A Quick Hello

Hi everyone! I just wanted to drop in for a quick hello!

I have two days left in my final semester of my EdS (God willing) and I am trying to not lose my shit over the volume of work that still remains to be done.

I have a project due tomorrow and I am, best guess, 75% finished.

I have a paper (a huge, huge, gigantic 35 page paper) due Thursday. I talked about this same paper in this post. This is the one I am writing about the Black Lives Matter movement.  Well, technically I am writing to answer the question ‘Why Do Black Loves Matter’. Normally, especially when I am as organized and prepared as I am now, I can write pretty quickly. When I get into it the words just flow and writing a paper of this length would typically take me two days tops. Right now I am about half way through and it has taken me more than two days to get there. Yikes. I am so slow in the process of writing this particular paper because a) I am overwhelmed with data and resources and b) because I want to do this topic justice. This isn’t just a normal grad school paper. This one is different. It’s hard. It’s complex. And the topic is so fucking upsetting. It’s been rough.

I will definitely need a beer or six when this is all over.

I started Cize this week. I love this program so much. DVDs/at home workouts are usually not my thing but this one is different. It’s doable and enjoyable and it keeps me craving more. I have been doing the program for a couple weeks but started officially with the 4 week program on Sunday. And as I mentioned previously, I am now a Beachbody coach. I am not trying to sell you on Cize though, I would still be writing about it even if I wasn’t affiliated with BB. But if you are interested in the program you can check out some videos I have posted on my FB page or even join in my (non-affiliated) accountability and weight loss group I created last week. We talk about Cize there too, although only a couple of us are doing the program. The group is open to anyone that just wants some help and support.

That’s pretty much it for now, I think.

I am really looking forward to getting back into blogging regularly again once the semester is over. I have missed the last two Mental Health Monday link ups and I still want to continue on with the Eat, Move, Love series. I miss sharing with you guys!

Oh and Gordie was chosen as one of the top 5 cutest dogs in Pensacola. The contest ends tomorrow. Voting is taking place on FB and if you want to cast a vote for our little furbaby just click this link and ‘like’ his photo.

Thanks!

Hope you all are well!

Love and hugs,

Dacia

xoxoxoxo

Yada Yada Yada....

In the world of blogging/social media (especially in the weight loss/maintenance realm) radio silence tends to be a bad sign. Sometimes it’s an indication that the person is going through some hard times and isn’t wanting (for numerous reasons) to share. I had some bouts of radio silence during the divorce but they probably weren’t noticeable because I am a self-proclaimed terrible (or at least terribly inconsistent) blogger. For the most part my blog really is my journal but most days I am just uninspired (or too over committed) to write. I have no sponsors to keep happy (which is a good thing) and no groups/challenges to keep up with. At this point in time, no one (myself included) is expecting regular posts from me. And honestly, that is how it needs to be. Remember a few weeks ago when I was on a blogging-spree and posted daily? I talked about goals and priorities here and one thing that is true about my life and my relationship to this blog is it is low on my list of priorities…because it can be. School and work and my relationships can’t. But this blog, it will still be here whether I write in daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. My readers (all 6 of you) might not be but the blog will still stand. It is a comforting? (not sure that is the best way to describe it) feeling that in turn allows me to push it to the back burner whenever I need to. 

Not because I am going through rough times.

But because I am just busy/lazy/uninspired/boring. Some days I have things to say but no time to write but mostly I don’t have much to say regardless of time. The upside of having an unstructured blog (re: I am not a food blogger that schedules recipe posts daily or a sponsored blogger required to write about product reviews or even- as I was in the past- a weight loss blogger using the space for accountability and check ins) is that it leaves me with a blank slate and no obligations or commitments. But that's not necessarily a good thing.

That being said, I should do better at checking and keeping you abreast of the happenings in my life. So, what have I been up to you ask….

I bought a wedding dress on Saturday and I am in love with it. I am super happy because it is a dress that is just ‘me’ and will be a perfect fit for the wedding. It is light and airy and easy to move in (perfect for dancing) and it also makes me feel like a bride. It’s absolutely beautiful.  And in case you are curious we are 199 days away from the big ‘I Do’!

Post dress shopping shenanigans with my MoH  

We did some major yard work on Sunday pulling up a bajillion vines and cutting down tons of overgrowth. It was a big undertaking. We worked from 930-545 with only a couple breaks. It was exhausting but the end result was amazing. We had lost at least a third of our backyard that was unusable because of that growth and now we will be able to plant a citrus tree, build a flower garden (to help attract bees) and hang a hammock. I am super excited to work on the next phase of that area in a few weeks. I also planted my first spring garden and in mid-April I will plant garden 2. I am really hoping for another successful growing season.

I ran my 8^th half marathon on 3/21- I think I forgot to mention that. There were definitely things about the race course that I didn’t love and it is probably one I would skip next year. But it did have some high points. With a few miles left I made a friend along the course and that was pretty awesome. We helped each other get across the finish line with a smile on our face after a very hot and sunny race. I also got to see some of my friends (and E of course) as I came across the finish and that was really nice. No Gordie though, he had just had surgery a couple days before and was not able to spectate. Thankfully I will be seeing him for the next few races I have on the docket before we head to Boston in May. I love seeing E and Gordie when I am out on the course and at the finish. <3 My boys!

That was a rough week or so for all of us but Gordie definitely had it the worst...

March 21st and I already have a farmer's tan...yay Florida!  

There was a bacon station along the course which was clever and a bit dangerous (bacon is slippery yo!) 

Number 8 in the books!

Boot camp is going well. We are a little over a third of the way through. Each session I am challenged in new and fun (painfully fun) ways and I am not gonna lie. I feel like kind of a badass after each session. It’s great working with Chris (who was my personal trainer for a big portion of last year) again – he definitely knows how to kick your butt without crippling you which is pretty awesome. I am hoping he hosts another session during the summer because the cost compared to the cost of PT sessions just can’t be beat.

Other than that, I am just really excited for everything coming up in the next month or so. Holidays and time with family- both mine and E’s, half marathons (3 to be exact) plus a 10K with my friend A, RAGNAR in Cape Cod (check out our FB page), a trip to Atlanta, and graduation. En route to my doctorate I was able to earn (soon to earn) my Education Specialist degree (it’s somewhere between a master’s and a doctorate) and I will be graduating on May 2^nd. My parents are flying in for the ceremony and after we are having family and friends over for a graduation/engagement party. It will be a big celebration and I am just so excited. And in case you were curious…I still have two more years of course work before I begin my dissertation so probably 4 years+ before I finish my doctorate and the rename this blog 'My Dr. Root's to Grow' or something funnier/more clever ;)

Until next time, stay classy my friends!

Love and hugs,

Dacia

xoxoxox

Catching Up and Checking In...

It has been a crazy, whirlwind these last two weeks.  We drove from our home in Pensacola all the way to Austin (and then down to San Antonio) to spend time with friends and catch two days of Austin City Limits music festival. It was so much fun. So, so, so much fun! All of the bands we saw totally rocked, the weather was perfect, and I got to spend time with some of my favorite people. Oh, and we got to stop at a new brewery on our way home from Texas- Bayou Teche in Louisiana. It was awesome. Their facility/tap room just opened this past summer so it was really nice to find them, try out some of their incredible beers (ALL of them were great) and meet some of the owners, employees and locals. I randomly ended up trading my old iPhone case for a DVD of documentary made by this local woman I met there. I just love how the most random things happen when we travel.

Unfortunately, as we were headed out from Baton Rouge to Austin we received some heartbreaking news- the puppy we were planning to pick up the weekend of the 18^th (yes, this upcoming weekend) was very ill and the owner contacted me because she was going to have to put him down. Long story short, Charlie (now known as Darwin) has a neurological disorder which is affecting his ability/desire to eat. Thankfully, though Darwin was taken in by the vet and he is still hanging in there, being handfed, and we are all praying that he can recover, although it is unlikely. Right now, that is a decision for the vet to make as they have taken over care and ownership of little Darwin.

That was some really tough news to hear, especially when I thought little Charlie/Darwin was going to be put down. I am still really sad about losing our puppy but knowing he is under the best care and still fighting the good fight helps get me through the day. It was a rough day. I know that there is a dog in our future, now was just clearly not the time.

Wow…that was hard to write. I am still a mess over this whole thing. Especially after losing my Maggie and Ruby earlier this year (who are happy with their current/new family- I still check in on them) and dealing with the guilt that I couldn’t do more to keep them. It certainly hasn’t been easy but I hope in time it will get easier…

Ok, so that was our Texas trip…the good and the bad. I am always thankful that there are so many amazing people in my life to help me through the bad. When I talked about Charlie on FB (because honestly I did not want to recount that story again and again to my friends and family) I received an outpouring of kind words and support and it has made this whole thing somewhat bearable.

Once I was back from Texas I had a really short two days back at home until I took off for NYC. I can’t tell you why I went to New York but if you think about it long and hard, and you know the person I was in NY with, then you can probably figure it out. I have to wait three months to talk about it…that is quite the challenge. But, I am so excited to be able to share all of the details with you when I can and I am feeling so lucky and honored to be able to have had such an opportunity. But for now…mum’s the word.

While I was in NY I got to do some fun tourist things (Empire State Building, Central Park), eat some phenomenal vegan food, and spend time with my bestie and my ‘sister’. Thankfully I was able to extend my time in NY and that allowed for a meet up with my ‘sister’ Kelly (someone that has been a HUGE part of my journey these past few years) and that my best friend Jaime came to NY to spend the day with me. It was so much fun. Definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so happy I had some of my favorite people there with me to celebrate. And celebrate we did J

 

Training while traveling was…interesting. I was able to fit in every run for week’s five and six except for my long run for week 6. I had every intention to run my long run through Central Park but rainy, cold weather kept me from that. Timing wise, I just couldn’t fit in a long run at the gym before Jaime arrived at Penn so I just chalked that one up to life and enjoyed the day with my friend that I see once, maybe twice a year. Priorities. Friends come first J

I also had a mid-term due while I was traveling in NY. I always seem to be away during mid-terms and finals and find myself writing papers/completing projects from 35,000 feet. It is something I think I am getting better at but it doesn’t make it any less stressful. Not complaining though. I am lucky to be able to work on my third degree, for free. It is definitely a great perk of this job and it allows me to work towards a big life goal of mine. I just wish I my professors would let me submit work on my own timetable ;)

So, that is about it. I think you are all caught up. This week I am back to my normal half marathon training and meeting with my personal trainer. I also have some fun stuff planned for the weekend, including a ghost tour and a 5K with E, but it is all local (mostly) and I am so happy about that. We are home for two more months and I am really excited to be able to get back into my routine and get prepped for the holidays! Can you believe we are just 2 weeks out from Halloween???

Love and hugs,

Dacia

xoxoxoxox

Just Some News...

I am less than a month out from my surgery date and I am both excited and nervous. Wow!  Actually, it’s 4 weeks out as of today. Crazy!

I was talking to my friend Jess the other day and she made me realize that I don’t think I posted anything on the blog once I had a surgery date set.

Actually, what had happened was I got a surgery date (probably about month or so ago) but I was not 100% sure whether or not I would have the surgery because of the divorce. You know, the whole ‘I-may-not-have-insurance’ thing was kind of the big deciding factor. I should mention that I added health insurance coverage through my work but it won’t go into effect until January 1^st so if Paul and I were to be divorced prior to my surgery date I would be uninsured.

But then last week we got our court date.

January 16^th.

One week after my 36^th birthday.

6 days after what will be our ninth and final wedding anniversary.

Kind of surreal, and it’s less than two months away.

I just need to take a minute to think about that…because it is a big deal. I know it is the right thing for me (and Paul) but a huge, epic chapter of my life is about to come to a close. I have to acknowledge that.

And I have.

And I will continue to recognize this.

But I am ready to start the next chapter of my life.

And as thankful as I am for all of the chapters that have come before, and all of the characters they involved, I am equally thankful, and excited, for those that have yet to be written…

Right now the future seems filled with possibilities (that’s my optimistic way of saying filled with unknown circumstances- lol) and that makes me happy. Excited and happy.

And of course a bit scared…but just a little bit. A manageable amount… J

Anywho….back to the surgery topic…

Since our divorce finalization is a month after my surgery date I will still able to go through with the procedure.

And hopefully between my current insurance and my new insurance all of my nine million follow-up appointments will be covered too.

And thankfully my boss is super awesome and has been very understanding in regards to the ridiculous number of doctors’ appointments I have had these past few months and will have before and after the surgery.

The only downside of this whole thing, and it is really not that big of a deal, is that I will be spending Christmas completely alone. Some days, the idea of being alone (again) through the holiday makes me sad. On the upside, it will only be a week post-surgery- I will probably be too out of it to care. That’s what I am hoping will happen, at least. No one wants to be sad and alone and somewhat immobile on Christmas....

In other news…

On Monday I went to the county tax collector’s office (or what I continually refer to as the DMV) and got my Florida driver’s license, registered my car and re-titled it in Florida. I feel quite official. Can I call myself a Floridian now? And I am pretty excited to finally have a driver’s license photo that actually looks like me. I mean, the picture sucks (of course), but at least you know it’s me when looking at it.

My fitbit officially died last week. Thankfully the company is sending me a whole new replacement unit. I can’t wait until it gets here, I feel so strange not wearing it, but honestly I have had so many issues with it lately that even though I would wear it daily my actual log hasn’t been accurate in quite some time. Hopefully this new unit does the trick and hopefully it will last longer than the not even 3 months I had the first one for.

Oh, do you remember me talking about that project I had due on the 10^th? I feel like I mentioned that I had the dates wrong and thought it was due in December. Well that paper/project ended up being 35 pages long and it got me an A! BOOM! Yeah, not really sure how I pulled that one off but I was pretty excited when I found out my grade this past Monday. Totally set the tone for the whole week J

Also, speaking of classes- I cannot believe this semester is almost over. I really just cannot believe it. I just registered for the spring semester this week and am really looking forward to having a few weeks off in between. Don’t get me wrong; I love being a full time grad student and I love being a full time employee but there are definitely times when doing both simultaneously gets to be a bit much. Luckily, I have been able to manage so far. I think this is the easy part though…it’s really my dissertation I am concerned about. But I will cross that bridge when I get to it. For now, I will happily continue on doing both.

I am happy to report my first weekend living downtown was pretty freaking awesome. I have some pictures I took at all of the events I attended and I am hoping to get them up in this week’s Wordless Wednesday post later today…yes, people, I am trying to get two posts up today. Shocking, I know. I just wanted to mention here how awesome it was being able to walk everywhere I went all weekend long. It was fantastic. It was nice walking to all my favorite spots and taking some time to explore and find some new places. It was great. This weekend will be a mix of downtown activities (Christmas fair, beers/dinners/brunch out, farmers market, a 5K walk) mixed with time being in town- I plan on going to see Catching Fire this weekend. I am pretty excited- it should be a nice, low-key weekend.

Hmmm…other than all that stuff I am not really sure there is much new to report. Just life, as normal; eat all the vegan food, drink all the craft beer, work, work, work, school, school, school, boot camp, run, bike, laugh, sing,  and as always be  a tad bit (ok, a whole lot of) ridiculous.

Hope all is well with you!

Love and hugs!

Dacia (and Ruby)

 

Such a serious face for such a goofy puppy...

Updates

Life has gotten a bit hectic over in R.R.R.ville so I apologize if I have been MIA lately.

The reality is, days/weeks between posts will probably become a common occurrence unless I learn how to quickly master the short post. I will definitely work on that. Today starts the summer semester here at University of West Florida and I managed to enroll in two grad classes, Educational Research and Educational Statistics, both required for me to be admitted into the EdS or EdD, specialist or doctorate in education, programs I hope to start in the fall semester. Ultimately I would love to get my doctorate now but I am just not sure I will be in Pensacola long enough. I am hopeful, however, that I will be able to finish up the specialist degree before our next move. Fingers crossed.

So classes are starting for me and ending for Paul. Well, at least the academic portion of his first phase of flight training is ending. This is a pretty intense training class that they are in right now, designed to weed out the weak, and so once he is finished with this portion there will be a big celebration this Friday. This will also be the day when he can wear his flight suit for the first time. I am pretty excited for this and plan on taking a million pictures of him in his 'Top Gun' outfit. Consider yourself warned.

Saturday morning I will be attempting to check one of my 35 in 35 goals off my list- sub 30 minute 5K. I feel pretty good about this one. My current PR is 30:26 which was set back in October. Since the injury, not too long after that PR, I have struggled with progressing speed-wise. I have been doing alot of trail running since I moved to Florida and I think that really helped build some strength back in my leg. For the first time in a long time I feel 100% healthy and strong in my left leg. Two weeks ago I decided to test it and managed to run two sub 10 minute miles on the treadmill. I  was floored. I couldn't believe I was there again, back to where I was 6 months ago. It was awesome.

Then last Saturday, May 4th, I ran a 10K in the morning and a 5K in the evening. Three of my six miles at the 10K came in under 10 minutes (and I PR'd that distance with a time of 65:30) and then just hours later during the 5K I clocked a sub-nine minute mile. I knew it right then that a sub-30 minute 5K was in my near future. I could just taste it.

This Saturday I plan on setting a new PR and accomplishing this goal at the Navy Federal Credit Union 5K. I will definitely keep you posted!

Until then...

"You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, an to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give." ~ E.O. Wilson

 

Yay! A new race medal!

 Big party after the 10K in Seville Square

 

 Resting my legs between races!

 

My collection is growing!

 Me and MG before the 5K. He finished in 26 minutes!

 

Hot mess after the 5K...LOL!

Celebratory beers post-race!