Worst Travel Experience Ever + New Year’s Resolutions

I have flown to San Diego numerous times to visit Matt before I moved out here, but this past Wednesday was by far my worst traveling experience to date.

My super amazing bro-in-law, John, drove me to the airport on horribly snowy roads. My flight was supposed to leave around 3:30pm, but it didn’t leave till about 7pm–4 of those hours were spent on the plane, mind you. We had to wait for the trucks to come to de-ice our plane. Each half hour that passed, the more stressed I got because I knew at a certain point I wouldn’t make my connecting flight in Texas.

After landing in Texas, I ran around the airport trying to get help, and by the GRACE OF GOD, another flight to San Diego was delayed, so I was able to get on that, putting me into San Diego at 1am. I was afraid I’d have to spend the night in the airport or have to go to LA, which is about two hours away from San Diego. Somehow, it all worked out though. As horrible as it all was, I feel so, so lucky to have ended up back at home.

The day was absolutely miserable because 1. I was leaving my family, which left me a bit emotional, and 2. the weather screwed up the flights. When it comes down to it, though, I’m so thankful I ended up where I needed to be and was able to come in to work, even if I was a bit sleep-deprived.

So glad it’s all over. My trip home to Chicago was very much needed, and I can’t wait to go back and spend time with my family.

Until then, I’m going to continue my adventures in southern California and work on the healthy thing, which is what I wanted to focus the beef of today’s post on.

Just kidding. A lot has happened within this past year, and I am so excited to be where I’m at. I moved to San Diego. I ran a marathon. I got a job. I celebrated my 1-year blogging anniversary. Honestly, I’m just hoping 2014 won’t be too boring in comparison.

Since I have this platform to share my journey to living a healthy life, I’ve decided I’m going to hop on the New Year’s resolution train. I think I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m not a big goal setter, which I’m trying to change. As the 1st of the year rolls around, people start making resolutions of how they’re going to improve themselves. My name is Katie, and I have never set new year’s resolutions.

A lot of people make goals like finally working out on a consistent basis. It kind of goes like this:

The first few weeks of January, all the machines seem to be taken at the gym, and the place is absolutely packed. Come February and March, the less-serious people get weeded out, and the gym opens up more. The whole resolution deal just seems silly to me. I’ve never set resolutions for myself because I didn’t want to be one of those people who failed at reaching them.

This year, I’m going to set serious goals for myself. Call them resolutions, if you wish, but I’m looking at them as tangible goals to work towards in 2014. Here they are and how I plan to reach them:

Run a half marathon

I ran a half marathon three years ago during college, and I think it’s time to do another one. I’ve been wanting to do one for awhile, but I just haven’t made it happen, which is why I’m making this a legitimate goal for 2014.

How I’ll make it happen: I’m going to actively research what races are in the area and decide on one by the end of February.

Eat less sugar

I eat way less sugar than I used to, but I know for a fact I’ll feel better if I cut back more. What can I say? I like candy and baked goods.

How I’ll make it happen: If I do eat a sugary dish, I’ll cut down on the portion size and think of it more as a sampling. I think it’ll also help to opt for healthier snacks—my sugar intake typically happens when I’m snacking.

Eat cleaner foods

Sometimes I eat super healthy; other times…not so much. Eating cleaner is something I strive to do more. I’m starting the year out right by participating in Laura’s post-holiday detox (starts on Monday if you still want to join!).

How I’ll make it happen: I’m starting with the detox, but I think buying more produce and preparing it ahead of time will help me stay on track.

Improve my planning abilities

Having this blog while working 40+ hours a week has really taught me the importance of planning. My goal for 2014 is to improve planning for blogging (to prepare better ahead of time), cooking (to plan healthy meals to make), and whatever else.

How I’ll make it happen: In regards to cooking, I’m going to resume my meal planning strategy that I’ve been really slacking on the past 6 months. For blogging I’m going to keep up with a monthly calendar of post ideas to help me be more efficient. For other randomness, I hope to stop procrastinating so much and think farther ahead of time.

Workout like a beast

My workout intensity level has mellowed out a bit, and I’ve been too okay with it. You get what you work for, and I want to be more in shape, so I think it’s about time to kick it up a notch or 10.

How I’ll make it happen: I always feel great after tabata workouts, so I feel like incorporating more of those HIIT workouts will help me be more intense. Another way I plan to make the beastly workouts happen is to simply…be there…mentally. Sometimes I’m distracted or just working out to get it over with, but if I devote all of my attention and energy to that workout, whatever it may be, I think I’ll be more motivated to work harder.

And there you have it—my first ever New Year’s resolutions.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions?

Any advice for me as I strive to reach these goals?

What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
At this point, all I know is I have a million weddings to go to. Even though I have to do lots of flying to get to them (womp womp), I can’t wait to celebrate with some pretty cool people!