Month 2: Goals Update #2-Good Things

It's been a bit since I've checked in with you guys. I haven't had much time to sit down and write lately, but I am overdue for a check-in. I need this to keep me honest about where I'm at with my goals. Things in some areas are going swimmingly well...in other areas, I'm still a work in progress. I'll get there eventually. It just takes me time. I've found that when I try to make too many changes at one time, I end up doing good for about 2 days, then I fall flat on my face and feel like a big failure. So instead of putting all of that pressure on myself, I keep plugging away at one thing at a time, making smaller changes, ones that I can keep up with and get used to. So, now it's time for check-in number 2...without further adieu (I'm a poet and I didn't even know it!)
1.) Working out. I have my ups and downs with this one. I made it to the gym a whopping two days in a row one week. Then, my feet hurt from my crappy socks and shoes and I realized that until I got new ones, my workouts would be feeble at best. I've gotten my new kicks now and some super soft new socks-thank you Costco (Nike Shox for $49.99-unbelievable deal), so now it's time to get my booty back to the gym. A little later in the post I think you'll understand why I didn't make it last week, but my excuses this week are flimsy at best. Like I said, making small changes and getting used to them. The last month or so hasn't been about fitness, and I consider that okay. But, I am ready to get back to the gym and hit the treadmill and do some weights. And use the sauna-if there is a sauna. I'm not really 100% certain. I never go past the glass doors in the locker room where the showers and jacuzzi are. There is far too much nakedness staring at me (one of my pet peeves about locker rooms-I get it. It's a locker room, but why can't people be just a tiny bit modest? Why must they always walk around butt naked with all their bits and pieces staring at me?)
2.) Eating better. I've really been focusing on this one lately. Still haven't had any Diet Coke since November. This is my most proud accomplishment in the last year. I know that's sad, but it feels so good to kick an addiction like that. I did it. I have faith that anyone with an addiction can do it! I recently got a membership to Costco as a gift (from my momma who loves me lots). It has been awesome. Their produce is insanely good, and insanely cheap. But there is so much of it when you get home. It's never bothered me to throw away a few strawberries, but losing a whole crate of them because I was too lazy to cut them up and eat them sends me over the edge, so I eat the produce I buy from there. And I eat a lot of it. I'm three days into my week of eating a 2.5lb bag of spinach and I'm about a pound in. In three days, I've had one meal without spinach in it. It's been awesome. I also found breakfasts that I can eat on the go!! This is another HUGE VICTORY for me. I've revealed my battle with McDonald's breakfast before. Well I found some Smart Ones breakfast burritos and Special K breakfast flatbread sandwiches that I can eat and still have variety and something warm on cold days. I haven't had McDonald's for breakfast in a week and a half. Go me!! I still have a lot of work to do in the eating department, but I'm making small changes and sticking to them.
3.) Work life. YOU GUYS! I AM LOVING MY JOB AGAIN!! We had a management meeting recently and my boss asked what our 1, 3, 5, and 10 year plans were in our personal lives, for the company and for us within the company. He said that he didn't want people being unhappy at work, and the words just flew out of my mouth. I couldn't stop them. It was out of character. I told him I was bored, unchallenged, sick of being stuck at a desk, answering phones, and basically not using any of the skills that I had. Basically, I was miserable. He said, okay, what do we need to do to make you happy again. HE ACTUALLY EMAILED ME AND ASKED ME "WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO, KERI?" Best email I've ever gotten. Since then, we have been working on re-writing my job description. We've also redone our office completely (hence the no gym last week-I spent about 50 hours here patching, sanding, repainting, moving furniture)  and I even got a new desk! I am busy, feel valued, and am happy again.
4.) Finances. I'm getting there. Things at least get paid on time. I feel like I'll never get ahead, but I'm still making prompt payments at least. And attempting to save. It's not going great, but I'm trying.

5.) Working on my house. GOD BLESS MY NIECE. She came over one Saturday and we knocked out my basement. I'm not 100% done by any means, but I can spend time down there, even work on things like painting without having to move a million things to get to them.

This was basement in the middle of the purging process. So much stuff. NO where to put it all.

This is my basement now. Well, I've actually added another chair  now. It still just so clean and organized.

Big difference, right? I know. Now I'm slowly, but surely working on the upstairs to make it look this good. I'm going to start knocking out projects, like painting the laundry room, and finishing the basement floor, because I already have the supplies to do it.

So, as you can see, two months in, and I'd say I'm making a bit of progress. I'm pleased. I still have a long way to go, but there's a lot of year left, so I'll just keep plugging away! How are you guys all doing? Hope life is treating you well and 2013 is proving to be a great year for you, too!