Ramblings.

This post has been swirling around in my head for the past week or two.  The end of summer... back to work... starting daycare... keeping it all together... you get the picture.  I'm not usually so open with word vomit, but for the sake of documenting the everyday, here's my babble:
Warning: I can be sickeningly optimistic, and am rambling about the bright side in most of what follows. :)

Reflecting back on this year so far, I remember my resolution, or more specifically my word for the year (or however I put it). BALANCE.  I feel as if I've been tested in keeping my life balanced more than ever lately.  And I know that this is no new feat for all of you veteran parents out there, but let me just tell you, the struggle is real, ya'll.

It is really my strong belief at this point in my life that being happy and successful has a lot to do with BALANCE.  (As cliche' as it might sound)  Yes, there are a billion other factors, many of which are out of our control, but keeping a centered, solid ground between the extremes has served itself well for me thus far. Now, actually following through with this is the tough part.

This summer I've had the opportunity to catch up with so many friends that I just do not have time to stay in touch with during the school year.  I LOVE reconnecting with these people, and I wish I had time to see them all more often. However, being a mom has also meant having to say "no" to some of these get-togethers.  If you know me, you know that I'm somewhat (okay, a lot a bit) of a people-pleaser.  It KILLS me to let people down.  I hate backing out, or skipping out. I want to be everywhere at the same time. BUT, what I also hate is leaving my son.  And so I'm learning that its OKAY to say no, and I have to step up and be honest when my family's needs are first.

I left Lucas for the first time overnight to visit some of my favorite ladies for a little trip to Nashville.  We seriously laughed for 48 hours straight. I dragged my pump along with me (through security and all!-I'm also getting less self-conscious with age, ha!) and took and early flight home after a late night out, and it was so worth it! I love that I can go months, even years, without seeing these friends and can just pick up where we left off.  These are true, lifelong friends, and I'm so grateful for this time that I had with them.

With some extra free time this summer, I was able to pick up running again.  I forgot how gratifying a good run can be.  Luckily, J goes into work a little later some days so I was able to squeeze in a run in the morning, or when it's cool enough, save a run for after Lucas goes to bed.  It is definitely much harder to find the time, and motivation, to keep up my workouts with a baby, but I've found that I feel so much better when I make the time.  I'm no where near where I'd like to be, but I'm getting better! I was surprised that I was able to run 2 miles straight (and very slow, mind you) pretty much immediately.  I've done some longer (3-4 mile) runs with my mom (who is a rockstar, BTW) as well. I'd like to plan a 10K or possibly a half-marathon (oh man, did I just write that...) for the fall. But I'm also not going to kill myself to make it happen, so we'll see.

I officially started back to work today.  It's tough being the newbie, but I really think I'm going to appreciate being closer to home and daycare. I also met so many new people that I love already.  I've never been in a building that has been so gracious, warm and welcoming.  It really feels right.  Adjusting to leaving right away and figuring out how to get more work done is less time will be interesting, but it will be worth it... I think.

So yeah, daycare started today, too.  TOUGH STUFF, peeps. Thankfully, J did the drop-off, which, in my opinion, is the hardest.  When I picked Lucas up, I could tell he had a hard day.  He only slept for 20 minutes, when its usually close to 4 hours.  It will get better, right? Honestly, it kills me.  I've already run all the "what if's" through my head, but I'm trying to convince myself that it will be good for both of us.  I know he really likes interacting with other kids, and he just doesn't get that opportunity at home with me.  I think I really like our daycare, too, so I know he will learn a lot and get lots of love. And selfishly? I really do like my job.  It challenges me and pushes me in ways that I know will help me grow personally, and professionally.  And practically? We're not really at a place financially to easily support our family on one income. (I warned you about trying to convince myself of the positives in this post...)

So, in my attempt to cohesively wrap up the randomness of this post, I'll continue with my efforts in seeking balance this year.  Lots of veggies, but still some chocolate.  A lot of work, but still good time for play.  A clean house most of the time, but no stress over a mess.  Lots of family, but time for friends, too.

Hope you're having a good week!
-m

2014 Resolutions.

Writing your New Year's resolutions in January is not considered late, right?  (Still have a Christmas post to get up here, too... with time...)

2013 was quite the year! My resolutions last year were quite vague, and therefore difficult to measure. I started to think about making a resolution for 2014 (after January 1, mind you), and couldn't quite decide how I wanted them to look.  One benefit of getting this post up so late is that I've been able to take inspiration from other bloggers and their lists, and have stolen some of their ideas.

The Lettered Cottage chose a "word of 2014".  I spent some time thinking about what my "word" would be and BALANCE seems to sum up my goals for this stage of life.  As I begin my life as a mother, I want to be sure that I don't ignore other aspects of my life.  Not only am I a mother, but I am a wife, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, runner (well, I hope I still can run!), and more.  In one word, 2014, I hope to find BALANCE.

Randi wrote this post, which provided a fairly easy prompt for some good goals.

A bad habit I'm going to break:
Checking my phone constantly.  When I'm working, my phone is turned off.  That's 7am until about 4pm.  Now that I am home for a few weeks, I find myself constantly checking... the time, my email, facebook, instagram, texting.  It's gotta stop! I'll need to put it in the other room and only look at it when it DINGS to tell me I have a message.  

A new skill I'd like to learn:
Hm... I feel like I have a LOT to learn about being a mom, and a lot to re-learn about how to be me and a mom.  See above :)

A person I hope to be more like:
I'm copying Randi here, but my husband.  He's great about making everyone feel comfortable and is always up for a good laugh.  He takes life one step at a time and is incredibly loving.

A good deed I'm going to do:
People have been so thoughtful and kind to me and my family throughout my pregnancy (so many wonderful showers!) and since Lucas has been born (dinners and visits and gifts galore!).  I hope to reciprocate that same kindness in some way another to each of those individuals and families this year.  

A place I'd like to visit:
We've briefly talked about taking a vacation to the east coast this summer with friends.  I would love that! We're also toying with the idea of hitting the slopes next fall. 

A book I'd like to read:
Sad to admit, I don't read very often.  Suggestions please?!
 A letter I'm going to write:
Not really a letter, but I am hoping to complete 12 months of updates on Lucas, with weekly pictures!
  
A new food I'd like to try:
Going off track a little here, too, but I'd like to eat "clean" at least breakfast and lunch 5 days each week.  I feel so much better when I stick to good, healthy food!

I'm going to do better at:

Not procrastinating.  If I think of something I need to do, and I have time to do it, I should just do it! Right then.  I know there are times when I can sit around and wait, but I think it would ease my mind in the end if I did more rather than worrying about doing more :)

The following is a somewhat random list (shock!) of other things I'd like to accomplish throughout the next 12 months:

1. Organize and store all photos
2. Unsubscribe from spam emails, blogs I don't read
3. Donate unused clothes and housewares to Goodwill
4. Run 5k (Mother's Day), 8k (Memorial Day) 10k (Fourth of July), 1/2 marathon (Fall)
5. Incorporate strength training weekly
6. Complete a summer bucket list
7. Call far away friends at least 1/week
8. Host a dinner party

Hello 2014!

Happy New Year!

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I'm kicking off 2014 in my new role as mom and am just settling into a new routine.  I've been thinking about what I want this little space on the internet to look like as I move forward, and honestly, I still haven't quite figured it out.  Finding time to update the blog is my biggest struggle, but I hope to make documenting my family's life a priority this year.  I'm getting worse with keeping track of papers and photos, so this blog seems to be a great solution to jot down these memories that are fleeting by so fast! "Savoring the Sweet Stuff" will not be short on baby pictures, that is for certain!  Here's a list (yeah, I can't help it) of some ideas I hope to write about this year.

1. Monthly Baby Updates. Wipe the shocked look off of your face.... ;)  I've committed to taking a weekly photo of the new man (thank goodness he was born on a Saturday, I don't think I could manage a week day photo!), and I think a monthly update for the first year should be feasible.

2. Family Events, Travels and Holidays.  Hopefully I'll actually take pictures of this kind of thing this year!

3. Exercise/Fitness Goals.  I'm planning a separate post for my 2014 resolutions, but basically, I want to RUN!

4. Monthly "What I'm Loving Lately" Posts.  For all the material things that I feel the need to blab about.

5. New Closet Additions. I think it'd be fun to see what all I add to my wardrobe over the year... could be scary, but maybe I'll be more aware of what I already have and what I really need if I'm documenting it publicly!  

Here's to a happy, healthy and FUN 2014! Wishing all of you the happiest of New Year's!

-m

On those 27 things.

As this is my last day at 26, I thought it'd be a good time to check up on my list of 27 things. Last year on my birthday I put together a list of 27 things I'd like to accomplish before I turned 27.  Here's a little update on how I did.

1. Take one (at least!) picture each day.

Not bad, not perfect.  My Instagram phase has helped a little.  I've taken a break, but need to get back on this!

2. Watch a movie my husband loves that I've never seen.  i.e. Star Wars, Harry Potter... 

Still haven't seen Star Wars or Harry Potter. Oops.

3. Declutter my email inbox.

DONE!

4. More date nights.

Yes! We've had fun getting together with friends and on our own.  Being in a new (bigger) city and closer to family has made this easy. We like to frequent "First Friday's" Downtown Art Walk and have tried numerous new restaurants.  

5. Write a letter. or two.

Kinda... will hope to do much more of this this year.

6. Make something from scratch for a week.

Nope.  Not quite the same in someone else's kitchen.

7. Clean out the garage.

Hehe.  If I had only known...

8. Keep up the blog.

Not bad.  Hoping to keep this up.

9. Go on a road trip with J.

All the way to Texas, baby!

10. Read 5 books.

I can't believe it, but yes.

11. Bake a layered cake.

Need to do this ASAP.

12. Eat from my garden.

A couple tomatoes, but that was a FAIL.

13. Deep clean the entire house.

haha, again, if I only knew.

14. Run a 1/2 marathon.

TIMES 2!

15. Run a marathon.  (dream big, right?)

Not so much.

16. Write and follow a more specific budget.

Budget written.

17. Random acts of kindness.

Need more.

18. Reunion with my college sorority friends.

YES! Love those peeps.  They all keep moving away, but we still pick back up right where we've left off.  That's the best.

19. Cook at home for two weeks straight.

HA!

20. Drink 10 or less Diet Coke's.

ZERO! Still in shock.

21. Write in a journal.

Just started one this month, actually.

22. Give compliments each day.

To students, yes.

23. Make my bed for 2 weeks straight. 

Again, HA!

24. Run 500 miles.

689 logged on mapmyrun.

25. Go computer free for 5 days. (that sounds impossible!)

Spring Break- does that count?

26. Give more charity.

Need more.

27. Say thank you more often.

Again, never enough.

I'm still working on my list of 28 things, but I'll hopefully get that up by the weekend. 2012-2013 has been a crazy roller coaster.  I've learned more, loved more and experienced more that I could have ever imagined. I've loved having this "to do" list to look back at throughout the year, even if it didn't all get accomplished.

Hope you're having a great week!
-m

2 things.

1. This adorable photo comes from this adorable blog.  Must check it out!

2. How are you doing on your resolutions now over a week into 2013? I found these 9 tips to be quite refreshing so of course I had to share. Enjoy!

9 Beliefs You Need to Succeed at Anything

*The problems I face are opportunities*

*What's important is creating value*

*I can't anticipate everything, and that's okay*

*My fears are often an indication of something worth doing*

*Passions and goals must be self-set*

*My time is sacred*

*Positive results are the outcome of positive daily actions*

*Perfection is a fantasy*

*I am 100% responsible for my life*

-m

Some Fitness Goals.

Linking up with Ashley for Move it Monday to set some specific fitness goals for this 2013.  It's like an addiction I have, making all these goals and resolutions.   Actually, I've just thought of another goal- make less goals next year and focus on just one or two. :) Before long I'm sure I'll be overwhelmed but for now, here a just a few more:

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1. Workout at least 4 times each week.

2. One "long" run each week, at least 5 miles.

3. Two classes or cross-training workouts each week.

4. Log at least 60 miles running each month.

5. Complete at least 4 races.  I've already signed up for the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon in April (and my brother just joined in on this one with me! yay!), and I'm eyeing the Hospital Hill run, too.  I'm just not sure which distance would be best quite yet.

6. Track all workouts on MapMyRun.

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-m

Hello, 2013.

I'll be honest, I've been stoked about starting this year with off with a new set of resolutions.  Clean start, fresh and new beginning, like a breath of clean air.  I really could list about 100 things I'd like to do more or less, but I've tried to make just a few overall goals for this new year.  I threw in "short-term goals" as a way to make more specific, less overwhelming goals intermittently throughout the year.  

So, 2013, lets do this!

Smile more.

Read more.

Prioritize.

Clean up (closets, cabinets, mailboxes, etc.)

Make small, short-term goals.

Learn to say no.

Give more.

Be honest.

Be sincere and kind.

Accept things that can't be changed.

Help others.

Say 'thank you'.

Move more.

Eat clean.

Relax.

2013.

In writing this post, I've read so many wonderful other articles relating to this topic.  Be sure to check these out!

12 Powerful Resolutions You Should Make Every Year.

Tips for Writing Resolutions.

AWESOME --> 60 Ways to Simplify Your Life in 2013.

9 Resolutions for Lazy People.

2013: Make it Count!

What are your 2013 goals? Happy New Year!

-m

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

Diet Coke.

Today marks the 100th day that I've been Diet Coke free!  I hadn't been counting, but was curious a few days ago, and it turned out to be so close to 100 that I figured that was worth celebrating... or mentioning at least.

On a whim one day I decided to give something up (not really a whim; it was lent, but I, personally have never participated in Lent until this year).  I had consistently drank about 5 cans of diet coke per week for a very, very long time.  I had a feeling it was affecting my health, and I knew it wasn't the BEST idea to drink pop, but I kept telling myself that it was "okay" because it's diet.  Also, I recently read this after I saw it linked on Pinterest.

I still don't think it's bad to have a pop now and then, but I just haven't really wanted or craved it after I made it 40 days!  I know I'll drink one again, occasionally.  It's nice to know that I don't NEED a diet coke.  And really, it doesn't really do anything for me except make bubbles in my tummy.  So now when I'm really thirsty for something of a treat, I drink a beer. Sorry, mom. :)

On a different note, I'm hoping to get back into project posting soon.  I have some DIY projects planned for the summer (which BTW, started yesterday!).  I accidentally left my computer at my parents, which has only meant I've had more time for Real Housewives and The Bachelorette laundry and cleaning.  I'm anxious to catch up on some blogs!

Hope you're having a good week!
-m

Some (rambling) Thoughts on Running.

Advice I've heard before but didn't believe until now.

I've always admired those people who could run forever and ever.  I thought it was one of those things you either had or you didn't.  I looked at them as I drove by thinking "wow, didn't I just see him?, and now he's already at the end of the street? I couldn't run to the end of the block!"... 

I've run before, and it does get easier.  I ran a 10K about 3 years ago that kicked my butt.  I worked so so so so so hard to run 2 miles, and could do that consistently for about 6 months.  Then, I quit.  It got too hot, I was too busy... blah blah blah.  

Then, last spring I got a running buddy.  Wow, did that help! She pushed me, it was FUN, we could TALK, we got to go outside... and we got up to running 5 miles! I was so proud of that 5 mile mark.  Then, I quit.  Although, not totally quit, but mostly quit.  I would run for about 30 minutes, walk if I needed, but not really pushing myself. 

Then, I made a new year's resolution.  The thing is, it wasn't about running.  I made a resolution to get healthy.  The most drastic change being a mindset of "clean eating" and "clean living".  My husband bought me new shoes for Christmas, and I started up again.  No goal in mind, just to RUN.  It wasn't about losing weight, or crossing a finish line.  Luckily, it has been an extremely mild winter/spring, so I was able to run outside.  I started out with short, easy runs, and just kept building up.  Not motivated by distance at first, but just wanting more of a challenge, just pushing myself further.  I made it up to 3 miles, then 4, then I started getting more confidence.  I signed up for a 10 mile race and finished.  Then, two weeks later, I ran 14 miles on my own.  I would love to do an official 1/2 marathon, but more than anything, I want to NOT quit.  I've maintained about a 7-8 mile long run almost each week, and have improved my time lately due to the mapmyrun update! (There's a nice, and sometimes rude, lady that interrupts your run to tell you your pace, distance, etc.)  

Anyways, that's a lot of rambling--mostly to remind myself why I shouldn't quit whenever that feeling hits me again. I'll bookmark this post, read it, and hopefully lace back up my shoes!  Below are some of my revelations regarding this whole running nonsense:

It's not about a number (distance, time, weight), it's about a feeling.

• "Trap" Yourself.  This little game I play with myself forces me to run long distances.  You see, I have my husband drive me far, far away, and then the only way to get home is to run, or walk, or crawl.  It takes away the running in a circle, or to a "turn-around" half-way point that is so boring, and way too tempting to cheat.
• Don't walk the hills.  If you have to walk, wait until a decline, and most often, you won't feel like walking.
• Get the gear.  My armband, capris, tank, shoes, and socks are all comfy!
• Run in the rain.  It's so much better than the heat, and there's no one else out there!
• Don't wait for the perfect time, just go.  I used to think if I ate something, or it was too hot, or too cold, I  should put it off another day.  It's never as bad as it sounds. Well, not usually.
• On the same note, if you feel like running, RUN; the feeling won't last.
• Some runs just suck.
• Treadmills suck.
• Night showers. Sounds crazy, but figuring out how to make my crazy mane manageable with a night shower saves so much time! I don't go to bed sweaty, and still only have one shower per day.  TMI? Sorry.
• Get some good tunes.
• MapMyRun.

I'm by all means, not an expert runner.  I still honestly don't even feel like I can call myself a "runner". Please feel free to share your own "tips" that help keep yourself motivated! 

-m 

What I'm Loving Lately.

Warning: selfish, superficial post ahead :)  Some random STUFF that's been on mind/pinterest boards--mostly consisting of food and fashion.

1. Trader Joe's Corn Salsa.

2. Labels.  I think I might be investing in a label maker soon... Organized chaos is what I'm going for here.  Baby steps.

3. Mustard. The color.  In my house, on my clothes, anywhere.  A painting project will be in the works as soon as garage sales season comes around.

4. Craving some new hair-- maybe bangs? uh oh.  Or a cute long bob like Gweneth.  I'm one of those suckers who thinks they'll come out of the salon actually being the person in the photo you bring to your stylist.  Note to self- I'm not Gweneth.

5. Peanut butter and oats and anything else I have on hand (chocolate chips, coconut, butterscotch, blueberries), it's good.  Stirred up right there in the peanut butter jar makes it even better.

6. Colored Cords.  Maybe pale pink? Or turquoise like these.

7. Karen Walker Sunglasses.  Or maybe these more affordable ones from Fred Flare.  They look really great on her and her-- but doesn't everything?

8.  This swimsuit... dreaming....

9. The "runner's high".  My new shoes are definitely helping me stick with my workout goals. It's the little things. Thanks, J!

10.  The weather.  It's like we're making up for those nasty summer days of 150 degrees where we were couped up inside all day.  The Vitamin D does wonders.

Hope everyone's enjoying a good weekend!

-m

My 2012.

Less Stuff.

More Craft.

More Moving.

Less Spending.

More Vacations.

More Risks.

More Outdoors.

More Dates.

More Books.

More Pictures.

Less Processed Food.

More Water.

More Sharing.

More People.

Less Media.

More Fun.

More Baking.

More Calm.

Less Regrets.

2012

Happy 2012!

Five days into the new year, and I'm proud to tell you I've stuck with my resolutions.  Only 364 days to go... :)

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Perusing the Internet, I found this list of 20 New Year's Resolutions for 20 Somethings.  Some don't quite apply to me, but are entertaining nonetheless. 

1. Before you status update, Tweet, Tumble or Instagram, pause and say to yourself, “is it entirely necessary that I share this morsel of thought with my entire social network?”and if the answer is not, “yes, I absolutely must,” then step away from the Internet.
2. Know which candidate you’re going to vote for in the upcoming presidential election, and know why.
3. Enough with the 14-day juice cleanses. If you want to lose a little weight quickly, eat less and exercise like crazy. If you want to lose a lot of weight slowly, do whatever Jennifer Hudson did.
4. If you really like the person you’re hooking up with and would like them to be your boyfriend/ girlfriend, find a way to tell them, and hope for the best. If you don’t and wouldn’t, stop.
5. Find a way to save approximately 300 dollars and spend it on a flight to see a friend or family member who lives far away.
6. Please stop liking the Kardashians, all of them. It’s not helping anyone, least of all the Kardashians.
7. Spend less than or equal to the money you earn each month.
8. Wear clothes that fit you, especially to work.
9. Call someone on the phone at least once a week, and speak to him or her for at least ten minutes.
10. Start preparing now to get over the fact that Facebook is probably going to change again in six months. You’re not going to deactivate your account. You don’t know how.
11. Wait 30 seconds before you look up a fact you can’t remember on your phone, and try to remember it using your brain. This is what the olden days were like.
12. Replace one terrible reality show you’re currently watching with one wonderful scripted show currently available on television.  Swap suggestion: Real Housewives of Anywhere for HBO’s Enlightened.
13. Try that food you think you don’t like but have never actually tried, unless it’s brussels sprouts. They really don’t need any more attention.
14. Cut one person out of your life who you truly do not like and add one person who you truly do. Note: not on Facebook, on Earth.
15. If you’re still blacking out regularly, you should stop.
16. Volunteer once over the next 90 days.  You’ll feel really good about it, and probably end up volunteering again over the next 275.
17.  Tell someone who you love that you love them on a more regular basis. To their face, not in a text.
18. Back up your entire online life onto an external hard drive, especially your photos.
19. Crap or get off the pot. This applies to whatever thing you’re not doing that you should just sack up and do already.
20.  And in the eternal words of Tom Haverford, “TREAT YO SELF!”

Happy New Year!

-m