With my resolution to lose 50 pounds for 2009, I decided to take up a hobby I have been interested in trying for a long time: karate. Conveniently, my boyfriend Sean is a 2nd degree black belt in karate. He also has trained in the discipline known as Aikido. I asked him if he would teach me and he eagerly agreed.

Besides the karate, I have also taken up the following for exercising:

• Running on the Orbitrek 3 days a week for 20 minutes each
• Floor exercises and stretches

It is not much, but I am sure as I go, I will either change up things.

The great thing about taking up karate is that not only do I get exercise, I also get to learn something new. So far in the week I have learned basic blocks, kicks, and punches. I have even learned a few basic defensive Aikido moves. Also, I have progressed into learning my first kata. It is not easy, and just because my boyfriend is also my sensei, I am not taking my lessons lightly.

I have had rouged.org for a couple years. Before, it was like Despair.nu, a comment exchange site for bloggers. Now, that I have time, I am making it a health, consumer-as-a-mommy, fashion, and beauty blog. I could of course use Blondish.net, but I have so many things going on there that currently these topics would be hard to fit it. Blondish.net has been more about my freebies and project developments.

However, the big thing is incorporating my personal life. This year is a big year, I plan to lose at least 50 pounds. Between the other blogs, I will be putting in updates on my progress and what I do. This is not a fad diet blog. I may talk about my experience with trying fad diets, but this is about becoming healthy in body, mind, and my environment in general.