Month 10: No TV

No tv for one month - at first it felt like a punishment.

When we decided on no television for the entire month of May, the first thing I did was check the calendar to make sure I wasn't missing any major sporting events. Basketball... check; Football... check; Baseball... check. All clear.

Oops, forgot about the Sharks in the playoffs. Unfortunately and fortunately, I did miss the Sharks. But I think I am a saner person as a result.

But, Jen and I decided that we have gotten into a routine of putting the kids to bed, heading downstairs and turning on the TV and subsequently 'vegging out' for the night. This was a great opportunity to re-connect with each other, and try to be more productive.

I have to say this was another challenge that was easier than I thought. Thanks to DVR and the internet, I really didn't miss anything other than the Sharks. And, there were a couple of times we happened to be at dinner while a game was on so if my eyeballs strayed, I couldn't help it.

During the month, I did do some household chores that I had been stalling on, probably read more too. In addition, I got addicted to Words with Friends on my iPhone and used that to replace some TV time. The tough thing is that after a long day of work and spending time with the kids, we actually needed some time to veg out.

Long term, we are trying to institute at least one night a week where we do not turn the tv on. With the sports scene ramping up, it's a little bit harder, but of course I'll live!

Month 9 - Josh Learns the Ukulele

For the month of April, my challenge was to learn how to play one song on the ukulele and then perform it - no matter how far along in my learning curve - and upload it to YouTube. Below is the video. This was really fun as I have been wanting to play for a long time and just looking for the incentive. This was my incentive. I definitely want to keep playing. I might even look into taking lessons.

You can watch the video below or click on this link to see it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPN08jI_Jxs

Month 8 - "All is Well"

For the month of March, Jen and I thought it would be neat to spend the month being inspired by other people's stories. A month or two prior, we both bought a book called "All is Well", which includes 29 stories of different people, all connected to the Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose, who have overcome different life obstacles.

We thought it would be inspiring to hear of other's challenges. And, with 29 stories, we figured, "perfect - we'll read one story a night." We did and while I can't speak for Jen I can say that the idea was good.

The stories themselves, for whatever reason, did not really resonate with me. People overcoming the death of their loved ones, overcoming eating disorders, falling in love with their soul mates (while being married to someone else), bankrupt, etc. Many of the stories were powerful and I was more struck by the notion that everybody has gone through different life challenges, no matter who you are. Everyone has a story - most people don't take the time to listen to what they are.

That was my lesson in month 8. It was not the stories themselves but the ideas of the stories that resonated with me. It also confirmed that for me and my life, all is truly well.

Month 7 (February) Weight Loss Challenge

I have done lots of weight loss challenges in the past. Lose 5 pounds this month. Do Weight Watchers this month, etc. These work for me, because it forces me to be disciplined, which I am usually not very good at.

But when we looked at Challenge #7, we liked the idea of a weight loss challenge but wanted to add some meaning to it - some significance. So, Jen and I decided that we would pledge $5 for every pound lost in the month of February, collect the total and donate it to a charity. That way, the weight loss meant something bigger than ourselves (no pun intended). So, we opted to donate it to the Walnut Avenue Women's Shelter, where Cita, our sister-in-law works.

And, to stir the pot a little, we put it out there to our friends and family that we were embarking upon 28 days of weight loss for a purpose and invited any and all to participate. This was the first time that I did any sort of weight loss challenge where bragging rights or an actual prize was not the goal.

And, I tried to instill smaller changes that could be more life sustainable. Such as making good choices every day... side salad instead of fries, lots of water, breakfast every morning, say no to treats and sweets, etc.

The result personally was not overwhelming... 6 pounds lost was ok but I know I could have dropped more if I took different measures. I was ok with this but the real overwhelming part was that we had 18 people participate and we raised over $350 for the Walnut Ave. Women's Shelter.

That was the best part. We had a variety of people participate, all knowing it was for a good cause. And, another great part was that our sister-in-law was really touched. In fact she cried when she heard we were doing this. And, she shared this with her boss and staff.

I can also honestly say that I have not done a good job maintaining the weight I lost in February. So, my goal of making sustainable choices hasn't quite panned out... yet.

Oops - Forgot to Mention Month 6

Month 6 was one of those where the idea/challenge sounded like a good idea at the time but Jen and I both realized that we were basically 'settling' to do something together. Moving forward, if neither of us are completely on board with the monthly challenge, then we are going to do separate challenges.

That being said, we agreed on the idea of the sixth month being all about energy. Giving or receiving every day. Concept is good. I did reiki on Jen 2-3 times and the rest of the month was giving reiki to Ryan and Haley or meditating. I guess there is nothing wrong with it, it just didn't really feel like a challenge and didn't feel like something Jen and I were on board with from day 1.

If I were to do this challenge again, I would probably set a goal for myself of doing energy on 10-15 people and receiving it from other folks as well, or just doing a daily meditation and sending energy to people other than myself. Something like that. Still good to focus on giving energy to other people, it just could have been better strategized.

February Challenge- JOIN US!

We are doing our first challenge that invites your participation. February is fitness and health month. We are inviting anyone to join us. Make a goal, make a pledge, and all donations will go to the Walnut Avenue Women's shelter in Santa Cruz.
What's your goal? Lose weight? Work out more? Eat healthier? Whatever it is you decide how you want to pledge. Some ideas are:
1. certain amount per pound lost
2. $1 for every mile run for the month
3. an amount for every day you stay within a certain number of calories.

I am pledging $5 for every pound loss. What are you going to do? By joining us you are getting healthier and helping out a great organization!

Jen's Thoughts

It's Jen and I realize I have not contributed to the blog. I have gone through and added my comments in certain months and will add my thoughts from this challenge on. So far this process has been enlightening. I look forward to the 2nd half of the year. Feel free to visit old posts to read my thoughts on some of our past challenges.
Happy reading!