Sistah Pat

I just got back from my school retreat and I’m feeling pretty virtuous.  Didn’t go out partying last night.  Instead, I worked on a plan.  I’m adding a new category to my 3FC site.  It will be called the Honolulu Choo Choo and will look something like this:

I haven’t finished yet but I’m trying to change detrimental habits and make lifestyle changes that will improve my mental and physical health.  I asked myself, “What do I need to do to lose weight, get healthier and get ready to go to Hawaii next summer?”  These are the things I came up with.  I worked on it a little bit last night instead of going to the jello shooter party with some of my friends.  I should get points just for doing that.  I have to add a few more things.  For example, I should include posting on 3FC each day.  I’m trying to think of all the good things I can do that will make me feel better.  I’m not sure how many points I should aim for each day and I’m not sure what kind of weekly reward I’ll give myself for completion.  Maybe stick another 25 in the bank or something…

This is my plan for getting to Honolulu next summer.  It’s possible for me to earn up to 90 points each day and I think a reasonable goal might be to earn at least 50.  I still haven’t worked out all the final details but it’s going to work something like this:  If I record my food all day, I get 10 points.  If I stay within my ideal calorie range between 1200 and 1400, I get 10 points.  Between 1,000 and 1600 is worth 5 points.  Weigh myself daily and record the weight is worth 5 points.  Not smoking is good for another 10 points and making sure NO ONE smokes in the house (or at least raising Hell if they do) gives me 5 points.  If I put in a full exercise session of at least 45 minutes, I can earn 10 points but if I can squeeze in a mini session of at least 15 minutes, I can get 5 points.  Not eating after 8:00 p.m. is going to earn me 5 points and limiting my downtime (playing computer games, watching TV, or reading) will squeeze out a few more points.  If I tackle an annoying chore like cleaning a ceiling fan or cleaning out a closet or some other task I wouldn’t do during routine housecleaning, I get points.  Making sure I save $5 each day is good for points and drinking at least 64 ounces of water will let me earn another ten points.

I’m open to suggestion.  You guys know how I love making lists and keeping focused.  I need a plan and I think this is a good one but I need to do a little more refining.