Speaking at the Rochester Writers’ Conference and Training for a 5k

 This weekend I will be presenting at the 6th Annual Rochester Writers' Conference. You would think that being a teacher that I would be comfortable with public speaking. But I'm not. 

 This perplexed me. Isn't presenting and teaching the same? After much pondering I am able to say that they dynamic between teacher and class versus speaker and audience is different. There are no repercussions for an audience member that does not pay attention. The last time I spoke in public the man in the second row was reading a newspaper. I wanted to die.  In order to reset from this horrible experience, I have create this play list.

That is right - Razzle Dazzle ad Roxie from Chicago right along Eminem and Macklmore/RyanLewis
These are the songs that make me feel like a boss.

So with that kind of pressure along with my kids adjusting to the move (see this post why I cancelled our trip), I decided this was the best time to start a new fitness routine.

I know, I know. It sounds crazy. But in my head, it makes perfect sense. During times of extreme duress, my workout routine becomes last on the list. When the storm passes, I am covered in cookie crumbs and wonder why pants feel tight. 

I don’t want to go down that path again. Not only do I feel bloated, but also I feel sad. I discovered that physical activity keeps me on the upside of mental health. So instead of giving in to my ice cream therapy, I decided to set a new fitness goal so I stay exercising by downloading the Couch to 5k app.  Which I hope will lead to me feeling more balanced after this stressful time.

After staying up until midnight with emotional kids and working on my presentation.
Then getting up at 6am.  I would say that is rock star determination.
But that badge does not exist. Yet.

If I wait for the ideal time to start, I never will.  This is my middle finger to life’s challenges.  This is me digging in and making sure I don’t become unglued in the face of chaos.

How do you deal when you have a lot on your plate?