What's Next?

As most regular readers of this blog know, I joined a running club in January and ran long runs with them on most Saturdays, until my half marathon in Seattle at the end of June. The other big thing that was a part of our life for three months was our major kitchen and master bathroom remodeling, which started at the beginning of April and ended in early July. So the question that I've been asking myself the last two weeks is, "What is next for me?" In some ways, I feel a blogging anxiety. I don't have any "go-to" topics for weekdays anymore, now that the remodeling is over. For three months, I could always rely on some home renovation photos for my Project 365. Now I don't have that anymore. So what is next for me? It is in my nature to continually self-evaluate and see what needs improvement in my life. Some could say I am too self-critical, but I don't see it that way. I don't like to be complacent. Last week I saw that The Lilypad was having its first CT call ever. I thought about applying, since I like the products there. But ultimately, I decided against it. Why? Because I already have a full-plate scrap-wise. I love the creative teams that I'm already on and can't imagine giving one of those up. And if I'm being honest with myself, I can probably stand to scrap less, not more. In my mind, I partially blame my larger butt/gut on digital scrapbooking. Because the more time I spend sitting on my butt in front of the computer, the less time I spend being active. I want to live a balanced, full life. In the beginning of the year, I set out goals for achieving a balanced life encompassing the four sides of me that I want to cultivate: physical, mental, psychological/social, and spiritual. I think it's time to evaluate how I've done on each of these fronts. So, over the next few days, I will discuss each area in greater detail. Today we will start with the physical aspect. PHYSICAL I started exercising regularly in May 1997. I have kept a workout log ever since about 2000. Therefore I have years and years of data about my exercise habits. This year, because of half marathon training, I felt like I haven't been doing enough varying exercises that keep my interest going, and making it fun for me. In 2004, I was in the best shape of my life. I was a lean and mean 115 lbs (I'm 5'3"). I had less fat everywhere, and had defined muscle tone. I ran my fastest 5k ever. I took a look at some entries in my exercise log from back then: Something that stood out to me, was that I was doing a lot of different things. I ran on the treadmill. I rowed on the rowing machine. I did weights and strength training. I attended weekly jazz/contemporary dance classes. I ran outside. I went to aerobics/interval class at the gym. I didn't get bored with exercising, and I was very consistent at it. And I watched what I ate, and ate smaller portions. At the beginning of January this year, I had set these goals to better myself physically:

• Lose 10-15 lbs so that I feel my best and my body performs optimally.
• Do weights 2X a week.
• Run 3X a week.
• Go to gym class at least once a week.
• Yoga once a week.
• Stretch for 15 minutes every night.
• Have a set schedule for working out.
• Go to bed by 10:30pm.
• Run the La Jolla Half Marathon (this was later replaced with the Seattle RnR Half Marathon).
• Drink more water.
• Join a running club.
• Keep track of calorie intake.
• Weigh self once a week.
• Take body measurements once a month.

I have achieved some of these, while doing poorly on other ones. Now that the remodeling is over, I have no excuses. Here is my plan of attack. Develop an exercise schedule: Start a food diary. Not necessarily keeping track of every single calorie, but write down the foods I'm eating. Cook at home 4X a week. This will ensure proper nutrition, portions, and healthy leftovers for lunch instead of eating out. Put a limit on computer time so I go to bed at a reasonable hour. This may mean coming up with a scrapping schedule. It may mean less surfing time. I'll still blog, because I've committed myself to doing this for a year. Keep a log of how I'm spending time, so that I can make adjustments. I feel good that I have a plan of attack now. I know I can do it if I put my mind to it. :) Tomorrow will be Tuesday With Todd. I'll be back on Wednesday to discuss my progress with my mental/intellectual goals this year.