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!
Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Friday, December 28, 2012
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
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
Saturday, January 7, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2012-Welcome!
2011 was good. There were a few lows but I am glad I have lived another year and had some wonderful months in it.
I am not going to make monthly goals (at least via my blog) but I will be writing about accomplishments and such.
I am so excited about 2012 and feel like there's a lot of awesome things coming like:
1) Both Der and I graduating college (BA and MA)
2) I turn 25!
3) I celebrate 2 years of marriage and 4 years of a relationship with my boo
4) TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL
5) Take better care of my health (mentally, physically, emotionally, etc.)
I've got more goals/resolutions but again, I want to write about them as they come. I've got plans to do a lot and am so excited about it!!
Happy 2012 blog readers! I look forward to writing more!
XOXOX
JeR
I am not going to make monthly goals (at least via my blog) but I will be writing about accomplishments and such.
I am so excited about 2012 and feel like there's a lot of awesome things coming like:
1) Both Der and I graduating college (BA and MA)
2) I turn 25!
3) I celebrate 2 years of marriage and 4 years of a relationship with my boo
4) TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL
5) Take better care of my health (mentally, physically, emotionally, etc.)
I've got more goals/resolutions but again, I want to write about them as they come. I've got plans to do a lot and am so excited about it!!
Happy 2012 blog readers! I look forward to writing more!
XOXOX
JeR
Friday, December 30, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, January 7, 2011
'11 update
So far 2011 has been going exceptionally well and it's only been 7 days! One set back put a bit of a downer on a few things BUT not to fret: it shall be remedied soon =]
In these past 7 days I have been having a good time:
*blogging
*getting appointments set up for GA schedule
*walking the pup
*having all GA paperwork wrapped up
*changing name on bank account (about time, right?)
*working HARD
*running
*hanging out and having dinner with friends
*cleaning out the kitchen and hall
*getting excited about school
*reading
*changing over MDs from Chattanooga to Murfreesboro (REALLY about time)
*starting AND keeping up with my photo-a-day project
...and managing to see my husband and pup at the end of the day.
Not too shabby for the first 7 days huh?! I've still got 24 to go-let's hope it all is this wonderful come January 31st!
Love for always,
J
In these past 7 days I have been having a good time:
*blogging
*getting appointments set up for GA schedule
*walking the pup
*having all GA paperwork wrapped up
*changing name on bank account (about time, right?)
*working HARD
*running
*hanging out and having dinner with friends
*cleaning out the kitchen and hall
*getting excited about school
*reading
*changing over MDs from Chattanooga to Murfreesboro (REALLY about time)
*starting AND keeping up with my photo-a-day project
...and managing to see my husband and pup at the end of the day.
Not too shabby for the first 7 days huh?! I've still got 24 to go-let's hope it all is this wonderful come January 31st!
Love for always,
J
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year-pt. 3 of 3 (Resolutions)
Last but not least: part 3 of my New Year's trilogy-resolutions for 2011. As I've said before, I am usually a daily or monthly list maker BUT 2011 has a lot in store that I want to accomplish. Obviously they'll fall in months once done but I want to make an overall list for when I'm lose sight or get too overwhelmed.
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 giving them to some that do. No harm in it and I like it.
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.
3) Do well in school. I always have and don't plan on stopping.
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 DisneyWorld, 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I know many of these seem kind of "DUH!" but keeping track of them along with life in general may be harder than it seems-we'll see!
What are you hoping to accomplish in 2011?!
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 giving them to some that do. No harm in it and I like it.
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.
3) Do well in school. I always have and don't plan on stopping.
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 DisneyWorld, 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I know many of these seem kind of "DUH!" but keeping track of them along with life in general may be harder than it seems-we'll see!
What are you hoping to accomplish in 2011?!
New Year-pt. 2 of 3 (Monthly Goals)
On to part 2! Hi-Ho Silver!
A lovely friend of mine asked the best way to keep goals (whether it's daily, monthly, yearly) and I said writing them down (for me, this blog) is the best way: you have it in writing, others are reading it, and you can reference back to it: win-win-win! I am a "to do" list maker anyway but my friend Ooey Gooey Daily News gave me the inspiration to do monthly goals as well as yearly resolutions and day-to-day ones.
So, without further ado, here are my goals for January, 2011.
*Health
1) Drink more water (this will probably always be here as a goal)
2) Cut back on fast food-December was a fast food month for me so I want to get back to my normal and less expensive eating habits.
3) Train for 5k Zoo Run on Jan. 22
4) Continue working out 4 days per week-swimming, Zumba, treadmill, weights, etc.
5) Walk Tucker 2 days a week and this does not count as my working out days. He needs and loves it!
6) Go the the MD
*Home
1) Complete bathroom (I've decided that if I can't find those damn white frames then I will find some cheap ones, spray paint them white, and hang them instead)
2) Sand, prime and paint table in bedroom
3) De-clutter and reorganize all closets, cabinets, drawers.
4) Get new a new Queen mattress set for bedroom (YEEEEEEEEE!)
5) Get new and matching bedding for new mattresses
6) Put up laundry once done *gulps*
*School
1) Study/do research or homework every night except Sunday.
2) Aim for straight A's.
3) Keep up with GA hours, homework, classes and research in an organized manner.
4) R.E.A.D.
*Fun
1) Finish The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
2) Start & finish The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams
3) Celebrate Andrew's 3rd birthday
4) Celebrate husband's 23rd birthday
5) "Celebrate" BFF's departure for Navy boot camp =(
6) Go on lavish date with Der (this is where my LBD will come in)
7) Have in/out dinners with friends
8) Get new camera
Seems like a lot...and it is! Cheers to keeping them up!
Now the last blog: New Years-pt. 3 of 3 (Resolutions).
A lovely friend of mine asked the best way to keep goals (whether it's daily, monthly, yearly) and I said writing them down (for me, this blog) is the best way: you have it in writing, others are reading it, and you can reference back to it: win-win-win! I am a "to do" list maker anyway but my friend Ooey Gooey Daily News gave me the inspiration to do monthly goals as well as yearly resolutions and day-to-day ones.
So, without further ado, here are my goals for January, 2011.
*Health
1) Drink more water (this will probably always be here as a goal)
2) Cut back on fast food-December was a fast food month for me so I want to get back to my normal and less expensive eating habits.
3) Train for 5k Zoo Run on Jan. 22
4) Continue working out 4 days per week-swimming, Zumba, treadmill, weights, etc.
5) Walk Tucker 2 days a week and this does not count as my working out days. He needs and loves it!
6) Go the the MD
*Home
1) Complete bathroom (I've decided that if I can't find those damn white frames then I will find some cheap ones, spray paint them white, and hang them instead)
2) Sand, prime and paint table in bedroom
3) De-clutter and reorganize all closets, cabinets, drawers.
4) Get new a new Queen mattress set for bedroom (YEEEEEEEEE!)
5) Get new and matching bedding for new mattresses
6) Put up laundry once done *gulps*
*School
1) Study/do research or homework every night except Sunday.
2) Aim for straight A's.
3) Keep up with GA hours, homework, classes and research in an organized manner.
4) R.E.A.D.
*Fun
1) Finish The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
2) Start & finish The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams
3) Celebrate Andrew's 3rd birthday
4) Celebrate husband's 23rd birthday
5) "Celebrate" BFF's departure for Navy boot camp =(
6) Go on lavish date with Der (this is where my LBD will come in)
7) Have in/out dinners with friends
8) Get new camera
Seems like a lot...and it is! Cheers to keeping them up!
Now the last blog: New Years-pt. 3 of 3 (Resolutions).
New Year-pt. 1 of 3
I kind of failed at posting my blog yesterday (1/1/11) with details of New Years and new goals/resolutions....Trust me though: it's probably for the best. (And no, I wasn't that hung over).
Alright so a couple of things first:
1) I AM IN GRADUATE SCHOOL! I will officially begin Jan 13th to earn my MA in Sociology, taking 6 hours this semester. I. can. not. wait.
2) I AM IN THE GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (GA) PROGRAM! This is a program where I'll work 20 hours per week on campus doing research, grading papers, helping assist classes, etc. It also pays for my tuition per semester if my GPA is a 3.0 or above and allots a stipend per month to me for my work! Again: I. CAN. NOT. WAIT! I am stupidly stoked about this and I have talked to one of the professors who I'm working with and he's covering info. and studies that I'm super interested in! YES! More to come once I'm really in it.
Alright so a couple of things first:
1) I AM IN GRADUATE SCHOOL! I will officially begin Jan 13th to earn my MA in Sociology, taking 6 hours this semester. I. can. not. wait.
2) I AM IN THE GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (GA) PROGRAM! This is a program where I'll work 20 hours per week on campus doing research, grading papers, helping assist classes, etc. It also pays for my tuition per semester if my GPA is a 3.0 or above and allots a stipend per month to me for my work! Again: I. CAN. NOT. WAIT! I am stupidly stoked about this and I have talked to one of the professors who I'm working with and he's covering info. and studies that I'm super interested in! YES! More to come once I'm really in it.
*Okay-now that the sheer excitement is out of the way, I shall detail our New Year's Eve shin-dig. We had a few friends over (Patrick-in from LA!, Brian, and Mark) to hang out with for the New Year. We had a random assortment of food, partly because we didn't know we were having the party at our house until Thursday evening, lol. We had chili dip (recipe to come later), shrimp cocktail, and cookies (weird, right?!) The boys brought whiskey for them and I had margarita mix and tequila for me-the sparking white wine we had was bad. We all just hung out, played games, and laughed until the New Year came along. John and Elisa stopped by after getting back from San Diego to say hello and Happy New Year! It's nice to have them back!! I was beat so after the New Year was rung (?) in I changed and went to bed-oh so tired. I fell asleep to the sounds clicking and beating and was totally okay with it, lol. Unfortunately I didn't take a lot of pictures-I just forgot!-but here a the 4 I did, lol.
Here is Der with his whiskey and coke watching his friends play Rock Band 3 (ignore my stems in the pic)
Here are Brian (guitar), Patrick (drums), and Mark (bass) playing RB3
Me and Mr. R bringing in the New Year with a sweet kiss
Me and D smiling for 2011
One awesome thing I realized NYE is that I have officially lost some weight! I tried on 2 dresses of which: one I couldn't get in to and the other I was super uncomfy in-and they BOTH fit (and fairly well)!!!! YAY! So even though I didn't go shop for a new dress in a smaller size, it's still nice to know that 2 I haven't been able to wear (in over a year) I can again! So I made Der promise to take me on an amazing date so I can wear my LBD. Love it. I am proud of myself and so was Der! He knew how much me not fitting in to some of my clothes was messing with my esteem so it was nice to have some positive and laid back compliments when I had achieved it (he's kind of my hero like that).
Happy 2011 to all!
Now on to New Year-pt. 2 of 3 (Monthly Goals)!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
2010 should be a good year, yes?
2010 has started off right for me. For me, my dog, my fiance, actually.
I have approximately 4 1/2 months until I become Mrs. Raley...BIZARRE! It's exciting and nerve wracking and stressful and mature and giddy.
Derrick turns 22 tomorrow and we are CELEBRATING.
I have a job that has finally moved to MBoro (so no more commute).
Derrick is back in school and prepping himself for pre-law.
Andrew (nephew by non-blood) is officially 2, with a baby brother-Dillon-on the way.
I plan on keeping up with my health (mental, physical, emotional, etc.)
I am excited for what is to come...is that cliche? Probably, but true none the less.
My main problems for this year (and years past) are: weight loss and money management.
With Derrick not having a job, money is tight and finances are an issue. We have a wedding to save & pay for, an attempt at saving for a honeymoon, and regular living expenses (rent, insurance, electricity, etc.) that all seem so overwhelming. I swear, if money was never an issue in survival, I would never use it. It brings no joy to me, only other issues/debt/woes that I do not need and would rather not have.
Weight loss is a completely different story-I can't seem to do it. Cutting calories, working out-nothing. I don't use supplements and diet pills because it's just not natural to me. I mean I don't even like to use aspirin when I have a headache; I'd rather drink water and lay down for a few minutes. So: I try to eat right (though I'll admit to the occasional dinner out), drink only water or light juices, and and work out (though working out has slacked, I'll admit to my fault here).
What else do I do? I don't eat fast food of any kind, drink no sodas, I only have coffee once a week-and only 1 cup at that, I watch my calorie intake, I take my vitamins and get enough sleep...I just get lost and don't know what to do anymore, ya know? This isn't a pity party or me getting all down and depressed, I just get so frustrated because my body needs to rid itself of about 20-30 pounds and yet it won't. I just don't understand. And for me, understanding is a big issue-I want to understand and learn as much as possible about myself, my life, my body, my soul.
Learning is a passion of mine. It always has been, always will be. The only reason I didn't make straight A's in high school was because I didn't find the need to. I had a great GPA, don't get me wrong, but I know I could have done better. Ironically, I was doing good in other areas-theatrical performances for children, holding down a job, my first love-so the grades didn't seem like my #1 priority...and they still aren't. I don't measure my intelligence by what a piece of paper says (though I will admit, it's nice seeing all of those A's on my transcript), I measure it by the impact knowledge itself has on me as a person...and I'd say I'm pretty intelligent. I want to learn everything. Literally. If I didn't have to have a job, I'd probably read books ALL OF THE TIME. And I wouldn't feel bad about it (except for the guilt that I should probably go work out). I want to learn about the insides of a car. I want to learn the ins-and-outs of the human body. I want to learn a lot of languages. I want to travel the world and learn the cultures. Luckily, my main goal in life is to become a Professor of Sociology; with that I can travel the world in the name of my job and kill 2 birds with 1 stone. YES.
More blogs will surely come. It's only the beginning of January after all.
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