Day One of 365

Yesterday I started my "new year".  I have a lot of work to do in the next 364 days, but I'm off to a good start.:)  Muncher Cruncher started her Seven-Day Gratitude Challenge -- it was a wonderful way to kick things off.

Morning workout:  3.25 easy miles with Windy.  My hip felt fine, my foot felt fine.  I'm starting to think that these issues are due to inactivity (any amount of sitting).

Ummmmm the Autumn colors here in Chicago are on 10.  It was *crunch, crunch, crunch* nearly the whole way.

Meals:  One of these bad boys for breakfast, plus a small banana.  BROTEIN!<3

Lunch was an Amy's burrito with brown rice -- it didn't look pretty, so I didn't snap it.:P

Afternoon snack -- yum.  Also?  I'm positive that Honeycrisp is the official apple of Autumn.

I had the ABSOLUTE BEST IDEA FOR DINNER LAST NIGHT.  I text Harry with my exclamation...and I wasn't going to be denied.

(Spoiler alert:  He didn't fight me.)

I ended up wanting some tomato soup with mine.  We added bacon and tomatoes to our grilled cheese -- does anyone else do something like this?

In other news, I'm registering for my first race in a while.  I won't be seeking a PR, obvs, but it'll be fun!:)  Any locals running this?!  Let's meet up!

Day one of 365 was a pretty good day!  Off to start day two.  Have a wonderful day and a fantastic weekend!

My Stash. My Rut. My New Year.

Hiiiii!  Long time, no see.  My school year started up, and I seriously haven't had time to think about anything.  I don't mean to sound like a jerk about that -- You all get that we have busy lives, and there's no need to really point it out or talk about it.

*le shrug*

I can't even explain how or why this school year has demolished me.  I'm working at a new school, so I believe all of the changes of students, staff, support, etc. have really wrecked me.  Somehow, that's really messed with me on every level -- emotionally, physically, mentally.  What's weird is that I have so many Teacher friends, ones who have stayed at the same schools and with no major changes happening for them, and they're tanked, as well.  I'm not sure what it is, but we're moving right along, and that's all that matters.

Speaking of which, Halloween was kind of fun!  It took me ehhhhhhhh about 14 pictures to get the right one of Windy in her Halloween costume.  She didn't mind -- she got SO.MANY.COOKIES.

We got the right one (and this legit was the last picture I took of her), and she was a happy pup with all of those cookies in her tummy.

After a long day at school, I was able to break out with a nice stash!  Have I just met all of my students as of nine weeks ago?  Yes.  Have they already figured out that I <3 candy and Nutella?  You betcha. 

It helped that my neighbor, who's a Kindergarten Teacher, brought home her own enormous stash, and she shared with me.:)

Eating half of the candy seen above didn't make me feel great.  To be honest, I'm in some sort of rut for a long, long while.  I'm willing to go into further detail soon, as soon as I feel more organized with my thoughts.  The short version from what I've figured out about my fitness at the moment:  I keep getting injured.  I can't tell if these injuries are all in my head (I certainly don't want to be out for months again!), and I'm in such a rut over it, I'm not allowing myself to consistently work with it (i.e. strength training, Yoga, foam rolling, etc.).  There's something going on with my left hip, left IT band, and left foot (yup...still).  I'm not sleeping well due to the inconsistency.  It's such a mess, y'all.  I haven't been this inactive in years (prior to my injury).

I think that by coming back to blogging, I can keep myself much more accountable with workouts.  That's why some people blog, right?  We used to, anyway.  So I'm bringing it back! 

About ten days ago, Harry told me to make a decision about how I needed to proceed.  Setting a time limit or start date always seems to help me, and he somehow knows that.  So November 1st is my new year -- I don't have to wait until January 1st, dangit.  I have a lot of goals, even though the condition of a few things are questionable.  I'll go into those goals when I know more, and can actually acknowledge goals as realistic. 

In other news, I can't pull off certain attire.

Happy, happy new month, and I hope you have a wonderful day!<3
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Please tell me a motivating story!  I need some inspo!


Do you remember your last rut?  How did you get out of it?


Tell me about a new show you've been watching!
-Sabrina on Netflix!  Dig it!

Called Out, and I'm *THAT* Human

Okay, I'm sorry.  

Explanation, post-reflection, post-realizing that I needed reflection, post-being called out (I mean this in the nicest way possible!) for needing to update here:  The last half of my school year was too stressful for me.  I focused really hard on being the best, most involved P.E. and Health Teacher I could be.  AND I WAS.  I'm still working on my Masters (I'm graduating in December!), and my fitness motivation has been BLURRRRGH for a long while (like, just before being diagnosed with a plantar fascial tear about two years ago).

All of these things lead me to believe that I had nothing to say on here.  To be honest, I most likely didn't.  What it boils down to is too much processing without a ton of output or closure.  When I have a ton of thoughts going through my brain, it's hard to put a pin in anything, let alone explain or analyze a plan of attack.

*LLLLLLLLLE SHRUG*

So here I am, refreshed over a break, focused on work, training, and life in equal parts (lololol let's see how long that lasts!), and kinda itching to say something on the bloggarooney here.

Some new things (!!!!):

Windy started taking swimming lessons over the summer.  She hasn't been running with me much this summer (she's like me -- loathes running in the heat and humidity [though I would take hear early in the morning, often just after dawn]), and this has been a great way for her to move.  She wasn't very fond of the idea of swimming at first, but I think she's starting to really enjoy it.

She's really good at it and her instructors say that she has really good form.  I have a lot to learn from her.:)

 I've gone back to Garmin -- the 935, to be exact.  I don't know why I left in the first place. 

That is totally a drop of sweat under my nose.

I'm teaching at a new school this year!  While I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing, I will definitely miss my colleagues, my administration, and most especially, my students.  There are quite a bit of changes that I'm going to face, and change is pretty tough.  Fingers crossed for me, please!

As excited as I am for the new spot, I'm even more excited to buy new stuff for my equipment closet.  Sophs is always happy to assist with purchasing of new, fun items.  Pool noodles are A MUST.

I started riding on Zwift -- if you ride on your trainer at home or run on a treadmill (I guess with bluetooth capability), then this is a fun way to connect with other riders and runners, and to get a great course workout.

I've been pretty good about going to Bootcamp Conditioning or a Body Pump class once twice a week for the past month or so.  Baby steps.

I'm now *that* human, and made an Instagram for their dog.  Here's Windy's Insta!

I just thought I'd catch you up a bit.  I'm off to get updates on all of you now (that sounds way more awkward than it should).  Have an awesome Monday!

Any CPS Teachers, students or parents out there?  Good luck with your new school year! <3

Beets and Gifts -- Weekly Wrap!

Random:  I am not entirely certain as to how Pandora stations are created; I'm assuming it's done by developers and program searches.  Regardless, huge shoutout to whomever created the Jock Jams station.

Anyyyyywayyyyy

Remember in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" when Harry took the liquid luck and everything seemed to fall into place for him?  Yeah.  That was my Saturday.

P.S.  Yup.  I'm a huge Harry Potter nerd.  Need more proof?

I favor the books, in case you were wondering.

Windy and I went out for an early morning run, and not one single picture I took came out clear.  *le shrug*

It was 50*F -----> shorts weather, in January (!).   Four easy miles for us to start the day.

Breakfast was PERFECT.  Delicious carbs, delicious protein, delicious fat.

I had managed to run, eat a fantastic breaky (slowly, not in the car, at home, at the kitchen island, for once), and get out the door with enough time to get the car washed (!!!!!!) and grab coffee (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) before heading to work.  I am a P.E. Teacher during the week, and a district Sports Conference Commissioner on Saturdays.  It sounds so official, huh?  Really, I just have to make sure games are running on time, and that everything goes smoothly.  I often have to keep score sheets or boards.

It's a pretty good gig.  It does take up most of my Saturdays, as you can see.

I broke away from commissioning (lol) to grab some lunch at the best salad bar in a market (Mariano's!) ever.

The gang on Jillian Michaels' podcast had been discussing the terrific benefits of beets.  I had never tried them before, so I threw a few onto my salad.

And I wasn't mad about them, either.  I think the texture was manageably different for me, but they were definitely tasty.

Here's some nifty information I found!

I went back over to the school for a bit, then came home to Windy, Sophs and Harry, chillin' like a few villains.  I didn't get to see Sophs for my birthday last week, so she (and Windy) waited until this day to give me my present.  AND BOY HOWDY, am I happy about it!  I thanked them (and Harry), and wasted no time scheduling my appointment.

I hung out in bed for a while, finishing a couple of papers for school (not work; grad school).  Windy decided that she needed to be a part of this process.

The best thing ever happened while I was working -- Harry and Sophia took off to Piece Pizza to pick up the most delicious New Haven style 'za in the city.

After dominating several slices of the good stuff, Sophia and I had something very awesome to celebrate:

That was probably one of the best days in quite some time for me.  Everything seemed to line up perfectly, which really gave me feelings of happiness and healing.  I really appreciate days like this!

Also?  The whole gang got together to celebrate Fearless Leader Greg's birthday on Sunday.  It's been quite some time since we've all been together in the same spot!  We also welcomed our newest and youngest member of the group, Charlotte (middle, in the carseat;).

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Monday - REST
Tuesday - 4.1 miles
Wednesday - Harry and I bailed on our evening run -- it happens
Thursday - 4.15 miles
Friday - 3.38 miles
Saturday - 4 miles
Sunday - 10.37 long run miles (I dropped Windy off back at the house after 7.05 miles)

Windy miles = 22.7 miles
Tiffany miles = 26.02 miles

I’m linking up with Holly and Wendy for their weekly wrap link

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Are you a Pandora listener?  Favorite station for running/training?  For chillin'?


Tell me about something new that you tried recently!  Did you like it?


Have you ever had a traditional Thai massage?  Tell me about it!

Nourishment, and on a scale from 1-10...

Windy and I came across the house with the best Christmas lights in the whole 'hood yesterday morning.  I'm in awe at how productive people become the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Sooooooooooooo, I was babbling yesterday about my worry...about what it seems to be my lack of joy, as of late.  (Thank you for the sweet words, by the way!)  I've been listening to this audiobook for a minute, and struck it up for mine and Windy's walkies.

I honestly started thinking that I just should've sat on my hands and not posted about the things that are bothering me, and instead should've just listened to this.  The content I was listening to seemed to be Tiff-scheduled; it pinpointed my current challenges and gave me a ton more insight.  Go figure.:)

I'm going for some 100% nourishment: body, mind and soul.  Oatmeal, pb, and 'nanner is the best way for me to start my day.

Lunch called for soup and salad.  I put WAY too many greens in a small bowl and didn't have enough room for my turkey, bacon and avocado, so I sheepishly skewered my fork through the good stuff, and added the greens on the end of the fork.  Tomato soup on the side to warm my soul a bit.

I always sweeten the deal with some of this yumminess topping my salad.

I was pretty much on cloud 1000000000 at this point in my day.  My classes went smoothly, I felt majorly productive (a.k.a. busting my booty during my prep instead of sitting down and doing nothing), and my food game was savage.

I got home, hugged Windy, and made myself a snack.

For those of you counting, I ate 78.2% of an avocado up to this point.

UMMMMMMMMM THESECAMEINTHEMAIL and I KNOW that I've never been more excited to throw something in the washer!

Windy and I were the only ones in the house for the night; Harry (IT IS HIS BIRTHDAY TODAY!) was out with a buddy.  So, I got to climb into bed with those flannel sheets on it for the first time and it was Heaaaaavennnnnnn!  Some A huge bowl of Harry's leftover turkey chili was dinner, and I called it a night.

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If I had to rate this month on a scale from one to 10, I'd probably give it a 7.2.  It has been my highest mileage month for 2017 (I'll end up with ~80 miles), and while training has been way more solid, I've been a total hot mess express.  

I'm lucky.  I need to say/type that.  I love that my dog blesses me with her presence on four out of five of my weekly runs.  It's awesome that I can still put one foot in front of the other without any pain.  I'm thankful that my healthy lungs keep me moving forward, and that my legs will carry me.

Prediction:  December is going to be a 10.:)

Linking up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia!

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Have you put up your Christmas decorations?  Do you wait until a particular day?
-December 1st for me!


Have you ever had flannel sheets?
-They've never been necessary for me, as a Texan.  I can't believe I waited four and a half years after moving to Chicago to get some!


What was your favorite meal/snack from yesterday?



How would you rate your November? 

"It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small..."

P.S. You can't judge me for quoting a line from a song from "Frozen"!

Stay with me, here:  The upcoming post contains some slightly heavy stuff.  94.3% (realistically) of the time, I am happy, outgoing, and excited about life!  BUT AT THIS VERY MOMENT, I'm going through a ton of reflection.  #SorryNotSorry I gotta get all of this out somewhere.  You're a pretty good listener/reader, so you'll have to be my outlet.

Let's start off with something that has become EXTREMELY obvious to me:  I have been so very anxious.  Over everything.  True story.  I know that we all worry about everything + random things + things that never existed + things we cannot control + things we did a LONG time ago, etc.  Maybe I'm at the point where I'm kind of realizing it, and even worse, that it may be affecting me.

I don't lose sleep that often, and it's been happening a bit lately.  I started thinking about how active I've been, about how low-energy I am, and how my recovery has been shoddy (my legs feel a little heavy when I'm not training).

I was pondering about all of these things while I was out doing my long run yesterday (as we usually do!).  Am I worrying to the point of it physically affecting me?  Is that even possible?  Because seriously, when I get home, I hit the couch like it's my second job.  I'll go for meals that take very little prep time, if any at all, and I feel soooooooo lazy about that.  Simple tasks get put off, because I feel exhausted.

I'm making some changes, nutrition and training-wise, so I'm hoping that I get a bit more energy soon.  I feel like I'll need some major mental and emotional renovations before I can let go of some things that bother me.  I know that's probably the story of everyone's life; I've never really considered stress maintenance before, and with the end of the year right around the corner, it probably feels more overwhelming than usual.  I have a small, short plan, that I can elaborate on later.

What I NEED to focus on (in short):

• Staying healthy and getting stronger
• Being an awesome Physical Educator for my students
• Being a fantastic human to Windy, and wife to Harry
• Keeping my house clean (I'm being very humble about this -- it's never as clean as I want it to be)
• Doing things that make ME ME ME happy! 

What I NEED to STOP worrying about (just a few examples to give you the idea of what I'm legit concerned about as of late):

• HONESTY:  Letting people down.  I love everyone, and I know that everyone loves me.  I don't have to worry about someone not liking me, nor do I have to worry about pissing someone off or awkward social interactions.  
• Traffic -- Chicago Traffic.  Who the frick cares how long it takes me to get from point A to point B?  I have to get there, so why is it a big deal?
• Not doing the right thing.  I'm serious.  That's something DUMB to worry about, and whether I do the wrong thing or not, I'll take into account every detail to make the best decision.

I'm working on that plan now, and even started thinking about it during my run yesterday.  Six of the 11.26 miles were with Windy -- that's a distance PR for her!  This is my longest run this year, and I felt a lot better after sorting through some of my *above* thoughts.

*Cue the line from "Let It Go"*

ALSO -- We are taking off this week for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon weekend -----> I'm doing the half.  It's going to be hilly, and seeing as how I'm pretty undertrained, I'm planning on taking it slow and low.  Getting a little over 11 miles made me feel secure about getting the distance done.

Chocolate milk and a 'nanner + chapped lips + creepy eyes, post-run.

And then this feast for lunch...ohmygaaaaaaaaaaaash.  Turkey breast, smoked bacon, and avocado on toast is my NEW FAVORITE combo for a sammich!  I had the best mini-nap after eating this.  And I dreamed about this sammich.

Windy, PR and all, was out for about 80% of the day.  FYI:  She was snoring when I took this picture. <3

The other 20% was spent begging and high-fivin' (or ten) for some noms.  Dogs:  They get hungry after runs, just like us!

(Side note:  Look at her tail.  She's balanced like a kangaroo.)

Harry made some turkey chili, using Lone Star as a base.  It really was the perfect way to end the long break.

Have an awesome day, friend.  I'll send you hugs if you send me some, too!
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How do you handle stress, friend?  For real.


What was dinner for you last night?


Do you like to hang out and chill when you get home from a long day, or do you get busy with other things?