Welcome to Operation Challenge Central!

As I've written in my weekly gratitude updates, my list of things to do is rather long. Overwhelming in fact. Perhaps I'm taking on more than I can chew, but so be it. I've already announced on Facebook that my New Year's resolutions were to take better care of my body and to learn the ukelele. However it's a little more detailed than that. I'm making a bunch of changes and altering habits. So, in an effort to announce it to the world and gain a bit of support here is the full list.1. Operation Fitness ChallengeIn November and part of December I did two 30-Day Fitness Challenges. The first was for the abdominals and the second was for the arms. The first I did with two other women, but I was the only one to finish. The second I did with an old Emory alum, but I didn't finish and I have no idea if she did. So, to satisfy my goal of taking better care of my body I created a month-long challenge for arms, core and yoga. I'm pretty proud of it, actually. And the best news is that there are 7 women joining me. Three in Atlanta, 3 here in NY and one in North Carolina.2. Operation Smart EatingI have always eaten rather well, but since my primary work is in catering and we usually eat late and whatever's available, I have not been mindful of what I'm putting into my body. I found a great list from Women's Day magazine on line with healthy meal plans. So I'm trying it out for the month of January. It requires that I weigh and measure my food. I have not done that since I was on a weight loss plan trying to lose my Freshman 15 at NYU.3. No New Plastic ChallengeThis one is for the environment and my carbon footprint. We are a culture all about convenience. Single use plastic bags without a thought of what happens to them when we're done with 'em. Most of our food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items are packed or wrapped in plastic. And while it's cheap and light and keeps things fresh, it does a doozy on our oceans and the creatures that live there. While I don't suggest we go back to what things used to be, there's got to be a better way. And in the meantime I will do what I can to avoid all new plastic items for the months of January and February.4. Playing the ukeleleI am not sure why I chose this instrument. Perhaps I heard other were trying it and perhaps it just looks easy. The ukelele is pretty inexpensive and heck, I bought one in California in the summer of 2011. I had been taking lessons - in fact trading yoga for ukelele lessons. It was a great trade, but I have not found anyone here. Until then I am finding some online options.5. Learning SpanishSince I live in Washington Heights I usually hear more Spanish spoken on the streets than English. I asked a friend to teach me when I arrived back in NY in 2012, but that never happened. So for the last few days I've used Duolingo - an online program. In fact while I was on there, I also started the French program since at least I studied French in school. I am not sure how smart it is to learn 2 languages at once, but heck I'm trying.6. Calling in The OneA friend of mine wanted to gather a small group of women to go through Katherine Woodward Thomas' book Calling in The One. It's a 7-week plan to "clear away the obstacles that have been holding you back from love." Since I have been very unsuccessful in the love department, I thought it time to give this a try. Here's to romance in 2014!7. Miscellaneous stuffSince I am trying to treat my body better, I am also trying to take care and floss, cleanse my face, moisturize and get regular massages again. I'm also trying to get a good night's sleep and drink plenty of water. While not challenges, these things are certainly on my mind.What are you doing in 2014? Anything you want to share? Either way, check back from time to time to see how I'm doing!Happy New Year!