2017's Challenges!

On a blogging roll because I got stuck on my work and needed to take a break.  I've been mulling over my growth in the past year and despite the success, I felt somewhat empty. Further reflection revealed to me that although I've grown a lot in terms of handling larger and spontaneous responsibilities, I really slacked on my physical health and spiritual life. I suppose I could be less harsh on myself given the whirlwind of events. Still, I'm rather disappointed in the lack of control in terms of my well-being. Or am I just trying to take the reigns again after a whole year of submission to life's whims? Classic Type A personality kicking in again. Hahaha.

Challenges for this year:

1.  Read the Bible more and practice devotion more consistently. 
2.  Brush up coding skills either in R or Python.
3.  Pass 2 actuarial exams.
4.  Work out EVERY week. Even if it's only a 2 mile walk.
5.  Cook less complex foods but more often.

Last year was all about serving the needs of family, be it my spouse, my in-laws, my parents or siblings. I don't remember a day where I woke up thinking about what I wanted to do rather than what I needed to do. As much as I enjoy keeping busy in general, I really hope I can keep busy on myself this year. If I don't give myself time, who else is gonna give it to me? Everyone will always request time from you if you're willing or able to give. I usually feel guilty saying no to family. I think I probably have an older sibling complex where I just feel obligated to help. But seeing as to how the youngest in the family is now 18, I shouldn't have to shoulder most of the burden anymore. 

The 5th challenge is something I really hope to implement even though it's not really for myself since I know it'll tire me out more, but I find it a necessity for the family's financial sake. I like to think I cook a lot but after I made a conscious effort to check-in to every restaurant John and I visited, I realized that I eat out QUITE A LOT. I suppose I'm not like my peers who eat out every meal, but eating out 4 meals a week is a pretty steep price to pay. On average we spend $15 per person per meal, which totals to $120 a week! That's a whole lot of money for groceries, considering I can cook a whole week's worth of food for half of that (and not a modest homecooked meal either). If we multiply that to the whole year, that's approximately $6240 we could spend towards groceries instead per year! Other times we spend even more because parents are visiting and going out to eat is just that much easier. I suppose if I can't cook as often as I'd like, I should not exceed $10 in my meal choice and try to save a portion for another meal...that should keep me skinnier too hahaha. Two birds with one stone, eh?

Let's see how accountable I can be throughout the year. I never make New Year's resolutions because I believe in changing whenever you can and whenever time calls for it, but after years of not making explicit goals and just going with the flow of what needs to be done, this is a refreshing restart.