Well, we recorded this episode at the latest time we've ever recorded a podcast episode -- past 10 p.m.! We found a window of time to record this before our family trip to Missouri to pick up Silas from camp, followed by his big baseball tournament in Mississippi!

Jesse has been getting up at 6:00 a.m. to hit the CrossFit gym again, which has been a fantastic start to his days, although it certainly makes 10 p.m. feel like midnight! :)

In a recent episode, Jesse and I discussed our goals for the summer, and I am thrilled to share that I'm making some great progress, especially with tracking everything on the Strides app! For the first time, my goal of spending 1,000 hours outside this year is in the green (summer and baseball make it much easier to be outdoors more!)

I am also on track with my reading goal and am aiming to finish fifty books by the end of the summer, I have already finished almost ten, and it's only June! (Plus, my annual goal is seventy-five, so if I actually finish 50 this summer, I'll be well ahead of schedule!)

Jesse and I also discuss how our slowed-down summer theme has allowed us more family movie nights. We watched The Boys in the Boat, a beautifully crafted film based on true events, and The Challenger: The Final Flight, a riveting documentary on Netflix about the 1986 Challenger disaster. I vaguely remember the tragedy from my childhood but learned a lot that I don't remember about the events surrounding it since I was so young.

We also discuss something that resonated with me this summer - whether our routines and goals serve us or enslave us. For example, running 100 miles this summer has been a positive challenge for me. It’s a time for prayer, thinking, and even playing brain games like Connections from The New York Times while I run. It’s been beneficial rather than burdensome as it might be for some others. Asking ourselves as we create routines or set goals: "Will this serve us or enslave us?" Can be a really insightful question!

In This Episode

[0:36] - This is the latest that we’ve ever recorded an episode - it's after 10 p.m.!

[1:44] - Jesse’s morning routine of starting with a cold shower and workout significantly impacts his day.

[3:36] - I am excited that my summer goals are progressing well, with significant improvement in outdoor hours!

[4:41] - An update on how I'm doing on my reading goals for the summer.

[5:45] - We have enjoyed films like The Boys in the Boat and Challenger: The Final Flight this summer.

[8:44] - I reflect on how watching Challenger: The Final Flight revealed surprising details and life lessons about decision-making.

[11:31] - A listener thanks us for introducing Ruta Sepetys' books and recommends A Higher Call.

[12:54] - I recently finished Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots by Mary Marantz which resonated with my journey of confronting perfectionism.

[15:53] - A friend inspired me with her unscheduled summer approach, although I do need a routine to slow down.

[17:24] - Do your routines serve you or enslave you?

[19:09] - I've been enjoying playing the Connections game during my runs because it keeps my mind engaged.

[20:41] - I personally cherish my time running, when I pray and think freely; it's liberating to me, not confining.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Strides app

Stacy Myers’ Instagram Page

Connections - Word Game

Films

The Boys in the Boat (Amazon Prime)

Challenger: The Final Flight (Netflix)

Books

Ruta Sepetys (author page)

A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II by Adam Makos & Larry Alexander

Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots: Finding Grace, Freedom, and Purpose in an Overachieving World by Mary Marantz

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

[email protected]

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