Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Challenge Day 2- more relaxed

Sorry I didn't post last night. I was watching TBL and went straight to be afterwards. Yesterdays workout was 30 minutes on the stationary bike. I hate that thing but it does the job. On the food front I ate pretty well although I was over on my calories a little. Mostly because I had a second helping of brown rice as a snack later in the evening.

I will not be posting a long and positive review today as Aunt Flo just arrived and I am bloated and miserable. Hopefully that means I will be feeling great by the end of the week. We shall see.

Today is the Sansone walk and the lunchtime quickie workout. About an hour or so of exercise. I will try for a less bland post later tonight.

Melancholy Training,
Love Jenn

Monday, April 6, 2009

Challenge Day 1- Kicking Butt and Taking Names

I had an awesome workout this morning. I did 45 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of strength and I am exhausted, but I feel amazing right now. For cardio I went back to an old staple, Leslie Sanson. However I didn't just go through the motions, I kicked it into high gear and made that 3 miles count. Next week I will set foot back in the gym for the first time in a while. I am a bit nervous about it though which is why I am doing this week at home. For my strength training I took a page out of Fitness Mag. Well 3 pages actually! I did the ultimate lunchtime quickie workout on page 75 of the march issue. If you don't have the mag you can go here and print a copy or watch the video of the moves. I thought the workout was fun and challenging. It took me a while to do it because I am starting from scratch so I only did one set of everything. In a couple of weeks I will work in another set. Another great thing is that I can take this workout to the gym! It also worked a lot of the core muscles without doing crunches. Yay!

So far, my food has been good. I started the morning with some PB&J Oatmeal and am about to have some light soup and baby carrots for lunch. Ummm! So far today I have downed 1 of my 3 liters of water. 2 to go.

Well, I am off to get some cleaning done. I will call that my spontaneous exercise for today. I will check back in with you all later to let you know how the rest of the day goes.

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Making New Habits Stick

My new challenge starts tomorrow morning! I am excited and ready for the challenge! I will succeed! Positive thinking and positive energy and positive visualization will get me there. For those of you that are following along here is a recap of this quarters challenge:


1st 13-Week Challenge (04/06/09 - 07/05/09)

* 3900 Exercise Minutes (cardio and strength)=300 minutes per week=43 minutes per day

* On plan every day

* If it’s one flight, take the stairs

* Strength train 3 days a week


On plan means I:

* Eat within my calories (1,690)

* Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and/or vegetables

* Drink 3 liters of water

* Take multivitamin

I am determined to make some changes in my life and make my new habits stick. So I will also be gradually working my way into the Beck Diet Solution a few habits at a time. I will start with the exercise and motivation habits first then work my way into my eating habits. These are the habits that I will be working on for the next 3 weeks.

1. Motivating myself
a. read advantages deck
b. read response cards
2. Weigh myself once daily and record weight and change+/-
3. Get Moving
a. spontaneous exercise
b. planned exercise
4. Contact my dieting buddy (this blog and my blog peeps)

There are six more habits to incorporate in stage 1 of the plan but I will start with these. Once I am able to do all of them for 7 days without having to work too much to remember then I will start to incorporate more of them. I will post everyday on what habits I successfully followed and how I did. You can keep me accountable by coming back and reading my updates, commenting, and motivating me to continue. I will make my advantages deck and response cards tonight so that they will be ready for the morning.

So start sending all those positive vibes this way! Tomorrow morning I am going to be up with the sun! I will post and let you all know how I am doing. I may even let you in on some of the more personal, non- weight related goals as well. We shall see.

I know that I posted a lot today and hope that I didn't overwhelm you all.

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Welcome to My Brand New Day

Sometimes I just feel like starting all over from scratch. I am at a point in my life right now where everything is changing. I have a new job to look forward to. I started this new challenge to get in shape again. We started our business. I quit smoking. I am coming out of my shell and starting to talk to the people in my life again.

Life is good right now.

Do we have lots of money? No.

Have all of our problems been dealt with? Not by a long shot!

So why am I in such a mood? Why am I suddenly so happy?

Well, sometimes in life you just wake up one day and realize that you have been looking at things all wrong. I get so depressed about the things that are going wrong in my life that I forget about the things that are going right. For example: Lets say you have this wonderful apple orchard (I'm in Michigan people, just go with it) in your yard. It’s late summer and the fruit is practically falling off the trees. Yesterday I would have been annoyed about all the hard work and all the time I would have to spend picking them and the dollar value of the ones that fell to the ground would have occupied my mind till I grew bitter and gave up. Today however I choose to see the beautiful fruit, feel the sun on my face and the wind in my hair as I pick, smell the ones that have fallen to the ground and broken open to reveal their sweet fragrance.

I choose to feel blessed that I have an orchard rather than feeling bitter about the work.

Isn’t it amazing, the difference a day makes!

Some of you may be wondering why exactly did I start a new blog when I could have just overhauled the old one like I usually do? Well, honestly I wanted to get away from the url (fatgirlrunning) because for one thing, although I want to run, I am not currently running. Also I am trying to be more positive about myself so calling my blog fatgirlrunning just didn't feel right to me anymore. Finally there is the fact that although I want to spend time talking about my weight loss journey and health in general, I want to feel more free to just put my life on my blog. To speak my mind about any topic that tickles my fancy!

Later this week I will be moving all of my old posts over to this blog and next saturday I will be (un)permanently deleting fatgirlrunning a.k.a.getting fit and loving it. If you plan to continue to follow me be sure to update your readers and blogrolls.

Welcome to my Brand New Day!

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Friday, April 3, 2009

How I'm feeling today!

Check out this video. It is exactly how I am feeling right now.

Great friends!

Great family!

Great life!

So I'm going with it.

You never know what tomorrow will bring so enjoy every moment of today.

I love you all.
Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Thank God...



I finally got a job offer! I was beginning to think it would never come. Now the only hurdle I have is the background check. If everything looks ok then I will be starting on April 13th. I really hope this is not an April fools day prank!



I think I might cry!

On another note. My challenge starts next week on monday. I will not necessarily be eating as clean as I would like (mostly because we are broker than the bum that you just threw your coffee on) but at least the exercise can be done.

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Taking advantage of someone else's good idea!

I have been lurking over at Slim Spirited since the new year and love her 13 week challenges. It's such a great idea that I am going to join her. I am modifying the Challenges slightly but otherwise it's her plan. If you are not reading her, you should be.

So anyways I am 12 weeks behind her so I will start my first 13 week challenge on 04/06/09. More details to come.

3 13-Week Challenges


11,100 Total Exercise Minutes


1st 13-Week Challenge (04/06/09 - 07/05/09)
  • 3300 Exercise Minutes (cardio)=254 minutes per week=36 minutes per day
  • On plan every day
  • If it's one flight, take the stairs
2nd 13-Week Challenge (07/06/09 - 10/04/09)
  • 3900 Exercise Minutes (cardio and strength)=300 minutes per week=43 minutes per day
  • On plan every day
  • If it's one flight, take the stairs
  • Strength training 2 times a week
3rd 13-Week Challenge (10/05/09 - 01/03/09)
  • 3900 Exercise Minutes (cardio and strength)=300 minutes per week=43 minutes per day
  • On plan every day
  • If it's one flight, take the stairs
  • Strength training 3 times a week
On plan means I:
  • Eat within my calories (1,690)
  • Eat at least 3 servings of fruit and/or vegetables
  • Drink 3 liters of water
  • Take multivitamin
  • Consume no sugar, no white rice, no potato (except sweet), and no white flour (consuming the white stuff means 10 minutes walking my ButterBall per serving)

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Friday, February 27, 2009

My First Sewing Project! (Yes it's fitness related!)

I just finished my first sewing project. The only thing that I have used that sewing machine for before this was fixing seems on my pants. I was so excited that I took pics of most of the process. Which I am now going to share with all of you. I promise that this is fitness related.

I made heat/ice packs!


Simple beginnings. Plain cotton cut into the shape that I wanted for my packs. By the way, how coolio is my sewing machine?


I made two, one filled with rice for M-I-L Marj, and one filled with navy beans for M-I-L Mary. I just love those two.


Sewn and filled and ready for some pretty covers. (with a cameo appearance from my stool)


This cover is for Mary! It's so soft and pretty!


This one will be for Marj!


She loves wine! Or should I say, "She LOVES wine!!!!!!!!!" I thought this was perfect!


Blurry process shot.


Pretty pins. Pastel! I am such a girl!


Two great gifts for two wonderful people. These are so easy to make and they are great for athletes like my fav runner Mary. You can heat them up in the microwave or put them in the freezer for a cold pack! Plus you can make them in about any shape you want. I even made these removable covers so they could be easily washed. Want to try this yourself? Check out this site for some instructions.

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Wonderful George Carlin

I'm aware some stare at my hair.
In fact, to be fair,
Some really despair of my hair.
But I don't care,
Cause they're not aware,
Nor are they debonair.
In fact, they're just square.

They see hair down to there,
Say, "Beware" and go off on a tear!
I say, "No fair!"
A head that's bare is really nowhere.
So be like a bear, be fair with your hair!
Show it you care.
Wear it to there.
Or to there.
Or to there, if you dare!

My wife bought some hair at a fair, to use as a spare.
Did I care?
Au contraire!
Spare hair is fair!
In fact, hair can be rare.
Fred Astair got no hair,
Nor does a chair,
Nor a chocolate eclair,
And where is the hair on a pear?
Nowhere, mon frere!

So now that I've shared this affair of the hair,
I'm going to repair to my lair and use Nair, do you care?

(Beard Poem)

Here's my beard.
Ain't it wierd?
Don't be sceered,
Just a beard.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Finally getting to my tag from Glaven!

Here's how it's supposed to break down.

your 4 favorite memories from 2008
your 4 favorite movies watched in 2008
4 of your favorite foods in 2008
4 places you loved in 2008
4 events you loved in 2008
4 things you liked in 2008
4 things you are looking forward to in 2009
4 people you tag

Fav Memories:
1. My mom visiting from Oklahoma
2. The introduction of Butter into our lives
3. A very hectic but fun filled Christmas
4. 4th of July on the River Walk

Fav Movies:
1. Walle
2. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Imporium
3. The 10th Kingdom
4. Pan's Labyrinth

Fav Foods
1. Potatoes anyway
2. Steak
3. Lasagna
4. Ice Cream

Places I Loved
1. The Bay City Rail Trail
2. The River Walk
3. The Bay City Recreation Park
4. The Bay City Dog Park

Events I Loved
1. Starting the Billing Program at Ross
2. Graduating the Billing Program at Ross
3. 4th of July on the River Walk
4. My mom's birthday celebration when she came to visit

Things I Liked
1. My Brooks Addiction Running Shoes
2. My laptop
3. Butter
4. All of my books

Looking forward to
1. Checking off some of my goals
2. Getting a job in Billing
3. Getting our business up and running
4. Running

People I tagged
Everyone who reads my blog and has not already done this tag!

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Heading for the first goal marker!

Some of you may have noticed that I added the pounds that I have gained to my number goals tracker. Some of you may also have noticed that I am just .8 away from that first goal. I am so excited to finally be reaching one of my goals. It has taken me a about a month to get there but I can see the marker now. I am so excited to be this close to it. I have not decided how I am going to reward myself yet but I will think of something.

Anyone have some ideas for me?

I should make a rewards list to complement my goals list. Things that I can choose from for each milestone along the way.

I do so love reaching my goals!

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Friday, February 20, 2009

Celebrating 106 posts!

I meant to celebrate 100 but I have not been paying attention to my random posting and missed it completely.

Oh well. That's what you live with when you subject yourselves to my kind of crazy. So in celebration I will finally let you all in on the why's of my absence and what I am up to now.

Bullet point fashion:
  • Been terribly sick.
  • Still not totally better but at least I am not coughing up little green blobs all the darn time.
  • Worked out a little too hard and irritated an old knee injury.
  • Have not been to the gym since.
  • Need to get back to the gym as my weight is getting out of control.
  • One week post injury I weighed 313.8
  • This morning weighed 305.0
  • Thank Jebus for diet progress.
  • Reading the Complete Beck Diet for Life.
  • Makes a lot of sense.
  • Took on a lot of extra hours at work.
  • Started an at home business to bring in a little extra money.
  • Still looking for a billing job.
  • Not sleeping well, therefore staying in bed for way too many hours every night.
  • I have no life.
  • Please don't pity me
  • Or envy me for that matter.
So there you have it. The short explanation of my long absence.

Thanks for hanging in there and waiting for me to return.

Gotta go to work now.

Does this ever end?

Love Jenn

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Best Comment 4EVAH!!!!11!! (Thanks Glaven!!11!!)

Jenn needs ... to blog more often.

Where you been, sister?

Jenn needs wine that soothes the soul
Jenn needs a pagan festival
A brand new hot rod - hear it squeal!
O, just grow up, Jenn! Time to deal!
Jenn's true self might just be balking
But "Jenn" and "True Self" now ain't talking
Jenn needs, yes, more Godly buddies
To catch up on Theological Studies
Jenn: remember and recall
That Jenn needs Google most of all

Otherwise, how would Jenn know what Jenn Needs?

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Jenn Needs

I know I have not posted in a while. Life is getting away from me these days. Marcy and Xenia both did this non-tag-tag and it looked like fun so I did it too. Cause I'm a follower like that!

Google “[your name] needs” and type the first ten results.

My results for Jenn needs:
1. Theological Studies (always a big concern for me!)

2. to find a self righteous, conspicuous "I'm better than you" charitable position so she can keep charming the sheep into thinking she matters (It's like they are reading my mind!)

3. a good job and a vacation (Who doesn't these days?)

4. a new boyfriend (I most certainly do not!!!! The old one suits me just fine, thank you very much.)

5. To Grow up and Deal (Well maybe... but not yet!!!)

6. a hot rod...and a good insurance policy (Now your speaking my language)

7. My True Self (Scuse me but why would I want to talk to her? )

8. Healing thoughts and pagan festivals (Ummm...... OK moving on)

9. A VACATION!!!!!!!! (Wow... I guess I really do need one but there is no need to yell!)

10. a glass of wine (Now that sounds like the perfect place to end this post.)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Happy Birthday to Me!!


Yes, today is my 29th Birthday. One more year till 30! Yikes!

I know that I have been absent from the bloggosphere lately, but I have no excuse so all I can say is sorry. I have tones of stuff to tell you guys but it will have to wait till another day cause I am super busy and have to get ready for my hot date tonight. lol. I also have to finish my tag post from Glaven.

Just call me the procrastinator!

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

P.S. Thanks Marcy for the Face Book shout out! That totally made my day!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Dang it! I got tagged!... I'll get you for this Glaven!

I was tagged by Glaven today but since he isn't doing his post today, I don't think I will do mine either. So expect it for tomorrow, or possibly wednesday, or thursday. Whatever!

Here's how it's supposed to break down.

your 4 favorite memories from 2008
your 4 favorite movies watched in 2008
4 of your favorite foods in 2008
4 places you loved in 2008 (if the "love" gets past second base, include pictures)
4 events you loved in 2008 (ditto)
4 things you liked in 2008
4 things you are looking forward to in 2009
4 people you tag

On to other news, Butter is so much better! She has her energy back and is ready to play again. There has been no more bloody vomit or diarrhea, Thank God! She is eating well and has started on her normal food a bit. She is done with one of her meds so she only has three to take now. She was taking them really well but I think she is getting annoyed with the syringe. She tried to bite it yesterday and today she only licks it once then she walks away and I have to pick her up and force her to take it. Poor girl. I will be glad when wednesday gets here so we can stop with the meds and bland diet and just get her back to a regular schedule.

As for exercise, I am a little off course. I will get back on schedule. Butter is more important to me than the gym. Which is probably why I struggle so much. Everything and everyone are more important to me. There is a lesson there, I am sure of it.


Will Ferrell Cowbell - Funny bloopers R us

On another completely random note, What is up with the " More Cowbell" thing? I have seen it a few times and still don't see anything funny about it. I am normally amused fairly easily and can almost always find the humor in just about anything but I have never understood " More Cowbell"! I just don't get it.

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

UPDATE COMMENTARY ON COWBELL

Glaven's comment ended in "Are you kidding me!?! Are you freakin' KIDDING me!?!1!? Cowbell is the greatest SNL skit 4evah!!1!

Will Ferrel's gut should have won a best supporting actor Oscar, even thought Cowbell isn't a movie!

It's that good."

This does not explain the humor to me at all. However, to be fair, I should explain that I have not found SNL funny in a very long time. To me it just seems like they have lost the core of the show. I do believe that my last review of SNL went something like "What a huge steaming load of crap!" so maybe I will never understand the funny. Lets face it people, in my eye's the cast of SNL could never stand up to the humor of Mr. George Carlin. May he rest in peace!

And does that last comment ever speak volumes about me! I think that comment disqualifies me from having an opinion on just about everything that most people find funny.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So yesterday started out well. I went to the gym and met up with someone I knew from class. We worked out together and had a blast so we made plans to meet today for another workout! It is so fun to have someone to work out with you.

I came home and prepared for this mornings interview.

I spent some time familiarizing myself with my sewing machine.

Then Whit came home and we made dinner together.

After dinner we where sitting watching CSI when we heard a noise from behind my chair. Butter had vomited up a huge puddle of blood. We took her to the emergency vet immediately because she didn't stop at one pile of bloody, mucusy vomit. She kept going!

We were both pretty scared, we didn't know what was wrong with her! She has had some diarrhea lately as well and we wondered if that had been the beginning of something much worse.

When we got to the vet we discovered that she had blood coming out of both ends and was quite dehydrated. They ran some tests and decided that she has hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. (I am positive that I did not spell that right.) They wanted to keep her there for a couple of days but we just didn't have the money for that so we brought her home. I have to watch her at all times to make sure that she does not vomit blood anymore. If she does we have to take her back to the vet. She had a bloody stool this morning but otherwise seems to be stable. She is on a bunch of medications and a bland diet for the next 7 days. She is sleeping peacefully in the other chair right now. I pray that is a good sign.

We got home around 2 am and went straight to bed. I had to go to that interview this morning. I could not get around it. So I was forced to cage Butter and leave her for an hour or so.

The interview went really well. I will not be hearing from them for a couple of weeks but I am slightly hopeful. I think I did pretty well considering the lack of sleep and stress.

I am skipping the gym today. I may nap in the chair a little. I might even have ice cream. Today, the only important thing in the world is my Butterball. Everything else will just have to wait.

Love Jenn

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

It's been a good day!

I started out with a healthy breakfast of PB&J Oatmeal. So yummy! After that I hit the gym for some cardio and lowerbody work. I did 15 minutes on the bike and 15 on the treadmill. I was planning to do more treadmill but I wore myself out on the bike. My lower body workout went really well except that I think I need to add in something to work my ginormous booty. Nothing I am doing currently is working that oh so important spot.

This afternoon Whit and I ran some errands that where way behind schedule. I also purchased a learn to sew book and some necessary supplies at JoAnn's Fabrics. I can't wait to get started on my first project!

Well, that's it for me today. I am going to sign off now so that I can enjoy the Premiere of The Biggest Loser! I love this show! I will probably spend some of the show on the bike. Ugh!!

Have a great day!

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

UPDATE: I have a favorite already. I am so rooting for Tara! She is amazing. I can't wait to see how she does.

I am also going to sign up for the Pounds for Pounds challenge so that every pound that I lose will help to feed someone in need. Kind of ironic, isn't it!

Monday, January 5, 2009

The Good News and The Bad News

The bad news is that I skipped my training session at the gym today because I still don't feel good.

The good news is that I lost 3 lbs since the start of the challenge with Laura and Chia.

The bad news is that is only 1% of my body weight.

The good news is that I have an interview on Thursday.

The bad news is that I don't think my interview cloths fit me right now.

The good news is that I get paid tomorrow and can pick something up if I need to.

Short and bittersweet post today cause I don't feel like typing a better one. Please forgive me!?!

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Sick, tired, and bored... And you know what that means!

I didn't get to the gym today because I'm sick! Yuck! I hate being sick. I am so achy!

So since I was bored I watched a bunch of lame movies and revamped my blog template. You know me, I like to change things when I am bored.

I am concerned that this has put me even farther behind on Laura and Chia's challenge. I only have 2 more days to get some weight off. Yikes!

I really hope that I am feeling better tomorrow so that I can get back to the gym.

On the job front I am putting in apps online. I still have plenty more to do but I feel that I have gotten a good start on it.

Other than that, I don't have much to say. Hope ya'll are having a great weekend.

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Friday, January 2, 2009

Thumbing my nose at Authority... or Glaven... Whatever!

So yesterday as I was skimming the posts in my google reader I came across an interesting command from our good friend Glaven. Now I must admit to the extreme joy I get from reading his posts. They are often vulgar and derogatory but I just can't help loving every word.

Well in yesterdays post he issued this command:

1 No, I will not link to that first post. It is a stupid post, and pretty much says what every blog's first post tends to say — i.e., it is a stupid variation on the stupidly obvious point that "this is my first blog post". Do NOT seek this post out.

So obviously, being the nose thumber that I am, I had to read this first post. He was right about it's typical first post drivel. He even titled it "First Post"! I just had to leave a comment though to let him know that I had read it.

Sorry Glaven but telling me not to do something is a really good way of making sure that I will do exactly that! I like to thumb my nose at authority whenever possible. That's just the way I role.

Jenn

P.S. My first post was funnier! lol


This of course caused him to check my first post. And of course he had to comment.

Just how committed are you to thumbing your ursine nose at authority? Because I hereby COMMAND you not to leave comments on ALL my posts and NOT to tell ALL of your friends to read my blog and leave comments! I FORBID IT!!1!

That's a direct authoritarian order, Sister.

Ball's in your court now.


So my beloved blog friends. I think that this is a sure sign of someone in need of attention. It's a sad case really, but I must follow my instincts and ask each and every one of you to check him out if you are not already. Show him some of the love and attention that he is so obviously lacking.

Ball's in your court now.

Happy Training,
Love Jenn

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Welcoming the New Year!

Well 2008 is over and done. It has been a year of success and failure, but also a year of perseverance and patience.

In 2008 I not only started but also finished a Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration program. I struggle sometimes with sticking things out to the end so this was a great accomplishment for me.

In 2008 my mom came to visit and we welcomed our Butterball into our lives. We love her so much!

In 2008 I started this blog! I have met so many wonderful people through this blog and worked out many issues on the keypad of my computer.

In 2008 I started working on a healthier life. This one thing has not only been a success and a failure but is also where the perseverance and patience comes in. I have not met my goals for the year in this area, but I have continued to try. I did not give up! I just reevaluated and tried again and again and again.

In 2008 I firmed up my goals for 2009. I have tried a lot of different things and I know what I want to work on this year.


My goals for 2009!


1. Use the gym membership that I got for Christmas.
--I want to go at least 4 days a week, if not more. I am enjoying the feeling of a worked out body and I like having my plan of attack drawn out for me by a trainer.
2. Track my eating in a journal.
--I am convinced that this is the way to go for me since every time I did it this year it resulted in weight loss. I just have to keep it up.
3. Take a fitness class and make some friends.
--My gym is going to have a mixed martial arts class starting soon. I don't know if I am going to take that class or not but it would be fun to try. I also might want to look into a yoga or pilates class, or maybe even boot camp. I'll have to look around and let you know. I have realized that I need socialization in my life. I need friends! So much for my dream of becoming a hermit.
4. Learn to sew on my new sewing machine that I got for Christmas.
--I have been wanting to do this so bad. I was bitten by the crafting bug last year and can't wait to start working on this beautiful machine. Now I just have to find a book to teach me how!
5. Get my organized vibe back.
--I started getting organized last fall and loved how streamlined it made my life. Then the holiday chaos hit and my organization went the way of the hot pink pleather mini skirts of my youth. I want my organization back. And the mini skirts too. I could use them in a patchwork quilt!
6. Find a billing job.
--It's been slim pickin's in this area so far but I am redoubling my efforts and hope to have a job by the end of January. I am looking forward to working in an office and using the skills that I learned in school. I am also looking forward to having weekends and evenings off. That would be nice.
7. Have a crafty Christmas.
--I tried to have a crafty Christmas this time around but fell short by several people do to lack of planning. So this year I am starting planning this month. I want to be prepared by the time the holidays come around again. I am going to make a list of everyone and what I want to make them. Then I will divide it into 12 months and plug away at them over the year. This way I can really make something nice for everyone and I won't feel rushed to get something in December.
8. Spend more time with my old friends.
--I just got back from a week of spending time with my friends and family down state. I realized how much I missed them and how important they will always be in my life. My friends are as good as family to me. There was a time in my life when they where all that I had. I realized that the deep sea of depression that I have been wallowing in this year is partly because I was missing them so much. Spending just a few hours with each of them has renewed my spirit. I will definitly have to check in with them more often this year.
9. Get a ring from Whit and finally set a date.
--I want to be a wife. More specifically I want to be Whit's wife! I don't have a lot of control over this one but I really hope that this is the year that I become a fiancee at least.
10. Reevaluate every month and revamp my goals regularly.
--I discovered that I don't always pick the best goals and sometimes I simply cannot accomplish them or don't want to. So I want to have a built in message of flexibility and change this year. I will accomplish more goals if I have a clearer and more realistic aproach to them.

Well folks, there you have it. My goals for the year, all listed and outlined for your viewing pleasure.

As for the challenge with Chia and Laura, I totally forgot to weigh myself at the gym yesterday but that's probably a good thing since I am sure that I am way behind. Traveling and eating healthy don't always mix well. I have a couple of days left to fix it, however I totally expect to be the one posting my most embarassing moment for all to see next week. Oh well. At least I will feel purged of that particular demon.

Happy New Year! and...

Happy Training,
Love Jenn