Sunday Q&A

Happy SUNDAY! Guys, how in the world is it the last Sunday of August already? I'm headed up to school in a bit to do our annual clean-up of "The Nest" and get it ready for the 2017 Volleyball Season. I feel like it was just Memorial Day Weekend, but it's fine. While I'm over here scratching my head trying to figure out how we got to this point, here's a fun Q&A for your reading pleasure.

The best thing about your job is …

That it’s something new every single day. That there is never a dull moment. That there are endless opportunities to learn, grow, and get outside my comfort zone. And best of all, that it affords me the opportunity to (hopefully) have as large of a positive impact on my students as my teachers did on me. High schoolers are the greatest, and I learn so much from them every day.

And I finally replaced my ID. #winning

Reason for tweeting?

In terms of my personal twitter account, it’s a fun way to connect and share with friends. I’m not much of a Facebook status updater, so tweeting is my way of sharing the funny one-liners about my day. When it comes to my professional account, it is an incredible way to share out and take in resources to use in my classroom. I have learned so much and gotten so many great ideas just from the people I follow – some of whom I know personally, and many I don’t know at all. But I think that makes it even cooler. I got to talk on the phone with a teacher in New York about a virtual reality project to pair with Romeo and Juliet. All because of Twitter. How cool is that?

Favorite piece of clothing and/or accessory right now?

I mentioned this in Friday’s post, but cold shoulder tops are my current jam.

Best spot for cocktails?

Simone on Sunset. It’s such a hidden gem, but when you know, you know.

Favorite drink?

Like drink, drink? I tend to keep it simple with just a glass of wine.

Last purchase?

Groceries. Fun adult things. Back to meal prepping, I go!

Your friends and/or co-workers would describe you as …

You would have to ask them, but I would hope they would describe me as someone who is hard-working, reliable, and full of energy and enthusiasm!

Five things that are always in your purse or bag?

Phone

Chapstick

Book or Kindle (you don't read in line at the grocery store?)

Toothbrush and toothpaste (just in case!)

Gum

If you could be inside one person’s head for a day, whose would it be?

What a question! Probably J.K. Rowling’s head because I would give a whole heck of a lot to have that kind of creativity.

Do you have a secret talent?

I can bake? That’s not really a secret, though. I can recite almost every single line from She’s the Man. Seriously.

What’s your favorite song right now?

Hey Lady by The New Velvet. I can’t stop listening to it! Shout out to Spotify Discover Weekly for putting me onto that one.

Who inspires you the most?

It’s about as cliché as they come, but really and truly my students. They inspire me to get up in the morning and be the best that I can be so that they can be the best versions of themselves. They’re all so incredibly smart and talented in so many different ways and I love getting to know them as their English teacher.

Your most glamorous night out consisted of …

My most glamorous night? Probably Sweet Sixteen my sophomore year of high school. I had my absolute dream dress on, and had everything from my hair to my nails to my make-up done. It was truly a magical evening with all of my very best friends.

The fact that I'm even sharing this photo ... circa 2008

On your day off, or in your free time, you’re most likely …

Reading or writing.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

Either superhuman endurance or superhuman speed. Superhuman endurance would mean I could knock everything off of my never-ending to-do list without getting tired, and superhuman speed would get me that Boston Qualifying time!

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Dark chocolate. Always.

Where’s your favorite place to travel/vacation?

I fell in love with South America when I went to Argentina last summer, and I’m hoping to make Peru (Machu Picchu!!) my next international destination.

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Probably Ryan Reynolds. Or Kyle Chandler. Texas Forever, man.

Coach Taylor is coach goals (Source)

The one trend that you think should never, EVER come back is …

Oh man, there are so many trends from my childhood that make me cringe. But I’m going to go with gaucho pants. 

See y'all next go around!

Random Questions

It has been a hot minute since I’ve posted anything on the f&f scene (I've bean busy traipsing through Chicago), and while I definitely can’t promise regular posting from here on out, I do have a couple of posts up my sleeve. But first, let’s keep it fun and light-hearted with a little Survey Sunday action.

1. Do you make your bed? After listening to Admiral William McRaven’s speech at my 2014 University of Texas Commencement, I make my bed every single morning. Not only do you start each day with a task completed, but if you happen to have one terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, at least you’re coming home to a made bed.

(Source)

2. The first car that was officially yours? A 1992 Lexus – this car turned 16 the same year I did.

3. Three grocery items you don't run out of? Bananas, chocolate, peanut butter? I don’t know – I’m pretty good about not letting myself run out of any of my favorite food items. I’m one of the few people who enjoys making grocery store runs, so I don’t blink an eye about making a couple of trips a week.

4. When did you start doing your own laundry? Judge me, but I didn’t learn how to do my own laundry until I left for college. My mom and Granny always did it for me up until that point and I’m very grateful for that.

5. If you could, would you go back to high school? But have I really left?

6. Can you parallel park in under three moves? … No. If parallel parking is my only option, I drive around and around until I find an actual spot. This was especially problematic in Austin, and it drives my friends absolutely crazy, but I was in that sweet spot where I didn’t actually have to take a driving test in order to get my license.

7. A job you had of which people would be shocked to learn? A dorm resident assistant? Actually, that’s probably not too surprising.

8. Can you drive a stick shift? Nope.

9. Guilty TV show you watch? Okay, I love the show The Middle. Seriously, I can watch episode after episode after episode – it’s just such a portrait of the real American family.

10. Would you rather be too hot or too cold? That’s a tough one – I experience both extremes in my classroom on the reg. Probably too cold because as much as I hate layering up, that’s always an option. Being overly warm is the W O R S T. You’re sweaty and sticky and then the headache starts.

This was a cold day

11. Sweet or Salty? Salty. Once I start in on a bag of popcorn, there’s no stopping me.

12. Do you enjoy soaking in a nice bath? In theory, yes. But I almost never give myself that luxury.

15. Do you consider yourself strong? Are we talking physically or mentally here? I would say yes to both, with the physical emphasis being on my lower body. When you’re a runner, every day is leg day, am I right?

I got to meet Kathrine Switzer - the strongest woman around

16. Something people do, physically, that drives you crazy? SLOW WALKERS. Maybe I walk unreasonably fast, but come on, people.

17. Something you do, physically, that you are sure drives people crazy? When I’m nervous I play with my rings or I twist my hair.

19. Favorite childhood sport? Soccer.

20. Do you talk to yourself? Oh, absolutely. Sometimes I even answer myself. I have no shame.

21. Do you like doing jigsaw puzzles? Honestly, I really don’t. I’m always amazed by people who can sit at a table for hours so carefully putting each piece in its proper place.

22. Would you go on a reality show? YES. I would never make a Bachelor appearance, but I would 100% go on American Ninja Warrior.

I'm ready, don't you think?

23. Tea or coffee? Neither one.

24. First thing you remember wanting to be when you grew up? Teacher. That’s the honest truth.

25. No matter how much money you have or don't have, what are you an absolute snob about? Kindness.

And with that, I'm off to get a jump start on today's activities. As it turns out, the miles aren't going to run themselves, and my apartment certainly isn't going to clean itself. Have a good one!

Spring Weather

Happy Sunday, everyone! We have had the most wonderful weather weekend (hey, alliteration!) here in Houston, so I made sure to soak up every minute of it before it gets too unbearably hot in the coming weeks. Between our playoff baseball game yesterday (headed to round two! And the girls are headed to round three.), a couple of runs, lots of dog walks, and sand volleyball, I've got quite the interesting assortment of tan lines going on right now. But I'm certainly not complaining, as outside time is my favorite time. And as far as I'm concerned, this weekend was perfect.

I'm currently typing this as I watch a nerve-wracking game four of the Rockets/Spurs series, in which the Rockets need a win before we return to San Antonio. I actually attended game three on Friday evening with Sarah - a big Spurs fan - and despite the outcome, had a fabulous time. It was my first Rockets playoff game, and the atmosphere was eclectic. We had seats in the nosebleeds, but that didn't stop us from cheering on our respective teams. I'm hoping that my cheers from the couch help bring Red Nation a victory tonight!

And now, a random collection of survey questions. I'm trying so hard to keep up with my one-post-a-week goal that I set at the very beginning of the year, and sometimes, this is all I've got time for! Once summer hits I'll be more consistent. Probably.

What is an embarrassing moment in your life?

I have had too many of them to count. But after teaching high school, I’ve learned to shake off most embarrassing moments. That being said, nothing will erase the embarrassment of throwing up in the hallway during 3^rd period last year. My students were super sweet and ran to get an Assistant Principal, which honestly probably made it all the more embarrassing. So, beat that.

What personal item would you save in a house fire? (After saving your family and pets.)

Hmm, probably my laptop and any photos I could quickly grab. Perhaps my charm bracelet. I know “things” can be replaced, but things that have sentimental value would be hard for me to part with.

What is your most treasured memory?

Wow, I have so many memories that I treasure. My high school volleyball career – specifically my senior season will forever hold such a special place in my heart. Studying abroad in Barcelona for almost two months was an incredible experience, as was traveling solo through Argentina. My first half marathon, as well as my first marathon, will always be treasured. And so many moments from my teaching and coaching career could win this award, too. So, I think it’s fair to say that I can’t pick just one.

What would make a perfect day for you?

Easy – it would be jam-packed! It would start off with a walk with the pup, a long run through the park (preferably with sunshine and temps in the 50’s), a delicious lunch at Local Foods with my friends, hammock reading at the park, dinner at Hungry’s, and some sunset sand volleyball. Just like the good old days.

Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest? (Living or not.)

I have been asked this question before, and I think my answer changes every single time. I think I would choose Kerri Walsh Jennings, though, because she is literally perfect in every single way.

(Source)

Would you like to be famous? If so, how?

Would I want to be a celebrity who has every single move scrutinized and commented on? Nope. Would I want to be famous for being an athlete who excels at my sport? Absolutely.

Do you rehearse your phone conversations? If so, why?

… No. I actually hate talking on the phone, and I avoid it if at all possible. And conversations rarely go as planned, so if I am caught talking on the phone, I’ll just go with the flow.

Where would you like to be in five years?

What a question. I actually had every intention of writing myself a letter on my 25^th birthday to be opened when I turn 30, as that’s the age I will hit in five years. Yikes. That didn’t happen, but I see myself living in Houston, continuing to teach, and possibly finishing up a Master’s in School Counseling if that if something I really choose to pursue. I don’t know if marriage and kids are in the plan for me, but if they are, hopefully I’m starting to settle down and think about that. I hope to have run the Boston Marathon, to be on my way to a new fitness goal, and to have seen a few more parts of this world. That’s a lot to accomplish in just five years, huh?

Which fictional character do you believe is the most like yourself?

I would love to say Hermione Granger, but she’s far too clever for me. Maybe Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz? She was the first to come to my mind.

(Source)

What is one thing you have always wanted to cross off your bucket list but haven’t yet?

I want to visit all 50 states in the United States. I may even add to that running a half marathon in all 50 states. I’ve visited 18 states; I’ve run half marathons in five.

Half Marathon in Portland, Oregon

Where do you go when you need some inspiration?

This is a very open-ended question. I turn to friends, I turn to family members, I turn to co-workers, I turn to books. It totally depends on the situation, but one of the above never fails to turn my mood around. And you know who always manages to inspire me? My students.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Wow, I have been given some stellar advice over the years. Right now, I think my favorite piece of advice is to trust the process. While that particular piece of advice was given to me in relation to running, I think it applies to every season of life. Not everything is going to make sense or go our way the first time, but you have to trust that what you’re doing is going to get you there in the end.

What is your favorite season?

This is such a hard question for me! I’m a fan of every season for a variety of reasons. I love summer because … it’s summer. Time off, and fun summer activities make up the majority of my days. And I can finally catch up on some of the things that I haven’t accomplished all year. Fall is great because it’s football season (Hook ‘Em!), and the weather finally starts getting a little cooler. Winter can be dreary, but how can you not be happy when surrounded by so much holiday cheer? And spring is probably the best season weather-wise. So, my answer is: all of them.

Cake, pie, or muffins?

To be honest, I don’t love any of these three desserts. Pie from Royer’s Pie Haven in Round Top, Texas is pretty dynamite, and I’m a big fan of my zucchini oatmeal muffins – not to toot my own horn or anything – but that’s about it.

What does your blog name mean?

Forever a running joke among my friends. Fitness is obviously something about which I am extremely passionate. Healthy is a lifestyle, and I try to do something active every single day. And it is a joy to be able to share that passion with others. I am quite the frozen yogurt enthusiast, but to go a little bit deeper than that, I think the “froyo” part of my blog name shows that I’ve got a little bit of fun thrown into my life.

And with that, I’m off to stress clean over the Rockets game. Run As One!