LifeintheFastsLane: Recently...

I haven't done a post in awhile {Been crazy busy with the end of the school year}, but I only have ONE MORE DAY until SWEET SWEET SUMMER! I think I look forward to summer even more as a teacher than as a student and even more so now that I have a little one! I cannot wait to do fun things with her this summer and I think she is going to be a great age for starting to take her places like the zoo, park etc, because she is becoming more and more interactive every day.

Also, for those that like to hate on teachers for our time off, BELIEVE ME summers off are an AMAZING PERK of the job, but it is needed, especially when you work with middle school students. I definitely couldn't do the job without the mental break. Personally, I would never last in this career. Summer break allows me to rest and come back refreshed to deal with the craziness of 7th grade with renewed enthusiasm and energy.

The past month has been a pretty good one. I celebrated my 29th birthday and my first mothers day and both were simple, yet perfect. They basically fell on the same weekend, so to celebrate I ran a mother's day 5k and ran pretty well (23:30, 4th female overall) considering the circumstances (rain, mud, a trail course and the hills and elevation of the backcountry of Highlands Ranch). It was a good motivator for me to get running more. We also went to breakfast at Jelly, near DU, and got a few new things from Lululemon. (thanks Brandon!) Our weather in Colorado has been "bleh" lately, with lots of rain and temperatures in the 40's, so hopefully it turns around soon because the pool opens Friday.

On a fitness note, Brandon, My sister Amanda and I are doing a 30 day ab challenge. It is from Alexa Jean Fitness (found her on instagram) and all of her workouts are short and require no equipment- plus she is a super cute mom and has great abs :) The challenge appealed to me because it will force me to do core more regularly, now that we are entering swim suit season and we have a beach vacation on the horizon. I also get a lot of ab work at Pure Barre, but lately, I have only been going twice per week. My summer goal is to get back to the Barre at least 3-4 days a week, because it makes such a difference in my strength and flexibility. In addition, I feel like it really tones me and I feel "leanest" when I am going more consistently. Running and Pure Barre are so different, but are great complements to each other. I love the "sweatiness" and endorphins of a good run and the way you work (shake!) and stretch every part of your body in Pure Barre.

Now for the picture dump!