#23: Connect with a Service Organization

When I knew that I would be moving to Milwaukee, one of my main goals was to be more connected to the community. My position in St. Louis often required night and weekend hours, plus I was on the road a lot, visiting Chris or my family. I joined a few organizations, including the alumni/ae groups for my undergraduate university and my sorority, but it was challenging to make the time. In four years, my life was basically consumed with work. I knew that in my new city, I wanted to be able to meet more people, have a social life, and to give back.So #23 went on the list.

A few months into my time here in Milwaukee, I spoke with a colleague about joining the Junior League of Milwaukee. I did not know much about the organization other than what I had seen on tv shows like Hart of Dixie and in movies like The Help. She assured me that I would find the organization to be much different than the "Southern Belle" thing I may have seen portrayed. Similar to my sorority experience, it was a group of women coming together to provide service and leadership to the community. I enjoy both of those things, so I figured I would check it out.

I joined JLM in November, and had my last New Member Orientation last night. Over the course of this past year, our group has met monthly, planned a blood drive with the Blood Center of Wisconsin (which was started by the Junior League), participated in a number of different programs, and most recently, held a successful Dine Out Fundraiser to benefit the League's programs. My main involvement was assisting with the fundraiser, and I was very excited that it turned out so well. We raised over $2,400 in just a few hours! Plus it has been a ton of fun getting to know the other women in our class.

My late night signage crafting for the Silent Auction at our fundraiser. The only picture I took of the whole thing. Oops!

Our New Member Orientation class was a great way to acclimate to and learn more about The League. In a few weeks, we will officially "graduate" and become Active members. As an Active member, I will be assigned to one of the many committees, which will be my main involvement with the organization. Much like sorority bid matching, we prioritize and then are placed on committees based on mutual interest. I prioritized the committees that are under the Community umbrella of the organization, which work with the direct service components, such as our monthly Done in a Day service events and our signature project, which is currently Teens in Transition. I am excited to experience Milwaukee hands on with the other women in the group.

I am so thankful for the experiences that I have had so far and am excited to see what comes next.

#23 is complete!

First Big Run

Here it comes.

On Saturday, I will run my first race ever, the Deer Run 10K. That's right, I have never done a 5K (3.2 miles), but will be running a 10K. 6.4 miles. Go me! It's big, and yet little at the same time.

At this time, I have logged 82.53 miles. My longest run was the 6 miles that I ran two Sundays ago. Does that mean that I'm ready? I sure hope so. I have been following the prescribed training program from Team Paws, and have managed to stay on track.

I have been running regularly since February, and continue to hit new milestones. I had never run a full three miles, let alone six. Nor have I really ever gotten to the point where my lungs were no longer crying at the end of a workout. I guess that I would finally call myself a runner now.

Downside of running: my feet aren't looking so hot these days...

Blisters - yuck. Is that a sign that I am a true runner or that I am doing something wrong? I had to paint my toenails to make up for how gross that they look.

Yes, I did just post pictures of my feet on the internet. You're welcome.

As I get into summer, the long runs are going to get longer. And it is going to get hot. I am trying to mentally prepare to have to get up for 5 am runs, just so I do not get heat exhaustion. I am definitely not a morning person, but I am committed to this training.

I have found myself marking other runs that I would like to do in the future, something that I would never have done before. Here is the list so far:

1. The Color Run - We are already signed up for the date in Racine in May, and I can't wait. 
2. Crazylegs Classic in Madison - I walked this as a student, but would love to run it now. It is the same day as the Deer Run 10K this year, so I will have to save it for next year. I love supporting my Badgers!
3. Disney Princesses Half Marathon at Disney World - I will run in a tiara. 
4. Famous Racing Sausages 5K - Can I run as The Brat?
5. Brewers Mini Marathon - This is the first year of the event - I'll have to see where this fits into my training, if I will do it this year, or wait for next.
6. Dirty Girl Mud Run - This looks awesome, but also really hard. I think I'll save this for next year.
7. Cellcom Green Bay Half Marathon - Who wouldn't want to run a race that finishes by running into Lambeau Field?
8. Summerfest Rock 'n Sole Half Marathon and 10K - Maybe this year, maybe not. Either way, I will definitely be at Summerfest.
9. Storm the Bastille 5K - Totally doing this one this year. Running through the streets of Milwaukee at night sounds like a ton of fun, and a great way to get in a run.
10. Nike Women's Marathon - You get a Tiffany Necklace at the end. What?!   

 But first, I'll run a 10K this weekend...

Meatless May

Photo from Inspire Fitness

One of the items on my 30B430 list was to give up meat for a month and try being a vegetarian. It has always been something that I have been interested in exploring, but I do not know that I would be able to make the commitment long-term. I figured it was time to give it a shot for 30 days, to see what happens.

And so, a week from tomorrow, I will start Meatless May. I will still plan to eat eggs and dairy products, but no poultry, pork, beef, or seafood.

I have been gathering some different food ideas online, so that I will have options for things to eat. It is really key that I continue to eat enough protein Here are a few recipes that I am planning to try out:

1. Summer Corn Cakes from Ezra Pound Cake
2. Portobellos with Leeks and Spinach from Martha Stewart
3. Baked Lemon Pasta from Pioneer Woman
4. Chipotle Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Guac Tacos from Naturally Ella
5. Simple Vegetable Curry from Martha Stewart
6. Zucchini with Quinoa Stuffing from Real Simple
7. Lentil Tacos from Budget Bytes
8. Spinach and Gruyere Quiche from Martha Stewart
9. Couscous and Feta Stuffed Peppers from Smitten Kitchen
10. White Bean Chili from Real Simple
11. Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas from Budget Bytes
12. Leek and Mushroom Quiche from Smitten Kitchen
13. Butternut Squash Pizza from Real Simple
14. Pesto Foccacia Pizza from Budget Bytes
15. Tortilla and Black Bean Pie from Martha Stewart
16. Winter Lentil Soup from Real Simple
17. Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps from Pioneer Woman
18. Roasted Veggie Couscous from Budget Bytes
19. Stuffed Poblano Peppers from Real Simple
20. Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Peppers from Smitten Kitchen
21. Mediterranean Grain Salad from Martha Stewart

No way I could get through all of these in a month. But it is nice to know that I have many options, and won't just be eating salads or sides. I feel like that is a common misconception of vegetarian diets. I always have my standbys too - poached eggs and toast, grilled cheese, pasta and meatless sauce, and the good old bowl of cereal. Yum. Oh, and that delicious Black Bean Soup recipe that I made last week.

Chris is going to be my cheerleader along the way, but won't be giving up meat with me. Since he does not eat many fruits or veggies, he would probably starve! We will have to figure out which meals that we can eat together, and when we will each be preparing our own food. That is the only major drawback to this little experiment.

Part of why I put this on my list is because I think it is fun/interesting to push oneself through adding things/removing things from regular routines. Like adding exercising, taking away eating out, etc. I eat several meatless meals each week, but this will be the first time that I have cut it out entirely. I am interested to see what I will miss the most. Will I crave a hamburger? Or a slice of pepperoni pizza? Or will I love it, and want to stick with it after the month is up. We will just have to wait and see.

Have you attempted to add or subtract anything from your routines lately?