3 Things That Changed My Mindset

A few weeks ago I noticed that I was cranky and just feeling blah for whatever reason. After reflecting on how I was feeling, I realized that I was just exhausted. While I was able to do things for myself but I wasn't really enjoying them. I needed a reset and I needed a clean slate to start from. 

I took a few days off from everything. Sometimes it's important to do that because it really forces you to appreciate those things and I was blown away at what a difference it made for me. 

There are 3 crucial things that I have implemented that have really changed everything. 

1. Getting up at least 2 hours before E during the week. 

This has been one of the best things I've started doing. I am able to get things done that I need to or that I want to. More often than not I just enjoy a cup tea and watch the sunrise. I noticed that if I got up when she did I felt sluggish and it just didn't start the day out on the right foot. It didn't benefit me and it certainly didn't benefit her. I feel more productive during the day and have been in a much better mood.

2. Focus on me during my SLAM workouts. 

One things about group fitness classes is that it's hard to not compare yourself to others. It's hard to not wish that you were faster, stronger, tougher, leaner, etc. I struggled with this SO much when we were in Kansas and unfortunately it carried over here at my new SLAM location. I took a few days off to reevaluate how I was feeling and realized that I was the problem. I had to let go of whatever feelings I had and just get to work. Wow, what a difference it has made. The only competition for me is me. I am so much happier and I am feeling renewed in my love for SLAM.

3. Stop worrying about what others think. 

I know there are so many of us that deal with this. We worry about what other's think about our choices, how we parent, how we live, how we worship, etc. At the end of the day it does not matter what other's think. As long as I'm happy and my family is happy, that's all that matters. The opinion of someone else should have zero bearing on what I do. I feel like a weight has been lifted. What others think of you has everything to do with them and nothing to do with you.

These 3 relatively simple things have made all the difference in the world for me.

Are there things you want to change? 

Weekend Recap!

What a fun weekend we have had! Why you ask!? Well, Kyle had a 3 day weekend. Let me just say that his work schedule isn't very forgiving when it comes to time so when I found out he had a long weekend I was elated. 

The weather was amazing on Friday so we decided to head to a place called the Aloha Safari Zoo. All of the animals there are rescues and they are operated completely on donations. 

E had an absolute blast!! She loved running around, feeding and petting so many different animals. We took the safari ride down to the bigger area where we saw elands, wild hogs, llamas, alpacas, and donkeys. 

One of the highlights for me was being able to feed the giraffe named Stretch. This sweet boy was illegally owned and kept in a barn that was too small for him. It stunted his growth and he is 5 feet shorter than what he should be. It was amazing.

We spent about 2 hours there and had the best time. We can't wait to take family there. If you are ever in this area, do yourself a favor and go! It's so worth it. 

It was an early Saturday morning for us since we had a race. We were out the door by 5:30am. We were running an event benefiting a local animal rescue and adoption center. It was quite a unique event. They had both a 5k and 10k, however you could run both and participate in the challenge. We started the 5k at 7:15am and then the 10k at 8:15am. Kyle is pretty much amazing and pushed E for both of them. I usually run with her during the week so it was nice to go hands free. 

I honestly had no times in mind and just wanted to finish. The courses were hilly but the weather was gorgeous so it balanced out haha. 

We checked the results and I was shocked to find out that I placed 1st in my age group for both the 5k and the 10k. I definitely did not expect that.

It was awesome running an event that benefited such a great cause, let's face it that is why we do it. We love supporting local organizations. 

Later in the day I headed off to get my hair done. I didn't want much length cut off but I wanted a new color. I went with a red tone and I love it! Now that I have a good base, I will go much bolder at my next appointment. 

The rest of the night was pretty relaxed. We watched the movie Waiting, for what feels like the millionth time haha, but it's just too good not to watch when it's on.

We slept in on Sunday, which we rarely do. However, I had to get going on my longest run of this training cycle. Having raced the day before I was nervous but as I got going I felt strong and so confident. 

It feels so good to have this run in the books! The big day is coming quickly! 

The rest of the day was so relaxed. We ran a few errands but we mostly just hung out at home and enjoyed the family time. You cannot replace that time together. It's the best.

It was such a great weekend and I hope y'all had a great one too!

Life Lately

Since we came back from Florida we have been doing our best to keep busy. 

One day a week E and I spend time at the splash pad. It's convenient because it's at the same park where my SLAM class meets. We usually stay for about 45 minutes which is more than enough time for her and then we head off to lunch at Chick Fil A. It has become a tradition for us and I love it.

One of the things that I've always wanted to do with her is bake. Well, that time has finally come! I feel like she is old enough to finally understand. She helped me make cookies last week and it was so fun. She was so happy dumping in the ingredients and only stole a few chocolate chips haha.

We had so much fun and I can't wait to do it more often.

Kyle finally had a weekend at home and it was so nice to spend that time together. We ran a 5k on post on Saturday and for the first time in a while, I wasn't pushing the stroller. Woo!!! It was nice to hand that duty off to him. 

E has been loving all of the daddy time, I'm happy to step back a bit and let them have that time. We ventured out to Southern Pines one day and it was so fun watching them giggle and be silly together.

We are heading back to Florida for Labor Day weekend and E's 2nd birthday (holy cow!!!!) and then when we get back she will start preschool! We are so excited for her to have this school to go to 3 days a week. I recently saw a post where someone insinuated that preschool for a 2 year old is basically daycare. Excuse me while I roll my eyes back into my head. It's going to be great for her socialization and will help her with structure and to be around other kids and adults that aren't family.

I had to get the windshield on my car replaced. A nice rock hit it while I was in Florida and it just continued to crack down the passenger side. Thank goodness for Safelite, they were able to replace it and recalibrate my camera system in less than 2 hours. It's not a great photo but you can definitely see the crack.

We are also in the early stages of planning a trip to Disneyworld in February!!! My sister and I signed up to run the Fairy Tale Challenge during the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend so we thought why not make it a family affair. Kyle's boss has already told him that he should be good to go (thank goodness!!). It is going to be so fun to have the whole family together at Disney. 

Things are going to continue to be busy around here but we are also soaking up the family time we do get since Kyle will be in and out a lot, such is the life of an Army family.

Hope y'all have a great day!

Chicago Marathon Training: Update

It's hard to believe that today marks the start of week 8 of training! I only have 7 weeks until the big day! Holy cow it's coming quickly.

I really feel like things have been going well. I run 5 days a week with a cross training day and then I have a rest day which is an absolute must. I feel like the training plan I selected is working out so much better than I thought it would. Thank goodness haha.

I have completed 2 of my long training runs up to this point and I couldn't be happier with how they went.

They were incredibly consistent as far as pace and that is what I want. I am not trying to kill myself but I want to stay at a moderate speed and build up my endurance for my 20 miler coming up this weekend. 

One of the things that I had to end up doing was buy a treadmill. Kyle's work schedule is incredibly unpredictable and I can't depend on him being home when I need to run. By buying a treadmill, I'm able to get these long runs done when I need to. Is it ideal, no, but the training has to get done. I can run during E's nap time and when she goes to bed. I still do the majority of my running outside but having this has really been a game changer. There are ways to mimic running outside, by adding incline helps.

I am so excited that I am so close to checking off another marathon off my list. After my first one I never thought I would pursue another but I feel strong and I am excited to see how this turns out.

It's going to be amazing being a part of Team Homes for our Troops that weekend! If you are interested, I am still taking donations for this amazing cause. Any little bit helps. Fundraiser.

Chicago, I'm coming for you!!!

Home Tour: Part 2

I am so sorry that Part 2 of the Home Tour has taken so long to put together! It's been a chore getting the rest of the house complete haha well mostly Kyle's man cave. If you missed Part I, click this link.

Without further ado, here is the rest of our home!

When we were looking for homes we knew that we needed a dedicated playroom for E. I absolutely love her space. I wanted the decorations to be fun but educational. My favorite is the solar system decals. She has a TV in there to watch cartoons if she wants and it has already proven to be really nice.

The next room you come to is the laundry room. I love that it's upstairs and that I don't have to drag laundry baskets up and down the stairs. It is HUGE!!! To the left we have Fishy's litter box plus his food and water. Eventually I would love to have my Dad build shelving on the far wall for storage.

If you continue right down the hallway you will come to Kyle's man cave. Since our first house we have always agreed that he has to have his own space. I don't want his gaming system downstairs and he likes to have a space he can retreat to and really relax. Believe me it's beneficial for our marriage to have our own space sometimes. He is still working on hanging things but he is happy with how it looks so far.

Connecting his room and the guest bedroom is a Jack and Jill bathroom. I've always wanted one and it's already proven to be awesome. It's the perfect size and great for guests.

This leads to the guest bedroom. I've never put too much thought into this room until now. I wanted it to be welcoming and cozy. I think I achieved that. I purchased that luggage rack on Amazon as well as the bedding. 

Continuing on we come to E's bathroom. I had no idea what I wanted her theme to be and then as I was browsing the aisles at Target it jumped out at me. FLAMINGOS!! Almost everything came from Target except for the artwork which came from Hobby Lobby and the baskets are from Amazon. It's such a fun bathroom and makes me smile every time I open the door.

Next is E's bedroom. I wanted her room to be fun. Nothing fancy and nothing over the top. We don't keep many of her toys in there because she has the playroom but her books are in there as well as some puzzles. The artwork in her room are some of my favorites. The E above her bed was made by sister with buttons from my Mom's clothes and it's so special. She loves her room and we spend quite a lot of time in there.

The last rooms upstairs are our bedroom/bathroom. It is MASSIVE. I'm not exaggerating either haha. This is by far the largest bedroom we have ever had. There are his/her walk in closets which is pretty darn awesome. 

The bathroom is my favorite space. I was adamant about having a bathtub. Not only did I get that but I got a 6 foot long bathtub haha.

 

 

 

I hope y'all enjoyed seeing the rest of our house! 

Florida Fun!

Happy Tuesday everyone! I'm currently on the road headed back home after a great 4 days in Florida!

E and I hopped in the car early Thursday morning and made our way to visit my family. We had such a great time. It was nice to just relax and hang out. We were bummed that Kyle wasn't able to go with us but he will be able to go back with us over Labor Day Weekend. 

My niece and nephew were staying at my Dad's house so E was thrilled that her cousins were there to play with right away. 

We headed over to my sister and brother in laws new house for them to surprise the kiddos with a new boat! They were so excited!

On Friday we headed out to test the boat. It was so much fun and a beautiful day! They live close to Destin so we headed out to the bay and a place called Crab Island. Everyone had so much fun until a massive rainstorm came in and soaked us haha. It was a mad dash to get everyone out of the boat and get the boat loaded. 

Saturday was more relaxed and low key. I headed out for an 8 mile run and really enjoyed the scenery around my Dad's house. He lives in a pretty small town so it was a nice quiet run. 

Afterwards we all headed to bass pro shop and then we went bowling. It was so much fun! We bowled two games and the kids got to play in the arcade for a while. E did so good, she was content just eating pizza and watching all the action.

Sunday was our busiest day. It was my brother in law, Joe's birthday so we headed out bright and early for some fun on the boat. We went to Crab Island again, anchored the boat, and swam for a little while. The water is really shallow so E was able to play without fear. She absolutely loved it! We were able to do some tubing too and it was a blast. It was such a gorgeous day.

Then it was time for his birthday dinner. We went to a place in Destin called Pompano Joe's, it was right on the water and such a beautiful view.

We ended the birthday festivities with cake and ice cream back at the house and then I headed out for my run. It was a gorgeous night and the views by the water were amazing.

We all stayed at my sister's so we could see the kids on their first day of school yesterday. I went with my sister to take them. Definitely big days for both of them. :)

It was a great visit and I'm looking forward to going back at the end of the month.

I hope y'all had a great weekend!