and 5,6,7,8

I became a certified aerobics instructor in 2004 and have had so much fun teaching classes and attending workshops over the last few years. My favorite fitness convention was actually one that we hosted at UVA. We were able to book Petra Kolber (http://www.petrakolber.com/), a fitness guru, model, and inspiration! A year later, I built up the courage to present a total body conditioning class at a fitness expo in Elon, North Carolina. I was also on UVA's fitness expo team. We put together a routine for a spirit event that highlighted some hip-hop, step, kickboxing, and yoga moves that we incorporate into our classes. Enjoy this clip of us in action :)

God Of This City

I had a feeling that tonight would be amazing. But I honestly didn't expect to feel as incredible as I feel right now. As my first event with CharlotteOne, I had the opportunity to spend St. Patrick's day at The Hall House, a shelter in uptown Charlotte for homeless women and their children. They invited us into their home where we had an awesome cookout and activities set up for the children. I linked up with a wonderful woman and her two lovely, animated daughters who I fell in love with immediately. It was so special to get to know the girls, Damiya and Daniya. They were full of joy and we had so much fun dancing, playing, and doing arts and crafts together. The mother was grateful to see her children having so much fun, and was thankful to be able to rest and be involved with such a loving and supportive organization. We invited the women and children of The Hall House to join us for our service across the street. I had my barrier up, and sort of anticipated my family not being able to join us, or having some excuse to stay home. I had goosebumps all over when they told me that they would love to join. God was working through me. I was able to talk with the girls, tell them how much God loved them, and felt broken and uplifted all at the same time when I saw the look on their faces, the awe in their eyes. I don't know what was going on in their little hearts, but can only pray that tonight planted a seed that, through love and support, will blossom into something beautiful. I am moved. I am changed. I am inspired.


http://www.myfoxcharlotte.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=8380286&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Let it go

I want you to do an experiment with me. I want you to make two fists and squeeze them as tight as you can. Do you feel the tension? Good. Now remember, you can't go backwards and ease up at all. In fact, I want you to squeeze a little bit harder and not let go. Perfect. This tension, this uncomfortable feeling may remind you of something that may be going on in your life. Is there an area that you're just holding on to? What is it in your life that you are struggling with on a day to day basis (squeeze your fists tighter)? Is it your finances, the stress of the economy? Is it your girlfriend or boyfriend, problems at home? What is it that you're struggling with? What are you holding on to? Whatever it is, I want you to go ahead and open up your fists and give it up to God. Doesn't that feel good? Imagine how good it would feel if we surrendered our problems to God. Let Him take control, and abandon our feelings that we can do it on our own. I want to challenge you this week to pray to God for that one area in your life that makes you tense up.

We talked about this at Charlotte One this week, and I really felt moved to surrender control to the Lord. It's amazing how hard it is to not have control over something. I'm excited to see what the Lord can do in my life as I shift focus away from myself and onto others. Not just in my thoughts, but in my prayers, actions, and time. I would encourage you to check out Todd Phillips (http://www.toddphillips.net/), an amazing Christian speaker. I will be praying for you all this week. I love you!

Surgery’s over, time to have FUN!

I really enjoyed my surgery rotation, despite the 12-15 hour days and 4:20 alarm clock. I got to see the sunrise every morning, met some great people, and learned a lot! I’m pretty pumped to have a little free time on my hands. We spent the last week back at school for lectures and testing, and learned a thing or two about the boards and job hunting. Here are a few highlights of the exciting things I’ve been up to in the last week!

Wake vs. NC State basketball game. Although
I’m not a huge sports buff, I do really enjoy ACC basketball. Whitney, Geoff, and I watched Wake beat out State 85-78 in an exciting ball game! Go Deacs!

Dinner parties! Geoff is perhaps one of the most amazing cooks! The menu of the night was ricotta stuffed chicken, potato cakes, and seasoned shrimp. Whitney baked brownies which she served with girl scout ice cream for dessert. What a treat!! I also enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Carrie and Greg's. We had a delicious baked spaghetti! After dinner we played Balderdash and enjoyed watching the snow fall.


Bridal showers!! Sarah, Shannon, Denisha, and Greta are all getting married this year!! What a perfect excuse for a party. We sent them on a silly scavenger hunt where they had to complete silly tasks, reveal what they love most about their fiances, dress up in homemade bridal apparal, write wedding vows using a clever word bank, and play "chubby bunny" with their fiances' names. It was fun to plan and the girls definitely had a great time!




Birthdays!!! We celebrated Stephanie Wallace's birthday at the Village Tavern and enjoyed hearing all about her adventures in Tampa, where she's moving this summer. Wednesday I went to Mooresville to celebrate Hannah's 8th birthday. We went out for sushi, Hannah's favorite! How sophisticated ;)! Sarah George's birthday was Friday and we enjoyed an awesome Mexican lunch!! Last night we went out to Bleu for Whitney's birthday. Steph and I had an amazing baked brie appetizer before feasting on delicious cramb and shrimp cakes! It's been so much fun celebrating everyone's big day!


Out on the town!! Last weekend I celebrated with Mallory, Margarita, and a few other first years. After a round of turkey burgers and sweet potato fries, we headed downtown to toast to the end of their neuro/ortho unit and my successful surgery rotation. Last night Meg had us over for wine and cheese before heading to Noma, my new favorite addition to Winston's night life. It was so great to be reunited with everyone and kick back and enjoy lots of laughs and good times!

Tomorrow I'm moving to Mooresville for the next four weeks to work in otolaryngology. I'll be living with Kristin's family and next door to Kristin, Justin, and her grandparents. I am sure that the month will be filled with lots of card playing, Sonic slushies, running and yoga, and great fellowship at the Cove. I can't believe I only have two more rotations to go!!

Snow Day!

Today has been absolutely amazing. It’s been one of those days where I feel like a kid all over again. We woke up to six inches of beautiful snow, and an e-mail that school was closed for the day!!! We decided to embrace the total kid attitude. Case in point, our lunch- tukey roll-ups, ants on a log, cheese and crackers, and soup. For dessert, we made snow cream! Now we’re watching a movie, and Kristin is doing some arts and crafts, haha. The big finale will be tonight, when we will inevitably have cabin fever and venture out to Carrie’s for the Bachelor finale!! Could life be any better?