Zach's Story: The Sweet Life

This summer as many of you know, I set out to live in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I cannot express how monumental this summer was for me. For quite some time I have been stating how badly I wanted to live a life of adventure, how I wanted to take on new opportunities, how I wanted to test myself living out of state... well I did it! This was a baby step as it was only for 3 months and I ended up coming home for a couple weddings and volleyball tournaments, but I took that dreaded first step! I truly feel that this was a gateway for me. My experiences here will propel me forward in my life of adventure. I survived!!!!! I met new people, I made new memories, I absorbed a foreign land, and I lived life. Coming into the summer I made a Michigan Bucket List and the list goes as follows: Outdoor movie. Save 500 dollars a month.   Completed. Go to a concert/open mic night.  Completed. Karaoke.  Get people to come visit me in Michigan.  Completed. 5k Summer volleyball lea...

I am going to challenge myself with some goals/challenges for my time in Minnesota. I have been trying to be my best self and grow as an individual lately (daily battle). So here is a public list of some of the things I will be doing come late August as I arrive back home. HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE PEOPLE. -Go to Church at least 2 times a month. -Workout at least 5 times a week. -Follow a workout program completely for 2 months. -Bench 275lbs by the end of September. -Squat 500lbs by the end of September. -Run a 5:30 mile by the end of September. -Read one book per month. -Wake up before 6am on weekdays. -Daily suntime with Milton (my plant). -Go camping at least once a month. -Train Jared for football at least 2x a week. -Cook at least 2x a week. -Drink 1x a month (saves money and calories!!!!!) Everyone has a list of the things that they want to put into action but making these habits is always a challenge. I encourage some brainstorming into what you are wanting to change...

My life was completely turned upside down at the end of this spring. I went from having a secure position in a community, building myself up in a career path that I love, and creating a sense of home.  I was a 1st grade teacher, for goodness' sake, how can it get better than that? In being cut from school I had some changes heading my way. Initially I was at a loss of words, I was in mourning that I will never get to see my babies again, confused as to where I would end up and what I would be doing, wondering where my skill set could be used properly, how I would fit into a new niche, and so on. When you are so invested in a place and feel the feels and the passion that I did there, it is hard to think of yourself anywhere else. So I struggled with that for awhile. BUT, then I looked up. I stopped pouting and having a pity party for myself. Immediately after college I jump right into my career path, all the while, I had this urge to travel/explore the world building up inside me....