How the heck is my birthday just around the corner, and I’m only on number 19??? This has been a MAJOR undertaking…and I think I was feeling slightly ambitious to start it so late in the year. With that said, you obviously know I won’t be completing or even announcing all of my goals by next Saturday…

OH, WELL.

So, where does that leave us? Oh ya, with numero 19!

#19 – Start jogging or Riding My Bike Once a Week

Now that I’m on the fitness track, I’ve gotten really comfortable with the gym. My workouts with the trainer are awesome and I’m building serious muscle. I’m also back to taking a spin class once a week and am trying to get to dance classes once a week, too. I usually throw in one or two additional workouts. 4-5 times a week is my goal and for the most part, I’m achieving it.

However, now that I’m not in tennis classes any longer, I’m missing my outdoor workouts. Granted, the weather isn’t great right now, but what the heck, this is southern CA. The coldest it is in the morning is 55! Sweats will keep me warm enough for a morning jog or ride!

When Ruthanne was here for Blog Sugar, we jogged two days. A week later, when I was up in Seattle visiting the Gentleman Caller, we went for a jog. Now I trade off my gym warm ups on the elliptical or treadmill. It turns out that even though I hate to run, I might not be all that bad at it.

I also love my bike. I live in a neighborhood that has a perfect and safe four mile loop. I can usually bust out two to three laps in the morning before work without having to get up too much earlier. The ride is an endurance workout (if I’m pushing myself), plus it gives me the chance to see other neighbors starting their day healthily!

Morning workouts are the best. While I LOVE to sleep, I always feel like a rockstar when I’ve gotten a workout out of the way. That allows me to be intentional with friends and family in the evenings, too! This is something that should be pretty easy to incorporate and I can’t wait to develop this goal into a healthy habit!

I’m kicking myself in the butt right now for a number of reasons, but one thing I just need to focus on and cultivate is my photography business. It’s something I love and want to succeed, but I just haven’t nourished it at all lately.

I began a side business because I knew that I could not do what I do now with children. Sure, there are many working mothers in public affairs, but the hours are LONG, my commute is heinous, and frankly, my boss is just far too demanding. I also loved the creative side of photography, which is something I don’t get to spend much time on in my day job. With all that said, I haven’t really made photography a priority in some time. I’ve had some great shoots, but I have not aggressively pursued opportunities in months, sadly.

#18 – Set Photography “Office Hours”

Created slots in my calendar that are for my photography business will allow me to be far more organized and diligent (I hope). Even if I do not have any editing to do during those times, I can follow up with clients, on orders, on business ideas/branding, industry relations, etc.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve been inspired again and know that if I want to fail, I just have to keep continuing down my current path. I do not want to fail and need to start taking baby steps toward success…and giving myself boundaries and “office hours” is just one step in the right direction.

Wish me luck!

I’m not a super sporty person. Wait, I take that back – I’m not really a team sports person. Growing up, I equated my lack of involvement in team sports to not being athletic. BUT, I danced at least 2 hours a day for about 10 years.

While I waterskied growing up, I didn’t take up golf, tennis, or snowboarding until I was an adult. With all three, I have been SHOCKED by how I’m actually quite passable, GOOD even, at them. It’s just a shame, I haven’t spent more time focusing on the sports I DO enjoy and carving out time for them.

#17 – Make Plans to Go Snowboarding

For the last two winter seasons, I’ve had every intention of making it up to the mountains for a snowboard trip. Unfortunately, I spent too much time working on my photography business in the winter months to actually escape and get away for a little me time.

This year, (even if it’s after November 5) I WILL make it up to the mountains. I’d love to do Mammoth or even Tahoe again!!! Have snowboard, will travel!

In previous years, I spent time in Colorado with friends. I always wanted to hit the slopes with my brother and SIL while I was there, but it’s not something they really enjoy any longer. Sadly, I don’t really have a lot of close friends in So Cal who enjoy winter sports these days, so I’ll have to make new friends who do! : )

So, who wants to join me in the mountains???