Move it Monday, farewell 2012!

What better way to send-off 2012 but with a Move-it-Monday post!

Last year in true list-fashion, I created some goals for my 2012, many of these resolutions related to health and fitness.  This year was definitely one full of changes and challenges, but did not go without many times 'savoring the sweet stuff'.  I'm so thankful for all of the blessings this life has given me so far in my 26 years.  

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Written January, 2012:

Less Stuff. Does moving away from all your stuff count?  We're definitely doing this, but not necessarily on purpose.  Crazy how life does that to you sometimes.

More Craft. Unfortunately, not so much.  There is a baby shower in the works for January though! ;)

More Moving. Um, yes! So proud of this goal.  Completed a 10-mile race, 5 mile race, 5K, 10K and TWO half-marathons.  And.... I liked it.

Less Spending. Not so much...

More Vacations. We went to Florida with my family in the hurricane we refer to as "Debby Downer".  I also spent a wonderful few days in Chicago with my parents-- a time I will surely treasure forever.  

More Risks. Whoa.  When I wrote this goal, I didn't quite mean give-up-a-job-you-love-a-house-you-love-friends-you-love-for-living-with-mom-and-dad-risks.  But again, so worth it.  I feel so lucky to be closer to family these past few months.

More Outdoors.Yep! Lots of outdoor runs.

More Dates. Uh huh.

More Books. Besides 50 Shades of Gray and a book I'm reading for school, Willpower, not-so-much.  Bummer.

More Pictures. Since joining the Instagram frenzie-yes!

Less Processed Food. Definitely, but could still improve.

More Water. Yes, and no more soda!

More Sharing. Hopefully... going to be more aware of this goal for next year.

More People. I have met so many wonderful new co-workers!

Less Media. Maybe? Less TV, but probably more phone/computer-time.

More Fun.  Yep!

More Baking. Nope :(

More Calm. Not-so-much.... working on that one :)

Less Regrets. Yes!

2012

I'll be back tomorrow to welcome 2013 with a new list of resolutions.  Happy New Year everyone!

-m

Festive (and comfy) Fashion.

What are you wearing this holiday?

Christmas 2 by allismea featuring waffle long sleeve shirts

Christmas 3 by allismea featuring embroidered belts

Merry Christmas Eve!
-m

What I'm Loving Lately.

Sitting here on this Christmas Eve Eve with a full day ahead with no solid plans.  Slept in, gym checked off for the day, gingerbread cookies in the oven, pot roast in the crock pot and a quiet house.  Is this a joke?

1. Snow. Kansas had it's first snow of the season this week.  There is something about a fresh snow that is just magical.

2. Cooking... well, baking.  So far this holiday I've baked sugar cookies (twice!), brownie trifle, gingerbread cookies and pumpkin muffins.  Savoring the sweet stuff for reals.

3. Amazon.  This year I bought a bunch of gifts online.  I don't know why I haven't done this before... shipped straight to your door and it comes in a box?  I know I'm a little late on this game, but it's a good one.

4. Christmas Cards.  It's so fun to get pretty cards, especially the ones with photos in the REAL mail.  Next year I'll have to steal one of these clever ideas to keep them displayed.

1/2/3

5. Winter Break. My break started one day early this year because of a snow day.  And although I was happy for the snow, I was actually sad to miss the last day before winter break!  Not only were the kids going to be so excited, but the faculty had some sweet holiday plans for that day, too.  Oh well, I got lots of wrapping done, as well as some extra time with my mama. 

6. Family. Speaking of mama, she's recovering from a little surgery this week.  I am so thankful for excellent nurses and doctors, and for good news before the holiday. We have lots of fun plans ahead these next few days. J's family has lots of babies that I'll get to snuggle with all day tomorrow, and my family will all be together for Christmas Day.  I can't wait to catch up with everyone.  It really is the best time of the year.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

-m

2 years.

Two years ago we walked down the aisle in a rustic old barn warmed by the glow of Christmas lights and recited our vows.

If only then I knew that the happiness of that day was just the beginning.

  

I am forever grateful for the love I share with my husband.  To many years of living life to the fullest next to your side, I love you Justin!

What's in my {gym} bag?

Hi guys!  I know, I'm still in shock myself, but here I am sticking with my word and linking up with The Domestic Wannabe for "Move it Monday".

As far as workouts go, this week was not my finest.  With excuse after excuse, and finally a cold that settled in for the weekend, I only managed 3 workouts.  I did get a chance, however, to try out a new class at the gym called Ballet Booty.  As a former dancer, this looked like the least intimidating class on the list.  It lasted about one hour, and consisted of a mix of floor/pilates and barre work.  I didn't sweat much, but I was definitely working out muscles that I haven't in a LONG time.  It felt good, and I'll be back this week.  My plan is to try out Spin Cycle tonight with J.  I'm imagining this class to be like a disco on a bike... we'll see if it lives up to that dream.

Without home decorating to discuss, I'm lacking inspiration for this blog.  Therefore, I've decided to start a "What's in my bag?" series.  I plan to discuss some of my favorite things in my makeup bag, grocery bag, travel bag, etc.  Hopefully I'll hear about some of your favorites, too!

• 1. Ascis GEL Cumulus 14 Running Shoes.  A good shoe is a MUST.
• 2. Target's C9 1/2 Zip Running Top.  This top is the pefect weight for 40-60 degree weather and it comes in a rainbow of fun colors.  It's also long enought that when I raise my arms I'm not flashing anyone, a plus.
• 3. Target's C9 Running Knee Tight.  The drawstring and key pocket make this my go-to pant.
• 4. Camelbak Waterbottle.  I could use about 5 more of these.
• 5. Thorlo Running Socks.  I got mine for TJMaxx for about $6 a pair.
• 6. Iphone Armband and Earphones.  
• 7. Can't workout without the MapmyRun app running on my phone to tell me my pace, distance, and calories burned.  

What's in your gym bag that you can't live without?

-m

At the moment.

:: Obsessing over...

Instagram see here.

:: Working on... 

Balancing.  Not standing on one foot (although I could work on that, too), but balancing work, friends, family, husband, myself, workouts, etc.  Maybe I should consider less computer time? :)
Found this article that I've been trying to revisit each day. A definite must read about making priorities.

:: Thinking about...

Shopping!  I get about a bajillion emails all day long that tempt me with shiny, glittery goodies. Stop tempting me, Sephora!

:: Anticipating...

Seeing friends!  The holidays are an excellent excuse to make lots of party plans.  I'll be kicking it off right with an ugly sweater party this weekend and gingerbread house making!

:: Listening to...

Christmas music.  There's something wonderful about waltzing around in the morning to Jingles Bells.

:: Munching on... 

Again with the holiday theme, peppermint tea, dark chocolate, peppermint Hershey's kisses.  Unfortunately, not all at once. 

:: Thankful for...

The spirit of my students.  They sing and dance and jump around until my eyes are crossed but their spirit is contagious!  A good dose of 7th grade craziness warms me up and makes me smile.  That being said, I'm also thankful for Winter Break.

Hope you all are having a good week!

-m

Instagram Challenge.

It took me a few days, but I've finally got the hang of the Instagram thing, and I must say, I'm loving it!  I find myself taking pictures all the time of the most random things and feeling some unhealthy urge to post them publicly.  Something about the square, filtered photos and getting "likes" just works for me. The hardest part? Figuring out what to write as a caption... #bigdeal.

By the way, thanks for my 27 followers, and the random "likes"for putting up with me as I learn.  I'm not the only one who thought it was a "hatchtag", right? Oy.  As far as taking pictures around the theme "thankful", that was more difficult that I had thought.  I'm thankful for a lot, but it's not always in front of me to capture in a picture.  I promise I'm thankful for more than my dog, the sunset, and my shoes, but that just happens to be what I see when I remember this goal. :)

Alas, here are some photos I captured this month.  For December, I'm going to jump on the FMSphotoaday Challenge.  Follow me @meaghan_ag!

My longest run to date- 15 miles! 

Love.

Fresh mani with color from good friend, AB!

Proud.

Thursday night happy hour with J.

Brother-in-law's Bday!

Ready for holiday cooking and crafting!

Field Trip with 7th graders.  'nuff said.

Boom! 1/2 marathon.

Birchbox goodies.

Oh, Sadie.

What would I do without TJ's? 

Lil brother, Nate and his pup, Isaac!

Thanksgiving break.

Luminary Walk.

Sundays.

Book sale!

Cyber Monday shopping setting.

New gift to this world, Gideon!

TALL trees on a 65 degree November day.

OOTD. Stripes, spots and sparkle.

puppies!

Date night.

Hope you have a great week! 

-m

Move it Monday.

My super-fab friend TheDomesticWannabe has been participating in "Move it Monday" for quite some time now.  Watching her reach her health and fitness goals and post all about has been so motivating to me!  (so proud of you, girl!)   I've talked about running quite a bit on this blog, but I've never "linked up" with Move it Monday... until now! Now that my blog is all spiffed up (by her!), I figured I'd do my best to join in.  Not only do I hope this helps keep me motivated, but I hope that others join in and motivate each other as well.

That's us before the 1/2, dark and early!

Did I mention my BFF is pregnant?  Yeah.... she's no joke.

To be honest, I'm in a bit of an awkward place with fitness.  I've reached my goal to run 3 miles (back in January), then 5, 6, 8, 10 and have just finished my SECOND half marathon two weeks ago.  Writing that just now, I think, really? Did I do that?  It really is awesome, and I'm proud, but I'm not done.  Running has absolutely given me so much pride and strength, and I really can't imagine my 26th year of life without it.

So what's awkward? I'm not quite sure what to do next.  I've toyed with the idea of a full marathon.  Justin and I both started training, and even picked one out to do in February.  I scheduled all of the workouts, and began training, but it just wasn't there.  I'm not ready for it, and neither is he.  Not yet, anyway.  I don't want to train in the FREEZING cold, and I don't have a lot of extra time on my hands this time of year.  Excuses, excuses.

1/2 #2

So, we joined a gym!  I haven't actually been yet, because of course its now 65 degrees in December. I've stuck with my comfort zone of the pavement, but I plan to try a few classes this week and see what I think.  They have a cycle class and some other strength-type classes that look fun.  We'll see!

My goal is to maintain a 10 mile run every other weekend, with maintenance runs and cross-training classes in-between.  I've already signed up for a 1/2 marathon in March and am looking forward to beating my PR time of 2:19!

Until next time (which is hopefully next Monday......... ) :)
-m

I've got good ones.

Friends, that is.

Thanks to my BFF, thedomesticwannabe, this blog looks AMAZEBALLS!!!  Here's to more posts including more pictures, more pretty things and most definitely more food and shopping garble. 

-m