#1  Run a 5K.  My biggest goal for 2015 is to RUN a 5K.  Not walk a 5K, RUN a 5K.  I bought the ugly running shoes and downloaded the training app.  I'm ready to go. 

#2  Eat less processed foods and eat more "real" foods.  I've been trying to incorporate Meatless Mondays into the mix for a while and now I'm ready to add 2 days, per week, of eating only "real" foods.  Baby steps.  Last year's resolution was to give up pork products entirely.  I am proud to say that as of January 1, 2014, I have not eaten a single pork product!  While I have no plans to cut fish out of my diet, I am trying to eat less animal meats.  I am not doing this for health reasons but it will be a happy bonus! 

#3  Take a French class.  This is so that I can speak to my sister-in-law's family when they come visit for the summer. 

#4  Keep my house relatively clean and visit-able.  I'm pretty terrible at this one.  I don't want to be.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.  I have decided to set my timer to clean a set amount  of time each day. 

#5  Love my people more.  This is the most important one.  I want to be intentional with my love this year.  I want to stop the busyness and love on the people in my life.  

I have other big/small "wishes" for the year, but for now, I'll start with those 5. 

So Long 2014

As with every year, 2014 had its share of "high" moments and some "not quite as high" moments. I lost quite a few loved ones this year, some expected and some very unexpected.  I will cherish every moment shared with them and will carry them with me forever.  

I have made a commitment to RUN my first 5K in 2015.  I have walked quite a few 5K's but I have never actually ran an entire 5K.  Yesterday, Scott & I went to Run For Your Life and had my feet/gait analyzed by an "expert" for a new pair of running shoes.  I'm so glad I did because I had no idea you are supposed to buy running shoes at least 1 to 1 1/2 sizes larger than your normal size.  I normally wear a 7 but my new shoes are an 8 1/2.  I'm on day 3 of the Couch to 5K app and am in the process of learning to run properly.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.  Not because anyone would particularly care but because I need to hold myself accountable somehow.  

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of busyness, both at home and at work.  Scott & I have taken our turns with the winter cold that seems to be sparing no one around our area.  I'm actually looking forward to going back to work in the morning and getting back into the "normal" routine. 

A couple of months ago, Scott decided he wanted us to buy a king sized bed.  I'm one of those rare girls that really dislikes shopping.  When the time came to go shopping for a bed I said, "Why don't you build one?"  So, he did...

This is a picture of the bed before he disassembled it to paint.  It is now an "off-white" color.  Earlier today, we bought a Sleep Number mattress.  Wow, I had no idea that buying a mattress could be as difficult as buying a car (and frankly, as expensive as some too!)  I'm looking forward to our new mattress being delivered.  I will post pictures of the finished product once it arrives.  I guess I have to buy new sheets & a new comforter now.  

Blossom still has her 1 1/2 roll per week toilet paper habit. 

So for Christmas Santa brought Blossom her very own roll.

 Greta enjoyed the warm, sunny weather that we had earlier this weekend...

And, because I don't want to leave Huggybear out....here's a picture with Balto...

Well, Greta just threw up on the couch.  Time to to some more laundry....

Family

 It wasn't the weekend I would have chosen but I feel so blessed and thankful.  Yesterday, we said goodbye to a beloved Uncle.  Hollywood could not have written a more beautiful and touching ceremony.  I just felt so blessed to be among such a loving family and I only wish that I could have spent more time with each and every one there.  There were so many that could not make it and they were missed.  God is good.  

Yesterday, I found out that one of my favorite people in the world was not feeling well.  Last night, I found out they were going to the hospital.  Later in the evening, I was told that the doctors in the ER had discovered cancer and it "wouldn't be long".  This morning, I found out that my dear friend had passed. God is good.

It has been a hard week/weekend and this week will bring some more hard days.  All I know is that I am so thankful for such a wonderful and loving family and such good friends.  There is always so much to be thankful for in each situation.  As the song says, "Life is hard but God is good". 

Sunday

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!  I was fortunate enough to celebrate Thanksgiving twice.  First, we celebrated with my family & then we celebrated with Scott's family.  It was definitely a Turkey Day. 

Saturday, Megan and I did the Checkers 5K.  The worst part about doing the Checkers 5K was that is was FREEZING cold!  I learned a very valuable lesson:  I will NEVER do another 5K in the freezing cold.  That being said, I will NEVER do another 5K in the burning heat either.  So, unless your 5K is in October or April, I'm out.  

The best part about competing in the Checkers 5K was that they gave us free tickets to last night's game.  An extra special bonus was that it was Charlotte Hornets' night at the Checkers' game.  The team wore Charlotte Hornets' specialty jerseys.   The tickets that Megan and I received were for seats directly behind the player's bench.  

 

Not too bad, eh?  Not only did the Checkers' win 5-4, it was an epic battle filled with a lot of fighting (I LOVE fighting!).  Even the goalies fought and were both ejected.  After the game, the players' jerseys were auctioned off for charity.  Megan and I made sure to sit on our hands because we didn't want to accidentally make a bid and buy a jersey.  

After all of that excitement, I plan to enjoy Sunday the way God intended....as a day of rest!!! 

Sunday

Hi.  It's been a whole week since I've posted anything.  This past week was rather mentally draining so I'm just sitting at my computer, drawing a blank on what to post.  Since I can't seem to come up with anything good, I decided to share a couple of pictures that I found on my camera.  

Here I am with my mom on her birthday last February...

Last month, my friend Megan and I went to Buzz Fest for the Charlotte Hornets.

My birthday in September (with my niece, nephew & the world's best cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes).

Greta decided to join me in Bible study

Daniel is playing "copy-cat" with Blossom.

Because Greta's veins are hard to locate, the vet techs wrap her like a burrito and hold her down.  Here she is shooting hate beams at me with her eyes.  Coincidentally, this is the same look she gives me every night when Scott and I give her fluids to her... 

Finally, I came across the following quote this week and it has really left an impact on me...

Happy Sunday!

Dogs Galore

This weekend was the 20th Annual Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival at Rural Hill Farms.  I've been to this festival several times and it never disappoints. 

The sheepdogs (Border Collies) and their handlers were competing to go to Nationals.  

 

 

 

I could watch sheepdogs and their handlers work all day.  Unfortunately, Scott could not.  

We also watched some of the Dock Diving Dogs competition.  This dog is competing in the extreme vertical competition. 

It wouldn't be a dog festival without an agility course.  Here is a dog that looks much like our Balto:

I don't have pictures but there were also Frisbee demonstrations and my personal favorite...Flyball!!! 

The following picture is a demonstration of a new dog sport called Treibball.  Treibball is a combination of obedience and herding.  I was fascinated by this sport.  Scott, however, was not. 

Rural Hill Farms is home to a small herd of the most beautiful Scottish Highland Cattle:  Romeo, Queenie, Fiona, Dolly and Bubba:

There was so much to do and to EAT at the festival.  You could also try your hand at Pumpkin Chunkin', the Amazing "Maize" Maze, check out antique tractors or watch 1760's farm demonstrations.  I'm already looking forward to going again next year!  If you'd like to go with me, please let me know!!! 

Stuff I Like

My favorite painter isn't a household name...yet.  Little Iris Grace has autism and lives in a silent world much like my niece, Laura.  Iris, now 5 years old, began painting at the age of 3 as a form of autism therapy. 

Here is a Iris with her therapy cat, Thula. 

I'm obsessed with Iris' paintings and hope to own a print one day.  Owning an original would be amazing but they becoming very expensive!  All profits made from the sale of Iris' artwork goes to fund her autism therapy. 

A few samples of her work:

 

Look closely and you will see Iris' cat, Thula, in the picture below.  Her parents say that they can see Thula in much of Iris' work.  Do you see Thula?

All of the above photos are from the Iris Grace Painting website.  I encourage you to visit the website to learn more about her story and view her breathtaking artwork.  www.irisgracepainting.com

Randomness

This week I...

Met a new friend while walking through the woods to my parents' house.

Carved a pumpkin for the very first time in my life with the help of my Bible study leader, Connie.  I was shocked to learn that pumpkins are hollow.  I thought they were full of the pumpkin "stuff" you get in a Libby's can of pumpkin.  I'm quite proud of how this turned out.  My mom does not believe that I did this.

 Ran into my niece and nephew while picking up a prescription at Target. 

Got my hair dyed (every 5 weeks).

Why I don't have my own reality show, I don't know. 

No Tricks, Just Treats

Yesterday was Halloween and I took my niece & nephew trick-or-treating. 

I'm not sure why my little policeman looks sad....he was so excited and had a blast!

Their mom was at work but here's a picture with their dad:

 

And...here are a couple with me!

There really should be a rule that trick-or-treating is only for kids 10 and under.  Many of the children going door to door last night were just too big.  They were basically running from house to house nearly trampling all of the little ones (and adults) in their way.  It is rather dangerous to have a little one out there.  I'm just tickled that my niece and nephew were able to experience the fun of dressing up and going door to door.  Well, Daniel dressed up; Laura still isn't quite sure about wearing costumes. 

Happy Candy Eating Day!

When Things Don't Go as Planned

I'm on a quest to find a hobby that Laura is interested in.  Most recently, I had the bright idea that maybe she would enjoy painting.  So...yesterday, I went to Michael's and stocked up on paper and paint.  Side by side Laura and I sat at the table and worked on our individual masterpieces.  I found that I LOVE painting.  Laura, not so much.  However, at some point while I was concentrating on my martian landscape...Laura was busy eating the paint.  

 Don't worry, Aunt Julie planned ahead and bought all non-toxic art supplies.  

Simply Saturday

Periodically the Sundance catalog shows up in my mailbox.  Sidebar: If anyone wants to buy me a gift certificate for this catalog, feel free.  I love turning the pages and picking out what I'd like to buy, but....I don't.  I've never bought one thing from Robert Redford's wish book (yet).  I just can't bring myself to pay the outrageous asking prices.  For example:  

See this beautiful gemstone wrap bracelet for $188:  

 photo courtesy of sundance catalog

My mother-in-law bought me this beauty from Etsy for my birthday for $48.  The seller is StringofJewels:

photo courtesy of StringofJewels

You can't see it from this angle but there is a charm with my initial on the side.  So...my Simply Saturday advice to you is: The Sundance Catalog is awesome; however, if you fall in love with something on its pages, check out the artists on Etsy.  You might find something just as great!

Hipster Julie

Since I've decided to start blogging again, I thought I should break out the ol' DSLR camera.  While I love my DSLR camera, my phone is so much more convenient.  

I decided that I wanted to replace my basic camera strap with a scarf strap so I headed to my favorite place on earth, Etsy.  I ordered this pale pink scarf strap from EarthtoEmerald on Sunday, and it was in my mailbox on Wednesday.  It is every bit as comfortable as I had imagined. 

I'm pretty sure it makes me look way more creative than I am.  I also have a feeling that no man will want to carry my camera now....  Oh well. 

Tractors: The Sequel

I thought I'd share a couple of pictures my brother sent me of my nephew driving me around in the back of his tractor. 

If you look real hard, you will see that Daniel is pointing to something in this picture.  I would have loved to have heard what my little tour guide was explaining to me.

Dogs and Tractors

Saturday, Kevin and I took the kids to the Fall Paw Dive at Pet Essentials.  This is an annual competition for the Dock Dogs organization.

When I was younger, I dreamed of living on a lake so that I could have a "dock diving dog" and enter him into competition.  Looking out my window today, I don't see a lake anywhere.  Oh well.
The kids had a great time...

Afterwards, Daniel showed me the tractor and trailer that Papaw gave him.  I thought he was kidding.  Turns out, my dad really did "give" him his very own tractor.  

I sat in the trailer while Daniel drove me around the yard.  I think I was just so shocked that a 5 year old was driving me around on the back of a tractor to even get out.  Later, his dad (Kevin) tried to drive us around the yard but the tractor kept cutting off.  I asked Daniel if he was a better driver than his dad.  He said, "Yeah.  I know how to use the choke."  That is word for word what he told me.  After Kevin's failed attempt, my dad drove Daniel, Laura and me around the yard.  Dad didn't have any problems with the tractor cutting off.  I guess he knows how to use the choke as well.  :-)