I’ve been smitten with this guy since his tender age of 20! I can’t believe he turns 27 today! I know what you’re thinking: What’s like to be with such an old man? 
Last night, Cory and I attended a developer meeting for our community. The first half an hour was great: the developer discussed the exciting future plans for our area and I thought, Wow I am so lucky to live this kind of life. I feel proud.
Then, the developer opened the floor for questions…and my mind was literally blown to smithereens.
This man was bombarded by angry adults, yelling and complaining passionately, waving their HOA documents (note: this was not an HOA meeting) and demanding answers.
How will we monitor how many guests people bring to the pool?!*
We really have to share the pool with the [CHILDREN'S] swim team four nights a week?*
My neighbor has had a camper outside of their house for months and the HOA has done NOTHING ABOUT IT!*
There is a hole in the Earth next to my house – it wasn’t there when we closed – who’s going to fix this?* (To this, I thought: Are you there, God? Ann’s pissed.)
Can you please work on adding more equipment to the play ground? My three-year-old has nothing to do but chew mulch. I would bring her toys from home, but those are the toys she sees everyday.*
At this point, all my pride had dissipated and I felt embarrassed. I was embarrassed to be among a group of adults complaining with fiery passion about mulch and chair space at the pool.
I felt embarrassed that I spent over an hour of my time listening to this foolishness. This was an hour of time I could have volunteered to something substantial: hunger, homelessness, coaching, an animal shelter, etc.
This made me realize how truly, truly fortunate we (i.e. anyone who’s reading this on a computer/phone/iPad) are, how out of touch we are, and how unwilling we are to fix our own “problems.”
If someone upsets you, talk to them.
If you’ve reached a dead end, back track and find another way around.
If you’re yelling and no one is listening, soften your approach.
If the pool, your children’s toys, or the imperfections in your lawn are the biggest of your concerns, take a step back and refocus.
We’re privileged. And we shouldn’t take it for granted.
Hey, hey! Man, life has been ca-razy lately. I can’t complain, really. I’m transitioning into a new Big Kid role at work, and while exciting, when I come home at the end of the day, I’m beat.
So rather than bore you with the going-ons of my full time work schedule and ridiculously early bed time, I’m opting for a photo dump to explain my life lately.
I snicker every time I see this place.
I almost kicked this woman in the face 17 times. My feet are so ticklish! (and gross)
While casually antiquing, I stumbled upon the most terrifying doll/highchair combo.
After a shitty day at work, I self-medicated consumed several skinny margaritas.
(Lemon lime sparkling water, a bit of OJ, 2 tbsp lime juice, oh, and tequila.)
Another daily reminder that we’ve moved to Southern Virginia.
My AMAZING husband built his first deck. In 3 weeks.
And he enjoys it 
What’s been going on with YOU lately?!
Master Colleen, can you help me with this? As he lifts up his iPad.
Sure, Dad, I can help you log onto Facebook. You know, because I HAVE MY MASTER’S.
Note to self:
I should probably start modeling
It makes me gag that it’s been three years since I graduated college.
Over the past three years, I have been working full-time on my Master’s degree in Community Counseling. I refrained from talking about school in depth here on the blog, because, in my experience, grad school sucks the fun and joy out of life.
Dramatic? Maybe. Maybe not.
When we moved to Richmond for Cory’s job, the prospect of a 4 hour (round-trip) commute for the last year of grad school dampened my already sopping wet spirit. But you know what?
I did it.
The thing is, I can’t credit just myself. Without Cory, this wouldn’t be possible. He’s worked full time, listened to my meltdowns, and convinced me not to quit on more than one occasion.
My parents have let me stay with them after my night classes, fed me too much, and stayed up late listening to me vent about school and life.
My in-laws have been some of my biggest cheerleaders since day one. My mother-in-law would send me weekly count-down texts during this last semester, which I appreciate more than she knows. They also feed my husband on Monday nights. It must be a parent thing
My friends have motivated me, supported me, and cheered me on throughout this entire journey.
My professors from undergrad, with whom I still chat!, prepared me for this insane educational marathon.
So, really, we did it.
Yep, friends, I’m finally (finally, finally, FINALLY) Colleen Nichols, M.Ed.
I know it’s normally Totally Truthful Thursday, but you know what? I have a lot to be thankful for this week (read: always) – and clearly I’m a sucker for alliteration
Yes, he’s building our deck. No, he’s never built one before. Yes, he’s amazing.
Only a lucky few can handle this much weird.
aaaaaaaaaaa
Not to mention, our entire neighborhood is amazing. Example: I drive down the street waving to kids…and enjoy it. Who am I?
*Tell me something you’re thankful for!
I’ll admit that I’m totally guilty of judging people that I don’t know. I’m not saying I’m vicious, but I am human.
That said, one place were I find myself refraining from judgement is at the gym. I know it takes guts to try something new, and I know it takes a hell of a lot of determination to simply get yourself there.
Also, I’m usually so focused on not making an ass out of myself that I don’t may much attention to other people.
So, this brings me to yesterdays Body Pump.
A woman had brought her 10(ish) year old daughter to the class. To top it off, the little girl was drinking, what I’m assuming to be, Starbucks coffee (it was in a Starbucks cup, and I eavesdropped overheard her mention it being coffee.)
Let’s be clear: I am highly aware that everyone parents differently; there isn’t one “right” or “wrong” way to parent. I also know that I do not have children yet. Although, when I see situations like this, I do think to myself, if I were a parent, what would I do?
I’m not making the assumption that this woman is a bad mother. It just felt wrong to see a little girl at a weight lifting class, java in hand.
I am a huge advocate for healthy, active children, but in my mind active children are riding bikes, jumping rope, swimming, going on walks, etc.
In the past few weeks, I’ve had several mothers mention to me that their 4 – 6 year old daughters are already expressing signs of being self conscious about their bodies. This makes me wonder, is there a “right” or “wrong” way to talk to children about working out and being active? It it beneficial for little children attend fitness classes designed for adults?
I’d love, love, love to hear your opinion.
Sometimes, a few mood-boosting quotes are what I need to get me in gear for an awesome Monday (and in turn, an awesome week.)
I hope your day is fabulous, my friends!
Here’s the truth: Lately, my motivation for working out has been less than stellar. I know that it’s a combination of laziness, boredom, and the lack of a workout buddy.
When I find myself hating the gym, I have to hit the reset button and find a way to re-motivate myself. “Thin-spiration” doesn’t work for me; in all honesty it does the exact opposite.
via thinspiration-pictures.blogspot.com – yes, that’s real.
As cheesy as it sounds, motivational quotes have the ability to seriously get my ass in gear. It’s funny how Life works, because today’s Body Attack instructor told the class (at least three times):
That quote genuinely inspired me get through some awful, terrible, I-just-want-to-stop-this moments in class.
So, I TRULY want to know – what inspires YOU to get out there and sweat?!
Hi, I'm Colleen! I'm a busy 25-year-old with passions for healthy living, fitness, writing and enjoying life! This blog follows my life as I earn my MEd in Counseling, work, live life as a newly wed, and enjoy good food and sweaty workouts! I love to hear from readers, so if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me at lunchboxdiaries@gmail.com
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