March Bootcamp 2012: On the Move!

Slept in this morning… a rarity, for sure. Had a very lazy morning on the couch, took an hour-long nap around noon, and didn’t get moving until nearly 4pm. After that, though, there was no stopping me. R and I went for a 3+ mile walk around town, played some basketball in the park, and went for ANOTHER 2 mile walk to the grocery store. I guess subconsciously I decided to take “on the move” literally for this last day of March.

The end of March is nearly here and I find that I’m becoming a bit stronger. It might not always feel that way, but reflecting on the past month, I can see it. I’m exercising more independence and my voice carries more weight. I’m spending time with people who I love and who edify me. I’m taking steps to strengthen my faith. I may be completely uncertain about what my future holds, but I’m approaching each day with more optimism. One day at a time is all I need for now.

I’m pushing myself to walk DAILY, no excuses. Yesterday a friend offered me a ride home, but I declined. Even though it was 9pm, I was further away from home than usual, AND my stomach was on fire from mango habanero wings. It turned out to be a great walk, even if I did end up groaning on the couch for the rest of the evening. Damn you, spice! Why must you taste so good?

Today needs a PLAN. It’s already 1pm and I’m overwhelmed with everything! I wish I’d taken a day off to get caught up with life, then returned to work with a clear head. Perhaps tomorrow. For today:

• complete one work assignments
• review two more work files (plus one more for good measure!)
• walk to get the mail
• buy thank you cards
• respond to FB birthday messages
• clean out inbox (thursday am)
• post a new blog entry
• start Tweeting
• x make travel plans
• x journal
• read the little black book (thursday am)

A good birthday, indeed.

It started off kind of rough. I made myself a smoothie but the blender wasn’t put together properly, so I made a huge mess. I couldn’t focus at work. My headache returned. And I kept pushing :)

I took some ibuprofin and headed to lunch with my coworkers, which was great. Instead of agonizing over my own to-do list, I helped a coworker with one of her daunting tasks. I made pit stops on my way home to get a free birthday chocolate truffle and free mini cupcake (mmm). I went to my dad’s for birthday drinks with him and S, and then we all headed out for trivia (and more drinks and food). I smiled and laughed a lot.

There’s still a lot of heavy stuff lingering in my life, but yesterday gave me moments where I could forget about that. I’m hoping to let that propel me forward today and in the year to come.

Today I pushed forward. I went through all the right motions.

I didn’t get the restful night of sleep I was hoping for, but I got out of bed and pushed myself to workout anyway. I did yoga (as my body was just screaming to be stretched) AND started the Summer Arms Challenge. I packed a healthy lunch and snack. Though I left a bit late, I still walked to work and arrived at a decent time/way before everyone else. I splurged on a tasty blueberry muffin for some morning fuel. I cleaned off my desk… twice (the first time just to straighten and get the dust off, the second time because I spilled Diet Coke everywhere). I kept my alertness up and accomplished a respectable amount of work, despite developing a horrible headache in the afternoon. I walked home from work and embraced the cooler weather. To try to get rid of my headache, I allowed myself to nap when I got home. I slept longer than expected (two hours!), it took me awhile to fully wake up, and my headache still persisted. So, rather than tackling my to-do list, I took it easy on the couch.

Not too shabby for my last day of 27. REALLY trying to look forward to tomorrow and a new year… wish that feeling came naturally, but I’ll keep pushing.

Two steps forward, one step back.

Woke up early today and went to mass at 7:30, which is such a great way to start the day. Of course, I hadn’t gotten enough sleep, so I came home and rested/napped. I then headed out for coffee-and-a-movie with a good friend… much needed. I followed that up with a visit to my dad’s house for dinner and down time. Watched Best in Show and laughed a LOT.

It was a really good day until I came home. Greeted by the ever-so-depressed R. Not dealing with that very well right now. Made me wish I hadn’t come home tonight. But trying to make the most of it, for both of us. Heading to bed early and hoping to start off the work week with energy, a clear head, and a positive attitude.

Oh, how glorious sleep can boost one’s spirits!

I fell asleep EARLY last night (on top of the covers, in clothes), slept soundly for 9-10 hours, and woke up both early AND rested. I eased myself into the day, and right now I’m sipping on a coffee (dressed up with some cinnamon – yum!) and getting ready to tackle my first project of the day. With the arrival of the weekend comes my sudden inspiration to bite off more than I can chew, as usual.

• open and set up my mint.com account
• check out new phone options
• x do yoga
• x tidy up the house
• read
• text M
• call my daddy
• go out tonight

Still pushing forward.

Yesterday had its nice moments. I didn’t get to bed until 4am the night before, but still woke up fairly well rested before 8am. I walked to and from work (despite the possibility of storms in the afternoon). I got two compliments on my shirt (one from a random stranger sitting on a stoop downtown). I made it through the workday without getting sleepy (though I did get jittery and a bit grouchy… oops). After work, I knocked some tasks off my never-ending to do list. I was in a crappy mode in the evening and REALLY tempted to eat my feelings, but I kept myself in check.

I was ready to give up on yesterday. No matter what good things came my way (and there were quite a few good things scattered throughout the day – morning yoga, breakfast cooked on the grill, fresh smoothies, free chocolate from the IT guy, getting my hair cut, walking to and from work) I couldn’t keep my spirits up. But I kept pushing. I feel a funk/depression coming on and even if I can’t bring myself up yet, I’m not going to let myself fall. Not now. Not this time.

And last night it paid off. I had dinner-and-a-movie plans with R (to see the midnight showing of The Hunger Games) but he was dealing with his own sleepiness and depressive funk. And I pushed us both forward. He obviously wasn’t going to leave for dinner, so I brought dinner back. He was appreciative. The food was delicious. I then pushed him out the door, caffeinated drink in hand, to go see the movie. By the end of the outing (we got home around 3am) he was sleepy but in better spirits, and I was, too. Not that my mood is dependent on his, but it was nice to push both of us forward. Inspiring, even.

I’m so glad I didn’t give up on yesterday.