Virginia Update!

So I haven't given you all a basic update on our lives here in Virginia in quite awhile, so I think that's what I'm gonna do today!

Doesn't sound too exciting, I know.. But you don't have to read it you know!

When I say "we" I feel like I need to include not only Matt and I, but Ryan and Kylie as well.

Matt and Ryan live in our house together... and Kylie lives in the dorms like I do.

So when "we" do things these days, it's almost always all four of us.

That might sound like a bad thing... Like who wants to always be with another couple? "Especially your to-be sister in law?" Right? That just sounds miserable.

But the truth is, we love it! 

Matt and Ryan are pretty much BFF's.

Kylie is awesome, and I don't think I've ever had an issue with her since I met her.

Matt and Kylie aren't your average siblings, and get along quite well.

And Ryan and I suffer through having to see each other every day.

{That's a joke. We get along quite well too}

So basically, living here with Ry and Ky is pretty much great.

School right now kind of sucks.

Not because anything in school has changed or gotten harder...

But because it's too nice outside all the time and going to class is not at the top of my list of things to do!

Luckily/unfortunately we have an attendance code at Liberty and can only skip so many days of class without getting docked points... So we aren't skipping daily like we would actually like to be doing.

But seriously, I feel like senioritis is back, and I'm only a Junior...

Luckily we are done with classes on May 7 (that's our last final!) Then on the 10th we are on our way back to Washington for the summer of the weddings! (Only 40 days away!)

To fill up our time until then (because college is never busy at all of course ;]) these are some things we have been/will be doing:

Intramural Volleyball!

Ryan, Kylie, Matt, Vince (Ryan's friend), and I made an intramural Volleyball team this week! 

We are called: West Coast-Best Coast.

Are we good? Well, we aren't really sure. We've been playing for fun a couple times this week... It wasn't exactly D1 status, but I think our competitive nature will make up for skill.

Either way, beach volleyball is a blast!

I'll let you know how we end up doing!

Wedding Shower!

We are going to Ohio for a joint wedding shower with the Huston family over Easter weekend!

There is a lot of family out there and a plane ticket to Washington isn't exactly cheap, so most won't be making it out for the weddings. So our solution? A wedding shower! We can't wait!

{Though I think we would all agree that we could wait for the 8 hour drive}

Matt is Working!

Like a ton. He got a job at Home Depot a month or so ago, and has gotten about 30 hours a week since then! We feel so incredibly blessed for him to be making money! And he loves his boss and the guys he gets to work with! But he is extremely tired! 

We Work Out!

The fact that we all have weddings should explain it all.

Roommates!

I'm taking advantage of spending as much time with my lovely roommates before I have to leave them for good! I love them so much and I feel so blessed that I got to live with them this year. I literally couldn't imagine getting placed with anyone better!

School Work!

Notice how far down this is on the list.

Don't be alarmed though, it's not this far down in real life, I just don't like to talk about it nearly as much as pretty much anything else. ;] Although, the more I plan out my schedule for next year, the more excited I get about moving forward with my degree and my future career! I am finding that I am so much more passionate about OT than I ever thought I was. I can't wait to use my life and my skills to help people and to remind people that they have a purpose! I just get pumped up thinking about it!

Church!

I don't know if I told you all about the issue we were having finding a church we liked this year, but it was quite the problem! It's always hard with change and we just couldn't find the church we clicked with. Thankfully God has placed us into a church that we are loving! Can't wait to get more involved next year when we are living here full time!

Running!

So I'm not exactly your ideal runner.

I don't always enjoy it (until I'm done of course), I'm not very fast, and I'd rather be doing several more things than running. But when I get back home in May, I'm doing The Color Run with a couple of my favorite people in the entire world and so I figure I need to get in better running shape so it's not miserable. Also, I find when I run I am more confident, find more peace, and get more one on one time in prayer with the Big Guy. So running is my plan. I want to get at least a 5k in daily. Whether it's all at once, split up, morning, night, whatever, I want to get it done! Wish me luck! Also, for you runners, how do you get the motivation to get your butt out of bed in the morning and out the door for a run?

Wedding Planning!

As of April Third we are down to 4 months until our wedding. 

That is out of control to me!

It's like it's actually happening now!

So plans are starting to get done!

We're looking at wedding bands to compliment my gorgeous engagement ring.

Also, I am in charge of planning a Bachelorette Party for my best friends wedding in June!

So planning craziness/awesomeness!

Coffee!

This is the dumbest thing ever to get it's own paragraph.

I am obsessed with coffee though, so sue me. ;]

I am almost out of Flames Cash, no more Starbucks gift cards, and $14 in my bank account, so it looks like I may have to fast on coffee until I get home. (sigh) Pray for me. ;]

As much as we are loving it here (which we really really are), I can't wait to get home and have the summer of my life! Three weddings (including my own), I get to see my family, my best friends, and the rest of the people that have meant so much to me for so long. I'm just realizing how big this summer is going to be and keep reminding myself that we need to soak up every second of it! 

See you all back home in 40 days!

So much love,

xo/Austin

Morning Workouts.

So I just read this article from this fitness site!

It's all about why you should opt to workout in the morning.

I found it really interesting!

I always like to get an early work out in, but sometimes have little to no motivation to roll out of bed when the clock still has a 6 on it where an 8 should be. This article actually gives me a little more motivation because there is actual evidence that it is better for you! Who knew?
Here is the "meat" of the article, check it out and make up your own mind!

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“Top Ten Reasons” for getting up with the early birds to get moving:

1. Exercising early in the morning "jump starts" your metabolism, keeping it elevated for hours, sometimes for up to 24 hours! As a result, you’ll be burning more calories all day long—just because you exercised in the morning.
    
2. Exercising in the morning energizes you for the day—not to mention that gratifying feeling of virtue you have knowing you’ve done something disciplined and good for you. (Much better than a worm!)
    
3. Studies have shown that exercise significantly increases mental acuity—a benefit that lasts four to ten hours after your workout ends. Exercising in the a.m. means you get to harness that brainpower, instead of wasting it while you’re snoozing.
    
4. Assuming you make exercise a true priority, it shouldn’t be a major problem to get up 30 to 60 minutes earlier—especially since regular exercise generally means a higher quality of sleep, which in turn means you’ll probably require less sleep. (If getting up 30 to 60 minutes earlier each day seems too daunting, you can ease into it with 10 to 20 minutes at first.)
    
5. When you exercise at about the same time every morning—especially if you wake up regularly at about the same time—you’re regulating your body's endocrine system and circadian rhythms. Your body learns that you do the same thing just about every day, and it begins to prepare for waking and exercise several hours before you actually open your eyes. That’s beneficial because:
    
   • Your body’s not “confused” by wildly changing wake-up times, which means waking up is much less painful. (You may even find that you don’t need an alarm clock most days.) 
   • Hormones prepare your body for exercise by regulating bloodpressure, heart rate, blood flow to muscles, etc. 
   • Your metabolism, along with all the hormones involved in activity and exercise, begin to elevate while you're sleeping. As a result, you’ll feel more alert, energized, and ready to exercise when you do wake up.

6.  Many people find that morning exercise has a tendency to regulate their appetite for the rest of the day. Not only do they eat less (since activity causes the release of endorphins, which in turn diminishes appetite), they also choose healthier portions of healthier foods.
    
7. People who consistently exercise find, sometimes to their great surprise, that the appointed time every morning evolves into something they look forward to. Besides the satisfaction of taking care of themselves, they find it’s a great time to plan their day, pray, or just think more clearly—things most of us often don’t get to do otherwise.
    
8. Exercising first thing in the morning is the most foolproof way to ensure that other things don’t overtake your fitness commitment, particularly if you have a hectic family life. (It’s so easy to wimp out in the evening, when we’re tired or faced with such tasks as rustling up dinner and helping with homework.)
    
9. More than 90% of those who exercise consistently have a morningfitness routine. If you want to exercise on a regular basis, the odds are in your favor if you squeeze your workout into the a.m.
    
10. Non-morning people can always trick themselves in the a.m. Having trouble psyching yourself up for a sunrise jog? Do what I did—tell yourself that you’ll still be so fast asleep that you won’t even remember—much less mind!  "

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Interesting stuff, dontcha think?

What is your thought? Think you're gonna change your habits?

Or do you already workout in the morning?

I think I am gonna try to get more serious about an am workout routine!

Hopefully my pillow doesn't change my mind when the clock strikes 6!

love&sweat,

xo/Austin

Christmas or Pinterests?

Forgive me friends, I have been stuck with no internet for the past week!

Also, I've of course been extremely busy!

How was your Christmas?

Mine was wonderful. 

Christmas Eve we went to our family friend's for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner there!

Christmas Day I worked in the morning with my best friend.

This is what we wore. 

We were Christmas elfs.

You should have seen it. 

Mimi actually made the shoes and hats!

And we both made the tutu's.

Later that day I went over to Matt's and we went to their family friend's traditional dinner.

{needless to say, I did not starve this past weekend.}

I got all kinds of wonderful gifts. 

I was definitely spoiled.

I just cannot wait until next Christmas!

{Our first being married <3}

How about you? 

Best Christmas ever?

Now onto the real post...

You know what today is.

What was Pinteresting to you this week?

One:

This is made out of string. I had to pin it because my friend actually made me something like this for Christmas! I tell you people I am a SUCKER for homemade gifts. She made the state of Washington with a  heart where my home town is so I won't miss it while I am in Virginia. I love it so much.

Two:

I am dying to make this for my bed stand when we get married! It is a sewed piece that looks like notebook paper and then you can writ notes on the glass every morning to your love. 

Three:

If you are wondering how to wear a scarf, this is my favorite. So simple, yet vintage cute at the same time!

Four:

Warning: this is a little scandalous. It is a pole dancing competition. If you ask me, though it is classy and actually really incredible. I think it would kind of be awesome to take a class pole dancing or something fun like that! To change up your work out and get in touch with your sexy side ;] Girls only though.

Five:

This is hysterical to me. Matt and I have been using this kid's face for everything. Every time we find something out that we think is awesome or when we wanna over exaggerate how great something is... this is the face we use.

Promise to keep up to date now that I have internet!

If you have a blog and think I should see it, let me know!

New Year here we come,

xo/Austin

Wedding Workouts.

In light of trying on wedding dresses next month, I have decided it's time to get my butt in better shape! (Figuratively... and literally). Not only better shape though, better overall health.

Since coming to school I've kind of been skimping on the cardio portion of my work outs.

I found a running plan in a magazine that is supposed to train you for a 1/2 marathon, and I am starting the plan Monday!

Spring time last year I got really into running, but I let the excuse of being "too busy" with everyday life take over and though I never stopped completely, I definitely stopped going as often and for as long.

I really actually love running. Not always in the process of the actual running, but I enjoy the quiet time I get to pray and reflect.

I haven't planned a half marathon yet, but I think by spring time I'd love to do that!

There is a 5 mile trail race around here on November 12th--we'll see how I feel about that when it comes time.

Along with pumping up my running, I have been searching for all kinds of new, fun, workouts that don't consume too much time!

I have found a few:

like this.

and this.

oh, and this.

Along with working out, I am also vowing to try to get on a better sleep schedule! Since coming to school, my sleep patterns have been all out of whack!

I know that enough sleep is really important to a healthy body, so I am going to try to start getting to bed by  absolutely no later than 12, and I'm gonna try for earlier.

Why am I telling you this you're probably wondering?

Because maybe if I write it down for the public to see, it will be easier to keep to it!

Wish me luck! Day one tomorrow!

Question: What is your favorite workout and why? The one that works the best, is the most challenging, or the most fun!

with love,
xo|Austin

A Week in the Life.

...of your average college kid.

Friday:

Borrow an extremely kind friend's car for the afternoon and go shopping, job hunting, and Frozen Yogurt eating.

Afterward, go back to my dorm and bake for hours like the little Martha Stewart wannabe I really am. I made banana cookies, those oreo cupcakes I was telling you about, and peanutbutter cookies for Matt (they're his favorite.)

What did I learn from my baking experiences? I have a lot of work to do to become a Martha Stewart.

Saturday:

Set my alarm for 7 am so I can get a good chunk of studying in before the tailgating party. Turn my alarm off and sleep till ten. Wake up and kind of study, but mostly just raid Pinterest.

Go to the tailgate party! Have a blast and eat too much. Lose every game of Bocci Ball I play, meet Jerry Falwell, and co-win the dessert competition.

Go to the Liberty vs JMU football game--front row!

After Matt and I went to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse!

Sunday:

Slept in until 11! Studied all day. Stressed about a needing a car.

Overreacted over the stress and had a good cry.

Monday:

Went to classes and studied.

Oh and went to the gym.

That's all.

Tuesday:

Woke up sick... AGAIN.

Had two finals before noon.

ROCKED THEM.. kinda.

Slept for an hour.

Studied more.

Went to Hall Meeting at 10.

Studied more.

Slept.

Wednesday:

Woke up still sick.

Anatomy Lab Practical at 8 am (THAT'S JUST WRONG)

Convocation at 10. At Convo, we had Gracia Burnham speak. She was so inspirational and it really made you take a step back and reexamine what is important to your life!

Took my last final in GNED and relaxed for the rest of the day! Thankful to be done with exams.

I got a care package from Matt's mom!

Chruch that night, Clayton King continued on in his relationship series and it was so good!

Afterward Matt and I went to talk to him about how much we appreciate his sermon series and Matt wanted to invite him to ride quads soon!

Thursday:

Sick as a dog still.

In my first class, my least favorite teacher on campus subbed in for my teacher--great start to a day.

Finished through the school day--took a nap.

Read some wedding magazines, since I got 5 in the mail this week! Thanks to Wendy and Cindi!

I wrote some reply letters to the seven people who wrote me this week!

I watched Water for Elephants and part of Soul Surfer.

Then I went to the gym to end the night.

Friday:

Went to Ministry Chapel in the pouring down rain.

Went to GNED in the pouring down rain.

Went to Evan in the pouring down rain.

Went to Health class in the pouring down rain.

Came back to my dorm and changed into the warmest clothes I have!

So needless to say, I've had better weeks.

I'm so ready to not be sick anymore! I feel horrible.

But it was a learning week.

Like I learned that my roomates like to make fun of me for singing in the shower... not cool. ;]

And I learned that I really really really like mail.

And I learned that I think I am going to buy a wedding dress back home.

And I learned about missions and martyrdom since this week is "Mission's Week" at Liberty.

And I am continually learning about myself at my worst, and why I need God's help.

I learned how well Matt handles things when I am in a bad mood.

I learned how much working out makes things better!

Life at Liberty is going well, guys.

I miss home but it is worth it.

Thank you for the letters and the care packages, I love them so much!

Keep praying I could get a job!

Exciting news:

1. Amy Ihde is having her baby today, maybe even has already had him. His name is Isaiah. And I cannot wait to meet him.
2. Free Anberlin concert tonight!

Miss you all!

Chao,


xo/Austin

Summer Faves.

I don't think I am the only girl in the world who loves to shop, and I wont appologize for it!

I feel like every season a new list of "wants" come to me. Am I alone here?

This summer I have been obsessed with a few items..

1. These Salomon Trail Runners. I'm obsessed.
2. Chandeliers. Why? I really don't know. But anything that has a chandelier involved quickly becomes something I like.
3. IPhone. I got one finally--and I love it.
4. My brand-spankin-new Maui Jim Palms.
5. Braids. Basically any kind. But I am especially Impressed with the Waterfall Braids currently!
6. Garage Sales! Such a wonderful world of surprises :]
7. Journaling. For any reason at all. And I love new journals, so I tend to make a new journal for every different occasion I possibly can. But come on, there's no better feeling than finishing with your last page on a journal!
8. HIKING! We leave for Beyond Malibu in about 2 weeks! And I cant wait!
9. Healthy Recipes and workout plans! I've officially lost 15 lbs this summer! And It just makes me want to keep going!
10. Doing things I never thought I would. <3

Since I haven't been around to keep up on updating, here are some pictures from my summer so far

I love summer. Whether we get any sun or not! So many amazing more events to come this summer. I cant wait to tell you all about them <3

xo/Austin