*2*0*1*1*

NEW YEAR. NEW ASPIRATIONS. NEW ME.


Since I always arrive fashionably late, I figured it would be appropriate to come up with my New Years Resolutions on 1.11.11, rather than 1.1.11. There really is no reason for the delay other than the fact I didn't slow down enough until now to even think about my goals for this next year. But now that I have.....I expect you all to keep me accountable.
Please and Thank you.


*Disclaimer to the reader: These "resolutions" -if you will--are in no particular order. They are randomized. Just like me.


#1-- START COOKING. 
       OH, AND BE GOOD AT IT .
        ~This is off to a fantastic start I must say. I made the best darn fajitas in America tonight. And I'm not exaggerating people.  They were simply scrumptious!
*Side note: I did not claim they were better than fajitas made in Mexico. That might possibly be a lie.*


#2-- EXERCISE 2-3 TIMES A WEEK.
        ~Now I know this does not sound like a very lofty goal to you work-out freaks, but for someone like me that literally cannot recall the last time I was on a treadmill...this is huge. Getting motivated during the winter to get off my couch on my day off is going to be extremely difficult for me. Difficult, but necessary. I'm sick of being in the hibernation station.


#3-- PAY IT FORWARD.
        ~I want to give more. But I want to do it anonymously. What's the fun in picking up a random person's tab in a crowded restaurant if they knew it was me? I feel like I have always tried to do random acts of kindness every now and then. The difference is I used to enjoy the "thank you" way too much. I want to pay it forward in hopes that the generosity will continue down the line. It's much more rewarding to give to others anonymously. A smile from a stranger can speak volumes. =)


#4-- COMPLETE MY MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM WITH A 3.0+
        ~For no other reason than to prove to myself I can get good grades when I apply myself, I would like to graduate my MT program this August with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. This would be very easy to do if I did not have 2 jobs on top of my studying, but I know without a doubt it is an attainable goal.


#5-- BECOME FINANCIALLY STABLE. FINALLY.
        ~If I need to re-read Dave Ramsey's book and listen to his cd's when I drive to work, I'll do it. Although I am much better at budgeting now than I was a year ago, there is still plenty of room for improvement. I want to get my finances under control and begin saving $ each month. Because this whole "barely scraping by" thing? It's getting incredibly old.


#6-- STOP SAYING I AM GOING TO PUT GOD FIRST...AND JUST DO IT.
        ~Although I have discovered a newfound passion and appreciation for Him, I still find it extremely difficult to put God first in my life. The desire is there, but the execution is not. I'll admit it. I am determined to stop blaming my busy schedule and start taking steps in the right direction. (Like actually opening my Bible more than once a month...) Whoops. Too honest?


#7-- BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT I DO HAVE & STOP FOCUSING ON WHAT I DON'T HAVE.
        ~Easier said than done, eh? I need to stop taking the little things in life for granted, and start counting my blessings each and every day. I need to change my attitude from always wanting more, to simply being content with where I'm at. I don't know why but I always think I am missing out on something; therefore, I often overlook the present.


#8-- VOLUNTEER TO HELP THE HOMELESS.
        ~(A.k.a. practice what I preach.) It is very apparent that I hold a soft spot in my heart for those less fortunate than me (insert 1st blog here), however, I am just as guilty as anyone for not putting myself out there, getting my hands dirty, and doing something to help them. Sure, I might throw in some loose change when I see them on the streets, but that's where it stops. Or rather, where it stopped until now. I have the opportunity to volunteer w/ the homeless ministry at my church every Sunday and I am going to start taking advantage of it. I want to be a good listener, a good friend, and an instrument of hope to those less fortunate than me.


#9-- PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE WORLD.
        ~Let me explain: I want to start reading the newspaper. I want to pay attention to the news. (real news, not 'E' news, the Today Show, and Oprah Winfrey...which are all on at work every morning). Anyway, I want to be more informed on both a local and international level. I used to watch the news often, but got sick of hearing about yet another teenage suicide, bullying episode, or a gang shooting. So although it can be depressing at times, it still aids in becoming a more well-rounded individual.


#10-- TRY OUT FOR/ BE ON "THE AMAZING RACE."
          ~Laugh all you want. It probably sounds silly to most, (including the boyfriend), but it is the only reality show I can think of that I would ever want to be on. And not for the fame or money...I want to be on the show so I can travel to other cultures and meet people from all over the world. Literally. I would be able to see how other cultures function, how some get by with next to nothing, and yet still manage a smile. 
(Ok, ok...my competitive nature may also have something to do with this goal;)