She's Baaack

A lot has happened since my last entry.  A lot.

1. I have loved.  And lost.  Still on the fence about whether that's better than never having loved at all. (Joking.  Kind of.)
2. I don't run anymore.  Call it a marathon hangover.  I have, however, developed a love/hate relationship with Shaun T and his "Insanity."
3. I was diagnosed with several health conditions.  Top offender: Candida.  Which led to a complete diet overhaul.  One that is neither fun nor easy to stick to.  But, has made me quite the kitchen experimenter.
4. Kind of like they say taste buds develop/change as you grow older-my interests/hobbies have developed and changed over the last 14 months.  I am now a lover of all things (tastefully) crafty and DIY.  This girl is even on the market for a sewing machine!
5. I took myself "off the grid."  Okay, clearly not completely.  But no more Facebook or Instagram (I never tweeted anyway).  I did succumb to the common addiction known as Pinterest.  I think that has a direct correlation to #4.

It's funny, curiously funny, to reminisce on 14 months ago and view the major changes in my life from that time compiled into a neat and tidy list,  (It's how I prefer my life, neat and tidy.) and to realize that 14 months fits into 5 bullet points.  The most life-changing, heart-wrenching, strength-growing 14 months of my life succinctly stated in 5 little talking points that take less than a minute to read.  And then to realize everything has changed and yet nothing has changed.

I am still a passionate God-girl.  Hopefully, likely, even more so now than then.  By necessity, really.  It's funny how He does that-turns our neat and tidy bullet-pointed lives upside down so our only sure stability is Him.  We realize He truly is ALL we can place our hope and assurance in-because He knows and we learn even the surest of the sure will still fail us, but His love never will.

I am still a teacher.  I still love these kids and their pure, innocent, trust.  This year I told my fifteen dear 4th graders that on my birthday I was turning 105.  Nary a one batted an eye.  I am sure that dinner table conversation was amusing.  But, I think, in their eyes, I am their teacher; therefore, I do not lie.  Even about my age.  They believe me-for better or worse.  What a reminder then, to point them always back to the source of all truth-truth that will set them free-Jesus Christ!

I still love sports.  However, now rather than grading papers during games-I craft!  I make jewelry, or wreaths, or work in my Smashbook, or peruse Pinterest for more ideas.  All while commentating on the games and perhaps yelling a few times at the TV.  Some would call me the epitome of an oxymoron.  I like to think of it as versatile, well-rounded, and even talented.

And, clearly, I am still long winded.  While I can make succinct lists-I always have to go and elaborate!  If you're still with me-Thanks-will you do me a favor and follow me?! (--> right side of the screen)  I do love writing and have used this blog in the past for many "soap box" episodes, my hope is to be a bit more practical in the future.  I want to share craft ideas and how-to's, Candida/sugar free recipes and resources, teacher stuff, Insanity (and other fitness) motivation and amusing stories (although the amusing Insanity stories are truthfully purely for the enjoyment of my BFF, Jessi), etc.  However, if you know me you will know I am nothing if not honest-so in the spirit of truthfulness I should remind you I am the daughter of a pastor and if something will preach-better believe I am climbing right back on my soapbox!  It's just, this time, my soapbox will be so much cuter since I made it myself out of an upcycled pallet and decorated it with scrapbook paper-all ideas I found on Pinterest.