Best of 2013: Positively Present

Every day I receive certain bloggers emails many that offer advice or ideas to keep a present lifestyle. One of my favorites positively present wrote about creating a list of the bests of the past year so I thought it would be fun to try it out for the first time. 

Original article: http://www.positivelypresent.com/2013/12/the-best-of-2013.html

Stephanie's Best of 2013:

- Ran in 4 races (running for a buddy!)

- Swam in a triathlon

- Recieved 3 grants for my classroom

- Went to NCCAT and received a scholarship for my time there

- Celebrated my Grandmother's 80th Birthday 

- Collaborated with co-workers on fun opportunities

- Started my National Boards process

- Left my 2nd job to give more time to me

- Joined weight watchers/Galloway

- Spent Valentine's Day with my bestie <3

- Ran the lottery to run the Beach to Beacon

- Went to PA and SC this year on road trips 

What are some of your bests for 2013?

Inspiration for the Day

Galloway Run #2

This past weekend was my 2nd Galloway run of the season and we ran/walked 7.2 miles. Wohoo! I haven't done that distance since I did my half marathon in November. When we started the run it was 25 degrees out and when we ended it was warmed up to 32... It was chilly! For the first mile I could barely feel anything but once I got my body moving it was much more tolerable. Next week we are doing 8 miles. Last week we were supposed to do 6 but they made it longer for water stations. I can't believe how much better my body feels with walk breaks in between runs. There is truly something amazing about this program!

Reflections of 365 days

What a change a year can make... even a few days...

Last year, Hayleigh and I ate every week at La Cocina our favorite mexican place. We haven't been there in months. Mexican is not super weight watchers friendly: Hayleigh joined weight watchers and has lost over 90 lbs.... Amazing!!!

Last year, I was living in my apartment enjoying the smell of the heat that really smelt like burnt dust. For some reason, I like that smell. Thinking about getting pets but having no commitment to them. Now I live with Phil and his two cats in a teeny apartment that doesn't smell like burnt dust.

Last year, I was single and trying online dating to try to find someone who would be a perfect match for me. I was happy being single and just taking my time to enjoy the process of dating but I certainly wanted more. This past July I met someone who changed my perspective and every day since then I have been able to be myself as well as a partner in an amazing journey.

Though I was happy through out this year I have seen these little changes as blessings. That I know now that relationships change because we have a greater purpose and that people come into our lives for reasons we don't always know.

Hope that you have a little time for reflection and feel free to post your thoughts!

New Years Goals

           www.simplifiedbee.com

Happy New Year’s 2014! 

I am not a big fan of New Years resolutions... maybe because I never really stick with them and the first week of flossing or eating in drives me crazy by the second week so I set year long goals. Small things that are a slight challenge but achievable.

My goals for the year 2014 are:

1.) Read 50 books
2.) Run 500 miles
3.) Lose 50 lbs. (goal weight)
4.) Run 5 half marathons (get my triple crown medal!)
5.) Finish my National Boards (survive: 5 entries) 

Common theme of 5 this year... too bad that it is not the year 2015. Maybe next year! I am looking forward to what this year has to offer and accomplishing all of my goals. Wishing you all a very bright start to the New Year!

Do you set resolutions, goals or something else for the start of the year? Have they been successful for you?

Summerville Christmas

After spending a few days with Phil's mom and her husband Tim we headed just down the street to his Dad's and his wife Gretchen's. We went to a Christmas Party with Phil's soccer friends from grade school. Some which live in the Durham area. We had a great time celebrating the holidays and Hayden (Phil's brother) birthday.

Tuesday, we ventured into downtown Summerville where Phil who had a pretty bad cold had thai hot noodles. (Which I tried this past weekend and had a lot of bread and a cup of rice to squelch the amazingly hot noodles. Never again.... so hot!) The Pick Thai restaurant that is in Summerville is quite delicious and definitely worth a try if you are in the area. After lunch it was quite chilly so I found a cute cafe and thankfully they had a delicious chai latte which I now got Gretchen hooked unto.

The walk around Summerville was chilly but we were able to find little shops that were locally owned. I found this one in particular to be interesting because it had a lot of Maine products. I might have to go back again. Tuesday night we had Christmas dinner since we would be leaving Christmas afternoon because Phil had to work on Thursday.

Christmas morning was the hardest thing for me because I hadn't anticipated it being as tough to be away from family but thankfully we were able to skype which made it a little easier. <3

I hope everyone had a great holiday!

Charleston for a few days...

This past Christmas was the first one with Phil and the first one away from my family. We went to Summerville, SC to visit Phil's family. The first few days it was so nice out in the 80's. I was happy to wear my flip flops and dresses in December.

On Sunday, Phil's mom and stepdad took us to the Folly Beach to have drinks overlooking the ocean and then we ventured down the block to find a restaurant for dinner and had fish tacos which were delicious. We also got to walk along the ocean and watch the stars which was beautiful. Once we got to the ocean our beautiful day turned quite chilly by the ocean breeze. Thankfully, the bar had fire pits where we sat and drank drinks while looking at the ocean. Doesn't get much better than that!

Then we went to Hominy Grill for brunch on Monday. It was delicious. The Hominy Grill has been featured on the food network. Fancy and well worth the shout out. We went to the Charleston market and I found a cute present for Hayleigh and hematite rocks for my classroom. We were able to go to a hotel and sit and watch the harbor while enjoying a drink and some jelly beans. After we went to Battery Park which I had never been to and it was extremely breezy so we only stayed for a few minutes.

For the rest of the day we decided to enjoy some blue crabs which I have never had before. They were delicious but much more time consuming than lobster. We spent several hours eating shrimp and crabs. Definitely an amazing few days in the Charleston area.

Holiday Vacation!

In only a few short hours, I will be on holiday vacation. What a perfect time for me to enjoy the very few spoils of being a teacher. I will be busy going to South Carolina this year and taking much needed opportunity to relax, work on National Board entries and to reflect on what the next semester will bring. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

<3

Jimmy Fallon is an inspiration in the Classroom....

This wonderful video was an inspiration for a classroom project for my students who created their own montage of pop culture music tied in with their curriculum. Win for diversifying lesson plans!

Wiggs Christmas Party

Phil looking fancy with my sweater.

<3

This past Saturday, Phil and I were invited to Elizabeth and Trey's house in Apex for a Christmas Party. I met Liz at NCCAT and we instantly bonded (it's not difficult she is hilarious!!!) We both had a great time. Plenty of entertainment, awesome food and drinks. Phil and Trey talked lots of Science things since Trey is a Bio-technologist and Phil is a Molecular Technician. Science!

Trey was nice enough to give us a tour of their townhouse. They have the largest townhouse I have ever seen in my life. It is beautiful! Liz is an awesome English Teacher and named her house Tara after Gone with the Wind which I still haven't read or seen. It's on my book list to be read. Pretty much, a delightful evening and I can't wait for trivia nights starting back soon.

The Making of a Bruins fan...

www.pinterest.com

A few weeks ago, I decided to buy NHL live which allows me to watch the Bruins any time that I would like.... well almost every time but still... greatness. Phil has become even as passionate about hockey as I am.... ahhh... a match made in heaven.

I have always liked the Bruins but since moving to North Carolina where it is Hurricane country I have come to appreciate the Bruins more because they remind me of home. My Dad used to play hockey and I used to go watch his games which I could barely see because I was so young. And, of course now that I have Phil to enjoy the games with me; it makes the experience even better!

The best Christmas gift... or gift ever...

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about.... Christmas and of course gift giving. I was thinking that maybe the clue to the best gifts were in thinking of all the gifts that I have cherished over the years.

Some of my favorite gifts I have ever received have been the random thoughtful gifts that thankfully don't cost much money (because budget friendly is my favorite word this season). These gifts are my absolute favorite because they are very thoughtful and have the gift receiver in mind. Here's a few of my favorites:

Reminiscent gift: Hayleigh gave me a pint glass last year that said "Bringing awesomeness since 2011" which I always drink out of because of course it is awesome. Hayleigh and I have been through many fun times and it is nice to look at the glass and think of all the time we have shared together.

Coupon Books: My parents would give us coupon books for: game nights, movie with mom/dad, pizza nights. Things that didn't cost much but I remember so much because it was time that I was able to spend with my family.

Experiences: My Uncle Pete and Aunt Kim would always spend one on one time with my sisters and I. We would go out to the mall or on adventures to find a view to see Mount Washington. Either way, it was great to spend time with just them especially growing up with 2 younger sisters. When I have nieces or nephews I hope to carry on the tradition that Uncle Pete started.

Here are some other articles in giving personal experiences or gifts: the best presents in my opinion.

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/giving-experiences-not-things-this-holiday-season/

http://citymomsblog.com/desmoines/giving-the-gift-of-experiences/

What are your thoughts? What are the best gifts you have given or received?

Galloway Run #1: 4 Miler

This past Saturday, I convinced (Phil convinced) me to go to the Galloway training group. We were doing 4 miles which to me is a easy distance but when you have to wake up at 6:30 am on a Saturday and run in 38 degree weather, you think twice. When I got there, I noticed that everyone had gloves. Wow... that would have been smart, I thought. We were running at Raleigh Running Outfitters off of Sawmill Road in Raleigh. The owner of the store offered us a generous discount for that day.... which meant I had to get some gloves. Yes!

The director of the program announced all of the rules/procedures for the run which were quite intricate (we have to yell every time the curb breaks or a car is coming) all wise things though.

Once all of the other groups were done we began our race and it was nice to be able to talk to someone and not feel like I was going to die from my lungs having no air. We did a run/walk/run pattern of 1:1 minute. I loved it. It was the perfect time to just get started and then come back down again. When I was finished, I was so impressed with how good my muscles felt. I was on cloud 9.... dancing and singing in my car. Definitely looking forward to next week. 5 miles. Then 6, then 8. Yikies! But, I am so looking forward to being able to complete races and be able to walk afterwards. It's the simple things in life. :)

Birch Box: The best box in the world!

After reading Kath Eats (katheats.com), she suggested this wonderful gift box which sends you beauty samples based on your preferences once a month. They send you 5-6 samples which you are able to rate or buy more if you would like the full size.

I am not very big on beauty products so for me I love this idea because I can learn a little bit more about different products and they give you tips and pointers on how to use the samples that you receive. Which is great for the uneducated beauty folk, like me.

I was so excited when I recieve it that I almost ripped the box. If you would like to try one go to www.birchbox.com. There is a 2 week waiting list to just start your account. Clearly other people find this to be a great idea as well!

Here is my first box. It came with: a chocolate bar with pop rocks in it which was quite alarming, leave in conditioner, body cream, a nail polish which I love the color of and my favorite a highlighting pencil. I also love that they send you emails about tips and tricks on how to use the products. Since, I am not very good at understanding how to use make up the helpful hints make me feel like I can actually use all of these products! <3

Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving

For Thanksgiving, Phil and I were invited to Justin and Caty's for a Friendsgiving. Due to everyone having lots of Thanksgiving food we all made something not typical of the a Thanksgiving menu. Phil and I made chinese dumplings which are delicious. We are actually making them for dinner tonight. Caty made a delicious spinach lasagna which was over the top good. I was glad that we were offered leftovers from that meal. We have been eating leftovers for the past week and a half to try to reduce all of the food in the fridge. 

On Black Friday, I bought some of my favorites: DVD's. It is certainly the best day of the year to get great deals on seasons of shows. Since I don't have cable I like to buy the seasons and when they are $30 off, even better! Here is what I was able to get this year: yay! 

Galloway Program

www.raleighgalloway.com

I decided a month ago to join the Galloway training program for half marathons. They have marathon options as well. My friend Meredith has used this method and has been injury free for two half marathons and multiple road races.

Yesterday, I went to the first day and received my training book, t-shirt and hat. I love the shirt and am excited to wear it this weekend for my first run with the program. It was pouring rain yesterday so I opted not to get my feet all blistered up for one training run. I am looking forward to running with people that are in my pace group since I am a very slow runner. I am signed up for multiple road races in the spring which is why I am going to use the training program. 

Training Plan for this week:

Monday: strength training/cardio

Tuesday: 30 minute run

Wednesday: strength training/cardio

Thursday: 30 minute run

Friday: yoga

Saturday: 4 mile run with Galloway Team

Sunday: rest day

Having extra time off every afternoon has allowed me to work out more after school and has been great for Hay, Carly and I to spend more time decompressing from the day and spending time with each other. :)

I am almost working on this plank challenge. I started it in Novmeber but stopped after my half marathon so I wanted to try again. I really like this challenge because I feel stronger every time I do a plank which I am sure is true and plus it is nice to feel like I am getting a good core workout in.

50 Book Challenge

On my positively present email a few weeks ago, the blogger read 100 books in a year. Wow!

So, I decided to attempt a pledge of 50 books for 2014. Phil and I are going to take the challenge together which I am looking forward to. About a book a week. Durham has a wonderful library which will help me get through this challenge. I will post my challenge on here to share the books that I am reading in 2014.

Any book suggestions? 

Tis the season <3

This year will be the first year that I will not spend the holidays with my family. Plane tickets were almost $500. Yikies! I will certainly miss my family and all of our wonderful traditions. We always spend Christmas Eve with my mom's family and then we used to work around my Dad's schedule for the events of Christmas. This was the first year that my Dad would be free for both days...bummer! Thankfully I will be going to Phil's hometown in South Carolina to spend the holidays with his family. I love pinning new ideas about holiday traditions. It is interesting to see what traditions each family has. I will also get to spend the holidays with two adorable cats and Phil. 

What are some of your holiday traditions?

The Culprit: Sweets!

I am so proud of myself! I did not eat any of these delicious looking point ruiners. Sweets are my favorite things: they help me when I have a good, bad, not so great, awesome, worrisome day. Well, I thought they helped. Now, I am tracking all of my feelings after I eat sweets...like does my stomach hurt, is my stress gone, do I feel like this was a good decision? Guilt is a powerful motivator for me to continue eating sweets. Which then just adds the points on...who woulda thunk it? 

I am beginning to see the light and idea behind weight watchers of the small changes. I am tracking my points online and on paper so I can set small goals every week and be able to track them. This week I am working in drinking more water and to ask myself if I am hungry or if I am thirsty? 

Please feel free to share any stories of your own with the culprits behind living a healthy lifestyle.

Crossroads

A few weeks ago, I had to make a tough decision about my second job. Now that I am living in Durham it was a struggle for me to be motivated to drive all the way to Raleigh to do my second job for three hours a day, five days a week. After teaching all day, I would be exhausted so I wasn't able to give it my all and I was driving 100 miles a day. Yikies! After weighing the lord and cons, I decided to just commit to one job and make time in my life for other things like working out more and spending more time with my friends. It has certainly been an adjustment to have more time on my hands but I am looking forward to seeing all of the awesome things I can do with my new free time! 

<3

Moving Day for the Murphy's

Phil and I helped Whitney and Jimmy move...well, I should say Phil helped way more than me. I took a ton of photos of the beautiful Miss Lydia. My friends are having babies all around me and it is a blessing to spend time with them and share in the beginning of their lives. I can't wait to see Lydia and Addy grow up and see all my friends build their families. 

Lydia kept on wanting to be switched from me to Phil. Evidentially it is a big compliment to Phil that she even wants to be held because Jimmy is the only one that she likes to hold her. She has quite a good grip and pulled on Phil's lip and beard. Thankfully, I wasn't wearing any jewelry!

A chunk full of beard!

And then, the cuteness continues....

Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of Addy but will post some soon!