contemplation

It's been so long since I've taken the time to blog. I've missed it quite a bit. The last few holiday weeks have allowed more time for reflection on me. I have consistently struggled with balancing life. A mother who works, tries to have a personal life, tend to her husband, and entertain a few hobbies can be tough. However, I think maturity has allowed me to reflect back on my past and figure out the grey areas of life that have bogged me down over the years. I think life became a little crazy and filled with chaos years ago. I struggled with raising a baby, going to college, pregnant with another baby, getting married, graduating college, Sean and I both starting new jobs, and buying a house. That sums up where chaos began. Life changed for us at a rapid speed. Almost like I couldn't grasp ahold of it because it moved so fast.

Recently, I have taken time out and realized that life is finally slowing up for us a little. I feel like I may have a little grasp on reality and life. 

Teaching has been on my mind lately. Struggling with if its really meant for me or not. I remember when I first started teaching. I loved going to work each day. I was grateful for all the I was given. I was excited to walk into my room each day. Now, I am struggling to remember these reason daily. Between data and the stress of a test it becomes difficult to see the light of happiness. However, I am refusing for the joy to be taken out of my passion. I used to refer to teaching as a hobby I had not a job. However, lately its become a chore - personally. I am seeking to change this over the next few months.

I have been contemplating going back to school as an accountant, web designer, and/or public relations/marketing. These are careers I contemplated before seeking an Education Degree.

Besides change of career as a topic - I'm excited our house is on the market. We have had some people come see it, but nothing promising. I can't wait to see what our next house will be for us. I am ready to begin a new chapter of life. The home for 'forever'. The boys are constantly asking when we will move. They are ready for a change, but I'm not sure they really understand what it means.

Running and working out in 2013 was really good for me. I wasn't consistent daily or even weekly, but I definitely led a more healthy conscious life. I hope that I can continue with this but still to strive to eat better and cook more at home. I am consistently struggling with cooking at home. I also hope this changes when we move with a bigger kitchen and dining room to eat in. I've also bought T25 workout videos. I hope to be able to begin this next week.

I have started back on our Dave Ramsey plans. It proved us good in 2012. I can't wait to gain more progress in 2014. I can't believe that this year Sean and I will be married 5 years! :) O, 2014 please be as nice to us as 2013.

Turmoil

Life gets overwhelming and at times I do not know if I am coming or going. I feel like the hamster on the wheel constantly running, but never reaching the finish line.  But heck, who am I kidding? I am a mother of two boys, a middle school teacher, a wife to a shift worker who puts in 15 hour days.  Amongst all of that I am supposed to find time to be Tiffany. How do I even begin to balance life? I am the walking definition of the Type "A" personality. I like schedules, routines, and detest CHANGE! 

I feel like life's daily routines have consumed my personal time. The real question is, "Are all the have to's in life really necessity?" I am finding it very hard to quit being controlling and go with the flow.

I am not sure what steps to take in order to reach the state of cool, calm, and collective. In the past it has not been so bad because my oldest, Jacob was not in school. I didn't have a clue the types of demands Kindergarten would have of my life. 

I have began questioning my role as a teacher and mother. Surely they can co-exist. They have the past four years. Not to mention tons of other women do it as well. Anyways, the bottom line is can I schedule my life to make it ll work and fit? If so how do I do this efficiently and effectively?  

No longer a baby...

Jacob started Kindergarten today! Man how time flies by so quick when you are having fun. He has grown into be such a handsome young boy. He makes me so proud. I love him so much!

Germany

This time last year, I was scrambling to get ready for my first ever Germany vacation. Today, I am recalling on all those good experiences. I think I may start planning this summers upcoming trips :-)

Self Respect

I believe this is my most favorite acrostic ever! I am trying to incorporate all these things every day! :-)

The Switch!

I am really starting to love this blogging thing I have going. Since, I've been doing it so much I decided to change my layout and title. I have to thank this wonderful blog design website for this pretty layout design. I found it via the internet!

 

I did add my past posts to this website from earlier this month. All posts will be routed through this page from this point forward! Hope you like the new layout <3

 

 

Squats

 Today, I took a rest day and only ran 1.5 miles did 25 crunches and 50 squats. A friend posted this squat Challenge or 30 days.

Not sure of the original website for this Squat Challenge, but I got it from Kay Henley's Facebook. :)

I'm excited to start the challenge. I think it will be a great addition to my run workouts!

50 crunches complete for Day 1!

Keep Calm and Run On

Tonight, I began searching for my next run. I wanted to make sure I was registered to run one each month. I was hoping this will help me continue to have motivation and also reach for new goals. I am hoping to reach for a half-marathon in 6 months and a marathon in a year.

I am not feeling defeated about my goals, but more by current race times. Although I know I cannot possibly compare myself to these other runners, my personal best time is probably not even on their list of times for a run - not even a slow and easy run!! I was looking at the ConocoPhillips run and people finished a 5K in 15 min and another in 17 min! Isn't that crazy? I am finishing in 29 minutes roughly! I have some major work to be doing. I need to cut my time by at least 8 minutes. I don't expect to win, but at least this way I could have some hope. 

Although I feel defeated, I'm going to continue to run. 

Choices

So in previous posts I have talked about my uncontrollable need to eat. It's not just the eating that is bad. It is what I eat that makes it worse. However, this past week I have felt I have made some better choices. I finally have ate breakfast consistently and although I have still eaten out a couple of times I think I'm making up for it else where.

I have been running 3 miles in the morning and working out in the afternoons. I'm pretty proud of myself. I haven't had a carbonated drink in weeks. I am doing fairly good with the sugars. When we have gone to restaurants , I am choosing better foods and maintaining portion control.

I was really proud of myself today/tonight. I cooked a pulled pork in the crockpot. When Sean got him from wok we went to the gym. When we got home he ate the pork, leftover potatoes, and beans. I fixed myself a salad cut open an avocado, and a piece of cheese.  So good!!! I could have used some more protein, but tomorrow morning I think I will have a protein shake :-)

I promise I will not make it a habit of posting pictures of my plate or food!

No, I didn't eat all of it. I also forgot I fixed a cup of green tea! Which explains why I am typing this so late! :-p 

Summer Mornings at the Lease

Growing up I was spoiled to the Texas Hill Country - Edward's County to be exact. The Fry Ranch, Barksdale, Texas with its rolling hills, running streams, and beautiful cypress trees sparked many of my outdoor adventures. It wasn't and still isn't uncommon to watch the sun rise along the horizon and catch a glimpse of a herd of axis or a handful of whitetail deer feeding and playing.

It saddens me that in my adult life due to work and just life in general, we can't venture out that way as often as I would like. However, my husband has done a good job this time at finding me a lease that was a good substitution. Now, this current lease is close to home. It doesn't have the rolling hills, creeks, or cypress trees. It's more along the lines of mud, oak flats, spiders, poison ivy, mosquitoes, raccoons, stagnant ponds, high brush, thorny vines, and wild hogs. To most, that would sound like a disaster but I have to say it sparks a new curiosity and adventure. 

I cannot complain too much. Every time we come out to the lease we see some form of whitetail from the baby fawns, does, spikes, to the big daddy deer (bucks). I also cannot complain about the  natural canopy the oaks, pine trees, and tala provide from the hot South Texas sun.

I'm excited about my new stand.

Box Stand on the Pipeline

It sits on a pipeline - again another first for me. West Texas doesn't have many pipelines cutting through its limestone, we can thank this clear cut to one of the following ExxonMobile, Enterprise, Shell/Motiva, or ConocoPhillips. Last weekend, we poured out a bag a corn an put a trail camera out to see what would be drawn in to feed. Much to my surprise I had 50 pictures - not too good, but not bad either. The pictures feature a doe with her two fawns and a couple of other does. I would be much obliged to sling an arrow at any of these doe. Nevertheless, the wild hogs found the corn and devoured the rest of my supply. 

I am not mad at them though because they too are a candidate for our freezer. I love pulled pork, bacon, pan sausage, and pork chops. 

We still have a lot of work to do before we are ready for the season. Today is yet another workday in the high humidity, sweltering heat, and bright Texas sunshine. 

Hunting boots...gift from my hubby! He looks out for me.

Did I mention that pants and boots in July are not at the top of my most liked apparel? But, I will wear them anyway to keep all those pesky critters off and away!  

 

Wrote at 8/11/13 at 7:20 am

Color Mania

Ashley Poland and I before all the festivities!

Color Mania - A 5K run, which involves being painted as a runner goes along the course.

So, a 5K run on a course is what I expected this morning. However, when I arrived at the run this morning I quickly realize it was going to be more of an obstacle.



Motor Cross Track



That ladies and gentlemen is a motor cross course. Definitely was not intended for running.

I am super impressed with myself. I ran this course in 31 minutes and 45 seconds for a new record time! I am starting to believe all the sweat in the gym is paying off.

After completing this today, I realized I can make changes in my body and push myself to achieve other accomplishments. With that said, I am tasking myself to complete a 10K in the next 6 months and a full marathon is a year. I am not going to quit 5K runs because they help build my confidence. 

I know I am not in fantastic shape by any stretch of the imagination. I also know I have a lot of work ahead of me. But, I am still proud of my self. To top it all off I burnt 400 calories this morning. Hooray!!!

Now to keep pressing on with these goals. 

Until next time....

Finished - 31 minutes! Very sweaty and colorful

After, I finished at the finish line!

Ashley and I after the run together!

We both finished!!! Yay ;-p

Taking two kids to a dentist appointment is rather intense. Especially, when the appointment is for their father and he is acting the same way as the five and three year old. It is definitely a test of patience. I am going to had to continue to pray for God to give me more patience and understanding because these day are testing both.

Wrote on 8/2/13 at 9:09 am.

Progress

So at last, I feel like I'm making progress with my body. I finally tossed out all diet pills, drinks, packets of vitamins, energy drinks, etc. I decided it was time to do this myself - with no excuses. Although I know that the progress I am seeing is not from this weeks work alone, I do feel more confident that this week has been a turning point.

I am finally losing weight. I turned up the cardio. Boy am I feeling good! I found a new treadmill work out that's burning 400 calories or more each workout. I had done it twice this week :-) I have lost 4 lbs this week. Definitely making better food choices as well. 

(Treadmill I was on tonight! Progress!)

 

It didn't hurt that we also started the Dave Ramsey money saving thing again. Now, I can't just pull out the debit card at the  fast food place. I also started coupon-ing, which is making cooking more purposeful and planned. 

I am hoping to be able to fit back into some clothes I'm holding on to pretty soon. Hopefully we can keep up this great work!