Let me see your body move!

As I shared a little yesterday, it has been a period of transition and adjustment for me. The first few months were so busy, overwhelming, and stressful with setting up our condo, starting a classroom, switching schools, starting another classroom, and learning the interesting ways of the Land of Enchantment. I would come home from work and basically zone out. I had little energy or motivation to get off the couch.

This is out of my character.  For the past few years, I was excellent at going to the gym 3-5 times a week and/or running. My good friend and college roommate, Jessi, was the kind voice of reason that encouraged me to move aka get my butt off the couch.  (Thank you!) She told me I would feel better once I started a workout routine and she was right.

Halfway through October, I got out of my lazy funk.  With the weather being so nice here, I decided to start the "couch 2 5k" program over from the beginning.  I started over because of the elevation of ABQ.  We are high up, 5,300 ft!  The first time I went for a run, I sounded like an asthmatic child. I completed the program and was in a regular running routine. It made me feel more at home and calm.  I was running in shorts through the first week in December - our neighbors thought I was crazy.

Now it is a bit cooler and I am growing a little bored with running, so we are joining a gym.  I'm very excited because it reminds me of my routine in MPLS.  There has to be a connection between my physical activity and my happiness. Luckily there is a YMCA close to our house and right on my way home from work. The cost of membership is such a deal ~ $58 a month for a family!  I love the cost of living here. They also have one of my favorite classes...

source

Zumba is one of the few times you will see me dance without the aid of adult beverages. It's hilarious!  I look like a fool, but I have a blast/don't care.  It's a great workout!

Another positive is that they have TVs with cable on many of their cardio machines!  I can watch Bravo as I run. Can it get any better?  The best thing the YMCA has to offer is the view from the cardio machines.

SANDIAS! I promise the view is more impressive in person.

- Jane

                                           

How are you? How's NM?

I have grown sick of these questions.  I know how I am suppose to respond.  "I'm good.  NM is so pretty.  How are you?" Putting on a happy face is something I'm good at, but at times it is more challenging to do.  I am pretty sure many of you have felt the same way or gone through a similar situation at one point in your life.

How are you?

Well today I am fine. Yesterday was pretty good too.  I felt happy connecting with friends from all over via email, facebook, texts, and my blog too! The first few months here were pretty rough for me. Overall, I would say each day is getting a little better. Moving away from so many wonderful friends, a job I truly enjoyed, and family close by has been trying. I miss Minnesota - everything about it.  When I moved there 5 years ago, I never thought I would consider it my home one day. Maybe in a few years I will feel the same about New Mexico (trying to stay positive.)  Good things to focus on: I have some great coworkers at school who are becoming my friends too.  My students are very sweet. 

How is Chris?

I'm really happy for him, he is doing really well.  Moving here is probably the best step for his career, which makes it totally worth it for both of us.  His new lab and coworkers are awesome. He will have many professional opportunities here. I think at times he worries about me - it's he a sweetheart (most of the time.) I reassure him that it is getting better and I'll be just fine (maybe a little more moody at times, but I'm working on it.)

How's NM?

There are many things we love about this place and other things that shock us or drive us crazy. :) I'm excited to share these details about NM in individual posts.  They deserve their own shining moment. It really is beautiful here in brownish/blue way.

Overall I think this move will be good for us. We are closer than ever and doing a great job of supporting each other. NM will make us grow and expose us to new experiences we wouldn't have had in MN, but I still miss Minnesota. :)

Proof that NM is pretty...

Northern NM (Ratón Pass) - I took this from the car as we drove down here.

The blue of the sky here is incredible and there are mountains in almost every direction! Something you can't find in MN or WI.

Sandías Mountians - These are our mountains that I love for so many reasons. This photo is from our hike to the crest, due to poor planning (what time we got started - we were running late. shocking  i know.) we didn't make it all the way to the crest.:( Oh well...next time.