It's December Already!

I really can't believe we are so close to the end of 2009.  This is one of my favorite times of year, and I know it will fly by at warp speed.  So, time to wrap up November's adventure, and get December's plans down before January shows up in all its blah-ness.

I learned something about myself in November.  Actually, I alrready knew it, but it's confirmed for sure now.  I don't like to do things that are difficult for me.  I'm not one who is hugely motivated by a challenge, especially a physical one.  I prefer to wade around in the comfortable waters of things I already know I'm good at.  I don't mind cooking for 30, which isn't easy, because I'm pretty confident in the end result. 

Working out, on the other hand, is hard AND I don't trust the outcome.  So I must confess, I quit on my November project, right after the last post.  I didn't work out one more time.  I ate whatever I wanted, and to be honest I think I ate more junk just because.  So, after days of holiday food, leftovers, cheesecake for breakfast and dinner, and brownies just this morning, I got on the scale.

Crazy, but I'm down 5 pounds from November 1.   So, what does this MEAN?  Did my efforts for 10 days or so really pay off?  Is it a weird fluke?  I have no idea.   I do know this.  I need to exercise.  I need to develop healthier eating patterns.  I still need to make that doctor's appointment.  I also have re-confirmed that the minute I try to make a lot of changes at once (my November plan quickly morphed into a strict regimine, and then I QUIT), I won't stick it out.

I have decided to make an overall goal for the rest of this project (through May) to make healthier choices and make the effort to exercise.  I want to really take the baby steps to making new habits that I think I can stick with.  I will also make that darn appointment before 2009 closes it's door.  I WILL do it!  For December, if I manage to work out 2 days a week and be mindful of what I put in my mouth, it will be enough.  I'm not going to try to add more than that in this month.  I'll re-visit this in January.

As for my December Project, in a way I started it in December of 2008.  As I went through that holiday season feeling very rushed and not enjoying it as I wanted, I took notes.  What did I need to have done, and when, to have time for the things I LOVE at this time of year.  I wrote it all on my 2009 calendar.  When did I want the shopping done by?  The wrapping?  The crafts and projects?  The baking?  The cards?  All of these things give me so much joy, but not when they are crammed all into too short a time.  Wrapping gifts frantically on Christmas Eve is NOT fun. 

So far, so good at following my plan.  This is decorating week.  I am enjoying leisurely spreading Christmas around the house.  Next week:  projects, followed by baking week.  All shopping is to be completed by the 12th, with the wrapping to be , he he, wrapped up, by the 20th.  This leaves me Christmas week for whatever I want to do to enjoy the season with no pressure to FINISH something! 

I also have several plans in place to do things that I know I will LOVE!  The kids' Christmas musicals at FBCW and WayPoint Church, going to the Little Drummer Boy, and the piece de resistance:  White Christmas at the Fabulous Fox!  Having the extra time in my schedule to do these things "guilt free" because I am on track with the things I want to/love to/need to do will be wonderful!

Lastly, I have a secret Project Adventure for that week of Christmas.  It is something I have always wanted to do, and never had the time for.  I can't tell you what it is here, because if you know me in person it is possible that it involves you :-).  I will be sure and blog about it after it happens.  It will involve my immediate family's cooperation, so you might want to say a prayer that they get in the spirit of the season and help me out without whining and complaining!

I know that for some of my more adrenaline loving friends this month's project might not seem worthy of being called an adventure.  That's OK, this path is mine, and sometimes I am a little boring!  Besides, all of life is a grand adventure!  I am so looking forward to having the time to meditate on what Christmas really means, and the time to spend with the Lord, not leaving him out of my days because they are too full of "urgent" stuff to do.    As I am working through a Bible study entitled "Advent:  A Savior For All People", I have been challenged to intentionally spend this season looking for opportunities to experience holy wonder.  That is my true goal for December, to remember and reflect in holy wonder that God so loved the world (ME) that He sent His only begotten son that whosoever (ME) believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  (John 3:16).   For this is love, not that Denise loved God, but that He loved Her and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for Her sins. (1John 4:10).

Have a truly wonder-filled Christmas. 

D