Mondays...

Okay.. Today is 1 October 2007. I have decided that I'm changing things in my life. (No, a1057soul, I am not copying you. I swear I was thinking this yesterday. :) ) When my alarm went off at 430am this morning, I wanted to reset it for 5am, and continue sleeping. However, I made myself turn it off, and get up. Getting up on time is the first thing I'm changing.

Then, after I got a few lights on in my room and answered nature, I proceeded to do some stretches to loosen up, and then did 10 sit-ups/crunches (need to look up the best way to do those), 10 jumping jacks, and 5 push ups. This is the second way I'm changing. Sure, that doesn't look like much, but let me tell you, I'm more out of shape than I feared. Sure, I run around work all day, and that's probably a help, but I'm a far cry from how I used to be physically. When I was done with just what I listed above, I was breathing heavy. Enough that I'm okay with just that for now. But, something was different. I felt good. I enjoyed it. I felt more awake.

After my quickie exercise routine, I made breakfast, and included a cup of hot tea, but used less sugar than I usually do. I ate slowly and methodically. Eating breakfast every day is the third way.

I left for work, running a little bit late, but not enough to actually be late. Sort of. I clocked in at 601am, which is one minute late. Being punctual is the fourth way, and I'm going to do better tomorrow. When I got started with my day, the exercise (I can only assume) made me awake enough that I was immediately hustling and busting butt to get things done in accounting for the End of Day. As a result, I was done with my second count (the main one) a full 35-40 minutes earlier than normal. As a result of THAT, I had Guest Care, U-Scan, and all of the tills put out well before 8am, which is when I am supposed to have them out.

Lunch finally came, and I was happy to go. However, the usual crap I eat wasn't appealing to me at all today. I need to start bringing my lunch, but until I can be hit with inspiration about what to bring (and get it), I had to compromise. I had Fazoli's. I got a small fettuccini alfredo (with no meat) and a small ceasar side salad. I had no breadsticks (they upset my stomach anyway), and I cut the sweet tea with about half unsweet. Again, I ate slowly, and wound up getting full before I could finish my salad (I did eat all the fettuccini, though). Eating properly is the fifth way.

Around 1230pm, our department heads and managers went into the back to have their weekly meeting. The guest care clerk and the bagger both had their lunches to take, though I cannot figure out why the bagger had not yet gone, so it was just someone in Guest Care, someone on the register, and me on U-Scan. We wound up getting some help from one of our file clerks, but we managed to mostly make it until the lunches were over without the Front End falling apart. I got wound up a little, but I forced myself to keep a cool head and not panic. The sixth way is definitely keeping my temper in better check.

When everyone came back, things settled down, and I took my last break. I thought about grabbing an apple, but instead just sat outside, enjoying the day. I should have had the apple, because when I got home, I was famished. I tried to last until my dinner was ready, but snuck a bowl of Quaker's Oatmeal Squares cereal beforehand.

I originally intended to go walking after work at a park nearby in Bartlett, but since I figured we were going to pay our rent today, I made myself available. Sadly, we did not (circumstances beyond our control, as well as a couple of naps), but that'll be done tomorrow. I think paying it on the 2nd is the latest we've ever been, so I'm not really worried. But, getting out and being more active, especially in an exercise capacity, is the seventh way.

For dinner, I made mac 'n' cheese with tuna, and had green beans on the side. I made a point to eat the whole can of green beans, while only having maybe 1.5 servings of mac 'n' cheese. I put the rest in the fridge, and it will be dinner tomorrow. I wanted to make a fish fillet from Gorton's (have two packs in the freezer, but never got around to eating them), but they appear to be freezer-burned. So, I'm gonna get some more fish tomorrow, along with some bottled water (so I can have one in the car when I finish my walk). I did spend some time with strieson playing Guitar Hero II. Man, that is one fun game. Then, I settled down by watching tonight's episode of Heroes. Great stuff there.

Now, I'm finishing this post, and I'm going to bed. Sleeping enough at night would be an eighth way, but I like seven better. :) (EDIT: I knew one was doubled up. Seven ways, and not a stretch now. :) )

To summarize, I decided to change how I live today. I have come up with seven ways to improve my life, and they are as follows:

1. Getting up on time, rather than waiting for the last minute.
2. Doing some simple exercises first thing in the morning (because I enjoy it).
3. Eating a proper breakfast each day, cutting down (if not out) on junk.
4. Being punctual for my appointments (work, get-togethers, etc.).
5. Eating properly, cutting down (if not out) on junk. (That should be under #3.) Get a good night's sleep as often as possible.
6. Keep a better handle on my temper.
7. Being more active over all, and getting out more (such as going for a walk in the park).

I know it's attainable and easy to do, because I basically did it all today. Sure, there's room for improvement, but of course there would be, since I just began.

Now, it's bed time, folks. Good night.