On Top Of The World
Yesterday I was on top of the world, both figuratively and literally. I went to Runyon Canyon (my new obsession in LA) and the views from the top of the hill are breathtaking and totally worth the effort to hike to the top. I took full advantage of being away from the city streets and ran on the trails throughout the canyon. When I conquered a giant hill (took me two techno songs to climb to the top) without stopping I felt like I was on top of the world. What is it about running that makes you feel incredible? Nothing beats a good run. An hour of cardio at the gym is just not the same as being out on the open road (or trail). I need to incorporate more running into my weekly workouts to cleanse my soul and reach my half marathon goal. Yesterday’s workout was definitely a win (and a good one for the legs considering it hurts to get up and down from my chair)! Score 1 for me working towards a 2010 goal.

I am sucking at achieving my less credit card debt goal. Why was I cursed with the gene that makes me love shopping? Why couldn’t I have been one of the girls who actually hates shopping? I am going to be the old lady who has no retirement savings, but a damn good collection of shoes and purses. Last weekend I gave my Express credit card a workout. I needed some new work pants (Yes, this was a real need and not a want. I realize I often confuse the two and try to justify my wants as needs. However, when you are left with two pairs of dress pants that actually fit, you have a need to either lose weight or buy more pants. Considering the fact that I can’t seem to control my eating and drinking habits lately, I was stuck buying new pants. I am going to argue that I deserve a slight break. The last time I bought new dress pants was after I graduated Grad School and that was 2 ½ years ago. I spent hours at the gym instead of hours at a desk in Grad School, so I am kind of letting myself off the weight loss hook.).

I guess I didn’t need the scarf or cute going out clutch from Express. Last time I checked, those items are not required at the office. Minus 1 for me working towards a 2010 goal. (I should probably subtract another point for wandering aimlessly into the Nike store after my run yesterday and hap hazardously buying a new hot pink hat, running shorts and t-shirt with the best slogan -“You can’t finish, unless you start”. Definitely not needed items. I’m blaming this one on the endorphins running through my system after my run at Runyon Canyon.) Minus 2 for unnecessary shopping.

I’m giving myself ½ a point for starting my February business book. I am reading Drive by Daniel Pink. I am excited to learn more about motivation; however, I can’t seem to find the motivation to continue reading the book. I am too tempted by red wine, chocolate and sitting on the couch watching American Idol with my Pugs. (Wonder why I needed to buy new pants!). It doesn’t help that a great chick lit book is sitting on my nightstand. I would much rather read Candace Bushnell.

Not quite on top of the world with my 2010 goals. I am doing an average job of working towards my 2010 goals. The good news is that I have not gotten completely off track. I’ll just need to keep the credit cards locked up for a while and log some extra minutes at the gym on the bike to read and I’ll be back in action. (So much easier said than done!).

It's Not A Goal Until You Write It Down

I have been meaning to write this post since the first of the year. Here I am a month and a half later finally getting around to it! I have not had the energy to do much besides workout, go to work, walk the dogs and cook dinner. (Married life is great, huh?) After a very surprising great day I am full of energy and ready to write (having a husband passed out in bed before 9:00pm on a Friday night might also be part of the reason I am finally blogging).

I was in a meeting earlier this week and someone said it's not a goal until you put it on paper. My ears perked up as I nodded in agreement. I have had that same thought going through my mind since the start of the year. I set my goals during the first week of January while working out (I get my best thinking done at the gym), but have not written them down. I am not only writing my goals, but I am also making them public (to all 10 of my followers). Here they are...K's goals for 2010!

Goal #1 - Get my name changed (not really a serious goal, but need to get it done if only the damn state of CA would cooperate). I successfully made it through the social security department (which took two tries with the same documentation) and have a new last name associated with my SS #. I went to the DMV to get a snazzy new license with my fabulous new last name and I got rejected. There is nothing worse than going to the DMV, waiting in line and putting up with the grouchy workers only to get denied! The CA DMV worker would not accept my certified copy of my marriage license. She said she couldn't read the seal. It makes no sense that the SS office would accept my copy, but the DMV wouldn't. Seriously, aren't they both government offices? Now, I am stuck in limbo with 2 last names. I am having a major identity crisis and on top of it have to battle with the state of MO to get a new certified copy with a readable seal. I am starting to understand why women don't take their husbands' last names. What a pain in the you know what!

Now for the real goals. 2009 was a good year and full of a lot of change, but I didn't accomplish any goals. (I might not be giving myself enough credit. I did successfully move to a new city, start a new job, adopt 2 puppies and get married last year. Pretty much every major life change, with the exception of having a baby, occurred all in the same year. So I guess happily surviving all of the changes is an accomplishment.) I want to pop champagne on December 31, 2010 and celebrate some real accomplishments, so I set personal, professional and financial goals.

I am focused on a lot of personal growth. I am going to take hip-hop (already took my first one!) classes to mix up my workouts and take cooking classes to learn to make more dinner options. (My poor husband must be tired of pizza and pasta by now.) I am going to read a business book each month to sharpen my skills and stay on top of my field (this might be a cross into professional, but I still consider it personal growth).

My big personal goal...I am going to run a half marathon under 2 hours. I have said this before, but I have not taken the appropriate action to make it happen (I've also never written this goal down). I have already run my first 10k of the year and have been focused on logging some weekly miles. Look out Disneyland half...here I come!

Professionally I want to become a certified coach. (This all depends on if I get into our company's program. I'm on the wait list.) If I get to go through the program, I want to complete the necessary steps to become certified. I also plan to have at least one rep from each training class I coach achieve the 6-month benchmark. So far, I am 2 for 2. :)

Financially I am going to have 10% less credit card debt by the end of the year. You are probably thinking that 10% seems a little low. I felt that I needed a very reachable financial goal to make some progress in this area. I had to be realistic when setting this goal. I am still going to shop (spring sandals and dresses are right around the corner). 10% will make me feel like I made a dent in the damage, but won't force me to have shopping withdrawals. Did I mention I already have my eyes on my next Louis Vuitton?

I am excited about the new year. Now that I am settled in LA it is time to make some big things happen. Stay tuned and I'll keep you updated on my progress towards achieving my goals. I'm sure I'll throw in some workout play lists and random posts along the way.