I’m really the type to get all excited about resolutions. The type to make a list, complete with check boxes, and put measurable goals in my Google Calendar.
Yet, I have zero desire to make a list of resolutions. I don’t have the energy!
But I do have one main goal for 2011:
I tend to keep my days too open. I am still adjusting to my career as a blogger and writer. I have a hard time focusing on projects. I anticipate interruption so much that I don’t begin. I spend a lot of time staring at my computer screen. Not necessarily wasting time, but not really making good use of it either. I need to plan ahead, focus more on KERF, on writing, on the tasks that are about to kick off for the bakery. So moving forward, I’m hoping to see things more clearly.
When I left Karen’s this morning, I accidentally had a lot of focus. It was one of those days in which I had so much energy I couldn’t wait to get on my bike and race toward the gym. Love it when that happens! I attribute it to the 50* warm weather! Just 2 months and spring will be peeking out. I’m not disliking the cold weather per se, but I miss the convenience of warm weather. Summer will be here before we know it!
My workout was great – 26 minutes of Stairmastering plus heavy weight lifting and even some abs!
I biked home and met Matt at our house for lunch. He had just set up Karen with some soup. We’re headed back over later tonight to make dinner.
I was craving yogurt, and luckily, I just bought one of the Organic Valley Drinkable yogurts – the kind in the big bottle. I really like this as a change from thick yogurts. It’s excellent in smoothies or as a yogurt soup.
I topped it with chopped persimmon and Lauren’s espresso nuts (gotta make a batch of these when they are gone!)
On the side I had a simple bowl of lettuce dressed in olive oil and lots of lavender salt (too much?!)
And a slice of Great Harvest Warrenton Cranberry Orange with Pumpkin Spice Almond Butter
Women rule.
Now that I’ve ingested some healthy probiotics, time to write about them!
Amanda (Eating Up) says
I need to focus too! That’s a great goal to focus on. Ha.
Kath says
Ha!
katiebiss says
Love the placemat Kath!
And I have the same “resolution” if you will. Becoming focused again is just such an awesome feeling. It’s really easy to lose focus and not AS easy to get it back…But completely do-able.
And although I am not really a fan of the term “New Year’s Resolution,” I sure do appreciate a clean slate. A chance to do it all over and tweak the things that need to be tweaked!
Great post babe!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
I love your message about focusing..most of us are so caught up in multitasking or so overprogrammed, overstimulated from all the media and ways we keep in touch, cell phones, email, twitter, etc that it’s hard to just really sometimes tune that all out and focus. Great reminder and goal for us all I think 🙂
I just posted too,that I am looking forward to working out in warmer weather…I hate dealing with layers!
Happy 2011 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I am so with you on focusing! I really need to stay on task better this year. I have goals that I want to achieve and things I want to do! I have let myself get too caught up in the next thing that needs to be done or that will need to be done, that I don’t start when I set out to do in the first place.
Lunch look delicious. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon Kath!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I looooove drinkable yogurts! They make such a perfect on the go snack 🙂
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I need to focus too! I find that when I’m not busy, I kind of just sit arouund. I like busyness, and I can’t wait to go back to work on Monday (kind of…)
Camille says
That yogurt looks super!
I think that is a great resolution and one I should definitely adopt myself 🙂
Wendy says
I have the same problem with focus and anticipating interruptions. Probably has something to do with having small children, haha. I hope you share some tips along the way to your goal, I’m sure I’m not the only one reading that could use them!
Val @ Balancing Val says
What a great word to theme 2011. I am doing just a word instead of resolutions. Mine is ALIVE. With all the good things to come, I want to make sure I’m alive and present in them all!
Happy New Year and Good Luck! 🙂
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
Lunch looks so good! I love the idea of the drinkable yogurt…must check that out.
stacey-healthylife says
Good new years goal.
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
So true about the focusing! I’m the worst at just sitting down and really getting stuff done- which always leads to stress. Good luck with the new year!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Focusing is something I could use some work on too! I’m adding it to my resolution/goal list. 😀
Happy New Year!
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
That’s a great word for the year. I know that I could use a little more focus.
Christin@purplebirdblog says
I often focus on the word focus (giggle!) during savasana. It helps to drown out all the craziness in my head!
sarah (the SHU box) says
ahhh focus. or even better, FLOW – you know, when you’re so lost in something and the time just flies by. i hope to find lots of both this year!
one of my favorite (and very popular) productivity gurus has actually written a free ebook on this! it’s from leo babauta who writes zenhabits.net. i’ve read part of it and definitely found it interesting/useful . . . you can download it as a free pdf here: http://focusmanifesto.com/
Kath says
I’m guessing keeping Gmail open to read blog comments is not recommended in that PDF 🙂
sarah (the SHU box) says
ha, probably not 🙂
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
two months til spring? i think i’ve been jaded by living in michigan my entire life. spring starts in april there! im looking forward to seeing what spring looks like here in st. louis.
katiebiss says
Here in canada (more specifically Saskatchewan) it’s -30 or -40C until march. I’m aching to be outside running. It’s going to be a looooong winter! I am envious of the people whose winters equal our springs…. Can’t wait for spring!!
kate says
wow! I lOVE SK! I even go in winter! I go to a town called Kinistino….about 40 mile west of Prince Albert:)
Sana says
I need passion in my life- focus will help as well 🙂
Pat Kilmain says
I suspect that you’ll have plenty of focus once you’re caught up in getting GH set up! 🙂
And you’ll be interested to hear that here in Southcental Alaska (about 50 miles NE of Anchorage) it’s 46 degrees!!! We won’t have spring in 2 months though – at least 4, more likely 5.
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i’m not making any resolutions either. but focusing sounds like a wonderful intention!
Ashley@TheHungryScholar says
Focus? Good call. Maybe you can teach me a few things! 🙂
Anna @ ciaotochow says
I could definitely use some more focus in my life, too. I always seem to get bursts of motivation and, other than that, really have a hard time getting started on tasks. But once they’re completed and I can relax – now that makes getting started worth it!
Penny says
Wow. What you said about focusing really hit home with me. Especially….” I anticipate interruption so much that I don’t begin.”
Yep. I hear ya sister!!! 🙂
I have a ton of writing projects that I have been telling myself to work on for about 3 years now. There never ever get done.
This is my year for focusing too. 🙂
Elizabeth (SomethingPithy) says
I definitely struggle with focus. Especially when I’m on my laptop. For some reason a desktop just feels more official and I usually get more done.
How much like lavender does the lavender salt taste like? I usually associate lavender with soap.
Kath says
I used to only associate it with soap, but it’s becoming more of a food lately. In teas and BEERS and things like salt. I think it’s just like rosemary and other herbs now.
amy says
I love the glass you put the yogurt in it’s so pretty! where’s it from..?
Kath says
It’s Bodum brand!
Amalfi Girl says
That yogurt looks so beautiful! Happy new year 🙂
Maria@ The Fitted Apron says
The whole lunch looks lovely.
Susan Mc says
I’m behind, but wanted to send good wishes and healing vibes to Karen, she looked amazing last night! You guys are doing a great job of helping her recover.
Happy New Year!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Dustin and I have the exact same problem working from home and for ourselves: Focusing on work; not getting distracted; and, of course, procrastination! It’s so hard to be disciplined when there aren’t official deadlines or bosses to answer to. It’s also hard to stay motivated when you’re already doing well, which invites complacency, lol.
Your lunch looks perfect! Everything I like in a meal. 🙂
Lew (ashandlewplus2.com) says
Kath, love your post!!! You know it is hard to be focused.. I have the hardest time with my mind playing games with me. I am 280 days from being 30 and know that I have to lose 58 LBS. I am going to focus on that goal as I look at being 30. I wrote about it today (http://ashandlewplus2.com/2011/01/01/280-days-to-a-new-me-lew-that-is/) as part of my new years/280 to 30 focus. Check it out and let me know what you think
Lew
jrf says
My word for the year is “energy.”
Nicole says
I just made the pumpkin spice almond butter yesterday. It is so delicious but my food processor got really warm and even resulted in warming up the almond butter. Does that happen when you make it, too?
Kath says
mine was warm, but not dangerously hot
Hannah says
I love that you even topped your drink with lovely garnishes! You definitely have an eye for taste AND aesthetics!
Melissa @ I Never Imagined says
Olive oil and salt is my favorite salad dressing! So simple and yum!
Cara Craves... says
Focus seems like such a simple thing to attain, but sometime it can be so challenging.
Good luck and Happy New Year.
kate says
I see you have Laurens espresso nuts..i went to the blog but didnt find the recipe. Where can I find it? BTW~love your blog!
Kath says
I just searched for “espresso nuts” on her blog and found em here: http://www.saywhatyouneedtosayblog.com/2010/12/giveaway-winners-and-new-challenges.html
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I love days like that, too!! When you absolutely crave working out or just getting outside. Much better than dodding around the house trying to talk yourself into it. Hope your year’s full of focus for you!
jenna says
hey kelly!
i have been a reader of your blog for awihle and i am in the process of switching from blogger to wordpress and love your background and since i am new to wordpress i was curious as to how you go about doing it…do i need to purchase a domain?!
thanks!! jenna
Kath says
Yup – if you want to self host, you’ll need a domain and a host (usually $8/mo – unless you have a ton of readers then it’s more like $150/mo 🙂 ) and choose a theme. The install is a bit painful – you might want to check Revive My Blog or WebAppHelp.com.
jenna says
*KATH!!! 😉
Eileen says
“Lacks focus” is about the last way I’d describe you, Kath! I think you accomplish a great deal every day; it’s very impressive!
But, I AM a fan of resolutions, so if that one works for you, go for it!
Maria says
Focus is totally one of my keywords for 2011 too! Good luck!
Jess says
Random question……which Naturally Nutty peanut or almond butter has been your favorite? It’s going to be a gift for someone. Thanks!!
Happy New Year!
Kath says
Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter!
Jess says
Thank you! I will get it.
Sally Mae says
I can see it being challenging to be self-employed. Sometimes structure is a good thing;) You’ll find your groove – you seem like the type of person who loves the satisfaction of getting things done – you just need to test the waters and learn what works for you!!!! Happy 2011, I look forward to following you and your new bakery venture!
allyson says
happy 2011! your bread looked soo good, i just toasted some of my own. Just wondering though….
how many calories do you eat a day? your lunch looked huge to me, i def dont think i could eat all that, a grapefruit stuffs me…. ( i know….everyone is different and thats why they make red and green gumdrops).
Kath says
Hey Allyson,
I don’t count anymore, but most of my meals are 500-600 and I probably have one small snack or dessert a day, so I’d say between 1700-2000 calories per day. I just counted up that lunch in my head and it seems to be around 500. Consider yourself lucky if you’re full after a grapefruit! Some people would rather graze, others 3 meals a day. I’m a 3 meals type because it’s easier for me to overeat and choose worse quality foods if I snack allll day long.
Melissa says
Looks like a healthy, satisfying, well balanced lunch to me!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I never even considered focusing more as a resolution, but that is definitely something I need to work on too! Especially when it comes to studying. I get so easily distracted lately! 😛
notyet100 says
i need to do the same this year,..
Laughter-Loving Stacy says
This is definitely a year of focus for me as well! 🙂
Ashley P. says
I have been reading your blogs for some time now and I must say that I love them!!!!!
This post made me sooo hopeful that summer is coming sooner than later……. Oh I can’t wait for the warm weather!! It is cold up here in Boston!
melissa says
Are you planning to start practicing as a RD? Just curious.
Kath says
No, because we’re opening a bakery and my blogging career took off. RDs can do anything related to food, nutrition + health to be successful!