The Dirty Thirty

No, not the age my friends. I still have a few years before that post. I'm writing about the Whole30 challenge. Thirty days of no ANYTHING good (sugar, dairy, grains, legumes, alcohol, everything). Yes, it is radical but it is also more exciting than doing nothing. My decision to do this challenge stems mostly from boredom with my same old routine, much like every other decision I've made via prenticeblogs. I am also intrigued by how the body reacts to certain foods. While I have inherited the Prentice/Henninger iron stomach, I would still like to see how efficient my body can be. And let's be honest here, shedding a few lbs along the way wouldn't be too awful.

A few friends have agreed to embark on this journey with me starting in January. No this is not a New Year's resolution, I simply don't want to start until I've finished eating Christmas treats and celebrating NYE. I have recently discovered how prevalent food allergies and sensitivities are (like I said, family of iron stomachs) and can't wait to see how this nutrition program affects different people. Apparently this diet also resets your energy levels, sleeping, skin (please Lord), and a few other things I don't feel like looking up again. Anyone else want to try it out with us? I have compiled some starter recipes and tips on my Pinterest if anyone is interested in doing a little research with me. Yay new food to try!! Even if you don't want to try it out, hopefully you are setting goals to be healthier this year. Jane and I will be doing rounds 2-3 of triathloning this summer and we may throw a family Tough Mudder in there just for funsies. Start planning those goals, just a week left!

Season's Blessings

I stood at my desk this morning at work freaking out about the next year. How will I pay for classes, what if they don't transfer correctly, what if I don't get trips planned, what if my check engine light stays on, why do other people get to go to cool places while I'm saving for school and cool trips later, how will I pay for an internship and flights and not working and rent while I'm gone, what if I don't get a scholarship, what if I never get tan again, on and on and on. And then it dawned on me. I'm being a huge brat. I mean. HUGE brat. 

I have a job that allows me to save money so I can go to school. God has given me a brain that is capable of going to class and working at the same time and eventually going to grad school. I have the opportunity to travel to a place I've always dreamed of going to so that I can learn about what I want to do for the rest of my life. Sure, it may wipe my savings out completely to go, but I have savings! My parents invested in my future. I know I serve a God who will put me in school exactly when He wants and He will provide the means for me to go. Someone cares about me enough to read this. In addition to my mom. Most people have none of these things!

With the world going even more insane lately I have been constantly reminded of how blessed I am. Yes, bad things have and will happen to me and the people I love. There will be heartache in this world. But I have a heart that loves and people surrounding me. I love a sovereign God. The sun will come out again and I will get tan. It may be a while, but it will happen. I can't wait to see my family and spend a few days laughing and playing and singing with them. Woo, it's Christmas!! Thank you for coming to this world, Jesus!

Also, I can't wait to dance outside on the 22nd. Come on, people. 

Motivating Life (in the Illuminating Television voice) (anyone?)

Goals are a funny thing. They may be short or long in term and cover a vast range of subjects. My first goal upon waking is usually to try and remember my dreams and write them down if they were pleasant. My second is to make it through at least one reading of my devotional while I use the bathroom without my mind wandering too far. I can say these things because I’m not dating anyone seriously and don’t fear him (hypothetical him) finding out I poop. (GASP!) And if, down the road, he decides to look through my blog and is grossed out I am confident that he will still like me since he was enamored enough to stalk my blog. If not, get out.

But many a goal reaches farther down the road. I finally have concrete career goals that make me very excited. I have long term health goals that keep me pretty motivated right now. Then I have the in-betweeners. I’ll explain. I had a discussion with my friend Tammy a few months ago about why we do the things we do. For example, reading the news, going out for a nice meal, playing a new game, all the little things that keep us occupied on a daily basis. Why do we care about trying new things? What is our motivation?

Tammy and I realized that some of the motivation for what we do stems from our desire to be well-rounded. Adaptable. I want my family, friends, kids, (let’s be honest) husband to be excited to show me new things and take me new places. I want them to be confident in the fact that if they spring dinner guests on me I will be able to entertain and feed them gracefully. I want to expose myself to enough situations so that when someone decides to surprise me with an adventure they are too busy making it incredible to worry about whether or not I can handle it. We are very conscious of how our decisions right now are shaping who we will be in five, ten, twenty years.

I don’t think you should ever do something simply to impress someone. That’s stupid and it will not make you happy. I don’t think you should copy what someone else does because you haven’t taken the time to invest in yourself and find out what you love. I don’t think you should model your life around other people’s expectations. But I do think you should use every chance you get, every inkling of motivation, each “swift kick”, to expand your experiences. If a friend loves a sport, I want to try it with them. If my family loves a certain genre of books or a television show enough to invite me to experience it with them, you better believe I’m going to try it out. I have found some of my most beloved hobbies and interests this way. And I have been blessed by other people taking an interest in what I love as well. Give and take, baby.

With this newly defined motivation, I’ve made a few changes recently. I learned at a bible study that one way to keep yourself accountable is to consistently tell yourself what you want. For instance, I want uninterrupted time with Jesus each day. I want to go on a walk every evening. I want to be healthy so that I can still enjoy all this beautiful world has to offer in fifty years. I could go on and on. What do you want to do? What kind of person do you want to be? Tell yourself and go do it.

Char thoughts:

- I love crappy movies - I’ve never liked the pumpkin and apple cider smells often associated with fall, but this year I can’t get enough - Healthcare bills suck - If anyone wealthy reads this I’m more than happy to be your personal chef - Jesus reigns

Tricycles, Trinomials, Tr... Tr...

Triathlons!

That's it.

Previously on PASD:
Prentice attempts to diagnose laziness after the end of competitive school sports (turns out it's just laziness), attempts new workout routine, gets bored, finishes anyway (woo!), challenges very in-shape sister to a triathlon race, kind of does most of the training, arrives on time for race and braves the pre-race port-o-potties...

Next thing you know we've crossed the finish line to the sound of thousands of cheering fans (or three). What an incredible feeling. After almost three months of training we finally did it! I must say that I am impressed with our efforts and can't wait to go for the next race. Wait, what's that? I made a bet? Crap.

It is true, Jane beat me at the Tri and I must now fund our celebratory dinner (wine wine wine). I don't mind at all, it was absolutely worth it. However, I am confronted with the reality that I have recently placed and lost quite a few bets. Why is that, you might ask. No I don't suffer from an addiction to squandering money, just to competition. I crave it. I'll even risk cleaning things in order to get my fix. I miss competition and the three seconds of insane, inappropriate, all-consuming confidence I have right before my attempt. Putting something on the line just makes it way more fun. I wasn't raised to shy away from a challenge. It's the "winning" thing I'm having a hard time with...

So, who's up for a little competition? Name your stakes. I'm in between Tri training and whatever stupid idea I get next so this is your opportunity. Perhaps I'll have to make those backyard Olympics happen after all. Roll Tide. Go Elephants. GET OUTSIDE you crazies, it is beautiful out there!

Char thoughts:
- Bike shorts feel like diapers - This week a five-year-old told me squids squirt water out of their peanuts and I didn't not laugh - Why do you still have to press "1" on land lines? They figured it out for cell phones, what's the problem? - Today I thought to myself "What did people do before the flashlight app?" REALLY, MEG?! FLASHLIGHTS. They did flashlights - I have no idea what is about to happen but Jesus does so I'm cool, or at least I'm able to talk myself back into that mindset on a semi-regular basis -

Stream of Jibberandomness (on family)

I haven't blogged in a while and need one just to get back in the swing of things. The following has not been well-planned (or planned at all):

I was talking to Stacy tonight about growing up. Growing up is a weird thing. I've been realizing over the last few weeks just how important family is. I've always known it, I was raised with great respect and love for my family, but recently I've been thinking a lot about how that changes when you get older. Instead of having my parents decide for me when I will see my family, I have to make that decision. I have to choose to be present and pursue time with them and pray for them. Some people get into their twenties and start to realize that their family is really fun to hang out with. I've always known, though there were a few years when I was loathe to admit it. Now I have to make that time for hanging out happen. I want to make it happen because I think my family is incredible. Let's take a look at things I've learned from my family.

Weird is cool. And way more fun to be around.

Being dramatic will get you nowhere and it will annoy everyone around you. But it happens sometimes.

Spend as much time outside as possible.

You can learn to appreciate how different people view quality time. Dad likes to read and watch movies and golf together, with or without talking, and he feels connected. Mom likes to work out and cook and shop and walk and swing together. Totally different activity levels, still just want time with you. Learn to appreciate being with people and it won't matter the situation, you will always be blessed by their presence.

Always offer to help, even if you don't think you'll be able to. Someone told me once that the reason I hadn't dated anyone yet was because I never asked for help. Valid on some level, although there is a much longer list of reasons for that (me being cooler than everyone, etc.) which mostly have to do with learning to be joyful while you wait. I know there have been times when I've had to ask for help, but I honestly can't recall ever needing to at home. I am constantly amazed when I realize yet another lesson I learned from my parents that they never actually verbally told me. This is one of those lessons, offering to help, or even just helping without asking, in any way you can regardless of whether or not someone asks. They have always offered not only their brains, skills, and talents to help me, they have offered their time. I still remember being in first grade and getting upset about something (probably that tooth someone threw away) and starting to cry by myself. Mom didn't pat my back in bed and tell me it would be okay, although that would've been alright, she took me into the living room and let me sit on her lap and just talk to her. Past my bedtime. Way past. We went through my spelling words for the week (the bonus word was Scales, capital S) and I felt like the most special kid in the world. The same thing happened at Dad's once too. I couldn't sleep and he let me stay up late and watch Star Trek with him. That was the only episode of Star Trek I ever enjoyed. All they did was spend time with me and I didn't have to ask them to. They knew I needed it and they gave it without asking for anything in return. I've learned/am learning how to ask for help, but it is still nice to be around people who do it regardless. I want to be one of those people.

Love what you do and do it with excellence.

Grace, grace, grace, screw up, apologize, grace.

Be happy and proud of who you are.

Char thoughts: - The best finds always come from TJ - Stomping on crunchy leaves still amuses me for long periods of time - I wish one of my friends would run for president, I think they'd do a much better job - The Tide really is real good - All I've wanted to do all week is throw a frisbee at the park - I need a haircut again and Mom is coming to see me this weekend again and she's going to kill me again - THIS WEATHER IS BEAUTIFUL -

The Proposal (unfortunately without the man-candy)

Let's set the stage for a moment. I had no intention of blogging today. However, as I lounged on the couch just after working, eating hummus and drinking a borderline tasteless but oh-so-refreshing carbonated adult beverage, I sensed another presence in the room. I have been more on edge than normal this week so I immediately muted the television (if you can hear the kidnapper he won't get you) and froze (if you never move he can't see you). Heartbeat drumming in my ears, I noticed movement just past my elbow. I then recognized the unwanted visitor as I leapt from the couch, emitting a most-ladylike and mortifying squeal as I searched for the most dated issue of Southern Living I could find on the coffee table. Winter recipe catalog in hand, I proceeded to redeem my girlish outburst and valiantly squashed my newest nuclear fallout-immune friend with one swat. I then immediately grabbed my purse and did what any self-respecting woman would do. I ran out of the house to my favorite fro-yo joint.

Sitting in the early evening sun enjoying my fresh cup of red velvet swirl, I began thinking about my recent promise to participate in a triathlon with my sister Jane. Mostly I considered how utterly unmotivated I am. When I started this blog a few months ago I had a new workout routine in hand, plenty of encouragement on-call, and first day of school giddy feelings in my belly. I currently suffer from the opposite of those feelings. I mean, I wouldn’t even train for this race if I didn’t think my body would shut down and they’d have to cart me off the trail during the last leg. However, I have begun to cling to an improbable but alluring goal for the last hour. I, youngest of seven and flaky by nature (let’s just call it curious to the point of abandoning past ventures), could finally overcome all odds and stick to the plan. More importantly, I just. Might. Beat. Jane.

Is this my ultimate goal? Of course not. I am beyond excited to train with Jane, to compare notes on how to best prepare ourselves, race beside (God-willing) and encourage her as she does the same for me, have something to work towards, yada yada yada. But in light of the current national, dare I say even global, climate I am motivated by the deep need to win this one. Jane is just my means to an end, the finish line of my very first triathlon. I would feel bad for the target I’ve now put on her back, but don’t write me off just yet. She needs a goal for training as well. Here is my proposal, dear Jane (who, I should mention, is just one short year past figure competitions and the most insane training regimen and self-discipline I’ve ever witnessed): Each missed day of training requires a monetary deposit (amount tbd) in our celebration fund. This fund will be used to assist the loser’s bill in our second, and hopefully even more epic, date-away-from-home. Winner picks the city and first bottle of wine, loser picks the restaurant. I’ll start researching tonight. Something has to distract me from all these weddings besides the wedgie I’m going to have from my one piece when I swim laps tomorrow. Goal set, let’s see how this one goes!

Char thoughts:

- Sometimes I do things that make me wonder how I made it to 23 - I wish someone would read to me when I’m driving - I’m now at the age when I’m mistaken as the mom instead of the older sister - The moment you realize there’s a huge zit on your face and you wonder how you missed it the first four days it must have been forming - I’m really scared I just doomed myself to failure when Jane reads this - I think I might have the most incredible family in the whole world, except I don’t just think it, I know - 

Requisite Birthday Post

            Let’s not even talk about how much I worked out last week. Because it wasn’t never but it also wasn’t three times. Instead, let’s talk about how I just turned twenty-three. I like twenty-three so far. Twenty-two wasn’t all that great, and when some friends asked me the high and low of my year, I had a hard time deciding either. I had a conversation a few months ago with Mary-Kate, and she told me her first year after college was the hardest she’s been through. It makes sense.

            The most trying thing for me has been feeling unstable. My senior year was ridiculously great and because of that I wasn’t really challenged. All my friends, save one or two, were a pleasant walk away, school didn’t stress me out, I had it all figured out. Twelve months later it’s just not so anymore. Friendships have become hard work. Worthwhile, but hard. Nothing really felt natural when I moved here and I had to relearn how to run my life. But as difficult as it has been, and regardless of the fact that I’m still transitioning, I have learned a great deal in the last year. Lessons that I didn’t want to learn, didn’t think I needed to learn, and plenty that I’m still learning each day. It sucks. But it’s so incredible at the same time. Because hello, Meg, God is supposed to be your stability.

This weekend brought together new friends and old. I was blown away by how my friends loved me and traveled just to sit with me on the couch or lay out at the pool. I have so much more appreciation for my family and how good they are at loving me from far away. It takes a special kind of parent to raise a child who still feels cherished each day, even though she lives four hours from home. I love the family God has given me, and the friends He surrounds me with who make me feel special.

Enough of that. How bout some thoughts from the brain of a crazy (me). Char thoughts:

- When did I start taking myself so seriously? Ew – It ALWAYS storms on me in the produce section of Kroger – When the armpit holes of your top are just a little too small :( - I wish you could pay for cable based on the number of shows you watch per week. Like pay as you go cable – It freaks me out a little bit when the tv is off but the cable is still on. What’s going on that I can’t see… -  This was kind of a downer post. Sorry I'm not sorry. My heart's smiling though!

Psychology loves new terms

Plateau. What a nasty word. At least valley implies mountains on each side, an eventual climb to higher ground. Plateau on the other hand just sounds lonely and, for lack of a better word, ewwy. I have discovered that after the initial fascination with a new exercise plan, my determination has begun to ebb. Let’s be honest, it’s basically non-existent. I still work out, sure, because not doing so makes me feel like lumpy fluff, but it just isn’t very fun anymore. Hmm, do I sense the emergence of a new term? If this is the end of what I’ll call the honeymoon stage, what is the appropriate name for its successor? Let’s discuss.

Okay, Honeymoon Stage. Near-obsession, eagerness to test the limits of one’s stamina, deliberately ignoring little annoyances (aches, cramps, etc.), adherence to strict rules of behavior, extreme soreness. Check.

Imposition of Reality. Re-emergence of life and its obligations, fatigue, boredom, general removal of rose-colored spectacles, just no fun. Yep, Imposition of Reality it is.

What then is a good solution? While I have zero experience with how to fix a marriage, I would tell any friend of mine experiencing these symptoms in any relationship (dating, friendship, bromance) to go back to what they loved about the beginning of that relationship. What did you enjoy doing together? What drew you to that person? Find what made things fun and do it again. As for fitness, what did you enjoy doing when you were young? I loved walks with my family, tennis, soccer, playing at the pool, throwing the football, and especially neighborhood games. Sardines, baby!! It doesn’t have to be all business, structured and boring and just blah, it can be pure and enjoyable again.

Another cure for the dreaded plateau? Encouragement in large doses. Getting it, giving it, anything it. I have had many discussions with friends lately about how to encourage strangers who look like they just need a little help on their evening run. How do I cheer them on without them thinking I’m mocking them? Still haven’t figured that one out, but I can definitely cheer on the people around me in tons of ways. I can’t adequately describe the feeling I get when I receive a sweet note or unexpected text just to encourage me from a friend, but it is so wonderful. And when I am able to return the favor the feeling is just as great. Engaging with people and letting them know how you’re doing and what you need blesses both you and them. It just feels good to know someone cares about you. Go give someone else that feeling. (I’m talking to myself, not yelling at you.) Go make someone smile, Prentice!

Char thoughts:

- I ate a lot of chocolate this week – Finally saw the preview for the series finale of Desperate Housewives…hallelujah – Every time I smell fresh corn on the cob it reminds me of shucking corn on the steps at the lake – Everybody’s getting married – I am stunned by how blessed I am – Multiple people have told me I rarely complain, so either Char totally blew my complaining out of proportion or she’s still the only person I complain to. Definitely the latter. And if I’m not complaining it’s because I want to be the cool girl who doesn’t complain and I know that if I start I’ll never stop – Jesus is really cool - 

Delusions

Another week of research has led to the discovery of yet another symptom of PASD. Thoughts of grandeur. While only observed in one subject, who just so happens to be me, this symptom can be catastrophic. After four weeks of sprints(ish) and a very successful 5k last weekend, I decided to attempt five miles just this afternoon. After downloading some new tunes and lacing up my shoes, I headed to a new (flat) trail with a spring in my step, so excited to accomplish another goal. When I arrived at the trial head I shrugged off my bladder’s warning that now would be a good time to visit the ladies’ room, even though there was a portable bathroom on site, knowing that just a mile up the trail there would be a nice facility complete with restroom and water fountain. Two miles later it finally dawned on me that I had read the map wrong. Battling mid-afternoon heat and disbelief at how my body was responding, I decided to take my first walk break. Although short, only twenty seconds or so (I’m still an athlete), I had just enough time to realize the stupidity of my decisions so far that day. While five miles may be a breeze to some people, for those of us suffering from PASD it can be a challenge. One might even consider hydrating the day before instead of attending a friend’s wedding and indulging in between one and four drinks. However, if that scenario can’t be avoided, perhaps drinking water all day would be a good choice instead of waiting until an hour before the run. But like a good little athlete I got back on my horse and finished my run, just a mile short of my goal. Like I said, thoughts of grandeur. Another time, perhaps.

After my failed attempt at running today, I began considering whether these delusional thoughts extend into other parts of my life. Yes, I’ve recently agreed to run a half-marathon. I won’t even pretend that’s a good idea, but hey, you’ve got to work for something, right? Where exactly do these thoughts find their origin? Daydreams of travel have recently forced their way into my thought life, finding a nice little seat next to hopes of free graduate school . I’ve begun to realize that my first instinct when anything is going haywire in my life (not perfectly aligned with what I think would be fun) is to run. Not indefinitely, just to take a little break and see the world. This need to travel is also fueled by boredom, curiosity, genuine love for seeing God’s creation, and a desire to learn, but for right now we’ll just go with discontent. While I love living in Weeville, love the friends I’ve made and the opportunities I’ve had and the places I’ve been, I can’t avoid a constant nagging feeling that there’s something more. That I’m missing something, but right now Jesus and I seem to be on different pages about what that something is. Really, I just haven’t landed on a page yet and He is hanging out in a book I can’t find on a back shelf on the restricted floor of Gorgas. It’s like an off-day has turned into an off-eight months. 

So what’s a girl to do? Really, answer please. This nagging feeling is usually quite imperceptible, but so overwhelming when it hits that I just can’t sort my thoughts out. Maybe that is why this need to compete and exercise has been so intense, because I’m fighting the desire to pack my things and go look for God’s will somewhere else when He so clearly has me here and wants me to search for and be thankful for everything around me in Weeville. There is a disconnect between who I am right now (pretty cool but a little moody, enjoyable to be around most days) and who I know I’m going to be (freaking awesome most of the time, always enjoyable to be around unless you hurt my feelings and make me sad). But even with the urge to run and some things I’m not happy with, I am still blown away, each and every day, by how incredible my love story with Jesus is. I’m floored by how joyful He makes me and how He loves me perfectly. I mean, I get discouraged sometimes and right now is rough and you can tell from my ranting that I still don’t know quite how to express my feelings, but WHOA man I am in love with God. And He is good. And I don’t know what it is yet, but His plan is perfect. Says so. So, I will keep running. I will keep writing because this has been quite therapeutic. And I will keep singing love songs to Jesus at the top of my lungs, because that’s exactly where I’m supposed to be. Get out and run/walk/hike/bike/swim/play this week. Endorphins rock.

Char Thoughts:

- You know you’re getting old when all your friends have started using correct punctuation and capitalization on Facebook – I’m so blown away by the support of my friends and family/I can’t believe people actually read this – Mom would kill me if she knew how long my hair is right now. She comes to visit on Tuesday. Prepare for the slaughter – I am unbelievably proud of my family and all they have accomplished and how they contribute positively to this world – When I finished my run all I could think about was icing-covered animal crackers. So I ate them – 

The Diagnosis

For four wonderful years as an undergrad at the University of Alabama I was confronted with the realities of mental disorders as I studied psychology and the behavior of my fellow students. From depression and anxiety to my personal favorite, dissociative fugues, I have studied them all. One hot topic of late has been Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. But I feel the media has done the general public a disservice in neglecting to publicize another disorder, one that I have found running rampant throughout the population of twenty-somethings with whom I hold an acquaintance. This newly-discovered illness is Post Athletic Stress Disorder. While it has yet to be accepted into the next edition of the DSM, I have decided to take it upon myself to conduct research to further understand the nature of this tragic disease.

I have conducted extensive research on a random sample of young adults in the Southeast. This completely random sample is made up entirely of my close friends and family members, all of whom I have classified as ex-elite level athletes. Over the course of between eleven and twenty-three months I have applied various research methods, including but not limited to natural observation, stress tests, surveys (given verbally), and counseling sessions (always impromptu and occasionally conducted under the influence of mild depressant substances). This research has led to the compilation of a set of observable symptoms. Any three of the following symptoms exhibited within a two-week period, along with a history of competitiveness and athletic zeal, constitute a preliminary diagnosis of PASD. The symptoms are as follows:

A rise in body fat percentage

Expansion of the middle third of the body

Irritability

Sharp decline in stamina

Muscle deterioration

Windedness resulting in cramping

Restlessness

Lack of motivation

Proposed treatment for this disorder is still under review and will be posted on this blog over the course of the next year. My first venture into the treatment of this disorder has been an interval training program which I began three weeks ago. With the help of a few friends, Ashley and Mary Kate, treatment has been mostly consistent, despite hormonal setbacks this week that could only be solved by a heavy dose of chocolate given intravenously.

So here we go, Mom, your year-long dream for me to start blogging again has come true. I promise my future publications will be less clinical, more joyful (perhaps), and just as sarcastic. And I will conclude with Char Thoughts, random things I’ve thought of throughout the week that I want to express.

- How is Desperate Housewives still on the air? - When you swallow your food but you didn’t chew it enough. Ow. – Grateful for friends who push themselves to be better. – God stopped me to smile today when He gave me a four-leaf clover and the sound of the wind blowing. – I got to teach a kid how to taste honeysuckle yesterday. – Jesus is really good at connecting people. -