Let my daughter ruin your New Year's Resolution

2015 cookie sales

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's a new year and that means many of you have vowed to work out more and eat healthier. Noble goals for sure, I'm doing the same (see the Operation Find Our Abs tab). But let my daughter, Brooke, derail your hard work. Girl Scout Cookies are once again on sale. There are all the usual favorites like Thin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs (my favorite) along with newcomers Girl Scout S'Mores and Toffee-Tastic. 

Cookies are $4 a box ($5 for the two new flavors) and a portion of the proceeds goes to Brooke's troop. She explains (not in great detail) what she enjoys about Girl Scouts. The program has been great for her for several years. 

Overnight at the St. Louis Zoo in 2012

In addition to the fun field trips to St. Louis and right here in southern Illinois, the girls have learned a number of valuable skills. First aid and safety, conservation and crafting are just a few of the things Girl Scouts has taught our daughter. 

Serving lunch at The Promise

Her troop has done several community service projects too. The girls have collected coats, hats and gloves for people in need in southern Illinois. Troop members have also served meals at The Promise in Marion.

Last year's sales

By purchasing a box of these delicious cookies you're making a difference in the lives of girls in your community. So whether you buy from my daughter or another girl in your neighborhood, I thank you in advance. My family does too.

Going Into March Like a Lion

Still looking...

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

It's the start of a new month and another round of accountability from me.  I vowed to get into better shape in 2015 and I've been recording my progress through daily #AccountabilityTweets on Twitter (@kevinhunsperger) and monthly right here.  I started my journey this year with the WWE Power Series Triple H Workout.  It's a four week program.  You can look back on my work with it here.

Half marathon in February

I've been running a lot too.  On Valentine's Day I completed my second half marathon and in a pretty decent time for me.  I've also joined a gym.  I've had memberships to facilities in the past and the membership card collects dust after a few months.  I'm trying hard not to fall into that syndrome again.  It's funny because on the first day at The Hub, I was approached by someone who reads this blog.  He asked how things were going and encouraged me by saying he'd seen a bit of improvement.

Because I'm focusing on my core, specifically my abs, I've found some great and intense workouts on YouTube from Brandon Carter.  They're about 15 minutes long, but I can feel the burn.  The other big area I'm still struggling but improving with is eating.  I'm doing a pretty good job through the week of cutting out sweets like cookies, candy and cereal.  So far I have not caved and had any of the Girl Scout cookies that are currently mocking me from our pantry.

From January-March

I'm posting my progress (or setbacks) for the world to see to hopefully encourage some folks to get up and start doing the same thing.  I'm also updating you all because it's become the ultimate form of accountability.  If you haven't started yet, do it today.  Let's take this journey together.  It doesn't have to be a Monday or the start of a new year or month or even week.  When you finish reading this (and the other fine blogs available here) head out and do something.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Park your car an extra row away from the front door at work.  Swap out one soda for a bottle of water each day.  Making small, gradual changes will help you adopt a healthier lifestyle and not conform to a fad diet. Good luck!