that is lurking inside our hearts is destroyed we can do better. Imagine a world that is fueled by happiness, joy and love, simplicity. I can see it. We can beat this, but it takes open eyes and a yearning heart. The oblivious need to be reached and the wealthy need to be called out.

I’m imagining a world where we give the clothes off our back to keep another warm, where neighbors help neighbors, where what’s mine is yours, where love is bursting through the hearts of every being and when I look into their eyes and see their soul. I believe this is the way that life was intended for us. It’s been destroyed by society. We’ve been robbed of our happiness and given fake temporary highs to satisfy us. Are you satisfied? Our natural instincts are being numbed, it’s confusing us. But, high always fade and we realize that emptiness is what remains. Society only has the power if we allow it to have it. My friend, I am making it my personal mission to reach out and change lives. I want you to feel alive. I want my ideas to spread across the sea, touching one life at a time. So, let go of the demon leading you. Breathe. Open your eyes and heart. Turn around. And run towards natural joy. Then smile, for you have won.

I’m asking you to join this movement. Discover life again. Don’t be left standing, stunned, as your materialistic things burn and its ashes dance around you mocking you. “You’ve been fooled.” Don’t be a fool.

Sincerely, A

Retro

Life's all about taking steps. Steps to get from point A to point B. Steps in the right direction or the exact wrong one. Steps towards goals, dreams and love. I'm taking steps forward, putting each foot in front of the other to live the exact beautiful life that I want to live. Making changes and choices, being the best me that I can be. I'm living, breathing and grateful. Taking steps and leaving footprints; making a mark on people's lives. (December 13, 2009)

I'm searching for my passion for Spanish again. It got lost somewhere in between the homework assignments and exams. I miss the true beauty of the language and the unique culture of the speakers. I'm getting distracted by other things, I'm trying to direct my focus into so many different directions and the result is complete failure. I'm learning, discovering new passions, and my mind is constantly dreaming but I need to search within myself.. dig out what's real and put my heart and soul into it. The best way for me to do this is to write. Write until my fingers hurt, until my eyes can't stay open and until my mind stops screaming. I've had this relationship with writing since I was little. My entire life is documented into journals; I've spend many sleepless nights scribbling in my journal trying to figure out life and pouring my soul onto paper. So, I'm going to share some of my writing because it's something that I've always kept private. Whether it be through poetry or simple journal entries, I express myself better through unspoken words, always have and probably always will. Staring it off with a little poetry:

The Artificial Christmas (December 2004)
Fake santas and reindeer cluttering yards
Piles of superficial Christmas cards
Everyone has their painted on smile
Decorating with artistic style.

Plastic ornaments, artificial pines
Wrapping paper filled with unique designs.
Peppermint candy canes and eggnog too
Happy cheerful faces I see right through.

Bright white lights hand on every single house,
Inside people are dreaming for a spouse.
Christmas makes them feel bitter and alone,
Through their eyes loneliness is deeply shone.

Broken apart families try hard to cope
Their memories help them hold on to hope.
The happy atmosphere breaks hearts each time,
Crystal tears fall when the Christmas bell chimes.

Hopeless lovers wait under mistletoe,
Smiling and blushing making faces glow.
Waiting and wanting that simple sweet kiss,
They'd give it all for that second of bliss.

Malls are filled, but empty are the church pews.
Minds filled with materialistic views.
The meaning of Christmas has been forgot.
Everyone too caught up with what they bought.

Tell me when the Christmas tradition changed.
How did the Lord my Savior get exchanged?
Now it's all about the big guy in red.
It's not about birth, no, presents instead.

Christmas I fear, will never be the same.
It's a pity to see what it became.
Jesus is the reason always remember,
For this holiday, cold in December.

Europe Trip (Spain & France)
"Pace yourself" January 17th, 2009
I want to keep traveling, making memories, and seeing the beautiful world. Right now, today, I'm living the life I want. Even though I've ran out of clean clothes, legs are dry, and I may or may not smell (haha).. this is truly my dream. I feel like I belong here, I know it. I don't get these intense feelings from any other place in the world. It's here, Espana. I feel like a part of me has woken up, I'm ready to start my next journey in life.

July 8th, 2009
Summer is all about open windows, free spirits, heat, summer love, fresh food, beauty, laughs, grilling, swimming, fresh air.. it's time to live. Every second is a time to live, not to be wasted on complaining or sadness. I have to take what I have and make the most of it. Everyday we have a choice; so smile a little wider, bless someone, open your eyes and take a look around and realize the beautiful place we live in.

(((But... Summer 2009 didn't exactly turn out to be so awesome.)))
August 10th, 2009
I have never felt so refreshed and sad at the same time. I moved out of dad's and into Kara's (my sisters) house but my heart is torn and aching. I feel like I've abandoned my Dad there, I really have no reason to think this way because it's what he chose. In reality, he left me so why do I feel feeling his pain? I don't understand any of this and I haven't for months. I feel the hurt of his mistake for him; a hurt that he doesn't even feel. I dont know why I can't let it go but all I wanted from this summer was to form some kind of relationship with him and bring a glimmer of joy into his life. But apparently I have nothing that will please him, I need to give up and move on. There's too much happiness in this world to be feeling so low. Maybe this is the life he dreamed off and I just don't fit into it. I just want so badly to have a normal relationship with my father. Why? Why is this all so difficult for me now? I went 7 years and I've never felt the pain I'm feeling now, it's a constant pain that just sits in my chest and messes with my mind. I've lost track of all the things I'm trying about. I just miss him... or miss something.

December 30th, 2004
You communicate in apologies
To try to change your mistake
In order to clam your conscious
And cure your bitter awake.

You keep stuttering through excuses
Knowing the truth is right.
My lips will tell you I understand
But my eyes aren't as polite.

Because loneliness and heartache
Stream steadily down my face.
I burn you with all my glares
To try and put you in your place.

And this young teenage heart of mine
Can tell a bitter tale,
Of deception and rejection
In every single detail.

For your messy little affair
Wasn't as hushed as you thought.
Are you sorry for your infidelity,
Or just sorry you got caught?

Remedies come and go so quickly
But they always seem to fade.
But my sense can't forget you
Or how I was betrayed.

My eyes always will watch you
As you wear that sincere smile
I think your filled with regret
But I'm only living in denial.

And my ears will hear you
As you laugh with her out loud.
I'll cover my ears so tightly
And keep trying to make you proud.

I simply can't stand to know
That you're happier with her
Do your thoughts ever rewind to me,
Or how things once were?

In order to find happiness
You did what had to be done.
Now after all expenses paid
It seems guilt has begun.

But time can't be rewound
And forgiveness can't be bought.
Are you sorry for your infidelity,
Or just sorry you got caught?

Daddy, please just tell me truthfully
Because your my every other thought.
Are you sorry for your infidelity,
Or just sorry you got caught?

October 22nd
I'm way too emotional. Way too different. Re-evalutaing different aspects of my life and what it is i'm looking for. What do I personally want out of life? I don't want the "self" society creates. I want me; flooded with emotion and love. Individuality. Me. With all my flaws, all my aspirations, no limits, no worries. A life of adventure and new experiences each day.

Half was written on July 13th,2008.. half written tonight.
The Mexican sunset lacks it's magic
When your watching it alone.
But it gives you time to finally feel
All those emotions left unknown.

You'll feel the ache of loneliness
That lurks in your stomach deep
And you'll feel that salty air you breathe
And salty tear upon your cheek.

You'll see the lone pair of footprints
That follow you in the sand.
And looking down you'll notice
You're left with empty hands.

But it's the city buzz of New York
That keeps you on your toes.
Losing yourself in a sea of people,
As the city light constantly grows.

But nocturnal cries of loneliness,
They echo across the ocean.
From the Atlantic to Pacific
Everyone's looking for that devotion.

...
So, there's a tiny insight to my actual journal entries. I have hundreds of notebook pages filled with heartbreak, poetry, inspiration, song lyrics, confusion, and love. All compiled from sleepless nights and a racing mind. :)
-A

enjoying simple things

Photo shoot with mamacita.



& baking cookies.

Life is good.

Belleza en todo.

Don’t waste your words and don’t waste your moments.

No pierdas tus palabras y no pierdas tus momentos.

Mi corazón está en Sevilla todavía. Miré algunas fotos esta mañana y me duele el corazón. No puedo creer que yo viví la vida de los Sevillanos dos anos pasado. Una vida despacio, con aventura.. la vida bellísima. Siento que cuando estaba en España o cualquier país yo puedo ver la belleza en todo y tengo una perspectiva completamente diferente de mi perspectiva en Estados Unidos. Decidía que quiero cambiarla. No quiero perder mis palabras ni mis momentos. Tiempo es corto, la vida es increíble.. hay oportunidades detrás de los puertos. Abre los puertos y sigue el corazón.
-A

smile like you mean it.

Life is good right now. After a great Thanksgiving break with family & friends I realized that I've been missing something. I feel like I secluded myself in La Crosse in a way. I stopped putting myself out there to make more friends, I'm not exactly sure why I did this but I'm guessing it's because I just got tired of making new friends after transferring colleges two times. I am my best me when i'm surrounded by awesome people. I prefer to be in a group rather than be alone. I'm not saying that I've made zero friends here, because that's not true at all. I've met awesome people here, I just have only established concrete friendships with about three or four of them. So i'm done being the shy girl (and for those that know me Mom, Grans, Auntie, Kara that may sound hilarious because you KNOW i'm not shy;) ) I'm going to keep things interesting, one of the great parts of life is meeting new people. When I traveled in Spain and France last semester I had a special page in my journal just for the people that I met to sign and on the top of the page I wrote the quote, "It's not about the places you go but the people you meet." Which is 100% true, my European adventures wouldn't have been half as memorable without the people I met. So cheers to los amigos, new & old :)

I'm also trying to change my outlook on running. Sometimes I put too much pressure on my running, I let it define me in a way. I feel like I give it too much power in my life, so i'm taking a step back. I'm still going to run, race, and continue to a live healthy lifestyle. I just want to keep it a small portion of my life. If I can't run a day, oh well. If I completely bomb a race, shake it off! I need to have running in my life but I don't want it to be anywhere near the top of my priority list anymore. There's so many things that constitutes me: Spanish, music, education, travel, photography, writing.. I'm a runner, but I'm also many other things. So, I'm keeping my mileage at 30-40 miles per week, running only 5 days a week, and doing it because it makes me smile.
Tonight I ran with my friend Cherie before I had to run off to the Library. It was great to have someone to talk to and it's a lot less difficult to run in freezing weather when your not alone. We are going to try to run together more often, keep each other motivated throughout the chilly months.

Things I'm obsessing about this week:

• Grooveshark.com Death cab, Johnny Cash, John Mayer, Old Crow Medicine Show & Ben Harper have been playing non-stop. <333>
• My Costa Rican Vacation is only 22 days away & as of right now the only thing I have is a plane ticket.. it'll make for a good adventure right?
• Ecotopia - Great book
  
• My new blog layout (not really layout just change of picture. haha) I struggled with the correct way to spell "travelling". Traveling is the American way to spell it and travelling is the Britain way. Since I'm miss international wanna be, I decided the Brits way trumps ours. :)
  And, that's all for tonight.
  -A
  

HOME

GOOD MORNING!!!

It's thanksgiving break, I'm home, it's snowing (kinda, a crazy mix between snow & rain..), I'm with the people I love, and tomorrow I get to indulge in two thanksgiving dinners. That's right, TWO! hahaha, which is why I'll be running 10 miles in the morning so I can work up an appetite for all that grub.

I had an awesome night with my sister. We went and picked out her first real Christmas tree. I told her when it's time for me to purchase my first Christmas tree she has to come with me (wherever I may be) to pick it out. New tradition. The remainder of the night was spend dancing to Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. She's such a weirdo, but gotta admit the beat is catchy.



It looks as if Christmas threw up all over Spooner (my hometown). Christmas lights are strung on houses and yard decorations are everywhere. And now to add to the holiday spirit it's snowing! Christmas is coming quickly, but first I wanna fully enjoy Turkey Day to it's potential. Giving thanks, eating until I feel sick, napping, and ignoring any thought that has to do with school.

Running wise, I've been taking it real easy. I've only ran 40 miles the past two weeks. My legs were begging for a break and I'm having some foot issues. This week I'm getting back at it. 4 easy miles yesterday, 6-7 today, 10 tomorrow... It'll feel good to get back in the routine, I'm just hoping & praying my bod holds up. Running in pain really sucks the fun out of it.
And with that, I'm going to finish up my chai and take off for the trails.
home sweet home. xox
-A

two things

Get inspired.


And check out Dr. TriRunner's blog and enter her giveaway!

Transition to an a.m. runner

I recently made the switch from a night time to morning runner. And by night time I mean anywhere from 8-midnight. I was running when it was pitch black outside & I loved it. I loved being the only runner out there, it made me feel unique. (?) Don't ask why, I've got strange reasoning. Even though I enjoyed the quiet & peaceful runs and running underneath the stars, I knew that with winter coming I couldn't keep this up because of safety reasons. I tried running during the afternoon but it was absolutely horrible. After hours of classes, early mornings, and homework I don't have enough energy to get in a quality run. So my roommate Steph convinced me to give running in the morning a try. I'm actually surprised I didn't start it sooner actually. Steph and I are both early birdies, the pot of coffee is usually always brewing by usually 6:30. I absolutely love 6am. I think it's one of the most beautiful times of the day, it's time before your hectic day when you can do whatever you want whether it be read, run, relax, think, or blog :).

After one day of running in the morning, I was hooked. I get the same euphoric feeling as I did running at night and my mind is quiet. I'm not thinking about school, work or stress yet. I'm just running and thinking about life (the exciting things). The other morning I realized how thankful I am to have the gift of running. It's really been a big part of me becoming the person I am today and I'm so grateful for that. Even though I'm not competitively running for my school, it's still had a huge impact on me. Because I'm a runner I care more about logging miles than going out on a Friday night, I spend more money on running shoes than on my current wardrobe, and water is my beverage of choice (synergy being a close second :)) I'll go into more detail in a different post about how running has affected my life, I'll start working on it soon!

Things you should check out this week:
Grooveshark -It's like pandora but a little better (if that's possible).
The new Runners World:

Goodness in a bottle. Synergy:

Made with 100% pure love & good for the bod!
And lastly: Stephan BBG & My twitter pages cause were else can you see quality pictures like this:

Alright, time for my run which I've been anxiously awaiting it since 8 pm last night! Have a great day everyone!
-A

Monster Dash: Race Report

Hi friends! This is my first time writing a race report BUT there will be many more races to come in the near future, so I suppose I better get used to writing these. This was my second half marathon and can I just say I LOVE this distance? 13.1 miles of awesome-ness. Around mile 9 I was thinking about how difficult it would be to run a full marathon. I give all you marathoners out there props, hopefully someday soon I can find enough guts to run one. It's gotta be done, I'm thinking Spring :). But, for now I'm just going to concentrate on training for the half distance cause that's what makes me happy!

Monster Dash was in Minneapolis Minnesota, about a three hour drive from my home in La Crosse. My Aunt lives close to the city so my mom, sis and I stayed over night and got to enjoy the company of my wonderful, hilarious family. This was also my cousins last weekend at home, now he's living it up at marine boot camp (notice sarcasm). He did decide to run the 5k with my sister so that was awesome. I'm slowly turning my family into a bunch of runner nuts :). My Auntie made amazing Spaghetti for the pre-race meal, which was amazing.

The alarm went off at 5:30 am and we were out the door by 6:00. My pre-race fuel was a combo of oatmeal & Granola and a Banana. (Coffee too, of course). My auntie, mom, sister, cousin, and I were packed into the car and were having difficulties finding parking. 6 am + too many females that are lost = quite a bit of tension. We figured it out though, thanks to a very nice guy we found during our excursion. We got there plenty early which meant no lines for the bathroom! Thank the lord!

The race: I ended up getting a personal best by 10 minutes which is great. But, I know I was capable of going faster. I ran a 1:50, but for the first 8 miles I was running at 8:00/mile pace and around 9 my whole lower body just cramped up. I ended up slowing down for the last 5 miles making my pace 8:29 for the entire race. I accepted the fact that It just wasn't my day around mile 9 and decided to just have fun. I'm surprised I still PRed by so much actually because I was not pushing the last 5 miles at all so it makes me really excited to race again and see what I can do! Here is my lovely finishing photo: (i'm in the blue).
What's really awesome about this race is that my sister (Kara K-B) ran her first race ever and liked it! We are hopefully going to do a half marathon this summer together which will be awesome. The rest of my fall is packed with races (as many as I can find), one winter half marathon, and then this spring and summer is going to be races almost every weekend! I've already made my training plan for November & December :). Alright. So I decided I don't like writing race reports because I feel like I have nothing to say. Doesn't help that I waited a week to write this. baha.. Enjoy the pictures. I'll update soooon.
-A

pre-race rambles

Four long days until race day. Preparation begins right now! Increase in calories, drinking lots of water, easy runs, rolling out the knots in my legs, making a 13.1 worthy playlist, and of course... studying. Studying because in between now and my 13 mile jaunt around Minneapolis I have 3 midterms. Nevertheless, I will be taking out some frustration on the course come Saturday morning. But my outlook on this race has completely changed. If you would've asked me 2 weeks ago what my goals were I would've told you every split I wanted to run for every mile. I have a new perspective now, I run because I truly enjoy it. It makes me smile, gives me a break from my day, gives me time to think about things. I was training so hard for this race that I kind of forgot why I love running. I'm racing because I love the running community and I feel so accomplished when i'm done. (..and the race shirts, medals, free stuff and food ;)) So, I've put the my GPS watch away for awhile and i'm just going to run. There's much more beauty and enjoyment in that.

Some random updates:
I love my job at the Chiropractic office. Maybe I'll end up going to Chiropractic school after my under-grad? haa.. Seeing as I LOVE school (notice sarcasm) so much why not go another 3 years! Who knows with me, It's something that i'm really passionate about though. If only schooling wasn't necessary..

I'm so excited to spend this weekend with my Auntie. We'll be sending my little cuz off to the Marines, what a stud!

Shout out to my sister, Kara K-B, who is running her first race this weekend! Yeah Girl!!

I finally got a haircut! First snip in 11 months!


K. That's all. Hopefully soon i'll get some inspiration and write some kind of meaningful post but most likely won't be happening this week.
Adios!
-A

sun's gonna rise

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world." -Psalm 19:1-4

The sunrise and sunset are gifts from our beautiful creator. God, the master painter, gives us the sunrise/set for our pleasure. He paints the sky to give us joy. We are so undeserving of his love but he continues to cover us with grace and love. He pours blessings on us daily. He loves me. and you. and you. and you. He loved us first and will love us forever. Watch the sunrise and know that his creativity is never ending, we are in the best relationship of all. Watch as he paints a beautiful picture in your life. His creativity is endless... the master painter, creator of the universe is painting something beautiful for you right now.

the truth:

Jesus is love.

running addict.

My will burns stronger than my legs will.
Next race is Monster Dash half marathon on Oct. 31st in Minneapolis! ..and what makes this EXTRA special is my sister is running her first 5k the same day! So, I have six weeks to get myself into PR (personal record) running shape! My weekly mileage is going to peak at 50 then i'll start to taper for the race. Here my training schedule for this week:
Monday: 7 miles
Tuesday: 5 miles
Wednesday:REST
Thursday:5 miles
Friday: 1 mile warm up, 3 mile tempo, 1 mile cool down
Saturday: 8 miles
Sunday: 5 miles, BIKE

My life wouldn't be nearly as awesome as it is without running. I look forward to my run every single day. It's a time that I can think and dream. One of my favorite things to do is run along the Mississippi river at night with the moon guiding my steps and the stars shining bright. Pure euphoria.

It's so amazing to finally be running again (injury free!). You know who I can thank for that?! Three Rivers Chiropractic.. since I started getting adjustments there I have completely changed my view about my body. I believe that our body is completely capable of healing itself, there's no reason for all the drugs and medicines we put into our system. It's all about WELLNESS! Not only did they heal my numb leg and make me overall a lot healthier.. they also offered me a job there! It's so unbelievably awesome. Things are looking up my friends!
Stay tuned.

awesomeness

• I'm running the Monster Dash Half Marathon October 31st.
• I don't have class until 12:40 today.
• I found the perfect spot along side the Mississippi to sit and think.
• I got a job and it does not involve me serving food or drinks (!!!!!!)
  
• The leaves are turning colors
• Spaghetti Squash is 39 cents a pound right now. Heck yessss!
• Life's gooooood.
  

September 4th, 2009

Now that I'm done (almost) with my crazy, hectic, insanely busy summer of work, I'll hopefully be able to update this blog more often. But I'm not making any promises. So, What's up lately?
- I got a rad vintage camera from my one of the regulars at work. It's an Agfa Ansco from the 70's (pictured above).. I love it! I also got an even older one from an antique store. They fascinate me, I'm gonna try to find some film for the Agfa and develop some pictures myself. How awesome would that be?!
- I'm moved back to La Crosse and I'm loving it. Relaxing days spend laying by the Mississippi, running on the trails, watching the sunset.. ahh, it's good to be back. But sadly I have to go back home and work one more dreadful weekend.
- I'm learning to play guitar, It's a slow process but I'm loving it.
- I re-pierced my nose yesterday :)

- I'm super excited to get back to my normal running routine. I don't feel myself without a week filled with miles!
- That's about it! School starts Tuesday, I've got my books and i'm readddyy! Life's good but it's about to get better. :)

future adventures

The Life List.
Endurance.

• Run a Marathon
• Run an Ultra
  
• Complete a Triathlon
• Run 10+ miles barefoot
• Run a marathon in every state
• Qualify for Boston Marathon
• Ski the Birkie
  

Explore.

• Walk along the Great Wall of China
• Cruise the canals via gondola in Venice
• Visit the Holy Land
• Live in Southern Spain
• Attend Tomatina in Bunol, Espana
• Sleep on a park bench during the Carnival in Cadiz, Espana
• Explore Machu Picchu
• Visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Road Trip around the US
• Dance the tango in Argentina
  
• Watch the finish of Tour de France
• Visit Jim Morrison's grave in Paris
• See all 7 wonders of the world
• Drink a Beer in Munich during Oktoberfest
• Ride a camel in Morocco
• See Earth from space
• Ski in the Swiss Alps
  
• Go for a run in central park
• Sleep on a beach in Costa Rica
  
• Leave the country at least once every year

Other

• Read the Bible cover to cover
• Sky dive
• Learn to play guitar
• Attend a Packer-Viking game
• Read the American classics
• Sleep in a snow fort
• Graduate college
  
• Be a spectator at the Summer and Winter Olympics
• Make my own wine
• Go up in a hot air ballon
• Learn to Salsa dance
• Attend an Owl City concert
• Have a garden
• Complete a crossword from the New York Times
  
• Make a recipe book
• Attend a Broadway show

back to it.

Summer turned out to be different than I expected. I was excited to run hundreds of miles, bike everywhere, read lots of books, work, and just enjoy my time away from school. It ended up being.. different. Work completely exhausted me, I could only run 20-30 miles per week, I barely biked, I was stressed constantly, and sad the majority of the day. But, things have turned around. I moved in with my sister, my running is getting better, I've started biking again, and enjoying beautiful summertime like it should be enjoyed. There's nothing better than running under the stars on a summer night, sleeping with the window open, picking berries, and spending time with family. So.. what I've learned from this kinda depressing summer. (1) I can't change people, I just gotta be myself and not let anyone get under my skin. (2) Running keeps me sane and I need it in my life. (3) Life is awesome and meant to be enjoyed. I've realized lots of things about myself these past months and I'm so EXCITED to get back to La Crosse and resume my wonderful life there. I've got big plans for myself and i'm pumped for it all to start. I have more to say but I wanna go for my run. It's a beautiful rainy night, I'll try my hardest to update this more often.
xx

I don't need a telescope to see that there's hope

I'll update soon, I promise :)
xx

calles y café

designer skyline.

Designer skyline in my head abstract and still well read.

<3

So.. I work a lot. This means not a lot of time to blog. I can hardly find time sleep! But, no complaints. I'm blessed to have both of my jobs.
My summer thus far:
- I did my first run with my Garmin today! It was incredibly awesome and apparently I'm faster than I thought. :)
- I've been going to thrift stores and buying way too many books. Hopefully i'll read them..
- I spent a wonderful three days in Madeline Island with my friends and it was incredibly difficult to come home.
- I just bought an awesome album on itunes and spend my nights searching new music on myspace. It's awesome.
- My hair is getting longer but I can't seem to make it grow any faster despite my efforts.
- The sunrises never disappoint me, so beautiful every morning.
- I'm 21 but I still look like i'm 16.
- I don't remember the last time I turned my tv on.
- 7:00 am is now considered "sleeping in" to me.

I need to travel somewhere soon.. Any suggestions?

"21 & invincible"

Introducing Julien!

My beautiful new bike! :) His name is Julien because it reminds me of an orange Julius. Ha! So creative.. ;)
I am a very blessed girl! My love my job, my running is going great (half marathon this weekend! woo woo!!), and my Dad and step-mom bought me this wonderful new road bike! I'm so thankful for all the blessings in my life. Julien gets to be in the house but KronStrong..(my other bike) has to stay in the garage.. haha!

I'll still use my other bike for trips to the grocery store or biking to class, it's my new commuter bike! :) This summer has been amazing so far, It's going to be a wonderful 3 months! I'll update soon.

1Corinthians 4

Paul's Preaching Ministry
1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4Satan,the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."[b]With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

i'm up

I've been awake since 5:22 AM. I tried to go back to sleep but I failed so I watched Kirk Cameron on TBN, drank some coffee, and here am I. Wide awake at 6 AM..with nothing to do.

summer.skin

First day of summer was cloudy, windy, & rainy.
Work starts tomorrow, thank God. I can't take this much free time, my head starts spinning and I have way too much energy. But it did give me some time to reflect on this school year and I'm starting to make some plans for my future. These plans are more like rough ideas.. that are subject to change. We will see, for now I just need to concentrate on this summer. I need to work hard and enjoy the simple joys of being home.

I'm looking forward to chatting with the regular customers at work, long runs in the summer heat, 30 mile bike rides, going for late night walks, speaking Spanish out loud to myself, waking up at 5 am and watching the sunrise as I drink my morning coffee while getting ready for work, yoga on Monday and Wednesday nights, listenin' to Owl City the majority of the day, driving with the sunroof open, starting a bible study, and worshipin' & lovin' my King and Savior Jesus Christ every single day of this beautiful summer. :) The makings of a good summer! I'm going to focus on enjoying every single day and not get too caught up in trying to figure out what direction my life is headed, *Proverbs 3:5*. I'm still going to finish up my undergrad at UWL in Spanish Education, but I'm not exactly sure if that's what I want to do. The field experiences and student teaching will help me decide that.. in the mean time exploring other options. I've got some good ideas, I'm counting on God to either kill them or cultivate them, haha! :)

BUT I am not going to stress about this now.. cause it's saawweeet summertime. OH update on the running: it's painful, heartbreaking, and I've seriously thought about switching to road biking for awhile. We'll see how next week goes. Here's what happened; my bum leg is weak therefore my good leg has been working extra hard to make up for the lack of work my other leg is doing. That has led to extreme pain in my "good leg" now. My knee is tight, my shins ache, and my muscles are in knots. I've taken four days off this week to try to get myself back to normal, this includes hours of stretching, foam rolling, icing, and 6-8 painkillers a day. I swear, after all these injuries are healed I'm makin' my comeback. So, Grandma's Marathon is out.. but I'm doing a half marathon on May 31st in Minneapolis. Come watch me suffer if you can! I'll be the one in tears, limping across the finish line and rejoicing in my suffering. HA!

Alright, it's bed time. Five A.M. comes quick, but here are some sweet things to check out:
OWL CITY - One of my favorites. His music is amazing.
TOM'S SHOES - I'm ordering a pair soon. For every pair purchased, a pair goes to a child in need! Awesome!!
G'night!
"Never give up on something you don't go a day without thinking about"

..It's like I wrote every note with my own fingers..

• My Junior year of college is almost done. I'm 3 tests, a presentation, and 2 papers away from sweet sweet summertime. Then it's work, running, & biking all-summer-long! :)
• I'm running the Minneapolis half marathon on May 31st. I'm still struggling with all my injuries but I'm racing it anyways..
• ..Grandma's Marathon on the other hand may not be happening until next year. I can't expect my body to run 26.2 miles when I've been injured all winter long. That would only lead to more injuries.
  
• Happy Mama's day to all the Mother's out there. I'm sitting here with mine sippin' coffee and watching the news. Our morning routine. :)
• Plan for today: Church, study, run, Sunday Night Worship, study, sleep.
  

paints me blue.

Good morning!
One week left in La Crosse then it's home for the summer. For the past month I've been counting down the days but now that it's so close I'm starting to get sad. I'm gonna miss the beautiful river, Hixon forest, Riverside, the bluffs, & my roommates. But home is good too, it'll probably just take a little while to get used to.
I've been keeping pretty busy with running, school, watching races :), hangin' with my Mom, and biking. It's been a pretty awesome last couple of weeks. Good news on my leg: It's no longer numb!! It's so exciting but my running is no where close to where it needs to be for the Marathon June 20th. I registered for the Minneapolis Half Marathon on May 31st, we'll see how the half goes then I'll decide if the full is a good idea or not. I increased my mileage 2 weeks ago and I paid for it last week. I was in so much pain, knots in my calves, tight knees, and shin splints. I backed off last week and did a lot of biking and I'll ease into it again this week. I'm excited to spend the summer running and biking in beautiful northern Wisconsin. :) My goal is to be injury free for a long time, my sanity counts on this. ha!
Spring is such a beautiful time, it seems like everyone is in such a better mood. I know I am! Spring & Summer are my busy time of the year due to finals and working and it's so easy to push God to the side. I can't let myself get so involved with my own things, I need to remember the importance of reading my bible everyday and prayer. I know it's normal to go through spiritual highs and lows but I was hoping I could avoid that. But, It just takes a work.. like any relationship. God has blessed me with a wonderful family, great friends, and the joy of running. He deserves my praises every single day, it's because of Him that my life is filled with so much love and joy.

Well I need to get to class but I'll end with one of my favorite verses. :)
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-26

weather patterns

I have my "deepest" moments either in my car driving or running. So after my drive back to La Crosse Saturday night I decided to keep those thoughts goin', so I went running at 10:00 at night. It's so peaceful and beautiful at that time, it helps that I live in a beautiful area with bluffs, the Mississippi river, & trees. Then yesterday I went out for a run and 3 miles into it I got caught in a down pour. It was awesome!! The rain was strong & it was windy so it just made me run fast. :)! My running has been awesome the last couple days, it's good to be back! And I'm loving this weather. It was awesome to fall asleep last night listening to the rain and thunder.

My roommate showed me this article yesterday, click HERE to read it. Some of the comments on it really broke my heart. The article is about how a popular clothing chain (Forever 21) prints John 3:16 on every shopping page of theirs. It makes me sick to think that people find that so offensive and even say that won't buy from the company anymore. I want to know why they are so offended by Christianity? How can they continue each day with no hope? Why do the feel the need to advocate their hopeless ideas? This article just made me realize that we are not going to reach these types of people by approaching them and sharing the gospel. Most probably already have heard it before anyways, One lady wrote this comment on the article:

This isn’t just about religion– it’s about our phobia of Christianity. It’s about all of those awful memories of being mobbed by envangelizing nuts on campus, at parks, at the beach, etc. Christians feel the need to bring god into EVERYTHING– I’m simply overloaded… and I’m resentful of feeling so jumpy that even a bible reference on the bottom of a bag sets me off. To all of you Christians out there, BACK OFF! People might be more interested in talking to you if they weren’t constantly mobbed by pro-Jesus crap

.
First off, God is my EVERYTHING is it's a little hard not to bring him into everything. :) But this comment really got me thinking about how we can reach people like this with such negative ideas about Christianity. Jesus is the only one that can change their hearts so we continually need to be praying for them. They may not be responsive to me if I approach them on the street but a more powerful way for them to see Christ is how we live our life. Love them, praise God when we're happy and rejoice in our suffering. Demonstrate the love that Jesus Christ has brought into our life and let in shine through us in every single thing we do. Let them look at us and want the joy that Jesus fills us with. That is how we can reach them without any feelings of condemnation, by simply living Christ like lives. My heart breaks when I think about them seeing Jesus and realizing that they had denied his glorious, amazing love for their entire life on this earth. Eventually every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, I don't want anyone to be too late. I want more brothers and sisters in Christ, so let His love shine through us, let everyone know how God has changed our lives, Share the gospel & rejoice in our suffering This world needs Jesus and everyone needs his word.

Alright, I need to get to class. Here's whats on repeat this week: