I majorly slacked on updating these in December & January. When you are an accountant and a full time grad student, the months of December & January leave NO room for anything extra. I was lucky to sleep.
I have a been really focused on making a change in 2014, and being more present in the now. I have been developing a relationship with my mentor at work, and attempting to really take the tips she gives me and apply them to my daily life, both at home, and at work.
I'd like to hope that my February goals reflect this new attitude.
HEALTH
1. Now that the move in behind us, find a fitness routine that works for me.
2. Go to at least one of Teresa's yoga classes in the month of February.
3. Research PCOS more, and the impact that food has on it. Focus on switching to a more "clean" lifestyle.
4. Record body measurements on February 1st and again on February 28th. Take pictures too.
HOME
1. Hang the bedroom curtains and hem/hang the living room & dining room curtains.
2. Organize the pantry, bathroom, and dresser drawers.
3. Finish unpacking the boxes in the garage.
PERSONAL
1. Update, re-create, start over, etc. on the 101 Things to do list. Find new focus. Erase the past, and start over fresh. Goal date: 2/14/2014
2. Learn meditation, breathing tricks to overcome the anxiety and panic.
3. Successfully mark off 3 - 5 "items" on the 101 Things list.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
MOVING!
In 36 hours, we should be completely moved into our new place. And I cannot wait. I try to see every challenge as a way to grow, learn, understand, but I haven't found the positives of the current apartment.
A and I moved just three short months ago, into what we had hoped would be a bigger place, less problems, relatively the same rent, even though it went up a bit. We've had nothing but problems. EVERY SINGLE DAY, it seems like something else has gone wrong. I'll write up a long blog post here shortly, but I want to make sure all of our stuff is out and moved before I rehash the details.
Needless to say - we've both been very much looking forward to this move since the day we turned in our notice.
We've decided to go back down to a 1 bedroom, from a 2 bedroom. We found that we really don't use the extra space, and we pretty much spend all of our time at home together, watching the same shows, etc. so having the extra space just meant we were paying more to heat the place.
Here's our new floor plan. We have an attached garage, so we'll have the alternative floor plan where we enter the apartment through the laundry room. It's going to be so nice to have a garage for our Mercedes again. :o) And, it's on the first floor so NO MORE STAIRS! I think I'm the most excited for that part.
The movers will be here tomorrow! And I am so darn excited. :-)
I'll post pictures of the interior as soon as we get our keys!
A and I moved just three short months ago, into what we had hoped would be a bigger place, less problems, relatively the same rent, even though it went up a bit. We've had nothing but problems. EVERY SINGLE DAY, it seems like something else has gone wrong. I'll write up a long blog post here shortly, but I want to make sure all of our stuff is out and moved before I rehash the details.
Needless to say - we've both been very much looking forward to this move since the day we turned in our notice.
We've decided to go back down to a 1 bedroom, from a 2 bedroom. We found that we really don't use the extra space, and we pretty much spend all of our time at home together, watching the same shows, etc. so having the extra space just meant we were paying more to heat the place.
Here's our new floor plan. We have an attached garage, so we'll have the alternative floor plan where we enter the apartment through the laundry room. It's going to be so nice to have a garage for our Mercedes again. :o) And, it's on the first floor so NO MORE STAIRS! I think I'm the most excited for that part.
The movers will be here tomorrow! And I am so darn excited. :-)
I'll post pictures of the interior as soon as we get our keys!
Monday, January 6, 2014
One Word 2014
Have you ever heard of One Word 365? If you've been reading and attempting to follow my little life, you'll know that I attempt to do this everyone. Instead of making resolutions, I make goals. But instead of making resolutions, I also choose one word that is going to set the ground work for the next 365 days.
This is one word that sums up how I want to live my life in 2014. It becomes the one word that I truly focus on through out the entire year.
My word is present.
In 2014, I want to be present. In the moment, in my life, at work, in my relationships, in general. Instead of struggling to grasp a hold of something I can't physically grab a hold of, or worrying about a future that isn't here yet, I'm going to be present in today.
What is your one word?
#oneword365
Sunday, December 29, 2013
2014 New Year's Resolutions
I don't know about you, but I always look at each January as a new start, a fresh beginning. I always sit down and plan my resolutions, but I'm not always the best at keeping them. In 2013, I had 5 resolutions, but none of them were really concrete. I wanted to be healthy, focus on me, set monthly goals, focus on my 101 things to do in 1001 days, and just enjoy life.
For the most part, I did okay. I didn't focus on my health, which leads me to #1 for 2014. But, instead of having resolutions, I want to put some concrete goals within them.
#1. BE HEALTHY. Switch my diet to a more paleo lifestyle. Get rid of the extras, the processed crap that isn't good for me anyways. Eliminate Diet Coke altogether. Cook at home more. Eat out less. Visit the farmer's market, or join a co-op to bring more fresh fruits/veggies into our home. Focus on the way my clothes fit, how my body changes, how much stronger I become, and don't worry about the calories or the number on the scale.
#2. Spend more time studying/reading/learning the Bible. Do a bible study a month.
#3. Focus on others. Volunteer with the Salvation Army. Pay for the person behind me in line. At least once a month.
#4. Learn patience. Or if nothing else, learn to turn to God when I'm feeling stressed or I'm feeling like life isn't happening on my terms. This is something I struggle with, a LOT. It's something that I know isn't my strong suit, and something that I know I have to focus on to prevent becoming overwhelmed.
#5. Pass the CPA exam. Have the confidence to know that I can do it, that I can pass the exam, and that I know the information. Pray to God for guidance, strength, and confidence.
For the most part, I did okay. I didn't focus on my health, which leads me to #1 for 2014. But, instead of having resolutions, I want to put some concrete goals within them.
#1. BE HEALTHY. Switch my diet to a more paleo lifestyle. Get rid of the extras, the processed crap that isn't good for me anyways. Eliminate Diet Coke altogether. Cook at home more. Eat out less. Visit the farmer's market, or join a co-op to bring more fresh fruits/veggies into our home. Focus on the way my clothes fit, how my body changes, how much stronger I become, and don't worry about the calories or the number on the scale.
#2. Spend more time studying/reading/learning the Bible. Do a bible study a month.
#3. Focus on others. Volunteer with the Salvation Army. Pay for the person behind me in line. At least once a month.
#4. Learn patience. Or if nothing else, learn to turn to God when I'm feeling stressed or I'm feeling like life isn't happening on my terms. This is something I struggle with, a LOT. It's something that I know isn't my strong suit, and something that I know I have to focus on to prevent becoming overwhelmed.
#5. Pass the CPA exam. Have the confidence to know that I can do it, that I can pass the exam, and that I know the information. Pray to God for guidance, strength, and confidence.
Christmas Recap
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and that each and every one of you were able to spend time with your loved ones.
We had a fantastic Christmas. On the Sunday before Christmas, A and I, along with some friends, attended Gateway's candle light service. It was honestly the most amazing Christmas service I've ever attended, and truly made me even more appreciative of the church we call home. It took me a long time to find a place where I truly feel at home, but in 2013, we found that church home, became members, and haven't looked back.
Christmas Eve led us to the St Ann's Catholic Church in Coppell. I've never been to a Catholic Mass before, and certainly never midnight mass on Christmas Eve. A was raised Catholic, and even though he's no longer a practicing Catholic, he likes to go to the Christmas Eve service to pay respects to the religion he grew up in, to remember his family, and to start Christmas off right. We didn't make it in 2012, because I fell asleep, but I was determined we'd go this year. I think it's an amazing tradition. The singing was phenomenal, and the tradition behind the service was inspirational as well. It didn't feel like home to us, but it was a great way to wish Jesus a very Happy Birthday!
On Christmas Day, we headed north to celebrate with family. I love my family. We had a wonderful meal, enjoyed opening gifts, laughing, and being silly. :o)
I was fortunate to have the entire week of Christmas off to spend time with friends, family, and A, so I'm glad that I was able to get in as much time with people as possible. I know the next month is going to be INSANITY! But, I'm looking forward to the new challenges of a new year.
We had a fantastic Christmas. On the Sunday before Christmas, A and I, along with some friends, attended Gateway's candle light service. It was honestly the most amazing Christmas service I've ever attended, and truly made me even more appreciative of the church we call home. It took me a long time to find a place where I truly feel at home, but in 2013, we found that church home, became members, and haven't looked back.
Christmas Eve led us to the St Ann's Catholic Church in Coppell. I've never been to a Catholic Mass before, and certainly never midnight mass on Christmas Eve. A was raised Catholic, and even though he's no longer a practicing Catholic, he likes to go to the Christmas Eve service to pay respects to the religion he grew up in, to remember his family, and to start Christmas off right. We didn't make it in 2012, because I fell asleep, but I was determined we'd go this year. I think it's an amazing tradition. The singing was phenomenal, and the tradition behind the service was inspirational as well. It didn't feel like home to us, but it was a great way to wish Jesus a very Happy Birthday!
On Christmas Day, we headed north to celebrate with family. I love my family. We had a wonderful meal, enjoyed opening gifts, laughing, and being silly. :o)
I was fortunate to have the entire week of Christmas off to spend time with friends, family, and A, so I'm glad that I was able to get in as much time with people as possible. I know the next month is going to be INSANITY! But, I'm looking forward to the new challenges of a new year.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is such a hard thing to tackle, at least for me. I won't say that I'm the girl that holds grudges, because I normally do not, but when someone or a couple of someones make decisions that completely derail your life, it's hard not to have a bit of anger towards them.
On Sunday, at church, Pastor Morris preached about emotional healing. What a powerful message. If you are interested in listening to it, here's the link: Wounded Warriors.
Most days I'm okay. I'm not mad, I'm not sad, I'm not angry, I'm great in fact. M and I had the world's most hurtful, toxic relationship. It was bad. But I'm angry that for 10 years he did nothing but lie to me about various things, including his relationship with another woman while still married to me. I'm angry that it took me 10 years, walking away from the situation to realize just how toxic it was. I'm angry that on NYE he's asking me out on a date, all while planning a wedding with his new wife. I'm angry that God gave them a child, when he didn't even want one. And even mentioned to me in text halfway through her pregnancy that he wasn't sure how he felt about it. I'm angry that A and I are likely going to struggle with infertility and PCOS. It sucks.
However, I have the most AMAZING relationship that shows me on a daily basis what relationships are supposed to be like. Before A, I never knew what it was like to hear "I love you" daily. I never knew what it was like for someone to genuinely say "You're Beautiful!" And when I respond with "thank you," he says "no, thank you." I never knew what honest support was like. For someone to be my biggest cheerleader (behind my Mom, of course). I have someone who actually listens when I speak, and who goes out of their way to express how he feels. It's incredible. I'm not sure I would know and appreciate a love this great without the failures of my past relationship.
This has been a struggle. I won't say it's over. I'm still angry. My blood still boils anytime I have to see his name in my e-mail, receive a text or a phone call. (This is why I love iOS 7's new operating system... the "block" feature is AMAZING!) I'm working on it. I spend time in prayer asking for God to take the anger away, and to allow me to forgive him.
If God can forgive me of my trespasses, and M for his as well, then surely I can attempt to do the same. I hope and pray that he seeks a relationship with the Lord. I hope he raises his daughter to be a good person, to focus on family, to seek a relationship with God. I hope he treats this marriage as more than a game. I hope he keeps his eyes with in the confines of his marriage, and doesn't look elsewhere like he did with me.
"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14
This is what I'm focusing on.
On Sunday, at church, Pastor Morris preached about emotional healing. What a powerful message. If you are interested in listening to it, here's the link: Wounded Warriors.
Most days I'm okay. I'm not mad, I'm not sad, I'm not angry, I'm great in fact. M and I had the world's most hurtful, toxic relationship. It was bad. But I'm angry that for 10 years he did nothing but lie to me about various things, including his relationship with another woman while still married to me. I'm angry that it took me 10 years, walking away from the situation to realize just how toxic it was. I'm angry that on NYE he's asking me out on a date, all while planning a wedding with his new wife. I'm angry that God gave them a child, when he didn't even want one. And even mentioned to me in text halfway through her pregnancy that he wasn't sure how he felt about it. I'm angry that A and I are likely going to struggle with infertility and PCOS. It sucks.
However, I have the most AMAZING relationship that shows me on a daily basis what relationships are supposed to be like. Before A, I never knew what it was like to hear "I love you" daily. I never knew what it was like for someone to genuinely say "You're Beautiful!" And when I respond with "thank you," he says "no, thank you." I never knew what honest support was like. For someone to be my biggest cheerleader (behind my Mom, of course). I have someone who actually listens when I speak, and who goes out of their way to express how he feels. It's incredible. I'm not sure I would know and appreciate a love this great without the failures of my past relationship.
This has been a struggle. I won't say it's over. I'm still angry. My blood still boils anytime I have to see his name in my e-mail, receive a text or a phone call. (This is why I love iOS 7's new operating system... the "block" feature is AMAZING!) I'm working on it. I spend time in prayer asking for God to take the anger away, and to allow me to forgive him.
If God can forgive me of my trespasses, and M for his as well, then surely I can attempt to do the same. I hope and pray that he seeks a relationship with the Lord. I hope he raises his daughter to be a good person, to focus on family, to seek a relationship with God. I hope he treats this marriage as more than a game. I hope he keeps his eyes with in the confines of his marriage, and doesn't look elsewhere like he did with me.
"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14
This is what I'm focusing on.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
November Goals
I belong to an online "Get Fit & Fab" group and every month we discuss our fitness/health goals. I have been posting these monthly goals for awhile now, and a lot of them are just slightly out of reach to truly get EVERYTHING on my list done. But, month after month, I continue this, because it gives me something to strive for and work towards. I've been thinking a lot about goals this month.
Health
1. Focus on a work out routine/plan. 5 days a week. No excuses. Even if it's only for 30 minutes.
2. Continue to drink more water.
3. Start & finish the Advocare 24 Day Challenge.
Home
1. Menu plan, and stick to it.
2. Start trying more gluten free and paleo recipes.
3. Accomplish 10 things from my "home" to do list.
Personal
1. Sign up for professional pictures. Schedule a date with Shani.
2. Get caught back up in school.
3. Accomplish 3 items from my 101 things list.
4. Accomplish 10 items from my "running" to do list.
Health
1. Focus on a work out routine/plan. 5 days a week. No excuses. Even if it's only for 30 minutes.
2. Continue to drink more water.
3. Start & finish the Advocare 24 Day Challenge.
Home
1. Menu plan, and stick to it.
2. Start trying more gluten free and paleo recipes.
3. Accomplish 10 things from my "home" to do list.
Personal
1. Sign up for professional pictures. Schedule a date with Shani.
2. Get caught back up in school.
3. Accomplish 3 items from my 101 things list.
4. Accomplish 10 items from my "running" to do list.
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