I Ran For Lauren

Other than a 5K I did with my mom when I was five, I have never actually run a race. I'm either in a lazy stage or don't know when they are {Ahem Megan, you should have told me about the one at Garden of the Gods}, but this time... I was all in!

Kristine came up with a genius idea where we run a 5K on our own time and using our own devices and then link up our recap. It was such an inventive idea that I just has to play along. Not too mention the fact that I simply adore her ;)

I still haven't gotten back to running yet, so I knew that I was just going to have to dominate the AMT Machine.

I don't know if it was the excitement or the Spark energy drink that Sarah sent me, but I had the best time and mileage that I have achieved since starting this machine. I know that the Slam energy shot got me through a looong day at work, so I would assume that Spark worked it's magic here too.

I dedicate my run to Lauren, and I think this also made me push myself a little harder. I run hard because I am blessed to still have the chance to run. I love you Lolo!

Have you tried Advocare? A TON of Bloggers are participating in the 10 Day Cleanse with Raven and Sarah, So I'm thinking that tons of people are jumping on the Advocare bandwagon. Are you getting your healthy on?

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If you have a spare moment, feel free to hop on over to the Hersheypark Happiness Photo Contest. Two of my favorite nuggets are pictured with their parents in the fifth picture down. Colby and Cam are by far the cutest kids, so they are easy to find. PS. BOTH of their parents are police officers in Florida, so that should get them a sympathy vote too.

I Have Hope For Future Generations.

Glow Golf?...I thought, "What the heck is that?"

First of all, when I agreed to go I didn't realize that it wouldn't start until 9pm due to the long days we have at 6,000 feet. My first thought was that I am normally in bed at that time on a Friday. Sheesh. We even had to leave the house right after dinner because we knew we would end up backing out. We walked around Sportsman's Warehouse,  got some Starbucks, and then it was time to partay!

Lezjustsay, there was more than Caramel Latte in that cup. In case you are wondering, Smirnoff Caramel Vodka is bomb.com in this type of situation. Not only was it delish, it also warmed me up for the cold night air. We made some new friends, had some great laughs, and definitely want to try this again.

Saturday, was a BBQ at our friend, Anthony's.

Where his daughter put on an AMAZING magic show. I was blown away that she watched that new movie Now You See Me, and the very next day she put together a legit magic show. I'm talking a 30 minute routine with audience participation and all. Totally gives me hope for the future generations.

And Sunday, I did my "run" for the Virtual 5K. The link up is Tuesday, so feel free to get in on the action! You can run, bike, jump on the Elliptical, or even walk. All that matters is that you have some fun, get the miles in, and link up with us all. Yeeeaaah boy.

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One more thing that might be a bit heavy for a Monday...Let me tell you a little story.

There once was a youth program at Cokesbury United Methodist Church that was the hangout for the Middle and High Schoolers of the best church in town {Hey, I'm partial}. Through fellowship and fun, the group grew a strong bond and supported each other through thick and thin. Eventually, they all grew to be doctors, scientists, teachers, Hooters girls {okay, so maybe that doesn't count, but it's the truth}, and one was even called on by God to continue with the Ministry she was filled with. It was as natural as could be with her sweet nature and obvious that it was meant to be. She even had articles written about her because her story speaks to people.

Unfortunately, not everyone can know Mary Ann personally, so judgement has fallen upon her shoulders. Instead of giving her a chance to inspire, motivate, teach, and share her love, they are denying her candidacy to be Ordained and not even giving her consideration. Doesn't sound very Christian like to me...As such, I have answered the call to action, and this is what I emailed the Bishop:

Dear Bishop Dorff,

I was raised in the Methodist church with Mary Ann Kaiser, and I have always been inspired by her spirituality and devotion to helping others. I was not surprised at all when she followed the path of becoming ordained, because it was obvious that she was answering the call of a higher power. It was such a natural decision, that it has stunned us all to find that The Board of Ordained Ministry has rejected her as a candidate. 

We ask you to reevaluate the root of this decision, as it is against the love and justice that Christianity stands for. "This is a case of grace interrupted; we are creating barriers between a person’s call and God. Even Wesley understood that proof of God’s call is found in visible fruits of ministry and believed none who produced such fruit should be barred from ordination." If nothing else...ask yourself if you want to be the one standing in the way of one of God's children or the one exalting a vessel of his love and teachings. She deserves that much.

I hope that you truly reflect on this, and find the spirit of true fellowship and Christianity.

Sincerely,

Janna Renee

Perception Is Everything

http://perceptioniseverything.blogspot.com/

I am sorry that I am not sorry if this story offends anyone. If you take offense it is your own fault, as I am promoting love and equality and nothing else. I hope that you all know that I NEVER judge any of you and try to support everyone in any way I can. I have never been able to stand by and watch someone hurt or helpless, and I'm not about to start now. Mary Ann can run circles around 99% of the people I know with her huge heart, selflessness, and spirituality, and we can only hope that she will be allowed to spread that to our future generations.

If you would like to email the Bishop find more information here. If not, I hope you at least take this to heart and send some positive thoughts and prayers. You would want the same if you put yourself in her situation.

Mary Ann...We got your back!!

I'm in the dog house.

Apparently, Will is not only upset that I haven't gotten back to my regularly scheduled posting, but feels like I should have sent more attention his way in Tuesday's post.
 Glory hound.

Well, baby...this post is for YOU.

As with any job, people work towards promotions, and the Army is no different. Yes, some Joe's are happy just getting a paycheck, but soldiers like my husband don't settle for that. Just three short years ago he joined the Military, and now he has already worked his way up to becoming an NCO.

Non-Commissioned Officer
The non-commissioned officer corps is often referred to as "the backbone" of the armed services, as they are the primary and most visible leaders for most military personnel. Additionally, they are the leaders primarily responsible for executing a military organization's mission and for training military personnel so they are prepared to execute their missions. 

I was one proud little wife when I got to witness the ceremony and even take part in it. My heart swelled with pride as I enjoyed the ritual that was focused in on my husband. 
My soldier...

In case you are intrigued by what might go on during these events, I captured the First SGT's speech in the first video and the second video is a bit of the shenanigans that go on. Let's just say, the more punches a soldier gets, the more respect they have. {Do beware of the language that is used and the bad quality of my old camera}

Now that I'm an NCO's wife, I need to go back and read The Army Wife Handbook and this PDF I found of The Spouse's Handbook. As silly as it sounds, it's kind of important to know the etiquette and nuances, and I love being able to hold a conversation about what Will does and the Army in general. Some wives don't know what there husband's job is {totally fine}, but I am happy to admit that my life revolves around my soldier and ultimately the Army.  Hooah!

I love you SGT Bogert!!

A Good Week And FUN News!

It is truly amazing how many things you can accomplish when blogging doesn't take over every thought in your mind. Don't get me wrong, I kinda miss blogging, but I have been enjoying living life more. Does this mean I'm quitting? Hell NO. It just means that I am enjoying getting my sanity back.

I'm sure some of you are nodding your head "yes", as you understand the incredible pressure that one can have from juggling work, life, family, followers, and content, but I'm sure that some of you are all like, "You shouldn't complain. You decided to blog and gain followers, so now you should suck it up and do what you gotta do." I know, I know. I've said it myself. But guess what? IDGA-Flip. I do what I want ;)

First, I'd like to lighten the mood.

This is what happens when I don't like how people park:

A few other gems from the last week...

+ My picha' was featured on westword.com, not once but TWICE!

+ Will came to visit me at work! Totally made my day.

+ I tried Foam Rolling {as suggested by lovely bloggers} and love it so far.

+ I have had time for the kitchen, and totally had to make Cheeseburger pizza again. YUM.

Yep, made this Strawberry Pie too! I combined two recipes on my Pinterest to make it super easy and oh-so-flavorful. Seriously, my mouth is watering just looking at it.

* For Pre-made Crust, I recommend Immaculate Pie Crusts.

But the best news...

My manager walked up to us with Orange envelopes the other day and we KNEW that it meant we get to shoot for the 2014 International Hooters Calendar! It doesn't mean we are in, but just to shoot is an honor. I'm going to put my best bikini forward on July 1st and we shall see what happens!

For now, I'm taking this one day at a time until I can get back into the groove of blogging, or perhaps I will create a new groove. Someone once told me that I would get to a point where I couldn't reply to every comment or return every email, and I guess I am now realizing that as much as I'd like to...it's just not realistic. I vow to do what I can and continue to create new relationships, but not because I have to. Because I want to.

I hope you all have a fabulous week!