So Cold... But Too Stubborn to Do Something About It.

In the house getting ready to blog... so cold!

So the challenge for today was to try and reduce my carbon footprint.  I laughed when I saw it last night because I had already committed to going to the gym.  The gym is 3.5 km away.  Car pooling was out of the question, given I did not know anyone else going.  Public transit was considered for a millisecond, but then I remembered there is an hour wait for buses on the weekend and I did not want the hassle of figuring out which bus I needed to take and where I needed to catch it.  So the decision was made for me-  I hoofed it to and from the gym.

Mother Nature decided to test my resolve. I awoke to a snow squall warning and unploughed sidewalks that were littered not only with freshly fallen snow, but with the snow the careened over the banks from the street plows.  Just a little something special to help me warm-up before going to Blast and then the Centergy class.

A better section of sidewalk

Sections of the sidewalk were passable on the way home, but a majority of the route was socked in with snow.  I slipped and slided my way down the hill and made it home.... where I devoured a bowl of borscht... double sour cream and a 1/4 of a steaming hot apple pie.  4 hours of working out can really increase an appetite.

Walking was just part of my plan.... other efforts to reduce my carbon footprint today, included:

• Limited use of lights.
• Charging all electronics during non-peak hours, the night before.
• Unplugging all unnecessary items.
• No TV. 
• Creating minimal garbage.
• Reusing paper and recycling.
• Limited use of the stove and oven.
• Waiting to ensure a large load of dishes before filling the sink.
• Letting the "yellow" mellow.
• Using lukewarm water to was my hands and shower
• Keeping the heat at 18 degrees Celsius.... even though I am very, very chilled.  

I am glad to report the use of two hats, an extra layer of fleece clothing and flip-top mitts has helped warm me up.  In addition to drinking some hot tea and using my new electric hand warmer-  which is currently residing in my bra to warm my chestial region.

Oh the things I do in the name of change.

Other challenges to report on:

I have decided how I am going to stretch the $20.  Did you know that you can get 36 granola bars, one box of Smarties and 16 juice boxes for under $20.  I didn't either until yesterday.  But that is not how I stretched my $20.  After much consideration I have come to the conclusion that my mother is right!  That odd sound that you hear right now is my Mother doing a victory dance to that classic tune, known and sung by all mothers, called "I told you so!".   

The thing is I really, really, really want to be successful at this challenge so I thought and thought and the light bulb clicked on-  it is all in the interpretation of stretching.  Stretch could mean spending but it can also mean growing.  Viola!  I will invest it tomorrow when I meet with my banker.  Another challenge complete.

The challenge for Day 3 was to book a trip to take a future date.  I did not have any hesitation about what trip I would be booking but the taking part required some planning of when I could go.  The trip will be to Killarney Park where I will solo back-pack "The Crack" and back.  Four days of physical challenges and working on my mental perseverance..... I am excited!!!!!!! ( I will limit the number of exclamation points because in my exuberance to demonstrate my excitement I am more than likely to fill a whole page with them.)  I can't believe it-  Jan 3 and I have already booked a hunk of my 2015 vacation.  

Here is a sampling of some of the hiking I will be doing this summer.

Oh the climbing

But the views will be worth it.

Bonus tip of the day-  

When blogging by candle light and drinking tea, I highly suggest making sure your tea is the container that closest to you.  There was a near miss incident with the candle.  Thank goodness I noticed before I started pouring hot wax into my mouth.... but just think of how interesting the next blog would have been.  Missed opportunities to showcase my klutziness.