New Year, Old You

400 posts. That's really something ain't it?

I think about this blog quite a bit. What's the point? Have I achieved anything? Who was I when I started writing here? Who am I now? Am I any better off?

I started On Food, Love & Fitness on November 5, 2010. I can't help but get a little emo when I think of myself four years ago. I was 22, in my last year of college, living with/near so many of my best friends, and getting ready to train for my first (and only...gah) half marathon.

TMNT the weekend before I started the old blog.

I wonder what this blog can become. There are so many things I want to write about that just don't feel appropriate for this semi-public space. Maybe I should just quietly tuck it away in the back of a shelf. Pack it in a a box, tie it up with a bow, and let the dust settle over it. Open it sometime in the future and hope that the memories recorded here will feel less like a burden, and more like a gift to my future self.

Maybe soon. But not just yet. It's a new year, and I can't help but feel optimistic. I feel like better days are staring me in the face. I just have to reach out and grab them, make them mine. I want this blog to be around when I'm ready to share those days. So for now, it stays.

As per usual, my email inbox is filled to the brim with promises of this year being my best yet. But first I have to take action: lose weight! get eyelash extensions! buy designer handbags and expensive clothing! take endless trips to exotic locations (yes please)!

It's the year for a new you!

But what if you're hoping to use the turn of the year as a springboard for finding your old self. Or maybe a better old you? Some combination of the person you used to be and the person you want to be. Does that still count as a new you? Now I'm confusing myself.

There are many things I am already doing to become the "New Old Julie"...

New Julie:

Putting a teensy bit more effort into looking like a normal 26-year-old woman for work rather than an 80-year-old hobo. This is a huge struggle as the temperatures drop, but today I wore tights AND my hair down! And took a mirror selfie in the elevator.

Being more open to new experiences and people. After getting pressure to sign up, I said yes to my first ever Tinder date. Bahaha! I've heard some CRAZY shit about Tinder, but this guy seems cool and normal.

Anticipating the start of "The Bachelor" tonight. Both of my roommates have agreed to camp out on the couch with me for the premier.

Making new friends. I spent Friday night with two brand new friends and had a blast. I am in love with all of my old friends, but it's about time I expanded my social circle.

Saying yes and being more spontaneous! Yesterday I said yes to a trip in February that I normally would have said no to. Everything sounds fun to me these days.

Old Julie:

Making ample time for relaxing in my new slippers.

Eating healthy meals and snacks (and reading my kindle at lunch -- I upped my reading goal a bit this year!).

Going out more. This weekend I went out on Friday and Saturday night and stayed out late! I'll sleep when I'm dead.

Prepping food on Sunday. Among lots of other things, I made these Italian turkey meatballs and they are delicious.

Making exercise a part of nearly every day. I'm going to Israel soon on an adventure trip and the itinerary scared me into exercising again. I have been doing 30 Day Shred pretty often and spent the last few days sweating it out in the gym. I'm hoping this month will help me rebuild the habit of working out frequently. It's important and I love it. That's that.