It's September! Accountability required!

I've never been one for setting goals, at least ones that are short term with a long term impact. I just do things, and after the course of doing them repeatedly... they eventually stick. But for the month of September I'm trying something new: setting goals for 1 month.

I've done it once before. Way back when I was at home on summer break from college, you know... back in the "good ole days." Ha, like that was SO long ago. At that point I set a goal for flossing my teeth every day for a month. It helped that Mom pitched in and said she'd supply a Starbucks giftcard if I achieved my goal. And you know what? However many years later (at least 3), I'm still flossing my teeth every day. Talk about establishing good habits!

In the weekend's post I talked about things I wanted to change, and these are just the ones I felt comfortable unleashing to you guys.

Goal #1

Chicken and Leek Shepherds Pie Dinner

Make a menu for the week, go grocery shopping, and cook a few meals a week that last through several lunches and dinners and still have leftovers to store in the freezer for a rainy day. On the menu this week is Turkey(chicken) and Leek Shepherds Pie and Pork Vindaloo.

Lunch with a banana and whole wheat Ritz

Hand in hand goal: Eat out only 1-2 times a week, including lunches. Bi-product: Save $$$ and stay fit. Speaking of staying fit...

Goal #2

Photo taken at 6:08 AM

Change my workout routine to the mornings so I have a more energized day and evening plans don't mess with my workout routine. This morning I ran/walked 50/50 to the Nats stadium and back in 45 minutes. Tomorrow I'm run/walking to the Capitol. (It had gotten to the point where I only worked out once or twice a week because evening plans were always getting in the way since a after-work gym session meant an hour at the gym, 20 minutes to home, an hour to get ready to go back out, and 20-40 minutes back to wherever I was supposed to meet people.) Hand in hand goal: No more morning coffee. By product: Healthy Sarah and healthy, white teeth.

Goal #3

Eat breakfast before leaving for work. I'd gotten to where I was eating breakfast in the car or purchasing something at the Cafe downstairs in the office, but the options at the cafe aren't very healthy and as cheap as they are... they add up. Plus, I'm always starving on the drive in. The plan is to do my devotions during breakfast, but that didn't happen this morning because I took too long taking photos. This morning's breakfast consisted of my last two pieces of toast with strawberry Simply Fruit topping, low fat plain organic yogurt with 1/2 teaspoon honey and a peach from the market. Yum!

Goal #4

Apply make-up at home rather than during the commute. Ok, ok, I know it's awful, but multi-tasking is what I do, I have a hard time getting excited about focusing on just one thing, so my make-up routine has been occurring in the car during the drive to work. There were enough stoplights that it was completely ok. BUT the other day on the interstate I had this man (Dad's age) pass me a bit then slow down to be side by side with my car, figured out what I was doing, and honked his horn with his hand in the air like "what the heck are you doing... DRIVE" and although I know I was driving straight and at a very reasonable pace I guess I can understand his alarm, not everyone is as talented as me, right. ;) So, the make-up routine will occur at home, after my workout, and before my breakfast.

Now, all this being said... I have two things remaining. 1) I need you guys to keep me accountable. I'll check in every week or so to give you updates on my progress, and I'll need your input as to what my reward should be if I stick to my goals 90% of the time. (I think I deserve a little wiggle room!) and 2) I must go to bed ASAP to get up at 5:50. (Insert rolling laughter from Clay here.)

Night all. Much love!