And I'm FREE!

I'm done! Literally, I have no more work to do AND I'm taking tomorrow and Friday off of work.

I am still so excited and can't wait to soak up these moments slowly. It feels like the relief I used to feel after finals, but in a way, much more fulfilling. The amount of contentment I feel right now is unbelievable. It is new and fresh. It brings life and a renewed spirit.

All I can conclude is that the Lord is good to renew the weary and to give healing to those who don't deserve it. I haven't done anything miraculous to help "renew my spirit", its just been God's goodness.

Well I'm off! I'm going to be on call the rest of the day at home if work needs me and then I get to enjoy the rest of my weekend off!

Wednesday Freedom!!

My clients file this week, with the last one on Wednesday...after that is FREEDOM!!

I'm giddy with excitement. I've taken PTO on Thursday and Friday and I'm looking forward to volunteering with OurCalling, sleeping in, having lunch with friends, running, and just enjoying time at home :)

I've pretty much failed at the February photo contest, but that's okay, it's part of life. I can honestly say I'm not disappointed in myself for not taking pictures when I don't get home until 9:30 some nights. Spending some quality time (even if it is short) with Reed is much more worth it.

Happy Tuesday (feels like Thursday) everyone!

Already Behind!!

I'm already behind on this February thing. Oh well, I may just finish it in March...that's kind of how things go in life :)

I promise I will get hands, I just keep forgetting when I get home to hold hands with Reed and take a picture so that I can get that perfect *cheese* shot.

On another random thought...I want to buy a camera. Not super fancy, but not just another digital camera. I'm wondering if there is a reasonably priced SLR camera out there. By reasonable, I mean I'd really not like to go more than $300 (and that is super stretching it). I may have unrealistic expectations. I'm not going to lie, I have no idea what I'm talking about when it comes to cameras. I'd just like to take some nice pictures of life.

Stranger

Ever since Reed has started working at Starbucks, I find myself often coming to work on Saturday mornings at his store. Coffee shops offer the best "people watching" experiences. You see SO many different types of people who come in. Moms, kids, old men, girl friends, guy friends, couples, teens, and the occasional working professional.

Paleo Diet

Reed and I have been trying the Paleo diet for the past month to try and eat healthier and more naturally. I definitely know that not everyone is "pro" paleo and most people think we're a little "crazy", but we've seen a lot of great benefits (energy, less hunger, no bloated feelings after a meal, etc.)

This is one of our favorite recipes so far (I think the chili pepper flakes are really what gives it a bang). Thought I would share :)

Meat loaf with mushrooms recipe

Serves 5

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef (you may substitute with ground pork);
• 1 ½ tsp sea salt;
• 1 tsp ground black pepper;
• 1 egg;
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped;
• 2 cups white button mushrooms, finely chopped;
• 1 tsp chili pepper flakes;
• 3 tsp fresh thyme, minced;
• 1 tsp fresh oregano, minced;
• 3 cloves garlic, minced;
• ½ cup homemade ketchup;
• 1 tbsp honey, optional;
• ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce, optional;
• 1 tbsp paleo cooking fat;

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium sized skillet placed over a medium heat, melt the cooking fat, add the mushrooms and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, or until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine the meat, salt, pepper, egg, onion, mushrooms, chili pepper, thyme, oregano and garlic. Mix well, makng sure to break-up the meat. Add the cooked mushrooms as well. It’s very important that the mushrooms are evenly distributed to ensure the loaf bonds well.
4. Lightly grease loaf pan with additional cooking fat and fill it with the meat mixture. Place in the oven and cook for approximately 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine ketchup, honey and Worcestershire sauce to make the sauce for the top of the meatloaf.
6. After cooking for 15 minutes, gently spread the sauce on the top of the loaf.
7. Continue cooking for another 40 minutes.

http://paleodietlifestyle.com/paleo-meat-loaf/

Words

This is one of my favorite pictures from our wedding. I know that I technically didn't shoot it in February, but I still think it counts.

Psalm 1

1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

³ He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season

And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

My View Today

The view from the 12th floor at work...