Saturday, February 2, 2013

New Year. New Beginnings.

So, I'm not very good at keeping up with this blogging thing.
I think I will be. Eventually.

I really just want this to be a place for me to write about my journey through this life I've been blessed with.
A place to look back at and see what God is doing in and through it.
If it encourages and inspires others....sweet!

So, I start with January.

The year started out with an amazing trip to Gatlinburg, TN.
If you haven't been there-- you're missin' out. I promise.
It's beautiful.

  
We stayed at Sugar Maple Cabins.
I could have stayed there forever.
There is something so peaceful and relaxing about a log cabin.
Then you add- a beautiful view of the Mountains. Fireplace. Hot tub. Game room.
Bliss.

 So, instead of New Years Resolutions, I set 2013 GOALS.
I wanted them to be attainable. intentional. meaningful.
I didn't want them to become something that is said, but then forgotten.
These are them, highlighted.
I set mini-goals alongside them that I will use to attain them. 
I won't bore you with those.
  • Consistent workout plan
  • More intentional with relationships
  • Organization
  • Coffee devotional/blogging
  • Africa fundraising
  • Spiritual growth
  • Travel
  • Coffee shop!!
So, yeah...that's that.

Other than that--work has been pretty good at REI.
We had a rough end to the year.
We lost a co-worker & friend, Barrett Wood, in a motorcycle accident.
It was so tough.
I broke down the first day back without him there. 
I had built a pretty good friendship with him & I knew he had been down some pretty tough roads--
but he was doing so much better.
He had a great girlfriend and my heart breaks for her. And for his family. 
I'm hoping to see him in Heaven someday!

So, I became their Outreach Specialist back in July of last year.
It's been fun starting out the New Year with new events and new partnerships.
I think sometimes I forget how lucky I am to be able to plan events/classes for our store in Brentwood.
It's pretty amazing.
I think it's hard when morale throughout the store is down.
We sometimes focus so much on that & take for granted what we've been provided. 
Lord, if I haven't said it. I'm thankful for this opportunity.
I love being able to build relationships with people and organizations that are passionate about preserving the outdoors, stewardship, educating youth on the outdoors and overall fitness.

So, this is cool. We began a partnership with Black Girls Run!
Their current tour name (I love this): "Preserve the Sexy"
Love it.
What an inspiring group of women!
African-Americans face a very high obesity rate and 2 women who where passionate about changing the statistics started a National movement.
That, my friends, is determination!
I'm thankful to have met some of these awesome ladies & believe it or not, they are motivating me!

Let's see.
I started attending a hip-hop dance/fitness class with my friend Lauren.
bFab
Yep. That IS the name of it.
If you've never heard of it, you like to dance & want to stay fit-- check it out!
My friend Ketley is one of the Instructors and we love it!
I'm determined to lose a little weight (aren't we all), but my main goal is to tone up. 

My Community Group started a new book study.
Storyline, by Donald Miller. Finding our Subplot in God's story!  
I was co-leading our group with my friend Zack.
Recently, he got engaged & announced he's needing to step down from leadership.
So, naturally--I became the leader/facilitator.
I've been feeling like our group has reached a point to go deeper, spiritually.
And, I think this will be great.
We've already learned a lot more about each other.
We've begun by listing positive and negative turning points in our lives so far.
What's interesting is to see how others are able to point on "theme's" going on in your life, based on these. I'm looking forward to it!


Well, that's about it. I think?
I'll add more as I think of any more highlights.
Happy New Year everyone!
I'm going to try and keep up with this-- at least once a month...but hopefully more.
I have a feeling 2013 is going to be a good one!

Much love.