I've been so busy since I started this new job, I've lost track of time, but the new year is coming and I've got big plans baby! If you haven't checked my Conk's Brain Facebook page lately, be sure to do that as I'm running a little contest. So far, I've got 3 potential names and potential new roommates for my little clay critter. Despite my exhaustion, I'm hopeful and filled with ambition for the upcoming year. 
    I've made a lot of positive improvements in my health, but now I feel like it's time to take another bite out of the bull and put on my super Manadee cape. One of my very good friends has agreed to tackle a health challenge with me and I'll be sharing our milestones as we work our way through. If any of you want to join us in making some positive, healthy life decisions, by all means grab your own cape and dive in.
     This entire program is based upon solidarity and stickers (oh, how I love stickers). First we got ourselves a snazzy piece of craft paper and some sweet stickers from the magical land of Hobby Lobby. Next we set personal goals, 3-4 at a time, that pertain to health and fitness (mine, for example, are to get a 11,000 steps in one day, to swim 100 yards without stopping, and to make it through program 3 on my treadmill). Every time we meet a goal, we put a fabulous sticker on our craft paper score keeper and set a new goal. We also give ourselves a sticker for every day that we exercise (which can mean going to the gym, doing a workout video, or getting our Fitbits to acknowledge 30 minutes of activity).
     When we get 5 stickers, we give ourselves a little prize like a new coffee cup or a stylin pair of llama socks. After the first 5, we go in increments of 10 and get a new prize after every 10 new stickers. Now, the goal we are aiming for is 100 stickers which we tentatively want to reach by the end of May. Once we get to 100, we get the grand prize which we have agreed upon and will share together. You know what we are doing? It's so exciting! When we get 100 stickers, we are going to Tanganyika in Goddard, KS. And we are totally getting the all inclusive pass so that we can complete ALL the animal interactions! Squeeee!
     Along the way, I will take pictures of my sticker collection and post them. I will also share my goals and take pictures of the sweet prizes that I earn for all of my healthy habits! If you think you might like to try this yourself and want a little nudge of accountability, then join the sticker revolution! Get your own piece of craft paper and stickers, set some goals, and get out there and rock it! If you've got a Fitbit, add me as a friend (user name Deedre Conkey). If you post your prizes to Instagram, mention @allthingsconk. You can also add pictures in the comments on my Facebook page. If you're up for a serious road trip, you can stay tuned for an official date and join us at Tanganyika!
     I'm also getting back on the band wagon with my Lose it! App (it is free if you're interested). It's a calorie counter and, while I'm not a total stickler, I have found it immensely helpful in keeping me honest about what I'm eating. Right now, I'm just going to chill in my new llama jammies, eat some Velveeta macaroni, and let myself be a little bad on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas everyone!

     Well, I now have 3 jobs. I've been doing the social media marketing job for the last three weeks or so at Northglen (6 hours a week), and Monday I started an office job at Hays Aircraft (30 hours a week), plus I have the direct sales business on the occasional weekend. Let's just say that I don't lack for mental stimulation at the moment. I also joined a book club that I found on Cratejoy, because you only live once. I'm actually super excited. I haven't read a book in a long time and that's pretty sad considering I have an English degree.
    I went from doing not much to doing all the things in record time. I even managed to make it to my personal training session this morning and crushed it. Now, I'm the kind of tired where you're not even sure what day it is or if you've remembered to put on pants. If you happen to see me on the street sans pants, please politely let me know that I've made a grave error...
     I'm going to eat a pizza and pass out so that I can tackle my day all over again tomorrow. This weekend, we are working out some healthy crockpot meals or something cause I'm pretty sure pizza and tacos every night isn't going to give me the energy I need to tackle my new schedule. I'll tell you all about my adventures in another post, after I've roused from my pizza coma.

     Despite all of my best efforts, I can't seem to shake the tired. I try to lay down and take a nap, but I just can't close my eyes. I try to go to bed at a reasonable time, but I just can't seem to fall asleep. Once, I'm out, I'm out and I don't wake up till morning, but I feel like I've been run over by a yacht. I made a doctors appointment for Monday morning. Hopefully I can get them to test me for some vitamin deficiencies, if not, there are places that do that on the internet now. I honestly think it speaks to the failings of the medical system that whole companies are cropping up dedicated to self testing and, in some cases, even self medicating. Has your doctor failed you miserably? Have you Google searched your symptoms? Buy one of our 30 different kits to test yourself for everything from food allergies to vitamin deficiencies to gonorrhea (not making this up everlywell).  
     In the mean time, I am drinking water. So. Much. Water. I have a 64 oz canteen and and 40 oz canteen and I've filled them both to the brim. That's 104 oz of water for those of you who are counting. I've got one kidney and all the energy of a real live manatee, it can't hurt. I'd love to step up the exercise, but again, the tired is kicking my butt all day, every day. Is this the next phase in the saga of my hysterectomy recovery? Who knows.
     Ian and I are trying another recipe out of the Newlywed cookbook we got for our wedding almost 5 years ago. Hopefully I don't fall asleep in the beer dough.