September Reading List

We are at the end of September and it finally feels like fall! I checked the 10 day forecast the other day and the 80+ degree days temps are all gone. So, welcome fall! 

My September reading list is almost non-existent this month. Other demands kept me busy so my reading for fun took a break. 

Here's what I did read! 

// The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand //

I am still on my Elin Hilderbrand kick. The Matchmaker was one of my favorites so far. Her books are light and easy to read but this one made you reflect on life. I, also, read The Tailgate which is a short story prequel to The Matchmaker. 

// Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter //

By the end of this book, I really enjoyed it but it was a slow read. It took me awhile to adjust to the authors writing style. The story was great though and it had me in tears. It is a definite must-read. 

So, that's all! But, if you want to talk education policy and issues happening in the state of Ohio, I'm your girl! I am reading something new now, my kindle is full and I just renewed two more books. 

Hope you have a great day - we are half way to the weekend! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Weekly Weigh-In

Not much to report. I'm not sure if that is good or bad! I am 2 lbs over my last weigh-in but considering its been hit or miss with tracking my calories and my exercise routine was mostly non-existent (a couple spin classes, a couple days of weights and the elliptical once), I consider that a small victory. I have weighed in the past few weeks and this is where I've been each time.

For real though, I miss the exercise routine I was on the past spring and early summer. I felt stronger, more energetic and I was starting to notice a physical difference. Trying to work it in with our new school/work schedule is hard but I am determined to figure out a way to make it fit. 

I need to remember to take it one day at a time. So, yesterday I stayed within my goal calorie range. My recommended (from a nutritionist and via My Fitness Pal) ratio of carbs-fat-protein was only a little off. Also, I went to my favorite Tone and Strength class last night. It would have been easier to stay home but I knew I had to go. It was hard but I felt good afterwards.

Today, I am hoping to hit the treadmill and start running again! 

Hope everyone has a motivated Tuesday! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Finding the Balance

As I was sitting in front of my calendar last night planning out my week and prioritizing my never ending and always growing "to do" list, I added a blog post idea for each day this week. As I sat down to type this (in the wee hours because let's be real...once the day begins...well, you know), I realized my last post was from August 31st. What??? I knew September was keeping me busy but wow. 

So, where have I been? Around. I didn't leave the country or go on some extended vacation (I wish!). I am around just trying to find and maintain some sort of balance. You know, the balance between being a mother, managing a home, working, giving back to the community and staying home with a two year old. Oh, and finding time to take care of yourself - that always seems to be at the bottom of the list and rarely gets crossed off.

Did I figure it out? Nope. It is an ongoing struggle and I feel like I am juggling too many pieces which means it seems like something is going to fall. Things are starting to settle and I am getting myself into new routines. I know that they key for me is to stay organized and on top of things - like that never-ending pile of laundry. 

In my attempt to find balance and create routines, here are a few things I am doing:

- Giving the girls my dedicated attention for a period of time each evening. Too often I feel like I am saying "in just a minute", "please, Mommy just needs to finish doing ____", "just leave me alone!"

- Rising a little earlier than normal each morning. I know that by mid-week I will be so exhausted but this needs to happen.

- Fridays are for Auggie and me. I decided to stay home with him and work part-time because I realize he will only be little once. He and I have a strong bond that I only want to strengthen. 

- Finding time for me! Getting back into a solid workout routine and focus on being a healthy me. I am trying to get myself to think long-term - about the 5k I want to run, the jeans I want to put on this fall, etc. 

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Auggie and I spent our first "Friday date" with a trip to the zoo! It was a beautiful day with perfect temps. I will take fall days like this anytime of year! 

The pumpkins were being setup for the zoo's fall activities - fall fest, boo at the zoo. Every single child made a beeline for these pumpkins. When we left they were gated with signs asking everyone to stay off. Oops! 

The petting zoo was closed but the chickens were out and active.

Auggie's first train ride. 

The Heart of Africa. 

 So majestic! He woke up, stared at Auggie and then moved away. Ha! 

 This is where we spent most of our time...and then cried when I made us leave. It happens every single time! 

 And then we spent our time sitting in this old Jeep instead of watching the giraffe feeding! The hysterics when we left may have scared the cheetahs. For real.

It was a great day and start to a fun weekend! 

Hope the week ahead is a good one! 

xo,

Stephanie