12/365

Today is day 12 of the 365 days you have in the year 2014. What have you done today? What have you done over the last 12 days?

Here's my list of 12 things I've done over the past 12 days:
1. 30 day Paleo Challenge
2. Exercise
3. Plexus
4. Keep in touch
5. Sent (what I hope are dang near final) revisions to my committee
6. Read!!
7. Resurrect this blog
8. Deep clean my house
9. Joined a DietBet
10. Meditated
11. Lost weight
12. Tried Cross Fit

Okay, so some of these probably deserve a little explanation - if for no other reason than when I look back, I'll actually remember what I was talking about...haha.

1. My friend asked me to participate in a 30 day Paleo challenge  (eating Paleo-centric, Primal, Caveman diet for a month).  SOOOO...I did it.  I'm on day 8 and feeling great! No withdrawals this time (I've tried it before) since I don't really do sugar or simple carbs much, anyway. :)

2. Exercise - been back at the gym faithfully since returning from Ohio for break. 4 workouts last week.  Three at my gym and one...well...that's #12...so you'll have to wait for it.  I love this gym SO MUCH.  I would never be able to move on to the next level (again...wait for it...#12!) without the care and nurturing I've received at this place. I was not an exercise lover, or even liker, prior to joining a year ago. I've come a long way...and a large part of that is thanks to them.

3. Plexus. This stuff kinda rocks!  Plexus Slim and the Accelerator have been WONDERFUL.  They curb my appetite and I have incredible energy all day long! I'm considering becoming an ambassador, so stay tuned for details.

4. I've sent cards and letters to friends and family. This is a big accomplishment. I generally say I'm going to do this, but don't.  My goal is to write to someone each week.  So far, I'm on it!

5. I submitted a revision of the proposal, my checklist, and my IRB application to my dissertation committee.  I'm close, I know this....and the closer I get, the more nitpicky they get. One step forward, one step back....until I'm doing the cha cha.  It's okay...I've got pretty darn good rhythm. ;)

6. I've finished a book and started three new ones. I'm listening to Reading Lolita in Tehran and Touch and Go.  I'm reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (on my new Kindle...which I LOVE!!).

7. I've resurrected this blog.  Over the years, I've started it and stopped it repeatedly.  This time I wiped the slate completely clean and started over.  It's only been 3 days since my last post, so we'll call that a victory!

8. I deep cleaned my house.  I started Friday evening and continued all day Saturday, stopping only to have a phone conference with my chair. Sunday I did the kitchen before heading off to work at Starbucks for a few hours. I have a little more work to do in the dining room and spare room, but it's definitely getting there!  I've scrubbed baseboards, cleaned out drawers and the closets, reorganized everything, and tossed 6 bags of trash! Go me! Go me!

9. I joined a Diet Bet.  The first two I tried were $25 for one month during which time you're expected to lose 4% of your body weight. I failed. Both times.   This time it's a 6 month challenge to lose 10% of your body weight.  It was $25 per month or an up front fee of $125 (one month free).  Of course I paid up front and even purchased the tokens to weigh in weekly for a chance to win prizes.  The pot is over $428,000 right now.  During the first month, you're expected to lose 3% of your total body weight.  Today I managed to weigh in and am 89% there.  I have less than a pound to lose before I've nailed it...and it's only been a week!!

10. I ordered a mala bead bracelet and purchased a strand of mala beads for meditative purposes.  The bracelet is easy to wear out and about - simple, yet beautiful - and I always have the option to calm myself in any situation with it on my body.  I have consciously meditated one time so far this year.  It's on my list of things to do to improve myself (remember that first post from last week??...yep...it's part of becoming the best me I can be), so I know I'll be doing more of it soon.

11. Indeed, I've already lost weight.  It's gonna carry on into the new year.  I was on a weight loss roll last year until hurting my back.  Now that I'm back on track (with pain on most days, but managing it well), I'm ready to keep this going!  The combination of exercise, Paleo, and Plexus is working for me!

12. I cheated on my gym last Wednesday.  I went to a new Cross Fit gym for a free trial night. I was terrified. I was nauseous all day leading up to being there.  The workout was short, but hard.  I honestly thought I was going to throw up when I was done.  But ya know what? I didn't.  And somewhere deep down inside, I loved it. So much that I have decided not to renew with my current gym and go give this place a try. These owners are Cross Fit professionals, run a blog (health-bent.com), and have a best selling Paleo cookbook (Primal Cravings) on the market. And they're two of the nicest people I've ever met.  They're definitely motivating and I think it's going to be a welcome change in my world.