Thursday Thirteen

Things I have changed in the last decade or so (hopefully for the better) and some things I will continue to work on in the upcoming decade.

1. I exercise. I grew up on a farm and "exercise" was unheard of. We did chores. We hauled hay and fed the chickens and fetched firewood. I hated the "exercise" part of school, too; I have a thing about sweat (not necessarily sweating, but sweat). But now I exercise by walking on the treadmill almost every day.

2. I eat better. My meals once consisted of breakfast of baloney and catsup sandwiches. Now I eat a fairly healthy, balanced diet, with chocolate my big weakness. I have my greens and my protein and my fruits.

3. I am a more cautious driver. I suspect this comes with age, but in my youth I was pretty much hell on wheels. While I was never caught, I was a speed demon. Not so much anymore.

4. I am slightly better organized. This still remains an issue but it is getting better.

5. I know I procrastinate. This is not yet something I've overcome but at least I am aware of it!

6. I stopped biting my nails. This was a bad habit and while I still occasionally might rip a nail off mostly I just keep them clipped very very short so that I don't gnaw on them.

7. I've learned to take better pictures. While I still don't consider myself a photographer, I think my shots have gotten a little prettier and better established.

8. I bought my first new car as a married woman. My first truly new car some kind of hatchback thing I bought when I was 19. After that we bought used vehicles. In 1999 we purchased a new Ford Taurus which I was extremely relieved to be rid of when I bought a new Toyota Camry in 2003. I had hoped to drive the Taurus a lot longer but I really disliked that car. Prior to that all of my vehicles had been used cars.

9. I stopped drinking caffeine. I drink only decaf tea and I have never drank coffee.

10. I stopped drinking colas. Every now and then I might have a root beer but that is very infrequent these days. I might have a cola about twice a month, maybe not that.

11. I don't rush. I used to be worried that there wouldn't be enough time; now I know there isn't enough time so I just try to plod along and do the best I can.

12. I sleep better. I used to have insomnia and spent as much time trying to sleep as sleeping. I don't do that anymore. While I might wake up once or twice in the night I go right back to sleep, usually, and I feel rested.

13. I believe in alternative health care. I used to think the doctor knew everything but I don't believe that any more. I have had great success with acupuncture, reiki, massage and chiropractic care. I recommend alternative health care to everyone.

Thursday Thirteen is a way to get to know a bunch of folks. You can learn more about it here. This my 120th week of participating!