Week 8, 2016

Updated 2016 goals:
#1 Let go of fear, let go of feeling not good enough.
#2 Take better care of my body.
#3 300 days of yoga!
#4 Do more of what I love.

Week 4, 2016 - Home and Goal Update

I am home, still sad, but at some point I will no longer be the girl holding back  tears on the morning bus.
I have been working on my Let It Go mantra, which has acquired a Frozen hum along tune. I have not been successful in loosing weight, but the Flywheel classes and post class friend time have been good for the soul. Wednesday was my first top 10 class, and Friday I broke 250 (power). The stats and small improvements keep me motivated.
Added some vitamin D and yoga today. The pose I would like to master this year is dancer. I am also adding a goal of 300 days of yoga in 2016. Even just 15 minutes a day.
I'm out to make this a positive year. ♡

Week 1, 2016 - Doubts and Goals

I think I have reached the end of my tolerance for being away from David, and yet we have 12 more weeks to go. One Day at a Time.
So, what to leave behind in 2015, and what to carry on?
I would like to leave behind doubt. Guilt. That question of am I good enough? I don't need to be anything more than who I am. That is enough. There are always those better, and I will continue to make mistakes, be too casual, too excited, and say the wrong thing. But when that happens, I would like to work on letting the haunting doubt go. Just let it go.
In that same vein, I have vowed to be healthier and to take better care of myself for YEARS now. Perhaps I should put some work toward that. Stop trying to fill doubt, emptiness, and anxiety with food. Spend more time outside.
My goal for this year is to push outside of comfort zones. These should do. :)

2014 Goals in Review

I had quite a few goals for 2014, but unfortunately was not able to complete them all - I am trying to keep my list for 2015 short and so I don't run into the same difficulties.

2014:
▶ I am going to make (and use) a gratitude/art journal for 2014, I will post a monthly photo,  but my goal is to focus on the generosity of the world, the good things I tend to overlook.
I started this in an attempt to rediscover what makes me happy, to remember that I am bold, brave, and beautiful... I had lost a little bit of that along the way, but spent 12/2013 - 04/2014 really focusing on me.  Lol.... Yes, the start of 2014 was all about me, but the time really helped me to refocus on the parts of me that are good, the parts I like and am proud of.

▶ I am going to take swimming lessons.
I actually  took two sessions and really enjoyed them!  I would like to sign up for another class in the near future!

▶ I will visit another new country!
Though I had countless weekend adventures this year, I sadly did not earn another stamp in my passport!  I am changing that in 2015!

▶ I will have legitimate intitials after my name
Done!  I earned my CEBS designation in April, 2014.  I am going to try for two more designations in 2015.

▶ I will kayak lake union
I have this on my list every year, and I have yet to do this!

▶ I will put myself out there and run with a club
I hurt my foot pretty badly this year and have not run with a group yet.  I have run (frequently) with a friend from work though!

▶ I will try a new restaurant by myself
Lol... I shouldn't have added this as a goal, I do this all the time - I like new adventures!  :)

▶ I will take a cooking class 
This didn't happen, maybe a future year.

▶ I will host a dinner party
This didn't happen either.

▶ I will be kind but honest in my personal relationships,  including how I treat myself. 
I feel like I was really successful in this area, growing as a partner and as a manager.

▶ I will take a selfie once a month
I am not good at selfies!  Lol... I tried for a few months, but I am not excited about any of those pics!

▶ I will buy a new bike and ride to work
Done!

▶ I will run my first ultra!
Done! 

▶ I will work to make a new friend
I tried, but wow, this is another area that I am not good at!  :)

14 new things for 2014

 

Here is my main ambition for 2014:  be amazing.  To challenge myself and don't allow myself an out.  To be uncomfortable,  to learn, to grow.

So this year instead of weekly pictures,  I have picked 14 new things that I would like to try or accomplish in 2014 (also noted under the Life List tab):

▶ I am going to make (and use) a gratitude/art journal for 2014, I will post a monthly photo,  but my goal is to focus on the generosity of the world, the good things I tend to overlook.
▶ I am going to take swimming lessons... yep, I'll be honest,  I'm scared!
▶ I will visit another new country!
▶ I will have legitimate intitials after my name
▶ I will kayak lake union
▶ I will put myself out there and run with a club
▶ I will try a new restaurant by myself
▶ I will take a cooking class
▶ I will host a dinner party
▶ I will be kind but honest in my personal relationships,  including how I treat myself.
▶ I will take a selfie once a month
▶ I will buy a new bike and ride to work
▶ I will run my first ultra!
▶ I will work to make a new friend
 

What do you have planned for 2014?

Simple Goals for May

I set a few small goals for March, some I was sucessful with, some not. 
But I love the idea of goal setting, so here it goes for May:

Plan my Australia vacation
Continue sticking to the training plan for my marathon on June 22nd!
I have been told that I may be holding on to my weight for unhealthy reasons... think about that and focus on what I want long term when making food choices.
Drink a lemonade on the balcony.

Week 6

One of my goals for 2013 was to be thankful, I want to really appreciate all of the amazing things that I am going to get to do this year!
January taught me to be thankful for the weekends, time spent balancing life, basking in sunbeams during the work day, a nap on the couch in a sunbeam after a hard workout. 

Today I got to spend the afternoon with one of my girlfriends at a Chloe Neill book signing, the flower and garden show is coming up, more girl time, the start of marathon training, my next test, and in 43 days I will be headed to Ireland! 

I passed!

My life lately has been a series of 70 hour work weeks, studying for a required test, not really having time to eat (coffee!  Weight loss!), workout, or take care with myself.
But today, all of that work paid off, and I an so happy to report that I passed the 1st of 8 tests needed for my CEBS designation.  I really almost cried, I wanted to scream and shout (not at all appropriate in a silent testing center), and am still utterly amazed by that stamped and sealed page issuing congratulations.
It is amazing to me where this year has taken me.  So far away from where I thought I would be, but it isn't a bad place.
I feel like I have made it through the rough bit, at work the stage where yes we have given you the job, but have you lived up to criteria set forth in the offer letter to earn that raise?  And will you be able to accomplish a designation required in order to keep that fancy new job?
Today the answer is yes.

New job, long to-do list :)

My days are currently a series of lists.  Trying to learn a very big job, managing a department, something bigger, more important than I have ever done.  Previous applicable experience, yes.  But not in a situation that would actually impact someone's life if I fail.  Hotel management is not the same thing.  If your room reservation is lost or incorrect it is a small window of your life that will likely be effected.  Not the case with the current job, now we are talking about all of your retirement years.  I will learn, I can do the job, I care about it enough.
And I don't want to be the person I was while managing hotels, I want to work smarter.  I do not want to be at work all day every day. 
I will allow myself dedication to learning, but I have learned the value of life (outside of work).
Good thing international travel and vacation is encouraged.  Yes, I asked before accepting the offer.  :)
This list, perhaps not as happy as the last that I shared, but it ends well.  :)
review emails
pick up lulu pants
vote
ck for maintenance guy
pull and review third quarter calls
make processes for everything. and link to database
update phone list with data links
as of 11/01:
book exam
laptop?
hw training
train on call programs, pull calls and review fourth quarter
post ad for new rep
12/01:
Cross train
discuss workload shifting
movie tickets and popcorn for gifts
update Garmin so displaying correctly
Make lemon curd
Make 2012 video
2013 - make a weekly 'my everyday life' post for blog, pics and little happy things for 52 weeks
Register for the hot chocolate run (03/03/13) and the lake union 10k
Make marathon training plan, road id, hydration pack, make a shirt with my name and a quote 'do something that scares you'
change hotel reservations, book massage
Anchorage - botanical garden and market -www.anchoragemarkets.com
hike outside of homer
Buy Australia ticket, and australia race?

My 'to-do list' is making me happy

It goes like this....
Zion trip - pack toothpaste, snacks
October:
Apples, a pumpkin
Send halloween cards
10/30: 5 mile run, fremont coffee (seek out fancy coffee design for birthday treat), maybe Seattle Tilth for dinner? , chocolate anglefood cake with whipped cream and raspberry sauce
10/31: cafe, spa - body scrub and facial
Make cranberry sauce
Make lemon curd
Make 2012 video
Sign up for Anchorage marathon and buy airline tickets, road id
Buy australia ticket
Look for a destination race or yoga retreat for alone vacation
2013 - make a weekly 'my everyday life' post for blog, pics and little happy things for 52 weeks
....what is making you happy?  :)

Healthy goal setting

I follow ... well a lot of blogs on facebook, and recently added Nerd Fitness (what can I say, I really like the lego action figures!).  Todays post on building healthy habits hit home so I am checking in on my goals for the year.
My goals this year mainly revolve around getting healthy and FINALLY reaching a healthy weight.  But as the year has progressed I have found myself refocusing a bit -
I have mentioned my desire to lose another 40 pounds.  I have been making time for exercise and finding things I really WANT to do.  Not just talking about, doing!  Running (races are fun!), and hiking (Zion at the end of September!) top my list and I have been making time for one or both each weekend.  I have also been taking about 15 minutes or so each evening to do some sit-ups, push-ups, a few minutes to work on balance and flexability.
I want to be able to take a fancy hiking picture in wheel pose and in tree pose!  I want to work on my balance and flexability.
Something I am proud of, is that these goals really relate to what I want, what I think would be a cool accomplishment, these are not goals imposed by outside influences.  Well, the yoga poses while hiking started in Machu Picchu, so maybe Heather has a bit to do with those.  :)
I have also changed the name of my savings account to 'Christy's Travel the World Fund' and am seeing the the balance grow.  :)

Adding miles

With the half marathon looming I have been really good about getting in all of my long runs.  The short ones?  Not so much.  ...and that is a bit scary.  My distance pace isn't where I thought it was going to be, I was really hoping to be running 10 minute miles by now, but for anything over five miles I am doing closer to twelve or thirteen minutes per mile (well, I do a bit better when I am not getting lost in a very scenic neighborhood filled with dead end streets lol....). 
Next weekend is the Seattle's Best 15k.  Goal #1:  have fun, enjoy the scenery, be thankful when you finish.  Goal #2: finish in under two hours.  Goal #3: try to finish in under 1:45 (this is a stretch, but I really want to push myself and be proud of my time in the end).

2012 goals

(I am shocked that I can't find my 2011 list!  lol... so unlike me!  I will put together a list of my favorite 2011 moments soon)

Here is my little list for 2012, what is on yours?  :)

Be more open to trying new projects or ideas.
Be healthy, take care of my body, love and be proud of myself. 
Be budget conscious and work on saving.
Find some running buddies.
Kick butt at the races!  15K in 1:30, half marathon in 2:30!
Try making my own : Greek yogurt, Cheese, Sausage

My phrase for 2012:  I can do anything!

I did something kind of scary/exciting today…. I signed up for my first half marathon! Whoa! Seattle Rock and Roll Half (June 23rd) here I come!

more training sessions?

I have three more sessions: Wednesday, Friday and next Monday, then comes the question of if I should buy more? I’m leaning toward no… but it has been so nice having my workout planned for me, just being able to show up and do! Questions and doubts haven’t been encouraged for the last three months.

I like that, I like the ease, I’ve grown to love squats and lunges, things I never would have done before training. The reason I’m not committed? I have only lost 5 pounds in three months. Now don’t get me wrong, my body fat percentage has gone down, I have lost a couple inches, but I feel like at 200 pounds I need to focus on losing weight, not a gaining muscle.



Lately I have been feeling like I buy into every new diet every doctor and trainer throws at me, and none of them really work! I think I just need to get back to calorie counting and eating everything. I am coming to the conclusion that my weight isn’t due to any kind of intolerance, I have allergies, but only to preservatives and things of that nature - no problems if I eat clean and limit my calories.



So here ‘s the plan:

Buy the New rules for lifting, I have seen this used on several running blogs, I think it is worth a shot to get that same preplanned workout feeling without the expense of a trainer.

I need to work on holding *myself* accountable for workouts and runs. When I don’t feel well or have low energy those are the first things that go and I regret that.

Same thing with yoga - I need to join a class, gym yoga kind of sucks, I need to commit to a real class, I love it and feel like it will really help my running.

And on the running front - come up with a training plan and DO, no excuses!

Not the run I was hoping for

Full of problems and excuses, but I got my goal miles in for the week, that makes my happy.  :)

Goals for week of 11/14:
Mamagram on Monday,  do not freak out.
Run 6 miles for the week
Look into taking a cooking class.
Hang out with girlfriends on Saturday
Start working on thanksgiving cards and a pic to go in them.

November

Every November I kind of freak out a bit.... grouchy, bratty, I expect those close to me to just know what's up with me and not only deal, but be better, more social, more romantic, more supportive even while I have a bad attitude.  I by no means think this is a positive trait, I really don't think about my snarkiness until after - after the mammogram.  Ugh.  Wish I could skip the whole experience, or at least that it didn't freak me out so much, but no such luck. 
This year though.... I 'm trying to be more conscious, more thankful.  It is November.  :)
I can't say that I have been totally successful, but i'm trying to channel my worries into running - 2.5 miles yesterday, 1.5 today.

Goals for the week of 11/07:
Three trainer sessions
Run 5 miles broken up however
Clean eating all week
Be mindful of work and personal stress, work in more workouts if needed.

This weekend

You want to know what my list looks like for the weekend?
I am making:
Apple jelly
Granola
Turkey and spaghetti squash

And am going to:
Carve pumpkins (we have three - I'm thinking our initials, some leaves, and an owl on the third)
Run three miles - The 5K is not this weekend but next, I need to prove to myself that I can do it, even if I'm slow. :)

I've done my two trainer sessions,  and one trip to the gym this week (even did some HIIT training!)- I am also headed there after work tomorrow, so two out of three gym days I'm counting as done and tomorrow is only friday!  Yay for attainable goals!

Oh, and guess what!  I found a dress for birthday dinner!  I may also wear it to my company Christmas party, but it was fun to have a little birthday splurge!

Tuesday already!

Wishing the weekend were longer, and already it is Tuesday!   We had a blast at the pumpkin farm, and were a little crazy with the camera (me) lol...
This weekend I made New England Apple Butter (with maple sugar, bay and cloves) and am loving it paired with Trader Joe's fat free greek yogurt - yum!  I also made concord grape jam (labor intensive and super messy!)  Not sure if I will ever make that again, but I bet it will make good pb&j for hiking!  Lol....
Exciting news:  measurements yesterday with my trainer - I have lost 2% body fat in the last three weeks!  Maybe not a huge difference, but I am excited to see any kind of results!
Goals for the week of 10/17:
Two training sessions
Three gym sessions and try out some HIIT cardio
Try to sneak in a sauna (need some relaxation time!)
And pumpkin carving this weekend! :)

A race?

My morning started with push-ups, a four egg white omelet and two pieces of turkey bacon (from Trader Joes - great flavor, but a little too salty).
Sadly I have to report that the goal of three training sessions wont happen this week, but after meeting with the gym management today I am feeling pretty hopeful for Wednesday.  I stuck to the rest of my goals today though, and worked in a 2.5 mile run with what was left of my lunch hour.

Back at my desk I was CRAVING chocolate, I had to force myself to eat my lunch and not run out for sweets!  Lunch, snack, and a 'fun' handful of hot tamales - how did that candy sneak in!???!!!  I literally haven't eaten any candy in maybe two months?  That is an accomplishment in my workplace, so the guilt/disappointment out weighted the candy delight. :(
Anyway!  I think I am going to sign up for a 5k to do on my birthday!  This one actually:
http://www.runscared5k.com/
I have done one other 5k, but I was walking it with friends - this time it is just me, on my birthday!  I think I am going to register tomorrow!!!  :)
My goal for the race?  No walking!