365 Fresh Starts

A Blog About Life

We've been conditioned to expect things to be all or nothing. We make dramatic resolutions on December 31st that we break by January 2, and then feel terrible about ourselves. We think that we can't change at all because our annual, dramatic attempts at change just don't work.

We get 365 fresh starts each year.

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What Would Betty Do Logo 24 Hour Fitness

Written on January 19, 2011 by Alisa.

Those who know me in real life probably know that over the years I’ve said more than a few disparaging things about the 24 Hour Fitness here in my town. It was, to put it bluntly, a dump. From the battleship gray walls to the worn-out equipment, it was like The Gym That Time Forgot. […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Try Something New: Fennel

Written on January 17, 2011 by Alisa.

As I read through one of my new cookbooks, I realized that while I’ve eaten fennel, I’ve never actually purchased or cooked it. In fact, without the recipes, I wouldn’t have had any idea how to prepare it in the first place. As it turns out, it’s surprisingly simple, and was a decent accompaniment to […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Fear and… Fear

Written on January 16, 2011 by Alisa.

I’m cleared to run, but haven’t done much. Sure, I use the weather as an excuse, but the truth is that I’m more than a little bit afraid of the possibility of pain. I’ve had enough of that already, thanks. The Plan Monday: Run Gym Tuesday: Gym Wednesday: Pilates Thursday: Gym Friday: Rest Day Saturday: […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Bechamel and Lasagna

Written on January 14, 2011 by Alisa.

Last week, I gave you the recipe for my All-Day Bolognese Sauce. By adding some bechamel sauce and cheese to that yummy sauce, you can make the best lasagna ever. Oh sure, I’m biased, but I much prefer the results from this creamy sauce than a soggy ricotta and egg mixture. Personal preference. Bechamel Sauce […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Another One Bites the Dust

Written on January 12, 2011 by Alisa.

You probably made a few resolutions before the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve. So… how are you doing with that? You’ve probably broken a few. You’re probably feeling a little bit guilty about that. And you probably feel like the world’s biggest slacker. Here’s a tip: ask around the office or call your friends. […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Try Something New: Suggestions

Written on January 10, 2011 by Alisa.

I’m on a quest to eat more whole foods this year, particularly more produce. There’s a lot of stuff out there that I’ve eaten at others’ homes, or at restaurants, but have never actually purchased or prepared myself. It’s time to break out of my rut and test the waters with one new item each […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Fitness Spas

Written on by Alisa.

Once upon a time, many years ago, I was lucky enough to take a spa vacation. For three days I was nestled at the Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas. But contrary to popular belief, I didn’t spend my days getting massage after massage. Each morning, from 8:00 AM until noon, the spa offers […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: New Year, New Plan

Written on January 9, 2011 by Alisa.

After three months of waiting, I was finally cleared to run again on January 1. Of course, the closest thing I did to running that day was dragging my suitcases through the airport. But I did establish a training plan with the goal of running my first 5K of the year in March, possibly at […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo All-Day Bolognese

Written on January 7, 2011 by Alisa.

There are few recipes that violate my general rule of being able to prepare them in less than an hour on a weeknight. This is one of them, and it is worth every moment that you spend on it. I make a ton at once so that I have plenty of leftovers. It also forms […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo The Numbers Game

Written on January 5, 2011 by Alisa.

I don’t weigh myself. I’ve always felt that the numbers game wasn’t as relevant as other factors, namely how you feel and how your clothes fit. It wasn’t until I broke my foot that I started to realize how true that was. When I went to urgent care, they weighed me: 151.5 lbs. Eight weeks […] Read More