Snow day, please.

This morning Chris and I woke up at 4:55, trudged through knee-deep snow and went to the gym. It was quite a feat.
When we got home, I had no motivation left. All I wanted to do was get back in bed, sleep, and watch some Grey's Anatomy. No such luck.
Instead, my 2-minute drive to work took about 25 minutes. 25 minutes of sheer terror.

I witnessed cars getting stuck, spinning into other cars, and everything in between. I've never been so happy to pull into a parking spot.

Is BYU-Idaho going to wait until someone dies before they shut down school for a snow day?

13.1

Last summer, I ran a 10K. I definitely wasn't the fastest or strongest, but I really enjoyed myself. Since then, I've really wanted to sign up for another race. There's something super motivating about having a goal and a date to achieve it by - not to mention the $85 and not wanting to look like a total wuss on race day.

I've got 19 weeks to train...hopefully it warms up soon so I can run outside!

Anyone want to join me? You can register here.

Drops of Awesomeness

 My inspiration comes from a post on Daring Young Mom. You can find it here.

The problem with having goals and dreams is that you are forced to look inward and figure out what areas you struggle most in. What a hard thing to do! Then, as soon as you start to attempt to make progress you realize the difficulties you are facing and it is easy to turn into a Negative Nancy-putting yourself down without even realizing it. Our efforts are never enough, our mistakes are too detrimental.

Oh. You just folded the laundry that has been sitting in the dryer for 4 days? Wife of the year!

You're actually saying a sincere prayer....When was the last time this happened?

An 85% on that super easy assignment?! You're never going to get a scholarship at this rate. 

Pasta with Alfredo sauce?!!!? Why even try?

The list goes on, and on.

In the past 2 weeks I have realized that overcoming that inner voice is more challenging than any goal you could set for yourself. It talks you out of workouts and into pasta; out of homework and into Facebook....and then blames you.

I don't think that negative self-talk can ever be completely distinguished...we are conditioned to be critical of ourselves and others. However, we can make it quieter and less frequent.

The laundry is folded and put away!

I strengthened my relationship with God today.

I am so lucky to be getting an education. I can study harder next time.

I really enjoyed that pasta. I can make up for it tomorrow at the gym. 

Luckily, I happen to be married to the most positive/optimistic man I have ever met. It helps a lot to have someone who will celebrate your little triumphs, go to the gym with you at 5am, appreciate the clean kitchen and folded laundry...I am so lucky to have such a supportive person to help me on my quest for self improvement for the rest of my life. Single ladies-add it to your list, it is invaluable in a spouse.

 

Workout Essentials

I realize that I'm not fitness expert, but I've discovered some treasures in the past 6 months that are too good not to share.

1. Bowflex watch: I use it to time my runs, circuits, and to keep track of the time I've actually spent working out. The heart rate monitor also comes in handy. They are super cheap at Big 5.
2. Skullcandy Earbuds: The best of the best- they never fall out and the sound quality is awesome.
3. iPod Shuffle: Simple and to the point- it doesn't get in the way and I can clip it just about anywhere.
4. Asics: Best arch support around- worth the money, especially if you want to avoid injury
5. Fish Oil Pills: Helps with weight loss and is good for your skin and hair. Note: Eat with breakfast or you'll have fish burps all day long.
6. Under Armour Pants: Feel like yoga pants in the most flattering way. I am 100% converted to UA producs.
7. LivFit Jacket: Functional and the color blocking is also flattering. Keeps you warm outside and col inside.
8. LivFit Bra: Lots of straps=Lots of support. Need I say more?
9. BSN N.O.Xpode: I am new to the supplement world, but I get great workouts when I take this. (Its safe, my hubby talked to his nutrition professor about it.)
10. VS Water Bottle: I love these water bottles because they are huge. I can fit ice, lemon, and plenty of water to last me awhile.
11. Padded Running Socks: Protects your feet  (especially your arches) and they're super comfy!

My Not-So Resolutions

No Explanation Needed

12/18/2012-1/2/2013

Coach

Aunt

Haircut

Camel

Nativity

Snow

Grandpa

Art

Jazz

Hobbit

FutureChristmasCard

Bozo

GoingOut

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve: ER Edition

Animals in a Hospital?

Games

Cheesecake Factory

Buffalo Wild Wings

NYE

Home Again

instagram: melissajohn20

just another post about the new year

One thing that I learned in the last last year was that the mentality of New Year Resolutions is a set-up for failure: the idea that you set goals only at the first of the year is bogus. 

Last year, I set all my goals on January 1-one for each month of the year. It seemed reasonable, even attainable, however, I didn't anticipate the changes that would occur within me over time. When March rolled around the goals that had seemed perfect for me seemed irrelevant and, with that, my resolutions were out the window. 

When fall semester started, I realized what had happened and tried something new: each Sunday I would sit down and set one or two weekly goals (relating to my larger long term goals). I checked in throughout the week to ensure progress and to make sure I was on track. I had more success with this method in the last 4 months than I have in 15+ years of resolutions. With my week-by-week system, my goals were able to evolve with me.

With that being said...

I believe in having big dreams and, with them, big goals.

I love new beginnings and clean slates.

I hope that I am not coming across preachy or self-righteous, that is not my intent. I just wish that I would have figured this out sooner, and to be honest, I am proud of my little system. 

I wish everyone the best of luck in their New Year's endeavors! Let's make 2013 a year to remember!