have you ever...

1) ...gotten a spray tan?

I got my first one this weekend! And just to put your worries to rest, we're definitely not talking the likes of any oompa loompa or Jersey Shore member. Thanks to Stevie and her own personal spray tan machine, I left Dallas a little less translucent than I arrived. It was a fun experience and I was actually pleasantly surprised/impressed with the evenness and tone of the tan. And, I must admit, I've already looked into the purchase of my own spray tan machine, but, alas, my budget has no room for that currently.

2) ...cooked with quinoa?

This week's trip to the grocery store included a couple of new items, one being a big bag of quinoa, an easy-to-cook grain that packs protein and nutty flavor in the little bubbly morsels. Funny story--I'd wanted to try quinoa for a while now, but wasn't quite brave enough to venture out of my usual and didn't really want to spend $5 for a box of stuff I wasn't sure I'd like. So, I hit up the self-serve machines in the organic section at Price Cutter, thinking I'd save a buck or two and start off small. Welp, so much for that. The plastic container housing the quinoa was over my head and I couldn't see what I was doing as I helped myself to an overly generous portion. (I don't know how I didn't spill it at the store, because when I got home, I swear a third of the bag ended up on my counter, floor, and the lip of my dishwasher.) I have no concept of weight or estimating distances and that sort of thing, so I had no idea what to expect when I went to weigh my bag and print the label, but $12.04 was NOT at all what I had in mind. Boy did I feel sheepish. $5 for a box didn't sound so bad at that point. Sheesh.

Anyway, last night I cooked up a batch for the first time. (My sister said it smelled awful, but I liked the nutty blend.) I did a little research and found this site that offers several quinoa recipes; however, I decided to keep it simple and just spiced it up with some black pepper after it was on my plate. This morning, though, I used quinoa in place of my usual oatmeal and was pretty pleased with the results.

I used this recipe, but modified it slightly with my own ingredients:

1 cup cooked quinoa, 1/4 cup almond milk, 1/4 cup mixed berries, 1 drizzle maple syrup, 1 TBS brown sugar, topped with 1/4 cup vanilla Activia.

Ok, since this isn't a food blog, I'll move off of this topic...soon. But first, can I just say how empowering it is to try something new in the kitchen and actually have it somewhat succeed?! Honestly, I hope to be a domestic diva one day, but in the mean time, it's baby steps.

3) ...had neuroma?

I have it. Traumatic neuroma, to be exact.

Yesterday I went to the podiatrist again. I've been having significant pain in my foot...still/again. So my mom and aunt finally convinced me that I should call, and when I did, the nurse said I definitely needed to come in and get checked out. Ugh. I was NOT looking forward to the potential outcome: cast, crutches, MRI, bone scan, surgery...I had no idea what to expect. Well, let me just tell you how good God is. He is SO good. Honestly. The x-rays showed that my bones have healed great from the fracture, so the pain I've been experiencing is due to traumatic neuroma, or a swelling of the nerves caused by aggravation. (She used the term tumor, of the benign sort, which is still a pretty scary word any way you turn it. I'll stick with swelling, thank you very much.) Bottom line: The nerves are freaking out from the trauma of the fracture and I need to wear wider shoes and avoid activities that irritate the nerves, such as bending at the toes. AKA, no running, jumping, lunging, stair-stepping for a while. But, I can walk and squat and bike and WALK. I was so super excited to hear that it's only temporary and should be gone in 6-8 weeks. And I WALKED out of her office. Praise the Lord. He really never gives us more than we can handle!

In an effort to give my toes the wiggle room they need, I laid down a pretty penny (several pretty pennies, actually) on Zappos.com last night. I would be fighting buyer's remorse pretty heavily if it weren't for the fact that my doctor mandated wider shoes. That means she'll cover the debt of my purchases, right? Ha.

So, any other fakely tanned, quinoa cooking, neuroma sufferers out there? I'd recommend staying away from the latter, although the first two could make for some fun experimenting!

Happy Tuesday, all! My lunch break is wrapping up so I better do the same.

destination: dallas

Hello, bloggie buddies! How was your Monday? Better yet, how was your weekend?!

Disclaimer: I did not take this photo. But I think it's pretty.

My weekend came and went way too quickly. (Can I get an "Amen?!") Thursday I took a vacation day and embarked on a quick roadtrip to visit my friend Stevie in Dallas. I was a little apprehensive by the time Thursday morning rolled around since this was the farthest I'd ever driven by myself AND I'd never driven further southwest than Joplin, let alone Texas! There's a first time for everything I guess. Even though my dad tried to convince me to fly, I insisted on hitting the open road. Something about driving is so soothing to me...

...until I hit Oklahoma highways. Holy moley, what is the deal, OK? Honestly, I've never been so carsick in my life. And I get carsick nearly every roadtrip, but not typically when I drive. Forget 75mph speed limit; semis passed me left and right at my sluggish 60mph. Barf bag in one hand, digging for Meclizine tablets with the other; I was quite a mess for a bit. Needless to say, my always knowledgeable father texted me directions via the interstate for my return trip.

Anyway, I rolled into Dallas safe and sound, and only suffered mildly from a cloud of nausea and carsickness funk. We enjoyed dinner at Gloria's, a super posh Mexican restaurant in downtown Dallas. Saturday, Stevie humored me and took me to IKEA for my first time! The phrase "kid in a candy store" doesn't even touch the two of us. Yes, we hit every room. Yes, we tested too many couches/chairs. And, yes, we designed and redesigned our own homes multiple times during our tour. For lunch: the best pizza I've ever had, compliments of Grimaldi's. Then it was on to shopping and a driving tour of Dallas. Friday night, we headed to Fort Worth for a bite to eat at a hole-in-the-wall open-air burger joint, followed by a visit to a huge country-western dance hall/concert venue. Honestly, I've never felt so midwestern in my life, but I've never enjoyed a city so much. Driving into Fort Worth was literally like stepping back in time. We visited an old saloon-style shop where I found the cutest turquoise dangling earrings for my sister. Brick streets. Cowboy hats. Boots. Belt-buckles. Chivalry. MANNERS. Music. Two-stepping. So much fun.

Stevie, me, and Gena in Fort Worth

More than all the southwestern charm, which definitely has its effect, I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Stevie. We haven't been friends for all that long, but she is one of those people that is solid. No matter what's going on, she's consistent and she's real. We had some really honest conversations this weekend, tough conversations, and it was so refreshing--and revealing, the kind that teach you something about yourself. Why is it that those friendships that foster such transparency seem so few and far between? Honestly, where is all the authenticity in this world? That's definitely another topic for another post. The point is that I definitely enjoyed and appreciated spending time with Stevie.

Friday went too quickly and Saturday came too soon. However, the end of the interstate did not come nearly soon enough. Oy. NOTHING exists through most of Oklahoma. Not complaining in the least, simply observing. The interstate did, however, prove to be much smoother than OK highways. No trash bag was harmed during the drive home. I got home just in time to recover and sleep for Sunday festivities.

All in all, it was a great weekend...and I'm still wishing it were longer, in vain, I know.

Here's to an equally good week!

Another reason...

...that I love students.

Exhibit A: They draw random pictures during Bible study.

Also, they allow me to give impromptu grammar lessons using the white board in our office. Actually, "allow me to" may not be entirely accurate. More like they politely listen as long as they possibly can and then smile that "I think you're completely crazy" smile and then carry on with whatever conversation was previously in progress before the visit from the grammar geek.

Bottom line: I enjoy their kind of crazy and they tolerate mine. I'm completely ok with that. :)

Back to school, back to...

...incessant reading, endless typing, and ACNE. What? Yes, I said acne.

I love to read, but usually when I have downtime, I lack the energy to read for fun. Major benefit to taking grad classes online: mucho reading. But honestly, I feel like I read constantly (except when I'm driving, talking with others face-to-face, or showering, of course).

Typing. Again, constant. Between work and school, my computers are so well loved.

Lastly, the ever so attractive redish bumps that are enjoying their flourishing vacation across my face. Honestly, I was beginning to enjoy some freedom from this beast and even exploring lighter (and occasionally a lack of) makeup. And then school started. I really think it must be subconscious because my mind does not feel overly stressed about school. Busy, but not overly stressed or taxed. Oy. I should've bought stock in skin care companies 10 years ago...

That all seems to be a little bit focused on the negative. And I'm honestly trying to have a positive attitude. So, here's some positivity: I LOVE learning. I love growing and being challenged intellectually. And I love feeling like I'm contributing to a conversation that could stimulate growth in someone else. (Yes, I'm most definitely a teacher.) The class that I'm currently taking is called "Ministry with Students." It's been really interesting to discover philosophies, theologies, and such of those who have much experience in the world of student ministry. Some of it seems like things I could have written with my measly 2.5 years of experience in vocational ministry; however, the perspectives of others bring a lot to the table. And their insights are invaluable. In no way do I come close to having this whole world of ministry figured out. Sheesh, it's endless. But I do know that the bottom line is that Jesus is Lord and He loves students. And somehow, somewhere along the line, He called me to love students too.

While all the studying I've been doing is great, nothing even comes close to the heart knowledge that I've gained, even just this weekend. I've really been trying to hone in on what exactly my passion and my calling is in life. Thursday evening, I was on the treadmill, doing some reading for school (further proves my point of reading constantly--I can't currently afford to expand my workout outside of the treadmill because I need that time to read!), and I suddenly realized that regardless of the capacity, I am so passionate about working with teenagers. I sincerely love being around them (even when they annoy the snot out of me). I value their perspectives and so appreciate their energy. Most of all, I care about their lives now and eternally. Maybe this all sounds super silly and obvious, but for the first time--maybe ever--I felt so entirely certain of my calling that I could not stop smiling. There was an overwhelming peace and such a fulfilling joy that I experienced on that treadmill. And I so needed that. I wanted to carry on my power walk forever! Ha.

So, there's some positivity right there...and from a post that started off on a negative foot. What's going on in your life that's positive? How did you discern your calling and your passion? Do you get excited about it?

I'm excited...and I have homework to do. So that's it for now, bloggies.

Have a great Monday!

monday sick day

My plan to avoid Mondays: Monday sick days. Ha...totally kidding. I honestly hate sick days. They're right up there next to gagging noises and bad sushi. Ick. I just feel like a lump of human, consuming space, and profiting next to nothing. Needless to say, I'm not a good patient. So, to counteract the ten hours that I spent sleeping, with brief interruptions to take more sinus meds, refill the water bottle, shower, and put the neti pot to good use, I dragged myself out of bed to hit the treadmill for a bit this evening. Hopefully I sweated out the toxins and wore myself out enough to actually fall asleep tonight.

In between sleeping sessions today (I literally did sleep most of the day--that part was wonderful and apparently much needed), I hit the web to do some shoe shopping, which has become a less than enjoyable experience over the last few months. I'm finding myself struggling to rewrite my definition of cute and go for the healthy shoes. It's especially difficult considering the price of not-as-cute comfy shoes. So, I'm going out on a limb here and asking your opinion. I need a couple pairs of stylish and healthy dress shoes/boots that I can wear on Sundays, mostly. Sundays are the days I'm on my feet the most, but, honestly, that's when I care the most what I'm wearing too. I know in the scheme of things, it doesn't matter; but let's be honest, I'm a girl and fashion is important to me. And I know I'm not alone in that. ;)

Ok, here are a couple of options I've been considering. Seriously, your feedback is requested and appreciated. But, please, be gentle, and remember, I've got old lady feet that I have to consider, so if there is an opportunity cost, it's going to have to be the fashion over the fit.






Ok, so hit me with your thoughts! And of course other recommendations are welcome too.
Stay healthy--from your head to your toes! :)

You know those days...

...that just start off the wrong foot entirely? Today was unquestionably one of those days.

I stayed up too late (enjoying the company of good friends for a special occasion, mind you), but then I snoozed too long. And I skipped my Bible time and last minute review time. I rationalized that I was up late and I would have some downtime once I got to work and got everything settled so I could review then. Plus, those extra nine minutes of zzz's really do count. (HA.) And it was rainy and I couldn't decide what to wear... Ugh, it was just one of those mornings. And then I got to work, and technology was not on my side. I won't recount all the little issues I ran into, but it was honestly one thing after another. Up until about 5 minutes before our first hour of small groups I was struggling with getting anything to work right. It was all I could do to hold back the tears while I asked James, who was busy fighting his own fires and gearing up for his hour of small groups, to take a look at yet another tech issue. Oy. Thankfully he was super gracious and got my stuff up and running just in time to kick off our small group openers.

Needless to say, I did not have a moment of downtime to review my lesson or do any kind of personal Bible study. And let's just suffice to say lesson learned. However, greater than the lesson of not snoozing through my alarm and considering an earlier bedtime on Saturday eve, is a lesson that Jesus has been trying so hard to get me to see lately. As I was switching gears from Junior High and Senior High this morning, I had a few moments to catch my breath during a couple of worship songs. The Lord so graciously reminded me during those moments that He loves me so much, not for what I do, or really even for who I am, but because of who He is. I love being cradled in His love. I know that sounds cheesy; in fact I nearly deleted it as soon as I typed it. But I can't, because it's so true. And maybe you need to hear that. Maybe you need to let Him envelope you and just hold you while you rest in His love. It seems like lately He's been chasing after me with this idea of love. Love? Really? Yes, love. He's been hitting me with it from so many different angles lately, and while I'm definitely not an expert on the topic, and I definitely struggle with accepting something of which I am so unworthy, I am beginning to see glimpses of what true love--His love--really looks like and how it works in my life.

Lesson number one today: His love for me knows no bounds. And all He really wants is for me to know that love and make it known. Lesson number two: Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is greater, stronger, higher, more beautiful, more powerful, more gracious, more undeserved, than His love. And nothing could ever stop it. (See Romans 8.) During our second hour of small groups I was so overwhelmed, again, with His love and how unchangeable it is. Seriously, I don't even deserve to experience His love, let alone be reminded of it so relentlessly. But He's so good like that.

So today, that started out being "one of those days," and NOT one of my days, ended up being exactly what it needed to be, exactly what He wanted it to be. Here's to the same tomorrow.

I hope you're being blessed, bloggies, and soaking in His love for you.

a-z about me

{ bff rachel and me }

{a} age :: 25 (cough, cough)
{b} bed size :: queen
{c} chore you hate :: laundry...ugh! putting it in isn't so bad, but taking it out and putting it away...oy.
{d} dogs :: 2ish...leo and selene (my parents')
{e} essential start to your day :: snooze, workout (if snoozing doesn't take too long), shower, breakfast, quiet time
{f} favorite color :: i definitely dig black and white. no question.
{g} gold or silver :: silver
{h} height :: 5'4.5" to be exact
{i} instruments you play :: originally, accordian, then keys, now learning guitar
{j} job title :: student associate
{k} kids :: no, thank you (cough, cough, scandalous)
{l} live :: missouri
{m} maiden name :: stone...duh?
{n} nicknames :: jessie, jess, bessie, jesser...that's all i'll share for now :)
{o} overnight hospital stays :: not since birth, but plenty of visits
{p} pet peeve :: poor grammar/spelling, specifically with your/you're and their/they're/there; rude, hateful attitudes; dirty fingernails...ick!
{q} quote :: "It was all worth the weight, worth the wait." --Sleeping at Last
{r} righty or lefty :: righty
{s} siblings :: 1 little sissy, age 20
{t} time you wake up :: depends on the day and the night before...wait, that sounds bad. it depends what time i get to bed. i'm an 8-hour kind of girl. i generally snooze at least once every morning though. typical rise and shine time: somewhere between 6:50-7:30am.
{u} university attended :: southwest baptist university, undergrad; currently dallas baptist university, graduate
{v} vegetables you dislike :: none that i know of, really
{w} what makes you run late :: thinking i always have time for one last task...ugh. i'm late by nature, but on time by discipline...most of the time.
{x} x-rays you’ve had :: teeth, gall bladder, intestines, ankle, feet...
{y} yummy food :: cereal, ice cream, fresh fruit/veggies, SALMON--yum!
{z} zoo animal favorite :: generally, i don't make a practice of visiting the zoo. in fact, i can't remember the last time i went. i guess i'd have to say pandas or penguins or something like that.