Finding My Rhythm: Setting and Achieving My 2025 Goals

We're a few days into 2025, and a winter storm is still gripping the state. While I'm curious to see how this plays out, it's not what I want to focus on today. Instead, let's talk about my personal goals for this year.

Oliver, our lazy dog, seems perfectly content to lounge around and demand belly rubs. But for me, 2025 is about prioritizing exercise, eating healthier, and finally shedding those extra pounds. My bike riding routine has been going strong – I've been consistently cycling for over a month now. In fact, I recently conquered my longest ride since getting back into it – a challenging 45-minute journey. I felt amazing afterward and am now thinking about increasing my cycling frequency to three times a week.

Physical activity isn't limited to cycling, though. Carrie and I have been talking about finally taking advantage of the gym at work, but somehow, we always seem to find excuses to put it off. My ideal fitness routine would involve three weekly bike rides and two weightlifting sessions. Getting back into cycling took a few months of consistent effort, so I anticipate a similar adjustment period for weight training.

Turning our attention to our home, it's high time we tackled some of that neglected maintenance. While we've fantasized about major renovations to the family room, kitchen, and master bathroom, we need to start with the basics. Those drafty, inoperable windows in the family room are a constant reminder of how much work needs to be done. But that's a long-term project. For now, I'm committed to creating a plan by mid-summer for our initial home improvement projects.

Regarding my reading goals, I've slightly adjusted my target from 25 to 20 books for 2025, acknowledging the challenges I faced last year. In 2024, most of my reading was squeezed into the few minutes before bed. This year, I'm determined to incorporate reading into my lunch break, evenings, and even during those early morning moments. I've maintained a daily reading habit for 1,114 days, and now I'm aiming to increase the number of pages I read each day. Having been off work for the past few days, I've already noticed a significant difference.

I know firsthand that staying consistent with exercise, reading, and home improvement is a constant battle. It's so easy to fall off the wagon – one missed workout, one late night that cuts into reading time, and suddenly, the momentum is gone. But I'm determined to make these changes stick and make 2025 a truly fulfilling year.

Until next time, have a great rest of the week. Stay safe, keep warm, and check in on your neighbors as this winter storm continues to impact the area.

The Thrill of the Chase: A Washburn Football Thriller

Washburn University Marching Band

This past Saturday marked the first home game of the season for the Washburn University Ichabods. We faced the School of Mines out of Golden, CO. We started our season away two weeks prior at Emporia State and really did not play wall on the road for our first game of the season, so I was not expecting much from the first home game against the School of Mines who are ranked number five in the country. We used to play the School of Mines of every year to start the season out in Golden, CO, but this would be our first time to play them at Yager Stadium. 

The day started off cool and overcast but by game time, the clouds cleared and the sun was out. It got hot watching the game through the afternoon. We had a good crowd for the game and good amount of visitors to our tailgate spot. We did put up the canopy to help protect against the sun but it was still very warm.

Ichabods Ready to Take the Field

I love how prior to game time the band marches through the tailgate area and then a little bit later the team goes through the area too. They start at the top of the hill on the north end and then stream down the hill to the field to get started.

The Ichabods hung right in this game throughout to the end. We had a chance to win the game and then another chance to tie the game, but ended up losing 31-28. Facing the #5 team in the country, I did not think we were going to score let alone be close in the contest. However, we hung right with them and give me hope for the remaining games.

Ichabods on the Field

We were down three at the half and ended the game down three following both teams scoring a touchdown. We could not make up that last three points to win. Still, it was a fun day and it was great to be out at Yager Stadium to see our friends who were already tailgating when we arrived. 

Looking forward to the next home game on Saturday, September 21. This date also happens to be Carrie and my twenty-second wedding anniversary. Carrie is planning to decorate our area for our anniversary. I believe we are going to have some different food but we are still working through exactly what we will have on our special day. We play Pitt State on Saturday at 1 pm.

Today is Sunday while I write and I am looking forward to two events today. The Kansas City Royals play at 12:35 and the Kansas City Chiefs play at 3:25. It is going to be a good Sunday. I hope you enjoy your Sunday and have a fantastic week.

New Sidewalk and Update on Other Repairs for Our Home

We were finally able to have our front walk replaced. We had started the process back in February and because of various issues, we finally had the sidewalk replaced. This goes back to a post I made back in January 2021 regarding Repairs Needed, so it took a while, but we have done the window replacement and now the walk replacement.

For the walk, we went with Perez General Contractor. He did a great job for us and the delays were with weather as each time we had a target date set, it would pour down rain and delay us further. The new walk looks great! I have wanted to replace the walk ever since we moved in back in 2006 as it basically fell apart that first winter we were in the house.

Next, I have a tree trimmer lined up to trim the two trees in the front and then possibly also take out a tree next to our drive that has been slowly dying the past few years. Once we have the two trees in the front trimmed up, I will hopefully be able to reach out to our lawn care company to discuss about overseeing and trying to get grass to grow again under the two front trees. Last attempt at this one as I have done overseeing in the past, but the 2019 into 2020 season was the worst and our front lawn turned into dirt under both large trees and up by the evergreen by the front door.

Future repairs include window replacement, work in our family room, and other odds and ends. It feels good to have at least two items that needed to be done now done and move on to the next steps.

Until next Sunday, have a great week!