Blessings & Thanksgiving

The past few days have been pretty eventful for the Savage Girl. Now, my idea of eventful and yours might totally be different, but I love my life and that is all that matters! Sometimes I wish I could push “pause” and be able to soak it in more, but I know things must continue forward. Pressing rewind sometimes can cause emotions to rise so I believe we need to keep moving forward down the road of life because something better might be waiting around the corner and you will not know about it unless you seek to discover it. If you are in a constant rewind reliving the past how can you ever move forward?

Tonight after thinking, reflecting, and “rewinding” a little about everything that has occurred over the course of the last week I can truly say that I’m blessed and thankful. Keep in mind I am not dwelling on these things…I am just expressing the reasons why I have blessings and thanksgiving this week! 

Family. This past weekend I got to spend Easter weekend with my parents. We traveled to Gainesboro, TN and enjoyed dinner at The Bull and Thistle. Then on Sunday we enjoyed Easter lunch and a little quality time together. Mama and I took a walk on Sunday despite the weather. We were a sight to see with our jackets and umbrellas walking in the rain on the back roads around the Boles community and the family farm, but I would not have traded my day for anything!

Friends. You do not have to see good friends and be 100% in contact with them on a daily basis for them to be called "good friends". It is nice to get random phone calls just because they were thinking of you for whatever reason. With good friends you can pick up exactly where you left off and it is as if you never were out of the picture. Good friends can feed and clothe you. Literally they can do this by providing you with a place to stay, food to eat, and clothes to wear. Then sometimes good friends feed and clothe you figuratively by their actions, strength, and courage. It might be a smile, an encouraging word, a gift, or a reaffirming word saying that you matter. A fellow Christian sister recently shared with me that sometimes you just have to put on your “heavenly attitude”. We do not need to be the “mean girl”…we need to be the person God wants us to be despite the past and if a good friend is really a “good friend” then they should want both parties to be practicing forgiveness, godliness, and contentment. I am also thankful for new friends that have been brought into my life this week. I love building friendships and strong relationships both personally and professionally.  

Work vs. Career. I have a job that I love. Sometimes it is “work” because it is either physically or mentally tiring. This week I have been working on our budget at work, so needless to say I have been crunching a few numbers and this has been “work” for me, but I am thankful for having I job I love! Other times my job is my “career” like in the past few days. This week I got glimpse of the future for our community and I was reminded of the reason I love giving back and serving in my community. We can change the world. It doesn't matter if we are “kids” or “grownups”. What matters is that we all work together and it will go faster…look at the Kid President!  

My goal for my career is to improve the quality of lives of local citizens.  I am usually reminded of my “career” in fun moments...like learning to weave the bottom of a stool with fellow workshop participants, reaching over 200 “likes” on The Heart of Tompkinsville Foundation Facebook page, and helping to decorate our downtown. Weird you might say…I’m sure you are asking why did you think of your career in these moments? Well, these things were fun and I have happy memories that take me back to previous months in my career when the planning and development stages were occurring. I was reminded by the people I am serving in the community that learning is lifelong & can occur at any age if you want to learn. Learning can come in many forms! Learning inspires people to constantly be thinking about improving themselves and the others around them through citizenship and personal development.

The Downtown Decoration Committee that I am chairing had to think “outside of the box” to actually create a vision for our Spring decorations. With a little of this “outside of the box” thinking the idea of maypole inspired decorations was discussed, planned out, and put into action. I believe these simple decorations downtown can help get others in the community get excited and fired up about our future locally that local leadership is currently trying to create and discover within our local community which in turn would benefit all citizens.Have you got any ideas Summer decorations?    

Movement. I have a couple of different ways that I relieve stress and both of them use movement. First, I enjoy working out at the pool at our local Family Wellness Center doing water aerobics. This week I have been able to get some “movement” action 6 times within the past week. YAY! It’s all about priorities and goals. Have you set any lately? Second, I enjoy expressing my words on this blog. Somehow typing moves the thoughts out of my brain so that I can make room for more important things…like the things I have been trying to focus more on lately. I want to thank those of you who read my blog and have expressed to me such kind words of encouragement! Thank you.

Fellowship. I few months ago I was asked to join a book club. I am not an avid reader like my sister Anna who is a librarian, but I knew that this group of ladies would help and challenge me in multiple ways and be a source of encouragement & Christian fellowship. So far they have yet to let me down! This month we read Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly. Everyone stepped outside of their comfort zones when our April hostess suggested the book, but after our book club discussion this week we were all pleasantly surprised of the knowledge that was gained and found when reading someone’s opinion and recount on a moment in American history. We all concluded that history read today as an adult is so much more entertaining than when you got grades for it in school!       

Family. Friends. Work vs. Career. Movement. Fellowship. For all these things I am thankful and blessed. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. 

In closing, I was reminded of what my name meant this week, so I thought I would share it with you. I know this Savage Girl needs reminded of this from time to time so here you go...lucky for me I have a constant reminder of it since it is my name! :) 

Apple Tree Theory

Today I came across the “Apple Tree Theory” and I thought it was very fitting for the Savage Girl and her life philosophy. I do not know where the poem originated but I love it so I thought I would share it with you today.

Girls are like

apples on trees. The best

ones are at the top of the tree.

The boys don't want to reach for

the good ones because they are afraid

of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they

just get the rotten apples from the ground

that aren't as good, but easy. So the apples

at the top think something is wrong with

them, when in reality, they're amazing.

They just have to wait for the right

boy to come along, the one

who's brave enough

to climb 

all the way

to the top

of the tree.

Just a few thoughts on this “Apple Tree Theory”…

Girls—we’re the apples.

Boys—you’re the pickers.

I can only speak for the “girl” perspective, so here it goes. Girls we should practice contentment while waiting at the top of that tree. There is nothing wrong with us! There is someone out there for us we just need to rely on God and have patience and confidence in His wisdom and timing with when the “plan” will be revealed to us.

Girls, we are amazingly awesome and we each are different and uniquely made in the image of God. Good things should not be rushed and pushed because that is when mistakes happen and things get bruised. I know sometimes it sucks, but in the end, it should all be worth it and we should not have to settle for anything less than we deserve.

Sometimes good apples fall from the top of the tree when the right boy is there ready to catch them at the right place and the right time. (But be careful!)  Then there are sometimes when life happens and circumstances cause either the apple or the boy to get scared, but if the love is mutual and true then nothing can separate the apple and the boy. The brave boy will make the climb back up the tree despite the possibility of getting hurt again if the love is mutual and true. So girls if you are scared and do not want to "fall", then wait until the right boy climbs the tree. Patience and contentment are virtues we should be practicing since everything happens in God's timing and within His plan for us.

Maybe I am a hopeless romantic and think too much about fairytales and happy ever after endings! Anyways also thought I would share another cool thing I also saw today about healthy relationships.

 

The Bull and Thistle

I have a passion for community and economic development work. This is one aspect of my work with the Cooperative Extension Service that is relatively new to me within the past four years. I am still learning the "ins and outs" of CED work, but I want to see communities thrive, work together on common goals, and be successful in meeting their challenges, dreams, and aspirations. I love to see communities at work improving things for the well being of their citizens. Fired up communities create jobs and expand into new markets and industries. They are willing to change and be forward thinking. I love seeing communities alive and bursting with energy and excitement. When community stakeholders, government, and local citizens see their own local potential within themselves the possibilities I believe are endless! I enjoy helping and serving in whatever capacity necessary to help play my part in the process too. What about you?

I believe here in Tompkinsville we have a lot of great things going for us right now. Change is slowly happening downtown and around the county, but it is going to take time and more investments. It is time we all get fired up about the now and the future, not the past and how it has always been done before. Dreams turn into goals which when carried out develop communities and change our future. I hope that we can locally here in Tompkinsville keep this momentum going and possibly create more of a buzz. Are you willing to help? We need your help! If it takes a village to raise a child...then it is going to take an entire county plus many others to invest in our communities future. In a few weeks there is going to be a "Community Forum" on April 18th at 6:30 p.m. If you want to help be a part of the envisioning process & hear about the possibilities of our future please make plans on attending the Community Forum on April 18th. We want you there! We need you there! My future...your future...your children's future...and our communities future depend on your input and investment in Monroe County.     

Now that I'm all fired up, let me tell you the real reason why I got all excited about community and economic development today. Yesterday I got the privilege to have a family date night with my awesome parents. My mama mentioned that the "new" restaurant finally opened in Gainesboro and I just had to go. She had been giving me updates on this "new" restaurant for the past year or so...so needless to say I was excited about going. We packed up and traveled there for dinner last night and boy were we in for a treat!    

We got the opportunity to visit a community where one family had a vision and a dream to help be a part of reviving a suffering community in order put it back on the map. This community is Gainesboro, Tennessee.  The town is now hustling and bustling with new life. One whole corner of the town square just recently went through a multi-million dollar complete remodel. Gainesboro now is the home of two newly renovated buildings with a third one on its way soon. The Vault Boutique opened its doors last year and offers ladies jewelry, apparel, fashion accessories, and home décor. The Bull and Thistle, an Celtic/Irish pub & restaurant, opened its doors a few weeks ago with a five star chef from Ireland. This restaurant is one you must go check out! (This is the reason we went to Gainesboro!) And word on the street is that a bakery is in the works for the near future.

I urge you to make the drive from wherever you live and travel to Gainesboro, Tennessee. You will not be disappointed. I would recommend you call ahead and make reservations if you plan on eating at The Bull and Thistle before making the drive though. 

Here are a few photos that I took while we visited yesterday.

The main reason we traveled to Gainesboro, TN...to eat at The Bull & Thistle! Yummy! They have an awesome chef.

 

 

They have lots of antique shops around the square in downtown Gainesboro, TN. We couldn't help but stop at a few along the way!

 

 

 

Cool signage around Gainesboro, TN.

 

 

 Mama and I at dinner! We both got ready at our own houses...and we matched without ever talking about it. LOL. Like mother...like daughter.

 

 

The cool original ceiling they restored.

 

The awesome surroundings of the newly renovated restaurant. These photos do not do the building justice!

 

 

Ploughman's Lunch. This is what mama ate...she said it was good, but not exactly what she expected. I think next time when she comes she plans on her and daddy sharing the 22 oz. T-Bone Beef Entrée Special. My mama is a planner!  

 

 

Dad was a little skeptical when his "Traditional Fish and Chips" came all wrapped up in newspaper. He really enjoyed them, but this Southern Boy never had had his fish arrive in newspaper before! We were proud to see them wrapped in a local newspaper with an ad from Celina (our hometown).

 

 

I got the Bangers and Mash...it was a perfect comfort food for the Savage Girl!  

We could not leave without trying one of their delicious sounding desserts "Steamed Chocolate Fondant Pudding with hot chocolate sauce and chocolate ice cream". It was heavenly!

 

 

In closing, I hope that everyone makes a drive to Gainesboro, TN to check out what's new in their town and if you are a Monroe Countian please come to "town" and attend the Community Forum on April 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Monroe County High School Gym. Let me know if you have any questions about either of these above mentioned topics. 

Cool link to information about this downtown renovation & community and economic development project in Gainesboro, TN.

My Water Aerobics Ritual + Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake Tutorial

A weekend ritual for me is to go to the gym and do water aerobics with my mom on Saturday mornings and then again on Sunday afternoons. This has been our little ritual for more than a year now. We also try to do this at least a few other times during the week if our schedules allow it. I enjoy taking a class every now and again also. Mom and I have our own little routine that we do in the water at the gym and this is our special mother daughter time to catch-up and fill each other in on what has been happening. We usually try to sneak in a 45 to 60 minute workout. What I love about water aerobics is that it does not even feel like you are working out while you are doing it. 

 

Water aerobics is a great exercise that is non-weight bearing, easy on the joints, resistance training, and aerobic exercise that is done in the water. Anyone can do it and it does not matter what limitations you have. It is a total body workout that helps tone and shape muscles you never knew you had before! The added bonus is that you don't sweat and I'm all about that!

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake Tutorial

 

Today after water aerobics I decided to fix a shake for lunch. My cousin Abbie sent me this recipe a few weeks ago and I adapted it to my taste. She uses Chocolate Nesquik & ice with unfrozen banana, but either way it is a must try! Trust me...you will become addicted if you like chocolate and peanut butter.   

 



 

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt or frozen yogurt

1/2 cup skim milk

1/2 scoop slim fast chocolate drink mix

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 frozen banana

Place all ingredients into your blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

 



 

Enjoy! It's yummy and addicting!

I calculated this to be 7 Weight Watcher Points.

Tip: Whenever you have bananas that are going bad, slice and freeze them for your next shake or smoothie.  

 

 

Do you have a ritual that you do regularly that you enjoy? Do you have a favorite shake or smoothie recipe? Please share if you do...it might motivate me to try something new! 

A Savage Girl’s Confession: 1 of My Guilty Addictions

I am addicted to Diet Coke.

This is an honest confession...seriously.  

I am a “Southern Girl” with all the southern goodness, southern charm, and southern accents you could ever want! So whenever I say “Diet Coke” I am meaning any beverage that is diet. “Coke” is the general name for any carbonated canned or bottled beverage yet “Coke-Cola” is a brand name. In the South, it is not soda, pop, soft drink, or soda pop…it is simply coke and in my case here diet coke. LOL.       

It has been 1 month and counting since I drank my last carbonated artificial sweetened calorie free drink of goodness. To be more specific and exact it has been that long since I drank any carbonated beverage unless it was in some punch secretly added without my knowledge! Tea, coffee, water, milk and lemonade have been my drinks of choice for the past month. Why you might ask? Well, this Savage Girl is trying to live healthier and make wiser lifestyle choices to improve her overall health and well-being.
 
So let me get all technical on you now. Research shows that sometimes one dietary change in one’s daily habits will decrease ones calorie intake 100 calories, which will in turn help you lose weight. There is also strong evidence that shows those individuals who drink more carbonated and sugar-sweetened beverages are heavier when compared to individuals who consume less. More research shows that non-nutritive sweeteners cause ones appetite to increase and in turn cause more calorie consumption, which would lead to weight gain. People think they can drink a diet coke and eat a piece of cake, but what we need to keep in mind that the diet coke isn’t causing us to gain weight it is everything else we are consuming with it! And yes the Savage Girl is guilty of this!  

Then there are studies where consumers lost weight drinking diet cokes. Therefore, the evidence to drink diet coke or not to drink diet coke is undecided. If you are like me and want to lose weight & have a healthier lifestyle then choose whatever drink you want but do not forget about your lifestyle, eating habits, and physical activity.

I had been hanging onto weight since Thanksgiving. Technically speaking I hit a plateau from November through February. A plateau is a stall in the weight loss journey but one should not get discouraged! Deep down I knew that in order to get back on track and lose the last 25 pounds to reach my goal I had to make a change, take charge again, and it was not going to be easy! It did not matter how much or how little food I consumer. It did not matter how much I moved or when I exercised. I was stuck so I made the big decision to cut out my “Diet Cokes” from my daily drink consumption. In addition to the research, I mentioned above, I also know that diet cokes contain sodium and artificial sweeteners, which cause fluid retention and blooding according to the FDA. I am happy to report an update on my recent health and lifestyle change…admitting to myself that I have a diet coke obsession and addiction helped me refocus and get back on the healthy lifestyle bus.
 
As of today, March 29, I have lost 50 pounds! In the last 8 weeks since I last updated the blogging world on my success I have lost an additional 7 pounds, 1 inch in my waist, 2 inches in my hips, and 1 inch in my bust while gaining a ½ inch of muscle in my arms and staying the same in my thighs. I am 3.7 points away from reaching the BMI that I desire to put me in a healthy range to avoid the chronic diseases associated with being overweight and obese. I know I cannot run from my inherited genetic pre-deposition in life but I know the choices I make can have a direct effect on my current health and future lifestyle. I know that I can not prevent the inevitable but maybe I can prolong it or lessen the affects.

Making the small change of cutting out my diet cokes I believe can be a testament to my success and moving off the plateau! It is a pleasure I miss, but I know I can do without it. We were warned in 2 Timothy 3:4 about being lovers of pleasure instead of God. In Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 we are told that pleasures, like my Diet Coke addiction, are meaningless because it does not accomplish anything. On a series note and with keeping with all those things I mentioned above...what guilty addiction or pleasure are you hiding in your closet? You might not want to blog about it like me, but maybe you need to admit and confess your addiction to yourself or maybe God…Just a thought.            

Resources:

The Power of One Dietary Change in Losing Weight

Rethink Your Drink

Are Drinks Making Us Fat

FDA

Low Calorie Sweeteners and Weight Gain...Do Diet Drinks Make You Fat?

Making Healthy Beverage Choices: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You