Amanda's Blog

Afternoon on the Beach

2011-07-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

So we had an amazing weekend, and will probably take all week to recover! I kinda got sun burnt, and am so sore that I can hardly walk up the stairs at work in my high heels. I went running on the sandy beach early Saturday morning, played volleyball for almost three hours that afternoon, and then sat out on the beach for a couple hours on Sunday! It was such a gloriously relaxing afternoon!

It's probably the last weekend I'll spend relaxing before my wedding in 3.5 weeks, so it was spent merrily soaking in the 90F sun. I know I'll probably get stressed and overwhelmed when I get to Dallas, so I'm trying to relax as much as possible until then.
Getting married is probably the most life changing decision I'll ever make, and I can't wait to start forever with my love of my life! There is no other person I would rather be gallivanting the world with, scheming big dreams with and living life with. We are a team. I am looking forward to spending everyday what it looks like to die to self & serve the other before ourselves.
I'm thankful to live this life... It is bigger and more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

Running on the beach at sunrise

2011-07-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I cannot lie, the sun was already high in the sky when we got to the beach at 6:30AM this morning to run, but it was still orange and reflecting off the water! It was a breathtaking sight, and it just filled my turbulent soul with peace. I decided, upon moving 3 miles from the beach, that I'm going to run on the sand as the water laps the shore, at least 3 times/week. I know this is a lifetime opportunity, and I don't want to miss out on it because I'm lazy (which I am. really lazy). So in order to beat the heat (because I'm also a wimp and can't handle running in 95F weather), I've started early morning runs. This morning I was so fortunate to have my fiancee, Tyler, join me... He could run a 1/2 marathon if he felt like it, so my workouts seem like a sunday morning walk to him... but it's so wonderful having him run beside (or ahead) of me!

This is by no means a habitual thing, I'm just so excited to be this close to the water that I'm like a golden retriever puppy, chasing down to the beach whenever possible! I know there are benefits to running on the sand, but didn’t know what they were until I researched it.
I decided to share with my friends what some of those benefits are, and hopefully be inspired to make the drive down to the boulevard for some early morning runs!

A fellow blogger, Dav Davis, sites the reasons that running in the sand is benificial to ones workout

If your workout needs a makeover, take it to the shore to start reaping these 5 benefits of running in sand. Not only does it provide optimum strengthening of the lower leg muscles, but it’s also easier on your joints and burns more calories than running on pavement. One of the best running workouts you can get, regularly running in sand will transform your body and increase your coordination...

1. You’ll develop more strength in your lower body running on sand. Because of the sand shifts beneath you as you run, your ankles, arches, and calves are engaged and will become stronger.

2. Running on sand burns more calories. YES!!! A study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology proved that people who ran or walked on sand burned between 1.2 and 1.8 times more calories per mile on each run. That’s between 20 and 80 extra calories per mile. It’s thought that because runners sink into the loose sand, they use more energy when covering the same distance.

3. You’ll become more coordinated and have better balance by running on sand regularly. The uneven surface of sand not only activates the muscles of your lower body, it also engages your upper body as you subconsciously – or sometimes consciously – struggle to maintain your balance. Your core abdominals, back and shoulders all get a workout as you move through the shifting terrain. THIS IS REALLY TRUE!!

4. Running on sand is easier on your joints. Running on a softer surface gives joints and muscles a break from the pounding they take on asphalt or pavement. Every time your foot hits the sand, the impact force is minimal, so your body is subjected to less strain.

5. You can’t beat the view. Whether your run along the beach at sunrise or sunset, nothing beats the water lapping against the shore... and I am usually eager to jump in for a quick swim!

Dav Davis entire article, "5 Benifits of Running in Sand", can be found at: http://www.mademan.com/mm/5-benefits-running-sand.html

"Aunty Mandy"

2011-06-17T13:25:00.001-07:00

I'm finally an Aunt! I can now be refered to as "Aunty Mandy" and I'm so excited!
Here is a picture of the little fellow =) His name is Maddex Ryder Van Hierden

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.
Elizabeth Stone

I get to pick up my wedding dress today!

2011-06-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, the last blog I posted... I wrote about how I'm getting married!
To all you recently engaged folks, I know a wedding sounds amazing, but just elope. It's so much easier....
despite that, I'm still estatic to have finally found a dress, which was purchased off the rack because I ran out of time.
This is what happened. Fell in love with this dress that was right in my price range. Well, closer to my price range than anything else in the store. Who has an extra grand to throw at a wedding dress? Anyways, the super brillant sales lady put me in an extra long dress... and didn't tell me. When I came back to purchase the dress with my cash in hand, I decided to try it on again. They gave me the regular lenth dress and the long one had a 18 week wait to order.
This might make me a drama queen, but I cried in the dressing room and decided I wasn't going to worry about dress stuff for a couple weeks.

So when my mom and sister came out several weeks later, and we went to every dress shop in the area (well, only 3, but it took all day!). We tried on ball-gowns, mermaid, beach dresses, vintage and classic dresses... and I finally found the one I wanted!
Since we were so short on time, I had to purchase it off the rack, but it fits like a glove and I can't wait to wear it. I'm not allowed to gain even 3 pounds or I won't fit into the dress!

I'm getting married!

2011-03-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Tyler picked me up at about 6:30am Saturday morning for the Shamrock 8k race, which we ran in 53 minutes! He ran along me and encouraged me the whole race, and practically carried me across the finish line. We then got all cleaned up and he took me to Fort Story to see the beautiful lighthouse on the beach. It was a breath-taking view with all the barges merrily floating down the coast. The water couldn't have been bluer or the sky brighter!
After enjoying the magnificent view from the ancient lighthouse, he suggested we walk down to the beach... which of course I would have suggested had he not. Since it was a little chilly, he offered me his hoodie and we started to wander by the water.
He got kinda quiet, which is slightly unusual... and then started telling me things that he loved about me, how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, and how precious I was to him. I tried to grab him in a hug and tell him the same things, but he pulled back...
so he could...
get down on one knee... whipped out the ring box... (which, at this point I was completely SHOCKED) and asked me if I would marry him.
As per tradition, after big questions, I just hugged him instead of answering him. Poor guy had to ask again, at which I just laughed at him and answered "Of course!" And then I pulled that ring out the box and slid it on my finger before that boy changed his mind! We just held each other for awhile... until this older gentleman came up and asked if he could take some pictures.... which is how we have pictures of our special moment.

Back in the garage...

2011-02-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

So...I'm back at the garage. I was hit last week in 7-11's parking lot. How annoying.
My tire ended up being completely flat... So the military boy that hit me changed it and put the spare on. Since the original tire seemed ok, I got it blown up and put back on. You know... Just in case.

Well, I got in my car to go to work this morning and my tire was flatter than a pancake. Like... The ones where you put too much water in? Yup. Couldn't drive.
So... Good thing it wasn't my white Jean day... Because I jumped out and changed it faster than that military boy.
Tyler was proud! :)
So, since SAMs club is around the corner, and their garage doors are open, I decided to check if they could help me out. Fail. They were there usual 'discourteous' (note: word change due to astonished feedback) selves. I think that's a requirement they demand when hiring people... Cuz they are the rudest people in retail I've ever met.

So now I'm at merchant tire. They're kinda grumpy too... But non of us are in sparkly happy moods at 8am Monday morning! They're replacing my tire, and I don't really care what it costs because I'm getting the military boy that hit me to replace it. I'm Just annoyed at the whole mess. Just get me out of here so I can get to work... Go home& Study for my mid-terms... And Skype with Tyler :)

Happy Birthday Broadcast Church!

2011-02-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Broadcast Church! We had a delightful morning celebrating.
I have included some remarks from our Paster Jess Holmes' blog, which can be found at http://broadcastchurch.com/happy-birthday-broadcast-2/... so if you're thinking about checking out the church, check-out the website!

"What a GREAT service we had on Feb. 6th, 2011. We celebrated our first birthday. We wanted to record what happened on this special event. We always open with some delicious coffee. Then at 10AM we started our worship through music. Trey and his team really honored the and worshiped God. The music was so moving. Then Trey dismissed for our “Coffee break” and people went to the back and had some delicious cake that was made in honor of this special event. "

I also included a few pictures I took of the celebration!

Speed "Networking"

2011-01-31T06:33:00.000-08:00

Oh, is that what we call it here at Regent? "Networking"? Well, I'm texting all my single friends at Regent to show up at this event to get "networked"... today at noon!

Speed dating is a formalized matchmaking process or dating system whose purpose is to encourage people to meet a large number of new people. Its origins are credited to Rabbi Yaacov Deyo of Aish HaTorah, originally as a way to help Jewish singles meet and marry... so even speed dating had religious roots.

Don't kid yourself, Regent. Just call it like it is... speed dating!

decorating my office pad

2011-01-27T13:57:00.001-08:00

So the other day, after being inspired by my other creative friends in the office, I decided to spruce up my space as well. Now, I'm not sure how receptive others in the office may feel about my new-found urge to create a pretty 'pad' for myself, so I've introduced it slowly. First, I started with stapling 12x12 scrapbooking paper up on the wall in front of me, and then put up a few pictures. Soon I may add poster sized pictures of people... and things, but that will need to be added after my conservative co-workers have acclimatized to the current changes.

I want to feel inspired as I do my job, as it's not... you know, really... like... inspiring... So this helps. I want my on-campus job at Regent University experience to be as fun and enjoyable as possible!

Today: what I miss about home.

2011-01-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

Let's just say I had a really rough class, and I was at home... I would go straight to Crazy Cakes Bakery and get a super rich chocoalaty cupcake (gluten free) and eat it in 2 seconds. Like, pretty much stick the whole thing in my mouth at once, buggle my eyes in surprise at how big it was, and that it actually fit... and proceed to slowly gulp it down.

It actually used to be called Spudnuts, but to preserve the 'historical' downtown, they left up the original signage.
I would especially like to stop in before work and do homework for a couple hours,sitting on the bar, watching the snow fall through the huge glass windows. It's adorable, and the perfect place to take your mother for Mothers Day... like I did last year =). She loved it!

Anyways, had a rough class this morning and just wanted to stuff my face with a Crazy Cakes gluten-free cupcake =) Amaaaaazing!!

Life in Virginia

2011-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

When the Virginian weatherman says "there may be a chance of snow.... in the next week..." everyone RUSHES to Wal-Mart to stock their shelves. I would know. I live in their parking lot.
Then, lo and behold, we get a sprinkle of rain.
Awesome. They all stood in line at Wal-Mart for 45 minutes to stock their shelves for nothing. The sinister part of me can't help but chuckle inside.

When it finally does snow, everyone runs around with glee, throwing the wet, nasty stuff in the air. Of course, we get a snow day because Virginia Beach (emphasis on beach) doesn't own snow ploughs. Life as we know it, stops.

The Alberta weatherman says "there may be chance of snow..." we all say DUH. It's Winter. Because our shelves are fully stocked, we don't rush around in a mad panic. The thought of snow doesn't even equate in our minds as an event that may alter our every day living. Of course, getting stuck in a snow bank is a minor inconvenience, but like I said, minor.
When an entire grid, city, county looses power, we all switch to our gas fireplaces, stoves, ovens to warm our homes... and keep our taps running so they don't freeze. Enjoy baked beans out of the can (which we have to use a manual can opener to open) by candle light. Ahhhh... the joys of losing power for 3-4 days.

Reminds us of our igloo days. Nothing the tough canuck can't handle!

The day a MAN sent me flowers

2011-01-10T18:36:00.001-08:00

OK, so this is the story. No, he didn’t get to two bouquets of flowers… intentionally.
But I’m not gunna lie, I didn’t mind! =)

So Tyler clicked on a pay-per-click ad on Google and ordered me a wonderful little bouquet of flowers, hoping they would come to my office before the end of the day. They didn’t.
Except I didn’t know they were coming. So I wasn’t sad or disappointed.
But he told me something was coming, so along with feeling frustrated that he got ‘scammed’, he felt bad he’d let me down.
Except he didn’t let me down. I was joyfully going through life, oblivious to his tears of frustration (well, maybe not tears. Sorry Ty =) haha).

So the next day, he strategically orders a second bouquet of flowers from a reputable source; Kempsville Florist.

At 1:30, this adorable bouquet arrives.

At 2:30 this gorgeous bouquet arrives.

So we had a competition to see which one was prettier. The one I thought was second place is now proving to be taking first. But how can I compare? It’s like comparing kids… each beautiful in their own way.

When my co-workers walked past my desk, they would gasp in horror, grab my should and ask "Did your gramma die?" I would chuckle slightly, and respond "no... no, she's fine."
Then they would smile and say, "oH! It's your birthday?! Congratulation!" To which I would despondently respond (because my birthday is my favorite holiday, and I wish I was my birthday. Every day.) "no... it's not my birthday..."

Then they would proceed to lean back and ask in a confused voice, "Then why is your desk covered in flowers?" The answers varied as I made up whatever came to my mind... but that matters little because... YOU know the truth.

I love tiger lilies. Breathtaking…

The Life of a Bachelor student.

2011-01-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

It would seem it natural to assume that a Bachelors degree is referring to the type of lifestyle on is intending to pursue. For example, since deciding to embark on the journey of my Bachelors degree, I have no time for anyone. Let alone a relationship. Hence, the lifestyle I’ve come to adapt to is one of a Bachelor. Or Bachelorette… Much prefer the feminine term.
It’s because my day starts out with a run (sometimes. On my non-lazy days), work about seven hrs, fit a class in there for an hour or two, come home, eat supper, and do homework. How am I supposed to fit a relationship in there? It's almost unmanageable. Although I try! =) ....and I WILL succeed!

No, seriously. What’s a Bachelor's degree mean? Why is it referred to as such? Am I really pursuing an education on maintaining my single life? How did the term bachelor become associated with the formal degree earned by a college graduate?

“In the 13th century, the word was used in both Latin and English to refer to "a young knight or squire," but was given the French spelling bacheler. By the time the 14th century arrived, "bachelor" referred to a junior member of a guild or knight. Around this same period, an alternate spelling, bachiler, came to mean "an apprentice student," or a student completing an initial level of training.

To grasp the final transformation, we must take a brief look at the common equivalent to the bachelor's degree: baccalaureate. The term baccalaureate originated from the 17th century Latin word baccalaureus, meaning "student with the first degree”."
Like always, it really just comes down to the Latin. It’s just referring to the first post-graduate degree.
I was just curious I guess.

Source (where I copy/pasted most of the information):
http://www.elearnportal.com/student-center/why-is-it-called-a-bachelors-degree

Shenandoah National Park

2010-10-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

We went camping and hiking in Shenandoah National Park last weekend, and hiked for about 5.5 hrs... I'm still limping around!

Commitment to Excellence

2010-10-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

“The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”

I am making the commitment to excellence:

In school; ensuring I have enough time to complete all my assignments and completely understand the subject matter.

In work; arriving on time, putting my heart into serving my co-workers and customers.

My spiritual life; taking time to balance my life, relax and soak in the word of God.

Social; not overworking and therefore darkening my perspective on life. I purpose to keep in contact with friends as my support group.

Because the "unexamined life is not worth living" (Socrates), it bears well to examine my life to ensure I'm living each day with the fullest potential.

Monday Morning. Urg. Homework.

2010-09-27T08:27:00.001-07:00

When I got out of my class today, it was pouring rain. Well, I'm not really gunna trek across campus to the library in that weather, so I'm curled up outside the COM building doing homework. Until I decided to take some pics... The rain just makes me want to curl up and read a good book instead of writing about GLOBE leadership... but necessity prevails. Especially because it's Monday!
I had a fantastic weekend, and the 8K run kicked me in the butt. Urg, I'm still super sore from it! After I crossed the finish line, I limped everywhere I went. I told you: I'm a big baby!
Truth be told, I was pretty proud of myself. But then, Saturday night I was hanging out with some Navy boys, and they were talking about thinking they might do a 50K race. I glared at them in contempt. I'm still glaring at them in my head. We aren't on speaking terms... Jerk-faces.

But then I realized, we have all strengths in different areas! I can whip up a mean latte in record time. Hah! Beat that Navy boys!

My first 8K =) "728"

2010-09-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

Remember the time I wrote about doing my Neptunes Fest? Well, that's tomorrow and I'm pretty excited. Going to bed early and eating rice to get some energy... But I'm mostly suuuuuuuper excited I'm finally doing this!

The Pic: Our Race Numbers Finally came in!

Link to the Race: http://www.neptunefestival.com/events.php?s=14&nepfest_main_PSID=mfh2e6t5sj364pl3b6oi3fmn60

Balancing Life

2010-09-10T12:28:00.001-07:00

As well as taking full time classes, I'm also working full time at Starbucks. It's great cuz I have access to coffee at all times. Not that I really like coffee... But lots of caffeine! I usually kinda shrug it off like "no! I'm really not driving myself insane, so stressed out & don't have time to gorgery shop... (which who needs real food with the pumpkin muffins Starbucks just introduced!?) run, or watch the movie some guy gave me at work 3 wks ago and cries himself to sleep because I haven't seen it...." but I'm kinda going crazy.
I usually get up & do a boatload of homework, run to class and race to work.
Like the average Americian.
Living the American dream.
Yay me.
Instead of hanging out w ppl, we do homework dates. We do homework at the pool, the beach, and in the park. Now, I'm not complaining!
But do profs actually expect 'me to understand what Aristotle is talking about on 3hrs of sleep and 7 shots of espresso? Com'on. Or write a half decent paper at 3am?
Well, I'd much rather social network than do school any day... But you don't get any smarter by doing that.
All that to say... I'm sorry if it feels like I've dropped of the planet. I kinda have.

Hurricane Earl

2010-09-02T10:20:00.001-07:00

Earl is gunna hit me. I'm so sick of abusive relationships. I've never done ANYTHING to him, and BAM- no warning... he emerges to destroy. I've decided "Earl has to DIE"

His ETA is 3am Friday morning... and hopefully we're far enough north we'll be ok... but the weather channel promised to keep us posted. The storm is expected to lose strength and could pass Hampton Roads as a weaker Category 3 hurricane. Its effects will be felt more severely on the Outer Banks, but Hampton Roads officials also are keeping careful track of the storm and expect some impact. We are under a state of emergency,and the Norfolk Navy boys are shipped in to help with the aftermath. (maybe there will be a cute one? =D ) The ports have also been closed. They've evacuated Hatteras Island, North Carolina (which is about an hour down from us), but call for evacuation for us yet. Not like I have anywhere to go. We probably won't get a direct hit, but it's a huge storm moving at 18 mph. Hopefully not a lot of tidal flooding, anticipating power outage and a lot of trees out. I might stay up all night watching for it! Unless the power goes out... then I'll just sleep till it comes back on =)

So I'm supposed to full up the bathtub for drinking water. I'll die from thirst before drinking out of my bathtub. Ewwww. That's disgusting. Who knows who pee'd in their before we moved in? Walmart ran out of batteries (and everything else.) except hummus, so I got some of that to tied me over in case the power turns off. I also boiled a couple eggs so my morning ritual wouldn't be interrupted, you know, just in case the power dies. I live near Medical Parkway (the street the hospitals are on), so if we lose power, we'll probably be back on pretty quick... but who knows =)

It's my first hurricane, and it'll be interesting to see if I have what it takes to survive.

Back to School

2010-08-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Two more years till I have my BA in OLAM (Organizational Leadership and Management). Why do people ask what I want to do when I'm done? Cumon' I still have two years!
Trust me, I've got idea's percolating, and I know this year is going to be pivotal defining my direction. I'm trying to get involved in organizations that are going to benifit my resume as well as being fun... As I'm deciding the direction I want to go. The options are endless and I'm fortunate to be surrounded with people who inspire grow in areas I never would have considered before.
It's going to be a really good year, and I'm excited to see the direction my life turns as a result!

Meeting Michelle

2010-08-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

So I met a Regent blogger this week, and we went to Leeland. I snagged her super sweet camera and took a tons of pics. Trouble is... they are on her camera. Epic. I'll get copies... eventually. She promised =) It was really great to meet someone who knew a ton of people I did from home because she's been to my hometown many times! Her family does national mission work as well as in Canada... Which is what brought her to Alberta :). As if she wasn't cool enough, she blew me away by giving me a fabulous pair of pearl earrings! I absolutely LOVE them!
kk- I'll post pics of the concert soon...

2010-08-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

Would I call myself a runner? I think that term should be reserved for those who can run far... Like ten miles. Or someone who dreams about the pavement pounding beneath their feet... Not dread it. The wind blowing through their hair... not sticking to their forehead in a sweaty mess. Runners are people who feel their heart expanding during a run... Not people who want to hurl last nights bedtime snack after running 10 meters.
I am not a runner. All the bad/gross things? That's me.
Thats why, along with you... I'm sure, are shocked that I'm talking about Neptunes Fest run in September. It's 8km and I just registered for it. I might be walking half the time, but I'm gunna finish, and I'm not gunna be last :)
I'm pretty stoked.

My cousin Laura came to visit...

2010-07-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

She came on a wednesday and left on a wednesday, and I was worried she'd be bored this trip because I'd be busy working all the time. I'm not sure if she was or not, but when I wasn't working, we had a blast! There's something about spending time with someone I grew up with, and it was instantly comfortable, despite the new environment. We sat by the pool, spent a day down on the beachfront, a day in Colonial Williamsberg, and an evening down in Norfolk at Joe's Crab Shack =) It was such a carefree week, embracing the humidity and over 100F degree weather with open (and sweaty) arms.

Here's a few photo's of our fun together...

"Eat Pray Love"

2010-07-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

I'm reading "eat pray love" by Elizabeth Gilbert after my friend, Rebecca, strongly recommending it. Though my last year hasn't been as dramatic as hers, and I had a family to surround me, I can relate to the crushed shadow of a person she became. She took a year to travel several countries, and I'm at the part of her relaxing/finding herself in Rome, Italy. Though part of me is jealous of her escapades, I'd be completely overwhelmed with planning the dynamics of a trip like that.
So in the meantime, I'm taking the advice of my wise and good friend, Jody, and using my summer to do that very same thing. Center. Balance. Discover the person I once was. I'm not spilling my crappy year online, those of you who are close know all about it... but I'm blogging my healing process because that in itself is healing, and hopefully someone will eventually stumble on it and be encouraged.

Elizabeth Gilbert muses, "... Perhaps my life has not actually been so chaotic after all. It is merely this world that is chaotic, bringing changes to us all that nobody could have anticipated" (pg. 75). The biggest changes this year have been in my relationships... Thinking I meant more to an individual (many of them) than I actually did. Or more accurately, they meant more to me than I did to them. But that's ok, I might be the greatest love of someones life one day and an 'old friend' the next. Since this year, I've discovered that my greatest tendency is to love with half a heart, waiting for betrayl. Seeing the glass half empty... Thinking that is all I deserve. But it's not, not for any of us. In the greater sense, we all don't deserve anything, but it is fair to assume the truth from the people you love. Is that too much to ask? Well, it starts with me being honest with myself... "tell the truth, tell the truth, tell the truth". Only then can I expect and demand (which is only fair) the honest truth from others. In this chaotic world we live in, that's all I can ask for.
Some relationships were meant to come and go, others more permanent... And believe me, I'm the last person to fight for a dying relationship; but generally never am the one to see the reason to end it.

taking life one step at a time

2010-07-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

I just moved from the west coast to the east coast a month and a half ago...
Got a transfer with Starbucks, working in a new store,
Moving this weekend to a new apartment,
Money is tight because I have to start over, give deposit, pay for rent/utilities for two places,
Starting school in a month,
Making new friends, trying to re-connect with old ones (not workin' out so well),
and part of me is just completely overwhelmed with life!

But God told me he would look after me on every side, and I'm choosing to believe that.
I'm choosing to focus on the small things that make me happy... like painting my walls bright red. Decorating how-ever we want.
Taking life slow and focusing on the positive. Making that my focal point.
I thought I was the only person that allowed little things (accumulatively they are huge) to get me down, but I'm not... so if you've got a million little things weighing you done, or a massive project, remember: "the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time".