Oops double posted

labro · January 2014

@Peaseblossom55 beat me to it. Oops! Have we walked about resolutions much yet? I'm thinking we need a Questions thread. Have you kept any of your resolutions thus far? Which of your resolutions do you think you're most likely to accomplish? Least likely? Do you tend to make the same resolutions each year? Which ones are they? What are your techniques for achieving a resolution like saving more money or lsong weight?

tuarceatha · January 2014

I heard on the news this morning that today is "Blue Monday" or something like that because of all of these reasons people are bummed out today (going back to work, school, etc.). One other reason is that people are failing at their resolutions by this point. Seems early to me, but I guess if you've sworn off of something and you have done it, you might be bummed today.

So far, the resolution I am failing at is talking about baby making with my H. Last night I realized maybe I'm not ready if it has taken me this long to push the subject. (Which I'm sure others have already thought of...) Oddly I felt there were two conflicting signs this weekend related to it.

First, we went to return two Christmas stockings because we ended up buying two more for a lower price with the intention of returning the first two at the higher price, because we are cheap like that. Anyway, when I handed the cashier the two stockings and receipt he was like "There is only one stocking on this receipt." Meaning we only got charged for one stocking the first time we bought two. So I just returned the one and H and I laughed about how the heck that happened. H said, something like "...a third stocking for our... *insert something random like pizzas*." To which I said, "It is a sign." Pause. "A third stocking for someone else next Christmas." So I got to pack up our three matching stockings yesterday.

The opposing thing was all of these awful episodes about pregnancy and an article from Thought Catalog about how awful birth is. Sigh.

My other resolution is seeking out new things, including new hobbies. So far I haven't really done anything, but I'm looking for new hobbies to try and am excited to initiate some house projects in the near future. Like framing pictures and going through all my old photos to organize them.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

I didn't really have concrete resolutions that were different this year than they were last year. I just want to make another big dent in my student loans and also pay off H's car loan so we can further our saving plan to buy a house.

I don't think that it is one we will back out on lol. H is a spender so the only shopping he does are things that we have discussed buying. I do all the grocery shopping and supplies shopping. Hopefully we can accomplish this before 2015 but if not, it's not a big deal. I won't mind buying a house a year from now more than this fall. I'm just ready to have more space really.

labro · January 2014

The only resolutions I've made were to lose weight for the wedding. Specifically I want to lose 50 lbs so I can reach my goal of 140. I have it blocked out to lose 20 lbs every three months and with 9 months to the wedding I should be able to achieve it. The key to keeping long-term resolutions like mine I think is to set smaller goals that help you achieve the major goal in the end. So far I've been exercising more and being more accountable with what I'm eating.

@tuarceatha I totally get the Blue Monday thing. The last two weeks I've really made an effort to be more active and eat less and when I stepped on the scale on Friday my weight was EXACTLY the same as it had been for the last two weeks. I should be glad it wasn't up as a result of Christmas and New Year's eating and drinking but I still felt bummed that there wasn't a measureable effect yet. I'm hoping to see a change this week.

CLoGreenEyes · January 2014

Have you kept any of your resolutions thus far? To varying degrees of success, I've kept all of them. I did kind of fail at my resolution to not get as much fast food this weekend. I've noticed that usually happens if I work a few days in a row (those twelve hour shifts leave little time for cooking and meal planning). The others I've done a better job with.

Which of your resolutions do you think you're most likely to accomplish? Least likely? Most likely = to be diligent about training Maggie, and to spend more time with friends instead of spending ALL of my free time being introverted. Least likely = stop spending so much money on fast food. That is my downfall because hey, life is busy. I can also tell I'm going to have trouble with saying "no" when I need to. Whenever someone asks me to help them out, work for them, baby-sit for them, etc., I will automatically say yes no matter what else I have going on. And then I hate myself and can't manage everything. It will be hard to break through this because I like being the person people can depend on, but realistically I know it doesn't make me less kind or caring to know and respect my limits.

Do you tend to make the same resolutions each year? Which ones are they? Some variation of eating right and exercising more regularly. And to be more social. And to develop more hobbies and work at them.

What are your techniques for achieving a resolution like saving more money or losing weight? Definitely making a plan and breaking it down into smaller goals. Saving money is an omnipresent goal of mine, so every few months I look at my budget and what I'm bringing in, and I think about my financial goals for the coming year or so. Then I figure out what I can realistically do, and I do it! Weight loss has never been an enticing goal for me, so I always put it in terms of eating well and exercising regularly. Then I just do my weekly menus and grocery shopping and put some exercise on the calendar. It helps to be around people who support these goals so I'm not too easily tempted to stray from them as well.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

let's see, I wanted to pay off H's student loans this year (actually, in the next 16 months) so we'll just keep plugging away at that!

I wanted to be less busy. so far, January is a busy month. hmmm.

H and I are going to do at least one new thing each month. January will be indoor rock climbing. we've also got down try out some hiking trails (which we'll do on our trip in November to New Mexico), indoor adult trampoline place (maybe February?), do the nature trail here in the city, rent bikes to ride downtown along the canal, maybe try to find a cooking class... lots of ideas. we're going rock climbing at the end of the month, so we've got that one ready!

I wanted to take a vacation, to Charleston specifically. that's not going to happen, but we're going to make sure that we turn our visit to NM for Thanksgiving into partly a vacation... leave a few days early and spend some time doing things and then spending time with his family. so, check that one off!

I want to do some home projects this year, but I haven't had time to work on that yet. it's ONLY Jan. 6!

phira · January 2014

Have you kept any of your resolutions thus far? Not really ... my major resolution revolved around having a better sleep schedule. The only way I've made any headway on it is that I DIDN'T sleep till noon and then call in sick.

Which of your resolutions do you think you're most likely to accomplish? Least likely? Honestly, I think this is the year that losing weight is my most realistic resolution. I downloaded a Couch to 5k app last night, and I have my gym bag here with me tonight. I'm actually a little excited about starting the program.

Do you tend to make the same resolutions each year? Which ones are they? They're almost always the same. I think they boil down to, "Be the responsible, healthy adult that everyone assumes exists but doesn't really." So, you know, eat well, get up early, go to bed early, read more, cook more, exercise, keep the apartment clean, etc.

What are your techniques for achieving a resolution like saving more money or losing weight? This year, I've got a bunch of techniques ready for my get-in-shape resolution. I find it really helpful to remove as many excuses from the equation as possible. Sometimes, it's easier than other times. For example, it's hard for me to resolve to cook meals that can be made into leftovers because my partner doesn't eat leftovers. Sure, it's true that I could eat leftovers while he had a veggie burger or something ... but it's easier to just cook meals for both of us.

For getting in shape, I've removed a LOT of excuses. Too cold out/too many hills? I have a gym membership. Don't want to increase my commute? Don't worry--the gym is just 1 train stop farther (less than 2 minutes extra) and it's a 5 minute walk from my apartment. Bored during workouts? I've got my phone: music or Netflix! My latest one has been not knowing how to switch up workouts and pace myself. Solution? C25K has pre-set workouts AND an app, so I don't have to put any thought into what workout to do each day for over 2 months.

Peaseblossom55 · January 2014

Have you kept any of your resolutions thus far? I actually intended for my resolutions to start today so we'll see what happens I have been trying to focus on eating healthier though, which is working out pretty good so far.

Which of your resolutions do you think you're most likely to accomplish? Hopefully working out. I want to look good for the wedding and to feel in my optimal state of health and feel toned, which I don't right now.

Least likely? Not sure

Do you tend to make the same resolutions each year? I always have the same resolutions of working out and eating health, the eating healthy usually works given I'm a vegetarian and lactose intolerant, the working out comes in waves.

What are your techniques for achieving a resolution like saving more money or lsong weight? I just try to hold myself accountable for every day hopefully my motivation will come from the wedding and wanting to look great.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

for health/fitness related, I want to get back to what I was when I got married. I SHOULD be able to do it, but I've been struggling more than ever before. perhaps it's because I'm getting closer and closer to 30, or it might be the hormones I've switched to are making it harder. so for that:

Have you kept this resolutions thus far? 1. I want to focus on eating mostly foods that are nutritious and make me feel good, and less on foods that are sugary/have additives/etc. and make me feel horrible. so far I've done pretty well! we ended up eating at a local place that uses fresh foods instead of grabbing a burger on Friday night. I cooked 3 times on Saturday and 2 times on Sunday. I've got some great meals lined up for this week. we did eat some sweets this weekend, but they were all made-from-scratch from a local bakery. 2. I am going to finish this Insanity workout before I worry about if I've lost weight or anything. today is W3D1. quitting is not an option.

Do you tend to make the same resolutions each year? more or less... I always want to eat healthy (especially after all the holiday sweets and parties) and become more active than I was the year before. I always want to get more organized and be less busy. I tend to see the "New Years' Resolutions" as a checkpoint to stop and reflect on where I'm at and refocus on what's important to me.

What are your techniques for achieving a resolution like saving more money or losing weight? spreadsheets!!! plan ahead. mark it in my calendar. sometimes I'll make a graph that I get to fill in (for saving money, or in our case, paying off loans) so I can see how we're moving along. for losing weight, I have a big jar on my nightstand that I get to put loose change in when I'm making healthy choices... and then when it gets full, I cash it in and spend it on something I want!

ETA: I've also brought out our juicer again, and we've been having a glass of veggie+fruit juice with breakfast. YUM.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

I also just read this article one of my cousins just posted on her FB account. I thought it was a great read and a wonderful reminder that we live in the NOW, not in the next milestone or big event. as much as I like looking forward to things and trying to get to the "next level", it's important to live and appreciate the right now. even if you don't share the Christian faith, this article has some great points about appreciating whatever stage of life you're in. I wanted to share it, since we were discussing big steps and life milestones, goals, and resolutions. enjoy!

LINK

tuarceatha · January 2014

I just signed up to volunteer in my community. I'm so pumped to get involved! And yay for trying something new! Reading how much @Livleighton has going on her life reminded me that I need to take on more. (p.s. I hope today is going stellar, Liv! You are an inspiration, don't you forget it.)

[Deleted User] · January 2014

what did you sign up to do, @tuarceatha?

tuarceatha · January 2014

@CocoBellaF Good question... The form was vague. I just signed up to be a volunteer for "Community Events." I'm guessing they have a lot of volunteers for that, but you never know.

audrewuh · January 2014

@tuarceatha - This is the month you talk to H about babies! Pregnancy is hard and birth is awful, but it's only a handful of hours pain for a lifetime of reward. The stocking situation is the perfect opener for this conversation. Do eeeet!

Have you kept any of your resolutions thus far?

I don't usually make resolutions. I've been trying the last month to look for hobbies besides drinking so when I'm out with my professional peers, I can tell stories that aren't related to "that time I went to the bar" or "one time my friends and I all went to NY to get drunk".

Which of your resolutions do you think you're most likely to accomplish? Least likely?

So far, I've learned that I really enjoy quilting, which has shocked me, since my mom loves it. I didn't think I would like it since I don't like sewing clothes. H made a really good point that it's okay to be off a little on a quilt, but on a blouse it would be a Project Runway faux paux.

Do you tend to make the same resolutions each year? Which ones are they?

I find that I want to get healthier every new year. But this time, I've been kicking myself in the face ever since the end of summer when I realized my clothes don't fit and I'm an emotional eater. So I bought a yoga mat and found some yoga videos (thanks to @suzie211's post on @livleighton's fb status) and I've started doing that with some good success.

What are your techniques for achieving a resolution like saving more money or losing weight?

I've got to set up a plan and stick with it. I have absolutely deplorable self discipline in almost every aspect of my life. I try and make it as easy as possible. Like, spending 5 minutes when I get home to wipe down the kitchen, or on a night when I'm home, get one next step knocked out on my quilt.

I also heard a story on NPR that really struck a chord in me, about living pay check to pay check and how that won't really change even if your income increases. It's a matter of personal discipline. So I'm paying attention to my spending habits and trying to see where I can change things.

RWS2011 · January 2014

Have you kept any of your resolutions thus far?

I am making headway toward reading 50 books this year, though I have fallen behind on my reading the last few days.

So far, my goals of being active for at least 15 minutes per day and writing for at least 15 minutes per day have been spotty. My daughter has been on break from school, so I have less time to myself. And, her school was canceled for today and tomorrow due to the cold. Once she is back at school and I am getting in a rhythm with my job, I think it will be easier to find a good time to fit those activities into the day.

Which of your resolutions do you think you're most likely to accomplish? Least likely?

Most likely, the reading and writing because I have a strong motivation.

It is really challenging to find the time and energy to work out. That has always been an uphill battle for me. When I was younger, my metabolism was great, and my lifestyle was a bit more active, so I didn't really feel the need to work out. Now, it is necessary and I fight it every step of the way!

Do you tend to make the same resolutions each year? Which ones are they? What are your techniques for achieving a resolution like saving more money or losing weight?

I don't always make resolutions, and I prefer to think of it as setting goals for myself. The last few years, I have been weight focused because my weight is higher than it ever has been. In the past I was most successful losing weight by really concentrating my efforts on eating healthy and appropriate portions of food. The problem lies in the laziness that can set in when I reach my goal weight. I know now that if I want to stay healthy and fit, being mindful of what and how much I am eating is not part of a diet, but a lifestyle that has to be maintained. I'd imagine the same lesson could apply to money. Learning good habits is only the first step, the next one is maintaining those habits over time.

suzie211 · January 2014

@audrewuh Yay!!! Glad it helped someone! Did you use her YouTube videos or buy her new stuff? FWIW, Tara is one of the nicest women I have ever met. I get a huge kick out of seeing where she's gotten in life because she deserves every second of it. She's come a long way since we used to choreograph half time routines together:)

And yeah, I suck at resolutions and never make them. That way I can't break them;). But I'm considering an old Oprah favorite and contemplating making a vision board.

audrewuh · January 2014

@suzie211 I'm using her free stuff on youtube. They're nice and short, so I feel like it's easier to ease into the habit. Once I've figured out a routine, I should be able to do two or three of her videos at a time.

I think it's so cool that you know her. She seems really kind and she's a good instructor. What half time routines did you choreograph? Drill/dance team routines?

CLoGreenEyes · January 2014

@audrewuh Yay!!! Glad it helped someone! Did you use her YouTube videos or buy her new stuff? FWIW, Tara is one of the nicest women I have ever met. I get a huge kick out of seeing where she's gotten in life because she deserves every second of it. She's come a long way since we used to choreograph half time routines together:)

And yeah, I suck at resolutions and never make them. That way I can't break them;). But I'm considering an old Oprah favorite and contemplating making a vision board.

***

Stuck in the box. But dammit, I forgot I was totally supposed to do this, my counselor thought it would be super-helpful and encouraging to do. Have I done it? Nope. Have I thought about doing it? Absolutely not. Did I forget all about it? Damn skippy I did. Thanks for the reminder!

suzie211 · January 2014

@audrewuh We were on the Pom squad together. A little secret about Tara is she's actually older than me, but like most NY models she fibbed her age when she signed with Ford. If you dig on my FB page there are a couple pics with her in it from our HS days.

There were lots of routines the three years we were on the team together, but by far, my favorite was a folding chair routine (hello 90's) to Four Non Blondes. It was very Tara. What you see in the videos is exactly how she is. She's super nice and uber granola, but had been that way as long as I can remember. She reached out to me about five years ago when my dad was sick. It just how she is. It's great to see how successful she is, because she deserves every second of it.

suzie211 · January 2014

@audrewuh Looks like it's just the one pic. Here's us in our 90's glory:

Never mind

KeptInStitches · January 2014

I didn't make any resolutions this year, but one thing I need to do is actually cook more (one should not live on peanut butter alone). Does anyone have any good ideas for stovetop-type recipes? My oven isn't very consistent. Slow-cooker ideas would be great as well!

Oops double posted

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