Close Only Counts...

Well, I settled into my new office (read as not temporary - really mine - 7 days a week - even if I'm not there) just in time for all the holiday parties and then a week long holiday break.

Aside from the obvious joy that is happening from having my own space with office equipment, real working drawers...and the joy that comes from having a job with no "stated" expiration date...and the joy of having new co-workers that mostly seem to enjoy me and I mostly enjoy...there is an additional benefit.

My new office is directly across the hall from the fitness center. If I am sitting at my computer, I am looking in the direction of it's doors. This could benefit me greatly - in the past (pre-chaos and disorder) I would take my "break" in the fitness center. However, I really hated to be there if anyone else was around. Because I like to the gym with the lights off. And I have a mild intolerance for non-preferred music / bad radio. And I generally don't want to be "nice" when I'm torturing myself on a treadmill.

So now I have a front row seat to the vacancy of the fitness center. And I have a daily reminder that is literally staring me in the face. And if that is not enough- I have my scale at home that has been taunting me lately.

So here is the plan:

1. Try to fit in desk push-ups 2 (hopefully 3) times a week. It will be hard as I have office mateS and no walls dividing us. And I refuse to have witnesses.

2. Take break in fitness center 3-4 times per week.

3. In order to make #2 happen - I must take my workout bag to work - fully stocked with shoes, socks, optional t-shirt, and things to make me not smelly at the end.

4. Also, as general motivation - I will need to create a play list for the occasion - perfectly timed for my 15 minute express workout. Nothing worse than flipping songs / artists in the midst of my focus.

5. I shall recommit my relationship with my pedometer. I will track my progress (it has a 1 week memory) but I'd like to be able to see the progress.

6. Ugh. As much as I HATE, HATE, HATE the food journal - I've got to do something to keep the eating present in my mind. I did sign up for the Sparks People app - I may default to paper, b/c so far, I'm mostly annoyed by it's "preset menu". I'm looking for a tracking application - not so interested in them telling me what to eat. Suggestions welcomed (android apps only).

Have you set your goals? More important do you have a plan to get there?

You Had to See This One Coming!

Recap of 2009 -
I did lose some weight - not enough to "see" but it's a start.
I did make some progress on the decluttering home front - not nearly enough.
I did significantly reduce my soda consumption - mostly going to a soda free life style.

Looking forward to 2010 -
Santa did do some things to help me get on a jump start on my fitness goals.
I'm the proud new owner of the Reebok Easytone shoes. What I like best is that they don't look like a "special shoe" but they feel great. With the multi-inches of sludge that we are currently living in, I have been hesitant to use them out and about. But I look forward to seeing how they help.

Santa also brought this...for my son and I to use.


I like the price of this piece of equipment. It's pretty fun to use and when you are done it slides right under the couch / side table for storage. I'm sure that Santa was hoping that this would help get my son off the exercise ball long enough that I can possibly use it.

Based on my recent scientific discovery (see article Fact or Crap)- I'm adjusting my weight loss goal to be more in alignment with those suggestions. I'm giving myself 6 months (though I would be lying if I didn't say that I hope it will take less) to meet the goal.

I'm also planning to use The Perfect 10 Challenge to keep myself on track.


And with that comes some goals that must be put to paper:

1. Drink no more than one soda a week.
2. Do push ups 3 times a week (at my desk or at home).
3. Walk or hit the treadmill 2 times a week.
4. Restrict calories and keep the food journal to stay on track. (HUGE ICK! - but I know it works, so I'm submitting)
5. Limit number of boxes that contain food (ish) items (I'm shooting for no more than 5 on any shopping trip) in accordance with my "You Won't Find It In A Box" thoughts.


As part of this challenge - there are weekly updates (which will help me be a better blogger).

So ready or not - here we go...what are you doing differently this year? We all get the same number of days - let's make the most of them!