Recycling-Part I: Knowing Your Products

     As I stated in my 101 blog, part I will be about getting to know your products.  This includes what you buy, what it comes in, and how it impacts your daily living and (more importantly) the earth.  Sometimes I'm astounded by how small and intricate some things (like plastic or cardboard) are involved in products.  Now that doesn't mean you have to get down into the inner workings of everything you touch (although it doesn't hurt I'm sure...) but it should really let you see just how much of this stuff we use all of the time and how it gets tossed away...NEVER to leave the earth again.  It gets tossed in a landfill, tossed out the car window, tossed out in space (is that really a thing?!).  Tossed, tossed, tossed!

Okay so, what products should be recycled you ask?  Here is a quick list to get you started:

Aerosol cans containing no propellant or material

Aluminum: Cans and clean foil

Beverage and food containers: Clean glass, steel, and tin

Mixed paper: White writing paper and stationery Tablet paper and tablet cardboard White and colored copy paper Computer paper (green and blue bar) Colored triplicate forms Sticky notes Paper wrappers Magazines Newspaper Blueprint paper All envelopes Junk mail Telephone books Paperback books Manila folders Boxboard (e.g., cracker or cereal boxes) Corrugated cardboard

Plastic bottles or containers with a #1-7 recycling symbol on the bottom (rigid plastic only, not plastic film)

Molded Styrofoam packaging

(source)

     There are other products like batteries, paint, toner cartridges, and more that can still be recycled although the methods are a bit different due to the chemicals involved.  Check with your local centers to see what their practices are and what they do/do not take (more about that in part II.)

     When I read this list here are just a few of the (thousands of) products that come to mind here in our household:

-junk mail

-shampoo and/or body wash bottles (look on the bottom to find the number)

-soda cans (or in our case now-V8 cans)

-milk jugs

-pasta sauce jars

-printer paper (thesis drafts anyone?!)

-bug spray canisters (or hairspray)

-cereal boxes (boxboard)

-make-up containers (foundation-glass/plastic, eye pallets-plastic)

-mail packages (corrugated cardboard)

     In our house I've noticed that we have a LOT of cardboard...like a ton.  It comes on everything!  Due to this, we've tried to get products that have less of it BUT aren't willing to trade it for packaging that is going to be trash.  It's a hit or miss sometimes but worth the time to look for alternatives.

You should not recycle the following (amongst others):

-plastic film (think DVD packaging)

-Styrofoam

-trash

-tissue/paper towels

-plastic bags (think grocery bags)

-tires

-medical products

-diapers

Although these products cannot be recycled, some can be replaced or revamped.  For example: a lot of food considered trash can be composted as mulch for a garden.  Or you can make/buy some cloth grocery bags to skip getting plastic ones altogether.  You can often donate tires to car junk yards (if they're in decent shape) as well as other car parts for scrap metal.  Again, check with your local center about what is/is not acceptable to recycle there.

     I ask you, dear reader, to spend 1 month noting what products you buy, what they come in, and what you can recycle from it.  It's a bit time consuming to start but WORTH IT.  You notice just how much we waste on a lot of temporary products.  I can promise you'll be astounded!  I'd suggest if you're just starting out to take inventory of what you notice you're throwing away the most.  Like I stated, I had no idea just how much cardboard we were tossing away until I really started to pay attention.  Now I can't turn it off and am SO glad we're recycling a lot more of it now!

So lovelies, do some research.  Take part in recycling, not as a movement but as a lifestyle change.  It's a pretty painless process and has SO many benefits.  I promise it will be worth it!

Recycling 101 (An Introduction)

     I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that recycle(s/d).  My mom married my (ex) stepdad when I was only 5 so from 5-12 I was exposed to and taught a lot about recycling.  In that house we recycled:

Cans (soda and beer)

Glass (bottles)

Cardboard (from cereal boxes, etc.)

Mixed paper (letters, mail, etc.)

Plastic (milk jugs, soda bottles, etc.)

Magazines and Newspapers

     My stepdad made this neat spot in our pantry where it all went.  We had 6 LARGE tupperware bins placed on a homemade shelf and we just stuck the appropriate product in the correct bin.  Easy!  Although they divorced, his habits rolled over and my mom, my sister, and myself still practice recycling.  I'm super glad about that!
     As silly as it may sound, I also remember Nickelodeon having a large impact on my views towards recycling, water conservation, and animal care.  Back in the 1990s I remember a lot of television, books, and discussions regarding being earth conscious and "green" (although I don't remember it being such a movement until the mid 2000s).  I'm so glad for this!
     Both of these things have had a huge impact on my daily living and practices.  I am glad that I have also rubbed off on Derrick and that he is fine with these practices as well because frankly, I don't want to budge on it.

If you're a newbie to recycling, may I suggest a few things first?

1) Get to know your products (part I).  Know: what you buy, what it comes in, and how it impacts your daily living and (more importantly) the earth.

2) Take note (for about a month) of how often you're throwing "trash" away and what you're actually throwing out...you'd be ASTOUNDED to see how very wasteful we are (as a nation and as individuals)!

3) Look for your local recycle centers/pickups for your town.  Recycling has become a lot less stressful with the green movements that really came about in the 2000s.  There is curbside pickup (just like your trash), centers for drop off, and some centers for cash exchange (namely cans and metals).

4) Understand where to recycle what (part II) and why it's important.

5) Once you're feeling comfortable...EDUCATE! Teach your friends, family, children, co-workers basic recycling practices that can really make a huge impact.

     This means that in working towards my yearly goal of going green(er) and continuing and expanding the patterns we've developed in our habits, I will be setting up our own little recycle depot in our hall closet.  I'm super excited about it!  I've got to relearn some of my products and disposal practices and teach Derrick about them but I think it's totally worth it.  So check back for part I where I will be discussing what products are and are not right for recycling.  In part II, I'll be discussing what should be recycled where and the actual impact recycling has on your home, your community, and your world!  Part III will be how to upcycle-recycling things in your home to become newer/different things without having to take them to a center, look at labels, etc.

Are you ready to greenify your living practices?!  Because I promise:  once you get in the habit of recycling it becomes easy-peasy and you'll really notice a difference!

2013-Another year to enjoy!

Another year means another chance at change, excitement, and adventure!  It's the start of something very different for me so I am anxious (in a good way) to get it started!

So what do we have planned for 2013?  Check it out!

-Make our lifestyle greener: After an adventure in making both my own face wash and laundry detergent along with reading a few blogs about making greener and healthier food changes I really think we can do it. By making our diets cleaner, our cleaning products both eco friendly and chemical free, and just making good decisions regarding our everyday living I think both D and I can do it!

-Bust my ass at my new job: I've got a new job which is to be incredibly fast paced and high stress.  I hope to not only manage but work through any issues I have and come out a champion by years end!

-(Attempt to) travel: Because of said new job, I'm not sure how/when I'll be able to do any traveling besides small weekend excursions.  If, after 6 months, things are going well and I can request time (and we have the funds), D and I will find somewhere to go and enjoy a new slice of the world.  IF we get to, here are a few places I'd like to visit if possible: New Haven, CT (to visit Shelley which in turn could lead to a quick visit to NYC), Gatlinburg, TN, Chicago, IL, and/or Redlands, CA.  I still want to see the Biltmore Mansion and Graceland but those may be a lot more "doable" since they can be quick weekend getaways.

-Purchase at least 1 work appropriate piece per paycheck starting with my first check in February (this includes accessories).  I was so fortunate to be given some funds for graduation and they REALLY helped me start gathering more work appropriate (and professional) pieces.

-(Really) learn French: Although I had more time without a job, I didn't find the proper motivation to go further than part 1 of my French Rosetta Stone.  So 2013, I will!

-Attempt at least 2 vegetarian or vegan days per week.  After attempting a meatless month I'd really like to progress into that.  I think January will be tough since I've got to wait until the very end of the month for my first check but after that...bring it ON!

-WRITE MORE! I find such solace and relaxation in writing and I want to do a LOT more of it this year.  Whether it's poetry, fiction, journaling, or research I just want to delve in and really do it.

-Save more money: With this new job I plan on putting more in my savings account than I had previously.  If I keep it up and don't mess with it I can really rack up some funds for a big purchase later in life!  With this also comes the start of paying off student loans.  While it's intimidating to me, I know we can manage it and really start chipping away at it, slowly and steadily.

-Make a list of stuff I want for the home: If we decide to stay in our apartment for the next few years (which we may do), I want to add new things to it.  Since it has been quiet some time since I updated about our home, I figured I might as well get the other stuff I want to really show you what it's become over the past few years =]

-Craft more:  My goal is to make at least one craft a month.  This does not include making the greener stuff (unless I come up with something truly unique).  I'm excited!

This is all I can think of right now and WOW-what a list!  I hope to blog about my do-it-yourself stuff and update you all on the progress to these goals throughout the year.

Cheers and HAPPY 2013!

2012 in Review

Well well...2012 has come and (is almost) gone and it has been a doozy!

I started 2012 with a few overall goals I wanted to achieve and then I got too excited and came up with a few more.

So what did we do this year?  Well a bit of everything!  And it was A.W.E.S.O.M.E!

1. We traveled a LOT! We went to California, Hawaii, and Orlando this year.
2. We graduated from college!
3. We celebrated our birthdays AND our anniversaries!
4. I lost my job (not good) BUT found a new one which I will start in January!
5. I attempted a change in my diet and mostly enjoyed it.
6. I kept up my love for donating and organizing and started to pay it forward.
7. I read 50 books this year!
8. I worked on some home projects.
9. I worked on getting back into writing.
10. I worked on re-vamping my style, fashion, and closet.
11. I successfully defended my thesis!
12. I made new friends!
13. I have grown up a bit more.
14. I got to spend a lot of time with my family.
15. I have (slowly) become healthier in mind and spirit (although working out took a back seat again and I NEED to get my body healthier).

Though they may seem small, these accomplishments have been awesome and have made 2012 an even better year than I anticipated.

I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store.  It's always so much fun seeing the days, weeks, months, years unfold!  Just a few more days!

Cheers!
J

Good-bye sweet summer!

This summer has truly been an amazing one.  Lots of travel, sunshine, learning, and laughing has taken place.  My goals haven't all been done but alas...such is summer =]

*Big Goals*
-Take a family trip to Universal Studios. WE HAD A BLAST!

-Start and complete level 5 (the last) of the French Rosetta Stone. FAIL-I'm officially putting on my semester schedule (like a class) so I will get it done!

-Complete volunteer work towards the end of the month. FAIL

-Start (what will hopefully be) my last semester of Graduate School. I am pumped! Busy busy busy, coming my way!

*Smaller Goals*
-Read. (I read "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, "Jesus Freaks: A True Story of Murder and Madness on the Evangelical Edge" by Don Lattin" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kensey-I also read book 3 of the HP series)

-Make an A for my SK class.

-Get organized. (I've combined me and D's schedules for the semester (including both work and school along with appts., etc.) and as crazy as it looks it makes me feel MUCH better about organizing it all!

-FINALLY get my hair cut. (Seriously-it's been since April!)

-Start new research. (Now while it's in its prime, I am REALLY hoping to hanker down and get it going this semester, including IRB approval and the creation of my interview questions.  I've already started gathering literature and coming up with hypotheses)

-Spend more time with friends.

-Spend some time with past/present/future Soc. grad students.

What a grand summer it has been-I love summers so much and always look forward to them.

Down with July!

I had these plans for the summer-some have worked out and others...not so much.  July was a busy one and a great one!  Check it out!


*Bigger Things*
-Celebrate the 4th of July It was neat because the 4th is one of my FAVORITE holidays and Derrick and I actually spent it in town for the first time.  It was cool to part of this city's collective happiness to see fireworks, swim, and enjoy the patriotism of the country for one night.

-Revise and work on rewrites for my thesis FAIL-I was all focused on my class....

-Start and complete levels 3 and 4 of the French Rosetta Stone ANOTHER FAIL...again, focused on class and this severely fell by the waist side

-Continue volunteer work. NOPE. Although remember my previous post about why?

*Smaller Things*
-Cook and bake more

-READ (I am rereading the Harry Potter series (I finished books 1 and 2 in July) and also read "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordian, "The Invisible Man" by H.G. Wells, and "Deception Point" by Dan Brown)

-Complete class (and what an INTERESTING and fun course it was!)

-Take care of Tucker pup (he was getting sick towards the end of the month but a new diet and some medication have helped a ton!)

-Send thank you cards/birthday cards/anniversary cards (which also assisted in my RAoK)

-Spend time with my new friend(s)

-Work, work, work

-Register for (what I'm hoping will be) my last semester of Graduate school

-Get my craft on!  I had a day of sewing with my aunt and we made a lot of cool things! I've made some cloth napkins, some hand towels, and grocery bags-all from old pillow cases! UPCYCLING Y'ALL!  And I made a sweet apron for my boss' birthday-I'll post pictures of the process later.  I LOVE to sew and had a really great time.  When we've got more funds for "extra" spending I plan on getting some fabric and starting another quilt!

Overall, another busy and fun month.  I'm starting to "mourn" the summer because I know with it now being August I've only got a few weeks left of this glorious time!  Ah well-best make the most of it, eh?

June down, July and August to go

June has been a wiley month, for sure but I still got a lot accomplished.  Not as much as I had planned but still-it's been a good month!

*Bigger Things*

-Input and analyze my thesis data. I technically haven't analyzed it but it has all been input into the software needed and I have created my tables. Success!

-Start and complete levels 1 and 2 of the French Rosetta Stone. No way. I have started it and have worked quite diligently on it but I don't think I gave it enough credit on how in-depth and long it takes. I am just now almost done with level 1. I am very glad it's so in-depth but it will probably take my until school starts again to get through levels 1 & 2 (with 3 more levels to go)! But I am learning so much already (and I took 3 years in high school and scored high in the national test I had to take) and I'd suggest Rosetta Stone to EVERYONE! An investment for sure (it's costly) but worth every cent. I feel like I already know more than I learned in 3 years of French and I am having reading, listening, writing, and speaking blended simultaneously, which is helping greatly.

-Start volunteer work at the Domestic Violence Center of Rutherford County. This didn't happen...I was offered my 40 hours back at work and unfortunately the volunteer work I'd be capable of doing is only from 8:30-4 M-F. It bums me out a bit but I'm still trying to donate supplies when I can and I read up on their news. Maybe after I graduate I can? I really hope so.

*Smaller Things*
-Start class officially and start my readings/homework

-I read 4 books which were all great! “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen and “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs.

-Enjoy (as always) date nights and time at home with my family

-Work, work, work

-Hang out with new friends

-Cook a lot more (blogs to come later)

-Relax

-Do more RoK’s (random acts of kindness)

May down, June, July and August to go!

Remember when I said I was pumped about summer and couldn't wait for it to begin?

Yeah-May was pretty amazing.  I did everything I had planned on doing and more!!

*Bigger things*

-Celebrate my 25th birthday


-Celebrate my 2 year wedding anniversary with Derrick <3

-Take a week long trip with Derrick to Hawaii to visit my best friend Destiny

-Take a course on Serial Killers for school I'm counting this-I started the course but it won't officially be over until August 3rd.

*Smaller things*
-Spend some much needed time with my best friend(s)

-Get back into my regular non-school work routine

-Make all A's

-Complete TG report

-READ READ READ

-Organize and number thesis data

-Start searching for future research ideas

-Hang out with new friends

-Lounge by the pool

-Walk Tucker

-Enjoy (as always) date nights

Such a fun and fast month May was...here's to hoping June holds just as much fun! I'm 4 days in and I can already tell it is looking to be pretty awesome!

Spring Break '12 goals-Complete!

1) "Complete" Literature Review and Intro. for Thesis to prep for defending and submission to IRB for approval.
2) Work on and complete Program Eval. mid-term. DRAW-I did work on this but mostly yesterday so the completion was a fail.
3) Pull data from pilot survey and reveal results to Dr. A and Dr. W. COMPLETE-But it took FOREVER
4) Work on TG logic model for Program Eval. FAIL-I just didn't....
5) Make pillows-I have 4 I want to do.COMPLETE!  Check out this how to to make some of your own!
6) Do both FAFSAs for (hopefully) our last semester (!!!) FAIL-I tried 3 times but the site was down...maybe this weekend?
7) Get Tucker updated on his shots COMPLETE-poor pup was so excited to hang out in the vet he was molting,lol!  He did good though and (almost) didn't feel a thing!
8) Book flights to San Diego for the SSSA Conference I'm participating in. Details to come in a later blog. COMPLETE! I can't wait-just a few short weeks!
9) Celebrate 4 years of togetherness with D! COMPLETE-It was great, as usual.
10) Work-since I'm not going anywhere for Spring Break it will give me a chance to catch up on work for 4 solid days before taking Friday off for our 4 years. COMPLETE-It went well and I feel much more caught up...at least until I'm gone for San Diego, lol.

Spring Break 2012

Well, this year Spring Break isn't really as fun as last year but I've still got a lot to do and that I want to accomplish!

Let's see what my Spring Break '12 goals are:

1) "Complete" Literature Review and Intro. for Thesis to prep for defending and submission to IRB for approval.  (I put complete in quotes because it technically does not have to be completed until I defend my thesis and submit it for binding).
2) Work on and complete Program Eval. mid-term.
3) Pull data from pilot survey and reveal results to Dr. A and Dr. W.
4) Work on TG logic model for Program Eval.
5) Make pillows-I have 4 I want to do, 1 of which is already complete!  Details to come in a later blog.
6) Do both FAFSAs for (hopefully) our last semester (!!!)
7) Get Tucker updated on his shots.
8) Book flights to San Diego for the SSSA Conference I'm participating in.  Details to come in a later blog.
9) Celebrate 4 years of togetherness with D!
10) Work-since I'm not going anywhere for Spring Break it will give me a chance to catch up on work for 4 solid days before taking Friday off for our 4 years.

What are YOU doing for Spring Break?  

If you do not have a Spring Break to celebrate, tell me what you're doing this week!

I cave

I didn't want to post my yearly goals for 2012 but I have so many I'm afraid I will forget!  So here it goes to name a few.  I'm sure others will crop up throughout the year but these are the main ones I keep thinking about.

1. I want to become more healthy.  This includes my physical, mental and emotional well being.  Starting Sunday I plan on working out again and changing a few of my eating patterns.  I know I can change some of these patterns as I've done them before so that I am not too concerned with.  Regarding my mental health...that may be a different story, ha ha!  I officially start my thesis this semester and I'm nervous about it.  Graduate school in general makes my mind feel a bit stretched but I'm thinking I can do it! Now my fragile emotional health-I have positive feelings for this year.

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Granted, a new year is not the "thing" that makes decisions and makes/breaks a person.  The choices and reactions to them are what do so I plan on trying to bring my dramatics and worry down quite a bit (since I have a nasty little tendency for both).  These things being said, I know this will be the hardest but probably the most rewarding goal I can do for myself both this year and throughout my life.  I'd really like to say that when I turn 25 I am in the best shape (in all of these categories) of my life.

2. I want to travel more! My sites are set on going to: California, Florida, New York City, Hawaii and Chicago.

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Now let me go ahead and tell you right now I may only be going to possibly two (HI to see Destiny and CA for a conference) but I would like to if at all possible go to a few others.  Outside of Chicago I know people we/I can room with for our stay so travel and food expenses are the main financial components. But there are also so more local places I'd like to check out that may be more reasonable both financially and for time (work and school ya know). Like travelling to Louisville, KY to see lovely Lauren for a few days, to Memphis to check out Graceland, Huntsville, AL to check out the Space museum, or Ashville, NC to check out the Biltmore mansion.

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These aren't exotic and luxurious places but awesome locales I'd really like to check out.  Who knows?!  Maybe I'll see them all ;)

3. Get more done in school.  That may sound a bit silly considering how intense I've made the GS scene out to be but in reality I need more to put on my CV (Curriculum Vitae) for future jobs.

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So in April I may be going to CA for a conference regarding a paper Dr. A and I are working on.  Also this summer I want to volunteer somewhere to help teach or lend a hand to a cause.  And obviously, I'd really like to have at least two things published by the time I graduate.  This may include my thesis, it may not.  I have two projects I started on that I'd like to carry on with but they're so time consuming that they may have to wait until after Spring Break to even be looked at.  I've got one year to tack more stuff to my CV but as of now it's pretty bare.  We will see.

4. Take more care of my self.

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Now this deviates a bit from the first goal because this is on a more superficial level (at least to start).  I want to dress better.  I want to try new things with my hair, my clothes, my style.  I want to try to keep my nails done (even if it's just clear polish).  I want to quit using excuses as to why I'm not looking professional or half-way decent when I could be.  Now note: I am NOT saying I need to have my hair done, make up on, sky high heels on and a push up bra.  I don't particularly have anything against those who do but I am not one of those ladies.  My point here is I want to try to be better about presenting myself regardless of who I am around. I will try to keep myself happy while also putting forth the image I want to. (But please know that when I'm sick-all bets are off.  I don't care who I am around, if I'm sick I will dress/look exactly how I feel, ha ha!)  Alongside these things I also want to take care of myself by soaking my brain in books, movies, television, theater, operas, and ballet. I want to absorb these things best I can because they all make me so incredibly happy whilst staying hand-in-hand with the other happy things in my life (like family, friends, work, etc.)  I also want to do things good for me like hiking, getting a massage, swimming and laughing.  I want to take as much care of myself as possible starting NOW! (I'm already on my way because I'm blogging and getting ready to finish my first book of 2012!

5. Learn French.  You know...the language.  I took 3 years of it in high school and placed in the 80s out of 500 in the nation of those that took this French III test. I love French culture (especially the Parisians) and have always wanted to fluently speak, write, read it.  I could read it the best, write it okay, speak it the worst.  So I plan to re-start my journey with the purchasing of the Rosetta Stone French sets.  They are expensive but I think worth it because not only will I be learning it but Der wants to learn it too.  That way we can keep it kind of alive by speaking it to one another!  Then obviously we want to go to France to try out our tongues...when we're ready, lol!

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So I'll be going back to the basics (and Der from scratch) hopefully soon and maybe one day I'll write a whole blog in French!  I really look forward to this.

Again-Happy 2012 bloggers! Enjoy the day, the year, the life.  What an incredible journey we all take!

New Years Resolutions-Year End Recap!

Well well: looks like 2011 has come and gone and it went by so fast! I miss (most of) it already!  Remember when I made my 2011 resolutions alongside my monthly goals?  Let's see what I actually got done this year!

1) Donate more-whether it's money, clothes, time I want to do more of it. According to Der I get "donation binges" where I tear our home upside down and inside out ridding of things we no longer need/want and give them to some that do. No harm in it and I like it. I totally did this! I got rid of/gave a lot of clothes, energy, dishes, supplies, money, support, and time this year-all donating to friends, shelters, family, the community, etc.  It's very humbling and rewarding to help others and to continue to de-clutter my home.


2) Stay healthy, hopefully slimming a bit in the process. I have no real reason not to and if you read this blog you'll know what I mean. Well...I was doing well...until this summer and especially this fall with school.  A main goal for 2012 is to re-vamp all of my health stuff so we'll see what actually transpires.

3) Do well in school. I always have and don't plan on stopping. I did =]  I could have done a tad bit better but considering-I am proud.

4) Travel more-this is a big one because Der and I both love to travel. Whether we go to Florida to see the in-laws and/or Disney World, California to see Patrick and/or Der's grandparents, or Chicago (just because I really wanna go) I want to get more traveling under my belt in 2011. The only place travel won't count is to Chattanooga since I go there all of the time. Travel I/we did! We went on The Delta Queen (though I know I said I wouldn't count Chattanooga...this only counts because it is a traveling hotel that happened to be docked in Chatt. and is pretty awesome), enjoyed a little time in The Smokies, I visited my family in Oklahoma, learned a bit about Jack Daniels in Lynchburg, and checked out one of my favorite cities with my hubs!  May not be too much (or too far) for some but it was enough to get excited about and close enough that it wasn't a fortune!  I definitely want this to be another goal for 2012 (and hopefully it will be complete too!)

5) Read more-I think when I get a Kindle this may be a bit easier. Now don't get me wrong: I love a good library smelling book as much as the next person but carrying 20 books in my over-the-shoulder tote doesn't seem to make sense for my shoulders or for purpose sake. So, with the Kindle I can lightly carry around the classics (not to mention my school books) for traveling and class sake. Psssh-I ROCKED this goal! I read 35 books that were not school related!  This includes e-books (via my Kindle) and hard copies. I won't lie-this is pretty cool and something I totally want to carry over into 2012 (and every year!)



6) A photo a day project: if you're linked with me on Facebook.com, I am hoping to do a project where I take a photo a day and talk about it-traversing my year in 2011 through photos. Once I get a real camera this will be made much much easier but until then, crappy cell phone pics will have to do. 1 down, 364 to go! Oh I totally failed this, ha ha! I did about 60ish days and then just plum forgot!

7) Finish Raley home. We've lived here almost 8 months and everything isn't finished-in part due to finances, in part due to forgetfulness, lol. I want everything completed by the summer if possible, but by Dec. 31 2011 at the latest. Well-This is kind of done, LOL. The bedroom still needs some work but the rest of the place is pretty much complete!  I need to post pics....

8) Go to at least 1 concert. I'm not really concerned as to whom I'm seeing but I want to see at least one. I don't think 2010 had any for me (at least none memorable) so I'd like to remedy that. HECK YEAH! Der and I went to see RUSH!  I had wanted to go see my favorite band (Incubus) but the closest they came to Nashville was Atlanta and it was smack in the middle of the semester...maybe next time?

9) See more theater-especially since I am jonesing for it so much as of late. Whether it's professional ("Spring Awakening!") or local (MTSU) I want to see more of it. I did! I saw: MTSUs "Medea" with Kelly, saw Tonya in "Hairspray", MTSUs "RENT" with Tonya, a couple of 1 acts with Tonya and Ben at Out Front on Main, saw "Little Shop of Horrors" directed by Kelly at the high school she teaches at, and saw MTSU's original play "Lady Parts". Definitely felt good to see some theatre this year =]  I didn't see a completely professional show but maybe 2012 can remedy that.

10) Celebrate. I don't care if it's for weddings, birthdays or sheer fun-I want to jump for joy even more this year though 2010 had a LOT of that going on. Life is for living, after all. Oh-SO SO SO many celebrations were had this year! It's very incredible to realize how awesome the people in your life are and to celebrate them and their/your accomplishments. I saw people (and dogs) getting older including me, I saw friends having babies, and saw friends getting married.  I celebrated life with the passing of Clyde, Long John, and Anna. I also celebrated a 3 year relationship and 1 year of marriage with my boo. I have successfully completed 1 year of Graduate School in the journey of obtaining my Masters of Arts in Sociology.  I have helped send my best friend off to Hawaii for the NAVY and have celebrated the purchase of my sister's first home.  And duh-I celebrated holidays with great coworkers, wonderful friends and awesome family. 2011 was chucked full of amazing celebrations and I am so incredibly glad and thankful I was able to take part in all of them.

2011-You weren't bad.  You absolutely had your downs but your ups more than made up for it.  Cheers to bringing in 2012 with smiles, laughter and a lot of goals accomplished!

2012-I've got a good feeling you're going to be just as good.

December Goals-completed!

December was a whirlwind and I miss [most of] it already-it went by too fast!  Check out what I got done!

*Around the House
-Finish hanging photos. COMPLETE-I finished hanging and placing pictures (finally!) in the living room.  I love how it turned out! Now maybe one day I'll get to the bedroom, lol.
-Sew clothes needing mending. COMPLETE-all with the exception of 1 hoodie that I will need a sewing machine for.
-Mail out Christmas cards. COMPLETE-I even got the festive stamps too, ha ha!
-Put up Christmas decor. COMPLETE!  It  was nice re-arranging everything and decorating our tree. That's always one of my favorite parts.

*Celebrations (YAY!)
-Celebrate Christmas with Derrick, Kelly, Wes, Andrew, Dylan, Tonya, and Ben. COMPLETE-Duh, it was awesome!
-Celebrate the holidays at work with co-workers. COMPLETE-It was so much fun!
-Celebrate the holidays with family. COMPLETE-what a great time and busy day we had!
-Celebrate my mom's birthday. COMPLETE-although it was early because her birthday fell on a Wednesday and she would be back in the Noog for it.  When we went out on our shopping day I gave her the card we got her and bought her lunch! It was fun and I'm glad I got to celebrate a bit with her!
-Jen and mom come up for shopping and fun. COMPLETE! As always, tons of fun was had even though I was sick.
-Celebrate goodbyes with Elisa and John since they're moving to Hawaii =( COMPLETE-although I sure am going to miss them!
-Celebrate time off from work and school COMPLETE-probably the best time off I've had in a LONG time.

*School
-COMPLETE my second semester of Graduate School (1 year down baby!) COMPLETE-1 year down, 1 more to go!
-Be content with my grades, whatever they may be. COMPLETE! Everything worked out just fine =]


Well-I think this may be a first in my blog history that I have a full month with nothing but completes!  It's a nice feeling and a great way to end the year =]

Cheers December-you were fun and fast!

December Goals

Wow-I can't believe the year is almost over!!  I have a lot planned in December but I am SO looking forward to partaking in all of it! Sure they are goals but most importantly they are (mostly) fun and exciting! Lots of celebrating in store for us!

*Around the House
-Finish hanging photos.
-Sew clothes needing mending.
-Mail out Christmas cards.
-Put up Christmas decor.

*Celebrations (YAY!)
-Celebrate Christmas with Derrick, Kelly, Wes, Andrew, Dylan, Tonya, and Ben.
-Celebrate the holidays at work with co-workers.
-Celebrate the holidays with family.

(like last year)

-Celebrate my mom's birthday.
-Jen and mom come up for shopping and fun.

(Our annual tradition is to go shopping through the Boro and have a great and warm lunch at Steak N Shake)

-Celebrate goodbyes with Elisa and John since they're moving to Hawaii =(
-Celebrate time off from work and school

*School
-COMPLETE my second semester of Graduate School (1 year down baby!)
-Be content with my grades, whatever they may be.

November Goals-complete!

Well well: November was insane (as all months are seeming to be, LOL) but let's see what I got accomplished.

*Fun
-Celebrate Destiny's 25th birthday! COMPLETE-though the term celebrate here means "ship package and attempt to talk for a bit on the phone", LOL
-Celebrate Thanksgiving COMPLETE-and it was awesome though entirely too short.  Der had to work from 11:30 Thanksgiving night through noon on Black Friday so we had a quick turn around from the festivities-still worth it though!
-Create template for holiday cards using Shutterfly like last year. FAIL-since we didn't do Christmas pictures this year I'm just going to buy some old standards-not as fun but get the point across just the same.
-Read a book for fun, not class (though I'm not sure which one yet). COMPLETE-I have read:
1."Favorite Wife: My Escape from Polygamy" by Susan Ray Schmidt.  Very interesting read-insight into a rogue polygamist cult.
2. "Gods Behaving Badly" by Marie Phillips-comedic read about Greek Gods living in a modern day London.
3. And I also started "An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography" by Paul Rusesabagina-this is the autobiography that sparked the film Hotel Rwanda. I'm only about 72 pages into it but I can already tell it's going to be GREAT!
-See the play "Lady Parts" COMPLETE-It was a great night to get my mind off of school and get back into my roots of theater-I actually cried a bit, lol!
-Continue Christmas shopping COMPLETE-I am so good and so close to being done =]
-Throw another "Grad Hangoutage" for all of us COMPLETE-Only 3 of us showed up but it was a great girls night that I really needed!

*School
-KEEP SANITY DRAW-I think because I did and I didn't, LOL
-Start thesis stuff COMPLETE-I've got a lot of re-working to do but I've still got 2 semesters to tweak it ;]
-Work on Theory analysis for Final COMPLETE-I've gathered my articles and plan on starting on it Wednesday!
-Continue methodology for Methods class COMPLETE-It's going smoother which is good.
-Garner interviews for Masculinities class DRAW-I've sent out the interview guides but I don't know if I'll have them back before November is officially over.

COMPLETE-9         FAIL-1      DRAW-2

Now-it looks like I had entirely too much fun and not enough school but BELIEVE ME-I stayed busy busy!  December will be just as intense but in a completely different atmosphere-I can't WAIT!

November Goals

Though I feel like my main goal should be "keep my sanity",  I will attempt to list what else I've got to/want to get done this month.  Basically-this month will be divided between fun and school...where school is 98.19305% of my time.

*Fun
-Celebrate Destiny's 25th birthday!
-Celebrate Thanksgiving
-Create template for holiday cards using Shutterfly like last year
-Read a book for fun, not class (though I'm not sure which one yet).
-See the play "Lady Parts"
-Continue Christmas shopping
-Throw another "Grad Hangoutage" for all of us

*School
-KEEP SANITY
-Start thesis stuff
-Work on Theory analysis for Final
-Continue methodology for Methods class
-Garner interviews for Masculinities class

October Goals-done done!

I know it's a few days late but here's what I (barely) got done this month!

*School
-Submit abstract to ASA conference. COMPLETE! I should hear something about if it's accepted or not soon!
-Make all As on projects/papers/assignments. FAIL- Nothing but a ='( will do here
-FALL BREAK (a much needed break indeed)! COMPLETE! And it was everything I wanted and more!!
-Attend the Undergraduate Symposium (and potentially present). COMPLETE-and I'm so glad it's over, lol!

*Family
-Jen and Mom come to visit! COMPLETE-Jen wasn't able to come up due to work but Mom did and we had SUCH an awesome time!
-Visit with Aunt Lynn during FFFF weekend (see below). COMPLETE-and she looks good! She has shaved her head but her spirit was high and wonderful and she loved seeing all of us <3
-Fall Family Fun Fest (FFFF) at the end of October! This is when ALL of the family on my mom's side gets together for food, lots of laughing, and games. COMPLETE! And it was SO much fun (as always)!


*Fun
-Attend the SlutWalk in Nashville with friends from school. COMPLETE!
-Continue raising awareness and supplies for the battered shelter in my town. COMPLETE-though now I need to drop off all I've collected!
-Celebrate Tonya's 25th birthday! FAIL-we were both too busy I suppose?
-Celebrate Halloween! DRAW-I say this because we didn't go to a party or dress up this year but we watched scary movies and bought pumpkins?  Does this count, LOL?
-Read The Help by Kathryn Stockett COMPLETE-A little late on the read but it was a MARVELOUS book! I highly suggest it to any and everyone.
**ADDITIONAL-Purchase some Christmas gifts-I'd say we're about 1/3 of the way done already!
**ADDITIONAL-Definitely NOT fun but I finally got my tooth taken care of-yay!


Tally is:

Complete-9             Fail-2                     Additional-2                       Draw-1

October Goals

There's so much going on in October I don't know how I'll squeeze it all in!

*School
-Submit abstract to ASA conference.
-Make all As on projects/papers/assignments.
-FALL BREAK (a much needed break indeed)!
-Attend the Undergraduate Symposium (and potentially present).

*Family
-Jen & Mom come to visit!
-Visit with Aunt Lynn during FFFF weekend (see below).
-Fall Family Fun Fest (FFFF) at the end of October! This is when ALL of the family on my mom's side gets together for food, lots of laughing, and games.

*Fun
-Attend the SlutWalk in Nashville with friends from school.
-Continue raising awareness and supplies for the battered shelter in my town.
-Celebrate Tonya's 25th birthday!
-Celebrate Halloween!
-Read The Help by Kathryn Stockett

It may not look too busy but my October (at least work load for school) is intense! 

You think I can handle it?

September Goals-completed

Alright-September has been CRAZY busy with school and stress but I think I accomplished a bit more than I thought I would-let's see!

*School/Research
-Officially select thesis topic (!!!!) and thesis committee. COMPLETE! Though I'm not ready to fully reveal details until I get approved ;]
-Continue research with Aday. COMPLETE-still working on it though not with as much vigor since we're starting my thesis stuff.  We're also starting a new project to test out my thesis design before I do my proposal.
-Make all A's on any projects/readings/papers/homework due. FAIL-I made one B...*grumble grumble*
-Meet with Jaime to start potential research. FAIL-we probably won't be able to jump start this until next semester but we're both really interested in the idea(s).

*Books
-Finish The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larrson. COMPLETE! And it was so good.  I really enjoyed this series.
-Start and finish Sex in the South: Unbuckling the Bible Belt by Suzi Parker. FAIL-I decided to read another book instead (see my additional).
**Additional: Start and finish I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelo.  A great read!**

*Work
-Volunteer in the Alzheimer's Walk. COMPLETE-KINDA-I was sick with a bad cold so I didn't technically do the walk (though I had planned on it!) but I did raise about $85 in the process so I'm counting it!
-Make baked goods for the Alzheimer's Bake Sale. COMPLETE-I made some yummy lemon-poppy seed muffins.

*Home
-Get a new couch (finally!!) COMPLETE-and it's gorgeous!
-Finish hanging pictures in living room. FAIL-I am having a hard time trying to figure out that last picture I want to hang.  It sounds silly but I just want it to be a good one, ya know? Maybe this weekend when "I have more time" I'll check it out and actually do it!
-Upload updated photos to the blog. FAIL-you want to know why? Because our apt. is flilthy and I don't want the blogosphere seeing it in this condition, LOL!


*Family
-Visit my Aunt Lynn & Uncle Clyde at some point (both of who are aren't doing well in their health and I am worried about them...more on that in a later blog).  DRAW-I was able to see Uncle Clyde but not Aunt Lynn.  I should be able to see her in October when I come down for FFFF (see October goals for details).
-Send sister her birthday present. She's 29! COMPLETE-I got her some cute personalized stationary with her initials on it-she loves stationary just as much as I do so I really hope she liked it! I also got her a card and an anniversary card since her wedding anny. is only a few days after her birthday.

*Fun
-Sign up for the Nashville Slut Walk. COMPLETE-and I can't WAIT for it! A bunch of us from school are going and a handful are making signs saying things like "Got consent?" and "We didn't ask for it" to help support those of sexual assault.  I'll blog about that later once I do it!
-Start to organize a donation drive for battered women/domestic abuse victims here in my county.  COMPLETE! Did you check out this blog?  You really should...it's for a GREAT cause!!  This is an ongoing project until November so I'll be bringing it up off and on throughout the next 2 months.
-Start the coaster crafts (found on my pinterest.com page). FAIL-again...no time! Maybe over Fall Break?
**Additional-A bunch of the Grad students got together for some Mexican, mingling and Margaritas! It was great fun.**

So the tally is:

COMPLETE- 9                        FAIL- 6                          ADDITIONAL- 2                     DRAW- 1

All in all not too bad but you can clearly see where my priorities are falling *cough SCHOOL cough*!

I'm going to take it easier in October, yes?

September Goals

I'm a day late, I know! But let's see: as school is going to pretty much dominate my next 4 months, September will be a "light" load.

*School/Research
-Officially select thesis topic (!!!!) and thesis committee
-Continue research with Aday
-Make all A's on any projects/readings/papers/homework due
-Meet with Jaime to start potential research

*Books
-Finish The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larrson
-Start and finish Sex in the South: Unbuckling the Bible Belt by Suzi Parker

*Work
-Volunteer in the Alzheimer's Walk
-Make baked goods for the Alzheimer's Bake Sale

*Home
-Get a new couch (finally!!)
-Finish hanging pictures in living room
-Upload updated photos to the blog

*Family
-Visit my Aunt Lynn & Uncle Clyde at some point (both of who are aren't doing well in their health and I am worried about them...more on that in a later blog)
-Send sister her birthday present. She's 29!

*Fun
-Sign up for the Nashville Slut Walk
-Start to organize a donation drive for battered women/domestic abuse victims here in my county (Now I don't know if I will do this via the Violence in the Family Course, through work or just having plain ol' faith in people but it's something I'd really start to work on in September! Again, more on that in a later blog).
-Start the coaster crafts (found on my pinterest page)

It looks like a lot but school is going to be the most time consuming effort. The rest should be fairly easy!  How do you think I'll do?

Any bets?