Religious, not really.

I would not consider myself a religious person. Born, raised, baptized and confirmed Catholic - growing up I went to church on Sundays and religious education on Wednesdays.
I never really LIKED church or the standing, kneeling, being quiet for 45 minutes and 'paying attention' the whole time. The sermons never really 'spoke' to me when I was young. The end of my 8th grade year, I had a falling out with God. My friends mom was murdered and everything in my safe world was shattered, all my friends were changed. I blamed God. I stopped believing that he was all-mighty and loving and caring, because if that were true this murder would have never happened.
At some point as I got older I needed God, needed something to hold on to and believe in. So God and I started our very own, very different relationship. We agreed that I would do my best and he agreed to always love me, even if I didn't go to church, talk to him, pray to him or talk about him. We have our own special relationship.
A couple years ago I really wanted a necklace with a cross on it. Something plain, simple and nothing that screamed I was a holy person. The cross to me symbolized that I was protected. That something or someone was watching over me and keeping me safe. It was my binky, my blankie or whatever it is people hold to be comforted. I don't wear it as much anymore… but I'm thinking I should. The power of believing in something, truly and deeply is amazing.
The point of my 'religious' ramblings is: yesterday, for the longest time in my life, I caught myself praying to God. I didn't do the sign of the cross, Father, Son and Holy ghost bit, I simply said "God, please help her, she deserves this".
I really hope he heard me.

Mid-point Testing

Saturday was the 4 week, mid-point testing for my Goals In Motion Challenge. I LOVE THIS PLACE! I love the workouts, I love the people and I love the feeling of kicking butt at 5:15 in the morning.

I lost 7 pounds, 3% body fat and increased both push-ups (modified) and crunches.
In those 4 weeks I have missed only one class due to a upset tummy. Besides that one, I have been there 6 days a week at 5:15 in the morning, rain or shine!

I would have liked to lose more then 7 pounds, but once I got my measurements back and saw that I lost 4 inches around my belly (measured at belly button, not waist) I was pretty freaking happy!

I can't wait to see what the end results will be… maybe if I'm not too shy, I will post the before and after pictures… or just after ones. :)

The Plane Tickets are Booked

Next July my dad and I are joining the Rider Family (Susie, Jeff, Andrea and David), on a trip to Peru. Susie is Peruvian - and her mother lives there. So having people that know the language, the area and the culture will make the trip that much more enjoyable.
I booked the plane tickets for me and my dad and we will be flying out of Chicago with Jeff since Susie and kids will already be down there.
I am so excited, this is another place I will be able to check off my bucket list. We will stay in Lima and Cuzco. We will see Machu Picchu http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu, which will take my breath away.
We might even stay in a hostel for a few nights!!
http://www.ecopackersperu.com/en/services-hotel-cusco-travelers-peru.html.

I can't explain how excited I am that I am going with my dad on another adventure. Sharing these once in a life time opportunities with my dad means more to me then words can say.

A Beautiful Fall Morning....

A beautiful fall morning in Des Moines Iowa; silent and chilly.
As I got home from working out I started to pull in my driveway where to my utter surprise a Bicyclist was leaving the path right next to my house and crossing my driveway. I almost killed him. Note to all people everywhere that ride their bikes at 6:30 in the morning, wear something reflective, or you will become my hood ornament.

As I watched the morning news I saw that republicans kicked some major booty, which put me in a good mood. Now I just hope they actually do something good while in office.

I was leaving my house and closing my side door when I heard something in the field next to me, at first I thought it was the bicyclist, perhaps hit by another car, but it wasn't. It was a beautiful, huge deer; I couldn't help but smile at the setting. The sun wasn't quite shining yet, but the blue skies peeking over the small forest next to my house, made the perfect fall setting. I startled the deer when my screen door closed, but in just a few seconds we reached an agreement. He would make me happy by showing up every once in awhile, peaceful and tranquil; and in return, I would not hit him with my car.

I think we'll be friends for a long time.