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.