Archives for January 2017

Update on 2017 Goals

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Early last week, I wrote about my 2017 Goals. It’s only 11 days into the new year, but according to statistics, some people have already given up on their New Year’s resolutions. I wanted to give a little update as to where I am almost 2 weeks in 😀

1. Memorize Scripture each week. This is a lot harder than I thought it would be! I’ve got one verse down and I’m working on the next one, but man, this is hard. I’m busier; I don’t prioritize correctly; my memory is worse….the list could go on and on. But I’m not giving it up because of it’s immense importance.

2. Exercise 3-4 times a week. BIG OLE CHECK ON THIS ONE!! Rejoining the gym has done wonders for me and my exercising. I can make so many excuses for myself when I’m at home and need to do an at home workout, but if I’m at the gym, I have no option but to work out. It even helps that my partner teacher goes to the gym too, so we’ve been going together after school and she’s been showing me some stuff in the weight room. #muscleshereicome

3. Be intentional about what I eat. I have been SO good about this! It’s been really helpful to have 2 friends in a group text where we are constantly encouraging one another about our food. You may think it’s crazy to text someone everything you eat, but it’s great accountability. PLUS we are getting some really good ideas from one another.

4. Monthly date nights with Dustin. We are heading to Memphis this month for a concert, so I’m going to count that as our date night haha! I am excited to try some really good (and healthy) food!

5. Say Yes to what matters and No to the rest. So far everything I’ve said yes to are things that really matter to me.

What about you–how are your New Year’s goals or resolutions going?

Linking up with Shay, Erika, and Jenn!

Benefits of Being a Morning Person

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

At first glance, my iPhone alarms probably make me look like a crazy person. The me three years ago would have thought I was crazy. I used to be the person who would sleep until the last minute possible before having to get up and rush to get ready. I honestly love sleeping.

But it wasn’t until a few years ago when I was first starting my master’s degree that I realized if I wanted to get any blogs read that day (because taking 2 classes at a time while working a full time job left little free time), I was going to have to get it done early in the morning.

So I started waking up 30 minutes before I normally would in order to read a few blogs. Then after that I started waking up a hour earlier than normal in order to read a few blogs and tidy up a few things around the house. And you know what? Now that I’m done with my degree and could sleep in if I wanted, I am hooked on getting up early.

I’ve learned that there are a few benefits to being a morning person. Now that 2017 is only 10 days into the year, it’s not too late to start a new morning routine so you can get up early, too!

You aren’t rushed in the morning.

Getting up early allows for extra time getting ready in the morning. You can slow down and not rush around your bathroom trying to get ready. Instead you can take your time!

You are more productive.

How many of you can say that you’ve washed an entire load of laundry before leaving for work? Or got all of the dishes washed and put away before work? I’ve done both before and it’s made me feel pretty successful! I can walk into work feeling accomplished before my students set foot in my classroom, and it’s all because of everything I did early that morning.

You have time to relax.

If you’re like me and like to get up to allow yourself time to read blogs, you’re probably doing so by yourself in the morning. It’s nice to get up and be the only one awake for an hour. I have zero distractions and can enjoy the peace and quiet in the house before D wakes up.

You’ll be wide awake by the time you get to work.

Back when I used to sleep until the last possible minute, I remember walking into work like a zombie because I hadn’t even been awake for an hour. Not anymore. Now I walk into work energized and alert because I’ve had time to allow myself to slowly wake up.

Tell me–are you a morning person?

Linking up with Whitney

Snowy Weekend Recap!

Monday, January 9, 2017

Weekends that are fun seem to go by so quickly….especially unexpected 3 day weekends! School was cancelled for Friday on Thursday night with the threat of snow and ice to cover the majority of the state of Alabama. It was supposed to hit my area at 11 AM and it didn’t end up hitting until 7:30ish PM that night. It was a nice, free day off of work!

Friday night we went out for a mini-date night for Greek food–MY FAVORITE!! I had the grilled veggie gyro to be a little healthier (I did not eat the chips). My favorite food in the entire world is pizza, but if I had to pick my favorite type of food, it would be Greek!!! I could eat it all and eat it all the time!

Then it started snowing!!! Sadly, I can’t have coffee past lunch otherwise I’ll stay up all night, so I had a caramel apple spice which was perfect and warm! If you aren’t a coffee drinker, I highly recommend that drink.

Can you tell who’s the most excited about the snow?!

It was too cold for these jeans and shoes, but I wore them anyway. #anythingforfashion

Saturday I picked up my sister and we went to Hobby Lobby!

And seeing all of this Valentine’s stuff really made me want to decorate the house.

Then my mom and I did a little shopping. I had to take this picture of her because she looked so cute! She had her skinny jeans tucked into her duck boots and her socks peeking out. So cute!

I fell in love with this top at Anthro but it was too short in the front because I have such a long torso. I really should have taken a picture of the back because it buttoned up!

(P.S. I’m going to do a post on lipstick soon!!!)

So I got this beautiful jumpsuit! My mom and I saw it at the same time and new it would be perfect for me. I love jumpsuits and have a few already–70s clothes coming back in style!!