January 2013 Goals

It's January 1, so time to make some goals for the year.  Not resolutions.  Resolutions only last a couple of weeks and are then forgotten.  I'm writing some goals to accomplish and mark off as completed.  There's a difference!

First goal for January is to lose 5 lbs by the end of the month.  That should take me to 230 and that's a good jumping off point for February's goal. 

Second goal is to be in bed by 10:30 p.m. on the nights I have to work the next day.  I'm guilty of staying up too late and it needs to stop.  This is one that I've been working on and sometimes forget about.  Hopefully when my husband's work schedule changes in a few months (fingers crossed) it will be easier to accomplish. 

Third goal is to try at least 4 new recipes this month.  That is one new dish each week.  That SHOULD be doable, but I get lazy when it comes to actually finding new dishes to try. 

Fourth goal is to do at least 30 minutes of cardio every single day.  This will be aided by my Miniature Pinscher, Duke.  Unless it's super-cold, because his little body really can't take the cold.  We tried walking today (18 degrees) and after about 30 minutes, we had to call for a ride because the snow got to his paws or something and he was limping, whining, and shivering.  I felt so bad for trying to make him walk so far in the cold.  I will have to be mindful of that with him.

Fifth goal is to try to write in my blog every night.  Umm, with my past poor performance on this we will just have to see how this goes.

And for those keeping score, let me update on my incredible December.  First, I was selected as the Cecile A. Christison Sterrett College Scholar for my degree.  This is an award only 6 students are given each semester, so it was a pretty big deal.  I received a beatiful medallion for my award.  I will treasure it always.  This also means I completed all of my degree requirements and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies.  I got 2 As in the two classes I was taking and finished my degree with a 3.788 gpa.  Not bad, if I do say so myself.  I start my first graduate class on January 14.  I'm kind of nervous about doing a master's degree, but everyone tells me I can do it.  I'm trying really hard to listen to them and believe in myself.  I can do this.

Hopefully I'll remember to check in tomorrow to update how I'm doing.  Today has been pretty good so far!

"Feel Great in 8" - starts Monday!

Yeah, it's been a while since I've written.  I've had a lot going on.  I think since I last wrote, I've become a CrossFit Level 1 certified trainer.  I'm so proud of that...I can't even begin to say how proud of that I am!  I'm also getting ready to graduate with my bachelor's degree in December.  WOO!  This has been an accomplishment 24 years in the making.  I never, ever thought I would get to finally finish what I started (poorly) at 18.  Dreams really do come true!

And I'm about to embark on a change that I am ready to embrace fully at this time.  Our little gym is starting a program called "Feel Great in 8" (oh yeah, I thought up that brilliant and hot name!).  It's an 8 week program designed to improve nutrition, fitness, and overall health.  I am ready to do this.  My weight is stalled out in the 232-235 range, which is probably lower than last time I wrote.  But still not low enough. 

I'm also doing a running program at work that is helping me train for a 5K in November.  I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.  Last actual 5K I tried to run was in 2008, and I finished next-to-last.  My little brother fell on the sword and let me cross ahead of him.  I don't want to repeat that performance.  I know there will be people walking this 5K, so hopefully I won't come close.  But if I do, then I'm going to try my best to not let it bother me.

I am hoping to be able to update more frequently with my journey through this 8 week program.  If anyone is actually reading, your comments would be welcome!

Until next time...