Wordless Wednesday

Let's Run About It // Thoughts on New Goals

On NYE 2022, our running club had a resolution run. Afterward, we set goals for the year and wrote them on our shirts. My two goals were: 1) Run 350 miles total for the year and 2) Run a half marathon by the end of October. With my schedule, I wasn’t sure if either of these would be doable. However, by September I ran my first half marathon distance (non-race). And by the end of October, I had surpassed my 350-mile goal. While I know those aren’t the highest numbers or biggest challenge - they were each something that I worked hard for, and I’m really proud of.

Since then, I’ve been taking it pretty easy. Mostly due to a busy season. Then wedding stuff. And somewhere along the way, I lost the motivation to finish strong at the end of the year. I’ve been averaging about 5-7 miles a week. Those miles usually happen on Saturdays. I’ve also stopped going to the gym - which I really need to pick back up again. And while there are times that I’ve felt a little disappointed with myself, I’ve also tried to give myself some grace. Because sometimes, you NEED to scale back. Sometimes, you NEED a break. And sometimes you just NEED to run without any kind of goal or challenge so you can remember what it’s like to run for FUN. For your health - both mentally and physically. So, that’s what I’m currently doing. And honestly, it has been great. It’s been enjoyable. And also, freeing. This unexpected scaling back has reminded me of why I love to run. And I'm super grateful that this is even something my body can do. 

Now, with this year coming to a close, and our next resolution run happening in 5 weeks I’ve started to think about what I’d like to achieve next year. What kind of goal do I want to set and work toward? I’ve tossed a few ideas around, briefly considered an insane one, and then thought about timing-related achievements. I probably won’t decide anything until we’re closer to NYE, but the wheels have been turning. I’m also open to suggestions or recommendations. And while I have taken a bit of a step back from running, I’m actually pretty excited about what this next year will hold for me. So, here’s to new running goals!

Wordless Wednesday

11.9.23

On November 9, surrounded by our immediate family, Corey and I said “I do.” The ceremony lasted about 3 minutes - exactly how we wanted it. And then we all went to have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. We had planned to have it outdoors, but of course, Texas weather did not permit it. There was rain off/on the entire day. So, we made do with what we had. And it was perfect for us!

A friend officiated the ceremony. One of my mother-in-laws decorated the room very last minute - with help from her husband and Corey’s brother. My parents and our kids were in attendance. And I was FINALLY able to wear a black wedding dress - something I have always wanted.

We are thinking of having a church ceremony and reception for our first anniversary. Pending - my annulment through the church. We don’t have everything planned out just yet, and it’s still not something we’re 100% set on - highly dependent on funds. Still, we would like to have something that we could include extended family and friends. A celebration of some sort. We’ll see. For now, this intimate ceremony was perfection. 🖤

p.s. We have a lot of photos with family - however, y'all know the privacy drill - so this is all I'm willing to share for now. 

p.s.s. Can you tell I'm a fan of Colleen?  

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Motivation

The time change sucks. There. I said it. As a teenager, I loved when DST ended and it got dark around 6:30 p.m. That meant I got to go out and party a little earlier. However, once I became an adult, and then a mom, it really put a funk in my routine. Pair it with seasonal depression* and you have a recipe for some pretty low times (read: months). Where before I’d throw a bandaid over it with a crap ton of caffeine - my current dietary restrictions do not allow me to have energy drinks yet. So, I’m trying to figure out how to push through/manage it without stimulants. And let me just say, that it has not been easy.

All of that said, it’s November, y’all. It’s a new month! We’re so close to the end of 2023, but it also feels like we just got started. The change in foliage has been beautiful, and the cooler weather has been nice too. Hallmark Christmas movies are in full swing. We’re ironing out plans for Thanksgiving, and I’m so ready to have time off for the holidays. Here’s hoping you have a great Monday and an even more wonderful November!

*Not officially diagnosed with seasonal depression, this is just based on my observation over the years of when my depression gets the worst for me. 

Gratitude Journal // Eleven - Three - Twenty Three

Gratitude Series: Sometimes, the bad days get the better of me. Other times, I get so caught up in my little world that I forget to give thanks for all of the blessings in my life. And sometimes you just need to write down the things you're grateful for to see all of your blessings. Though I admit that sometimes I find myself taking things for granted, I'm doing my best to be thankful for all of the good in my life. So, today, I’m choosing to give thanks for all of the things.

Freeze Warning: This week, we had a freeze warning. It lasted from Sunday to Wednesday morning. Temperatures dropped down to 30 degrees and we had rain all day Sunday. I never thought I would say that I enjoyed the freezing temps, but it was wonderful! We bundled up, made sure our heaters were in working order, moved plants, and got the animals prepped. I called it Texas’s “pre-game” before winter actually comes through. And now, I’m ready for it!

Chocolate Cake: On my birthday, I ate cake. It was amazing! It was everything that I had dreamed it would be and more. The aftermath wasn’t the greatest, but I will happily take that pain over and over again for some chocolate cake. It's safe to say that this is my weakness when it comes to junk food.

ASMR: I have been listening to ASMR for a long time now. I had experienced it since I was a child, but I learned of the actual term for it 10 years ago. That’s when I started to listen to/watch ASMR videos. It helped with my anxiety, served as a form of stress relief, and allowed me to fall asleep more quickly. I go through phases of which artists I watch, and I’ve currently been enjoying ASMR Twix and esteASMR - can you guess why?

Little Goats: I love my little goats. Donkey and Gus Gus are THE best! They are low maintenance and cause ZERO trouble. While I used to be a “dog person” many moons ago, after the last “puppy” I announced that we would not get another dog once ours all passed away. No worries, we still have a ways to go before that happens. Anyway, instead of a dog or cat I want one or two more goats. They’re just super easy to handle, very chill, and don’t require a lot of attention. And that’s all I want out of an animal these days.

Work Friends: At the beginning of October there was a “New Employee Reception” that I attended at our university. It was to welcome any new faculty/staff that had started within the past 9 months. While there were a few people I knew who attended, the majority were strangers to me. But I walked away from that event with two new acquaintances and future lunch plans. We’re hoping to set up regular lunches on campus to get to know each other better and to provide support for one another. They are both new to this area, new to Texas, and are in completely different career fields from me. However, just like me, they were seeking work friendships. So, I’m grateful for their willingness to get to know me. Here's hoping for the best! 

And that wraps up my gratitude post for this month. What are you grateful for today? This week? This month? What do you do to help bring some positivity back into your day if it's been a bad one? How do you make sure to stay grounded? Do you have any fun things planned for November? Thanksgiving? Do you live somewhere that sees the changing seasons or does it just go from one extreme to another? Let me know below. Until the next post, I hope everyone has a really lovely weekend! Adios!

“It’s okay if growth means slowing down this season.” // Dhiman 

❤

Wordless Wednesday