July Objectives

I've definitely fallen off the wagon regarding objectives. Rather than heading into this halfway through the month, I'm going to point out just two objectives that are, in fact, linked. 

I've been reading a book on exercise that emphasizes building muscle and interval training. So I'm doing three sets of weight training per week, as well as one interval workout - either a timed metabolic workout, or countdown workout, and maybe a High Intensity Interval Training session every fortnight. 

The book also emphasizes that a lot of weight loss is muscle, rather than fat. That's not great, and doesn't really change one's shape. The best shape I've been in has involved serious weight training, so I'm going for it. The book, however, claims it's not about cutting calories, but one look at the eating plan indicates that that is a load of rubbish. Rubbish. Anything that makes you completely cut out booze, cheese, and snacks other than celery/almonds is trying to make you cut calories. So this is irritating. 

Nonetheless, the book does suggest something else that am adopting - throwing away the scales. Just no more. I weigh myself with great frequency, and the results do affect my mood and happiness more than I should. So I'm aiming for more veg, more healthy living, but no more increasing my discontent and negative self-image. 

So far in July, I've not weighed myself. And I feel better. I know I need to exercise. I know I feel good when I eat more veg and get out in the garden. And I've been doing it. 

If I were hesitant, this weekend provided affirmation of a previous resolution to relinquish negative influences. I gave up (most) women's magazines - particularly the style ones. A friend had a few for a train journey for our weekend away. They were utterly ludicrous, infuriating, negative, and stupid. I was so glad I don't spend my money on them, and realized how much better I feel without them providing a false sense of what I need and what I should be buying. It's great. So, scales, you're done, too. 

June Objectives

JUNE!  Already a week in, and I've been dithering, again, about my goals.  But here they are:

1. Physical.  After the success of the May challenge, I'm feeling pretty good.  I got a free subscription to Women's Health and, although I have reservations about this publication (given that "health" seems to mean losing weight and getting cut, which seems to be a pretty narrow definition of health), I thought it might provide inspiration for shaking up my exercise routine.  And, of course, it has!  Given my knacky knee, I liked the idea of cutting out regular cardio for what she calls a "metabolic" workout - you do a set of weight-bearing exercise intervals twice a week, plus three overall strength routines, and a HIIT (high intensity interval training) run - basically a mix of sprinting and recovery.  I've been doing those in May, and honestly, my fitness has improved incredibly quickly, and my knee doesn't feel any worse than if I do a long, slow jog/walk, so I'd rather have an efficient way to get myself fit that I actually really enjoy, even if I feel like vomiting afterward.  No, really, it's fun.  Promise!
2. Cultural.  It's summer time!  Take advantage of summer stuff!  Basically, I want to get to the BBG and Brooklyn museum at least once each during June. 
1. NB:  I am now FOUR books behind on my reading, so the hour at home, three times a week, is back ON.  ON, I tell you.

May Reckoning

May sped by.  And, possibly, had the highest fulfillment of objectives!

1. Physical - The May Challenge.  Other than the last week's bonus workout, I managed all of these - an average of over 10,000 steps a day, and the four workouts.  Pretty sweet.  Of course, I've eaten like an absolute monster during that period - NOM! - so it's not exactly resulted in too much firming, but the other half noticed that I am MUCH fitter than I was, and that's definitely down to doing two HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training - runs a week.  And I would not have done those without the May challenge.  Yay!
2. Cultural - this I've done a lot - I've just sat at home, reading.  It's been great.  But I still have a lot to catch up - the first week of June has been less effective in reading, it has to be said.

May Objectives

Oh, May.  We're already nearly halfway in - ahem - no excuses here. I've felt a little paralyzed by coming up with this month's challenge and, in ostrich fashion, have decided to ignore it rather than actually dealing with my inertia.

So this is belated, and these aren't full-blooded "yes I'm so excited resolutions," but... something, right?

1. Physical. Well, here, a friend and I have set ourselves a goal. It's to do two weights sessions, two cardio sessions, and a bonus "other," along with 70,000 steps a week. It's a lot, but doable - and the reward will be not just the completion, but also a meal at Fatty 'Cue. Because we can. I have set up a spreadsheet to track the progress, and last week was very much a success. Get in!
2. Cultural. Last year, I read over 50 books, as I'd intended (using Goodreads as my measuring methodology). This year I set myself a goal of reading 60 books.  I'm currently three books behind the pace to achieve that goal.  I have, for the most part, kept up my March resolution of reading when I have a seat on the subway. But I'm still not making up the shortfall, and so my new resolution is to set aside an hour to read at home four days a week. I spend so much time on other "noise" - the internet, tv, and I'm not really interested in those in the same way. So here we go.

April Reckoning

April - not so springlike, after all.  Still, the objectives...

1. Gastronomical - we were supposed to try out a new one each week.  Didn't really happen - weeknights were busy, and we were away for a weekend, and so, really, it just didn't work.  Bummer.  But we did two new ones, which were pretty good - and one of them, at least, I intend to visit again (Puerto Viejo) on a highly regular basis - Dominican breakfasts = fab.
2. Environmental - Well, I haven't done something every day, but I (and the significant other) are being far better at going out and weeding regularly - every few days.  I've been properly using the composting, too - we used a lot of compost for turning over our soil and enhancing the soil before planting some herbs, tomatoes, that sort of thing, and giving a new lease of life to the plants already there (I hope!).  Additionally, I've been regularly attacking the evil Japanese Knotweed that's in the back garden, and our trees have been savaged by a proper arborist, who has given us back sunlight!
3. Cultural - Well, I failed to learn to use Adobe LightRoom.  Hmm.  Maybe that's a summer thing.

 

April Objectives

April! The bringer of Spring - well, sort of, as it's currently 42F/4C, and that's only the "Real Feel" because it's finally sunny. Bleurgh.

Nonetheless, it's time for April Objectives.

1. Gastronomical - there are a million restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood. We go to the same ones all the time. So it's time for a new one a week. Hooray!  [Note: this has already been achieved for Week One. Huzzah!]
2. Environmental - Gardening! Trying to do something every day. Yesterday I took photos for the arborist who is going to trim our trees, and I'm going to do something today - check out what it is that we need to do this month, basically. Hooray!
3. Cultural - I have Adobe Light Room. I don't know how to use it. I would like to learn that. This month is the month!

 Also - does anyone know how to play cribbage?

March Reckoning

So, March: How was it for you?

1. Physical: Plan (and carry out) workouts for the week. Well, since the update, I've not done any of that, mostly because I have been on holiday and it was absolutely amazing. I did do a lot of walking, we did yoga on the beach two mornings, and I went tubing (lots of arm work! and arm sunburn, too, but that's another story). So unplanned.
   
   This was, I have to say, not a great success as a resolution. But I think it is worth thinking about what I can do, exercise-wise, during the week and making sure there is a balance - some strength work, some cardio, some stretchy stuff. And this week, that's happening, for example - I've already done a Pilates session and have a beginners' vinyasa thing today (stretchy), have cardio on Sunday (football), and so should do a strength session Thursday morning. Bosh! Anything else is a bonus.
   
   
2. Cultural: Whenever I have a seat on the subway, I have to read my book.  Again, the holiday interfered with this somewhat, but I read a LOT while on holiday - and it was good.  And I do think the sitting down rule should work. Except yesterday, when I was catching up with podcasts. Ahem.
   
3. Apparent: Wear earrings every day. I've definitely been doing this more, and I do need to find a few more pairs for everyday wear. Overall, though, it's been fun.