Historically, the month of January and I are not good friends. Usually by the time the Christmas decor has been packed away and the New Year's resolutions kick in, I settle into a seasonal funk in which I mope, complain and generally become an absolute jerk to live with. I'm never sure if it's the post-holiday let down, or the fact that spring seems like an eternity away, but something about January makes me want to curl up in ball and hibernate for six weeks. Or drink heavily. Neither of which make for a very productive Lisa. So this year I'm facing the month head-on with a plan of action in hopes that January and I can forget our past and forge ahead in a productive relationship. I'm hoping January agrees with me. And if not? Well, I fully plan on kicking it's ass anyway.
And - side note - apparently (notice my new blog banner?) it's also one of my resolutions to make more frequent use of the word ass. You have been warned.
So first on the plan is to keep myself creatively occupied with some non-scrappy projects (though design team work and Project Life will have ample time alloted, natch). I've been collecting loads of ideas for various projects around the house via Pinterest and now's the time to implement some of them. And if any are moderately successful, I just might share them here on the blog. Like the new wreath I made for the front door with cardstock, a chipboard letter, and about 5000 sticks of hot glue:
Also on my agenda is a return to a healthier diet. Like everyone else, I wined and dine (and desserted!) my way through the holidays and the scale has the the numbers to prove it. It's time to focus on fruits, veggies, and whole grains instead of truffles, wine and whole birthday cakes. Luckily, Mike is on board with this plan too because eating healthy alone is a lonely, lonely game where you do not pass go and you cannot collect Chick-Fil-A waffle fries. So this month we're relying heavily on the menu plan from Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 and our Mile High Organics produce delivery to serve up some tasty and balanced meals.
Jillian's BBQ Chicken & Black Bean Tacos
Of course, last night I dreamed about a giant plate of white cheddar mashed potatoes and a tall frosty mug of beer, so I'm not sure my subconscious is on board with the whole healthy-eating routine just yet.
I don't think I've yet mentioned that in a grandiose gesture sure to win him Husband of the Year, Mike presented me with an amazing 40th birthday gift: a trip to the Bahamas for spring break! It's a destination I've always wanted to visit, and in just a few months,that tropical dream will finally come true. The thought of getting into bikini shape by then has got me pretty motivated, so I'm mixing up Jillian tapes with a half-marathon training plan while Mike (being the consummate bad-ass that he is) is doing P90X. I considered doing it with him (for about 30 seconds) but then I heard pull-ups were involved and said hell.to.the.no. (Just like ASCPA commercials, pull-ups make me cry.)
Annnddddd...to wrap up my attack on January, I've also implemented a new chore system for both me and the kids that will hopefully (fingers crossed!) keep this place we live in some semblance of order. The kids have weekly chores to complete and have the option of doing extra chores for hard cold cash if they are so motivated. (Please do not tell them that 75¢ for cleaning a toilet is not a fair price. I'm trying to save for Bahamas' souvenirs here, people!)
I've also made myself a weekly chore list and hope that by completing 6 or 7 chores each day (about an hour, give or take), I'll stay on top of the PetHairDustBunnyFoodCrumbsDirtyLaundryBeast that likes to rear it's ugly head around here. And while I won't be earning an allowance like the kids, I will be rewarding myself with a glass of wine at the end of the week if my chores are checked off.
Because you didn't really think I'd be facing this January without wine, did you??
