Monday, March 28, 2011

Birthday Fun!

On Friday night, my husband and I went out for my birthday. We went to P.F. Chang's. I had never been there before, but really enjoyed it. I loved how the waitress asked first thing if we had any gluten or peanut allergy. I am so glad she did, because I have a gluten intolerance caused by an autoimmune disorder. (In fact, I have not shared my journey toward becoming gluten free, but will have to later.)

After our dinner, we headed to the Dayton Mall. Of course, we had not been there either, so we had to check it out. I guess you could say it was like all the others. Well, unless you go to The Mall of America in Minnesota (which I have not been to either). We window shopped -looked and drooled over all the cute fashions for spring. However, we could not resist purchasing a book or two at Barnes&Noble. My husband and I love books! Believe it or Not, but every date we went on ended at a Barnes&Noble or other local bookstore. We could spend hours in them :)

For a late night treat, we stopped by Starbucks! Oh, how I love Starbucks too! My favorite is a hazelnut steamer with soy milk. Yum!

It was a great night to spend time together. How do you celebrate your birthday? Hopefully, not a day late!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

A Time for Reflection

If you are not aware, today is my birthday. I am now 26 years old. To some this may not be exciting because it is so much more closer to 30. But for me, today has been a time for reflection - to look back and to look ahead.

Looking Back
First, I reminisced to the day I graduated from college. I felt so carefree yet so uncertain about my future and myself. Would I find a job teaching? How will I repay my loans? Where will I live? There was just so much to take in. Then, I thought of my relationship with, now, my husband whom had become my best friend. It was a difficult time in my life when I met him. And as I thought about that time, I am grateful that he was there to be the friend that I needed.  Next, I thought of my first teaching job, which thankfully I still have. I moved away from home to a new place, realized that I was officially on my own, and spend many hours before and after school writing lesson plans and wondering if I was going to make a difference. And last, but not least, the day I was married to my best friend. My mind was drawn to the joy and excitement that filled our hearts as we knelt across the alter. We were in love.

All in all looking back helped me see how much I changed. My character was woven by righteous choices and strengthened through adversity.

Looking Ahead 
I contemplated the infamous question: Where will I be in five years? At first, I thought, I do not know. It seems so far away, but then looking back, one year has gone by so quickly, so it is not adequate to say that  five years is far away. Nevertheless, where will I be? Despite as much as I would like to know, I cannot be certain where I will be in five years. But, there are a few things that I can shoot for - goals and aspirations: going to graduate school, raising a family, traveling, running a marathon (or two), and simply just being happy :)

By allowing myself to look ahead, I can re-evaluate myself (what changes do I need to make) so that I can become a better wife, friend, daughter, and sister.

Do you take the time to reflect on your birthday? I hope that you do. If not, you can start today.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Healthy Teachers - Healthy Schools Contest Part II

Today was the mid weigh-in for the contest. It has been 4 weeks since the start of the program. I was apprehensive, as always to weigh myself, but it ended up being alright. Apparently, I have lost some weight. The team captain was really excited because we all lost weight. Therefore, making our chances of winning better.

Please note, that although, I am supporting the team, I personally feel that weight lose should not be a contest or competitive. Healthy weight loss is a process toward a balance between healthy eating and exercise. I hope that I can be a positive role model to my teammates, who do not completely understand this balance.

I hope that there are role models in your life that practice a healthy balance. I am grateful that I do.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Spring is Here!

I love the first day of spring :) It seems as though all of nature has awaken from a deep sleep and is ready to blossom. This morning the birds were chirping outside our bedroom window and it sounded beautiful. I could not go back to sleep. They were telling me to get up and get ready for the day, especially for church! After church, my husband and I took a stroll around our neighborhood basking in the sunshine. It is just a wonderful day to be alive! Enjoy every moment of it!

Sharing Warm, Spring Wishes!

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Saturday, March 19, 2011

Another Race!

Today is beautiful - blue skies, warm weather, the sun is shining :) and perfect for a race! I completed a 5K this morning in Kettering, OH. It was entitled Harrigan's St. Patrick's Day 5K Charity Run. I was surprised to see a lot of people. It was great to run with so many. I could set my pace with a group and finish together. My time was 31:54, better than the last race a few weeks ago. One day, I hope to run a 5K in at least 28 min. Wishful thinking? Well maybe, but anything is possible.

Friday, March 18, 2011

New Shoes!

I have been determined to figure out why my shins have been hurting so much. I decided to take a trip to Columbus to Road Runner Sports. There I found my perfect shoe from Shoe Dog. All this time, I have been wearing Mizuno Wave Alchemy when I did not really need them. They were overcorrecting my left foot that did not need correcting. I now am wearing a neutral shoe, Brooks Ghost 3, with an insert in the right foot that pronates. Who would have known? I am so glad that I decided to get to the bottom of this shin problem. I can now say out with the old and in with the new. How fitting for a beautiful, soon to be, spring day! Enjoy your Friday!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Spur of the Moment!

Yesterday, my husband picked me up after work. While on the way home, I realized that we needed to take the movies, that we rented last weekend, back- they were overdue :( We quickly stopped off home to pick them up then drove 20 minutes to the Family Video store. However, on the way there we passed the local theatre that was showing Rango. We have passed this theatre so many times but have not been inside to see a movie. My husband suggested that we go after returning the movies. I was hungry so we stopped by Kroger to pick up a quick bite to eat (qbte - that's what my dad would always say growing up.) Unfortunately, our qbte consisted of Endangered Species milk and dark chocolate bars, an apple, and coconut water. (Just a word of caution, do not go to the store when you are hungry - as obvious by our food choices!) So, on the spur of the moment, we decided to see the movie Rango! It was a lot of fun! We will definitely go back!

Do you have times were you do something on the spur of the moment? What have you done? Has it been fun?

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Healthy Teachers - Healthy Schools Contest

The county that I teach in is having a contest between area local schools. The contest is based upon which school team (consisting of teachers) loses the greatest percentage of their starting weight. The grand prize is $500! I decided to join the team. Why? not sure, because I refuse to weigh myself or let anyone, that is know how much I weigh. But, I could lose some weight. (I am not at what you could say a "feel great weight.") It has been two weeks since the initial weigh-in. The midpoint weigh-in is between Mar. 21-25. However, there is a weekly weigh-in. It is designed to check in with yourself to ensure you are making adequate progress.

I am not so excited to weigh myself this week. It has not been a very good week in regards to eating healthily. I have been running and/or walking but afraid I have had too much to eat. I guess I will see tomorrow. It is a new week, so it will be better.

Do you ever have a day or a week where you eat foods that are not so healthy? Is it alright to make a few mistakes? Why do we  feel so terrible about making "poor" food choices?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Finally, the Spirit of the Marathon!

I am so excited that I was able to find the video, Spirit of the Marathon. I did not want to purchase it, although, now that I have seen it - I will have to :) It was so incredible. I admired the characters courage despite adversity and their love for running. I have not ran a marathon of course, just in training for a half, but I feel the movie still applies. I really loved a quote that was given by Dick Beardsley (two time Olympic Qualifier in the Marathon). He stated "when you cross that finish line, it doesn't matter how slow or fast, it will change your life forever." I cannot begin to imagine how that must feel. I mean, I feel amazing after just running a 5 or 10K, so I will look forward to having my life change forever in 65 days (even running a half). It is hard to believe it is so close.

Has running changed your life? Do you have a renewed sense of hope after a long run or race?

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Surprising Race Photos

After I posted my last entry, I decided to look online to see the race results.  (I checked before but nothing was posted.) Finally, the results were posted. I then looked at the photos because I am a curious person and to my surprise I was captured twice. I cannot believe that is what I look like running! Ugg! I remember seeing a photographer along side the path but did not think anything of it. This has never happened before in all the races I have ran in. This was definately a surprise! Next time, if I see a photographer, I will smile just in case :)

Be sure to check it out at Speedy-Feet: Race Photos (I am the 14th and 15th picture, counting across left to right.)

Morning Race

Earlier this week, I decided to sign up for a 5K in Troy (Run for Your Life 5K). I have not ran in a race since the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving last year. I know, it's terrible!

I wish I would have seen into the future because it was rainy, windy, cold, and hilly today on the course. On Wednesday, I got a sinus infection and my shin has still been bothering me. Despite all this, I was surprised that I finished in 34:28. I have done better, but for the first race of the New Year and being "under the weather," I am ok with that.

I really enjoy running in races. I love the excitement that fills the air, beating your own personal record, meeting new people, and cheering others on! However, sometimes I have to remind myself that I cannot get discouraged if I am not a top finisher. I have to tell myself that I have done the best I can and will continue to work hard.

So, next time you run and maybe do not get a super awesome time; remember that you have done your best!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Random Acts of Kindness

This morning on my desk at school, was a card and inside it was a beautiful message along with a bag that contained Bath and Body Works lotion and shower gel. I almost began to cry.

Yesterday, at school was difficult. I wanted to run away and never come back. I wondered if I was any good, important, valuable, etc. I came home, put on my running clothes and went out for a run. Unfortunately, my shin began to hurt on mile 2, so I walked the other 2.  I could have keep going but my shin was too sore to go on any further. I thought that if I walked, the pain would all go away, but it didn't. When I returned home, I cried like I have never cried before - my eyes were swollen, my voice was hoarse, my whole body ached. My husband had to work late so I did not have a hug or kiss last night. He came home when I had already went to bed. It was a lonely night.

I cannot express how much this small gift meant to me today. I thought, how did the sender know that I needed such a thing? I may never know and that's ok. I am just grateful to know that people do care when it seems that no one does or understands.

Have you had an experience like this before? I hope so. I encourage you to not let a day pass by without saying "hello" or "thank you" or even giving a small gift to someone - you never know who you will touch.