Goals July 2011

     Wow! I can't believe it is already July 1st. Where did my summer go? The beginning of a new month means a time for reflection and setting new goals for the upcoming month.


     June was not the best month for me health wise. I did not stick to my weight watchers plan at all. I did not drink water. I did not exercise as regular as I should have. I was not very concerned about my health at all. I have been recovering from a back problem and used that as an excuse for too long.  So, this month I have several goals to make sure I am doing what is best for me.


July 2011 Goals:

1. Drink at least 64oz. of water a day.

(Source)

     I have been severely lacking when it comes to achieving this goal. I went to good ol' WalMart and bought a reusable cup and I am going to have that filled with water by my side at all times. This should help keep me hydrated in the heat while training, as well as help flush the toxins out of my system.


2. I will keep up with my training schedule.

 (source)

     I have been training, but my whole heart has not been into it. I only have 18 weeks left. That is not very long to get ready to walk 20 miles a day. I am supposed to walk 4 days a week and have an alternate from of training 2 days a week. I will be using Zumba as my alternate training for now, and I will walk the correct mileage from here on out. This will help with my walk but will also help with my weight loss efforts. 

3. I will read at least 1 chapter a night before bed. 

  One of my favorite parts about this summer has been the time I have had to read what I want to read.  I don't have much extra time during the year with all of the grading papers and lesson plans, but in the summer I should be able to catch up on all the books I have wanted to read during the year. I will read at least 1 chapter a night before going to sleep. This will force me to turn the TV off and get in bed and crack the book!

4. I will cook 2 new recipes a week.

  One of my new found loves is cooking. I enjoying taking recipes from magazines and websites and trying to lighten them up. I like to hear that my husband enjoyed what I cooked for him. I love to go out in the backyard and pick what I will be cooking for dinner. I will use 2 recipes from my stash a week this month and document them here. 

5.  I will update my blog at least twice a week. 

 

      I have really enjoyed seeing the comments from everyone as I have started to update my blog more often. I love getting to share the everyday moments of my life with you. I will update this blog at least twice a week (with the recipes) and more if possible. 

     I will be checking back in August to reflect on these goals and to set more. Follow along with me to watch me on my journey.

  

To donate to my Susan G. Komen walk please click here.

Goodreads: Summer Me Time

   This summer I decided that I would not waste my free time away watching TV and playing on Facebook all day. I vowed to get some good reading in. I am proud to say I have done an okay job of getting some reading done so far. I have joined a website called Goodreads where I can keep track of all the books I have read, I want to read, and read reviews from others about books. If you would like to see my shelves follow me here at Goodreads.

   I have decided that I will be reading my books and giving you my readers my reviews once a month. So far this summer I have finished 4 different books. 

1. Water for Elephants 

    This was a great book. I loved the character of the old man because it reminded me of my great grandfather. If you like a really good love story this is the book for you. On a side note, the movie based from the book is the closest movie to a book that I have ever seen. I feel they did a really great job with it. 

2. Heaven is For Real

   This book is one that will force you to stop and think. Can a small boy really be a modern day prophet? Did he really go to Heaven and be sent back? There is a lot of evidence in this book that points to yes. It was a super fast read and really made me feel good. I highly recommend it.



3. Teach Like Your Hair is On Fire

   I wanted to read a book that would help me professionally while I was at a Professional Development opportunity this June. I was there for a whole week so I had plenty of time to myself to get in some good reading. This book was bought from our school's bookfair this year by a student of mine. He gave it to me as a gift. I absolutely loved it! Rafe gives you so many ideas on how to hook today's youth. He does an excellent job as a teacher. I want to reach my students in the same way that he reaches his. I cannot wait for this school year to start so I can implement the many ideas I have gathered this summer. 



4. Lover Eternal

    Now, if you are into the supernatural vampire reads I totally suggest this one for you. Thanks to Amy at www.secretaryofsteak.com I have been introduced to these beauties! I consider this series of books to be the "Adult Twilight" Each one is based on a different brother in the "Black Dagger Brotherhood".  It took me a while to get into the first book of the series, but once I did I was hooked.  This is the second of the series and features Rhage and Mary. This one has been a very fast read for me. I took it to Mexico with me and I almost have it done. I can't wait to read the next one!


Tune in next month to see what books I can get you hooked on!