It’s March!

Wow, it’s been such a long time since I’ve written anything. I do have an alibi, though, I was in a remote area for over 3 weeks which kept me from posting anything or really doing what I wanted. I didn’t have cellphone service! I felt like I was living in the sticks…oh wait, I was! I’ve decided this is going to be a recap of my life for the past month or so because I know I need some self reflection, but I imagine some of you wouldn’t mind hearing what has been going on during this phase of mobilization.

I want to start first by thanking those of you who prepared me for what I am about to see and do, I haven’t left yet (I soon will) and I feel like all the advice I have been given provided me with a foundation for what to- and – not do. Luckily, I took the advice and reminded myself (when necessary) that it could be worse. It’s so true, maybe that’s a bad way to look at life but it’s always helpful for me. It always helps to have a different perspective, and it always helps to look through someone else’s eyes. So, thank you newfound friends, friends and otherwise strangers. I look forward to writing more, updating runninginger, and posting my workouts. I haven’t been fortunate enough to run like I’ve wanted, but I’ve made sure to get in some time…I do know that I’m happy to be a runner!

I’ve decided I’m not a fan of the state of Louisiana, I hope to never EVER go back. I don’t think I’ve missed home that much for a long time, and I knew I was in for a treat the moment I saw shrimp in an old rusty freezer/refrigerator type box that was filled with water and shrimp…GROSS! I wish I took a picture just as a souvenir, unfortunately I didn’t! I knew the three weeks that followed would be something I would never forget…so true!

I can appreciate living in crappy conditions, really! I mean, who gets excited about stepping into a clean porter pottie? Not too many, right? Or who gets REALLY excited when they can use a public restroom after using a porter for weeks on end…I know I DO! I love my friend’s faces when they see something that is gross, socially unacceptable or disgusting. In my mind all I can think revert to is the idea that it’s really NOT THAT BAD, but then again they don’t really know what bad is…or so I think. I feel like I’ve been able to toughin’ up, but maybe that’s just me!

Now, let me talk about the food/workout situation. Louisiana was probably every vegetarian and/or healthy eater’s worst nightmare! I have never seen food this awful, really! We had the same meal at least 4 nights out of the week and it was never good, I ended up eating whole fruits and bread…oh, I also ate oatmeal and lots and lots o’ PB! Holy-ish…Heinz makes PB, who would have thought? It’s tasty, but I love my Maranatha PB and I found a new-old PB (JIF Natural PB)…you should all check it out! For the price the Jif is amazing, it tastes like it’s super expensive. Yum num num

I have come to find that I like running with people, for the longest time I’ve been fearful of running with people because I never thought I was good enough. I enjoy the conversation, and I enjoy running at different speeds sometimes regardless if they run significantly slower than I am used to. I like helping people and encouraging people to run harder and faster, someone recently told me I inspired them…that made me feel really good. Thank you even if you’re not reading! Running is and has always has been on my mind. If I don’t do it I’m not the happiest girl on the block, but I’ve also learned that not doing it is okay too so long as I get back into the swing of things the next day or soon after.

I’ve come to learn a few things about myself, I truly believe that each day provides a new set of struggles. The struggles may not be big or really all that significant but each one begins a little differently and all of them require perseverance. Through perseverance comes strength and with strength comes determination. It’s good that I like a challenge from time to time, I’ve come to appreciate myself, my body, and strangers more than I ever thought possible within a month’s time. I have been dealt a lucky hand among the challenges I face today and in the coming days, I couldn’t ask for anything better.

I found myself alone shortly after I mobed. Not only did I find myself surrounded by a group of strangers, but I had selected my destiny for myself so complaining about it was of no use to me or anyone else. I grew a chip on my shoulder for a few days before I realized that I was of no help to anyone moping around like a girl who just heard bad news. I picked myself up and dusted myself off…that’s all it took. Now it sounds a lot easier written down than it really is or was but that’s what it comes down to. I had a friend from back in the day that told me I needed to let things go, he didn’t put it in as kind of words as those but he certainly got his point across. I should take a moment and let him no his advice has been useful-hmmm I’ll get on that! I keep telling myself to stay open minded and FLEXIBLE…ask me how I’m doing in a few months, things might change in terms of how much flexibility I can stand.

I will do my best to post what I can…stay tuned for updates and anything else I can muster! Take care, friends!