Monday, February 2, 2015

Less than perfect...


So, I set a goal to lose 2 pounds a month, to incorporate activity or exercise into at least five days a week, and to post every day for the month of January.

How'd I do?  Well, I only lost 1.6 pounds.  I got off my exercise with the "being-under-the-weather" gig.  And, I only made 29 out of the 31 days of posting.

On the weight loss deal... I hit 80%
On the posting... I hit 93.5%
I lost track of the exercise... but I have done my yoga DVD at least once a week, lifted weights a few times and have enjoyed my walks (including 9 holes of golf!).

None of this was perfect and there was a time that would have totally thrown me off the trail.  If I couldn't do 100%, I would. not. do. it.  But, at that point in my life... getting to 100% wasn't that big of a deal.  It was just the way I rolled.

I guess I've gotten lazy... I don't want to roll like a steam roller any more.  And, I'm happy to be down 1.6 pounds.  I haven't suffered.  I've made better choices when I could... and not stressed when I couldn't or rather DIDN'T.

I am happy with increasing my activity...gently...  I don't even want to run marathons and carry my bag for 36 holes anymore... okay, I haven't TOTALLY sold myself on that yet, but I have realized, whether I want to or not, my body is not up for it any more.  Period.  I do want to be stronger than I am... and I will be.

Overall, I give myself a passing grade for my January goals. Passing. Not 100%  (just so you'll know there is a part of me inside who is screaming hysterically that I would call 93.5% good enough, let alone 80%... but it IS.... good. enough.).  For today... for this chapter... for  this book... it is good enough.  Hush your screaming, you on the inside.  ;)


The white yarn has been cast on!  I'm thinking my knitting mojo may be coming home.  For you knitters... or anyone who wonders WHY we knit... here is a wonderful article sent to me by Dotsie, Podso.  Thank you, Dotsie.

"I can remember walking as a child.  It was not customary to say you were fatigued.  It was customary to complete the goal of the expedition."
~ Katherine Hepburn

Love this quote... it was customary.  Customary to complete the goal.  Well, my goals are compromised a tad these days... but, I'm trudging onward and upward.

blessings ~ tanna

36 comments:

Christine said...

You are a Winner, in my book!
Good for you, better choices is a great goal.

Tricia Buice said...

I completely understand! If I don't reach my goal but make it 85% - then I am 85% better off than I was before I started. It is such a journey - sometimes I wish it happened faster for me but oh well. What else do I have to do than try every single day to improve myself. Have a wonderful day Tanna! I'm getting ready to head home and get on the treadmill because somebody didn't get up this morning in time to exercise!

Shug said...

Woo Hoo....I am so proud of you!! Even though it wasn't a 100% ....you really did do great. Just the effort alone in making a commitment to exercise, blog and lose weight...deserves a trophy! Is your new home on one of the local golf courses? If so..what fun!
That drink sure did look good...
You Go Girl...
Shug

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

I think you did VERY well. Have you set any more goals?

podso said...

Good for you to be OK with your less than 100%. That in my book is being a winner. So my new gym going after the knee and the December/Jan sickness got going well last week and Zam I am sick again with a virus. All this to say, I am to "rest" and I realize I barely know how to do that.Trying to learn.

TexWisGirl said...

i think since most goals made for the new year are abandoned by week 3, i think you did GREAT!

Pammy Sue said...

That smoothie looks delicious, and I immediately thought I wanted some yarn in that color. Hee-hee. Congrats on your accomplishments this month! I think it's wonderful what you've done. Wasn't it you who posted a quote that said something about, "Learn to do your best and call it good enough"? I've thought about that one several times since I read it. Here's to a wonderful February too! ♥

Buttercup said...

I think you did great. Those are all on my list. I hoped for four pounds and lost two. Not my goal, but I feel I'm on a healthy eating path. I blogged a lot and got to the gym at least twice a week. I know I will be indoors more this week -- we have awful weather -- but will aim to get to the gym twice.

La Table De Nana said...

To me..you look quite perfect..
And your knitting:)♥ also.

Betsy Brock said...

I'd say you did pretty well! Real life just gets in the way of new goals sometimes...the point is you did more than December and you will continue to improve in February!

That smoothie is a beautiful color!

Wanda said...

You are my hero. I'm working hard to drop a few unwanted pounds too. We did find a YMCA near our new home, and will start next week. That always keeps me motivated. I like to do the Silver Sneekers classes and Zmba Gold. My dearest is going to try the water exercises. (I'm just not ready to put a bathing suit on..I know it's vain...but it's the truth. Ha Ha)

Jocelyn said...

Wow! I am Proud of YOU!! I've been trying to get back to walking. Trying to keep the pounds at bay. It does take diligence, but it is certainly worth it. And I LOVED the knitting article. I must find someone to teach me the patterns. I love to knit, but need a little guidance ;-)

LauraLillyLaura said...

I think you are doing great! I have enjoyed your frequent posting. Loved that part of your goal. You are inspiring me to exercise, I'm trying to walk. Sunday morning found me at the local clinic with bronchitis. The first time I have weighed in months. It was not pretty. But who cares, I don't right now, maybe in the spring when I have to put on a bathing suit but right now I have four prescriptions to help me get well and my knitting and a few milk duds. Life is good.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I think reaching your goals so closely is something to be be happy about, Tanna. I always say that being less then a 100% encourages us to keep trying. I'd be afraid to try promising to post on my blog more often these days as babysitting full time takes up too much time during the day and my eyes are not that sharp in the evening to stay on the computer long. I hope having cataract surgery will cure that problem this yerar.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Tanna,
Such a pretty smoothie! You must know I am in love with your choice of yarn color. So, I think you are well on your way of living a life that is rich in savouring the activity and moment. Healthy, reasonable and strong as well. I too am walking and just purchased a new kettle bell for my weight work out. Too many homemade sugar cookies over Christmas...but they were so good.
Have a lovely day,
Jemma

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

You nearly hit 100% & at times that is good enough. It try & explain my yarn purchases to my husband as a form of therapy. He doesn't believe me but I believe the thrill of buying the yarn is nearly as good as the finished piece.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Yep, I think you did pretty darn good! I am so over giving 100% all the time. At work, I'm surrounded by folks who give about 10% and we are all treated the same so why even bother. Joy in June! I keep telling myself that. Can't wait for the school year to be over. I walked the past two days but am doing the lazy thing this afternoon. Kinda windy out there which makes me think there might be a bit of dust in the air. The skies aren't exactly blue either, a telltale sign. Crochet is definitely on the agenda. Hugs and blessings, Tammy

karen said...

good luck with your goals, I lost weight the past year by walking ( a lot) and calorie counting. I wish I had the metabolism I had when I was 20!!! The pounds would drop right off just from existing :)

Amy at love made my home said...

You would be incredibly dull if you were 100%!!! I don't think that would be very exciting. Good luck with your goals this year, I hope that you do well and that you enjoy them most of all! xx

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Tanna, I am proud of you for what you did in January... Goals and objectives are great --even if things happen to prevent us from reaching them. BUT--you did really good overall especially since your objectives were set very high.... PROUD of you, my Friend.
Hugs,
Betsy

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Tanna, I think you did great, at least you lost instead of gaining weight. I don't always make goals by 100 percent. I have been running for the last year and a half and I never ran in my life. Yes there are some days that I just don't want to run and their are days that I just love it. Your yarn project is beautiful! Have a wonderful week.

steph said...

ah, but now you can have a goal of beating January! all is good. some activity is better than no activity....and personally, I've been thrilled to see you in this space so much!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello Ole friend, long time no hear huh?! So how is the new house coming along? For some reason, your blog stopped coming up on my reader and it took me awhile to realize this. Computers....sigh! I am glad to see here you are alive and well. Have a great day.
Laurie
Pride in Photos

Andi G said...

Well done you for celebrating each milestone regardless if it was the original goal! With that attitude you will meet your goals and then some. :)
Very inspiring, Tanna!

Linda said...

Why be so hard on yourself?
I think you did great!
I am leaving for the south tomorrow. and I had 5 weeks to lose..and guess what??? NOTHING! hahaha!
Oh well...
You have yourself a great day Tanna...
You are a beautiful knitter♥️
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Tammy said...

I think we may all be in the same boat, Tanna.

Good news, I've been upping my workout routine. Bad news, I eat more because I tell myself, 'I worked out today, I deserve this snack.' I have finally reached the point where I am actually looking forward to Lent.

I love your positivity. I love that you look at all you have accomplished, rather than looking at all you have not; and that you look forward to taking baby steps to your goals. What we didn't accomplish in January, we will tackle in February. Either way, you are on the right track. I guess we all have to go at our own pace...I just tend to be impatient.

Keep on trudging. We're all with you. xoxo

Catherine said...

Dear Tanna, Be patient with yourself. As long you do a little bit it is good. Your body tells you and your mind needs to set and get in a routine. It will all fall into place. I think as long as you do a little at a time it is o.k.. I was always happy with 80 when I was in school. I think 80% is a great.
Blessings dear. xoxoxo Catherine

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'd call you a winner! 80% is very good in my book. Keep on keeping on!

Handmade in Israel said...

The white yarn looks lovely... and you are doing very well with everything else! Keep going!

Lynne said...

I liked this . . . and call it a GREAT PERFECT!
A blogger friend, Amanda set me on a path in her mention of books. Her goal for 2014 was to read 50 books. I think she made the goal, not sure though. What I do remember her saying is . . . she is going to enjoy reading in 2015 instead of putting herself "in a race!" My plan precisely and I thank her for the thought. It took me out of "setting myself up for failure" and put me into "enjoying the ride"! I find myself making healthy food choices, reading and enjoying, thinking about steps in walking around the house, outdoors, at the market. It has me up and moving!
I think your January was a GREAT PERFECT . . .
Just sayin . . .

Catherine Holman said...

I tell myself, "Any improvement is better than no improvement". Just keep moving forward. I lost 30 lbs. slowly but surely last year and feel so much better.

Mereknits said...

100% only makes you crazy and is really not attainable all the time. I am a bit like that myself. I am trying as I age to be easier on myself, it isn't a natural thing for me to do but I am trying. I think you have done wonderfully.
Hugs,
Meredith

Dewena said...

Tanna, you knocked my knitted socks off with this accomplishment! A whole month--and January at that--of paying attention to a healthier lifestyle, not a 2-week-lose-10 lbs. diet that will be over once it's over.

The blogging almost every day is quite a job too. I remember when I once posted every day the first two weeks of February, and then had to take a week off to recuperate!

Customary. Isn't that a splendid word! Sounds so Edith Wharton, doesn't it?

Dewena

California Girl said...

I began exercising more when I stopped telling myself I need to spend an hour at the gym every time I went. I began to give myself permission to exercise for as long as I wanted and not fret.

Why did it work? Because I wouldn't go if I couldn't find or didn't want to spend 60 minutes exercising. It worked if I knew I might only spend 30. And I often extend the time I'm there so I go more often.

Wish I'd figured that out a long time ago. Eating is another story. I love my own cooking. I'm not fat but I could lose 20 lbs. sigh. I'm strong now but I would be in better shape if I lost that weight.

Sharon Lee Smith said...

I'd say you did quite well in January and whether it is body or mind I for one am grateful for the new attitude. I ran so hard and fast for years I'm sure I missed many things. It's a journey and as we know we are not meant to be perfect in this life of ours.

Helen Mar said...

Tanna, just remember that when it comes to losing weight, you alone have the power to make the necessary changes in your life. You have always worn the ruby slippers.

Helen Mar

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Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.