November to November Goals

How about a New Year's resolution for November...you can never predict when inspiration or exasperation will strike.  In the next 12 months, I would like to:

1. Lose 50lbs.
2. Work out on a regular basis (4-5 times per week)
3. Visit the dentist (because adults do this sort of thing)
4. Learn to cook like an adult, er pseudo-adult
5. Graduate with my MHR
6. Pass the SPHR/PHR exams next summer
7. Work with gastrointestinologist to achieve "no blood"
8. Take vitamins
9. Go to bed at a decent time (I'm actually doing okay with this one)
10. Send birthday gifts/cards on time
11. Write thank you cards
12. Make more time for romance in marriage (at almost 6 years in, we're getting a little lazy)

Okay--that's enough.  I'm sure I can't handle more than 12 goals in 12 months.  Good Grief!

Cooking skills of a 12 year old

I'm convinced that the reason I am such a sad little cook has something to do with my childhood.  My mom was a single mom--and she often worked two jobs.  My twin sister and I were left to the cooking and I never seemed to progress since then.
  In conclusion, I am great at making:

• spaghetti/spaghetti bake
• hot dogs
• macaroni and cheese
• brownies
• vegetable soup
• baked potato bar

Unfortunately, the only healthy option in there is vegetable soup--so I may need to brush up on my culinary skills.  I'm aware that this does not count as adult eating.  It's time for an upgrade.

Reasons to Lose Weight

I've decided that a list of motivators might be good to start with------and to have for reference when I feel less than thrilled to be making the effort.  So here goes:

• Fitting into skinny pants--the original start to the maddypants knickname
• Comfort in my clothes--I hate the limited options that my weight gain has caused
• More energy
• Social comfort
• The dream of a beach vacation
• A professional shopping spree when I graduate my Master's program

Growing up by getting healthy

It seems-at 28, that it is about time to start growing up.  I've been able to coast for awhile with little struggle to be at least relatively healthy.  However, in the last couple of years the shoe has dropped...

• a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis has limited my ability to be as mobile and as carefree
• changes in medication with colitis has lead to weight gain
• weight gain has lead to--general disgust and a lack of motivation. Ugh

So, to get back on track I need to refocus on health.  Healthy eating, increased and continued exercise, blah, blah, blah.