Not Dora’s Backpack

So, I have a terrible back. And by terrible I mean that sometimes the condition of my back gets so bad my hands stop working. They just seize up and I can’t drive, or write, or pick things up. Claw hands, for real. Thankfully, it’s been about four month since it was bad enough to affect my hands. Since I am an author (and blogger) the nature of my work is to always be lugging a computer around with me.  I favor messenger bags, I like they way they look, and I like to wear them cross body, but every time I used one I payed the price for days after. I switched to a backpack so that the weight on my back would distribute evenly. It’s better, but not an answer to the problem. Either way, I get crazy compliments on this one whenever I wear it.  I linked you below.

 


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Grace

I read a line in a book recently that said, Evil things love chaos.  Wow. A simple truth if I’d ever heard one. Part of being human is to be hurt by other humans. Sometimes people hurt you intentionally, and sometimes you just get in their way while they’re hurting themselves. It’s painful either way. That’s where grace steps in. And they don’t always ask for forgiveness. But to be on the receiving end of grace there has to be confession, a contriteness of heart. Your heart can always be filled with an attitude of grace. You can forgive someone without them asking for forgiveness, sure. But, grace cannot be given away without a repentant heart. In other words being sorry is what kicks grace into action.  Grace certainly doesn’t paper over guilt.  Grace is not a supernatural “Get Out of Jail FREE” ticket-a no-strings-attached, open-ended  self-awarded privilege divorced from any moral demands. Sometimes, my friends, you have to realize that an apology is not coming your way. Human’s cope with their evil by pretending it’s not there. Convincing themselves they didn’t do anything wrong, or that the evil things they did were deserved by the person they inflicted them on. This is also called narcissism. When you uncover these relationships in your life it’s okay to walk away. Even while you’re walking you can forgive them and keep grace in your hearts. But, you didn’t leave Grace Town, they did. Also, my dress is linked below.

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Working Out…Yeah!

Working out. Ew. Yeah, I do it. I don’t like to though. I’m thirty three years old, so there’s that motivation. If you don’t work those muscles, Tarryn, in a few years you’re going to be lumpy. And you know…I’m vain and whatnot. My friends are into all that super fitness. They eat good, green things, and strengthen their cores. It’s all very admirable and intimidating. I’m mostly on a high protein diet. I cheat on weekends, because my boyfriend’s favorite line is-“Let’s go get a margarita, baby.” or “Let’s go out for some wine, baby.” Baby, baby, baby. These things make me pack on pounds faster than ice cream. But, he’s cute and I’m always gung-ho for a margarita.

For excercise I have a treadmill and a weighted hula hoop. I alternate between those two things. The hula hoop can be really intense cardio if you do it the right way, and it strengthens your core. I’m a big fan. Mind you, you’ll be bruised for a week after you use it for the first time so don’t start right before a beach day. Persevere. Once you’re not black and blue, and get into the habit of using it a couple times a week you’ll see results. I’m finally strong at the core!  A tip: bend your knees while you’re hooping it works your glutes and thigh muscles something fierce. The treadmill makes me want to die. Let’s not talk about that.

What we should talk about is my outfit. I don’t use it to exercise. I often like to look athletic and then I’ll bust out all the Nike wear. It’s a costume based on my mood. So, I don’t really know if these shorts are good for running, or if this awesome poser sweatshirt with the cut-off sleeves is an athletic must have. I work out half naked, holding my boobs because I forgot to put on a sports bra. I like them though. I guess Nike knows what they’re doing.  So there’s that…

Link to my weighted hula hoop HERE

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Hippy

Over the weekend we dragged the kids to Bellevue to go to the Z Gallerie. Have you ever been? No? You’re missing out. Check them out online, they’re my absolute favorite store for home decor. They have odd things, the type of things you’d imagine I’d have in my house.  Anyway, I linked my outfit below. I am getting a ton of wear out of these BedStu sandals. Since they’re neutral they’ve become my go-to. I linked a bag similar to the one I have. Mine was last year’s and they don’t have it anymore.

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Neon Boy

Turns out my little red head looks great in neon colors. Go figure. He turns golden brown in the sun too, doesn’t even burn. One of my favorite things about Red Ryder is that he genuinely loves clothes. I don’t dress him anymore, or choose his outfits in the morning. He’s all about picking his own stuff. When I ask him to be on the blog he gets excited and my mommy heart flutters. Anyway, he loves animal t-shirts. I hunt them down, buy every one just to impress him. I listed some cute affordable ones for you. And also his Birkenstocks which are the only sandal he will wear in the summer.

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