You might like to see my original list here, and my first progress update here.
My Winter Fun List Update #2:
1. Exercise one hour daily: In progress. I've been meeting my daily target since December 21. The community pool that I use was closed from January 26 for about four months. So I've been walking daily, going to the gym three times per week, doing yoga at home three times per week, and running 5K once per week.
Nothing like winter to have an urban beach to myself LOL. At time of posting, the snow has melted and gone. With temperatures above freezing point for the next several days, and longer daylight hours, spring is in the air!
2. Continue learning Spanish 15 minutes daily: In progress. I haven't missed a day since December 21. The short duration works for me. My upcoming trip to Chile in March keeps me motivated to learn.
3. Enjoy three family outings: Exceeded by one. It turned out that we had four fun family outings including one family gathering on December 26 that I wrote about here, a three-day family trip to Ottawa in January, another three-day family trip in early February, and a family potluck dinner this past weekend. For our out-of-town trips, we took the trains which were quite comfortable.
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| VIA train to Ottawa |
4. Go on five coffee or lunch dates with friends: Exceeded by two. I was thrilled to be able to book time with my friends and make our dates happen. The wintry weather did not derail our plans. So far, I've met up with my friends for coffee twice in January, four times in February, and lunch once in January.
5. Attend seven cultural events: Exceeded by five. Since December 21 to date, I've watched seven movies (Star Wars The Last Jedi, Despicable Me 3, Dunkirk, Battle of the Sexes, American Made, Breathe, and The Foreigner), attended two piano recitals (performed by Jana Luksts and Jialiang Zhu), and visited three art exhibits (Toronto in 2050 photo exhibits, Winter art exhibits, and the Ice Breakers 2018 outdoor art installations that I wrote about here.)
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| Through the Eyes of the Bear |
6. Start a new blog link up: Done! I was excited to see the Wellness link up launch on Wednesday January 10, and the second link up on February 7. Thank you to all bloggers who are participating, and readers who have left encouraging comments. The next Wellness link is on Wednesday, March 7. The topic is Favourite exercise equipment or gadget, and an update on our Wellness goals. We'll be thrilled if you join us then.
7. Plan an independent trip to Chile: Yes! I booked my flights and accommodations about a month ago. Now I'm ticking my list of how I plan for trips to foreign countries. I'm getting excited about the trip.
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 three exceeded, two done, two in progress, and one pending. By staying active and social, I'm enjoying the winter season. I'll wrap up my Winter fun list on or around March 18.
How are things going with you? Please share.
I am delighted to know you are making such great progress on so many fronts. Off to read how you plan for trips to foreign countries
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa, for stopping by. Your stay in Phuket is a lot warmer than my locale :) I'm looking forward to following along your upcoming adventure.
DeleteWow Natalie--such an overachiever! :-) I am so impressed by your dedication to your daily goals, and your social activities sound like a lot of fun. For many of us, winter is a dreary time. I think if we'd push ourselves to get out and socialize more, we could actually enjoy it, as you have. Thanks for leading the way!
ReplyDeleteI lucked out with the social events, Christie, but they certainly confirmed to me that staying active and being social beat the winter blues.
DeleteWow, you've been busy Natalie. Good on you for achieving so many goals. I sure hope that pool you swim in is heated! :) #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteYes, the pool is indoor and heated, Lyndall. It's closed for about four months for repairs. I can't wait to resume swimming when the pool is open again. Thank you for dropping by.
DeleteI am so pleased you started the Wellness Link Up Natalie. Unfortunately, I am so busy now I can't keep up with SaD or the seasonal ones but the Wellness one is definitely one I will always link up to. Have a great week and good going with your goals.
ReplyDeleteSue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
I'm so happy to hear that you'll continue with the Wellness link up, Sue. Thank you for stopping by and for your ongoing support. I really appreciate it. Have a great week!
DeleteBoo!! Sue, we will miss you for bucket list and SaD.
DeleteNatalie, you are quite the overachiever with this bucket list. So glad you were able to enjoy more family time and cultural events than you planned for.
Please remind me how you study Spanish? I have tried Duolingo but without much improvement. And now that I am not subbing as much, I don't get to practice.
Thanks for joining in again!
I lucked out with the social events this winter, Leslie, because it's not always easy to find time to meet my family and friends. For my Spanish lessons, I use Duolingo. The latest update has chat, text and sound features which are useful. Is thee a Spanish radio station or show in your area that you can use to keep your Spanish knowledge? Just a thought.
DeleteWow. Good for you. We're in the death throws of summer, but we did just spend a month in Finland and Switzerland, so have had a real winter thrown into our summer...
ReplyDeleteA month in Finland and Switzerland sounds wonderful, Lydia. I visited those countries but not in the winter. Summer days are easy going. Enjoy!
DeleteYour winter bucket list ticking is amazing Natalie - to achieve so much in weather that would make me want to sit inside all day in front of the fire - is beyond belief. I feel proud of my daily walks - and I'm doing them in summer - not in the snow! I'll be back to link up my latest post on Mar 7th - it's a great linkie x
ReplyDeleteKeep up your daily walks, Leanne, you're doing great! I've been walking daily for many years so my body is used to it. In the winter, I dress in layers and keep moving as usual. I'm so happy you'll join us on March 7th. Looking forward to it!
DeleteWow you are an achiever. Well done. I'm interested to hear about your trip to Chile.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jan, for your comment. The social activities are fun and easy to do. I lucked out that my friends were available to meet up. I'll write about my trip to Chile for sure.
DeleteWell done, Natalie! I too love daytime, casual get togethers with friends, generally a hike or walk, followed by coffee or a light meal in my case. Friends are the sparkle, while family is the substance, I think!
ReplyDeleteThere is just nothing like being outdoors, is there? During our recent visit to much colder DC here in the USA, I realized how easily cabin fever can set in, so we tried to make the most of every pleasant break in the weather we could!
And thank you for the reminder to keep at my Spanish, even if I can only squeeze in a few minutes on a given day!
Your home location is perfect for being outdoors and close to nature, Tamara. I'd be out every day like you, hike or walk, and meet up with friends after. At the end of last year I was wondering whether I'd continue learning Spanish. I'm glad I did. Even 15 minutes a day helps retain what I've learned and I progress a little bit more than if I had stopped completely. BTW, I hope you'll join us on March 7 Wellness link up.
DeleteI know I say it all of the time but you are such an inspiration - your motivation and commitment to your goals is really impressive.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really set any but not sure I'd be faring very well! #teamlovinlife
Thank you, Deb, for your kind words. I'd start with one small goal and go from there. Have a great weekend!
DeleteHi, Natalie - I agree with the others. Your dedication to your goals is remarkable...and very inspiring.
ReplyDeletePS - The snow that left your area has now found its way to Vancouver and Vancouver Island. You are very welcome to have it back!
Thank you, Donna, for your kind words. While I'm doing well with the above set of fun goals, I haven't done much to get a robot for house cleaning yet :)
DeleteP.S. I think it's time we send the snow to the mountains in BC and share spring weather here and on Vancouver island.