New Year Resolutions

Parent of all the NYR categories

Flying Gods are NOT With Me.

PaulasPonderings2 Comments

O.k.. so The flying gods are not with me despite the well wishes from my fans!!   For “mechanical reasons” (overdue inspections), United has grounded quite a few flights…  I was not only NOT able to get on an earlier flight, I will consider myself extremely lucky to sit in a middle seat and get home as promised…  United committed to get me home by 10pm….  if they actually follow thru, I will be shocked .  We could all take head of the lessons that the airlines teach us —  set very low expectations and not deliver consistently. that way, when they actually do deliver once in a while, the “shock and awe” is good.   You actually get excited that they followed thru on something because it happens so rarely. 

All of you should know that I’ve done extremely well with my NOT drinking on the airplane (I know, why would I make this a NYR.. … I dont know, I just did it)…  Its been really hard, but I’ve followed thru.  For the first time I felt comfortable with the decision was on 2/13… flying to Boston this last trip.  It was the first time I didn’t salivate (if you will) for a cocktail.  I am in the preliminary steps of breaking a habit.. I’m so proud of myself.  So, when my family, friends, dates (ex husbands) suggest I drink too much, I will tell them, “but  I dont on airplanes!!!!!” . Yes, with that much enthusiasm…. 

O.k. so many “thoughts” are flying thru my mind while at the bar, a few of them include:

  • United Airlines.. you suck.  You basically over-promise and under-delive every single time. 
  • Customer Service Reps.. whether on the phone or in person, why, why, why do you join/be/stay in Customer Service if you dont like helping people (or people in general)??  I’ll never get it.  My advice – if you don’t like it, get out, you make this world a worst place to live in because you are so miserable. 
  • Why is the guy in front of me in grey/green scrubs?  Didn’t have time to change before a flight?
  • Men who wear rings, sit next to “hooker looking” girls at airport bars, and mention their wives..  really?  Hmmm…
  • Boston if cold… just plain cold. Their warm days suck – its still cold.
  • Boston accents are funny … and cool (if you are good looking).
  • Funny how every man under 6′  is the same height as me… whats up with that?  They are either short or tall.. no in-between.  And I’m the 2nd shortest person I know so why do I discrimate so?
  • Thank god they don’t let folks use cell phones on the airplane. If I sat next to a chatty cathy, I would have to kill them…  I am sure I would NOT like prison life.
  • Someone just walked into the bar.. and now it smells like dirty socks.  Gross – who can’t/doesn’t take the time to change their socks/shower during travel?

O.k..   I’ll update this blog as interesting thoughts come to me…   once I board the flight though, its all over, I’ll pass out before takeoff (something about the vibration).  However, as you all know, the Paula jutebox will never stop.

NYR 2011

PaulasPonderings1 Comment

Happy New Year everyone!!  Now is the time to make commitements to yourself, steer your life in the direction you want it to go.  I have many New Years resolutions this year….. some are follow-ups from last year, some are new ones.  I absolutely love the new year… new beginnings are so fun and refreshing.

So, 2011, what do I want to focus on?   What do I want to accomplish? Here’s the list.

  1. Financial Life.  I need to get my financial house in order.  Between purchasing a new house and gaining new employment, I really need to get this done. The goals are:
    • Debt. Remodeling the new house cost a lot more than I had agreed up and expected. It cost more money than I had.  I now owe a bunch of money to someone, and I have no way of repaying this debt right now.  I need to come up with a repayment plan and get this debt/loan paid off.  Really bothers me to owe someone money and is the main reason why this is goal # 1 for 2011.
    • Build a Trust/Will (rollover from 2010).  I do not have a ton of money, but I will be worth something when I die, so I want to make sure that my money goes to where I want it to go.  I do know that none of my accounts list the EX as a beneficiary, but now I want to be specific on where I want it to go…. to educating my nieces and nephews, animal rights organizations, etc.. I want to put all the proceeds from my 401(k), life insurance policies, work AD&D into the trust, then name the beneficiaries in one place. My friends have done this, I have the name of a good attorney, I just need to do it.  
    • Not Buying It.  Love this one, did well in2010, and I’m going to continue it.  I just do not need anything…   I’m going to make sure that if I spend money, that its important and I need it. And given that I have debt to pay off, this is a solid resolution to have.
  2. Weight Loss.  So, I lost 5 lbs and a dress size last year. My body shape has absolutely changed.. clothes that used to fit do not fit or fit strangely.  I do feel good about this, but I don’t feel as good as I thought I would.  I want feel better about myself, so there is more work to be done.  My goal is to lose 5 more pounds and another dress size.  It’s important that I shape up and gain muscle, lose fat.  I have plenty to work on:   I’d like to continue to focus on my stomach, my backside could use a reduction and some shaping, and my arms could use some toning.  So I’m going to do the same thing I did last year:  watch what I put in my mouth and try to exercise/do something every day. I love yoga and pilates, I’ve got a few good DVD’s that I can take on the road with me.  Its all about staying healthy and getting to a healthier state.  
  3. Professional Life. I had a bad year professionally in 2010.  The company I joined in 2010 was not a good fit for me for many reasons.  I worked very hard and did my best and it still just didn’t work out.  I’m happy that I found a new job so quickly and the new company I’m with feels like a much better fit.  What I want to do this year is grow – it seems like its been forever since I’ve learned something new.  My new company focuses on education and enabling their sales team for success, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.  A couple of things I’d like to focus on professionally this year:
    • Presentation Skills.  I’ve always wanted to be a sleek and smooth presenter. Most often I feel like I fumble thru a presentation.  I want get to the point where I feel comfortable, where I know that I’m delivering a bang-up presentation.  This will take a bit of reading and practice…I have a few books I’m going to read and I’m going to practice practice practice.  
    • Professional Style.  Since I’ve not been “out” at customer sites in a while, I feel out of touch with my business clothing.  I want to slim down my wardrobe and keep only the pieces that I feel most comfortable in.  I have a few great suits which I love and fit me well, but its the upscale business casual clothes that I need.  My first goal will be to weed out the pieces that don’t fit well, then identify the pieces that I need… I want to be selective and make sure that its a good piece that will last a long time. Yes, I’m aware that I have goals about not spending money, I think that its only a few pieces and good, solid pieces never go out of style and its worth the investment.
  4. Personal Life. There are a couple of things I want/need to do this year.
    • I want to have love in my life again.  I would like to find a partner is that available and ready for a healthy, happy relationship.  Relationships are not easy, they do take work, but I think with good communication, patience, trust, and understanding, you CAN actually have one that is  drama free and fun.  I’m going to leave myself open for love and see what happens.
    • Reconnect with a good friend.   There is one friend that I’ve known for many many years that I just stopped communicating with.  It wasn’t because anything happened, its largly because I was working so hard and trying to succeed at work.  Then when time passed I didn’t want to own up to all the time passing… .so I didn’t reach out.  But now, I think about it all the time, wondering what happened to this friend of mine.  She was an exceptional person and friend to me, and I just need to own up to being lazy and reach out.  I need to apologize and make an effort to bring the friendship back into my life. 
  5. Alcohol Intake. I cut back significantly on my drinking in 2010 and I’m going to do the same thing in 2011.  I credit this to my job that didn’t work out and not traveling.  I worked very hard in 2010, in a job I didn’t like, for a company that was “different”…  YOu would think this would cause me to drink more, but I was working so much that I didn’t have time for drinks.  In previous jobs, I traveled quite a bit, and did a lot of drinking when I was on the road (airports, airplanes, restaurants, hotel bars, etc)).  This year, I will not be drinking on airplanes.  It’s Jan. 14th, I’ve taken 3 flights (2 were 6+hours), and I have not had a drink….  Its taken great strength to NOT order a couple of drinks on the airplane so far, but I’ve done it.  I think it will get easier and easier as the year progresses.  A couple of exceptions to this:
    • Vacation.  If I’m on my way to or from a vacation, long weekend, etc..
    • Upgrade.  If I’m ever upgraded to business or first class where the drinks are free.. well, its free and I’m going to partake.
    • Free.  If I am offered a cocktail at no cost by a flight attendant or fellow passenger I’m taking them up on it. 


I’m going to be on the East Coast a lot this year – and I want to arrive in each location without a hangover…  Its hard enough to deal with the 3 hour time difference… if I need help sleeping, I’ll take a pill.

 

That’s it.  I know, a lot to focus on, but I’m ready… I feel solid this year, I’m in a good place, and now, its time to excelerate forward.  I’m looking forward to all the oportunities that present themself in 2011!

Almost There – 9 Pounds Down.

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I have two weeks to go until my vacation with my mom – the one where we reveal our new beach bodies.  My goal was to lose 10 lbs before this vacation.  Seemed like it would be easy to shake the 10 lbs, but it has NOT been.  BUT, the good news is that I am now officially down 9 lbs. 9 lbs!!  I have broken the 120 mark (finally consistently below it).  I have exactly one more pound to go ….   but with a lot of veggies and water, I feel confident that I will be down the full 10 pounds by August 23rd.

I am so excited about it – last weekend I unpacked all my “skinny clothes” and tried them on.  To my delight,  most of them fit!   I kept the ones that were in style and got rid of the rest.  I NEVER plan to go back to the heavier weight again.  I feel so much better,  more confident now. I can only imagine I how I will feel when I loose another 10 pounds!!

As I lose the weight, I do feel better, mybody feels better, and I have more energy. However, its my thoughts that have to change most … I do still feel like “the fat kid”…  and I am very conscious NOW of how my weight effected me.  And it is not how people treated me, its how I treated myeslf; the way I feel about myself.

I’m working on it, changing my mental thoughts will take a while.  In the meantime, I am making progess by wearing clothes that fit me better, more slender/slimming clothes vs. the clothing that I was wearing to “hide” my body.   I will also work on walking a bit straigher, more upright, and with more confidence.    My lesson learned so far is that weight loss is as much of a mental shift as it is a weight shift…

So Far So Good with Weight Loss.

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Hello all.

I know its been forever, there are so many things going on that I’m not writing about!  I will do better this month.

Good news – I’m officially down 7 pounds.  My middle has widdled(not all the way), my legs look stronger, and more importantly, I am almost ready for my beach body unveiling (which begins August 23rd).    I’d love to lose another 5 pounds before I reveal my body to the world, but for now, I’m satisfied. Ideally I’ll lose another 15, and be at my high school-college weight. 

Its interesting, because I know 7 pounds is not that big of a deal, but I am happy when I get on the scale and I see that its adjusting downward… and I feel much more confident.  Now, I just need to stand up taller and straigher… 

The beach body vacation is scheduled for the week of August 23rd. My mom and I have rented a condo, and we are going to sit by the pool, cook dinners, go shopping, get pedicures, etc..  Just relax and do nothing.  Its been a long time since either of us have done nothing, so this will be very theraputic for us. 

For those of you who have wished me luck on my NYR, thank you.   I hope you are all gaining on your goals and are feeling good about your progress.

Making Progress.

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 This is a New Years Resolution update as well as a personal progress report.

I’m happy to share that I’ve lost 3 lbs to date. I know its not much, and I dont think you would really notice, but I’m happy the scale is moving in a downward direction. I’ve been able to accomplish this by adding additional workouts into my existing diet and exercise routine. I’ve signed up for a personal trainer for one hour a week (2 30 minute sessions twice a week). The trainer kicks my butt… and its working. I’m working on losing 7 more lbs before my birthday, which is in 1 month. Wish me luck!

I start my new job next week. I’m very excited about it. I think there is a lot of opportunity at my new company, and it feels good to feel so positive and energized about going to work. Given this, I’m chalking this up as the right change at the right time. All goodness.

On the financial front, I’m almost done with my taxes, and am working on getting pre-approved for a mortgage… I may not make the leap into home ownership just yet (I do live in CA, I think the market has not bottomed out), but it is helping me get my financial house in order. I like that.

Lastly, I’ve cut back on the booze. I know, I know, the folks that saw me at my local watering hole on Friday might not agree, but when I’m home alone, I’m not drinking nearly as much. As a matter of fact, I’ve had almost zero to drink since Sunday – which is unusual for me. Yes, I’ve been traveling and staying with family, but the big change for me is that I don’t miss it. Yes, I am looking forward to a glass (or two) of wine tonight with dinner, but I don’t have to have it, which is what I was concerned about (the need vs. the want). I attribute this change in large part to my new years resolution to NOT take a final-final cocktail to bed with me. A small behavioral change that has had a relatively big impact in my life.

So, things are moving forward. Slowly, but with purpose. Captain of my ship…. moving in a new and different direction. That, my friends, is progress in my book.

Weight Watchers Is A Scam.

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So,  I do feel badly about this.. but thought those of you in my boat would understand (those trying to lose weight and struggling with it).

I go to Weight Watchers every Friday for my weigh in.  I have been completely dedicated to my weight loss – tracking the food I’m eating, working out once, if not 2x a day…  I’m ON IT. The scale – the WW scale – showed I gained weight.

I asked the very nice 60+ year old woman who had the unfortuante responsibly of performing my weigh-in on Friday, how in the world was weight gain possible on her scale, but showed weight loss on all other scales I use (and use regularly I might add).  I had gone to the doctor and was weighed-  a great number.  My home scale showed almost a full pound of loss…   and the WW scale… weight gain.   I went WWF on her (in a calm, but very focused way).  Its so frustrating – how is it possible?  I asked her about the scale…  and how its possible that every scale in my life shows positive results…. EXCEPT WW.

She had no answer…. just stammered on about results are not always what we expect…  I was so mad my friend walked me out of there and talked me off the ledge.  Its been 48 hours since the weigh in, and I have decided to cancel membership.  I’m doing all the right things – and I would prefer to put the cost of my weight watchers membership towards my new gym membership.

So, I’m sure others feel differently – my mom is having tremendous success.  Its all about portion control for her. For me, it’s portion control AND exercise.  I want to be stronger, get healthy.    I’m running, i’m stretching and strength training.. …    and I’m loving the gym membership. 

All those that have reached out to me about similar goals – I hope you all are doing well and making progress!!

NYR Update # 4 – Moving Forward.

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I’m doing it, moving forward.

I’m now driven, focused.  I don’t know what happened before … Its almost as if I thought something would happen if I just thought about it.

Well, mama has woken up – I get it. Things aren’t going to change unless I make them happen.  So.. focus has been good. I went to a WW (Weight Watchers) meeting and I lost 1/2 lb.   Thats a good thing, but I’m focused now on more serious loss.  1lb a week.

I am going to the gym, every other day for my “flex” days.  I’m running on my cardio days – I just love being outside.  I’m totally focused and committed.

My mom has inspired me – she has lost 12 pounds just by eating less. She wants to incorporate working out in the spring, when it gets warmer where she lives.  I live in a state that has mild weather… and I’ve only lost .5 lbs.. this year.  Rediculai.

So here it is, all the excuses stop here.  I’m down 1/2 lb…. and many more are to come.  Running, stretching, and less drinking are my combo. So far so well….

Mom, you are a STUDETTE, and I love that you take life by the balls and make “it” happen (Mom doesn’t read the blog so I can say this)…

😉

NYR Update # 3 – Back On Track.

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Staying On Track
Staying On Track

I finally lit a fire under my derrier, and did something to get back on track. 

  • I joined a gym.  I don’t like going to gyms, hanging around other dirty sweaty people, but I did it. 
  • I actually went to the gym.  I’ve been 2x now, and I found a Yoga class that I’m in love with.  The class is exactly what I need to reach my Learn Something New resolution to do the splits and back bend/spring.
  • I will be going to the gym a few days a week with a girlfriend… I find that I’m much more likely to follow-thru when I know someone is waiting for me.

 As I may have mentioned, I joined Weight Watchers with a friend.  I am finally back to my original starting weight (I gained a few pounds in Paris, and now that is gone – took two weeks, but its gone!).  This has motivated me to keep going, along with my mom’s experience thus far.

My mom you ask?  Yes, dear mom is just gorgeous.   I get my body from my mom, eyes from my dad.  We carry our weight in the middle (arms, checst, and stomach).  Anyway, I was talking with my mom – she has lost 12 pounds in 2010.   She did this just by eating less – she cuts her meals in half and puts it away. If she still feels hungry,  she drinks a glass of milk. If in 30 minutes she is still hungry, she will have a small snack (celery and peanut butter, carrots, apples & cheese, etc.).   She is going to incorporate exercise into her routine so she can firm up.   But we just picked a weekend in September to unveil our “beach bodies”. 

If I stick to my plan, I can lose my extra weight by my birthday, which is in 2 months.  There is no reason why I cannot do this IF I stay focused.  And I’ve surrounded myself with friends who want to  help. 

In summary, I’m back on track a bit.

NYR Update #2 – Off Track.

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Hello fans.

Kidding of course.  I do realize I am writing my thoughts down in a public forum for myself.  No one is really that interested in what is going on in Paulas world.

First thing to note is that I had grand plans for this year with regards to my weight.  I set goals, had huge aspirations, but have done little to follow thru.  I signed up for Weight Watchers…  and have proceeded to gain a couple of pounds.  Now, in addition to reaching my ideal weight, I’ve got an extra couple of lbs to lose.  Great.

Second thing is the financial story. I finally gathers my financial documents and I’m prepared to do something about it.  I’ve just not done anything to follow-up/follow-thru.

Third was doing something for myself.  For me, it was stretching and getting back into ‘limber’ condition.  I’ve done some stretching, but as of early March, I’m no further than I was in January.

What is up with me?  I’m usually very good at setting and attaining my goals/aspirations. I’m very disappointed in myself…

New Years Stats – Week 1.

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So far, so good.  I’m doing what I set out to do this year.

Healthwise, I’ve exercised almost every day, which was a habit already, but nice to continue into the new year.  I’ve also been very successful at creating a new bedtime routine – tea instead of a cocktail.  May seem like an easy thing for most folks, but something I’ve struggled with, and so far have been successful in creating a new habit. 

What makes it challenging is the sobriety…  it’s easy to fall asleep while ‘buzzed’… calms the mind.  When buzzed, I don’t have to think about life, future, etc.. I don’t have to be in my own head, with myself.   My New Year’s Resolution requires me to be sober and conscious when I fall asleep.  Much more of a challenge than merely ‘not having the final-final’.

So far so good.  Tea has done me well.   I am tired, exhausted really.  Even with Ambien, I’m not sleeping thru the night.   But its time.. time to get on the meditation track, figure my ‘stuff’ out, and “get ‘er done”. 

On my Beach Body NYR, I joined Weight Watchers with a friend, looking to lose the 10 lbs and get my Beach Body back.  Traveling has made it challenging… but really, IMO, its just an excuse.  I’m great with eating right, I just drink to much and dont exercise when on the road.  I’ll figure this out in time… 

Not Buying It.. not a problem. I’m not a big spender in general.