Life Update: What Day Is It?
Posted: December 3, 2015 Filed under: Confessions, Holidays, Life, Uncategorized | Tags: adulting, adulting fail, beer, confessions, family, Holidays, life update, newborn, thanksgiving 2 CommentsHi Friends! It’s been a hot second since my last post. Life has been…. kind of a beautiful mess!
The truth is that I am exhausted. The last month has been a total whirlwind and most days I am not entirely sure which way is up. If I don’t write something down, I don’t remember it.
As an example, about two weeks ago (Maybe?) I had a meeting on a Monday and didn’t realize that I had completely forgotten about it and not shown up until Thursday. Oops. Luckily, I was able to reschedule.
I’ve been so busy that I didn’t post anything on Instagram for 3 WEEKS! If you know me, you know that I typically post about once a day!
Also, the blog turned 4 years old a couple of weeks ago! I had been thinking of doing a sappy throwback post with a lot of fanfare…and then I completely missed it… so thank you to everyone who keeps reading! Moving on…
In other news, Ben and I are adjusting to a new schedule as he started a new job a few weeks ago and I am still trying to figure out balancing schoolwork and adulting. Most days, I am usually up until about 2 am doing homework. Needless to say, this month has required a lot of prayer, patience and coffee (mostly on Farmer Ben’s part-#besthubsever).
But even with all of the hustle and bustle and adulting failure, life is good and Ben and I have so much to be thankful for.
Life is SO good!
Ben and I took a quick trip down to see the family for Thanksgiving. (We drove down Wednesday after work and drove back on Thursday night). Yes, it was a lot of driving but Farmer Ben is probably the best car dancer road trip partner on the planet so we had a blast.
I spent a large portion of the trip scanning radio stations (I know, I’m incredibly behind the times) so I could belt out Adele’s “Hello” while speeding down the highway, eating Trader Joe’s chocolate almonds and drinking coffee like a champ!
The highlight of our trip was going to Wegmans on Thanksgiving day and completely blowing our grocery budget on beer and cheese buying some awesome foodie things that we may not be able to get at home.
Just kidding! While this beer and Wegmans brie are both wonderful treats, it was even better to spend time with the family….especially because I finally got to meet my beautiful niece! Her name is Olivia and she is perfect!
She already looks so much like my sister! (Side note: Can we talk about how good my sister looks after delivering a human baby three weeks ago?!) It’s crazy….strong genes! It was awesome to see the rest of the family as well… I always hate to leave!
Since being home, I’ve been going pretty much nonstop but I am thankful that I am able to do what I do.
Phew… this was an incredibly random post! I had something much deeper planned when I first started typing and…well, clearly that didn’t happen. Next time friends!
Let’s catch up! How was Thanksgiving? Favorite road trip snack? What’s your favorite foodie item/beer?
Also, linking up with Amanda at Running With Spoons for today’s Thinking Out Loud Post….check out some of the other posts! Thanks for hosting the link-up!
Happy Independence Day
Posted: July 4, 2015 Filed under: Entertaining, Food, Fun, Holidays | Tags: 4th of July, Food, Grilling, Holidays, Independence Day, summer Leave a commentHello!
Just stopping in to say “Happy Independence Day!”
Last night, Farmer Ben and I practiced our right to grill and had a pretty delicious meal of chicken hot dogs, vegan beer brats (I’ve been really digging Tofurky brand sausages lately-Ben thinks I’m such a weirdo!), zucchini, radishes, scallions and hot sauce-dipped pineapple.
Everything was delicious… but we probably went a bit overboard for two people (We also had cheese and baguette).
Luckily, I have lots of leftovers to eat while Farmer Ben is feeding the masses today. I may have eaten some for breakfast, paired with some iced mango-black tea I found at Trader Joe’s earlier this week.
Honestly, I can’t complain about this day one bit… it started with delicious food and some quiet time before doing some work. That feels like a total win!
Anyway, remember to take a moment to thank those who serve and protect our freedom today!
Have a safe and happy holiday!
What are you doing to celebrate the 4th?
#Elf4Health and #holidaysweat-Week 1 Recap
Posted: December 3, 2014 Filed under: Food, Gross But Necessary, Health and Wellness | Tags: challenges, Elf4Health, fitness, GBN, health and wellness, Holidays, holidaysweat Leave a commentHi friends! Hope you’re having a great week! Here’s a look at two challenges I’m participating in at the moment (Click respective links for more info!) So far I am doing pretty well…and am loving the extra motivation!
I took some time off from running after my October Half as I had a pain in my foot that just wouldn’t quit, along with some other reasons, so these challenges came at the perfect time to help me ease back into a routine!
Lets start with #elf4health:
Day 1: Meatless Monday-I started out my day with a smoothie, then had a big-ass salad for lunch and topped off the evening with sushi, margaritas and friends! YUM!
Day 2: Unsubscribe challenge… fail. I DO need to do this.
Day 3: A New Workout: I went for a walk… I realize this isn’t a “new workout,” but it’s different for me.
Day 4: Recommend a good book/blog/podcast: I recommended three: The Best Yes, Sacred Marriage and The Lipstick Gospel.
Day 5: Veggie Smoothie-I didn’t do this. But I recommend Kale or Spinach.
Day 6: Treat Yourself-I headed to the library and picked up some reading material. Easy on the wallet and great for the mind!
Day 7: Meal Prep-Farmer Ben had to work on Thanksgiving so we ended up celebrating on Friday with his fam…. Needless to say, my fridge is still full… so I half did this?
Water Goal: hit daily
Freggie Goal(5-9 servings over fruits and veggies daily): 5 days out of 7… Cant win ’em all!
Monday-2 mile walk at lunch, 1 mile walk with hubby after work and 2 mile run.
Tuesday: Fail
Wednesday: 2 mile walk
Thursday-5 mile run because I slept in instead of turkey trotting.
Friday-Rest day/Turkey day
Turkey smoking in progress
Saturday-2 mile run at night (I’m such a chicken!)… It was freezing!
Sunday-kind of a rest day. Hubby and I did some mall walking when we had an hour or so to kill… I didn’t count this in my points.
That’s all… What are you doing to stay active this month?
“A List for Last Year,” A FINAL Update on 2013.
Posted: January 3, 2014 Filed under: Beliefs, Confessions, Fun, Health and Wellness, Holidays, Life | Tags: 2013, accomplishments, beliefs, clean eating, confessions, exercise, Farmer Ben, Food, foodie, goals, God, Gross But Necessary, health and wellness, healthy-living, Holidays, life, life update, mental health, motivation, New Year, New Year's Resolutions, running, self-improvement, training, travel, working out 2 CommentsOh hey! It’s officially 2014… I won’t get used to writing/typing 2014 until June…but it’s fine…
Anyway, I figured I should give you all one last look at how my 2013 goals were accomplished. I’ll keep it short and sweet, I promise!
Enjoy!
Noelle’s (Re-Re-Updated) List of Things to do before December 31, 2013:
1. Create a logo for the blog and go self-hosted.
Fail. That’s all.
2. Excel in my job.
I think for the most part, I do my job pretty darn well, but I’m still learning a lot… so I’ll call this one about 85%…..
3. Make 2013 a “Yes!” year/7. Be more present.
Yes. I killed this one.
5. Take more time to read.
Again, killed it.
4. Run a half marathon/6. Run 26.2 miles.
Half Marathon-I still haven’t raced it…but I’ve run it.
Marathon-Done. So we’ll call this even.
8. Pay off at least one big bill–Get better about saving money.
Didn’t happen… 2013 was the year of random things that come up and shot our budget to Hades AND realizing that we really need an emergency fund.
2014 will be the year of actually having an emergency fund (We’re 75% of the way to our EF goal!) and being able to handle those budget killers.
On the plus side, I upped my 401k contribution and Farmer Ben started his retirement fund at work in 2013…so it wasn’t all bad!
9. Do 100 Burpees in a row.
Nope…. I can probably do about 30 without stopping…maybe 40 if I am feeling like a boss.
10. Do more food-ing.
Absolutely! Done.
Told you that it would be short and sweet… I’d say I did well… granted, I failed miserably at two of my goals…but I definitely learned something from most of these challenges. And of the few that I didn’t accomplish, we are better prepared for them this year.
2013 was a good year, but 2014 will be better… I’ve got big plans for this year and can’t wait to fill you in along the way!
Now it’s your turn! How did you do with your goals for 2013? Anything you’re still struggling with? OR, do you have any advice for 2014?! Let me know!
“What is my expertise?” or The Art of Photo-Bombing Part III
Posted: December 18, 2013 Filed under: Awkward Moments, Confessions, Entertaining, Fun, Holidays | Tags: confessions, goals, Holidays, how to photo bomb, life, life lessons, memories, photo bombs, photo-bombing, random Leave a commentHi Friends!
Today’s #elf4health challenge is to “share my expertise.” Obviously, because I’m a Renaissance Woman, this is hard. I’m really good at many things, such as tripping up stairs, running into furniture, jam sessions while driving, spilling stuff all over myself and rocking second-day hair, but I didn’t think any of these were what Elle & Lindsay had in mind.
I tossed around a few other ideas.
I love to eat…bake and cook, weird things, especially… and add whiskey to cookies (or everything)…. but I’ve told you all about that before.
So, back to the drawing board I went… and I came up with something really good–and super useful–to share with all of you and my fellow elves.
Photo-bombing.
Yes. I am a not-so-secret photo–bombing expert. I realize that I’ve already written two posts on this, but what can I say? it’s kind of a big deal. AND, what better time of year to ruin carefully planned photo sessions with your loved ones than Christmas/New Year’s parties???
So, here is Noelle’s Notebook’s Photo-Bombing Refresher Course:
1. Pick your victims.
We all know THAT person. You know, the person who HAS to take the perfect photo… they need to stand “just so,” to hide their muffin top or do 2341354134135245 retakes until they finally look better than all other parties in the photo. OR, they have to document EVERYTHING (seriously, do you need to take a picture of Uncle Charlie eating a piece of celery?).
This person is almost always the one I pick…probably because sometimes I am that person (Farmer Ben can attest to this).
2. Plan your entrance.
Depending on the location, I have a few different approaches… at a party, I like to casually dance up behind the subject of the photo–slide to the left, you know? If the subject is sitting down, I prefer the walk-by… OR, I just quietly creep into the background. Your photographer is key to this step because if they so much as let out a chuckle, your cover is blown.
3. Find your motivation.
Are you the photo-bomber who tries to go unnoticed with the blank stare? Or do you go big–arms, eyes and all? I am typically the “make the most horrendous face possible” girl, but to each their own. The important thing is, once you figure out what you’re going for, you have to commit…
There’s no turning back in photo-bombing–you only have seconds to ruin the perfect photo.
4. Escape.
Find the quickest way to flee once the camera flashes…this could be as simple as turning around with a sweet spin move, or as complicated as leaping over a couch. Just remember to plan ahead and act natural.
5. Have fun.
This one should be obvious but sometimes we forget. I realize that photo-bombing is serious business–Just remember why you’re doing it and the fun will follow.
Finally, because I love this photo so much, here is my finest photo-bombing moment (thus far):
He never saw me coming…
To read Photo-Bombing Part I, click here.
To read Photo-Bombing Part II, click here.
Let’s chat! Are you an expert at anything? Discuss. What are some of your favorite photo-bombing techniques? OR are you a victim? Share your story.
To Farmer Ben
Posted: December 17, 2013 Filed under: Confessions, Holidays, Life, Marriage | Tags: Farmer Ben, happiness, Holidays, life, Love 2 CommentsToday is a special day. You were born.
Happy birthday to an amazing husband, best friend and soul mate. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share my life with. Cheers to the youngest 31-year-old I have the pleasure of knowing!
I love you!
This year’s birthday celebrations will be low-key. We’ll be enjoying some of Farmer Ben’s favorites: Mac & cheese, homemade cake and some vino…or beer.
Feel free to give the hubs a birthday shout-out in the comments!
Life Update: Bearded Ben, Turkey Trotting and Running Fast
Posted: December 5, 2013 Filed under: Confessions, Food, Health and Wellness, Life, Random | Tags: beliefs, confessions, cooking, Farmer Ben, fitness, GBN, goals, Gross But Necessary, health and wellness, Holidays, hot sauce, running, turkey 1 CommentHi Friends!
I know it’s been awfully quiet around here lately!
So here is a look at what’s been going on (in no particular order):
Confession, I wrote most of this post last night…
Farmer Ben had all four wisdom teeth out today (yesterday) and I have to say, he is a trooper!
I just took a Bourbon pumpkin cheesecake out of the oven (last night) and I am 65% sure the crust is burnt….
Also, have you ever gone to bake something (that you need to bring somewhere the next day) and realized you were missing almost half of the ingredients? Yeah, that happened to me tonight. Cue my scrambling to find substitutes to avoid leaving the house. Thankfully, I went a bit overboard on buying random ingredients for Thanksgiving/December baking so it all worked out… I think.
You may have noticed from this photo that Farmer Ben participated in No Shave November at his workplace.
Post Turkey Trot…My face is frozen because I don’t have a beard.
And apparently people like it because he won a gift card… Why can’t I win a gift card for not shaving my legs?! I’m only half-kidding. And I’m still waiting for Farmer Ben to shave…sigh.
On Black Friday, the hubs and I scored a pretty sweet deal on cold weather running gear at Dick’s. All Reebok stuff was 50% so we couldn’t resist….major sales are pretty much the only time I buy name brand anything, so we splurged on some tights, (not exactly) sweats, gloves and a half-zip w thumb holes (!).
The pants are (almost) the most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn and I am not even embarrassed to say that I have had them on almost every waking moment that I don’t have to wear work pants since I purchased them. My standby XL sweats may have a rival!
On Thanksgiving, Farmer Ben and I did the Turkey Trot…. and froze our butts off. We actually had our family dinner on Wednesday so we got up with slight food hangovers to run in ridiculously cold and windy weather (15 degrees. Real feel, 5. and WIND.).
Luckily, we pre-registered and picked up our race packets the night before so we just had to show up.
I had signed up for the 10k… but at the two-mile mark, while I was struggling to run in a semi-straight line, not slip on the ice and not blow all over the road, I decided to drop down to the 5k… I just didn’t have the gumption to continue in those conditions for another 4.2 miles. That’s the thing about the Turkey trot, you never know how the weather is going to be. Do I feel bad for dropping down to the 5k? Not really…it happens.
I’ve been participating in the #elf4health challenge with Elle and Lindsay and am loving my partner elf! Hi Rach!
You know that crazy (and super vague) thing I mentioned I *may* be doing? Well… I took the first step. Not gonna lie, I have no idea what the outcome will be! Its invigorating and nerve-wracking at the same time.
In other news, I’ve been thinking about what my goals are for the new year, particularly my fitness goals:
To start, I want to focus even more on my nutrition (oh hey, ENERGYbits!) and my form. But I also want to get stronger. And Faster.
Another marathon is definitely on the docket for 2014… but I am looking to improve and not “just finish.”
I want to finish strong. I don’t know why, but admitting that out loud (or on blog) kind of freaks me out.
I think this realization hit me on a run a couple of weeks ago. For the last year, I’ve been running about 9:45-10 min mile pace, give or take 10 seconds. Completely respectable and nothing to sneeze at. I really haven’t been focused on time, just getting out and getting those miles in.
Then, a couple weeks ago, I did a four mile run at a faster-than-usual pace. When I got back to my car, instead of getting in or starting to stretch, I ditched my excess layers and reset my watch. I proceeded to run a timed mile at 8:23 pace.
What?!
You can imagine I was pretty stoked.
About a week later, I had a jam-packed day, so I planned to run at lunch.
Unfortunately, my work place is not located in a runner-friendly area. There’s a lot of traffic and people drive fast. So, I drove to a spot in town where I do some of my night runs.
This meant I would have just under 30 minutes to run, after drive time/make-myself-presentable time (luckily it was a Friday). After parking, I started mapmyrun and took off on the bike path. I meant business (mostly because I didn’t have a lot of time).
When the app notified me that I had completed a mile and gave the split, I thought it was a mistake but kept moving (my second mile was about a minute slower and the third was somewhere in the middle).
In the end, I ran 3.1 miles (I had only planned on 2) in 28 minutes. My first mile was run in 8 minutes and 16 seconds.
That’s speedy for me. I haven’t run that fast in a long time…and it got me thinking… Could I run that pace consistently for a whole 5k? Or longer?!
I haven’t trained for speed in a long time… since high school. I’ve gone out and run fast, and randomly done a speed workout here and there, but I haven’t consistently tried to get faster.
So, this is going to be a new adventure…and a challenge.
And completely off topic, but there is currently 2.5 gallons of hot sauce in our fridge. Go big or go home, right?
If you’re still reading, thanks for sticking through my ramble!
Let’s chat, what have you been up to? Did you run a turkey trot? Beards-yes or no? What are your fitness goals for 2014? Any suggestions for speed work?
Some Fun Facts for Friday
Posted: November 15, 2013 Filed under: Confessions, Food, Life, Random | Tags: confessions, Farmer Ben, fitness, Food, happiness, Holidays, random 2 CommentsHi Friends!
Sorry if I completely confused you with yesterday’s post, and thanks for your continued support! Did you know Noelle’s Notebook has been around for almost two years now? I can’t believe it!
Moving on, I figured I’d give you some random facts today.
1. This may not be a big deal, but I was pretty excited to find my last TWO posts featured on the Pace Per Mile website.
2. I am currently craving an exact replication of this meal. And bagels (Hint, hint, FB).
3. My “AHA” Moment post was published on the Fit Approach website. I was incredibly nervous about posting this-especially because I reveal my numbers (gasp!) and some other personal info… but I am really happy that I shared…I’ve gotten positive feedback and I hope it helps someone else. Check out my story here.
4. I’ve been contemplating doing an ENERGYbits giveaway…thoughts? Or RECOVERYbits… it’s getting into cold/flu season, after all.
5. This morning, I had to dumpster dive. Someone at work thought something was accidentally thrown out and needed to check. No, it was not the regular dumpster (Thank God!)… it was the paper dumpster, and I was given the task because I was the younger, more limber of the people looking for said item. Not the way I thought I’d be starting my day, that’s for sure. There may be photographic evidence not in my possession. The worst part, I didn’t find what I was looking for.
6. This is what happens when I try to take an action photo of myself while running… normally, I’d be ashamed of my failure, but I find it hilarious… Moving too fast for the camera, obviously. 
7. I just signed up to for this and I can’t wait! Side note: The event is being held where Ben and I got married. Food and Wine is always a win! Between this and the Turkey Trot, my month is made.
8. Lastly, the winners of the Sworkit Giveaway are: Liz, Vanessa, Jessica and Chelsea! Congratulations, Ladies! Please email me (noellesnotebook@gmail.com) to claim your discount codes!
And thanks to Ryan for creating an awesome app!
Let’s chat, any big plans this month? Ever had to dumpster dive?!
“A List for the New Year,” an(other) Update.
Posted: October 18, 2013 Filed under: Beliefs, Confessions, Fun, Health and Wellness, Holidays, Life | Tags: 2013, accomplishments, beliefs, clean eating, confessions, exercise, Farmer Ben, Food, foodie, goals, God, Gross But Necessary, health and wellness, healthy-living, Holidays, life, life update, mental health, motivation, New Year, New Year's Resolutions, running, self-improvement, training, travel, working out 2 CommentsOh hey! It’s October 18, 2013. I figured I owe you all a second update on how my 2013 To-Do list is going.
So, here you are! Enjoy!
Noelle’s (Re-Updated) List of Things to do before December 31, 2013:
1. Create a logo for the blog and go self-hosted.
Not gonna lie, STILL haven’t done this… however, I have gotten some ambassadorships that are pretty awesome and feel like I’m moving in the right direction. (you guys get 25% with my code for Energy Bits!)
I also finally broke down and got Twitter and Instagram… not that I know how to use them very well, but it’s all about networking, right? (usernames for both are NoellesNotebook if you’d like to give a follow!)
I’d love to know what you, readers, would like to see content wise…I realize that this space has morphed into a different animal from what I originally intended it to be… but I’m okay with that… however, I want to keep it interesting for all of you…so I’d love your feedback!
2. Excel in my job.
Confession: I struggle with this one.
I feel like my “promotion” has transformed into something else… my time is filled up with special projects that seem to take over what I’m actually supposed to be doing. And honestly, I have days (or months) where I just wonder how I am supposed to get everything done… Does anyone else have this problem?
My boss tells me I’m doing well, but some days, I really have trouble believing that….but I just keep on going and I’m hoping that counts for something.
To be completely honest, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking on this particular aspect of my life, what’s to come of it, and what not.
3. Make 2013 a “Yes!” year/7. Be more present.
I’m killing this one.
- Strides for James was amazing–we had over 200 participants and raised over $5,000 after expenses. We were able to reach our scholarship goal in less than a year and someone in our community is already benefitting from our group’s hard work.
- Farmer Ben won tickets to a Red Sox game. We went and loved it.
- The Hubby and I were in the bridal party/catered our friends’ wedding. Not gonna lie, it was exhausting but worth it.
- We got to do some hiking this summer! I cannot tell you how happy this made me!
- Just starting a new online class today.
- Farmer Ben and I just returned from a kick-ass road-trip and are craving more adventures. We drove to St. Simons Island, Georgia, then headed up to Charleston, South Carolina. I am ready to move there!
- On our road-trip, we ate Barbecue for 3 days. I’m not even a little ashamed.
- Ben finally got to meet my good friend Natasha who lives in DC and we visited (and by visited, I mean had a couple of drinks and crashed on her floor before getting up ridiculously early and hitting the road again) Liz–FINALLY! I even got to show him my old apartment.
- Also on our trip, we spent the night on a sail boat-a first for me!
- I also ran my first marathon.
- Spent more time with family
Catamount Mountain, August 2013
I think those are all of the big ones, but honestly, I feel so blessed this year with all of the adventures we’ve had and I am wondering what’s next!
As far as spending less time on my phone, I’ve absolutely cut down on this. I deactivated my Facebook account and haven’t looked back. I may re-activate it when I get back into the heart of planning Strides for James 2014… but for now, I am content to be in the dark about what that girl who was in my gen ed class, freshman year is doing. I’m learning to appreciate those around me and treasuring the time with people I don’t see every day.
Any suggestions to continue my “Yes” Year?!
5. Take more time to read.
Yes. Doing this.
I won’t bore with the entire list, but these are my favorites I’ve read this year (Not gonna lie, it looks almost exactly like the list in my last update):
- My Bible
- all three Hunger Games Books (twice)
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- The Girl Who Played with Fire
- Garlic and Sapphires
- The Girl Who Kicked a Hornet’s Nest
- The Great Gatsby
- Pride and Prejudice
- Born to Run
- Eat & Run
- The Dirty Life
- The Beautiful & Damned
Any other reading suggestions?
4. Run a half marathon/6. Run 26.2 miles.
Half Marathon-I’ve run the distance but haven’t raced it. Can we call this one even? I may look for a race in the next month or two… just to check it off the list, but I won’t be heartbroken if I don’t get that race in.
Marathon-Done. One of the most difficult and worthwhile things I have ever accomplished… and I’m already planning to do another!
I did it!
8. Pay off at least one big bill–Get better about saving money.
I’m getting closer.
9. Do 100 Burpees in a row.
I still haven’t been working on my burpees.
10. Do more food-ing.
Absolutely!
I definitely went on a vegan recipe kick after reading Eat & Run. I’ve also been experimenting more with using different ingredients, especially when I was training for the marathon, I had to get creative with pre/during race foods because of some digestion issues.
We’ve also made an effort to eat at home more this year…and when we traveling, we try to eat at a local restaurant.
Roasted beets, cukes, lettuce, beet greens, tomatoes, carrots and homemade horseradish avocado dressing.
So, there you have it. I’d say for the most part, I’m doing pretty well…I definitely see areas where I can improve, but I am happy for now.
Now it’s your turn! How are you doing with your goals? Anything you’re struggling with? OR, do you have any advice to help me out?! Let me know!
“A List for the New Year,” an Update.
Posted: March 5, 2013 Filed under: Beliefs, Confessions, Fun, Health and Wellness, Holidays, Life | Tags: 2013, accomplishments, beliefs, clean eating, confessions, CSA, exercise, Food, foodie, goals, God, Gross But Necessary, health and wellness, healthy-living, Holidays, life, life update, mental health, motivation, New Year, New Year's Resolutions, running, self-improvement, training, travel, working out 1 CommentOh hey! It’s March 4, 2013. Where has the time gone?! I figured I owe you all an update on how my 2013 To-Do list is going.
So, here you are! Enjoy!
Noelle’s (Updated) List of Things to do before December 31, 2013:
1. Create a logo for the blog and go self-hosted.
I haven’t given this much thought….I can’t even pretend. Shame.
2. Excel in my new position.
I’m still learning a lot of new information. Every day.
Just when I finally think I have something down, something happens and I realize I am just scratching the surface…. Whether I am excelling or not, I don’t feel that I am, yet…. but I am definitely enjoying the learning process.
I’ll check back in another month or so.
3. Make 2013 a “Yes!” year/7. Be more present.
I think I’m doing pretty well with this one.
- The hubby and I did a Valentine’s Day Wine Tour. Wine and Chocolate. Perfection.
- I attended a farm and food event and got to chat with some local farmers and producers.
- I signed up for some fitness challenges
- I volunteered to make favors for a bridal shower (super excited about this…even though I’m not very crafty)
- Expanded my cooking/recipe arsenal.
- I am working on the perfect dessert for the wedding of two friends. It’s not cake!
- I’m also signed up to take two online nutrition courses. I cannot wait!
With everything else, planning Strides for James (a charity run) has gotten me out to meet a ton of new people as a direct result. Getting sponsors and taking the lead on this has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Terrible picture, but here is an initial race flyer design. I love it!
Yes!
As far as spending less time on my phone, it depends on the day. Race planning has taken up a lot of my time the last couple of months and because I get emails, texts and check our Facebook page on my phone, some days I spend a lot more time doing these things than I should… it’s a work in progress.
Any suggestions to continue my “Yes” Year?!
5. Take more time to read.
I’m killing this one! So far I’ve read a lot of books and have expanded my blog reading (some blogs have been added to the current web obsessions page)…
Books include my Bible, all three Hunger Games Books, A book of stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald (which, surprisingly, I hadn’t read before), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, Garlic and Sapphires and I just started The Girl Who Kicked a Hornet’s Nest… that’s been in the last month.
I’ll be re-reading the Great Gatsby and Pride and Prejudice… just because, I need to.
Any other reading suggestions?
4. Run a half marathon/6. Run 26.2 miles.
As you know, I started marathon training. However, winter running is not going as well as I had hoped….between being sick, silly injuries (falling down a flight of stairs and shin splints) and my body not wanting to cooperate, I’ve had a tough time.
Initially, I planned on doing a May race but given some setbacks, I am starting to have second thoughts. I realize that a few bumps in the road are part of the training process, but I worry that I won’t be ready.
So, I am tossing around the idea of doing a fall marathon and checking off the half marathon in the spring. I haven’t made any decisions yet. And I won’t for another couple of weeks.
I’ll keep you posted. And don’t worry, the GBN posts will be starting up again soon!
8. Pay off at least one big bill–Get better about saving money.
Not gonna lie, I’ve had some setbacks with this one, some out of my control… but it appears that I am back on track.
I’m working on practicing an incredible amount of self-restraint to get me even closer…. we’ll see how I do.
9. Do 100 Burpees in a row.
Not gonna lie, I haven’t been working on my burpees. Fail.
10. Do more food-ing.
As I mentioned above, I’ve expanded my food-blog reading in the last few months, I also signed up to take some nutrition classes online…done some wine-tasting and gone to a farm/food expo.
I’m working on expanding my cooking knowledge… I feel like I do pretty well, but being married to a chef, a lot of times I just let him take care of our meals. Not anymore. I’ve tried a few new recipes, nothing crazy difficult, but still tasty and have been dabbling with vegan and gluten-free cooking/baking.
I also have been doing some food research. With friends, for other people and through other people. Food research is a great conversation starter!
Farmer Ben has been diligently planning his garden and I am pretty pumped. I hope to improve my growing skills and help him out a lot more than I have in previous years.
Oh! And we are looking into a CSA. Meat, Dairy and Eggs. So excited about this!
So, there you have it. I’d say for the most part, I’m doing pretty well…
Don’t forget to sign up for Strides for James!!!! (Sorry…shameless plug… I know!)
Now it’s your turn! How are you doing with your goals? Anything you’re struggling with? OR, do you have any advice to help me out?! Let me know!
Noelle's Notebook 