I'm reading...

When I stepped away from blogging, I also stopped reading the zillion blogs I subscribe to with Google Reader.  If you don't use Google Reader....you should.  I can enjoy a wide variety of blogs without having to open up each individual site.  It's amazing.  Of course there is also an app so I can read my favorites on the go as well.  Anyhow, I've been trying to catch up on some of my favorites and thought I'd share:

http://runawayranchwife.blogspot.com/

My sister.  I had to include her because she can still kick my ass.

http://www.journeytotherun.blogspot.com/

A bff.  I had to include her because I can't outrun her.

http://skinnyrunner.com/

This girl is amazing.  Running her 15th marathon of the year. She also gets credit for my love of Mizuno running shoes.  Don't you love how I talk like we are friends?

http://www.runnersrambles.com/

Reading about others pushing themselves to the limits is inspiring.  She is training for an ultra!  Also, I identify with her story and it gives me hope: 

"I always hated running.

I grew up playing basketball where running was our punishment. It wasn’t fun, it hurt, I was not a fan.  I wasn’t that great of an athlete, but I put my heart and soul into it while I was playing and loved every second of it.  I loved being an athlete and having a purpose to what I was doing with exercise...."

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

The very first blog I ever subscribed to.  Amazing photos, recipes, and daily recollections of a busy ranch wife.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/

Super neat tech ideas for teachers and lots of free stuff!

Why do I enjoy reading about other peoples' lives?  Simple...so mine doesn't seem so absolutely crazy and lame all at the same time.

Goodbye 34

In addition to having a fabulous Thanksgiving break, I turned 35 Saturday.  I'm not old enough that it's depressing and so far my 30s have ROCKED! Disclaimer:  I hereby reserve the right to have a meltdown when I turn 39.  Anyhow, following are some highlights of year 34 in pictures, which I'm sure are much briefer than my words.  I can only HOPE that 35 is as awesome!!

A lil target practice at our redneck gathering this summer. 
I'm officially licensed to carry!

LOVE my 2nd job!!

Sledding in Wyoming

World Ranch Rodeo Finals in Amarillo, TX

Got to do a lot more of this last year.
Looking forward to even more this year!

Branding Camp '12

Love taking these two to vb, bb, soccer, swimming, rodeos, etc!

Starting running last Nov. and ran a half marathon 5 months later!

That's what I'm talkin about!

Superficials

I didn't do the posting of the thankfuls this year.  Of course, I'm thankful for all the obvious reasons...friends, family, faith, food, shelter, work, wine.  I thought it might be more interesting for my readers (all 35 of you) if I were to make a list of all the more superficial things I'm most thankful for.  You know... the things you don't want to proclaim on Facebook for fear of looking shallow.  I have no fear.

1.  My beloved iPhone.
2.  My Kindle Fire.  Since my husband seems to get somewhat jealous of my computer but is completely technology stupid, I can browse the internet on my Fire and he thinks I'm reading. Don't judge.
3.  Coffee along with a dark chocolate peanut butter Vi shake in the morning. 
4.  Skinny jeans.  Two years ago I proclaimed you would never see my ass in skinny jeans.  Now I love love em.  Next best things to leggings.
5.  Tunics and long sweaters......so no one actually sees my ass in skinny jeans and I can still enjoy being comfy and wearing cute boots.
6.  Running clothes.  They are so comfortable and I'm sure people are sick of seeing me wear my running tights on the weekends.  I can never quit running cause the clothes are too comfortable.
7.  Head bands.
8.  Frozen pizza. Lately I feel like I run a damn bread and breakfast with all the company we've had (Please don't stop coming). While I resemble Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart while my house is full, when they all leave, I break out a pizza. 
9. Hair products to control my fro.
10. Cute boots in any form. Kick ass boots distract from bad hair.
11. iPods.  They keep my kids occupied in the car so I don't go bat shit crazy. 
12.  My pistol. It's quite empowering packing even if I never have to actually use it.  No worries, though.  While running I frequently "practice" using it after various cars have zoomed pass.  If they were to look in their rear view, they'd see a crazy white chick practicing her quick draw.  Hey, it's important to be comfortable....and my stance is bad ass.
13.  My LQ trailer. Call me high maintenance (and my husband does) but having my own toilet even at a fricken jackpot is completely worth the $.  AND, since we are completely redneck enough to pull our trailer to the lake, it did serve multiple purposes last year.
14.  Rednecks. There are so many redneck reality shows right now that my kids are entertained with good family fun for hours. Duck Dynasty might be the only show we all watch together.
15.  Fishing.  While I don't fish, Shane and the kids go frequently which equals "ME" time.
16.  Hats.  I maybe fix my hair 10 times a summer.
17.  My Garmin.  Even though I run slow as hell, it's still fun to see the stats and try to beat em next run.
18.  My iPod.  Love when on a run, and I feel like I'm about to die and then that ONE song comes on and I throw my hands in the air and sing out loud pushing through the utter despair.  Yes, I really do that.  Don't judge. 
19. Coffee pot timer. I have not time to spare in the mornings getting my kids out the door in an attempt to be at work on time.
20. Multiple TVs.  While I enjoy hunting, I do NOT want to watch it on TV 24/7 as my husband does.
21. My new (to me) Subaru.  It's saving me enough gas money to pay for my truck.
22.  A big house so all my family can come over today yet still have a place to escape to if needed.

I just realized I may have did this same thing last year.  Awesome, my blog now has an annual tradition. Have an amazing Turkday Day all!!  I plan to end my day by running just 1 mile as Tara has inspired me to join the Runner's World Holiday Running Streak.  That's gonna be fun come New Year's Day I'm sure. 

RESET

I'm going to be frank (yes, I know, not a big surprise).  I haven't been feeling all that great the last couple of weeks.  I'm tired, bloated, anxious, negative, and my husband would pry like to add bitchy. This puzzles me as just a few months ago, I'd never felt better.  So, in pursuit of my happy place, I thought back to spring and summer when I felt fabulous.  From this self-reflection, I deduced that five months ago:

• I was in the best shape of my life.  I was pushing my body and mind to do things (like run 13.1 miles) that I'd never before thought possible.  

• I was starting up a new and exciting business adventure with Visalus promoting the 90 day challenge.

• I was eating clean and healthy along with my Body by Vi one a day shake and vitamins. 

• I was sharing my passions with my BFF's.  I miss our group runs, strategy talks, and basically any excuse for some time away from our lives as moms, wives, chauffeurs, maids, cooks, etc. 

• I had a somewhat organized and clean house.  I find this ironic because I was spending so much time training and promoting my business; however, I had more energy for household chores. There were NO excuses.

• I was shooting my pistol frequently at various objects.  I'm not sure this is related.  All I know is that  I haven't shot my pistol in 2 months trying not to scare away the deer.  Coincidence?  I think not.  Shooting shit is great therapy. 

• I was spending time with my friends/family doing things that weren't work or school related.  Snowmobiling, Hunting, Barrel Racing, Fishing, Running,  etc.  My kids aren't getting the best me right now.  Seriously, sometimes after the 20 minute drive to/from school and their constant arguing, I want to play hide and seek and not be found.  Don't judge.  All moms feel this way at times.....right?

• I was spending less and saving more.  Or maybe I was earning more "fun" tickets through a second income.  Either way it felt great!
• I was blogging.  While I never quit blogging in my head while driving, running, riding, whenever; I did quit publishing.  Blogging is fun.  Blogging is also a very vulnerable thing.  I am a mom, wife, teacher, etc.  While I love small town living and wouldn't trade it for the world, the pressure is sometimes overwhelming.  Being teacher/coach Jamie is sometimes a 24/7 job, and it's exhausting.  I found myself not publishing my blogs in fear of offending some.  So, a few things about me. When I'm not teacher Jamie, I curse on occasion (who am I kidding, frequently).  I vow to use a "lesser" word, but  I may occasionally say something you don't like.  Sorry.  I'm also somewhat more liberal (GASP) that many in our area. Take it as you wish. My kids are amazing, and I will brag on them, but I will also never believe them and always question the whole story.  I like drinking a beer (or six) with a friend or having a glass of wine before bed.  These are just the tip of the iceberg I'm sure, but I'm getting waaaay off track. 

Sadly, this list could go on and on.  Regardless,  I have a plan: 

That's right, folks.  I'm hitting the RESET button!  This isn't always as easy done as said.  To hit the reset button you have to be willing to put it all out there.  Change is not an easy task.  We have all attempted it over and over in our lives.  The amazing thing is that we all have the ability to hit reset and start over or get back on track.  Sometimes, happiness is a mindset and luckily, we have the power to write our own story.  So, stay tuned, as mine is about to get FABULOUS!