The Good Life

Living the Good Life

Life is messy. I had this expectation that the older I got, the better handle I'd have on things. You know- finally have it all together or something. Seems more like the opposite. The older I get, the more responsibilities I have, the less equipped I feel to handle them. Always something to learn, new challenges to face, ways to grow. And that's good, it makes life exciting! But there are also plenty of opportunities to make mistakes. And I do, all the time. It can be so frustrating. Mistakes in friendships, in marriage, at work, in trying to eat healthy, in sticking to a budget, in being productive, etc.. Some days it feels like that's all I am, a giant mess up. It can be disheartening. I've let it get me down for too long. But guess what?! There is good news!! God reminded me He has not given up on me.  And if He hasn't given up on me, who do I think I am to give up on myself?!? I will continue to have hope because I have Jesus.

So now, I can see my failures as opportunities to grow. My failures don't mark the end, but just a step along the way. I am so imperfect. I am so messy. I am so in need of forgiveness.  I am constantly being molded and changed, IF I open myself up to it. When I stop focusing on my failures, I can seek God and His forgiveness. I can move on and learn from my mistake. This allows me to get out of my "me" hole, and really see those around me. There are too many blessings to be joyful about, I don't need to waste time feeling down, not liking myself. Life is beautiful, God is glorious, and He loves me as I am.

Therefore... I will be glad! Jesus has overcome the world. I will trust Him. I will work at not allowing my inadequacies to overwhelm me. Each new day is a gift. I will take time to notice the blessings throughout my day, and I will give thanks for them.

Life doesn't start when I have it all together, it has already begun. And it is a good life.

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Found on Google. I love the first rainy days of Fall. So refreshing. Makes me happy.

Quite possibly the worst blogger ever

I'm not a good writer, I don't have especially interesting things to say, and I only post a few times a year... it's quite possible I may be the worst blogger ever.

OHHHHH well!

Update:
1. I graduated from PT school last month! I passed my board exam in April! Soooo... I'm officially a licensed physical therapist.

2. I'm working in an inpatient acute setting for Legacy Health!

3. Corey is finishing up a supervisor-in-training program at Costco. He is now officially full-time at Costco!

4. We're moving in with my parents this weekend for a bit to try to save up some $$$.

5. Loving the song, "Keep Making Me" by Sidewalk Prophets.
    I don't know anyone who likes the idea of feeling broken, empty, and lonely. But this song reminds me that these feelings might be exactly what I need to bring me closer to God and make Him my ONE desire. Still scary things to pray for though.

6. Lots of changes- graduating, getting a real-life job, so many friends moving away, Corey and I leaving the first place we lived together. Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love change! (Just kidding!!!!). Trying hard to not freak out, praying for peace and trust during this time. Glad that whatever comes our way, we have each other and our families. 

February 2014

How is it almost the end of February 2014?!?! NUTS!

Short update:

1. Corey is still working away at Costco
2. I'm enjoying my internship at The KOR Physical Therapy
3. I will graduate with my doctorate of physical therapy in mid-May!!!
4. Not sure where life will take me next as far as a job is concerned.  It's an exciting and crazy feeling to not know where I will be in 3 months!
5. I will take my National exam at the end of April... prayers will be greatly appreciated ;)
6. Corey and I aren't sure where we will be living after I graduate, things are kind of up in the air as far as our lease will be ending (will we renew?), I'll be looking for a job, Corey's hoping to apply for supervisor in training soon...

Such an exciting time in our lives, looking forward to see where God will take us next.

Feeling very blessed to have such a wonderful and patient husband, to have fun and loving families, and to have such great friends in our lives. :) With all the uncertainties coming our way, it's great to feel so loved by those around us.

Addition to my last blog

I know it has been a while since I've blogged, but I keep thinking there are a few things that are worth mentioning that I left out of the last blog.

It's not about weight.  I know I mentioned BMI and definitions of obesity, etc.. But it's about fitness and wellness, not weight.  Studies have shown that overweight and obese can be more fit than normal weight individuals who do not exercise.  Just because someone is skinny or "normal weight" does not mean they are fit or healthy.  Likewise, overweight or obese individuals can be fit. And, even if people are exercising and not seeing the physical results they want (ex. losing weight), there are still many, many benefits happening inside the body.

High blood pressure and cholesterol, increased risk of coronary artery disease and certain cancers are risk factors of leading a sedentary lifestyle. Not just risk factors of obesity. 

We shouldn't be striving to achieve a certain weight, but more a level of fitness and wellness to improve general health.

So far I have done pretty well on my New Year's Resolution, it has been surprisingly easier than I thought.  Anyways, just wanted to clarify that I'm encouraging all of us to pursue healthier lifestyles, not a certain weight.

A love-hate relationship

I never know where to begin my blogs.  I've never been a very good writer, tend to prefer bullet points and numbers. Personally, I find this topic fascinating but I realize not everyone does.

1. I love exercising. It's fun, it's challenging, you can do it with friends or alone, I love the competition, it can be mentally stimulating or mindless, it's stress relieving. After exercising I feel better about myself, like I've been productive, like I can think clearer, happier, proud of myself, like the world isn't so bad, tired in a good way, more connected and in-tune with my body, glad I did it, stronger, motivated, and accomplished.

2. I hate exercising. I don't always feel like going, sometimes it's really hard, sometimes it hurts, sometimes it's inconvenient, sometimes I'm already exhausted, sometimes I just want to sleep in or sit on the couch, sometimes it's really cold or rainy, sometimes it's really hot, etc...

3. The American Heart Association recommends adults get AT LEAST 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 5 times a week (150 minutes). OR... AT LEAST 25 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity 3 times a week (75 minutes). (1) -that's kind of a lot.

4. Regular exercise boosts energy level, counters depression and anxiety, prevents bone loss, decreases risk for several diseases (ex. heart disease), improves quality of sleep, enhances the immune system, increases muscle strength, and many, many other benefits. (1)

5. 80% of Americans don't exercise regularly.

6. 69.2% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, 35.7% of U.S. adults are obese. (2)

7. Estimated medical cost of obesity in the U.S. in 2008 = $147 billion. Annual medical costs for obese individuals is on average about $1,500 more than normal weight individuals. (2)

8. Definition... Overweight: Body mass index (kg/m2) of 25-29.9.
                        Obese: Body mass index of >30.

9. 

	U.S. Adult Male	U.S. Adult Female
Average Height	5'9	5'4
Normal Weight	125-168 lbs	108-145 lbs
Overweight	169 lbs	146 lbs
Obese	203 lbs	175 lbs

(2)

10. It should be noted that the BMI does not tell the whole story. It is not a measure of fatness or overall health.  Additionally, BMI tends to put very muscular people into the overweight category. The BMI is only one factor for determining disease risk. It is often used as an assessment tool because it only requires knowing an individual's height and weight- it is inexpensive and easy.

11. Losing and/or maintain weight can be difficult. There are thousands of diets and exercise programs out there, but it doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. And you don't have to look like a fitness model. For individuals who are overweight, losing just 10 pounds has demonstrated huge benefits on the heart, knees, liver, blood pressure, and pancreas. (3)

I think that in this case, for me, the benefits outweigh my occasional hate of exercise.  The last few years as I transitioned out of gymnastics, I've been blessed to be surrounded by many active friends from my PT program.  They have helped me develop good habits- it was fun and easy to say yes to joining with them in working out.  I'm realizing it's more difficult to exercise when I'm on my own.  I need to remind myself in those moments when I'm tired after a long day and no one can work out with me and I just want to relax... that I'll feel better if I just go. I always feel better afterwards. And the health benefits are priceless. Corey and I were talking about New Year's resolutions today. I don't usually make any, but I think this year I'd like to follow the AHA's recommendation for aerobic exercise each week, even the busy/stressful weeks. I'm hoping Corey can help hold me accountable, and join me on occasion. :)

If anyone is interested, here are some of the resources I cited. The CDC has lots of interesting fact sheets available and the AHA has lots of good resources for getting started with exercise.

1. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/StartWalking/American-Heart-Association-Guidelines_UCM_307976_Article.jsp

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

3. That's Fit. http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/13/dr-ozs-just-10-pounds-weight-loss-challenge/

Time Flies

Already the middle of June! Time flies, last year at this time I was working close to 50 hours a week and planning our wedding. I'm amazed at how quickly time has flown by.

Corey's enjoying his job at Costco. Just last month (May) he was voted employee of the month at his store!!! He was nominated for April as well.

I've been working as a physical therapist aide and a developmental gymnastics coach. Spending lots of time in the car commuting between Hillsboro and Clackamas.

Summer has gone by so quickly!!! I can't believe I've already been out of school for a month. I'm sad it's already almost half way over, but looking forward to my next internship.

Other than that, not too much is new. Enjoying life. Loving getting to share life with Corey. He brightens my day.

Thankful thankful thankful. So many wonderful blessings in my life.

1. So grateful for my wonderful husband. :) He works so hard while I go to school and doesn't complain. Just yesterday he found out he got a new position he applied for at work. I'm so proud of him. And he helps around the house- doing dishes, cleaning, helping me with the laundry, paying the bills, taking out the trash. This last week we started doing Insanity and trying to eat healthier- he makes me so happy that he wants to take care of himself, and it makes me feel so loved.

2. My family is awesome, they support and love me through everything. I've been loving training for a half marathon with my mom lately. It's awesome to go for our long run on the weekend, then she's so sweet and treats me to lunch and a coffee. I'm so thankful I've grown closer with my family over the last few years, and I greatly appreciate all they have done for me over my lifetime. As I've gotten older I've found my parents and my brother to be cooler and I really enjoy hanging out with them. And now I get to have another family with the Simsers! They have always been so nice to me, and fun to hang out with too! I'm so appreciative of them inviting into their family with open arms and including me in everything. They've also been very supportive of me and Corey, our career goals, hobbies, etc..

3. My classmates have been such a blessing over the last 2 years. They have become a new family. It's so cool to me how God puts special people into our lives for different seasons. I've found an incredible core group of friends, an additional brother, wonderful workout buddies, great women of faith to have fellowship with, awesome late night study partners, people who love to eat as much as I do, and the list goes on and on. I love them and don't know what I would do without them.

4. My friends from high school. I haven't seen them much lately, but they will always be so dear to me. No matter what happens, I know we will always be there for each other. I'm sorry I've been away so much lately. But you guys are truly a special group. BFFs ... duh!!! I miss you all.

5. Lovely SPUGs! I love gymnastics and I love my wonderful college teammates, coaches, and amazing athletic trainer Julie so much. College definitely had some rough spots, I think I wouldn't have made it through without you guys. Great airplane rides, car trips, fun workouts, funny videos and inside jokes... and lots of blood, sweat, and tears. 

I realized God should be number one on this list, but of course that is a given. All of these things truly belong to Him. I'm so thankful and feel so blessed to have a chance to know all these people and have them be part of my life.

Furthermore, there are countless other people, opportunities, and things I just feel unbelievable thankful for. Our church home at Rolling Hills, my club gymnastics friends who were such a big part of my life, other friends from college, our mentors, my parents' sweet pets that just make me smile, a sunny Spring break, having enough food to eat and a warm bed to crawl into at night, being free to worship how I want and when and where I want, being in PT school, getting to go into a profession I enjoy, having a place to live, being able to see the beautiful flowers and hear the birds, chocolate chips cookies, having a car to drive and computer to use, so so so much more. I could put so many pictures up here and mention pretty much everyone. :)