I’ve really enjoyed getting to know today’s blogger. She and I started reading each others’ blogs a few months ago, and she has great content! She has been such a pleasure to email back and forth with regarding today’s feature, and I’m excited for you all to “meet” her. Here’s Beth!
Q: In three sentences or less, give us a little summary of who you are.
A: I’m a wife, teacher, runner and morning lover who enjoys the blinds being open! By day I teach 8th grade language arts with fun and spunky kids who keep me on my toes. At home, I’m enjoying my first year of married life!
Q: What is the name of your blog and why/when did you start writing it?
A: I’ve been a blog connoisseur for many years, and I kind have felt bad always reading but not contributing. Last winter I spent all of my two-hour delays and snow days creating my blog – Reaching Beyond Mediocrity, and then I finally got up enough gumption to start it this past October 2016.
Q: Who do you think would really love your content?
A: I’m very down to earth and basic. I think anyone who enjoys living a whole and fit life would enjoy my blog. My topics range from technology to use in the classroom to winter workout gear to simple and tasty recipes.
Q: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about the season of life you’re currently in right now?
A: This season of life is totally new to me!! I’ve been married for 7 months, so I’m still in the swing of the married life. It’s great to build a life with my husband and start a new routine and traditions, but at the same time sometimes, it’s lonely. I’m used to dinner with my whole family, and there’s just not as much to talk about with only two people.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your journey with running.
A: I became a runner in just the 6th grade! I’m super uncoordinated, so I know any sport that involved a ball would not work out. My brother was a runner, so I decided to be one too, and I just fell in love with it. I’m a basic runner meaning I enjoy the simplicity of running. I don’t need a watch, although, I have one, and I absolutely don’t listen to music. I fought with headphones like 10 years ago for about 3 days, and then I decided I didn’t need them. I love listening to the birds chirp as I run, and most days the thoughts in my head keep me occupied.
I worked my way up from running one mile, to 5k’s to 10k’s to half marathons and even a marathon! It’s not really work to me; I love it. It makes me feel good!
Q: What is your biggest advice to those who want to be better runners but struggle to occasionally find motivation (a.k.a. someone like meeee!)
A: Find your happy medium! I know not everyone will love running, just as I don’t love playing basketball. Try! Try! Try! Start with walking for a few minutes and then running for a few minutes. Slowly, add more running minutes than walking. My biggest piece of advice is don’t start out thinking you’re going to run 10 miles. It’s a process!
Q: It’s 4 p.m. and you have nothing planned out for dinner yet. What will your family eat that night?
A: I’m definitely a type A person, so not having things planned out stresses me out. If the occasion would arise, we would probably have pasta since it’s easy or we might pull something out of the freezer. I’ve been intentional about freezing meals, but I’m that person who wants to save everything for a rainy day, so I never seem to use the things I put back.
Q: Which post(s) should readers start with if they’re new to your blog?
A: I’m still trying to figure this whole blogging thing out, but here are some posts that I enjoyed putting together.
And just for fun…
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: I’m not a TV person. I’m a reading teacher, so I have to keep up with some of the latest books, but I do love Fixer Upper. We recently renovated my grandma’s home to become my husband and I’s home. It was so fun, and many ideas started spinning in my mind after watching Chip and Jo!
Q: Do you and your husband celebrate Valentine’s Day?
A: Not really! I think this year we are going to enjoy a paint and sip night with friends, but it’s more about hanging out with friends than anything. We won’t get each other cards and will probably enjoy a meal at home! J
Q: What is your favorite color to wear?
A: My mother would be quick to jump on this one. I love black clothes! When looking in my closet you can find every shade of black and gray. I think they’re classy and professional!
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Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to two little girls (ages 5 and 2) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo
