Lessons in sadness & Ask me anything questions!

I’m mixing up my blog posting schedule a bit. This summer I plan to do a lot with my blog–change the layout, figure out a posting “schedule” I like–even though it won’t ever be exact, b/c in the end…you post when you want to. A lot more recipes will be featured too. I just really can’t wait.

I had a bit of an emotional day yesterday. A friend’s dad died on Sunday (Sean’s best friend actually) and the funeral was yesterday. I had only met the man once but Sean wanted me to go and show my support and respects, so of course I went.

A little background on this…he has been a head football coach in many towns across Oklahoma for many years. The past 5 years of his life was spent starting up a new football program at a rough inner city school. He got paid next to nothing, but did it for the love and as an avenue to change young peoples lives.

He was obviously VERY respected within his community. The night before his funeral, his highschool that he coached at held a candlelit vigil in honor of him and around 600 people came to pay their respects. The entire football team came to the funeral dressed in their football jerseys.

After the family spoke, they opened up the podium. Student after student came up and spoke. And these were young black men, young Mexican men, whose only role model and father figure was Coach Cartmill. I was truly touched by this man. Kids came up and told stories about how Coach would pick them up to take them to school every morning because if he didn’t, the kids would have to transfer and he didn’t want them to. One kid came up and told a story about how he had Gang tattoos and wanted to change his life–Coach Cartmill raised all the money to pay for his tattoo removal and point ointment on his wounds until they healed. One young man got up and actually sang “His eye is on the sparrow.” It was truly beautiful.

Even in this sad time, I was motivated and inspired. I want to make a difference in peoples lives just like Coach Cartmill did. I was just very touched. Sean broke down in tears and that was the first time I have ever seen him cry. Touching.

Anyways, onto lighter subjects, my lunch! I had some delicious Turkey Minestrone that my mom had made and gave me as leftovers! Just delicious!

Hearty soup just really hits the spot sometimes!

To end the post, I have a couple of reader questions that you all sent in! If you ever want to ask me anything, feel free to email me at Soonerliza@gmail.com, leave a comment, or click here.

1. Are You Engaged?

Ahh no I am not engaged. And honestly, I probably won’t be engaged for a while . Me and Sean (my boyfriend) have been together for 3.5 years! Can’t believe it has been that long! I know he is the man I’d like to marry, but timing just isn’t quite right yet. My parents have been divorced and my dad has been divorced 4 times, SO I’m definitely cautious when it comes to marriage and I have never wanted to rush into things. That being said, if Sean asked me today, I’d say yes .

Here’s some of me and Sean throughout the years

At an Art Show of his

At a wedding (he was a groomsman and HAD to wear pink)

The lake! can ya see Eddie in the background?

Halloween: A was a vampire and he was my sexy doctor "victim"

Snowboarding

Our very first picture together!

Tailgating!

I apologize for the PLETHORA of pictures, but I had a hard time picking just one!

What got you interested/started in weight training?

I grew up a gymnast so I grew up doing plenty of push up/pull-ups etc so “muscle” never scared me. I honestly started to get interested in lifting when I started dating Sean. He lifts 5 days a week and I saw him and how good he looked and how good he ate and I just become interested. Isn’t it so true that you are influenced by those around you? I started lifting and after about 6 months, I could see SERIOUS changes in my body. I was always at a perfectly normal weight, but I started to tighten up and my body had SHAPE and I didn’t jiggle as much (I think its important for us ladies to keep some jiggle ). It has changed my life and I imagine I will lift for the rest of my life.

Thanks for the questions! I have more I will answer in other posts! Again, if you have any, don’t hesitate to ask via email, comment section or here.

Anyone have any fun Thursday night plans? I plan on hitting the gym, studying, and watching Flashforward and Grey’s!