"We must plan. But we also must be able to let go of the plan." Laurence Gonzales Deep Survival
I woke up this morning ready to go on a great run. Yesterday I was able to accomplish a goal of mine...running 3 miles in under 30 minutes, so I was geared up to make a go at it again. BUT, the weather was not cooperating with me. RAIN.
Don't you hate it when you plan something, and then something else, out of your control goes and ruins it? I guess this is why I have learned to write my plans on my calendar in pencil...so I can erase them if I don't get to them.
I am a list maker. I love lists. It feels so good to cross off what I have accomplished. My calendar has become a journal of sorts for me. I keep track of workouts that I PLAN to do, circle them when I do them, and erase them when I have to let go of my plan.
Today I erased my 3 mile plan-due to the rain. I laid around moping and trying to decide what I wanted to do. The first thing I decided to do was eat a donut...not a good plan. Then, I ate a handful of chocolate covered blueberries...again, not so good. (See these plans don't make it into my calendar. I only want to remember the good plans!) Finally, I decided I just needed to do it. Put in the stupid DVD and do it. So, Shawn T came and kicked my butt out of my funk. And, then, before my shower, I wrote down my workout in my calendar and circled it.
There. Good plan. DONE.
Tomorrow, the plan is to get up and go to a 5:15 class. Thinking about this plan I decide I should write that one in ink so I can't erase it...
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Prepare For the Week Ahead Sunday
My easy meal for the week is in the crock pot! A yummy, cheap, good for you dinner! This is a Weight Watcher recipe with some minor changes made by me. The main difference is the original uses ground beef instead of chicken.
Taco Soup
rotisserie chicken-shred the chicken off the bone
packet of ranch dip (dry)
packet of taco seasoning (I used reduced sodium)
1 can of white beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can of corn
1 can of green chilis
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 cans of water (I ended up adding a little more)
diced onion
Throw all the above good stuff into a crock pot and let cook during the day! It is filled with flavor!!! I add tortilla chips and some shredded cheese when serving. You could even top with a little sour cream if you want.
Soups on! Enjoy!
Taco Soup
rotisserie chicken-shred the chicken off the bone
packet of ranch dip (dry)
packet of taco seasoning (I used reduced sodium)
1 can of white beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can of corn
1 can of green chilis
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 cans of water (I ended up adding a little more)
diced onion
Throw all the above good stuff into a crock pot and let cook during the day! It is filled with flavor!!! I add tortilla chips and some shredded cheese when serving. You could even top with a little sour cream if you want.
Soups on! Enjoy!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
It's about time Saturday
Inspirational Quote:
"They were on the 'I can dream of that' list. I had no idea yet that to do the things I want, or even dreamed of, was only the matter of courage, the courage to believe in myself." Run Like a Girl
Today while running with some good friends, we were discussing the fact that less than a year ago we were walking up the hill we RAN up today. Remembering a little over a year ago, running was not in my vocabulary, unless there was a big ole prize at the end of it for me.
This past year I began believing in myself. I ran in several 5K races, a 10K, and two half marathons. I took part in two triathalons, splitting the events with two friends...me riding my bike. When people ask me what I want for Christmas, I think Dick's Sports, Try Sports, Athela, instead of restaurants or Target. When I think of going on a trip with my family, I wonder what race I could run while we are there. I hear music on the radio and think, "Wow, that would make a great running song." I get my butt out of bed at 5 in the morning in 30 degree weather and go outside to run. Not sure I am the same me I was a little less than a year ago. Is that good? Heck yeah.
A year ago, I never would have believed that 2011 would be the year I started doing things that would build up my confidence in ME. There was a time where I said there was NO WAY I could ever do a half marathon...I believe I even said that in 2011. Um, what? I think I've done TWO!
You know, I still run for a prize at the end. Just now the prize is happiness, confidence, health, and smaller jeans!
When are you going to start believing in YOU?
"They were on the 'I can dream of that' list. I had no idea yet that to do the things I want, or even dreamed of, was only the matter of courage, the courage to believe in myself." Run Like a Girl
Today while running with some good friends, we were discussing the fact that less than a year ago we were walking up the hill we RAN up today. Remembering a little over a year ago, running was not in my vocabulary, unless there was a big ole prize at the end of it for me.
This past year I began believing in myself. I ran in several 5K races, a 10K, and two half marathons. I took part in two triathalons, splitting the events with two friends...me riding my bike. When people ask me what I want for Christmas, I think Dick's Sports, Try Sports, Athela, instead of restaurants or Target. When I think of going on a trip with my family, I wonder what race I could run while we are there. I hear music on the radio and think, "Wow, that would make a great running song." I get my butt out of bed at 5 in the morning in 30 degree weather and go outside to run. Not sure I am the same me I was a little less than a year ago. Is that good? Heck yeah.
A year ago, I never would have believed that 2011 would be the year I started doing things that would build up my confidence in ME. There was a time where I said there was NO WAY I could ever do a half marathon...I believe I even said that in 2011. Um, what? I think I've done TWO!
You know, I still run for a prize at the end. Just now the prize is happiness, confidence, health, and smaller jeans!
When are you going to start believing in YOU?
Monday, December 5, 2011
What's on the Menu Monday
My menu creation for tonight was not only cheap, but pretty tasty :)
1 packet ramen
shredded cheese
any raw veggies
Boca spicy chicken
Mix and eat!
1 packet ramen
shredded cheese
any raw veggies
Boca spicy chicken
Mix and eat!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Songs for Strength Saturday
There are two things about running that are not my favorites...hills and speedwork. Today I was supposed to do hill repeats, but my bed was so toasty that I unmotivated myself. When I finally drug my bootie from bed, I got dressed, and headed out for an easy 3 mile run. I've not done much of anything this week due to a cold and a good friend telling me to rest! I knew whatever I did today would be tough!
About halfway into my "easy" run today, one of my favorite songs came on. It has an awesome, motivating beat and really pushes me. It has no words but a beat that comes in increasing intervals, so it is perfect for working on speed in running or cycling. (I first heard it in spin class).
My easy run turned into speed training. It was awesome, even though I thought I was going to die! My lungs were about to burst, but the push from the music really helped my feet and arms to pump faster.
Sandstorm is my speedwork song of the week. My advice? Find something that motivates you to push it, even if it is only for 2 minute bursts and do it! Find a song that pushes you...and share it! Go out and Just Do It! (Thanks Nike!)
About halfway into my "easy" run today, one of my favorite songs came on. It has an awesome, motivating beat and really pushes me. It has no words but a beat that comes in increasing intervals, so it is perfect for working on speed in running or cycling. (I first heard it in spin class).
My easy run turned into speed training. It was awesome, even though I thought I was going to die! My lungs were about to burst, but the push from the music really helped my feet and arms to pump faster.
Sandstorm is my speedwork song of the week. My advice? Find something that motivates you to push it, even if it is only for 2 minute bursts and do it! Find a song that pushes you...and share it! Go out and Just Do It! (Thanks Nike!)
Friday, December 2, 2011
Finally Friday Fun Fact
Diet Coke was only invented in 1982.
It's a good thing for me that I was born in the 70's. I didn't realize life without Diet Coke! Where would I be today without my DC? :)
It's a good thing for me that I was born in the 70's. I didn't realize life without Diet Coke! Where would I be today without my DC? :)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thinking Back Thursday
Sometimes I feel like I live in the past. Like I don't want to accept the reality of my present age, my responsibilities, or leave the past behind. Maybe it's because life was easier before I had to work, pay bills, and make important decisions. Maybe it's because I miss my friends from Naperville and Florida Southern. Maybe it's because my family was so much closer together then. I guess it's really all those things.
This summer I got to show Dakota my hometown and a city I love. She got to experience the beauty of downtown Naperville...the special things it has to offer that you don't realize while you are growing up there. I got to share some of the best places in Chicago, views from the Sears Tower, the ocean life at Shedd Aquarium, the pizza and hotdogs. I even got to spend some time with my brother, Jamie, and some high school friends, Tami and Sara. There were some things D couldn't "see". She didn't get to experience hanging out at night in the southside of Chicago with "the boys", a Cubs game on senior ditch day, the schools where my education began, cruising past the houses of the boys I liked, or hanging out in the basements with my closest friends doing nothing but laughing. I guess she will have memories like those some day...just memories made in a different place.
The first time I moved, it was to college. It seemed like a million miles away from my home in IL. Florida Southern was smaller than my high school and had more rules than my parents did. If it wasn't for my friends I made there, I would have left. Luckily, I had great people in my freshman dorm, and I joined Kappa Delta and over night had so many sisters. Walks around Lake Hollingsworth, sneaking some jewels from Annie Pfeiffer, trips to layout at Disney hotels, sitting in the lobby watching TV, learning to appreciate and love people who I may not have gotten to know if it weren't for KD. All these memories, and so many more...
Then I moved on to life after college. Moving in with Jen in our first adult housing, getting a job where I hated every minute of my first year teaching, meeting Ron and feeling like I was finally whole. Getting married, moving to North Carolina, and growing up. Looking back and appreciating the first year I taught because I grew up quickly and learned strategies to reach kids without any family support, few resources, and a fairly unsupportive administration. Now, luckily, I can say I work with many talented teachers, kids who care, and parents who support their children. On rough days I sit and thank my lucky stars I got to move on in my teaching career.
At night when I choose to watch TV, I end up watching things like 90210, Felicity, Friends...Last night I was watching Stand by Me. I cried at the end when he said, "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?" While this is somewhat true, I am so lucky to have some awesome friends and wonderful family that I gained later in life. Friends and family who make me want to live in the present. Friends and family who make me smile when I am sad or share a hug when I need one. Friends and family who know me better than I know myself. So for now, I guess I'll stay right here.
This summer I got to show Dakota my hometown and a city I love. She got to experience the beauty of downtown Naperville...the special things it has to offer that you don't realize while you are growing up there. I got to share some of the best places in Chicago, views from the Sears Tower, the ocean life at Shedd Aquarium, the pizza and hotdogs. I even got to spend some time with my brother, Jamie, and some high school friends, Tami and Sara. There were some things D couldn't "see". She didn't get to experience hanging out at night in the southside of Chicago with "the boys", a Cubs game on senior ditch day, the schools where my education began, cruising past the houses of the boys I liked, or hanging out in the basements with my closest friends doing nothing but laughing. I guess she will have memories like those some day...just memories made in a different place.
The first time I moved, it was to college. It seemed like a million miles away from my home in IL. Florida Southern was smaller than my high school and had more rules than my parents did. If it wasn't for my friends I made there, I would have left. Luckily, I had great people in my freshman dorm, and I joined Kappa Delta and over night had so many sisters. Walks around Lake Hollingsworth, sneaking some jewels from Annie Pfeiffer, trips to layout at Disney hotels, sitting in the lobby watching TV, learning to appreciate and love people who I may not have gotten to know if it weren't for KD. All these memories, and so many more...
Then I moved on to life after college. Moving in with Jen in our first adult housing, getting a job where I hated every minute of my first year teaching, meeting Ron and feeling like I was finally whole. Getting married, moving to North Carolina, and growing up. Looking back and appreciating the first year I taught because I grew up quickly and learned strategies to reach kids without any family support, few resources, and a fairly unsupportive administration. Now, luckily, I can say I work with many talented teachers, kids who care, and parents who support their children. On rough days I sit and thank my lucky stars I got to move on in my teaching career.
At night when I choose to watch TV, I end up watching things like 90210, Felicity, Friends...Last night I was watching Stand by Me. I cried at the end when he said, "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?" While this is somewhat true, I am so lucky to have some awesome friends and wonderful family that I gained later in life. Friends and family who make me want to live in the present. Friends and family who make me smile when I am sad or share a hug when I need one. Friends and family who know me better than I know myself. So for now, I guess I'll stay right here.
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