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!

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.

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.

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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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.

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!

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?