Day 474 Resolving To Improve Regardless of The Date

Day 474

Resolving To Improve Regardless of The Date

I don't do New Years resolutions. Not anymore. I'll never forget the time I publicly resolved to lose weight and quit smoking right there on the pages of the second largest newspaper in the state. I failed horribly at both and was seriously embarrassed by it all. You can read the follow up article in the archives of the Tulsa World newspaper. For some reason, the original article isn't showing up in the archives at Tulsa World dot com. Here is the new link: http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=43&articleid=011231_Li_d1their&archive=yes
You might notice the article from eight years ago mentions “divorce pending,” uh yeah---same issues, but we worked it out back then. Anyway... Oh, by the way---it also called me a "father of three." Uh...no. Just two!

I guess I've made some, but I don't call them New Years resolutions anymore. I'd be making these changes and trying to improve regardless of the date. So what do I want to accomplish in 2010? I'll hit my weight loss goal soon. It may not be where I'll ultimately end up, but I'll hit 230---I'm headed there. I'll increase my water consumption. This is another issue I rarely mention. I don't drink enough, I don't! I haven't throughout this entire journey. It really makes me wonder how much more I could have lost by properly hydrating my body. Water is crucial. And I do drink it, just not enough. If 64 ounces is the bare minimum we should drink, I've fallen below that number more times than not. I'm certainly not proud of that. It goes back to the whole—“It hasn't been perfect,” but it has been incredible despite the flaws.

Big things? Well...I could go on and on about some big plans and dreams I'd like to accomplish in 2010, but I'd rather not discuss them at length. I'd rather just do whatever I need to do to make my dreams a reality and I'll share them along the way in these writings. It's going to be an amazing year, it really will be a wonderful 2010.

I started my day today by grilling some chicken and cooking some egg whites. I know, strange combination, but it was really good! The first workout of 2010 was good. I did 20 minutes on the elliptical and walk/jogged a 5K on the treadmill. It was a wonderful way to start 2010. It's really hard to believe I can do what I'm doing when I workout. It's amazing how much easier it gets over time. My mom is another good example. I talked to her today and she told me of her New Years Day one mile walk. One mile is so wonderful for her. She could barely make it across the street when she started. So yes, it gets easier and better. And then with consistent effort, you end up amazing yourself at what you can do. It goes well beyond what you even thought could be possible. I'm not even close to my workout potential, so I plan on amazing myself even more this year.

I watched some football today and played poker with friends until nearly 11pm. Amber is back at KL's parents house getting ready for the upcoming semester at SWOSU and Courtney spent the day with her friends and the night with her mother.

Smoking update? I have about 10 cigarettes left. I will not buy another pack, ever. This is it. The decision is “iron clad.” It's over. A reader friend suggested a “smoking picture,” something to look back on down this road. Great idea and I'll do it. But I don't like it! I always get rid of the smoke before the camera snaps. You would think that something that disgust me so much would have been easy to walk away from before now, but oh my friend. It's that importance level thing. How important is this decision now? The highest possible. I'm falling back and relying on the mental exercises that have helped me lose this weight---because it does apply. I'm so proud of myself for finally being honest enough to admit that. My goal is to handle the nicotine “fits” with grace and class. I wish I could lock myself up for three days like a couple of people suggested. Well, they didn't say “lock yourself up,” they just said to put yourself in a smoke free situation for three days. Apparently that's how long the body will pester me for the drug. After that the body says, “OK, you win! I don't need them anymore...you happy?” Yes, I'll be thrilled to be free. Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...

Good Choices,
Sean