Goals for 2023

I don't know if you want to call them New Year Resolutions, but I have been thinking a lot about my goals for the upcoming year. As I mentioned, the culmination of the past several years I've felt like I've lost a bit of myself. I've been in a rut and almost paralyzed by not knowing how to move forward and change things. 

During the last few months of 2022, I spent time reading books and trying to find ways to figure out how to bring myself back, so to speak. So I've declared that 2023 will be the year I figure out who I am, not only as a mother, but an individual. I want to prioritize myself so that I can show up as the best version of me for my family. 

On one hand it can be overwhelming to put pen to paper with a big list of goals, but it can also help keep us accountable. I think that creating habits (using methods from the book Atomic Habits, which I loved) will help set me up for success. I know that no one is stopping me from reaching my goals except me. No one is going to come do the work for me, and in a year from now I will be so proud of myself for following through. 

So without further ado, here are my goals for 2023 - 

Prioritize my health - I'm 37 now, and I'm realizing how important my health is. I want to be here for a long time for my kids and my family. Since I became pregnant with Jack & Charlie, I basically gave up on my health. Besides walks, very limited exercise besides bursts of motivation for a week or two throughout the year. And while pumping late nights, I made snacking habits that I have continued with now 6 months since I've stopped breastfeeding. Beyond my weight being the highest it's been, I am mostly concerned with feeling better. I know the benefits of weight loss will be rewarding, but I'm most looking forward to feeling better. More energy, better skin, sleeping better, improved mood. All of which will make me a better Mom. 

Positive Self Talk - I have always struggled with putting myself down and having low self esteem. I know a lot of that has to do with the way I think about, and talk about myself. I want to focus on affirmations, learning to love myself, and believe in myself. I think it will have profound effects on so many aspects of my life. And I want my boys to remember a joyful, happy mom. 

Parenting -  I want to continue to grow as a parent and prioritize the best way to show up for our boys. I spend a lot of time reading and learning about gentle parenting; how to react during those difficult moments of frustration, reminding myself to have realistic expectations for their behavior, and generally how to not totally screw up my kids lol. But I know I have room for improvement. And I'd specifically like to read more about raising boys to be respectful, empathetic, and kind humans. 

Nurture our marriage - I'd like to make more time for Andrew and I, prioritize date nights and putting our relationship first. 

Back to blogging - Stop letting fear hold me back and chase my dreams. I have big goals and I am working on creating systems to help make sure I follow through. 

Home - Since Jack and Charlie were only 5 weeks when we moved to our home, it took literally a year to even finish unpacking and start to organize. Many walls remain empty and while we made huge improvements last year outside with our front yard landscaping and exterior paint, inside it doesn't feel cozy to me. I'd like to make our house feel like home, and on a budget! 

Simplify home - On that same note, I want to simplify, declutter and organize our house. We're in a stage with a lot of toys and things, but I know we can find a better way to organize it so it feels less chaotic. I read about how your space being messy can make anxiety and overwhelm worse, and I know that is the case with our home. When it's clean and tidy I can literally feel the difference. I want to simplify and get rid of A LOT of stuff so it feels easier to maintain, and I think it will help the kids feel less overwhelmed with all the toys and they may play more independently. 

Photos - I take a million photos, I have something like 70,000 pictures on my phone. I desperately need to prioritize my photo storage and organization. I also want to catch up on photo books so all these memories are tangible and will stand the test of time. Already the boys love looking at old photo books and sadly I haven't made a single one since Jack and Charlie were born! 

Less TV - Andrew and I tend to watch a lot of TV in the evenings. And while I love that time and relaxing after the chaos of the 4-7pm witching hour, I know there is better use of that time. The feeling of accomplishment will far outweigh the few hours of watching TV and mindlessly scrolling my phone. 

Read - I want to start reading before bed again. These days I get into bed too late after watching TV. I've been doing a lot of audio books, but I'd like to make time for reading more fiction before bed.

Atomic habits - As mentioned, I read this book (twice) and I want to implement a lot of the tools so that I can successfully achieve these goals. 

So, here's to 2023. May it be the year I fall in love with myself, the journey and all the little moments life has to offer. 

New Years Resolutions - 2014

I know we're 6 days into the new year, but I wanted to document my New Year's Resolutions in this space, so bear with me.

As you've probably gathered, I LOVE lists. At any given moment you can find at least 5 sticky notes in my purse with grocery lists, to do lists, etc. So, of course I love mapping out my resolutions for the new year. I like to think of the new year as a fresh start to focus on myself, and work on things to better myself and bring happiness.

// follow through //

This resolution has two parts. I want to be better about following through with the goals I make for myself. And not put myself and my dreams on the back burner. Also, I'd like to follow through with my relationships as well. If I tell someone I'm going to do something, I want to make sure I do it right away. I want to be someone that my friends and loved ones can count on for anything. 

// travel //

I love traveling. This year I hope that Andrew and I can plan a big trip, as well as take frequent weekend trips. Whether it's camping, road trips to San Diego, backpacking, or flying to a new city to explore, I want to fit in as much as possible! 

// love completely //

This year, I want to focus more on loving completely. I don't want to take my relationships for granted. I am going to make an extra effort to let people know how much I care. I also hope to be less judgmental, and show love to everyone.

// time management //

I really need to work on my time management skills. I get distracted easily, so I need to create a work space that is conducive to productivity. I also need to be sure to allow myself enough time to complete any given task, I always underestimate how long things take, which ultimately makes me late and feeling rushed. 

// be present //

I want to live in the moment. I'm always making to do lists and thinking about the next item on the agenda. I want to slow down and just enjoy the small moments, and enjoy where I am right NOW.

// save //

I really hope to get my budget under control this year. San Francisco is such an expensive city, and to be able to live here and do all the things I want to, i.e. travel, somethings gotta give. I need to look at where I spend my money, and see where I can cut back, so my savings will grow. 

// be healthy //

Just like the rest of America, I need to make a lifestyle change. I need to make exercise, diet, and my overall health a priority this year! Andrew and I love hiking, so I hope we can make more time for that, and other outdoor activities in the new year. Thankfully, one of my best friends is getting married this year, so that is quite motivating! 

// keep in touch //

 I really want to be better at keeping in touch with friends and family that are far away. I love getting letters in the mail, and would like to start sending birthday cards, and notes, so those I love know that I am thinking of them. It's a small gesture but I know it makes a big difference. 

// blogging //

Blogging has quickly become my favorite hobby. I really love having this creative outlet. I want to get more organized with my posts, both content and consistency, so From Foothills to Fog can reach it's full potential. 

Do you like making New Year's Resolutions? What are your resolutions/goals for 2014?

November Goals

picture courtesy of my Dad

I was a little ashamed to write this post, but I said I would check back in with you, so I'm staying true to my word. Remember last month when I listed out some goals I had for the month of October? Well I am embarrassed to say that I only accomplished one of them. I'm pretty disappointed in myself. I could sit here and make up excuses and tell you that we had a busy month, etc. etc. But the truth is, excuses are what got me here in the first place. I'm good at making them when I want to.

So, instead of making new goals for this coming month. I want to revisit my October goals, and really make an effort to achieve them. Especially making fitness (and diet) a priority. I'm the only one who suffers when I don't accomplish the goals I set for myself. I know if I do this for myself, I will be much happier and more confident.

I'm making a promise to myself, and to you that I am going to work my hardest to accomplish everything on this list during the month of November. I know that I'll feel so much better looking back and seeing these items checked off at the end of the month!

1. Make fitness a priority
2. Read more
3. Drink more water
4. Go to bed earlier
5. Manage my time more efficiently
6. Pay it forward
7. Finally sell a few items on Ebay
8. Fun new collaboration with my friend Kasey! We have another post for you coming up in a few weeks!
9. Keep the house tidy
10. Take Louis on more frequent, and longer walks
11. Complete a DIY/Craft Project from my ever growing list.

I'm already off to a good start with #1. This is where I've made the most excuses lately, and I'm suffering the consequences. I've enlisted the help of my wonderful friend Kristin, who helped create a meal plan for me, as well as exercise goals. She's a bad ass and I know she'll keep me on my toes and hold me accountable. Just what I needed. She is coming over tonight to meet with me so that we can make sure the plan is realistic for my lifestyle. I am OK with the process taking some time, so long as I can still enjoy a glass of wine, eat cheese, and continue to enjoy cooking dinner with Andrew every night. I know there are small changes I can make that will make a big difference over time. Mostly, I just want to be healthy and confident. And I'm excited to get started! The first few days are going great. I've also been drinking a lot more water than I usually do. I'm trying to get at least 64oz in while I'm at work. In addition to what I drink at the gym and at home. 

As for the other items on the list, I've come up with a plan to make sure these things are doable, and to help hold myself accountable! So, come December 1st I'll have a positive update for you!! 

I figure, there is no better time to make these changes for myself than going into my 28th year. I have a feeling it's going to be the best year yet, and I want to make sure I start it off on the right foot! 

I hope you all are having a great day!! Thanks for letting me ramble on about my goals today!

Get Your Sweat On - Playlist

Happy Friday my friends!

I met with a personal trainer at the gym on Monday. It was the extra motivation I needed to start to push myself during workouts and switch up my routine. 

Lucky for me, personal training sessions are included as a part of my gym membership. I met with my trainer for the first time a week ago to go over my goals. Then he created a workout designed to help me reach my goals. He created a total body routine that I will do 3 times a week, and I can mix in additional cardio days as well. My goal is to build muscle and tone, losing a few pounds will be a nice side effect, but mostly I want to be stronger and more fit overall. 

This week has gone really well so far. I was surprised how sore I was after the first day, but I love that feeling because you know you're getting results! The plan is to do this routine for two weeks, then I will meet with the trainer again to incorporate new exercises that will continue to push me. 

Even though there isn't as much one on one time with the trainer as I might get paying for sessions, it works for me because I know I have to check in with him every few weeks, and I want to show that I'm making progress and getting stronger. It's an affordable way to get personalized workout routine and I'm happy that I finally took advantage of it after a year of going to this gym! 

I created this playlist to help get me through the workouts and make it more fun. I love the mix of 80's rock and current top 100 hits with a little country thrown in at the end for a cool down! If any of you are in need of a few new songs to help motivate you at the gym, hopefully this will help!

I hope you all have an amazing weekend! We have some fun things planned so I'm looking forward to it! 


xoxo,


Theresa

April Goals

Hello friends! I'm sorry for my absence yesterday, I missed you!

It's amazing how time flies. Here we are, almost through the first week of April already. It seems like life lately is always "go go go," and before I know it, another month has flown by.

I thought it would be good to set some goals for myself this month. I always seem to do better at sticking to my goals when I get them down on paper, so hopefully this post will help hold me accountable.

I am always looking for ways to improve and better myself, it's something I've been thinking a lot about lately. With that in mind, I wrote a few things down last weekend that I hope to improve on as we move into April.

  Image Sources

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Do you find it helpful to set goals for yourself? How do you hold yourself accountable?

xoxo,

Theresa

The ABC's of 2013

Hi there! Happy almost Friday. For some reason, this week seemed to go on forever, and I've been exhausted every day. Thankfully, the weekend is just around the corner!

I got this idea over on Tina's blog and I thought it sounded like a fun way to list all the exciting things that are coming up in 2013. I have a feeling that this year is going to be the best one yet! There is so much excitement on the horizon, and so much to be thankful for.


I'm a little late, I can't believe tomorrow is the first day of March! But here goes my list...

A - Auntie! My sister is having a baby in the next couple weeks! I am so excited to be an Auntie for the first time!

B - Blogging. I am new to the blogging world and already love it. Although I've been reading blogs for years, it is fun to be on the other side of things now. It's nice to be a part of this community and I look forward to the relationships that I will build with this new adventure.

C - Camping. Andrew and I love to camp! We hope to go as often as possible, even if it's just a short weekend trip. Lucky for us, there are so many great places to camp in California.

D - Dog. I've never had a dog (I know, the horror!) But when Andrew moved, I got two new roommates! Louis is the perfect pup, very mellow and likes to snuggle!

E - Europe. I am in love with all things Europe. I'm lucky enough to have been to Italy twice, as well as France and Switzerland. But it's been 2 years since my last Italy trip, and I can't wait to get back there. Even if I don't make it across the pond this year, I'd like to start saving for my next trip.

F - Family. Now that I live a little bit farther away from my family, I appreciate the time I do have with them even more! Thankfully they are just a few hours' drive, because I am going to need a lot of baby snuggles once my little niece or nephew arrives!

G - Girls Trip! Every year for the past three years my best girlfriends and I plan a weekend getaway. We've gone to wine country the past three years, but are thinking about mixing it up this year with Vegas!

H - Hiking. I love hiking, it is one of my favorite outdoor activities. For Christmas Andrew and I got a couple Bay Area Hiking guide books, I'm looking forward to exploring some new trails.

I - Interior Decorating. Now that we're getting settled in our apartment, I can't wait to decorate!

J - Join a CSA. Andrew and I love to cook, and we want to join a CSA in the city. I love to cook and it will be a fun way to try new things and experiment in the kitchen. Plus, I like supporting local farmers and who doesn't love fresh produce?

K - Kindle. I go through phases with reading and I really would like to read at least one book a month. So far this year I've read the Hunger Games series.

L - Living with my boyfriend - After 2 years of long distance, my boyfriend moved from Southern California up to San Francisco a couple weeks ago. It's a big change from seeing him once a month, to spending almost all of my time with him, but I couldn't be more excited!  

Disclaimer: I had been moving all weekend and had a 9 hour drive ahead of me!

M - Make Time. One of my goals for 2013 is to make time for the people in my life that matter most. It is easy to get caught up in the everyday routine and not put effort into our most important relationships. I want to make time to show the people that I love how much they mean to me.

N - New. I want to try something new to mix up my workout routine. I typically just do spin class or run, and I've had the same weight routine for years. Maybe I'll try something like Crossfit, and really push myself.  

O -  Off The Grid. Starting next month Off the Grid is every Friday night at Fort Mason. 

P - Paddle boarding (stand up). I've never been and it looks like so much fun! I really hope to try it out this summer!  

Q - Quote. My favorite quote is by Carl Bard. "Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending.” I love the meaning behind this, it's never too late to follow your dreams.

R - Rock Climbing. My Dad is an avid rock climber and we spent a day climbing in Yosemite last summer.  I hadn't gone in a few years and it really sparked my interest again! I hope to go again this summer. And Andrew and I also want to check out Planet Granite in the Presidio.

S - San Francisco. I really want to take advantage of this amazing city. There are so many places I want to explore and I hope to make a dent in my San Francisco Bucket List this year!

T - Tuolumne Meadows. Every year since I can remember, my family goes to Tuolumne Meadows in the late summer. It is one of my favorite places in the world, and I look forward to it year-round.

U - Upstate New York. Andrew has family in Rochester and we may go visit them this Spring. I haven't been to New York since 2006, and never to upstate New York, so I really hope we make it out there!  

V - Vacation! Since Andrew and no longer have the added cost of flying back and forth between San Diego and San Francisco, we hope to go on a proper vacation this year! Any suggestions?

W - Wakeboarding. I can't wait for summer and days out on the boat wakeboarding. I'm hoping to get out of the fog and head back to the foothills a lot this summer to spend time with family and friends at the lake.

X - XXVIII. I turn 28 this year!  (Yikes! That can't be right, can it?)

Y - Yoga. I am late to the party on this one. I tried my first yoga class over the holidays and I loved it! I really want to incorporate it into my regular fitness routine.   

Z- Zephyr Cove. I cheated a little, but "Z" was a hard one! Mostly I just want to go to Lake Tahoe. I think a camping trip to DL Bliss, or spending some time at my cousins cabin on the north shore sounds like a must!

This post was fun to put together, but some letters were surprisingly tricky! It's nice to look ahead and see all that there is to look forward to, especially on a foggy day like today! Thanks for the great idea Tina!  

What are you looking forward to in 2013?

xoxo,

Theresa