A Few Nods of Gratitude

Like everyone else, I use this time of year to reflect over the previous twelve months. Most commonly we think of things we want to continue to do, do less of, change, or start to do in the new year based on ourselves.

I think it is just as important to think about the lessons we have learned from our friends and family. These ideas are much more challenging to apply to our own behavior - but I wanted to take the time to highlight a few examples of how some people have affected me this year.

• K.S. - We cannot spend our whole life trying to change. The desire to do something will not keep illnesses at bay. In the end, we always pay up for our procrastination.
• N.L. - Confronting the issues at the heart of a wounded relationship is a difficult thing to do, but addressing things openly is the only way to mend it.
• J.L. - The idea of routine and stability are counter to some of us. But it is much easier to make great strides towards development if some parts of our life are not always in flux.
• J.M.F. - A healthy lifestyle can be natural, easy and free from the constant feeling of deprivation and hopelessness. It is possible to eat healthily without concentrated effort, get to a point where you enjoy exercising, and listen to your body all at the same time.
• J.B.F. - You can care for someone, disagree with them, and let them know it, all while still being genuinely kind and calm. Diplomacy is one thing - true graciousness, respect, and modesty is another.
• K.T. - Keep following your dreams, even if you have no time, no energy, and you have to take over some of the family space to do it in. (Some of us use the excuse of not having a dedicated workshop or office to put off venturing towards our goals- shame on us.)
• D.T. - Roll with the punches. While stability is something to strive for (see above) it is generally impossible over time. Things will change, sometimes very fast, and yes, you too can make lemonade out of those lemons.
• S.M. - Find humor in life every day. We will always be unhappy about work, or home, or family, or friends (or maybe several at once) but it's laughing about it that will get you through.
• J.S. - Being a grown-up doesn't mean you have to stop learning. (Okay, I already felt strongly about this one, but he does a great job of practicing it.)
• A.L. - Take charge of one-sided relationships. It's okay to put your foot down once in a while, even if it feels like you could hurt the other person.
• K.H. - Your primary purpose in life is to lead yourself and your spouse and/or children towards happiness and success. Sometimes that means setting sail for an unknown shore and changing course as you go.

This is definitely not an exhaustive list, but it's a start. A little disclaimer - the one or two people who read this might not be on here, or may be offended by my list. I hope not. But true to my purpose in doing this, I'm happy to discuss any thing on here with you - my friends and family.

Day 1 - A Cut Above

Let me tell you something - I was so on top of things yesterday! Some successes:

• Stuck to the diet despite the two gigantic bowls of christmas candy on the dining room table
• Did my Cto5k program at the gym and then Yoga-Pilates class
• Cut caffeine back to one mug of tea
  
• I even drank more than 8 glasses of water!!!

Then, well - things got a little dodgy for a few minutes. I get home from the gym, exhausted, sore, low blood-sugar levels and start making our lunch. Out comes the tomato, the sharp santoku knife, and....well I gave myself the deepest cut I think I ever had. We were actually thinking I might need stitches. The funny part was that Jon was in the same physical state as me so as soon as he saw my handiwork he almost passed out! He called it "sympathy" faintness!

Ok so here's to a slice-free but still successful day 2!

Off to a Good Start

I am very excited to report that Jon and I started on our diets today - and two hours later everything is looking up. (Come on, it's the small successes people!)

Seriously, I just read that thin or average-sized folks will gain on average 1-2 pounds just over the holidays, larger people will average 5 pounds in weight gain. (Duh, right? Well just wait...)

The kicker is, that some people think that mid-life weight gain is mostly a factor of people putting on weight over the holidays and not doing anything about it so that it accumulates. So the key to a healthy adulthood may be in kicking that Xmas Poundage to the curb right away. (Not going to cite sources here, honestly the site I got this from didn't either.)

One of the reasons that men in general (and my husband specifically) are so much more successful at losing weight/getting in shape/attaining goals - is that they tend to be far more disciplined and unemotional about the whole thing.

Here's a little side by side comparison:

Her	Him
"Well, everyone else ordered dessert so obviously I had to."	"Everyone else was ordering dessert so I left."
"I've had a terrible day, I need comfort food."	"I've had a bad day, I don't want to make it worse by ruining my diet."
"I'll make myself a big breakfast so I won't be so hungry."(And then you're still hungry so you eat a big lunch too.)	"I skip breakfast and eat my calories later."

So, there it is. Stop making excuses! Stop worrying about other people! Take a lesson from my dearest - skip breakfast, eat as little as possible, and STICK TO IT! We'll see if I can take my own advice.

Prepping for 2009 Part 1 - Diet

So Christmas is in full swing, but I have some thoughts before we head into next year.

I made some darn good progress on the health front during the summer/fall of this year. Exercise was probably a 2.5 out of 5, but once Jon started dieting with me, things started going really well nutritionally - maybe a 3.5 or 4.

Well, once turkey day came, all bets were off and I quickly saw progress disappear like a doughnut at an eater's anonymous meeting. I've gained back most of what I've lost year and that couldn't be more depressing. So, Jon and I are getting our action plan in place to regain our previous success and continue on towards the ultimate victory. To that end, I think we are going to have a "Carbo-Load" party on Sunday. More on that later.

A Feeling I Hope I Never Lose

Tonight I experienced a rare autumn joy - driving way too fast, down a very dark road, with my music up way too loud. There are few things in the world that make me feel this cathartic.

Night driving always makes me feel a little surreal as it is, but add in an inspiring rhythm and the perfect chilly temperatures and I remember what life was like before a mortgage, marriage and full time job. Not that any of those things are less than blessings - however, you have to admit, your typical 9-5 gig+white picket fence+"Honey do list" tends to change the way one looks at a dark reckless drive down a two lane road.

We (meaning any of my friends reading this) are all getting older but I really suggest the next time you find yourself driving home alone late at night, turn the music dial just a little more to the right, and slip a little more pressure onto that gas pedal - it's worth it.

Calling all Names

Okay - as you all know, I am on my fourth ipod in three years.

The first one had my name engraved on it - a gift from Jon for our engagement. It got stolen.

The second one I named simply, "Jenn's Ipod" - it was a refurbished 20g classic that lasted me about two years until it finally broke down magnificently like a marathon runner at the end of his career.

Number three was "Rosebud" my red 8gig nano that I purchased right before vacation and lost right away.

So it's YOUR TURN to name my ipod. I'm looking for a clever name for my new 8gig red nano. JFreddie - I have high expectations for your entries.

Thanks! Jenn

Chivas Win!

And now a post from our sponsor...

Chivas Win! Chivas Win! Everybody! Gather up the entire family and pile onto the scooter and we'll go cruising in the parade of cheering fans, waving the flag and plush goat mascot, and honking the horn setting off car alarms all along the street.

Apparently, the Chivas del Guadalajara beat América two to one while we were eating our dinner. This partially explains the comparatively empty streets earlier while were were out looking for somewhere to eat. Only one in every 7 or 8 shop owners was desparetly trying to get us to take a look at what they had to offer (Sorry, I still don't belive you that you have silver jewelry for free).

Now, however there is a true celebration going on outside our hotel. Waves of honking horns from vans, cars, trucks, mopeds, and scooters are driving up and down the main street. Everybody is in the color or jersey of the Chivas and most cars have a huge flag stuck out the window.

The most striking part is that it seems the whole family is included. You'll see a mother and child riding on a scooter driven by the father. Or a group of 5 crammed into a little hatch-back. A clowncar's worth piled into a van. All wearing jerseys and cheering for Los Chivas!

An exciting close to the lazy (recouperation after all the diving), last full day of vacation before travling home.