What a Year Can Do

My God-send of a best friend and I were chatting yesterday about the last 12 months in review. She knows I'm a touch obsessed with lists, and she has a planner which challenges her to make a different list every week (why don't I own this?), and this week's list just happened to be "list your accomplishments/achievements from the past year". She invited me to play along, and I'll admit that it was a challenge. I realized that:
a) Time can quite literally fly by you. It's something I think we all know, and yet this truth (and all its weighty implications) rarely makes it to the application stage in our daily lives.
b) Success is relative. She and I have each marked notches in our "achievement" tree this past year, but they happen to be of greatly varying depths. She was able to graduate college, got shot at and lived (interesting but true story behind her now well-touted street cred), competed in a Bioethics debate at Duke University, and marked a few things off of her life's to-do list. As I began to dig into the past year's memories and activities, I felt rather unaccomplished; no major milestones took place for me. But, the longer I thought about it, the more I came back to that humbling and comforting truth that I'm not in competition with anyone. I did great things, by my own definition, in the past year. Could I have done more? Possibly. But regret and longing for the past robs today of its energy and possibility. So, frankly, I'm just not going to go there.

All that to say, here's my list:
- I learned to bake bread
- I have learned to eat a much greater variety of vegetables and fruit
- I (along with my husband)have managed to pay for his undergrad with no loans
- I ran a 5k and a 10k
- I used my sewing machine for the first time and sewed my first craft
- I threw my first craft party
- I lost 5 pounds
- I volunteered at Mission Arlington for the first time
- I gave up soda for 4 months
- I tried kayaking for the first time (and fell in love)
- I owned a restaurant and made it to the 2 year anniversary (almost - July 5th!)

I encourage you to take a look back at the past 12 months - there are bound to be some successes, some failures, some happy moments and some disappointments, but they all have brought you to today. Maybe it'll provide a little inspiration for next year's look-back.

- Decide the person you want to be and make your choices accordingly. -

Always,
K

In everything turn, turn, turn

The thing I love about writing is it creates a snapshot in time. Of the thoughts, feelings, goals, dreams, desires, knowledge (or lack thereof) of the writer. As I look back on these writings from two years ago, I'm both comforted and set uneasy by the things I read. This brief snapshot in review shows me that in two year's time, I've made progress in ways I never would've thought, but also tells me how easily goals go unachieved when they are not prioritized. A general list:

- I am leaps and bounds improved where my nutrition habits are concerned. Perfect? Hardly. But I do make conscious, thought-out choices where most food is concerned. I've cut out an extremely large portion of my processed foods habit and I now embrace fruits and veggies with semi-open arms (hey, I'm a work in progress). I'm proud of the changes I've made!

- While I still struggle with consistent 5-days-a-week exercise, I achieved two goals I NEVER thought possible - to run a 5k and 10k - and I'm on my way to achieving a third, which is running a half-marathon in October of this year. I could write for a good while about the life lessons this running endeavor has taught me. We'll save it for later.

- I still have a garden...and I still end up killing most of what I attempt to grow. It's simply the result of lack of focus on improving my knowledge and skills in this area. I am blessed when some crops magically reappear, even after a season at the mercy of my negligent hands. Small favors, I suppose. I haven't given up on this goal, but this snapshot of how far, or rather not far, I've come in two years could just be the fire under my seat needed to push me to succeeding.

- I still own a pie shop. Its sad to realize how much of the excitement has dwindled under the pressure of bills, struggles, slow seasons of business and all-around stress over the past 24 months. Lets just say this isn't where I expected us to be. Whether because my initial expectations were ill-founded or whether it was due to a lack of something - passion, drive, ideas, etc - from any one business partner, or a little of both, we are working to move into a new season of our business. I am extremely proud, blessed and happy to report that my spouse and I still maintain an incredibly strong relationship with our best friends and business partners. This is no small miracle, and I thank God for it often. By this standard alone, we have beaten many odds. If this business ever fails but this friendship survives, I will stake my "Success!" flag and let it proudly wave.

- Crafting. Oh, what to say, what to say. This goal...well, I think it got shoved in the disaster area that is my craft room, lost in the abyss along with my rotary cutter and spray adhesive, and has since become quite malnourished. In a recent attempt to simplify the heck outta my life, there is a glimmer of hope and promise of it returning to a place of prominence in my household. Hey, I at least looked
at my sewing machine this week.

- God has taught me things, brought people and Words my way that have somewhat transformed my conversations with Him, and my ideas about what being His really looks like. Akin to the lessons learned while putting foot to pavement, these slow peeling-backs could fill pages. For now, I'll suffice it to just say "Tis' so sweet to trust in Jesus". Doesn't that kind of sum it up?

So, that's that. I'm writing again because I feel like I need to. There's nothing new I can offer the ever-crowding blogosphere, but I'm OK with that. An important lesson I'm learning in this season of my life is that I am not in competition with anyone else. God is writing His story, I'm grateful to be a part, and at the end of the day it's not about me. (And, if you think about it, aren't you glad it isn't? I think He's the only one who can handle that pressure).

Be blessed,

K.

Off the wagon

Well, I'd say that was quite the hiatus.

Lets begin this return with a few confessions: I have COMPLETELY fallen off the healthy lifestyle wagon...and the blogging wagon (until this moment)...and pretty much any wagon I think I might have been on. My life feels as if it has taken a complete turn....my days are definitely not what they used to be. The reason?

WE BOUGHT A RESTAURANT! Well, technically its a restaurant and pie shop/bakery, but nonetheless, my life now fully and completely revolves around cooking...and pie...lots and lots of pie.

Its been a whirlwind adventure since the beginning of July,when my husband and I, along with our two best friends Mikey and Lisa, bought the Pie Place in Burleson, TX. In the past months, we have been trained in restaurant management using what some might call the "sink or swim" method. Its been utterly exhausting, emotionally and physically trying, exhilarating, terrifying, and all-together lovely. I have never spent so much time on my feet, or so few hours sleeping, or spent so much time in a kitchen in all my 24 years.

It might seem as if I'm complaining - I certainly am not, I'm only being candid about the whole experience. When someone tells you that owning a restaurant is hard work, BELIEVE THEM! Its also rewarding to know that people love something that you've created....that you're responsible for bringing people together over warm plates of food and yummy slices of pie. I love hearing the phrase "I'm so stuffed" uttered in the shop, because it means it was just too good to stop. Food is a universally uniting force. I am honored to be a small part of such a powerful thing.

So, in summary:
1) I would love to get back to blogging...but I also know i have precious few hours of downtime, and I usually want to spend them decompressing my brain, so I'm aware that it isn't likely.
2) I do plan on attempting to get back to a healthy lifestyle. I have finally gotten to the point where I'm not eating pie every day, so that is a huge improvement. :)
3) We would love for you to come have a meal at our table...at the restaurant, that is, not out actual home (although I'm sure that'd be equally lovely).

Please, grace us with your presence (and we'll grace you with some pie!)

Pie Place Cafe & Bakery
104 E. Ellison St
Burleson, TX 76028
(located in Old Town Burleson)

Well, duty calls.

Peace, love, and pie,

-K

A Confession, a Triumph, and a Question

Well, I suppose I’ve fallen off of the blogging wagon. You know what they say, the best laid plans…

Alas, we must move on. Focus on the positives, I say…I’m back, for one!

In order to provide an update on the status of my health journey, we have to go back to last weekend.

May 14th was Jon’s birthday, and May 16th was mine, and to celebrate, we decided to spend the weekend in San Antonio at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast called 1908 Ayres Inn. (Side Note: I HIGHLY recommend this place for anyone looking for a unique place to stay in that area!) In case you couldn’t tell by its Spanish moniker, San Antonio is a city rich with Texan & Mexican culture. These cultures combine to culminate the greatest pitfall of my dieting: Tex-Mex.

Let’s just say, the abundance of delicious chips and salsa, guacamole, enchiladas and tacos (not to mention Coke and DP), along with the oft-uttered phrase “what the heck, it’s our birthdays!” sent me into deep nutritional peril. Granted, we did walk A LOT, and I managed to keep my portions to a relatively normal size, but nonetheless, the guilt was abundant. Sadly, the weigh-in upon our return home was equally guilt-laden. I gained back almost 3 pounds. Blech.

At least it gave me a renewed sense of vigor. Once again, I’m back on the straight and narrow (sort of). Although I will say that having 3 days of no working out really made me lazy! I was surprised at how fast that happened. Even still, I got back on the proverbial horse and as of this morning, I’m pretty much still on track with my plan. *gives self pat on the back*

I’d love to delve into the details of the rest of my two week absence from this blog, but time just doesn’t allow it.

Question for anyone who reads/feels like responding: If you could wake up tomorrow with one skill completely mastered, what would it be? Mine would be photography. I’d love to know yours!

Be back soon, lovelies!

K. Smith

le jardin

So I accidently missed quote Wednesday…not that I think anyone was too disappointed, but still. So here’s the quote that was supposed to be up yesterday:

“It is a paradoxical but profoundly true and important principle of life that the most likely way to reach a goal is to be aiming not at that goal itself but at some more ambitious goal beyond it.”

-Arnold Toynbee, 1889-1975

If I had started this blog a few months ago, everyone would already know that my husband and I have endeavored to start our own garden. Since you didn’t get a step by step update thus far, I’ll provide you with a condensed version of our experiment:

· A few months ago we started seeds indoors for these plants:

o Squash

o Cucumber

o Tomato

o Bell Pepper

o Lavender

o Cilantro

o Parsley

o Green Onion

o Oregano

· We also bought the following for transplanting:

o Peppers

o Rosemary

o Onions

o Blueberry bushes (2 different varieties for cross-pollination)

o Lady Cross Dragon vines (for the posts of our pack patio)

o Snap Dragons

o Marigolds (for the veggie garden)

· The entire back half of our yard was originally a garden, but the soil hasn’t been worked in a LONG time, so because of drainage issues, we had to go with a raised bed, which we built ourselves.

· A little work and a lot of money later, we have a beautiful seedling of a garden (pun intended), and I’m SO excited to see it growing and doing well!

· We’ve run across a couple of hitches – some small animal likes to play (and poop) in our garden. That’s no fun. And the wind killed 2 of our bell pepper plants. Also no fun. Also, squirrels keep burying their nuts in various places throughout my yard and garden. I don't enjoy this!

So that’s the general run down. I plan to post pictures tomorrow of the garden, as well as the little gem I discovered this morning – my squash have pretty little squash blossoms! I love it. It’s such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment knowing Jon and I were able to do all of this from scratch (or most of it).

Blessings to you, and here’s to hoping the sun peeks out sometime soon so my plants keep thriving!

K. Smith

Real Changes

I've never owned a scale before, that is, until last week. Now I remember why I never had one. The included user's manual tells me to only weigh myself once a week, but the temptation of checking everyday is just too strong. And, of course, I don't enjoy seeing the fluctuations that are natural for the human body. One day, encouraged, the next day, depressed. So against my natural inclinations, I will follow instructions and only weigh myself once a week.

Despite the negative vibes from the scale, I am feeling much better about myself. I successfully met all my goals last week, and even after a weekend surrounded by all things fried and delicious, I'm still on track. In fact, for the first time in a LONG time, I actually WANT to work out. This is a huge step for me! And because I am working hard each morning, I have added motivation to keep my calories in line.

On that note, I reviewed my food log from last week and realized that although I stayed well within my calorie limit, I'm still not making the healthiest choices. Lots and lots of carbs, a lack of fruits, veggies and dairy...and did I mention carbs? So in my continuing effort to be a healthy version of me, this week I will diligently try to make better food group choices.

After a little pondering, I've arrived at the conclusion that my spiritual walk is a lot like my health. For me, spending time studying the Bible or just talking with God can seem like a "have to" at times. But just like the workout thing, repeated behavior can change the way you look at an activity, and soon you're wanting to do it instead of having to do it. And because you are taking the time to improve that area of your life, it makes you much more conscious of the choices you make throughout the day. One action spurs on the bettering of another. I hope all of that makes sense. I pray that my spirit gets to the "wanting" place instead of the "have to" place. One day at a time, folks, one day at a time.

K. Smith

Viva la Revolution!

It’s a fitness revolution, people! Alright, that may be a slight exaggeration, but none the less, I’ve encouraged several friends (and they’ve encouraged their friends) to join me on this 30 day jump start to a healthier existence. It’s a big motivator to know that someone will be checking in with me on a regular basis to make sure I’m living up to my commitments.

In my attempts to trim my calories and make better choices, I’ve discovered some yummy snacks that help carry me through the day. Although a few might seem a little high in calories (especially in this 100 calorie snack pack world we live in), but I think the calories can be afforded thanks to the health benefits.

· Bolthouse Farms C-Boost fruit smoothie – If you’re feeling a bit down, or you’re just terrified of getting that little piggy flu, this drink packs a whopping 2160% of your daily vitamin C, all naturally provided by the fruit in the drink. They key is a little gem called the Camu Camu fruit, which has more natural vitamin C than any other botanical on the planet. It also gives you a nice dose of Vitamins A & E, and folic acid.

o Nutrition Info – 290 calories for the whole bottle.

o Serving Tip - Freeze it! It makes a very yummy slushy.

· Bolthouse Farms Hazelnut Latte or Vanilla Chai Latte Protein Drinks – These protein drinks are so yummy and so filling! Each 8 oz serving (about 2 in each bottle) has 10g of protein, contains 18 amino acids, and is low fat with no added sugars. Both flavors are healthy, delicious (and affordable) alternatives to pricey chain coffee shops (I think you know what I’m referencing).

o Nutrition Info – 160 calories for one 8 oz serving.

o Serving Tip - They’re wonderful as is, or it’d be nice over ice with a little dap of fat free whipped cream on top!

· Flat Earth Veggie Crisps in Farmland Cheddar – These are my favorite answer to my stomach’s eternal call for something salty. With ½ a serving of veggies in each 1oz serving of chips, there’s no need for guilt, either! While they don’t replace actual veggies, they’re a good way to get a little boost in there.

o Nutrition Info – 130 calories per 1oz serving (about 12 crisps)

o Serving Tip – They are too tasty to eat straight from the bag. Before you know it, you’ll have eaten way more than 1 serving! Count out twelve crisps, then close the bag for your own safety, and enjoy!

· Welch’s Fruit Snacks in Island Fruit – Another way to sneak a little vitamin C, and even a full serving of fruit, into your snacking regime! These are a step above your standard cherry, grape, orange, blah blah fruit snacks. With flavors like Pineapple, Kiwi, and Mango, they are fantastic mid-meal pick me up. They’re fat free and provide 100% of your daily Vitamin C, and 25% of A & E.

o Nutrition Info – 80 Calories per snack bag. Also, as mentioned above, the American Diabetic Association counts these as 1 full serving of fruit!

o Serving Tip – It’s more of a purchase tip than a serving tip. Wal-mart sells huge boxes of these individual packets for around $5. Not too shabby!

Alright, loves, enjoy your Friday! And I shall return next week to tell tales of my weekend in wonderful Canton, TX.

K. Smith