Monday FLEW by + Christmas tree + off we go!

After my run yesterday, I went to see the chiropractor. I was feeling a little discouraged because I was hoping that in taking 3 days off from running, my hamstring would feel MUCH better. Well, that didn’t happen. While it hasn’t been bothering me constantly during runs, just off and on, it started to shoot a little pain when I put all my weight on my left leg. It’s not a sharp pain like the one I get when I run, it’s just kind of dull. I wasn’t having that before, so I was bummed when that started. Especially after I had taken time OFF. My chiropractor says my hips have evened out, so maybe it’s just my body readjusting. We will see! If it would completely stop firing at me during runs, I’d be thrilled! When I got home from the chiropractor, I had a couple of things to do around the house and before I knew it, it was 10:30. I was starving and couldn’t figure out why. Then I remembered I hadn’t eaten breakfast before the chiropractor. So, I whipped this up real quick! An over easy egg, some of the ham my Dad made for Thanksgiving, and half a bagel. It was so good!

Mmmmm. The ham was sweet, so that mixed with Sriracha and an egg was delicious.

After I ate, I got a couple more things finished around the house, then I went in the garage to do some weights. This is what I did:

I was feeling a little fluffy yesterday. Between all the yummy, rich food I had over the holiday, the drinks (A LOT) I enjoyed, day 1 of that time of the month (TMI – sorry!), and not running for a few days, I felt a little sluggish. I have TWO mini-goals right now. I say mini-goals because my BIG goals are to finish my marathon in April and to graduate SOON-ish. But, my two minis are to do a pull-up and to do a handstand. I worked on pull-ups yesterday. I have a WAYS to go. I had made some progress when we were going to CrossFit regularly, but I lost all of that when we stopped. So, it’s back to the beginning!

After I worked out, I had leftover salad from dinner Monday night and a piece of the chicken I prepped for Jake’s lunches. This salad is a kit and it’s my favorite. I think it’s called the Sweet Kale kit…don’t quote me on that, though.

This is what I get for waiting to pack until the last minute and NEVER wearing ‘teacher’ clothes anymore – my pants don’t fit. These were my favorite. They’re supposed to be a little baggy, but I think they got stretched out. I officially have ONE pair of slacks that fit. I guess when I get a new teaching job, I’ll be forced to go on a shopping spree. ; )

I washed the girls’ beds and let them lay on them in the sun. Aspen was SO happy. Don’t tell them, but they’re getting new beds for Christmas. They’re going to be pumped!

I needed this.

The best way to prepare for Christmas tree shopping. Any other stout beer lovers out there? If it’s a coffee stout, sign me up!

I didn’t have much of an appetite – TMI time: ladies, anyone else feel that way on the first day of your period? I just feel blah and food doesn’t really sound good. Don’t worry – I make up for that in the days beforehand! Anyway, this tomato bisque sounded amazing. And it was! YUM.

Jake had the Cali Chicken sandwich…or something along those lines. It was super good, too. He shared some fries with me – that’s how you know it’s true love. ; )

Then it was Christmas tree shopping time!

Our second Christmas tree together! It’s beautiful. I love that this is one of our traditions. We will decorate Friday night (when I get home) or Saturday morning!

The sweetest man ever gave us part of the trunk that he chopped off. He said this way we could remember our tree! Jake said we still have our first tree in our backyard as firewood, so he’s going to find a piece to cut off of it, too!

Here’s our beautiful tree! Can’t wait to decorate it!

TMI time, again…sorry! I’m going to just stop apologizing for TMI – if you know me/are a reader, you know it’s just who I am! This is a blog about my life, so here it is – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here’s how I enjoyed our tree last night – heating pad and whiskey. And yes, my heating pad is being held against my stomach by my pants. No shame in my game, friends! Jake’s REAL lucky, huh? Poor guy.

I leave for Florida this morning for a literacy conference. I’m presenting an article with a research professor from Mizzou Wednesday morning. The professor conducted a study and I analyzed her data. We are hoping to get the article published – if/when that happens, I’ll share it with you! I’m sure you’re just dying to read it! ; ) I’m ready for some Florida sunshine! It’s supposed to be 80 when we are there. My grandparents live in Florida, so my Mom is going with me and after the conference, we will spend some time with my grandparents – I can’t wait to see them!

Happy Tuesday! I’ll talk to you next from sunny Florida!