March successes and April targets

How did I do on my goals for March?

I'm pretty happy with the results.
- I finally did paint the basement stairs and am enjoying seeing them looking good every time I go up and down to do laundry.
- I bought some shoes and socks that I needed and ordered a summer dress.
- I've been menu planning which keeps us eating dinner at home more.  We are going to go out this weekend but it will be inexpensive.
- I got a new consulting project and started working on it so some income will follow.
- We had a wonderful vacation and I bought tickets for two trips by myself later this Spring.  I was able to use frequent flyer miles to get a ticket to visit my Mom in early May and bought a ticket to join West coast friends in Raleigh in April while they are doing a home exchange there.
- Some decluttering with the total for the year so far at 200 items!
- Stuck to our financial and house project plan.
- Had overall a higher energy level finishing up my Boost Your Energy Challenge.

Goals for April?  I'll be working a lot the first two weeks and traveling quite a bit so my goals are modest.

Keep the stress out of travel - 3 trips in April; 2 for fun & 1 for business means I need to plan ahead.
Keep our budget in hand - A little planned eating out, menu planning, and otherwise only regularly scheduled and planned project and personal expenses.
Keep energy high - Walk dog every day possible, PT exercises every day and 2 PT visits, 4 Pilates sessions, and long walks while traveling if possible.
Keep rightsizing (and decluttering) our home - Focus on deep cleaning and sprucing up our two bathrooms and continuing to pare down our possessions bit by bit.

February successes and March targets

What's on tap for March? I'm not going to be particularly ambitious.  I am going to make myself actually paint/stain the basement stairs though.  Perhaps I'll find a place to get the antique chair fixed too.  And buy some shoes.  And join Carla's March Menu Planning Challenge.  Not a lot of ambition showing is there?  I'll learn the first week of March if I have a consulting project and if so will have to get started on it and we will be on vacation one week too.

So once again, an update on how the year is going so far. 

Decluttering - I had hoped to have 29 items out the door and came close with 28 including another pair of unflattering slacks.  I could go through the house and find 1 more but I'm happy with what I did.

Boost Your Energy Challenge - I continue to feel more energetic, but physical therapy is taking its toll on my activity level.  Walking the dog seems to aggravate my hip problem so I have cut back.  Still going to Pilates and active in daily life.  Good news is that my hip is slowly regaining the range of motion we are working on and I have retrained myself on how to stand.  Now to work on retraining myself on how I bend over!

2012 Plan Progress - 12 for 2012

1) Only buy clothing that is on my list - SUCCESS - Bought socks and 3 shirts! 

3) Reach & maintain target weight - SUCCESS - Lost 1 pound

4) Go 4 new places in my city - SUCCESS - We had a great time going on a tour of artist studios in a part of town never visited.
5) Try 4 new restaurants in my city - SUCCESS - tried a sustainable seafood restaurant within walking distance 

11) Follow my 2012 financial plan - We were successful in appealing our property value which will lower our property taxes for 2011 - 2013.  The unexpected expense of the month was having to replace a tire on a car that is only a year old.  It kept losing air and no one could find the problem - probably the fancy, schmancy valve.  Otherwise just kept on doing the ongoing items and doing better at holding down food and gasoline costs. 

12) Complete House To Do List -We made progress on clearing undergrowth in the wooded part of yard but much to do yet.  I managed to hurt my back helping with it though (see relearn how to bend over above!).  I've started on the basement stairs - washed them and found leftover fence paint that I think I can tint to the right darker shade using some of my tubes of art acrylics.  Might be a free project if this works.  Hubby doesn't see the point as the basement is not finished but the laundry is down there and I go up and down those stairs a lot and they annoy me!

The tough job of letting go of intentions and aspirations

I've been thinking a lot lately about my 3rd Happiness Commandment  - Savor the Present.  I'm very good about not dwelling on the past in terms of my thoughts and the future is usually focused on in terms of goals that require actions in the present so that is all good.  However, I do let myself get stuck on intentions and aspirations that no longer fit my "Present".

Example - these bags of artist quality colored pencils that I brought home after going through my Dad's art supplies after he died almost three years ago.  He didn't even work in colored pencil and had them because a friend had given them to him!  I know I'm not going to use them and I know someone who could use them in her work - seems obvious doesn't it.  But that means letting go of my intentions not just the pencils.  (By the way, if anyone reading this really wants them, let me know in the comments section and I'll mail them out!).

I have been saying for about 10 years that I want to go to Paris - never booked the trip though.  Why is that?  I think the idea is more desirable than the travel would be.  If you check my 12 for 2012 goals you'll see that just today I modified that goal to be broader.  I'd really like to go to Santa Fe or Key West or New York City or revisit the California wine country - probably more than I want to go to Paris.  All much simpler trips given our present interests, schedule of visits to family spread out around the country, and our financial goals and obligations.

I know that I felt a weight lift when I decided to get rid of our bird feeder and birdbath.  I love watching birds, but cleaning those and buying seed - not so much.  I still see lots of birds and I enjoy them more now.

Look around your life (home, head, work, friends, whatever!) and see where you are holding on to past intentions and aspirations.  They don't just live in stuff that could be decluttered, but they can weigh us down just as much. 

Challenge updates

I realized yesterday that my energy level has really improved and perhaps it was time to check in on how I was doing on my own challenges.

Boost Your Energy Challenge: Mid month I have to celebrate that I am feeling more energetic - the more I engage in physical activity the better I feel.  

I am giving up on the stretching every morning as it is just not happening.  I want to find more squeaky wheels to fix though I'm not sure what they would be.  I'll have to think about that.

2012 Plan Progress: The good news is that there is progress!

Only buy clothing that is on my list - bought 2 more pairs of socks and 5 knit shirts

Go 4 new places in my city - Rail Arts District studio walk * 

FIND A NEW & FUN VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY - I am enjoying looking for ways to expand membership and fundraising for my local Friends of the Library group

However, I need to get moving on my baker's dozen House To Do List!

Decluttering Challenge:  I don't know if I am decluttered enough but I am definitely stalled!

Are you making progress on your challenges so far this month?  What are you doing to keep yourself motivated?

January successes and February targets

I decided to consolidate my updates so here is how the year is going so far.  Overall I think January was a pretty good month!  February will focus on my Boost Your Energy Challenge and making more 2012 Plan progress

Decluttering - January saw a slow down in this area with only 12 items out the door along with some electronic decluttering.  I'm not sure how much more I really want to let go of at this time but will keep at it albeit at a slower pace.

Boost Your Energy Challenge - The two additional exercise classes I had signed up for were cancelled.  In addition I am having a problem with one leg that hopefully some visits to a physical therapist will fix.  I am walking the dog more and continuing weekly Pilates sessions and doing better on healthy snacks.  I have been much more physically active and am sleeping better as a result and feel more energetic.

Low/No Spend Challenge - I participated in Carla's challenge for two weeks instead of a month.  Overall I think it went well but I learned it is very difficult to keep our grocery/drinks/toiletries/household goods spending at the targeted amount and that I really like my habit of going out for coffee LOL.

2012 Plan Progress - 12 for 2012

1) Only buy clothing that is on my list - only bought 1 pair of socks! 

3) Reach & maintain target weight - lost 1/2 pound

5) Try 4 new restaurants in my city - tried Malysian food 

6) Take a class - signed up for a Knife Skills cooking class in Feb. 

9) DONE: Try a month of theme cooking  - January was soup "month"

10) DONE: Find a new, fun volunteer activity - Signed up to volunteer at the Atlanta Botanical Garden starting in April

11) Follow my 2012 financial plan - earned $50 credit towards health care expenses by completing an online health survey, maxed out our ROTH IRAs, took a trip to see family and kept on doing the ongoing items

12) Complete House To Do List -We checked 2 1/2 items off of our house to do list although one was by default as we decided a large tree did not need removal at this time.  Since one item got done by not doing anything, I'm making my list a baker's dozen and adding (13) get antique chair fixed.

Boost Your Energy Challenge update - Start of month 2

I did pretty well over the holidays in following my plan to boost my energy.  Lots of walks and time outdoors.  Remembered to drink plenty of water.  Had healthy snacks and dealt with the mid-afternoon slump pretty well but I'm still failing at stretching regularly.

Despite my efforts I was very tired after trying to keep up with my son and his girlfriend.  My legs hurt from standing two hours to watch the Rose Parade and walking a lot more than usual.  So I have a ways to go.

This month I have added two exercise classes in addition to my weekly Pilates session.  I am going to a Pilates class and a Zumba class - each once a week - for two months.  I'll be back sorting donated books once a week too which is harder work than it sounds - books are heavy.  I'm also trying to walk the dog even more which she will appreciate and it does make her a better dog.  Last, but not least, I am going to try to make stretching a routine part of the day right after the dog's first walk in the morning.

How are you doing keeping your energy up this winter?

Boost Your Energy Challenge - I've packed my walking shoes

We are heading off to sunny southern California for a long New Year's weekend with family.  The plane flight, eating differently, and sitting with older family members really drain me of energy. 

Not this time - she says determinedly!  I'm not going to take a vacation from exercising and other activities that keep my energy level high.  I've packed my walking shoes, a list of stretching exercises, my yoga strap, and some healthy fig snack bars.  I'm going to be sure I drink lots of water too.

Additional plans for the first stop include books to read, some planned activities that will get us out of the house, and stopping to buy fruit to take to our first hosts so we can be have some too.  The second stop will include younger family and their dog so that will be an easier situation in terms of healthy, energy boosting activities.

What do you do when you travel to keep your energy level up?

Boost Your Energy Challenge - Week 3 update

I am continuing to do well in the same areas and still not doing my stretching!  Lack of commitment perhaps to this step as I certainly know it is good for me.  Must put it on my schedule!!!!!  Or accept that it is not a priority?????


The "squeaky wheel" fixed this week was getting new walking shoes.  I am loving the cushioning especially under the balls of my feet.  Hopefully I can walk further now without as much knee and hip pain.

Boost Your Energy Challenge - Week 2 update

It's the end of week two and I am feeling more energetic.

I'm happy I included the BONUS item of fixing a "squeaky wheel" that is draining energy.  This week is was to install a second shelf in the coat closet so we each have a shelf for hats, etc.  I'm loving it and I'm no longer annoyed each time I reach for something of mine.

I'm also happy with the long walks I am taking with the dog for cardio exercise.  The weather has been warm and sunny which is helping.  The dog is happy too!

I'm unhappy that I am finding it hard to have healthy snacks that cut off my afternoon hunger without adding too many calories.  It is hard to eat a lot of things that are healthy, long lasting snacks like nuts when you have braces.  I've made a list of potential ones for next week though and will do better.

I'm also finding it hard to make myself to stretches.  I think late afternoon is a better time for me and it is going on the calendar.

I'm continuing to drink more water, deal head-on with the afternoon slump, and go outside -no problems there.

Boost Your Energy Challenge Update - Week 1

Thanks to Baby Boomers U. S. for including my post on the Boost Your Energy Challenge in this week's Baby Boomers Carnival.  Check out the other interesting links in this week's carnival.

Here's my results for week one:

1. Stretch every morning. FAIL -  I did do more than before though

2. Have at least 20 minutes of cardio exercise 4 times a week!  FAIL - clearly I have to include long walks with the dog or this won't happen at all

3. Drink more water. YES

4. Keep my blood sugar balanced by having the right type of snacks.  MIXED - I was good at this when at home but it became difficult while putting in 12 hour days in business meetings out of town.

5. Deal head-on with the afternoon slump. YES

6. Go outside - dog included is OK. YES

BONUS:  Fix any "squeaky wheel" that is draining energy. YES - hired a professional to handle our property appraisal appeal

Did anyone else start their own energy boosting challenge?

Edited to add:  Given how tired I am today after a 3 day business trip of long hours, I really need this to work!

Beat the Winter Doldrums: Boost your energy challenge

Ready for a challenge to help beat the winter doldrums?  How about if you consistently had a high level of energy?  What would you do then?  I am starting a Boost Your Energy Challenge to run from December 1, 2011 until March 31, 2012.  I know winter hasn't officially started at the beginning of December, but these are the months when I find my energy fairly low due to wintery weather.  Join me in reversing the energy drain of winter.

I am really interested right now in how I can increase my energy level.  Thanksgiving day I found I was exhausted from standing around in the kitchen for hours and generally pretty tired from a more active holiday weekend than I am used to.  Since one of my 12 Happiness Commandments is to Focus on Energy and I really see that as a key to happiness I have decided to create a customized plan for increasing my energy level.  This will also help address the lack of long term goals I am currently experiencing which is another gap in achieving my Happiness Commandments.

So here's the challenge. Let's kick off 2012 with a plan and commitment to increase our energy levels by taking specific steps during the next 4 months!  Energy drives our ability to do so many things and certainly affects my happiness.

1. Start by creating a customized energy plan. 
2. Set some real goals with deadlines and measurements.
3. Commit to weekly check ins - how are you honestly doing?

Want to create your own custom plan to increase your energy level?  You can get some great ideas by checking out this post by Myrko Thum; The 5 Most Effective Ways to Increase Your Own Energy Level, this article in Real Simple How to Increase Your Energy Levels, a great post on 55 Ways to Get More Energy at Zen Habits, and this post of Gretchen Rubin's (be sure to check out the comments section for more ideas) 8 Tips for Boosting Your Energy RIGHT NOW.

Let me know what ideas you are incorporating in your plan. 

Here's mine.  It does not include a lot of things that you might think are essential to a high energy level.  I am not saying that getting enough sleep, reducing your stress level, eating a balanced diet, getting your thyroid level checked, making sure your vitamin intake is on target, looking at the positive side of things, etc. aren't important factors to consider when you want to increase your energy level.  However these are not concerns for me right now.

1. Stretch every morning.  I know what to do, I have short sessions and a longer one with a DVD.  I just need to do it.

2. Get moving more by having at least 20 minutes of cardio exercise 4 times a week!  Walking the dog doesn't count as much of the time is spent training (correcting LOL) the dog who thinks "heel" is a short term activity!

3. Drink more water. I may be dehydrated which can make you feel tired.  This is the dark side of really liking to drink coffee. 

4. Keep my blood sugar balanced by having the right type of snacks that combine protein with carbs and a little fat.  Low glycemic foods (the good carb foods) include fruits and vegetables, grains, low-carb foods like meats, and pasta. Check this chart of foods and their glycemic index before planning my trips to the grocery store. Lots of suggestions include nuts which could be a problem with my braces right now.  I need to explore this some more but possibilities include: peanut butter on a whole-wheat cracker, some yogurt with a handful of nuts and berries, granola bar, frozen berry smoothie, a low-fat latte instead of just a cup of coffee (a happy dance for this idea) with an ounce of almonds (does an almond biscotti count?).

5. Deal head on with the afternoon slump.  I am definitely a morning person and an early riser which means I really have an afternoon slump built into my circadian rhythms.  How to counteract that?  Ideas:
- Put on some energizing music and dance around the house to combat the afternoon slump.
- Have some social interaction with an interesting/up beat person.  Get my mind firing on all cylinders by talking about something I feel passionate about.
- Focus on something that really stretches my right brain (I am very left brain).  When I used to paint I know the time flew by without my feeling that my energy was low.

6. Go outside - dog included is OK.  Take advantage of sunshine and fresh air for some energy.

BONUS:  Fix a "squeaky wheel" that is draining energy.   For some people this could mean upgrade your computer that can’t keep up, or replace your dishwasher that requires you to spend time washing before and after.  I'll have to think about what it is for me.