This week I have eaten: lasagna (twice and will again tonight); ham; biscuits and gravy; a coupla big bagels; homemade chicken noodle soup with lots of carrots (because I am nothing if not virtuous); like, four pieces of pie/cheesecake; too many cookies to count; some Korean BBQ; so much chocolate; and I’m still not done!! I am going to have to be wheeled through the airport tomorrow (we’re headed to Austin) because I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to move on my own by then. But I have managed to go on two jogs and hope to get another one in tomorrow before we leave, so that makes me feel just a teensy bit better.
2014 is a new year, though. As usual, I have “lose 10 pounds” on the list of resolutions. This year I think I did lose close to 10 — maybe just seven-ish, five of which I lost, oh, about four or five times over and over again. But I started running the second week of June and even though the number on the scale hasn’t changed much, I can see a small difference. And I can certainly feel a difference, and that’s good. But next year: 10 pounds, and I’m serious. I’m gonna keep them off, too. At least until the next week of gluttony, whenever that may be.
I have other resolutions: read ten books; write a letter to my grandmother every month and send printed photos of Jackson (she is deaf now and can’t really talk on the phone, so letters, it is); take at least two kid-free overnight getaways with Drew and at least two weekend trips just the three of us; and some other stuff, like “take better advantage of living on New York,” that I know I need to be more specific about but I need to think on it a little more. What about you? What resolutions do you have, if any?
![\"\"](\"https://d5nxst8fruw4z.cloudfront.net/atrk.gif?account=r/y/j1a0Sn00OI\")
cdobbs December 27, 2013, 4:35 pm
i’m gonna keep my resolutions simple this year: be kind, work hard at everything i do and just try to be healthy and take care of myself as best i can….i think if i focus on those things i will be able to stick to my resolutions and not get too discouraged if i am not perfect
kerrycontrary December 27, 2013, 4:44 pm
I’m not big into resolutions, and I’m certainly not into dieting resolutions. But I’m on the 10lb train as well! Especially cause I’m getting married next fall (!!!). Sometimes I literally think I’m addicted to sugar. Like people get hooked on drugs. I cannot *not* have something sweet every day. It’s a problem. So there, admitting the problem is the first step. I’m buying some spin classes in January so I can go once a week and then do my weights/walking on other days. This past week was a freaking disaster though. Oh well, tomorrow’s a new day.
I don’t think I have any other resolutions except for going to church more, being slow to anger, and maybe continue to kick butt at work.
MsMisery December 30, 2013, 1:08 pm
I have the sugar problem, too. But this year Reader’s Digest, Scientific American, and National Geographic all did food issues the same month (TOTALLY SCARY, btw) and sugar is basically added to everything. Even if it is already there, put some mo. It is added to lunchmeat for chrissakes. So unless you farm your own foods and cook all your own meals, I think it is almost impossible to ELIMINATE IT. Of course, this is what I am telling myself so I don’t have to try very hard to not change my diet too much. I can still, like, not eat so much candy.
barleystonks December 27, 2013, 4:46 pm
Resolutions:
train back up for an Olympic distance triathlon (judging by last time, this should result in a 10 lb drop while eating like a pig, but if the weight drop doesn’t happen, I’m not too worried)
Keep my each-semester GPA above 3.4
This one is what will be the hardest: NO GIFT KNITTING. Other crafters may understand…
AliceInDairyland December 27, 2013, 6:45 pm
I understand!! I didn’t make one thing for myself this year…. so… this year “Make something(s) for myself!!” is a resolution.
iwannatalktosampson December 27, 2013, 4:49 pm
I love New Years Resolutions! Love them. This year mine are: run a marathon, lose 15 pounds, find a new job, and hike a new 14’er, oh and vacation out of country (Canada doesn’t count for my purposes).
csp December 27, 2013, 5:24 pm
What is a 14er?
othy December 27, 2013, 11:15 pm
14’ers are mountains that are over 14,000 feet.
I’m thinking I want to run a marathon too. I’ve got 2 half marathons under my belt, and I’m slated for one more in April. I’m thinking a fall marathon may be the way to go. Maybe one before my 30th birthday in October?
TECH December 27, 2013, 4:55 pm
Hmm, I guess my only serious New Years resolution is to get into grad school, and when I start my classes, to kick ass in my classes.
Otherwise, my life is pretty good. The things that I would probably like to happen (like falling in love, or having a baby or something) I can’t really control, so they can’t be resolutions.
csp December 27, 2013, 5:23 pm
So I stopped resolutions and started a New Year to do list. I found it better to make things that I can check off a list rather than something vague or something that is ongoing. So instead of lose 10 lbs it is run a 5k or go 100 miles on my treadmill (that averages 2 miles a week so it should be easy to accomplish even if I slack off for awhile). We also do things like go to a museum, go to a parade, go on vacation over 300 miles away. I actually have 52 things on the list this year. Last year was 30 and we accomplished all but one. I am super excited to get started!
Kate December 30, 2013, 4:00 pm
I’m not big on just setting goals either. I’ve never even had any goals my whole life, I just do things. But I’m with you, I like to have a list of things I have to accomplish (each week) and check them off. I have a planner that has a page for each week with funny Anne Taintor 1950s ladies on it, and you can write stuff in for each day, plus there’s a to-do list on the right-hand side of the page. I had a 2013 one and it really helped me get through huge things like “move” and “get married” by breaking it out into small tasks / steps. And as a bonus it relieves anxiety because everything I have to do is written down and I won’t forget stuff.
Bubbles December 27, 2013, 5:30 pm
I’m not big on New Years resolutions. I think it’s just a way to set myself up for failure (or feel like a failure). I’d rather set personal (reasonable) goals for myself, like do something completely out of my comfort zone at least once a year. That way I feel like I’ve experienced something new and have grown as a person.
And I ate way too much over the Christmas holiday. I’d been doing so well and not gained any weight, then I gained 1.5 pounds this week. I’ve lost .5 by going back to work yesterday and getting back to my normal routine, but I was feeling just awful having eaten so much junk (though I thoroughly enjoyed it while consuming said junk).
d2 December 27, 2013, 7:20 pm
I’m getting on the 10-pound train. I may get on it twice.
CatsMeow December 27, 2013, 8:33 pm
Oh man, I absolutely MUST lose weight this year.
I think I also want to get straight A’s until I graduate… I’m mad at myself for that C I got last semester.
I also want to choreograph a belly dance to Mr. Roboto to perform in August. (It has been my goal for a little while, but August is the Belly Geek show, so it’s time for it to actually happen this year).
I’m also going to super DEEP clean before my break is over, and I want to keep my apartment nice all year long!
Addie Pray December 27, 2013, 9:17 pm
Hi guys I’m on a plane that’s about to take off from Dallas to Rio, I’m here with my brother, SIL, nephew 1, nephew 2, and nephew 3… But real quick: if my plane crashes I give cats permission to comment as AP from time to time, she’s so good at it, even better than me. And should I survive and make it back in one piece, my New Years resolution will be: learn to knit or crotchet, learn what the difference is between those two, write, be happy, and not binge eat on tortillas and cheese, get enough sleep, work harder, stop wearing so much black to the office.
Ok byeeee plane is literally taking off NOW and this phone was supposed to be on airplane mode like 20 minutes ago byeeeeeee I love you!
CatsMeow December 27, 2013, 9:57 pm
YESSSS, I’m APv2.0!! I mean… don’t crash! 😉
MissDre December 27, 2013, 9:40 pm
I am going to lose 20 lbs! I swear! 10 of that is the same 10 lbs I keep losing and gaining over and over again. Sigh. It’s sooooo hard to give up bacon. Plus when it’s freezing cold out I don’t want to exercise.
CatsMeow December 27, 2013, 9:58 pm
All I wanna do is take naps and drink.
mrmidtwenties December 27, 2013, 10:20 pm
All I want to do is take naps, drink, and hump :p
Lyra December 28, 2013, 12:31 am
I’ve said this before, but I’m hoping the more times I say it the more I’ll stick to it. My resolution: live simply. There are a ton of sub categories, but essentially my goal is to live with less and live on less — less money, less food, less stress, less “stuff”, etc.
One of those “simple” things I want to do is get into running. I want to run a 5k this year. Like actually do it, not say I’m going to and train at the gym and get laryngitis like I did last time. Navy Guy is apparently a runner, so I told him if we are still dating into the new year he is going to have to keep me going. And let’s face it, with the military training he has had he’s going to have no problem whipping me into shape. And I’m going to probably bitch and complain, but I told him to hold me to it. He’s also said that he wants to get back into shape since he’s put on weight since getting out of active duty so maybe we can do this together. Let’s face it though, I’ll be the one dying after a mile and he won’t have broken a sweat yet.
Sunshine Brite December 28, 2013, 10:20 am
I’m planning on losing another 44lbs next year (possibly more) by continuing my training. I’m really liking the Beachbody products (TurboFire, Shakeology and I have Energy & Endurance and some P90x bars to try that I won during November’s challenge) I’ve used so far and would like to become a Beachbody coach for the new year.
Next year will be big. I’m getting married and I will be eligible for my independent social work license opening up job opportunities and additional development opportunities for me. I want to save money towards a house downpayment as well, hoping to save a minimum of 5-10% of takehome but it’s difficult since my fiance is only working part-time so usually we’re just breaking even.
Until next fall that is, he’ll likely have a teaching job by then.
bethany December 28, 2013, 10:45 am
Well, my goal for 2014 was to pay off my credit card debt with the bonus I got yesterday, BUT, we have some water issues in our crawl space that really need to be taken care of ASAP, and the guy came out and gave us the quote yesterday, and said they had a cancellation for next week, and they’d knock 1000 off the price if we did it next week… So there goes 6 grand. Poo.
But anyway, I still want to pay off my debt, and hopefully by the end of 2014 I’ll be knocked up!!!
Christy December 28, 2013, 2:51 pm
It’s not a resolution, but I’m trying to eat healthier and have a healthy body attitude. Healthy snacks, healthy portions. That’s the big change.
Oh, and resolution-wise, I’m going to read 52 books this year, and I’m going to track them! I’m pretty sure that I read 52 this year, but I never actually tracked that anywhere. And I really want to catalog my books before August, when gf and I move in together.
Goals to accomplish before August:
1. Catalog my books.
2. Obtain literally dozens of book boxes to pack up the literally thousands of books that gf and I will need to move.
3. Finish going through the stuff in gf’s apartment. She has some piles and boxes that need to be gone through and organized. (Some of these boxes were moved across the country in 2010 and still haven’t been dealt with.) Luckily, there’s a LOT less to deal with than there was a few years ago. There’s not too much left to tackle, but it still NEEDS to be done before gf moves.
Christy December 29, 2013, 10:11 am
Update: We went through two piles of paperwork last night, AND I cleaned off the dining room table. Progress!
Banana December 30, 2013, 11:28 am
1) I love that you want to catalog your personal library.
2) I want to track my reading too! I read a lot, but I sometimes feel like I let some of it to go waste in my mind because I forget about some of it immediately. It’s not always a bad thing — there are some things I read just for pure fluff — but I want to get into the habit of keeping a journal or blog to keep track of every book I read and my thoughts on it. I tend to go through “themes” too — I’ve been reading a lot about Communist China recently — and I think it would be fun to look back at all the different areas I covered in a year.
Christy December 30, 2013, 1:35 pm
I mostly want to catalog my books so that gf will let me intershelve our books when we end up moving in together. (Not drastically! Just by subject, basically.) And plus, I’m getting an iPhone on January 28, so I’ll be able to use cataloging apps to do it.
And exactly! I just have no idea of what I’ve read this year, and I lament that. One thing that I wonder about tracking my reading – what about the books I don’t finish? Like, sometimes I just decide it’s not worth it (cough, Lean In, cough) and sometimes I just get tired (The Pale King, ahem). I read 9/10 of Lean In and a solid 1/3 of The Pale King, so do I get to count them? I surely spent more time on them than my graphic novels that I read.
Banana December 30, 2013, 2:00 pm
I love DFW’s essays, but I sometimes wonder if his novels are so long, difficult, and complex because NOT finishing them is supposed to be part of the experience. I wouldn’t put it past him. He was that kind of guy.
Christy December 30, 2013, 3:14 pm
Right, I feel like being bored by The Pale King is part of the experience.
Ammie December 28, 2013, 4:17 pm
My 2014 resolution is to do everything I need to do to stay uninjured long enough to train for an ultra. This has been a goal since college, but grad school distractions and injuries and such kept me from it. Now, though, I’ve fixed a chronic injury, I’m running with a terrific group in town, many of whom are active on the trail/ultra scene, and I have a ton of great trails to train on within easy driving distance. It could be I only get back to marathon distance this year and have to wait til 2015 to push past that, but that would be OK… I really just want to get back to a place where I’m doing double-digit-mile trail runs every weekend. 😛
I have other hopes and goals, but this is the one I feel like I have the most power over… I generally know where my biomechanical issues lie, I know how not to overtrain, I know what sorts of strengthening and stretching I need to do. I just haven’t been very disciplined about it in the past (never needed to be when I was younger). So yep! That’s my major New Year’s resolution. 🙂
applescruffs December 29, 2013, 1:11 am
There’s a sprint distance women’s triathlon the day after my 29th birthday in August, and I would like to do that, and a half marathon. I also want to go upside down in pole dancing class.
I made this year Say Yes 2013, in which I said yes to any and all opportunities that wouldn’t cause me physical or emotional harm. It was great! So I’m going to do that again. I might even consider saying yes to being emotionally vulnerable with another person. WHAT?!
I spent the last 4 nights with either Roundabout (this is Veritek’s nickname for the new guy) or my family, so when I got home two hours ago I decided to concentrate all my energy on learning that Cups song that was in Pitch Perfect – because that’s what we started to do on Friday at work since it was SOO busy. I’m happy to report that I have been successful.
veritek33 December 30, 2013, 3:36 pm
I love being responsible for people’s nicknames
SasLinna December 29, 2013, 6:50 am
My resolution is to visit friends and family more often, even if it means traveling to see them.
rachel December 29, 2013, 12:29 pm
Hi guys! I’m back home and Ross is here too…FOR GOOD! (or at least for a while. we still have to figure out our next round of jobs). Life is good.
For New Years, I’m resolving to read at least a book a month. That’s not a lot, but I’m so out of the habit of reading, I want it to be an attainable goal. I also am hoping to be able to run a 10k by my 30th birthday in May (30, eek!) This one is tricky, because I’ll have to really work hard to get my speed and distance up, and the weather makes it difficult to do that consistently. But I’m gonna try. I want to try to be more productive at work. That’s vague and always sort of a goal, but if I want to finish up this job with something to show for it, I need to get on the ball.
Fabelle December 30, 2013, 8:55 am
Can you guys tell me I’m being a giant baby? It’s my second-to-last day of working here, & I will be starting a new job January 2nd (which I haven’t “announced” here yet because my feelings are… mixed, to put it lightly). And I’m super sad, with a side of Fear of Change. And I also feel like a failure, because I had all this time (2-ish months?) to search for a job, & the one I got is still through my damn temp agency (I mean, I had to interview, & they chose me, which is good? but I still feel like I failed because my goal was to find a job independently)
I will be getting paid slightly more (like…SLIGHTLY) than I’m currently paid. But the other jobs I’d been interviewing for paid more-than-slightly more. So the comparison is bumming me out? And leaving this job is bumming me out, because I’ve been here a pretty long time. Even though I wanted to move on, it’s still sad to me? And I also wanted to be moving onto a CLEARLY BETTER job, not a similar job with similar pay under another “long term temp” situation 😐 I know I’m lucky to be immediately moving into a job, rather than being unemployed, BUT.
I dunno. I’ve been mopey as hell.
bethany December 30, 2013, 9:20 am
Awww… I’m sorry you’re feeling bummed out!
It’s ok to be sad. I know you feel like you should feel happy to have a new job, and one that pays a little better, but it’s still ok to not be 100% psyched. Leaving a job is always a little sad, even if you hated the job. There’s that whole “the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t” thing going on, plus you’ll miss the people you work with.
So don’t beat yourself up about being a little sad. It’s ok. Try to enjoy your last days there. The last days at a job are always the best, because you can do whatever you want! What are they going to do, fire you? You’re already leaving!
Fabelle December 30, 2013, 9:28 am
Thanks Bethany <3 (looks like we're the only two DW-ers working today again, huh?? haha)
ETA: unless you aren’t! I’m just assuming
bethany December 30, 2013, 9:41 am
Yeah, I’m at work again. 🙁 But I’m off tomorrow and Wednesday, so it’s not too bad. So do you work tomorrow?
Fabelle December 30, 2013, 9:57 am
Yeah, I’ll be here tomorrow… usually I get out a bit early on NYE, so I’m guessing that will happen? Then I have one day between this job, & the next… ahhhhhh
It sort of makes me want to go totally nuts on New Year’s Eve, but the plan is a low-key night with the boyfriend (in the city, but as far away from Times Square as possible). I am wearing this dress that I got yesterday: http://shop.guess.com/en/Catalog/View/W3FK99K2Q40#.UsGJBOLBP2l but I bought it in-store, for only $35. yayyy
bethany December 30, 2013, 10:01 am
Well, at least you have 1 day off in between jobs. I once went to my old job on Monday, and my new job on Tuesday- that was really weird. I don’t recommend it!
Cute dress! Your NYE sounds nice! We’ll be at home on the couch doing nothing, which is kind of all I want to do at this point!
Fabelle December 30, 2013, 10:43 am
Yeah, if it wasn’t New Year’s Day, I think I would’ve manufactured some reason as to why I couldn’t start until x date (giving me a buffer day) because going from one job straight to another, with no days in between (like you described), would fuck with my head. I’m weird like that.
Banana December 30, 2013, 11:36 am
my boyfriend and I are making a spontaneous trip to NYC for NYE tomorrow…wanna grab a drink (on me)? We’ll be wandering around midtown Manhattan — going to the Gogol Bordello show, then barhopping.
Fabelle December 30, 2013, 11:44 am
Ooo yes, let’s do this!! I will FB you my #, & hope we can coordinate something? I would much enjoy a Banana meetup 🙂
Banana December 30, 2013, 11:48 am
YAY!
So basically we bought our tickets from a guy who’d been planning on going to the show with a friend, and they had an epic bar crawl planned out, alternating dives with noodle shops, etc. When he gave my bf the tix, he also gave him his notes on the places they were going to go, and a map they’d marked up with the route. We are going to recreate his epic bar crawl. Join us.
Fabelle December 30, 2013, 11:51 am
Oooh okay, I’ll talk to Fabello & see if he’s down—we were planning to go to a particular place (just sent you the FB message with the place, hoping to just give you an idea of where we’ll be) but we’re open to change, probably! Especially for an epic bar crawl. haha
CatsMeow December 30, 2013, 12:02 pm
Gogol Bordello! I’m jealous!
Christy December 30, 2013, 1:38 pm
Gogol Bordello AND a Banana/o//Fabelle/o meetup?! It’s really not fair.
Have a blast!
Banana December 30, 2013, 2:26 pm
Thanks guys! Should be a blast!
SasLinna December 30, 2013, 10:01 am
I don’t think 2 months is a long time for a job search. And this new job won’t be your final destination, just a stop-over.
Fabelle December 30, 2013, 10:41 am
Yeah, I need to be reminded (of both of those things).
When I was complaining to Fabello the other day, he was like, “Remember when I got fired—?” (I am not technically “fired”…my boss here wants me, the headquarters just doesn’t want my position here anymore) “—& then I couldn’t find another job for over a year??” I was like, okay, POINT TAKEN. So I am trying to look on the bright side? (Trying! Mostly failing, but trying)
Banana December 30, 2013, 11:34 am
Aw man. First of all, there’s no shame in feeling sad. I always feel sad to leave a job, no matter the circumstances, because change IS scary and even in the worst jobs there are a few things to appreciate and enjoy. I hope you feel better soon. But also don’t see it as a failure that you got another job through your temp agency — there’s really no pride in getting a job “independently.” The point is just getting a job. I’ve gone through temp agencies, applied on my own, and worked with recruiters before. Once you get into the swing of things, it won’t matter to you at all HOW you got the job (erm, I mean, as long as it was all above-board.” It’s one of those things like snafus at weddings that seem like a big deal at the time but fade into the memory hole after years of marriage.
Plus, two months is not long at all, to be looking for a job in this economy. So don’t beat yourself up! Plus…you can keep looking if you’re not happy with the position you’re starting! It’s not the end of the story yet 😉
mrmidtwenties December 30, 2013, 10:58 am
I’m here guys, just nothing to really say today
Banana December 30, 2013, 11:38 am
1) Self-publish Manuscript #2 if it doesn’t sell by March. This is the one my agent has been submitting around for three years. I am bound and determined to get this in front of readers. My agent now has two other manuscripts from me to submit, so I’m going to take the plunge with this one (after paying a coworker to help me edit it one last time).
2) Keep up with my long-distance friends better.
theattack December 30, 2013, 11:40 am
So far, I have:
1. To declutter my life (Thanks, Lyra!)
2. To take care of as many of my dental problems as I can afford
3. To start saving for a house
4. To run a more allergy-friendly household (This is a new one since now P is really sick after our vacuum stirred up a bunch of dust and cat hair. I’m now making a chart for the best deal on a Dyson.)
5. To cook more
6. To plan meals and grocery shop accordingly
7. To coupon more
8. To read 20 books
9. To make some change in my career, whatever that should be
10. To learn a lot more “craft.” I’m very interested in herbology and formulary, but I’m more experienced in divination. I want to figure out a way to branch out without being able to have my own garden.
Wendy, you can definitely keep off your ten pounds! Now that you’re really in the practice of running more, this has to be the right time for it!