The One with the Jump Rope and the Purple Notebook

I would like to think this whole "lifestyle/attitude change" is easier to start small...and work up to the bigger things. Sometimes I approach things like I'm jumping into the deep end of a pool without floaties, but this time I'm adding things and steps as I go. 

Yesterday I did a few things I've never tried/done before:

I bought a *food journal* from the dollar store. It's just a blank note pad, but it fits my personality...and I thought it would help keep me accountable for the things I do/eat on a given day. It also helps keep me on track for time-keeping and progress notes like I had to do in my paralegal classes.  I plan to write in it every day, weigh myself every Tues morning, and keep track of the calories I eat/burn off. Here's to hoping I keep as good a record for myself as I do with client files :)

The second thing I bought was a weighted jump rope. It was pretty cheap, since 'tis the season for fitness equipment to go on sale. I used to jump rope all the time as a kid, with the little plastic things from Toys R Us. This one is more "adult" and I figure I can balance a little cardio with my yoga. Fun fact: Google tells me  roughly 11 calories are burned for every minute of jumping rope at average speed. It's not a lot, but it would add up through the course of the day. 

                                                   

 I also found an idea for naturally flavored water, sounded fun to try. It's apple cinnamon water, supposed to speed up your metabolism and help detox your system. All you have to do is chop an apple into thin slices and throw in a cinnamon stick.  I let it set over night in the pitcher but it didn't taste like much the next day, so I boiled some new water and let the apples & cinnamon steep like tea, then chilled it in the fridge.  It turned out pretty well and I think it's nice to have a change from just plain water. My plan is to also experiment with cucumber & lemon water on days/weeks where I want to feel like I'm living at the spa. I've always liked lemon in water so I figure it would be along the same lines.

Sure, my life isn't quite where I want it to be just yet, but there's only so many things I can control.

 I found this a while ago via the interwebs... it serves as a self esteem boost, or just a reminder to do the best you can with what you have. I knew early in Dec '13 I didn't want 2014 to play out the same way (for the most part) so I am working to change it in the best ways I know how.  I'm 25, with plenty of life left to live and plenty of positive contributions to make to the world when the opportunity finally presents itself.