I just finished my 3rd run of 2012.  As in JUST finished.  My hands are having a hard time typing… the cold must’ve gotten to them even through my gloves.  It’s cold, but not THAT cold.  The “feels like” temperature (the only one that really matters to me because after all, if that’s what it feels like then that’s what counts – right?) is 27*.  It was kinda windy but not too bad.

My 2nd run of 2012 was on a treadmill on SuperBowl Sunday.  The weather was gorgeous (for January).  But I decided to make it simple and quick since my man was at the game and I was hanging with my kiddos.  I set the pace for 10:00 and ran 3 miles.  It was fine.  It was the treadmill.  I watched Food Network.  My kids ate pizza.  And I was simply glad to have checked off another run.  But it was definitely a push on my part and not something that I wanted to do.

Surely, I would start to crave running…  right?  Surely I would soon have some deep urge to don my running gear and get back to it!  Yeah, not so much.  It’s cold.  Yoga pants and coffee are so much more appealing.  So to get back to running….  I just gotta do it.  Feeling like doing it isn’t happening.  So I just gotta push myself out the door on a REGULAR basis.  No more once a week/Once a month.  No more excuses.  It’s time to get up, get dressed and go!

So after Sunday’s run, I looked at my week and charted the days I would run based on my schedule and based on not running two days back-to-back to avoid injury. This is exactly how I started running and it’s what kept me running.  As with other areas of my life, it won’t happen without planning and discipline.

Today’s run (my 3rd of the year) was definitely one that stemmed from me pushing myself.  I got up and dressed in my workout clothes.  That’s a key for me.  It’s hard to avoid my run when I’m wearing my running clothes and shoes.

As always is the case, I’m super glad I did it.  I always feel great and it’s always worthwhile when I’m finished.

But today…  felt harder.  I didn’t feel as successful.  I couldn’t seem to run faster than 10:00 my first or second miles.  My third mile I brought myself to just over a 9:00 pace but that lasted for only 1/2 mile at the most.  Then it was a struggle to finish.  All~in~all, I finished 3 miles/29:28/9:58 pace.

Halfway through the run I started to feel discouraged.  Why couldn’t I run faster?  Why had I let myself stop running after working so hard?  Why did I eat all that cake yesterday?  Why are my thighs about to break the seams on my pants?

And then….

I asked myself ~ Why do I run?

I run because I can.  I run because I feel good when I do.  I run because I love setting a goal, working hard and attaining it.  I run because of the connectedness with others.  I run because I don’t want a fat backside.  I run so that ONE DAY my thighs will not spread like wet cement when I sit down.  I run to clear my mind.  I run to fight cranky feelings.  I run to be able to eat all the bad~for~me~stuff that I love so much.  I run because of the feeling I have when the run is over.  I run because of the conversations God and I have while I’m running.  I run because of the feeling of accomplishment it gives me.  I run because it’s something I do…  I own it….  I push myself or I slack off…  I succeed or I fail….  it’s all up to me.

And so it doesn’t matter how fast or how slow….  how far or how short…. What matters is that I just get out and do it!  Some days are stronger than others.  Okay, so what?  I’m not a professional athlete.  It’s a hobby, an exercise.  It doesn’t put food on the table or a roof over my family’s head for crying out loud.

Discouragement is dumb.  So I decided to settle into myself and just take in the fact that I was running.  I wasn’t avoiding it as I had for weeks.  I was out pounding the pavement when I could’ve been doing a lot of other things.

So friends….  here’s my takeaway from today:  Find an exercise that you can call your own.  Walking.  Running.  Cycling.  Swimming.  Become the mayor of your local gym.  Find what works well with YOUR body…  and then commit to it.  Be disciplined about it.  Find an accountability partner who will hold you to it.  And do not allow discouragement to stop you from it.  Some exercise, Any exercise is better than none.

Let’s hear it:  What is YOUR exercise of choice???

Welcome to this week’s Behind the Blog! Today I’m so happy to welcome Janelle from Comfy in the Kitchen.  I recently discovered her blog and just loved how her posts exude a sweet, fun personality.  In addition to her blog, she also writes regularly for Women Living Well, Roo Mag, and The Better Mom.  You’ll find her on FaceBook and Twitter.

Welcome to Behind the Blog on At Home With Kim!  Thanks so much for joining us.  Would you introduce yourself?

I’m Janelle, a Christian, a Wife, a Stay at Home Mom of 3 young children and a proud- to- claim- it “Foodie”. I absolutely love to cook..I typically have an audience of 3 children, pulled up on chairs, taking turns pouring ingredients into bowls. My spiritual gifts are a mix of “hospitality and evangelism”. So, here I am at the center of God’s will, hoping to help you get a little more comfy in your kitchen! Wohoo!

The greatest desire of my heart is to introduce the Lord into people’s lives. Because I became a saved Christian as an adult-it has given me a huge heart for new Christians and those who are interested in learning more about Jesus in adulthood. Bring all your burdens and lay them down at the cross. There isn’t anything He hasn’t heard! I welcome any person- of any faith- and/or of no or little faith. It is very easy for me to love because the Lord has loved me so much.

As far as hospitality goes…I started a “meal ministry” on my own a few years ago by simply cooking for people who God led me towards. This ministry started while my husband was out of work. Why, God?! Why now? I would ask him. However, I have had the blessing of serving neighbors, elderly, new moms, handicapped, friends, schools, etc. In turn the lord has blessed me in SO many ways. I also “cook for a crowd” at my church 2 times a year (anywhere from 60-120 people on my own) I can honestly say that I have a BLAST! If hospitality is one of your gifts-I pray that this blog will plant a seed that will grow in YOU and touch others!

When and why did you first start blogging?  What’s the biggest change to your blog since then?

I first started as a guest recipe blogger on Women Living Well. Courtney is a personal friend of mine – the lord led our lives together – I was able to humbly bless her with a recipe each week and she blessed me by allowing to serve her audience! My FB page started getting busy and my dear friend Darlene from The Time Warp Wife encouraged me to start my own blog…..she helped me birth “Comfy in the Kitchen!”

What is the focus of your blog?

Encourging women to serve God by serving others in the way of “Meal Ministry”- to their families and to others. To help women getting “comfy in their kitchens” by featuring step by step recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious! I feature healthy recipes, not so healthy recipes, meal ministries, food allergy friendly recipes, devotionals, and my newest addition “getting comfy 101″.

Are you a morning or night person?  When do you normally write your blog posts?  Where do you usually write your blog posts?

Since blogging- I have become a night person!  With 3 young children, it just makes sense to blog while they are asleep. I typically write my blog posts in the living room.

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Encouraging others and seeing God’s kingdom and work grow! I can’t tell you how many e-mails I have recieved about women have started their own meal ministries at their churches and out of their homes because of learning about this on the Comfy site. God gets ALL the glory – He amazes me. I am so grateful to be a servant.

What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities outside of blogging?

Family nights, being a cheerleader for all of my children’s activities, cooking! (haha), women’s bible study leader, school volunteer, church volunteer, and we love to travel!

What’s your favorite tv show or recently read book?

Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian

What’s something about yourself that your readers may not know and may be surprised to find out?

I can  and have alone cooked a successful meal for 150 people- but I can’t organize a thing to save my life (lol!) Oh yeah…I love to cook BUT I personally cannot eat a lot of what I make! I am allergice to wheat, dairy and eggs!

What are some of your favorite blogs that you follow?

Women Living Well, The Better Mom, Peak 313, Time Warp Wife, RooMag, Org Junkie, Good Morning Girls, Grace Full Mama, Becoming A Strong Woman of God, Keepin’ It Real

The AMAZING thing about my blogging friends is that we are actually real life friends too….what a HUGE blessing!!!!! (top- me, clare (peak313, Ruth (The Better Mom), Darlene (Time warp wife), 2nd photo- Clare (peak 313, Courtney (women living well), me – 3rd photo -Joy (Gracefull Mama) and Clare (peak313) I am very blessed with sweet sisters-in -christ!

What’s one of your favorite posts you’ve written and why?

The meal ministry posts are definately my heart and my service to God.  My favorite recipe: Grandma Ruth’s Lasagna.  Another favorite post:  My Cardboard Testimony

Janelle, Thank you so much for joining us today! It’s been so fun to get to know more about you.

Remember:  If there is a blogger you’d like to see featured on Behind the Blog, email me ~ AtHomeWithKim{at}me{dot}com.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

{1 Corinthians 13}

I’ve been planning for today for a few weeks. And I’ve enjoyed it so much.  I’ve looked forward to surprising my family with a day of love.  Maybe because it’s so simple. There’s no pressure. Anything that you do to celebrate this day is a blessing…. because it’s unexpected.

I set up a Pinterest board to collect ideas.  I found heart shaped pancake molds, and heart themed eatery. I’ve set a table that would make cupid smile.  I’ve hidden away small gifts that will be big surprises.  I have a heart shaped pan ready to make this cake.  I’ve even mailed cards to loved ones far away.

~~And I’ve wondered~~~ Why can’t The Holidays be like this?

I think after mulling this over, the answer lies within.  If you’re like me you place some unnecessary burden upon yourself about having Magazine~like holidays….  which lead to hard hearts.  The difference is in my heart.  Everything I’ve done for today I’ve done without a sense of obligation or duty.  I wasn’t trying to live up to an expectation (real or fictional).  I simply wanted to bless my family.  And in return I’ve found joy.

So note to self for the next Holiday Season:  Focus more on love and less on….  everything else!

**Today is a great day to share with you a wonderful organization that I’m so grateful my family connected to several years ago:  Compassion International.  The pictures of my kids writing cards were to our Compassion kiddos ~ Fredrick is my son’s age living in the Philippines; Angie is my daughter’s age living in Peru; and Susan is 16 living in Uganda.  We are focusing more time this year toward writing to them.  And their letters back are always such a joy.  If you haven’t become familiar with Compassion, you’ll want to.  It’s an amazing way of bridging the gap of the world through love.

I’ve already shared with you my favorite way to wash my laundry.  But it’s only been recently that I’ve finally won the laundry battle.  I’m now on top of the laundry instead of it being a mountain on top of me!

I used to do laundry reactively.  I’d wait until it “looked” like I needed to start it and then wash 3-4 loads.  It rarely made it through the entire process of washing, drying, folding/hanging, and getting put away.  Often we were running to the laundry room to find clean clothes.  Not cool.  Laundry was constantly a headache and a burden.

But with a New Year comes changes!  And I have conquered my laundry dilemma….

Everyday (seven days a week) I do two loads of laundry.

every.  Every.  EVERY. day. = 1) a load of clothes and 2) a load of towels

Clothes:  My friend Aggie of Aggie’s Kitchen shared with me that she washed both lights and darks in the same load (always in cold water) and had never had problems.  That little discovery was a game changer.  So, everyday I wash all the dirty  clothes in one load (except delicates).

Towels:  I also wash a load of towels ~ in hot water.

Because I do this EVERYday, the loads aren’t too large and are relatively quick to get through.  I commit to seeing the entire process through so that it’s not only washed, but also put away (I lay my kiddos’ clothes on their beds and it’s their chore to put them away in the designated spots).  Doing this means the hampers are emptied everyday and there’s never so much laundry to do that it can’t get done in those two loads.

Additional Loads of Laundry:

Monday = Wash the bedclothes day.  Every week = wash the sheets.  Every other week = wash mattress pads and blankets.  Once a month = wash comforters and duvet covers.

Delicates = Once a week.

Okay, so that’s how I conquer the laundry each day!  Let me hear from YOU!  What works (or doesn’t) for you when it comes to managing the laundry in your home?

Welcome to our very first “Behind the Blog“, our weekly interview with a favorite blogger to get to know them in a different way.  You may read about a blogger you’ve already known and loved OR you may get to meet a new blogger who’s sure to become a favorite.

This week I’m excited to introduce those of you who’ve not yet had the pleasure to Katrina Anne Willis.  I met Katrina about a year ago.  She is one of those people who has an infectious smile and a joyful personality that makes you instantly want to be her friend.  I didn’t get the chance to get to know her very well because she’s since moved to Mississippi.  So I’m selfishly inviting her here today so we can get to know her a little better.

As you are about to read, in addition to being a blogger, Katrina is a published author.  She is also the “Mom Blogger” for Indy’s Child Magazine. You can connect with Katrina on FaceBook and Twitter as well.

Here is Katrina Anne Willis:

Welcome to Behind the Blog on At Home With Kim!  Thanks so much for joining us.  Would you introduce yourself?

Thanks for having me, Kim. It’s an honor to be here. I have been married to my best friend, Chris, for 17 years, and we’ve been together for 24. (How in the world did I get so old?!) He is the most fabulously perfect partner. I cannot imagine a life without his love, support, laughter, and irreverence.

We have four sassy and spirited kids: Sam (lacrosse junkie, wicked sense of humor, X-Box aficionado) is fifteen, Gus (baritone player, sensitive soul, kind-hearted skinny dude) is thirteen, Mary Claire (bubbly, shower-singer, sporty, Glee-addicted tween) is eleven, and George (scary smart, Lego Master, outrageously loud baby of the family) is nine.

Add our two dogs, Maggie and Lucy, into the mix, and life around here is never boring. We are Hoosier natives (Go, Colts!), but recently relocated to Mississippi where my husband is a Professor in the Educational Leadership and Foundations Department at MSU. (Go, Bulldogs!)

I am a writer by day and a wine-swilling writer by night. (There’s a fine distinction between the two. Really.) My first book, “Table for Six: The Extraordinary Tales of an Ordinary Family” is a compilation of family stories and blog posts and was released in 2011. My next book, “Three of Eva,” is a fictional account of three estranged sisters, their ailing mother, and an unexpected reunion. The full manuscript is currently under review with a NYC agent, so please send all your positive publishing energy to the universe and channel it to the Big Apple.

When and why did you first start blogging?  What’s the biggest change to your blog since then?

I like to believe that I’ve been blogging all my life. In my mind, it’s just taken on a different form. From handwritten, spiral-bound notebooks to leather journals to word-processed papers to today’s online medium, I’ve been recording my life forever.

My first “official” blog was born in February of 2007 as a means to record our crazy, fun lives. (February 12, 2012, will, in fact, be my 5-year blogging anniversary.) First published at table4six.blogspot.com, my Little Blog That Could was comprised of words, pictures, YouTube links, and various and sundry other things I found interesting. It was moved to Apple’s iWeb format in December of 2007 (because I enjoy making lots of unnecessary work for myself). The whole shebang was converted to WordPress in January of 2011 (thanks to my wonderfully talented friend, Kirsten) and someday, I intend to have ALL my old blog posts moved to the new medium. (One can dream, right?)

Even though I’ve spent much of my career penning copy for high-tech firms, I still consider myself more than a little technologically challenged. Words come easily; HTML… not so much. Moving to WordPress has allowed me a much broader view of my blog’s reach. I’m like the proverbial kid in a candy store when I check my site analytics. (I have HOW many “likes”? THAT many people clicked on my post?) Just a couple of weeks ago, WordPress featured my “All Things in Moderation” post on their “Freshly Pressed” page. I had no idea what was happening when my inbox literally exploded with comments. It was a very exciting and humbling experience.

What is the focus of your blog?

My blog is about life. About family. About friends. About relationships. Sometimes it’s about dog poop and projectile vomiting. Other times, it’s about curling up in the fetal position when life gets a little too intense. I write my experiences. Most would call me a classic over-sharer, but I truly believe that inside, we are all the same. I offer my stories as a virtual hug for humanity. There is nothing that fills me more than when someone says, “Oh! You, too? I thought I was the only one.” This world needs a few more hugs, I think. A little more kindness. I’d like to start a love train via my words.

Are you a morning or night person?  When do you normally write your blog posts?  Where do you usually write your blog posts?

I am definitely not a morning person, so I guess that makes me a night person. But I enjoy sleeping… a lot… so I’m probably more of a mid-day person.

I write when I can, where I can. I always have a notebook in my purse so I can jot down flashes of brilliance throughout the day. (They come to me about once a year.) I enjoy writing in different places — at our local bookstore, the Wildlife Refuge, the library.

But when I’m home, I write at my beloved desk. It used to belong to my Granny (my Mom’s grandmother). It’s been repainted so many times that the drawers stick. The pull-out desk tray is decoupaged with inspirational quotes and pictures, and it sits in the corner of my bedroom, surrounded by pictures of my loved ones.

There is a bookcase to my right, filled exclusively with books I’ve purchased but have not yet read. (I have a little book-buying fetish. My greatest fear in life is that I will wake up one morning and not have a book to read. Same thing with shoes. No one wants to go barefoot in the land of fire ants, after all. And if that calls for some swanky stilettos, so be it.)

My black lab, Maggie, curls up behind me while I work. I have to be careful not to roll my chair over her tail. It’s a pretty idyllic setting. I especially love all my framed photos of friends and family. They’re everywhere, smiling at me, encouraging me, reminding me of how truly blessed I am.

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Blogging is as much a part of my life as eating is, as breathing is. I’ve always written. Always. There is no version of my world that doesn’t include words. But my greatest pleasure, I think, is when someone responds to something I’ve written, when someone says, “That made a difference to me.” Writing is essential to my soul, but so is sharing. If we aren’t willing to give ourselves to others, what is the point of this crazy and wonderful life?

What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities outside of blogging?

My favorite hobby outside of writing is drinking red wine and reading a book. Preferably outside, around a fire pit, with a strong book light, a cozy blanket, and a sky full of stars. Or in my blue floral recliner, dogs at my feet, fire in the fireplace, kids nestled snugly in their beds (dreaming of sugar plums, perhaps?), and an ample stash of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

I also love running… very slowly. As a former 3-sport athlete, I enjoy any athletic challenge.

I have fabulous, funny, warm-hearted, accomplished, fun friends, and I love sharing special moments with each of them.

My kids make me laugh every single day.

I love to sing, to dance with my husband, to listen to music. From Barry Manilow to Dave Matthews to Brandi Carlile to Eminem, my musical tastes are, shall we say, eclectic.

What’s your favorite tv show or recently read book?

I gave up TV a few years ago, but was dragged kicking and screaming back into the fray by my dear friend, Mary, who told me I MUST watch “Modern Family.” It’s my guilty pleasure.

And my favorite book? Oh, where do I begin? Anything by Julia Glass, John Irving, Anne Lamott, Lisa Genova, Ann Patchett, Donna Tartt. I’m completely inspired by JK Rowling and her unlikely success story.

I just finished “The Hunger Games” trilogy and found them surprisingly engaging. I’m a sucker for good fiction… and even fiction that’s semi-good.

I’m a great reader, but not a good critic. I can always find something redeeming about a book. Perhaps that’s because I know how much work goes into creating one. I would never say someone’s newborn baby is ugly — dismissing a book feels kind of like pointing out that Junior’s eyes are too close together and that his giant head resembles an avocado.

My favorite book, always, is the next one. There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a new story and opening it to that glorious first page.

What’s something about yourself that your readers may not know and may be surprised to find out?

I’m not sure there’s anything my readers don’t know about me! I am the quintessential open book.

Did you know I sang the National Anthem at a Pacers game? That I was the Hancock County Spelling Bee champion in eighth grade? Oh, yeah, you’ve already read those blog posts, heard those stories. More than one friend has said, “If I hadn’t experienced that with you, I wouldn’t have believed it actually happened.” Our life is an adventure. We live it fully, embrace it wholly, ride it around hairpin turns at breakneck speed.

What are some of your favorite blogs that you follow?

I’m a Brene Brown junkie (www.ordinarycourage.com). Maybe “stalker” would be a more appropriate moniker. I adore TED Talks, and find Dooce to be funny and poignant. And who can argue with those pictures of Chuck? Like the rest of the world, I’ve recently discovered Momastery and adore Glennon. Another favorite is veryoccasionalthoughts.wordpress.com. I read PostSecret every Sunday.

But on a day-to-day basis, I tend to follow my friends’ blogs most religiously. (andreamaurer.com, theyearofexploration.blogspot.com, pauseclick.wordpress.com, abundantlyawesome.blogspot.com, aspatsseesit.blogspot.com, dawnpier.blogspot.com, muddledmother.com, cspinhealthy.blogspot.com, and of course, athomewithkim.com) I have some pretty talented and interesting friends who inspire me daily. I wish some of them would blog more often, but they know that already…

What’s one of your favorite posts you’ve written and why?
My favorite post is probably “All Things in Moderation” — not because I loved it, but because so many others did. It was featured on “Freshly Pressed,” and has been my most widely shared post thus far.

My personal favorites tend to be some of my most recent. (I’m a little ADD that way. Look! A new post! Oh! A bird!) “A Maternal Tribute” means so much to me because it’s about my beautiful mother. “400 Words” is at the top of the list because it was just fun to write.

Thank you so very much for the opportunity, Kim! It’s very much appreciated! XO, Katrina

Katrina, thanks so much for sharing with us today!  So fun!!!

Be sure to visit Katrina and tell her hello!!!

If you have a favorite blogger you’d like to get to see featured on Behind the Blog, email me: AtHomeWithKim{at}me{dot}com.

I had my first photo lesson and I LOVED it.  I walked away super excited about the possibility of finally Finally FINALLY understanding my camera and how to take photos.

Today I’m sharing what I took away from my two hour private lesson.  I have more questions than answers.  And there is just so much to learn.  But I have committed to not allowing myself to rely on auto mode any longer.  So get ready.  The good, the bad, and the ugly….  No more auto mode for me.

I have a Nikon D60.  I’ve wondered if that was going to need to be replaced…  And what I learned is that while there are new models with newer features, this camera works just fine for right now.  Will I ask for a newer model next Christmas or Birthday time?  Maybe.  But for now, this will work just fine.

I have four lenses:  two that came with my camera when we purchased it a few years ago at Costco =  18-55mm, 55-200mm and two I received this past Christmas from my man who did a ton of research:  Nikon 50mm/1:8G (LOVE this lens) and Nikon 55-300mm zoom.

{Shot on my kitchen table under a light with blinds also opened.}

Here are my notes from Lesson 1.  Hear me when I say, I’m not an expert and nor do I claim to be one on my blog.  I’m in the middle of learning and will share as I go.  Also know that the pictures I’m sharing today are not edited in any way.  Okay, here we go:

Aperture and f-stop is the SAME thing.  This adjusts the opening of the image sensor in the camera to let more or less light in.  The more open the aperture the more light that comes in.  The smaller the aperture, the darker the image.  The larger the aperture, the lighter the image.

Here’s the tricky part:  A higher number f-stop results in a smaller aperture opening/darker picture; A Lower number f-stop results in a wider aperture opening/lighter picture.  f 1.8 (smaller number) opens my aperture as much as it can with my lens and therefore gets the most light for my picture.  f 8 (larger number) closes the aperture quite a bit and gives darker pictures.  *** You may not be able to get your aperture set as low as 1.8 with some lenses.

Make sure you know how to change the f~stop for your camera.  I did not!  For my camera, I hold down a small button and turn a wheel…  That same wheel turned on it’s own changes the shutter~speed.  Great example of the benefits of your camera’s manual!

Shutter Speed:  how fast/slow the shutter opens.  Two main take away points from this lesson = Use slow shutter speed in low light except when using zoom.  And the slowest shutter speed to use when hand holding is 1/60.  If you need a slower shutter speed then use a tri~pod….  which will be my next investment in the hobby of photography!  BTW, my teacher recommends investing at least $60 in a tri~pod….  Less than that and they aren’t sturdy and it’s not worth dropping your camera and lens over saving a couple of bucks.

ISO:  This is a measure of the sensitivity of the camera’s image sensor.  What’s important to know = The lower the number the less sensitive your camera is to light and the finer the grain in your image.  The higher the number, the more sensitive and therefore the more grain (aka noise).  If possible, keep your ISO set no higher than 400.  If you are forced to go higher, just know that there will be more noise (grain) in the picture.

Here’s an example of why you may need to do that.  My shutter speed was set to 1/60 (the slowest I could set it without a tri~pod bc of hand shake); my aperture was set to 1.8 the lowest I could get it to go.  Because the picture was dark, and I had given the camera as much light as possible and the picture was still dark…  I was forced to increase ISO if I wanted a picture:

{The only change in these pictures was to ISO. SS and f~stop stayed the same.}

Okay, so that’s the notes from lesson 1.  Homework:  Shoot 50 still life and 50 portrait shots in Manual Mode.

Let me hear from YOU:  Do you enjoy photography?  Are you an auto-mode shooter or have you learned to navigate your camera?  

]]> http://www.athomewithkim.com/2012/02/photography-lessons-1.html/feed 11 http://www.athomewithkim.com/2012/02/photography-lessons-1.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/QuitEatingOut/~3/fmLM17DJHLw/how-to-start-running-again.html http://www.athomewithkim.com/2012/02/how-to-start-running-again.html#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:52 +0000 Kim http://www.athomewithkim.com/?p=2011

Alright, so it’s been a while since I’ve written a post on running.  That would be because…  I haven’t been running.

Ugh!

January 29th was my first run of 2012.

I hadn’t run since those early, mild days of December.  As nearly two months had passed since my last real run, I became fearful of what that first run back would feel like.  How far would I actually be able to run.  Would I have to start over?  Should I start from the beginning with C25K?

Then, finally I decided I didn’t care.  It was time to put on my big girl running pants and get over it.  Whether I ran 5 steps or 5 miles didn’t matter.  It was just time to get to it.

I quickly realized that running in warm weather is much easier….  What on earth do you wear when it’s super cold?

I decided the puffy vest would drive me nuts and went with the LuLu long sleeve shirt and two running jackets (one from LuLu and one I got years ago at Target).

Heading out the door to the cheers of encouragement from my fans kids, I walked just long enough to set my iMap app.  And then…  Just like that…  I started running.  It was cold, but sunny.  And those first steps?  Felt amazing.

I didn’t worry about time.  After all, today was just about getting back to it.  And honestly?  I didn’t know if I would make it a mile!

The wind was ferocious.  I tried to avoid it when I could, but when it was coming straight at me, it was all I could do to keep moving.  That being said, I hit my first mile in about 10 minutes.  And I felt GOOD.  I didn’t want to stop.

My second mile was with the wind mainly to my back and the sun hitting my face.  I took it all in.  I laughed as I remembered running this same route in the warmer months and having to cautiously avoid all the grasshoppers that lined the path.  But mostly, I was reminded that I really am a runner at heart.  And though I haven’t had or made the time to do it often enough, I LOVE it.  I love the challenge.  I love the success.  I love that running a little is always better than none at all.

At the second mile mark, I decided it was definitely time to head for home.  I knew from my injury and back issues last year that over doing it was not wise.  As I made the turn, the wind hit me with full force.  Yikes!  That part?  Not my favorite.  I’ll be honest.  I like the wind at my back/sun in my face scenario much better.  So I walked/ran home.

My total for my first day back was 3.02 miles in 31:13 for a 10:22 pace.  I was super happy….  and ready to run again!

Which is a good thing because I went into the holidays a few pounds away from my goal weight….  I came out of the holidays with an additional six pounds added. Ugh.  So, it’s definitely time to track those WW points and get my sweet self back to regular workouts!

{just after my 1st run of 2012}

 SO, I was honest that I’ve been lacking in the workout department.  

Now, let’s hear from YOU…  How are your workouts going so far in 2012?

]]>

Hi Everyone!  I’m excited to introduce you to At Home With Kim {formerly Recipes to Run On}!!!

Check out the URL….  you’ve been automatically redirected to our new home.

I’ve updated the ABOUT page and am working on the BLOG LUV page.

All the Social Media links will now take you to our new pages.  AND…

I’m excited to let you in on a new series that’s coming to At Home With Kim called Behind the Blog!  I’ll share interviews with favorite bloggers to get to know more about them in a fun way.

So TELL ME…..  WHAT DO YOU THINK???