Happy New Year

Ah, the end of one year, the beginning of another. It seems to me that every year at this time I can't believe the year is over. It seems years are flying by much faster than they used to. I mean, really? December is over?

I don't generally make New Year's resolutions. Not because I don't keep them, I just generally feel things are going pretty well, and in fact, I probably would forget about them. But this year, just because that's how life is taking me, I have made some resolutions...well, maybe they are more like goals, but whatever.

This year, I resolve:

1) To finish painting my garage.
2) To expand the size of my garden.
3) To begin composting (already started, actually).
4) To keep my bird feeders full (for the most part).
5) To eat more fruits and veggies and those other things I mentioned in another post.

That's good.

I really should resolve to bike more. But I'm afraid I might flop in that goal. So I'll just keep it in the back of my mind as something I'd like to do, and then feel good when I do it.

Do you have any resolution/goal type things for the new year?

Making Changes

I'm needing to make some changes in my life on a "health conscious" level. While I'm in good shape and health overall, there are some things I've become more aware of that I could certainly improve on.

1) More exercise. Both cardio and strength (muscle building). I really should do something every day. Maybe spend some time on the elliptical, use the exercise ball, work on core muscle exercises. All things I can do easily at home. 
2) Eat more servings of fruits and veggies. When I have them in the house, I eat them. Need to have them in the house more often.
3) Drink more water. I do okay, but there is room for improvement. (mmm, I'm thirsty)
4) Try and increase my intake of whole grains/fiber. I could have oatmeal for breakfast, an apple or pear every day, shredded wheat cereal,  a few more carrots in my diet.

So I guess, even though it is not the new year yet, I'd like to begin making these changes. Eating better just makes me feel better. Duh.

A new twist

I know my blog has never been strictly a blog about nature, but that was the initial focus, and it is what occupies the majority of the entries. And it will continue in that direction, no doubt.

Often, however, there are other things going on that I would like to record here. If not for my followers, then just for my focus. So I've adjusted the title of my blog ever so slightly and given myself permission to include "other things".

One of those is my efforts at taking care of my body better. I have never had problems with my weight or my health. My body has done a good job at taking care of me. But I have been kind of a slacker at taking care of it. Not by neglect so much, as by no real focus on it. Okay, okay. Sometimes I foucs on getting into better physical shape. And I do watch and monitor what I eat. I guess my body is just asking me to be more consistant. And I'm listening.

So I've set myself some goals. I really enjoy biking...when I get motivated enough to get my butt in the sadle and go. Which happens far less than my body and I would like. So this year, I will be biking in the Salt Lake Marathon Bike Tour in April, and in August I will be riding in the ULCR (Utah Lake Century Ride - 100 miles around Utah Lake).

My body is slowly getting used to the idea of moving more. For the past two days, my roommate and I have gotten up early (by necessity), went to the gym, came home and ate breakfast. Today that was followed directly by a nap that stretched from the intended 30 minutes, to 2 hours. I guess I'm asking a lot of my good body here. But we'll all get used to it. Tomorrow is a workout break, then the rest of the week the workouts are in the evening. 

Other than needing that 2 hour nap, I am already feeling the benefits of consitant movement and good food intake. Our bodies are pretty special. I hope mine continues to take care of me for many more years.