sicil - Ninja Finds Her Zen By Saying No To Strangers (And Friends)

[Kishi]

viva la mexico! Stay out of the border areas and don't die!

[Reinfire]

Have a good vacation sicil, you've earned it!

[CombatBoot]

Enjoy your vacation! 

[Nephaisys]

viva la mexico! Stay out of the border areas and don't die!

 

+1

 

If you feel like you might, utilise your ninja skillz.

[starpuck]

Good Mexico-ing!   Have a great time.

[Nephaisys]

How was mec-i-co? Want pix, dammit!

[Ceasefire]

How was vacation? You back to the grind yet? =D

[peggysr]

I think sicil had a good time in Mexico based on Facebook pics.  BTW, she's ROCKING that bathing suit!

[sicil]

*sheepish ola*

 

That was some nice time away. Sorry for neglecting y'all.

 

So, I went to Cabos San Lucas for a friend's destination wedding. It was my first time at an all-inclusive resort, so sh*t had to get a little crazy.

 

 

Food report

Still, aside from the first day of eating to the point of feeling physically sick, I think I managed to survive the experience pretty well. Food-wise I focused on proteins, salads, and sparkling water - no soda anywhere on the trip! Of course, I probably made up for that by the amount of alcohol consumed, but I still found ways of scrimping on calories and fillers - mojitos without sugar (much better imo), gin & tonics, etc. Stayed away from the artificial-tasting girly drinks, at least until someone introduced me to blended Baileys. Sigh.

 

Exercise report

The great thing about resorts is that there isn't a whole lot to do, other than lounge, swim, and look forward to the next meal. Thankfully, the resort we stayed at had decent gym equipment. I went daily, and also packed in three long runs on the beach at sunset. It was beautiful, and the ever-changing waves were a great way of challenging myself into speeding up and trying to avoid them. I think my muscles must be feeling it, as my jeans are now tighter around the calf. Kinda feels weird.

 

Swimsuit report

This was the first time I had to show off the new Mass Effect one-piece. Not perfect, but I hopefully did it justice. (To the right of me is the bride - she was buff like whoa, and a huge part of why I started this fitness journey in the first place.)

 

 

But hands-down, my favourite picture of me was this one snapped during a lazy game of beach volleyball (lazy = we were really bad). Me = in the turquoise two-piece. I never knew my back could look so muscle-y! And it's all thanks to you guys that I got there!

 

 

 

On Saying No

I didn't go out of my way to accommodate others. That sounds like a terrible statement but it's so true - you know how your vacation can easily stop becoming your own? We're more of the 'choose your own adventure' type, so manfriend and I did some 'daring' things - rode the local bus, and got off the tourist track. One of the best finds of the trip was eating at this amazing locals joint that didn't even have a sign. I think the food speaks for itself! (And yes that's guac in a plastic bag.)

 

 

So now I'm back, amigos! And very ready to carry on with my ninja journey, as I've gotten a taste of what I can become, and I'm motivated to keep on truckin' along with the rest of you!

[Kishi]

WOW. That looks like it was a fun trip, and I'm glad to hear that you didn't withhold yourself from experiencing things. Food is one of those things you get right most of the time so that you can enjoy yourself when it's time to not get it right anymore.

 

And anyway, you handled it like a champ. You still kept up your exercise, even though you were traveling. Good move.

 

Also? I think you wear that ME1P rather well.

[sicil]

All right, time to really tackle this challenge without the help of vacation and (gulp) booze. There goes my free ride.

 

Goal 1: Downsize Without Sacrificing Happiness
I'm doing too much for the theatre non-profit that I volunteer with. I love them to pieces, but I have other passion projects that I want to get going / put more time into. With the introduction of new blood into our board, there's no reason for me to keep on slugging away at it just because I'm dependable. I've told them in the past that I'd like to reduce my commitment, so thankfully no one is trying to line me up for President anymore. However, I'm still a little stressed out. With the AGM looming in a week, it's definitely time to draw my boundaries.

 

My action: I've tried to get a meeting with the President for a while, but it's crunch time at work for him, and he's also scrambling to try to find candidates for the Executive roles next year. I'm going to write an email to lay out where I'd like to contribute in the future, and where I definitely draw the line. That way, come AGM time, there won't be any surprises, and I won't be peer pressured into accepting any more responsibilities past what I've outlined.

 

Goal 2: Find Better Efficiencies
Easily the biggest area of contention - I want to stop serving on a committee in addition to my board duties. It's another night of meetings, and I no longer want to take two nights out of my month, as well as additional action items. This will be contentious because it's written into their board member descriptions. I'm happy to stay on as a 'consultant' to future initiatives, but I can't commit to another monthly rolling meeting anymore. I value my nights in too much. And really, if they're not willing to bend the rules for me, then the board has been in great shape recently, and I'd be leaving many, many passionate board members to pick up the slack.

 

Goal 3: Bring On The Zen
Tonight. I'm planning on a bodyweight workout after work, and then do up some mashed cauliflower. And then playing more of Tomb Raider... but not too late. I'll cap it for an hour before bedtime, so we can wind down to something relaxing on Netflix.

 

Motivation

I've gotta say though, my hands are looking much, much better (and tanned). I think I might have to schedule a reoccurring manicure to keep reminding myself not to pick at them. And to make sure I carry hand lotion at all times!

[starbon]

Fun times in Mexico eh ? Glad to see that your enjoyed yourself and also kept up with your goals. I think you're doing an amazing job in reprioritising how much of volunteer wor you want to do and setting boundaries. Seems like you've got the primary goal of your 6 week challenge covered pretty good !

[sicil]

Fun times in Mexico eh ? Glad to see that your enjoyed yourself and also kept up with your goals. I think you're doing an amazing job in reprioritising how much of volunteer wor you want to do and setting boundaries. Seems like you've got the primary goal of your 6 week challenge covered pretty good !

 

Thank you! I'm trying to be more mindful instead of just letting things build up stress. I'm sure it's a common problem in our busy lives!

[rogaecia]

Thank you! I'm trying to be more mindful instead of just letting things build up stress. I'm sure it's a common problem in our busy lives!

It is definitely a common problem. It's good to see you address it because it is quite challenging.

How is your week going so far?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sicil]

Ask and ye shall receive.

 

I'm often surprised by how easy the solution can be. I think I'm at fault for spending too much time in my head. Had a conversation with the President of the Board today, in response to the email I had sent him earlier this week. He first tried to sway me to the fundraising committee, which meets on the same night as the board meeting. I persisted, saying that I wasn't really interested in working on event planning and coordination.

 

He then asked me what I wanted to do. That's the key - you ask someone that question, and you get where their head is at.

 

I want to delve deeper into corporate sponsorship for our company. It makes sense to connect the people I meet on a daily basis to the arts & culture causes that I'm passionate about. It would be challenging and rewarding work, as I've never done up a corporate sponsorship plan for a non-profit before. It would also be strictly on my own time, with little supervision or committee oversight - exactly the type of environment I thrive in.

 

We both knew that I'm the type of person who likes to get things done. Sometimes, when you're faced with an entire committee, things tend to slow down and fresh ideas become stale. For this to happen, I really only need time and a few collaborators. I'm excited again for my role in supporting this theatre company. I can't wait to get started.

[Ceasefire]

Awesome that your thoughts and feelings were taken into consideration! I can't help but wonder how many people would enjoy their lives better if they had a chance to just TALK about what their hopes and wishes were in their working lives, and work to implement at least some of them. =)

[starbon]

long time no post.. whassup ?

[sicil]

Howdy all! So, my overall summary is that I kinda failed that last challenge. I guess I had to take a few steps away to fully appreciate this community and why I keep on coming back.

 

But now I'm back for more, and I hope y'all will be patient enough to keep sticking with me: http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/42141-sicil-ninja-gets-lucky-in-love/