12.31.2011

More goals for 2012....Happy New Year!

It's December 31, and I'm taking one more look at my goals for 2012. In my previous post, 2011 is Coming to a Close , I planned out my goals for the coming year. They are good ones....keep running, eat healthy, spend more time with family. After thinking more about this, I need to add a few to the list.

I want to start cooking healthy meals for my family. It is hard sometimes to do this, since I work full time and have other things going on as well. My teenage daughter informed me that she is tired of eating out of a can...which breaks my heart. She has eaten Chef Boyardee until she is sick of it. There has got to be a way that I can make sure she gets healthy meals at home. I have a crock pot that hasn't been used in a while. I'm going to take the time to plan meals and make this a priority! She is definitely worth it!


Whitney - she is such a doll!
My husband also deserves a good, home-cooked meal once in a while. Since we work different shifts, we don't get to have very many meals together. And on the weekends, we tend to eat out for than we cook at home. This is a goal that will not be easy, but I'm determined to be a better wife and mother by cooking meals for my family.

me and my hubby
I will continue going to church and spend more time in prayer. One of my goals last year was to start going back to church, even if my family doesn't go with me. Sometimes that is difficult. It is hard getting up early on Sunday morning when everyone else is sleeping. It is also hard walking in church alone. But I will continue, because I feel more at peace and happier when I do. Yes, I wish the family would go with me, but I have to respect them for their feelings and cannot make them. I also spend time watching Joyce Meyer Ministries and have purchased many of her inspirational products. If I'm having a rough day, listening to her sermons gives me hope. I believe prayer changes things....so I want to add this to my list of goals.



2011 was a fabulous year for me. I participated in several 5k races, many charity walks, and made a healthy lifestyle part of my routine. I received 2 job promotions. I have enjoyed many wonderful moments with my family and loved ones. I became a grandmother! I look forward to 2012 and hope to improve my life in many ways. I strive to always be the best I can be, whether it be in my job, family, or my fitness. I'm going to keep this attitude in the next year and keep on keeping on....

"One of the simplest things about all facts of life is that to get where you want to go, you must keep on keeping on"- Norman Vincent Peale

I'm wishing you love, peace and happiness in 2012!

12.25.2011

It's Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! I enjoyed my gifts, but am even more thankful for my supportive husband, wonderful kids and precious granddaughter! I am very blessed by a wonderful family, my health, my career and many friends. Thanks everyone for being there for me.

I started the morning off by making cinnamon rolls for the family and going to church. Sorry family, the presents will have to wait! They were patiently waiting for me when I returned. We all got gifts we wanted and everyone seems happy. I hope you enjoy my pictures...

My Keurig coffee brewer! I have been wanting one for a long time! And I've got plenty of K-cups stocked up! My favorite is pumpkin spice!

Me and my beautiful girls!

Whitney and my granddaughter, Phoenix!

We don't have a fireplace, but this made a nice substitute.

Our Christmas brunch spread....lots of goodies!

Whitney

more pictures of the baby!

Cousins....

Me and my sis!

cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning
Now that the presents are opened, we will play with our toys a while then go out to eat Chinese food.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and are surrounded by those you love on this special day.

12.23.2011

Christmas Eve- Eve 2011

It's the day before Christmas Eve, so I guess I'll call it Christmas Eve Eve. My shopping is done and all I have left to do is cook for our family party tomorrow. I'm making pumpkin muffins, fudge, sausage balls, pigs in a blanket, mango salsa with pita chips and turkey roll up sandwiches. I'm currently home alone, listening to Christmas music and baking. I'm not sure why but I got a little excited about having the house to myself for a few hours. But I did!




I made it back to the gym this week and its a good thing. All the office treats and the sweets I'll be surrounded with for the next few days, will be tempting. It amazes me how GREAT I feel after working out. That alone should be enough motivation for me to stay on track. I'm looking for a way to remind myself about that! I did install an app for my phone that reminds me about my scheduled workouts. So far, its working.

The first workout was a little tough, since I've taken several weeks off. It was tough but I did it. I'm glad I'm back in the swing of things. I'm looking to make 2012 a great year!





12.18.2011

2011 is coming to a close

It's hard to believe that the year is almost over. This time of year always has me thinking about goals for the next year. I'm proud of myself that for most of 2011, I stayed on track for my fitness and health goals. I've had a few setbacks, but overall I have continued to push myself to healthy living.


My goals for 2012 are similar to those for this year. I want to continue running and complete longer races than a 5k. I am thinking about a 10k or 15k. I've been searching my area for races and hope to sign up for one soon.

I also want to stick to my healthy eating plan for next year. I am working on eating as much unprocessed foods as possible and continue trying organic foods. I am trying to keep my cholesterol and blood pressure in the normal levels and will be mindful of these things.


Finally, I want to work on the family/work balance. Sometimes work consumes me and even though I enjoy my job, I hope to spend more time with my family.





Have a Merry Christmas!



12.16.2011

When life gets in the way....

When life gets in the way, I find it hard to stay on track regarding my fitness and training. If I didn't work full time...if I wasn't a full time mom....if I had more energy...IF.

How do you manage when life gets so busy that you begin slacking on healthy eating and you allow yourself to skip workouts? I find it frustrating sometimes, especially when work becomes more demanding. The last few weeks I have been traveling with work and working weekends. Every time I go out of town, I pack my exercise clothes, running shoes and other gear. But after working 12-14 hours, I find it very difficult to get those workouts in. Being in a different time zone doesn't make it easier.


I tried to eat healthy while on the road, but that's hard too. I work for a nursing home for Veterans and the food they serve there is enriched, to help the residents gain weight. So, packing healthy snacks and a case of water is usually what I do. But when things get busy and I'm going into starvation mode, its easy to settle for vending machine snacks.



I'm glad to be home and spend time with my family. I also need to get busy tackling these Christmas lists. I believe its only 10 days away.


I'm also determined to get back on schedule with my workouts. My gym bag is packed and ready to go. I have a date tomorrow with the gym and since I only have to work for a short time....there is no excuse!


What is your secret to staying on track with your fitness goals?