September Challenge: 7 Things I'd Like To Work On/Improve

Today's blog post is asking me to list 7 things I'd like to work on or improve about myself. I think we all know a few things we'd like to improve, but listing seven has me a little stumped and made me think a little bit. But here we go:

1. My eating habits - As I mentioned in last week's Transformation Thursday/One Year Post, I know one of my biggest down falls is food. Thinking of my health and fitness, that is on the forefront of my mind.

2. Taking Pride in My Work - I had a really nice talk with a co-worker the other day and she mentioned to me that lots of people at our work appreciate all the things I do. I can absolutely say I feel the love very often from my co-workers, but I think I need to take pride and believe in myself a little more than I do. I should be proud of what I produce/bring to the team. As a human I think it's sometimes tough to say "you know what, I AM really good at my job." I like to be great and I don't like to settle -- I want to be at the top one day. Looks like I'm on a good path so far...

3. Being Positive - If you asked me how my 'positivity' was a year ago I'd say it was nonexistent, I was a complete negative Nancy. However, over the last year I feel like I've been a pretty positive Polly. I'm hoping to continue to work on keeping my spirits high -- it is truly amazing how a positive mind changes outcomes.

4. Speaking Up - No one likes conflict or drama, hence why most of the time I let things boil up inside and never say anything to the person(s) I may have an issue with. I need to speak up more because if I don't (which is most of the time) it eats my insides away. It's not healthy for me.

5. Being A Better Friend - With friends living all over the country, it's tough to stay in touch. I need to improve my effort. For all of you I have not been in touch with lately, I'm very sorry, but please know I am ALWAYS thinking about you. Muah! Xox

6. Not Over Doing It - I like to have things planned and I like to be involved in as much as possible. But sometimes it seems like I book myself too much. It's okay to have a weekend of nothing. My body and mind need it, I should have them more often. Same goes for during the week -- stop over doing it, just RELAX a little bit.

7. Being Thankful - There is lots to be thankful for in life -- your family, your friends, your pets, your LIFE. I need to keep reminding myself that life IS good...don't let one little thing alter my mind set. Be happy. Be loved. Be thankful. <3

September Challenge: Six Things I'm Looking Forward To This Fall

Like I said in my last post, I've really come to love Fall. I love the weather, I love the activities, I love the holidays. It's the best.  It's hard to pick only SIX things, but here are what I would consider my top selections:

1. Football Season - I love football season. Sundays are filled with friends, food, and endless hours of
football. Since joining a Fantasy Football League, Sunday's have become a lot more interesting. My sister, cousins and myself have also started a recent tradition over the last few years where we go to one Eagles game a season. It's so much fun -- can't wait to go this year!

2. Halloween - It's the most spooktacular holiday of the year and in my eyes it's the BEST holiday of the year. It's the only day where you get to dress up and not be judged. I love the decorations, I love carving pumpkins, I love decorating our house. But what I think I love most is creative sides of individuals are shown -- whether it is how they carve their pumpkin or what outfit they decide to dress up in. I can't wait to have my own house one day and make it look BOO-tiful!!!

3. Race Season/My Marathon - I've already talked about my fall races, but this of course had to make the list. Here we go Liam!

4. The Weather - Fall weather is top notch! The temperatures are still on the warmer side where outdoor actives fill the streets, but when days start to get cooler, there is nothing better than a pair of jeans and a nice light jacket. Fall fashion is one of my favorites: boots, jeans and cute layered tops. I can't wait to see what is "in" this year.

5. Soccer Season - The fall always reminds me of soccer season. To be honest, I think soccer season is what made me not LOVE fall in my previous years of life. Fall meant games, practices, fitness, traveling...everything that goes along with college athletics. But now that I'm done, I love watching college soccer, the MLS and European match play. I wish I could have appreciated it more while I was playing.

6. It's Gatsby Birthday - my fur baby is turning 4 this month. AHHH!!! I can not believe he has been apart of my life for the last 4 years. He is the sweetest little man ever.

What are you looking forward to most this fall? Let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear from you!!!

Top Five Highlights from the Summer

As always, the summer goes way too quickly! (Wah!) But I am super excited for Fall as it may be my new favorite season out of the year. This summer was filled with lots of excitement with family, friends and hobbies. Here are my top five highlights (in no order) over the last 3 months:

1. MY FIRST MUD RUN: The Dirty Dash was soooo much fun! A 5k filled with water, mud and obstacles! It doesn’t get much better than that!
2. FRIENDSCATION: Friendscation was a blast this year. A week in OCMD with 9 of my favorite people on the planet – doesn’t get much better than that. I’m starting to really love OCMD, I hope to get back there soon!

I"m starting the challenge today after a few exciting days of posts!

3. VISTING FLORIDA: Best friends make everything better, it’s that simple. My trip to Florida was NOT long enough (I could’ve stay there forever with her) however we made every minute of every day worth it! Caroline and I did so much and had so much fun. I can’t wait to visit again!
4. TRAP SHOOTING: This summer I shot a gun for the first time. It wasn’t easy. The gun is super heavy. And I only hit 4 clay birds. I’m glad I got to experience it – I think deep down my dad was super happy I went as well! :)
5. I RUN 4: August 1, 2014 is going to be a big day in the books for the years to come as that was the day I was paired with little Liam. Miles and miles for Liam, race season is ONLY beginning!