I am struggling to figure out how to make my diabetes a main focus of my life.....for the rest of my life.
I know it is not everything, but it is such a big part of me and can't be ignored if I want to be healthy and not die young. I want to take care of myself, but it has been so hard. I am only now doing what I should have been doing for the last 5 year.
I have had major ups and downs with my disease. I have had good control for a while, but of the 5 years I have had diabetes, I have only had good control for less than 2 years of that time. Terrible.
So now I have to figure out how to make it all work. I don't think there is one answer to this. I think this is going to be an ongoing challenge, probably for the rest of my life.
Right now I am in transition. Transitioning to eating better, taking insulin more, testing more often and starting a new medicine. I will eventually get an insulin pump (hopefully in the next month or two) and will continue to be in this phase until I have that all figured out. I know I won't have everything magically figured out once I get my pump, but I think it will improve things for the better.
So now I am just taking it day by day. Struggling more days than not. Trying to make the right choices and eat the right things and test my blood sugar enough.
That's all I can do and I just have to hope it all works out and things continue to go well and hopefully get easier for me as time goes on.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Money Saving
I read this awesome blog every day and am inspired to try to do more to be frugal and save money.
I admit there are certain things I just won't (or didn't) do to save money. I refused to cloth diaper my son. I refuse to be like the crazy people on 'extreme couponing' and try to get $1000 worth of stuff for free. I won't grow my own garden, though I love the idea (I would kill every plant before they even had a chance).
But there are many things I will do or want to do. I've been wanting to try using a cash system, at least for several things. This last weekend was the first time we tried it out and though we have somewhat failed (spending more than our allotted amounts in some areas), it has already taught us some lessons (in three days time no less)! Lessons like, we don't need that 2nd (or 3rd) box of granola bars this week (we can buy it next week or the week after when we run out) and I don't need to buy a new shirt every three days (I have plenty in my closet already, I just need to use what I have and cycle through all of my clothes, not just my favorite ones).
We took cash out last Friday for two weeks of daycare because we pay our daycare provider every Monday, and we get paid every two weeks, so when that second week comes around, it always seems like a shock when another $130 is gone from our account. Going forward, I am going to start withdrawing the $260 needed for the next two weeks every time we get paid so the money is out of our account and accounted for and there are no surprises later.
We also took out cash for food. $80 for groceries for two weeks and $20 each for fun money, as well as $20 total for 'eating out' money. That's not a lot for two weeks so I told my husband we would have to eat at cheap places or not eat out at all. We are already out of the $20 for eat out money (go figure) so it forces us to think twice before we eat out again. I am not saying we will never go over the allotted amount, but it really makes us realize how much we are spending on eating out and think about it before we do it. Also, the $80 for groceries for two weeks is mostly gone also. I figured that would be a very low amount, but again, putting a limit (or trying to) on what we spend on groceries, makes me think twice about each purchase and if we really need it or can afford it. This is also forcing us to eat from the freezer/pantry to use up stuff we already have.
At some point, I would like to set up either a separate bank account for gift/holiday/special occasion money also as I am not sure cash is the best way to do this category. I admit with cash, I am a little afraid of losing it, it being stolen or the house burning down and it being gone (super unlikely I know, but don't want to have a ton of cash that we could lose somehow). I have heard of other people budgeting for gift money so when someones birthday comes up, they aren't surprised and don't have any extra money for a gift. I also want to start saving now for Christmas as the cost of gifts seems to shock me every year and I always spend more than I meant to.
I feel pretty good about the idea of the cash system though and even if we don't fully utilize the plan, we can make some changes to how we look at and spend money. I think this is a good attitude overall and will only help us in the long run.
I want to curb my spending big time. I think I just feel like I should be able to buy whatever I want, whenever I want, but that is not a good idea and also not practical. I want save more for the future and be able to pay off a few of our outstanding debts also.
I think most people want to feel this way, but I want to get to a point first where we feel comfortable with our cash flow most of the time and don't wonder if we will make it to the next paycheck. After that I want to get to a point where we would be fine if one or both of us lost our jobs for several months and not have to touch any of our retirement savings.
So, I suppose this is a starting point for all of that. Small steps.
I admit there are certain things I just won't (or didn't) do to save money. I refused to cloth diaper my son. I refuse to be like the crazy people on 'extreme couponing' and try to get $1000 worth of stuff for free. I won't grow my own garden, though I love the idea (I would kill every plant before they even had a chance).
But there are many things I will do or want to do. I've been wanting to try using a cash system, at least for several things. This last weekend was the first time we tried it out and though we have somewhat failed (spending more than our allotted amounts in some areas), it has already taught us some lessons (in three days time no less)! Lessons like, we don't need that 2nd (or 3rd) box of granola bars this week (we can buy it next week or the week after when we run out) and I don't need to buy a new shirt every three days (I have plenty in my closet already, I just need to use what I have and cycle through all of my clothes, not just my favorite ones).
We took cash out last Friday for two weeks of daycare because we pay our daycare provider every Monday, and we get paid every two weeks, so when that second week comes around, it always seems like a shock when another $130 is gone from our account. Going forward, I am going to start withdrawing the $260 needed for the next two weeks every time we get paid so the money is out of our account and accounted for and there are no surprises later.
We also took out cash for food. $80 for groceries for two weeks and $20 each for fun money, as well as $20 total for 'eating out' money. That's not a lot for two weeks so I told my husband we would have to eat at cheap places or not eat out at all. We are already out of the $20 for eat out money (go figure) so it forces us to think twice before we eat out again. I am not saying we will never go over the allotted amount, but it really makes us realize how much we are spending on eating out and think about it before we do it. Also, the $80 for groceries for two weeks is mostly gone also. I figured that would be a very low amount, but again, putting a limit (or trying to) on what we spend on groceries, makes me think twice about each purchase and if we really need it or can afford it. This is also forcing us to eat from the freezer/pantry to use up stuff we already have.
At some point, I would like to set up either a separate bank account for gift/holiday/special occasion money also as I am not sure cash is the best way to do this category. I admit with cash, I am a little afraid of losing it, it being stolen or the house burning down and it being gone (super unlikely I know, but don't want to have a ton of cash that we could lose somehow). I have heard of other people budgeting for gift money so when someones birthday comes up, they aren't surprised and don't have any extra money for a gift. I also want to start saving now for Christmas as the cost of gifts seems to shock me every year and I always spend more than I meant to.
I feel pretty good about the idea of the cash system though and even if we don't fully utilize the plan, we can make some changes to how we look at and spend money. I think this is a good attitude overall and will only help us in the long run.
I want to curb my spending big time. I think I just feel like I should be able to buy whatever I want, whenever I want, but that is not a good idea and also not practical. I want save more for the future and be able to pay off a few of our outstanding debts also.
I think most people want to feel this way, but I want to get to a point first where we feel comfortable with our cash flow most of the time and don't wonder if we will make it to the next paycheck. After that I want to get to a point where we would be fine if one or both of us lost our jobs for several months and not have to touch any of our retirement savings.
So, I suppose this is a starting point for all of that. Small steps.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Some things and some stuff
That's the best title I could come up with.....honest!
Here are some random things on my mind this Thursday.
-I am feeling so poor right now. It's funny how sometimes you feel great and sorta rich and like you don't have to worry about money.....and then other times (like now) you feel poor and not so great and like all these things happen at once to take all your money. This will pass but for now I am pinching my pennies.
-I have this crazy love for diet coke, but have been trying to drink less. I have been doing a pretty good job and have myself down to one can a day on most days. I would like to get it down to having it be more of a special treat and not an everyday thing but sometimes that is just so hard since it is just so yummy sometimes! Ah, Diet Coke, I love you! (Ok, love is a strong word. How about like very much.)
-I am using this yummy lotion from Philosophy. It is called Dreamy Tangerini. It smells like an orange creamsicle.
-Trying to decide what insulin pump to get (as long as my insurance company lets me choose - I suppose I should call them before getting my heart set on one). Add that to the to do list.
-Also trying to decide what to do with my son's bedroom. Pretty sure I have said this before but am feeling like his room is so boring so I want to do something with it, but it's not really in the budget in the next month so I will just start getting ideas. I like this stuff:
-I have about a million pictures that we've taken that I need to go through and edit and order prints from. I haven't ordered pictures in ages and need to take some time to do this.
-I'm super excited to get my new phone and a cute 'skin' to put on it. About one more month (September 1st is the date) and I will probably literally go on that day or within a day or two since I want a new phone so bad. Here's the phone and a skin that I like:
-That's all I got. At least tomorrow is Friday! Can't wait for the weekend as usual!
Oh and yes, I realize the pictures aren't all the same size. I am not smart enough to fix that. Haha!
Here are some random things on my mind this Thursday.
-I am feeling so poor right now. It's funny how sometimes you feel great and sorta rich and like you don't have to worry about money.....and then other times (like now) you feel poor and not so great and like all these things happen at once to take all your money. This will pass but for now I am pinching my pennies.
-I have this crazy love for diet coke, but have been trying to drink less. I have been doing a pretty good job and have myself down to one can a day on most days. I would like to get it down to having it be more of a special treat and not an everyday thing but sometimes that is just so hard since it is just so yummy sometimes! Ah, Diet Coke, I love you! (Ok, love is a strong word. How about like very much.)
-I am using this yummy lotion from Philosophy. It is called Dreamy Tangerini. It smells like an orange creamsicle.
-Trying to decide what insulin pump to get (as long as my insurance company lets me choose - I suppose I should call them before getting my heart set on one). Add that to the to do list.
-I have about a million pictures that we've taken that I need to go through and edit and order prints from. I haven't ordered pictures in ages and need to take some time to do this.
-I'm super excited to get my new phone and a cute 'skin' to put on it. About one more month (September 1st is the date) and I will probably literally go on that day or within a day or two since I want a new phone so bad. Here's the phone and a skin that I like:
Oh and yes, I realize the pictures aren't all the same size. I am not smart enough to fix that. Haha!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Garden of the Gods
Just a picture of our little family from when we went to Garden of the Gods a few weeks ago in Colorado Springs. Hot but lovely day!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Feeling good....most of the time
So, since I've started my new medicine, my blood sugar numbers have been awesome! I have only had one or two bad readings since starting Symlin and overall, have been rocking my bg control! I am so excited because it had been so hard to control my blood sugar numbers before and this new medicine makes it so much easier on me. It almost feels effortless to keep my blood sugar in control now and that is the best feeling in the world and something I have never experienced before!
I also have noticed that when I take Symlin, I truly feel less hungry. That is supposed to be one of the benefits of the medicine and I have been being very careful not to read into any symptom or feeling too much and have it not be real or be imagined. But this really does work! Now I get it all of a sudden. The light bulb went on.
I realize how thin people are thin (aside from simple self control and possibly genetics). They actually feel somewhat full and don't keep eating after eating a normal sized meal or a healthy, smaller portion. I had small serving of oatmeal and a cup of yogurt this morning for breakfast and actually felt full, and didn't even feel hungry at lunch time! If I had eaten that exact amount before starting this medicine, I would have never felt full, would have wanted more food and would have felt hungry again by 11. This is the strangest feeling to me.
Now I need to use this 'full' feeling to my advantage and make sure I always eat the healthy food first and then if I still have room, have a snack after a meal. The good news is, I don't feel hungry after a meal so it feels like I can skip the dessert or snack and hopefully it will eventually help me lose weight! That is one of the ultimate goals of this medicine.
My doctor didn't tell me I should lose weight, but I know better. I think they know that should be a benefit of getting on and staying on this medicine. I also have to make an effort, but for once I feel like I have my body working for me and not against me. I know I can live a healthier life and a long life if I take care of myself and stick with it. It is hard to think about the alternative. I want to live a long time for my husband and son and the rest of my family.
I will say there are a few side effects of the medicine but none are major. I have noticed a little bit of congestion and dizzy feeling since taking it and just since yesterday when I increased my dose, I have felt just a little bit of nausea. Nothing major. Just small things that are not worth giving up the medicine for.
Hoping this good feeling and great blood sugar control continues since I am loving it!
I also have noticed that when I take Symlin, I truly feel less hungry. That is supposed to be one of the benefits of the medicine and I have been being very careful not to read into any symptom or feeling too much and have it not be real or be imagined. But this really does work! Now I get it all of a sudden. The light bulb went on.
I realize how thin people are thin (aside from simple self control and possibly genetics). They actually feel somewhat full and don't keep eating after eating a normal sized meal or a healthy, smaller portion. I had small serving of oatmeal and a cup of yogurt this morning for breakfast and actually felt full, and didn't even feel hungry at lunch time! If I had eaten that exact amount before starting this medicine, I would have never felt full, would have wanted more food and would have felt hungry again by 11. This is the strangest feeling to me.
Now I need to use this 'full' feeling to my advantage and make sure I always eat the healthy food first and then if I still have room, have a snack after a meal. The good news is, I don't feel hungry after a meal so it feels like I can skip the dessert or snack and hopefully it will eventually help me lose weight! That is one of the ultimate goals of this medicine.
My doctor didn't tell me I should lose weight, but I know better. I think they know that should be a benefit of getting on and staying on this medicine. I also have to make an effort, but for once I feel like I have my body working for me and not against me. I know I can live a healthier life and a long life if I take care of myself and stick with it. It is hard to think about the alternative. I want to live a long time for my husband and son and the rest of my family.
I will say there are a few side effects of the medicine but none are major. I have noticed a little bit of congestion and dizzy feeling since taking it and just since yesterday when I increased my dose, I have felt just a little bit of nausea. Nothing major. Just small things that are not worth giving up the medicine for.
Hoping this good feeling and great blood sugar control continues since I am loving it!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The one where I talk about being a diabetic
First, let me being with a few randoms.
-I think it is funny how other bloggers in the blogosphere (or whatever you call it) all use a lot of similar wording or topics or whatever. My title of this post is to honor all the other great bloggers out there. This seems to be a super common title - "The one where.......". I think it is a pretty funny title, so I copied.
-My parents are coming to town this week for another visit - their third visit since we moved here! I love having family visit as it makes me feel not so far away from home and helps me miss it a little bit less.
-I have decided to either turn this blog into a blog about me being diabetic or to start a new blog. I have tried to start other blogs before but never kept up with them up cared about them much. But this is something I care about. It is a huge part of me and though it is not all I am about, I feel like if I focus on it a bit more, I will be able to understand myself better and manage my disease better. Sorry to the two readers who actually read my blog - hopefully this won't send you running for the hills!
-We are looking at new cars. I think I have mentioned this once before but we are getting more serious. I know what car I want and though it is nothing fancy, it should be very practical and versatile. We are looking at getting a Subaru Forrester. The funny thing is, we have a Subaru already and love it so much so we thought we might get another. But this time instead of a car, we want a small SUV since you can actually fit quite a bit more in it. Not that we buy big items a lot, but it sure is nice to have when you do buy something big or bulky. We had a Jeep before and it was great for this reason.
-On to being diabetic and some things that have been running through my head recently.
I have been a bad diabetic the last, oh 5 years, or basically since I was diagnosed. In some ways, I have never come to terms with the fact that this disease isn't going anywhere. I have had some good moments in the last 5 years of taking care of myself, but overall, I have done a super craptastic job. Let me tell you why. Because it SUCKS!!!!
I have type 1 diabetes and it bothers me so much when people say 'oh, can you just lose some weight and exercise more to treat it?' No!!!! I can't. I wish I could, but I have to take insulin the rest of my life no matter how skinny or fat I am (unless they cure it in my lifetime, which I am not counting on). I wish it was different and wish it wasn't me, but wishing it away won't do anything.
I recently realized that something has to change. So, this is a new me, starting about 2 weeks ago. I went to the doctor for the first time in a year. My A1C you ask? Oh, just 11.8 (most non-diabetic people are at 6.0 or below)! I knew it would be high, but I don't know if I was prepared to see how high it had gotten. That's pretty scary. Especially since I was able to have it down to 5.6 when I was pregnant with my son! I know it can be done, so why haven't I been doing it?
When I went back to the doctor, I told myself this is it. This is finally when I am going to take care of myself for the rest of my life. I am not saying I won't make mistakes or slip up or have a bad day, week or even month, but I won't let it get this bad again. I can't. Not if I want to see my sweet little boy grow up and grow old with my husband.
In my doctor's office posted on their wall is a sign that basically says they will let you fail as many times as you have to and they will always support you and help you. They basically give you permission to be human. To fail and fall and to get back up again and keep trying. That is what it is all about. Constantly working at it. It will never be easy but it is worth doing. I love how they have that posted. It makes me feel like I'm not being judged. They were super nice at that office too so I am looking forward to going back more often. I don't want to say I disliked my last doctor, but I feel like she didn't have much time for me.
My life will be changing for the better and it has already started. I have been testing my blood sugar more often and also, I started a new medication - Symlin. This has already helped my blood sugar control and I am still on the lowest dose and will probably move up in the dose which will help me even more. I am probably going to be getting an insulin pump which will also help. I am the most excited about that and will hopefully have one within a few months. The doctor wants me to work on being in better control first and then I should be able to get a pump.
I am ready for life to change, to be better. I have to make the choice. I have to choose to be healthy and happy and to take care of myself. I only have one life and one body and should not take it for granted.
This feels weird to say, but I feel like this is a major journey I am on and it feels new in some ways and old in others. I am just going to do my best and forget the rest (borrowed that one from Tony Horton). Wish me luck with my journey!
-I think it is funny how other bloggers in the blogosphere (or whatever you call it) all use a lot of similar wording or topics or whatever. My title of this post is to honor all the other great bloggers out there. This seems to be a super common title - "The one where.......". I think it is a pretty funny title, so I copied.
-My parents are coming to town this week for another visit - their third visit since we moved here! I love having family visit as it makes me feel not so far away from home and helps me miss it a little bit less.
-I have decided to either turn this blog into a blog about me being diabetic or to start a new blog. I have tried to start other blogs before but never kept up with them up cared about them much. But this is something I care about. It is a huge part of me and though it is not all I am about, I feel like if I focus on it a bit more, I will be able to understand myself better and manage my disease better. Sorry to the two readers who actually read my blog - hopefully this won't send you running for the hills!
-We are looking at new cars. I think I have mentioned this once before but we are getting more serious. I know what car I want and though it is nothing fancy, it should be very practical and versatile. We are looking at getting a Subaru Forrester. The funny thing is, we have a Subaru already and love it so much so we thought we might get another. But this time instead of a car, we want a small SUV since you can actually fit quite a bit more in it. Not that we buy big items a lot, but it sure is nice to have when you do buy something big or bulky. We had a Jeep before and it was great for this reason.
-On to being diabetic and some things that have been running through my head recently.
I have been a bad diabetic the last, oh 5 years, or basically since I was diagnosed. In some ways, I have never come to terms with the fact that this disease isn't going anywhere. I have had some good moments in the last 5 years of taking care of myself, but overall, I have done a super craptastic job. Let me tell you why. Because it SUCKS!!!!
I have type 1 diabetes and it bothers me so much when people say 'oh, can you just lose some weight and exercise more to treat it?' No!!!! I can't. I wish I could, but I have to take insulin the rest of my life no matter how skinny or fat I am (unless they cure it in my lifetime, which I am not counting on). I wish it was different and wish it wasn't me, but wishing it away won't do anything.
I recently realized that something has to change. So, this is a new me, starting about 2 weeks ago. I went to the doctor for the first time in a year. My A1C you ask? Oh, just 11.8 (most non-diabetic people are at 6.0 or below)! I knew it would be high, but I don't know if I was prepared to see how high it had gotten. That's pretty scary. Especially since I was able to have it down to 5.6 when I was pregnant with my son! I know it can be done, so why haven't I been doing it?
When I went back to the doctor, I told myself this is it. This is finally when I am going to take care of myself for the rest of my life. I am not saying I won't make mistakes or slip up or have a bad day, week or even month, but I won't let it get this bad again. I can't. Not if I want to see my sweet little boy grow up and grow old with my husband.
In my doctor's office posted on their wall is a sign that basically says they will let you fail as many times as you have to and they will always support you and help you. They basically give you permission to be human. To fail and fall and to get back up again and keep trying. That is what it is all about. Constantly working at it. It will never be easy but it is worth doing. I love how they have that posted. It makes me feel like I'm not being judged. They were super nice at that office too so I am looking forward to going back more often. I don't want to say I disliked my last doctor, but I feel like she didn't have much time for me.
My life will be changing for the better and it has already started. I have been testing my blood sugar more often and also, I started a new medication - Symlin. This has already helped my blood sugar control and I am still on the lowest dose and will probably move up in the dose which will help me even more. I am probably going to be getting an insulin pump which will also help. I am the most excited about that and will hopefully have one within a few months. The doctor wants me to work on being in better control first and then I should be able to get a pump.
I am ready for life to change, to be better. I have to make the choice. I have to choose to be healthy and happy and to take care of myself. I only have one life and one body and should not take it for granted.
This feels weird to say, but I feel like this is a major journey I am on and it feels new in some ways and old in others. I am just going to do my best and forget the rest (borrowed that one from Tony Horton). Wish me luck with my journey!
Friday, July 15, 2011
30 by 30...revisions and updates.
I started my '30 by 30' list back in either 2008 or early 2009. I will be honest and say I haven't done much on the list yet. So, my executive decision is to remove some of the goals and replace them with others because some of them are either not physically or financially possible.
Anyway, here is the original list and some of the updates to it. At the end of the list, I will note which ones I am removing and what I am adding and come up with my new list. I really would like to accomplish as many of these as possible by October 23, 2012, my 30th birthday!
The original text/goals are in BLACK. The previous updates to the goals are in BLUE and the most current updates are in RED.
Here goes:
1. Get a tattoo. Still want to do this one.
2. Lose 30 pounds - On my way. I am down about 10 or 11 pounds. I actually did this last year but have gained some back - time to get back to it! 7/11 update - still down about 20 overall from this goal, but would like to get to my goal weight, which is about 25-28 pounds down from where I am now. Need a plan.
3. Scrapbook my son's first year of life - Doing ok on this, need to catch up though. Still need to finish this! 7/11 - Ugh. Still not done! Have a plan for this one though. My kid is 2 1/2!
4. Go on a hiking trip. I think we will do this soon now that we live inColorado
5. Get family pictures taken - plan on doing this when Xander turns 1. Booo. I never did this but had scheduled this last fall and then we moved before our appointment. Soon. 7/11 - We haven't had a single professional family picture since our son was born, but this is a top priority for me, especially by Christmas this year.
6. Start playing piano again. Not yet, but want to buy a piano for our new house. 7/11 - Still haven't done this but we have no place for a piano in our new house, so I was thinking about getting a keyboard. We'll see.
7. Start swimming again. Still haven't started this, not sure if I will since we are in a contract with a gym that doesn't have a pool.
8. Do another scrapbook of some sort besides Xander's baby scrapbook - also working on this. I've started a few but need to finish these. I plan to once we move into our house. 7/11 - Still haven't done this, but am motivated to do start/finish.
9. Visit two states that I haven't been to yet. Haven't done this yet, but we want to go to Vegas this fall so that would be one state we haven't been to. We also want to visit New Mexico or Arizona in the next year.
10. Be able to run 3 miles without stopping. I got close back in 2009 but gotten back into running for a while. 7/11 - Haven't attempted this again. Thinking about dropping this goal.
11. Read at least 25 of these novels. I realized this link doesn't even exist anymore, so will try to find the list, but I think I have read one or two of these so far.
12. Have my A1C level below 6.5 for 1 straight year. Haven't done this to date, but am on my way. Working on taking better care of myself. I think I will up the goal to 7.0 or lower since that is more realistic.
13. Have our second child if we decide to have another. Probably not going to happen before 30 but who knows! 7/11 - Won't happen before I am 30 unless it is a 'surprise' more than likely, if at all.
14. Have at least one car that is paid off. Hmmm, sad to say, but this won't happen either.
15. Travel overseas, preferably to France/Spain. Also won't happen unless something dramatic happens with our finances. That's ok though. This can be a longer term goal.
16. Have made at least one cake with fondant and be able to say it turned out well. I'm going to scrap this one from the list since I just don't care about it that much.
17. Win a photo hunt contest like this one. Just one picture needs to win for me to be happy! No winning here, but had a picture or two chosen of mine that were in the top 5. Not sure if I will continue with these but I do like to take pictures and want to get better at it.
18. Sew at least one article of clothing from scratch. Also scrapping this one since I don't have the time and just don't care that much to do this.
19. Have hair longer than my shoulder for once in the last 10 years! Yay!! I did this one - and recently chopped it all off! Growing my hair out again now so unless I chop it off again, it should be longer again soon.haven't
20. Go to a pro football game. Planning on it this fall now that we live in a city with a pro team.
21. Go to a pro basketball game. Also planning on this since we live in a city with a pro team.
22. Go to a pro hockey game. See response to last two. Also planning on it.23. Run a half marathon. Thinking of scrapping this one. Not sure this is realistic with my work schedule.
24. Pass my series 53 test. Woohoo! Done as of February 2011. Maybe my next goal is to get my 4 or 3/31.
25. Go back to college (as to when I finish, that is up in the air). No progress here.
26. Get invisalign (have wanted this for years). No progress either, but there have been more serious talks about this, so a good possibility.
27. Hike a 14er (not to be confused with my general goal of going on a hiking trip). We have talked about this recently and want to work on getting in better shape so we can hike one this year still.
28. Go toLas Vegas
29. Have my home fully decorated (so I don't feel like there are any rooms unfinished). Well, since we moved into a new house since I started this list, it might be harder since decorating costs money, but we already have a couple of rooms done. I would like to stick with this goal though.
30. Crochet something that looks good. Again, don't care that much about this one so will scrap it.
So there you have it. I am going to list the goals that I am getting rid of and any I am modifying as well as adding new goals and then I will make the new list again at the bottom.
Modifying #12. I don't think being under 6.5 for my A1C is all that realistic for me, especially since I am so high right now. I think 7 is a more realistic goal.
The goals I am scrapping are #'s 7,13,14,15,16,17,18,23 and 30. I am going to make some new goals and number them with the above numbers for the goals I removed.
New #7 - Take photography 'lessons' online. To me this means doing a ton of research and watching videos to get much better at taking pictures and also editing them.
New #13 - Organize my office and get a new desk/hutch. Our office is a mess and I want to get it organized once and for all and have filing cabinets and to have a place for everything. We also have a glass top desk and that is just not working anymore. Time for a wooden desk.
New #14 - Get through a full round of P90X. I did pretty well with this last year but want to start doing it again. I feel awesome when I do these workouts and want to make it through one full round, even if I don't follow the nutrition to a T.
New #15 - Get an insulin pump. I am on my way to doing this. I have awesome insurance that pays for most of it and my doctor wants me working on taking better care of myself first and after a few months, if I am doing well, he will recommend I get one. I have to admit I am nervous about getting one and using it, but I know once I get going I won't want to go back.
New #16 - Try out a digital scrapbook. You upload your pictures online and choose pre-made backgrounds and then add you pictures to the pages, place your order and the company prints the pages for you and you assemble the book when they are shipped to you. I think this would be an easier, guilt free way for me to document some pictures and some of our life.
New #17 - Create a slide show of pictures for Xander's third birthday. I know we probably won't have anyone come out here for Xander's third birthday but I still want to document the first three years of his life in a nice way and save it on our computer so we can look at it from time to time. I am sure I will post it on here as well.
New #18 - Do one other fun activity that I haven't done before or in quite a while. I haven't determined what it will be yet, but something like riding horses or white water rafting, riding a gondola or going skiing or tubing at a ski resort. Something fun with good memories.
New #23 - Go on a roller coaster again. I don't think I have been on one since high school and I love them! Now we live in a city with a major theme park so this shouldn't be too hard.
New #30 - Visit a winery here in Colorado. This will be harder now that we have a child, but we had so much fun in Napa that I am sure we would love doing this!
So here is the new list, all put together. It will be marked in blue if it is completely done. If it is in progress, partially done or not done at all, it will be normal text.
1. Get a tattoo.
2. Lose 30 pounds.
3. Scrapbook my son's first year of life.
4. Go on a hiking trip.
5. Get family pictures taken.
6. Start playing piano again.
7. Take photography 'lessons' online. To me this means doing a ton of research and watching videos to get much better at taking pictures and also editing them.
8. Do another scrapbook of some sort besides Xander's baby scrapbook.
9. Visit two states that I haven't been to yet.
10. Be able to run 3 miles without stopping.
11. Read at least 25 classic novels.
12. Have my A1C level below 7.0 for 1 straight year.
13. Organize my office and get a new desk/hutch.
14. Get through a full round of P90X.
15. Get an insulin pump.
16. Try out a digital scrapbook.
17. Create a slide show of pictures for Xander's third birthday.
18. Do one other fun activity that I haven't done before or in quite a while. I haven't determined what it will be yet, but something like riding horses or white water rafting, riding a gondola or going skiing or tubing at a ski resort. Something fun with good memories.
19. Have hair longer than my shoulder for once in the last 10 years!
20. Go to a pro football game.
21. Go to a pro basketball game.
22. Go to a pro hockey game.
23. Go on a roller coaster again.
24. Pass my series 4 test.
25. Go back to college (as to when I finish, that is up in the air).
26. Get invisalign.
27. Hike a 14er (not to be confused with my general goal of going on a hiking trip).
28. Go toLas Vegas
29. Have my home fully decorated (so I don't feel like there are any rooms unfinished).
30. Visit a winery here inColorado
Anyway, here is the original list and some of the updates to it. At the end of the list, I will note which ones I am removing and what I am adding and come up with my new list. I really would like to accomplish as many of these as possible by October 23, 2012, my 30th birthday!
The original text/goals are in BLACK. The previous updates to the goals are in BLUE and the most current updates are in RED.
Here goes:
1. Get a tattoo. Still want to do this one.
2. Lose 30 pounds - On my way. I am down about 10 or 11 pounds. I actually did this last year but have gained some back - time to get back to it! 7/11 update - still down about 20 overall from this goal, but would like to get to my goal weight, which is about 25-28 pounds down from where I am now. Need a plan.
3. Scrapbook my son's first year of life - Doing ok on this, need to catch up though. Still need to finish this! 7/11 - Ugh. Still not done! Have a plan for this one though. My kid is 2 1/2!
4. Go on a hiking trip. I think we will do this soon now that we live in
5. Get family pictures taken - plan on doing this when Xander turns 1. Booo. I never did this but had scheduled this last fall and then we moved before our appointment. Soon. 7/11 - We haven't had a single professional family picture since our son was born, but this is a top priority for me, especially by Christmas this year.
6. Start playing piano again. Not yet, but want to buy a piano for our new house. 7/11 - Still haven't done this but we have no place for a piano in our new house, so I was thinking about getting a keyboard. We'll see.
7. Start swimming again. Still haven't started this, not sure if I will since we are in a contract with a gym that doesn't have a pool.
8. Do another scrapbook of some sort besides Xander's baby scrapbook - also working on this. I've started a few but need to finish these. I plan to once we move into our house. 7/11 - Still haven't done this, but am motivated to do start/finish.
9. Visit two states that I haven't been to yet. Haven't done this yet, but we want to go to Vegas this fall so that would be one state we haven't been to. We also want to visit New Mexico or Arizona in the next year.
10. Be able to run 3 miles without stopping. I got close back in 2009 but gotten back into running for a while. 7/11 - Haven't attempted this again. Thinking about dropping this goal.
11. Read at least 25 of these novels. I realized this link doesn't even exist anymore, so will try to find the list, but I think I have read one or two of these so far.
12. Have my A1C level below 6.5 for 1 straight year. Haven't done this to date, but am on my way. Working on taking better care of myself. I think I will up the goal to 7.0 or lower since that is more realistic.
13. Have our second child if we decide to have another. Probably not going to happen before 30 but who knows! 7/11 - Won't happen before I am 30 unless it is a 'surprise' more than likely, if at all.
14. Have at least one car that is paid off. Hmmm, sad to say, but this won't happen either.
15. Travel overseas, preferably to France/Spain. Also won't happen unless something dramatic happens with our finances. That's ok though. This can be a longer term goal.
16. Have made at least one cake with fondant and be able to say it turned out well. I'm going to scrap this one from the list since I just don't care about it that much.
17. Win a photo hunt contest like this one. Just one picture needs to win for me to be happy! No winning here, but had a picture or two chosen of mine that were in the top 5. Not sure if I will continue with these but I do like to take pictures and want to get better at it.
18. Sew at least one article of clothing from scratch. Also scrapping this one since I don't have the time and just don't care that much to do this.
19. Have hair longer than my shoulder for once in the last 10 years! Yay!! I did this one - and recently chopped it all off! Growing my hair out again now so unless I chop it off again, it should be longer again soon.haven't
20. Go to a pro football game. Planning on it this fall now that we live in a city with a pro team.
21. Go to a pro basketball game. Also planning on this since we live in a city with a pro team.
22. Go to a pro hockey game. See response to last two. Also planning on it.23. Run a half marathon. Thinking of scrapping this one. Not sure this is realistic with my work schedule.
24. Pass my series 53 test. Woohoo! Done as of February 2011. Maybe my next goal is to get my 4 or 3/31.
25. Go back to college (as to when I finish, that is up in the air). No progress here.
26. Get invisalign (have wanted this for years). No progress either, but there have been more serious talks about this, so a good possibility.
27. Hike a 14er (not to be confused with my general goal of going on a hiking trip). We have talked about this recently and want to work on getting in better shape so we can hike one this year still.
28. Go to
29. Have my home fully decorated (so I don't feel like there are any rooms unfinished). Well, since we moved into a new house since I started this list, it might be harder since decorating costs money, but we already have a couple of rooms done. I would like to stick with this goal though.
30. Crochet something that looks good. Again, don't care that much about this one so will scrap it.
So there you have it. I am going to list the goals that I am getting rid of and any I am modifying as well as adding new goals and then I will make the new list again at the bottom.
Modifying #12. I don't think being under 6.5 for my A1C is all that realistic for me, especially since I am so high right now. I think 7 is a more realistic goal.
The goals I am scrapping are #'s 7,13,14,15,16,17,18,23 and 30. I am going to make some new goals and number them with the above numbers for the goals I removed.
New #7 - Take photography 'lessons' online. To me this means doing a ton of research and watching videos to get much better at taking pictures and also editing them.
New #13 - Organize my office and get a new desk/hutch. Our office is a mess and I want to get it organized once and for all and have filing cabinets and to have a place for everything. We also have a glass top desk and that is just not working anymore. Time for a wooden desk.
New #14 - Get through a full round of P90X. I did pretty well with this last year but want to start doing it again. I feel awesome when I do these workouts and want to make it through one full round, even if I don't follow the nutrition to a T.
New #15 - Get an insulin pump. I am on my way to doing this. I have awesome insurance that pays for most of it and my doctor wants me working on taking better care of myself first and after a few months, if I am doing well, he will recommend I get one. I have to admit I am nervous about getting one and using it, but I know once I get going I won't want to go back.
New #16 - Try out a digital scrapbook. You upload your pictures online and choose pre-made backgrounds and then add you pictures to the pages, place your order and the company prints the pages for you and you assemble the book when they are shipped to you. I think this would be an easier, guilt free way for me to document some pictures and some of our life.
New #17 - Create a slide show of pictures for Xander's third birthday. I know we probably won't have anyone come out here for Xander's third birthday but I still want to document the first three years of his life in a nice way and save it on our computer so we can look at it from time to time. I am sure I will post it on here as well.
New #18 - Do one other fun activity that I haven't done before or in quite a while. I haven't determined what it will be yet, but something like riding horses or white water rafting, riding a gondola or going skiing or tubing at a ski resort. Something fun with good memories.
New #23 - Go on a roller coaster again. I don't think I have been on one since high school and I love them! Now we live in a city with a major theme park so this shouldn't be too hard.
New #30 - Visit a winery here in Colorado. This will be harder now that we have a child, but we had so much fun in Napa that I am sure we would love doing this!
So here is the new list, all put together. It will be marked in blue if it is completely done. If it is in progress, partially done or not done at all, it will be normal text.
1. Get a tattoo.
2. Lose 30 pounds.
3. Scrapbook my son's first year of life.
4. Go on a hiking trip.
5. Get family pictures taken.
6. Start playing piano again.
7. Take photography 'lessons' online. To me this means doing a ton of research and watching videos to get much better at taking pictures and also editing them.
8. Do another scrapbook of some sort besides Xander's baby scrapbook.
9. Visit two states that I haven't been to yet.
10. Be able to run 3 miles without stopping.
11. Read at least 25 classic novels.
12. Have my A1C level below 7.0 for 1 straight year.
13. Organize my office and get a new desk/hutch.
14. Get through a full round of P90X.
15. Get an insulin pump.
16. Try out a digital scrapbook.
17. Create a slide show of pictures for Xander's third birthday.
18. Do one other fun activity that I haven't done before or in quite a while. I haven't determined what it will be yet, but something like riding horses or white water rafting, riding a gondola or going skiing or tubing at a ski resort. Something fun with good memories.
19. Have hair longer than my shoulder for once in the last 10 years!
20. Go to a pro football game.
21. Go to a pro basketball game.
22. Go to a pro hockey game.
23. Go on a roller coaster again.
24. Pass my series 4 test.
25. Go back to college (as to when I finish, that is up in the air).
26. Get invisalign.
27. Hike a 14er (not to be confused with my general goal of going on a hiking trip).
28. Go to
29. Have my home fully decorated (so I don't feel like there are any rooms unfinished).
30. Visit a winery here in
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)