Happy Little Trees

I kind of wish I had one of those circle stickers with the number inside on the back of my car. But instead of the miles I ran, it would be my commuting miles. I think it would help people driving with me on the highway to be more compassionate to me and one another.

"Oh. Look at that guy! He's a 54.6 miler! Go ahead and let him in. Even without the signal!"

The Bridezilla part is a joke. :)

But sometimes it does feel like being a bride-to-be is overwhelming. Whatever. Bring it on!!

My goal is to be married to Paul. We might not be able to have the perfect ice sculpture or balloon artist at the wedding, but the most important part of the wedding has been promised--a groom who loves the Lord.

We have been so blessed over the last couple of months of engagement. We've had so many congratulations and so many good wishes and even prayers prayed over us. I've heard stories of people that jumped up and down and cried when they heard the news! Even in Kenya! That touches my heart very deeply.

It is a very exciting time. I've been trying to stay very ingrained in the Bible understanding the true meaning of a bride and also understanding how God is a god of details, and also grace.

Since the meeting, dating, and engagement have all happened semi-quickly (it depends on the time-keeper's perspective), we've had to have a quick shift of perspective. When I see bride-to-be items, I say, "Why, hey! That's me!"

I'm very excited about our special day, but I am also very excited about my life married to Paul. We're also soaking up each of these days of preparation as we continue to make ready our hearts and minds and lives. It can be a bunch to do. But it's a sweet, sweet task.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers and for the encouragement.

When you have a Valentine, the whole Valentine's Day thing takes on new meaning. No longer are the red and white hearts an annoyance--the whole day was more about reflection. It was also about thankfulness.

My thankfulness wasn't just for the my special sweetheart; it was also for all the other people in my life that love me. All those people have taught me how to love wisely and unconditionally--preparing me to be a better sweetheart.

I also am thankful for all the examples I see of love--for family, friends, and marriages. And for the ultimate sacrificial love of Jesus. Without his love, I would drain my sweetheart and everyone else in my life dry trying to be filled. Only the love of Christ can truly fill and complete and bring peace.

I am loved! And so are you!

and there is a ring on my finger! I am very happy to announce my engagment to Paul Dawson, Jr.!

He is the love of my life and joy of my heart--2nd place to Jesus, of course! :)

I am a very unique person, and I didn't know that it was possible for me to find a match. But at 30 and some change (not saying how much change)--I was shown that nothing is impossible with God.

I twisted my knee on the treadmill yesterday. It was immediately after praying God would guide me through my training. Perhaps God knew I was on the verge of getting psycho about trying to ensure I was 10K ready.

I am still going to the Hot Chocolate 10K, but now my focus will be more on the Hot Chocolate, but less on the 10K.

Bum. Mer. :(

But I am so excited to see my Asheville peeps! This might just call for a new winter hat!

So many things can go wrong when I run. I can get dehydrated or I can over hydrate and have a swishing belly full of water. I can eat too little and feel faint, or eat too much and have stomach cramps. I can over run and stress out my muscles. I can under run and not be prepared for long distances. It's a delicate balance with much room for error.

I've been running off and on for several years now. But I have still not mastered it. Running has to be consistent. You can work up to a good mileage--and after a week off, be at square one again--which pretty much sums up my running career.

In about three weeks, I will be running possibly my last race beyond a 5K. I'm doing a 10K in the sweet city of Asheville, NC. I'm running to be with my friend, Peggy, who went through chemo this past year for ovarian cancer. She and her family have always been sweet inpirations for me--including their amazing running abilities. Peggy has a few years on me, but I know she will still leave me in the dust. My goal is to make her not wait for me too long at the finish line.

Even though running is a tough chore for me, sometimes I do enjoy it. I do feel pretty cleansed after good runs which could be because every pore of my body released about a tablespoon of sweat. (I'm not a pretty runner.)

If you have made a New Year's Resolution this year to run a bit and need some running "not-to-do" tips, let me know. I have stories which range from passing out in a stranger's yard to tips for why you should not wear anything but black shorts for finish line pictures. I also can give a very moving speech about protecting your toenails.

Happy New Year!
and Happy Trails!

Thing I Miss about Old School Christmases:

1) Granny's chocolate covered peanut butter balls
2) The antique angel on top of mom's tree (we won't tell about its demise)
3) Christmas records
4) Our homemade stockings
5) Santa letters
6) Candycane stickers to track my good behavior (which I would give up doing by Dec. 12th)
7) Cotton ball santa beards glued to construction paper
8) Drawing triangulated Christmas trees
9) Snow