Okay, sickos, now before you go saying to yourself, "Wait, WHAT is she doing?!" this idea came from Runner's World Magazine. So, if you were looking for something slightly more salacious, you can go look around elsewhere!

So, for weeks now, I've been having a REALLY hard time motivating myself to run. I've gotten out... maybe once. I don't know if it's been the weather or the fact that things have been insanely busy lately or what but I've just had very little motivation to lace up the sneakers and put one foot in front of the other... especially since I'm still peeved that there's even snow on the ground at this point! 

I was flipping through my most recent Runner's World recently, when I stumbled upon this article about the 2013 Holiday Running Streak. The basic premise is that every day from Thanksgiving Day to New Year's Day, you have to run one mile. Just one mile. Every day. And the more I thought about it, the more I decided this is something I need to do for a number of reasons. 

1. I have zero motivation to run. 

2. This might help with said motivation. 

3. If I can't find seven and a half (HA) to eleven minutes a day to go for a run, I have a problem. 

4. This IS the shortest period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve that we'll ever have, so if I'm going to take advantage of this, now is the time! 

5. This is a way for me to meet a goal that doesn't have to be about half marathon training (because, let's face it, until after the wedding, there's about zero time to train for a half marathon). 

As of Thursday, I'll be running at least one mile daily until we reach 2014. Whether I do it inside or outside, one mile a day or more. Keep reminding me of this, and I'll make sure to post my progress here. 

Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Enjoy the BEST HOLIDAY EVER with family, food, friends, and football. Those are my favorite f words, after all! 

Today I'm grateful for: 

1. A 5-day break from work to recharge my batteries

2. Fun surprises in the mail

3. A house that is mouse-free (knock on wood!)

4. The Thanksgiving Day newspaper and all the glorious Black Friday ads

5. Every single book on my bookshelf 

The week in review

This has been a week. Let's review the bad: 

On Monday, Dan and I discovered that we had some furry creatures living in the house. After a minor (read: not so minor) panic attack on my end, we (read: Dan) caught one mouse the first night, two mice the second, and zero ever since. I'm still entirely on edge, and any time I hear a noise, I start banging around the house so none of them will come near me. Neat. So, that was fairly trying. 

On Wednesdays, I teach Jazzercise before school. The class ends at 6:30 a.m., and I have 45 minutes to get ready and get to school. So, after taking my four minute shower this Wednesday, I realized that I had forgotten a very important garment that one needs for work. Since it would have been impossible to get home and back in time, I called in reinforcements. Thank goodness my coworker Ashley was able to help me out. 

Yesterday, my grandpa fell at his retirement him. He fell again last night while my mom was there, so she was able to somewhat catch him and break his fall. But then late last night, he fell again, and so early this morning, he was admitted to the hospital. We went to see him tonight after work, and he's bruised and more disoriented than usual. It makes me sad to see him like this, but I'm glad he's in good care. 

But, it's not all bad. Let's talk about the good too: 

On Monday, our new trimester started. I have wonderful students and am yet again reminded how lucky I am to do what I do. I have an amazing job. And I LOVE going to work every single day. I don't know how many people can say that about their jobs. I love what I do, and I love the people I get to work with, both adults and children. 

On Tuesday, I took a workout class from my friend Tabitha with my friends Erica and Johnna. It was so much fun to try something new (Body Combat) and to punch and kick some things! 

On Wednesday, Dan, my parents, and I got to go to our tasting for the food we'll serve at our wedding. We had an amazing time, and we ate a TON of delicious food. It was honestly scrumptious, and although I'm probably biased, I think we have a completely kick butt menu for our wedding. I can't wait to marry the man of my dreams (who I'm super thankful for since he obliterated the mouse problem at the house!)! 

On Thursday, I taught a really tough Jazzercise class to a group of great ladies. I love our program and think it's body and life changing. I'm proud of what we do, and I'm thrilled that I've met so many wonderful people because of it. 

Today, I got to visit my grandpa, a man with one of the most interesting history's I know. Even seeing him in a weakened state, he's still my grandpa. I got to visit with my mom too, and she is easily the strongest woman I know. What a great role model for me, even now as a 30-year-old. And I got to have a delicious and relaxing meal with Dan. 

So, all in all, a trying but wonderful week. I'm very much looking forward to a relaxing weekend with friends and family. Because it's far better to focus on the positive and not the negative! :) 

P.S. I wore my chevron print shirt from Stitch Fix today and got a TON of compliments on it! A little pair of trouser jeans and a 3/4 length sleeve gray cardigan were a perfect combination. I can't wait to get my next Fix! 

My first Stitch Fix review (and why I'll be ordering again)

Okay, so, about a month ago, one of the bloggers I follow posted a great blog about her first experience with Stitch Fix. I'd heard of the company but didn't know much about it until I read her blog. 

The concept is new and different and something I just HAD to try! Basically, you sign up on through their website (stitchfix.com) by filling out an in-depth fashion profile. It will ask you the basic questions of what sizes you wear in clothing, what colors and patterns you prefer, and a budget range, and go as far as showing you a variety of outfits and having you rank them based on what you like in each collection. It will also ask you for your Twitter handle (follow me @angelasaoud) and if you have a Pinterest board where you pin clothing and fashion ideas. 

After you've filled out your profile, you can sign up for a Fix as often or as infrequently as you like. A Fix consists of five different pieces of clothing/accessories for you to try on in the comfort of your own home. You have three days to keep the pieces and decide what you want to keep, and then you send the rest back in a prepaid envelope. 

Each Fix costs $20, but, here's my favorite part -- that fee gets applied to anything you decide to keep! And, if you decide to keep your entire Fix, you get 25% off the complete total. 

The other favorite part is that if you refer a friend, and she orders her own Stitch Fix after completing her profile, you get a $25 referral credit. If you want to sign up, and use this link, that would be fabulous! (And then, you can pass along your referral link to your friends and get their referral credit!)  

So, after doing some Googling, and reading some other blogs about Stitch Fix, I knew I wanted to try it for a number of reasons. If you know me at all, you know I tend to get in style ruts (what's that? a pair of slacks, a long tank top, and a sweater every single day of work?). And, again if you know me at all, you will also know that I still own clothing I wore in college (it still fits, and what if I neeeeeeed it some day?!). I've been working on purging, but I think it would be easier to pare down if I knew there were new, awesome clothing options waiting for me. 

I'd been waiting not so patiently for about three weeks for my first fix, and I can officially say I am in LOVE. 

LOVE, people. 

My Fix came in the mail yesterday. I was so excited to open it, and there was even a cute little holiday gift package waiting inside (with some great recipes and a $50 voucher to nakedwines.com!).

Pretty little package! 

Directions and a surprise! 

I had previously looked online, and knew I was expecting a necklace, a dress, a sweater, and two tops. Before I saw the clothes, I was picturing something that would match the Indiana winter... lots of grays, blacks, and whites. But I was pleasantly surprised when inside I saw this: 

Awesome outfit and styling ideas! 

Lots of color! 

I knew I wanted to try everything on immediately, so I didn't do a whole lot with my own styling here. Let me remind you I am not a fashionista, and I am not a fashion model. Also, my professional photographer (Dan) took these pictures while laying down on the bed. 

Item #1: Mak Jaclynn 3/4 Sleeve Button-Up Cardigan, $38

I loved this sweater on first sight. You can't really tell from this totally professional (read: TERRIBLE) photo, but the color is an emerald green, and it really made my eyes stand out. This is right on with my normal style. But I decided not to get it. Why? It's about one accidental drying away from being too small. I think if it was slightly bigger, this would have been a no-brainer, but this was just a little risky for me. 

Item #2:Under Skies Ellyse Faux Leather Detail Jacquard Top, $48

When I submitted my Fix, I'd asked for something sparkly for the holidays. THIS TOTALLY DELIVERED! The top is white and gold with a faux leather detail along the bottom, the sleeves, and the neckline. There are also two fun gold zipper details on the sides of the seams. The shirt is lined, and feels super luxurious. As soon as I tried it on, my first thought was that I need a fun pair of cranberry pants to wear it with. Holiday top for sure! I'm pretty sure this is a keeper. 

Item #3: Fiancee Wilam Zig-Zag Print Top, $44

I also told my stylist that I LOVE chevron. It's an integral part of my wardrobe, my home decor, even my bed sheets. And when I saw this little number, I was in LOVE! It's a super fun pattern, and I love that I could wear it under a sweater, a blazer, and with pants or a skirt. So. Much. Fun. Plus, the designer is a label named Fiancee... and since I'm a fiancee... I mean, I have to, right?

Item #4: Mystree Harrison Polka Dot Sleeveless Dress, $68

I'll say this: I actually like this dress more in the picture than I did on. The top makes my already short torso look short, and the skirt makes my hips a little hippier than I'd like them to look. When I looked at the first picture, I thought, okay, it's actually pretty cute! But then I saw the second picture and reminded myself that the rouching on the top sits awkwardly and gave me a really odd stomach pouch. Not a fan. Plus, it was just a liiiiiitle too short to wear to work, so, I've talked myself out of this one. 

Item #5: Bay to Baubles Lane Delicate Clear Crystals Necklace, $32

I mean. Just no. I'm sure on someone else, this would be adorable, but on me, it doesn't sit right. And it REALLY reminds me of a necklace I wore to prom in high school. I've always been picky about jewelry, and I don't think this is flattering on me. So. No. 

The total cost of all the clothes is $230. If I were going to keep all of them, I would only pay $177.50 (and I've already paid the $20 fee, so that will be applied to the order whether I keep all five things or only one). 

I'm pretty sure I'm keeping shirts #2 and #3. What do you think? I have until Wednesday to drop the non-keepers back in the mail. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the experience. There are some changes I'm going to make in my profile though. I've decided to receive no more accessories -- clothing only. I'm too picky with my accessories (and truly, I don't wear them that often, so I tend to spend a small amount of money on them). Plus, I think there's a greater chance of me getting a Fix I love with all clothing pieces in it.  I'm also going to modify my profile a bit. I'd originally said I didn't like showing off my cleavage (which, let's be real, I don't), but everything I got sat very high up on the neck. I really like the pieces I got, but I'm not opposed to having a little bit of skin showing in the next Fix. 

I'm already trying to decide when to order my next Fix. Trying to decide if you should order a fix? Follow this link to Stitch Fix and schedule your first Fix! And then let me know what you get and if you love it as much as I do! 

The day I met a hero

As an undergraduate education student at Saint Mary's, I absolutely loved reading The Freedom Writers Diary with my education group. The words that teacher Erin Gruwell's students wrote resonated with so many of us who wanted to become teachers. For me, it was a powerful reminder that we often don't know what goes on in the lives of our students. And it also reminded me that our students need a chance to express themselves. 

Today, I got to meet Erin Gruwell. IN THE FLESH. AND WE HUGGED! 

There is nothing cooler than meeting someone you admire so much. With the exception of my fantastic teachers and professors (of which there are many), there aren't a lot of well-known role models in the education field. Gruwell is someone I aspire to be like. I want my students to feel in my classroom the way her students did in hers. 

Erin Gruwell!

Afterward, she signed copies of our books, and we got to speak to her for a few minutes. I told her what an inspiration she was to me, and she told me she was just an English teacher, just like me. I think I love her even more now! Serious gratitude for meeting her today! 

Today I am grateful for:
1. Meeting Erin Gruwell
2. Lunch with my mom, my coworker Judi, and her daughter Sarah
3. A garage to park in (I love not scraping a car in the morning!)
4. Air-popped popcorn
5. A built in workout buddy in Dan (I couldn't ask for a better partner!)

Wedding Wednesday: Why our checklist is the devil

The longer we go through the wedding planning process, the more I'm learning about numbers. Naturally, there are those big, scary numbers (like, the fact that HALF the reception bill was due over the weekend, or the scary number that my fabulous florist Polly showed me and my mom last night), but beyond that, there are a whole lot more numbers. Like, when I log in to our gift registry, and it tells me daily how many days we have until the wedding (as of today, 178). 

Then then, there's the devil checklist, otherwise known as TheKnot.com. Now, I'm not knocking The Knot. They have a great checklist (even if some of it is obsolete or repetitive). But I get mildly panicked when I log in only to find that we're overdue... on, like, twelve different things. According to their checklist, we're supposed to have our entire honeymoon booked (plane tickets, hotels, and itinerary), finalized our invitation wording (oh, and ordered the invites), and taken care of our menu and ceremony music. 

Umm, yes, we've done none of that so far. 

While I'm normally a giant fan of checklists, I'll be the first to admit that this one stresses me out a little bit. There are some things we just can't do yet, for various reasons, but seeing that little red clock or gray exclamation mark next to the item on the list makes me nuts! Ugh! 

But enough complaining. 

Today, I'm grateful for: 

1. A positive report from the doctor's office (all is well in my Rheumatoid Arthritis world!)! 

2. A super productive snow day yesterday! 

3. Any show on TLC AND my friend Dr. Phil 

4. Pinterest. How did we plan anything before it? 

5. A warm up on its way (I'm not ready for this winter stuff!)

Six months from today

I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again, but this year is absolutely FLYING. On Friday, we will finish our first trimester of school. That means the school year is 1/3 over, people! I don't know where time is going, but pretty soon it will be Thanksgiving (aka THE BEST HOLIDAY EVER), and then Christmas, and then 2014. Wowza. 

So, today, I'm reflecting back and looking forward. Tomorrow will mark six months since Dan sang me a song and asked me to be his wife. I will never forget that moment or how I felt in it. And six months from today marks our wedding day. WE'RE GETTING MARRIED IN SIX MONTHS! I know just how quickly the last six months have gone, and I can only imagine that the next six months will follow suit. We have so much to be excited about in 2014! 

Today I'm grateful for: 
1. The amazing class discussions we had this week on Industrialism, Feminism, Abolitionism, and tolerance in general. I LOVE my students.
2. Brunch with two of my very best friends. 
3. The to-go cup of coffee from the waitress at American Pancake House today. 
4. The warm sun on a cool day. 
5. Celebrating so many birthdays this weekend. I love a good celebration! 

In good health

This morning started off with a trip to my fabulous rheumatologist. I've been seeing her for the past six or seven years, once I transitioned from my doctor at Riley. But let's back up a bit. 

For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 17. Although it's had a place in my life over the years, on the whole, I've been very healthy (read: very lucky). I had a four year period where I was on some pretty heavy duty meds, but I've been pretty able to live my life normally. 

So, today I went to see the doc for a number of reasons. 

1. I was due to see her in August. Whoops. 
2. I needed refills on my medication. Whoops. 
3. I've been chronically losing my voice since school started. Awkward. 
4. I've had a serious case of itchy legs for, about, five months. Also awkward. 

I told the doc all about my struggles, and she did a little examination and found that I have a wee-bit-o swelling in my hands. So, what I thought was going to be a 15 minute appointment turned into an hour (including two needle pokes and eight different hand and wrist x-rays). It's been awhile since I've been a pin cushion (when I was being diagnosed, I stopped counting vials after 200... not an exaggeration). 

Today reminded me how grateful I am for my good health. I'm certainly not in perfect health. But I have good health. And because I have good health, I have a great life. I'm active and able to do hardcore workouts, and I'm so incredibly lucky for that. 

So many times, we take our health for granted. I'm glad today reminded me that I'm healthy. And fingers crossed that I'll hear good things from the doctor. 

Today I'm grateful for:
1. Good health (!!!)
2. A DELICIOUS homemade dinner of chicken and veggie risotto, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and Moscato (not homemade, but still yummy)
3. My parents and their 38 year marriage (they are my marriage role models)
4. The holidays
5. Supportive, loving, kind co-workers (you are my lifesavers!) 

A Sunday to be thankful for

Dan and I got up early this morning and went for a run. There's nothing like getting an extra hour of sleep and STILL starting the day early! It was nice to get a crisp run in before breakfast, and get started with our day early on. 

We had a very Netflix oriented Sunday while we worked on our marriage preparation booklets. It has been really interesting to work on our books and compare our answers, and it's brought up a lot of good questions for us to answer to ourselves and each other. I'm really enjoying the process of marriage prep, and I think it's what's keeping me calm throughout the actual wedding planning part! 

Tonight I finally cleaned out our pumpkin and roasted the pumpkin seeds. What is it that makes pumpkin seeds so delicious? Well, probably the fact that I drowned them in butter and salt, but there might be something more to it too. :) 

Today I am grateful for:
1. An extra hour of sleep
2. Pumpkin seeds
3. A clean home and full fridge to start the week with 
4. A fun week of lessons ahead with my kiddos
5. Leftovers (which, as a kid, I hated, and now as an adult, I adore!)

A November challenge

Years ago, my fitness inspiration, Janet, challenged many of her gym-goers to eat completely clean for the month of November (with, the exception, of course, of that gluttonous day we like to call Thanksgiving). Although it was definitely a challenge for me, I LOVED the changes that were made to my body, and loved the way I felt. But, eating clean became more difficult, and slowly many of those processed foods made their way back into my life (Diet Coke, I'm looking at you). I still try to eat well, but there are times where I completely and utterly fail. 

This November, Janet has a new challenge for us. It focuses on doing a TON of planks throughout the month, and she's also posting daily tips on her Facebook page. If you want to partake too, use the calendar below, OR, follow Janet on Facebook (Janet Nevills). Today's challenge was to hold a plank for as long as we could. I made it about a minute and a half with solid form, but I know it will improve over the next few weeks! (I'm also thinking it would have been better to do the plank BEFORE my morning run. Lesson learned!)

Today I am grateful for: 
1. Coffee and conversation with my dad this morning. We don't get to do that much, and I SO enjoyed it. 
2. Freshly laundered sheets (is there anything better?!)
3. A meal with our good friends Samantha and Rob tonight
4. Runners, especially our LPHS students who placed SO WELL at state today
5. The power of prayer

A month of gratitude

November is easily my favorite month of the year. The leaves are still changing. The weather is still decent. The best holiday ever falls in this month (Thanksgiving, how I love thee). And the whole month is about gratitude. 

So many times in life, we get so caught up in what's going wrong. We think about the problems at work, at home, with our friends, with our family. Sometimes, it's so easy to focus on what's going wrong instead of what's going right. 

But what if we stop for a second and think about everything that's good in life? What if we start making a list of all the awesome things we have to be grateful for instead? Even if it's only a few things every day, I think your list would be incredibly long by the end of the month. 

My goal is to add a few things to my list every day this month. Today I am thankful for:

1. My loving fiance, who has been so helpful and supportive of me
2. Students who are motivated and dedicated to their school work
3. Netflix. I adore it. 
4. Sweet potato chips. Delish. 
5. People who smile at others.