How do you solve a problem ...

So, I started a new boot camp class this morning trying to push myself a little and get back into the groove of meeting other women in the morning to exercise ... and I figure it can't hurt with the running to build other kind of strength.

I got up at 5 a.m. so I can hit this twice a week class before I go teach. I was ready to go and excited for the challenge. It was a disaster. I felt crappy. I had to throw up -- I don't think I've ever done that during an exercise class and I felt very Biggest Loser. I don't know what the deal was but I spent a good little bit of time beating myself up about it. I don't think I'm out of shape and I don't think it should be all that hard, but I ended up feeling kind of like a failure. The coach was great and she reminded me that I haven't been doing this stuff for awhile. And she wondered if I was coming down with something, which I kind of feel like I am.

Still, self doubt. (And it didn't help that I had a little disappointment over the weekend that is making me a bit stressed.)

But life has a way of throwing you a pick-me-up when you most need it.

I walked into a morning press conference and one of my friends asked me if I was planning on wasting away -- seriously, did he not notice the extra pounds I've put on in the past several weeks of eating out and downing Christmas cookies every chance I got? Then someone complimented my outfit later on.

Then I went to do an interview with these really interesting ladies and I remembered how lucky I am to have a job that interests me -- most of the time -- and affords me the opportunity to meet such interesting people.

Seriously, it was one of those days that reminds you no matter how gray you feel there are always rays of sunshine. So, I started to reframe my thoughts.

Instead of beating myself up, I remembered that I have gone more than a full week without drinking a sugary soda and have outlasted my pledge of going a week with no Coke. I remembered that no matter what I see in the mirror, other people see the beautiful woman I am. I remembered that no matter how much work I have to do, it's good stuff and good stories.

And I remembered how lucky I am to be able to do all the things I do. I have a new group of students to get to know and at least on this first day of class, they seemed pretty enthusiastic and I can believe they will stay that way.

Life is a series of hills and valleys -- and sometimes you feel like you are walking in both at the same time. But at least I'm walking .... And sometimes you can't figure out how to get out of the valley so the best thing to do is just to stop trying to control it and enjoy the ride as much as possible.

There is a lot to be thankful for ... no matter how many stresses there are.

New Year ... what will 2011 bring?

So, I just got back from an awesome weekend with good girlfriends in New Orleans. Honestly, I can't think of a better way to ring in 2011 than spending time with some women who remind me how lucky I am to have friends that are like family. These are women who know me so well that I can say catty, bitchy things and they just smile or laugh instead of thinking I'm totally a mean person.

A couple people of asked me today if I made any resolutions. I'm not really a big fan of resolutions because usually I find that the ones made around New Years are kind of vague and not so easy to stick with. I mean, seriously, when haven't I wanted to "stay in shape and look/feel better." I'm always working on that.

Plus, why do people feel like the start of the new year is the best time to try a bunch of new things all at once. It's kind of putting a lot of pressure on yourself.

Instead, I generally try to set goals throughout the year. Some of them are specific goals: Sell my condo. Others are more general: Try to eat less red meat and drink less soda.

But in the spirit of the new year ... and to satisfy the questioners ... I thought I would write down a few of the things I"m working on in no particular order of importance.

*Run the Disney Princess Half-Marathon on Feb. 27 -- so that means get my butt in gear with the training. First step was putting the training schedule together, so now I actually have to run.
* Run the mini ... perhaps followed the next day with the Flying Pig in Cincy. That depends on how my knee holds up.
* Sell the condo. I think it's coming off the market until Spring and then we'll give it another go. I'm envisioning my new home at Christmas for next year already.
*Run the Dublin marathon for team in training in October. Raise a bunch of money and go to Ireland. Score!
*Write at least three good projects in the first half of the year --- already working on some of that.
*Enjoy myself and don't push myself too hard. I have to continuously remind myself to take time for me ...
*Learn to use my new crock pot to make delicious meals.
*Get some work done on the book project.
*Teach some new students how to write better.
*Hit a new high score in bowling.


Ok ... I'm tired. You see why I don't make January resolutions -- I already have a long list of stuff I'm striving for. But this was a good way to remind myself what kinds of great goals I have and that they are totally achievable.

Love y'all and happy, happy new year!
Jess