The Good Life

[clevermanka]

Happy Solstice, everyone! I had thought about holding a vigil tonight but I'm not sure about that now since I'm feeling a bit run down today EDIT: And I just learned that Longest Night was last night, dammit. I don't want to compromise my immune system right before the New Orleans trip. I have a few hours to ponder, I guess.

From mckitterick:
Name three things you've done in the last year to substantially improve your life.
1. Got my tubes tied
2. Lost nearly 40 pounds
3. Started to get a handle on personal finances

This was actually kind of tricky because I wanted to limit them to decisions I made that required action and effort. Experiences like Ren Fest and my relationship with kijjohnson and mckitterick, while certainly positive improvements, weren't really things I did. I put myself in a position for them to happen, yes, but it wasn't a single, decisive effort on my part. So I'm not counting those. The three items I listed are things that took a great deal of consideration and no small amount of will. I'm proud I did them.

Comments

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

I'd have to say that indeed your decision and actions were something you did to perform at the Renaissance Festival. The experience itself may have been an organic one which was paticipatory on your part, but chick, you did a shit ton of work to bring that about (costumes, wig work, custom makeup, etc., in addition to all the work you did costume-wise for the one weekend you dig your other gig).

Don't sell your part in that experience short, by any means.


D.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm not selling it short at all!!! I just didn't feel like it fit into the right category of something I did for the sole purpose of improving my life. =)

Weight loss q for you;

[thefox-rb.livejournal.com]

How did you do it, my dear? I find myself on the verge of life change in the form of eating and exercise habits. What made it successful for you?
:0)
R.

Re: Weight loss q for you;

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Life stress had a big part, but I made an effort to not let myself fall into comfort eating habits. I lost a ton of weight during festival from just not eating much on the weekends.

Longer term, though, I stay away from refined or packaged foods and simple carbs. Avoid white flour, white rice, potatoes, etc. Lots of leafy greens and healthy fats and proteins. I'm being pretty lax through the holidays, but hey, a little indulgence is a good thing. And stay active!!!

[malvito.livejournal.com]

How did you do that personal finances thing? I've been meaning to do that for a long time now (ever since my financial advisor advised it) and haven't managed it yet.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Sheer force of will. It's rather gone by the wayside for the holiday season, but then so has #2. =)

[malvito.livejournal.com]

LOL ... yeah, 'tis the season. Though I haven't had the time and space to do the cookie-making that I usually do at this time of the year

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Also, I keep meaning to tell you: I love your icon. Makes me smirk every time I see it.

[malvito.livejournal.com]

Thank you *blush* ... oops, I mean, "Aaaarrghghghgh!!!"

[amazingrich.livejournal.com]

40 pounds. Wow! Losing weight during a stressful life-event is amazing. I've gained 15 pounds due to the stress I've been going through lately.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about the 15 pounds. Hope things get easier for you soon.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Yeah, interesting: I think guys gain during stress where women lose. Huh.

Chris

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Oh, I wish. I usually eat when stressed. This was the first (and probably last) time I ever lost weight due to stress.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Oh and re: the relationship thang? I'll keep it on my list. I did the doing, I think, by asking over Thai food if you would be interested. You did doing as well, my dear, by providing the answer and taking the plunge into unfamiliar waters. So I think you get to claim all five.

Hugs,
Chris

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

You sound suspiciously like rougewench here. Hmmm.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

She speaks it. And usually earlier and more eloquently than I, so I only add what she didn't say ;-)

Chris

[adammaker.livejournal.com]

New Book:

Madame Denise and the Contagious Wisdom.

Yes, I blended her names on purpose.

Wond'rous Solstice to you.

[adammaker.livejournal.com]

No matter which things you pick, you have had a Very Memorable year.

Why not let your list of Good Things be as long as you can manage, each and every year to come?

I've been very impressed by your perseverance this year.

Keep on Rocking,
Adam

Re: Wond'rous Solstice to you.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I've been very impressed by your perseverance this year.
Thanks. I have a couple aphorisms that I hold dear. This year I added "If you're going through hell, keep going." =)

[chronovore.livejournal.com]

It's not something I'd ask about normally, but since you put it in a public-viewable LJ entry: What made you decide to tie your tubes?

If you don't want to talk about it, that's okay. If, on the other hand, you don't want to talk about it publicly, mckitterick now has my email addy. Feel free to tell me to 'fukken zie off' off at any time, as well.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Hm. I was trying to figure out what I was going to post about today. I'll just make that an entry. Check my LJ later today.