currently: october 2012

10/03/2012

How did October happen?! October! I’m not complaining, though, as I love this month and all its cozy scarves, tall boots and chunky sweaters. Another reason I enjoy October: It blows in big seasonal changes – freezing temps this weekend?! Bah! – as well as life changes and new goals.

But first, how did my September goals turn out? Have a look…

be grateful, every single day

I missed 10 days of logging five things I’m grateful for in my gratitude journal app, but thanks to a calendar reminder, I remembered the other 20 days. A few highlights: My health, sunscreen, a warm bed, savasana, gingerade kombucha, bike rides, possibilities, sisters, laughter, hope and roads trips with Nick.

slow down, unplug and be present

Hmm… this still needs work. Being connected is a hard habit to break. While I’ve turned off my laptop earlier each evening, I can unplug a little more often, a little longer each time. And, there’s no need to pull out the iPhone during dinner to check facebook or twitter.

no more ice cream

can happily say not a single pint of Izzy’s salted caramel was purchased all of September. However, there were a few bites of DQ soft serve and Luna & Larry’s dark chocolate coconut bliss. But, neither of those are ice cream, right? 🙂

eat at home

Other than our weekend in Madison for IRONMAN Wisconsin and pho one Friday night, Nick and I did really well eating at home – and made some really tasty meals! I also only ate lunch out once all month.

#joblove

I had high hopes for a couple incredible opportunities, but sadly, nothing’s changed… yet.

turn off the TV and read more

I was a bit too ambitious in my reading plan this month. While I finished The Happiness Project – and met some really cool people because of it (hi, Rita!) – and Born to Run, there wasn’t nearly enough time to even crack open The Fire Starter Sessions again. I will be re-reading it in October.

sleep more

On average, Nick and I got about seven hours of shuteye each night. More than normal, but also less than the ideal eight. Shooting for that in October…

So, October… here’s what’s up.

#joblove

Something has to – and will – give and change in my career. It will, it will, it WILL!

read more, cont.

First up: Finishing Eat, Pray, Love. Then, re-reading The Fire Starter Sessions. Also, Love Does.

no shopping at lululemon

Did I really need the ziggy wee stripe and angel blue wunder unders? Or, the bordeaux drama fast and free crop? Or, three bang buster headbands? I could go the entire month without wearing duplicate lululemon – I mean, there are 20 pairs of wunder unders in my dresser – so no shopping there the next four weeks. This is gonna be tough, especially considering the new spin apparel and the tender violet and herringbone wunder unders (anyone who knows me knows I have an out-of-control obsession with bold wunder unders).

girl talk

This includes meeting three different girl friends for coffee or yoga or wine or all three, to reconnect and catch up. It also includes sister night times three.

gluten-free, always

None of this, “Oh, one bite of bread/cake/chocolate chip cookie/pizza won’t hurt me” business. It’s also time to test for food allergies and to see if I actually have celiac (my cousin, Katy, was diagnosed earlier this year and nearly everyone in my family has had his/her gallbladder removed). One more thing: I will meticulously keep a food journal starting today, October 3.

strength train

There’s been zero strength training for months, so it’s high time to dust off the kettle bell – twice a week.

meal plan

Nick and I often hit the co-op post-workout every.single.day. Which means we often don’t eat dinner until 8:30p or later. Which is far from ideal. Which means going to bed with a nearly full stomach. Which is just meh. Every weekend, we’ll be stocking our fridge with fresh produce + local meats and planning our weeknight dinners.

What are you up to this month? Any big goals you’re tackling? Career goals you’re reaching? Books you’re reading? Recipes you’d recommend?

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17 Comments

  • Reply hyedi 10/03/2012 at 7:45 am

    I love this! September was very successful for you!

    Some of my goals are similar to yours: more strength training and meal planning. Also, I’m committing to setting aside more of my paycheck to go into savings!

    • Reply sweetsweat 10/03/2012 at 12:43 pm

      Thanks, Hyedi! I love your saving-more-money goal… something I really need to do, too 🙂

      • Reply Mary Dysart 10/03/2012 at 7:09 pm

        You won’t be at Lulu, so it’ll just happen 🙂
        Except violet and herringbone, sound maybe like something you need. I spose Nick and i can go to Lulu, or is that semi-illegal?
        If your wine or coffee also include catching up with your “older” friends, count me in. I feel like I’ve been missing out since soccer ended 🙁
        Hope opportunity comes knocking soon!
        You’ll enjoy Eat, Love, Pray – what country are you in??

    • Reply sweetsweat 10/04/2012 at 6:29 am

      You’re right, Mary… it will! Buuuuut, I won’t stop you or Nick from stopping in at lululemon 😉

      Yes, let’s catch up over! It’s been too long!

      I’m currently in Italy… read it a few years ago, but thought I’d enjoy a second read even more 🙂

  • Reply Drea Erickson Eidsvold 10/03/2012 at 7:54 am

    You are amazing Erin! Great goals and such a healthy life. Awesome:)

    • Reply sweetsweat 10/03/2012 at 12:44 pm

      Thank you, Drea! Hope you’re well 🙂

  • Reply Jen Schweigert 10/03/2012 at 8:15 am

    This is great. I need to make monthly goals like this. It makes goals seem more attainable. I, too, have been thinking about going gluten free, however, I find I have more issues after eating dairy, so I might try that first. My stretch goal is to give up shopping for myself for a full year!

    • Reply sweetsweat 10/03/2012 at 12:51 pm

      They’re definitely more manageable each month! It’s easier to eliminate one at a time. Start off with dairy for two weeks and see how you feel; then eliminate gluten. Also, reintroduce each one into your diet a week apart so you can feel how each impacts your body.

      GREAT stretch goal, Jen! Not so sure I could go an entire year not buying anything! 🙂

  • Reply supersweater 10/03/2012 at 8:22 am

    I love it Erin, I can proudly say it has been over 4 weeks since I made a lulu purchase! ha! but seriously! 🙂 You should come to one of my Core Power Sculpt classes and get some strength training in that way 🙂 6:45pm on Tuesdays Edina, 5:30pm Fridays Woodbury and 10:30am Sundays Woodbury (just not this Sunday with the marathon!) Good luck on your goals I love them all!!! I am finishing reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed, great read for your next reading month 🙂

    • Reply sweetsweat 10/03/2012 at 12:54 pm

      You may need to send me some of your no-lulu-for-a-month willpower, Amine! I’ll definitely make it to one of your sculpt classes soon! Wild is on my reading list, too; I’ve heard good things.

      Good luck on Sunday! I’ll be cheering on Summit between Lexington and the finish 🙂

  • Reply Courtney 10/03/2012 at 9:58 am

    The book, ‘Love Does’, sounds really great! I am just finishing up a book called To Heaven and Back by Dr.Mary Neal. A great read, very inspiring & touching: http://drmaryneal.com/about-to-heaven-and-back.html

    • Reply sweetsweat 10/03/2012 at 12:58 pm

      Added to my reading list! Thanks for the excellent recommendation, Courtney 🙂

  • Reply Candice@allthingsyogi 10/03/2012 at 1:19 pm

    Love, Love, this!

    I have been adding more strength training too. 3-4 days a week I work on MUSCLES! even though I love my cardio.

    Gluten and dairy free. I hear you with the “oh a nibble of this” No, I eat this way because its better for me inside and out.

    I have not been in Lululemon for months, a bit jealous of your wunder under collection.

    Thanks for the inspiration for what is to be a GREAT month.

    • Reply sweetsweat 10/04/2012 at 6:30 am

      I hear ya… it’s tough to let go of the cardio 🙂

      Ha… it’s been building since I worked there, though there have been quite a few purchases the past few months, which is why it’s gotta stop!

      You’re very welcome, dear! Thank YOU for always inspiring me, too 🙂

  • Reply rita 10/03/2012 at 1:56 pm

    hii new friend! i am so happy i found you as well and this list is motivating me to make one of my one!

    agreed with you re: # job love. working on that myself, we should strategize!

    • Reply sweetsweat 10/04/2012 at 6:31 am

      RE: strategize… yes, please!

      Excited to hear about your monthly goals 🙂

  • Reply Carrisa @ G-Free Runner 10/05/2012 at 7:47 am

    Getting tested for celiac isn’t too bad and it really eases the mind and makes it easier to just say no to those bites. Knowing how it makes me feel with even the slightest bite makes me not want it at all!!

    And you are so brave to say no to lululemon! haha
    Actually I did that a few months ago, still going strong!

    Good luck tomorrow!

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