tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29680251718978671592024-03-19T02:37:49.183-07:00My Soul, Faint NotKaren Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-50412213145042069892014-03-07T17:32:00.000-08:002014-03-07T17:32:03.649-08:00Psalm 130<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord ; Lord, hear my voice.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you, Lord , kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But with you there is forgiveness,</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">so that we can, with reverence, serve you.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wait for the Lord,</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">my whole being waits,</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and in his word I put my hope.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning,</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> more than watchmen wait for the morning.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Israel, put your hope in the Lord,</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for with the Lord is unfailing love</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and with him is full redemption.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I feel these verses.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first is most encouraging to me - it reminds me to really slow down, and open up my heart to God. From the deepest part of me. I'm not sure how or why (maybe someone told me to?) but after my brother died years ago I remember consciously making the decision to let myself be mad at God. I tried for a little while to play it off and try to convince myself that I couldn't/shouldn't be mad at God (He is perfect and I AM, after all!). But I was. For years. And somewhere along the way I let it out - I wouldn't say I wrestled with God, but I finally let out how I was really feeling. And I felt so much better afterwards. More peace than I'd felt for a looooooong time. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it was a great lesson for me to learn that God can handle how I feel about Him, and when I cry out to him, even in anger, He will listen. And his unfailing love <b>will</b> bring comfort.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When reading this chapter, I am reminded of how much of my life has been spent waiting on God. But not at all in a bad way. I suppose I never thought of it much when fasting, but it is exactly this - <i>waiting on the Lord, more than watchmen wait for the morning</i>. <i>Wait</i>. And<i> put your hope in the Lord.</i> This is all I do lately! And to be honest, I am not entirely sure what I'm waiting for. I think I know, but right now it doesn't seem like something that will happen in the near future. *Sigh* So I keep waiting & hoping :)</span>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-25562064561139391712013-10-01T14:33:00.000-07:002013-10-03T06:28:29.485-07:00Fall Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xlK_k_OM_ekGDwUpqubhyphenhyphen4PJaTbJKWLMkeYyt3tAj2WMbGR5wz3JLRQt6-Pgt7cMfM5R6Al8hjUjXvAYl7tfwnhA06gTtcsGR9cisZcpjU-jxNYzcsaV10qbQZckD6LWD0xpwmO9O5IE/s1600/mtl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xlK_k_OM_ekGDwUpqubhyphenhyphen4PJaTbJKWLMkeYyt3tAj2WMbGR5wz3JLRQt6-Pgt7cMfM5R6Al8hjUjXvAYl7tfwnhA06gTtcsGR9cisZcpjU-jxNYzcsaV10qbQZckD6LWD0xpwmO9O5IE/s320/mtl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I follow many blogs for healthy recipes and workout ideas. One of the ones I follow is Muffin Topless. I decided to do her Fall Challenge mostly because there are a few things I have been wanting to change for the last couple months but, for one reason or another, I hadn't gotten around to doing them. The challenge had different things to post about every day of the month in October. Today is making a list of goals, big and small. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are mine:) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hPNBmG8vQmbYBbo_2H5X7oHExkw24eSFXvRIAYIW8zC_l7Ng2N_a6d9vUs3COqzK5ZEIrGdldc3trAnxjoHkYzxQQfqWJefucBoMW3v5VZGnju4m7YxykmJjLqQ0mRGgIHtKJoOZXE-S/s1600/MTLfallchallengeGOALS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hPNBmG8vQmbYBbo_2H5X7oHExkw24eSFXvRIAYIW8zC_l7Ng2N_a6d9vUs3COqzK5ZEIrGdldc3trAnxjoHkYzxQQfqWJefucBoMW3v5VZGnju4m7YxykmJjLqQ0mRGgIHtKJoOZXE-S/s640/MTLfallchallengeGOALS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 1) <b>I will not weigh myself (AT ALL) or count calories. </b><i>This is a very personal goal</i>. Because I am recovering from an ED my goals in fitness are *health* or performance related. Not an obsession with a number (pant size, inches that my hips, waist, etc. 'should' be, or what the scale says) as well as not obsessing over how many calories I've eaten and/or burned. I'm trying to not restrict myself and live in moderation. (But still keep a majority of my intake 'clean' foods.) My ultimate goal is to not stress and/or worry about darn NUMBERS and be FREE to live a healthy and balanced life. (I am working with a counselor and probably won't talk much more about this in my blog quite yet.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2) <b>Stretch at least 30 minutes at least three times a week. </b>Quite simply, <u>I don't stretch enough</u>. I know I need it and I have had a horrible habit of putting it off. No more! As a runner with bad posture I know I especially need it in my lower body.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3) <b>Journal Daily. </b>Another goal I've been putting off too long but want to habitually do. Not just about fitness/health, but mostly spent as time in prayer and in the Bible. I'm embarrassed. I schedule my workouts (at times self-idolatry) but have been slacking on spending even HALF as much time with God. :(</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4) <b>JUST KEEP RUNNING. </b>I am half way to my <i>other</i> New Years Resolution this year of running 1500 miles. Yep. I have 750 miles to go. I also have another half marathon coming up that I would <b>LOVE</b> to PR. Who wouldn't? ;) Just keep running, just keep running...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5) <b>Thank God ALWAYS for my health. </b>Even if I <u>don't</u> reach my resolution or race goals, <u>every day I should thank God for my health</u>. My body functions normally, is free from disease, and strong. <b>Thank God for ALL runs</b> - good or "bad." More time being <b>grateful</b> and <b>thankful </b>will mean less time I am comparing myself to others and tearing myself down.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My plan for getting these goals done- Make a schedule. Schedule it like I schedule my clients and my own workouts. I'll stick to a schedule. Heck, I LOVE schedules! :) Life happens and I don't expect this all to happen starting now and to never fail or skip something. But I'll do my best and keep updated on my instagram. :)</span></div>
Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-56243544790338256922013-03-06T16:28:00.002-08:002013-03-06T16:28:41.288-08:00This and that.WELL. I am unhappy to report I have NOT gotten any better at keeping the house clean, meal planning for Steve, or making him breakfast in the morning and packing him a lunch. It's only been OVER A YEAR. (Sigh.)<br />
Being married has shown me how truly selfish I am. I always knew I was a little too selfish - but I did not realize the extent that I was until I got married.<br />
It has always been hard for me to balance just myself and God. Making sure God was first in my life has never been easy. But now I am juggling God, a husband, and myself.<br />
...It makes me worry about having children. Am I too selfish to have kids?<br />
Sheesh. I hope I get better at this!<br />
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I mentioned to one of my clients tonight that I use to be five sizes bigger than I am now. She was shocked. I wonder if most people just think I have always looked this way.<br />
I wish I had pictures of me before. Oh, well!<br />
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WORKOUT: 10 miles on the treadmill after lunch. It makes it easier knowing I don't have to run outside in the cold. :) Longest I have ran in almost two weeks. My last long run was 15 - I have some catching up to do.Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-73630881567419208332012-12-10T10:52:00.001-08:002012-12-10T11:16:33.496-08:00Vegetarian Questions I Often Get Asked<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are the questions I get asked most when someone finds out I don't eat meat. I hope I didn't miss any! I can also add more, too :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How long have you been vegetarian?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stopped eating meat sometime in the Spring of 2009.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>...So you ate meat before?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b>Yes. I ate everything under the sun.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Why Did you stop eating meat?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Lots of reasons: I wanted to lose weight and as I read more about healthy eating and taking care of your body, my focus shifted more to being healthy rather than just getting skinny. I read a few books that went into detail about where our food comes from and everything that gets put into animals. I read a lot of assumptions (not enough actual studies to provide tangible 'evidence') about a correlation between steroids and hormones put into animals we eat and how children are hitting puberty at younger and younger ages. Which means, I also stopped eating almost ALL animal products (I went vegan). I cut out as much artificial sweeteners as possible.<b> I am not this strict anymore</b>. I eat cheese, eggs/egg whites, and the occasional diet pop. *guilty*</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Do you miss it/is it hard?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Not really. I have had some grilled chicken but I don't struggle with it. I rarely crave chicken, and if I do, it's always lean and grilled. I do not think I could eat a steak. It use to gross me out, now it doesn't. I will cook it for my husband, I will even use the same fork to flip meat and stir my veggies. I'm not anal about that. But I don't want to eat it. I really think it works well for me - I don't think others would be able to stop eating meat as easily.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Did you lose weight?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yes ....and no. When I stopped eating meat, I made a LOT of changes. I think it helped me lose weight in the way that ANY fast food I ate completely stopped. Rarely would I go to a fast food place JUST for french fries. That cut out SO much fat!! I had been working out and I can't think of any changes in my workout schedule at that time. BUT - I am very into fitness and love reading about all things fitness. I am constantly changing my routine, setting new goals, and switching up workouts. I get bored easily, so this is mostly preventing my getting burned out. <b>When I stopped eating meat, I stopped eating most junk food</b>. I tried to eat ONLY healthy food and ONLY things that are GOOD for my body. So, yes, when I stopped eating I lost weight - about 15 pounds - but I also was also eating really healthy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> To better clarify- I still don't eat meat, but I have gained weight in the last two months. (I'll never tell how much :) hehe) I cancelled my gym membership, my workouts outdoors have decreased along with the weather (I HATE the cold), and I have been eating more sweets, cheese & crackers, and alcohol. So my calories burned have decreased along with increased caloric intake = weight gain. All without meat. I have met women that are chubby and vegetarian. Think about all the food that doesn't have meat in it- donuts, potato chips, coke, chocolate, cookies, etc...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Do you feel better?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> YES. I feel BEST when I do not eat ANY dairy at all. I feel AMAZING. Not to mention, vegans have THE BEST skin. I really should stop eating dairy again! ;-)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>BUT, OMG, WHERE DO YOU GET PROTEIN??!!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I use to get super annoyed when I got asked this. But then it dawned on me - I didn't know, either, until I read about it. Generally speaking, it is recommended that people have between 10-35% of their calories come from protein. It's higher with certain populations, like athletes or pregnant women. Long story short (without calculation & explanation)- I should eat a MINIMUM 50 grams of protein a day. A normal day for me is:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">breakfast of 4 egg whites =20g </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> low fat cheese = 7g</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">snack almonds = 3g</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lunch boca burgers = 38g</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dinner whole wheat pasta = 7g</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> veggie crumbles = 15g</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">post workout whey = 20g</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">various vegetables</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> throughout day = 10g</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TOTAL OF 120. Greek yogurt and cottage cheese is also high in protein, but I haven't been eating those as much lately. The average American consumes TOO MUCH protein. Heck, some days I eat too much without any meat, so I can't image what those eating meat get!</span>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-73076103802423566992012-12-03T12:23:00.001-08:002012-12-03T12:23:10.906-08:00Innocent<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>From a Christian woman perspective written toward other Christian women:</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I won't name names. I don't need to. We all know women and/or men like it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Those who live by "look, but don't touch."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lately, I've come into contact with women reading "50 Shades of Grey" and watching "Magic Mike" and I have done a poor job of explaining why I won't read or watch anything like it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've jokingly said, "I'm a married woman!" or something vague about how I would not like Steve looking at naked women or strippers and so I show the same courtesy by following that same request.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've made it seem like it was some sort of mutual contract Steve and I made. He doesn't look, so I don't look. We look at each other.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am not saying that this is false, or untrue.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But - it's not the whole story.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I didn't want to watch or read that stuff before I got married.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And I am embarrassed that I've created this cop-out excuse that I don't because I'm married.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lord, forgive me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The real reason is <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am a God-fearing woman.</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>If</i>, by chance, the idea of porn being bad offends you, just stop reading now.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Bible is VERY clear about sexual sin and even lust:</span><br />
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<h5 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 0.7692em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+6%3A18&version=ESV" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #990000; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 CORINTHIANS 6:18</span></a></span></span></h5>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.</em></span></span></div>
<h5 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 0.7692em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+4%3A3-5&version=ESV" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #990000; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 THESSALONIANS 4:3-5</span></a></span></span></h5>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;</em></span></span></div>
<h5 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 0.7692em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A28&version=ESV" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #990000; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">MATTHEW 5:28</span></a></span></span></h5>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 23px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> [</span><b>OR MAN</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">]</span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.</em></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>THIS is the REAL reason I don't look</u>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want to be closer to God. I want to follow Him, love Him with ALL MY HEART, SOUL, & MIND. And SERVE Him. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1 Peter 5:7-9 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. </span>Be self-controlled and alert<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. </span>Resist him<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.</span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">So. There's my little confession.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">*DEEP SIGH*</span></span></span>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-34337665781531523622012-11-08T14:37:00.000-08:002012-11-08T14:37:15.686-08:00ENDORPHIN HIGHI need to remember how good I feel.<br />
I need to come back to this and remember how great it feels after a good sweat session, and that working out really does make me happy!<br />
I was terribly miserable before I went running an hour ago - sad, tired, didn't want to get out of bed to do anything.<br />
Oh, God, you are so good to make endorphins. What a great designer! ;) haha!Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-30408226803876181982012-09-03T15:28:00.002-07:002012-09-03T15:28:36.773-07:00nom nom<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am such a fat girl at heart. I really am.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">I tried a couple recipes last week - all successful! I have pictures and links for the recipes, I'm just too lazy today to type them out myself :) I'm not sorry. I used the app Myfitnesspal to calculate the nutritional info with all the items I used. Some of the recipes I tweaked a little, based off what I had. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.healthydivaeats.com/2012/06/chocolate-coconut-protein-cookie-balls.html#comment-103331" target="_blank">COCONUT PROTEIN COOKIE BALLS</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/pumpkin-muffins" target="_blank">PUMPKIN MUFFINS</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.eat-drink-smile.com/2011/04/cauliflower-crust-pizza.html" target="_blank">CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST</a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">SO. Those were all amazing, and didn't last in my house very long. I changed my lifting routine again - I get bored easily. :) Ideally, you should mix it up every 4-6 weeks, I think I am usually lucky to be on the same one for four weeks! I will be honest - my diet has been horrid. I don't know what's up with me - it's hard for me to get motivated the past week or so to eat clean. The last few days I haven't felt well, itchy throat & extra sleepy. I joined bodyspace for some encouragement, and it really has helped me get a little more excited about my workouts and making progress. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">I have really put on muscle - honestly, easier than I thought I would! I have been sure to eat a lot of protein and not eat too little (Lord knows my problem is never not eating ENOUGH). My abdominals are still pretty strong, but under a little more... cushion covering them. So I haven't taken any progress pics - they've gotten worse. :( I keep thinking - "I will eat clean tomorrow! I will get serious!" But it doesn't last long. It's like I just forget that I want to eat clean & shed some fat.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">Like I said, I need more motivation. A set, specific goal.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">I have quite a few people in town who have already talked to me about my training them! Wow, makes me pretty nervous! I just worry that I won't do well or I will be disappointing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;">Oh, but I always worry those things when I start something new. No biggy :)</span>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-11888339128935666372012-05-29T11:18:00.001-07:002012-05-29T11:18:09.045-07:00No one "has it all" when you look close.<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Lately I have been worried about our house that we still have not been able to sell or rent.. I pray about it (almost) daily, and some days more often than others.</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;"><em>If Steve and I were smart, we would fast about this. (It is really hard for me to not go off on a tangent about the church today and lack of teaching about fasting!)</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">However, it also reminds me how blessed we are and how thankful I should be about all that we have. We have food. More than enough food :). Every day. We don't wonder when our next meal will be - no, we wonder WHAT we will eat out of all our choices! We have a bed, a roof over our head. And not just a roof, but one that doesn't leak. We have AC when it is hot outside and we have a heater to warm it up when it is cold. We have more clothes than we have room for. Dressers stuffed full, boxes, and closets full of clothes. And they are CLEAN. We have a washer and dryer and soap to clean them. Every day.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">We are rich. God has always taken care of us, through thick and thin.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">Something that has been on my heart a little bit has also been that I have been a very poor steward of money in the past. It is tempting to think - "Oh, when we finally get rid of that house we can take an exotic vacation!" Or, "We can really start investing" (Okay, that last one wasn't so bad) the point is - my thoughts are immediately selfish! What can WE do for OURSELVES with that money. BAD KAREN. And I can't help but let my thoughts wonder to - Is this a lesson? And we won't get the house sold/rented until I learn this so I can be a better steward of what God has given me??</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">There are really SO many things I need to work on - and I know that God is working on me. Little by little every day! ;) Focus today: BE THANKFUL AND THANK GOD! THINK OF WAYS TO BETTER SERVE & RESPECT/LOVE MY HUSBAND. KEEP THOUGHTS PURE AND FOCUS ON GOD RATHER THAN FITNESS/HEALTH AND NOT COMPARE MYSELF WITH ANYONE ELSE.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)</span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-25" id="en-NIV-23308"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do Not Worry <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23308A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-6-25"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>25 </strong></sup>“Therefore I tell you, do not worry <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23308B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-26" id="en-NIV-23309"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>26 </strong></sup>Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23309C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>Are you not much more valuable than they? <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23309D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></span><span class="text Matt-6-27" id="en-NIV-23310"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>27 </strong></sup>Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23310a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"><strong>[</strong><a cmimpressionsent="1" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A25-34&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23310a" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: #651300;"><strong>a</strong></span></a><strong>]</strong></sup>? <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23310E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-6-28" id="en-NIV-23311"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>28 </strong></sup>“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-29" id="en-NIV-23312"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>29 </strong></sup>Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23312F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>was dressed like one of these.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-30" id="en-NIV-23313"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>30 </strong></sup>If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23313G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span></span><span class="text Matt-6-31" id="en-NIV-23314"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>31 </strong></sup>So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-32" id="en-NIV-23315"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>32 </strong></sup>For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23315H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span></span><span class="text Matt-6-33" id="en-NIV-23316"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>33 </strong></sup>But seek first his kingdom <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23316I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23316J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span></span><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><strong>34 </strong></sup>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-34"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hebrews 13:5</span></span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” </span></span></span></div>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-10131440368080910592012-05-24T14:22:00.001-07:002012-05-24T14:22:14.564-07:00New Workout & New Recipe!Alright. I am going to try to make this quick - I need to start working on dinner for Steve soon. :)<br />
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Yesterday I did a TABATA workout at home (in the back yard while tanning :D!) and today I am SO sore!! It is a workout by Amanda Russell found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISgxJ4GpSTk&list=PL3AE5226AEBCB3E50&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Can I be honest? Of course I can, it's my blog! She kind of annoys me. This workout really pushed me, though! TABATA always kicks my butt. It's amazing. Haha! Tonight I am going to try a new class at the gym - either piloxing or power cycling. I haven't picked yet! I know I would love power cycling, but piloxing just has me so curious about it..<br />
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I finally made these protein cookies!! Not sure where the recipe is from - pinterest? Some blog? I took a picture of it on my phone so I have no clue. I read soo many different blogs for recipes/work out ideas. Anyway, here it is!<br />
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I, of course used natural peanut butter WITHOUT SUGAR (WATCH LABELS!! JUST BECAUSE IT SAYS "NATURAL" DOES NOT MEAN THERE IS NO ADDED SUGAR!) and I somehow forgot to put in salt. This was so easy to make, I don't know how I missed it, but I did, and Steve and I think they didn't even need it! However, they were a tiny bit more dry than I like my cookies to be so Steve recommended next time I double the greek yogurt. I will definitely make these again! <br />
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On another note: Steve and I have exciting news!! We picked our first tomato!!!!<br />
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We are looking forward to many more this season! Our tomato plants are HUGE and there are many green ones already growing! :)<br />
TTFNKaren Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-82171301703332462342012-05-18T16:43:00.003-07:002012-05-18T16:43:43.920-07:00PICTURES!! I will only post a few ~ I don't know which one we will put up in our living room yet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz2z1qSLNp2IodukGfiBnwpvVbuZN9sfH5NnWjrekfJt81N_LM7ukwvgQEUEgLi_wjFICu19kO6MvJmtneJdsSiSpvIZUj1NRBOnyx3k42gLhxBeOR1c4S4wdPT2PVgZwGWusvbCj7Tyx/s1600/fav2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz2z1qSLNp2IodukGfiBnwpvVbuZN9sfH5NnWjrekfJt81N_LM7ukwvgQEUEgLi_wjFICu19kO6MvJmtneJdsSiSpvIZUj1NRBOnyx3k42gLhxBeOR1c4S4wdPT2PVgZwGWusvbCj7Tyx/s640/fav2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-39056258639203930512012-05-18T16:36:00.002-07:002012-05-18T16:36:28.756-07:00House Wifey<strong><span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am incredibly blessed in that I do not need to work/my husband wants me to be a home-keeper. Today was especially exciting -- the lawn needed to be mowed. It is absolutely my FAVORITE chore. I LOVE moving & being outside! It has been SO nice this week, too! Steve has been getting faster at work and because they haven't increased his patients yet, he has been getting done at work a little earlier and also getting a longer lunch. It's been pretty nice. Twice this week we got to have a little picnic outside during his lunch break. So fun!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia;">Today was extremely windy so I decided to do my run with HIIT inside at the gym. Lately my cardio indoors has been less than I would like. (I usually don't like treadmills or elipticals - like I said before, I like to GO places OUTDOORS). So I spent a couple minutes before leaving the house thinking about that and realized that I need to have more of a plan than just "doing cardio at the gym". I decided what would be a good workout before hand and then stuck to it. I have to say, it <em>is</em> fun seeing how many calories you scorch doing HIIT! I subsribe to many fitness blogs and pin many on pinterest so I have an abundance on ideas, but this week I wasn't really committing to any certain one before hand. (Unless it was outdoors. I don't have a problem with running intervals or long distance outside.)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;"> So today I did one mile warm up, stretch, two minutes at 80% and two minutes easy jog TEN TIMES, one mile cool down. (All at incline 1)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia;">It was great!! I was drenched with sweat and torched 900 calories. After mowing, before I washed up, I did a short workout from Tone It Up. Good day :)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia;">I am the kind of person that sees babies or baby clothes and wants one. Lately, though, I have really enjoyed all the time I get to spend alone with Steve. I keep thinking, "We couldn't do this if we had a baby!" It helps me hold out longer. Haha. I know it's the smart thing to do to wait a couple years and I really do want to. I am so excited for when we do decide to grow our little family! :)</span></strong>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-10698937294293200752012-05-15T14:05:00.000-07:002012-05-15T14:05:05.875-07:00Lend Me Your Hand, and We Will Conquer Them All<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Checking in!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>I fit into my wedding dress for some more pictures with a photographer I've known for years. I haven't seen them yet - I will be sure to post, though! :)</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Today: ran six miles in a little over an hour. I'm just glad I got it in! I am having a hard time lately getting in longer runs. I have time, and no legitimate excuses - just a mind game, really.</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia;">I have cut my carbs, increased protien, and got back into lifting. I already notice a <span style="color: red;">huge</span> difference. Steve weighed me out of curiousity the other day and said that I've lost weight. <em>I have no clue</em>, still, what I weigh. I didn't know what I weighed before. And I like not knowing. I really have a tendency to obsess about what I think the "perfect" number is, blah blah blah.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia;">I haven't thought - until just now - to measure myself. I don't really care much, though. For once in my life! I am more toned, and will continue to get more toned (consistency is key!) so I'm not worried about it. What a relief!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia;">I am doing a show in July, so I would like to get my hip measurement to 35-36. That isn't much, and once again, what I am doing will get me there. :)</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSSWr-HBdGmwaschoSYj49qryCRsNhgMJHe8pSU-5eBM_nkN2P2A5Y7olqcZ0LWEueMXtgQkE6PXJdWJ-yI4hiRfp2T3qV2EsMhKiThRgzr6ZwSXfpfq-JEGOk5GgQzd0ENYnX5hJEMXt/s1600/strong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSSWr-HBdGmwaschoSYj49qryCRsNhgMJHe8pSU-5eBM_nkN2P2A5Y7olqcZ0LWEueMXtgQkE6PXJdWJ-yI4hiRfp2T3qV2EsMhKiThRgzr6ZwSXfpfq-JEGOk5GgQzd0ENYnX5hJEMXt/s1600/strong.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia;">I had a little pride-ful moment (Lord forgive me) last week at body pump. I just LOVE being STRONG and getting STRONGER! <span style="color: #741b47;">It feels so good</span>. No, this picture is not me! Haha. I would love to get this tank, though!!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia;">I realized something this week. I really really hate feeling awkward. And that is a hinderance to me as I try to make new friends here. Steve is so good at it! He is just so friendly & outgoing like most people here. I could learn from him. :) I am so thankful that churches here are full of welcoming & loving people! I keep praying for a group of Christ following friends. I need to be praying more for confidence & the guts to be more outgoing!</span></strong>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-42689850414636578092012-05-03T17:19:00.002-07:002012-05-03T17:19:09.248-07:00Race Recap/Venting<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wow! I am so disapointed with how I did! I couldn't figure it out. I was more than prepared - why did I get so sick? Not pregnant, didn't try anything new on race day (like gels)... Then Steve asked what I had to eat the night before. Some whole wheat pasta & 3 bean salad. ..."The three bean salad you made last week?? Chickpeas go bad within a few days!"</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Bingo.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Horrible timing!</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">But, I still finished. And considering how sick I was all afternoon, I would say 2:27 isn't too bad! Pretty frustrating, but I'm glad I did it and now it is OVER.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Which means - I can go back to body pump classes & lifting lower body!!!! :D I went to body pump Tuesday this week. OH it <strong><span style="font-size: large;">HURT SO GOOD</span></strong>. I was very surprised how strong my lower body has gotten from only running! For the Squats & Lunge tracks I did more weight than I think I have ever done! I wasn't expecting that at all. I still want to keep milage up, but I am cutting my carbs the next two weeks so I probably won't be at the same amount I was while in training.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Today I did <strong><u>five</u></strong> sets of the following:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQeWQrfNhwfVYLn98oFhE4EFbk5uEjiGxjlYEwUV9A9XIpcxjCnEX4aSpk79NMMHx3VzaHfTv6UJqs-QfoWICb6YzL7G4pY3P1bUbJiugf7y5tqJRfw1bnxCLxGvjEKmPtPu9elJHQSJl/s1600/bikini_bootcamp_tiu_printable_tone_it_up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQeWQrfNhwfVYLn98oFhE4EFbk5uEjiGxjlYEwUV9A9XIpcxjCnEX4aSpk79NMMHx3VzaHfTv6UJqs-QfoWICb6YzL7G4pY3P1bUbJiugf7y5tqJRfw1bnxCLxGvjEKmPtPu9elJHQSJl/s1600/bikini_bootcamp_tiu_printable_tone_it_up.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">I was drenched in sweat at the end. What a workout! I'm also going to go to the gym in a bit and do some cardio!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">-1 mile warm up</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">-2 minutes hard / </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">1 minute easy x8</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">-1 mile cool down</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">I will be bikini ready in no time! ;)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Speaking of bikini season - I miss the lake! I miss going to the lake for a week in the summers I was in California. Oh, I miss it so much! I'm not sure what this summer in Woodward will entail, but I sure hope it's fun. I still haven't made many friends here so it's not looking good - LOL. I didn't miss Tulsa before for many many reasons - but I am beginning to miss the few friends I have there and tanning with them last summer! :(</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">I keep praying that God send me a good friend ~ it's hard not to get lonely here sometimes.</span></div>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-26077581425715348842012-04-20T15:01:00.000-07:002012-04-20T15:01:49.644-07:00Apple Cider Vinegar and Metabolism?<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So recently I have started following many different blogs about fitness & health. Most of these people are fitness models and their blogs are full of clean, healthy recipes and heart breaking workouts. Awesome.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">I have noticed that a couple of bloggers are really into drinking Apple Cider Vinegar. The Tone It Up diet (can I bring it up again??) has a drink "Meta-D" that is made of apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, crushed red pepper, 100% apple juice & water. <strong>I haven't bought this plan</strong>. So I don't know how many times a day they recommend drinking it - I know at least once in the AM with breakfast.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">I did some research.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">It looks like drinking apple cider vinegar has been thought to aide in weight loss for YEARS. For years people have been drinking this stuff. Multiple sites and studies later... I cannot for the life of me find ANYTHING that solidifies or supports that this will increase metabolism or help a person lose weight & burn fat.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">So many people claim that this helps - but there is no proof! None. So there you go. Hours of reading summed up to this little: <strong>Drinking apple cider vinegar will not help you or I increase our metabolism, lose weight, or burn fat</strong>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia;">I am not a close minded person. I am decisive, sure, but I do my research and make educated decisions. This is true of politics, too, which I plan to not ever bring into my blog. (*Shew* I know.) So if you find legitimate evidence about this pointing in another direction - please tell me! I just could not find any. Not. A. One.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia;">I was about to say "no new recipes" but it is a lie! I just remembered. Yesterday marked five months being married. Wow! Funny, I would say it feels longer, he would say it feels shorter. I don't know why we never "feel" it has been the appropriate amount of time. I also don't know which is better, or if they are not better or worse - just different. Anyway. I tend to eat like a horse (you know, let me lose with sugary & cheesey food and I will eat myself to death) BUT I remembered a recipe I saw for *TWO* cupcakes! Hehe! Makes me giggle a little bit. :) I tweaked the recipe some - making it with 1/2 sugar, 1/2 splenda, almond milk instead of cow utter milk (HAHAHAHAHAHAHA non-vegans are freaks!! lol I am totally just kidding) and I forgot the vanilla. I did not realize I had forgot the vanilla until Steve asked what kind of cupcakes they were. Before I could say vanilla - I realized I hadn't put it in. They were just... cupcakes. But so good!!! They were easily the best I've ever made! Winning.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/03/one-bowl-vanilla-cupcakes-for-two/">http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/03/one-bowl-vanilla-cupcakes-for-two/</a>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-76472910936498700262012-04-17T13:28:00.002-07:002012-04-17T13:28:32.699-07:00SUGAR<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I ate GREAT all day yesterday.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then, I made chocolate chip cookies.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I should have known better. Ugh.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That is pretty much how every day lately has looked, though! I do great, until the evening when my husband wants some sort of sugary snack and I cave - <b>every time</b>! It's like I just cannot be around it without eating junk food! So annoying.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was so much easier to say only occasionally "no" to junk food. When I lived with roommates who ate pretty healthy as well I had very little temptation. Not that I would eat their food anyway. I had such a hard time before I moved out of my parents not eating crap because they kept so much at the house. I am just not one of those types that can "just have a nibble" or only one cookie/brownie, whatever. I freaking <u>REALLY LIKE SUGAR</u>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I need to change this and find some sort of substitute or something, because I can't keep doing this every day. My husband isn't going to change. He makes sacrifices and gives up a lot of junk food he would probably normally keep in his cupboard. Because he knows I have little control and at some point I will probably eat 3/4<b> box</b> of whatever junk food it is. I have known this about myself for years. And so I never got junk food. It will drive me crazy and I will seriously think about how much I want to eat it and argue with myself about it ALL day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm seeing a counselor tomorrow. I wonder what she will think about all this. Poor lady.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For breakfast I had egg whites with red onion & tomato. My legs hurt all night, to the point where it was difficult to even get comfortable laying down! :( Normally the day after long runs I run an easy three or four miles. Today I biked at the gym for 25 minutes instead. It felt SO good! Really stretched out my legs :) Then I did a lot of upper body weights & came home and did a TIU abs video. After the gym I made <a href="http://blogilates.com/recipe-index/whey-protein-crepes">protein crepes</a> - SO GOOD! I think I'm going to start making these for a while with fruit instead of protein pancakes (kind of burned out on those right now~) For a late lunch I had veggie sausage, half a sweet potato with smart balance butter & pumpkin pie spice, and some fat free pretzels.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Kale Salad (I used spinach) I posted about yesterday was a SUCCESS. It was SO good!!! I'm making it again tonight :) I did not make the three bean salad because we have quite a bit of left overs to finish off first-- Brown rice & cauliflower soup. I am sure that will be tasty, too, though!</span>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-26255787004811486412012-04-16T13:13:00.001-07:002012-04-16T13:13:33.191-07:00Ran 13 This Morning!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My legs hurt still! I took it pretty slow - I should have warmed up more, but, like always, I only stretched a little. I had different aches all throughout my run. The wind today was minimal and the temperature was about 55 degrees. It was so nice & sunny! The hills killed me - normal.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpVklbIY1boNlj-VAgjBaOP4PjsrAYOJKUrgEVEr6THXEnIuUPJI-zS0RNIa4vKhU6zUyQqH4HQxdnXFy088YGn5HB0JrSaUr9XbHQwyHegpDUkiYUCkG7kT6df6yB5w1MEfa3Veu8kVS/s1600/run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpVklbIY1boNlj-VAgjBaOP4PjsrAYOJKUrgEVEr6THXEnIuUPJI-zS0RNIa4vKhU6zUyQqH4HQxdnXFy088YGn5HB0JrSaUr9XbHQwyHegpDUkiYUCkG7kT6df6yB5w1MEfa3Veu8kVS/s320/run.jpg" width="170" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My average pace was 10:42. My goal for the race is a 10 min pace. The total time I think was about two hours and seventeen minutes. (I deleted the time accidentally :(.. )</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I decided for the next two weeks to focus on eating healthy and as clean as I can without <b>counting calories</b>. I know losing weight is an easy concept - eat less than you burn. But I honestly am not quite sure how many calories I should be eating with how much I am running and right now my goal is to do this race without injury or passing out. :) Steve has really encouraged me to not worry so much about losing weight until <i>after</i> my race. But so many people are making training for half marathons part of their weight loss program. So I don't know.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I found two recipes that I am excited to try tonight for dinner!! They are both on the <a href="http://toneitup.com/index.php">Tone It Up</a> nutrition plan. I love these girls!! They have great workouts that I have done and really push me to work hard! I have not paid to join their program but I have subscribed to their emails and every once in a while they send out great recipes! I kind of want to pay for the plan but it is more than Steve wants to pay. The diet is pretty clean eating - lots of protein as well. Nothing new - I know how to eat. I know what is good for your body and what is not. I don't have an excuse. I am really curious about all the recipes they have, though! I have done their abs work out videos a few times and some full body workouts. I have pretty much cut all lower body workouts because I am running so much. Doing lower body weights (even light ones) really work against my training. I still do a lot of abs work and upper body, though!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now that I think about it - I did TABATA yesterday, four minutes of burpees. 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, 8 rounds. WOW! My heart was POUNDING. I wonder if that might have something to do with my tired legs today!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are two Tone It up recipes I found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/karebear0x0x/health-nut/">Pinterest</a> (there is my healthy board! :D )</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Kale Salad</b></span> (Walmart is out of kale!! :( Sad. I will use spinach instead.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OuH28zvgbi8uCpaZQ7oZ2H68QohXM-LkXnMULpmZ58LjTC7AXAeDlBtNAD_IMxEgfa1fPShoXSi-0Mo9eiIQJMXYM2ydNaFV4RMrWyLqhAlocqxVGAXz17Zp7fFUeuHn3WHbLfjXbk2x/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OuH28zvgbi8uCpaZQ7oZ2H68QohXM-LkXnMULpmZ58LjTC7AXAeDlBtNAD_IMxEgfa1fPShoXSi-0Mo9eiIQJMXYM2ydNaFV4RMrWyLqhAlocqxVGAXz17Zp7fFUeuHn3WHbLfjXbk2x/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Karena's Kale Salad</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Servings: 10 -- big enough for a BBQ! You can divide the portions equally if you want to make less servings. This salad keeps well overnight too! It's actually better tasting the longer it marinates :)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS--</span></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">5-6 cups kale, washed and cut with kitchen scissors into thin strips.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup dried unsweetened cranberries.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup pine nuts.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup diced red onions.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup cherry red tomatoes</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/3 cup feta cheese. We suggest low-fat or non-fat.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">juice of one lemon</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 fresh diced garlic cloves</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup olive oil</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup balsamic vinegar</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon sea salt</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon black pepper</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mix kale, cranberries, tomatoes, nuts, onions in a glass bowl. In a separate dish, mix lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic to make a dressing. Pour dressing over kale and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, overnight 6 hours or more is best! Before serving, toss in feta cheese.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Three Bean Salad</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurvU0J-pRM93YzEhSnae2mz947RBybKcK65ocU6nJJL7_JTxKLv-_foXbYSqfHlv3J3zsYK7CZHw6ZBTdI7Mjedy6FqS466mWGYhRDalDAtZ5ZD8x-NAC47eP_gNJf9GOIqPxesVXTHPk/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurvU0J-pRM93YzEhSnae2mz947RBybKcK65ocU6nJJL7_JTxKLv-_foXbYSqfHlv3J3zsYK7CZHw6ZBTdI7Mjedy6FqS466mWGYhRDalDAtZ5ZD8x-NAC47eP_gNJf9GOIqPxesVXTHPk/s1600/2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div id="recipe-ingredients" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<h3 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">INGREDIENTS-</span></span></h3>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 15-oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 15-oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 celery stalks, chopped fine</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 red onion, chopped fine</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 cup fresh, finely chopped flat-leaf parsley</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 Tbsp fresh finely chopped rosemary</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/3 cup apple cider vinegar</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup organic sugar or substitute for Stevia. If you use Stevia, you won't need as much.</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup olive oil</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 teaspoon black pepper</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div id="recipe-method" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><h3 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">INSTRUCTIONS-</span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In a large bowl, mix the beans, celery, onion, parsley and rosemary.</span></li>
<li><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the dressing to the beans. Toss.</span></li>
<li><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Chill beans in the refrigerator for several hours, the longer they soak the better the </span><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">soak up the flavor!</span></li>
</ul>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Serves 4 to 8.</span></div>
<div id="recipe-method" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />SO EXCITED ABOUT BOTH OF THESE :D Today before my run I ate <a href="http://burpeesinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2012/02/paleo-friendly-protein-packed-chocolate.html">protein packed chocolate banana cake</a> that I made yesterday. I make them in a muffin tin - mistake! I had them with black coffee and just dipped it in. They came out so dry! I will try putting some apple sauce in this recipe next time I make it. After my run I had a shake made of one banana, about 1/3 cup of almond milk, 1 cup strawberries, 1 scoop protein powder, and like always SPINACH! :D I also had four morning star "chicken" nuggets. Lots of protein! Yum! And of course - <b>LOTS OF WATER</b>. I've already had 32 ounces in the last three hours, and I hope to triple that by the end of the day. Not that hard with my nalgene :D</span></div>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-37727558049028770972012-04-15T19:57:00.001-07:002012-04-15T19:57:52.501-07:00Tornado<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well this morning was horrifying! We had a tornado hit half a mile away from our home! AH! It was so scary sounding - like a <b>train</b> - and, other than the tornado warning that had been on all evening and was set until 2 am, there was no warning. No sirens. Our internet & phone service stopped working about half an hour before it hit. People were driving around in circles through the neighborhood. There was some sort of explosion and what looked like a fireball that a ton of people were standing outside looking at. I am thankful it wasn't worse. But there have been at least six found dead, including children. :( I've never had a disaster so close to where I was staying. It made me extra thankful and appreciative that I was with my husband, and I hope the feeling of pure thankfulness & appreciativeness lasts!! I need more of that in my heart, honestly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just this evening I got SUPER annoyed, frustrated, and some anger towards some people and it was my hubby who reminded me that I should instead pray for them. So we did. And it just really reminded me - once more - that I can either spend my time being annoyed with people or not. Honestly. There will ALWAYS be people who I can let get to me. I am never going to agree with everyone. In fact, it is rare for me to find people who really agree with Steve and I on most issues. We both were home-schooled and want to do the same with our children. We make a lot of choices off the Bible and what we feel God would want us to do instead of society or what is "popular." Especially with American's wanting less and less to do with God and Biblical morals - our opinions are <i>WILDLY</i> <u>UNPOPULAR</u> and often mocked. Anyway - the point is, as a believer I am even <b><i>told</i></b> that the world will hate me because it hates Jesus. It hated Jesus before I was even born! And the world will hate Him after I die, too. I need to get over my lack of patience with people I don't agree with or get along with and not let things so silly (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that I cannot do anything about!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) steal my joy! Ah, I have so much growing up to do!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been eating less protein lately - not on purpose. I have been craving junk food like crazy and have had such a hard time saying no! These cravings would be SO much easier to fight had I been eating more protein the past week. I know that about my body. So I'm going to work this week at making sure I really get a lot of protein in. I know it will help me feel better and eat so much healthier!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My fitness goals are to tone up all over. I want to get my abs back. I told Steve I want to have abs so hard I can wash clothes on them. LOL maybe not that intense... I really would LOVE to be able to lose one to two inches around my hips and fit into my skinny jeans. I have atleast seven pairs I fit into pre-wedding that I can't wear now. :( I haven't weighed myself in weeks. The last time I did I think I was 134?? Last summer and before I got hitched in Nov I was 122-125. Boo. Ten pounds = an inch around the hips alright! My half marathon is in two weeks (wow, time goes by fast!) and after I am done with that I look forward to going back to weights and more HIIT. That will help blast fat and get me toned quick for this summer! :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-34214838610179442962012-04-11T17:25:00.000-07:002012-04-11T17:25:06.457-07:00disciplineI am not as studious about the Bible as I should be. I hate to admitt that I have spent way more time reading about health & fitness than I have in the word. I have recently decided to memorize the book of James. Wow! I still am unsure about it. I hope my lack of confidence in myself and my abiblity to memorize so much does not hinder my mission.<br />
I ate so poorly this weekend. We ate on the road quite a bit - always a lose in my book. I should have been smart and packed nuts and fruit. Ah. Oh, well, I guess! I have such a love/hate relationship with food.<br />
I hope to get better at spending more time with God & also eating healthy but not obsessing about it.Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-34756596742090499422012-04-03T10:07:00.000-07:002012-04-03T10:07:55.426-07:00Protein & waiting to feel better.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm not feeling well today. I was sick all morning and felt pretty bad that I had to tell Steve I really wasn't up to even making him breakfast. :( Wife fail. I'm feeling better now, and hopefully I feel better later this afternoon because I need to get in a speed workout today... on my schedule today is 2 mile warm up, 7 x 800 at 10k pace, 2 mile cool down. I'm suppose to receive a GPS watch in the mail today! Maybe I'll get extra lucky and I will feel better, the sun will come out, AND my watch will get here at the same time. :) Steve also ordered me some GU along with the watch - YAY!! I'm hoping GU will help my long runs. I am running 13 this weekend - WOW - and really need to start training with it if I plan to use it during the race.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Breakfast this morning</i>:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not too exciting. I had some pre-chopped bell pepper & pre-boiled kale that I mixed with egg whites. Also had a piece of whole grain toast with an over-easy egg on top. Nom nom.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">19 grams of protein, 13 grams carbs, 190 calories.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I usually eat closer to 300 calories but today I wanted to get in some veggies because I honestly just have a hard time eating them lately. It helps that the weather is getting warmer, I will have much more of an appetite for salads & fruit in the summer. I already am wanting them a little more :) I am pretty good at sticking to eating five to six times a day, small amounts. And as long as I don't eat my last meal or snack too early, I am never really hungry or full. I usually have at least 100 grams of protein a day. I don't really pay attention to fat or carbs, because I have been only eating "good carbs" and "good fats." Even still, I usually end up eating "too much" fat and "too little" carbohydrates. Most days look close to this. (this day actually has less protein than my normal, but close enough):</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUpiD5vJ1NQlz5OW6Php1BTCI4HIrKaA080ExyTdmhK6Jm8Zh855YaCmB8AzW2XoynZ1ZZWL-qYjWO5AN2QfRlN8vouk0Wm2KfuN1SFbRtzQ5kEbaZe3CBFwpx_XYY7nmZDvQJzoCJCR5/s1600/wew.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUpiD5vJ1NQlz5OW6Php1BTCI4HIrKaA080ExyTdmhK6Jm8Zh855YaCmB8AzW2XoynZ1ZZWL-qYjWO5AN2QfRlN8vouk0Wm2KfuN1SFbRtzQ5kEbaZe3CBFwpx_XYY7nmZDvQJzoCJCR5/s320/wew.png" width="317" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yes, I count my calories. I will eat too much if I don't - but I also want to make sure I am eating enough to fuel my body as well as enough to replenish & repair after workouts. I have really increased my protein intake just this past month, and I can definitely tell a difference in my training. My recovery time is better and I am not as sore. I feel so much better ALL the time, but my workouts especially are a lot more enjoyable. It has really helped being able to hop on the internet when I am craving something and find a healthy alternative. <b>That way I rarely feel like I am missing out on eating something that I really want</b>. It also helps reminding myself that a craving is <u><b>temporary</b></u>. And whatever it is I want in full fat & full sugar - I most likely won't tomorrow. One day at a time! It really does get easier!</span>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-76758541388435957312012-04-02T13:44:00.003-07:002012-04-02T13:45:28.172-07:00Monday!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<strong><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have come to like & even look forward to Mondays ~ I never thought I'd say that! I have been going to a women's Bible study that I really enjoy. Everyone is so sweet & friendly. We are going through a Beth Moore study, James Mercy Triumphs. It's pretty in depth and I have really enjoyed it so far. My week consists of training, eating, feeding my husband breakfast, lunch, & dinner (it makes me so happy!!) and chores. I do little crafts every now and then like scrap booking, or just last week I made a tutu for my half-marathon at the end of the month. But I haven't really made friends here, yet, so Monday the day I look forward to getting out of the house and being with other women for an hour and a half. :)</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia;">We had our picture in the Sunday paper here in town. Now, I am pretty sure half the town already knew who at least my husband was - now the other half knows who we are! It's so weird that whereever I go people know us!! I love it, and it was what I have wanted for a while. I love the feeling of close community. Literally every where we go, we run into people who either already know who we are, or have heard about us and are happy to meet us in person. Crazy! I really like it, though, and hope we get to stay here for a while. I think I can confidently speak for Steve and myself when I say we feel so blessed and are so thankful to God that we are here. And we didn't know what we were going to do or where we were going to go - but God sure pointed us to Woodward and I'm so thankful that He did.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia;">I found this recipe I just HAVE to share. I have been eating it as a snack <em>most</em> days. I can't remember what blog I found it on - it could have been from pinterest. I have found a ton of similar recipes but not this exact one that I've been hooked on. It's called something like <span style="color: #e06666;">Protein Mug Cake</span>.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonlxs9mpWAJmfKT5e_DNc19tWs0rBrTovkMykp_b8-Zf1UVFHnVzuusXDhYs4tKV9-EHfZ8aky5KBorl6gFxBD_1I8WLUBj5n7d8sJHyIPbbapU1_q6xTMRdlqB0F7b2JxljcZS8DBBQ-/s1600/1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonlxs9mpWAJmfKT5e_DNc19tWs0rBrTovkMykp_b8-Zf1UVFHnVzuusXDhYs4tKV9-EHfZ8aky5KBorl6gFxBD_1I8WLUBj5n7d8sJHyIPbbapU1_q6xTMRdlqB0F7b2JxljcZS8DBBQ-/s400/1.PNG" width="385" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia;">I usually do not bother with loosening the cake from the mug onto a plate. I did today, just to share what it looks like. But I usually eat it right out of the mug. YUM!! I haven't tried any topping on it, I eat it as is. Now, seriously, if you know me at all, you know I take my junk food seriously and I can be quite a pig. Honestly. I can't make brownies or cookies wihout eating half the batch. No joke. This mug cake totally tastes somewhere in between chocolate cake & brownie. I love that it doesn't leave me craving more, though. It is totally enough & satisfies my sweets craving.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzwPOnNVR5PKUAVxsPeTtIwuUUT_zwSvcAVRlziGEaL6oA-PmRZspZtauYk8FU_9GUxYYTJnMAidt6s9yYFGrzzUY7QjLVyf-3cwtps1NpXDJMvLX-pOUTgKko6nbwxBMKyryTPn8ZI-Q/s1600/22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzwPOnNVR5PKUAVxsPeTtIwuUUT_zwSvcAVRlziGEaL6oA-PmRZspZtauYk8FU_9GUxYYTJnMAidt6s9yYFGrzzUY7QjLVyf-3cwtps1NpXDJMvLX-pOUTgKko6nbwxBMKyryTPn8ZI-Q/s400/22.JPG" width="358" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Warning</span>! This thing expands!! It has been explained to me very scientifically by my genious husband why a woman should not stand in front of a microwave while it is running. Guard your eggs! I won't get into that. BUT - I had to strategically hide my lower body behind the dryer while watching to make sure this did not overflow the mug. I used a big mug, too! I have to lower the power wattage & cook a little more than one minute. Yes. Yes, my washer and dryer are in the kitchen. And I don't care. It's a rental. ;)</span></strong></div>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-46349404007043908842012-04-01T17:56:00.001-07:002012-04-01T17:56:23.729-07:00Kale Movement<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A couple big things I've found on fitness/health blogs have caught my attention recently. One of these is <strong>kale</strong>. The taste is so much stronger than spinach, and a lot of people recomend actually boiling it for consuming.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdPPy8xuZOwqlkBBU-Y-fzbQZBr-gLCW1IWGsi0cyzKaObe21shLezU_EA5oq39SYlVJZe3dooVxVUcVOjztlElFvPh3DyQHn_8P1B5OeBvN5eKBKmj_LSeuI5TmyzuP2BfvIn0pcw0Gm/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdPPy8xuZOwqlkBBU-Y-fzbQZBr-gLCW1IWGsi0cyzKaObe21shLezU_EA5oq39SYlVJZe3dooVxVUcVOjztlElFvPh3DyQHn_8P1B5OeBvN5eKBKmj_LSeuI5TmyzuP2BfvIn0pcw0Gm/s400/1.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I found some at Walmart! I was pretty excited & surprised.. They also carry veggie burgers, tofu, and even some vegan cheese! Pretty nice for a small town. I'm really not sure what people here think of being vegetarian or vegan, but I'm sure it's kind of like that scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.. "What do you mean, you don't eat no meat?! That's okay - I'll make lamb." (</span><a href="http://youtu.be/HnjWZT3yWWc"><span style="color: #38761d;">http://youtu.be/HnjWZT3yWWc</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">) Story of my life in the last three years since I stopped eating meat! Anyway, for lunch I boiled some kale...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I ate it with a sweet potato topped with some coconut oil & pumpkin pie spice - YUM! For dinner I had a bunch of raw kale & spinach salad with olive oil & fat free feta ... I might have snuck a little bit of low fat caesar as well.. I LOVE caesar salad dressing! And after a twelve mile run I thought why not splurge a little ;)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was so hot outside!! I loved it! I layed out for a bit - I'm trying to get rid of the awful running tan lines I'm getting - the socks, shorts, tank... meh. I really wouldn't care so much about tan lines, except in a month Steve and I are getting some wedding pictures taken and my strapless dress might look a little funny with sports top tan lines. :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6arueO9pCWkimCKGjzZvSyhceMhYOijNkgkUTu-Cou0HmYYhUa_u5uJzJXPNqf7VlySrpavZncAYuv5U4kAPjwh6OZv9rbBK6FUbht0rZFE3JPpNMKNlfg4q2VWuKY9xDdmEAIQXRpAo/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6arueO9pCWkimCKGjzZvSyhceMhYOijNkgkUTu-Cou0HmYYhUa_u5uJzJXPNqf7VlySrpavZncAYuv5U4kAPjwh6OZv9rbBK6FUbht0rZFE3JPpNMKNlfg4q2VWuKY9xDdmEAIQXRpAo/s320/3.JPG" width="305" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I probably should not have layed out to bake<em> before</em> my long run... but I was waiting for my running buddy to get out of a late church service ~ plus I didn't want to run in the heat of the day. It still ended up being pretty hot, and I probably could have had more water before I hit the trails, but I didn't want to have to stop to go to the restroom. Two hours is a long time to be running... LONG. TIME. I went pretty slow and am pretty happy that I went that distance. My first time to run 12 miles! Wahoo!</span>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968025171897867159.post-69897522528527321502012-03-30T18:47:00.001-07:002012-03-30T18:47:28.882-07:00There's No Win in Comparison<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I suffer from my constantly comparing myself to others. I struggle and I suffer and I anticipate that someday I will come to know what this "freedom" with Christ would be like in this very specific place in my heart.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">A lot of it is probably habitual - I am in the habit of constantly<em> finding</em> something to compare with myself (and never measuring up!)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">I've struggled with a diagnosed ED before... and I kind of think that because I don't have an ED anymore that my suffering with simply being miserable about who I am is okay. I mean, I'm not doing <em>physical </em>damage. I eat (usually more than I should) every day, and keep food down. I workout, I run a LOT. I take much better care of my body...</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">I beat myself up EVERY DAY about how I am not ... what am I not? That's the thing, though, that <em>really</em> <strong>irks</strong> me. What I get upset about not being - is not what I really want to be. But I still feel so insecure about myself, not being certain things with certain degrees and a certain body makes me feel so <em>inferior</em>. And <span style="font-size: x-small;">so</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">small</span>.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Steve has encouraged me to really seek what the Lord's will for my life is. Steve thinks that he knows - but he said that I need to really seek God whole heartily and wait for Him to reveal what He wants to do with me. I am so easily distracted in prayer - it is so hard for me to focus & reflect on any one specific subject.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">A lot has been hard, lately, and that doesn't help. I don't have friends yet here to spend time with, and I spend a lot of time alone while Steve is at work. I do go to a women's Bible study one day a week. I run so much (training for my first half marathon!) that working out/showering/protein-ing up post workout actually takes a good amount of time. I am doing a Beth Moore study that takes up some time every day and I was attempting to memorize the book of James (slacking on that, now that I think about it..) But then, I have a list of books to read, Spanish to study, endless chores - it is so hard for me to occupy my time with these things! I could have every minute of my day busy with something, but instead I spend a lot of it just sitting around being miserable about how I do not like who I am. I am trying desperately to lose weight that I gained after I got married (GRRR!!!!!!!) and I am pretty upset how hard it is. But with me being so down on myself - I am stuck on comfort food! Why can't I be a depressed person that doesn't fix feelings with food?</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Goes to show - I have a lot to be praying about, don't I?</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">I really don't remember what the point of me writing all this out even was anymore!</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">I need to make changes in my life, and the most hurtful & influential one right now is the comparison trap that I have made for myself and am stuck in..</span>Karen Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18251450066249343861noreply@blogger.com0