Sunday, December 25, 2011

Checking In

I know it's been awhile. To be honest, I've been going through a difficult time. Lots of transitions. My new job has swallowed me whole. I absolutely love being a teacher but these last 6 weeks haven't even given me time to breathe. I wake up at 6, drive 45 minutes each way, and work from 8:30 to 6 straight with only a 30 minute break. I have 8 different classes a day so when I get done, I'm often swamped until midnight preparing lesson plans for the next day. Not to mention grading and paperwork. On the other hand, getting to know each of my students individually and feeling like I'm making a difference has been awesome. Not to mention how smart I feel after teaching everything from pre-calculus to chemistry! But I know if I don't take care of myself, this pace will not be sustainable.

I'm currently enjoying my 2 weeks of winter break. I was planning on getting caught up on all sorts of exercise and catch-up activities. Except for painting some new art, I've been doing not much more than catching up on sleep. It's been weeks since I've gotten in a decent work-out. I've simply felt exhausted. This is going to change. After all, I have an Ironman I'm signed up for!

My New Years' Resolution is simple: Balance. It's all about balance. Taking care of myself. I am going to eat healthy (no skipping meals!), sleep 8 hours a day, and exercise daily. I'm going to revamp my training plan so it's hanging on my tried-and-true Excel spreadsheet above my bed, OCD-style. I'm going to sign up for lots of fun races. I'm not going to let my life be dominated by any one thing anymore, whether it's a relationship or work. It's all about balance.

9 comments:

Ransick said...

That sounds like a brutal schedule but cool you are making a difference. I agree, it's all about balance, if you can't take care of yourself first, eventually you won't be able to help anyone else either.

Merry Christmas!!

Todd said...

good to hear you're recharging the batteries. and i'm with you, 2012 needs to be about restoring balance. this from the guy who ate waaay too much turkey, stuffing, and everything else last night and will be doing a swim workout in a few hours. gonna sink like a rock.

Wes said...

good to hear from you Rachel. Glad to see that you are keeping busy, but yea, don't kill yourself :-)

Merry Christmas and Happy Happy New Year!!

HECTOR said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Teamarcia said...

Wow you're busy! Glad you're doing something you enjoy. All the best finding that elusive balance and some 'you' time!

Anonymous said...

I love it! I might steal the schedule idea, I need things on paper to help remind me sometimes.
Balance is going to be a journey finding, and I am on the same track as you for the new year. I look forward to reading about how you approach it and how it goes!
Something that often helps me get through some days is the fact that not everything has to be perfect. Sometimes you have to go with the flow, and balance is waiting for you there.

runnergirl said...

Good to hear from you again, as I missed your posts! I think I may also steal your 2012 resolution. I always look for a "Word of the Year". In 2011, my word was Authenticity. In 2012, I am going to join you in Balance. Thank you!!

Anonymous said...

I look forward to hearing more about your adventures and how you find balance.

Sometimes rest is just what your body needs to get stronger. Especially after a period of change.

Laura said...

Amen to balance...I am doing more to put myself first without freaking out that someone else may not like it. If I'm not healthy...no one else is going to be happy...