Beautiful or Useful and April Goals

There are just too many “things” in my house. When B and I got married (almost 2 years ago come May) we didn’t do a bridal registry, why would we? We each had a house full of things and would be combining all of that to just one marital home. Recently I read a quote that was to the effect of “Keep Nothing Unless it is Beautiful or Useful” and now I feel the need to purge my many non-useful or non-beautiful possessions.

My Goals are for April include this sentiment by selling items on ebay as part of the decluttering process.

Without further ado.

1. Declutter and list at least 10 items on ebay. May be more ambitious and list more, but this is a start.

2. Run 50 miles (I have really slacked on motivation since I found out I’m probably not running the Chicago Marathon)

3. Lose weight! Be realistic 145 is my new goal for the end of April.

4. Get back on track with expense tracking. Need to make this a habit.

March Lookback

1. Run/Walk 60 miles (originally this was 90, but I know that’s just not doable, given I only ran about 20 last month) – This was a fail, I probably set my goal too high as I ran about 30 miles so far, might be able to update this after a long run this weekend.
2. Read the Bible every week (daily is still a goal, but doesn’t always happen, I have a set schedule, and as long as I keep to the weekly schedule, I should finish the Bible in 3 years, kind of a snail’s pace) Yes! read a little each week, so on track here.
3. Lose weight! Get back in the 140s, how did I get so off track! (Running should really help, also trying the 5:2 diet) – Lost a little gained it back, ugh!
4. Organize portfolio and figure when to sell a couple stocks that just haven’t been performing for me (they lowered their dividends, but I just didn’t pull the trigger and sell them, now I regret it. Regret to the tune of about 6K in loss, ouch, that’s a big oops!) – Just don’t have the timing right, still not sure when to sell.
5. Research some new more stable dividend stocks (don’t get greedy, that is my downfall, steady, long term 3-4%, nothing too crazy) – didn’t have a chance to research anything yet.

Losing the Lottery and Updated March Goals

This morning after I awoke to my alarm, as my ritual, I checked my email as my blurry eyes adjusted to the new day, and there it was much earlier than expected. The official results to my lottery entry from The Chicago Marathon. My heart jumped as I opened the file, but alas, it was bad news, I did not make it in to the event. Now my only chance is through my good friend M. M works for a non-profit and when I told her that I was trying to get an entry to the Chicago Marathon through the Lottery, she said her non-profit has a few entries available. I am waiting to hear what that involves.

It seems kind of funny that I am just now listing Updated March Goals, because I never posted initial March Goals. I guess they were just in my head. So here we are almost ½ way through the month and I’m getting around to posting them, oops! Better late than never, right?

1. Run/Walk 60 miles (originally this was 90, but I know that’s just not doable, given I only ran about 20 last month)
2. Read the Bible every week (daily is still a goal, but doesn’t always happen, I have a set schedule, and as long as I keep to the weekly schedule, I should finish the Bible in 3 years, kind of a snail’s pace)
3. Lose weight! Get back in the 140s, how did I get so off track! (Running should really help, also trying the 5:2 diet)
4. Organize portfolio and figure when to sell a couple stocks that just haven’t been performing for me (they lowered their dividends, but I just didn’t pull the trigger and sell them, now I regret it. Regret to the tune of about 6K in loss, ouch, that’s a big oops!)
5. Research some new more stable dividend stocks (don’t get greedy, that is my downfall, steady, long term 3-4%, nothing too crazy)

B is traveling a lot this month, so I will have quite a bit of time to myself. I should be able to eat pretty light and have plenty of time to exercise. Right now he is gone until 3-22, so my mini goal is to lose 5# by the time he comes home.

Entering the Lottery

The Chicago Marathon Lottery

The Chicago Marathon, held in October, is one of the most popular marathons in the United States. The course is flat and there is plenty of good scenery. I am looking forward to Lake Michigan views, skyscrapers, many cheering fans and several elite athletes that will complete their race in less than half the time that I hope to achieve.

Registration opened February 19 at noon. However B and I were traveling and I didn’t try to register on my iphone. Rumors were that the race would sell out in days, but I figured I would have time later that evening to sign up. For anyone who was attempting to register for the Chicago Marathon I’m sure you know there were several glitches with the registration process and now we are offered a Lottery Format for the remaining 15,000 entries.

I entered the Lottery this week, and will be notified on March 12 if I have received one of the coveted entries. Of course I was a little on the fence about doing a Marathon this year. I didn’t run much last year, just one 1/2 Marathon in February. My right knee has been bothering me (too much darn stairmaster in college!), and I imagine with age it will only get worse. But completing a marathon has been on my *bucket list* since I started running in my early 20s. I am so nervous because if I get in via the Lottery, this year will be full of training and no excuses. If I don’t get in, I fear I will never be able to do the Chicago marathon, because they will probably start to have qualifying times. I will never have a qualifying time because I really only want to do one marathon, I think my body handles 1/2 marathons pretty well, they are a challenge and something I want to do at least once a year.

My nerves are up and I have to wait a few more days to see what happens. One a side note, I do have a friend who works for a non-profit and if I don’t get to register via the Lottery, she may be able to get me an entry through her organization. However I’m sure I’ll have to commit to raising money for her charity, though that would be a good incentive and make the one marathon that I run in my life even more memorable and worthwhile. Here’s to marking off an accomplishment on my bucket list that has been there for about 10 years

Fitness February – Admitting Defeat

This month was lots of traveling, then cold cozy weather when we were home. So that all added up to not meeting my fitness goals. I’m not going to dwell on it. I’m just going to pick myself up and move on.

I am hoping that I can get back on track with my running next month. This month I need to adjust my goal from 50 miles to 25, right now I stand at 12.5 miles, so if I can hit 25 that will be a win in my book.

As for eating, my snacking has been completely out of control. I am going to focus on just eating my meals and maybe one snack a day. I have gotten in the bad habit of snacking after dinner and that needs to change or I know I won’t be seeing any positive results.

Expense tracking was also a bust for February. I need to get back on track in March. I did pretty good in January, so I know it is possible. Maybe if I can break it down to weekly spending, then do more frequent updates, I will feel more accountable.

On a positive note, I haven’t really spent much money frivilously. I had the plan that I wanted a new wallet (which my mom bought for me at the Cole Haan outlet in St. Augustine, Florida) and I needed a new pair of comfy black ballet flats (I purchased at the Easy Spirit outlet-sheesh, I’m getting old, but I promise they are quite cute). The shoes are leather and have a fashionable quilted pattern and I really like them. I’ve been wearing boots lately, but once this snow melts I think they’ll be great for everyday with black pants. Black pants are pretty much my work staple. I own quite a few dresses, which I am trying to get in the habit of wearing a skirt or dress to work at least twice a week, just to mix it up.

Hope everyone has a happy Friday! I am ready to be done with this week and get some work done at home this weekend. After a week of vacation and a long weekend out of town there is plenty of laundry to keep my busy.

February Fitness Update

Palm Coast

This was our view for the last week! I could get used to that!

On the spending tracking during vacation, I did pretty terrible. We didn’t really overspend, but I didn’t keep track, so I’ll have to go back and kind of estimate just so February and the rest of the year isn’t thrown off too much. On the eating front, it was a big bust too. Too many cocktails, too many snacks and not enough exercise. We did make it to the gym once, but I ended my run about half way through when a sweet older lady was quite perplexed as she tried both the elliptical and the bike but kept looking longingly at my treadmill. She practically glowed when I got off and told her that I was *done* with my workout My good deed for the day.

As for the February workout goals. Here’s an update, half way through the month.

1. Track Calories (During vacation, I took a vacation from tracking, once back I am keeping track and doing well-at least I lost the weight I gained on vacation, only 2# but still it’s tough for me to lose weight)

2. Run 50 miles (hmm, going to have to really step this up! so far have only run 12.2 – YIKES – 37.8 to go!)

3. Push-ups (doing well keeping up with the app, even on vacation)

4. Lower weight to 145-147 (see 1. not good! I am bringing it back down, actually I’d be happy if I can just see anything in the 140s)

There you have it, my February update.

On a side note, I was watching Jillian Michaels on a Bravo Talk Show, and she said she didn’t like Hot Yoga. She said it’s not good to exercise in such extreme heat, it’s better to warm your body from the inside. That kind of makes me feel better for letting those last few classes expire. I’m back to running, weight training, Zumba, Ballet Core and any fun classes that show up. I want to try WERQ, which I guess is like Zumba, but with more popular songs.

Off to Florida!

Looking forward to some sunshine and a week without work. Lazy days, long runs, reading on the beach, kayaking and cocktails. Doesn’t that sound marvelous. It does to me.

I’m not great about keeping track of spending while on vacation (or really anytime for that matter) so this will be a challenge. We’ve done reasonably well during January, I’d like to keep this momentum up. I will do a January review when we return.

My husband and I will be with both sets of parents in Florida, this should be interesting. Everyone gets along, but we’ve never traveled ‘together.’ Although technically not all together, we will be in a condo with my in-laws and my parents will be in their RV (my dream- to roam free).

Hope everyone has a great week. I’m hoping to get some exercise in, I know I’ll be indulging in some delicious food, so I am just trying to keep my portions small to counter balance my treats. I’ve got vacation brain already, is it 5 o’clock yet?

Fitness February

Kauai

This picture was taken after a kayak and hike in Kauai, since B had done this kayak/hike with a tour on a prior trip, we decided we didn’t need to go with a group. We rented a double kayak and got an early start before the tourists arrived. It was the most peaceful spot. I was in pretty great shape on our honeymoon, so this picture is motivation for me, even if you can’t really see me clearly, I remember how good and fit I felt. I want to get that feeling back.

I am linking up for a February Fitness Challenge with Hawaii Plan I also thought since it is Hawaii Plan’s goal to retire in Hawaii, it would be appropriate to put a picture of Hawaii, cute right B and I would like to retire in Hawaii, but since we would like to retire early, we will settle for trips there as often as possible. Can’t wait to get back there in early 2014!

We have pretty similar goals, here are mine.

1)Track calories all week, stay in range if not every day, for the week.
2)Run 50 miles
3)Daily PushUps, Keep up with 100 PushUps App
4)Get weight 145-147, no more 150s!

I’m not great at tracking calories, but I know this works, so I’m going to stick with it. I am also conscious of food components, like I know Fiber and Protein keep me full, so I must include them in every meal. It must sound like I start a new diet every week, but it’s really only every month or so. I get frustrated easily. Right now I am really enjoying The Miracle Carb Diet I’ve tried a few of the recipes, and of course they’re not as good as the full fatty fat versions, but they are a good substitute, spinach dip made with greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo, hello yummy goodness! Last night I even made an Asian Cod, that was really flaky and delicious, even B liked it! Tracking will be a challenge for the first week, but I’ll just do the best I can.

Since I ran/walked over 30 miles in January, I think 50 for February is very doable. Plus the first week we’ll be on vacation, so I plan to get some nice long run/walks accomplished.

I have tried to do the 100 Push Up challenge before and got a few weeks in, but didn’t finish. Now that they have a handy App for my iphone, I think it will be pretty easy to accomplish. That way, even on my non-workout days, I will be doing something.

As for goal weight, I’m not trying for anything crazy, if I can just lose 3# a month, I will be at my goal by summer. With the calorie tracking and increased running, I should be able to reach this goal. I am also considering rewarding myself for the weeks that I track my calories and stay within my calorie budget, not reward myself for weight loss, the weight loss is really a reward in itself. The calorie counting is the difficult part.

I am feeling very positive about 2013!