prep

My attempt at minimalism is going well.   I've rid my house of 203 items so far.  
Yes, it counts when you clean out the bathroom and count out individual random items, such as the entire contents of an old first aid kit.   And yes, it counts when you flush a fish down the toilet and throw away the tank.  Every item feels like an accomplishment.   (don't get me wrong.  I was sad about the fish.... for about three minutes).

Come to think of it, I haven't dug much deeper than my bathroom at this point.   I've got tons of drawers, and nooks and crannies, that I'll work on over time.    I'm excited to see how much I can accomplish this year.

My schedule has kind of become minimal the past month as well.  I've been really intentional about it.   I have made it a priority to continue my daily walking and yoga with Lisa.   It has been good for both of us.   I'm feeling better and I'm in route to bring sexy back at some point in the future.  (haha)

anywho.

Today the boys and I worked in the yard for a while.   As if my neighbors don't already question our sanity.... I thought it would be fitting to pick up sticks and clean off the carport in 20 degree weather.   Isn't that what everyone was doing today?
I used the talk of possible snow to motivate the boys (and our neighbor boy!) to get out and help clean up all of the sticks in the yard.    
Every year, I use the snow reasoning.
IF it were to snow, we'd want all of the sticks out of the yard so that they could sled and roll around without fear of poking their eyes out.  
Reasonable, right?   The kids seem to agree.
All the while, knowing that IF they were able to sled, I will spend the day hollering for them to stay out of the neighbors yard.   (which I'm wondering why the neighbors haven't set up their chair boundary yet?)

  The yard is ready for snow.  The carport is ready for.... my car.   I have milk in my fridge.   And I'm keeping my fingers crossed for snow this week.   Chances are with all of my preparation the weather people will be dead wrong.

And the winner is...

This post will be akin to a runner's post.   So if you've ever read a runner's post....   Stop now.   Turn off the computer and walk away.  seriously.

I just completed my second Diet Bet.    And I won.  again.     It's not a huge feat... but I feel like I've accomplished something.   I'm not sure why the 'bet' has become my motivator.    It's just enough pressure to keep me motivated.

The amount of weight to lose for the duration of a Diet Bet game isn't much.  4% of your body weight.  
This month, I kind of slacked off... thinking, "I've got more time.  I'll lose those last pounds before the end of the game."   I was too casual about it, I suppose.

As time grew close, I had one pound to lose.  
The day prior to the official weigh in  (which is documented by photos posted to the site)  my thoughts were almost obsessive about whether I would win the weigh in.  
There is a 48 hour window for final weigh ins.... so I knew I had an extra day if things didn't go as planned.

Monday morning, I got on the scale and hit my goal weight for the month!!  Yay!  I was beyond thrilled.  I immediately knew that I'd celebrate with a trip to Bojangles for lunch.
I got off the scale and reached for my camera for the picture proof.  And when I stood back on the scale... I was one pound heavier!  what?!
holy crap!   no way!   I needed that picture!!
I used the bathroom again!, I moved the scale across the room!  Various numbers appeared on the scale... but not THE number I needed! And why the variation?!  I panicked for about 20 minutes, with no luck of having the magic number show up again.
Total defeat.

My only chance at winning would be Tuesday morning.  The pressure was immense.
I did all the right things on monday.  I ate well.  I walked and yoga-ed as usual.  I discussed with friends.  I obssesed.   I pondered that perhaps my scale batteries were dying.   But... no... the scale says "LO" when the batteries are low.

Monday night, I thought I'd get the scale out again and see if the numbers varied depending on the slope of the floor, or where I postioned it in the room.   Totally logical, right ?

9:45pm, the night before my final weigh in..... the scale reads "LO".
9:50 pm I peel into Walgreens holding a tiny circular battery.  Panic in my eyes, "Do you have little batteries like this?!"
I must have looked like an addict looking for a fix.     And the cashier saved my night.

6:15 Tuesday morning..... I weighed in .5 pounds under the designated goal.    My phone was in hand and I had photo proof.
I WON!!

Now.  Let's put things into perspective:

A one month Diet Bet.
2 days of complete crazy.  (my friends would think this is a low estimate)
I paid $30 into the cash pot.
My portion of the winnings..... $41.24.
My actual profit....$11.24.

Haha.   Total freak out over $11.

Obviously, It's not at all about the money.
It's ALL about the weight loss, the challenge, the accountability, and the success.
I still have a long way to go.   Ideally 40-45 pounds to go.

I'm starting a new Diet Bet on February 10th.  (wanna join me?)
In the meantime.... I'm planning a trip to Steak and Shake tomorrow.   Bring it.

less

I told someone recently that I plan to post more in 2015.   Not so much 'deep thought' stuff.... but just everyday stuff.   As most of you know, my memory is horrible.   I feel the need to keep documenting the mundane.
Life.
(I'm having memory of writing that thought before... so forgive my redundancy.)

With the process of moving in to my kitchen I made an effort to be minimal with 'stuff'.    I have a new interest with minimalism and I feel that this is my year to really purge.  
Honestly, I've never been much for clutter.   And in my opinion, I don't own many knick knacks.

Well..... the gnomes.  oh, the gnomes.  I don't count the gnomes because they are generally out of my sight, in the yard... not in my house.  (My neighbors probably think I have a problem with hoarding.)  

Clutter isn't terribly visible. But...My closets and drawers are packed.  I think of all the extra things in my bathroom closet.... lotions I'll never use, fingernail polishes, left over shampoos, etc.
The unnecessary extras in my life need to be cleaned out this year.   I have a goal of getting rid of 2015 items this year, 2015.
(I may be counting pieces of paper to reach this goal... but it could be possible)

Along with minimizing the items in my house, I am continuing with my 'less is best' attitude about things in general.    Over the years, I  have mastered the word, "No" and I don't feel any guilt about turning events down that aren't beneficial to me or those involved.
  "Ain't nobody got time for that."
My calendar squares are generally full.... but with stuff we WANT to do .....not just stuff we were suckered in to are obligated to do.

I have been intentional about taking time for myself lately.    I think I've done really well with this over the years.  Really well.  Firstly, with the help of my amazing family who would watch the kids for me to get out and socialize.   This was huge, I know.
And now that the kids are older, I am able to carve out time for myself while they are preoccupied.
I  have started walking at least 2 miles, and doing yoga, daily.   Thanks to my good friend, Lisa... who happens to be my neighbor... and keeps me accountable.   If we can keep up this routine, it just might save my life this year.    I'd like to lose 40-50 pounds.... and I need to be intentional with my time and energy.   I think taking baby steps will pay off in the long run.

I've started setting my alarm clock 30 minutes earlier each day.   This was terrible at first, until I realized I wasn't rushing around like a maniac on school days.    I take my time and the mornings have become refreshing.

I've noticed that being more intentional with things, time, and energy have been very rewarding.   I hope this is the start of a great year.
Last year I claimed 2014 as my own.   But THIS year.  For real.... is gonna be mine :)

I'm a dork

I know. It may come as a huge surprise to most of you ;). But I am indeed a dork.

Here's a perfect example:
I've been walking alot lately. Which I LOVE!!! I've been snaking through this neighborhood each day.
Today while I was walking, a friend called my cell phone. I explained to her that that when I was done walking I have to drive my route, in my car, to calculate how many miles I walked. I told her that the neighborhood people are probably wondering about why I keep driving around. ;p

She cooly replied, "don't you have one of those pedometer things?"

hmmm... what a great idea.
She's a genius.
And therefore confirming my dorkhood. :)

Can anyone recommend a reliable and accurate pedometer?

perfect day

Work this morning, followed by lunch with friends.

A beautiful afternoon for my walk. iPod armed with my new Weepies CD.


I Was Made For Sunny Days.
Beautiful blue skies and God's creation singing all around. I'm sure that I felt Him in the breeze.
It was the kind of day that called for driving the LONG way home. Windows down.
Drove through the car wash (with windows up) and splurged on the $10 wash.

(And don't we all know that the $10 car wash means....
get your umbrellas ready for tomorrow.)

enjoy the sunshine!