Spreading the Magic

Hey, I hope you all had a great week!  I had a nice one myself.  I really enjoyed reading all of the comments on my giveaway.  I encourage you to go through the comments and read them if you haven’t done so already.  There were quite a few touching stories shared.  I was excited to see 32 total entries :)  This morning I put you all in an excel sheet and then used a number generator to select a random number.  The number chosen was #2!!! 

So the Disney tickets go to…

Ali!!!  Congrats girl :) 

Email me at vdsamantha@gmail.com with your address so I can get them in the mail.

I really enjoyed doing this give away and will continue to do so as long as God blesses me with the resources.  I love the feeling of giving.  Not every giveaway will be Disney tickets but I’ll come up with other fun ideas too!  So follow my blog and keep checking back!

Congratulations again Ali.  Thank you for reading and commenting!  My first half is Dec 1 and my first Disney race is the half in Jan.  Hopefully I’ll run into you at some point :)

Disney Ticket Giveaway!!

Hey friends! Yesterday’s run went as well as expected.  My knees are doing better but I could feel them tightening up around mile 2.  I stopped each time they hurt and stretched my IT band.  That seemed to help.  I’m going to start gradually increasing my miles again but I’ll be taking a lot of stretch breaks and my new foam roller will be my new best friend hahah ok now to the part you all care about...

Some of my favorite Disney memories

I’ve decided to do another contest and this time I’m giving away 2 Disney tickets!  I’m blessed to have a job that provides me with several tickets each year and last year several went to waste.  In effort to keep that from happening again I’ve decided to spread the magic to my blog readers :)  My friends and family love Disney but they can only come so much.  So the rules are the same as they were for the Starbucks give away, all you have to do is comment for a chance to win :)  I know my comment section doesn’t always work on my blog so if it won’t go through you can comment on the facebook or twitter link you got this from.   But please do that as a last resort because it’ll make it more difficult for me to collect the names of all who have commented and I don’t want to leave anyone out by mistake!  Let’s keep it positive and tell me your favorite Disney memory, why you want to go, or just something you’re thankful for right now (doesn’t have to be Disney related). 

The tickets can be used at Disney World, Disneyland, CA, Hong Kong Disney, Disneyland Paris…so my international readers can comment too!

Keep in mind the new Fantasyland in Disney World opens up Dec 6 so these would be perfect tickets for a chance to see that.  And all of my runDisney friends you can use them for post race :D  I can’t wait to hang out with all of you…I’ve got to try my first Dole Whip hahaha

Other reasons to visit Disney: 

Food and Wine Festival (my favorite)

Christmas Decorations

The Osbornes light show

Spring and Garden Festival

Mickey Supreme Bars

Happy people everywhere

Fine Print Details:  They expire 6/13/13 so they must be used before then!  Please only enter the contest if you’re certain you’ll be able to use them by that date.  Also,  please do NOT sale them for any reason.  If you can’t use them, give them back to me :)  Mickey Mouse gives them to me for free so I’m not selling them and I don’t want you to either.    Also, be sure to say hi to Minnie Mouse during your visit…she wants to give you a hug :)

Halloween in Disney World!

Contest goes until Friday 9/21/12 and winner will be announced Saturday 9/22/12 so come back and check my blog then.  The winner will have 24 hrs to claim the tickets before they are forfeited to the next person.

I hope you all have a magical week!

ºoº .•:*¨¨*:•.Samantha.•:*¨¨*:•. ºoº

Seasons of Life

I’m struggling with comparisons.  Not comparing apples to oranges or triangles to squares but with comparing myself to others.  Lately, I’ve noticed rather than being thankful for where I am in life and where God is leading me, I’ve been catching myself focusing on what others have and questioning why I don’t have these things.  Everyday on my newsfeed a new story pops up informing me of someone buying a house, getting engaged, having a baby, or starting a new career.  I’m happy for the person for about 10 minutes until I selfishly start to think, “If they have that; why don’t I?  What’s wrong with me, am I not good enough?”  Sometimes I feel trapped by school…wanting to do something else/move on with my life yet I know I’m here studying for another 2 years and then an externship year.  It’s like I’m wishing my life away.  I know it’s wrong yet I catch myself doing it way too often. 

Today, I had a nice reminder from someone that this is just a season of life and it will pass.  However, I shouldn’t waste my time wishing it away and being envious over what others have.  Chances are they’re wanting what I have.  Instead of wishing I were somewhere else doing something new, I should focus on seeking the purpose of this season of life.  For me, this season means being a good steward of my time…I’m juggling so much these days, all the while dreaming of fitting in all these other things my friends have.   Today, I reminded myself for the one-millionth time that my priorities right now are seeking biblical community, being a strong student, and working hard in clinic and at my jobs.  I’m working hard at these things now so I can have the appropriate time and resources for my future family. 

I don’t need a house right now… this apartment suits me just fine.  I don’t need a new career…I’m working diligently towards one that I am very passionate about.  I’m going to try and embrace this season of life..I don’t want to miss anything God may have in store for me.

I wanted to share this with you all because I have a feeling that I'm not the only one who wishes for something different.  I want to encourage you to find comfort in knowing that every season has it's purpose even if you can't see it now.  And like every fall turns to winter and winter to spring...this season in your life will also change.  So embrace it while you have it :)

Knee Pain Stinks

So I did it, I finally broke down and bought a new pair of running shoes.  My last pair were ok for short runs but not anything over 3 miles.  The past few months of running have taught me that when I run my feet overpronate (turn inwards) especially my right foot.  After running just 3 miles I’d get big blisters on the inside of my foot.  I thought after a while my feet would adjust and they’d go away…nope.  Anyways, I could deal with the blisters but I can’t deal with this newly developed knee pain.  Whenever I run I feel intense pain on the lateral sides of my knees.  This has made it very difficult to complete my long runs and even walking afterwards is hard.

These shoes feel so much better on my feet and I have special inserts in them to keep my feet from pronating.   The guy who fitted me made me run for him...awkward…but he was just making sure that the shoes were going to work for me, which I appreciate.   I’ve decided I’m going to take a few weeks off while I break in my new shoes.  It’s frustrating because I really want to run but my legs won’t let me :(  I’m a little nervous about taking time off however my knees need a rest.  I’ve also recently lost my armband that holds my phone so I’m taking that as another sign I shouldn’t be running right now hahaha.

I hope 2 weeks is enough because I’m really looking forward to the Color Me Rad 5K on Sept 29. I’ve been doing well at keeping to my goal of at least one race a month up until the half marathons.  Worse comes to worse, I’ll just walk it :)  I have another 5K in October that’s raising money for a medical trip and still looking for a race inNovember but I’ll find something I’m sure.  I was going to do a half in Nov but with my tiny setback I’ve decided to get some more training time in and do the half here in Gainesville on Dec 1.  It’s cheaper too, so that’s another positive :)  I’m hoping that race will give me the qualifying time I want for the Disney races in Jan and Feb… I want to be able and stop to take pictures of the Characters during the race and I’m terrified of being picked up by the “sweeper” that picks up all of the slow people hahah  A qualifying time can give me the little head start that I need. 

So in short, I’m facing a minor setback but I have faith I’ll be good as new soon :)  This is only a hurdle and God can move mountains.

Lord I'm gonna show the world Your love.  I'll run, I'll run.  I'm gonna run this race to hear You say well done

Running has been one of the more challenging things I’ve decided to dedicate my time to but it’s worth it.   

Starbucks Give Away Winner

Back from my 7 mile run this morning.  It went ok, but I could definitely tell I took a week off.  Today wasn't my actual long run day but it was Kelsey's so I decided to stick with her and go at her pace.  It worked out well.  And now it's time to give out some Starbucks!

The winner of the lucky $7 Starbucks card is...Amy San Pedro! :)  Email me at vdsamantha@gmail.com and I'll have the Starbucks eGift sent to your email :)

I had over 80 page views yesterday but you didn't comment..I'll have another give away sometime so you can take advantage of it.

Now its off to packing for me,  hopefully leaving for NC tomorrow morning.  I plan on spending 80% of my time at the beach reading, 10% in Chapel Hill, and the other 10% doing who knows want.  If you're in the Jville/Chapel Hill/Raleigh/Wilmington area and want to hang out, send me a message :)  I definitely want to see you!  I hope you all have a fun Friday!!

Enjoy your Starbucks Amy :)

I passed Neuro!! So who wants some Starbucks?!

I passed Neuro!  And with a B :)  If you read back a few posts, you'd see a B wasn't looking likely.  I’m thankful God gave me the patience, dedication and brains to get through this course.  My brain is so exhausted from having to think about itself.  So it’s time for some rest and relaxation.  Today to celebrate my accomplishment, I’m making cupcakes with my roommate!  I wish I could share them with all of you but unfortunately I don’t think cupcakes taste very good after they’ve gone through the mail (although I can’t be certain).  However, I can share a coffee with you from 500+ miles away :)  How you may ask?  With a Starbucks eGift!  So in celebration of my passing grade I’m giving away a $7 Starbucks gift card to someone who comments on this blog.  I wanted to give away $7.29 for my birthdate, July 29, but Starbucks doesn’t allow it so I’m going with $7.  7 is also a lucky number.  I hope this card makes someone just as happy as I am about passing Neuro :)

So this is how it works:  all you have to do is post a comment.  Any comment you’d like, but I like ones that make me laugh.  Ask my friends, I love to be entertained! If you aren't funny it's ok, just say hi :) Everyone who comments get’s their name written on a sticky note and throne into something fun for drawing.  I’m posting this kind of late in the day so I’ll make the cutoff 8 am tomorrow.  When I return from my long run tomorrow I’ll announce the winner.  You have 11pm to claim it before it goes to the next sticky note (so remember to check my blog again tomorrow!!)  In addition to spreading happiness, I hope this is an incentive to those who read my crazy thoughts often.

Anyways, Good luck! And may the odds ever be in your favor! (cheesy hunger games plug…couldn’t help it!)

I Am Second

I was just telling my roommate that I’ve been itching to write in this blog.  There is so much I want to blog about, my love hate relationship with neuro, the wedding I attended on Sat, my birthday on Sunday, the I Am Second movement etc.  However, if I wrote out everything I wanted to share I’d definitely lose your attention as it would go on and on.  I had no idea what to pick to blog about so I just opened to the verse of the day in my You Version Bible app (probably one of my most useful and favorite apps on my phone) and read  “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew6:33).   This verse spoke volumes to me and I think in a way it incorporates all of the above topics.

So I’ll start off by saying that this past weekend was awesome!  A much needed break from the dreaded neuro class.  One of my friends from the AuD program got married in Orlando.  I along with several others went to celebrate with her.  I had so much fun, the photobooth and dancing was a blast.   My friend was absolutely beautiful on her wedding day, and both the ceremony and parts of the reception made me teary eyed.  Kelly and Carlos looked perfect for each other and so in love.  I couldn’t help but dream about experiencing love like that one day.  I had to constantly remind myself that it’s in God’s hands not mine.  I have to learn to wait on him…I assure you it’s a constant struggle in my boy crazed world.  Anyways…at midnight I turned 24 :)

Sunday morning (my birthday), we drove back to Gainesville super early so I wouldn’t miss church on my birthday.  As most of you know, Kelsey and I, go to the same church but our other roommate usually sleeps in…well this week she surprised me with coming to church with us!  What an awesome birthday present :)    We all had a nice lunch after church followed with more awesome surprises and gifts. 

The tag that came with these shorts does not lie.
          Two people today asked or made a comment on the logo.
Awesome!

I think my favorite gift this year came from my mom. (Thanks mama!) She sent me these running shorts.  They’re absolutely perfect!  These are not just any old running shorts but very special ones.   They come from the I Am Second movement.  It’s a constant reminder that I am indeed second.  So who is first?  Christ.  I find it really easy to think about me, talk about me…I can be really vain sometimes caught up in all of my accomplishments.  I also sometimes catch myself feeling envious of what others have.  Not a good feeling.  Instead of working so hard to achieve my every desire, I need to be focused on God’s wants for my life.  Now back to Matthew 6:33 (I told you it pulls it all together)  seeking his kingdom first will bring much greater things than I could ever provide for myself.  If you remember from my, I am not a runner, post I don’t run for me; I run to intentionally make room for Christ in my life.  It’s difficult to stay focused on living Second but my runs help me carry my cross daily. 

I encourage you all to check out I Am Second to discover what it means to be Second.  For me, it’s putting God before all my needs, wants and desires…doing everything first and foremost for His glory.  He is my rock, my provider, my everything :)

http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/whispering-danny/

This is the first “I Am Second” video I ever watched and it still sends chills through my spine.