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  • #whole30

    January 10th, 2017

    Day one is in the books, yall! And real talk it was not that bad! I also joined Planet Fitness today. Go big right?

    Breakfast was two eggs scrambled with spinach and black coffee. Probably 4 cups. It felt weird not adding honey, but it wasn’t that big of a deal. I can already see that I am a habitual eater/consumer. I make four cups of coffee because that’s what I always do, not necessarily because I want it or need it. It’s just what I do. Because I am not making my breakfast protein shake (no Vega Proteins + Greens for 30 days) there is no need to make so much coffee. One cup will suffice.

    When I finished my coffee I moved on to water with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. It’s so good y’all. There have been some days (not recently) when I have forfeited my morning coffee for the lemon juice/acv and I don’t even get caffeine withdraw. It’s crazy! When I drink it regularly I notice the following– it gives me a buzz like caffeine, my mood is elevated, my appetite is suppressed, and I am left feeling just generally good. Think about it, as a 30-something.. how often do you say “I feel good”? I don’t say it nearly as often as I would like.

    I am surprised that by 12:30 I’m still not hungry for lunch. At 1:30 I have crockpot chicken and roasted vegetables. It’s fine. Not the best meal I’ve ever had, but not the worst. It serves it’s purpose. I don’t want to jinx myself but I was surprised my usual “2:30” feeling wasn’t showing up. I didn’t feel tired or sluggish or like I wanted a soda. We have really delicious chocolate at work . I find myself eating it just because it’s there, not because I particularly want it. It felt rewarding to be mindful of that today and purposely NOT EAT THE CHOCOLATE. Woohoo!

    I had a clementine at 5:30. By this time I have mentally prepared to go to the gym after work. It wasn’t a question, a will I or won’t I.. it was a task on my to-do list to be completed. Again, surprised I am not hungry for dinner. I don’t know if it’s a mind over matter thing or what. Like the constant focus on what I am eating and when I am eating cancels out the actual hunger? Time will tell I’m sure. Mindful eating– what a concept!

    I can’t recall the last time I worked out more than just a power walk around the neighborhood. It felt good to move and sweat.

    I was craving a BLT for dinner. Bacon is whole30 compliant so i thought no big deal I’ll stop by  the grocery and scoop something up. Big mistake. Did you know almost all bacon has added sugar?? Guess what is NOT Whole30 compliant… sugar. Frustrated, I move on to the the sausage section. I find a brand I saw on one of the clean eating blogs I follow. This will have to do. I scoop up a few tomatoes and avocados on the way out. My dinner plate was just that– sauteed chicken apple sausage, a sliced up tomato and an avocado. Yall. It was SO good! I didn’t feel deprived at all. In fact I was pleasantly full.  This is exciting.

    So day one- i am already seeing how rewarding it is to be mindful of what you are putting in your body. Yes, it is a lot of work on the front end…Learning the basics all over again.. but if you are going to spend time and energy on something.. why NOT your body? I feel fortunate to be in my little life bubble while going thru this plan– single/no babies. I cant imagine having to not only get your family on board with this eating plan but then to COOK and prepare meals for all those mouths. Big ups to all you mamas out there keeping it clean. I will not fool myself into thinking every day will be as easy as today.. but man, what a great start!

    Excited for what the next 29 days hold!

  • #idpa

    November 20th, 2016

    I grew up in a military family. Guns were always around the house. Going to the range for target practice was a pretty common way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I was raised to be in control of your weapon, to respect it, not to fear it.

    I haven’t shot in years. I’ve settled into the thought  if I needed to use my weapon to defend myself, I could probably get myself through it.

    About a month ago, my friend Lindsey and I were casually rattling off our weekend plans. Her plan was to head out to Cleveland for IDPA. I suppose my facial expression asked the question, and she went on to explain it was a shooting competition that puts you in real life scenarios as opposed to just shooting in a single stance down range. My interest was piqued and I immediately got on board to attend the next match. Full disclosure,  I’m quick with enthusiasm… Not so great at the follow through, especially if I have too much time to think about it. I had a month to mull it over..

    I had registered, purchased the proper equipment, had my outfit planned and I was STILL considering backing out when my alarm when off at 7:00 this morning. (Sorry Lindsey, real talk)

    It’s early. It’s cold. I won’t know what’s going on. I won’t be the best. What if I get hurt. What if I hurt someone else. What if everyone thinks I’m wasting their time.

    These little jerks were floating through my head. But I scarfed down some breakfast, grabbed my coffee,  got my gear together and jumped in the car before I had completely talked myself out of it.

    The drive to Cleveland was breath-taking. I wish I would have snapped a photo. The leaves were all on fire (figuratively this time, thank you Lord!). The dark clouds from last night’s mini-storm were still lingering overhead making a beautiful contrast to all the golds, reds, and oranges. Cleveland Hunting, Rifle, and Pistol Club is in the middle of NO where, which I guess is a good thing given the concept. I am so thankful to live in the age of Siri telling me how to get every where.

    Within minutes of arriving all my insecurities were gone. Every single person I met today was just the best. So welcoming, so helpful. Quick with a tip, or trick, or thought to help me improve. Not an ounce of judgement, but sincere excitement for my first competition. IDPA is a pistol competition; I own a revolver. Today I learned  the difference between the two. For me,  today wasn’t about the quick draw and speed shooting. It was all about safety, getting comfortable with my weapon, and accuracy. There were six stages, each stage had a scenario to be worked through with it’s own perimeters and protocols. You spent about 30 seconds shooting and maybe 30 minutes watching the rest of the competitors. Lindsey and I were the only two women in our group. We were joined by about 15 men ranging in age from maybe 14-75. I learned some of these guys have been shooting together for over 30 years. I enjoyed hearing their stories and stealing their nuggets of wisdom. I felt included and part of the team. After each stage I would get pointers about my stance, my shot cadence (yes! Shot. Cadence. that’s a thing!), how to better grip my gun.. It was a lot more thinking than I was anticipating.

    Breathe. Grip. Aim. Squeeze. Move.  …and about ten sub-thoughts  flying between the main thoughts..

    It was an outstanding day. I left feeling strong, in control, and excited for next month’s match.

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    On  a side note.. I stand firmly behind this CeraVe product as the BEST lip protection ever! My lips are soft and hydrated after a long day in the wind and cold.

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  • #cccdoeriver16

    September 6th, 2016

    Man alive, I love Calvary Chapel! I had an inspiring, restful, fun-filled weekend with the most amazing friends. The things I see God doing thru the people of Calvary is so rad. AND I’M PART OF IT! This church is on fire. They are sincere and welcoming and inclusive and everything I could hope for in a community. I love that I am pushed out of my comfort zone. I am encouraged to do my own research. I am encouraged to live connected in service and fellowship  They keep it real and in order. There is not a shadow of a doubt that God led me to Chattanooga to find Calvary. My heart is so happy.

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    the weekend started friday after work. we met up at the church and loaded up in the vans. the instant the van door closed, i had a panic attack. too many people, too small of a space. my claustrophobia set in and i set out.. thank goodness my friend Keely was driving her own vehicle up to the camp.. crisis averted. Doe River Gorge is about 3.5 hours from Chattanooga. Keely and I had easy conversation about nothing in particular and were there before we knew it. The air was crisp. The smell of grass and dirt and nighttime was stirring. I was wide awake with wonder and excitement.

    Saturday

    • ouch. not as resilient as i was last time i attended church camp. shoulders and back are killing me. #thisisthirty
    • breakfast on the porch and morning devotional (studying 2 peter this weekend). its COLD! i love it!
    • morning worship. awesome time of praise. Ritchie gives an overview of 2 peter.
    • signed up for activies– decided to forgo horseback riding for something called a unimog.
    • took a train ride (et&nwc) thru the woods…stunning!
    • rolled down a grassy hill (on purpose)
    • played cornhole for too long = sunburn
    • did some back porch sittin’ in comfortable silence with Lindsey (i value that in a friendship..comfortable silence) after a good sit, we went creek wading. I love that she is always down for an adventure.
    • UNIMOG was so rad.. think 1970s hummer-esque open air truck. Off-roading thru the mountain and creek.
    • evening worship.. i appreciate order in a message. that was my take-away
    • sat by the camp fire and made smores. #happyfox
    • played Heads Up..belly laughed..JenSchu IS Mindy Grayson  ..im awful at accents
    • went to bed entirely too late

    Sunday 

    • breakfast and devotional..really loving the SOAP method for independent bible study
    • my small group makes it easy to be vulnerable. i appreciate that.
    • morning worship diving in to 2 peter 2 with Andy. Really thick subject matter but he navigated it clearly and efficiently.
    • i love our praise band. so spirit-led. ..Hallelujah ..Name above all..Simply to speak your name is praise.. how gorgeous is that lyric?? (rising sun by all sons & daughters)
    • LAKE DAY! found a surprisingly chic one piece suit at target! it was so great to spend the day on the water.. they have an awesome set up.. zip lines, water basketball and volleyball, blob, inflatable slide #allthethings
    • was probably a little too competitive playing volleyball
    • 21 questions my new friend Paige.  Such a sweet spirit and overall rad gal.
    • 8 girls got ready for dinner in just under an hour. low maintenance friends are the best friends
    • Full of calzone and quickly losing steam…
    • great night of praise and worship and the word. feeling God’s presence is indescribable.
    • early to bed tonight.. missed out on star-gazing..shoulders are KILLING me..

    Monday

    • Packed up, had a quick breakfast and hit the road south to Chattanooga.

     

    Cant say enough great things about Ritchie and Andy and everyone who lent a helping hand to make this weekend happen. My heart is happy, my soul refreshed. #blessed

    xoxo jfox

     

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