CTS Day #3 (100% orange juice, maple syrup, water)

Today was a little tough....well at least in the morning. While I slept GREAT last night and awoken enerigized and ready to conquer the world, I did have a slight headache around 9am. They say that when you have the "hunger pains" (which in my case is the headache), you are to "take a shot" of your juice. So that is what I did....SHOTS FOR EVERYONE!!!! Lol. To also help "fill me up", I chased the orange juice (remixed) with purified water. This not only helped to take the headache away, but I am also staying hydrated as well.

For those who may not know, when I consume to much citrus (especially oranges) my face starts to break out. Some of you may experience the same, but many I know are not effected at all my to much citrus in there system. Me don't likey that...lol...but I feel the water as a chaser will help to keep me silky smooth...lol

I was a little confused on actually how much of the juice I was suppose to consume for today. If you look back at the link I provided for the information on the diet (click here), it doesn't really say how much on day 3 of the "ease in" phase you are suppose to consume...but 2 liters has been a consistent measurement throughout this entire process, so that is what I am trying to stick with. To be honest with you all, by the time I got to 9:30 am this morning, I only had 12ounzes of my first liter to finish....so I took a break and started on the water..that helped me a lot.

To switch things up a little (for my metabolism was on fire last night), I decided to go do my work out during my lunch time versus after work. This way, when I returned to work, I'm keeping myself busy as my body begs to be fed. I actually did 2.71 miles of JOGGING on the treadmill! Yaaay me!!!!! I have to definitely keep this progress up.

At around 4:30 pm today, I experience my "downer" moment. This is when my body started to get tired and wanted to sleep ASAP. To combat this (and a slight case of tongue coating from the juice...yuk!), I started drinking some purified water to fill me up and wake me up. That seem to get me back on track to finish strong at work and then to be productive for the evening.

Right now, I feel ok. I am tired, not weak, and just want to go to sleep. I definitely got my 2 liters of juice in....even though I am craving one of my homemade juiced fruit...but I will get threw it. Tomorrow starts the actually lemonade diet...and on NYE at that...lol. But I am sure I will be ok. Up until now, my body is use to not eating all my fav foods (like twizzlers, chips and salsa or pretzels and cheese.....I mean I can go on and on family...lol).

Day 3...out of the way...BRING ON THE LEMONADE. Lol. Be blessed family!

November Activity Plan

And I'm back family......

For those who know me or follow me on Twitter @efficient1, I like to switch up my workout regimen. I totally believe in tricking the body so it doesn't get complacent and stop burning fat (dropping unwanted pounds). Most health professionals will agree that switching up your routine every 4-6 weeks helps to restart the body so it will continue to burn fat and develop muscle. Also, it helps with keep your blood pressure regular and reduces your risk of heart attacks/strokes.

As I continue with my healthy living goals (and as I prepare for my international trip), I decided to implement a special exercise regimen for the month of November. Since this is the first month since August that I am not traveling all over the country(lol), I figure I could make some headway on my weight loss and body toning initiatives.

A few weeks ago I posted my current healthy living regimen (click here) that was inclusive of eating, spiritualitg and exercising (and a few other things). I'm still following those tips, but I wanted to be more detailed in the actual activities to get my heart pumping on a weekly basis. See below for this month's plan:


Workouts
Julian Micheals "30 Day Shred"
Beach Body's "Turbo Jam" and "Hip Hop Abs"
Gym regimen - 3m run on treadmill, row machine & stair climber/bike

Frequency
4-6x's a week ( a minimum of 4 is a must)

So what is your regimen this month family? Do you actually sit and plan out how you will get up and moving daily? Have you been wanting to try something different to spice up your workout life? WELL TODAY IS THE DAY!!!! I challenge all of you all to post your regimens this month on either your blogs, youtube, facebook, twitter, etc. Feel free to put them in the comment section below as well. We are all in this together. Be blessed....

Exercise Log #32

I'm very excited about my day today. I actually had to work for 3 hours today, but got a great work out in...and I went to the gym. HA...haven't been there in awhile. Below is today's work out:


+ Stationary bike = 12 minutes (100 calories)

+ Ab work/knee strength training (bad knee) = 10 minutes

+ Elliptical machine = 20 minutes (300 calories...and yes I did that many calories in such a short time)

+ Treadmill (jog/run) = 15 minutes (200 calories)


My goal today was to do a work out under 60 minutes (kinda went over), and to hit a 600+ calorie burn...and I did. See what happens when your motivated and determined to hit a short term goal?

I'm a firm believer in setting short term goals to achieve your long term goals. Simple daily exercise goals in your healthy regimen can work wonders. So proud of myself today.....now I'm off to ice my knee AND use icy hot for my "special knee" is fatigue and I'm in pain. Lol

Until later family....

Exercise Log 18

Aaaaaaw shoot....I'm switched up the font AND color on your family...must be a good sign for today's workout. LOL. You would be right.

My body has recouperated all. My knee is not hurting as much AND my muscles are not super sore. Because of this, I took full advantage of today and working out. Below is a description of today's workout:

MVP Fitness - "Get Fit 4 Christ" Workout DVD
+ 5 four minute circuits in total
+ strength, abs, cardio and full body workouts rolled ALL INTO ONE
+ 3 spiritual messages (breaks in workouts) by Pastor Winan
+ 30-40 minute total time

While it may not seem like much, it was kicking my butt. I was soaking wet as if I just came back from running. Coach Johnson's method works family. If my body is perspiring in such a short amount of time (and I'm fatigued and muscles are burning), that means I am pushing my body in a short amount of time....and I love.

I don't know you about you family, but I have a busy life. Getting a quick 30-60 workout into my schedule is a challenge..but feasible. Thanks to Coach Johnson, the strength from God and MY OWN SELF DETERMINATION TO GET INTO SHAPE I'm making the time and making it work.

Today is a new day family! Be persistent, positive and proactive!!! Do not sit and make excuses for yourself. Whether you need to loose 100 lbs or 10 lbs you too can get fit for the Lord.

Be blessed!

Exercise Log 14

I was on it today family! Coach Johnson was able to fit me into his busy schedule and I am so appreciative. Now I don't feel like the step child of the "Get Fit 4 Christ" program. Lol.

At the studio, I did multiple circuits from his work out DVD (which can be order by clicking here). While I felt like I was in there for a long time...and the exercises kept going FOREVER...lol...I actually was not there that long. I think in total I was there for 30 minutes. In that time, I did strength training (using weights and my body), cardio and ab work. That is the type of workout I'm talking about...straight to the point.

I'm so encouraged right now since I've lost 5 lbs. I knew walking into the studio today Coach Johnson was going to want to weigh me..lol..I mentally prepared myself..but stop and remembered that God told us that "no weapon shall form against you" and so I stop worrying about if "fat/pounds" (my giants) were going to win and conquer over me today. See its a lot of mental self control too family...you have to speak positive words into existence over your life. Do not allow the status quo or your past faults keep you in bondage (mental and physical) from achieving what God has in stored.

While my joints still ache (sp), I am still pushing threw SAFELY for I believe in the power of prayer and I serve a healing God. So I guess we will see. Tomorrow is boot camp with other program participants. Keep me lifted family....

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #13

Yesterday's post is late I know, but better late than never family. I was super busy with work has to eat two meals outside of the meal plan...unplanned. This is the ways of my job, but I am excited to report that I am making good choices.

I'm feeling a little better on this day, then the day before. I have to stay focus and keep praying and reading so God stays the focus of my life. I'm so very blessed and gracious for Coach Johnson choosing me to be apart of this program. I want to make him proud, but also inspire my followers to try some of his techniques as well. I hope I won't let you down Lyle!

Please see below for my meals and workout routine for today:


Breakfast
+hard boiled eggs
Morning Snack:
+ 1 cup vanilla non fat yogurt
+ carrot sticks
Lunch (portions are estimation)
+ mexican rice (1 cup)
+ refied beans (1/4)
+ 1 cheese enchillada
+ salsa (1 teaspoon)

Lunch Snack (was like 3 hours later)
+ frosted flakes
+ soy milk
Dinner (was at AppleBee's with a work client)
+ Cajun Lime Talapia meal w/all broccoli (no rice)
Water Consuption: 64 ounzes
ACV: 1 tablespoon
Supplements and Vitamins: 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol: 1 pomegranite margarita



Workouts:

+ MVP Fitness Dumbell Blast circuit (2x) = 8 minutes

+ MVP Fitness Abs from Hell circuit (2x) = 8 minutes
+ Tabe Bo Basic Boot Camp = 35 minutes

Exercise Log Day 12

Today I did the MVP Fitness Boot Camp Workout DVD and I must say, I was sweating. Lol. I felt like I was at the actually boot camp sessions. I'm into this whole maximizing my lunch time, so I did both circuit workouts at my lunch time. Below is a list of my activity today:

Lunch time
MVP Boot Camp DVD - dumbell circuit (3xs) = 12 minutes
MVP Boot Camp DVD - Abs from Hell (2xs) = 8 minutes


Evening
Ran 3.6 miles in minutes


How do I feel:
I always get a little nervous as it gets closer to my weigh in time, for when I think I've done well, I get on the scale and I'm either really disappointed (gained) or content (stagnant)...I dont know. Tryin to break the cycle, but it is a challenge at this weight. Again, like I mentioned in my previous post, I am only really 20 lbs away from where I need to be, 30 lbs away from MY goal. I have a lot of muscle on my body, so to me its a challenge to get creative to trick the body to burn the "hidden" fat....oh but the scale doesn't lie. Lol.

Sorry for the short post and lack of inspiration to all, but even the motivational speaker gets down. I guess we will see if I can get it together and start fresh tomorrow....keep me lifted....

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #11

New week, new days, new GOALS that I will stick too. While there were many unforeseen eating out meals this past weekend, that is life...that is my life and I've decided that I will not keep apologizing or make excuses for it. It is what it is and I will have to work with what I got. lol. Eating and socializing is part of my current career path and personal life. You can still eat well, exercise and be successful at loosing weight, even if a few meals are consumed outside of your house. Its about ME and the choices I make that makes the difference. Another points I've learned as I continue this journey.

No exercising today, but I did do a 45 minute cycling class yesterday then ran 1.8 miles all under 90 minutes. That puts me at 4 days of work out last week. This week I WILL clock a minimum of 5 days with 3 days of weight training. Below is what I ate today:


Breakfast:
+ 1 pack of instant oatmeal (mable and brown sugar)
+ 2 hard boiled eggs (w/pepper and a sprinkle of salt)

Morning Snack:
+ NONE


Lunch:
+ Trail mix (peanuts, almonds, cashews, raisins and chocolate pieces)


Afternoon Snack:
+ NONE


Dinner:
+ Salad (w/7 carrot chips, chopped onions and green peppers and 3 tablespoon FF italian dressing)
+ 1 baked talapia fillet
+ 1 cup mixed veggies (corn, green beans ad carrots

Water Consumption = 80 oz
Vitamins = B12,Iron and Biotin (second day of no multivitamin)
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How am I feeling
Blessed and highly favored family, highly appreciative of all my blessings and all that I"ve achieved thus far. The road gets tough and at times I want to fall down and NOT get back up...but reality is I have to get back up. Period. Lol.

No fruit today EXCEPT for the raisins and I ate entirely to late for dinner. Oh yeah, I missed a meal and snacks....yeah I'm on track aint I? I hope the rest of the participants in the program, Coach Johnson and those following my journey don't think negatively of me, for as you can read It is hard to stick with the eating plan BUT I think I am doing better. Baby steps as I mentioned before.

Unlike others, I don't need to loose 40 pounds plus...honestly I could loose 20 and be healthy and in range (BMI, weight to height, etc).....but just like those who have a more dire need to drop pounds fast, I struggle as well YES to get those measly last few pounds off. While looking at me it may see that I am doing fine, I still struggle like the next person. I don't know, maybe its just me.....lol

I've included a slide show below of my up to date weight loss success. Tell me what you think....be blessed

Exercise Log Day 4

(Wall-E can lift 12 lbs...why can't I)---------------->

I was a slacker today family. The only work out that I did today was the30 Day Shred with Julian Michaels (biggest looser trainer). I do not have the infamous MVP Fitness DVD (wink wink to Coach Johnson) so I have to work with what I got.

This work out is 20 minutes but really gets the heart rate up. You determine the level you want to work out at (1-3) and once you select it, YOU determine the level you want to burn calories. I am always on 100% with pushing myself (lol), but you can be at 50%.


How I feel
Honestly, I am trying to understand how I will get my work outs in while on vacation, but I am determined to get them in. Post may be delayed family, but they will come. Enjoy the holiday all!

Mid Day Break #3

During lunch today, I was only able to do my 20 minute work out. I had to get lunch on the go because I barely had time to eat let alone work out. Our assignment today involves Chapter 1-3 of the DVD....that I don't have so I did the "30 Day Shred" by Julian Michaels instead.

Not sure what the DVD is like family, but you get a great work out in that 20 minutes. Her video has 3 circuits of 3 min of strength, 2 min of cardio and 1 minute of abs. I mean I was soaked by the time I got done and I love it. This is a great mid day break and spark to get my blood pumping.

I feel bad because I have not hit my morning water goal. Like I mentioned in my "Morning Questions" post here, I ran out of my water concealer (crystal lite) so its hard to drink that ACV straight BUT I am doing it. I asked for courage and strength and God is sure giving me challenges to build both...I thank him all the way threw.

Until later.......

Daily Food Journal #3

As the days go on, I become more and more comfortable with writing down everything (that is everything) i eat in a day. Lol. I am not embarrassed anymore....that my followers will judge me. Below is a break down of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 1 1/4 cup of frosted flakes
+ 3 oz of frozen fruit (peaches, pineapples and strawberry slices)

Morning Snack
+ 20 seedless red grapes
+ Special K bar (90 cal)

Lunch
+ 6 squares of left over Imo's (i know horrible...and is probably why my tummy feels the way it is)
+ 2 cups of spring mix (salad)
+ 3 tablespoons of FF italian dressing
+ 1/4 cup of chopped red onion

Afternoon Snack
+ 8 almonds
+ 1 pack of microwave popcorn w/butter (used two single packs of salt to season)

Evening
(note this week has been an ongoing evening event. Since I don't have groceries still, I've been eating
Panera Bread
+ Tuna fish sandwich on sourdough, lettuce, tomatoe and mayo
+ 1 slice FF american cheese (i added this from my fridge)
+ 1 oatmeal cookie
+ bag of panera chips (i shouldn've ate these...feel so guilty...but it was good)



Water Consumption = 72 oz ( i was slacking today family)
Vitamins = Trader Joe's Women's Multivitamin, B12 and Iron

How I feel

Not sure if there is a fluke in the matrix, but today I felt extra bloated. Let me explain...its like I'm full or stuffed...but I haven't eaten...its really weird. I chalked it up as if my body is adjusting to the ACV maybe....I don't know. I don't feel sick, but I feel uncomfortable when I sit for it feels like my tummy is super huge...I don't know what it is...but I will keep you posted.

I believe in the power of prayer and the bible tells us "ask and you shall receive"....so I am asking for my tummy to be healed if I am in fact "sick". Lol. Please keep me lifted family.

Exercise Log Day 3

Since I worked out yesterday, I decided to rest today. Besides, my joints are sore from the rigerous running from yesterday. I have not received my DVD yet, so I am doing my own work out DVD's until I receive it. Below is a list of some DVD's I've incorporated into my work out regimen (and would highly suggest):

30 Day Shred with Julian Michaels (biggest looser trainer)
Biggest Looser - Cardio Max
TaeBo Boot Camps (any of them)
Turbo Jam
Hip Hop Abs
Pilates with Dennis Richardson



How I feel
I'm very relaxed tonight. I feel a little lazy for not working out, but I always feel this way when I don't work out. I actually find myself beating myself up tremendously AND analyzing every little thing I ate the days I don't. I know its one day at a time and I can't come down that hard on me...but I also feel it keeps me grounded in some ways.

You have to remember to not get over obsessed with every little thing, and I am known to take it to another level. I have to remember that tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start and the past is the past. Tomorrow I will do one of my videos AND probably run. This way I am still working towards the 5k run AND getting stronger.

I can't wait to meet with Coach Johnson when I get into town. Lol

6 Essential Flat-Belly Foods

I came across this great post on Women's Health on good foods to reduce your belly fat. I eat a few of these products already, but I figured we could use the information to try something new. Enjoy!

Quinoa

Per ¼ cup:
170 calories
2.5 g fat
7 g protein
3 g fiber

For starters, anytime you choose a whole-grain product over one made from nutrient-stripped white flour, you wage war against belly fat. Penn State researchers found that dieters who ate whole-grains lost twice as much belly fat as those who stuck to white-flour products—even though they'd consumed the same number of calories. What's more, quinoa contains twice the belly-filling protein as regular cereal grains, fewer glucose-raising carbohydrates, and even a handful of healthy fats. So start your day off with a cup of cooked quinoa combined with a ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of blueberries—microwave for 60 seconds, and you have a delicious (and slimming) alternative to your traditional oatmeal. Bob's Red Mill Organic Quinoa won "Best Grain" in Men's Health's Best Foods Awards 2009.

Green Tea

0 calories

Catechins, the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, are known to increase metabolism. A study by Japanese researchers found that participants who consumed 690 milligrams of catechins from green tea daily had significantly lower body mass indexes and smaller waist measurements than those in a control group. It's safe to say that green tea is one of the best beverages for your health—a stark contrast to any of these 20 unhealthiest drinks in America. Avoid those belt-buckling drinks at all costs.

Kefir

Per cup:
174 calories
2 g fat
14 g protein
3 g fiber

Think of kefir as drinkable yogurt, or an extra-thick, protein-packed smoothie. In either case, this delicious dairy product is a belly-blasting essential. Beyond the satiety-inducing protein, the probiotics in kefir may also speed weight loss. British scientists found that these active organisms boosted the breakdown of fat molecules in mice, preventing the rodents from gaining weight. The researchers still need to prove the finding in humans, but there's no danger in downing probiotic-packed products. We like Lifeway Lowfat Blueberry Kefir - it contains L. casei, the same probiotic used in the study.

Avocado

Per avocado:
322 calories
29 g fat (4 g saturated, 20 g monounsaturated)
13 g fiber
4 g protein

Never fear this full-fat Mediterranean-diet staple: It's teeming with healthy monounsaturated fats (also found in olive oil), which have been linked to lowered LDL cholesterol levels and weight loss. In fact, a recent longitudinal study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the healthy-fat Mediterranean diet was more effective than a diet that avoided fats altogether - so go ahead and indulge!

Eggs

Per 1 large scrambled egg:
102 calories
7 g fat (2 g saturated)
7 g protein

A British study found that people who increased the percentage of protein-based calories in their diet burned 71 more calories a day (that's 7.4 pounds a year!). Jumpstart your metabolism as soon as you wake up with a protein-rich breakfast of scrambled eggs.

Grapefruit

Per grapefruit:
104 calories
4 g fiber
2 g protein

A grapefruit a day in addition to your regular meals can speed weight loss. The fruit's acidity slows digestion, meaning it takes longer to move through your system, and you'll end up feeling fuller, and more satisfied, for longer. And the vitamin C-packed grapefruit works to lower cholesterol and decrease risk of stroke, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

Source:Women's Health

Mid Day Break #2

John 18-20 The crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ

For today's mid day break, I decided to come home, fix my lunch and continue to read threw today's bible reading (see above). While I've heard the story of Jesus being crucified and arising from the dead, its always been second hand and/or through a movie interpretation. Its so much more moving to read it directly from the Word. I can feel the love that Jesus had for me and why he had to leave this earth and die for me. Knowing this, makes me want to do even better daily as I walk threw life. This is why this program is so awesome and important for me to be apart of it.

My thoughts for you this afternoon family is this, if Jesus was willing to give his life for us, and go threw all that he did with betrayal, contradictions from others and down right hatred (because he loved us)....can't we commit thy ways to the Lord and GET FIT 4 CHRIST? God has so much he wants us to accomplish while on earth, we need to be in good health to do his will. Is that not a reason to get fit, get right and get going..........reflect on this this afternoon family.....

Daily Bible Reading - IT REALLY WORKS

I first have to thank Coach Johnson for developing this program. Not only am I able to work to achieve my health goals, but I will also run a 5k and train myself to read the scripture daily. While I was already working on this individually, this program has helped to put it in gear!

Even though I just started reading the Word (in detail) daily, I had already incorporated listening to the audio bible on itunes in the morning before work. Now, I am dedicating 20-30 minutes twice a day to the Lord's word and its making a difference. How you may ask....

+ Stories that were explained or told to me second hand are now making more sense
+ There are valuable lesson that I can now directly relate to my everyday life
+ The Word has become so much easier to read and comprehend, versus having to read over and over again (KJV)
+ I have a sense of purpose more now than ever before
+ I'm not afraid to witness
(the list can go on and on really...)

I say this to you family because everyone falls short. No human is perfect at all! While I never thought I was perfect, I sometimes put myself a little higher than the norm (lol). Hate to admit it, but I did not know what I was thinking and what I was missing out on. My example is Christ, and that is who I want to live my life like. ...and I am willing to spend my ENTIRE life striving to be just that.

If your interested in following other topics I discuss outside of weight loss, please take a look at my blog "The Silky Chronicles" here on blogspot. I really hope you will follow it as well for I cover many current events, thoughts and struggles outside of health management. As always, I want to inspire you all to get up, get moving AND read the bible on a regular basis. I promise you it will change your life :)

Exercise Log Day1

Considering I am an online participant in the program, I was not sure how my workout regimen would work out (since I won't be in the studio with other participants and Coach Johnson). I have some up with a way to incorporate his plan, the DVD and also other activity into my overall plan. In this series, I will be providing you my exercise/activity routine completed for the day. Hope it helps you and feel free to give suggestions:

Lunch time work out
+ Julian Michael's "30 Day Shred" level two video (20 minutes)

Evening activity
+ 20 minutes running in the park


How I feel
Since I am used to running anyways, the 15 minutes was not much of a challenge for me. To bump myself up to my advance level, I did 20 minutes of running. Considering my knee issues, I am curious to see how I will do with the running daily, but I am up to the challenge...now if I my knee gives out......lol

I'm looking forward to running the marathon on October 10th for this will be my first 5k. More to come family so stay tuned......

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting

Anyone who knows me well is very aware of my view on goal setting and how it can help you to get focused and achieve much success. My philosophy is to set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals annually and review/revise as needed.

Since my selection into the beta testing of the "Get Fit 4 Christ" program, Coach Johnson asked all participants to write out goals for specific categories pertaining to our lives. Each goal has an action plan and a deadline to make sure we can evaluate at the end (achieving our goals). I've included mine for you all to see and hopefully to help hold me accountable. Lol. Tell me what you think:

The Get Fit 4 Christ Goal-setting

· Faith: To read more of the bible over the next 12 months.

Action Plan: Devote at least 30 minutes of bible reading 5 out of 7 days a week.

Deadline: August 2010

· Family: Be more understanding with ALL family members and helpful when needed.

Action Plan: Actively check in on troubled family members and offer empathy and or assistance when needed.

Deadline: December 2009

· Attitude: Have a more positive outlook on life, especially as it pertains to my physical appearance, employment and relationships.

Action Plan: Eliminate negative thoughts and words to describe my physical appearance and/or my career path. Remind myself DAILY that I am created in God’s image

Deadline: Immediately! (or totally transitioned by December 2009

· Health: Loose 30 lbs to reach my official weight for my height AND loose an extra 10 lbs for my 2010 international trip! (total = 40 lbs)

Action Plan: Stop the excuses, negativity and pitty parties. Listen to what Coach Johnson has to offer in this program and make it happen…

Deadline: 30 lbs by Christmas and 40 lbs total GONE by the time I travel in 2010!

· Career(this goal is focused on education for its purpose is for the betterment of my overall career endeavours: Obtain an Masters in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Management

Action Plan: Research universities of interest and meet with a rep from that school to make sure that is the program for me. Solidify a program and in enroll it in. Will probably have some prerequisites to get out the way, so make an effort to get those knocked out to them enroll in the MBA classes soon after.

Deadline: Research and program identified by September 2009. Start classes in Spring 2010. Complete degree by no later than December 2012.

· Personal: Travel outside of the country to a location that I’ve always wanted to visit.

Action Plan: Set aside $250-300/monthly towards my balance to pay for the trip. Get the days approved from my job. Constantly remind myself of where I am trying to go and why I want to go there.

Deadline: The trip is in 2010, so everything needs to be paid in full by the new year. I will assess how much I’ve set aside in October 2009 and then again before the holidays.

· Friendship: To the few that I have, I want to be more attentive to their needs and give them just as much support as they give me.

Action Plan: Actively listen to them as we chat and not offer any advice, unless asked. Be more appreciative of those around me, rather than worrying about those who choose NOT to have my best interest in mind. Let them know how much I appreciate and love them on regular basis (versus after they really help me with something).

Deadline: This will start immediately in September 2009 and be ongoing.

· Hobbies: Revisit my scrapbooking project of 2008. Also decide what the new book’s theme will be.

Action Plan: First, I need to pull out the book and sit it somewhere in my home where I can see it daily. Lol

Deadline: Scrapbook needs to be pulled out by the end of September and completed by December 2009. New theme selected by the first of the year.

· Dream: To start my own consulting firm.

Action Plan: Decide on the focus of the firm, select its name and get it officially recognized (incorporated).

Deadline: 3-6 months after receiving my MBA in Management

· “Giant”: To live outside of the United States for at least 1-3 years.

Action Plan: Solidify the specific location that I want to live in and do research. Continue to get finances in order so I can afford to move. Hopefully find a job opportunity that will include living and learning in another country.

Deadline: I HAVE NO IDEA FOR THIS IS A SUPER GOAL!!!!!!