Monthly Archives: January 2012
Mid-January Resolution Report
So we’re about three-quarters of the way through January and I’m making progress with my monthly resolution for weight loss, eating healthier, and adding exercise to my daily routine. Is it still true that two out of three ain’t bad?
I’ve been trying to follow a low carb-type diet. Giving up bread and pasta has been fairly easy. I do, however, miss the easy bowl of cereal for dinner! I’ve been good at packing my lunch. I’ve been out socially for the past two weekends and have limited myself to diet coke only (and I’ve still had a good time!). I’ve drastically cut back on making any type of “processed” foods. I have, however, also allowed myself one day per week to “cheat” per se. This has been beneficial as I’ve been able to eat something I’ve been craving, but I have not gone completely overboard. (Yay, Me!)
So far, my reward for watching my food intake has been a loss of four pounds. Again, this time around, I forgot to weigh myself on the first day. (I hope I’ll learn sooner rather than later.) While I’m anxious for the pounds to drop off, I know it will take some time, and a little more effort in the exercise arena. I used a Christmas gift card to buy a kettle bell weight set. My next goal is to pop in the DVD and actually work out! Baby steps, right?
Thankful
I hate hearing stories on the news about domestic violence cases, especially ones that involve young women.
What happened to Karissa Kunco could have happened to me.
At the young age of 20, I became involved with, moved in with, and eventually engaged to a man who was not right for me. He lived across the country road from my grandmother. I had been infatuated with him since my younger teenage years, and we reacquainted after I wrecked my mom’s car and needed auto body work. My sister had recommended him to do the job, and my only “charge” for the work was a date with him. As the relationship evolved, I learned just how addicted to alcohol and cocaine he was. He was frequently jealous and it was a volatile relationship. I thought I could change him.
I packed up and moved out numerous times, a few times with just the clothes on my back. Unfortunately, my moves were across the street to my grandmother’s which was not far enough away from him. Break-ups were always followed by apologies and empty promises. I was young and inexperienced and didn’t know how to break the cycle. There’s more to the story that I’m not comfortable sharing here, but in August 1988, my life changed. I cooperated in the investigation and prepared to testify in front of a judge. In the end, he accepted the plea that was offered and went to jail. I was left to rebuild my life.
I was a fortunate one. I was able to get away. Unfortunately, not without experiencing some violence and trauma myself, but I was able to break free. Sadly, Karissa Kunco was not. My heart breaks for her family.
Hopefully, my experience has taught me the skills to educate my own daughter and to watch for any signs of a controlling or volatile relationship. Having been there, I hope to recognize the signs and be able to share my story with her. If I’m lucky, it will continue to be my secret.
A YEAR OF RESOLUTIONS – January
In years past, I have joined the masses and come up with a list of resolutions that I typically forget about by mid-month. The resolutions usually revolve around weight loss and financial health with ideas of eating healthier, exercising, and getting back on my feet financially. I saw a tweet from someone (can’t remember who) who mentioned that they were doing one resolution per month, and I thought to myself, this is a great idea! Rather than make that laundry list of resolutions that I’ll end up ignoring, I’m make one resolution per month, starting in January.
January’s resolution will still revolve around weight loss, eating healthier, and adding exercise to my daily routine. With The Rock Boat not setting sail until March, I have two months to whip myself into some type of “boat shape.” I’ve been very sloppy with my diet over the past six months and have not been as active as previous years. Since I have previously had success with a low carb diet, I am going to try this method again. I’m only a week in, but I seem to be doing okay, and have lost at least 3.5 lbs to date (I forgot to weigh myself on Day 1). Cutting the carbs from my diet has not been a huge sacrifice, however, my sweet tooth still craves a bite of something after lunch and dinner every day. I’ll be hitting the internet to find some low-carb friendly dessert options to get me through the next two months.
Also starting soon will be some type of exercise program. Due to the holidays and my work schedule, I have been absent from my twice a week yoga practices. I resolve to get back into the practice of attending these free classes on my lunch break during the work week. I have also returned to the weekend pick-up game of Ultimate Frisbee. Running around for an hour should help shed some pounds! In addition to yoga and ultimate frisbee, I am also going to try to throw in some work outs with weights and/or my exercise ball. It’s time to get rid of this belly pooch and the bat wing arms that I have, as well as help me feel and look better!
So there’s my plan for January! While I’m walking around the neighborhood listening to the tunes on my phone, I’ll need to think of a resolution for February.
So how are you coming along on your list?
Happy New Year 2012
I had grand intentions to write a “year in review” and “year ahead” post, but enjoyed the holiday break instead.
My sister recently posted this to her Facebook profile. I liked the message, so I borrowed it to share here. It’s a great first step looking ahead for the New Year!
Note to self:
A brand-new year… to live; to believe; to give; to receive; to fall in love; to share a smile; to walk an inch; to run a mile; to dive into sunsets; to forgive; to forget; to love where you’re going; to embrace where you’ve been; to take a deep breath, close your eyes… and begin. May the new year be filled with love, adventure, and dreams come true.
Motivation for 2012!
[image credit: http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-happy-new-year-2012-image17661057%5D
The Bitch Desk 