A few things I like about myself.

A few months ago, I linked up with some ladies and wrote a post called 10 things I like about myself, and it was so therapeutic. Sometimes, I think we're all a little afraid to say "hey self, you're pretty awesome"...and I've kind of felt some extra stress lately in certain aspects of my life, so I think its time I remind myself what the good things are...

I like...

That I'm loyal. In my marriage, in my faith, and in my friendships. You need me? I will be there, no matter what.

That I'm optimistic. Sure, not every day is good...but I believe there is GOOD in every day. When you have a better attitude about life, its hard to stay negative for long.

My freckles. Sometimes, I can hardly see them, but come summertime, there they are...just like little happy polka dots.

That I wear my heart on my sleeve. Well, sometimes. Sometimes I'm really hard to read. As in, I could be really sad, and not want any pity or questions so I pretend everything is all good...so I bottle it up inside, then freak out at the wrong moment, letting everything build up. That's definitely one thing I'd like to work on. Sharing my feelings more. Caleb is always telling me that its okay to 'not be okay' all the time.

That I'm weird. Like, seriously...but if it wasn't for me being myself, I wouldn't have some of the greatest, most amazing friends in the world who share the same brand of weird.

That I'm going after my dream. Every day isn't easy, and I'm sometimes a little too hard on myself...but I know what I want out of life, and I'll stop at nothing to make my dreams come true.

Speaking of my dream... that I have a passion at all. It makes me sad when I see some people just not have a 'thing' that they love, or want to go after. I'm happy to say I've got a passion, and I love that I get to build relationships with people while pursuing mine.

That I'm strong. I've been through my fair share of 'crap' in life, my teenage years were especially the hardest, but through all the ugly cards that were dealt to me, I learned some seriously valuable life lessons.

That I'm friendly. I truly believe a wave to a stranger, a smile to a co worker, or a simple email can change someone's day...so why not?

That I'm close with my grandparents... I've been blessed with quite a few sets of grandparents. One of which practically raised me. We hardly go a few days without talking, and they feel more like parents to me.

My adventurous side... skydiving? Done. Bungee jumping? Any day. Swim with sharks? Please, say the word!! I don't know what it is, but something about feeling the adrenaline is so neat to me. Life is too short to not do things that scare you at least a little!

My love for life... the days may be slow, but usually the years go fast. I try to write in my real journal a couple times a month to remember the raw moments that I don't want to share on the blog sometimes, and the happy little things like when Caleb packs my lunch for me. Life isn't always the huge milestones, its sometimes the small stuff... like when you find $2 in your pocket, or get gas for under $3 a gallon! Score!

My dimples. Sometimes there's just one...sometimes two. Certain facial expressions of mine show different dimples in my face. I think I got them from my Dad, but I'm not entirely sure.

My middle name, Lynn. It's simple, but I like it. I also got that from my Dad.

You know what? That felt good. On those days when I feel ugly, or my personality doesn't quite fit in,  or I'm being a negative Nancy, I'm going to come back and read these things for the simple reminder that God made me this way...and I'm great the way I am. & SO ARE YOU! Yes, you.... :) you are beautiful.

YOUR TURN. Leave a comment with at least ONE thing you love about yourself.

Linking up with the amazing Shanna!

A little (random) sunshine!

A few months ago someone nominated me for the sunshine award and asked me a bunch of random questions and I thought I'd go ahead an answer a few now! I tried linking her blog back, but it looks like its private now (so if you're reading this Kindra, hiiii!). I also have'nt done a random 'about me' post in forever! So what better time than now?

1. What is your favorite book of all time?
Hmm... I'd have to say Les Miserables, or Where The Red Fern Grows. Both were books I was forced to read in high school English and instantly fell in love with.

2. Favorite song?
This changes weekly, literally. But an all time favorite? Something I Need, duh! 

3. What's your favorite thing(s) about where you live?

Oh man. There are so many things I love about Cincinnati. I love that we have all four seasons. I love that we are so close to so many awesome shops and events. & I REALLY love our Zoo. You wouldn't know it because its been YEARS since I've been (& Caleb and I have NEVER been together, agh!)...but my favorite time is to go during "zoo baby" time. Currently the cutest little baby gorilla there ever was is frolicking around and I'm dying that I haven't seen her yet.

image

4. Favorite recipe?

Ahh...definitely this. I feel like I drop this recipe on the blog like at least monthly. It's SO amazing. First time I had ever used the 'broiler' function on my oven. Eek!

5. Do you run/workout/exercise at all? If so what's your favorite workout/exercise?

Yes! I've always considered myself a pretty active person, but it wasn't until last October when we joined our first gym, that my life really began to change. Sure, some months have been better than others...but I'm happy with my progress. I typically like to spend at least 30-40 minutes on the treadmill and then hit the weights/machines!

6. What's a day in your life look like?

Well, a weekday? Wake up, shower, drive to work. Try to survive by snacking every hour and drinking lots of tea. Stay there until 4:30. Go home, gym + dinner. Then if I'm lucky I get to hang with my hottie husband. But on a typical weekend? Filled with wedding photography + edits or time with friends. But I love it :)

random photo of my awesome husband and I.

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Oh boy, that's deep. Definitely debt free, a bunch of happy, adorable kiddos running around in our beautiful home...and if I had it my way? An in-ground pool and amazing backyard would be involved!!

8. Favorite TV show?

The Walking Dead...or Dexter. BOTH are so, so amazing!

9. If you could go anywhere, all expenses paid, where's the one place you'd go?

Definitely Australia. I'm dying to go!!

10. Favorite app?

Instagram, duh!

11. Post the best and your most favorite picture that you've ever taken. :)

AH! I really can't narrow it down to just one...but this one? So much emotion. This wedding really began to give me that confidence in photography I had always been looking for, and I'm so proud of this image. The firm hold on his daughter that he has for that last moment before giving her away, the tears coming down her face, and that so-in-love look in her eye as she sees her groom for the first time? That's what its all about. Those are the moments I live to capture!

Whats one random fact I don't know about you?!!?

I wanna see you be brave!

Today my blog post is all about our beauty, as women. Today is also this gorgeous gals birthday. Lyndsie was my Maid of Honor in my wedding! She's the spoon to my jar of marshmallow fluff :) this girl is truly one of the most beautiful (inside and out) people I know. She has a flipping heart of gold, and I just don't know what I'd do without her!

Lyndsie and I have been friends for about 11 years now, which blows my mind. But it really made me think about how far we've each individually come as young women, since we've met. I've been really inspired lately by all of these beauty awareness campaigns that numerous companies have started. The obvious is Dove, but another favorite of mine now is Always' "Hit Like a Girl", which you can see the video here. 

I used to be very self conscious, I had terrible acne, glasses and braces at the same time, and very, very dry skin. I was the 'pudgiest', and didn't understand why I didn't have "cute, bony wrists" like all of my friends. I know the things people said about me in middle school and my transition into high school, well, it just wasn't pretty. As I got older though, I kinda said screw it. I wore tank tops, even though my shoulders were sprinkled with acne every season of the year...I wore my glasses even when I didn't feel like putting my contacts in, and I learned to rock my ever-peeling nose on picture day due to my dry skin (and the nosebleed I got on that same day).

It's campaigns like this that make me so proud to be a woman. Thankfully, meeting Caleb helped me with my confidence a lot. I used to worry about him ever seeing me without my make up caked on, or in the Winter when I'm more pale than a vampire.. but he's somehow learned to deal with me even when I wake up like this... and also learned to make me feel beautiful, and loved.

Hiiii Caleb. I took this today!

We're all beautiful in our own ways...and it makes me sad to think about the young girls who tear themselves down because they aren't a size 0, or because they don't have perfect skin. As women, these girls need role models who LOVE themselves.

 I've realized to just get over it, when Im tagged in a picture that doesn't flatter me... why should I let it bother me? I need to be happy in the skin God put me in, because this is the only life I get to live! I know its like the most famous quote now, but comparison truly is the thief of joy. We can't let it do that to us, ladies! So WHAT if my nose is bigger than hers, or my acne flared up the night before my wedding?! Or if my ankles aren't super skinny, or if my double chin always sneaks its way out when I take my snapchats... I am ME, and I'm happy with it.

I'm lucky enough to be alive, have legs that run, and a heart that beats. I don't ever want to take it for granted. So remember friends, you are SERIOUSLY beautiful.

ABC action.

Still no vacation recap...I enjoyed a night in with Caleb and we decided to finally start a new season of shows (Even though we promised we wouldn't for a while, whoops!), 30 Rock! We're loving it so far. Also, I wanted to wish my EMILY the happiest of birthdays ever!! She and I have talked for probably nearly two years and she's just as sweet as they come. I hope you have the best day ever, ma'am!!!

*Back to my regularly scheduled post*
I hadn't done a random "about me" post in a while, and I've seen these floating around the blog-world many times, so I figured why not finally join in!? I have no idea if I did this right...just go with it ;) I present to you...

The ABC's of me!

A. Ambitious.

B. Believer.

C. Caleb, he's my hottie husband.

D. Dogs are better than cats.

E. Eaaaaatttttts a lot.

F. FOODIE. Total foodie; I love funnel cakes, filet mignon, marshmallow fluff, and fruit. See what I did there?

G. Good at eating.... ha! Can I mention that 3 times in a row!?

H. Hugger. I'm a TOTAL hugger...and not that pansy one-shoulder-tap type hugger, I'mma bring you in for a big one!

I. Imperfect, but embracing my flaws.

J. Joyful, trying to keep a "glass half full" mentality on life!

K. My first initial :)

L. Lover. I love animals, people, and food...so much food.

M. Moved about 7 times in my life, causing me to go to 4 different schools growing up!

N. Nice. I have many friends who tell me I'm "too nice" (which can sometimes be a problem)!

O. Optimistic.

P. Pursuing my passion that is PHOTOGRAPHY, and loving every step along the way.

Q. Quirky. I'm pretty weird...end of story.

R. Runner. I may not be the best, but at least I'm trying!

S. Sarcastic at times. I can't help myself!

T. Type A and Type B. I have both a crazy organized planning part of my brain, and also an insanely spontaneous "go with the flow" part, too. I confuse myself.

U. Unique. I really think everyone's got their own crazy qualities that make them, them.

V. Very happy.

W. Wanderlust. I seriously never stop thinking about traveling. I'm always pinning travel destinations, thinking about a weekend getaway, or dreaming of spending my days in unexplored parts of the world.

X. Yeah I've got nothing for this...not many words start with X, sorry ;)

Y. Years of age -- 22. Soon to change!

Z. Zoo. Cincinnati has an amazing one and I haven't been in so long. I love seeing all the animals!

If that wasn't the most random Tuesday post ever, I'm not sure what is.

Enjoy today!

10 things I like about myself.

I recently saw a post floating around called "10 things I like about myself", and it seriously spoke to me...to read all of these beautiful women's posts. To see what they saw in themselves, and for that to just be okay. I love when women can just be proud of who they are...you know, I aint so bad.

Linking up here!

So, what do I like about myself? Let me list a few.

1. That I stand for what I believe in. Whether it be my faith, treating people the right way, or something I have a great feeling about...I will always follow my gut and do the right thing.

2. That I'm emotional. Okay, so maybe that can be both a good and bad thing. I have this tendency to bottle my emotions up, and then burst at all the wrong moments...but hey, its who I am. I'm learning how to express myself better, and love myself for it.

3. My eyes. I get my hazel's from my Dad.

4. My freckles. They come and go with the seasons...but summer time really brings them out.

5. My passion for photography. Ever since I was a young girl, I've wanted to take pictures. I've always loved looking through photographs. When I was younger I remember checking out photography magazines, and gawking at National Geographic pictures like this one...and swore one day I'd take my very own "wow" photo.

6. I like my intentionality. I'm lucky enough to have a few best friends that I'm very close too. I'd like to think I'm pretty good about staying in touch, praying for them, and letting them know how much they mean to me! Besides, what's a girl without her best friends?

7. My outlook on life. Almost always, you will find a smile on my face. I believe that the world is both a scary, but beautiful place. I love reading stories that restore my faith in humanity. I love hearing of random acts of kindness, just because. I believe if we don't look at life in a positive way, how will we ever survive?

8. I like that I'm not picky. There are only 2 things in this world I don't like. Cottage cheese, and green olives. Yuck. Want to make me dinner? Go ahead, I'm not picky at all. Take me anywhere you please.

9. That I stick to my word. You need me to be somewhere? I won't forget. You and I have lunch plans? I won't bail. You want me to come support you at your marathon? Count me in. When a friend needs me, hands down, no questions asked, I am there. I think it all comes down to treating others how you'd want to be treated.

& last but not least...

10. That I'm pretty tough. No, not in the muscle department (although I'm getting there!), I mean emotionally. I've been through my fair share of crap in life...no really, trust me. There were days when I was younger I didn't think I wanted to be around, that I was the cause of my parents divorce, that I was a failure for not getting perfect grades...etc, etc, etc...but you know what? Those silly thoughts, and stupid things that have happened to me, do not define me. I know that I came out stronger because of all the cards my life has dealt me, and I'm happy to say I like who I am. All in all.

Self, you're not so bad.

So, what do you like about yourself?

It went well.

This gal started half marathon training Monday...and this gal is tired.

I forced myself to hit the gym last night and run 3 miles straight (thanks a lot, Hal Higdon). Then, this morning, I went before work and ran a couple more (who am I turning into!?). As excited as I am that I ran those distances, I'm wondering how in the world people can actually run marathons!? I've only signed up for 13.1 and last night I was jumping for joy when I reached the halfway point of my 5K distance.

I know, I know...mind over matter... but its tough!

Those 3 miles last night were really hard. I wanted to give up a lot. Trying to finish in under 29 minutes was difficult, but boy I did it...and I'm pretty proud.

Lately I've been feeling more like myself. I know its because I'm hitting the gym a lot more like I was before Christmas, I'm also making healthier choices...and it feels weirdly good to not be spending any money. It's like a game...how long can I go without breaking this $20 bill?!

I'm spending more time with people that I love, having real conversations with my husband, digging deeper into my Bible, volunteering my time more, learning new things, accepting compliments, even asking the receptionist at work how she is and truly caring...and its all working together to make me into a happier person. 

Generally, I'd say I'm already a joyful person...but there is something about this new year that has me excited.

2014, you better watch it. You're mine.

21 things you oughta know

Okay, I cannot NOT talk about my favorite show: New Girl. Please tell me every one of you watch that show?!?!?! I am writing this and I just witnessed what I've been waiting for FOR TWO SEASONS! ahhhhh.... my heart rate is up. OH. MY. LAWWWWD!

Okay, woo.

Now that I have that off my chest.... ;)

Its Wednesday! You know what that means! Time to get random. 

What better type of random then telling you some lil' facts about my crazy self? I figured 21 was a good number, since that's how many years of life I've got under the ole' belt.

1. I have been with my man for almost 3 and a half years & if you're new around here -- we're tying the knot in May!!

2. I'm a natural brunette, but keep adding blonde back in it. Maybe one day I'll have the guts to go dark?

3. I have a bad sweet tooth, which is hard to keep under control since Caleb and I are trying to get in our best shape for this wedding!

4. I went to 4 different schools before 6th grade. If I have it my way, my children will go to one school until they graduate. Who likes those awkward days where you have to find a spot in the lunch room? Not I, my friend, not I.

5. Mountain dew is my drug of choice.

6. I own way too much jewelry. This is just a portion of what I brought with my on vacation last summer.

7. I still get sad when I think about Britney Spears and her meltdown. Poor thaaang.

8. When I get tan, I get a LOT of freckles.

excuse the greasy hair! It was beach season.

9.  I swam with dolphins when I was in 6th grade. 

10. I am a firm believer in snail mail. A new years resolution was to send at least ONE package or handwritten letter/card EACH month. So far, so good!

11. I have never left the country. Shortly, that will change for our honeymoon! We are going to the Riviera Maya in Mexico!

12. My mom spontaneously moved to Hawaii, and I miss her every day! I hope to visit her someday!

13. I met Toby Keith once! Caleb called me while I was at college and told me to come home, because he won backstage passes & a meet and greet with Toby Keith from a local radio station. Neither of us are hardcore country fans, but uh... why pass up this free opportunity? He was very tall!

14. I very much enjoy watching football!

15. I work in finance for an independent advisory firm in Cincinnati!

16. I have a younger brother who just turned fifteen. I love him very much, and we are lucky to be as close as we are, for our age difference!

17. I got baptized on my 18th birthday, followed by skydiving. Yeah, I am an adrenaline junkie!

18 I actually like to be scared. Haunted houses, scary movies, halloween? Bring it on.

19. I am very particular about the way dishes and laundry are done! However, I enjoy them... much like shopping, it is a stress reliever to me!

20. I once cut my hair, really short!

21. I am very sentimental. I basically keep E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G from my dates with Caleb. Movie tickets, wristbands, letters, cards, guitar picks we caught at concerts, you know, the usual ;) I just want to be able to look back on our 50th wedding anniversary and see what stupid movie we went to see back in 2010. Wouldn't you?? Caleb calls me crazy, but one day he'll thank me!

So... did ya learn anything new?? I'll be making some actual page tabs up top here soon so these facts will probably soon be embedded in your little brains ;) 

I wrote this as a draft in very good, fun spirits. But today... I woke up with a bad cough, swollen throat, and no voice... soo, I'm typing from the ole' smartphone today, in bed. Hot tea all day, please.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

What fun random fact can you tell me about yourself today? 

Linking up with the ever adorable, Shanna! My blogger is being R.U.D.E today and won't copy her button correctly. Please, if you don't already follow her -- change that ;)