Freshen Up Your Work-out Routine

Everyone, meet Ginny. (She's the one between Susan and I on the left and middle photo strips).

Because I feel like I would do everyone that knows me a disservice by not introducing you to her. Because I love her and little does she realize, but she is a big part of why I am 100 times happier today than I was in October. She is a gem.

Ginny and I work together in the wonderful world of marketing automation. And on Mondays and Wednesdays she is my work-out buddy. And because not every woman wakes up with this insatiable desire to be an Ironman triathlete, they need a friend like Ginny. Who loves to get fresh air, take walks, and shame you into doing more challenging exercises.

My pitiful bi-ceps took a beating when she became my friend. And I can't decide if I love her or hate her for that.

This week we took on some new exercise territory, and I think we've both been limping around and secretly crying at our desks because of how sore we are. So I thought it would be fair to give all 3 of you that read this some good fodder for your next workout. Just on the off chance that you want to feel like your abs have been gouged out with an ice pick.

EXERCISES

1. Planks on a Bosu ball. We did three different sets of bringing our knees straight up, out to the side, and then across our chest. They are pretty tough because the bosu ball means you're having to keep your core super tight in order to steady yourself and lift a foot off the ground. At the end I attempted to do a few push-ups but I only ended up going about halfway down for a solid 3 because my whole body was shaking. 

 2. Lateral burpees. And yes they are just as terrible as they look. Do as many as you can stand. Then stop and let your breathing get back to normal before doing another set.

3. Take a medicine ball or kettle bell and swing it slowly around your head. Keep your abs engaged the whole time and your feet firmly planted. Do 3 sets of ten in each direction.

 4. Single-Arm Hang Snatch. This exercise is tough. I feel it today in my arms, shoulders, glutes, and inner thighs. It has been a long time since my thighs hurt this much. I used a little heavier weight than I'd use for bicep curl, but not the heaviest I could stand. A 7-8 pound weight was perfect for me, and allowed me to do 3 sets of 10 or 15 on each side. 

Good luck with your next work-out! Feel free to shoot me any great exercises that you've found as I'm always look to improve my work-outs.

Colorado Highlights

Last week Patrick and I went to Vail, CO with my dad, Jill, Libby Gray, Walter, and Tom. It's a family tradition that has blessed me in countless ways and I feel incredibly blessed to get to go each year. And yes, I used the word "blessed" twice. Sorry Patrick. His word choice lessons have obviously failed me.

I wanted to give you a few iPhone snapshots I took while I was gone, because you've obviously been DYING to see what mountains and snow look like. Things that are completely foreign to Atlanta these days, unfortunately. Just envision what 4 degrees feels like while you read this...

The two highlights (that are not photographed below) were me riding a chairlift with some random folks that thought I was their friend Rachel, whom I have now deemed as my alter-ego. I got offered weed, and also included in conversations about what 10 hits of acid makes you do. Apparently Rachel has an acid problem. Or did have an acid problem. My dad was at the hospital getting an MRI (highlight #2) for his dislocated shoulder and torn rotator cuff, and was checking out next to a girl named Rachel who had a blown out knee. And when asked if there was anyone that could pick her up, she responded with "no one reliable." To which we obviously drew the conclusion that it had to be the same "Rachel." My poor dad has to have surgery in the next week to repair his shoulder, but should be fully recovered before next ski season. Not that his injury prevented him from skiing and enjoying this ski season. 3 cheers for dedicated skiers.

We look like ax murderers.

TERRIBLE quality but it's the only family shot I have, so I had to include it.

The ground in most of Vail is heated, so you can see which part is heated here and which part isn't.

Mine and Patrick's room after 2 days. This is only my stuff. Yikes.

There are several other pics that I didn't have on Facebook, but unfortunately my phone is currently rebelling against me and refusing to release them. So I'll be back to add a few more later. 

Happy sunshine everyone! I'm off to uncovering the mystery of APIs. 

A mess at best.

The last few months have left me feeling very alone. And not the endearing kind of alone where you get a lot done and feel refreshed and rejuvenated and rested, ready to take on the world.

No, I've felt the real kind of alone. The ugly kind.

The way you'd feel if you moved to another state and no one called you, sent you letters, messaged you on Facebook, re-tweeted you, gave you a hug, said something nice to you, or even recognized your existence.

Yeah, I felt that kind of alone. isolated. empty. sad. depressed. unhinged. angry. fearful. All those sweet characteristics that make people come flocking towards you.

And it has been really hard. Because the more I have felt these things, the more I needed people. But people who are colorful, vibrant, confident, and steadfast don't want to be around lonely, sulking, sad people like me. And I felt like the more I reached out, the more distant people became.

So I just. stopped. trying. Like, really stopped trying. Stopped texting, calling, messaging, etc. Because I just couldn't do it anymore. I was too empty to reach out again.

Until one day I had a conversation with a friend, and found out she'd been feeling the exact same way. But if she's hurting, and I'm hurting, we both end up in our own dark corners cowering away from the world. Both of us alone. But so desperately in need of a friend. So with one conversation about her feelings of loneliness, a flicker of light came on in my brain. The thought had never occurred to me that other people might be hurting too. That there might be someone who needs me to come sit in their dark corner with them and give them a hand to hold. Maybe they can't get to me for the same reason I can't get to them.

So thus began the journey of getting out of my pit, so I could go find someone else stuck in their own pit and pull them out. Or at least tell them they'll be okay. And that everyone loves them. And that they can take their time. And that we'll be here when they're ready. And that no one really has it together. And that real love is messy, and it's okay.

I like to think of the anology of the redwoods. Redwoods are huge, but they have shallow roots, but roots that stretch out wide underneath the ground and interlock with the other redwoods' roots. So it's in the inter-locking that give the redwood trees their height. Not deep solitary thick roots like you'd imagine.

So my focus has now shifted. To interlocked roots. To authentic relationships that aren't afraid to get messy, because love can be both beautiful and brutal. It's tough as nails. It's honest. It's real. I want to make more time for people than I think I can manage, just in case things do get messy. Because sometimes it takes people time to open up and truly share what's going on inside them. And you can never plan for it. Vulnerability is rarely conjured up in one 47 minute sitting. And sometimes I have to be the first one to get gut-level honest, and that's okay.

I want to invest in the things that other people love. Even if it's not my thing. Them loving it should be enough for me to join them in it. I want to remind people why they're loved. Why they're different and valuable. I want to ask more questions and be a better listener. I want to be sacrificial and understanding, full of grace and empowerment.

Thanks Jessica for showing me that some of the best lovers of people sometimes look like the worst time managers. Because time restraints only hinder true love from happening. And Jessica, you never let time get in the way of your emotional availability. And I love that about you.

YAMMO Party

About two weeks ago, the company I work for hit a big milestone. It's one we've been working towards for awhile, and there was all kinds of chatter as to what would happen when we actually got there. When it came, the day involved a champagne celebration at the office, with the promise of a smashing party to come.

And smashing it was.

We rented out Tongue and Groove, a swanky club/bar in Atlanta. The place was really beautiful. We had a DJ, killer food stations, alcohol flowing like milk and honey, and a few other little amenities pictured below. I'm fortunate enough to get to work with lots of folks close to my age, so we all have a great time together. And everyone is hilarious so that just adds volumes of value to these kickin' work parties.

The fire dancer and aerialist. And yes this happened. At a work party. And it was better than it looks.

 Ryan and Vincent killin' it on the raised platform where the fire dancer was dancing.

This is Ginny and I enjoying the music, food and drinks. Open bars are a wonderful thing. But not quite as wonderful as working with great friends.

This is Adam, our COO, handing out "Pundees" (like "The Office's" "dundees") to every employee.

Here are some great photos from the free photo booth available all night.

My award. "The Pardotter Globetrotter." And the trophy that everyone got was a symbol of the culture blog that me and a fellow co-worker started called "The Pardot Wave." 

And aside from our take-home trophies, we also got hoodies to sport because today is "National Hoodie Day."So if you're looking for a job with sweet parties, people that like to have fun, drink,  dance, trophies, flame throwers, and photo booths...then you should apply to work with me. Because it's awesome. And you'd be crazy not to love it.

And if that didn't sell you, the free catered breakfast each day might also pique your interest.

2012, I'm ready.

2011 was a fun, gut-wrenching, soul inspiring, "no laziness allowed" kind of year. There were parts that I absolutely hated and parts that inspired me to dream bigger and love better. Here are some highlights of this past year:

Went skiing in Colorado and we had our first accident in 20 years. Patrick got a ski pole to the eye and had to get his eyelid stitched in the Vail ER. Luckily it was close to the end of the trip? And his eye socket wasn't broken? 

In March we went to the Middle East with a team from Bethel Atlanta. This is some of us in the town of Biblos (where we get the name "Bible"). Amazing experience where I learned a lot about "practicing God's presence." They were in a 7-day storm when we were there, and it also snowed. We had to borrow winter clothes from some of our buds over there because who would have expected snow when you are on the Mediterranean Ocean?

In April I went to Haiti with The 410 Bridge. We worked in a town called Chadirac, and had the opportunity to work on one of the Land of a Thousand Hills Haitian coffee plantations. This was one of the harder trips I've ever been on, and still I am unsure as to why. I came home and practically collapsed and cried for hours. I don't know why I cried or why it was hard. it. just. was. And I don't know if my heart will ever be ready to go back.

In May I turned 26 and celebrated with some of my best friends at La Parrilla. Patrick was out of town for work, which I had a TERRIBLE attitude about, but I'm thankful for great friends that made it so special. Who doesn't love margaritas, chips and salsa, sombreros and a group of your best buds?

In June we bought our first house in Marietta, GA, so back to our old stomping ground! We're in a different part of town than where we grew up, but it's still Marietta. Excited to raise our family here in our beautiful neighborhood surrounded by so many great parks and restaurants. And internationals.

Sometime during the summer I got an iPhone and it's probably one of the best things EVER. I have not regretted this purchase for one second. Instagram, Diptic, and Lightbox are my favorite apps thus far. And Words with Friends. And Shazam. And Scoutmob. And Red Laser. And Facebook.

In July we got this sweet little baby, Lucy. She's 60 pounds, so "little" is not quite accurate. She and Bailey the cat are not quite buds yet, but we're declaring that 2012 will be a year of reconciliation between our animals. And maybe a year of weight loss for Bailey.

At the end of July/beginning of August we went to Charleston to the beach with my dad's side of the family. It's our annual tradition and one of my favorite things to do. 

 In September Patrick and I went to Southern California. He had a work meeting, so we made it a long weekend. We went to our first Azerbaijan restaurant in San Diego, and it is probably our favorite meal to date. Now if only The Weather Channel would re-locate us to California...

In October I started a new job with Pardot, a marketing automation company (if you are unsure what marketing automation is, I'm still probably not the one to ask). The learning curve is pretty steep, but I really enjoy the people I work with and all the perks the job offers. Who wouldn't love unlimited vacay?

We had our Korean neighbors over in October for dinner, and surprised them with a lesson in pumpkin carving. They're only here for 2 years, so we're trying to help them maximize their time in America! We tutor the 8th grader, HaRim, who is standing next to his dad. He's a gem. And these were the jack-o-lanterns that we put candles in and set up on their porch. All original designs.

In October I had my first Happy Hour at work. And yes, we also have a beer fridge. Secular jobs are not all that bad! 

We had lots of family pass through Atlanta, which meant lots of meals at Fellini's with my dad, Jill, and Libby Gray. This is my cousin Baird on the left, in town from Charleston. Lucky for him he also got to visit Sweetwater Brewery.

I read The Hunger Games series, and started the Harry Potter series. Yes, I realize I'm a little late on the Harry Potter train, but at least I made it.

 This might not interest anyone but me, but in November WE GOT A DINING ROOM TABLE! It's beautiful. And one of our best purchases to date. We also were blessed and got to have our families over to OUR house for Thanksgiving, so it was the perfect reason to break in this baby.

I got re-tweeted by the Bert Show TWICE. Probably the highlight of my year. Naturally.

At the beginning of December we took a trip to Asheville and Charlotte to visit friends and family. This was taken at my aunt Marilee's art show. I love getting to catch up with family. 

We went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Phillips Arena and had KILLER seats. 

Sometime in early December I had a "come to Jesus" with Abby about my attitude. It took a few hours, some lunges, Starbucks, and 2 hours of track-walking. But I hope I'm better for it. Someone who loves me can tell me if it worked.

This is Libby Gray at her Christmas pageant. She's not even my child but I had to fight back tears when I watched her walk on stage. She knew all the songs and motions, and was obviously the star of the show. Isn't she so beautiful? She's actually spending the night with us tonight, and we've been planning activities ALL week for her.

 Our Pardot Christmas party was held at the Aquarium. This is me with two of the greatest girls I know, Susan and Ginny. 

So all in all, things turned out more positive than negative. There were some really tough moments, none of which are really mentioned here. But trust me, they were ever present. And I'm still not over or through any of them unfortunately. And I sometimes wish that I could be gut-level honest with myself and my life in a space like this, but I would hurt 2938472358203481 people's feelings and probably have no friends by the end of the post. And since I'm an extrovert, no friends would be terrible. So maybe one day I'll come clean with what this year has been like, and pray that no one gets mad at me. Which is probably impossible but maybe we'll make it there eventually.

Cheers to 2012 - I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU. Come quickly and do not delay. And bring with you great community, cocktails, a fire pit, 24/7 worship, and some new books. But let me keep my pets of 2011. Thanks.

Lovesick Love

I love the ministry of the Holy Spirit- He is LIFE for the dying heart. He is COMFORT for the broken soul. He is tangible HOPE for the hopeless and weary. He is not an idea, a concept, or sound theology. He is the presence of God filling my car. He is the lap that I lay my head on to cry. He is the very present listening companion when my heart is bursting with emotion. He is my Secret Keeper. My Heart Holder. My wings when i forget how to fly... He is my 1000th chance. My Starting-Over-Tomorrow Mercy. My Lovesick Love. Dream of My Life. My Only.


-Ginny Hill

let me be

present.

fully engaged

with the nearness of

your

presence.

Living for this one

moment

to hear you whisper

in the stillness

wait-

slow down-

this evanescent

fleeting

second-

is much too valuable

to be distracted

by lofty ideals

and thoughts

off-limits.

Take up residence

and be my

existence-

never again subject

to the pain of

circumstance-

i am 

[seated with you.]

-Ginny Hill

Bethel Christmas

This year was Bethel Atlanta's first Christmas Eve service. Now that might not sound like a big deal to you, but for me it is huge. Getting to tangibly spend time in God's presence on Christmas Eve was one of the most fulfilling things I could ever ask for. Worshiping alongside our closest friends, and getting to not only sing Christmas carols, but actually worship through them was incredible. I just love God's presence. And feeling like I was truly honoring Him on Christmas was better than I imagined.

Most Christmas songs have weighty words. And for some reason, most church services never spend time really digging into the songs. It's easy to sing 7-8, or even one or two songs quickly without ever actually unpacking God's heart in them. This past weekend I found that God had so much for me within certain song lyrics, and I'd never really been given the space to pull those sentiments to the surface until now.

'til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

He rules the earth with truth and grace

and makes the nations prove

the glories of His righteousness

and the wonders of His love

Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation

sing all ye citizens of heaven above

glory to God in the highest:

O come let us adore Him

These are some of the lyrics that really captured me this year. None of them are earth shattering when you first read them, but having worship leaders sing prophetically through them was just amazing. God's presence completely overwhelmed me on Christmas Eve, and singing of His holiness and glory only magnified His presence around me. This year I am so grateful for a church that isn't satisfied with just "doing church."

If we don't experience God's presence, we've missed it.

Etsy Prints

Almost every day I feel like I walk around my house, scour Pinterest, and read blogs looking for the perfect inspiration for my life. Unfortunately I have had very little success recently. I feel like each room in my house is a hodge podge of colors, aesthetics, and ideas. And the only room that it's kind of working in is our bedroom. But thats because there are no patterns to clash, and just a few solid colors and some cool photographs. 


I always envy people who have vision for rooms, because my vision is limited to Pinterest and its 9834752934872341 options. Which are obviously impossible to narrow down. West Elm also offers me no resolution, nor does Restoration Hardware. Not that their ideas aren't beautiful and sophisticated, they just happen to be upwards of $3,000. Yikes.


However, I did buy two prints from etsy today. I don't know what I'll do with them, but they are fun and brightly colored, and I'm just crossing my fingers that they'll bring life to a dull space. Like the downstairs bathroom. What do you think?

They could easily clash with each other, which is a slight fear I have. But at $8 a print I'll take my chances. And if they clash, I can always separate the two. Or put them in really unique frames. 


My other idea to liven up a dull space, or give people something really eye-catching to look at, is this:

Making a poster of mine and Patrick's instagram prints. Because we can put as many or as few pictures on a poster as we want, which is awesome. I think that this is a great way to chronicle some of the travel experiences we've had in a loud and modern way, or even some of the cool "artistic" shots we've taken and edited. And the friends that we hang out with in swanky places. Truly this would be something the whole family would enjoy.


The instagram poster could be a little bit intense, but I think you could even cut it into two squares and frame them each side-by-side? Who knows. The possibilities here are seemingly endless. I just hope that they are not all completely lame. But that is a risk you take when trying to do something cool and different. 

Wedding Shower

Tonight I'm throwing a bridal shower for a sweet friend of mine who is getting married in April. I know you're just DYING to know what I'm baking for this festive event, so here are a few pictures to whet your appetite. And for those of you that aren't coming, I'm sorry to tease you like this. 

Homemade junior mints.

Fruit pizza cookies.

Chocolate peanut butter bars.

Feta dip with parmesan pita chips.

Seasoned saltines with a kick.

Santa Sangria. The white version.

Well, there you have it folks. Some of the glorious snacks that will be had tonight at my house. The only thing I left out was hummus, but that's because I just bought hummus at Publix. No grand fanfare there.


It should be really fun, and hopefully the treats will be up to snuff. But obviously as long as Natalie feels loved and cherished, nothing else matters. Cheers.

Stolen Life

This past weekend my sweet cousin Maggie's boyfriend was killed.


By a drunk driver. 


On his way home from work.


A week before Christmas.


I got the text first thing Saturday morning that it had happened at 4am, and my uncle was boarding a flight from Louisville to go see Maggie in Charleston. To hold her and let her cry. To love her and spend as many hours as he needed to with her. To get her food or blankets or movies. To make her take a shower or change clothes. To let her scream. For some reason there are times when only a dad can help. And this was one of those times. And I hope that it's innate in every dad to know when his time to rise up is here, because you don't always have the strength to ask for him.


Maggie and Quentin had been together for 7 years. They went to Alabama together, then moved to Charleston together. Spending 7 years with Quentin made him more than just a "boyfriend" to Maggie. He was her best friend. Her biggest supporter. Her other half. The one she told everything to. The one that inspired her dreams. And just because he's gone doesn't mean that she doesn't need those things anymore, or that any of those feelings go away. If anything she needs more of that than she ever thought possible. But how do you truly grieve? How do you move on from something this catastrophic that turns your world upside down?


Right now I don't have a box to put this experience in. Maggie and I are the same age, just three months apart. We grew up together. And Patrick and I have been together for about as long as her and Quentin. And I simply CANNOT wrap my mind around losing my best friend. The one person who knows what I'm thinking without me having to say it. Who knows when I need a hug or a pat on the back or a cheeseburger and a coke. Or when I'm fighting back tears or trying not to laugh. Without Patrick I would be devastated. And no love from anyone else could really make the pain of losing that life-long counterpart bearable. 


Right now all I know to do is pray. Even though I'm mad and angry and sad and torn-up over one of the biggest blessings of my sweet cousin's life being stripped from her without warning. I'm praying that there'd be peace. That there'd be justice. That people would love her better than they've ever loved her before. That Quentin's family would still claim her as their own. And one day she'd be able to meet someone who would fulfill all of those desires again. That would turn her world upside down. And cherish her the way Quentin so wonderfully did.


Quentin you will be dearly missed.