Putting one foot in front of the other

Reading: The Spark

I want to start off by saying I bought The Spark (a book). I feel so accomplished to be reading for leisure!

I'll move on to say that in the last month, the month I've been waiting for the gym to open, I've gained 2 pounds. I'm a little disappointed but because of The Spark, I've written down my goals; Long-term, middle and short. My long-term goal, of course, is to lose weight - specifically to get down to at least 130lbs and maintain it. My mid-term goal in relation to that is more specific. There are 22 weeks until the fourth of July weekend which is when the Anime Expo is (a convention that I go to every year). I've never dressed up before because all anime characters a) skinny as heck and b) have far larger breasts than myself. However, a crazy thought got into my head this week; I want to dress up as LeeLo from The Fifth Element. 'But in order to do that you can't have a hanging gut!' I reminded myself. There's no way I can look that good for a costume that shows some of my stomach. But I counted it out today and 22 weeks is plenty of time! So my crazy thought isn't so crazy after all. I was thinking it was an obsurd goal that was a long shot but finding out the reality of those numbers,... I can really do this! Now, I have no idea if being 130lbs is going to get me a flat stomach, but if anything, by following this plan I'll be 130lbs by July, and that makes me incredibly excited and eager to jump on this plan. I have a lump in my throat typing this out.

In a personality test I took last year the most frequent trait that revealed itself was my want to inspire and help others. The Spark says over and over how easy it is to inspire someone by working on yourself. It sounds selfish, but if you show others your progress, it's not selfish - it should be motivating.

So I'm finally starting the chapter of my life where I'm excited and hopeful - no, sure of myself - that I can lose this weight. And I already feel a sense of confidence and happiness just SAYING it. Imagine how I'll feel when I achieve it.

Heading into 2011

Watching: Wild China (6 pt series)

It's Dec. 31, the day that is most known for making resolutions. I've never been a fan of making those but realized I do have some.

First of all, of course, is to reach my weight loss goal. That part I can see happening easily since I'm so close and had already made that a goal. So as my resolution I will draw from that and say that I resolve to remain conscious of what I eat and continue to make healthy decisions about what I put in my body. Alcohol is my weakness, but I think if I eat healthy and start a work out routine, I'll be in good shape.

Another resolution, like always, is to save money. The goal has always been to save money, but my resolution is to learn money management and utilize the skill and have my savings account reflect that. Before 2011 begins, I've already taken a great step to this because I'm registered for a personal finance class.

I will be going to Arizona to see an online friend I've never met yet have been in touch with for over 5 years. Amy Parker. In 2011, I'm taking advantage of 10-days furlough time and turning them into experiences. I will be visiting Amy and her son Dallas (and her husband and other housemates) and we will go out to karaoke. I will then go visit my cousin Sarah who is often in AZ to see her finace (or bf, but I think it's finace) and will be at that time. I bought my tickets a few days ago and so the motion of this plan has begun. This means I cannot turn back. I've chosen my days, I've got my ticket, now I need to collect information on what to pack, how to rent a car and remind myself through the whole thing that I'm brave enough to face my fear! I don't have a fear of flying, I have a fear of doing new things alone. So 2011 will be a big step with this event alone.

Also in my furlough schedule are 3 dates in a row in which Igor Spectre is playing a show each of those nights. So I'm sure everyone knows where I'll be. I used to be scared to go to Igor Spectre shows alone and I got over that. Hope for the future. ;)

Stuart and I are making a list of things we want to do together. We have gone to the aquarium and want to return. We also want to go to the wild animal park, zoo, la brea tar pits, the 'house built by a crazy lady' (he knew what I meant as soon as I said that) and others.