Run Baby Run

I did it! I finished week 7 of the C25K program which consisted of walking for 5 minutes to warm up and then jog for an entire 25 minutes (3x over the week). It was hard to get the first day started but once I knew that I could handle it, the other two times just happened. The third go around I actually managed to run 2 miles within the given time period. Bring it on week 8!

Stuffed Bell Peppers and Tomatoes

Recipe from Mrs. Anderson

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 4 cups water
• ~15 tomatoes and/or bell peppers
• 1 large yellow onion
• 3 large cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 half tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups white rice (could be substituted with brown rice)
• 1 1/2 cups parsley (preferably Italian)
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 tsp. pepper flakes (optional)
• olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Brown ground beef in pan, drain, and set aside
3. Sautee onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until translucent 
4. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper
5. Mix in rice, water, ground beef, parsley, and tomato paste
6. Sprinkle in pepper flakes if desired
7. Remove stuffing from heat until cool enough to handle
8. In about a 2" deep baking pan, place tomatoes and/or bell peppers standing upright
9. Stuff bell peppers and tomatoes with stuffing
10. Pour remaining stuffing into the pan around the bell peppers 
    
11. Drizzle olive oil over the top
12. Cover pan with aluminum foil to steam for 15 minutes
13. Continue baking at 375 degrees

Mother's Day

Since I didn't post about this last week, I'd like to make sure to write an entry about mother's day this year. Alex and I both jumped in my fuel-efficient car right after work last Friday and headed down highway 75. I dropped him off at the Woodlands so he could go spend time with his family while I spent the entire weekend with mine (yep, even Andrew was home)! For dinner, we went to Samurai Sushi & Hibachi restaurant and followed up with some Baskin Robbins.

My awkward confession? I never know where to put my hands in photos! Louis is such a good sport about always willing to take these photos for us. It's wonderful that he's going to officially be part of our family even though we already consider him as a member of this strange pack. 

Running

I was asked by my job to write a brief biography about my career experiences as well as including some hobbies; of course running was one of the things I listed. Today I re-completed week 6, part 3 of the C25K schedule. The last time it looks like I completed this was back in September! That means the new goal to beat sometime this week is to walk 5 minutes, run 25 minutes. I think this would be the very first time completing week 7 so I really hope I keep it up.

One of my students from the high school gave me a token that he received from one of his boxing idol's when he was a very young age. This was so difficult for me to accept, but just a couple of days ago he wrote me a letter letting me know his struggles with family and everyone around him and how they doubt his potential for becoming successful both in life, but also more specifically in boxing. He said that I was the only person who has ever shown him faith that he can achieve more. These small moments really validate what I have already helped others achieve, it's such a wonderful feeling. The picture below is of several of my 1st period office workers as well some others that I constantly worked with. They threw me a surprise going away party which included tamales, flowers, and SO much cake.

Aftermath

I survived my first week in Dallas! The new job has been a dream come true but is most definitely a challenge that I'm eager to take on. I can't think of one job that I've had that I knew was coming my way and was entirely prepared for it, well retrospectively TCBY sounds like it was an easy job! Parking was no fun though. I haven't started to meet with students just yet but will hopefully begin to work with them in the next coming weeks. The campus is gorgeous and provides such a fantastic working environment that I haven't experienced before.

On top of all this, I managed to finish my finals for my second semester of graduate school - ending both courses with a 4.0! So very excited that all the hard work is paying off.

The Grass is Always Greener

I can't believe I haven't already titled all of my blog posts with the grass is always greener on the other side.

I'm leaving for Dallas tomorrow to start a brand new job, with brand new people, and a brand new environment. This entire last two weeks has been a crazy roller coaster ride of emotions since I absolutely adore my students. They gave me the sweetest presents, wrote the most touching cards, and threw me small parties with delicious food. I am for sure going to miss all the homemade tamales.

One of my students applied to Rice University and was required to draw a picture that depicts her beliefs or emotions. She used the quote, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" - Dr. Seuss. I completely agree and that couldn't have summed up my years at this high school any better.

Excited for the new chapter in my life.

Chinese New Year

We had our big Chinese New Year feast last night and it was so great to have family and friends around the amazing food that my mom whips up. I'm so glad everyone ended up talking to each other. Of course Alex and I ended the night watching the season premiere of the Walking Dead. Can't wait for this upcoming Sunday to watch the next episode! 

Working out has been at such a standstill and I'm starting to feel it! Hopefully I can get my butt on the treadmill or to the gym this week. Currently in the process of applying for a couple jobs is making me both anxious and excited at the same time. Work is still crazy since some students are still figuring out what colleges are missing from them, some are in the process of applying for financial aid, and everyone is all over the place with scholarship applications. Can't complain, it's seriously one of the best jobs out there. I'm so blessed to have been there for three years! Just wish me luck on my next steps.