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Archive for March, 2013

MC900389392When setting goals for this year, I listed a few for my home. After work, I spend the majority of my time at home. The goals for my home deal with simplicity and preparation for a home makeover. I would like for my family and I to develop a way of living which embraces minimalism. My list of goals includes:

  • Minimize stuff: I want to spend the next nine months going through my house, room by room, purging STUFF. The goal is to donate, trash, use, or organize the stuff. Then minimize what is brought in the house from that point.
  • Make Repairs/Finish Unfinished Projects: My hubby loves projects, especially when it involves building something. And, he is awesome at planning the projects and starting them; however, he is NOT so awesome at completing them. 
  • Learn to Paint like a PRO: I have always wanted to learn how to paint properly. I would like to take a class at Lowe’s or Home Depot and learn how to paint the rooms in my house like a professional. Sometimes, just painting a room is all that is needed to spruce it up.
  • Bookcases: This year I plan to hire my Daddy to build my bookcases. As most of my friends know, I’m a bookaholic. I love books and plan to purge my collection; however, I will still have oodles of books that need to be placed on shelves instead of piles.  I’m hoping this project can be started over the summer after Barry finishes building his deck.
  • Redecorate Plan: If the first four goals get accomplished, I want to create a redecorating plan for 2014. It will not be anything elaborate because the main goal is simplicity. It will concentrate on the inside of the house.
  • Purchases: My hubby and I need a new bed with a headboard. We also need curtains in our bedroom to block out the light caused by a neighbor living behind us. The light he installed in his backyard is so bright it illuminates our entire bedroom, and I can’t sleep. We now have sheets tacked over our blinds. They are not the most attractive window treatments.

Since I have a couple of days off from work, I will start in my bedroom and work my way to my master bathroom and closet. Barry will be working on his deck; however, if it rains, I will suggest he start working on his closet, as well. The main hurdle for me will be eliminating the attachment I have to some of this stuff. This will be a wonderful opportunity to practice the power of NOW. Happiness!

“Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” ~ William Morris

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I have good news and bad news. IMG_3340The GOOD NEWS: I reached one of my Health & Fitness resolutions which was to run a 5K. On Saturday, 16 March, I ran the Hammond Rotary Shamrock Run. The start and finish were on SLU’s campus. Despite the temps being in the forties, it was a gorgeous sunshiny “perfect for a run” day. I had set three goals for myself: finish the race, run the entire way, and complete in 30 minutes. I accomplished ALL three goals. Actually, I surpassed one goal by finishing the race in 28:55. I’m SUPER proud of myself. My hubby and Comet tagged along to cheer me on throughout the race course.

The BAD NEWS: I have NOT exercised since the race. I could give you my list of excuses, but I won’t. Frankly, I wanted to take a break.  I’ll be back on track Monday, 1 April.

There are three upcoming races I plan to run:

  • Holy Ghost Parish Spirit Run (20 April)
  • Mi5Ke Run (11 May)
  • Zombie Run (23 June)

My hubby and I are already registered for the Zombie Run.

I started reading Jackie Warner’s current fitness book called 10 Pounds in 10 Days. I don’t believe I will lose ten pounds in ten days; however, I do believe it will motivate me to finally drop the holiday weight.

Getting back on track can be tough, especially if you are not living in the NOW. I wish I could master living in the NOW. It seems like such a simple concept; however, it’s a very difficult thing to do. I may have to consider rereading A New Earth or The Power of Now again. In the meantime, I’ll have to do my best. Happiness!

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

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MC900432635[1]Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed tonight. Daylight Saving Time is FINALLY here (rock music plays with confetti spewing everywhere)! I’m just a little excited thinking about everything I plan to accomplish in the upcoming months.

For the past ten days, I have been setting my clock 5 minutes earlier each day so I can get up earlier in the mornings (even weekends). Today, I woke up at 4:30AM. Hopefully, by Saturday (16 March), I’ll be up at 4:00AM. Before it got cold, I was getting up at 4:00AM. This allowed me the time to run/workout before my day got started.  I didn’t have to worry about unexpected stuff happening in the afternoons, getting out of work late, or shutting down because it got dark early interfering with me exercising. Also, the weather is warming up which means I’m able to run outside more often. Soon, I’ll be enjoying my early morning runs again. I can’t wait! I’m already energized just thinking about it.

Mon frere, Moonius Maximus and I completed the Healthier Lifestyle 8-Week Challenge. My week #8 total was 156 points. I earned 156 points for making healthy choices and 0 points for weight loss. Our points for exercise were doubled this week. My final weigh-in was 134 pounds. Moonius Maximus earned 92 points. He earned 92 for making healthy choices and 5 points for maintaining his weight loss. His final weigh-in was 184 pounds. Despite the fact that neither one of us reached our initial weight loss goals (Kat: 125 pounds/Moonius: 175), we are not treating ourselves as failures. Moonius won the challenge of losing the most weight. I won the challenge of earning the most points for healthy choices. Both of us have developed better habits because of the challenge and will continue striving for a healthier lifestyle.

Now, it is time for me to lace up my running shoes and head over to the gym for my run on the treadmill. I have plenty to do today, and I want to start my day off on the right foot, so to speak. Wishing my readers a SUPER weekend. Happiness!

“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

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