New Year's Resolutions - and Apostrophe Angst

Not a good start to a post - worry about where (if at all) I should put the apostrophe in the title.

New Year's Resolution is correct, isn't it?

If not, I am sure a friendly pedant will correct me.

Today I made a start to my NY Resolutions. They are pretty predictable really:

- be healthier - eat less, exercise more, go to bed earlier.

- be more productive - blog more, write more

- be more consistent - finish what I start

This year, I have promised myself that I will stick to my diet and lose the weight. Going back to a previous, successful attempt, I signed up with Weightwatchers Online and started writing down what I eat. This went well today, as did my first session on the X-trainer, which recently has done more work as a handbag holder than an exercise device. Considering I used to manage 45 mins on the torture tool, the measly 15 minutes today was pitiful, but hopefully tomorrow will be better.

I read with interest the article in the Daily Mail (I only read it for the gossip, honest) about a book called, "Adore Yourself Slim". The basic premise of the book is hardly new - you have to love yourself as a fat person before you can love yourself as a thin person. We should concentrate on being positive instead of falling into a cycle of self-loathing and negativity.

The author, Lisa Jackson, advises writing a list of the things that you love about yourself - before you start your diet. This is not easy, finding 10 things that I love about myself is more difficult than it sounds. Go on, try it.

Next step is to write down the 10 things that others love about you. I have no idea about this, and hope that some of my friends will respond to this post. If they don't, feel free to assume that I am a billy-no-mates.

I am enjoying the list making - it is one of my favourite procrastination techniques, so carry on with the next task - the parts of your body that you love most. I have always liked my eyes, so that went on the list. Later, while I was cleaning the bathroom, I noticed that I was not looking at my spare tire in the mirror, but concentrating on my eyes.

Finally, I write down my goals, short-term, mid-term, long-term goals and the rewards that I will receive when I reach these goals. The rewards are many, I need to keep myself motivated - a manicure, a session with a style consultant, a new hairdo with a top hairdresser. Finally, if - no WHEN I reach my goal, a weekend in Paris with my husband. Might need to ask my Mum if she can babysit for that one, but I am sure she would be delighted to.

Today went well. I wrote two blog posts, started writing a Chick Lit novel, did my 15 minutes of torture on the X-trainer, cooked a healthy and delicious meal, cleaned the bathroom and the floors upstairs.

An online friend said that her NY Resolution was "Live More Bravely". I love that and am going to steal it. Anyone want to join me?