The One Where I Move

Hi All.

It's been awhile since I've blogged. Over a year. When thinking about this I came to the conclusion that I needed a break. But over that break I've gotten married, changed schools, and have matured in different ways. While I loved this little blog, it's time for something new. Something fresh.
Thus I've created Serendiptious Elle. Come visit me, it'll be a blast ;)

WIAW

If I still have any readers... HI!!! Phew has it been a busy few months! I would say I'm sorry for not blogging but the truth is... I honestly have such a hard time finding things to write about. Combine that with the craziness of life that has been going on... it's been awhile since I've blogged and I'm not sorry.

Moving on... Have I got a post for you! I'm teaming up with Jenn for WIAW. I am so excited about this, not because I'm a foodie blogger (although I LOVE food) but because I'm going to share what I'll be doing for the next 8 weeks!

It is no secret that I struggle with my weight. I always have and it is definitely something I'm trying to overcome. I have some really exciting things coming up and I want to look my best. More importantly, I want to feel my best. I haven't felt that way in a long time. Well, my solution came to me in the form of Tone It Up's 8 Week Bikini Series!

If you've never heard of TIU you need to head over to the website RIGHT NOW and look at all the amazing things that Karena and Katrina offer! Their meal plans/recipes are delicious and so incredibly healthy! To join the Bikini Series it is free, however, I recommend you join their community because you get all the nutrition series for free, plus member discounts. It is well worth the $$

Since I'm a member I got early access to the meal plans and some of the workouts! I spent my Sunday mapping everything out. It made my Type A personality extremely happy :)

After planning, I went shopping. I was able to find most things at Trader Joes but went to Whole Foods for the fresh seafood and oddities (white chia seeds are hard to find!) Afterwards the fridge was fully stocked and I was able to make some delicious meals!

So far it has been an awesome first week! The Chia Seed Pudding is so tasty and filling for breakfast! My snacks and lunches are typically veggies and salads. But I have been rocking out the dinners! Plus they are all boyfriend approved! 

Needless to say, I am one smiling girl :) 

The Hardest Breakup

This is a breakup letter. It is not easy to write but I feel the need to share my feelings while they are fresh.

Dear School,

How are you? How was your day? I ask because I genuinely care. I care about your success, about the people who work and attend you. I have cared for the past 3 years! Can you believe it has been 3 years already? Our time together has gone by so fast, yet so slow. Alright School, please read this whole letter. It will explain a lot. You see, I'm breaking up with you.

Please stop being upset, I know it isn't sincere. You have made it abundantly clear, multiple times, that I am replaceable. I think that is the first reason I'm breaking up. I don't feel like you genuinely care about me, or anyone else for that matter. In the past 3 years, we have gone through 8 administrators. Clearly they are replaceable to you as well. We have lost several good teachers and replaced them, then lost those ones and replaced them again. People are replaceable to you.

The second reason I am breaking up with you is your inability to listen. Do you know what that word means? Let me put it in 3rd grade terms for you, it means to close your mouth, open your ears, and hear the words that are being said. When I honestly tell you something, listen and make changes. If something is not working, then listen to how we can fix it. Also, be open to those who surround you and have various life experiences. Which brings me to my 3rd reason.

You have favorites. Yep, I said it. There are those select few teachers who got on your good side. Those who were quiet and didn't voice their opinion. These people who agree with everything you said just to make it easier. Or they are in "THE FAMILY". Yes, I have dubbed thee elite members of the favorites club "The Family". Why you ask? Isn't it obvious? Everyone is related to you in some way. They are cousins, in-laws, brothers, sisters and parents. Of course everyone will agree with you when you have to tolerate them at the holidays. I'm not in The Family. I tried to be. I tried to keep my mouth closed, and say yes. I tried to take your "wisdom" and apply it to my life. Guess what happened? Do you remember? You said I was condescending. You said I was the selfish one. You said I didn't believe in the better of the school. You are wrong.

My next reason I'm breaking up with you is how abusive this relationship is. I am up and ready to serve you by 7:00 a.m. I work hard all day and am the best I can be. I don't leave till 5 or 6 p.m and when I do leave, I trail behind a full tote of work to do at home. Once home, I work some more, answer emails from parents and students (because I need to work on my communication skills according to you), and finally go to bed between 10-11 p.m and repeat for the following 4 days. Did I forget to mention the teacher conferences without pay? Or the wasted professional development time? How about the fact that I spend so much time consumed with you, that it takes away time from my loved ones? Or the fact that someone who works in retail gets paid more than I do. All of these are so abusive. Emotionally and physically. I can't take it anymore.

My last reason is this. I'm just down right tired of the roller-coaster game you play with me. Things will just be starting to get better when you push me down and stomp all over me. The last straw was tonight. I will no longer put forth hours and hours and hours into our relationship for you to not recognize me at all. I will no longer play nice, or dumb, and lie to others about you. You see School, you have taken advantage of me too many times. Try to do curriculum night without my powerpoint, or try to have an academics committee with my insight, and lastly, try to see if you can get my students to be as passionate, without a passionate teacher.

I'm really sad that our 3 year relationship has come to this bitter end. I will always love you as my first school, and cherish the memories we created. But in the end, it came down to you and the choices you made. I'm choosing to be happy and take my talents where they are valued.

Sincerely,

No Spend September

I've recently realized that I LOVE to spend money. Do not ask me why because I'm still analyzing it with some help *cough, cough therapist, cough cough*. Although a huge trigger for me is stress. I always feel better after I spend money. Whether it be for clothes, makeup, or even groceries.

While I'm doing much better, September is an extremely stressful month for me. I'm finishing my Masters, I've started teaching again, and school is overall a stressful situation. Add in outside relationships, trying to save money for Christmas, and more.

So, to help me keep track of my spending, I'm do NO SPEND SEPTEMBER. There are many different ways one can go about this. This is my way.

1) No spending money on clothes! NONE!

2) I should only go grocery shopping 1 or 2 times/week. No making extra trips for something I don't need.

3) Wherever I go I must have a list. I can't get anything outside of my list.

4) Try to use more coupons.

5) No spending money on eating out/drinking. Starbucks, Cafe Rio, Smoothie King...

6) Every time I feel the need to shop I need to workout, and/or put money into a jar. I can then use that money after September, if I chose.

Now, I know surprises come up, so if that happens I'm ok with it. I really just want to see how well I can do. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter (@ElleHattan) to see how I do! I'll also be doing updates throughout the month!

Happy September!

Weekend Recap: Nephew Edition

It is Monday night. This is very sad for me because it means my 6 day weekend vacation is coming to an end! I am linking up with Bella, Anni & Meg to share my wonderful weekend :)

My vacation started last Wednesday when the boy drove me to the airport. Can I just say that a huge perk of being in a relationship is having someone drive you to the airport and pick you up.

 My weekend really started when I flew to Michigan and got to see my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. My nephew is only 2 weeks old and SO ADORABLE!

My Dad and I landed in Grand Rapids and made the 3 1/2 hour drive north. We then spent 6 hours at my sister's house just hanging out, fighting over Abel, and catching up. It was awesome.

One of the things I miss most about Michigan is Biggby coffee. It is delicious and they make great, iced coffees. Of course I had to pick up a Purple Haze before going back to spend time with the fam.

The rest of the weekend was spent at my sister's. We ate really good food (my Dad makes the best steak), chatted, bickered like kids, and watched movies. I am now going to overload you with pictures of my adorable nephew. Can you tell I'm a proud Aunt?

On Sunday my Dad and I drove 3 1/2 hours back to the airport. My younger sister was visiting family and met us at the airport. It made the 4 hour trip back to Phoenix so much faster. Plus she loves to take pictures as much as I do :)

After a few delayed flights from Phoenix--> Las Vegas, I finally made it home at 8:30. Just in time to celebrate the boy's dad's birthday. I was an amazing weekend and I love spending time with my family!

Blogmopolitan Quiz: Round 2

I'm so excited that Erin made another Blogmopolitan Quiz! These are so fun and you find out some cool facts about your favorite bloggers! Fill one out and link-up!

WIAW

How on earth is it only Wednesday?! The only thing getting me through today is the Blendicano that I had this morning and the awesome talk with my sister.

Thankfully, my Wednesday is almost over and I decided that I should want to post about my eats as of late. I really like reading others WIAW posts so hopefully I'll inspire someone else too!

If you didn't know, I'm working 4 jobs this summer. Yes, 4. #LifeOfATeacher. Most of my meals are ones that I can prep on Sundays, or freeze and reheat. They are also served in Tupperware or plastic bags.

My mornings have been starting with a Starbucks Blendicano. This little gem is the bomb. It is simply ice, espresso, and water blended like a frapp. Make sure you tell them no base. Sometimes I'll even hand them a packet of my Perfect Fit Chocolate Protein powder to add in. It's no calories and sooo good. Thanks to Michelle for the perfect drink :)

By the time I pick up the nanny kids and we get to summer camp, I am ready for breakfast. I recently scored a huge box of cherries from an old school parent of mine! I've been eating them like crazy and especially love them with Greek yogurt. Add a Tone It Up protein, blueberry muffin and I'm set for the morning.

By the time lunch rolls around I'm busy getting the kids fed, cleaning up the classroom, tying bracelets, and so much more. I have just enough time to make some oatmeal, and top it with pb2, Quest bar, and some granola.

When we (the nanny kids & I) get home we are usually ready for a snack. They love apples and pb or vegetables but I like to combine all of it. My favorite snack lately is Strawberry Salsa! It's so good with chips or another dipping vegetable or on its own.

After I get done nannying I grab a quick quest bar or protein shake and get my workout on. An awesome sweat sesh is always perfect after work because it gives me enough energy to get through the night and it motivates me to eat healthier! When I get home I'm starving so I pull out a pre-made turkey burger, pop it in the oven and make a salad to go with it. Quick, easy & done.

P.S Thank goodness for the Iphone pics! I'm not a foodie photographer but they turned out ok :)