How to Help Moore, Oklahoma

Many of you have asked how to help, and the outpouring of love is incredible.  To make a quick, ten dollar donation to either the Red Cross, Salvation Army, or Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, use the text codes above. Thank you!

Checking in from Oklahoma

I'm out of words.  Nothing can describe how I'm feeling about the tornado that destroyed my hometown yesterday.  I watched from where I live now, about 15 miles north of Moore, the town that houses my entire immediate family.  I struggled to pinpoint exactly where the damage was occurring, but all I knew was that this monster act of nature was moving dangerously close to those I loved.  Then I prayed.  I cried, and I prayed. 

I had seen this before, 14 years ago, on May 3rd, when an almost identical tornado shredded the neighborhoods of those I love.  I was watching from my college town, 15 miles south of the devastation.  That time, thankfully just like now, the tornado literally missed my family by blocks.  Streets.  Only yards between those I love and utter chaos. 

I'm so thankful for the safety of my family, so thankful.  But, I'm devastated.  Devastated for the strong, kind, generous, and good people who lost everything.  Heartbroken for the parents searching for their children, not knowing, or finding out the worst.

As Oklahomans, we always have our tornado stories.  Where we were, who we were with, what we saw.  We thought we knew what these beasts were capable of, until now.  Today, it seems different.  Worse than anything we've ever seen.  

My dear babysitter and friend, Cara, lost the home she had bought only a year ago.  I got word this morning that Cara's sister lost her home as well.  I was texting with Cara last night, and all she said was how thankful she was to be alive.

That's one of the lessons we're seeing through all of this.  Every single person who made it through has expressed only thanks to be alive.  The loss of material possessions has no weight now.  

I'll be taking the rest of the week off from blogging, because I know my heart just won't be in it.  I'll be focusing my energy on helping in any way I can.  Thank you for all your prayers, and please continue to pray. 

Monday's Curious Confession: My Workout Plan

Hmmm, did I just refer to this post as "My workout plan?"  What I meant to say is, "Where the hell did my workout plan go?!"  Yes.  That sounds better.

You see, before last Wednesday, I hadn't exercised in a very, very long time.  I wish I had a good reason for it, but I've got nothing.  Nothing, except for sheer exhaustion and lack of motivation or time. But, finally, last week, I pulled my atrophied muscles out of their trenches of despair, and drug myself to the yoga class I used to know so well.

It was exactly what I needed.  Did I dread it as I was driving there?  Of course.  Was I thinking of the million other things I needed to be doing as I walked in the door?  Oh my goodness, yes.  But it was pure bliss walking out, feeling grateful to myself again, and even better as that same positive energy carried me through the next few days.

As someone who has always been active, I'd been feeling a lot less like myself, but I was also feeling very powerless to change.  I know almost all of you get where I'm coming from.  I felt like I didn't have time.  Too much to do, too little time- you know the drill. 

But then, my sweet man reminded me that nothing is more important than my health.  It was like a light flipped on as he told me in his best "dad" voice that I needed to change my priorities, that he was worried about my future health, and that taking time to take care myself should be at the top of my list, not an afterthought.  He was right, and I knew it.

Is anyone in the same boat?  Struggling to get back to your workout routine, or trying to find one in the first place?  I know a lot of my readers are total rock stars and work out on the regular, so maybe you could chime in about how you make it work.  Is it something you schedule into your day, or just fit in when you can?  I've been loving all the dialogue with my confession posts, so keep it coming!

Finally, I couldn't leave without sending out a request for prayer, good vibes, and love for my fellow Okies who are struggling after last night's tornadoes.  One hit less than a mile from my house (scary indeed) but that damage wasn't as devastating as what some other areas received.  We're expecting more of the same today, so keep everyone in the Midwest in your thoughts today if you can.  We need it!

image one & two: via melissa mercier

Weekend Wear: Dressing up white jeans (sort of)

Tonight I'm going to see Jerry Seinfeld (thanks Jilly!) and I've been really stumped on what to wear.  I mean, what DO you wear to something like that? ;) I decided on an outfit I like to call "dressy casual" because it can make do in either scenario.  I suppose.  Luckily, I'm pretty sure I won't care what I'm wearing once I start laughing! 

Have a great weekend everyone!

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**Linking up with Friday's Fancies**