Welcome 2016!

Let's see if we can get this rolling again!  (once again) It's been a quite a while since I was out here.

As always, I'm pulled in many directions.  That makes it hard to follow through with goals since one can be in conflict with the other.   So let's try to sort out what you want and see if we can help set some focus points for 2016 and beyond.

I have 3 primary targets - personal health, financial, and homestead.

Starting with the middle one, my Financial Goals are to pay off the new Jeep and see significant reduction to the mortgage loan.  The Jeep payoff is primary over the mortgage.  It's very possible to get it done in 2016, and if not, it will at least set it up for getting it done by June of 2017.  The mortgage is a longer term goal and the same discipline I apply to the Jeep can be extended to apply to the mortgage.  

Side note, the financial goal is often in conflict with my other major goals.  In an effort to save money, I often make due with what I'm left with - which is not always the healthiest of foods; plus I tend to buy things on sale, even when I don't immediately need them, which can lead to clutter.  I need to work on spending on the right stuff at the right time - simple but not easy (at least for me).

My Personal Health Goal is to get healthy!  Clear as mud.  I need to get more active and get to a more healthy weight.   I'm doing more than OK with my financial goals for retirement, but to truly enjoy my retirement I need to get my body healthier and stronger.   The healthier you are the less you spend on health care in retirement - so there is a big financial incentive to stay healthy.   Plus the more I can hike and bike and do things, the happier I will be in retirement.   My weight has been an issue for a long time, and it will take a long time to get to a healthy weight but for 2016 I want to see improvements.  Improvements not only in weight on the scale, but in some lifestyle changes that make it easier to get and stay healthy.  More fruits and veggies, and less processed foods in my diet.  I'm shooting for a 30 pound weight loss - 2 pounds one month, 3 pounds the next and repeating those 2 goals over and over.   It's realistic and doable - I just need to stay focused and keep at it.  

How to do it?  I'm continuing to get more active with the Badgerland Striders.  I've signed up for 2 half marathons this Spring.  The first is a real race for me - it's the BLS trip to Kentucky and running the Kentucky Derby Half Marathon.  The second is a freebie for me, running the Ice Age Half Marathon, which in the past I've more "hiked" than "ran".  The Ice Age Half is on the State Park trails.   This year the Ice Age Half is just 2 weeks after the Kentucky half so I should/could/will be in good shape for running another half.  In addition, I signed up for the 2015-16 Winter run series.  New Years Eve run was the 3 of 3 runs.  I was hoping this would keep me motivated and running through the winter, which is often something I stop and pick up again in late Spring.   It has worked OK but not great.  Between work and illness, I stopped running and it's like starting over again.   I need to make myself a priority.  I'm repeating that because it is very important for me to make this change - I need to make myself a priority.

I'm already working on being more active, and other side of getting healthy are change to the food intake.   I'm working on making healthier choices - more edamame beans, more fruit, more veggies, and less chips and less processed foods.  I've been trying to make a wider variety of dinners at home.  I do need some more recipes that are both simple and healthy.  I absolutely hate the recipes that have a 1/4 tablespoon of this and that - really can a 1/4 tablespoon make that much of a difference?!? and I just hate having to get so many ingredients.  So keep it simple, and keep it less processed.  

The third goal is the house.  I'm getting less and less in love with home ownership.  The grass, snow, etc is all getting to be more of a burden than a joy.   So I'm in the long term process of preparing to move from this house to a condo.   My plans would be shorter term except for the dog.  I don't believe I would enjoy living with him in a condo.  We've have no yard, so it would force a walk every night before bet - no matter the weather.  I'm sure it would put me on edge to have him barking and making noise when we lived one wall away from the neighbors.  So I need him to be old and quiet or he has to have passed to the rainbow bridge.  Neither is in the near time frame so my house goals are longer term.

In no particular priority, the first is to get the landscaping improved.  With at least 3 or 4 years, you have time to plant and let things grow.  And some of that has started, but it still needs more.   The original owner must have loved green - everything is green but nothing flowers or blooms.  Second is to reduce the amount of stuff.   Sell it, donate it, or give it away.  There is too much stuff that you may need 'someday'.   This is a big personal struggle for me.  I hate to see things go to waste when they still have life left in them.  And for so much of what I have, others would trash it and I'm not ready for that to happen yet.  I'm getting better but there is a long road.   Which is fine because I have a dog that will keep me from moving from the house too fast.  Third is to keep the house cleaner.  I'm still amazed at house much dirtier the dog makes the house than living with a cat.   He tracks in dirt on his paws multiple times a day. His shedding is worse than the cat.  I'm hopeful that as more gets removed it will be easier to clean and keep the house clean.

The Jeep and weight loss are measurable goals, the house goal ....not so much.  All these goals are
parts of the bigger picture, and if any slip to 2017 that's not so bad.   The key for 2016 is to be trending in the right direction.

Healthy in 2017!

LOL yes, that is 2 years out!   But's that's the message from my doctor.  He doesn't want any sudden weight loss - just slow and steady (similar to how it was put on).  Given the amount to my goal weight, that will take 2 years or so -- so healthy in 2017!!!

This post may be a bit scattered - it's again been several months since I posted and there is much to catch up on.

First update, the secret goal was not yet successful - the goal is the same but the new timeline is Hikeapoloza .

Back to the doctor's visit.  It was a semi annual physical exam - my doc thinks yearly is too often so it's usually every 2 to 3 years that we do the full blood work, etc.  And the very good news is all but one of my numbers were good and most are very, very good!  The only number that is unhealthy is my weight.  So he suggested I go on the wheat belly eating plan where you cut out breads, rice, pasta, pineapples, bananas, and other high GI indexed foods.  This is a variation on the Mediterranean  Diet. My doctor's plan calls for eating this way most of the time and adding in one cheat day a week - the cheat day is important in his mind because it helps keep your body from fully resetting to the new diet.  And as long as its new your body responds bigger/faster.

So far, this is going pretty well.   I've have been changing my eating  habits.  I'm eating close to the plan but not 100%.  It's only been a few weeks and for the most part I'm getting better and better at it as I go.  New habits are forming, which I absolutely love.

And I'm back to trying to set little weekly goals - as you know if you've been a reader here, I do better when I challenge myself.   So here goes....

1) reach the fitbit goals every day this week- most important is the Active Minutes, followed by steps and miles.  Now as an aside the fitbit dashboard may not show the true results since I hope to start biking and the fitbit doesn't show any of those petal (steps) or active minutes.   This is due to where I wear the fitbit on my body.

2) 5 Salads meals this week - one a day for the work week, but depending on schedule and quick meal requirements (ie, eating on the go) this doesn't have to be one a day - as long as 5 get in for the week.  Five meals or until the lettuce mix runs out.

3) walk the dog daily - this is subject to the weather.  It's predicted to be a very rainy week.

4) Getting the Lawn taken care of - we're off to a decent start.  Monday I cut the grass over lunch and the weather looks like it will be good for me to spread the weed protection on Wednesday.  The bag needs to be spread when the grass is wet; they recommend first thing in the morning while the grass is wet with the morning dew.  But then it needs to have 24 to 48 hours of no rain.  So far, it does look like I have a window on Wednesday.  I'll continue to watch for it.  The dandelions are starting to pop up so its very much the right time for this to be spread on the lawn.   -- like the dog walk this is subject to the weather.

5) oil changed - this is overdue and I need to get it done. period.

There are a lot of other things to get done - there always is - but I'm starting with the focus on these 5 areas.  Anything else is a bonus.

the winds are a changing

Taking a few minutes for a quick status update and adding a personal (read secrete goal).

The plan is beginning to work; part of what I desired was a change in me in how I approached food and exercise.  I saw that change in action today - and in the venue of celebrating small victories I want to do a shout out and help encourage me to continue on this road.

Today I had the upset stomach from eating too little for breakfast and drinking too much coffee (caffeine) - I get that occasionally.   As per my usual behavior I started poking around the kitchen for something to eat.  Eating balances out the food to caffeine ratio in my stomach and resolves the upset stomach feeling.

I looked around and nothing looked good.  I considered making popcorn, as that is my usual substitution for chips, which is what I really wanted.  I considered having a ridiculously early lunch, which was a bad idea since dinner will be a bit later tonight.  But instead I ate some fruit (oranges) and veggies (the edamame pea pods).

That is EXACTLY how I want to change - going from wanting chips to instead eating fruits and veggies.

Yeah, this is day 3 so it's not that the battle is over. But this is a victory and it does need to be shouted out and celebrated.  Yea for me!

Secrete goal is the number 14.5 -- I'm not telling how this fits, what that measures, or giving you any other clue.  I'll keep this posted and updated as the progress goes.  It's not exactly what I would like - I'd love to blow past this goal and exceed it.  But I'm sticking with something that is both challenging and still realistic.   And I'll keep dreaming and pushing for even more!

Lent 2015 - working on transforming my world

I'm not sure where this will take me, but the journey always begins with a simple step - so here goes with some simple steps.....

I know I titled this Lent 2015 but these challenges are steps to a bigger change for me.  These may start with Lent and give me a time frame to track things, but this is bigger, much bigger than Lent for me.  Some challenges are more Lent specific than others.  All are steps in the right direction for me.

So here goes!

There are 6 and half weeks in Lent - 40 days if you don't count the Sundays.

1) Participate in 7 Lenten / Spiritual activities.
There are a ton of things that fit into this category - Stations of the Cross, walking a labyrinth, attending the Zion Passion Play, going to confession, etc
I think I can average one a week if I focus and make this a priority.

2) No purchasing of chips 

This is hard for me, and to be clear this is not no eating chips - it's no purchasing chips.  I can eat chips if it comes with a meal or at a party, etc -- but I can't buy them and bring them into my house.

3) Limited candy to the skittles on hand
I split the skittles into 7 containers and I can have one a week through Lent.  No purchasing of new candy - with the exception of some things for St Patrick's day.

4) 9 bags of frozen veggies 

This is a crazy non standard Lent challenge.  But like most Americans I don't eat enough vegetables. I first thought 2 bags per week but 12 bags in 6 weeks sound crazy, especially when it's just me eating them and a bag of peas can easily have 6 to 8 servings.   So I compromised and went with 1 1/2 bags per week - total of 9 over that Lent period.  Still a lot, but the point is to try to add them into more and more of my meals - replace snacks with veggies.  And to be clear, listing these as frozen veggies is just an easy way to count - but fresh veggies will count towards the total.

5) Be good to myself at least 7 times
Similar to the first challenge, I'll try to average one per week.   I tend to be too hard on myself and too cheap on spending on myself.   This is one of those longer term goals about needing to be good to myself and celebrate the small victories and celebrate the now (celebrate the season).  I need to make sure this is not only food treats and special meals, etc - just needs to be something I like to do or want to try.  

• There is at list one that is a food item I want to include - having a shamrock shake.  It's been years (maybe 10 years or more) since I had one.  I hear they are really different and very good.  Its time for me to try one and not worry about the calories - just to enjoy the very infrequent treat.  
• I also want to include a couple of movies - aiming to going to the theater 3 times.  That seams like too much and I'm not sure I can fit it 

5) Training

This is is the big one for changing my lifestyle into the type of person I want to be.  And is so very critical for the June hike with Luann.   I'm not sure how to start this.  I worry if I do too little I won't be prepared, and I worry if I try do too much I'll injury my knees and not be able to do anything.  So I'm taking a leap and committing to 4 times per week - that is 3 times with the Couch to 5K program and then 1 additional activity.  I think that is doable, if I keep focus on it.

So that's the plan - wish me good luck

I'll keep you posted on progress as time flies,

 

Where to begin?

I'm ready for a change.

I don't like where I am in a number of categories.

But I don't know how to begin.  I'm stuck in a rut.   I want different results but I'm basically doing the same thing.  

Actually that's not true or fair.  I have been doing different things and its making small progress.  And that's the problem - I'm discouraged by the small progress.  I want bigger results.  I want new habits.  And being discouraged and depressed by the new action's results make me want to give up.

But I don't want to give up - I want to change.  I just want the new results to come faster.  Is that really asking too much?!?!?

Honestly my biggest challenge is finding a way to celebrate the small successes and build on them.

I feel like I would benefit with a game or personal challenge to help keep me focused, engaged, and on track.  Lent challenges often work for me - and Lent starts this Wednesday.

I'm signed up for a hike-a-paloza at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois with one of my best friends. I need to get into better shape and be able hike the 35 miles and enjoy the miles.  My friend and I hiked the Grand Canyon last June.  There was a last minute cancellation that opened up beds at Phantom Ranch for us - we found out one week before the hike of that cancellation - so that means there was no training, etc.   And I struggled.   The hike was hard on me - I'm out of shape and also had knee problems.  I have more torn meniscus in both knees.   This time I know about it - and I have time to train -- meaning No Excuses this time!

So I need to have a (1) training goal - need to get in shape and ready for that hike.  I always like to have (2) spiritual goals and attend stations of the cross, etc, And for a third goal, I usually like to have a (3) eating or food related goal .   The spiritual one needs to be in the time frame for Lent,  but I can be open ended (if I want) for the other two goals.

I need to set what I want to do, and soon this Wednesday is Ash Wednesday.  

I feel good that I'm open and actively desiring  a challenge.  I feel scared that I'll quit because I don't feel major results.   Please send me good vibes to keep me going.

Keep Clam and Love Menard's

Well my last post was unnecessary since Menard's came through in a big way - a $249.96 rebate check!!!

I did not expect that.

I really thought my mistake in not sending these rebates in for months after their last due date would cause me to lose out on money.   I know Menard's doesn't enforce strict end dates; but I was concerned that I had pushed them too far - some of these were over 6 months from their due date.

But once again Menard's came through.  They have grown to be one of my favorite stores and one of my most frequent shopping locations.

This is a great lesson in pushing through and never giving up.  I easily could have determined that they would not pay out on those very old rebates.  But I sent them in and it really cost me only the price of a stamp.   And of course, it cost me some mental anguish.  I beat myself up about how much money I had left on the table and I truly did not expect to receive all of it back.   I'm pleasantly surprised.  

I need to take this win and apply it to other areas of my life - Don't Give Up.  As my instructor said last month: This is simple, not easy, but simple.

AAAUUUUGGGGHHHHHHH!

It's been a while - my life was out of control.  I'm taking back the control but there is still much that is unorganized, falling behind in basic maintenance, and probably not set up well for the future.

One of those areas are the rebates from Menards.  Menards is a local chain that is a combination of a Home Depot and a Target.   It started as a hardware type store but has expanded into limited groceries, furniture, and clothing.

And one of their sales method is that many, many things are rebates - rebates that come back in the form of in store credit.  They have a simple easy process -- the rebate certificate prints at the bottom of the receipt and they have the rebate form at the store exits.  And if you missed picking up a rebate form at the store, you can print them from their web site.   Its a simple process.   The only thing that can screw it up is if you don't send it in to them in time.   And they are very generous about processing things even after the end date for the rebates.

Well with my depression and lack of focus this summer I didn't send in most, probably not any, since back in June.  I finally got my act together in December after Christmas and sent them in.

Sadly I just got back the in store credit for all of $6.99 -- that's sad because I sent in rebates worth over $220.   Yes, my issues costed me $213.   That's why the title is AAAUUUUGGGGHHHHHHH! This kind of stuff kills me.   It bugs me to no end.  First of all I'm very thrifty so losing out on over $200 for my personal inactivity frustrates me!  Second, it's very possible I would not have purchased some of these items if they were not free (or almost free) on rebate.  I donate some of the free stuff.  I shop at Menards quite often so getting store credit works great for me.  Meaning that even if I don't need or use the rebate item, since its free and I'm getting that money to spend at Menards it's fine and I have no issues.

But leaving $200 plus dollars on the table ......AAAUUUUGGGGHHHHHHH!

Things are getting better - but its not there yet and I need to focus on these mistakes as motivation to do better instead of being deflated and depressed and letting it get worse.

## Quick update - in Monday's mail I received a rebate check for $57.30!  So the total lost is down to $152.95.  Still not great, but much better and it gives me still a glimmer of hope that even more can come in.  Maybe, pretty please!!! 

Lent Update

It's Holy Week already!  Where does the time go?

This has been a less than stellar Lent for me.  It is usually a motivational time for me, but not this year.  There

are a few factors that impacted it:

• the reoccurring cold weather - I think I would have done better if had stayed cold and slowly warmed up.  The warm then cold was very demoralizing to me this year.  I'm not sure why it was worse to handle this year. 
• getting back into the swing after Texas - for whatever reason I have had a really hard time getting back into the swing of things since getting back home.   For example, the plants are still consolidated in the living room (to make it easier for my brother who was watering them), and have not made it back to their normal locations.  That makes the living room cluttered and the table unusable.  

In any case - let's review the Lent goals 

Lenten Promise #1 - run at least 1 mile for every Lent day

There are 46 days in Lent between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday.  Assuming my knees hold up this should be very doable, but still challenging for me, to get these miles in.  This is a new challenge; nothing like it last year.

• I totally forgot I had even made this promise.  I did run on and off this Lent, more off than on, but I didn't track my miles.  I'm sure I'm under 46.  I wish I had remembered this - I think it would have motivated me.

Lenten Promise #2 - attending or participating in 7 spiritual events this Lent

This is a repeat of last year but I'm bumping it up from 6 to 7 events - basically one per week, even the short week of Ash Wednesday.  There is such a wide variety of things to be counted - attending Stations of the Cross, Walking the Labyrinth, attending Vespers, going to confession, etc.   I hope one of my events will be the new movie Son of God, that has limited theater release.  I'm hoping to see it this weekend - either Friday night in place of Stations or else Sunday morning. Last year, my group of friends and I met up several times for Stations of the Cross.  It really added to my Lenten experience.  While we don't have anything planned yet, I do expect we will get together at least 2 or 3 times this Lent. 

• I knew I was failing at this.  This was indented for me to do something most weeks, instead almost all of it has been in the last 2 weeks of Lent

1. Attended the Acacia Theater Company 2 plays at St Dom's.  
2. Listening to the Mathew Kelly CD
3. Reading Killing Jesus book
4. Attended Elmbrook's Follow Me to the Cross: A Holy Week Experience
5. Participated in St Dom's Palm Sunday Procession 
6. Watching the Passion of the Christ movie on DVD - borrowed it from Library, still need to watch
7. TBD 

Lenten Promise #3 - consume no more than 1 bag of snack food per week.  I know what you are thinking.  For someone that is trying to lose weight and get in shape that is too much!  Last year I had a similar promise with a higher total allocation.   I do think this will be a challenge for me (and honestly that is true but sad to say and depresses me to post it publicly).

• No problem with this one.  I just haven't bought it.  If its not in the house I don't eat it ( I still want it and miss it but it's not there to eat)

Lenten Promise #4 - volunteer work

I'm not sure what to include here or how to quantify things.  I do know this is something I deeply feel I need to do.   I would really like it to be associated with feeding the hungry - and as a sign from God, this year's St Dom's Lenten Outreach program is the the "Hunger Games".   They are setting up volunteering at two different food shelters in Milwaukee.  But sadly there are not being very clear or publicly stating when these activities will take place.

• Totally blew this one.   And this may have been part of my tough Lent; I got so frustrated with St Dom's for not providing the information.   Still disappoints me.  
• So I just filled out a Hunger Task Force volunteer application.  Ever since my encounter with the Gypsy in the Rome train station I have had the hungry on my mind.  I need to take action and help. I am blessed and have acted on my opportunities, it's time to share.    

Overall this has been a less than stellar Lent given my past history Lenten experiences;  but the fact that I have Lent expectations put me on top.  It wasn't a great Lent, but at least I acknowledged Lent and did have some successes (promise 3 solid and with focus, promise 2 nearly met - and still with some time to get it, promise 4 - well it didn't happen for Lent, but I have signed up and that is a key first step).

Kick starting (again)

well hello!  it's certainly been a while since I posted.

I've had a tough time getting myself motivated to make the right long term choices.  My exercise is sporadic, my eating has been less than great, and my overall attitude could use a little work.

There are a multitude or real and fake reasons on why that was happening.   I'm not sure I'm going to go into any details - that's in the past and let's let it go!

I have a friend that is a coach for Beach Bodies and she has regularly checked in with me to see if I want to join.   Overall I think its a good program but the key thing I don't like about it is the shake replacement meal.  The shake is on an auto-renewal on your credit card -- I HATE that; it often so hard to cancel those deals.  I'm still fighting that with the old Bally's gym that was taken over by Blasts.   Anyway, the other main issue - it this is really nothing new -- I know what to do, I know what to eat and what not to eat.... but I don't do it.   That is my real problem - I know it but I don't act on it.   Yes, her coaching and being in the group would help my progress.  But is it really worth the cost?   I don't know.   If it didn't have the shake part then I would sign up, if nothing more than to support a friend.   But the shake and its auto-renewal are making me lean towards 'no' once again.  

Instead I did day one of Julian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD today.  I figure I can do my own kick start on fitness.   I realized reading my friend's post on FB that she exercises almost every day to one of her Beach Body DVD programs.   I have enough exercise DVDs, and even some in VHS format,  that I don't really need a new one from Beach Bodies - and the other side of it is I am really so out of shape that I'm not sure I could even do a Beach Bodies program any justice.  Plus our library has 100s of exercise videos that I could borrow for free.  I have less than 20 days to Crazylegs (8K run) - I'm hoping the 'shredding' helps me get going again on the running.

I know I can do the distance.  That is not my issue at all - my main concern is reaching our goal of finishing it within 1 hour.   That's really only about a 12 minute mile - which I can do no problem when I run regularly.  But this last month has been so up and down for running that on those restart days my time can be at a 13+ minute pace.   That's the opposite of motivation and causes me to lose interest.   I hoping the shred helps keep my motivation high.

Yesterday I had a bad eating day - these have lately been hitting me in the post lunch time frame.  It's like my lunch never ends and I end up snacking from lunch till dinner time.  Sometimes I skip dinner because I'm full.  But it's not healthy and needs to be reigned in.  Yesterday I could actually feel my jeans getting tighter in the thighs.   It was the saddest of feelings.

And it may have been my rock bottom.  Today I feel like I need to do something, anything.   30 Day Shred is a good start.  Although it is demotivating to see how much I had to modify the exercises just to keep moving.   But Day One is always the hardest - I know it will get better.  

The nice thing is I already have several events that I hope will help motivate me - Crazylegs on April 26, BLS fun runs start (most Wednesdays starting April 23), Ice Age Half Marathon on May 10, HB Girls weekend in Milwaukee on May 16-18, and the June Arizona hiking trip.

I know this post is all over - but it shows my mindset - I'm all over and have a hard time completing and focusing on one thing at a time.

Wish me luck on this kick start.  I need to find my true north for fitness.

Lent 2014 Plans

I've posted about Lent before, this is a special time or me.   My plans for 2014 follow similar to 2013's plans - which means they are not the traditional "give one thing up for Lent" plans.  

Lenten Promise #1 - run at least 1 mile for every Lent day
There are 46 days in Lent between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday.  Assuming my knees hold up this should be very doable, but still challenging for me, to get these miles in.  This is a new challenge; nothing like it last year.

Lenten Promise #2 - attending or participating in 7 spiritual events this Lent
This is a repeat of last year but I'm bumping it up from 6 to 7 events - basically one per week, even the short week of Ash Wednesday.  There is such a wide variety of things to be counted - attending Stations of the Cross, Walking the Labyrinth, attending Vespers, going to confession, etc.   I hope one of my events will be the new movie Son of God, that has limited theater release.  I'm hoping to see it this weekend - either Friday night in place of Stations or else Sunday morning. Last year, my group of friends and I met up several times for Stations of the Cross.  It really added to my Lenten experience.  While we don't have anything planned yet, I do expect we will get together at least 2 or 3 times this Lent.

Lenten Promise #3 - consume no more than 1 bag of snack food per week.  I know what you are thinking.  For someone that is trying to lose weight and get in shape that is too much!  Last year I had a similar promise with a higher total allocation.   I do think this will be a challenge for me (and honestly that is true but sad to say and depresses me to post it publicly).

Lenten Promise #4 - volunteer work
I'm not sure what to include here or how to quantify things.  I do know this is something I deeply feel I need to do.   I would really like it to be associated with feeding the hungry - and as a sign from God, this year's St Dom's Lenten Outreach program is the the "Hunger Games".   They are setting up volunteering at two different food shelters in Milwaukee.  But sadly there are not being very clear or publicly stating when these activities will take place.

Same as last year, I'll try to do an update every Monday to let you know how I'm doing with it.  Wish me luck!

So happy I ran today

I'm starting to be a runner again.   It's come and gone multiple times within my adult life.  Luckily for me a few friends wanted to start doing the C25K program (coach to 5K).   It was the right re-start for me.  It's a slow and steady progression,  and our secrete group on facebook really helped keep us motivated and accountable.   I unofficially finished the program earlier this week - according to the app I'm ready for the 5K. LOL

The group is planning to do a 5K sometime in March.  We haven't picked a run yet.  I'm looking forward to it, and also to meeting some of these ladies in person for the first time.  I knew only two of them when we started the program.

Today I continued with the next program level C210K - with the hopes that will get me in shape to meet my Crazy Legs personal goal of finishing the 8K (4.96 miles) within 1 hour.  That's a 12 minute mile - which is considered pretty slow but it's faster than I am now.  
I have 2 friends running it and I think they are at about the 12 minute mile - so it should be good and fun to be able to run it together.  I really want to be in shape so that I'm not holding them back or they are dragging me along.  I want to be in shape and comfortable with that pace and enjoy the ability to run together and talk.

But I started this post because I was so glad I ran today.  The weather here in Austin, TX was in the high 70s - maybe a little warm.  But honestly I'm not complaining!  It's so cold back home I'll take the extra heat.
The run along Lady Bird Lake was very pleasant.  It's a nice trail, there are lots of people and it made me feel good.  

Just this week I switched out my reminder mantra to "Respect Yourself".  With that in mind, I have been making a few changes to take care of me, and respect myself,   Going for the run today was respecting myself.  It was a little longer than I would normally want to be away from work, but my team can manage it. It's time I take advantage of these opportunities I have.  Not in a negative opportunistic way, but in the venue that not everyone has these opportunities and I should take advantage of them when they come up

A few pictures from my run today - beautiful trail and beautiful weather.  Well work the extra 30 minutes at lunch!

January Update

This is the first of what's planned as monthly updates for my 2014 Resolutions.   The hope is that having a monthly checkpoint will keep me accountable to myself and help me from slipping off the desired track.

 the Year of Use It or (and) Lose It
and my goals are:

• Lose 14 pounds - I am down 1 pound.  I think that is a good start.  January was a stressful month and could have lead to a lot of stress eating.  Also I was trying to clear out the pantry and freezer to prepare for my month away, so that was not as healthy as fresh fruits and veggies.  Overall this is a good start.  
• Keep bank fees under $50 for the year - I'm under but I'm already over half way through this budget ($26.08) in the first month alone!  Yikes!  I knew I was letting my quicken and bill paying slip.  I have enough automatic transactions in place to no longer get the dreaded late payment fee - but since the automatic payment does not necessarily cover the full balance sometimes (as it happened here) I get the finance charges.   I need to keep a better eye on this one.  Still good, but I've burned a lot of the workload already.
• Average $30 or less per week on Groceries - I'm well under this for January ($82.72) - mainly because of trying to eat from the pantry and freezer to clean out those areas before my trip so that nothing goes bad.  I expect the February number to be much higher because of the lack of a pantry for the rental - plus eating more prepared foods.  So I'm expecting this to even more out by the end of February.
• Average $400 or less per month on Household - This one is also well under (only $95.63), and again I think it's an impact from the Texas trip.  I was doing less shopping and trying to use up more from home as I prepared for the house to be empty for a month.   But since then I spent around $360 for lawn services for the year (prepaid to get a small 3% discount, but every dollar counts) so I can see how this category will have big swings in it from month to month.   
• Do not purchase soap before Nov 11 - I did purchase the planned exception for the after Christmas Bath and Body Works sale.  Other than that, nothing!  and I'm making use of some good soap I had been 'saving'.  Saving for what, I'm not sure.  But I'm glad I'm using it now.  It smells good and brightens my day.  

Overall a very good start to the year.  My world is thrown off by living and renting in Austin, TX for a month - I can see it affected, mainly in a good way, my January numbers.   I can only guess what it will do for my February numbers.

more on 2014 goals

Time to continue the annual resolution process.

Start with one of the most common and traditional goals - lose 14 pounds.  I was reading that you should limit this goal to 5% of your current weight.  This is slightly more, but I like having the goal be 14 in '14.  While I would love to lose a lot more, this is more realistic.    We are redesigning the Light Weigh group to start in January with on line meetings.  This group helped me before (but I regained weight when we stopped).   I've also restarted the running in the right way - I'm dong the Couch to 5K program with some friends through a facebook private group - this has helped keep me accountable and motivated.  I've signed up for the Ice Age Half Marathon again.   I'm optimistic and positive about this change.

Another common and traditional goal is financial based.  Overall my finances are in good shape - thanks mainly to delegating much of that to my financial planner.   But where I get sloppy is the more routine day to day stuff.   Last year I wasted about $175 on bank fees mainly on late payments - very frustrating for me.  I had the money.  There is little to no excuse for this waste.   So I'm setting the 2014 goal to be no more than $50 in bank fees.   I've added a 45 minute tasks every other week to my calendar to keep track of bills and updating quicken -- hopefully this will help to keep things in sync.   Also on my 2014 list is to get a new personal laptop.   The one I have is old and slow, and to be honest I know I would update my quicken more frequently if it wasn't such a hassle to work with that old laptop.

A third goal for myself is pay closer attention to my food usage.  I've been trying to eat healthier and cleaner - with less processed foods.   I also find I sometimes overbuy when its a good deal and then the stuff gets wasted.   I'm going to set a 2014 goal to spend $30 per week on groceries - this comes to about $130 per month (and note in 2013 I averaged $32.50 per week so this is not a big change) .   This is a bit hard to track and qualify because I don't break out my purchases - anything purchased at Aldi or Pick n Save is "grocery" and often those purchases include non grocery items - for example I just purchased 80 pounds of water softener salt with my last Aldi stop.    And anything purchased at Target type stores are Household, even if it includes grocery food type items.  Plus as I try to move even further from packaged food to more unprocessed foods it could have an impact on this number.   The ongoing resolution to eat cleaner is a higher priority than the grocery totals so this goal by go by the way side.  The goal's main focus is really to help stop me from overbuying and wasting foods. 

Last goal set up this one - spend $400 per month on Household.   The Household category is a bit of a catch all for me.  In 2013 I averaged $417 per month - so again this is not a huge change.  But in this category I also tend to over purchase, and with my on going goal to declutter the house - the year of use it and/or lose it - another tracking point will be to watch how much I'm spending on Household.  This number can greatly be influenced by the category selected - so I have to be careful that I'm not just reclassifying things out of the catch all category.   And up front I'm going to exclude a planned TV purchase.  The current one is about 12+ years old and is starting to go.   Normally a TV purchase would fit into the Household category - but I don't want that large purchase made once every 10 years, or so, to impact these numbers.

And don't forget the weirdest resolution ...  for the next year I will not purchase soap until Nov 11, 2014.

That should do it for me - so in summary:  this is the Year of Use It or (and) Lose It
and my goals are:

1. Lose 14 pounds
2. Keep bank fees under $50 for the year
3. Average $30 or less per week on Groceries
4. Average $400 or less per month on Household
5. Do not purchase soap before Nov 11

Those are the measurable goals.  I will (try) to post an update each month - that will help keep me accountable and also help me focus on the on-going numbers so that I can see when I stagnate and need more focus or need to change things up.  I have a google doc spreadsheet going to help me track this.

The unmeasurable goals are to live a healthier life - need to get back in shape for the hiking trip and general overall better health and to prepare the house for selling (declutter, organize and stage, and landscape).  This second goal is a long term goal - 3 to 8 years out.  But I do want to keep a focus on it and to have my annual goals help lead up to it.   By reducing my Household purchases this should reduce the amount of 'stuff' in the house, etc.

2014 - The Year of Use It or (and) Lose It

I wanted a theme for my 2014.  If your a regular reader, you know I considered The Year of Reduction but discarded it because I've used it before (and it really hasn't worked). 

I'm calling this year The Year of Use It or Lose It.   I've posted about needing to reduce the amount of clutter and excess that I have in the house.  And as in most year, I also have goals for weight lost - so the Lose It fits in nicely with that.

I'll post more when I have more time - right now I'm in the thick of organizing the Christmas stuff and making decisions on what I can part with.   But I've made up my mind for my year's theme and wanted to get it out to the world.

December Time for Myself Review

This post deserves more than its going to get for the last Time for Myself for 2013.   I will try to get a more meaningful wrap on this challenge, but its a crazy time at work and Christmas is closing in faster then ever so I can't get to it now.

So just the basics - its another stop in the Chicago Botanical Gardens.  This time for their Christmas Lights - which has been on my minor bucket list for at least 2 or 3 years and possibly longer than that.   It was nice - and if they were closer I would say do this every year.   Luckily for me I arrive shortly before dusk was begining to set in so I was able to do some walking around before it was dark, and still able to see the Christmas lights at the peak against the darkening sky.

But they are expensive ($25 to park, $12 to see the indoor Christmas trains) and it's a drive (80 miles?) and they only light up a small area.   Now the area they do light up is stunning.  Its worth a stop in if you are already in the area.  And while the parking is outrageous - they don't charge an entrance fee so if you can find someplace close by to park and walk then it worth it (did that in the summer). 

Wonderland Train- Cute

Outdoors in the Japanese Garden - bitterly cold that day

Snow falling captured in the spotlights

Gorgeous Tree

Laughing Selfie

Love, Love, Love that blue sky

Me, Wally and the mouse in my house

It made me happy to find this email.  I had sent it back in October of 2001 - just a couple of weeks after I had adopted Wally.  I went looking for this write up shortly after his death (in March of 2011) but it had been rolled off my yahoo email history.  I thought I had lost it forever.  I'm so glad I found it!

 Here’s a little sorry about me and Wally that you may enjoy…..  

 Sunday afternoon I was doing laundry and Wally kept trying to get between the washer and the wall. I couldn’t figure out what he was doing, in fact I thought he was just stupid because the ironing board was in the way and he would never fit. But right about then, a little mouse that he was trying to reach ran out and tried to get into the closet across from the washer. I screamed a high-pitched yell that even surprised myself. I wanted a chair to jump on and a broom to wave at the mouse. Since no chair was nearby, I instead jumped and high-stepped around, continuing to yell things like “you don’t belong here!!” and “Get out of my house!!” to the mouse. All of which did nothing but make the mouse run around more and scared Wally. The mouse quickly ran back under the washer, Wally kept a vigil watch and I went outside to plant bulbs in the garden – I did not want to be in the house. I stayed outside until I left to go to Don and Jane's for dinner.  

 After coming home from Emily’s b-day dinner I sat in the living room. The laundry was done but I had no desire to get near enough to take it out of the dryer. While I was sitting there and trying to get my courage up, I hear this “squeak, squeak” and in strolls Wally with the mouse in his mouth. I jumped up on the couch and Wally sat down right in front of me, keeping the mouse in his mouth the entire time. The mouse was still alive making squeaking noise and whipping its tail around Wally’s whiskers. I quickly yelled and jumped from the couch over the coffee table and beyond Wally, ran into my room and put on a pair of shoes. If I were to face this creature I need to have shoes, it would kill me to have it touch my toes. I ran back out, closing the bedroom door so it wouldn’t get in. Wally had guessed that I was yelling at him and let the mouse go, so we had the mouse running around the living room, and Wally and I chasing it, with me making the most noise, followed by the mouse and Wally getting into the spirit of things with several load meows.  

 The mouse hid under the couch. I tilted the couch and called for Wally to “Go get him!” and Wally ran under the couch and chased the mouse out. I ran into the kitchen and retrieved an empty butter tub to try to use to catch the mouse. So now you have me running around bent over with the butter tub near the floor, but jumping up and away as soon as I actually get near the mouse. I needed more space between me and the mouse, so I quickly searched the basement for a box, all the while Wally is chasing the mouse around the family room. I can hear the two of them running around and making noises as I frantically search for something to catch the mouse with because I was not going to touch it directly with any part of my body.  

 Just as I was coming up from the basement, Wally chased the mouse to the front door. I joined the two of them and slammed the shoebox upside down over the mouse and scooted it back so I could open the door and lifted the box so the mouse could run outside.  

 I picked up Wally to thank him and give him a little love. He was a happy boy and wanted to kitty kiss me but he had just had a mouse in his mouth and I had to push his face away. He had to settle for some kitty treats instead of a kiss, that will have to wait until he brushes his teeth!

I'm Blue ..... but in a good way

This color test has been going around Facebook.   My results are Blue - and they match up pretty well with my personality - but I'm also sure the write ups are like predictions from Astrology, Horoscopes, Tarot, Psychic Readings, etc --- all generic enough to fit any personality.

Here's the test if you want to take it yourself - http://www.quotev.com/quiz/1366538/What-is-Your-True-Color-Aura/

Your Aura is Blue!

Personality: Blue’s are very loyal and can be the truest friend any aura could hope to find. On the inside, blues tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that other auras depend on you, so you put on a strong front. They tend to live a quiet but enriching life. Blues are very giving of them and is hard to let go of relationships. They believe the key to living a good life is simple: Be as honest with yourselves and others as possible. They value the truth over everything else. Blue will remain loyal to those who are honest with them, even if their honesty hurts. Compared to most other auras, blues handle the truth very well. They take every event into stride. Blues are the calm spot in a sea of chaos. They think that the solution to most problems is open communication; they wish that people would be more real with each other. A Blue personality uses its five physical senses to access information. An emotionally driven personality, you need to be liked and accepted. It is one of the "needs" that can cause apprehension in your personality. You are a polite, cooperative person who seeks to create conflict-free surroundings. You possess highly developed powers of observation. Family is important to you and you sometimes find yourself in the role of being a caretaker. You are conservative, reliable and trustworthy - you are quite trusting of others although you are very wary in the beginning until you are sure of the other person. You are not impulsive- you always think before you speak and act and do everything at your own pace in your own time. You take time to process and share your feelings. You are genuine and sincere, and you take your responsibilities seriously. You have a deep need for peace and harmony in your everyday life. You appear to be confident and self-controlled, but may be hiding your vulnerable side. You are generally fairly even-tempered, unless your emotions take over - then you can become either moody and over-emotional, or cool and indifferent. You are sensitive to the needs of others. While you are friendly and sociable, you prefer the company of your own close group of friends. You are a rescuer and love to be needed. You can be rigid - you like to stick to what is familiar to you- you stubbornly do things your way even if there is a better way. Untidiness and unpredictability overwhelm you. You don't like to draw attention to yourself. While you don't like to have discord or conflict in your life, you are often the cause of conflict with others; you can be quite manipulative but in a very subtle way.
You make a loyal and faithful marriage partner and you are an honest, trustworthy and sincere friend. You are aware of others feelings and sensitive to the moods of others. You are approachable and friendly, always making people feel welcome in your life. You have a thirst for knowledge in order to gain wisdom and appear knowledgeable in whatever area interests you. You can be too cautious and worry about every little thing.
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Love Life: Relationships are your top priority, and this includes love. You are most happy when you are serious with someone.

Yellow: Too annoying to even take a liking to

Pink: You are very lucky if Pink even pays attention to you, their reputation may be in the way to start a relationship with them

Green: Another perfect match for blue! They have one of those personalities that make you want to be around them all the time.

Orange: They believe they are way too good for blues, which is not true at all!!

Purple: Without Blue there would not even be a purple, they are the best bet at finding your soul mate

White: Their studies get in the way from every flirtatious move you make to them

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Perfect Color Love Match: Red: Committed and Passionate they are definitely a good mate 
Friendship Color: When you and purple are together no one can stop you!
Color Opposite:Your color wheel opposite is Orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying

Words that Describe Blue: Emotional, Affected, Sensitive, Peaceful, Tranquil, Connected, Spiritual, Experimental, and Deep

 

Purpose of Life:Showing Love to Other People