Also
14. Develop a new social circle of friends that is not predicated on work or alcohol.

I started to repair the gate. It took me an hour and a skinned knuckle to admit defeat and call my new friend, L, to help repair the garden gate. She came over with a friend and promptly evaluated the situation, determined what was needed, obtained needed items, and fixed the gate. It took about two hours. We sat around and chatted for another hour. They liked my house and garden. L and her friends are a new group of people I am hanging out with through the efforts of L. We went to the German restaurant on Friday night. They called me the interpreter since I speak/read a little German and was familiar with the different German foods. A nice night, only a few people were drinking out of the 14 there. They have a regular first friday get together.

On Saturday morning, I went with my PT to the Farmer's Market. We acted as role models for each other when it came to cookies and fudge. I introduced her to the healthier alternatives like home grown veggies and grass-fed, local meats.

M&M and I are planning to go boating on the lake after work on Tuesday or Wednesday.

A good weekend.
A good week ahead.

Personal Trainer? Yes, therapy is working. I realize that, right now, I need help to achieve and experience a more healthy lifestyle.

( Aha! Why not use this now? )

I'm going to lj-cut future entries under the subject of "PT: *insert blah*" to spare my friends the outpouring as I rant, rage, accept, believe, and accomplish.

through my thoughts
through my emotions
through my actions
experience my divinity
experience my humanity

Mindfully. Peacefully.

1. Stop reading books/websites about how to get out of debt, declutter your office/home/life, or find your dream job. None of these conditions exist.
   
2. Commit to exercising each day.
   
3. Stop the self-sabotage and negative self-talk.
   
4. Meditate 10 minutes or longer each day. (Stretch: Sit in Zazen once a week.)
   
5. Don't go digital on February 17. It'll save money and liberate time.
   
6. Commit to an anti-inflammation (mostly vegetarian) lifestyle.
   
7. Eat 75% local (100 mile) nutrition.
   
8. Eliminate packaged foods to all extent possible.
   
9. Maintain the "clean desk" policy at work including multi-project, single-task approach.
   
10. Identify and apply for international opportunities for scientific exchange for 2009 and 2010. (Stretch: Participate in an exchange this year.)
    
11. Reduce waste in the household. Increase recycling.
    
12. Determine and follow a financial plan and schedule for home improvements (roof, bathroom, deck, etc).
    
13. Learn to play the Djembe.
    
14. Develop a new social circle of friends that is not predicated on work or alcohol.
    
15. Attend at least 6 meetups.
    
16. Enjoy a glass of wine occasionally.
    
17. Fully fund TSP retirement account. Partially fund Roth IRA. (Stretch: Fully fund the Roth IRA.)
    
18. Expand the garden beds. (Stretch: Plant dwarf fruit trees.)
    
19. Explore rain water catchment for irrigating the garden beds. (Stretch: Implement.)
    
20. Be open to other's involvement in my life.
    
21. Ride my bike for enjoyment at least twice a week, weather permitting. (Stretch: Use bike/trailer to do local shopping on weekend. Big Stretch: Ride to work once a week.)
    
22. Attend a weekend retreat at a local monastery.
    

Good Fortune. Harmony.

I'm sitting outside on my patio surveying my domain. Bird song mingles with chimes. Warm sun. Cool breeze. A cuppa jo in my hand. Fresh fruit on my plate. Lilacs send out a floral tribute. Faint noises of the city.

Waking up at 6 am gives me plenty of time for quiet contemplation, a yoga routine, and a healthy breakfast. I am home by 6 pm from work and have not had to bring anything home to work on. Efficient and productive. A healthy home-cooked meal and time to savor life. A quick workout. In bed with a book by 10:00 pm. Restful sleep.

Trivial tasks accomplished: Front lawn mowed, edged and trimmed. Dead branches cut and stacked into the woodpile. Yard waste in the bin or to the curb. Clean kitty litter. Recycling to the curb. Fresh green juice. Trash compacted and placed curbside. Dishes washed and put away. Floor swept. Altars refreshed. Banking accomplished. Bills paid. Gratitude expressed.

Today is my shortened mid-year review since our review period is only 9 months this year. For the first time EVER, I am not anxious and stressed about it. I've been doing what I'm supposed to be doing and making good progress. We talk about future plans for professional development. I'm writing a proposal for a postdoctoral research project in order to find external funds and speed my research projects along. The lab is tidy. My office is decluttered. A zen garden sits atop the file cabinet.

I'm where I should be.

Intellectual engagement. Emotional satisfaction. Spiritual enlightenment. Healthy lifestyle. Harmony.

Mind. Body. Spirit. Peace. Love.

I was sitting under the tulip tree after planting some flowers at his base. I reached out and gave him a loving pat just to let him know I appreciate his shady leaves, his yellow-red flowers, and his sturdy branch structure. He dropped one of the first flowers from high up directly into my lap.

How cool is that?