Surge of Motivation

For the past week or so, I've felt a sudden surge of motivation for my 5k resolution. I think it's the unusually spring-like weather we've had in February. Today, I successfully completed the run outdoors for the first time. Pretty excited. Kind of exhausted. I owe credit to being trapped in a child-sized seat for two days straight... after teaching all day and going to class in an elementary school science lab, I've saved up the energy.

I've been missing my husband this week. With baseball in full swing now, I knew this spring would be tough. I just don't think I realized how little I would actually see him. Tonight, we were thrilled to be home together before 7:00. I actually had to cook for the first night in a week. I guess I'm getting old, but I just don't know how long I will survive this crazy schedule.

One of my students asked me today if I was born when Abraham Lincoln was president... is that my sign?

Winter Blues

Battling winter blues this week. My husband's baseball season is starting up with practices and scrimmages, and I desperately want to be a supportive wife and fan. It's just so hard when the high is in the 30's or 40's to sit outside and enjoy baseball. Wednesday night, I had on three jackets, two pairs of pants, gloves, a hat, etc. I was so bundled up I couldn't turn my head to see the batter. It was no fun at all. Luckily, for today's scrimmage, the sun is shining with an afternoon high of 58. This cold is taking a toll on my running ambitions. I didn't run at all this week. Slacker! I have been sick, but we all have our excuses. Next week looks like lovely running weather... we'll see how it goes.

Sticking to my budget has been harder this week. I think that's because it's officially two weeks until pay day, the time of the month when I typically run out of money. I managed to blow my minimum balance, which means I need to re-attempt this resolution. *Insert pouty face. Oh well! Can't win 'em all.

Finding small things to do for others this week was easier. A pregnant friend has been craving margaritas, so I took her a margarita scented candle to work. I helped a coworker hang a bulletin board. My height really helps with those kind of tasks. My sister in-law found out this week she is pregnant... with TWINS! To help congratulate her, I surprised her with flowers and gummy bears. I thought the gummy bears were appropriate because her babies are about that size at 8 weeks.

Today, I will help my husband by selling concessions at his baseball scrimmage. Not thrilled, but I do what I can to alleviate his stress. The weather is nice enough today to enjoy some baseball...

Yesterday, our second graders went on a field trip to see The BFG at the Peace Center. My students were amazed by how nice the theater was. One of my little girls said, "Mrs. Garland, it feels like we're rich or something!" It was one of those reaffirming moments-- when I remember why I chose to be teacher. Seeing their faces and reactions to the play and listening to their conversations about the book provided me with the chance to be thankful. Pleased with the experience I was able to provide my students and with their spectacular behavior, I reflected on how this resolution of being more thoughtful is making me more aware of other people's needs and perspectives.

One month down

One month, and a number of days, has passed in this new year. Already, I feel slack on my resolutions. Guess I'm just like every American.

I have been able to successfully run a 5k on the treadmill, and I'm looking for a race to run in March. This semester, I have class on Mondays and Tuesdays until 8:00, which seriously impedes my running schedule. I mean, I guess I could get up at 4:45 am and run before work -- or not. Teaching second grade requires too much energy. As I settle into the routine of classes and my husband's baseball games, I hope to be more consistent with getting to the gym or hitting the pavement. We'll see...

I have also been able to establish something resembling a budget. Sticking to it thus far, despite desperate impulses to go shopping. Online shopping is my biggest weakness. I LOVE not having to leave my couch or change out of sweats to make a useless purchase. It's just so easy-- click a few buttons, enter a few numbers, and in a few days-- something new and unnecessary sits patiently on the porch, just waiting to be opened.

Random acts of kindness have definitely been the tricky resolution for the year. It's just so easy to get caught up in what I have to do... to become consumed with rushing around and meeting deadlines... I often overlook the little things I could do for others. It takes skill and effort to think about what other people need and small ways to help. I'm obviously still working on this skill. Although it's been a few weeks, I can recall a few simple acts to report. First, I volunteered to keep another friend's baby while she and her husband attended a meeting. I feel like this is somewhat a selfish task because I so enjoy spending time with this little guy. He absolutely makes me want to have a baby... or just keep him for myself. Another day, I took a co-worker a bag of her favorite candy, just because. Her father recently passed away, and she's going through a rough time. I thought the chocolate would help her through that specific day.

I'm really hoping noticing opportunities for kindness will become easier as I try to be a more thoughtful person this year.