Currently…{End of Summer Edition}

I'm forgoing a weekend recap post this week for a Currently post instead. Two reasons: for one, I hadn't realized I haven't done a Currently post since March, and two, even though this past weekend was a long weekend, with the rain and cold temperatures, we didn't get up much to anything worth sharing on the blog. (Save for my 10K race on Sunday, but that post will be coming to you tomorrow).

So with the end of summer here, and the fall clearly making it's presence (we even had a bit of snow on the weekend! Don't worry, it didn't last), here's a look at what I've been up to as summer comes to a close:

Currently…

Thinking About: how to maintain a consistent workout schedule come the colder months. How can I ever get ahead in my running if I give it up every winter? I'm not sure I'm ready to be an outdoor winter runner though. The thought of running in the cold terrifies me, but then there's also the whole wardrobe factor: what do you wear and how do you keep warm, but not overheat? Plus, with the winter months also comes less daylight. I'd have to get all my runs in during the day and I find it hard enough on the best of days to gather the motivation to run, let alone run and push a heavy jogging stroller. So what does one do? Do I beg and plead with my husband to buy a treadmill? Do I get a gym membership that provides childcare so that I can also get out of the house on the months that I often turn into a bit of hermit? But I hate signing contracts.

Reading: I started More than Happy: The Wisdom of Amish Parenting several weeks ago, but had to return it to the library before I could finish it. My hold for it came in again the other day so I'm revisiting it and finding myself completely immersed in all it has to say. I would be highlighting my little heart out in it if I owned it, but instead my messy notes will have to do. The Amish lead a way of life that will always be fascinating to me, and their beliefs and values behind child rearing are no exception. I truly think we could learn a lot from them and I hope to instill some of their "tips", such as, "teach your children to be givers by becoming a giver yourself", in my parenting journey. This book is teaching me things on how to be a better parent AND a better person. Maybe I'll do a review on the book once I'm done.

Listening to: I recently discovered Michael Franti & Spearhead and I cannot get enough. (How am I only hearing about them now?!)  While most of their songs have been on heavy repeat the last few weeks, Say Hey (I Love You) is one of my top favourites. They remind me of a more happy, more upbeat, fresher version of Jack Johnson with a reggae vibe. Their songs are incredibly catchy, and so far, kid-friendly. Sully immediately starts bobbing when one of the tunes comes on. Fun fact: according to Wiki, Michael attended a junior high school in Edmonton, Alberta for his grade nine year. And you better believe their songs are on my 10K race playlists!

Watching: More like, what am I not watching? I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed by the number of different shows Jim and I have on the go. We're constantly starting a new series and not finishing others, for no other reason than there are just too many shows we want to watch. Currently on the go: The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Rules of Engagement, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, House of Cards, Community, Revenge, and An Idiot Abroad. And then there's the shows I watch on my own: 90210, The Mindy Project, Downton Abby, Suits, Parenthood, and Orange is the New Black. (This is why I want a treadmill - so I can run and watch TV, haha!). And of course, there's still other shows I'd like to watch! Our goal is to go back and finish one series at a time this fall before starting anything new.

Eating: Not as good as when I was on the 21 Day Fix plan, but not as bad as I was before. I'm still working on my post of my experience and review of the 21 Day Fix, but overall, it really helped me reevaluate my eating habits. Unfortunately, I still have an extreme weakness when it comes to avoiding unhealthy foods (i.e. beer and sweets), but I feel like things are more balanced now. The plan did reignite my love for steel cut oats in the morning though, which Sully also happens to love, so I'm happy for that!

{surprise dessert from the husband…which totally justifies eating it right?
I'm  the Queen of excuses though!}

Looking forward to: Getting into a better routine this month. The summer was fun, we had a blast, but I'm really struggling motivation wise, in all areas of my life, with the lack of routine. Next week we start gymnastics and a registered reading program at the library. That gets us out and about regularly twice a week. On top of that, my plan is to get back on track with grocery shopping and meal planning. This summer, I was too often running out at random times to grab just "one more thing" from the grocery store. This ends up being a bit chaotic and results in more money being spent on groceries that we didn't really need in the first place. I've been reading a lot of posts from other bloggers on how they organize their lives, and I'm feeling really inspired!

Do you winter run, take it indoors or put running on hiatus until spring?

Do you have multiple shows on the go, or are you a 'one show at a time' person?

What are you looking forward to for fall?