another fanciful resolution

I so enjoy reading other people's blogs. They are always full of humour and somehow they make the regular, mundane things in life entertaining. Can I do that? Well, I guess this will be my attempt!

There is a lot of change in my life right now. First off, things are somewhat up in the air at work. But as I've said, I read other people's blogs. I think one of the most important things I've learned by doing this, is that you should never talk about work on your blog if your blog is public and your true identity is available. So we'll put work away and focus on my personal changes.

I don't really like the idea of New Year's resolutions. I think people make them because they are supposed to, but they are so easy to loose track of. And why not - most people around you are letting their N.Y resolutions lapse, and you can always make them again next year! So this resolution isn't related to the new year, it's for an improved me: get healthy, and stay healthy!

So far, this means that I want to be doing something active everyday. Sounds like the way everyone lives their life, right? Unfortunately, that's not the case. I've fallen in a rut and seem to have stayed there for a year or more. In December I decided to end that. For the first time ever, I received a Christmas bonus. I'd never gotten one before. I've been spoiled at work in the past, and received Christmas gifts of spa days or jewellry (much loved and appreciated) but never cash. As soon as I got it, ideas began running through my head: a new dress for new year's; a spa day; a cashmere sweater; new makeup brushes; more Christmas gifts for my family. But it only took a minute of fanciful thinking before knew where I needed to invest the $ - in me.

I was already a member of the downtown Y - just wasn't putting my pass to much use. I paid them a visit, and spoke with a super nice woman at the counter who pointed me in the direct of where I was going to spend the $ - a personal trainer. Now I'm not a stranger to working with a personal trainer. Many years ago after a nasty breakup I turned to one who got me in the best shape of my life - and boy did I feel great. But as can happen, life got in the way and I stopped seeing her. But having had that experience, I knew that a trainer is what I need right now. A trainer is great if you a) have trouble just getting yourself to the gym, and b) walk in and feel overwhelmed - where do I start, what should I do?

I met Claire the week after Christmas - we talked about what I wanted, why I was coming to see her, what kinds of exercised appeal... I felt very comfortable with her from the get go. We decided to work together for 4 sessions, so I could see how she works and if there was potential before making a larger commitment. And I'm happy to say - it's working out super well :) I find myself not even complaining when I get up at 5:45am on Tuesdays and Thursdays to meet Claire at the Y at 6:30. I get a great workout in before work, and still end up getting to work early.

A trainer isn't cheap - but sometimes you need to invest in yourself. If you have the ability to do so, you will thank yourself. One of the committments that I made to myself as part of a making goals with Claire was that I'd stop buying take out food after work (horrible habit I had). Just going that has saved me a lot of $. Now I cook my dinner every week night which often has the added bonus to having leftovers for lunch - boo yah! Saves even more $ there.

Ok - some not the most concise first blog entry, and maybe a bit tangent-y, but it will do. Up next - what I'm doing in my days off from the gym to make sure that I'm staying active