Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Positive Outlook

I meant to write this post yesterday but I was busy. A good busy though....I wanted to write about how these past few days, including today have been positive for me. For some reason, especially yesterday I woke refreshed and in a really good mood. I'm not sure why, any ideas? I think it may be because 1. I've gotten lots of A's back this semester so far, 2. Only a few more days until Spring Break (home!! yay!), 3. I'm ready to accomplish and get all these tests/presentations over with this week, 4. The weather has been great, 5. I have awesome friends 6. It's a leap year?...who knows but it's been a great week so far and it's only Wednesday! 


Monday was a good day especially when I went to ESL class. I met two teenagers from Cuba. The boy has only been in the United States for 3 months and the girl only 1 month. I was so impressed by how well the boy knew English. He wasn't fluent but he could definitely get by. He was telling me how the girl and him are freshman in high school. He translates everything for the girl in class because she has no idea as to what is being said. He doesn't even know everything that is being said either, but I think it's awesome that they have become good friends. They are very friendly and we got a little off topic from the "body parts" vocabulary we were learning. I asked the boy why he moved here. He said in his broken English "we have freedom here" "dictator in Cuba (Castro)" He seems to be loving the United States although he has trouble with the language. Talking to these teenagers has shown me as to how fortunate I am to have been born and live in the United States. I'm so thankful for all the opportunities I have here. 


After ESL Monday I had a Hilltoppers for Life meeting. Let's just say I'm so excited for this semester and all that we have planned. Want to know what we are up to? Check out the schedule of the next few months below: 


March 14: Tabling in DUC 1-3 (We will have all of our brochures and pro-life information on a table and we will talk to students)
March 17: 40 Days for Life in Nashville (praying outside the abortion clinic), St. Joe's Dinner at 6 (volunteer and getting support from a parish) 
March 19: Educational Meeting
March 23: October Baby Movie (Pro-life movie we are going to see as a group!)
March 24: 40 Days for Life in Louisville  (praying outside the abortion clinic) 
March 26: Kelly Lang at 7 pm (Silent No More, Kelly will speak about her abortion and how it has changed her life and is no pro-life)
April 1: Nursing Home Visit
April 3: Stakz fundraiser
April 16-20: Life week- collonade display on campus (Showing Juno, candlelight vigil, tabling, etc.) 



Yesterday (Tuesday) was a good day as well! I was really busy with no time to sit, but it was a beautiful sunny day. Highlights of the day: lunch outside with my friends, interesting classes, running, women's book study. 

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Blog Roll

Let's just say I've been discovering and reading lots and lots of blogs! Sometimes I lose track of time because I just keep reading! And it is all good stuff...looking at recipes and exercises isn't worthless right? I would like to share several of the wonderful blogs that I follow:


Food Blogs:


Cookies and Cups
LOTS OF DESSERTS!


Anissa's Kitchen
Mainly sweets and snacks, but other foods too.


Bakerella
Specializing in Cake Pops!




Apple a Day
All healthy foods!


Closet Cooking
Mixture of all kinds of delicious foods
Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Spinach and Artichoke Dip 

Eat Live Run
All kinds of food- lots of them healthy. She talks about her life and food experiences. 

Treats and snacks. I have to say one of my favorite desserts blog! Check out these Chubby Hubby Brownies!



Just by the title I think you can figure out what they blog most about....sweets!

All types of food. I've tried some recipes from this site, like Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies 




Fitness Blogs:


Carrots N' Cake
This woman is really into cross-fit and running. 

All KINDS of fitness and health topics!

All about triathlons and running. 

I really like this one, because this women loves to run and has a lot of humor about it!



This lady runs at least 10 miles a day! Crazy but I love reading about it and getting advice. 

Others:

Weimaraners!! The man behind it all! 

Where I went for a mission trip summer 2008

Scrapbooking

And many many more.....but that's all I can share for now :)

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Week Eight- PLUS NEW SHOES!

Week 8 COMPLETE!! Woohoo. I ran 5 out of 7 days this week! Although not all of them were long runs, I think every run counts! For some reason my body wasn't feeling that great this week so my runs were a lot slower than usual. Also, I'm supposed to be up to 5 miles this week, which I didn't reach, but I plan on doing it this upcoming week :) (I did run almost 6 a couple weeks though, remember?) 


My week:
2-19-12 (Sunday): Ran 4 miles 42:53, weight lifted 20 minutes 
2-20-12 (Monday): Rest 
2-21-12 (Tuesday):  Ran/walk 3 miles 32:51, elliptical 50 minutes, weight lifted 20 minutes  
2-22-12 (Wednesday):  Ran 1 mile 11:10, elliptical 20 minutes    
2-23-12 (Thursday):  Ran 4 miles 44:32, elliptical 35 minutes, weight lifted 30 minutes 
2-24-12 (Friday):  Ran 2 miles  20:09, elliptical 20 minutes, weight lifted 20 minutes 
2-25-12 (Saturday):  45 minutes elliptical, weight lifted 15 minutes 


Highlight of the day: I GOT NEW RUNNING SHOES! I haven't tested them out yet, but I plan to very soon. 
Looking spiffy

Aren't the bottoms so cool looking?
Running Schedule on my wall
Look! February is almost done and soon I will have to put up page #2!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

And So Lent Begins

Today is Ash Wednesday, which means it is the beginning Lent- 40 days until Easter. This is one of the most important times of the year in the Catholic Church. We are preparing for Jesus' coming! On Facebook, one of my friends (actually the campus minister of the Catholic Center, the awesome Mary) posted a link (below) that has all kinds of information ALL about Lent!


Have some questions? Check out these Q&A from Catholic Online


Why do some refer to Easter as Easter and others use Lent or Pentecost and what is the significance of each?
Why do we put ash on our forehead?
Where do the ashes come from?
What is Fat Tuesday?
What is Pentecost?
What is the significance of the 40 weekdays before Easter?
Why is Easter observed in only some Christian Churches?
When does Lent end?
All About:
Ashes
Giving something up
Scrutinies: Examing our lives
Scrutinies and Penance
Prayer, fasting and almsgiving
Stations of the Cross
Blessed palms


I think going to Mass on this Ash Wednesday has prepared me for Lenten journey. Father gave us a good homily about making time every day to spend time with God in the desert. In solitude, quiet, and be open listening. I'm going to try to do this every morning (especially) and night. 


Here is a prayer I found:
From: Online Ministries

The First Four Days of Lent
Ash Wednesday
Lord, it feels like we are embarking
on a Lenten journey together, you and I.

The beautiful words in the today's prayer talk about
the "quiet remembrance of our need for redemption."
That feels like what I am looking for -
or what you are looking for in me.
I want to remember how much I need you in my life
and how much my life needs redemption.
I want to remember it clearly and
in the background of my day today
and all through Lent.

On this special day, Ash Wednesday,
may my small sacrifices in fasting be a way to clear away
the clutter in my life to see you more clearly.
May my longing for meat and other food,
help me to focus my life today more outside myself.
Let me be aware of those who are in so much more suffering than I am
and may I be aware of them as the brothers and sisters you have placed in my life.

Lord, I know there is darkness
within me and around me.

Bless these days with your Word.
Let your Light shine in the darkness.
Help me long for that Light
until we celebrate it at the Vigil six weeks from now.

And most of all Lord,
help me to honor this day with the ashes
on my forehead.

They help me remember where I have come from
and where I am going.

May I acknowledge to you my sins
and my deep need for your
loving forgiveness and grace.

I pray that this Lenten season
will make me so much more aware

of how much I need your healing in my life.




By the way, I was completely amazed when I was looking through my "stats" as to how many have viewed my blog and which posts....I've had 95 views just TODAY about a post from last year's lenten season. Check it out! Little Black Book

KSHA Convention

I've been meaning to post this earlier, but I've been busy this week. Anyways, last week Wednesday-Friday I was in Louisville for the KSHA (Kentucky Speech and Hearing Association) Convention. I went with several girls from my class. There were 6 of us in a hotel room which was a lot of fun! We went to several sessions and I definitely learned a lot. I actually thought some of the topics would be over my head because I'm only a semester and half into the Communication Disoders major, but I understood a lot! Thursday night, I participated  in the Praxis (exam to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist) bowl which was exciting. Unfortunately we didn't win, but we came close, considering the winning team was all second year grad students! I have to say overall it was a good experience to learn more about the field and get to know the girls in my class better. 


A plus about the convention being in Louisville was.... on Friday I was able to see my high school friends and got out to eat. I always enjoy seeing them :) 


Here are the sessions I attended:

Lessons From the Appalachian Trail
Jeffrey Alt, MS, CCC-SLP
Level of Instruction: Beginner
Jeffrey Alt takes you on his highly acclaimed and entertaining adventure along the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail. Alt shares ‘edge of your seat’ tales, involving bears, bugs, blisters, skunk bedmates and hilarious food cravings, intertwined with profound, unique and powerful "life lessons," that he transfers to the real world. Alt lived in the woods for 147 days, dedicating his journey to his disabled brother, Aaron. Alt inspired an annual walk which has raised more than $250,000 for the disabled. Alt will share how setting big goals will enable you to “Hit a Home Run for Communication Disorders.” SLPs and Audiologists will gain insight into ways of achieving their own goals and dreams, while working in the clinical, educational or research setting.
At the end of the session, participants will have insight to keep the ‘big picture’ in focus as they navigate their work environment and have insight on how important it is to set big goals and go after them.


Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing: Treating the Child and Supporting the Family
Erin Redle, PhD, CCC-SLP, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Level of Instruction: Beginner
This session focuses on treating the behavioral and physiological aspects of feeding and swallowing disorders. Intervention for the behaviors observed with feeding, texture selectivity, oral-motor delays and improving safety during swallowing, will be discussed. Additionally, the impact of feeding disorders on families will be discussed and strategies to support the caregiver and the family through this process will be highlighted.  Case studies will be used to integrate this information.


Career Networking - Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills, Part 1 
Alan Smith, PhD, MS, CCC-SLP; Rebecca Clark, MEd, University of Louisville
The job market is tough!   Ace the job search by learning how to network effectively.  Your career opportunities will increase by being better prepared than your competition.  This session focuses on career networking – the #1 job search skill.   Presenters will provide best-practice techniques on using social media for the career search as well as other types of networking.   Learn the right and wrong ways to network.     Participants will be coached on how to present their “elevator pitch” and will practice these skills during the session.  This workshop is for students who are nearing graduation, new professionals, and seasoned professionals who are   may be seeking a new career opportunity.


Giggle, Wiggle, Clap and Learn - Move Your Body and Your Brain
Jane Kitson, BS, Pocket Productions
Level of Instruction: Beginner
Children are natural wigglers and this energy can be used as a learning experience!  This enthusiastic session includes dozens of easy to replicate activities that foster language development coupled with kinesthetic learning. Participants will be doing activities that they can immediately use in their work with young children, fostering important skills such as rhythm, repetition and rhyme.  Of course, there will be lots of clapping and laughing too!  Perfect for those who are looking for new ways to enhance the language to literacy connection in children ages two through seven!!! Activities that are age appropriate for stimulating auditory awareness, listening skills, language use and oral motor skills, will be presented in this lively fast paced session that is hands-on, user friendly and FUN.  Participants will be actively involved in dozens of new activities that include props, costumes, puppets and visuals, designed to enhance oral language skills in young children.


Add a Slice of Music - Add a Slice of Fun!
Jane Kitson, BS, Pocket Productions
Level of Instruction: Beginner
Sing your way through a day that is packed with language activities guaranteed to light the fire of learning in young children. Music can and will enhance early language skills.  Join Jane Kitson as she shares dozens of new action songs that are ready to be taken back to your classroom to strengthen language skills!  Wear comfortable clothing that will enable you to move, as you wiggle and jump your way to an exciting, fun-filled day with your children. New and easy musical activities will be explored, as they provide an engaging opportunity to experience new words and concepts through rhythm, repetition and rhyme: a critical way to improve language skills in young children.  Participants will feel empowered as they leave this workshop with new ideas that are ready to roll. This session is packed with fun and laughter, a key element in working with young children. Get ready to move and learn things you can use right away, as you work with children ages two through seven.




Sunday, February 19, 2012

Week Seven- Mini-Marathon Training


Wow! I can't believe that it has already been seven weeks since I started training. Time really sure flies by fast. This week definitely hasn't been my best :/ Wednesday- Friday I was in Louisville for a convention. Because of that I wasn't able to do anything on Thursday or Friday...which isn't good. But I'm glad that I least got two solid 3 mile runs in. I'm going to pick up my pace this next week....I know I can. 


Also, my foot seems to be getting a little better, which is great! I've been icing it a lot and it seems to be helping. 


My week:
2-12-12 (Sunday): 50 minutes elliptical
2-13-12 (Monday): Rest 
2-14-12 (Tuesday):  Ran 3 miles 30:00, elliptical 45 minutes, weight lifted 25 minutes  
2-15-12 (Wednesday):  Ran 3 miles 32:35, elliptical 20 minutes, weight lifted 15 minutes    
2-16-12 (Thursday): Rest
2-17-12 (Friday): Rest
2-18-12 (Saturday):  60 minutes elliptical 



AS OF RIGHT NOW..... 68 DAYS 11 HOURS 30 MINUTES until the race!!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Valentine's Day Recap













How's was your Valentine's Day? I have to say my day went GREAT! Want to know why? Keep reading....


1. Woke up and had a good workout at the gym.
2. Went to class, wasn't boring, and got out 30 minutes early!
3. Handed out hearts and candies for Hilltoppers for Life that said either "Smile, your mom chose life" or "It's a great day to be alive"
4. Ate lunch with some friends.
5. Went to class, got out an HOUR early!
6. Went to Spanish class. I participated a lot and felt proud of myself!
7. Ran 3 miles and lifted weights with Hannah. I wasn't feeling the run, but we both pushed each other and did well!
8. Made dinner with Beth and Audrey for our women's book study group. We made chicken Parmesan, baked potatoes, and Hershey kiss pockets. Yummm and Funnnn! Here is the kiss recipe from Picky Palate


Chicken Parmesan, pre-oven 
Spreading the Hershey Kisses on the pie crust. 
Ready for the Oven!
9. Ate dinner with girls and discussion over the book for Women's book study.
"How to Find Your Soul-mate Without Losing Your Soul" (Thanks Mary for the picture :) )
10. Went over to Beth's room, watched a chick flick and lots of girl talk.
Good Movie!
11. (Day before Valentine's Day) Received a gift from my family! :)
Lip gloss set! I love my family :)

Monday, February 13, 2012

The Hunger Games Trailer Official 2012



CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS MOVIE!!!! MARCH 23rd hurry up!! If you have not read any of the books, I would highly recommend that you do so! I'm excited and can't wait to go see it with some friends (Midnight showing anyone?)

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Week Six- Mini-Marathon Training

Well....this week has had it's ups and downs that is for sure! My foot has started to bother me again, especially after the almost 6 mile run I did on Tuesday (yay! I ran {almost} 6 miles...the most so far training :) ). I also took two rest days, which I'm not proud of, but I know I needed them to help my foot out. 


Since my foot was giving me so much trouble, on Friday I went to Health Services on WKU's campus to get it checked out. My thought before going in was that I had a stress fracture (from Google searching my symptoms). They took an x-ray of my foot and found nothing wrong with it....so they have concluded that yes, it probably is a stress fracture. Stress fractures are too small to show up on x-rays, the only thing that would show up would be a major break of the bone. Which is a good thing, I guess. The doctor told me a few things:
1. Maybe you need new shoes?
2. Rest/Ice/Meds
3. Possible slow down your pace and run on softer surfaces like the treadmill, rather than the concrete outside. 
4. Do other exercises such as the bike and elliptical if you want to keep working out. 


So.....basically I need to rest, which is the last thing that I want to do, but I know I'm going to have to. So I'm going to stick to running only 1 mile at a time right now just to keep running, but do other cardio machines to keep up my heart rate. I'm praying that it will heal soon! 


My week:
2-5-12 (Sunday): 55 minutes elliptical
2-6-12 (Monday): Rest 
2-7-12 (Tuesday):  Ran 5.7 miles 60:00, elliptical 35 minutes, weight lifted 20 minutes  
2-8-12 (Wednesday): Rest   
2-9-12 (Thursday): 70 minutes bike, 20 minutes weight lifted
2-10-12 (Friday): Ran 1 mile 10:58, elliptical 30 minutes, weight lifted 25 minutes
2-11-12 (Saturday):  Ran 1 mile 9:50, elliptical 40 minutes, weight lifted 20 minutes 


I don't think I have told you, but my friends and I are officially doing the  Louisville Mini-Marathon on April 28th. I'm super excited :) 


Want to see something funny? Check out Brightroom Photography that has pictures from my last mini-marathon in Louisville in April 2009. They are funny because I look like I'm dying (which is what I actually felt like! It was really hot that day!) 

Friday, February 10, 2012

Snow Patrol - Called out in the dark


I heard this song from a Grey's Anatomy episode...and really like it!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Hilltoppers for Life

"A nation that kills it's own children is a nation without 

hope." -Pope John Paul II

The Sanctity of Life – shouldn’t end at birth.

Smile! Your mom chose life!




What is Hilltoppers for Life you ask? It is a Pro-Life organization on Western Kentucky University's campus! We strive to educate ourselves and all those students on campus to choose life. Below is "Who We Are" from our constitution:



Article II: Purpose
 Members of Hilltoppers for Life work to save lives threatened by induced abortion, euthanasia and destruction of human embryos for research. In furtherance of these goals, members seek to promote respect for life at Western Kentucky University and in the surrounding community of Bowling Green, to educate on life issues, to help those in need so that life is a promising choice and to work with others who share common goals.

Now you question is, how do we do this? 

- Have weekly meetings to discuss issues and plans for the semester
- Once a month have an educational meeting where we will discuss issues and how to share our beliefs with others. 
- Fund-raise to potentially bring speakers to campus and support our supplies for projects 
- Outreach activities on campus to spread our name
- Attend the March for Life in DC every January
- Pray outside abortion clinics (in Louisville and Nashville)
- Hang fliers about pro-life issues
- Sidewalk chalk pro-life messages
- Attend pro-life conferences 
- Show pro-life movies on campus

I'm the secretary of this student organization and I love it! I have grown very passionate about this issue. We have an amazing group of officers that also feel the same way. 

If you are interested in supporting this group please let me know! 

Follow us on Twitter! (@ToppersforLife) I'm so excited that we finally got a Twitter. We also have a Facebook, so join us there as well! :) 
Sidewalk Chalk

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Week Five- Mini Marathon Training

Another great week! Beautiful weather and some fun runs with friends! I even got up to 4 miles this week...yay!


1-29-12 (Sunday): 60 minutes walk 
1-30-12 (Monday): 45 minutes  elliptical 
1-31-12 (Tuesday):  Ran 3 miles 30:22, elliptical 35 minutes, weight lifted 20 minutes  
2-1-12 (Wednesday): 30 minutes elliptical, weight lifted 20 minutes   
2-2-12 (Thursday): Ran 4 miles 42:36, 50 minutes elliptical
2-3-12 (Friday): Ran 2.8 miles 29:15, weight lifted 25 minutes
2-4-12 (Saturday): Rest  


All of these run have essentially been the same route every time, just added a few streets here and there. Anybody have any good running routes in Bowling Green?