Kicking As*

Recently, I have come to a realization that I can not keep eating a pint of coconut ice cream five nights a week, and need to incorporate a little bit more vegetables in my diet, as a cup of tomato soup really doesn't count.

I researched for something I can do frequently that is close by and fun.
I am lazy so I knew that I needed an instructor, and I can't be driving for an hour in traffic because that alone would discourage me to keep going. Also, many places I have tried (Pilates, barre method type of gym, etc.) offer a beginner's rate for the first month, but then it is expensive to continue on further.
I like to take private session for Pilates and they can be anywhere between $85 and $125 a session.

My answer = all women's kickboxing gym that is 10 minutes away, that has a 10 class/$100 package at all times, and the owner always has a sale -- all with an excellent review on Yelp.

The first class is free, so that was perfect for me to try it out.

The past couple of weeks, I can honestly say I have had the most fun working out. 

I actually look forward to going there, I put my workout clothes out the night before like a kid. 

smoothie

Kickboxing is.....stress relieving, fun, whole body workout and I love that I am not trying to compete with anyone for attention of the instructor, as the class consists of about 15 ladies, and we often work in smaller groups.
We jumprope, do a lot of cardio, which I wanted, and then we box for about half the time we're there.
I have continued my Bikram Yoga, but I wanted to do something different, and now this is a perfect addition to my physical activity.

As a result of the workout I have been doing, I am drinking about 3 to 4 liters of water everyday (about 100 to 135 oz.), and after my workout I stop at an organic juice place that shares the parking lot with the gym, and have been drinking their "green juice." Talk about detox!

handwrap

Another great thing -- I have been a night owl all my life, staying up till the wee hours, and this changed my daily routine as well. 

The class starts at 9:30 in the morning, so I get up an hour before at 8:30, make my protein smoothie, clean my place then I head out. 

I am sore everyday, but I am so happy that I have finally found my gym!!

2010 ---> 2011

Looking back at this year there's a lot I have done and accomplished as well as NOT done, and will have to be either finished or dealt with next year.

Here is a list of my personal goals to guide me into the New Year!

1) Keeping up with my workout routine --

This year, I vowed to stay physical.
And I did.
Every week, if not Pilates, I did Yoga, and recently I started Bikram Yoga. I kept up with it sometimes just once a week, sometimes three times. If I couldn't get to a studio, I simply jump roped outside.
I will stay on top of this and some more. I want to try the 30 day challenge with my Bikram Yoga, as well as try the advanced class with 84 poses (normal level is 26 poses).

2) Relocating

I have been talking about moving back West for over 10 years, and I'm sure people who have known me that long are pretty tired of it.
I think this is the year to do so, and though there are few complications as far as my job is concerned (I love flying out of Chicago, and I don't want to transfer bases) I think I will ultimately be happy back in La la Land.

3) Developing my inner writer

Though I was fortunate enough to find some blogs that liked my writing, and published them, I have been meaning to take courses to strengthen my skills.

4) Visiting more countries

This may come as a surprise to many of you as my job is about going to places -- however per my language skill, I usually do the routes to Asia Internationally or LA when flying domestically (obviously language is not relevant in that case) thus creating a 'pattern' in my flying.
I am going to try to work a few different flights and 'get out of my shell' in that sense and enjoy my job a little bit more.

5) Coaching

I have wanted to be a Life Coach for a while now.
Actually, to be more precise, I didn't know that what I wanted to do was Coaching, or that it existed.
Life Coaching is a fairly new career path and it agrees with my philosophy when it comes to helping others in self growth.
I will be taking courses online and though it may take me a while to finish (flying, a writing course, AND Coaching course!) I am determined to get eventually certified and making it my second career in the long run.


What are your goals and aspirations for the New Year?

Once a year

picture courtesy of Never Apart in Heart

As my birthday approaches, I can't help but reflect upon the good and the bad of the past year as well as think/analyze about what I can do to improve or do differently for the coming year(s).

I have done pretty well regarding the 'theme' I have set for myself for the New Year ('do not let others waste your time') so I have composed another very small yet meaningful goal to make my already blessed life even more so.

I am going to try the 'shopping cleanse' for a month.

I have always been somewhat of a shopping addict. I know where it stems from and I have done remarkably better in the past couple years regarding this issue, and recently I have been reading more and more about people going on a cold turkey shopping hiatus.
It really makes you think about WHY you feel the need to shop -- and it really teaches you something.

I have read some of these ladies going for an extended amount of time (6 months) doing this, but I know myself and rather then starting out big and failing, I am going to start by doing something a little bit shorter.
I am not sure when I am going to do this, but it will be soon.


This will lead me to think about many things within my life and will no doubt have a positive impact.
I will have more time to spend on doing things a bit more productive then online shopping or browsing the mall on my days off.
I will update as I decide when to start and other 'rules' I will be following during this period.

Do you 'reset' your life when your special day comes along?