Oh September, you were so interesting. Looking back at my calendar, it was a crazy busy month but as we close you out, my heart is oh so full! Lets take a look back into you crazy month...
My Runtember challenge... in the beginning of the month, I gave myself a goal to run at least one mile a day for the whole month. I was doing great that first week when the sun was rising early and I was able to get out there at 6:15 but as the month drew on, first light was getting later and later and my start time for work was remaining the same. To feel safe and to give myself someplace to go, I joined Retro Fitness and that first morning I went at 5:15 AM, I was shocked how many people were there working out. I thought to myself "YES! This is the place to go!" I am happy to say that I have just one day left of my Runtember challenge and I am really proud!
I don't look at running anymore as something dreadful. I am looking at it as YAY! I get to run. I am going to be recapping Runtember in the upcoming weeks. I learned a lot from this and I can't wait to share all about it!
Staying with the fitness topic, I have been absolutely loving ashtanga yoga with Sarah each week. The group that has been coming each week has been so welcoming and kind and I leave with heart full, sore muscles and new appreciate for being able to do yoga. Ashtanga yoga focuses on muscle training and develops physical strength. I have stayed away for yoga for a long time because I just didn't like any yogi I found/ their style. I am super picky with my yoga and I decided to take a chance with Ashtanga yoga ( I never heard of Ashtanga before this class and I am so happy I went in blind.) I have really been enjoying this challenge and the flow to it. I am really excited to see the personal progression and what I can do with it.
Earlier in the month, I hit a big savings goal! I was really excited to do this. Back in 2019, when I moved back home after ending the engagement, I started basically from zero, saving money again. In those three years since. I am always so proud of hitting certain goals and while my BIG BIG savings goals are a ways off, I am celebrating this big savings goal and looking forward to the next goal.
One thing I noticed this month was as if the funk I had been in, kinda unbeknownst to me, had disappeared. I was finally feeling more like myself and I was much happier in general. I had no idea for a few months why I was in this funk and it took me awhile to realize that I was actually in one. THEN it took me awhile to get out of it and let me tell you, it feels awesome that I am back to what I consider my old self. I am full of energy, I am happy and playful and goofy and focused. I was having the hardest time staying focused on anything and it was a fight (and mostly bribing myself with food) to stay on track. I have an inkling that consistent movement each day AND sweating with the movement has really helped.
I went on A LOT of adventures this month. Some were planned, some were spur of the moment/why not say yes, kind of adventures.
The first adventure was to Maryland to keep Kyle company as he had a job early Saturday morning. The ride down to Maryland on a Friday night was quickish and when we arrived at the hotel, we both collapsed into the bed and didn't wake up until his alarm went off, 6 hours later. Kyle left for his job and I took full advantage of all the hotel amenities. The gym was empty and the lobby gave me so much great people watching. Kyle's job took a while, which I totally was okay with; I knew there might be some hiccups and by 3, Kyle and I were on the road to Pennsylvania.
After a quick pit stop to get gas and almost get stuck in a bathroom, I hopped in the drivers seat and gave Kyle a full 2 hour car-karaoke concert while he worked on his report and napped. I was so excited to drive through a tunnel (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) and drive across state lines. Bless Kyle for listening to me sing. HA! We arrived in Kennett's Square for dinner then we were off to Longwood Gardens to see the Light Exhibit. It was absolutely the most perfect night to walk around the gardens. We had a rally great time there. I was so excited to see this exhibit, I wrote a whole blog post about it. You can find the link below.
The next weekend, we stayed in Jersey and ventured west to Grounds for Sculpture. I had never been there and I am so glad I did not do any research about Grounds for Sculpture. It was a magical place. Just like Longwood Gardens, it was so interesting. We had another great afternoon walking around the gardens and looking at lifelike art. I wrote about post about this, you can find that link below.
The same day, well evening of Ground for Sculpture, we headed into Asbury Park to listen to Green Day. The SeaHearNow festival was happening that weekend and Green Day was the Sunday headliner. Green Day also happens to be Kyle's favorite band. We found a great spot about a block west from the stage and we were able to hear everything and even seen the big screens on the stage. Coming from a girl, who doesn't always listen to Green Day, they put on a great show! I even knew a few songs!
We celebrated a very special lady's birthday this month too! Mama turned "13" this month. She enjoy her special day and she is feisty as ever. Another trip around the sun for her, another year of fun! We gave her a basket of all goodies to pamper herself. My favorite gift I gave her was a terry cloth headband with a big bow for her to use when she washes her face. Its so fun! I shared some of favorite photos of her on the blog earlier this month, you can find that post below.
One anniversary that happened this month was the 21st anniversary of September 11th. It is unbelievable that it has been 21 years. As usual I try to honor the heroes and the lives lost by reading and listening to stories about that day. It's hard to imagine that its been so long- some of the children of firefighters who were lost on that day, have since joined the FDNY to follow in their father's footsteps. What a legacy they are following.
Lastly, almost every morning when I am walking into work, I pass by a woman who is walking and listening to her phone. We say hello and sometimes comment about the weather. This past week, we saw each other and she said to me "you always look so happy in the mornings, are you always this happy?" I couldn't help but smile and tell her yes! I try to be happy every day. She was so sweet. I asked her what her name was and she told me and she also added that she gets her steps in and prays; that's how I start my day started. What a sweet interaction that brought such a smile to my face for the rest of the day.
Goal Review:
I moved 30 out of 30 days this month (Move at least 3 times a week)
I spent 40ish hours outside (Spend 1000 hours outside this year)
I tried to show kindness all month (being the best version of myself) and it really boosted my mood those days when I was kind.
I was NOT creative at all this month. I am still struggling with this. (Be more Creative)
License Plate Game
Zero new ones still looking for Wyoming, New Mexico and North Dakota
Exercise
I ran everyday this month and also did yoga once a week. Started going to the gym on the 19th, ready to get into a more sustainable exercise program. I am eager to get back into climbing for the next few months. I really enjoyed all of my activeness. It was definitely good for my mental health.
Did you miss any of my posts from this month, find them below:
Friday Favorites 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Random # 8 | Back to School | Be Safe | Organizing at Work |
September 11th Remembrance | Everyday Products I Love | How I organize my Closet | Longwood Gardens |
What's In My Purse | Goodbye Summer | Happy Fall | Happy Birthday Mom | WGJ #33 | Grounds For Sculpture |
Diary # 33 | What's Up Wednesday | WGJ Travels: Penelope's Adventures |
[[You are magic, don't ever apologize for the fire in you.]]
