Broken

There is really no other word to describe what my heart is feeling right now. My heart is breaking for Boston, MA and for West, TX, two places close to my heart. 

I am a runner. In fact, the first anniversary of my first half marathon is in a few days. There is a pretty good chance that I will never run a full marathon, but that does not matter. Once a runner, always a runner. And on Monday, a terrorist attack not only rocked the city of Boston, it rocked the running community as well. This hit so close to home. For runners, races like the Boston Marathon are the ultimate success. Family and friends come out to support. People from all over the U.S. and scores of countries fly in to run. And all of these runners share the joy of training, feeling those few jitters before the race begins, being motivated by the cheers of those watching, and feeling the most incredible sense of pride and accomplishment as they cross finish line. The coward that set off those bombs, knowing that he/she would hurt so many people in one place, attacked our country in a way I never thought a terrorist attack could, at an event that is supposed to bring joy, not sorrow. Will we stop running? Absolutely not. Will we find this coward and will justice be served? Yes. But my heart is still so broken for those affected by this horrific terrorist attack and angry that someone would try to hurt something so precious to me and runners everywhere. Last night, I ran for Boston.

West, TX is a small, Czech town just north of Waco, TX. Being a Baylor alum, I've spent many a night driving to West's Czech Stop to buy kolaches for a late-night studying break with friends. Luke and I stayed in West, TX at a little Czech hotel for our first Baylor Homecoming as a married couple. West is well-known and loved by all Baylor students and might as well be connected to Waco. But in addition to this, I am Czech. I grew up in a small, predominately Czech town so similar to West, it's crazy. To think of something like this happening in my home town shakes me to the core. In fact, it might as well have, with how close to my heart West, TX is. Hundreds of people are currently standing in line to give blood, hundreds of others are gathering food and supplies for those that have lost everything, hospitals in Waco and surrounding areas are caring for hundreds of injured people, and first responders are still searching for those that are unaccounted for. I'm so proud of the Baylor community for the way they are responding to this terrible tragedy. Giving blood, donating food/clothing/time, and gathering to pray. My heart is in West, TX today.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Inner Nerd + Firmoo Review

Confession: I have an inner nerd. Probably a bigger one than I'd like to admit. I love to read for fun, I would go back to school in a heart beat (freshly sharpened pencils and new spiral notebooks anyone?), and I am nearly blind as a bat, which = nerdy glasses. I had been wearing the same pair of glasses for a while, and was ready to switch it up, when Firmoo, an online eyeglass store, reached out to me. With a huge selection of glasses to pick from, a virtual try-on system, and Firmoo's first pair free program, I quickly picked out the frames I wanted!

It took a little longer than I expected for the glasses to be delivered, but I don't think that was as much of a Firmoo thing as it was the delivery people. When I first opened up the package, Luke was like, "Hurry up and put them on!" [Side note: What is it with guys and girls in glasses? Naughty librarian, or what? Ha!] I was surprised at how well these glasses fit my face, which is something you're asked about this during the ordering process, and how much they looked exactly like what I thought they would (thank you virtual try-on system!). I wanted a larger, more square frame so that the Brooklyn hipster inside of me would be able to make her appearance when I ventured into the city. And the prescription is perfect! I would never have guessed that these glasses did not come from an eye doctor's office.

I have a feeling that my inner nerd will be talking me into ordering more glasses from Firmoo in the future! Want your own pair? Check out Firmoo's first pair free program here.

{Like the ones I picked? You can find them here.}

From Firmoo:

The old opinion that glasses are only necessities for people with vision problems has already gone. Glasses are increasingly becoming a fad and must-have accessories for  celebs and fashionistas. Everyday we can spot millions of non prescription glasses wearers and we are constantly fascinated by many noted film stars’ signature non prescription glasses.They instantly upgrade your look of modern, sexy, vintage or geek by wearing different styles of frames.

Any hot glasses/sunglasses /goggles frames you want can be found on Firmoo, and all are available for both prescription lenses and non-prescription lenses. Are you desperate to have a new look? Now here is the chance, Firmoo has launched a First Pair Free Program to people worldwide. You will absolutely fall in love with the excellent quality, affordable prices, fashionable designs, fast delivery and the good service after trying them with paying shipping only! You even can get a refund/exchange if you are not satisfied with them. It's totally Risk free, so why not have a try?

Hope you're enjoying this lovely weekend!

Lately.

1) These fluffballs need a haircut!

2) Last Saturday, I went into the city to have brunch with two of my friends in the city.

3) That same Saturday, I strolled through SoHo to enjoy the lovely spring flowers...

4) ...and some coffee.

5) On Tuesday, I went back into the city to watch the Baylor Men's Basketball team play in the NIT semi-finals. They ended up winning the NIT Championship on Thursday. Sic 'Em Bears!!

6) Picked up another BU shirt. I'm a proud alum, what can I say?

7) Walked past the Empire State Building on my way back to the train.

8) Now Bentley won't get off my new shirt. We know where his loyalty lies.

9) A little sunshine on my Friday afternoon run. Can't wait for some great weather this weekend!

Sorry I've been a little MIA on the blog this week. There are 10 days left in the tax season and we're in a mad race for the finish. Hurry up April 15th! 

Have a lovely weekend. :)

Kick A** April

Let's face it, the almost 4-month-long winter that Luke and I have endured hasn't had the best effect on my body or fitness routine. If I was still in Texas, I would have started my bikini regimen 2 months ago because the sun would have been shining and the weather would be awesome (= running outside). However, between chilly temperatures, Luke having the car until 10pm every night, and my constantly changing work schedule, my workout routine has suffered (not for lack of trying, I swear). 

The other day, I hopped on Pinterest for a couple of minutes and immediately noticed a fitness pin called "Kick Ass April." See below. It gives you a month-long fitness plan that you can do in your house without weights. It's not a super long workout, but I'm adding it to the 2-3 runs I plan on fitting into my schedule starting this week. Squats, burpees (love to hate burpees), and wall-sits. The perfect workout to tone your entire body! 

{via}

I'm a little behind, so I'm hoping "Kick Ass April" will jump start my bikini body workout. Summer is just a short two months away! What are you doing to get bikini ready? I'd love to hear any other recommendations you may have!

Happy Monday y'all. :)