On Running

I started running last weekend. I read an article somewhere about starting off so small that it's almost laughable, and not pushing yourself too far in the beginning. So that's what I'm doing.

I decided to start by running only 10 minutes each day. I don't run fast, I (clearly) don't run far. I run at a pace that's comfortable for 10 minutes, and then I stop. And for now, that's enough. I want to learn to LOVE running, and the less I HATE running to begin with, the better chance I think I'll have in the long run.

By this time next year I would like to do a Triathlon by myself. Not a crazy full-length one, but maybe an Olympic length. By the end of April next year I would like to be able to run a 10K without a second thought.

Oh, and remember that goal I had of being in the best shape of my life for my 30th gift to myself? Yeah... that's not going well. But loving running is going to get me on my way.

School update

In case any of you were wondering, I still love school. (What I am currently NOT loving is working until 10 every night, but that is going to change next semester).

I love certain aspects of each of my classes, but I feel like I've learned the most so far in my photography class. Not that I'm an expert, by any means. But I feel like I've learned a few things that have really helped me improve.

Here are some of the photos I've taken up to this point:

Until next time...

Sarah

Churchy stuff

I just got called to be a Sunday School teacher at church. I'm maaaaaybe a little intimidated, but I think it will be really good for me.

And I just got called tonight to speak in church on September 18th. I'll be speaking for 10 minutes about Matthew 7:21-19.

 21 ¶Not every one that ^asaith unto me, ^bLord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that ^cdoeth the ^dwill of my Father which is in heaven.^e

 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not ^aprophesied in thy name? and in thy ^bname have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never ^aknew you: ^bdepart from me, ye that work ^ciniquity.

 24 ¶Therefore whosoever ^aheareth these sayings of mine, and ^bdoeth them, ^cI will liken him unto a ^dwise man, which ^ebuilt his house upon ^fa rock:

 25 And the ^arain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and ^bbeat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a ^crock.

 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a ^afoolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that ^ahouse; and it ^bfell: and great was the fall of it.

 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended ^athese sayings, the people were ^bastonished at his ^cdoctrine:

 29 For he taught them as one having ^aauthority, and not as ^bthe scribes.

One scripture that I know I'll be sharing is from the Doctrine and Covenants 88:34:

34 And again, verily I say unto you, that which is ^agoverned by law is also preserved by law and perfected and ^bsanctified by the same.

I love the promise of that scripture--the obedience we offer is rewarded not only with blessings from God because of our obedience, but we are also sanctified simultaneously. 

So,  it will be an interesting few weeks as I prepare for my talk while starting school and working. I would love to hear your thoughts on these scriptures, if you feel like sharing... 

So, I moved. (And other non-essential updates.)

In no particular order:

• I moved in with a couple of friends. One of the friends bought the house. (It's brand new and beautiful. Don't worry that there was a grease fire in the kitchen less than 10 days after she closed. It's fine.*)
• I got a job! I'm working on campus in the testing center. I started in July, and it's a great job--the people are awesome, it keeps me busy, and I get to interact with people ALL day. Awesome. (It pays just under 50% what I was making before, but beggars can't be choosers.)
• I went to a Real game. It was really fun, and I want to go again, but maybe next time not melt in the sunshine the whole time.
• I may have two or more crushes happening simultaneously.
• I am terrified that I have a job and am taking 12 hours of art classes this fall (art classes= heavily project based. Remember the project I did for my 2-D class? Easily 25 hours put into that one...)
• I am happier than I have been in YEARS.
• I'm way behind on my goal to be in the best shape of my life during the year of my 30th birthday. Getting on that. Maybe I'll post weekly updates. Ha. Probably not.
• I sold a bunch of clothes I never wear to Plato's closet the other day so I would have enough money to buy groceries, fill my car with gas, and get my prescriptions filled. Paying almost $400 a month for insurance is going to be painful.
• I spent an awesome weekend at the lake house with the Knight family. Best weekend of the year. Every year.
• Also spent a few hours with the Roberts clan chatting, swimming, and munching. I love my families.
• I came to terms with the fact that I look TERRIBLE in orange.
• I learned that I look really awesome in coral. Never knew!
• I went to Whole Foods for the first time ever. I would move just to live in a city with a Whole Foods.
• I took a sushi-making class that I bought in February. Too much fun. Going to have a sushi party one of these days.
• I took a much-needed drive up the canyon to cool off and enjoy nature for a bit.
• I toyed with the idea of moving to Texas. Only briefly.

*Always buy homeowner's insurance.

Win a Trip to Paris from Oh Happy Day!

One of the blogs I read and find particularly inspiring is Oh Happy Day, written by Jordan Ferney. Jordan is a party planner and creative mastermind married to Paul, a talented painter. They run a letterpress studio together in San Francisco. They moved to Paris this year, and right now Jordan is giving away a trip for two to Paris!

Go to her blog for details on how to get the most entries into the contest--but for simply commenting on her post you get entered once--not too bad a return on your time investment if you win!

I would say good luck, but I'd be lying if I said I wanted you to win. Unless of course you take me with you.

Throwing out 50

Today I am starting a little "stuff" purge and throwing out 50 things, a la Jess Constable as inspired by Gaile Blanke. I bought Gaile's book a while back... and never did anything with. Big surprise. So, now it begins.

But I'm not really going to do it Gaile's way. I'm not counting 85 books as one item, or 7 pairs of shoes as one item, either. Sorry, Gaile.

But I am following her suggestion to write down all the things I throw away/donate/sell. So I'm starting a little tab called '50 Things' where I can update the list without it breaking into my regular posts.

To start things off, I'm donating three pairs of cute cute shoes to Deseret Industries. I love them, but I don't wear them--ever. So they can be put to better use by someone else. I'm also donating a hoodie, a grey cardigan that looks horrible on me, and a black ribbed sweater that is also hideous on me.

So far, 6 things. Plus however many French books I end up giving away via Facebook and to my local high school. I bought tons of used novels, philosophy books, etc. in France, dreaming that I would read them all and soak up the new vocabulary like a sponge. Nope. If I'm going to be honest with myself, they are just taking up space and making me feel guilty. So they are OUT.

Anyone want to join me and throw out 50 things?

Psykopaint

Psykopaint is a website where you can upload your pictures, and then turn them into 'paintings.' I thought it sounded fun, so I used a favorite picture from our family's Disneyland trip a couple of years ago. The picture was JUST out of focus, so I could never print it... but it was perfect for this.


Here is the original image:

And here is the painting:

Isn't that fun? Now you can paint your own images without years of experience or the cost of all the materials. ;)