#WorkoutWednesday

So after I wrote this post I decided to help hold myself accountable I would try to post updates regularly on how I was doing. In two weeks I have logged eight workouts, worn my FitBit everyday (even if I didn't meet my goals), started running again (yay three miles!). 

Stats from my FitBit:

This is a really slow start. I know the next thing I need to tackle is my calorie in take. Utilizing my lunch time to squeeze in a workout is great, even if I got back to the office sans makeup and with wet hair. I don't think my students mind. I also want to get fitted for some new running shoes. My mom suggested training for a half marathon. I was supposed to run my first half, but then I got pregnant. I would love to complete this goal I set over a year ago. And taking a fun trip with my mom would be an added bonus!

Time to make a change, I just don't know how.

Well it happened today. A stranger asked if I was pregnant. I will admit I was a little caught off guard. I know I still have 20 pounds still hanging around six months after the birth of my son. I'm not proud of it. It doesn't make me happy. After the stranger said it, and I replied that I wasn't, I wanted to run and hide. I actually went back into my office, shut the door and cried for about an hour. I am still in here with the door shut. Too embarrassed to go out there.
I know this extra weight is effecting my confidence and my ability to enjoy things. I just feel unattractive. None of my pre baby pants fit. NONE. I'm at the point were I can't make anymore excuses. I have to do something. I just don't know what. I have been this weight one other time in my life. It was after my sophomore year in college, a particularity unpleasant year for me. I had packed on the pounds, eating horribly and not exercising. When I went home that summer my mom helped me lose the weight. Now as a mother myself I have a hard time juggling everything. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day. I could try and work out in the morning, however, right now JSD is waking up at 4:30am and Kyle and I have been trading off mornings so that one of us is getting some sleep. And then at night I just want to spend time with my little guy, I miss him during the day. But nothing is going to change unless I do something. So I am going to set some small goals.

1. Start using my FitBit and actually reach my 10,000 step goal
2. Use my gym membership at lunch three times a week. I get a free membership with my job, I could squeeze in a quick workout.
3. Start running again. I lost 10 pounds before I got pregnant and was up to 7 miles a run. I really liked my Nike app for running, but I am thinking about a heart rate monitor instead.
I know my biggest struggle will be motivation and holding myself accountable, but with the latest comment I think I have hit rock bottom. I know that I can loose this weight, I have done it before. I don't want anyone mistaking me for being pregnant again.

2014... the year of the present.

I hope everyone is having a WONDERFUL new year. Kyle and I spent NYE at home. He made a yummy dinner, I got some movies from Redbox. Very low key. That's how we like it and I wouldn't have it any other way. I feel like working in education I get the chance at a "new year" twice a year. Once in January and then again in August when the school year starts. I have always appreciated these opportunities for reflection and renewal.
Last year I set goals for a bunch of different areas of my life for my new year resolutions. I was really proud that I followed up on those goals a couple of times (every three months) to report progress and remind me what I had set for myself. This year I am taking a different approach to the whole resolution thing. I am going to try and live by the motto, be in the present.

 

I feel like so often I am dwelling in the past, or even more frequently looking to the future. Not only is this futile, but is causes anxiety and stress. Two things I really don't want or need in my life right now. In five short weeks there will be a new human on this planet that will be relying on me and I don't want to miss one moment with him because I am stuck in the past or future. I want to be present, with him.

 

Thinking about the transitions that will happen with our family, my job, my body and my life it will be very easy to get stuck in the past or future. I want to remind myself to stay in the present moment. Enjoy the little moments, be grateful for what is happening in my life and take it step by step, day by day.  I think this motto will set me up for a great 2014.

2013, you were good to me.

Wow 2013 you were more then I ever expected:

Kyle got a new job in January and I got a new job in July. We moved into a townhouse and bought all new furniture.

We traveled to Colorado for a vacation

 

I watched my brother graduate from the Navy's Officer Candidate School

I attended NHTI

 

We found out we were having a baby!

You can read this post to see the original goals that I had set for myself. I could never have imagined accomplishing all that I did.

Wellness- My goals focused on running and exercise, which I maintained the first six months of the year. I was really proud of myself, I lost weight and was feeling great. When I found out I was pregnant I tried running and it just made me feel like crap. I have enjoyed pregnancy, but I miss the ability to move.

Spiritual- My goals focused on getting involved at church and focusing on daily devotionals. I joined and then quit (for lack of time) a Bible study and did not read any devotions with consistency. But I did keep up with my volunteering as a greeter.

Career- I applied and was accepted to NHTI, the most inspirational moment of my career. I believe that this experience gave me a huge confidence boost and helped me land my new job in July.

Relationships- My relationships with my friends have had ups and downs. It hasn't been easy and I have failed more than I have succeeded. Distance, careers and family have definitely taken a toll on maintaining friendships. I feel like my relationship with Kyle is very strong. Of course we have moments but at the end of the day we totally support each other. This baby will surely test our communication skills.

Financial- Ha! Unanticipated job changes really hit this goal hard. With the move off campus and having to buy furniture, there was a major hit to our savings. On the bright side, at least there is still money in the savings account!

Random- The only books I read involved pregnancy, birth and raising a newborn. Which is better than nothing. My role as a volunteer is evolving. I quit my position as General Advisor, and will now be working with the Judicial board and Philanthropy board. I have dropped the ball with my advocacy work, and hope to pick it back up. But I am continuing with Junior League.

All in all, 2013 was an amazing year. It started off with a little rough patch but by May I had hit my stride. I couldn't have asked for a better year. I think the biggest lesson I learned was to roll with the punches, not an esay task for someone so Type A. But when I let go of trying to control the outcome for everything, things just fell into place. Life is a series of ups and downs, joys and sorrows. You have to be willing to take the bad with the good, eventually it will work out.

2013 Goal Update

You can read my 2013 goals in this post. I thought I would update you on how they are going.

Wellness
1. I ran a couple of times when I first found out I was pregnant, and then I would feel awful all day. I don't know if it was because of the running or if it was just hormones. I ran 202.5 miles (as of May)which is just 48 short of my 250 goal for the year. Pretty good for someone who went from no running to goal driven.

 

2. My other goal was a race. I was signed up for the Athens Half Marathon, but then I got pregnant. Unfortunately this will not be accomplished. I am however volunteering at the Bookin' it 15K, so at least there is that.
Spiritual
1. I did join a small group, and I really really liked it. But the group met really really late. Like 9:30pm late. I am usually in bed by then, so I tried, but couldn't keep with it. I am still serving as a greeter at church, but have put small group on hold.
2. Yeah, the daily devotion thing isn't going that well. I haven't opened my app in like two months.

Career
1. I attended NHTI! Not only did I apply, but I was selected and attended. Amazing experience, blogpost to come.

My cluster and cluster leader!

2. Use: Finding Life Balance & Direction Guided Journaling Experience. I did the first three months and stopped! UGH!

Relationships
1. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and just take in how happy I am. This is in large part to my supportive husband. I think I take him for granted sometimes. His patience astounds me everyday and I am thankful to have a life together. I think this goal has transformed a little bit and I am now working on assuming the best. There are often times I assume the complete opposite of what Kyle intended and it leads to a fight. This could be avoided with better communication and assuming the best not the worst.

2. I haven't seen my girlfriends since March. BUT, I am booking a flight to be reunited with them in October! I can't wait. I would say the girlfriends that mean the most are the ones that I have done my best to keep up with. From texting to G-Chat to visits, I will always make time for those people that are important to me.

Financial
1. Well, moving and furnishing a new place hit us hard in the savings area, and I will admit for awhile I felt like we were bleeding money. But we have continued to save and have worked out a great budget to get in a good place before February 2014!

Random
1. I have read three books. All baby related.

This is the book I am reading now.

2. I attended my first Junior League Athens General Meeting on Monday. I am happy to be exploring this new opportunity to meet new people and give back to my community!

My JLA Provisional Class

Tired of the Treadmill

So far in 2013 I have been running, a lot. Well a lot for me. And I am kind of tired of it. The treadmill just isn't doing it for me anymore. I am happy it is warming up and I can run outside more, but I have been looking for other ways to challenge myself and get in those workouts. I wanted to share two great resources that are online, Tone It Up and Blogilates. Both have great blog resources, YouTube videos, workout schedules, meal plans with recipes and Twitter accounts to keep you motivated. 

I did this Tone It Up workout Monday morning and can barely walk today. Lots of squats!

via

Both Youtube channels have playlists which put a bunch of videos together to create a whole workout. I think they make it super easy to work out from home and there is so much variety I never get bored.  

And this is a great video to start with from Blogilates.

Friday February First

Happy Friday! Happy February! Do the Friday Dance!

January seemed like it FLEW by. Thank goodness. I hate the cold months, I am so ready for spring! One of my goals for 2013 was to save more money. Kyle and I talked a lot about this one. We both need to be on the same page in order to get this particular goal to work, so we have an Excel spreadsheet that helps us track and plan our spending. We are also going to try something new for February. We are going to do a 'no buy' month, with an exception for Valentine's day. So this means: no Starbucks, no make up, no clothes, no accessories, no online shopping, no eating out. We are only allowing trips to the grocery store (even those are limited to Sundays) and gas for the car. I think this is going to be an interesting experiment and really help me reflect on things I WANT verse things I NEED. Have you ever tried a 'no buy' month?


Other end of month reflections:

• I finished the month having run 38 miles.
• I am working most of the weekend. February is a busy recruitment time for my department, yay!
• I had my first small group meeting last night, so awesome. 
• Kyle has a wrestling match here in Athens this Saturday, I can't wait to see him in coaching action!
• We decided to put Gigi in doggie daycare twice a week. She needs to learn some manners and how to play nice. Hopefully it will help a little.

This week I will...

Follow up from last week:

1. Worked out three times, but ran 11.5 miles. I think that is the most I've ever done in a week! THANK YOU SAVANNAH for the Pandora suggestion :)

2. Found a temporary storage solution for the crowded vanity. Still researching options.

3. I have not even started my NHTI application, MUST DO BETTER.

4. Got rid of a bag of clothes!

5. Everything crammed into a short week made it difficult to find time during the day to pause and breathe. But I am happy I got all my work tasks done last week. Small victories.

This week:

1. Let's try for two 5Ks and a 10K. I was pretty close on Saturday, I felt like I could have kept running.

2. MUST FINISH NHTI APPLICATION.

3. I met my small group on Sunday night and we have our first official meeting Thursday. Goal: be present. 

4. Show appreciation to those that work with me. I haven't done this intentionally yet this year.

2013 Goals

Over the past 15 days I have been thinking about how I am challenging myself, pushing myself and what I can do to change how I am feeling. So I am STILL working on goals for 2013. I know January is half over, but goal setting and reflection takes TIME. And I feel like I don't do it enough. I love the idea of starting over and the refreshing sense the New Year brings.

Wellness
1. Run 250 miles this year- I am loving my Nike+ shoes and app. It definitely helps keep me motivated. I'm at 13 miles so far this year!
2. Run a race- I'm thinking small. Like 5K. There are a lot of local opportunities. I need to find a race that fits me for a first timer. Will keep you posted.

Spiritual
1. Join a small group at church- Submitted my application last week, already in progress!
2. Keep up with my daily devotion- I have apps and books, I just need to find which works for me. I need to establish this as a habit.

Career
1. Apply to the National Housing Training Institute- I think that at this point in my career I would benefit from some intentional career  reflection time.
2. Use: Finding Life Balance & Direction Guided Journaling Experience- My friend Brianna sent this to me, and it leads you through reflections each month. I started last week and have already enjoyed the questions and reflection this  resource is offering.

Relationships
1. Continue to work on communication with Kyle- Before we got married we completed a book and workbook series about marriage. I think it would be interesting to reread some of the information and talk through it just to refresh and reexamine.
2. Work on the relationships with friends that matter most- I will be the first to admit that my friend circle has definitely shrunk over the last few years. It is difficult to maintain relationships at a long distance, but to me some of those relationships are too important to neglect. I hope to work on balancing these the best I can.

Financial
1. SAVE!- I am happy to report that Kyle and I achieved our 2012 financial goal of getting out of credit card debt. Now we need to focus on saving that $$$$$!

Random
1. Read 12 books this year- this is an improvement on the three I read last year (Hunger Games).
2. Volunteer more- I volunteer with a non- profit in Athens and have really enjoyed the work. I was also supposed to begin my provisional period with the Junior League this past fall but due to some other commitments I had to defer for a  year. I am looking forward to picking that back up this fall and getting  involved more with the Athens community. I also am going to start volunteering on Sundays at my church service.

So how can I make sure these happen? My accountability partner is my husband. He helps me a lot with the wellness and financial goals, but I have shared these with him and he is very supportive and helps me focus on what's important. I also plan on using my blog to continue to reflect and share goal updates! I think also setting mini goals is helpful to see success. Last week my goal was to make it to the gym every morning and I did it! This week my goal is to pull together a reading list, start my personal statement for NHTI and do my devotion each day.

Good luck to everyone in there pursuit off keeping resolutions!