Hello! Let’s catch up since my last post. The summer seemed to fly by. It was filled with time with family, work, and sports.
Here are some highlights in the areas of faith, fitness, fashion, and academia.
Faith
There is so much I can say in this category, but I will limit it to saying I am spending more time with God and working to filter all of my thoughts and actions through him. I have created a better routine with having my devotion in the morning before my family wakes up, and I have been praying more throughout the day. I have also started writing scriptures in my planner and seeking guidance from God about my to do lists. I put them before him and whatever I do not accomplish, I try not to feel bad about it.
Fitness
My fitness routine was up and down over the past couple of months. I am proud to say that I did lose 10 lbs. Woop! Woop! However, I am not at my goal weight or physique. I started the 75 hard challenge on Monday with some modifications. If you are not familiar with it, you can do a quick Google search. There is tons of information out there. I like both fiction and non-fiction books, so as long as I am reading, I am counting it. I haven’t settled on a diet, but I am leaning towards a higher protein, more fruits and veggies type of diet. So far, I’ve done well with getting in the 90 minutes of exercise. Some days I do more outdoor than indoor. Again, I am fine with this. I am getting my water in. I am not to a gallon a day yet, but I will get there. You have to give your body time to adjust to changes. Finally, I am taking the progress photos. I think I saw somewhere you are supposed to take them daily. I can’t remember. If I take them weekly, I feel like that should count. As you can see, I am doing the challenge, but I am also being realistic with my body and what works for me.
Fashion
My fashion is still a work in progress! I am trying not to buy too many pieces until I reach my fitness goals. I am trying to be more budget friendly and conscious of the clothing I buy. However, my hair has grown since my photo from August 2023. I am proud of that progress. My nails are becoming stronger. I’ve been using the Keratin 3 day Growth by Nail-aid, and it works. I just need to stop nervously picking at my hands and biting them.
Academia
This year I will submit my 5th year tenure packet. Another woop! woop! My packet is due October 1. This year I am trying to pace myself and not overwhelm myself with the process. I have been saving documents along the way to support my dossier. I just need to make sure I take the time to create the required items and everything in its appropriate place. My teaching scores have been great! I have been productive in my research; however, I can definitely see where I can do better. My service has been on point as well. I remember saying in one of my earlier posts that my words for the year were wisdom and authenticity, and I’ve been guided by those this academic year. I have still made mistakes, but I am not allowing myself to be stuck too long. For more details on academia or if you are needing academic support, please check out fromanurse2anurse.com.
Other
I have some other great things that have been happening, but they do not fit within the other categories. I mentioned earlier how I need to stop picking at my hands when I am nervous. I picked back up my childhood hobby of crocheting. I have been using it as my go to when I have that feeling of nervousness. My goal is to make afghans for my family members.
I have also been gardening. When you see my photos below, I need you to keep your commentary to a minimum. Lol! I am proud of the progress I have made with my garden. My kiddos and I built the raised garden beds. I started out with collards and lettuce. In the other, I had strawberries, tomatoes, and bell peppers. I planted some flowers and herbs from seed hoping they would grow in time to deter pests. I tried to plant pollinator flowers too. I planted Zinnias, Basil, from seed. I also planted marigold plants from Lowes. I had some petunias in pots around my raised beds. Oh, I also bought a blackberry plant. See how we started below!
The strawberries, peppers, lettuce, collards, blackberries did not do well. I removed the strawberries, lettuce, collards, and blackberry plant. I added pollinator plants instead to the bin that contained the collards and lettuce. I filled them with lantanas and marigolds but then moved the marigolds to their own pot. I am still learning all I can about zones, watering, etc. I know that I live in zone 8b. I am also learning more about different pollinator plants that are native to my state. I bought my vegetables and fruits as plants from Lowes and Walmart. I do not think I will do that again. I also bought my lantanas and marigolds from Lowes. I think I will grow my vegetables from seed the next time. The zinnias and basil that I initially planted are now doing well. The tomatoes are still trying to hang in there. I do not know what to say about those petunias.
Check out the pictures below to see an updated view of the garden. I separated the zinnias into their own planter. Now the marigolds, lantanas, zinnias, and petunias are all in their own planters. I read somewhere that lantanas can impact other plants.
That’s it for now! Chat soon!
