28 by 29 | Exercise

7 // Create an exercise program & do it at least 2 times a week 

Before I got "sick" I was in the process of training for a half marathon. I was doing awesome. I was running about 4 times a week, and doing Pilates on my 'rest' days. It was so great. I felt great, and even though I wasn't losing weight, I was slimming down, and just knew if I kept going I would eventually start to lose the weight. I didn't get super far in my training before everything hurt, and the shooting pains became unbearable. I was so bummed.

Over the  past two years since then, I just have not wanted to do anything. Walking around the block kicked my butt, and lifting things were just too hard. I hate it. All I wanted (and still want) to do was sit around. 

I know that exercise is important, especially when you feel like crap, but I have to say, they are lying in those arthritis commercials when they say that you feel better when you get up and move. I repeat: IT IS A LIE!! There is no ounce of truth. I don't even feel good on the inside. I want to punch and kick things is how I feel. 

However, I decided I just need to do it. I decided to include it on my {28 by 29} list so  I would have to do it. I kept it simple and only required 2 work out days. If I do more, awesome, if not, then great. I sucked it up the first month. I guess I could count the times that Greg and I walked around the block, but I sucked it up for sure. 

Well, you can read about why I finally decided to get started {here}. I even made a chart and everything. That is the first step. I was a bit surprised that Greg actually would be on board with it, since I decided I'd put him on there too so we could have a competition.

We did pretty well for week 1. (I started last week). This week wasn't as good, since I had appointments, and other things going on, but I did still get my two days in, so I still get a gold star!

It really has not felt good. Not one little bit. My hips are killing me, my feet are hurting, and my arms are sore. I have been wearing arm weights when I walk to hopefully help build up my upper body strength. It sucks, however, I can still smile after walking a full half mile! Go me!

Some motivation? Right...

This is how I feel most days. Greg teases me about being a T-Rex. It's sad how true it is.

Hopefully one day I'll be able to run again. It's my goal. Or, I will just continue to kick my treadmills butt by walking 1.5 mph!

28 by 29 | Introduction

Sometimes I come up with these really great ideas, and then I get super excited about them, and then I get a few weeks into it, and 'give up'. Well, this time I really have it.

I want this next year to be the best year ever. And the year after that, and the year after that. I want to do something awesome with my life, so one needs goals. I've been doing this every year for the past few years, but this year I want to share my experiences, and get feedback and advice, and encouragement from you. Otherwise, this will just turn into another one of those epic fails.

I'm still in the process of completing my list, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know. Instead of doing vague goals like, "Lose weight" or "Organize my house," I went a bit more specific. I think you have to be, or else it's harder to feel like you've accomplished something.

Here is my list so far. I'll be explaining each one of the goals as time goes on, but I really good use a few more suggestions. I'm stuck. So, here we go...

28 things to do before I turn 29

1 // Read the Book of Mormon twice

2 //  Write a note to 28 people

3 // Try 28 new recipes

4 // Do my Visiting Teaching every month

5 // Begin a 50 states album

6 // Learn 10 fun facts about each state (to include in 50 states album)

7 // Create an exercise program for myself and do it at least 2 times a week

8 // Document a 'Day in the Life' each month

9 // Learn more about my ancestors

10 // Try 12 things I've pinned on Pinterest

11 // Read a General Conference talk each week (52)

12 // Perform 12 Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)

13 // Plan a girl's day out

14 // Read 28 new books

15 // Create and send 6 care packages

16 // Have 12 planned date nights with the hubby

17 // Run or walk a 5K

18 // Go 28 days without Facebook

19 // Take at least 3 pictures each day

20 // Memorize 28 scriptures

21 // Do something to raise awareness for Scleroderma

22 // Do something awesome with my hair

23 // Buy 2 new outfits

24 // Eat at 5 new places

25 // Go on a real vacation with Greg

26 // 

27 // 

28 // 

Now I'm stuck. Help me out with those last three. I'm up for just about anything.

Like I said, I'll talk more about each one over time, and explain a little more about my intentions with this. I just need to get it out there, so I can be thinking about how to fulfill these. I made them easy enough to accomplish, but not so easy that I can do them all in one day. This is a daily challenge to help me become a better person mentally, spiritually, physically, and any other way I can be a better person.

I'm excited. Are you?

Goals for 2013

What are your goals for this year?

(I make resolutions every year....very rarely keep them!)

*Get caught up (and stay caught up) on blogging.
*Keep up with P365 (photo a day)
*Daily blogging/journaling
*Get more organized
*Read scriptures daily (finish from where I am, and finish again!)
*Do my Personal Progress (so when the girls ask me if I finished our goal, I don't have to lie to them)
*Complain less (unless it's a terrible day, then I get a free pass!)
*Workout more, or at least attempt a small workout (whether yoga, pilates, simply walking, basically get off my butt!)
*Meal plan better, eat out less, try a new recipe...at least once a month (I said once a week last year. Yeah, that didn't happen!)
*Do more service and get to know more people in our ward
*Stop doubting myself
*Fulfill my mother-in-law's Christmas wish!!