Week Summary 1/15-1/21

Review of last weeks goals:
1. To complete an aerobic activity of at least 20 min each day.
- I was 5/6 on this goal. I had a few days where I woke up not feeling well (today being the worst of those days) and that really impairs my ability to get out the door at the crack of dawn, or not even. I guess I should set a goal that is obtainable even if I am sick.

2. To fast for 24 hours.
- I am currently fulfilling this goal so if I sound hungry in this post it will be evident as to they why. I am fasting for continued guidance as we are in the process of interviewing for various international teaching positions and are going to be heading to Boston this week for a job fair where there will be 100's of schools and many opportunities to interview. Our sights are actually set on a school that will not be in attendance at the fair but that we reached out to this week and they reciprocated interest and scheduled us to interview. The school is in Montenegro, a country we hadn't really had on our radar and really didn't even know existed until now. I am especially excited about this prospect as it is a small school in an area rich in history and geography. There might be a clause in my fast that includes some special help on this particular interview =)

3. To finish all my school work before the campout.
- Done! I am on top of my schooling and this term is going well. I am really enjoying my classes, especially Cell Bio, and am doing well in them. I am learning about membrane transport in much greater depth than ever before and it has really helped me to understand the real underlying mechanisms behind it rather than just a textbook explanation. The thing that most stood out to me this week is the section on action potential in a neuron. I have been teaching this to my students without a deep understanding of it which makes me feel as though I am cheating them out of a potentially more authentic learning experience.  For the campout we went up to Mt. Spokane and stayed in a Chalet owned by the Spokane Mountaineers. It was a fun time and a great opportunity to get to know the boys better.

This years goals are going well,

I am back on top of the journal writing, I completed my strength goal for the week, and am setting new goals for the coming week.

New goals for this week:

1. Physical: I am going to make another attempt at last weeks goal of a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic activity each day and focus on getting a long run (12+ miles) in this weekend (as we will be in Boston without kids). I also want to set some yearly race/adventure goals so that I don't put it off so far as to miss cool opportunities.

2. Spiritual: Attend the temple for an initiatory session.

3. Mental: Not to text while driving at all.

Week Summary 1/8-1/15 (straight ramblings)

I am sure I am not the only one who has set a goal, failed super quickly, and felt like abandoning that goal. I already missed a week of journal writing and changed the 4:00 rule goal (because I had already been doing that on most days anyways) to a goal of setting weekly goals. I am determined to continue despite my failings because I know that they are worthy goals and all I can do is put forth my best effort and I will accomplish the design of my goal setting. I haven't missed a day on my physical goal of doing at least 40 pushups or 20 pull ups and I am feeling like I have a little momentum.

As of lately our lives have been consumed with the process of applying for international teaching jobs. We have been inspired by a friend of our (Sam Abrams) to take advantage of the relative flexibility we have with our life at this time being that our kids our young and we don't have a ton of obligations and pursue an adventure abroad. We have signed up with a program that will be our liason  and facilitate this seemingly complex process. We have also committed by planning a last minute trip to Boston to see if we can score some interviews with a few of the schools we are most interested in. This has been a great time for me as I have had to really rely on my gift of discernment and pray my guts out. I have received some clear guidance which I am grateful for because of the magnitude of this decision. I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers. That might be one of the strongest parts of my testimony. The great thing about this is that no matter what happens, we have a wonderful life here. If we don't get jobs in a desirable location, so what. We will try again and enjoy the heck out of the life we have here in Spokane. 

My personal goals for this week are:

1. Physical - at least 30 min of aerobic activity each day

2. Spiritual - fast for 24 hours next sat-sun

3. Mental/emotional - Finish all my school work for this week before leaving on the campout on saturday. 

I think these are easy and worthwhile goals. 

Week Summary 12/25/2017-1/1/2017

So I am one of those people who falls victim to the whole concept of New Years Resolutions...so what? They work. It has been 10 years since I vowed not to drink soda, like 6 years since I resolved to stop eating candy (except dark chocolate) and both of those resolutions I have diligently kept . There are others that I have set and been successful with and some that haven't been such a success but the bottom line is that if we don't set goals and make a concerted effort towards them we will accomplish less is life, period. As for this year, clearly journal writing is going to be one of my goals, a goal that I have made in the past and have not been very successful with. I am not sure why I have always had a tough time being consistent with journal writing but I do recognize the benefit and will try, yet again, to be more 'gritty' about it.  So here they are for 2017

Spiritual wellness goal:

- At least one journal entry per week. This goal is inspired by a challenge to set a family history related goal for this year by our Bishop and I think this will be multifaceted.

Physical wellness goal:

- At least 20 pull ups or 50 push-ups per day (excluding Sundays, unless I am feel extra crazy that day). Last year I set a goal to run at least one mile per day (excluding Sunday) and I was pretty good about doing it. I don't think there were many missed days and if there was it was likely due to physical impediment. For that reason I think I will focus my mental efforts this year to a strength related goal. I have been consistently inconsistent with my strength training regiment over the years and I guess over time that equates to consistency but I can do better.

Emotional/Mental wellness goal:

-   4:00 rule. I will wake up no later than 4:00 am, Mon-Sat to get my homework done. On days that I don't have homework (on break or otherwise) I will still wake up no later than 4:00, The only reason that I will sleep in is if I am legitimately sick or it is Sunday. I know that by following through with this goal I will accomplish more this year, have more time to focus on others (my family first and foremost) and feel better about myself as a result.

This journal will also serve as an accountability measure for the reaching of these goals. I will try to periodically check in to report on how I am doing in each of these areas.

Pic of the week: