I run....but I don't judge you because you don't

 

I think here lately, I have a little bit of an issue with "non-runners".

No, not because they don't run, but because they give me grief because I do.

"how many miles do you run a day?"

"you need to eat a steak..you are too skinny"

"I don't run unless something is chasing me"

"you are gonna ruin your body"

"running just isn't fun"

And I don't disagree with any of that, if that is your perspective.

BUT----I have NEVER...and I would almost bet my house on the fact that I HAVE NEVER...told a non-runner:

"why do you not exercise"

"you should lay off that hamburger"

"you need to give it a try, you need it"

"you are gonna ruin your body by NOT exercising"

"running isn't all that fun, but crossing that finish line is a freaking blast, you should try it, you need a little joy in your life"

Yep, I don't think I've ever said those things.

Why, because number one: they are simply not nice.

Why should I judge you because you don't run. Maybe you do indeed exercise. Maybe you have a back issue that keeps you from exercising.

Maybe your knees are shot from a terrible life-threatening disease that I know nothing about.

Maybe you have terrible pain daily and good grief, how you wish you could run.

Maybe you would give anything in this world, if you could hit the road for a few miles.

 Maybe you battle with a food addiction. And who am I to cross that. With all of the stupid insecurities that I battle with...but you just can't see them.

Maybe you are "bigger than me" and you would give anything to get rid of that. And you are insecure because of it. 

And maybe..maybe...maybe...

See what I'm saying.

Man, I guess there's a part of me, that just wonders why it's ok to go on and on about my sport. It's not that I *love* running.

I mean, I do. But, it's more than that. 

I love the alone time.

I love the time with Jesus.

I love "gangster" music.

I love crossing the finish line. Every single time.

I love doing a fun race with my family.

I love more than anything the friendships and relationships that I have fostered because of running. It is a community like no other.

I love giving a race my all.

Or I love encouraging a first time runner.

I love running for charity.

I love so much about it. Not just that it is a mile.

I love sweat falling off of my...because it is like a burden, that I am laying down.

I love it all.

Just like a baseball player loves hearing the crack of the bat as it makes contact with the seams.

Just that much!

So, I guess, I just needed to get it off of my chest.

Period. I love to run. 

And I pray that I never take for granted the blessing that God gives me healthy bones, and joints, and a body that can hold me up.

Please, Lord. Keep me healthy. And let me use that.

Ok. enough.

#RantOver

Farm Rich...and a giveaway!

Ok, so, please tell me that I am NOT an unfit mother, because I frequent the "frozen entree" section of the grocery store.

Ok, ok. I'm not. Thank you.

But, one thing for sure...these things are GOOD! My boys can take down an entire bag...and there are quite a few in the bag...at any given time!

So, imagine how HAPPY I was, when Farm Rich offered to give away some FUN treats to my readers! Yes! 

I have two coupons..so I am going to have TWO winners!

Each of you will receive a coupon to try one of their fabulous items!

Maybe you wanna try the Mozzarella Bites (ok, I confess, we love these too!)or you might want to try the Pizza Slices! I think these are the only things we have NOT tried. But...yes, they are next on the list!

This is real easy!

Just leave me a comment! I'll draw a winner...well, two winners, this weekend!

And if you want a bonus entry
...go follow @BonaDeaWorks on Twitter, you'll be glad you did!
...go like "Main Street Memories" on facebook!

Good Luck...and happy Farm Rich to ya :)

The Journey begins..

(2004)

This little guy!

Can there possibly be anything cuter?

Oh, I just can't get enough!

So, anyways, today is the day!

Let the "He is going to college" journey begin!

We are off on our first Campus Visit to the University of Alabama.

I know it is so very cliche, but, it just seems like yesterday, he was this sweet little bouncy guy.

He loved to snuggle in my lap.

He loved to play in the bathtub forever.

He loved to eat chocolate pudding.

He loved to drink chocolate milk.

He was my little best friend in the whole world and he loved me more than anything.

****WAIT--------he is STILL all of these things! Silly guy!

I can hardly believe that we are here, and just over that hill, is the beginning of the rest of his life! His adult life!

Unbelievable.

I guess we have raised him daily, to prepare for this day!

How do *I* feel?

I am excited! I am CRAZY excited! I am excited at the potential of a college student. A future. A goal. A dream. I am excited at the thought of dorm rooms and college laundry and sending brown bags of groceries in the back of the car. I am excited at the thought of going down on game day, for Parents Day.

Now, I know that he might not choose UofA, and I'm ok if he doesn't. But, I know where ever he DOES choose....we will be his biggest fans!

But, on the flip side, I must admit, I am nervous, and a little teary-eyed.

All of those emotions, I can't deal with right now.....so I am going to stick with the VERY excited ones!!!

***Now, what in the world is a college mom supposed to wear :)

Deep thoughts by Jack Handy....

So, today, I am struggling with the concept, that I have been using...My Travel Planning Services are Free! Well, truthfully, they are. IF, and only IF, you book with me. You see, if you book your Disney Vacation with me, then I get paid. And if you don't well, then I don't. Very simple, huh.
However, lately it seems that I have a lot of "friends" or friends of friends, that want to call me, ask me for tips, what about this, when's the best time to go, what about fireworks, dinner with the princesses, etc....and then only to find out, or see on facebook, that they booked their trip online. Or however.
So, the reality of that is....it's because I have de-valued my own self. Not on purpose. And not even knowing it. But, by saying I am free. I am NOT free. I am of no cost to you...and that comes as a perk, an add-on, if you will--with your Disney Vacation, booked thru me. It's almost like I'm the toy in your Happy Meal! The extra! The prize :) Yes, that's it!

So, anyways, my very critical self....I posted my status this morning..and then quickly deleted it. Not sure why, but here's what it said...and then, of course, stupid insecure me...I was scared I would hurt someone's feelings. GOSH. I get on my nerves!

Status: Today I am rethinking my "tag line"
My Disney Travel Planning Services are NOT free. They are of no cost to you. If you don't book with me, I don't get paid.
I am NOT free. I do NOT work for free. I am valuable. My Time is valuable. My knowledge, thoughts, tips, tricks. They are valuable.
If you choose not to book with me, and you call that 1.800#, well that's up to you. Or, if you just wanna book with me because I am your friend, then Thank You! But, I am *not* free....and I'm gonna stop saying that I am.
I deserve more than that.
#DeepThoughts
#KickingWednesdaysButt

**Anyways, I promptly removed that status..but I still do mean it! So, I'm posting it here...where I am a little more transparent :)