UPDATED: Shopping Success!

I have a problem that most women suffer. I love to shop. Chip and I had a discussion about it today and he thinks I should just buy a few nice items rather than lots of items at the local TJ Maxx. But I'm a woman that loves to shop and only buying a few nice items won't satisfy my need to purchase. Call me an addict...I do.

I have a wedding to attend next weekend, so I thought this would be the perfect excuse to buy a new dress. I wasn't sure what I was looking for. Nothing struck me until we hit the last department store. First off, I checked the shoe department because I am looking for a classic pair of camel brown heels for work. Lo and behold, I found the CUTEST pair of patent leather navy blue flats. Sure I have plantar fasciitis and shouldn't wear flats but these goodies were 10 bucks! I'll buy inserts. They were so stinking adorable that I bought my sister a pair of black ones (only because I couldn't decide on a fun color for someone else). I then proceeded to look at dresses. I luckily found a very cute wedding appropriate dress for 20 bucks! Seriously, this was a pleasantly successful shopping experience. I love those!

*UPDATED for Sarah and Amberly:

Female Fellowship

If you have talked to me in the last few months, you know that I have been in a rut with church. I love my church, don't get me wrong, but I've felt something is just missing. In a discussion with my girlfriend, Adrienne, I was invited to join her small group Bible study. Tonight was the last night of the study and I must say I have thoroughly enjoyed it. If you have ever been in any study with me before, I've never been bashful about offering my 2 cents (or more in some cases) but I did things differently this time. As selfish as it sounds, I took from this group. I purposefully listened and just tried to take it all in and offered zero in the conversation. It was a bit unlike me, but I rather enjoyed observing and learning from women of various walks of life. I'm sad it is over but extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn.

The study involved a Life Journal and the Bible. The Journal gave a list of readings each day and then you would select a verse that you identified as meaningful or important to you and wrote about it. The template to use for writing is S.O.A.P. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). It definitely sent a jolt to my reading the Word and put me in a routine that I rather enjoy. Not to mention it has forced me to read much of the Old Testament that we all shy away from (Minor Prophets, Major Prophets). I don't dislike the Old Testament, but find the New such an easier read not to mention a bit more joyful. Those Prophets can throw down some harsh language!

All in all, I'm thankful for the group and study and praying that I will continue S.O.A.P. readings at least until I can get through the whole Bible.

Adrienne, thank you so much for inviting me and letting me tag along. I'm still praying for your situation and I am more than confident it will indeed be greater than you imagine. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. But in ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Sandy Saturday

I meet my running partner, Karen, every Saturday morning for our long runs. We have had this routine for about 2 years. Recently we registered for this year's Mud Run and knew we needed to start preparing. This race is going to be much more challenging than our normal flat, fast race routes. According to the race's website, the course is "an 8k run with obstacles through the surf, sand, mud and muck of Little Creek Amphibious Base." Obstacles include a wire crawl, tire obstacles, mazes and a mud pit. I'm really looking forward to it (and trying to identify clothes I will toss post race). I'm NOT looking forward to running in sand. This Saturday we attempted a light run/walk at the Bay. The hard part is the softness of the sand and the slip slidin' of your feet. I decided that if I made short, quick strides on the soft sand, it wasn't as bad. I'm hoping the sand is at least flat because my ITB is not a fan of gradient running surfaces. Next weekend we are attempting the Oceanfront sand. I'm hoping that's easier!

It's Like Walking on a Marshmallow...

In case you don't already know and are curious, I am beginning to develop Plantar Fasciitis. That basically means the connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot is inflammed. It is a common injury for runners. I've been stretching my Achilles lately in an effort to minimize the pain. The first steps in the morning are the absolute worst. Well, on July 4th I made a trip to the outlets (a successful one at that). I purposefully wore some flip flops that had more cushion and arch support than my flat J.Crew variety. BIG mistake! I shouldn't have worn flops at all but it went with my outfit! Anyways, by the end of the day I could barely walk and the next morning I all but crawled to the shower. I had to run to Target for an errand, so I decided to see what the good doctor had to offer - Dr. Scholl's that is. God Bless him! I purchase a pair of orthotics specifically for Plantar Fasciitis and my world has changed. I feel like I'm walking on marshmallows! And I'm starting to crave chocolate and graham crackers...

26.2

I've been considering a new challenge for the last few weeks and officially committed. In March of 2010, I will complete my first marathon. Today, I'm excited for the challenge. I hope that I'm this excited on a random Saturday morning come February and I'm setting out for 20 miles...