On average, the most common New Year's resolution is to lose weight. Regardless of people's shape and size, everyone says, "I should lose weight" or "I should eat healthier." I am no different. I had two specific New Year's Resolutions for 2010: get out of credit card debt & lose 25 pounds over the course of the year. The prior was a little easier since I worked hard in 2009 to make it happen. The latter is something that since I can remember I struggle with.

I have never been small and constantly battled with my weight. The battle has never been gaining- I maintain quite well. The struggle is with losing. At the height of my struggle I was 193 pounds. Currently, I weigh 161. Last year, I finally weighed in to the high end of my height/body frame ratio. This year, I would like to weigh in at the low end of that same ratio. 

I've been going to the gym faithfully since the beginning of the year. Truth be told, I actually enjoy it. Sometimes, time willing, I'll go twice a day. The classes really mix things up and make the boring aspect of exercise much more enjoyable. I've also been blessed with gym buddies that keep me accountable. I've made this commitment before-many times before. I believe the reason that some decisions/commitments are successful is because the intent is pure. I used to try to lose weight because I thought people would like me more because I was thin or because it would make more attractive. I never did it for myself. I never did it because it would make me healthy. It would make me feel good.

I've let my weight define me for a long time. In some ways it still does - and maybe it always will. But this year it's about keeping to a commitment and fulfilling a goal. 4 pounds down, 21 to go and 9 months to do it in!

Monosyllabic Moment: Health

Valentine's Day

Movie: Valentine's Day
Date: February 13, 2010
Company: Joell
Notes: After waiting patiently for this movie to be released, Joell and I saw it opening weekend after a tasty dinner at The Habit! Good burgers! The movie was very cute and it had lots of good actors. I actually liked Jessica Biel. Shocker.
Monosyllabic Review: Sweet

New York 2010: The Planning Phase

For me, planning can be as fun as the trip. It creates an anticipation that is insatiable. And it's more than the actual "stuff" I am planning. It's the "actual" planning that gives me joy. I love the challenge to making all the pieces work.

Joell and I spent all day yesterday planning our trip to NYC. It started from a collaborated spreadsheet of any and all places we wanted to visit and from there (with lots of compromise and research) we narrowed them down to the "Must Sees." We designed a packed six-day itinerary that has so many interesting sights and good food. Maybe too much good food. Is there such a thing?

(We decided what to do for the week by creating separate sheets for each day and then placing sites and restaurants by their respective locations.)

Over the course of the day a few key things were established: 1. The itinerary is a rough draft. We hope to accomplish it all, but are open to what the city wants us to do. 2. Joell is in charge of getting us to our destinations via the subway. 3. I am in charge of getting us there by foot (Thank God for the iPhone) 4. Joell loves being in her map and 5. The need for a safety word, but none agree upon yet. Open for suggestions.

We had so much fun planning that it just makes me that much more excited for the actual trip! And it's a good thing Joell likes to plan too because a day like this could have driven someone crazy! 42 days until and counting.

Monosyllabic Moment: Plan

New York, New York

Six weeks from today I'll be on a plane. I'm headed the Big Apple! To the Empire City! To the City that Never Sleeps! And if the !s don't convey it - I'm excited. I have been offered another great opportunity to see the Capital of the World (okay, enough of the New York nicknames) and I am taking it! I didn't know what trip in 2010 could compete with China 2009, but I think New York has a fighting chance.

For as long as I can remember Joell and I have been talking about going to New York together. Sometimes it was just to visit and then, at one point, we were going to move there. Timing was never right and the trip never happened. Within the month, we've bought tickets, collaborated ideas and planned an itinerary. Now we just have to sit and wait . . . and plan (it's what we do best!)

I love that I get to experience a new place - new adventures! I am also glad that I have a blog that will help document the journey that is New York 2010! Stay tuned!

Monosylabic Moment: Thrilled.

The Big 2-7

Here's the million dollar question: Is 27 still considered mid-20s?! Or just one step closer to 30? It's a weird age - doesn't really fit anywhere and I think I know why: Because it's special. I know I have only been 27 for less than a week, but so far 2010 has been so good to me.

There is something special about this year and I can't put my finger on it just yet. It just feels different. . . and I like it. I don't know if it's because I promised myself I would lose 25 pounds this year (already lost five!) or because I am credit card debt free (as of January 31) or maybe because I am growing into who I want to be when I grow up? I don't know, but It feels good. And, although I don't know exactly why I love 2010 so far I do know that these people play an important part of it. On January 23 I celebrated my 27th birthday with dinner, ice cream sundaes and fun games (It still amazes me how many people I can fit in my small place).

Sometimes I wish everyday was my birthday-who wouldn't? I am so incredibly blessed with good friends and my family. I felt extremely loved on my day and very grateful. Thank you to all who made it so very special. 

Monosyllabic Moment: Blessed.

The Lovely Bones

Movie: The Lovely Bones
Date: January 18, 2010
Company: Joell & Elissa
Notes: After the rain ruined our plans for celebrity stalking at Runyon Canyon, we decided to see The Lovely Bones. We all read it years ago and although we remembered the plot line it is still horribly disturbing.
Monosyllabic Review: Scare Stiff

"If at first you don't succeed . . .

. . . try, try again. Then quit. There's no point in being a damn fool about it." - W.C. Fields

Last year, I decided to blog. Seemed like a good idea - all the cool kids were doing it. Easy enough, right? Wrong. My most recent blog post is February 2009. That should tell you something.

I had every intention to blog. I really did.

The same reason I started blogging last year is still the same gut feeling I have to try again. I realize, as I get older (I'll be 27 in a week), that for as much as I complain I have double the amount of reasons to be thankful. I am blessed with good friends, a supportive family and a job that provides the means for learning and means to experience adventure. Sometimes I get so caught up in "life," that I don't remember all the great things that I am allowed to do - I want to. I want to always be grateful for what I have. It's not exactly where I pictured myself, but I'm learning it's not about what you do, it's about who you are.

I'm not putting any expectations on the blog - less room to fail. I'm just going to allow it to be a space to remember the year: the fun I have, the movies I see, the books I read, the challenge I am faced with, the people I love, the people I meet - it's the journey to understanding that I am not owed a good life. God has given me a gift.

Monosyllabic Moment: At ease. With hope. Psyched.