You see the problem is, as much as I hate to admit it, I am that girl.  You know, that girl who lets out a giant “Eek!” if a bug gets too close or spazzes if a bee flies too near.  It’s embarrassing, but it happens every time, never fails.  The great outdoors?  Beautiful. God’s amazing workmanship.  However… camping, hiking, small creepy crawlies?  Not my cup of tea.

Most embarrassing admission (just so you know how bad it really is): my fear of butterflies.  That’s right.  The beautiful little fluttering creatures that God delicately weaves inside a cocoon until it is ready to burst forth in all its colorful and wonderful splendor and fill the world with peace and gentleness… completely terrify me.  One of those winged beasts flutters near me and my heart immediately races and I freak out.  True story.  I am ashamed.  And I promise you, this is a legit fear and I for serious panic.

This whole camp experience got me to thinking that there are a few types of girls in my opinion when it comes to the great outdoors.  They are as follows:

Olivia Outdoorswoman

This girl is phased by no living creature, winged or land-dwelling.  Swarm of bees?  No problem.  Giant tarantula on your face?  What a neat creature.  Little lizard?  Oh that would make a nice pet.  This girl is most likely to be found employed as a camp counselor somewhere, complete with Chacos and a Nalgene, hiking a trail or… gulp… camping.  Oh, and she is completely irritated by…

Damsel in Distress

Watch out for this girl.  This girl is not truly terrified of our insect enemies, but rather using these tiny creatures as pawns to generate attention from the opposite sex.  She’s the one outside squealing and screaming for (insert flavor of the week) to protect her from the big bad bugs.  Teeeheehee help me!  Ahh I’m so scared!  And you’re so… strong!!!  Gag.

Irrational Idiot

This would be me.  Does it bite?  Does it crawl? Does it fly?  Is it in any way shape or form icky? Is it indeed harmless but still an insect nonetheless?  Then the mere sight of it, and sometimes the thought of it, strikes fear into our hearts.  I mean real, legitimate, irrational fear.  What’s the big bad butterfly going to do to you?  Land on you?  Give you a giant butterfly kiss?  Oooh scary, run for the hills.  The spider that’s crawling on your bed?  You are 3000 times its size, just pick up a shoe and kill it.  Buck up Natalie.  By the way, this girl absolutely does not own a pair of Chacos (that would imply outdoor activity), nor does she enjoy… camping.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the great outdoors.  And I can’t wait to enjoy it on my honeymoon in November… in Jamaica… on the beach… at the all inclusive resort.  That’s just how I roll.

And you know what that means.  It’s crunch time.

I made a deal with myself a couple weeks ago that I could pig out, enjoy my favorite foods, indulge in candies, chocolates, and ice cream, until… today.  The six month marker.  Now it’s time to hunker down, get healthy, and look fabulous for my wedding.

I can hear it now, the obligatory cry from my dear girlfriends “Oh my God Natalie, you are SO not fat!  You look great!”  And girls, I love you for that.  However, this is not a question of being fat or skinny.  This is about me feeling great.  Being healthy.  Living an active lifestyle.  Making great food choices.  And if a byproduct of that is a toned body and rock hard abs, so be it.

Now, I’m 98% sure that bargain I made with myself was just a lame exuse to eat any and everything that came my way and avoid the gym.  I know.  I really want to live a healthy lifestyle, and although I’m using this six months to challenge myself and give myself goals, I want this lifestyle to stick.

I’ve got to admit though, it feels great to have a challenge.  And the most fun part is that Jonnie and I are doing this together.  He’s totally on board.  Yesterday we celebrated his birthday, and we drank our last soda beverages (aka liquid satan according to a health book I read recently) until the honeymoon.  Not only are we committed to eating a healthy diet, we are committing to living well in general.  We are committed to work out AND get in the Word at least once a day.  We call this “Workout, Word, and… healthy diet.” OK so we’re still working on the catchy title.  But you get the idea.  We are preparing the way for our marriage to be built on God, on unity, on health, and on the abundant life.

And so it begins today.  I ran a half mile and almost threw up… but it’s ok.  Work in progress.  Baby steps here, baby steps.  I totally plan on smoking you in a 5k at the end of all this, so just get ready.

2009 is a year full of major changes in my life.  I’m moving out of Athens, a town I love and that has the fondest of five years worth of memories.  I’m moving to a new town, starting a new job, and making new friends.  I’m getting married, going on a vacation with a boy, and moving in – with a boy.

While these changes in life will take some getting used to, these are great things!  I am so excited to see what God has in store.  I must be willing to let the memories I’ve made bless me with a smile, but let go of where I’ve been and step fully and confidently into what God has for me next.

Athens – thanks for the best 5 years of life.  Marietta – get ready, here I come.

I really enjoy reading other people’s blogs – laughing with their funny life occurrences, learning what they’re learning, and keeping up with their lives.  So… here’s a creative outlet for me and a way for you to keep up with my latest endeavors.

Happy reading,

Natalie