Sunday 21 January 2018

Winter fun list update #1

Greetings! Back in December, a few days before Christmas, I wrote my winter fun list here. Today I'm posting my progress update, and linking up with several fabulous bloggers. Please join in on the fun and/ or leave a comment so we know you stopped by.

My Winter Fun List Update #1:

1. Exercise one hour daily: In progress. I've been meeting my daily target since December 21. My current physical exercise schedule, one hour/ day, looks like this:
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: gym time includes warm up, cardio, weights, core, balance exercises, and cool down
  • Tuesday, Thursday: gentle yoga at home
  • Saturday: swim laps
  • Sunday: run 5-6 km and gentle stretches
I know some people would say exercising is not fun. I'd suggest to replace the term 'exercise' with a physical activity that you enjoy, add your favourite play list, or grab a partner or a friend or your dog(s) to make it more social and voilĂ , it's fun!

Even in the winter, I go for my morning walk and enjoy nature. In my eyes, every season has its own beauty, like the blue sky, morning light, and snow at one of our urban beaches in the picture I took below:

TO sign at HTO Park Beach

2. Continue learning Spanish 15 minutes daily: In progress. I haven't missed a day since December 21. I've learned new words, and had to review parts of past lessons. More importantly, I'm having fun with this activity. I allocate 15 minutes so it's quick but I do it daily to reinforce my learning.

3. Enjoy three family outings: In progress. Two done and one is coming up in February. We had a fun extended family gathering in December that I wrote about here. We also just returned from a three-day family trip to Ottawa this past weekend.

4. Go on five coffee or lunch dates with friends: In progress. So far I've gone on one coffee date and one lunch date with my friends. Two more coffee dates have been booked. It's so nice to chat and catch up with what's on in our lives.

5. Attend seven cultural events: In progress. Since December 21 to date, I've enjoyed three movies (Star Wars The Last Jedi, Despicable Me 3, and Dunkirk), and attended one contemporary piano recital performed by the talented Jana Luksts. I plan to go to an exciting outdoor interactive art exhibition this month and more piano recitals starting in February.

Jana Luksts

6. Start a new blog link up: Yes! I was excited to see the Wellness Wednesday link up launch on January 10 as posted here. Thank you to the bloggers who are participating, and readers who have left encouraging comments. You're the best! The next Wellness Wednesday link is on February 7. The graphic is below.


7. Plan an independent trip to Chile: Yes! I did some travel readings on Chile and mapped out where and when I'd like to visit. While looking to book my flights and accommodation, I scored a flash sale on my air tickets and a special offer on my room rate. Both saved me quite a bit of money which of course will go towards more travels! I'll write about my itinerary soon.

8. Explore Chile in March: Pending. A new adventure awaits! If you've been to Chile, I'd love to hear your comments.

That's my progress update for now. I'm pleased to have two completed, five in progress, and one pending. My next progress update will be on February 21. 

How are things going with you? Please share.

20 comments:

  1. Well I'll just pipe up now and say I'm loving the Wellness Wednesday linkup already! Thanks to your starting this up, I made a spreadsheet of things I want to accomplish daily, and though my record isn't perfect, it is so, so, so improved!

    I likewise think of 'excercise' as 'physical activity' instead. I've had a bang up month so far, having realized that I'm so much better in my consistency if I participate in group activities instead of solo activities ('cause I'm such an extrovert!).

    I'm looking forward to your trip report from Chile, a country we still have on our travel bucket list . . . have a wonderful time!

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    1. Thank you, Tamara, for stopping by. I'm so glad to hear you're loving the WW link-up. Tracking daily makes a big difference, doesn't it? I look forward to our next link up and read about everyone's progress. I'll do a post trip report on Chile after visiting the country for sure.

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  2. Great progress on your bucket list, Natalie. I'm impressed. I've come to look forward to my daily physical activity as well. Your comment about walking even when it's cold reminds me of a quote I read (don't remember from who): There is no bad weather, just different kinds of good weather. Enjoy!

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    1. Thank you, Christie, for your kind comment. Winter takes up a good chunk of the year where I live so I've learned to embrace the season. Glad to hear you're looking forward to your daily physical activity. It's great for our body and mood.

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  3. Hi Natalie! I always enjoy reading your bucket lists as we both have fitness in common. I'm loving the Wellness Wednesday link up and will certainly be there for the next one!

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    1. Hi Sue! I'm so glad you participate in the Wellness Wednesday link up. I knew it would be right up your alley. I look forward to reading the next one. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. Hi, Natalie - I love how you focus on FUN for each of your goals. Great news about your (pending) trip to Chile - I look forward to reading that post!

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    1. Hi Donna, Thank you for your comment. You're so observant. I think of the expression YOLO so may as well enjoy life while I'm at it :)

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  5. Ditto, what Tamara said about Wellness Wednesday. I am really trying to keep my wellness goals in mind everyday. So thankful that you got us started on the right foot in 2018 with this series.

    Please remind me about how you are studying Spanish. I would really like to speak more correctly. I have a pretty good vocabulary or did when I was working with the bilingual children at school. But I never have an opportunity to practice now. Don't want to lose what I did know and would like to get more fluent and confident.

    Had to take a second look at the beach photo. Thought the snow was white sand. What a lovely shot. Your exercise regimen is admirable. But you are rubbing off on me because I am trying hard to be more active como tu!

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    1. I'm glad you participate in the Wellness Wednesday link up, Leslie. Thank you for setting up the codes for us. I'm using Duolingo to learn Spanish. It may be basic for you given your previous experience. Would you be able to find a colleague who is fluent in Spanish to meet up and converse with you over a coffee or lunch date once a week or as often as you can? Just a suggestion.

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  6. Hi Natalie,
    Great to see the progress you're making on your winter bucket list. I like the variety of items on your list.
    I too am making great progress; will provide lots more detail in my January RAW NEWS update on Feb 1st. Onward!
    Karen

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    1. Hi Karen, I look forward to reading your January RAW NEWS! Ten more sleeps :) Thank you for stopping by.

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  7. Congrats on your new link up. I'll have to try and join in sometime. Looks like you're doing a great job on your bucket list.

    Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Thanks, Lauren, for visiting and commenting. You're welcome to join in on our Wellness Wednesday link up. The next one is on February 7.

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  8. Natalie,
    Great job on the bucket list so far. Kudos on all the movement you get in. When I am sleeping better and my children aren't so little, I hope to get back to moving so much more. But right now my priority is SLEEP. A trip to Chile. That sounds pretty awesome. Are you going by yourself or with friends or family?

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    1. Sleep is important for us to function normally. I've been sleep deprived before so I understand what you mean. I'm going to Chile by myself. I've done many solo trips and I'm comfortable with planning this trip. Thanks, Dani, for stopping by.

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  9. I assume with the winter fun list, you mean activities you will focus on this winter (December 21 - March 21)? You are making a lot of progress. I am really impressed with the exercise schedule you manage to keep up with, even in winter!! Social times are good times, well done on that.

    I have never been to Chili, but we hope to drive there (and back?) one of these years. An in-depth visit to Patagonia is on my bucket list.

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    1. That's right, Liesbet. My winter fun list is for Dec 21 to Mar 20. I'll come up with a spring list on March 21. A drive all the way to southern tip of Chile would be a cool adventure. Thank you for your comment.

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  10. Good to read and to have you join in from the northern hemisphere here! Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek 4/52. Next Week is the FIRST photo-centred prompt (no topic!) called #ShareYourSnaps. Looking forward to seeing everyone's photos every 5th week this year!

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    1. Thanks, Denyse, for stopping by. Look forward to your first photo-centred link up.

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