So I have two side projects while I’m here. These are things that will help me pass the time (well, when I have time to spare) and also help me out in the long run.

One of them is learning a new language, to which I’ve slowly (and yes, I admit I’ve been procrastinating a bit) been learning Dari/Farsi. I have a phrase book I’ve started to read and in learning and picking up things here I’ve been able to to learn the basic phrase, “My name is Tonia.” Learning a new language is not in my 30 before 30, but I figure hey, if I replace one because there was something I couldn’t do here, it’s still a good skill to have in my basket and a great thing to add to my list.

The next one is part of my 30 before 30 in regards to getting in as good of shape as I was in college. I’ve started this crusade since I’ve been here slowly, and today decided to name it Operation Sexy Bitch (#SexyBitchOps).

This has included going to the gym at least 5 days a week for 45 minutes of exercise every time, doing the ab workout with my tent-mates 3 days a week, and trying to watch what I eat as much as I can here, although there isn’t much to cut back on and there aren’t many choices.

As of a couple weeks ago, I cut back almost completely on anything other than water. Occasionally I’ll add crystal light to it and one day last week I craved a strawberry fanta. I also have ice cream on a rare occasion. However, for the most part, I am trying to eat better as well as possible.

I’ve felt a little defeated up until this past week and actually felt like I was gaining weight. However, the past week or so it’s been noticed by others that are around me a lot that I’m looking pretty good and that my figure is showing more.  I haven’t weighed myself yet, but I’m pretty happy with the new found energy I have again and that people are noticing.

The big highlight was being able to run a mile out of the two I did on the treadmill today. I couldn’t tell you the last time I was able to do that.  It felt so nice and after I was done and cooled off I had an insane amount of energy again, as if I could do it twice.

Hopefully things will continue as well as they are doing now and maybe in a few weeks or so I’ll have a picture with an update when I take one I like. Who knows, maybe @TheWinterHat will be in it too

Anyone else that wants to take part in #SexyBitchOps, let me know. This is a team effort!