Change...What is it Good For? Maybe Actually Something???

For those that know me, you all know one thing is for pretty darn certain, change is indeed NOT my middle name. I remember one instance in particular, I was about six or seven and my dad and stepmom decided to start house hunting. We were looking at different houses one day, and I immediately shut down. I "grew up" in the house they wanted to sell (please Soph....you were seven and just really loved the pool in the backyard) how could they do this?! I remember my stepmom pulling me aside asking me what was wrong and I had heard the phrase before "I just don't like change." So I said just that knowing she couldn't get angry with my attitude. She sympathized with me and told me everything would be okay. Fast forward five years when my mom and stepdad got married. Guess who wasn't a fan *insert purple shirt emoji girl* why not? "I just didn't like change." I was hardwired at a young age to be terrified of the idea simply because I had heard a phrase and it sounded like the easiest way out of new, scary (in my immediate opinion) situations.

About a year and a half ago, my sweet friend Taylor lent me a book titled "Girl Meets Change" by Kristen Strong. I was going through some transitions, moving back to Austin, entering the work field, living and supporting myself and boy did I think I had met the pinnacle of changes. I started to read the book and for some reason my heart just was not in it. I couldn't get into it too much and wasn't exactly sure why.

Let's fast forward again. This time to May 2016 (yes it's been forever since I opened this pretty little blog). I was driving home to San Antonio from Austin for the weekend and decided to take the Hill Country route. Less traffic, pretty scenery, less traffic...sign me up. I decided to turn off the radio and just have a nice long talk with God. I was at a good spot in life. I had not one, but two fantastic jobs surrounded by people that absolutely loved me and appreciated me, I had friends that evolved into family and gave me all the support in the world, I was in a city that couldn't fit my lifestyle, and my personality more perfectly, and yet I was stuck; something didn't feel right. I asked Him to speak to me; to give me some sort of sign that I wasn't just feeling crazy. "Lord, you know what is in my heart, and you will lead me in the right direction. I believe in You, and I trust in You." I put on a song by a worship group that I had just been introduced to called Here as in Heaven by Elevation Worship. The song begins:

The atmosphere is changing now 

For the spirit of the Lord is here

The evidence is all around 

For the spirit of the Lord is here

I knew He was with me, in my car, on that ride, wanting to open up my heart and eyes and truly speak to me. The song continued on, and out of no where I began to absolutely ball and at the time I didn't understand why.

Spirit of God fall fresh on us

We need Your presence

Your kingdom come

Your will be done
Here as in heaven

For months I had toyed with the idea of going back to school. I was missing the world of athletic training, but thought surely that time in my life was over. Going back to school, meant moving, either to a different city or state and I couldn't do that. My life was figured out in Austin. **PSA: I'm actually an idiot for thinking I had my life figured out in my early twenties. HAH!**

Your will be done. Your will be done. Your will be done.
It echoed with me with the rest of the ride, I realized I was crying not because I was sad, but because I knew I was avoiding His direction the whole time and a huge CHANGE was about to come. I was going back to school, I was going to have to move. And I was scared, af. (that's what the cool kids say).

In January of 2017, I made one of the biggest decision I knew of thus far. I quit my job. I spiraled myself into the unknown world of unemployment to prepare for going back to school come June. Along with teaching bootcamps, I began nannying (for the most amazing family might I add), weekend babysitting, dogsitting, any odd job...you name it. I hustled my way to June. I kept up with my bills (by the absolute grace), was still able to maintain a social life, be my best friends maid of honor (even gracier) AND planned a move to Arlington, Texas where I would begin a Masters Program in Athletic Training.

The first Friday of June, with the help of my roommates, packed up a majority my room and on that Saturday I loaded up my car and headed north on 35. But just before I left, I looked at our bookshelf and saw that little green book staring at me; Girl Meets Change. I smiled, picked it up, and added it to my book bag. Ya'll let me tell you....I thought I met change two years ago. Living a life of employment, comfort, direction, nay. Six months ago I didn't just meet change. I dove head first in the pretty little word, and although I can't say I am 100% comfortable with the little sucker, I have come to terms with the fact that with love, support, and encouragement...it may actually be good for something.

"I must be continually ready to give up the parts of my life that God wants to replace with trust in Him, even if what I need to give up are my own expectations and continual need to be in the driver's seat of my life."                                                                      -Girl Meets Change, Kristen Strong
           
                         

Here goes nothing! ...or maybe a whole lot of something 

A quick view of my actually having downtime for once

Gettin fancy with it!

So this past weekend was one for the books! Why's that you ask? Well, I made my first big girl move and purchased my own vehicle!!! Okay okaaaay, I got a really banging insurance check from my previous totaled vehicle, so that allowed me to buy a new car. But nonetheless, I am acquiring credit (the Dave Ramsey way ;)) and am stuck with a five year car payment. I would definitely call adulting on that one!

The weekend was spent in car dealerships, a lot! Although I was at home, I didn't get the full home type feel. A majority of the time was spent being stressed over the car buying process and taking it out on my mother (I didn't mean to, I promise!!). When things worked out on Sunday, and I had my new precious baby with me, I was ecstatic, but knew I still had to drive back to Austin to make it to work the next morning.

Ronda the Renegade!

One thing I always love when going home is dinner. Growing up, I remember all the fun times happening in the kitchen. Putting on music, helping my mom cook, cleaning with my sisters; fellowship, and family time revolved around it. Lately I've been craving that feeling again, and because I went home to buy a car, we didn't have that time, so I decided to bring it home to Austin!

On Monday night I decided to treat my closest bunch with a homemade meal, and wine. Why? Because it's what I do! It's the biggest form of flattery in my opinion. It was a way of me saying "thanks for getting all of my stressed out texts/snaps and handling it with grace" and "uhhhh I just bought a car. Let's both celebrate and cry over a five year payment...okay? Okay!"

In my latest pinteresting adventures, I found a delicious Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles recipe and decided that would be the meal! A fun, quick, and healthy meal, that give a spark of classy cause after all, I am cooking with wine :)

So per usual, I am a great recipe follower and alter-er, NOT a recipe creator!



Here are the ingredients I used. I did leave out a couple spices from the original recipe:

My attempt at being crafty with the ingredients. I failed, miserably.

1 lb of deveined shrimp
4 peeled zucchinis (I used a julene slicer, but a regular peeler works just as well)
3 cloves of garlic chopped
1/4c parsley minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper
2 C lemon juice fresh
olive oil
1/2 C wine
salt + pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Coat a medium sauce pan with olive oil on medium-high heat (I always aim for about 4-6 on my stove dial). Add garlic, crushed red pepper, salt/pepper and shrimp. Heat until fully cooked. About 5 or so minutes. Once cooked, set aside strained shrimp, leaving any juices in the pan, then add in lemon juice, wine, and zucchini noodles. Cook all the way through until the zucchini is tender (or to your preference). Add in the shrimp, and heat through.

Viola!! That's it! Garnish your dish with the minced parsley, and add any salt/pepper to taste as needed. Other than that, your meal is ready to be shared amongst friends!

Don't worry, between 4 girls this was finished in an hour 

**Side notes: I went to HEB and asked the wine taster what a good white wine would be to cook with and he said anything dry. He recommended a dry chardonnay that they were tasting that day, and it did wonders to the dish!

Playing Catch Up!

My, my...where the heck has all the time gone?! It's been a solid five/six months since I've written a post. Remember that time when I was so gung-ho about blogging? Yeah me too, when all was stress free and relaxing living by the beaches of San Diego and nannying for money I got to save, while cuddling with a sweet two month old nephew. Well, as it turns out, my time in San Diego fell short (too soon to which my sister would say 'I told you so!'). I ended up getting a job back in Austin with the help of one of my best friends at a local gym, so I figured moving back home would be the best decision.

About a month into being in San Diego I began feeling homesick. Yes, I loved being there with my sister and nephew, but I missed my friends, my apartment, my Austin. My friend Blaire gave me a call saying she had a job that I would love waiting for me and I thought, that's it! It's a sign I should be back in Austin. So I ran with it. I decided I would give myself a little more time in California, and then I would venture back to Texas.

And then the day came where I had to say a awful "see you later" to Emily, Susan, and sweet Sammy. It was without a doubt the hardest thing I ever had to do. Honestly, people at the airport probably thought someone died, that's how hard I was crying. And I really never stopped for the next five days.

The job I landed in Austin, wasn't awful. It wasn't great either. I ended up working in sales which through me for a looooop! Note to self: you do not take after father in the area of sales. It wasn't what I thought it would be, therefore I missed California, and my family that much more. Part of me thought I should move back, and another thought I should stick it out and just keep going. Muscle through, Soph, you can do it!

I spent a lot of my time venting with friends and family (for which I'm much grateful for) and a TON of time praying. The next three months of moving back to Austin proved to be such a challenge. Some would say I went through a minor depression (to which I would agree) but I never let myself fail. I continued to stay on track health wise, and put a smile on my face every chance I got.

Needless to say the job didn't last for long. The day after I decided to quit I felt like everything began falling into place:

• I graduated (walked the stage, rather)
• I signed up to take my exam to become a certified personal trainer 
• I met with an Arbonne Consultant to being my own Arbonne business 
• I went to San Antonio for a week to decompress...theeeen!
• I landed a new job as a chiropractor assistant at a chiropractic office in West Austin with the help of my cousin. 

To say everything happens for a reason is an understatement. Believing in God's time is the best advice, and the hardest advice I could ever give, receive, and live out. After five months of undesirable stress, heartache, and angst, things have finally started falling into place and I'm happier than I've ever been! I've been working on steps to further my future and happiness which include continuing to workout, reading and blogging...again, motivating others to achieve their goals, and most importantly praying everyday! 

The view from my morning run...trying to! 

#4WeeksFit Challenge//Today's Run

So!, exciting bits number one, I am doing my first link-up challenge! One of the things I am starting to love about blogging are links ups because they're a great way to connect to other people, and to keep yourself accountable and motivated!

Here are my four goals for the month of March.

Goal #1: Workout 4-5 times a week! This includes cardio and weight training. I'm really good at falling into lulls, so I'm hoping to stay accountable for the sake of blogging about it :)

Goal #2: Limit my eating out to once a week! I'm heading back to Austin next week, and I know the temptation of going back to all the local eateries I loooove is gonna be gnawing at me (pun totally intended). For the sake of my checkbook and progress, I'm gonna do my best to stay limited.

Goal #3: Meal prep. Meal prep. Meal prep. This part is probably the hardest for me because I love diversity in what I eat, so I'm gonna have to find some fun ways to mix it up a bit. Better believe I'll be sharing!

Goal #4: Be able to do 6 miles nonstop. Easy right? WROOONG. I'm such an amateur runner. After my half I crossed it off my list and didn't look back. I'm starting to get the running bug just a little bit more, so hopefully this will be a decent start.


I started out this morning by going on a fun little jog down to the beach. I am still super sore from my workout Monday and I knew the only way to combat it was to get moving and stop sitting around. Don't worry, I foam rolled before an after as well. I threw on my shoes and went for it. It was actually not as awful as I thought (minus the huge hill on the way home), plus having the beach as a reward was nice!

When I got to the beach, I decided to walk around a bit and take in the serenity of it all. As I sat down, I pulled out my devotional app and read what it was for today. Today's was titled "Physical." I'm smiled not even starting to read it, knowing it would be good. The verse came from 3 John 1:2 which read "Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." Just another reminder that being healthy and staying fit isn't purely for the looks. I often stop myself and ask, okay why am I really doing this? It was such a sweet reminder to know that we're called as humans to respect our bodies and keep them in the best shape and health possible: spiritually, physically, and mentally :)

Happy Hump Day, y'all!

Sweet sweet victory!!

The Hill O' Death on the way home.
You can't even see the street...that bad -_-

I meeeean, not awwwwful? :/
It's always a work in progress.

For the Right Reasons

Living with a newborn is not the easiest (fun...yes, easy...nay). Sleeping in the same room doesn't make it any easier. Since my sister's mother-in-law, Susan, is staying with her until her husband gets home she gets the guest room, which leaves me sharing a room with Emily and sweet baby Sam. Don't get me wrong this isn't me complaining for a second! I really do love it. It gives me stories and memories I'll have for a lifetime. Not only that, Susan does so much during the day, she deserves a night of sleep. This is also the best form of birth control for myself. Uhhh...true. Lately, we've been going through 1-2 hour sleeps throughout the night so the exhaustion just kinda follows you around. 

In attempts to combat the exhaustion/get me out of the house, I meet with a trainer once a week. This past Wednesday was supposed to be one of those days, however it started rough. That morning I woke up twenty minutes before my session, and ended up being ten minutes late. I'm kind of a freak about being punctual, so this already put me in an aggravated mood. When I got there, my trainer decided to tell me he forgot the gym keys. Well there was that. I woke up late and tired, AND I wasn't gonna get in the workout I wanted. There was only one thing I needed: Target. 

On my way home I stopped there thinking I would just kinda walk around and see if anything caught my eye. I went to the book section and saw that they had "For the Right Reasons" by Sean Lowe. Emily, a huge Bachelor fan, was all about Sean and Catherine. I had seen that the book was out and was interested so I decided, eh, why not?! I have the time, and I want a good read. So I bought it. 

Let me say this, there are few books that I have just sat and read without any distractions. This book was one of them. I started the minute I got home, continued in the car waiting to pick up the little girl I nanny, at the dinner table, in bed. I read it in about two days. Don't get me wrong, the fact that it's not a hard read or a long book helped, but there was also something about Sean's story that was so captivating to me. I honestly think it's because a lot of what his life was is what I feel like I am going through currently. Transition. Oh the dreaded transition.

I never made this known to people, but a main reason I decided to come to California was because I had just gotten out of a complicated relationship. This guy and I had been seeing each other for about a year, but never made anything official. That alone took a really huge emotional toll on me. Then I found out there was another girl in the picture and that didn't help matters. I was ready to go all in with this guy. I always urged him to just believe in us, believe in the love he had for me, and that was it! He spoke sweet nothings to me, and I believed every second of it. Anyways, enough about him. During that year, my relationship with God went from subpar, to a constant conversation. I don't necessarily enjoy the fact that I had to go through heartbreak to really lean on Him, but I believe it is what I needed to reconnect.

Reading Sean's story gave me such a renewed sense of hope. One that had been dwindling, and I wasn't sure how to get it back. He touched on past relationships and why they didn't work out; how he found himself in a super huge lull before going on the Bachelorette; and how Christ was the constant throughout it all. The book helped me to open my eyes on life, and love. Okaaay, I know what you're thinking. It's silly that this girl is learning life lessons from a pretty boy Bachelor. And it's true, I thought the same thing. But this pretty boy bachelor actually has a lot of wisdom if you open yourself up to it. Through his stories, I learned you can't force someone to love you. You can't meet them halfway (which was my number one mistake). You need to be confident in what you want, and not settle for less. I also learned I am doing nothing wrong in the least about putting my confidence and hope in the Lord, knowing that He in the end will provide the desires and happinesses of my heart. My absolute favorite part of the book was the prayer Sean would pray everyday going to work. He would pray, "'God, you know I don't want to live a normal life. If this is your will--if you really want me to sell insurance--I'll do it. But there has to be more.'" There is no doubt Sean found his more. 

When I came to California I thought I would find adventure, and a future, but I truly believe I found something much greater; myself. It's exciting to be able to say I am finally confident in who I am, and it's okay to still be searching for my more. 

Now here's my plug: If you're looking for a fun, easy read; something inspirational; a quirky love story, look no further! For the Right Reasons is all of that in one. 

Honestly, the only time I looked up