Little triumphs.

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."   -Vince Lombardi

Having not blogged in two months, I've been busy to say the least. Through the craziness of starting my second year teaching, adjusting to living by myself, reconnecting with old college friends, and life going-ons, I've made it!...to fall break anyway.

As a child, I used to think summer was my favorite season, but fall is just so inviting. The scents of cinnamon, pumpkin (although I don't like eating it), and leaves just make me so happy. Indeed, it's those little things, triumphs, in life that make it so wonderful right now.

LTs at...
...work:

Amazing teachers I work with

• the feeling of more preparedness and confidence in myself as a teacher.
• having awesome parents who care about their children.
• seeing my old kids from last year's class say "Hi, Ms. Leung!" and giving me hugs in the hallways.
• seeing my old kids from last year's class say "Hi, Ms. Leung!"and giving me hugs at Target, Kroger, and the occasional high school football game.
• having a hilarious and respectable partner teacher.
• building professional and personal relationships with my third grade team. 
• One of my girls running up to me in the middle of recess, saying "Thank you for everything"

  

  BHS homecoming game with awesome teachers & kids

   

...home:

• building assembling a dining room table on my own. 
• letting myself be okay with clutter...sometimes.
• loving the silence of being home after a long day at work.
• DVR. Technology rocks.

...church:

• knowing several of my kids and tons of our school kids are involved at NVBC.
• serving in the preschool ministry with the cutest little 18- to 24-month olds. Seriously, adorbs. One of the little boys who was crying the majority of the service fell asleep on my lap on a rocking chair. Kind of had a mom moment there.



UT/FL game with fellow alumni!

• ministering to a sweet college girls community group that meet at my place once a week. Makes me really thankful for my own college experiences I've had. And it keeps me accountable for keeping my apartment clean! We are doing "James Mercy Triumphs" right now, so you know Beth Moore can't go wrong.
  

...other miscellanea (that's a word, right?):

• reuniting with old college friends for the UT-FL game. Made me very happy to call UT the college I graduated from. I've learned that once you move away from East Tennessee, not everyone's a Volunteer fan. This has made me even prouder to wear my orange. In fact, at work, I'm known for wearing a lot of this color. GBO, all day, every day.
• reuniting with old college friends in Nashville. I love living here, and it's amazing how God can bring back people into your life. Since I've moved here, four of the girls I've known from college live in the middle TN area. Chelsey, in fact, lives literally 2 minutes from me. I love spending time with college friends not to reminisce about the past, but to see how far we've all come from crazy college kids to "young professionals."
• getting back on the running wagon. Technically, I never fell off. And I don't plan on stopping my enjoyment of running. There's something about running that feels so incredibly free. Now that it's fall, one of my favorite sounds on a run, other than hype running music and the Nike Running app updates, is the crunch of leaves on the road.
• having to go shopping for jeans because all my current ones were way too big. I could literally roll them up from the top (like they were gym shorts) to keep them on me. Not owning a scale, I don't know my current weight, but I know that regular exercise and changing my diet has helped tremendously. I challenge anyone to think critically about the amount of fats, preserves, and unpronounceable ingredients in your favorite foods. It's amazing how so many people value convenience and instant gratification over true health and treating their bodies right. 
• eating healthy via cooking healthy. Yes, I've had some frozen pizza nights since school has started back up, but I'm still more aware of what exactly I'm putting into my body. There are so many nights that I absolutely dread cooking and would rather get dinner at Chick-Fil-A. But I've found that just like running, it's all in you head. Once I think of cooking healthy as more of something that honors and strengthens my body, I want to do it more. It becomes less of a chore and more of a necessity. Currently as I type, I have Mexican chicken in the Crock-Pot that I'll use tonight for chicken tacos. Delicious!

Hello, sunshine.

So yes, these are such random thoughts you are reading. To sum it up, I am so happy to be where I am in life physically, mentally, and emotionally. I could have ranted so many negative things and worries that consume me from day to day. But that is not what God has called us for. A couple Sundays ago, our pastor's message was about Psalm 23. He said, "Any area where I am experiencing worry is an area that I am not trusting my shepherd." No matter what happens in my life and yours, God has already got it figured out. Don't let Satan win by giving glory to worries and negatives in your life. Fight with God at your side, and bring praise & glory to Him.

Last one for the summer.

Wow, I can't believe this summer is almoooost ooover! It's been a great one, but I'm ready to get back into school & teaching mode. To many teachers, August may be really craptastic because you actually have to work now. However, I can honestly say I miss "working." Here's a list (you know me and lists) of the top 7 things I'm excited about as a new school year approaches:

7. School supplies. I know, how teacher nerdy of me. It's true though. I get really happy when I see 10-cent notebooks on sale during tax-free weekend. I'm that girl that buys 2 cases of those, a gazillion glue sticks, and countless construction paper.
6. Seeing all my co-workers and fellow awesome educators.
5. Dressing up. I love my t-shirts and gym shorts, but good gracious it'll be nice to not look like I rolled out of bed.
4. Improving. After the first year on my own is now over, I have reflected and seen how to make myself a better teacher in various aspects.
3. The school community. I love our supportive group of parents and families.
2. The class roll. Only teachers know why.
1. Seeing last year's students, hopefully embracing these fourth grade rascals with some major hugs and summer summaries. This is something I'm looking forward to the most! I absolutely LOVED my 22 Class of 2021 stinkers, and I'm pumped about seeing their sweet faces.

This may be my last post for a while since the craziness and chaos of school beginning will hit me soon. This is my last week of summer, as teacher conferences will begin next week and school starting the following week. So why not go out with a bang!? It's my birthday week and the OLYMPICS are starting! I will literally be DVR'ing every Olympic event if I'm busy. I love watching the Summer Olympics. Of course Lochte and Phelps will be terrific to watch. But I am also pumped about Jordyn Wieber and Gabby Douglas. And young & humble Missy Franklin. Even watching water polo is going to be awesome. Okay, last one: British accents!

Speaking of things I'm anticipating, some of you know I've recently joined an awesome church in M'Boro. It took months of careful prayer and talking to God because it is an important decision that he had laid on my heart. Praise God! I know feel more connected to him through the amazing people I've met. Now I'm getting involved with the college ministry and preschool ministry. Like the church membership decision, I was asking God what the right thing to do was. I did not want to get plugged into a ministry that 1) God was not calling me to and 2) one I could not invest time in long-term. I'm so pumped about serving God at NVBC through these ministries and other servant opportunities.

God is so great. This summer has been so great. It's really been a summer of self-growth, utter trust and self-reliance on God, and gratefulness of life. I wish I could write and ramble on forever about the little lessons he's taught me and continues to teach me. Sometimes I wonder if I write too much about the positives in life, whether people may perceive my life as picture perfect. Really it's not. I've had many towers in life try to pull me down (confidence, loneliness, competitiveness, jealousy, anger). But when you put your complete faith in God, he is your eternal tower. I wish I could spend all day with you my friends, old and new, and we'd have a brag session on God!

Til next time!

P.S. there are some of you out there who haven't blogged in a looong and I have no clue about your life...you know who you are and what you need to do! ;)

Saturday morning coffee shop thoughts [Exodus 14:14].

So I'm sitting here in my favorite little coffee shop (I say that about every non-Starbucks coffee shop) with my laptop in hopes of getting some instructional power points finished. A teacher's job is never "done." I've been printing, copying, laminating, cutting, and organizing a hodgepodge of instructional ideas for the upcoming school year. Truth be told, I love the work I'm doing. It's not frustrating or stressful contrary to what people may think when teachers work on school stuff during the summer.

Before I even get to those pesky power points that I can't quite get motivated to do until I blog, I am in complete peace in what God has got me thinking and doing this summer.

1. Healthier Me. I started out this summer and am STILL continuing to eat healthier and exercise more. The fast-food loving, always eating out, laying in bed for an hour me has disappeared. If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen some of the food I'm eating now, as opposed to other overly-processed & fatty-licious items. I passed up Cow Appreciation Day recently at the beloved Chick-Fil-A because I conscientiously know that what is free & delicious & fried is not exactly what my body deserves. There are still times I go to Sweet CeCe's and splurge. In fact, I have Edy's slow-churned 1/2 the fat ice cream in my freezer right now. But I'm just saying, I'm definitely more aware of how to properly treat my body the right way now. Running used to be a stranger to me, and now I run 5-6 days a week. I think I have a workout buddy in the gym now because we go every day at the crack of dawn in the mornings at the same time. She's my accountability partner and she doesn't even know it.
Perhaps this exercising business I'm into is just a summer "fling," but I certainly am praying for consistency and perseverance. I don't want to abandon what I'm doing now when school starts back up. So many teachers do. It's easy to do that too. So pray for me about that.

Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html

2. Church Me. After being a regular attendee at the church I've been going to for almost a year, I recently joined! I've been praying for it for a looong time. It was not until I went back to Calvary in Knoxville that I realized how much I've missed having a church family to care and to be cared for. This fall, I'll be getting involved & serving in the college ministry. So exciting. If you're ever in town, please join me at NVBC!
3. Hopeful Me. In this season of my life, I've also learned to be more hopeful. I worry so much sometimes. At times, I am truly my own worst enemy. Most of the time I am very grateful and optimistic about life. I love my life. I love the people in my life. However, sometimes that little voice comes in and I worry about not doing my best at my job. I worry about my car breaking down or getting a flat tire. I worry about horrible diseases I could potentially have. I worry about personal finances. I worry about future and past relationships. I worry about broken friendships. I worry about family. I worry about what others think about me. Don't tell me you don't worry about the same things sometimes.

--->>The good news that we forget a lot: GOD WINS.

He already knows every thought that goes through our puny heads-- the good, the great, and the horribly false thoughts. So even if you/I/we worry, he's already got it all mapped out. He's in so much control of our lives that he calls us to be still. Not to be still as in sit on the couch all day and do nothing. Rather he means you don't need to worry, fret, and fill your minds with craziness. I've learned that if I place my hope in God instead of money, power, man, jobs, iPhones, car, or (insert worldly want), I can do so much more of what he calls me to do.

4. No Me. Which leads me to No Me. Although there are places and tasks God calls all of us to, it's not us who does it. I'm learning to praise more of God's power in my every day things. Because it's summer, there have been many days that I'll wake up, go run, eat breakfast, and then I'm not really sure what I want to do. I really have to stop and pray. Where do you want me do use my time today? How can I better serve you? Take me out of this day and make it yours. God has really grabbed me by the heart, to listen to him first before anything else.

Which leads me to where I'm at now, sitting in a coffee shop with literally no plans for myself today. I'm going to sit and conjure some power points, and be still with my thoughts for God's thoughts. Have a great day.

Yeses.

Source: someecards.com via Ada on Pinterest

I love this card because it's very true & hilarious! I am learning a lot about myself this summer. If I were to sum it up, I would say God is teaching me how to say and live out "yeses" in my life. Not only learning how to say YES to what He wants for me, but also YES to knowing He can provide and do all things. For example me running almost 4 miles. Those who know me well probably just got a puzzled look on their faces a second ago. We'll get to that later.

Here's my summer day-to-day...
7-8AM (or some unlucky days earlier): wake up, lay in bed, sleep for an extra 30 minutes.
8-9AM: running/strength training/elliptical
9-9:30AM: shower & breakfast
9:30-12PM: FB, email, Pinterest, do some "school-related" planning of sorts. Usually ranges from just pinning to looking up you tube videos to power points.
12-1PM: lunch and watch "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" from the night before. Thanks, Hulu & Roku!
1-5PM: watch "Lost," go shopping, hang out with friends, park, pool
5-10PM: watch more "Lost," make dinner, eat dinner, Pinterest some more.
10-11PM: QT, read a book, sleepy time.

This leads to my list of summer obsessions:
1. Getting healthy via eating healthy. I'm done with excuses when it comes to making the right choices for food. There have been many times (refer to previous post) that I've used food to abuse my body. I'm not saying I'll never have a McDonald's cheeseburger or Chuy's cheesy enchilada. But I have a choice. You have a choice. Every time you make a decision to go through the drive thru on your way to work, you make a decision to put something in your body just because of 1)taste and 2)convenience. I'm not by any means becoming a 100% organic no-carb vegan. I just want to be healthy by eating the right food. This has opened my eyes to how many restaurants I now pass while driving instead of going in. Going into the grocery store now, I think about how many times I've gotten all that over-processed junk. Eating healthier has also opened my eyes to how I want to get better at cooking. The more real meals I cook at home the more I love cooking.
2. Getting healthy via exercising more. If you asked me a year ago if I could ever exercise every day for at least 30 minutes I'd say nope. No way. Now it's part of my morning routine. I've been alternating days between running the green way and going to the gym. I would have laughed if you told me to run a quarter of a mile without stopping a month ago. Now I can go at least 7 minutes! To some that's nothing, but for me that's quite a feat. I am confident that a 5k is underway soon! Yesterday I ran 3.65 miles-- stopped to power walk twice! I love the energy, the competitiveness I have to run better the next day, and most of all the freedom.
3. "Lost" TV series. Got bored one day last week and decided to watch the first episode of many on Hulu. Wow, what an awesome show! I'm currently in season 2 so I still have a ways to go.
4. Pinterest. Yeah, what else is new?!
5. Nashville, I love you. I love your hipness. I love your energy. I love your people. I love that I live in your city.

All in all, I am very pleased with this summer. It definitely contrasts with the last couple summers I've had filled with tons of friends to do anything and everything every other night. No longer in the "college stage" of my life, I am learning lots in the "grown up" stage. I'm learning it's okay to not be married or engaged or pregnant as a twenty-something. I'm learning to love people no matter what. I'm learning that it's okay to have me time. I'm learning I need to take care of my body and health. I'm learning how to turn "I can't"s into yeses.

Source: leahremilletblog.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Cut it out & run on.

So, plan and simple this post is about being a healthier person. I've had my fair share of "episodes" of failed attempts to get in some exercise or not eat fast food for a week. Sure, I was thinking this is a great idea...but it only went so far and stopped. I only went so far and stopped. 
Well, there's no stopping me this time. It's summer so there's no reason for me to not have the time to devote to being healthy by 1) eating better, 2) exercising daily, and 3) getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

Why the blog post about this? People every day make that decision to stop eating unhealthy, overly sugared/processed/fried/fatty foods all the time. People can decide that this one day is the start of a new fitness challenge. I've been there...temporarily. And so have many other people. Have you ever thought "I'm going to change today and be healthier/exercise more," was focused on that goal for 2 weeks or 2 months, and then went back to old habits? Yes, me too. 

So being the list person that I am, here are reasons I want to cut some things out of my life and run on:

• I always like a new challenge. 
• "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." -1 Corinthians 6:19-20. This verse is one I've seen many times, but I want to think about this every day.
• My kids. Not my particular kids I had this year, but rather kids in general I have had/will have in my class. Teachers, parents, pop culture celebrities, presidents, and other adults can all influence children. Not all these influences are positive. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that many kids look up to their teachers. Not because they're taught to or because their parents say so. Rather, I think it's instinctive for kids to admire their teachers. With all the messages about having kids play for at least 30 minutes a day, no soda, no junk food, being outside versus being in front of a TV with cable, I want my kids to see that there is a lot of good that can come out of choosing healthy food and being active. Case in point: my mentor teacher from last year ran a half marathon. She had been training all school year for her HM in March. During that time, she used the example of her training in teaching her students anything from content to messages about not giving up. The effect-- her kids asked her questions about her training, how often she runs, how they want to start running...! How amazing would it be to teach kids an important lesson about being healthy by modeling it in your own life!
• I'm not a broke college student anymore. I cannot and WILL NOT use the following excuses:
• no money to buy fresh food
• no time to cook up a great meal
• studying > eating healthy
• fast food joints are affordable and close by

• I love Shay Carl. If you don't know him, he's a successful and hilarious You Tuber who makes videos with his family. He's lost 115 pounds, ran 2 marathons, and does things to keep himself active because he knows it makes him feel good. I was ecstatic to see him cross the finish line of his second marathon in Nashville in April! Seeing how far he's come is amazing! Please go look up Shay 3 years ago and Shay today. His positivity and dedication is remarkable.

What to cut it out:

• Having a plan for every day. It's summer, you don't have to work! This is your vacation time! Relax and write "whatever comes to mind" on your agenda.
• Junk food: sweets, candy, chocolate, ice cream, desserts, chips, queso, etc...you know. I like to call them my go-to stress food.
• Fast food: McDonald's, Sonic, Taco Bell...you made me feel good, but you're no good for me. So bye. 
• Over-processed food. Especially food with more than 5 ingredients. 
• Buying clothes. After organizing my new closet, there's no reason for more right now. Been good for 2 months!

What to run on:

• It's been a LOOONG time since I've ran. Not like running five yards in the parking lot because it's pouring. No, I mean truly running to exercise. I have a fear of running because of a fear of failure. I'm afraid I won't work up to my true momentum when it comes to running. I'm afraid I'll quit after a couple tries. But I've gradually worked it up. First it was running on the treadmill. Accomplished. Running outside in my neighborhood. Accomplished. Running in a greenway or park. Accomplished. Running at least 5 minutes without stopping? Working on it. 
• Hopefully running a 5k in the next few months.
• Planning for the upcoming school year. For all those school days that I've thought to myself, "if only I had time to do this," here's my chance. 
• Trying restaurants with healthy menu options. 
• Eating fresh & natural food.

 Spinach spring mix, organic tomatoes, fresh blueberries, and Annie's organic Lite Raspberry dressing!

• Being more involved in my church. Hopefully more to come on this! 

Is there a chance this won't last? Sure! I was recently inspired by Shay Carl who says that it's really all in your head. If you see the goal in your mind you can do it. Be positive but also be realistic. You know you can. You know it'll be hard as anything, but you can. Shay and Nike couldn't have said it better! I'll leave you with this amazing video of Shay running his first marathon (FF to 16:30).