So my dear reader, before I take the plunge I wanted to give you one last post. According to my countdown in 1 day, 9 hours and 28 minutes I will be splashing into a lake to begin my very first triathlon.
Confession: I haven't been biking in almost 1 1/2 weeks, I haven't been swimming in 1 week and I haven't been running in 2 weeks. I may be the worst triathlete EVER! My dad asked me tonight if I had begun to "taper" my workouts, I told him I was sufficiently tapered.
Yet I still believe that I can finish this puppy in less than an hour and 45 minutes--we shall see.
Needless to say, I already have pre-race jitters: my stomach is turning, my heart is pounding, and I feel that at any moment I might jump out of my skin.
My dad said we would enjoy a pre-race meal the morning of at Waffle House. . .I said no thanks. I don't think my stomach will handle that.
The thing is I am fine with the swim and the bike! I can do those combined in less than 1 hour and 10 minutes, but it is a question of if I can do the run. I keep telling myself that I ran 13.1 miles with 6 weeks of training-- really 5 because the last week I "tapered"-- I can run 3. Stop getting so worked up, self!
I hope to come back to you on Saturday afternoon and say I tore up my 1:45 goal and finished in 1:30 but I am HIGHLY doubting that will happen.
Until then, Adios! Think of me if you wake up at 7:30 on Saturday morning!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Amendment
Alright,
I have to amend that last post because it was so down. I DID have an overall very good day.
Here are three good things:
1. I got a new work assignment, I love staying busy at work
2. All 13 of the students who were having issues contacting their caregiver are no longer having issues b/c I either hunted down their cg or gave them a new one
3. I ate subway for lunch (it's the little things in life. . . )
There are 2 more now that I'm thinking about it:
4. The gift cards for the cg's came in--this has been a huge pain in my side for the last couple of weeks at work and it's resolved!
5. As I was leaving work it was starting to thunder and I prayed all 5 blocks that the Lord would hold off the rain 'til I got to my car on Bee street because I had papers in my briefcase that would get wet if it poured. . . and He did!
And there's another!:
6. Bryan, Jeanette, and I are going over to Laura's to have dinner tomorrow night, and I am VERY much looking forward to that!
I am blessed!
I have to amend that last post because it was so down. I DID have an overall very good day.
Here are three good things:
1. I got a new work assignment, I love staying busy at work
2. All 13 of the students who were having issues contacting their caregiver are no longer having issues b/c I either hunted down their cg or gave them a new one
3. I ate subway for lunch (it's the little things in life. . . )
There are 2 more now that I'm thinking about it:
4. The gift cards for the cg's came in--this has been a huge pain in my side for the last couple of weeks at work and it's resolved!
5. As I was leaving work it was starting to thunder and I prayed all 5 blocks that the Lord would hold off the rain 'til I got to my car on Bee street because I had papers in my briefcase that would get wet if it poured. . . and He did!
And there's another!:
6. Bryan, Jeanette, and I are going over to Laura's to have dinner tomorrow night, and I am VERY much looking forward to that!
I am blessed!
Days like these
There are days when I want to shout for joy at the work of the Lord in my life, when I feel the satisfaction with my life radiating from my soul and I know that no non-Christian has EVER felt this way.
Then there are days like these when I wonder when it will be my turn to cure people for the glory of the Lord and when it will be my turn to cuddle up to my beloved and fall asleep in his arms rather than wrapping my arms around bunny (yes I sleep with a bunny and I can't think of a more original name for him than "bunny"). Days like these I try and think of the eternal joy I will have in Heaven and then I become overwhelmed because the idea of that much joy is intimidating and tiring while I am still here on Earth and living in my sin.
Days like these I have to turn to the Lord, enjoy His comforting presence, and ask Him for a dose of joy. And then hate on sin for bringing with it PMS.
Triathlon Update:
Running in the morning. The endorphins will do me good.
Then there are days like these when I wonder when it will be my turn to cure people for the glory of the Lord and when it will be my turn to cuddle up to my beloved and fall asleep in his arms rather than wrapping my arms around bunny (yes I sleep with a bunny and I can't think of a more original name for him than "bunny"). Days like these I try and think of the eternal joy I will have in Heaven and then I become overwhelmed because the idea of that much joy is intimidating and tiring while I am still here on Earth and living in my sin.
Days like these I have to turn to the Lord, enjoy His comforting presence, and ask Him for a dose of joy. And then hate on sin for bringing with it PMS.
Triathlon Update:
Running in the morning. The endorphins will do me good.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The run down
.5 km swim--12 mins
15 mile bike--56 min 30 sec
.8 mile run--6 mins
What's that you ask, dear reader? Why so short of a run? Wellllll, I got tired of pushing. So I must be truthful and tell everyone of you that I didn't quite do the triathlon today. But I have several good reasons-ish:
1. I wore my cute, new, purple shoes to work today and before I even got seated at my desk I had one bleeding blister on each heel (I do have to walk 5 blocks from the parking garage)
2. Wellll, there is no 2. I simply didn't feel like doing it. Oh, and my feet started falling asleep when I was running. Do any of y'all have that problem? They did that when I was training for the half marathon and it doesn't matter how tight or loose my shoes are tied. Weird.
Then I proceeded directly from the gym to Melvin's Barbecue (Delish). I ate almost a 1/2 lb of their barbecued chicken for dinner along with 3 slices of fresh tomato and a little bit of corn pie. Now my tummy is full, very full, and I am about to curl up on my bed with a book and read myself to sleep!
Did I mention I got a new assignment at work today? I am going to write an article to be published in the monthly publication put out by the SC Association of PAs (SCAPA) talking about my experience this summer as an intern in the PA program and asking the SCAPA members to consider becoming a preceptor for students (Clemson specifically). Kinda exciting!
15 mile bike--56 min 30 sec
.8 mile run--6 mins
What's that you ask, dear reader? Why so short of a run? Wellllll, I got tired of pushing. So I must be truthful and tell everyone of you that I didn't quite do the triathlon today. But I have several good reasons-ish:
1. I wore my cute, new, purple shoes to work today and before I even got seated at my desk I had one bleeding blister on each heel (I do have to walk 5 blocks from the parking garage)
2. Wellll, there is no 2. I simply didn't feel like doing it. Oh, and my feet started falling asleep when I was running. Do any of y'all have that problem? They did that when I was training for the half marathon and it doesn't matter how tight or loose my shoes are tied. Weird.
Then I proceeded directly from the gym to Melvin's Barbecue (Delish). I ate almost a 1/2 lb of their barbecued chicken for dinner along with 3 slices of fresh tomato and a little bit of corn pie. Now my tummy is full, very full, and I am about to curl up on my bed with a book and read myself to sleep!
Did I mention I got a new assignment at work today? I am going to write an article to be published in the monthly publication put out by the SC Association of PAs (SCAPA) talking about my experience this summer as an intern in the PA program and asking the SCAPA members to consider becoming a preceptor for students (Clemson specifically). Kinda exciting!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Today I stretched.
Myself, that is.
I stretched first socially. I braved the Medical Community Outreach Sunday school class at East Cooper Baptist this morning. For many people this would be no big deal but I am shy (believe it or not!), I am self-conscious, and I don't like trying new things. Combine that with the fact that I am approximately 5-10 years younger than everyone else and you have QUITE the intimidating situation for me. Well, I conquered my fears (with the help of Sara). I was a little disappointed in my performance, however, because I only talked to the 2 people I knew before. SO next week my Sunday social stretch will be to talk to at least 1 new person.
I stretched my cooking skills set next. Upon my arrival home from church Pawpaw asked me to grill the salmon. Well, I never have grilled anything before. So I go out, figure out how to turn the thing on (no charcoal experience yet) and start grilling. It turned out pretty well. The salmon tasted good, but by the end we had scrambled salmon as opposed to salmon filets (Pawpaw forgot to use the non-stick foil).
Finally I will give you an update on the triathlon training.
At this point my countdown is telling me that I have 12 days, 9 hours, 36 minutes and 20 seconds--eek! I better get training! So YOU, my dear reader (whoever you are), need to hold me accountable. I plan to head to the Wellness Center tomorrow and do the entire triathlon there.
I hope to finish this puppy in 2 hours or less. I know that 2 hours is not record-breaking by any means but it's better than nothing.
I will let you know how tomorrow goes! :D
I stretched first socially. I braved the Medical Community Outreach Sunday school class at East Cooper Baptist this morning. For many people this would be no big deal but I am shy (believe it or not!), I am self-conscious, and I don't like trying new things. Combine that with the fact that I am approximately 5-10 years younger than everyone else and you have QUITE the intimidating situation for me. Well, I conquered my fears (with the help of Sara). I was a little disappointed in my performance, however, because I only talked to the 2 people I knew before. SO next week my Sunday social stretch will be to talk to at least 1 new person.
I stretched my cooking skills set next. Upon my arrival home from church Pawpaw asked me to grill the salmon. Well, I never have grilled anything before. So I go out, figure out how to turn the thing on (no charcoal experience yet) and start grilling. It turned out pretty well. The salmon tasted good, but by the end we had scrambled salmon as opposed to salmon filets (Pawpaw forgot to use the non-stick foil).
Finally I will give you an update on the triathlon training.
At this point my countdown is telling me that I have 12 days, 9 hours, 36 minutes and 20 seconds--eek! I better get training! So YOU, my dear reader (whoever you are), need to hold me accountable. I plan to head to the Wellness Center tomorrow and do the entire triathlon there.
I hope to finish this puppy in 2 hours or less. I know that 2 hours is not record-breaking by any means but it's better than nothing.
I will let you know how tomorrow goes! :D
Friday, July 9, 2010
Beloved
I have realized several things this summer: It is possible to be deeply lonely with people all around, the Lord provides at the perfect time, and I am waiting on my Beloved.
The Lord has been whispering in my ear all summer one small word: "Beloved." At first I wanted to roll my eyes and say aloud, "Lord, I know you really want me to find my satisfaction in you and I know you chose me and love me more dearly than any man could but I so desperately desire a man to choose me and take me and love me." Then the realization hit me: Perhaps, the Lord isn't reassuring me that I am His beloved, but telling me that He has planned a Beloved for me and I need to wait on His timing. This idea is such a thrill! The Lord has chosen someone for me to go through this life with, and not just anyone, a BELOVED, a SOULMATE!
So, how will I know, what will I look for?
I have no idea. But I trust that the Lord will tell me. He has given me such a godly and loving (but not perfect) example of a marriage in my parents and I pray daily for the grace to love and serve my husband the way they serve each other. I will no longer look for a "Christian" man, but rather a man who loves Jesus with all his heart, a man who does all things for the glory of the Lord, and a man who shows me hesed love despite my sins and the hurt that I will cause him.
Why in the world am I so excited about this promise from the Lord?
It gives me a renewed hope. It shows me, all the more, the depth of the Lord's love for a silly little sinner like me. It gives me an opportunity to pray for the man I will marry in even more specific ways. I feel like this is the Lord's way of looking down on me and saying, "Beloved, I love you so much that I would overcome you with it if I showed you, so until Heaven I want to bless you with an earthly beloved to give you a tiny taste of the vastness of my love for you."
After this realization, I began to think of the ramifications that my sin will have on my marriage.
My sin will temper the joy of my marriage, it will get in the way of me fully savoring the taste of the Lord's love demonstrated by the gift of a husband. It hurts to know that I will mess up in this relationship over and over again. But even now, I am praying for grace and for a teachable heart.
Slowly this picture has gone broad-spectrum again in my walk with the Lord. I have realized anew just how much joy I miss out on in this relationship because of my own sin. And then I go and project my sins on the Lord--well, great, way to go Catharine! The Lord has drawn me even closer in my frustrations and gently reminded me that He is the giver of all good things, I have already been guaranteed this joy in eternity, and if I walk with him in my life on earth I will not lack for joy.
Funny thing: The Lord has opened my eyes to the fact that there is never a "fairy-tale" marriage, that every man will fail me, that I will fail every man. At the same time, he's shown me that, in Him, my marriage will be even better than the fairy-tales!
"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." Song of Solomon 6:3
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