February Update: 25 Things I want to Do in 2013

My February Status on the goals and objectives I set for myself for 2013:   (Updates in blue!)

1. Run a 5k
2. Take a Tropical Holiday:         Planning anniversary trip to Kauai in July
3. Hike to Lake Annette and camp
4. Go Kayaking
5. Lose 50lbs:      Down 18lbs since beginning of year, so 32lbs to go!
6. Get 10,000 fans on Self Care Girl:     4290 fans, so 5710 to go
7. Simplify everything I can:      I have been actively cleaning out cupboards and reducing.   I think this is a good start to simplifying- removing the unnecessary, so the necessary can speak.
8. Make a Sourdough starter and bake our bread, instead of buy:         My excuse is that I have not been able to find ORGANIC grapes to make the starter.   Looking for alternative recipe.
9. Continue to maintain Debt Free lifestyle (Focus on mortgage pay down):    We have been looking at homes and considering a move which would impact our pay down.   I have to weigh having a nice, new home with retiring early. 
10. Grow an herb garden
11. Go Sailing
12. Sew something
13. Use my Art Supplies
14. Begin writing book
15. Be the most amazing Matron of Honor EVER:         Have committed to spending one weekend a month focused on the bride
16. Go at least 4 times to see Jake's band play
17. Remove the Mercury from my mouth:           Dental appt March 13.
18. Switch to healthier household cleaners:          Using a lot of white vinegar lately and swapped out my laundry and dish soaps with healthier brands.   Next step is to just toss out all those evil, unhealthy products lurking in my broom closet.
19. Read 12 Books (1 per month):  Almost complete with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and re-reading the book Switch (How to Change when Change is Difficult)

 

20. Replace my old furniture:  New bedroom set, ottoman and sofa.

      

             

21. Remodel the Rental Property:             Contractor starts Monday, Feb 11, will be complete and ready for renting on March 1.
22. Re-read Decision Modeling Text Book:         Started this week.   Was actually asked to sit in on a meeting where this method would benefit.  So motivated to read more.
23. Eat Better - Learn more about (and incorporate) more Raw and Fermented foods:  Have increased sour kraut and more pickled vegetables.    
24. Take Weekend Away with My Sister
25. Unplug on Sundays:  So far so good!

5 Ways to Adopt a "Snail's Pace"

One objective of simplifying your life is to free up time and energy so you can focus these on more important things. Simplifying does not necessarily equate to slowing down your life.  Slowing down is something that must be done as consciously as weeding out the unnecessary stuff. 

Here are 5 Good Suggestions to help you slow down:

1) Sit down for meals.    I too am guilty of occasionally eating over the sink-or worse - in the light cast by an open refrigerator door.   This not good for your soul.    Scarfing down food is NOT good for your body.   Take a slower approach.  Set the table.  Chew your food.  Enjoy the flavors.

2) Modify your Morning Routine so you aren't rushing out the door.   Get up 15 minutes earlier and just sit with a hot beverage and your happy thoughts.   Organize as much of the daily preparations as you can the night before- clothes, lunch, breakfast etc.

3) Drive the Speed Limit.   You'll get better gas mileage and you will be least likely to have an accident.   Make zen-like focus your habit when you are in the car.   There is no more important place to be fully present!  Give yourself plenty of time to get there.   If by chance you are late...make a courtesy call your solution; not speed!

4) Take Breaks.   You should not sit at your desk for longer than an hour at a time.   Set your calendar to send you notices each hour to take a break.   Use this time to stretch, use the bathroom, refill your beverage, take a little walk, or simply refocus your eyes.

5) Leave yourself sticky note reminders to slow down.   A few key places to stick these:  on your steering wheel; in a calendar notice (so it pops up on your computer screen); on the bathroom mirror; on the fridge

Let Me Eat Cake

This brilliant picture is by Kelli Nina Perkins.  http://ephemeralalchemy.blogspot.com/2011/07/let-me-eat-cake.html

Woke up early this morning, first day of 2013.

I made myself a cup of coffee and reached into the fridge for a slice of leftover Egg Nog & Rum Bundt cake.  (Breakfast of Champions...)

"Hold it!" My annoying, meddling, do-gooder side interrupted as I sunk my teeth into the cake.
"What?!" I mumbled back...mouth full...innocent...but clearly, BUSTED!
 "Its the first day of a new year!" Do-gooder exclaimed in disbelief
"Uh-huh" I chewed a little and gulped...so guilty. 
"So...how is this year going to be different from every other year?"
I stopped chewing..stared at the cake...and I realized the truth of the matter "It's not."

I fully expect that this year will be exactly like every other year since I cognitively started tracking my years, and change, and bad habits.

Miraculously, over the past few decades, I have managed to improve more than decline...just maybe not always in ways that I envisioned.

This year will not be any different.    I will struggle with my diet and won't want to exercise.  My metabolism will continue to slow as I age.   I will continue to struggle with my weight.    I will incorporate some very good things and I will eliminate some bad things too.   I will try.   I will have set -backs.  I will have successes. I will try again. 

When it is all said and done...I will still -occasionally- want cake. 

One thing is for certain:   I really don't want 2013 to be all about whether or not I should have my cake and eat it too.  (Of course I should!)

Take Good Care!
Self Care Girl