scenes from our weekend

Saturday, I did my longest run before this marathon. 20 miles. It was supposed to be last week, but with working last Saturday, I had to miss my running group, and then it never happened during the week. Just setting aside that much time makes it nearly impossible to do during the week. It wasn't as hard as other 20 milers I've done, but I've come to learn at around 18 miles things will just hurt, no matter how many times you've done them. Hips, toes, shoulders, they all just ache at that much running.

After two weeks of VERY hilly routes, this route was pretty flat, and I felt that I was flying through it. I stayed strong up until mile 16, where my group headed back home (they were only doing 17) and I had to keep going. I had been preparing myself mentally for that break, and I'm glad I did, because it was still tough even after miles of "You're doing 20 today." "You are strong to do 20." over and over again in my head.

I didn't have a time goal, but I ended up finishing it in 4 hours 9 minutes. And I was thrilled. Not to mention burning almost 2,000 calories before breakfast.  I always feel more secure after the longest run before a marathon, and now I'm beginning to get a bit excited about Cowtown. Just a few more weeks!

Any run as good as that should be celebrated with a date night. I mean, I never have that many calories to use, so why not use them on a few good dark beers? 

Open for Business

Well, Christmas vacation for the shop turned into a 5 week vacation. And I'm completely fine with that.   But, the shop is open again and I'm so excited for 2013.  I've been feeling the need to branch out into other areas recently, and I've got some great ideas that I'm excited to try.  2013 for me is about getting uncomfortable in lots of areas of my life, and pushing the boundaries of the shop is just one of them.

If you follow me on instragram (my username is laurenbattershell), you'll soon start seeing some previews of things to come. I can't wait to share them with you!

For now, let's celebrate the new year with a sale! Use code NEW2013 for 20% off as I get ready to bring in lots of new things!

on goals and grace

Every year, I start out with noble goals. Lists of them, how I'm going to fix all the things wrong with myself, and how I plan to get there quickly.

And each year, I fail.  In December, I find those lists, and look at how just a few months into the year (heck, a few weeks into the year), the changes are gone, and I've settled into my old ways. So, this pattern has to stop. Setting high goals, failing to achieve them, and measuring a year by their success or failure.

So this year, it's different. I do have some goals, but I'm holding them loosely. See, last year I had no idea of a move, job changes, and all that would be to come. They weren't on my radar and yet, they were the best of the year.  So this year, instead of measuring my life by these goals, it's going to be goals + grace.  Meaning, I know that the Lord holds my year, and if he takes my life to the places where I reach these goals, then awesome. If He takes me somewhere different, then these aren't a failure, just a different plan. 

Health/Fitness

I want to log 1,000 miles for the year. It's crazy and it's a lot, but it's do-able. Run 2 marathons. And reach my goal weight.  To do this, there will be a lot of healthy meals and cooking changes, but I'm not setting specific goals related to cooking. But know that cooking is a large part of keeping these goals alive.

Community

We want to settle into a church and small group here that is our own. We haven't found a place that just "fits" yet, and it's so important to us to come alongside others and live together.

Serving

With finding a church, we want to find our place to serve. It's been 2 years since we've actively served anywhere, and it's beyond time. 

And that's it. Just 3 very small and large things. Not as much planning and stressing this year as grace.  

Family photos fall 2012

I mean, I really should have shared these in November when they were taken. But, better late than never, right?

I'm a big believer in telling your story. And part of your story is told in pictures.  So, with a little nudging, the husband is now a believer in taking semi-regular pictures. This is our life, our story. And it's one worth being told. It's my job to preserve it.

in photos

Disney Half Marathon, January 2012

Cowtown Marathon and Half, Feb 2012

Easter 2012

 St. Arnolds Brewery, Houston, Summer 2012

 Minute Maid Stadium, Home of the Houston Astros, Summer 2012

 We bought our first car together!

Our new Austin home!

Happy Anniversary!

Give Thanks.

San Antonio Marathon, November 2012