Mid 2018 Update

Prepare yourself for some life updates, and seeing the power of what is possible when you shift your mindset about approaching your goals, and living your best life in general.

I rang in 2018 at Legacy Hall with my good friend Anna. As soon as the clock struck 12:01am, I was hailing my Uber driver, and went immediately home (you can make your own inferences as to why I had to bounce the party right away). As I reflected on my last 2017 blog, I was feeling very down and sad at the end of the year. Naturally, I always start the new year off with a go-getter attitude, but it usually fizzles around mid-February. I have deemed 2018 as the year to SLAY. This may seem super corny to you, but it's working and I'm going to keep rolling with it.

Health/Fitness:
An Orange Theory Fitness opened a mile away from my apartment in December 2017. I have been an OTF member since Dec. 2015, but this location is special. I love the convenience of the location obviously, but the trainers, staff, and members make it an enjoyable place to be. I started working out at 4:30AM on weekdays to see how that would go, and how long I could make it happen. I had accountability with my friend Heather, as we would snapchat each other in the mornings on our way to workout or on the way home. I found extra accountability in a Facebook group with my Houston homies to discuss all things fitness and staying on track with our 2018 goals. In January I stuck with  the 8x per month membership, while I trained and did the half-marathon in Austin with my Dad. I've always been good about working-out, but MyFitnessPal helped me track how much and what kind of food (and drink) I was putting in my body.

In February I joined the 8 week Transformation Challenge and bumped my membership back up to unlimited session. I had already lost weight in January, so was excited for the challenge to keep it going considering I know my track record with resolutions. I kept going at 4:30AM, and started to look forward to it. I've got some solid work-out buddies that challenge me and make me laugh. I ended up getting 3rd place in the Transformation Challenge. :)

In April, OTF did the Marathon challenge. I did the Ultra-marathon and workout bud Elizabeth created a google sheet to help us track our milage throughout the month. We slayed the mileage goal early in the month and I ended up running around 50-60 miles. It was a fun challenge to track miles, and kept me moving toward my fitness goals. In May I went 26 times to OTF, and June I've enjoyed going mid-mornings again as opposed to 4:30AM (I may secretly miss it). I've gotten so much faster and stronger. I have lost about 25 lbs at this point, but it's the strength I am valuing more than the weight loss. Strong is the new skinny.

I applied to be the Ambassador of my studio and got it! I will be representing West Frisco Orangetheory Fitness for Quarter 3! I am so excited to spread my love of OTF more than I already do!

From One-Bedroom to Studio: 
I have lived in the same Frisco apartment for 6 years. I love this apartment. It's in a great location, there are a ton of things to do in the area, many of my friends live close by, and it's a perfect amount of space for just me. I had no idea when I signed my lease here that I would still be here 6 years later. I've been itching for a change somewhere in my life, and moving was something in my control that I could make happen. Since I was a little kid, I loved movies that took place in big cities and when my Gran took me on the DART to downtown Dallas I was mesmerized. I've always dreamed of living IN the city, having an elevator, and a view. My brother-in-law got a job in a building in downtown, and it started to seem like a realistic possibility. Even my parents started to encourage me to live out my dream and just go for it. My budget called for a studio as opposed to a one-bedroom. I had to wrap my brain around downsizing from 655 sq. ft. with great closet space to 568 sq. ft. with ONE small closet. I came to the realization that I would have to sacrifice space for the sweet location, view, amenities, and finishings. I seized the opportunity when a studio on the 22nd floor with the urban view became available in my price range. I signed my lease in April, I will get my keys on July 6th, and move-in on July 9th. Since signing the lease I have been purging, donating, and selling things I've held on to only because I've had the space. Losing weight has helped with getting rid of clothes, and with my new modern apartment complex, my eclectic/post-college/Pinterest/DIY style doesn't really mesh. I've had so much fun searching for new furniture and can't wait to pull my Dallas "Carrie Bradshaw" apartment together!

Professional:
This school year was go-go-go. I love my school, I love teaching 5th grade, and I love my colleagues and students that I work with. I applied for Curriculum Writing and got to do that this summer as opposed to Summer School and learned a lot! It was so much fun to meet new people and create resources for 5th Grade Social Studies teachers in the district. I focused on applying for Assistant Principal, and grew so much through that process. I put my name in the ring for Frisco, Plano, and Dallas ISD. Fine-tuning my resume, composing a cover letter, mock interviews with friends, and PLENTY of real interviews later, I can say I have no regrets in the effort I put in for a new opportunity and to grow professionally and make an impact on students. Although I wasn't selected for an AP position this year, I made it pretty far in the process, and I am proud of that. My mentor's encouraging words, "Megan, it is not a matter of 'if,' it's a matter of 'when' and where'." drive me to keep going and see if maybe the 2019-2020 school year is the year for that change to occur. I showed grit and perseverance through finding the perfect fit when I got my first teaching job, and the same will happen for my assistant principal job. I will continue to grow as a leader and am always learning.

Travel:
If you've read this blog before or know me at all you know I love a spontaneous get-a-way or a fun vacay! I explored Atlanta (got to cross Georgia off my 50 State list), Little Rock, and Fredericksburg this year. Not as many trips as I've done in the past, but the focus on health, and now moving have caused me to pump the breaks a little bit. I have a trip to Toronto, ON to look forward to in October, and I love the thought of never knowing which destination may come my way next. The move to Dallas will be a trip in itself. Although I've lived in North Texas my entire life, I look forward to exploring the city as a proper local, and living in the heart of downtown.

2018 is half-way over, as I just turned 29 -
I am a firm believer that whatever is supposed to happen will happen, and that we have control over the perspective we take toward our lives. Turning 29 and my "Namaslay all day everyday" attitude has influenced me to live the last year of my twenties to the fullest. I have entered my 29th year with the same mindset as I entered 2018 (minus the quick uber ride home). It was my golden birthday and I am so blessed to have so many great friends (and family) in my life. I'm looking forward to the second half of my 2018 chapter, and soaking it all in.