"Twenty Months to Do Something Important"

"...stands out as if among a herd of cows someone placed a firmly-built horse with ringing hooves, a prize winner from winged dreams." -Alcman (7th century; chorus excerpt for Spartan women)

This time, I'm determined. We girls (and guys, as well) have all tried weight loss at one point in our lives. New Year's resolutions, summer diets, etc. Yet, one thing seems to be inevitable: we lose the water weight and perhaps a couple of fat pounds, but never anything significant. We get discouraged, busy, and wait until after the winter holidays to pick up the pieces and try again. I only have twenty months left before Elder Studly comes home. I need to finish this "single life" with a bang and have something to show for it.

Here's what I want to become in those twenty months:

• More Japanese-literate (i.e. a full-blown translator.)
• 6" smaller (horizontally, not vertically.)
• Cardio-healthy (i.e. I can climb Mt. Timpanogos at a regular, healthy pace.)

Not too ambitious for twenty months! It'd be ridiculous if I tried to do this in only three or four months. I'll be patient and leave room for mistakes, but ultimately, I will achieve those goals. Good luck to me! がんばれ！