Monday, May 13, 2013

Gratitude Jounal

For the past three weeks I've been taking part in the Tone It Up Bikini Series Challenge.  Today, aside from the workout challenge, participants were assigned a journal assignment.  The task was to list 5 things you appreciate in life right now.  This was such a good topic, I had to share.

1. My supportive boyfriend - Just this weekend Daniel noticed some shoulder muscles bulging peeking out from under my tank top straps and he made sure to comment how he was impressed.  He is always there when I need him to remind me how far I've come in my running endurance, in my muscle tone, in my discipline, etc.  I love positive affirmations - I mean who doesn't - and compliments from him are the best.

2. My family - Most people don't know that I live with my parents.  It isn't because I can't afford my own place, but because I am very close with my family (and it is a great way to save money).  Plus my parents are pretty awesome.  All of my family is there for me whenever I need them.  Whether I need to talk, a place to sleep, or a ride, all of my family members would drop everything to help me.  Their support in all I do keeps me motivated.

3. My legs - Clearly the subject of this blog (aka kind of a big deal).  My legs take me everywhere I go in life and everywhere I run.  My passions would be completely different if I didn't have the ability to explore on my own two feet.  My legs carry me around work all day, outside in nature on hikes, and on the pavement when I run.  Who doesn't love their legs?

4. Warmer weather - Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons.  I love being able to go outside in shorts and sandals and soak up the warm sunshine.  Sure, Texas flirts with the 100 degree mark for too many weeks out of the year, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I already dream of lazy Saturday afternoons spent laying out by the pool.

5. My co-workers - Sure this sounds cheesy and like I'm a workaholic or something.  But I do really enjoy my team at work.  Everyone is young and energetic, plus all of my team members are so smart.  They challenge me and I learn new things constantly.  They are the reason I like my job.  If I ever go to work for a whole week and don't learn anything new, it is probably time for a new position.

Those are my 5 things.  What do you appreciate right now?

Monday, May 6, 2013

Bluebonnets, Derby Day, and a Good ol' Rangers Baseball Game

I was trying to decide what to blog about this week. My head has been all over the place lately, but finally getting a rein on it. Lately Spring has been in full swing.  You could say I have Spring Fever with all of the activities I've had lately.

2 weekends ago I went to Arbor Hill Nature Preserve with Daniel and my couple friend Cindy and Alex.  Our mission was bluebonnet pictures.  If you are not from Texas, you may not understand, but it is kind of a Texas tradition that each spring parents drag their kids in sundresses and sweater vests, sit them down in a field of bluebonnets (usually on the side of a highway) and take adorable pictures.  I remember doing this as a kid and of course wanted to keep the tradition alive. 

Daniel and I met Cindy and Alex at this park that was published as having great bluebonnets.  We walked around the whole park loop (a little over a mile) and didn't see a single bluebonnet.  Disappointed, I told my friends that I saw some bluebonnets when we turned into the parking lot.  And there is where we found them, 50 feet from my car.  Oh well, it was a nice day for a walk, and I have some nice pictures to share courtesy of Cindy.

We joked that the camera angle made it look like acres and acres of bluebonnets when really it was a 10x10 foot patch.

Me and Daniel, cue the aww's
 
This past weekend, I was invited to a Derby Party that my cousin was hosting.  Confession: I've never watched the Kentucky Derby or even acknowledged its existence in the past 22 years, but I was really excited about it this year.  Of course, I didn't grow up in a cave and I knew it was necessary to wear an obnoxious hat on Derby Day.  My mom and I wandered a local craft store and put together these masterpieces.
 
Ready for a Derby Party - you can't see the bird on the back of my mom's hat, but it was awesome because the bird was also wearing a hat
 

I actually got 2nd place in the hat contest.  Woohoo!  We also pulled horse names out of a hat for prizes.  My horse was Palice Malice (coolest name).  He pulled out quickly and was in first place but couldn't hold on.  It was a pretty exciting 2 minute experience.  The food was also wonderful!

On Sunday, the same cousin invited me and Daniel to a Rangers Game.  They were playing the Boston Redsox.  I could not pass up this opportunity and it turned out to be a beautiful day for a baseball game.  And the Rangers won 4-3!

That one hair had to blow in my face right as the picture was taken
 
Overall this spring is off to a great start. The weather is mostly cooperating and there seem to be activities every weekend. May is going to be a busy month. I can't forget to add...the best news from this weekend is I got to see my best best friend from California. She's getting married in September.  I can't believe it!  We had brunch and girl's night on Sunday. I miss her so much and wish California were closer to Texas!  She has the pictures from our brunch, so maybe they will show up on another post.
 
How are you welcoming spring?