Footpath Trek

North Carolina is a paradise for nature lovers..
It's beautiful mountains, rolling hills, streams, and wildlife.

Recently, Mr. Army Man, Libby (our dog) and I have been enjoying quite a bit of time hiking and enjoying the great outdoors.

Anytime spent out and about is especially great for our lab, Libby,who is a big ball of energy.

We frequent our local park often and ended up hiking a few times this weekend.

On Saturday we trekked about 2.5 miles.
And on Sunday we did right at 1.5.

I go to the gym about 4 times a week but getting out in the sunshine and having a fabulous view was amazing.

While on the trail I dared Mr. Army Man
to cross a dead long  across a little stream.
Of course, he made it across and then doubled back.

We came across an intense trail that was roped off with caution tape. We knew we wanted to hike it, but we would definitely have to work up to it.

The trail is ELEVEN miles complete with poison ivy, copperhead snakes, and of course spiders. But I knew it was something that I really wanted to do.

I love a really good challenge and having my husband beside me I know I can accomplish it.
We are going to be training to and have a goal set
that we can complete the eleven miles in about 5-6 weeks.

We plan on checking out some other local hiking trails at Raven Rock, Jordan Lake and the American Tobacco Trail.

I am so excited! And hopefully with eating right and hiking regularly, along with my normal gym workout I can lose some of this weight I've gained from stress and lack of self control (at least I'm honest..)

Hope y'all have a great week!
I can't wait to get on the trail again this weekend!

#SB2013

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So today is the first official day of my Spring Break.

And while I wish I could be like every other crazy college student 

and spend the week in Panama having a seriously legit drunken fabulous time, 

or go home and see my parents.

I'm stuck here in North Carolina doing some adult like shiz..

Some goals for this week include but are not limited to:

Spring clean to have yard sale.

Blog almost everyday.

(I know I've been MIA recently.)

Work on my fitness.

Cook dinner every night.

Read at least one book. (1/9)

(Went to the bookstore and currently have 9 books to read.)

Oh and RELAX!

Cheers to a much needed break!

Shopping: A Deeper Meaning

Most of y'all know I am on a no shopping period right now..

And to be honest I am sorta enjoying it.

I don't have to go out & buy the hottest new thing
because J.Simps is carrying it.

I feel so much better about not spending money
& I know that we are saving everyday.

Right now I am in a marketing class and 

I feel like I should help breakdown the difference between

internal influence and external influence.

Internal Influence:

-Needs

-Personality

-Self Image

-Motives/Desires

-Security

External Influence:

-Household

-Social Status

-Culture

-Want

I think we all need to keep in mind that
just because someone else has is,
doesn't mean that we need it as well.

Some key things I like to keep in mind now are:
Is it another's influence that is making me want to get it?
Am I really going to use it?
Will it go out of style soon?
Do I just want it because I saw so-in-so with it?
Is it something I'm going to want to keep for the rest of my life?

These things help me stay under control and not shop,
even when I see something that is totally TO DIE FOR!

And let's be honest, if someone (like me)
who used to shop 4/7 days a week,
then you can probably go without it for a little while too!

And in the long run your wallet, husband and self control will probably thank you!
If not, you can always have a sweet reward at the end like I do.

Only.. 

Now who wants to go shopping with me

when this is all over? :)

I'm Doing it for Me

Hey babes.

I'm going to jump right in and be completely honest 

with you for a minute.

Not that I'm not always honest 

but stuff is about to get REALLY real for a moment.

I have been debating on whether or not 

I should have a New Year's Resolution.

I have decided that instead 

I am going to be more realistic and have a list of goals.

13 for 13

1. Have devotionals with the hubs everyday.

We got a neat book last year 

that has an excerpt to read everyday.

We have already done two.

So far so good.

2. Read one book per month.

I used to read everyday.

I know it just isn't possible with my life now

but I so wish it was.

3. Spend more time outdoors

enjoying what our God has created.

4. Quit cussing.

I do it.. And I realize it is so unladylike 

and my parents have taught me better.

5. Be more healthy. 

No my goal isn't to lose weight 

but to help my body out overall.

No more junk.

6. Workout three times per week.

I think this is such a realistic goal 

especially since we have a 

two year contract on a gym membership.

7. Become a church member.

We recently got back into church & love it.

Now we just need to keep on & become members.

8. Get a new Bible.

I have one now.

But it has been passed down 

& would like something of my own.

9. Read my Bible twice a week.

Not just at church on Sunday.

10. Have more quiet time.

Without the TV, iPhone, or any other distractions.

To just be one with God.

11. Grow my blog & the relationships with my followers.

I feel like I know some of you so well.

If you want a friend, you have one in me.

12. Reach out to others.

To find peace in helping others 

& to know I'm doing the right thing.

Even if I can just make someone smile.

13. Step outside of my comfort zone.

Sometimes I just stay in my little bubble 

because I think people are going to hurt me 

or judge me harshly.

I just want to live without those notions.

I know I don't normally talk about my spirituality 

or about all this mushy stuff on this here blog often.

But I want to make it a point to show you the real me.

I don't care if you like it.

I'm just being me & following my goals for this year.

I leave you with a quote by my favorite chef, Julia Child.

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