Week Summary 2/20-2/26

Review of last weeks goals:

Physical: I would like to experience linear growth in terms of my weekly mileage not only because it is the right way to train but also because I HAVE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE! This week I hit a whopping 36.7 miles (6.7 more than my goal) which I am pretty proud of considering my life is crazy busy right now. I really only have time for about 5-6 miles a day with my graduate studying from 4-5:45 and run from 5:45 - 6:30. If I can be consistent about that and use Saturdays for either a short run/long paddle in preparation for a paddle race or perhaps a long run if the lakes are frozen, I will be content. The summer will probably allow for more time to pick up weekly mileage. I am still doing well with my yearly strength goal and haven't missed a day of my minimum rep goal. I will say that with the consistency comes natural growth. Go figure.

Spiritual: This week I was able to take 45 male names to the temple to do baptisms with the youth. Amidst those names were Bernard Adams (my mom's biological dad) and my great uncle Roland. The spirit was palpable and I am sure that those individuals were so pleased to have been able to receive that ordinance.

Mental: I am doing well on my Arabic studies amidst the chaos of life and I am close to having the alphabet memorized.

New Goals for this week:

Physical: I would like to be more consistent in my weekly mileage and start a gradual build up so I am going to aim for 36 miles again for this week. I am also going to go paddle boarding on Saturday in Sun Up Bay (I heard that it is thawed!).

Spiritual: I am going to need to set a goal to improve my relationship with Amelia. This has been  a hard week and I have not qualified for the best dad award. I have been too hard on her as she has struggled with ADHD symptoms. It is difficult to separate her from the behaviors and not get frustrated. This has been an ongoing struggle for too long and I need to be more proactive in developing the love and patience needed to handle these stressful parenting situations. So my goal for this week is to not raise my voice AT ALL to my children. I know I can do this as it is not usually a struggle just when I am in the heat of struggle or stressful situation. It is easy in the moment to justify but there is no excuse and I have to remember that always.

Mental: I am going to take it up one notch here and set a goal to read at least one page a night for at least 3 nights this week AS WELL AS memorize the Arabic alphabet (I am already pretty close so this shouldn't be too hard). 

Week Summary 1/22-1/29

Review of last weeks goals:

Physical: I was good on this goal with the exception of the long run on Saturday. I did get a good run in and was actually able to go with Don Francis (the director of Awsaj in Doha). Following the run we were able to have a second interview with him for positions teaching at his school. We feel pretty good about it but are going to wait until Wednesday to make a final decision. We had interviews with schools in Egypt, Qatar, Thailand, England, Panama, and Lithuania. All of the schools seemed like great places to work but we are focusing more of quality of life and access to our children, specifically Ashley's access to Edmond as he will still be only 2 years old if we go.

Spiritual: On Tuesday I was able to attend the temple and perform initiatory ordinances. It was a wonderful experience (as is every Temple experience) and was a good time for pondering the upcoming life decisions on our plate.

Mental: I am getting way better about texting while driving. I don't think I typed one text this week while driving. This has been a hard thing but I know that it is important for my safety and that of those around me.

New Goals for this week:

Physical: Long run of at least 12 miles this week.

Spiritual: Make contact with my HT families

Mental: Read at least a page out of a book other than the scriptures and my text books everyday.


This is going to be a life changing week as we will be making a decision that will alter the course of our family in a big way. Right now we are leaning towards an adventure teaching in Doha but are waiting to hear back from a couple of other schools. I will heavily depending on the guidance of The Spirit, which I know is very real,