Insanity Challenge

Exercise.  Torture.  Hell.  Misery.  Suffering.  Call it what you will.  The point is, exercise sucks!  I think everyone has their personal reasons for doing it {or not doing it}. I read once that the advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier....(???)  Anyway,  my reasons for exercise are in my gene pool: heart attack, diabetes, and stroke.  Say those three words to me and I'll get my butt on a treadmill. I've worked really hard the last couple of years to make exercise a lifestyle rather than something I do right after Christmas, or right before swimsuit season.

However, I was recently introduced to a new form of exercise.  I'm sorry, it's actually equivalent to exercising in an insane asylum.  Back in April, a coworker and I were talking, and I somehow walked away with a bet that I just had to win.  He and I challenged each other to the nine-week Insanity workout program.

The reasons I decided to do it are a mystery to me.  I hate having a workout buddy (I'm a soloist exerciser for many reasons).  I hate making bets on exercising (do it for the right reason, not just to win a bet).  I hate committing to something I've never tried (commitment takes time and effort).  So naturally, this whole thing made perfect sense.

The first day I tried it, I thought, "How hard can it be?"  After all, Jillian Michaels is my fictitious workout buddy.  If I can stick it out with Jillian, this should be a easy.

Poor, stupid, and naive girl.

I died during that first workout.  Seriously.  I'm pretty sure my heart stopped, and I probably followed a bright light before God changed his mind about wanting me back up there. 

I was in the fetal position, on the floor, looking as though it had just rained sweat.

This sh*!  is crazy!  No bet is worth winning if I have to do this everyday. 

I had every intention to call it quits.  I packed the insanity DVD's in my purse to give back to my coworker.  Then I thought, I'm not a quitter.  What if I actually stuck it out and defied death for 89 more days?

The next day I pulled out the the next workout, Pure Cardio.  It was the longest forty-four minutes of my life.  I ended in same position as I had the first day. The only change I noticed in myself were that my muscles were screaming bloody murder.

I had to keep reminding myself, I'm not a quitter, I'm not a quitter, I'm not a quitter.....

Each morning at 5 a.m. I pushed myself physically and mentally through each workout.  There were some nights I would have nightmares about what I would be facing the next morning (how pathetic is that?)  I made sure I didn't skip a workout day.  The workouts didn't get easier, but I got stronger.  I noticed a difference in my day-to-day life, and in my tumbling.

I'm not one who takes before/after pictures, I don't take selfies at the gym, or post on social media when I'm working out. Today however, is an exception, because two weeks ago, Thursday June 25 (to be exact) was day 90.  I completed the insanity challenge!

I am strong.  I am unstoppable. I am fierce. I  can accomplish anything I put my mind to...and so can you! (picture Uncle Sam and the propaganda poster right now).

I'm not a size two, I still enjoy junk food every now and then, but I also work hard.  So, I guess this is me promoting a healthy lifestyle.  It's not always easy, but it will always be worth it.

Tahoe and Friend

I don't know a better way to kick off summer {and end our birthday celebrations} than spend a relaxing afternoon at the majestic Lake Tahoe.  There's no place like it.  

Jenna and I have known each other for a whopping fourteen years...FOURTEEN!  We met as awkward twelve-year-olds.  She liked ballet, and I liked loved Josh Hartnett.  It's been a beautiful friendship ever since.  Though she lives in L.A., and I in Reno, it's one of those friendships that effortlessly picks up where it left off.

Tahoe + Long-time friend + long talks about everything and nothing + food + a kayak =

Perfection 

My Breakup

We've been together for years.  Mornings spent with you were relaxing.  The lazy Saturday afternoons were the best.   Those cozy weekend nights, snuggled on the couch, occasionally sipping a hot cup of tea, or munching on the most delectable and sophisticated of desserts, muddy buddies. We had it made, you and I.  Life with you was fun, dramatic, intense, laughable, cheesy, imaginative, but most of all, unexpected.

I guess that's what initiated our breakup, the unexpected.

I've come to realize that the older I get, the more things bother me.  Not in a cranky, grouchy, old woman type of way, but in a, "do I really need this in my life?" type of way.  The unnecessary drama.  The words that would leave me to guess, or let my imagination think the worst.  Those moments have greatly shadowed the innocent cheese, and have left the fun to collect in the dust.  So I guess one can say, it's not me, it's you.

I understand that my break up will come as a shock to many.  After all, everyone who knows me has known about us.  I want my friends and family to know that I will be okay.  I will survive. I will move forward.  Your concern is appreciated.  For now, I will cope the way any girl copes when a relationship ends: stay in my PJ's all day, inhale an unholy amount junk food, while simultaneously yelling at ignorant girls in ignorant relationships, or watching things blow up in action movies.

To end, I just need to say this out loud, or on the ever-active web:  Lifetime, you and I are done.  You can thank that 5-minute movie scene I watched last night that has quite literally haunted my thoughts for the past 24 hours.

Forever scarred,

Yours truly.

A Look Back: 2014

This year has been a whirlwind.  I can honestly say that 2014 is the year that I truly found myself.  I guess moving across the country by yourself will do that to you.  I truly feel this year has been my biggest year yet!  I'd be foolish not to record some of the events for my own purposes.    

Some of the bigger moments:

1. Officially graduated after completing my student teaching at Mercer Middle School.
2. Achieved my dream of moving to the East Coast (even if it was for a shorter amount of time than originally anticipated).
3. Traveled to new places.
4. Met new people who really impacted my life.
5. Was hired as a first-time coach.
6. Was hired as a first-year teacher.
7. Got a real, big-girl paycheck.
8. Became an aunt to the cutest-snuggliest-kissable-loving baby girl.
9. Experienced what new and unconditional love truly means (see #8).

Some of the smaller moments:

1. Conquered my fear of handstands (yes, I can do all kinds of flips, but have always hated doing handstands). 
2. Visited a countless number of museums in D.C.
3. Learned how to cook with one hot-plate and no oven (don't be fooled...it's challenging).
4. Learned the luxury of plumbing...oh hell, the luxury of functioning toilets on a consistent basis. (Ask at your own risk).
5. Experienced serendipity's frozen hot chocolate (if you're ever in Manhattan, it's worth the wait)
6. Met up with childhood friends and Alisa (my cousin) in NYC, Maryland, Washington state, and Baltimore!

As for 2015, I'm excited to see what will come of the year.  I'm not one who obsesses over making resolutions.  I believe you should be goal-setting throughout the year as new opportunities arise.  I did however write some goals that I'd like to see happen for my own personal growth and strength. It's not a matter of if it will happen, but when.  

Happy New Year!    

Moving into my apartment in Virginia

Gifts from the students I taught at Mercer M.S.

My lead teacher, Mrs. Scanlon and Mrs. Maylott.

One of the museums in D.C.

Serendipity

Gabriella and I.  May 2014

My first classroom: before and after.

Anne and I in Washington.

Anne, Blaine, and I in Brooklyn 

The cheer captain and I.

Crescent Lake in Washington

Thanksgiving in NYC

I've shared with all of you before just how much I love NYC; I probably like it more than the average person should.  In the words of Sara Bareilles, I'm "drunk on just being there."  

Thanksgiving 2014 was spent with some of my favorite people in my favorite city.  Something I was able to cross off my bucket list was seeing the Macy's Day Parade live.  My brother left the apartment at 4:30 A.M. with some friends to score us front row spots! Starbucks, confetti, family, floats, celebrities, and a fun parade group was the perfect recipe for the perfect Thanksgiving morning.  In case you're wondering, the floats really are as big as they appear on T.V., if not bigger!

New York wastes no time getting all their Christmas decorations out.  On Friday, we explored.

Saturday morning, Whitney, Gabby, and I saw the Rocket Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. There wasn't a bad seat in the house.  It was an amazing show and rang in the Christmas spirit!

Until next time NYC....

Life at its Finest

Saturday mornings....my favorite and most cherished time of the week.  Waking to no alarm, cozying up in over-sized sweatshirts, there's simply nothing better.  Today, I woke up and decided to indulge in oatmeal banana chocolate chip pancakes {a true delicacy, really}, curl myself up while sipping a warm cup of hot tea, and become completely mesmerized with the overly dramatic and unrealistic sanctity of  season 2 Gossip Girl on Netflix.   Yep, perfect Saturday morning. 

It's been a long time since I've been able to just sit down and write, and I'd forgotten how much I love it.  Reflecting back, I never thought I'd be where I am today.  I have a job!  A real, serious, big-girl, job. The most satisfying part is, I love it.  I really couldn't imagine myself doing anything else other than teaching {unless Broadway calls me....then the tables will turn furiously}.  Not only that, I scored my dream job.  Teaching and coaching cheer.  I knew it would happen someday, but not one month after returning from Virginia.   Let's face it, I have a damn good life and I've truly been blessed.  

So with Thanksgiving on the horizon, I'm going to indulge you in a cliche "Thankful post."  Because let's be honest, who knows when the next time will be that I post a blog considering my track record.

I am grateful for an education.  Over the years, I've come to the unfortunate realization that an education of any sort is a privilege, not a right.  In many countries, an education is reserved only for the elite, the males, or simply put, the privileged.   The amount of poverty, illness, neglect, and deaths around the world has a direct correlation with the lack of education.  While this is a tangent I don't want to get into now, my points is, my education has given me opportunities I would  have never experienced otherwise.  It enriches my understanding of myself, and the world me. I've experienced a sense of empowerment and a desire to continually seek learning and wisdom in order to achieve my life-long goals.  Because of this, I am grateful for the educational opportunities I've had in the past and ones I will have in my future.  Nelson Mandela, a former South-African president, politician, and philanthropist eloquently stated, "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.  But when you add to that a literature tongue or pen, then you have something very special."

My niece.  I never knew such tiny spirit could bring so much love and joy that fills every part of me.   She helps me understand the simplicity of life; that life is all about family and enjoying the people you love most.   I thank God for her every single day.  I'd also like to take a moment to thank the genius who invented FaceTime. She being 2,685.1 miles away could possibly be the death of me if it wasn't for our almost daily FaceTime dates.

My family.  My worst fear growing up was that my parents would divorce.  Yes, I now come from a split family.  Now that I'm older and am more understanding, I am completely okay with it.  The fact is, we still have the same amount of love and appreciation for each other as any other family does.  I often tell people that they wouldn't survive the Martinez family unless they can handle teasing, sarcasm, and pranks.  This makes up who my family is.  Family gatherings {especially when cousins, aunts, and uncles are involved} are often loud and completely chaotic.  The best thing is, we're always laughing with and at each other; and, in my opinion, it's the cheapest and most effective form therapy.  So yes, split family or not, they're the most important and constant people in my life.

Whitney, look how young we were!

That is all folks. 

Happy Saturday!

Love, yours truly.

My Student Teaching Experience

Back in December I flew over mountains, hills, and valleys to Northern Virginia.  My plane arrived at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve, or rather, New Years Day I suppose.

Good luck or bad luck.....?

No new years kiss, no confetti dancing through the air, no loud music or embarrassing dance moves to welcome the new year.  Instead, I was standing in a deserted airport with three 50-pound suitcases, a carry-on, and an airport custodian trying to sweep through the maze of bags I had surrounding me.  To add the cherry to the top, I get a phone call from my ride saying he'll be an hour late picking me up!

Happy New Year...?....

I'll politely spare you from the vulgar words that were racing through my mind at that very moment.  I'll also skip over the part where there was a freak ice-storm two days later, and I was stranded in my apartment for a week.  Actually, come to think of it, it was a freak winter for the East Coast. 

Anyway, back on topic, the reason I went to Virginia  was to student teach.  Why Virginia, you ask?  I wanted to experience something different.  I was curious as to how other school districts in the country ran, and I wanted to be exposed to a new educational environment.  I'll admit, it was a bold move, and it took about a year of working with UNR and various school districts to make it all possible.

I taught 8th grade English at Mercer Middle School in Aldie, Virginia.  Without sounding like a brat, I was disappointed when I was first given my assignment.

Middle School???....................No...................................!!! (Cue the dramatic reaction).

My Middle School years were so awkward, and ugly, and filled with pathetic, but serious drama.  They were the dark ages that I choose not to talk about.

Nonetheless, I was grateful I had the opportunity to go back East and start the beginning of the end. (of my collage career that is).

Turns out I was put exactly where I needed to be.  I had, hands down, the most amazing and worthwhile experience.  I was lucky enough to be assigned the most amazing, incredible, caring, thoughtful, and enthusiastic lead teacher, Mrs. Scanlon.  There literally wasn't a day that went by where I didn't feel 100% comfortable around her.  She was supportive, challenging, intelligent, and gave me positive feedback and great advice throughout my fourteen weeks.

The students.  Let me just say that they are truly one of a kind.  I had some comedians, future Martha Stewarts, entrepreneurs', athletes, etc.  I even had one student who was recently featured in Time Magazine for being the best youth female football player in the country!  While there were so many personalities intertwined in my 160 students,they were all so kind, and they genuinely cared about one another.  These kids were all so smart too.  I was amazed at some of the higher-level thinking questions these kids asked during a lesson.  However, there is one thing the kids and Mrs. Scalon lacked skill in: correctly pronouncing Nevada.  It drove me insane!  Don't worry my fellow Nevadans, I didn't let them get away with such a shameful act.  I wrote, in bold on the chalk board: 

It's NE-VA-DA, not NE-VAW-DUH!!!  

They absolutely loved to antagonize me by saying it wrong.  Those stinkers!  By the way, my kids get bonus points for understanding and playing along with my sarcasm.  It's one of the many things I love about secondary education, you can joke around with them without getting phone calls from angry parents (to an extent of course).

Aside from that, my students worked so hard for me and pushed me to work hard every single day.  I will never forget the fond memories I have with all 160 of them.

As the weeks were coming to an end, Mrs. Scalon asked me to write down things that I wished she would have done to help me, or things she could have done better as my supervising teacher (self-reflection at its finest).  I racked my brain, I tried to look for things to critique, I even went as far as googling "the role of a supervising teacher," with no success.  I came up with nothing, nada, zero.  She really met my needs and concerns coming into student teaching.  I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Scanlon.  She has greatly shaped and influenced the teacher I will one day be. 

If there is one piece of advice I can give to anyone who is about to embark on student teaching, it would be this: communicate with your supervising teacher and have an open-door policy with him/her and other colleagues at the school.  The first day I met her I was completely honest and said:

I've never done this before, and quite honestly I don't know what I'm doing; however, I plan to work hard and achieve the goals I've set for myself, as well as represent you well.  I want you to know that I want and am open to constructive feedback.  I don't want you to beat around the bush or worry hurting my feelings.  I came here to learn and grow as an educator.  

I think she was relieved to hear me say all of this.  I was her very first student teacher, and we both were about to experience something new and perhaps uncomfortable, but we were experiencing it together.  That conversation shaped the relationship Mrs. Scalon and I developed.  

Student teaching is such a pivotal experience for any teacher-in-the-making.  I'm so grateful for my experience and all that I learned.  Choosing to go to Virginia was hands down, the hardest, but most fulfilling and rewarding endeavour I could have ever done for myself.  Most importantly, it was Mrs. Scanlon and the kids that made it worthwhile.  I am forever grateful for my time teaching in Virginia and will never forget my experience.  

 I was showered with so many gifts my last week.

These are examples of some of the amazing work the students did for me, and the no re-take challenge we did for third quarter!