Year in a review/ 2011 changes

OMG! Where did 2010 go? This was definitely a better year than 2009 but as I reflect on this past year, I'm thankful for all the "lows" I've experienced because my situations have taught me patience, in all things have faith, and to continue to believe in hope.

As I move into this new year and with all the talk of resolutions, I thought about all the things in my life I would like to change. I haven't been one for New Years resolutions because I believe you can make a change anytime, regardless of the date, but I have to admit, it's kind of nice to start with a clean slate on 1/1/11.

So here is my looooong list of Lifetime Changes (I think I like that better than New Years Resolution)

1. To have a REAL, personal relationship with Jesus Christ

This is very shameful for me to admit but I've been struggling with my spiritual life. I plan to devote my time to really reading and understanding the scripture and having daily communion with Him. I believe Jesus is coming again soon and I want to be ready for His return.

2. To live a healthy lifestyle when it comes to my diet and exercise

It's no secret that my biggest insecurity is my weight. I'm always either on a diet, just finished a diet or about to start one. I'm so tired of living like that and now is the time I make a lifestyle change and make exercise a part of my daily routine.

3. To achieve a more stable financial situation

I've been blessed with a career where I'm able to support myself and afford some small luxuries but this is the time I need to be more responsible and actually start REALLY saving money. I (thankfully) don't have any credit card debit and I live at home so paying down on my student loans, car note and putting something away for later on in life needs to be my priority.

4. To further my education

Even though I'm proud of my accomplishments, to this day I still beat myself up about not doing nursing the first time around. I feel I should of had a Masters by now but I can't live in the past so I plan to apply to one graduate program this year and see what happens.

5. To be a better nurse

Just because nursing school is over doesn't mean you have to stop learning. I want to make it a habit to review things I once learned because I'm sure it will make even more sense now that I'm practicing. I want to better my techniques and become even more proficient with cardiac rhythms.

6. I no longer want my emotions to dictate my actions

I've been working on this since last year and there has been great improvement already but I can do better.

7. I want to be less selfish and share more

I have no problem giving but I hate sharing what's mine. It's such a bad trait and I've been blessed to have many people share with me throughout my life that I definitely need to do better in that area.

8. Don't have an opinion where you don't have responsibility.

I read this quote on my cousin's husband's facebook page a few weeks ago. How often have you listened to a friends situation and unknowingly judged him/her? Perhaps even discussed it with another friend or your significant other, stating what you would have done differently, questioning the reasons for their actions, and even looking down at them for their misfortunes. That is not being a real friend and being a good friend is what I strive for. I have a very small circle and treasure all those that are apart of it.

9. To be a better blogger

This blog has been such a major outlet for me since I started last year but often it gets put on the back burner, sometimes because of a crazy work schedule, sometimes out of laziness. I spent 6 days in DC with my boyfriend, had Christmas dinner my MD family and later on with his, ate at a fabolous restaurant, went to the movies, etc and I didn't make one entry or take one picture. I should be ashamed of myself... I don't even deserve to be called a blogger...lol. But for 2011 I plan to do better.

PS- If you're reading this and not a follower, go to the right side of the screen and click follow please :-)

What are some of your changes for the New Year?

Fall Challenge Update #1

So if you follow intently (like you all should...lol) you would've notice that last week Friday I didn't update you on the Fall Challenge Terry and I embarked on on October 1st and the reason is simple... I made no progress: actually let me take that back, I was heavier than when I started! Can you believe that?? Because I don't. Maybe It's because I didn't weigh myself the day I started I just assumed I was 1** lbs when I was really 1**.5 lbs (hahaha).

Anyway the week prior, Terry had great success, losing 2lbs (yay) while I essentially gained 2.5. She accounts her loss to working out and eating right. This week she gained a pound. She said she didn't have time to work out and she wasn't eating junk but wasn't eating healthy either. She promises to do better next week.

This week I lost a total of 3 lbs (go me). I went to the grocery store on Monday and that alone improved my eating habits this week. I cooked all my meals, bought healthy snacks, and gave up juice. Planning your meals in advance also helps a lot. I packed dinner and snacks the nights I had to work so I wouldn't be tempted to eat the cookies we keep at the nurses station or raid the vending machine. I went out to lunch on Tuesday and I even made great choices there, staying clear away from fries and things loaded with carbs. I was never hungry and was still satisfied. This week I hope to workout more and continue to eat better.

Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy it a little more just for me since I'll be working from tonight till Monday morning... :-(

Fall Challenge

Last weekend I was looking at some old pictures of when I use to live in Florida and I couldn't help but think how hot I was (yes I'm conceited, I got a reason...lol jk) I use to workout 5 days a week, watch what I ate and still thought I was fat. What an idiot I was! I've lost about 12lbs since nursing school which is pretty good but I would love to loose another 10lbs but it's like I have no determination or self control anymore.

Well yesterday I was having a BBM convo with my old friend from Florida, Terry. She said she wanted to loose 10lbs for a bridesmaid fitting in December and I came up with the perfect idea of doing it together and today being October 1st and all makes it the perfect day to start. In order to make sure I stay on track, I plan on blogging about my progress every Friday. So cheer me and my girl Terry on as we try to loose these last 10lbs!

Back in the saddle

So yesterday morning, I did something, I haven't done in weeks, wait, who am I fooling, in months... I got my lazy rump up and headed to the gym. I made sure I checked the class schedule posted on my mirror (it's there to give me inspiration to go but guess again) because I definitely did not want to take Zumba. I was glad when I checked the schedule and saw triple fat burner followed by tummy tuck and butt lift (exactly want I need...lol). But as I pulled into the parking lot I saw the Zumba teacher get out of her car. I screamed (in my head) NOOOOO!!

Let me explain. Zumba is often a hit or miss with me. The first time I went, the class was taught by an energetic white girl who could move. She really got the ladies in the class engaged,pumped up, and actually showed us the moves. I fell in love with Zumba that evening and swore that was my new favorite class until I attended morning Zumba taught by the Latina instructor I saw in the lot yesterday morning. This lady is a trip!! She really embodies what Zumba should be I guess. She's a sexy, curvy, Latina who can dance her butt off but maybe that's the problem. She does these steps, never explaining what she's doing or when she's about to change the move then after a while she stops dancing, tells the class to continue while she looks in the mirror, fixes her hair, and wipes the little sweat she manages to produce while the class looks around at each other like WTF!

Fast forward to yesterday morning. I really stepped into that class, pissed as hell that I got out of my bed to go to a class where I just knew I wasn't going to get a good workout but I was actually presently surprised. She told us to pick up 2 pound weights and we danced (with resistance from the weights) for the entire 45 mins. She even had the good sense to call out the movements in advance although she still couldn't stop staring at herself in the mirror but hey maybe if I looked like her I would have the same problem too...lol.

Although it made me uncomfortable doing some of those moves with the lights on, in a room full of woman, and without any alcohol in my system, it was what I needed to jump back in the saddle. The class was fun and I got a good workout out at the same time (I'm feeling the fruits of my labor as we speak). I plan on going back this evening since I worked last night and need some sleep first. Let's see how long I can keep this up...