Pursuing Peace with Me: My Life in January 2013

Believe it or not, the first month of the year is over. For me, I can honestly say it’s been awesome. This goal-getter is off to a great start! I feel peaceful about the goals that I’ve been working on and what’s in store for me this year.

I started this month with a fast of sorts, but I modified it and changed it to clean eating–and I did pretty well until it was time to travel.

Surprising Sissy

Back on my birthday in November, I was at my sister’s house. She hosted Thanksgiving dinner, so I drove up (about 1,200 miles round trip). My birthday was the next day, and it was then that I decided that I would come back for her birthday, which was this month. I had my mother keep the secret (they live together), and since they also both work at the same place, I surprised her that morning with my daughter and flowers. She didn’t really react but she was happy to see us, and I was glad I could do it. (One of the benefits of homeschooling is that I was able to do it even while we were away from home–no attendance issues incurred.)

TurboGirl Grad

I completed TurboKick training, which was long but exhilarating (get a taste of it in the video below). If that wasn’t great enough, I also had my first audition a week later with the owner of a dance and fitness studio nearby, and I was nervous, even though I know her. Her feedback was that my cuing, speaking and choreography were great, but I’m a little winded halfway through class, so I need to build up my endurance with running or other cardio activities. That way, she said, I can challenge participants who are pretty fit–I can then motivate and give them something to work toward.  I recently joined Black Girls Run!, so now I have additional incentive to participate in weekly runs.

The Accidental Homeschooler

I’m an “accidental homeschooler*.” I didn’t plan to do this, but after month 1, I’m happy to say that I feel freedom, peace (and surprisingly, patience). It’s going more smoothly than I thought–for both of us! The girl goes to her STEM classes and a set of elective classes (on two different days of the week). I’ve had to make major adjustments in our schedules, but I feel like that and the additional expenses with the “home study” schools and co-op group are worth it.

Other things I did:

• Met celebrities and entrepreneurs Nicci Gilbert and Marshawn Lewis at a great event
• Bought my first bed of my own (always had furniture from my former spouse or handed down from a family member)
• Enrolled in a class with a new coach; my goal is to go from free to fee and build a stronger brand

Next Up

Things I’m looking forward to in February 2013 are:

• Hiring new contractors for book (I am praying that it will go a lot smoother than last time)
• Buying a new couch (again–never had one of my own)
• Reaching my goal weight (I’m 5 pounds away)
• Getting my tax refund (I’m almost done and ready to file now)
• Earning my AFAA certification so I can become an official fitness instructor (I need to make all these investments pay off)
• Yo Gabba Gabba Live! – I bought tickets for my daughter and I in October, so the anticipation has been building! (Cue the spontaneous chorus of “Hold Stilllllllll…. wiggle wiggle wiggle – GO!”

* – A term for those who homeschool by a process of elimination, not because homeschooling is their primary choice.