Broken Ankle - 3 Weeks

Good morning loves!! Hope you're having a fabulous day! Do you know what today is? Today is the 3 week mark of the broken ankle fun.  Is it weird that I still can't believe it? I feel like it's been a YEAR! ha I never thought I'd break a bone - especially doing pretty much nothing haha. Who would have thought I'd come off a rope wrong and this would be the result?!? NOT ME that's who! ha Anyways - I thought I'd update everyone on it since some people have been asking a lot lately. Here is what I know:

-I go back for the next set of X-rays next Thursday the 18th

-I am not allowed to put weight on it yet

-IF the X-rays look good - I should get cleared to start putting SOME (i.e. very little) weight back onto it and keep the crutches - that's for 3-4 weeks

-The next step would be getting off the crutches and just having the boot - that would be from 3-4 weeks

-FINALLY (in about 2 more months blah) I'll be making my way out of the boot slowly.

 I just hope to have it off by the end of school! That's my time goal! Crazy right? In total, if everything takes those time frames - I'm looking at 3-4 months total of this silly mess. Seriously? A lot of people say that they don't think it will take that long or whatever.  All I know is I want to do it by the book because I don't want to rush it and end up having more problems in the long run.  I can't wait to run, squat, snatch, etc. - hell I can't wait to just say "hey I'm thirsty" and walk to the kitchen and get water haha :) In all honestly - as much as I am dying now - it could be worse. I really am thankful it's only 3-4 months.  I'm glad people thinking I'm being positive about it -- there isn't an ability to change it so I have to keep going and keep my head up!

School yesterday was hard. By the end of the day, my arms are tired. Like I can't get down the hall to the restroom without 4 breaks tired. It makes me feel like a bum I can't lie. haha I think that's why I make it a point to go to the box so much still!

Whole30 is chugging along.  Day 1 was easy! Day 2 was the same breakfast and lunch as Day 1, but I didn't really eat dinner -- I think I was too hot.  Instead of kale + meatballs, I just had 1/2 a chicken finger pack so that I could take my vitamins.  Day 3 -today- started a little different - 2 chicken fingers (the other half from last night's bag), one hard boiled egg and a banana. We shall see how it does. I forget how awesome it can feel eating so clean.  I can't keep this strict up 100% of the time, but I'm thinking maybe every third month or so doing a Whole30 to just stay focused.  Cheats slip in so easy. But with summer coming I know the whole no ice cream won't happen so I have to be realistic. Not to mention - I'm kinda doing a lame Whole30 because it is my birthday month, so I will have a drink for my birthday which is technically breaking the rules.

Push-up challenge is going right along -- 55 last night! Some people asked, so here is the schedule from Just Keep Sweating. It's hard and challenging, but that's why we do it right :)

Have a great Wednesday! If you're doing Whole30, how's your time going?

~xoxo
M


PS 45 days till I see DA :)

Becoming Independent Again :)

Hey loves! Hope everyone is having a good day! I am home from school again today, BUT I got a doctors note so I can go back to school TOMORROW!! YAY!! I miss my kiddos - and its the count down to spring break next week so I really want to be there this week! I forgot to tell ya'll, Friday I spent my evening at the box.  I did one wallball - so at least I have a score :) Allie got her muscle up.  Three of them! She's amazing like that! MAJOR kudos to her - I can't WAIT to be in the MU club.
This weekend Mama Dukes came up.  Cuzzo is graduation from the academy for Correction Officers so we had a family function Saturday night.  I was glad she was here.  Though I bet she probably would have came anyways. Basically our goal was to get my a little more independent around the apartment. Saturday morning when she came over I woke up right next to Scarlet - when I say right next - she was sharing my pillow. There is evidence. She is a mess. Since I hurt myself, she has been RIGHT by my side.  She was before, but more now then ever.
Back to Mama Dukes - the biggest thing I wanted to be able to do was shower. Kinda gross to admit but I hadn't showered since Wednesday night -- I couldn't get into/out of the shower. Well - we got me a chair. You know like the old people use.  It's awesome - you're jealous I know ;) Then we also got a handheld shower head.  I tell you what - that was the best shower EVER! I needed it! It was AWESOME!!!

Me & Peanut
 

Cooking :)

So, Saturday was spent getting me the shower chair, a stool for the kitchen so I could cook and such. It's nice to start to get some things back.  I know it sounds silly, but I've been independent since I was 18.  Hell I've been driving since I was 15, so to ask for help for EVERYTHING is a little annoying.  Thankfully I have such amazing people in my life - it's been easy.  My CrossFit Aspire crew have been lifesavers.  I'm not sure where I'd be without them. Sunday Mama Dukes and I went to breakfast with my cousin Ashley & Peanut. I LOVE my Peanut. 
After breakfast, I wanted to watch Ohio State play and mom needed to get something from storage for the Princess when we go home next week and cup holder for my crutch.  Peanut and I stayed at the house and played while Mama and Ashley ran about. I ended up falling asleep after they got back and was knocked out.  Mama Dukes and I ended up running to The Loft and grabbing some clothes (side note - I'm semi scared I'm going to gain weight back with my ankle being out...hope not). I came home and did some tabata sit ups -- have to keep myself as active as possible.
Afterwords, I took a shower -- look how bad my ankle looked -- SUPER swollen. Gross. Even my toes -- it's so weird.
Today is T's birthday -- I took her out to lunch -- she's been helping with the dogs at night and taking them out. She also took me to get my note for school today so that I can hopefully go to school tomorrow. *Fingers Crossed*
Now I am snuggling with the girls waiting on Nilda to come get me.  I'm going to go to the box and get some lifting on.  Writing a whole new plan -- need to get DA to approve it.  Speaking of DA -- I'm going to try and find a cheap flight for Memorial Day out to see him. I really need to get out there. Have a fabulous day loves!

Also - if you're on BlogLovin -- be sure to check me out -- Follow my blog with Bloglovin
~xoxo
M

Every Little Step I Take

I LOVE Tigger :)

Good evening loves!! Hope everyone had a fabulous Tuesday!! Today was a great day! We had our Black History Month - Music deal at school.  I often forget what a talented bunch of kiddos we have.  They really did a great job! One of my kiddos from last year loves to dance - and he's really good. I love seeing him put his heart into everything.  Now if I could figure out how to get him more involved or into a dance program. Starting tomorrow, I am changing the way my classroom works -- these kids are not improving and are missing a lot of basic skills this year so I HAVE to do more. The state test is coming quickly and I want them to be as prepared as I can make them.  The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results -- well what I've been doing isn't working, so time to change it up in my classroom and my after school program!

Here is a couple seconds from a few of today's acts --

Today also was day two on Progenex -- I had another More Muscle for breakfast -- today was WAY better.  I'm thinking I forgot my second scoop yesterday....because today it was REALLY good! Also, today was my first day taking the recovery (I forgot to yesterday) -- holy awesome creamy taste -- I had 2scoops recovery+2 scoops more muscle post WOD.  I could totally get use to that. I didn't take the Omega+ again today -- I think maybe I should put the bottle in my lunch bag and take it then.  It's the only time I eat a BIG meal at once ya know?

Today's WOD was awesome -- we did 1 RPM for snatch -- I got 80# -- I am super happy with that -- I almost got 85# but couldn't get under it at first -- Justin came over and talked to me about dropping faster -- by then my arms were shot -- I got under it, but couldn't stand up.  It's coming!! Alli rocked and got a 100# snatch today!! Was SUPER stoked for her!! Here's my second or third attempt at fail -- you can see I get the bar high enough, but wasn't dropping.  Once Justin helped me get that - I could get under it, but my arms were DEAD!

Between yesterdays PR & today's PR my body is feeling it -- I need to spend some extra time tomorrow rolling out and doing mobility work -- still need to figure out the mobility WOD website...I need mobility help haha!

After class -- a couple of us headed over to one of the guy's from the boxes house -- Chris -- he had knee surgery yesterday so we got some grub from Elevation Burger (mostly Paleo - had cheese) and ended up eating and just chatting for a bit with him.  It was a good time -- I really am lucky to have my CF Aspire crew! I love my box and my friends and coaches!

Paleo challenge day #9 done -- a little of a cheat day, but nothing major.  I feel like I am doing a LOT better with my food lately so I'm loving it.  I need to stay on a permanent challenge haha :)

Ok -- short little update on an awesome day! Hope yours was great too!! Time for #AbsbyApril & #NoGirlyPushUps before bed :)

Tomorrow is a speed training day for Tough Mudder & Nike Women's Half training :)

~xx
M

Grace and Disney Marathon

Hello loves! Hope you've had a FABULOUS weekend! I've been a little MIA this week - my friend Andrew is in town so it's been a crazy week! Lots of fun WODs - including some new ones for me. First let's discuss that my girls basketball team that I help coach with Ms. Waheed from school - we WON our first game!! WootWoot! Super stoked for the girls.  This is the first year having a team at our school (our first year we have a full middle school) and most of our girls are new to the game, but they deserved that game and I couldn't be more proud!

Workouts - let's chat :) Monday - we did Shoulder Press - 1x5 - I got up to 70#.  At first, I thought I only got 60# but then realized we had a men's bar and so 10 more #s :) Then we did Fight Gone Bad-ish - instead of sumos - we do KB swings! Wasn't so stoked with this - I really need to work on my endurance and speed.

Tuesday - 2-Power Cleans + 1 Push Press - I got 115# but had to jerk it up.  The ONLY reason I got 115# was because of Nilda.  Then we did Grace.  It was my first time. It was BRUTAL. I did 80# and got them in 5:32.  One of our guys Alex was going right in front of me and facing me.  He was FLYING! You can see him in the video - I can't imagine going that fast...yet.  Hopefully one day! He was done and I still had 15 to go haha :)

Wednesday - we did some snatch work before strength as our active warm up.  The we did back squat - 6 reps at a good weight - just building up till you can get there.  I got 145 for the 6 and then tried 150# and only got 2.  Funny - before Christmas and my hip was super bad and took the week off, I had 150# for 6,6,4 -- hopefully I'll be back up there soon!  We then did our boxes own benchmark - "The Garage" -- I went up 20# and down a band and only at 37 seconds.  It is 3 rounds of 10 pull-ups, 10 Front Squats, 10 Burpees.  I did it in 7 minutes.  I'll take it!!

There is a bunch of sickness going around school, so I am hoping to stay away from that. Not been feeling 100% so just crossing my fingers. Megs isn't going be able to run or play with me in Disney now.  She is really sick and trying to fight it. Ro isn't doing the full anymore due to her foot so, she's going to try and meet me 13 miles in or 13 miles out, depending how you look at it haha and run the last 13 with me.  I'm hoping my hip holds up and I can finish...that is my only fear right now.  The weather is going to be VERY warm - I'm working on my hydration right now.  Trying to think of the best way to get ready, but not sure there is one at this point.  Packing lots of type of clothes...it will be an adventure to say the least..  But isn't it always? Last time I ran Disney, my first half in 2010, it was the coldest it had been there in years! So, this just makes another adventure! No matter what - I'm staying positive and happy - always better right? :)

How are you Sweating Pink this week? Are you running Disney?
~xx
M

PS I got the after school position!! Can't wait to help my kids more :)

30 Day Paleo Challenge -- Getting ready for week 1

So - This weekend has been FABULOUS!! Got through the first week of school and it was awesome.  I am seriously so STOKED for this year! Between the awesome job I am blessed to have, to CrossFit Aspire and the amazing people I have gotten to know AND my running world!

Well...Drafted my first ever Fantasy Football team (I've played but never drafted). I'll keep you posted on that haha...

....I had an amazing WOD and thanks to my CF Aspire crew got through it -- it was Venom 2 which means it was 30-20-10 Thrusters, Burpees and wallballs (10lbs.).  DEAD! My quads hurt before that evening haha. Found this cool pic --

After the WOD - I went home and showered/ate then headed back to Aspire for the nutrition talk and to get information for the 30 day Paleo Challenge.  I was nervous, but it seems that I can totally do it! Before the chat started, there was this.... 

...Saturday after the talk, Jill came over and helped "clean" out my fridge then took me shopping for good foods.  After that, my Buckeyes played and WON that afternoon.  Saturday night = getting to see one of my favorite ladies, LC.  We went out to dinner (my last meal...ahahaha) and then watched a movie and relaxed. The girls snuggled themselves up in between and next to us. Scarlet was between me and LC and LD was next to her....

Today was a beautiful 5.2 mile run with Lauren from the Half Marathon Group from Fleet Feet Marlton (yesterday was cancelled thanks to a threat of thunder). We are a WEEK out from Rock'n'Roll Philly!! I can't wait!!  After that - it was the first Sunday of  NFL! I LOVE football! While I watched...Heather came over for some Paleo help. After she left, I prepared my food for the week....

...yes, it looks amazing!! I can't WAIT to eat this week!!!  I will keep you posted on the challenge.

And just for fun (sorry for the language) but this made me giggle for a good 10-15 minutes because I know someone who this sums up his life :)

haha ok - NIGHT loves

~xoxo
M

Goals Anyone?

It's that time of year - SCHOOL IS BACK!! Honestly, I couldn't be more excited.  I am truly BLESSED to love my job as much as I do, and to get to work with some fantastic people on a regular basis. Today was the first day - which meant lots of meeting and MAJOR fidgets for this girl! haha. I am looking forward to what this year brings.

The plus side is I started it out right but doing CrossFit in the AM! Woot woot! That is me tooting my own horn. Two reasons for it too -- 1. I got up and started the day in a fantastic way. AND 2. I did my FIRST ever Rx WOD!!! I did Fight Gone Bad-ish like it was said.  Not a major WOD, but I am still stoked! I also PR'ed my push press today!! :)

This weekend...

Labor Day Weekend was awesome! Spent time with the family at the beach - Cape May to be exact! Couple fun things --

1 --> Made my first ever OWN cup of joe :)

2 --> Got to see my Dollface <3 p="p">

3 --> Got to hang with Mama Dukes :)

4 --> Had mimosas on the beach = HEAVEN

5 --> Mama Dukes found me some Ohio State gear in NJ

6 --> And last - Cuzzo got himself a Buckeye towel so NOW we MATCH! wootwoot!

 

 

It was a fantastic way to end my summer.  I haven't been able to do a lot this summer in terms of beach trips or relaxing time, so I totally enjoyed and soaked it up.  The weather wasn't the best, but it was very relaxing and we all had a really good time! 

 

Ok...an August goals recap (bc I pretty much sucked haha) ....

Recap --

Fitness

 1.Run at least 21 mi. ending 8/5. 25 ending 8/12. 28 ending 8/19. 30 by 8/26. 28 by 9/2. The first two weeks of this were shot because of my achilles but my last two were on point!
 2.Go to yoga twice a week I (sadly enough) did not make a SINGLE class this month and until Aspire brings it back...I won't be able to as I quit LA.
 3.Try simply Nicole's HIIT running workout. Not yet....
4.Do an abs workout everyday and include a plank! Try to get up to 2:30 by end of August. I got up to 1:45....didn't do it every day...have to work on my core....

Personal
 1.Go to church at least 3 of the 4 Sundays. Nope :(
 2.Stop letting myself eat poorly. Getting better....
 3.Work on my Paleo diet and eating habits.  Getting better....
 4.Lose weight (not setting a goal weight - just weight) Down 1.2.....

Blogging
 1.Write a post every day. MAJOR fail...didn't think about vacay and not having Internet....

 

So...with that being said....September please be kind :)

Fitness
 1.Run at least 4 days a week.
 2.Go to CrossFit 3 days on 1 day off (may flux first two weeks of month due to HM program)
 3.Rock the Philly Rock'n'Roll half marathon.
4.Squat September -- started with 5...adding 5 every day! Goal is 150 by end!

Personal
 1.Go to church at least 2 of the 4 Sundays.
 2.Be working on the 30 day Paleo challenge through the gym.
 3.Be more social

Blogging
 1.Write a post at least every other day.

Ok -

Fantasy Football draft is over....Night!
~xoxo
M

I've Got Friends In Low Places

So much for August goals - haha! I wanted to blog every day, but missed Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  My bad ya'll! Short little recap --

Thursday - started my day with some CrossFit action.  I really like being able to go in the morning and get it out of the way! The group was small, but the WOD was KILLER!! Run & Row combo; however, I did better then I thought I would have done so that is a plus :) Then I worked at Fleet Feet all day.  It was a great day at the store so that's a plus!! Plus we got new store shoes from the Nike Rep - LOVE my Vomeros! Never will get to run in them as they kill my achilles but for the store - YES!

So now the reason I didn't blog Thursday...I got home and crashed.  I was asleep by 8 and slept the whole night. I woke up at about 12:30 and got off the couch.  I knocked out my #PlankADay and went back to bed! haha lame I know - I just kept saying

Friday - started the same (ps three cheers for three days in a row for CrossFit!!), with my awesome crew at CrossFit.  Justin was coaching and we worked on overhead squats -- I put up 65# so I was very proud of myself.  The WOD included pull ups and I can't even remotely get close to one.  Was suppose to be 21-15-9 but he told me to do 15-10-5, AND I had to use the black band :( Have to figure out how to get better at those!  After that - I went with Chels for mani/pedis and to relax. Worked the afternoon at Fleet Feet w/Issac.  After work I went home and napped for about 30 minutes.  Stepped out for a bit to see some of the Jersey crew then went and crashed.

Saturday was FABULOUS day!! Knocked out a beautiful 8 miles! Temp wise was perfect for a run, but the humidity made it looked like I just got out of the pool --

After that - I had to work all day with Issac, Steve & Rob.  Good day! I LOVE my Fleet Feet boys!! Again, came home and crashed again.  13 hours.  I'm getting some blood work done this week so I'm ready for that and to figure out what is wrong with me. Mom was up and I was hoping to go to AC with her, but apparently my body would rather be asleep 13 hours...maybe why I'm still single haha!

Today is Sunday. Mom didn't get back to me in time, so Jill talked me into going to our box's (CrossFit Aspire) run club.  Felt great to stretch out my legs, especially after yesterday. 3x800m as fast as could.  Goal was to hold it within 5 seconds of each other. Yea, I'm not there yet, but working on it! We also did a wallball shuttle run - it was fun and the guys on our team would good about me being a little slower lol. Slow is better then nothing though right :)

After that I went to the Phillies game with Ro & her family! It was BRUTALLY hot, but thankfully our seats were in the shade and we had a pretty sweet breeze so once we were in for the game I was good to go!

I cheated and had some ice cream at the game, and it was SO worth it! After the game I meet my friend Gina for a later lunch/early dinner at Panera.  She lives about 40 minutes the other way from the city so we meet about half way.  It was great to see her and catch up.  We worked together at my first job at OMS. She is preggos and due end of October/early November and I couldn't be more excited for her.  Her and her hubs are just amazing people.  I am anxious for her to see where she goes from here :)

TrueBlood just ended (yes I am OBSESSED) and I am SHOCKED at how this season is going! Each week leaves me ITCHING to see the next...not sure what I'm going to do next Sunday in TN with no HBO...have to figure that out haha! Maybe mom's hotel will have it:)

xoxo~Melissa

NEW CHAPTER!

So here we are...Last week was officially my first year in Jersey!! First but def not last!! I am getting more and more adjusted to Jersey as it goes.  Very different from Tennessee, but nowhere will every top Knoxville. In two weeks I will be moving into my NEW apartment - SOLO! I am VERY excited to be back living on my own.  Mom and I were concerned with how I (more we actually since there was noway I was going to pay for it) was going to be able to afford an apartment solo.  However as of Friday, I accepted a position with Camden (insert me FREAKING out here)!! I am SOOO excited to be taking on a position in my dream district!

Getting back into my gym and WW routine!! I have 25 pounds go! I am joining the Brown-Bag Challenge from Food Network's Healthy Eats blog! SO excited!

Also, Ashley has turned me onto an AMAZING blog - skinnytaste.com! Check it out!! It is one of my FAVORITE blogs!

All for today! Toodles <3

Pumpkins everywhere

Wow - why does it feel like I blink and my life jumps ahead another month. I always say that I am going to keep up with this, and then I blink and its a month or two later. School is going good. I have switched from 5th grade to 2nd grade. I am not a huge fan, but I knew that I wouldn't be. I love my mentor teacher and my students, but I just like the curriculum better in the upper grades and I feel more confident in teaching it. I am not in school today, I am super sick again. Sinus & ear infection, with the start of an upper respiratory infection. It only seems to happen when my schedule picks up - think I might be stretching myself to thin at times.

Fleet Feet is still great! Love that part of my life and I do miss working there more. We just brought on a new guy, and I think he will be great!! The whole MB thing makes me laugh...I turn bright red. Now its just a joke, but still embarrasing.

Carved pumpkins with Chris & Kellie Shea this week - TOO much fun!! Here are some pictures -

Training for the Disney World half marathon. Running is going good, except for today. Won't be able to run today, but a day off would be good I'm sure for my body. I am very excited for the half marathon - Chris, Ali & I are sharing a room!! Should be a great time! Still need to get our plane tickets. Ok - I'm off to get stuff done!

Fall brings changes

So there has been a lot going on. And for the first time in a long time, I am finally trying to walk away from him. We all know who "him" is and for the first time in a long time - I think it is finally done. Partly due to another interest but mostly due to the fact of telling me that I can not be cute. News flash - I am AMAZING!! And couldn't be happier with my life right now.

School is going great!! Switched to second grade - not the biggest fan, but it has shown me how much I like my older children and working with 4th, 5th & 6th.

Its funny how I always think about blogging to keep people update, but how my life just seems to take off and I can't keep up. Its kind of like I'm constantly treading water, and barley keeping my head up. Though I am ready for changes and can't believe I am 8 months out from completing my masters. That feeling is great and hopefully I will find a job that will open me to new opportunities and chances in my life. Maybe I could even just pick up and head to Europe again for a bit:)

Anyways - that's all for now - big news is finally stepping away from him....feels like I'm finally taking care of me and its about time for that!! :)

meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you I had no control over

It has been a crazy month! Last post was the 4th of July after Rocky Top and it is now almost the end of the month. I was in thesis hell at the begining of the month and then went to Cape May with the family for a beach vaca! It was def a need week, but after a straight week with my family, I need a break haha. I think sometimes Dad forgets that as much as I know he does for me, I have done a lot for myself and sometimes just need him to get that.

Anyways - above are some photos from Jers. Other then that, July was a good month. Finished my thesis, got an A - made for 2 A's and a B this semester. Been really getting into my bike - go figure. Looking forward to Fall Creek Falls. Really nervous about the run - how sad is that? The original thing that got me started and it's the thing I fear the most. Going to take the bike to the shop today for a clean & tune up :) VERY excited for that!

Duane will be here in Oct and I am SUPER pumped already!! Been so long since I've seen him, can't wait to just have someone just get me and understand everything. All my friends are worried that I still want to be with him, but its not like that. I am just over being single. After a year of this (well in 3 days it will be a year) I am not a fan...and I just havn't had anyone catch my eye that made sense. Grouch is beyond an annoyance to me. Love him to pieces as a friend and wish the situation never got to where it is, but it is here and I hate it. Maybe one day, we will be friends, but I don't see that happening.

Fleet Feet is GREAT! Still absolutly LOVE my job!! I can not believe I start student teaching in 13 days. Isn't that crazy?? This time next year I will have my MASTERS!!!!!

Today starts the food log day - BLAH. I hate trying to keep up with it, but got to figure out what this whole weight not moving issue is. Heart rate training & a food log - yea, my life is amazing:) haha Had dinner with Lisa last night, not sure why we don't do that more! I absolutly LOVE our dinner dates!! Hoping to start helping out at the barn some - could use some horse time!

Anyways - off to make JMumps cakes for tonight and get some stuff done!! Dark hair comes today - whoop whoop! Enjoy the day loves!