A year has past...

It's been a year since I began this blog...  I "drafted" all but one of the posts from the last year to set them aside and start anew, but I saved the first because I think that its explanation of my idea of this blog is still true.  What was written in between was not good or bad, but I wanted a new slate for my new "project."


It has been a year of major change.  While the blog began after our move to Idaho, it had only been about a month since our arrival.  


We experienced a beautiful autumn full of color changes and temperature drops that one just doesn't experience in sunny San Diego.  


We had, what was by most local accounts, a mild winter.  No snow shovel necessary, but a good snowman and enough below freezing days to convince me that it was winter.  


I experienced what I consider my first spring ever.  I got to see the landscape that surrounds me every day come to life in fits and spurts.  Never have I appreciated the true beauty of a tulip until it was the first burst of color to fill my eyes as the ground started to warm.  


When you have color everyday of the year for all the years of your life, you take for granted that those flowers will always be there.  I got a glimpse of what made the orange at the bottom of the Christmas stocking a treasure in the cold of winter back in "olden days" (though of course we have fresh fruit all year long - even in Idaho, go figure!).  


Now it is summer again...  busy with swim lessons, adventure camp, drive-in movies, play dates, bowling and investigating some of the great things this new city of ours has to offer.


Summer is winding down, the days are getting shorter, school starts on Monday for my little ones.  Oliver is starting kindergarten (I plan to be a wreck on Monday morning), and Zoe will be a great big 5th grader.  


I finished my first Half Marathon and my first Triathlon after going outside of my comfort zone and taking swimming lessons.  


There are a lot of things that we as a family did and accomplished this year.  There has been a lot of growth here at Casa Daly and I am proud of how we have weathered our first year in this place that is so very different and a bit secluded from the family and friends that we had grown to rely on so heavily in our day to day lives.


We have grown...  I have grown...  and not just in good ways.  :)


The cold dark winter and the longing to make home feel homey lead to some pretty heavy meals and far too many comfort foods that were cooked with out any sort of modifications.


My most recent physical revealed that my cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI have suffered for it.  They are all higher than my insurance company would like them to be.  


I know that reasonable numbers are achievable, because my last physical (about two years ago) was right on target.  Yes, it has been a crazy two years...  but really, who among us can't look at the last two years of their life and not use "crazy" as an excuse for the numbers in our lives that aren't reflecting a perfect picture of health.


I have a mirror and a scale, so the BMI didn't really surprise me.  The cholesterol was a bit of a surprise, but it didn't really scare me.  The blood sugar (though still in the "normal" range) was the thing that put me off the most.  It was almost "pre-diabetic" and that freaked me out.


So I'm looking to make a few changes, and I'm looking for some friends who are looking, too.


I'm not interested in a "Biggest Loser" contest among friends - though I understand that they can be great motivators.  I'm talking about teeny, tiny baby steps toward healthier living.  I'm going to start the journey of 1000 miles with a single step - literally - and I'd love for you to join me.


I found this website:  zenhabits.net/zen-to-slim-a-simple-5-step-weight-loss-plan/


It is slow...  it is easy...  it is not going to take you down three pant sizes in two weeks.  It isn't going to hurt.  You don't have to buy anything, clean out your fridge or join a gym.  But...  I think it will work, and I think that it will work even better if we do it together.


Tell the truth:  are you comfortable saying that your BMI, your cholesterol and your blood sugar are optimal?  


If you're not - join me!


Let's start with Step 1 from the website I listed above:


"Begin gradual exercise. Instead of trying to change your entire life with an intense weight loss plan, we’re going to start small. All you want to do is make a commitment to get yourself moving for at least 10 or 15 minutes each day for 30 days straight."


We all have different goals, different roads to travel and different reasons for everything we do.  It isn't a contest, it's camaraderie and it can play a role in success.


So can accountability.


So I'm going to post my digits now and in 30 days...  and I'd love it (if you're willing to play along) if you would comment and do the same.  Choose the digits you want to share... weight, measurements, whatever.  Don't use your real name if you don't want to - but update us and use the same name again in 30 days when you do so that we can cheer you on and provide support as a little mini community.


I am looking forward to having friends from far and near join me here. 


I'm not going to name a goal weight - my goal is to be healthier in 30 days than I am today.
I'm going to accept the 10-15 minutes/day for 30 days straight as my first challenge and work within that. 


It would be great if you want to share a goal, an inspiration, a method...  you don't have to follow "my plan."  If you have your own it would be great to hear what is working for you (or what isn't).


Because, as Winnie the Pooh always says...  it's so much friendlier with two (or more).  Let's just get a little bit healthier - together!


I really want this to work - for all of us!!