Welcome 2012

I cannot believe it's 2012. It seems like only yesterday I began this blog. I'm going on two years now. Time really does fly by!

Over the past few weeks I've been pondering a New Year's Resolution. Of course, I want to continue with weight loss. I have about 50 more pounds to go. That one is a given. I wanted something more. it finally came to me. Each morning on my way to work I stop at Quik Trip and purchase a 52 oz iced tea. Trainer Mike had talked to me about how bad this caffeine is for me. I had looked at him like he was CRAZY. I knew he was right. Especially, since I usually refill the tea at least once. That's a lot of caffeine. Today was my first day back to work. I woke up before the alarm. there was dialogue going on in my head that went something like this...

"The kids don't come back today. You could go ahead and get the tea today and start tomorrow."

"Why quit cold turkey? You could just cut down to a 32 oz and it would be better than no tea at all."

"You are already working really hard at weight loss. Why deprive yourself of this too?"

I didn't listen to these thoughts. I fixed myself a small bottle of decaf tea and got in my car. As I started to back out of the driveway I realized I had a crucial decision to make. There are two ways to get to work from my house. One way goes right by the QT. The other direction is quicker access to the highway and there is no temptation involved. I made that decision and went the route that did not involve tea. I arrived at work and kept waiting for the headache to occur. There was no headache. There was problems with forming thoughts and getting them out of my head. I can successfully say there was one day down. Tomorrow is a completely new story. I have to break this habit for sure. I have a wise friend who told me to put the money I would have spent in a special place and then I could buy something with it. Well, I have the container ready and I'm putting 1.25 a day in there. Haven't decided what I will buy, but I have to make it until at least February 3rd. That is 30 days. This is actually going to save me more money than that. I won't be paying for refills AND...often I would just grab breakfast while I was there. Usually a protein bar, but those things are expensive. Today I cut myself some slack and had a pop tart. Tomorrow it's oatmeal or eggs. This one resolution could have a big impact on my weight loss goals. :)

The two weeks before Christmas I barely made it to the gym. I had something almost every night after work. I need to get myself in the habit of doing a morning workout on those days, but UGH! I'm soooo NOT a morning person. I like the snooze button. It's my friend. I did hit the gym again two days after Christmas. I've been going regularly ever since. Yes, I realize this is only a few days, but I'm back on track for sure. AND...I'm going to be starting with a new trainer. I can't wait to learn more and get challenged again. EXCITED!!!

(Okay, a little nervous too!)

In breaking news: I want to be a principal. I am certified and just waiting for an opportunity. Last year there were no openings in a driving area until June. However, there have already been three openings in neighboring districts over winter break. I have applied for all three and am on the hunt for more. If you are a praying person, I ask you to pray for this to open up for me. I feel so ready. I do believe God will put me where he needs me. I'll keep you posted on upcoming events.

Do any of you have those people in your life who drive you bonkers? Maybe they are part of your family or someone you work with? I'm talking about someone who drains you emotionally because they are such high maintenance? Perhaps they have no empathy and are only interested in speaking about their world? Perhaps they don't take social cues and have the loudest voice ever and need to dominate the conversation? Yet, obligations be they familial or work cause you to have to interact with them. After interaction you feel drained. We used to do this thing at my former school where you filled each other's buckets. The type of people of whom I am speaking never fill your bucket or when they do it's not sincere. My point of bringing this up on my blog is because I do have a couple of these people in my life. I'm trying to figure out how to not let them get to me. It's difficult for me. A struggle for sure. As I'm analyzing things that get in the way of my success I realize that sometimes it can be an interaction that leaves me drained. I then feel negative. Sometimes I can turn this around at the gym. I can focus on the interaction and will actually work out harder and get rid of the stress. I need to do more of this rather than letting the interaction eat at me and cause me to lose focus. I think I've just answered the question for myself! I'm going to take those negative experiences and use them to push me harder.

So my goals for 2012
1) Continue on the weight loss journey. More pounds and more inches. Push myself harder with cardio.
2) Give up the iced tea
3) Get back into the routine of blogging at least weekly.

I'm signing off for now so I can fully concentrate on the first episode of the new season of the Biggest Loser. WOOT HOOT!!! If you are looking for inspiration you will find it here. Not to mention, I LOVE BOB HARPER!!!