Sunday ramdon thoughts... goals and aspirations

I recently deactivated my Facebook (FB) account. I thought of permanently deleting FB permanently but I could not fathom losing all my ‘friends’, in other words family, friends and people who I met one time or another. Recently more than ever I found myself ‘lurking’ on FB, gazing at other people’s memories, reading rants and complaints and feeling disconnected with the people who matter the most. One reason why I love(d) FB was that I had many contacts that gave me the ‘low-down’ on issues that matter to me and my community that often is not reflected in mainstream media such as the blatant disregard for Indigenous peoples and their rights and freedoms to live freely in their territories, under their own laws, custom and governance – all in the name of ‘progress’ and ‘development’.

I was inspired to blog to help me document my weight-loss goals and strive to live mino-pimatisiwin (Inninuw concept of ‘living the good life’ or living in balance), which I have not blogged about and which I should in the near future. Thus far on this blogging journey, I have lost 56 lbs since November 2009. I have drastically changed my eating habits and I feel a lot lighter! (I still hover around 227-231) and this has been the case for about a year. I am not too concerned at this moment in time. I know I have lost weight per se by the size of my clothes. I am swimming in 1x size clothes, I can finally fit into some XL at Ricki’s and XXL at Reitman’s hug my curves in a good way ;P. It is exciting to finally fit into ‘regular people’ clothes and options on wardrobe are increasing almost every day.

This summer I have a goal not to reactivate FB. I want to limit my personal internet time to less than 90 minutes a day. Often when I get up in the morning, I make my coffee, catch up on FB, read blogs, the mainstream news, and check the weather. That takes about 20-30 minutes. Then I travel to work. If I can block off 45-60 minutes in the evening to blog, read blogs or research/surf would be an awesome step forward in the sense that I can organize my personal time to achieve aspired goals.

I want to spend this summer outside as much as possible, I want to read both fiction and more scholarly pieces, and finally I yearn to go on vacation with my partner, who has recently graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Education. Vacation requires money and thrifty living is essential for the next 8 weeks and frugal living is a priority.

Summer of 2012 will be a good one.

Me, 2011 - I really need to start using my camera more

Have a good night!

Where I am...

This past November I handed in my thesis and now awaiting a defence date. I started graduate studies in September 2004 on a part-time basis. Since then it seems like I put my life on hold. For almost six years my life has been about deciphering articles and books on indigenous people, hydro development, research methodologies colonization/decolonization, and about Ininewak (Cree people).

I admit I have not strived for a balanced life. I have spent many nights drinking pints, litres of wine, gin doubles while discussing a perfect world with fellow students with a pack of menthol cigarettes. Although I paid for a gym membership, the cardio machines rarely met my feet. During the past 5 years I gained 50 lbs. So that is 10 lbs a year. Since I handed in my thesis I am 15 lbs lighter and I feel great.

Since the summer of 2009 I quit smoking and my boozy nights are seldom and far in-between. I love a nice glass of wine with warm cuddles with my partner of two years as we strive to live a balanced and healthy life together. I hope to blog on a regular basis and share a bit to those who inspire me.

Ekosi