New Years and What Not....

So last year I have a slew of New Years Resolutions. I achieved some of my goals, while others, as my best friend would say are "a work in progress." I guess that is the way it goes.

So an overview of the goals that I did accomplish. I am very proud to say that I sit here debt free. Yep, the credit cards are paid off and most of them are GONE. What a huge monkey that was to get off my back!

While I didn't lose another twenty five pounds, I did manage to keep off the weight that I lost last year. I am happy to maintain and will continue to work on making healthier choices this year. I'm off to a bang up start - plain bagel with cream cheese. Can you hear the sarcasm? Oh well. Tomorrow is actually the first, right?

Some of my goals in retrospect seem lofty and well, from where I sit today still remain a work in progress. I don't do a gratitude walk, but I do reflect on those things that I am thankful for every night when I pray. I really do need to focus on being more thankful. Sometimes it is hard.

It was a difficult year. 2009 saw the end of my father's ongoing battle with Cancer - the last battle. Even though he lost the fight, he did it with grace, faith, and courage - in the end I know he won the war and is in a better place without Cancer now. All those things that I thought I was doing for him, I know now that I benefited so much more than he ever did. I hope that the things I did for him made his last days a little easier. I wish I could have seen him one more time, but I am happy to remember him as I do, instead of in a hospital bed.

I am glad to close the door on 2009. Bag it and tag it, put it on the shelf and move on. 2010 has to bring better things - for everyone.

Slacking

Lately I have really been struggling to focus on my goals. My vacation and even the time leading up to it, really have been lacking in purpose. I have been having trouble making it to the gym - even though I want to go and certainly know how important it is for me personally. I hate struggling and I hate when it feels like life is getting in the way.
This week for example, the children are home from School and that makes going to the gym almost impossible. I have to wait for my husband to get home from work, and lately that has been getting later and later. Last Thursday he wasn't home until almost 11 pm and he left at before 6 am. ( I think that the Government is definitely getting their monies worth out of the Navy...) At any rate, with those kind of hours, it is hard to find time to squeeze in the gym.
I would really love to get a Wii fit so that on the days that I can't make it to the gym I can still get a more comprehensive workout and get feedback on my performance. I am walking everyday - several times a day usually. Still, it just isn't enough.
My goal? Beginning next Sunday, really refocus on my health. Track what I eat. Go to the gym at least four times next week. I am going to get serious, make the time and STOP making excuses. Until then, I remained.... frustrated.

Holding Myself Accountable

I started off this year with a list of goals and a promise that I would blog at teh end of each month with how I am progressing. Blogging about my progress holds me accountable - it's admitting to myself in written form whether I am succeeding or failing. So, let's see how I am doing so far.

My goals with an update added:

So far, I have exercied at least three times a week at the gym and at least moderate exercise daily. So far so good....

I am making healthier choices, especially at snacktime and sometimes, I avoid the after dinner snack altogether. Yeah, another thumbs up for me!

I am down 1.5 pounds since new years.

It's been hard to do much outside, including my gratitude walk as the weather has been so bad. We have had very deep snow this year - the worst in the last two years in a row. Excuses I know, but these two are a thumbs down. I haven't been consistendt.

I wasn't able to pay off the intended card in January. Hopefully February will be better. I did make above the minimum payment on all cards.

I do tell my family that I love them everyday and I mean it! I also have been blogging at least once a week - so that is good. I'm enjoying my writing more so that's also a plus.

I joined Facebook and that is fun. It is making keeping in touch with my friends a little easier too!

I have published some stories online but nothing more concrete yet. I need to work harder.

I have been saving a portion of my pay every month - so far so good.


The Brothers Karamozov by dostoevsky

The Castle by Kafka

Sons and Lovers by DH Lawrence

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by McCullers

The French Lieutenants Woman by Fowles - COMPLETED

On the Road by Kerouac

From Here to Eternity by Jones

The Postman Always Rings Twice by Cain

Atonement by McEwan

Terrorist by Updike

Plus 82 more!

I also read the Shack, The Pagan Stone and The Scarlet Pimpernel. I am currently working on A Lion Among Men and thoroughly enjoying it!!


I did my end of month update as promised - so far - so good!