Screw the Health Kick

Today is parent-teacher conference day at school (my work, not my son's school).  That means I don't have to be at work until around 10:00 a.m. (compared to my usual 7:00).  I've been trying to get back on a health kick recently, so I decided to work out.  The term "health kick" really pisses me off.  What is a kick but a temporary movement?  I wanted to get on a health kick to lose 10 pounds?  And what happens after the 10 pounds are lost?  Is it back to pizza nights and a constant supply of Oreos in the cupboards?  I don't want another health kick.  I want a healthy lifestyle.

It's important to define what is healthy.  It holds a different meaning to different people.  For me, it's a combination of activity and clean eating.  Both are a challenge for me.  I love writing, researching, and watching television.  I have an enormous sweet tooth.  These are all a part of my general disposition.  It's not easy to combat.  But it's not impossible.

I've been really pissed off at the FDA lately.  As I scrolled through their food additives page I was disgusted by the positive spin they put on their 3000 additives included in the database.  Screw them for their carcinogens.  Screw the sodium benzoate I discovered in my store bought hummus.  Screw the plethora of foods that market themselves as healthy when it's all a crock of...I guess I shouldn't swear on a parenting blog (I don't count "piss" as a swear word).

Screw my health kick.  Screw my ten pound goal.  I'm not in it to lose 10 pounds.  I'm in it to raise my son to love honestly natural and safe foods.  I'm in it to fight temptations that are just plain bad for me.  I want to live long dammit (I also don't consider that a swear word).  Screw the health kick.  I want the healthy lifestyle.

New Year, New Goals

Happy New Year everybody!  This is my last day of vacation, as I go back to the grind tomorrow.  But I like change and a regimented schedule will do both my son and me good.  I'm not good at following a schedule during my breaks and it can be both relaxing and chaotic.  As I start a new trimester in this new year, I have created some goals, not so much a New Year's Resolution, though it is admittedly comparable.  So, here they are:

1.  Create a fitness routine and stick to it:  I'm thinking of 10 minutes of strength training in the morning and a walk or jog in the evening.  We got a new puppy, so the walking will definitely happen!

2.  Do the 52 Week Money Challenge:  Put a specified amount in a jar once a week, and have nearly $1,400 by the end of December!  I plan to use the money as "fun money" for the family.  I'll probably redo my son's room, give my husband a chunk to do whatever, and revamp my wardrobe with my share.

3.  Build My Savings Account:  It's getting somewhere, finally!

4.  Travel to Florida in August:  We haven't had a family vacation ever, so it's time.  We have good friends down there and my son will be old enough to enjoy it!

5.  Help my son establish bed time independence:  we have unwillingly become co-sleepers with our toddler and plan to claim the bed back!

6.  Grow at work:  I hope to be ready for my next promotion by the end of 2014!

7.  Make responsible eating choices:  Really, I just need to say no to the goodies offered at work!

8.  Pay more attention to my husband:  Parenting usually takes precedence over the relationship.  I want to remember the relationship more.

What are your goals for 2014?