Favorite quote from this week:

Author Grace Bonney on how to get better at saying no:

“The biggest fear most of us have with learning to say no is that we will miss an opportunity. An opportunity that would have catapulted us to success, or that will never come again. And most of the time, that simply isn’t true.
​
I’ve found that the first part of learning to say no is learning to accept that offers and opportunities are merely an indication that you’re on the right path—not that you’ve arrived at a final destination you can never find again.
​
If someone is choosing you, it means you’re doing something right. And that is the biggest opportunity you can receive—the chance to recognize that your hard work is paying off. And if you continue to do good work, those opportunities will continue—and improve—over time.”

Source: Saying “No”

Side note: Spring Break has never looked better than it does right now.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 86/91}

Lots of great sleep this week!

02: Learn Calligraphy

Spring break is here… is it time for this adventure?

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 499/1000}

This week, I took a few hours to tackle some of the smaller storage areas of my house, and I purged so many things! For example, my pantry is 88 items lighter!

04: Organize the Attic 

No progress in this area this week.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 17/100}

Lots of short professional reads this week…

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}
(5) Coaching for Equity | Aguilar {Book Study, Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 17 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 07/52}

Here is a picture of the awesome salmon dinner last week:

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

Spring challenge continues this week.

I even earned a cute Bunny Badge + landed on the leader board!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. There is something quite satisfying about these silly little rings!

And, I do love earning surprise badges! Admittedly, this one was tougher to do that I thought it would be: 5 days at 200% MOVE goal!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {28/28}
March 2021: Select and maintain a proper skin care routine! {31/31}
April 2021: Collagen Repair + Coach to 5K! {3/3}
**I’m adding collagen repair to my regimen! Before & After pics might happen!

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 78/52: Done!}

10: Maintain a weekly blog {13/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

The temperatures are warming up, so that means time outside. I love spending time outside – and trying new craft beer!

And, local eateries are opening up, too!

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… still laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

In her novel, The Painted Drum, writer Louise Erdrich discusses taking risks:

“Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and being alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You have to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes too near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself that you tasted as many as you could.”

Source: The Painted Drum

In the past two weeks, life has tried to break me. Juggling two girls in college (Covid), a husband in educational leadership (covid), and my educational schedule — which, is facing the 7th schedule in 12 months — has placed me in a spot where I want to jump on a plane and fly south for longer than a winter. I remain thankful for this space, as revisiting my 2012 goals helps ground me while returning my compass needle.

Side note: I’m still excited about Spring Break. That never changes.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 79/84}

One small family emergency ended in a sleepness night with a subsequent day of naps.

02: Learn Calligraphy

Software still sitting there. I did complete a bit of research by following social media channels of other calligraphers. Does that count?

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 405/1000}

Spring weather makes me want to purge, but I do not have time to tear out a closet yet. So, I purged my social media feed and a few other items. I’ve decided that if I do not learn from you or if you do not bring joy into my life, then you cannot clutter my digital space.

04: Organize the Attic 

No progress in this area this week.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 16/100}

Lots of short professional reads this week…

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}
(5) Coaching for Equity | Aguilar {Book Study, Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 16 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 06/52}

Still stuck on this one, but I do have fresh salmon ready to cook tonight.

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

Spring challenge begins this week.

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. There is something quite satisfying about these silly little rings!

And, I do love earning surprise badges!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {28/28}
March 2021: Select and maintain a proper skin care routine! {28/28}
**I’m adding collagen repair to my regimen! Before & After pics might happen!

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 78/52: Done!}

10: Maintain a weekly blog {12/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

Lots of progress in this area this week… clearing space, clearing emotional clutter, minimizing connections of social media. I already feel lighter.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… still laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

This week was filled with so much emotion. Monday brought my oldest daughter’s birthday and surgery. Yes, she scheduled her surgery for her birthday. Who does that? While the surgery was tough, it was quick and exactly what the surgeon expected. No surprises and she will recover with a full range of motion within 8-12 weeks. Surgery meant that she headed home to take courses from a distance for the week… I guess that the ability to flip to virtual on a dime is one silver lining of CV19?

The remainder of the week brought the end of the regular season for Lacrosse – and my youngest daughter’s team ended the regular season undefeated. It’s incredible to think that this team just started five years ago — going two seasons without a win (losing by 10-15 goals each game). In Year 3, the girls won their first game…and just had a shot at post-conference play, missing it by a hair. Year 4 was a Silent Spring, ending before the girls even got a home game to play. CV19 ended my oldest daughter’s Lacrosse career without a home game or a senior night. Year 5 feels like redemption for the lost season last year. In fact, nearly every graduate returned to see this year’s team wrap up an undefeated season. Seeing those graduates cheer on their younger teammates, recognizing that this team stands on the foundation that they built, brought tears to my eyes.

The weekend brought the anniversary of CV19 school closures. Such a strange feeling.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 66/70}

Emotionally preparing for my daughter’s surgery resulted in one very sleepless night.

02: Learn Calligraphy

I think that I successfully downloaded the software to my iPad this week!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 363/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 8 more have been deleted!

And, I said goodbye to a basket and a toiletry bag.

04: Organize the Attic 

No progress in this area this week.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 14/100}

Lots of short professional reads this week…

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 14 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 06/52}

Birthdays + Surgery + Lacrosse games = Lots of quick meals.

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

Spring challenge begins this week.

But, not before earning this little gem!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. There is something quite satisfying about these silly little rings!

And, I do love earning surprise badges!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {28/28}
March 2021: Select and maintain a proper skin care routine! {14/14}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 78/52: Done!}

10: Maintain a weekly blog {9/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

The sun is shining, and the weather is warming up. Time to simplify!

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… still laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

What a week… and, by Friday night at 8 PM, I was settled in with a good book. Why? This week, I fixed 30+ Chromebooks, installed 25 wireless speakers (twice, long story), replaced two projectors, reinstalled five telephones (and two new telephones), taught classes face-to-face, virtually, and concurrently, and led four webinars at the state technology conference. This does not include the three lacrosse games (two were 3+hours away), the appointments because the HVAC is out, time spent replacing the TV, and prepping for my daughter’s surgery on Monday. This girl needs a vacation. For sure.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 60/63}

Lots of work and not enough hours in the day cut me short one night. I caught up this weekend. The more consistently that I earn ample sleep, the more that I recognize it is a huge factor in my mood, productivity, and energy.

02: Learn Calligraphy

I have spend a large part of this week getting large tasks done, and getting ahead on some larger assignments. Calligraphy is getting closer and closer!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 353/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 5 more have been deleted! My email inbox is so empty lately. It’s delightful!

And, a Christmas bowl and random sweatshirt left the house, too!

04: Organize the Attic 

No progress in this area this week.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 13/100}

I was forced to step away from pleasure reading this week to prepare to teach classes. The current pleasure read is very long with excellent character development. I’m savoring every page!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 13 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 06/52}

The husband created a Southwestern Chicken Soup. It was spicy… but the jury is still out about whether we will add this to the menu rotation.

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I *completed* the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21}
And, I signed up for the Spring Challenge! Bring on sunny weather and outside runs!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. There is something quite satisfying about these silly little rings!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {28/28}
March 2021: Select and maintain a proper skin care routine! {7/7}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 78/52: Done!}

10: Maintain a weekly blog {9/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

I moved five huge tasks off of my plate this week. I am beginning to see spaces for simply enjoy life.

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… still laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

Wowsers. What a week! Each day was busier that the one before as teachers wrapped their heads around synchronous teaching (hybrid + virtual), learned new software and hardware, and dusted off their classrooms which had not been touched since early November. The transition to the beginning of the school year is a mix of sleepless nights and butterflies of excitment – and, this is the 5th time that we’ve faced a Beginning of the Year this year.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 54/56}

On more than one occasion, I chose sleep over work.

02: Learn Calligraphy

I’m hoping to start this goal in April!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 348/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 10 more have been deleted!

04: Organize the Attic 

I did organize some collector coins this week. That’s progress, right?

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 13/100}

Two more fun books done! I’m ready for summer when I devour 5-6 books each week!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 13 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 05/52}

Nothing new this week… I guess I need to start planning meals ahead.

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21}
I jumped back on the treadmill this week. Although it has been raining, sleeting, or terribly cold all week, I finally made a decision to lace up my sneakers and start pounding the pavement (er, treadmill) again!

One of my most favorite things about this platform is the regular events to earn badges… I earned a Mardi Gras badge and finished 2nd in my age group (for my gender + state). Not too shabby considering that I walked it!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. Yoga for the WIN! And, I earned this cute little limited edition badge for February!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {28/28}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 78/52: Done!}

This past week, I wrote 72 notecards to my students who are returning to school on March 1.

10: Maintain a weekly blog {8/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

Lots of time sensitive things on my plate this week, and I will be happy when I can check these off of the list. I still stole back Friday night and all day Saturday for valuable family time!

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… still laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

It’s interesting how much mental capacity is required to make decisions. As inch closer to returning to Face to Face learning, we are spinning a lot of plates… so this week was filled with meetings, creating frameworks, writing scripts for communication with parents, students, and teachers, drafting schedules… it’s like the beginning of the school year all over again. Except, this is the 5th time this year. When I tell you that building leaders and teachers are tired, I mean that we are tired. This summer break is going to be well earned…I might lock my laptop and phone away for an entire month to cleanse!

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 47/49}

Stress + cold weather + heated blankets = zzzzzzz!

02: Learn Calligraphy

So. many. deadlines. No calligraphy fun this week.

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 338/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 8 more have been deleted! Oh, and I tossed 11 greeting cards and two electronics boxes that were taking up space on my desk!

04: Organize the Attic 

Luggage, holiday lights, and three pieces of random furniture went back up into the attic. Thanks to recent organization efforts, I now had a spot to put them!

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 11/100}

Definitely need to pick up the pace on this goal! Lots of reading for professional growth, only I have not finished anything yet!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 11 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 05/52}

Nothing new or fancy this week, but there’s lasagna in the fridge!

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21}
I jumped back on the treadmill this week. Although it has been raining, sleeting, or terribly cold all week, I finally made a decision to lace up my sneakers and start pounding the pavement (er, treadmill) again!

One of my most favorite things about this platform is the regular events to earn badges… I earned a Mardi Gras badge and finished 2nd in my age group (for my gender + state). Not too shabby considering that I walked it!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. Yoga for the WIN!

And – my time on the treadmill opens an opportunity to fill my brain with goodness. Lately, I’m listening to this awesome Podcast about Body Image! It’s so amazing. Check it out!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {21/21}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 6/52}

Major update happening next week!

10: Maintain a weekly blog {7/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

This week, I wrapped up three professional learning opportunities that have consumed many hours. I have replaced them with the development of professional learning classes that I am leading later next month. Remind me… when is summer break? This girl needs a vacay!

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… still laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

This was a tough week. With the unknowns surrounding the Return to School, three athletic seasons that are in full swing yet heavily impacted by CV19, and juggling many, many things on my plate, my goals took the backburner.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 40/42}

When I’m stressed, I sleep. So, this was an easy goal this week!

02: Learn Calligraphy

5 athletic games + grad classes + life… no calligraphy this week.

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 317/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 16 more have been deleted! Oh, and I gifted a sweater and a skirt to my donation pile!

04: Organize the Attic 

Grabbed luggage and gift bags from the attic, but did not store or organize anything up there. It’s way too chilly for this goal right now.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 09/100}

Definitely need to pick up the pace on this goal! Lots of reading for professional growth, only I have not finished anything yet!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 9 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 05/52}

Mango Habernero Wings for Superbowl – yummy and within my nutritional framework!

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21}
I barely logged any miles this week. It has either been raining, sleeting, or terribly cold all week, and my bones struggled to get moving. That’s ok. I still have a month to finish.

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. Yoga for the WIN!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {14/14}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 6/52}

Maybe I’ll settle in and what a movie so I can get this done!

10: Maintain a weekly blog {6/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

I learned that, as I just THINK about a schedule change, my mind gets overwhelmed with what this will look like and how I will maintain the healthy habits that I have started. I really need to work on this. Now.

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

Life settled a little this week with the girls returning to academic courses and athletic practices. If you had asked me last March if we would still be working virtually in a year, I would have laughed out loud. But, here we are. I continue to be amazed by the innovation and creativity that our teachers demonstrate as well as the positivity and resilience that our students bring. While this remains less than ideal, I remain positive that we can use what we have learned to transform the future of education to reach more learners.

Amidst it all, I am thankful.
* Thankful for platforms that allow long chats with my daughter in college.
* Thankful for live stream athletics so I can watch my girls’ athletic contests.
* Thankful for students and families who remain positive and give 100%.
* Thankful for my professional PLC who share innovative ideas.
* Thankful for friends who make me smile.
* Thankful for the ability to exercise – it’s my therapy.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 33/35}

This week, I nailed this goal.
Bedtime: How early is too early? Asking for a friend.

02: Learn Calligraphy

With multiple swim meets and lacrosse games (all away, of course), I did not even think about this goal. In fact, it has taken all weekend to catch up on emails!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 299/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 9 more have been deleted!

04: Organize the Attic 

Today, two items are going into attic storage. I will use this opportunity to bring down a couple of boxes.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 08/100}

Definitely need to pick up the pace on this goal!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 8 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 04/52}

This week, I fell short on this goal. But, this weekend is the Superbowl. I’m hoping that we whip up a couple of yummy dishes!

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21}
This week, I have accumulated 156.4km of my 250km goal. I did slow down a little…it was either cold or rainy (or both) this week.

On Friday, the Valentine’s Day Challenge opened. This one was a surprise.
Of course, I did it!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. The body is an amazing masterpiece.

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 6/52}

Need to get off of the computer and start writing notes!

10: Maintain a weekly blog {5/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

As we inch closer to returning to F2F learning, I am working diligently to carve ways to maintain a lifestyle that has protected time to pursue these goals.

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

This week was filled with emotions – some expected and others caught us by surprise.

While walking our dogs on Tuesday night, my husband heard a horrific car crash – squalling tires, the crunch of a vehicle flipping multiple times, and ear-piercing screams. Knowing that our daughter had driven out of our neighborhood just minutes before, my husband sped off north…not know how far away the crash happened. One mile north, my husband found the accident – a two-car collision where a car, entering the highway, clipped a second vehicle, causing it to slide and flip six times. Tragically, the second vehicle – the one that flipped – included three of my daughter’s classmates. The girl in the backseat of the Jeep, who was thrown from the flipping vehicle, is a teammate of my girls (swimming & across), and she is the most seriously injured. We spent a considerable amount of this week distracted as we navigated this tragic news and the medical updates that her family shared.

This week’s tragic events (and wintery weather and positive CV19 tests) cancelled the opening of LAX season for B.

However, A’s collegiate swim team opened their season on Saturday with a triple-dual meet against two rivals. Admittedly, A was nervous…but, she survived! She swam a 1500m warmup followed by three competitive swims (1000m, 50m, and 500m) and a 300m cooldown. While I am immensely proud of her performance {I mean, who swims 3000m on a Saturday because you love it?}, her 50m PR is a nice bonus!

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 26/28}

While most of my week was on track, I struggled to sleep the night of the accident knowing that my girls were sitting – phones in hand – as they awaited updates on the status of their dear friend. I tossed in agony thinking about the long hours and uncertainty that the families were facing. It was a long night…

02: Learn Calligraphy

Still hanging out… this might have to wait until summertime?

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 290/1000}

This week, the following items from my home found new homes:

Closet purge: 13 items gone!

Oh, and I removed myself from 17 more email lists.

04: Organize the Attic 

Since it snowed this week, we avoided the attic… Next week, maybe.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 07/100}

This week, I learned that I earned two free downloads from Amazon! I took full advantage, and I even embraced their recommendations due to my previous reads. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, and I am quickly turning virtual pages on the second!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 7 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 04/52}

My girl is trying to swap some of her snacks for healthier alternatives. As a result, she whipped up Energy Balls! Delish! (Although, since they are not on my Nutritional Plan, I only tasted one…but I could have eaten the entire dish!)

07: Get in Shape

Week 4: I have a 28-day food logging streak on Lose It….and, it turns out, Lose It rewards me with some nifty little badges, too!

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21} This week, I have accumulated 156.4km of my 250km goal. I did slow down a little…it was either cold or rainy (or both) this week.

On Friday, the Groundhog Day challenge opened. Of course, I did it!

I earned another nifty January badge!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. The body is an amazing masterpiece.

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2020: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 6/52}

I sent A a gift package in college. I can remember receiving surprise mail, and in a world that relies on text messages, I thought a fun package would be a fun change of pace!

I have started writing notes to every single one of my Earth Science students. That’s 72 students. I just might meet this goal this week!

10: Maintain a weekly blog {4/52}

I do have a few items for professional posts in the hopper. Stay tuned!

11: Simplify my life

This week, my devoted hour to my afternoon runs was sacred, and it took more energy that I anticipated to protect that time. This is part of my simplification plan, so it stays!

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Yeah… about this goal.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

Professionally, this was a short week – but, goodness, it was packed! Work presented a FULL calendar with back to back to back meetings, many of which inspired me to connect with educators who are doing incredible work and create professional learning opportunities for the teachers that I serve. While my “List of Tasks” is considerably longer than I’d like for it to be, I am so excited to get started!

On Monday, we dropped A off at college. CV19 cut the fall semester short, so our fingers are crossed that the spring semester will be complete. After two CV19 tests, she was cleared for classes – which remain virtual for the first two weeks. Swim practice, however, started with no hesitation. I think that she has experienced all of the feelings this week – overwhelm (remember the first glance at a college syllabus?), nervous about new courses/professors, struggle to adjust to a new routine, and physically sore from three hour workouts (water, land, and weights). At least she is not having any trouble going to sleep at night!

My youngest, B, is knee deep in TWO varsity sports. CV19 adjusted all of the athletic calendars, so her two sports are happening at the same time. Her twelve hour days include school + 2.5 hour practice + 3-4 hour games. Once you add work to that schedule, her calendar is full, too!

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 20/21}

My new nutritional routine + increased mileage on my runs + a great book as part of my nighttime routine = Great sleep! Many days, I am waking before my alarm clock. I had no idea how much I relied on caffeine to provide energy and alertness – artificially. Having removed caffeine from my daily nutritional habits (no diet soda or coffee), I actually have MORE energy. Equally important, I recognize when my body is telling me to go to bed!

02: Learn Calligraphy

Still on the back burner…but I’m thinking about it more.

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 260/1000}

This week, the following items from my home found new homes:
Books (15), Household items (15), and clothes (30). I love how my girls will create social media posts and sell their gently used clothes. I wish I had the time and energy, but I’m way too eager for items to leave my house! Oh, and I removed myself from 12 more email lists.

04: Organize the Attic 

There are several items waiting to go back into the attic, but I think that this means a few things have to leave. But, it’s so chilly… Next week, maybe.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 05/100}

There is something so soothing about drifting to sleep with some pleasure reads!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 5 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 03/52}

Not a new recipe, but I did try a new food. My nutritional plan – Fast Metabolism Diet – calls for fresh fruits five days/week. While traveling on Monday, I failed to pack fresh fruits. At various stops, I was unable to find fruit that looked fresh enough to purchase…but, I did happen upon this gem: That’s It Fruit Bars. I enjoyed the Apple/Strawberry one, which boasts one apple + 12 strawberries in one bar. No added sugars. No preservatives. Allergy-Free. It fit into my nutritional plan AND satisfied my sweet tooth after staring at an entire aisle of chocolates. I have already ordered a box to have on hand!

07: Get in Shape

Week 3: I have a 21-day food logging streak on Lose It. I leaned into my accountability partners for help on low-carb breakfasts – as I still struggle to add a lot of vegetables to my AM routine. After two weeks without soda, coffee, and excess sugar, I have moved from withdrawals where I was yearning for a sugar hit to increased energy and lower cravings. As of this morning, the scale reports 6.5 pounds lost.

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21} This week, I have accumulated 119.0km of my 100km goal. In fact, I was pretty excited to earn my 100km badge… isn’t it sweet?
I took a leap and extended my goal to 250km by March 14.

I finally earned my January 2021 badge – which required 88.6 miles of steps!

Lastly, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. The body is an amazing masterpiece.

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2020: Day 23 of my Run Streak!

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 5/52}

I sent a congratulatory note to my dear friend who is moving from elementary school teacher to instructional technology facilitator. She’s an awesome educator, and I am tickled that she is joining our team!

10: Maintain a weekly blog {3/52}

I do have a few items for professional posts in the hopper. Stay tuned!

11: Simplify my life

This week, I booked appointments with myself to get started on some larger, more intensive projects. Creating boundaries for myself ruffled some feathers of my colleagues, who, I guess, think that I sit in my office all day on social media? I don’t know? Regardless, I was quite productive this week – and, I also did very little work outside of office hours.

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Yeah… about this goal. They are sitting in a pile still laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly