Tuesday Inspiration.

I'm getting ready to change clothes and head to the gym to meet my trainer. You should go too. I promise, you'll feel better! 

Sleep when you're dead.

Love & Peace.

Oskee Wow Wow!

My love for the University of Illinois is hard for me to put into words. I'm not a graduate and I didn't grow up in Champaign. But I love the UofI and I love Chief Illiniwek. My parents are both from Central Illinois and almost all of my family still live there today. As you know, My Father and I are extremely close. Over the years we have been to many UofI sporting events and I brag regularly that my Dad played Basketball at the UofI. The first cheer I ever learn was "Cha-hee, Cha-ha, Goooo Illini!" I think from the age of 5 to the age of 8 I spent more time in my Illinois cheerleading uniform than anything else. 

Dad and Me at the UofI game back in 2007.

Dad and Me at the Illinois homecoming game in 2010.

A few years ago the NCAA banned the iconic mascot from any of their official functions. Let me tell you why: for more than two decades, Chief Illiniwek has been the center of a controversy. At the root of the controversy is the view of several "rights" groups that the symbol/mascot was a misappropriation of indigenous cultural figures and rituals and that it perpetuated stereotypes about American Indians. As a result of this controversy, the NCAA termed Chief Illiniwek a "hostile or abusive" mascot and image in August 2005 and banned the university from hosting postseason activities as long as it continued to use the mascot and symbol. They told Illinois and the adoring fans that their tribute to the fierce Illini tribe was offensive and that they would no longer be allowed to have such a mascot at NCAA functions. Should the university not comply, lofty fines would ensue. The board of regents sheepishly took away THE CHIEF.


Here's what folks against the Chief don't know... 


 The expression Illiniwek means "the complete human being - the strong, agile human body, and the indomitable human spirit." The Chief is a tribute to a powerful tribe that is no longer in existence. The people of the UofI honored this tribe and honored their mascot at every football game during the playing of "three in one" during halftime at football games. I can remember watching him dance as a child and I can hear the crowds cheering in approval as if I just heard it this morning. 
But now, as Three in One is played, Memorial stadium cries out in a hauntingly eerie call, "Cheeeeeiiiiifffff" where his dance should take place. They long for him. They deeply miss the pride and passion that his dance could stir up in their souls. The Chief is a reminder of great years in the past and great years to come. He belongs to the people of Illinois and he should be returned to them. 


Oh yes, here is one more thing you should know. As I mentioned above there are no longer any living members of the Illini tribe. Whereas, say, the Seminole Indians are still in existence and Florida State University (who has a GIGANTIC Seminole Indian head in the center of their University's basketball court) can simply PAY them for their symbol. With a few million dollars, FSU can do whatever they please with their symbol. The NCAA claims that Chief Illiniwek is a "misappropriation of indigenous cultural figures and rituals." And yet they have no problem with the sale of another such "cultural figure?" 


The system is flawed. 


Take some time to read around about this issue and if you don't mind, sign the petition.

Love & Peace.

Don't Quit.

Strong is the new skinny.

Luckily they tend come hand in hand. So say a prayer, have some peanut butter and come to the gym. Here's how I know you won't regret it.

I got REALLY off track with my workouts last week. I knew I was going to Florida and it was the week of our Valentine parties at school and I just let the excuses take over. I was at school forever late and I was only thinking about getting down to Tampa at the end of the week. So after 7 weeks of working out 6 or 7 days a week, I fell off the wagon. I worked out 2 days last week. TWO! I was so embarrassed when I met with my trainer Alex on Tuesday. I could feel how weak I had made myself by "resting" sooo long. My body didn't feel well-rested at all- it was mad at me. It was resisting everything we did. I had had such a great workout the week before, I felt so strong. And then I blew it. I said I wasn't going to do the same things this week but ask me if I went to the gym on Wednesday or Thursday. The answer is no. I did not. And while I haven't blown my diet over the last 10 days, I haven't exactly been in the my fitness mindset. You know, it's not just about the wedding dress anymore, it's about how I feel. It's about how far I have come and how I can't stop wondering, "if I can do all of this...what else can my body do??" I'm thinking about things like ToughMudder and Crossfit. I'm making LONG term fitness goals. I'm saying things like, "Once I meet my weight goal then I will...." instead of "If I can get the weight off..."

I did go to the gym last night. I did cardio and a little arm work out and let me tell y'all, I am so glad that I did. I feel rejuvenated. I pushed and pushed and pushed myself. And now I'm back on the wagon.

So get up this morning, get some coffee and some peanut butter and meet me at the gym!

Love & Peace!

Be gone bad habits and welcome to my heart, Lord!

I started thinking about Lent earlier this week, as many of you did as well, I'm sure. I thought about things I might like to eliminate from my life that were pleasureable but not really all that healthy. As our Preist said tonight these are our most "destructive habits" and the best part about getting rid of them for 40 days is that sometimes we are able to rid ourselves of these "destructive habits" for good. And that, my friends is the power of Lent and the power of God.
I've choose to kick the bad habit that is my sweets consumption. It's terrible for my body and it keeps me feeling gross and guilty. I look forward to turning to God when these cravings hit and I hope that it will be a healthy reminder of those who suffer from REAL want and REAL need.

I believe very deeply in the power of prayer. I believe in the importance of saying, "I know I cannot change you God- but YOU Lord, can change me." I have felt emotional and physical transiformations because I prayed deeply and consistantly. I was steadfast in my faith and I sought out the Lord. That being said, there is NO WAY, that I do this enough. I should pray so much more than I do. I know that I could have an even deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him if I would only make my talks with God a bigger priority in my life. I hope I'm not alone in this sin.
I will spend the next 40 days digging deeply into my bible as I add a consistant quite-time to my day. In devoting myself more diligently to God I hope that He can make me more diligent in the other areas of my life.

Last but definately not least is an idea I am borrowing from a friend on Facebook. Over the next 40 days, I will write 40 letters. Each attached to a simple explination. It will read:

"During the season of Lent, I have choosen to write 40 letters to 40 people who have enriched my life in one way or another. Please know that God has been in my heart as I created this list. I hope to hear back from you. But even if I don't, I hope that you will know how deeply you have touched my life."

May God bless you richly! I'd love to hear your plans for the season!

Love & Peace!

Fat Tuesday!

It's that time y'all!! The Coach and I are headed out to this great place in town called, Lost River Pizza! AS the Pizza freak that I am, what a better way to enjoy Fat Tuesday than with FABULOUS pizza!?!?

We can't talk about Fat Tuesday with a little chat about Ash Wednesday. Have you given any thought about what you might give up or what you might add to your daily life? More about that tomorrow! ENJOY YOUR FAT TUESDAY!

Monday Inspiration.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10

Pinterest.

Breakfast Food. Summer. Classroom. Fashion. Inspiration. Gym routines. Valentine's Day.

Weddings. Wedding Ideas. FOOTBALL SEASON. Photography. Kiddos. Family. Halloween.

Home Decor. Babies. Sleep Overs. Adele. Flowers. Books. Projects. Hair styles. 50's. 60's. 90's.

Do you follow me on Pinterest???

Please do.

http://pinterest.com/lizevans/

Gym Music.

via

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to introduce you to the worlds most EMBARASSING workout list.

I wasn't ever going to post this BUT I have just lost 10 pounds and I'm actually enjoying the gym so I thought, "whatever- just post it, maybe someone will see something they like enough to workout to it!"

So here it is:

1. Christina A.

Candy Man

Queen

2. Fat bottom girls (this is what I listen to during my cool down)

3. Hanson

Thinkin' about something

4. Jesse James

Domino

&

Wanted

5. Gwen Stefani

Hollerback Girl (maybe the worst on this list)

6. Fergie

Clumsy

7. Katy Perry

California Gurls

&

Hot and Cold

8. Black Eyed Peas

Punp it (This song is perfect to play when you're about to give up on the eliptical machine)

9. Avril Levine

Girlfriend

&

What the hell

10. Beyonce

Single Ladies

11. Kerri Hilson

Pretty Girl Rock (when I just REALLY feel fat.)

12. Britney Spears

3

13. Eminem

Slim Shady (because it makes me laugh and reminds me of 8th grade.)

Go ahead and judge me. I would if I were you. This list is awful- it's a slap in the face to all good music ever made and YET, it is the best workout playlist EVERRRR!

I'm getting ready to add a few more songs just so I don't get bored. So I'll keep you posted on my embarassing list :-)

ALSO: Here is a link to Fitness Magazine and the list that they created!

Love & Peace.