Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2014- Time to LIVE!

So, in my last post about my New Year's Dream for my Single Friends I hinted at what this post was going to be about.  Last year I chose the word "Persevere" and quite honestly- I did well for the first 8 months and then the last 4 months I didn't.  It's in light of that I found myself seeking a word for 2014 that really jumped out at me.  I was listening to my music on Saturday on the trip from Indiana to Tennessee (that LONG 6 hours) and heard several songs that just tugged at my heart.  In listening to this music and thinking back to 2013 I knew that my word had to be LIVE!  One of the definitions of live is: a life rich in experience!  WOW!  That's what I want for my 2014!

This past fall I have been in survival mode- I don't want to be in survival mode- I want to live my life.  I want to enjoy the days that I have been given.  I want to love those around me.  I want to be in the moment and not let the moment pass me by.
This- says it all!  

Yep!  I am deciding to live it- I will take time to spend with friends and family.  I will take time to do what is important to me!

(and yes, I know there's a typo in the first line- bugs me but I couldn't find one with it fixed).  I want to enjoy what I am doing and if that means making big time changes then those changes will be made.  I don't want to be dying I want to be living!

Oh and those songs?  
Ryan Stevenson- Holding Nothing Back
and the main one:

So- there you have it- my word is LIVE! (and by the way, I know that technically it is still 2013 but I wanted to have another post for January 1/2 that I want to work on)

Saturday, December 28, 2013

My New Year's Dream for my Single Friends

I saw this blog post on FB the other day and read it with interest- why?  Certainly not because I am married- no, I think I read it because I was curious as to what the author would say.  I read the {in}courage blog posts regularly so it wasn't anything out of the ordinary for me to read it but sometimes I skim over stuff that seems this specific.  This one I didn't.  And when I read it- THIS stuck out to me:

"Love isn’t a feeling and it isn’t in a falling; it’s in the staying during Winter’s darkest days.Lovies, if you’re in a season when all feels hopeless, please don’t give in to it.  Hang in there.  Persevere.  Get through it.  When change seems impossible, pray for the eyes to see what God is accomplishing in you during this time.
Love isn’t about your feelings; love is your decision to honor a commitment, a covenant…a King.Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad…and sometimes it’s downright ugly.
As you consider New Year’s resolutions…
as you sift though a lot of words to find your One Word…
as you continue to count 1000 gifts or list your goals for 2014…
will you plan to invest in the single most important relationship you have on this earth?" Robin Dance

At this point I had the all familiar heartache when I read that last question.  Because, I KNOW she is talking about a spouse- which I don't have, which sometimes I desire more than life itself, which sometimes just makes the heartbreak of past relationships seem as if it happened just yesterday.  But then I started thinking- as a single lady- can't I do just that?  By preparing myself for what could be in my future (because quite honestly- I don't know what God has planned for me).  So, while Robin came up with 5 ways to invest in that relationship from the married perspective- I wanted to share 5 ways to invest in that relationship from the single perspective.

1. Read- not self-help books, not "single life" books- nope- Read the only book that can truly guide you- the Bible.  Soak in the words that God has written in the ultimate love story.  Focus on who you are and WHOSE you are.  Note the promises that He has stated- LIVE those promises.  Read what makes one a godly wife- are we perfect?  Nope but we can strive to be a godly wife and create an environment that will lead others to Him.

2. Pray.  Pray for your future, with or without a spouse.  Pray for that spouse.  Pray for strength in decisions that they (and you)are making now that can affect what happens in the future.  Pray that the preparations you are making now will provide a solid foundation for the future.

3. Write.  This one may seem silly or trivial but take the time to write out your dreams.  Not necessarily a checklist of the must haves and such- but more what qualities you strive for, what you feel your purpose in life is, how you hope you and your spouse can work together in certain areas, etc.  Mandisa has a song called Praying for You- and whenever I hear it, it strikes such a cord.

4. Live.  This one may seem hard at times- after all, what are we really living for?  You know what- there's a lot to live for (more to come on this on January 1 or 2nd).  Don't just go through life on the coattails of others, if you have shipwrecked you don't just lay out on the beach working on your tan- no, you are working to be ready when the rescue comes.  So, don't just sit around- don't put things on the back burner until you find someone.  Go out and LIVE!

5. Love.  I saved the best for last.  Love?  What?  That's kind of an odd one to throw in isn't it?  Nope- not at all- in fact, without it, well, there's not much left to hope for.  Love those you are with- love those who don't seem lovable, love even when it hurts.  In loving you give the best of yourself and what can be more attractive than one who gives of themselves- wholeheartedly and serving others.

My question to ALL of my readers (single or otherwise)- do you have anything to add?

Friday, December 20, 2013

6 Things...

The elf4Health challenge that I have been participating in (sporadically unfortunately) had a hard, yet "easy" challenge for Friday.  The challenge was to name 6 things that you like about yourself.  I decided to blog this one (since it's been a while since I have blogged-oops) and share :)

1. I strive to live my life for Christ- in today's crazy, chaotic world it's not always easy to do so.  In fact, taking a stand can lead to persecution but it's what I am called to do.


2. I strive to live a life of integrity.  My students know that I may tolerate and give second chances pretty easily but there are two things I won't tolerate- bullying and lying.  If I lose my integrity, I end up losing a lot more than that.





3. I am a runner.  I haven't done it as often or as consistent as I would like or need to- but I do.  If you knew where I was back in 2011 with barely being able to walk due to a bulging disc- you would truly understand why this is such a big deal.


4. I try to inspire and motivate others- and in turn, am often inspired and motivated by then.  Someone told me today that something I do on a daily basis that I don't think that much about, means a lot to them and they look forward to it.


5. I am a teacher.  Right now, I am a teacher of small children (and some days don't feel all that great of one).  I would eventually like to take my teaching into a larger scale and teach adults in both one on one and group settings about nutrition and how to live healthy lives.


6.  I am loyal.  If you are my friend or family- I will stand by you.  I may not always like the circumstances or the path being taken but I will support you.  (the downside of this is that I also get hurt really easily when that trust is broken or betrayed)


and a bonus (because I can...)
7. I never give up. I am not happy with where I am because of gaining my weight back.  However, I KNOW I CAN do it and I WILL do it.  I am in the process of making a plan to get back on track :)


So, there you- 6 things I like about myself.  What are some traits you like about yourself?

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Trotting with the Turkeys

                                  

This year for Thanksgiving I chose not to head north- it wasn't an easy decision but with Christmas break only 3 weeks away it just made sense- to not have the turnaround time.  So, I decided that I would sign up for a local Turkey Trot 5K.  Some things to note- it was COLD!  About an hour before race time the temp was 25 degrees- after the race, the temp was 23!  I had not run a race since August!  For whatever reason this fall seemed to be a bit lacking in races (or ones that were affordable), so I didn't run in any (or if they were available my schedule didn't allow for them to happen).  And, due to the weather (rainy and cold) I had been struggling in finding time to run outdoors so I had been running on the treadmill.  Oh, and I still had the residual coughing from the bronchitis and Tuesday morning I woke up all congested (I thought it was possibly due to the crying jag I had on Monday but it's still hanging around today- Saturday- so I'm thinking not!).  Anyway, I was supposed to do this with a couple of friends- one of them wasn't feeling well and ended up not being able to participate but the other one- bundled up with me and headed over there.  It was cold but as I told both of them- I am trying to become a healthier person- I NEEDED to do this- to prove something to myself.  I had let my being sick, my schedule, and everything else, factor into my lack of exercise and lack of running.  I was determined to not let the cold and my cold factor into it as well.  I needed this to take a step back in the right direction and say- I can do this!  I WILL do this!


As you can see below I finished (and a side note- these pictures-ugh- they just show me how far I still have to go since I am back where I started- makes me sad and brings tears to my eyes).  And, I finished strong- I am not where I was back in the spring when I was close to 34 minutes but I have made improvements and as I run more- I will get stronger, I will get a little faster, and I will set goals!  I have a race in 2 weeks- my goal is to be this time (and I would like to beat last year's time which was 35:00 exactly).  If I am diligent, if I push myself, I think I can do- no, I know I can do it.  BUT, if it doesn't happen- at the end of the day I am still me and I gave it my all!



Monday, November 25, 2013

Sometimes...

this is all there is to cling to- and yet somehow it's enough...



Tuesday, November 19, 2013

5 Years...

What does this mean?  Stay tuned- the story will unfold over the next couple of weeks (it's a story of looking back).  Just some things I have been pondering over the last week or so.



Monday, November 18, 2013

What's Ahead?

Survival is the name of the game folks- as I alluded to previously, there's a lot going on that I can't/won't discuss here but suffice it to say- some big decisions are being prayed about and dealt with.  On another note- I ran!!! Outside!!! for the first time in a month due to my schedule, the weather, and the bronchitis.  It was slow- painfully slow- but it happened and it can only go up from here- right?

I have 2 races coming up before Christmas (well, at least 2- there's a possibility of 1 more).  Thanksgiving Day will be the local Turkey Trot 5K.  I signed up for this one last year then plans changed so I didn't stay in town to run this one.  This year, I'm here and I'm going.  It's not going to be pretty- it's going to be slow but since I have pretty much started my journey all over again it's just how it is going to be.  I also am doing the Jingle Bell Run again.  I did this one last year- it's the fundraiser for arthritis and since I have arthritis in my hips and back I will support this one every year for as long as I am able to do so.  I have joined a "team" this year in support of a little girl with arthritis.

I have plans to do the local New Year's race again (hopefully not in a cold downpour like last year) and then just a couple weeks later there's this amazing opportunity that has presented itself.

Did You Know:
CONSIDER THESE STARTLING NUMBERS:
  • There are estimated to be 27 million slaves worldwide.
  • This industry brings in $32 billion a year, and those numbers are increasing daily.
  • Reportedly, 161 countries are affected by human trafficking as either sources, transit centers or destinations.
  • 80% of trafficked victims are women. More and more young girls and women are being sold, trafficked, or forced into prostitution.
  • The average age of trafficking victims worldwide is 12 years old.
  • Every 120 seconds a child is sold into slavery - 30 per hour - 720 a day - 1.2 million a year. This is why we must take a stand now!

Knoxville is hosting a first annual Run for Their Lives 5K (or Walk a Mile in Their Shoes).  This race is designed to bring awareness and support to human trafficking.  Here in Knoxville we sit at a crossroads of Interstate 75 and Interstate 40 and surprisingly, it's more of an issue here than one would think.  Just last week there was a news report of a traffic stop here in Knoxville that led to arrests for this growing problem.  The race costs $24 and if you are local they would love to have your support!  If you aren't-check out the website and see if there's a race coming to your area.  You can see more info (or sign up to participate or volunteer) HERE!  I am volunteering beforehand and running the 5K myself.  I am contemplating whether I want to set up my own fundraising page or just try to convince all I know to sign up!  I have about a week to decide!  Firewall Ministries is one of the local ministries that will benefit from this run.  Here's the thing-the City of Knoxville told the coordinators not to expect more than 100 runners for this first one, especially for the middle of January.  They so desperately want to show the city leaders that we care about this growing problem and want to put an end to it and have so many more than 100 runners that they will be blown away!  Want to see more?  Check out this video below:

R4TL 2011 from Brentwood Church on Vimeo.



Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Continuing onward...

November 7 was supposed to be a blurb about "a day in my life".  Well, let's see- most days I lead a pretty boring life- I go to work and sit in a booth like a veal (name that movie- see the end for the answer).  Nah, not really but it is go to work, go home, try to find some oomph to exercise, work at home (lesson planning, working on assessments, etc), and try to get to bed at a decent time.  The only time I seem to turn the tv on anymore is Tuesday nights for Biggest Loser and Saturdays I will turn football on if UT or Ohio State is playing for the background noise (how many days until spring training and baseball season? LOL).  And quite honestly, that's all I really want to say about a day in my life.

November 8- 5 minutes about time...

Wow, this is a "timely" subject (pun intended).  So often, I talk about not having enough time to get a workout in, or to do this or that.  What it really comes down to are my priorities in my time.  We all have the same 24 hours a day, it's all in what we do with them.  Is it really so busy that I can't give 30 minutes to exercise?  Most days the answer is no it isn't (this Wednesday, the 13th and next Thursday the 21st are not those- I really won't have a chance because I am booked from 6;30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. both days).  Today I left for work at 6:25 and got home at 5:30.  I threw a baked potato in the oven, changed clothes and put in a dvd (Jillian Michaels Shred it with Weights- ouch).  Today- I did not let excuses take that time away from me.  I'm done with that- my time is just that- my time...Time management is one of my weaknesses- I'm working on changing that.

November 9- 5 Favorite places to shop online:
Road ID (new colors for bands and little badges- yes please)
Amazon (who doesn't need more books LOL)
One More Mile (this is window shopping)
Fellow Flowers (love the new performance tees- wish they weren't $32!)
Teachers Pay Teachers (this is where I get a lot of my Teacher resources)

November 10- A time you felt unstoppable
I honestly don't know if I have hit that point yet... I think I am still working on getting there

November 11- 3 albums you would take to a deserted island
Mandisa- Overcomer (the "dancing" to the tunes would keep me sane)
Audio Adrenaline- Kings and Queens (ditto the dancing)
Colton Dixon- just because I like him :)

All caught up and this is where I will stay for a few days (the next few I don't really have anything to chat about LOL)

Oh, and the answer to the movie- While You Were Sleeping :) (one of my faves)

My next post will have a couple of cool things that I get to be a part of and am really looking forward to :)



Monday, November 11, 2013

A little Catch-up

This is a continuation of the post from Sunday evening- I'm on a quest to catch up and maybe even get back into blogging a little more regularly- probably not every day but I have missed it so here goes...



November 4 was to write for 5 minutes on Freedom.  I find it appropriate that mine is going live on Veteran's Day instead of the 4th (and it probably won't be 5 minutes).  Freedom has many connotations: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action; liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of and so many more.

But what does Freedom mean to me?  Freedom means that I have been given the opportunity to live my life without fear.  My ultimate freedom is found in Christ- I know that He loves me more than I could ever fathom.  While that freedom is not always understood the bottom line is that it is available and it is free for us.  Freedom also is found in my day to day life.  A lot of those freedoms were given to me through the sacrifices of those who went to battle daily.  I have several veterans in my family and my scope of friends.  I hope that they know just how thankful I am and how much I don't take it for granted.  One thing we do at school is say the pledge.  I work to teach my students how to treat that act and give it the respect for it deserves.  Every time I say the pledge, I sing the Star Spangled Banner or God Bless America or watch anything to do with the troops my heart bursts with pride and thankfulness for those who have fought and are continuing to fight for those freedoms!  Please don't take them for granted.

November 5- My favorite recipe- this one is kind of hard because I tend to cook the same things over and over again but I suppose there are two that I really do like:

My typical breakfast meal is this Skinny Muffin in a Mug- this is just the quickest site I found with the recipe but I do usually add a little pumpkin (not necessary though), or some blueberries, and sometimes a few white chocolate chips.  I also throw in about a tsp of protein powder for a little added protein.  I eat it anywhere between 7 and 8 daily and it keeps me completely full (sometimes I am not even ready for lunch) until 11:30.  

Another fave is Turkey Zucchini Boats- Basically (since I can't find the recipe I pinned)- I cut and halve a zucchini (or two) and scoop out the inside.  I blanch them for a few minutes and then put them on a cookie sheet.  In the meantime I am browning some ground turkey, adding the cut up zucchini (from the middle) and usually some tomato sauce.  Sometimes I will also add some cheese and taco seasoning.  When it's all good and mixed I add the mixture to the zucchini boats and add some cheese to the top and stick it in the oven and bake at about 400 for about 30 minutes.  Skinnytaste.com has a great recipe to follow but I tweak it to make it "mine"

November 6-Five Fave apps (these are both on my iPad and my phone)
ESV Bible
My Fitness Pal
Facebook/Twitter
a local weather app
Target Cartwheel
Pinterest 

And there you have it!  November 4-6!  Make sure you have thanked a Veteran today!
**I will probably do days 8,9, 10, and 11 for Tuesday morning and then the rest will be hit and miss for the month.  There are some days I love the prompt and then there are others where they just aren't "me".

Sunday, November 10, 2013

A Little of this- a Little of that

Honestly, this is one of those random posts that will have a little bit of everything. First off, what I have been up to- well, truthfully, most days barely keeping my head above water.  There's a lot going on professionally that I don't really want to go into here but suffice it to say THIS is truth right now.

  Oh because I forgot to mention that I was told last week- after a week of ridiculous coughing and no exercise that I have bronchitis with some wheezing so now I am using an inhaler when I have trouble breathing and I am bringing exercise back in slowly but really working hard to try to get it back.  I have set mini goals- I know that this should not be about a number, but in reality it is- I know how much I have to lose to be back in the healthy range so am setting myself some goals (and rewards) in 5 lb. increments.  

Let's see, what else- change- yep, things will be changing- maybe not now but I am now ready (and this is a personal change not a fitness related change).  It's one of those things that it's all coming to a head and for my sanity something has to change.  And, of course that change brings about a little bit of fear.  I keep holding on to the truths that I know and the promises from God- He will never leave me nor forsake me.  He is there with me- even to the very end of the age...



My last thing- this one is going to be kind of silly but there was a November challenge for blogging.  I obviously didn't do the first 10 days so I am going to attempt to condense them into a short blurb here:

Nov. 1- Best lesson I am learning- I am doing council time at Awana at church on Wednesday- my focus is thankfulness and gratitude for all that we have.  This is a lesson I have been learning in real time and just has really hit home for me.

Nov. 2- Favorite inspiring quote (wow- just one- LOL).  I come back to this one over and over (and I think I might have to do favorite quotes in December or something- I had a hard time picking just one!)


November 3- My 5 Favorite blogs- I broke these down into two groups so really I have 10:
Inspirational:
Cycleguy's Spin- Bill Grandi (my dad- so this one was easy and tops on my list)
A Holy Experience-Ann Voskamp (speaks to my heart)
Holley Gerth- H.G. (another that often speaks where I am)
Proverbs 31- the daily devotionals are often very timely (I should also add I am a fan of Lysa TerKeurst's blog as well)
(in)courag- love this blog by various authors and a dream would be to someday write a post for them.

Health and Fitness:
Let's Talk and Walk- Glenneth (love the local touches)
Coffee, Scarves, and Running Shoes- again a local blogger and I love the local touches
Flaming June on the run- she is always encouraging
in Healthy Habits we trust- Alicia is also very encouraging and very real
Fitness, Health and Happiness- by Jill- always very informative

**due to wordiness I am going to work on a post for 4-6 for Monday afternoon, a post for 7-10 for Tuesday morning and a post for 11-13 for Wednesday (then I should  be caught up... LOL)

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Fighting...

I know this blog lately has been a bit of downer and seemingly chronicling my struggles but the bottom line is- I am struggling.  In all areas of my life (except spiritually- that is the part of my life that while not perfect- I am more in tune with God than I have been in a long time) I am struggling.  I fighting to find purpose in who I am and what I do.  I am fighting to keep dreaming and knowing that it's okay to dream beyond where I am.  I'm fighting to keep tears from falling on a daily basis.  I'm fighting to keep my head above water when I feel like I am drowning.  And this may be why I am more in tune with God right now- because He is all I have.  He is what I am clinging to.  He is the knot at the end of my rope that I am hanging on to. 

All this to say- my posts may be few and far between (even more so than they already have been) while I fight.  In the meantime- these have words that I cling to:





**I know this is not a typical "health" post- but sometimes real life intersects with my blogging and I just need to put it out there.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Press On...


This post has really been about a week in the making.  I have been stewing on it over and over in my mind trying to decide where I want this post to go and then some things happened (I heard a song and read a quote) that kind of brought it all together- so here goes :)

"Ride on! Rough-shod if need be, smooth-shod if that will do, but ride on! Ride on over all obstacles, and win the race!"
– Charles Dickens

This quote was in my email this morning (I looked for a pretty version on pinterest but there were none and I don't have the time to make one myself right now so...). It goes perfectly with my thoughts so I wanted to start out with it.


So, I guess the first thing I should do is to review my goals from last week and then tie it in with this post.  I was not perfect with my goals- honestly, I didn't meet any of them- BUT, I did make progress and that is okay with me.  I didn't track my food daily but I was a lot more conscious of what I was putting in my mouth.  I didn't get three days of exercise in (my car issues had a lot to do with that) and my free journaling didn't happen every day but what I did do was meaningful and came straight from my heart.  This is a long journey that I am on- it's going to filled with detours and obstacles but I am not going to let that stop me!  There will be times when the road is closed and I need to take the longer way around.  There will be times when it slows due to an obstruction in the road and I may have to get out and remove said obstruction.  There will be times where, just as in driving, I am going to come to a standstill.  I can't do anything except keep my eyes focused ahead and be ready to move when traffic/life starts up again.  


Now, what got me to this post was the song Press On by Mandisa- here are some of the lyrics but you can see all of them HERE:

When I can hear the voice of doubt
Inside my head, screaming loud
Strengthen my faith, and help me say
Today, today

I will follow, I will press on
Even when the walk feels long
Your hands hold me together
Your love is with me forever
Through the broken, through the victory
I will praise You through it all
And run hard ‘til the race is done
I, I’m gonna press on, press on
I’m gonna press on, press on

 
 
This song has been extremely timely as I have "restarted"/picked back up this journey.  She has the version shown here but then she also has a faster/running version of the song (sorry dad, I know it's not your cup of tea but it's a great song).  

So- as I begin another week- I have my eyes looking forward, no looking back.  My goals are simple- continue last week's goals and add one more- no fried foods- NONE!  I have a tendency to allow myself one or two- I am putting a stop to that for this week.  I have a "plan of attack" for the week so I should definitely reach my exercise goal and plan to take that "me" time this week every night!  



 



Saturday, October 12, 2013

Reality...

This post has been started about a hundred different ways in my head this week but today I am finally putting words to "paper".


Today while I was running I was struggling.  I listen to music while running (but not with headphones) so my mind tends to think through things.  Today, my mind pinged from friends dealing with various struggles (financial, personal, and medical) to my singleness and my desires for that to change (and how to do so) to my health coaching, to my plans for the day, and lastly, why running/exercise/nutrition have been such a struggle for me lately


That last one- something clicked today- I realized why I was struggling more so with my running than a year ago.  Reality check #1- I lost about 30 lbs but since May I have gained about 20 of them back.  The interesting thing is- I still have people telling me I look great.  I don't feel great.  I can tell every one of those 20 lbs have come back. 

So, what has changed?

My eating- I got very lax in my eating habits.  I quit tracking my food.  I have eaten foods that I should not be eating.

My exercise- I still have not established a consistent routine- I MUST do this- my stress level has been ridiculously high (higher than ever before).  I am watching my fatigue level, my weight, and my naps increase.  At the same time, I am watching my healthy habits, my "me-time" and my exercise decrease- both in quantity and quality.


I NEED, for the sake of my health (and those around me) to get back on track and take back my health one step at a time- so my first step is to set one goal per week in each area. 


My nutrition goal for this week is simple- to track my food intake.  If I can get back on track with this- I turly think I will see results.

My "me-time" goal for the week- take 15-20 minutes per day to just free journal.  This is on top of my Quiet Time- no computer, no iPad, no phone!  Just me, a pen, and a notebook.

My exercise goal this week- this week will be crazy!  Monday, I will be picking up my car (had to have body work done).  Tuesday- I will pack and Wednesday- Sunday will be spent out of town (wednesday is a work and travel day).  So- my goal- to exercise 3 times this week- I will have to use the treadmill at least once, possibly a dvd and a run while in Ohio.










Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Walk the Talk

If I am going to work with others to take the steps on their journey then I need to walk my talk- and honestly, I haven't been walking my talk.  I eat clean at work and then not at home.  I talk about exercise with some and then end up sitting at home.  I "preach" at others about work and stress and then carry mine home.  I'm sensing a theme here....


So, if I am going to walk my talk then I need to have some strategies/solutions in place.
1. Have healthy snacks ready to go- this is my biggest downfall- it's so easy to fall in the trap of processed snacks (which are not ALWAYS a bad thing to have on hand) or worse- the chips (um... Trader Joe's Olive Oil Kettle Chips are amazing- and not necessarily as bad since it literally has three ingredients- olive oil, potatoes, and salt but it's the portion control issue...)

2. Get a plan for exercise and stick with it.  I keep going back to the pin and quote I have seen:


3. This is going to be a big one for me- leave work at school- I'm adjusting- I'll be taking specific days and parking myself at school to get work done.  One will be Monday- when we don't have meetings until about 4:30 and one will be Wednesdays until about 4:45.  Both of those days there are classes at the gym to participate in.  My plan is to get the bulk of my planning done at school so that I can enjoy my time at home, so I can get caught up and stay caught up on my health coaching modules, so I can get things done at home that need done, and more importantly- something teachers don't always get to do- separate my work and my home life.  I need this for my sanity.  I know that every week will not be perfect and it may end up being a play it by ear from week to week.  But, what I do know, is that I am not enjoying my life as much as I should and it comes down to this- through the years I have made my life all about my work- I am at a state in life that I want to ENJOY life- that I need to acknowledge- out loud- my life is more than a lesson plan...



A lot of bloggers are participating in 31 days of.... (choose their topic). I don't know that I have 31 days worth of "stuff' to tie in (no comment dad!) but I think this month of October is going to be all about being real- October is a time for people to put masks on- I say this October needs to be a time for me to take my mask off.  To be real, to be healthy, and to take this journey- one step at a time!





Friday, September 27, 2013

Fun Friday!

So- last week- this happened :) 





Then today this popped up in my FB feed.  I have never listened to the original (not my style or lyrics) and after the brouhaha that was going on about a month ago I knew why.  Anyway- this- well, this is just funny and I am quite taken with this version :)




Old school with Javy Lopez in it :)

You can read the article about it here.

Oh yeah- and Go Braves!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Hydration

*I was provided with samples of Oral I.V. to test and review.  All reviews are my own opinion.

All athletes (and non-athletes) know the importance of hydration.  Water is extremely important to a body's health and as I found out in my half marathon on the first day of summer this year- without the proper hydration- trouble can ensue!  A few weeks ago I was offered the opportunity to try Oral I.V. which is a rapid hydration ultra concentrate.  You can read more about it here including how to best use it.  Basically you should use it before you exercise and then again as needed.  It is a little vial and I drank it straight out of the vial (you can also add it to water).  I'm still playing around with it and want to try it in a different manner (cold, add to water, etc) to see if that changes anything.  I will say that when I have had it I have noticed I have been able to run a little bit longer and stronger.  I have no idea if that was because of the actual product or the thought in my mind that I had had it (which is why I want to play with it a bit more).  The product is an crystalloid electrolyte rapid hydration fluid and is designed to prevent dehydration.  I am starting to add in some longer runs (after being sick and busy) so will continue to sample this and see what I notice.






What do you do to stay hydrated? 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Fun Times

Amy over at Coffee, Scarves, and Running Shoes (and bonus, she is local to me so hopefully will get the chance to meet her in person one of these days) nominated me for a Liebster Award- it's just a fun little award where I answer questions so you can get to know me better- so here goes:

1. If there was a movie made based on your life, who would play you and why?

I honestly don't know.  I would want it to be someone like Meg Ryan.  She's quirky and fun and could easily play all the facets of my life.

2. What was the last thing you Googled?
Let's see the last thing I googled on my computer was to pull up the Merriam Webster Dictionary.  On my iPad it was either the Knoxville Track Club website (to look for races) or the score of the Nationals/Marlins game on Saturday night (it got rained out)

 3. What is one of your guilty pleasures?
I guess it would be watching tv- Braves baseball, Biggest Loser, and Criminal Minds (on Mondays- reruns).  Food wise it would be white chocolate m&m's

4. What is something you know now that you wish you knew "then?"
That the future isn't as scary as it appears and that Romans 8:28 is not complete without verses 29 and 30.

5. What do you consider to be one of your greatest accomplishments?
Completing the two half marathons and signing up for the Knoxville one again. 

6. What is one thing not many people know about you?
That I originally planned on being an athletic trainer or something in sports (radio/tv) but ended up at Johnson University in Knoxville (was Johnson Bible College when I went there).  I only planned on going a year but God's call on my heart won out and I eventually transferred to the education program.

7. If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about your life, would you? What would it be?
You know- gut reaction is yes, of course (and that would be past relationships) However, when I look at my life- I am who I am based on those things happening so my answer would have to be no!

8. What is your favorite Disney movie?
Hands down- Beauty and the Beast! 

9. What is something you've never done, but would like to try?
Run/walk a marathon- someday!

10. Where is your favorite place to be?
I would have to say- probably not where I am right now.  I love TN, love my friends but my favorite place to be would have to be with my family.

11. What is your favorite blog post you've written?
My favorite post I have written (well, I have a few but this was one of my faves) is Beautiful.  I like to reread it to remind myself every now and then.

As part of the Liebster process, I'm nominating 11 more blogs for this award. Should you so choose to participate, here's what you should do:

Rules:

  1. You must link back to the person who nominated you.
  2. You must answer the 11 questions given to you by your nominator.
  3. You must pick 11 bloggers, each with under 200 subscribers, to be nominated for the award.
  4. You must come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
  5. You must go to their blogs and notify your nominees.
I'm going to be honest- I don't have 11 specific people so I nominate ALL of my readers- complete this- link it up in the comments and I just want you to answer these same questions!  I "stole" them from Amy and I think they are great ones!

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Sabotage, Clean Slates, and Overcoming

Sabotage is defined as: the act of destroying or damaging something deliberately so that it does not work correctly or n act or process tending to hamper or hurt.  

I have mentioned several times that I have been struggling- I finally admitted to a friend that I am in a cycle of sabotaging myself.  I am not sure why but I can pinpoint when it started- all the way back in June when I went to the doctor.  When she changed the number she wanted me to weigh I felt the wind go out of my sails.  I kind of took the attitude of "I worked so hard to get where I am and now it's all changing again."  The sad thing is I started to gain some of the weight back a little before the doctor but then that just made me feel defeated.  

After talking with a friend and getting a friendly "Gibbs slap" (but not literally) I realized I had two choices.  I could continue to whine and complain about it.  Or, I could have the attitude of "suck it up buttercup", gather my resources, pull up my big girl panties, and wipe the slate clean.  Obviously, I chose option 2- and I literally wiped the slate (or in my case the mirror clean).  I had been keeping track on my bathroom mirror since the journey started of my weekly weigh ins.  I was getting discouraged by looking at them so I wiped it down and am starting fresh on Monday.  I need a new start- to realize that I am not who I was and not yet who I am going to be.   


Because, you see- that night I got home, got on FB and this picture is what I see- along with the note on the FB page that I follow about not allowing old habits back in, no sabotaging yourself- literally within minutes of voicing out loud what I have known for a while.  

 

I feel like I am being watched and criticized for every little food/drink choice I make, every day I don't exercise, etc (and while that may not be true- I feel like it is).  What I have come to realize is this- there will be days where I don't do as well, where I have that pizza, or cake, or even soda- and guess what?  It's okay- it doesn't make me bad- it does make me normal.  As long as I don't make that my steady diet then it will all be okay.  My goal is to focus on healthy choices 80-90% of the time- the rest will work itself out.

So- to that end- I ask for your support, your prayers, your prodding and accountability.  I want someone to get on here, or on my FB page, or my twitter and ask me if I got my workout in or how I ate today. 

And this- well, this is the song that has been on my heart  and on my playlist lately- especially as I have struggled my way through this past week (oh and get the tissues out)





My challenge for the week: to stick with my workouts and my eating.  I have a busy week but I think I can do it and do it well!  I did not stick to my no soda- BUT I did cut way back so there's progress!  I will get there!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

MIA

Yes, I know I have been MIA lately- I feel like a broken record with my posts so I just decided to lay low for a while.  I have not run in two weeks- since Atlanta.  It was either pouring down rain, I was sick or I had a 3 hour meeting after work on the days I had available to run.  I didn't make it to spin class because a meeting took longer than it was supposed to.

 I DID however, make it to a strength circuit class this week.  I think it will be a good addition to my week!  I also had a pretty exciting week.  I won two things- one was a bracelet from a contest on FB and the second was a big one- I won a trip for 2 to The Greenbrier in West Virginia.  Mandy Hale (the author of the book on being single and sassy) was giving away a girls weekend for 2 to the Greenbrier for a yoga retreat.  I am not typically a yoga person but I do keep hearing that it will help me be a better, stronger, more flexible runner so this could be a good thing.  Oh, and the place- well check out the website and you will see why this is a big deal!  I live about 5 1/2 hours from The Greenbrier so it will involve some travel- but the travel is all I have to pay for.  So excited!

In other news- I am dealing with this sinus stuff yet again!  I was told on the 4th that I had a sinus infection and ear infection (one ear), they gave me a z pack and I went on my merry way missing three days of work last week.  I was still pretty congested (nose) on Monday when I went back to work but it seemed to work itself out.  By Friday my cough had become worse and I could feel it start moving into my chest.  Today (Saturday), I woke up so excited to go for a run, but when I opened my eyes my world was spinning.  I had a touch of dizziness so the run got nixed.  After I finally got up and moving I was able to run some errands.  By the time I got home I was ready to crash again and interestingly enough was having some ear pain in my other ear.  Oh yeah, and I did I mention that I am, once again, losing my voice and coughing.  :(  Not sure what's going on but am thankful that I have an allergist appt on October 1 to try figure things out.

I have also been doing a lot of thinking and looking at some of my health habits.  And, I believe it's time to give up soda once and for all.  I'm going to have to figure out how to like hot tea and how to like the addition of lemon/lime/etc in water.  I saw the following and it was very convicting.  I know soda is not the best- but I also know that it's my one "vice".  And the fact that I refer to it as a vice should tell me it's time.  So, I have one in the fridge right now- I plan on having that tonight and then working on it again tomorrow.  The thing that I need to  realize is that, if I "faitl" and have one- it's not cause to give it all up- it' just means I need to start fresh the next day.  I'm going to shoot for 21 days and then go from there.