Thankful

Well, I did it again. I told myself that I was really going to try and keep up with my blog throughout this volleyball season. And I have clearly failed, but I think the rest of this post will help explain why. Because in the spirit of my absolute favorite holiday, here’s your annual “Thankful” post. And it will likely be a novel, but would you really expect anything less?

My students are thankful for some really wonderful things

Man, it's hard to believe that 2016 is about to come to a close. That I'm almost halfway through my third year of teaching. 

Because honestly, I think we can all agree that it was a toss-up as to whether I was going to make it through year one. Which brings me to a couple of conversations that I've had so far this year. One of which was with an assistant principal at school, who told me that could she give out a "Most Improved" Award, she would have given it to me. And my initial reaction was "Thanks, but man, no one wants a Most Improved Award. That pretty much means you sucked, for lack of a better word, the first time around." But then I got to thinking about what “Most Improved” really means. I definitely struggled my first year - two preps, a sport, and floating - and that was noticeable. But by the grace of God I managed to sign a contract for year two, and the improvement I made and the confidence I gained - that was also noticeable. Because I was - and am - lucky enough to be surrounded by such a fantastic group of teachers and admins and counselors who truly push me to be better every single day that I walk into that 60-year-old building. 

They help me to get outside my comfort zone in the classroom, reassure me that it's good to try new things, and that it's even okay to fail. Which I'll admit is hard for me, and I'll come back to that in a minute. And they encourage me every single step of the way. I don't deserve most of the words thrown my way, but man, they are appreciated more than the people giving them out will likely ever know.

I'm thankful for the challenging opportunity to teach a new-to-me class this year, and for every one of my students. I'm thankful for the work they put in every single day, their willingness to do hard things, their respect for one another - most of the time. I'm thankful for the smiles they put on my face, the questions they ask that I don't always know the answers to, the real-world conversations that the literature we read allow us to have. 

I'm thankful for their stories, and that they are willing to share even a small slice of them with me. The tears I had streaming down my face as I read and listened to their "This I Believe" essays opened up my eyes to a world of challenges and experiences that I had certainly never known. I'm thankful for a stack of papers to grade that is taller than I am, because that means their work is being turned in.

For pencils that are borrowed because that means their work is being done. For lessons in patience, and grace that is shown to me on a daily basis. For former students who wave hi in the halls, and those who stop by my classroom on random days just to chat. And a job that is something new each and every day.

And I think we can all agree that 2016 has been a year for the record books. I'm thankful for the right to have my voice heard, and for those who fought tirelessly for that right.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to show love and kindness and respect and tolerance for those who may be different from me, and who may have different beliefs than I have. Because in the end, we're all human beings. Regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, political views, or the sports teams we support. Though if you support the Cowboys... And as strange as it was to stand up in front of a group of teenagers on November 9^th, who were looking for answers and reassurance and a lot of things that I couldn’t necessarily provide, I'm thankful that I can provide a safe place within the walls of my classroom. I also continue to be thankful that I have a classroom. Even if it is somewhere around 54 degrees 90% of the time. 

And I'm still running. More than ever actually.  Because someone decided to pull me aside and tell me of the potential he sees in me. And continues to encourage and believe in me every step of the way. And who also tells me the hard truth every once in a while, but I've found it to be necessary. I'm thankful for a competitive drive and discipline and a body that lets me push it to its limit. For the failed runs I've had that have driven me to get it done the next time, and for the really big wins I've had, too. Because they're all pulling that big Boston dream just a little bit more within my reach.

Team Bellaire is #CardinalFast

And volleyball. I will always be thankful for what that sport gave to me, and what it continues to give to me – this time, from the other side. I wrapped up my third year of coaching with an undefeated district championship, and that is such a testament to the hardworking group of girls I had the privilege of coaching. Even on my toughest days, and trust me, there are tough days, I’m reminded how much of a privilege coaching really is. Sure, I’m proud of the tournament we won, and I was thrilled to win a district championship, but I’m most proud of the improvement they made throughout the course of the season. From day one to day 86, each and every one of the girls made tremendous improvement. And what’s better than their athletic ability is their outstanding character. I’m thankful for each one of my girls, and it was an honor to be their coach. Sure, I get paid to teach them the fundamentals of volleyball, but they give me infinitely more in return.

I'm thankful for my family and friends - who understand how crazy my schedule is from August to November. For my dad when I called him sobbing - honestly, pretty much every day from August 8^th to August 21^st - about how I hadn't seen my friends in weeks because inservice and two-a-days and running and all he did was reassure me that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. And that was exactly what I needed to hear. I’m thankful for my mom always being only a phone call away, who tells me I’m doing a good job and that she’s proud of me, and who still tells me to bring my laundry home with me.

For a brother who braves the BHS parking lot and brings me lunch on his way home from College Station, even though it’s really not on his way home at all. For Wednesday phone calls with Gram. I’m thankful for Wednesday walks with Sarah, when we talk about everything under the sun. For chill dinners and hours spent sitting on the couch drinking (sipping, in my case) beer, watching football, and catching up. For hour-long phone conversations. For pick-up sand volleyball games with friends I've known since we were six. 

For friendships that pick up right where we left off, just like no time at all has passed.

And Mack the Beagle. He celebrated his first birthday on August 23^rd, and his first “Gotcha Day” on October 18^th. There aren’t enough words on this earth to explain how much this dog means to me, and how loved I feel every single day upon walking through the front door. He’s my partner in crime, and my reminder that there is so much good in the world. I’m thankful for that 4:27am alarm each morning because that means I’ve got a healthy, happy, full of energy dog who keeps me active and moving almost every hour of the day. I’m thankful for his wagging tail and his playful disposition and of course, his floppy ears.

I'm thankful for meaningful conversations that sometimes mean I don't get to cross every item off of my to-do list, but mean more than an X inside a box would. I'm thankful for dairy-free chocolate, to be a Texas Longhorn, for College Football Saturdays. I'm thankful for warm blankets and good books and coworkers who bring me food on the daily.

I'm thankful for the means and the opportunity to travel and experience a culture that is so different from my own, for letters in the mail, for a fully stocked refrigerator, for a short commute to work, for a functioning water cooler in the third floor lounge,

If this isn't an expression of pure elation, I don't know what is

for cooler(ish) weather, for a roof over my head, and for sunrises and sunsets that take my breath away.

And I'm really thankful for a little break from school. I finished all of my grading before the final bell rang at 3:15, and I'm probably not going to think about it until I walk up the stairs to the third floor Monday morning. Okay, that’s a lie, but I’m going to soak up as much family, friend, and relaxation time as I possibly can. Because leave it to my body to feel under the weather over a holiday break, though I guess I’m thankful for that timing because I hate missing work. So on that note, I’ll continue lounging on the couch with my pup, preparing my body for all the miles I’m going to run tomorrow and all the food I’m going to eat. And to end this in the cheesiest way possible, I’m thankful for all of you who are reading this, despite my three-month fitnessandfroyo hiatus. I can’t promise I’ll be more regular with my posts, but I sure will try!

Realistic Goals

I think this nearly six-month hiatus is the longest break I’ve taken from this little blog of mine. And while I am tempted to blame it on the fact that I just “didn’t have time,” the truth of the matter is, I was so ashamed that I had neglected fitnessandfroyo for months upon months upon months, that I couldn’t even bring myself to log onto blogger. I just couldn’t. I received emails now and again asking me to do a product review, and I wondered how my website could even possibly be getting any traffic. Just the other night I found myself shrugging and telling myself, “I guess it was just a phase, not something that was going to last forever.” I felt like I was so far gone that I was past the point of return. And my old goal of ten posts a month? Not going to happen. Funny enough, I think I was feeling the way some of my students feel on a regular basis. I get so frustrated when they sit there and won’t even try to do the work that I’m giving them. And when I talk to them about it, it’s because “I’m already failing so badly anyway that doing this won’t even help.” Okay, maybe that’s kind of true. But how about looking at it this way instead?

Doing it is a step in the right direction. It won’t erase all the assignments they didn’t do previously, and it won’t erase the months of nonexistent blogging, but doing it helps build a habit. And good habits are the stepping stones to success. And that’s how I’m going to approach this blog from here on out. That, and I ran into my principal in the hallway earlier today, and he said to me, “I saw that you have a blog.” To which I probably gave an embarrassed, “Yes … and I haven’t written anything … in months.” But I could feel my face light up while talking about my blog, and just that one 30-second conversation inspired me to set a new, more realistic goal for myself. Ten posts a month is a lot. But what about one post a week? Whether it’s my favorite Survey Sunday, a new recipe or workout, or just anything that comes to mind, one post a week is more than manageable. Lord knows I spend more time Instagram stalking the brother of a friend’s cousin’s sister’s boyfriend than I care to admit, and that time could easily be spent doing something a bit more productive.

So, what have I been up to while I haven’t been blogging? To start, I finished (!!!) my very first marathon. 26.2 miles through the city in which I was raised. I grew up hearing about the Houston Marathon, and I felt like a million bucks walking through downtown wearing a medal almost the size of my face around my neck. I met my goal of finishing in under four hours (just barely!), and I can honestly say that I loved every single minute of the race. The weather was perfect, the signs were laugh-inducing, the spectators were encouraging every step of the way, the beer at mile 21 was clutch, and while I spent most of the next day curled up watching Family Feud in bed, and much of the next month nursing a tender knee, I wouldn’t change one thing about that day. Though I did limit myself to the half marathon in 2017.

One of my students held this sign up for me at the race

I reentered the world of club volleyball – thanks, BPal, for luring me out of retirement – and though I frequently questioned my decision to tackle the whirlwind of club volleyball in the midst of an always stressful STAAR season while dealing with a new puppy, I can say without a doubt that it was more than worth it. Not just because of the extra travel money deposited into my bank account each month, but because I realized just how passionate I am about the game, as well as the opportunity to be a positive influence in teenagers' lives.

Beach practice

Ran into a few of my sweet Bellaire girls

It’s a big time commitment, though. I missed out on more than a few outings with my friends in favor of spending my Saturday inside a gym. And it made me so grateful for all the coaches I had growing up, who gave up time with their families and friends – and probably even some time spent on the couch watching Netflix, if we’re being honest – to help mold me into the person that I am today. Am I getting sappy enough for you guys yet?

I may be a Cardinal now, but Spartans forever

I survived my second year of teaching, and man oh man, was it ten million times better than the first year. Not that the first year was bad. But it was my first year. As you all know, I had my own classroom, I grew more comfortable with the curriculum, and I felt so much more confident this time around.

I wouldn’t say that I totally know what I’m doing, but I’m learning more and more every single day. And I love it. And I can’t imagine doing anything else. I sometimes feel guilty when I tell people that I have a job where I don’t dread Mondays, and I actually mean that. I’m challenged in so many ways, and I learn so much every single day from not only my colleagues, but also from my students. And let’s be real, when you’re around high schoolers all day, you’re never lacking in laughter. I heard you kind of start to figure things out in year three, so I’ll be sure and keep you guys posted on that front.

Thanks for putting up with me as I counted down to my birthday for three weeks

I moved to the cutest one bedroom apartment, and I L O V E living by myself. Okay, not totally by myself, because Mack has the energy of about three additional humans. But I actually think this move has caused me to make more of an effort to see my friends on a regular basis, because I know that it’s all too easy to stay home with a book and a blanket and shut out the rest of the world. So this has been great for my introverted tendencies.

If you don’t follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and we’re not friends on Facebook, I spent three weeks traveling solo around Argentina. And let me guess, you’re saying to yourself, “Wow! She went to Argentina all by herself?” I can’t tell you how many times I got that reaction. But I really did it! And it was awesome. I wish I had a better adjective to describe my time in such an incredible country, but awesome is all I can come up with right now. I’m hoping I’ll be inspired to write a couple of posts about my time there, because while I posted plenty of pictures, I would love to be able to put into words some of the incredible sights that I saw, the food that I ate, and the things that I did. I’ll leave you with a couple of sneak peeks, though if you follow me on any form of social media you have likely already seen them. But if you’re anything like me, you never tire of looking at them.

Houston --> Buenos Aires

Teatro Colon

Recoleta Cemetery 

Tango lessons

Biking the park

Fruit stands on every corner

The mountains are calling

Hook 'em from the top!

Cerro Campanario

Cerro Campanario

Biking Circuito Chico

El Caminito

Hotel Llao Llao Spa Day

Iguazu Falls

Empanada class

And I’ll also leave you with this now-laughable moment (that was only shared with my mom long after the fact): Thanks to an allergic reaction to lotion used during a massage (and they tell you to treat yourself), I was treated to a cortisone shot in the butt just minutes before boarding a flight back to Buenos Aires from Bariloche. Every trip has to have something, right? But in all seriousness, I fell in love with the culture and history and country of Argentina, and it will always hold such a special place in my heart. My first – and it won’t be my last – solo adventure abroad, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to travel and experience what else this world has to offer.

I have watched some of my friends move to new cities, I have welcomed other friends home to Houston, I have walked my sweet pup to the point of exhaustion, I have tried new restaurants – and revisited my favs, I have completed over half of my 2016 25-book goal (goodreads link), celebrated my 24^th trip around the sun, relived my soccer days – Clutch City FC third place chumps, served my first jury duty summons, been in two accidents (yes, in a brand new car), experienced the goodness and strength of a community in the face of an unimaginable tragedy, reconnected with old friends, shared endless laughs with my favorite people, learned, grew, failed, and have learned how to be intentional with and present in each day.

Houston Rodeo

Blading into 24

Beer and baseball in the bullpen with the bro (and we won!)

Let the good times roll(erblade)

Golden

Suite 1 forever

My best bud

Hopdoddy does Houston

And I look forward to all of the future posts to come. It’s a little bit nuts when you realize that it takes only one conversation to get that mojo back, but it makes you realize how much impact a single conversation can have on another person. And now I’ll have something else to think about as I run myself ragged in and around Hermann Park and the Rice jogging trail.