Let’s face it // Mondays stink. Or at least we typically expect them to stink. That is why, every Monday, I post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what I have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.
1. Productive Week Off. One of the perks of teaching is the time off for holidays, and the Thanksgiving Break is the first one of the school year I look forward to. We are fortunate enough, at my school district, to receive the entire week off. And how did I spend it? — getting chores done that I didn’t have time to do during the work week. Being an adult rules.
2. Cooking With Sis. That pic above, now that’s teamwork. While my sister cleaned the turkey and pulled out its guts, I stood right by her side, wine in hand, for moral support. My mother was excited to host Thanksgiving at her pride and joy, a vacation home in a neighboring Austin town, this year. My twin sis and I were equally excited to take over the menu and cook most of the food (can you blame a pair of Virgo control freaks?!). We prepped food on Tuesday, cooked for most of the day Wednesday, and got up extra early on Thursday to cook the turkey. Not having a family of my own, I feel I must take advantage of these opportunities to cook large meals when I can, and getting to spend that time with my sister made it all the much better.
3. Pilates Class. I’ve been terrible lately about exercising, so I was happy I at least fit in one workout before stuffing my face on Thursday. My sister kicked my butt in her cardio Pilates class, which made me feel only a little less guilty eating two slices of pie. Oops.
4. Anniversaries. The day before Thanksgiving, it was my mother and father’s anniversary, as well as my aunt and uncle’s anniversary. Both couples have served as wonderful role models to me, and I have to credit both of them for not allowing me to settle (ahem, clearly non-married at 33!). Not only have their marriages lasted, but they have a friendship that is awe-inspiring. Mom, Dad, Kathe, Harald, thank you for showing me what true love looks like and for being such a strong example to your children of that friendship and mutual respect. I love you like whoooa. :)
5. Thanksgiving. It’s one of my favorite times of the year, as I get to see almost everyone on my mother’s side of the family at the same time. It was a beautiful day with good food and good company. Plus, I’m fairly certain our belly laughs took care of the extra calories we took in that day. I feel truly lucky to have such a funny, warm, and loving family.
6. Friendsgiving. As if one big meal wasn’t enough, I met Patrick and his friends for a second round of Thanksgiving later that day. My family ate our big meal early at 2:30, so I was happy to be able to make it to another round — not sure my scale shared that same sentiment! One of Patrick’s friends took out his wash tub bass and drum sticks — and we jammed out like total dorks with records playing in the background. That very crew has been some of my favorite people to spend time with lately, as I’m so grateful to anyone who allows me to bring out my unabashed inner nerd and have a really good time doing so. There are certain people I feel an instant connection with and all four of those people make the list.
7. Sunday. After the whirlwind of Thanksgiving, circulation of houseguests, and staying with my sis this week to cook, I had forgotten how much I actually enjoy my time alone. I must admit, for some reason I feared a Sunday alone — my last day of vacation before returning to work after a week, but I more than thoroughly enjoyed my day alone. I ate breakfast alone, enjoying vegan breakfast tacos I had missed (yep, going back to a vegan diet after a couple of months of unabashedly vegging out!) and then spent the day at an empty home. I took a long run around the golf course and lake near my house and blissed out listening to music. I then came back to the house to lift weights. I pampered myself, and then I took my laptop outside to write on the wrap around porch on a beautiful day. I cooked myself a delicious dinner, watched a movie, and poured myself a couple of glasses of wine. Divine. I’m ready for a new week, and excited to see my students and coworkers today.
I hope to inspire you to reflect on all you have to be grateful & that your week brings you even more positivity + balance + bliss! Feel free to share your seven with me as well / or even just a couple!
Have a wonderful week!
xo,
Lauren
