Goal Check...Thursday!?!

Hi!

I know, I know, it's not Monday.  This week has been insanely busy!  Not really a good excuse but I figured, better late than never?  (You still love me though.)

Anyway, it's time to check the progress I have made towards my goals! 

1. Improve my relationship and walk with God
• I was feeling particularly down yesterday evening, to the point of tears, but when I opened my Bible app, the verse of the day was so encouraging and I went from tears of pain to tears of joy.  I know God put it there just for me to see and I include it below to encourage you, dear reader.
• "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." -- Psalm 37:4
• Also, still working on listening the first time I hear something.  Sometimes I say no because it just seems so crazy that it has to be my own mind playing tricks on me.  Most times, I should have listened anyway, even if it seemed ludicrous. 
• I'm on day 125 of my reading plan.
2. Lose 50-100 lbs healthily
• I'm up like 2 lbs since last GCM and all these holiday parties are not helping at all.  Needless to say, I've kinda given up on losing any weight before the end of the year.  But, starting in January, several of my colleagues and I will be participating in a weight loss challenge at work.  It'll be a great way to kickoff my weight loss for next year, as I'm kinda competitive and challenges are a great way to motivate me.
• Weight Loss Tip of the Week:  track your caloric intake using one of the many apps they have out there!  My personal favorites are MyFitnessPal, Calorie Counter by FatSecret, and Lose it!, in no particular order.  If you're a person who likes numbers, as I do, seeing the amount of calories you're taking in per day is fascinating, but also keeps you from being tempted to go over because you'll have to log it and admit that you ate it.
• Been so thirsty lately, so my water intake is still pretty high.  It's like I can't drink enough water!
3. Eliminate my debt
• Still haven't used my credit cards.  I think my Christmas present to myself will be to pay off all my credit cards and student loans.  (Then I could check off this goal!)

Congrats to all who have graduated this month!  Proud of ya!

K

GCM (It's Finals Week!)

Hi!

It's Monday again and, as you can see, I failed to post something between my last GCM post.  (But that's ok, because I didn't buy anything during "Cyber Week".)

Anyway, it's time to check the progress I have made towards my goals! 

1. Improve my relationship and walk with God
• And I'm STILL trying to get back to spending more time with Jesus.  I was suppose to take a break from the world this weekend and re-focus but that plan backfired and, if anything, I ended up spending LESS time than normal.  (Honestly, I can't wait for these 3 goals to be habits.)  Anyway, I think I may switch the time of day that I do my Bible reading.  I did a little impromptu test run this morning, and it wasn't terrible.  Maybe I should do 2-a-days? 
• Also, still working on listening the first time I hear something.  (That way I say, "Yea, Jesus, You were right.  I should have done ____ when You told me to.  Would have made things much easier." a lot less during the aftermath of my decisions and more "Alright, Jesus, sounds like a plan." beforehand.)
• I'm on day 119 of my reading plan.
2. Lose 50-100 lbs healthily
• I'm up 0.8 lbs since last GCM...but I went to the gym at lunch today!  (Yay! Progress! Woot!  Granted I probably undid all my good work with the amount of sweets I've had while at work today...)
• Calorie counting will start back as soon as I finish the (DELICIOUS) pizza I ordered yesterday.  But I'm going to be good and spread that pizza out over the week.  (It's going to be my last pizza splurge for quite awhile!)
• Still drinking water like it's going outta style!  (Seriously, I kinda wish I had a larger bladder so that these bathroom trips wouldn't be as frequent...guys are sooo lucky...)
3. Eliminate my debt
• Came soooo close to using my credit card last Thursday but I resisted and my streak is still going...actually, it's been about 3 months since I've used a credit card... woot!
• Now I should clarify...I won't stop using them forever.  I just want to clear the balances (and keep them clear!) before I start using them as just a way to have good credit

It's finals week for a lot of my friends, and college students across the nation, so GOOD LUCK!!!  I'm praying for y'all, because I haven't been out of your shoes for too long.

K

Goal Check (Cyber!) Monday

Hi!

Happy (Cyber) Monday!  No, I haven't made any online purchases today (shocking, I know) but for those who have poured out their wallets today, I send you a special greeting. :)

And of course, since it is indeed Monday, it's time to check the progress I have made towards my goals! 

1. Improve my relationship and walk with God
• Still trying to get back to spending more time with Jesus.  I have seriously been noticing the effect of not spending time with Him, but instead thinking and dwelling on worries/troubles/problems/etc.  It's been hard for me to stop "snatching" my problems back from where I placed them in Jesus' more than capable hands, and lugging them around on my shoulders once more.  The struggle is real, y'all!  I consider myself an independent person but being independent of Jesus is outta the question.  (If only I could convince myself to stop taking my burdens back from where I cast them?)
• I'm on day 115 of my reading plan.
2. Lose 50-100 lbs healthily
• I'm up from last GCM (I think) but forgot to calculate the exact amount.  Didn't hit the gym today but plan to start back working out this week.  (Hoping to drop by a friend's fit camp tomorrow to get the ball rolling!)
• One thing I've found that really helps me is measuring out my food/serving sizes.  I really like numbers, so seeing and "controlling" the number of calories I intake daily goes a long way with my weight loss ventures.  ("This little piece of candy is 200 calories? Nah, I'll go eat a salad.")
• Still doing pretty well on water intake, though got a little bit dehydrated during Thanksgiving "vacation".  I think this was mostly due to my "routine" being broken.  Back on track today though.
3. Eliminate my debt
• Still haven't used my credit cards at all and paid some more on my cc/studloans.  Had a scare there for a little while, thinking that I'd overpaid on my studloans and would have to eat soup all week. Lol.
• Avoiding Black Friday shopping, which my budget is definitely thrilled about, but some of these "Cyber Week" deals might be too good to pass up...

That's about it from me for today.  Will try my very best to get another post up before next GCM.  (Perhaps detailing my Cyber Week purchase?!)

K

GCM: Pre-Thanksgiving Edition!

Hi!

Happy Monday!  It's almost Thanksgiving (yay, food and family!)  but my brain isn't really comprehending the fact that November is almost over!  (Absolutely crazy...it was just June...)  At any rate, I'm thankful that I will get a chance to spend time with my family and get a break from work.

Anyway, since it is Monday again, it's time for another... Goal check!  

1. Improve my relationship and walk with God
• Been a bit slack in this area in the past week.  I don't know where the time went the past week, but I didn't spend enough of it with Jesus.  It also doesn't help that I prefer to do my devotional right before bed and sometimes end up falling asleep while I'm reading.  I have had several people tell me to do it in the morning, but I'm generally rushing to get out the door and on to work.  Also, I find that reading scripture before I go to sleep is soothing.
• I'm on day 109 of my reading plan and am behind in an embarrassing way.
2. Lose 50-100 lbs healthily
• I'm up 2.8 lbs from last GCM...grrr.  Still a little bit swollen but I think this week's number reflects poor choices from previous weeks.  Diet lockdown will definitely be happening post-Thanksgiving.  Also, I am so excited to be getting back to working out 4 days a week!
• My daily water intake is at about 1 gal, which isn't too shabby.  Honestly, I think part of the reason my water intake improved was that I'm now using a "sports cup" that has a straw.  If you're struggling with your water intake, try adding a sports cup/a cup with a straw!  Maybe it'll make drinking water more fun!  (I got my cup from Zoe's Kitchen. It's 32 oz and looks like this.)
3. Eliminate my debt
• Still haven't used my credit cards at all and paid some more on my cc/studloans.
• I'm doing better about sticking to my budget, but have had some "budget bogies" come my way lately that I'm still trying to get squared away.

As you can see, not my best week but I can, and will, do better.  One of the things I keep having to remind myself is that this is a journey, not a sprint.  I can be kinda impatient when it comes to see results but I'm learning that just because I don't see improvement now, doesn't mean it isn't happening.  I'm a work in progress, not a finished masterpiece.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

K

GCM

Hi!

Sorry for not getting a between GCMs post up.  I did think about it!  (And it's the thought that counts right?)

Let's check them goals!  

1. Improve my relationship and walk with God
• Still working on listening, trusting, and obeying. The whole concept of spiritual warfare is becoming more and more apparent/real to me.  But God has definitely directed my attention to several comforting verses in the past week.  (The ones that struck me the most were Rom. 12:12 and Heb. 11:6.  They were pretty much blatant answers from God about how I need to be patient, pray without ceasing, and have faith.)
• God has also been working on my fear of sharing him with some of my friends, for fear that they'll think I'm "that weird Jesus girl".  Because, in all honesty, it's a matter of life and death.
• I'm on day 107 of my reading plan and still a little behind but catching up.
2. Lose 50-100 lbs healthily
• I'm up 1 lbs from last GCM but the fact that about half my body is swollen doesn't help.  (Had an allergic reaction to something at some point, and woke up swollen and itchy on Sabbath morning.)  I'm not sure when diet lockdown is going to happen, especially with Thanksgiving coming up, but I'm trying to be more conscious of what I'm eating and how much I'm eating.  (I also need to stop baking these delicious cookies...they are ridiculously addictive!)
• Been eating my salads, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, pineapple, and apples.  Yummy!  Also, I LOVE eating oatmeal. :)
• Been working on my daily water intake.  I've already had almost 3/4 a gallon today and it's not even 4 pm!  (This is abnormal for me, and may be due, in part, to the fact that my body is on fire fighting off this allergic reaction.)
3. Eliminate my debt
• Still haven't used my credit cards at all and will be dropping a $250 debt eliminating bomb on my cc/studloans this week.
• I may not pay off that cc after all, just to put more money on the one with the larger amount due that is collecting interest
• I'm doing better about sticking to my budget!

So that's about it as far as my goals are concerned.  I've been doing something new at work.  I think it'll be interesting and possibly lead to what I will do (and enjoy!) for the rest of my life.  But I don't know yet.  It is definitely be a great opportunity to explore another area here.

Now back to eating my (unhealthy, extremely salty) Moe's Monday chips!  Have a good week!

K

Monday... again? GCM!

Hi!

It's Monday again and of course that means it's GCM time.

But, before getting to our "regurlarly scheduled program", I'd like to take some time, on this special Veterans' Day Monday, to thank the brave men and women who have, are, or will serve this country.  Most of us will never truly know of, or understand, the selfless acts of bravery and sacrifice you have performed for your country.  I salute you and thank you for everything you've done for your country.

Now, to the checking of the goals:

1. Improve my relationship and walk with God
• Getting better at listening and obeying Him.  Followed His direction about which church to go to last Sabbath and was blessed not only by the service, but was "adopted" by a local family after church and had lunch with them.  It was weird how seamlessly I fit right into the family, but I guess that's God's doing, eh?
• Still working on the trusting portion of the relationship.  I keep having to reassure myself that God has my best in mind and that His plans for me are better than I could ever even try to plan for myself.
• I'm on day 102 of my reading plan and a bit behind
2. Lose 50-100 lbs healthily
• I'm down 0.4 lbs from last GCM but not really much improvement in that area.  I STILL need to lock down my diet and get back to working out 4-5 days a week.  (I think the Sabbath meals are tipping my scale!  Any weight I lose during the week vanishes on Sunday/Mondays!)
• Bought a variety of fresh veggies and avoided buying cheese! (This is a victory in my eyes, because cheese is sooooo yummy but is a "diet nemesis" and I've become more and more lactose intolerant over the past few years--just ask my family!! lol)
3. Eliminate my debt
• Dropped amount owed by ~$230 and still haven't used my credit cards at all
• I am on my way to paying off one of my credit cards this month (woot!)

All in all, still progressing.  I just need to be patient (which I never am) and realize it's a run not a sprint.  Also, being an adult is expensive!  The "Life Establishment Expenses", or LEEs as I call them, keep piling and ADDING up!  But God has definitely blessed me in that area as well, because what should have cost me several thousands of dollars (~$3000-$5000) has only cost me ~$1000.  He is good and keeps showing me His goodness, even though I definitely don't deserve it.  (Especially when I doubt Him and His plan! Smh at myself!)

Anyway, hope you had a wonderful Monday, dear reader!  I will try to post again before the next GCM.  :)

K

GCM!

It's Monday again and that means it's GCM!

1. Improve my relationship and walk with God
• Keeping the lines of communication open, though I often get distracted when I'm praying.  I don't even know how I get off topic.  My mind just wanders away.
• Chomping at the bit for an answer about something but I just need to be patient, wait and trust that God has my best in mind.
• I'm on day 99 of my reading plan.
2. Lose 50-100 lbs healthily
• I'm down 0.4 lbs from last GCM but not really much improvement in that area.  I need to lock down my diet and get back to working out 4-5 days a week.
• Putting the c25k on hold for a few week.
3. Eliminate my debt
• Dropped amount owed by ~$130 and still haven't used my credit cards at all
• I plan to pay off one of my credit cards this month

Improvement is improvement, even if it's minuscule, right?  But talk is cheap and it's time to get the ball really rolling.  Hour long workouts and vegetables, here I come!

K

Goal Check Monday (GCM)

Hi!

Today is Goal Check Monday, or GCM, and I think this will be a weekly segment.  It's good to keep track of progress, yea?  So let's see how I am doing thus far:

1. Improve my relationship and walk with God
• I'm still getting used to it, but I've been talking to my Heavenly Father on the daily and trying to be completely frank, open, honest, etc with Him.
• I'm on day 91 of my reading plan.
2. Lose 50-100 lbs healthily
• I'm up 4.2 lbs (UGH) but have completed the 1st week of the c25k program (yay!)
3. Eliminate my debt
1. Dropped amount owed by ~$200 and haven't used my credit cards at all since mid-September.

Overall, not too bad for the first week but the weight gain concerns me.  I really need to get back into the habit of logging my caloric intake and correcting my eating schedule.  I also need to fix my sleep schedule, which would decrease my cortisol buildup.  But, as I've known for quite some time, knowing what you need to do and actually doing it are two different beasts.

Anyway, in the past week since I started this blog, I've been trying to come up with what all I want to talk about.  (Any suggestions??)  I don't have time to talk about anything else today, but will catch up with you all later this week perhaps.

K

Let's Get Started

Hi!

Sunday was my 24th birthday.  The past year has been quite a wild roller coaster (from the fiery place!) type of year.  Let me catch you up:

• I completed my last year of college. (My last year of undergrad, I should say, because I'll be going back for more...eventually.)
• I had to take out my first student loan...to finish my last semester.  (Yes, I know I shouldn't complain, but I was so close!)
• I lost 40 lbs!  (But have gained back ~20 of that since May.)
• I graduated with an Aerospace Engineering degree from one of the highest ranked engineering schools in the country.  (It may have taken a "victory lap", but I "got out"!)
• I moved 200+ miles away from home and started my first full-time job.  (My dream job! ... I think)
• My boyfriend of 3+ years broke up with me.  (Don't pity me, though.  I now know that God did it to save us.  Still sucked though.)
• I got my first* apartment...and all the bills that come with one.  (The * is because I've technically lived on my own in an apartment before but I was Co-Oping and technically still in school.)
• I got denied for several credit cards/loans I applied for so that I could get furniture.  (This was really God saving my behind because I was able to buy it later for so much less.)
• I got my own insurance!  (Don't know why I am so excited about that...I still don't know what all I signed up for.)
• Two goldfish have died on me. (RIP Hannibal and Comet...now only Kepler, "Kep", is left.)
• The US Government Shutdown/Furlough happened within the first 4 months of starting my job.  (Being furloughed was an...experience...I'd prefer if that didn't happen again.)
• I've almost been in several car accidents.  (Praise God for His protection!!)

This whirlwind of stuff left me exhausted, depressed, emotionally drained, and just really low at times.  Looking back, I can see God working in many of the situations I went through last year, but I generally couldn't see it while I was in the storm.  Since I wasn't as close to Him as I should have been, these situations caused me more pain than they had to.  I've learned my lesson now and will be putting my trust in Him for everything, even if things hurt or if my plan looks better at the time.  (Why not trust the One who knows/sees/understands/create all, instead of trusting my severely limited self?)

Anyway, with my next birthday being my "quarter century", I decided I would try to accomplish 3 goals before that milestone. These 3 goals are as follows:

1. Improve my relationship and walk with God
• I've begun a "read the Bible in a year" plan on my Bible app, but will also be reading some "supplementary" books as well.  For example, I am currently reading Wilderness Skills for Women by Marian Jordan.  (I HIGHLY recommend this book, especially if you're going through a difficult time right now.) 
2. Lose 50-100 lbs healthily
• I've been overweight all of my life.  It's wayyy about time I did something about it. But, I will say, my mindset on my weight has changed quite a bit in the last few years.  I realize I used to have terrible self-confidence/body image issues.  Now I want to lose weight to be healthy NOT skinny!
• I started a couch 2 5k plan (c25k) with my workout/accountability partner.  We plan to run a 5k for Pi Day 2014.
3. Eliminate my debt
• I hate owing anyone anything, so having a student loan and 2 credit cards is driving me batty!  I'd like to get out of debt so that I can start saving more money towards my future (new car, grad school(?), wedding(??), kids(????), etc).

I only chose 3 goals so that I wouldn't overwhelm myself with change (because I'm not generally the best with change...) and, with them not being New Years Resolutions, I think I am more likely to stick to them.

This blog will track my progress during my "quarter century countdown"... and I'm already two days behind, so let's get crackin'!

K