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Some people waste time, and other spend time wondering where they wasted it.

In a series of universally-correct, astoundingly astute observations of myself in my natural habitat, I have formally come to the conclusion that I would get so much more done if I did not have:

• A website to write in.
• A tumblr to do everything in.
• A twitter account to update.
• A facebook account to lurk in.
• A flickr account to post in.

So really, it’s not at all my fault that I’m an easily-distracted procrastinator. It’s the internet’s fault.

That feels so much better.

As seen posted in a financial planner’s office a couple weeks ago:

1. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.
2. Most people will be able as happy as they decide to be.
3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.
4. Whatever you are willing to put up with is exactly what you will have.
5. Success stops when you do.
6. When your ship comes in… make sure you are willing to unload.
7. You will never “have it all together”.
8. Life is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the trip.
9. The biggest lie on the planet: “When I get what I want, I will be happy.”
10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.
11. “Takers” lose, “givers” win.
12. Life’s precious moments don’t have value unless they are shared.
13. If you don’t start, it is certain you won’t arrive.
14. We often fear the thing we want most.
15. He or she who laughs, lasts.
16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.
17. Look for opportunities, not guarantees.
18. Life is what’s coming, not what was.
19. Success is getting up one more time.
20. Now is the most interesting time of all.
21. When things go wrong, don’t go with them.

I think number seven applies most to me; I have a frequent tendency to feel as if sometime in the future I will hit a point in my life where I will “have it all together”, even though I know this is as likely as me moving to a mud hut in Fiji so I can swim with sea monsters every day.

… Although, come to think of it, number ten really applies to me as well. Every since the invention of RSS feeds, The Superficial, cheap airfare via Kayak and Rolo max ice cream (kidding about the last one, maybe), I’ve become remarkably good at (temporarily) escaping problems.

Which ones do you find most applicable to you?

Have you ever bought anything as a result of an infomercial you saw on TV?

I’m usually not one to fall for subtle marketing tactics aimed at the subconscious level, but when I saw the infomercial for Core Rhythms, I was instantly hooked. Celebrity endorsements from the judges of my favorite dance shows? Check. Developed by two champion ballroom dancers? Check. Based on ballroom movements, designed to strengthen the core? Check. Never having to do a crunch on the floor again? GOOD LORD, SIGN ME UP!

Don’t get me wrong—running and dancing are excellent workouts. But because they target more of my leg, thigh, back and shoulders, I haven’t really gotten to the point where my core has been severely challenged on a regular basis; and unfortunately, it’s my stomach/abs that need the most work. For swimsuit season, obviously. Because, you know, I love the water SO MUCH.

Along with doing target exercises, I’m adding the following things to my daily routine:

• PRACTICING SELF DENIAL - No more eating fast until I’m way too full. No more tubs of Rolo ice cream while I watch Dancing with the Stars. No more eating things just because they’re there. No more putting things in my mouth because I’m “bored”. It’s crunch time. Literally.
• The XANGO WEIGHT LOSS COCKTAIL - Made up of 2 oz XanGo, 2 oz Kiefer, 1 tbsp Coconut oil and 1 tbsp Olive oil, this surprisingly good tasting cocktail is supposed to rev up the metabolism, aiding in weight loss. I was skeptical at first, but after hearing all sorts of success stories from people I actually know, I’ve decided to add it to my “LETS GET IN SHAPE” mission.

Because I’m all about results, I’ve decided to take before and after photos and measurements so I can effectively track my progress. I’m giving myself until the end of June—if see noticeable results, I will actually post these before and after photos and measurements as a real-life, no bullshit testimonial to eating right and doing exercises that target my “problem” areas.

How do you keep in shape? Do you watch what you eat, hit the gym, or do a combination of things? Are there any particular exercises you’ve done (Pilates, yoga, etc.) that have delivered results for you?

The answer is simple: Just make time for yourself.

If you’ve ever observed work-obsessed people, you will notice that one of the common factors among almost all of them is the fact that they rarely—if ever—make time for themselves. And the scariest part? They don’t even realize it.

I mean, it’s not as if they set out to make work their life. Sometimes they use it to fill a void, sometimes they just get too carried away with the illusive “future” and what they need to do today to be where they want to be tomorrow—but regardless of reason, if they just set aside time for themselves each week, many would be in far better shape (if only mentally) than they currently are. (And if you want to get technical, being in better shape mentally = more productivity, so really it’s a win/win!)

I visit both sides of the fence on a regular basis. Being a business owner, I know what it’s like to sacrifice, and I all-too-well understand the concept of delayed gratification—but the thing that most of these people somehow overlook is the fact that no matter what you do, there must always be balance. You can be successful without giving up everything, even when it doesn’t always look like it’s possible.

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The month isn’t even over yet, but it’s already quite apparent that March has been the month of doing things I thought I could never do. First it was the 5K run in 36 minutes and 49 seconds. Next it was the dance competition (and bringing home my first ever trophies!) I told everyone I couldn’t “wouldn’t” do. And today? Today I ran twenty minutes. Straight. WITHOUT STOPPING OR WANTING TO DIE.

You probably won’t understand the significance of this, and that’s okay. But I do. I remember the girl who couldn’t make it halfway around the track without dying - but tonight I was the girl who ran a total of 68 minutes, running 10, 15, 20, and 10 minutes straight with 1 minute breaks in between. I did it.

If I keep this up, I could actually achieve world domination before I turn twenty-five.

Now, if only I could take my driver’s test…

Things that might be happening in my life over the next two weeks, a list:

• Work.
• School.
• Dance practice.
• Work.
• School.
• Running!
• School.
• Work.
• Dance competition?!

I’ll leave you to guess which one out of that list is most terrifying to me. (Hint: It’s not work.)

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Remember that goal I set in the beginning of November? I did it! As of November 30th, I’m officially a 5K; I made promotion - and as a very lovely by-product, increased my monthly income by at least 10-15%. It took a lot of hard work, sacrifice and overtime, but it paid off in the end.

And around 12am MST, just after the office closed, it finally hit me: This is actually happening. I actually own a business network. I can take a month off (which, ironically, is what I’ll be doing for most of December), and money will still come in. It actually works. And this is just the beginning.

You know, as crazy as this may sound, I can’t imagine not reaching my goals; like, the idea simply does. not. exist. In fact, I actually sat down one time and tried to imagine myself going to a “normal” school, going to college like “normal” kids, getting a “normal” 9-5 job, and working for the greater part of my life like a “normal” adult, but try as I might, I simply couldn’t see it.

And right then, I knew it: If I couldn’t see it, It. would. not. happen.

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This just in: Contrary to what you might believe, talking on the phone will not kill you.

Me and the phone have a hate/hate relationship. You see, I’ve always avoided talking on the phone with most (read: 99.9%) people. It’s awkward and weird. You can’t see the person’s expressions. There are uncomfortable pauses. You might run out of things to say. I also get somewhat nervous when I’m about to call someone, especially if I have no particular reason for doing so (i.e. “just for a chat”).

I can make conversation in real life, but on the phone? No. Because chats about the weather don’t go over as well when the other person isn’t in the same vicinity as you.

“Lovely weather today, eh?”
“… Did you call me just to say that?”

So maybe I’m exaggerating a bit. I can make conversation over the phone, but it’s usually forced and my brain is always in “must think about what I’m going to say next” mode. I’ve even written down lists of possible conversational material before calling someone. Yes, a list of possible conversation material. Always prepared for the worst, I am.

However, as of lately, it’s become apparent that my fear of talking on the phone is holding me back. My occupation requires lots of phone calls, and my network’s growth has been somewhat hindered (though I have tried my best to delegate the task of phone conversations off to my mother) because of it. Simply put? I need to get over it. It’s a “suck it up, princess!” fear.

I know I’m not the only one who doesn’t like talking on the phone. Why is that? I mean, really… What makes it so different from talking to people “in person”, face to face (don’t even get me started on webcams - that’s for a whole other entry), or over IM?

Of course, being the ever-prepared person I am, I’ve already developed a plan of action to conquer and dominate this irrational sillyness head on. I’m going to force-dive myself into this phone business and bring out my list of people I should have called months ago. Clients. Friends. Clients. Clients. Clients. Dear god. What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger!

This stepping out of your comfort zone stuff ain’t easy, but it isn’t as bad as I thought. I’ve already started on The Plan and called a few clients. Surprisingly, the world did not stop spinning and my head did not explode. It went well. Very well, actually, and the fact that I survived the experience to blog about it says it all. I’m alive, aren’t I?

I’ve come to realize that in order to really succeed in life, you need to step out of your comfort zone.

It’s not always easy - in fact, nine out of ten times it’s downright hard. Sometimes it means talking in front of a crowd. Sometimes it means handing your brochure to the person sitting next to you on the plane, someone you’re so sure won’t be interested. Sometimes it means raising your hand and asking tough questions nobody else has the guts to voice. Sometimes it means stepping up to the plate and calling the shots, silently praying to God you’ve made the right choice. Sometimes it means taking the road less traveled, even if the path is darker and obscured by the fog.

Sometimes you just have to do it, and sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Sometimes it’s not so bad. Sometimes it is. But sometimes, you just need to feel the fear and do it anyways.

The closing of summer is quite possibly my favorite to part of the year. It represents the wrapping up of another summer filled with life lessons and adventures, some learned and some not. It tells me that stability and normality—in the form of structured school obligations and extracurricular activities—is drawing near. It signifies another opportunity for a new start, the soon beginning of the academic year. It represents the end of carelessness and the start of the real world.

Quite frankly? The closer another academic year comes, the more excited I get.

I almost crave new workload and new scenery (hello rain!).. I like summer, but it leaves me feeling a bit lost. Summer in Vancouver is, to say the least, one of the most temporary things we experience. Temporary hardly satisfies me. Vacation travelling and summer plans are just so… fleeting. Here one day, finished the next. Great, but not lasting.

Maybe it’s my inner uptight workaholic making an appearance, but people who seem so carefree and stupid annoy me. At least during the academic year they’re bitching and moaning about school and/or work (my inner sadist chuckles over this), but during the summer they appear to have absolutely nothing better to do than to act like inconsiderate, immature assholes and do downright pointless stuff, then giggle and grin when recounting the tale(s) to me. Trust me: If there is one person on earth who seriously doesn’t care how fast and reckless you can drive and won’t be impressed when you tell when you tell me anyway, it’s me - so STFU.

Closely approaching September signifies a time of change for me. A time to change my room, my sleeping habits (along with the rest of my bad habits), my wardrobe, my attitude… and my diet.

To some extent, I believe that you are what you eat. I’ve experimented with different diets (not the weight loss kinds) within the vegetarian realm and you’d be surprised at how different I would feel with each one. Personally I always feel so much better on a mostly raw, vegan, mostly unprocessed, minimal wheat and sugar diet. Dairy (cheese especially) feels like a dead weight in me—it makes me feel sluggish and slow. Sugar is like a drug to me (and if it is was a drug, would make me a relapsing drug addict) - I love it, but I feel like shit after I have too much of it. It sort of follows a “get high, then crash and burn” pattern. I’ve never enjoyed caffeine.

So I’ve decided to change a couple things. For the next two weeks I’m trying a vegetarian low GI (glycemic index) diet. After reading a book on GI diets, I’ve come to realize that my current diet (80% bread, potato, rice, soy, and pasta, 10% fat, 5% sugar, 5% other) explains a lot about my weight gain (especially around the waist and arms), energy levels and appetite (always hungry within 1-2 hours of eating even the biggest meal). I’m hoping this new way of eating will regulate these factors.

Next, I’m upping my water intake. My goal is to drink 6-8 glasses a day and I’m keeping a 1/2 litre bottle of water (with a hint of lemon, of course) on my desk and by my side at all times to help this along. Water aids in the body’s natural detoxing process, as well as keeping you hydrated in the summer and a whole bunch of other good things that escape my mind at the moment.

I’m also getting to sleep earlier. No more 12, 1 or 2am nights mornings. I’m aiming for lights off by 11pm, but knowing me and my long struggling fight in the war against sleepy days and high energy evenings, this could be my hardest change. It’s also one of the changes that will have the biggest impact - when I don’t get enough sleep, I can’t do anything.

An increase in exercise is next on the menu. Because eating a low-GI diet calls of the use of a lot of foods I don’t normally stock, I will be walking to the grocery store each morning to buy my day’s supply of food, and only that day’s supply. Because my food market is two to four blocks away and i’ll only be shopping for that day, I can actually do this.

I also plan on doing hot yoga (bikram yoga) with Marissa sometime soon. Hot yoga involves doing crazy yoga positions in a room heated to about 105 Fahrenheit with about 40% humidity. I’m thinking this is like doing yoga in Florida on the beach at 3pm in middle of July. However insane it sounds, it’s suppose to be incredibly good for you. You sweat buckets and therefore get rid of toxins, increase in flexibility, relax, etc. There are far more benefits, and you read about those here.

I will also (probably) be running more, what with my dance schedule slowing down and all. Less dance = no huge blisters and open wounds around the back of my feet and heels, which invariably means I can wear something other than flip flops again!

Along with the change of diet, I also have a new haircut, a new planner (my old one, considered as important and vital to my wellbeing as my mind, expired), some new clothes and new shoes (I am bargain shopper extraordinare!) and some new academic year resolutions in the making. You could consider this my academic new year preparations.

It’s almost September and I couldn’t be more thrilled.