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| Portrait of me by kindergartener Abby |
It has been a month and a half since I left my full time job. As soon as the job ended I knew that I had made the right choice. I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders and even though I didn't have full time work lined up, I was feeling confident, excited and optimistic for what lay ahead. And what that was I had no idea. I planned on piecing together work that made me happy and helped to pay the bills. Just as the saying goes,
"Variety is the spice of life!"
Now, forty five days later I am doing well, keeping myself busy with a variety of different jobs. I am working at an after school program with middle school students, cleaning houses and substitute teaching. My favorite by far is being a substitute teacher. I have been lucky enough to have plenty of work and be working in an awesome local elementary school. I gotten to sub as a classroom teacher, as a para-educator and as a one on one support staff. The one thing I can say, even though I haven't been doing this that long.. is that I LOVE IT! The days are long and sometimes stressful, but working with kids makes me so happy. Does this mean I am one step closer to figuring out the rest of my life.. maybe? But you'll just have to stay tuned to find out!
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| Photo from: www.collegeswimming.com |
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| www.beachbody.com |
In other aspects of my life I am also trying to increase the amount of variety, namely in what I am doing for exercise. Not only am I continuing to run (and kicking ass at it I may add), but I am adding in biking inside on my trainer, PiYo and kettlebell workouts and I have joined a Master's Swim Team. I think the most beneficial workouts for me this winter are going to be the PiYo (a workout DVD program) is a mix of pilates and yoga. It should help me increase my flexibility, strength and will hopefully help me loosen up my muscles more. The other exercise that I already know is beneficial is the Master's Swim Team I joined at Norwich University. Practices are 4 days a week (1.5 hours long), but you just go as little or as much as you can. So far it has been awesome. Even though it is pretty laid back I find myself pushing hard to keep up with the other swimmers. When I push hard, I improve. Even though I have only been swimming a few days a week I (as well as my coach) as already seen improvement.
Yes, I do still have lazy days and am learning that with my new crazy work (and commuting) schedule, that I need to start waking up earlier to get my workouts in before I head off to school rather than waiting to do them in the evenings. I'm also setting goals for winter that will hopefully keep me on track during the cold winter months. Unlike last winter, I no longer live near my old running group and haven't found a new crew of runners in my new town to team up with.
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| We all know it! |
My health and fitness goals for winter include:
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| The mountains are calling! |
- Go to Master's Swim Team pracitce at least 2 days a week
- Complete the PiYo Program
- Hop on the bike at least 2 days a week (for 45 minutes minimum)
- Run at a minimum 2 days a week
- Sign up for one race each month to keep me moving (5k, 10k or half marathon)
- Get out and enjoy winter! Tele ski, XC ski, snowshoe, sled as much as possible!
- Continue to eat healthy foods
- Enjoy holiday sweets and treats, but only in moderation
- Do not gain weight!
It may seem like a hefty number of goals, but they are all pretty common sense and very attainable. With these goals I should be able to keep myself on track and in race shape. And, since I am renewing my goal of running a marathon next year, staying in shape through the winter is not only important, it is imperative. Plus, winter is one of the most fun times of year! If I want to tear up the slopes this winter (and not pay for it the next day) I need to get my legs, core and back ready now! So, here's to a kick ass winter of health, fitness and happiness!!
