Goals Update: June

Tomorrow starts my birthday month - Yippee!!

1. GET REGULAR EXERCISE/COMMIT TO THE GYM - I have been feeling really good about this.  With the exception of a week or two when I could only make it twice, I've been consistently going to the gym three times a week.  I feel good about it and I've been feeling a lot better about my body - which was what I wanted to achieve.  I'm still trying to get over to the beach yoga classes I signed up for, but the weather hasn't been cooperating.

2. DEVELOP THAT CAREER PATH - Well, as I mentioned - I passed my CAE exam.... I'm super excited about this.  This is a HUGE step for my career.  And hopefully I will have a job lined up here in the next week.  I'm making progress... but steps here.  

3. BE MORE WILLING TO BE SPUR OF THE MOMENT -  Trying.  My lack of a schedule right now allows me to be sort of spur of the moment at all times.  So it's hard to practice this right now. 

Goals Update: April

How is April over already?  This seemed like both the longest month ever and yet the shortest. Blame it on the boot and no job.  I really miss working.

1. GET REGULAR EXERCISE/COMMIT TO THE GYM - Obviously not since I was in the boot the entire month.  I'm looking forward to getting back into it in the next couple of weeks.

2. DEVELOP THAT CAREER PATH - I take my CAE exam on Friday.  I'm super stressed and nervous about it.  I really want to pass.  I took a couple practice exams in the last couple of weeks and I was just under the passing rate.  LOTS of feedback from my other study mates that took the test in December said they were the same way and they ended up passing.  So I'm trying to stay positive.  I also had an interview yesterday, so hopefully I can get a job soon.  I really need to get back to working.  There are some advantages to being home all day, but I really miss interacting with people and feeling like a productive human being in society.

3. BE MORE WILLING TO BE SPUR OF THE MOMENT -  Well.... I would like to say I'm trying to do this, but I've been struggling being at home in the boot and without much money.  I'm trying to plan some things in the summer to get excited about.


I also should note that I haven't really updated much about dating - because nothing is really happening.  I've had a couple text conversations over the last month with Guy #2 but it's not going anywhere.  That has been the most frustrating thing - so I'm just trying to move on.  Hopefully getting out of the boot and trying to get some other things going in my life will help spur some dating.

Goals Update: March

Shame on me for not getting this done.  I had no excuse.  Other than sitting around doing nothing post surgery.

1. GET REGULAR EXERCISE/COMMIT TO THE GYM - Oh, I was excellent at this for the two weeks right before I had surgery.  I had a great routine going.  I would wake up, walk Samson, and then wander over to the gym for about an hour.  I was home well before 11am and still had most of the day to get anything else done that I needed to do.  Then I had surgery.  At my check up last Monday, my doctor told me that it would be about a month until I could get back to the gym - but I think it will be sooner than that.  I have my next check up on Thursday, so hopefully I will be finishing up recovery soon.  I would really like to get back on the gym routine.  When I was going, I stepped on the scale at the gym (those scales are the worst!  Second only to the doctor's office.)  But I had lost about 10 lbs since I weighed myself last - so that was encouraging.  I have been trying hard to watch what I am eating during this time when I cannot get to the gym and have started doing some crunches and stuff that I can in my apartment.

2. DEVELOP THAT CAREER PATH - Well, I am slated to that the CAE certification exam on May 2nd.  Which means, I really have to push the studying for the next three weeks.  I have my flashcards done.  I've reviewed the chapters from one of the books and I hope to really get focused in the next few weeks.  This has been really tough for me because I have been unmotivated to study.  Even though I REALLY want to pass the exam and I know how important it can be for my career path.  Job wise - I've had a couple preliminary phone interviews and one email about a great opportunity.  Unfortunately, that opportunity won't even start interviewing until June/July.  So we'll see.  Every couple of days I job search.

3. BE MORE WILLING TO BE SPUR OF THE MOMENT -  Kind of hard to do without a job and since my surgery.  Nothing really more I can say to that.

Goals Update: February

On this week - the week when I seriously think God is messing around with me (he has quite a sense of humor), I have to update on my goals.  I'm going to try my hardest to keep what happened this week from completely derailing me on this.  Good luck, right?

1. GET REGULAR EXERCISE/COMMIT TO THE GYM - This did not happen.  I intended to and failed miserably.  No excuses, I just didn't do it. Given my new found situation in March, I was planning on using my free time to really hit the gym hard.  Then, yesterday, something else came up and that might not happen.  I'm writing a separate post about it.

2. DEVELOP THAT CAREER PATH - With approximately 10 days left in February, I received notice that I was eligible to sit for the CAE exam in early May.  This was EXACTLY what I was working towards to really push my career forward.  So, I'm trying to focus on the positives with this and not dwell on my impending unemployment.

3. BE MORE WILLING TO BE SPUR OF THE MOMENT -  Sort of, I guess.  I think this is going to be hard to measure every month, because sometimes I don't get the opportunity to even act spur of the moment.  

Goals Update: January

It's time to get down to business - again.

Traveling twice this morning really put my schedule out of whack... and I hate not being on a schedule!  So let's get right into the 2014 goals.

1. GET REGULAR EXERCISE/COMMIT TO THE GYM - Um started.... with plans to get better.  I finally got a three day workout from Lauren and have gone to try out the first two days.  With travel and already made plans, I did my best.  My goal is to start next week (that first week of February) with a regular 3 day schedule.  Then, I would like to find a class or two to add in each week.  It's been a slow start, but I feel guilty about it - so there's hope it will actually happen.

2. DEVELOP THAT CAREER PATH - Well on my way.  I signed up for the remaining classes I needed to get my 100 credits to apply for the CAE exam in May.  Which means now I better start studying!  Also, my mentor invited me to a Executive Forum as her "rising star" and my resume is being circulated.  This is a really good start.

3. BE MORE WILLING TO BE SPUR OF THE MOMENT -  haha,  um.  Well, I haven't had too many opportunities this month because of things already being booked and travel for work.  We'll see how February goes.

2014 Goals

Am I the only one that really looks forward to the end of one year and the start of the next?  I just tend to get really bored and enjoy that "fresh start" feeling.  This year I felt especially anxious for some reason.  So, yay 2014.

2014 Goals:

1. GET REGULAR EXERCISE/COMMIT TO THE GYM - This is priority #1 for next year.  I HAVE to be committed to getting into shape.  No excuses.  As I said in my December goals, I have a feeling that I may have to find a way to go to the gym in the morning - which is really going to suck.  But it might just have the happen.

2. DEVELOP THAT CAREER PATH - I think I have now determined where I see myself in the next 10 years... so now it's getting me onto that path.  I also NEED to take the test for the CAE certification in 2014, hopefully in May.

3. BE MORE WILLING TO BE SPUR OF THE MOMENT -  Let's call this one priority #2.  I think to make time for my social life and I need to work on being more flexible to do things spur of the moment.  This is not something that I am traditionally very good at.  I tend to schedule my time and really prefer/enjoy my down days when I just get to crash at home with Samson.  So I want to work on this.

Goals Update: December

YAY, these goals are over with.  They really dragged on for me this year.  Boo.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - I did one!  #Winning

2. GET IN SHAPE - hahahahahaha.....  oh sorry.  No, negative.  Let's just say, this is becoming one of three goals for next year.  With major emphasis.  I am a little worried that I am going to have to give up more sleep during the week and get up at 4:30 to go to the gym before walking Samson and going to work.

3. EAT BETTER -  This one got boring fast.  I don't eat that bad on a regular basis.  So this one seems stupid now that I look at it.

BRING ON THE 2014 GOALS!

Goals Update: November

I don't think I realized before this year, but by the time it hits October/November, I'm so ready for the year to be over.  At least when it comes to these goals.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - I did not do anything.  For some reason, November blew by in a complete blur.  I don't remember accomplishing much - probably because I spent the first half of the month freaking myself out about work.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Thank God for volleyball because otherwise, I would be solely relying on walking Samson.  Getting in shape is going to be my ONLY goal of 2014.  I'm going to do my best to get to the gym in the next 6 weeks to hit the ground running in January.

3. EAT BETTER -  Eh.  I eat what I eat.  Lots of veggies.  The holiday season is always tough because of all the goodies and the hearty food.



Can you tell I am losing interest in this?  :)  See you for the final follow up in December.

Goals Update: October

Not going to lie, I'm kind of over these goals.... just like I am starting to feel about blogging in general.  Maybe I just need to readjust my priorities and that will get me interested in writing again.

In any case, I only have a few more months to update on the goals, so I'm committed.  I can at least follow through with this.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - I did TWO!  SUCCESS!!!  This one and this one.  So yay!

2. GET IN SHAPE - Well, at least volleyball started again so I am doing something on Thursdays.  I tried to get to the gym when I can, but with class on Tuesdays and volleyball on Thursdays, I have only a few days a week to go and I can always find other things to do.  I am debating cancelling my membership.  I joined to have a way to train for the half marathon in the winter and also because of the classes.  And I have never gotten to  a class.  I'm going to try to focus on the next two months on picking classes and going when I can before making a decision to quit the gym or not.

3. EAT BETTER -  My eating has been sporadic at best.  Many times, especially at home at night, I feel almost vegetarian.  I have a giant plate of veggies for dinner and salads during the day for lunch.  Of course, some chicken or fish or an occasion piece of red meat always tastes delicious, but I tend to crave something simple and veggie-centric for dinner.  Halloween candy has not been helping curb my sweet tooth, which is really what I am focusing on - addressing that issue.

Goals Update: September

I think this may be the first time I am really, really looking forward to fall and fall weather.  Not sure why particularly this year as opposed to other years.  So the fact that tomorrow will be October is totally crazy.  It's officially the downhill slide to the holidays (yippee!!).

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - Well, September was really the month of accomplishing things off my 101 list.  Five in total - this one, this one, this one, this one, and this one.  It was a busy month.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Hahaha... I hope my gym was happy to receive their free money this month since I didn't step foot in the gym at all in September.  I plan to get back into a routine in October.

3. EAT BETTER -  Better.  I'm not sure if vacation hurt or helped.  I am definitely eating smaller portions and some of that is due to the little snacking, lighter meals while on vacation.  Hurt maybe because I didn't eat the best food while we were gone.  Delicious, yes.  Healthy, maybe not so much.  I'm back to the regularly scheduled program this week.

I have to admit, it will be nice to not have to travel as much the rest of the year.  One quick overnight trip in October and a 3-day trip in November and that's it for work travel for the rest of 2013.  

Goals Update: August

I'm not going to lie... this summer has been fun.  And it's been going by really quickly.  I feel like I say that every month, but it's really true.  And I know the month of September is not going to be any slower.  Slower because I have a lot of fun stuff going on in September that I really want to enjoy.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - Just one this month.  Also, I noticed that I have not been posting as much this year as I have in previous years (side note).  I'm going to try to be better at that.  In any case, I will be completing several things on my list in the month of September.  I'm really looking forward to it.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Based on my letter to myself from earlier this month, this is not happening.  No excuses (because I have been making several for myself).  This needs to happen.

3. EAT BETTER -  This is about the same as usual.  Lots of veggies.  A little better portion control.  I need to make a better effort to pre-plan and prepare meals in advance - especially for lunch.  Also, I need to be better at curbing my cravings, specifically my sweet tooth.

Goals Update: July

I don't know what happened, but July went by so quickly, that I didn't realize I didn't post an update until August 2nd.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - I did this one and this one (almost forgot about the second).  I know a few more will be accomplished in the next couple of months.  Also, in looking through the list, there are some I'm just not interested in accomplishing anymore.  I guess that can happen when you write a list almost two years ago.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Fail.  Totally fail.  I need to get back into this ASAP.

3. EAT BETTER -  Well, I did that cleanse which was interesting (to say the least).  I have been eating pretty well (with exception to my trip to NYC).  The great bonus to the cleanse is that I seem to eat smaller portions before I get full.  I'm hoping I can contain that and not get back to where I was before.

Goals Update: June

Next Monday is July 1st.... you know what that means....  It's birthday month!!!  Also, where the heck did June go?  Guess that's what happens when you are out of town for three weekends during the month.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - I did two... YES!  This one and this one.  Hopefully I can keep up this streak into July.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Well, I completed my half marathon, does that count?  After the half marathon, I was tired and struggled to get back into it.  That's going to change this weekend and moving forward.

3. EAT BETTER -  Sort of better.  It's streaking.  I'm going to try a cleanse in July so that's good.  But my birthday and a trip to NYC might make it harder.  I feel better knowing that for the most part (minus my sweet tooth) I eat mainly veggies anyways.  Go me, right?

On a side note, with June over, that is one month of my summer hours at work that I have failed to take advantage of.  I HAVE to be better about it in July and August.

Goals Update: May

Wow, I just missed that end of month update.  Before I blinked, it was June.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - Not even close.  In fact, I took a look at this list a few times this month and lost interest in achieving some of them.  A good portion of them were based on my intention to go to Europe this year, but that's not happening.  We'll see how this is going to progress this summer.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Not bad.  Now that my half marathon is in 2 weeks, I have to start thinking about my new game plan.  I think I am going to make a schedule of what nights I will attend classes at my gym, when I am going to run and days off.  I would like to still do pilates once a week, but we'll see how my finances are this month.

3. EAT BETTER -  Traveling makes this hard, but thankfully, the warmer weather gives me a lighter appetite.  This hasn't been terrible, but not great.  BBQs, cookouts and baseball games are going to make this difficult for me this summer.

Sorry this is a pretty quick update.  I feel like these goals have taken a back seat right now.  I'm hoping to be able to refocus myself this summer.

Goals Update: April

I feel like I accomplished nothing in April related to my goals... ESPECIALLY in the 101 list.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - Yeah, this did not happen.  There are a couple of things that are in the works (like cards for people's birthdays) that just aren't happening.  Maybe this summer I should schedule some to finish.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Pretty good!  Haven't weighed or measured anything, but I feel good.  Running training has gone well.  This past weekend, Sprangers and I ran 9 miles and I ran it in my fastest time - 10:40/mile.  I felt good until mile 7 and then it became hard.  My legs started to feel like dead weight.  That being said, I'm feeling really good about finishing the actual 13 miles without much walking.  If I can keep up this training, I will be on good track.  I've also been going to the gym 3 times a week and taking pilates classes.  

3. EAT BETTER -  Decent this month.  I have made a couple of recipes out of the Raw Diet book, like a delicious salad dressing.  I noticed that when I do follow their recommended eating habits, I don't feel tired in the afternoon and have more energy.  My weakness is sweets.  I have to get better control over that.

Goals Update: March

How is it possibly the end of March already?  I still feel like I'm trying to recover from the Christmas that practically didn't happen.

I think all the traveling and scheduled activities I have had so far this year has been a big reason that this year is starting to go by so quickly.

Here's hope things slow down by the summer because I'm really looking forward to the summer.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - I'm starting to reach the point where the items on my list require some serious time investment (learn Italian) or traveling (NYC, Paris, etc.) or require an investment of money (helicopter ride).  Because of that, things are slowing down for me a bit.  I'm doing some pre-planning, I've realized that some things might not be attained, but you know what, that's okay.  I've accomplished a lot and it's allowed me to have some focus and also some fun.

2. GET IN SHAPE - So far, so good.  I'm in full swing with my running training and signed up for a few pilates classes at the gym.  Once I'm done with this spring traveling (late April), I would like to try to go to some of the classes offered at my gym and get some consistent lifting in.

3. EAT BETTER -  Lately I have been feeling sluggish and tired and frustrated that my body isn't changing from the running like I remember it happening last time.  I pulled up this book I got as a recommendation a few years ago called the Raw Food Detox Diet.  It's not really a diet so much as it is good training on how to pair types of food and what to eat to make your body be efficient with how it breaks food down.  For example, did you know that your body has a really hard time breaking down starches and flesh (meat) at the same time.  So really, those meat and potato meals take your body a REALLY long time to digest.  Anyways, I figured rereading this book and the practices would help me feel better overall.

Goals Update: February

Sorry this is late.  Usually, I pre-write my goals update if I am going to be gone/busy at the end of the month.  This time I just wasn't prepared.

So here it is!

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - Done.  Barely, but done.  You can read about them HERE and HERE.  I feel like I may need to print off the list and carry it around with me.  Or else, pre-plan which things I would like to accomplish on my list each month.  We'll see.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Started at least.  I joined a gym, so that's awesome.  And I started my half marathon training.  I missed week one because of being sick, but now I'm back on track.  I'm into week 3 now.  The best part about it, the combination of the the running training and the incentive to visit the gym 36 times in the next 90 days to get my $180 enrollment fee back is awesome!

3. EAT BETTER -  Aside from my recent trip to New Orleans where I am not sure they know what veggies are - I have been eating pretty well.  I am still interesting in exploring a bit more, but for now and how busy I am, this is good.

Goals Update: January

Where did January go?

Not that I can say I'm not a little bit happy.  January was a big post-holidays bummer of a month for me.  I couldn't get my act in gear for my goals and it just generally sucked.



1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - I cheated a bit with this.  I actually posted things that I had previously done, HERE, HERE and HERE.  Since this is really the only goal that I actually processed on this month, I'm going to take it.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Not. a. chance.  And I don't really have any excuse for it.  I was just lazy.  I'm going to start this week doing my Jillian Michael's workouts and then my running training starts.  I. have. to. do. this.

3. EAT BETTER -  Sort of.  I don't think I really eat bad in the first place.  My goal was to try to plan out more meals in advance instead of relying on the easy go-to favorites.  This prompted making my own pizzas (which is now a nice alternative - though is more carbs than I usually eat).  I'm trying to be better about portions as well, since that is a big part of my problem.  I give this one a half effort for the month.

2013 Goals - The rewrite

So after a most positive review of my annual physical from my doctor, and just overall recently feeling pretty crappy.... I am revising my goals for 2013.

I figure this is fair since I still have over a week left before 2013 begins and since we are all still around (thank you Mayans)... well, famous words of Lesley Gore, "It's my blog and I'll do what I want to" (okay, not really but you get it.)

2013 Goals:

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - If I am going to make my March 2014 deadline, I gotta get trucking on this one.  I set up a measurement for this one as well... because goals are better with measurements.  (I have known this from work for years, but that doesn't mean I care to employ it in my personal life) :)

2. GET IN SHAPE - This one is a no brainer.  I have to get my butt in gear.  I have a family wedding in May, a half marathon in June and the general desire to tone up and shed the 15-20 extra lbs I am carrying around.  So let's do this!

3. EAT BETTER -  I feel like while my eating habits are pretty decent (above average), they could be better.  I would like to do a better job of planning out my meals ahead of time and adding more variety.  Eating yogurt for breakfast and a salad for lunch every day becomes REALLY boring and that's when I end up running out for Jimmy John's or something instead.  Anyone have any good suggestions??  

2013 Goals

The goals has been working for me these last two years, so I am going to stick with that theme in 2013.

As always, I'll be updating the Goals page on the blog so that it shows 2013, 2012 and 2011.  You can still track the progress there.

2013 Goals:

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - If I am going to make my March 2014 deadline, I gotta get trucking on this one.  I set up a measurement for this one as well... because goals are better with measurements.  (I have known this from work for years, but that doesn't mean I care to employ it in my personal life) :)

2. GET IN SHAPE - This one is a no brainer.  I have to get my butt in gear.  I have a family wedding in May, a half marathon in June and the general desire to tone up and shed the 15-20 extra lbs I am carrying around.  So let's do this!

3. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE - I'm going to keep this one for the 3rd year in a row.  It's been really good for me to focus on this. 

So there they are.  I've been pretty successful overall with my goals the last two years, so here's to that continuing! 2013 is going to be a lucky year!