Goals/Intentions for 2011

It seems customary to create resolutions at the start of  a new year. However, with out steps in place to achieve those resolutions most will fall by the wayside and be given-up by January 2nd. Here are a few goals I have for 2011 with steps to take so I know I will achieve them.

• Eat a more balanced diet
• Purchasing foods on Sunday that will lend to a more balanced diet
• Creating a menu at the star of the week
• Preparing lunches the night before

• Train for a 10K
• Find a training schedule that fits my running level
• Find a time of day to consistently run at 
• Find a friend to train with 
• Make time for friends
• Join a class/church where I can make girl friends
• Schedule weekly calls to friends 
• Better my professional relationships
• Eat lunch two days a week in the Staff Lounge
• Ask colleagues to hang-out outside of work

 

Remembering the Best of 2010

In remembrance of an excellent 2010 here is a list of things that should be remembered and celebrated:

• Dale and I got engaged
• Moved to North Muskegon
• Started a MA program in Youth Development
• Moved into a new position within my program (1st-3rd grade)
• Lost ten pounds
• Adopted two kitties aka The Monsters
• Traveled to Honduras
• Got certified as a PADI diver
• Purchased a new car
• Paid off my student loans!

These are just a few things to be thankful for and I can only hope to bigger and better list next year.

Goals for January 2011

The presents under the tree this year provided three new cook books. I am hoping to use them more to diversify our normal meal rotation. Listed below are the meals we will start 2011 with.

Monday

     Salmon Filets

     Dill Couscous

     Spicy Kale

    

 Tuesday

     Shepherds Pie Stuffed Potatoe
     Broccoli     

Wednesday

      Creole Meatloaf with Trinity Gravy
      Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
      Tossed Salad


Thursday


     Mediterranean Venison
     Lemon Risotto
     Spinach Salad

Along with these new meals, I hope to also diversify my other two meals of the day. For example,  starting my day with oatmeal or a whole wheat bagel and a lunch that consists of greens, protein, fruit, and two small snacks.

The drive to be a person who incorporates exercise into their daily life is also a wish that I have for 2011. I have begun to train for a 10K but need to be more consistent with my running schedule. Here is the schedule:

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
1	Rest	1.5 m run	CT or Rest	1.5 m run	Rest	2 m run	25-30 min EZ
2	Rest	2 m run	CT or Rest	2 m run	Rest	2.5 m run	25-30 min EZ
3	Rest	2.5 mi run	CT or Rest	2 m run	Rest	3 m run	30-35 min EZ
4	Rest	2.5 m run	CT or Rest	2 m run	Rest	3.5 m run	35 min EZ
5	Rest	3 m run	CT or Rest	2.5 m run	Rest	4 m run	35-40 min EZ
6	Rest	3 m run	CT	2.5 m run	Rest	4.5 m run	35-40 min EZ
7	Rest	3.5 m run	CT	3 m run	Rest	5 m run	40 min EZ
8	Rest	3 m run	CT or Rest	2 m run	Rest	Rest	10K Race!

I am currently on Week 1, Thursday or 1.5 miles. This length is completely doable, it is just hard to find the motivation to head outside in the cold. However, now with new running shoes and new smart wool socks there are NO excuses. With these few changes, I hope to gain more confidence in myself and feel stronger and healthier.

Cheers to healthier living and better eating.

Taming the Monsters

Some of you may know that Dale and I have two monsters, also know as Zeke and Logan the kittens. We acquired them about three months ago and they do complete our lives (for now). Both boys are EXTREMELY rambunctious, energetic, and mischievous.

To introduce the duo. Logan - Orange, brave, lovey, and loud purrer

Zeke - Gray, pensive, curious, and the smart one.

For Christmas, people stampede into Petco to purchase oodles of crap for their pets. We just put up a fake tree. Here is evidence that my roommate captured of their favorite part of Christmas:

Just as Zeke and Logan continuously find things to explore and ample time to nap, I hope the same goes for you in the remainder of 2010.

Christmas with the To-Be-In-Laws

On Thursday evening, Dale came home from work to find his Christmas gift in the garage. The only words that he repeated, about ten times, were, "No way!!". I am glad that he is now that much closer to accomplish one of his life-long goals, finishing his first born.

My first Polish Christmas Eve was spent at the Zajeski's. I can only begin to describe the number of perogies and polish sausage eaten. Following dinner, Santa arrived and present were opened. A few of the fun thing about Dale's family is that there are so many at these events and how long these traditions have been around.

Before we left for Illinois, we were able to watch a few old home movies. The things that were taped in the movies from twleve years ago, Santa's arrival, a HUGE dinner, and gifts, happened on Christams Eve 2010. I am excited to become a part of the Zajeski crew.

On Christmas day, the Sarnowski family has their celebration. (I enjoy how both sides of the family live within twelve miles of each other). I had met the Sarnowski's briefly about two years ago so, it was nice to again put faces to names. Again, more polish sausage! We just can't seem to get away from it (but, I am not complaining).

I hope as Dale and I get along in our years that we will continue with many of these traditions and hopefully create more of our own.

The Big Reveal

So, I have been scheming since Thanksgiving about the PERFECT gift for Dale for Christmas. And, today, he will find it in the garage when he comes home from work.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I drove to Dale's parents house in Pentwater and loaded up his Black Widow body kit into my mom's car. Timing it perfectly, I dropped off the item at Betten in Grand Haven, when Dale was at lunch.

To further complicate the plan, I had to figure a time to pick-up the body kit on a day that Dale was not working nor in Muskegon. This past Saturday was that day! Currently the body kit is stashed in my roommates bedroom waiting to be carried to the garage for the big reveal.

I am pleasantly surprised that no one has spilled the beans about the BEST Christmas gift EVER, although there have been a few close calls. With some of those close calls being me unable to keep a straight face.

Tonight, I must say, will be epic.

The Journey of Starting a Blog

I have been tempted many times to start a blog. However, realizing that my life is joining with anothers, I have been more personally encouraged to do so. If not for wedding info than for personal fulfillment. So, let the journey begin...