Last year I set resolutions and was pretty surprised to see that I accomplished them! Studies show most people do not and I usually fall into that category, but last year I was proud to see I finished what I started. Hopefully I can continue that trend this year as well!
This year I have a list of resolutions I would like to accomplish. Some of them are the same as last year in order to keep on doing what I'm doing, but some are new...
1. Continue to cook at least five times a week and limit eating out to once a week. Utilize the new crockpot and cook healthy, easy meals.
2. Continue to work at being the healthiest you possible. Workout at least five times a week and take the 80/20 approach and eat healthy 80% of the time while allowing yourself some splurges.
3. Do at least three crafts from Pinterest this year.
4. Read the Bible in a year using this plan.
5. Do at least three devotionals this year. I am currently starting with So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore and The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.
6. Memorize Scripture using the DailyBible app.
7. Do not take yourself so seriously. Laugh more. Live in the moment. Discipline yourself to pray first instead of worry first. Be thankful. Don't be so hard on yourself.
What are you resolving to do this year?
Showing posts with label reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reflections. Show all posts
Monday, January 9, 2012
Monday, October 3, 2011
Better Safe Than Sorry.
Garth is always telling me to be aware of my surroundings and warns me about being too trusting. I usually walk on my lunch hour in a subdivision next to my office complex and Garth said: "Be careful. I don't want someone to come out and grab you, take you to their basement and chop you up." Jeez! Graphic, much? I know he is looking out for me and it is always a good reminder to be careful. There are creepers out there and I cannot be naive about that.
Recently, I was forwarded an email from a co-worker. Now, I usually do not read forwards but this one had me intrigued. I found the information alarming, yet I knew it was valuable information that I should pass along. I encourage you to read it and let me know what you think:
1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do : The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide: If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you.... Chances are that he is more interested
in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit
doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOTDRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it . As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead).
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig - zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP It may get you raped, or killed.
Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good - looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played
on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often
asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird.. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way,
whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer
has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone
dropped off a baby... He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all youroutside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack. Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors! Please pass this on This e - mail should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby Theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana
Recently, I was forwarded an email from a co-worker. Now, I usually do not read forwards but this one had me intrigued. I found the information alarming, yet I knew it was valuable information that I should pass along. I encourage you to read it and let me know what you think:
1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do : The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide: If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you.... Chances are that he is more interested
in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit
doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOTDRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it . As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead).
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig - zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP It may get you raped, or killed.
Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good - looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played
on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often
asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird.. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way,
whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer
has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone
dropped off a baby... He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all youroutside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack. Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors! Please pass this on This e - mail should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby Theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Party Planning 101.
We had our first big party at our house this past weekend. It was a success! But I get really stressed out before events, lose sleep, eat more than usual, and I know none of that behavior is healthy. This is why I am not an event planner anymore. I am way too Type A for that kind of work because you have to plan for the unexpected and I hate that more than anything.
Though it's a lot of work, I enjoyed planning for this party. I'm all about to-do lists and I get satisfaction crossing things off the list. Here is what my schedule looked like the week before this party.
Monday: Weed front and backyard.
Tuesday: Clean windows, laundry, and mow lawn.
Wednesday: Organize closets and spray mosquito spray on deck and backyard.
Thursday: Grocery shop for Saturday.
Friday: Dust, vaccuum, mop, and clean bathrooms. Make sangria.
Saturday: Set up food and drinks.
This does not include the month before when we decided on invitations, a theme, the guest list, and the menu. I don't even consider that work though because that is the fun part! Our theme was a wine and cheese party. I always wanted to throw one and it was awesome!
I can't tell you how helpful it is to write out all that you have to do, distribute jobs, and cross things off as the week progressed. I found myself really relaxed by the day of the event and even able to relax before everyone showed up! My biggest tip is to plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead!
Though it's a lot of work, I enjoyed planning for this party. I'm all about to-do lists and I get satisfaction crossing things off the list. Here is what my schedule looked like the week before this party.
Monday: Weed front and backyard.
Tuesday: Clean windows, laundry, and mow lawn.
Wednesday: Organize closets and spray mosquito spray on deck and backyard.
Thursday: Grocery shop for Saturday.
Friday: Dust, vaccuum, mop, and clean bathrooms. Make sangria.
Saturday: Set up food and drinks.
This does not include the month before when we decided on invitations, a theme, the guest list, and the menu. I don't even consider that work though because that is the fun part! Our theme was a wine and cheese party. I always wanted to throw one and it was awesome!
I can't tell you how helpful it is to write out all that you have to do, distribute jobs, and cross things off as the week progressed. I found myself really relaxed by the day of the event and even able to relax before everyone showed up! My biggest tip is to plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
First Crush.
Garth and I were talking about our first crush we ever had. Mine was John Stamos as Uncle Jesse on Full House. Best. Show. Ever. I used to love the TGIF line up on Friday nights with Family Matters, Step by Step, and Full House. I remember my parents taking me to the mall to see Dave Coulier (Joey) and I was so excited because he WORKED with Uncle Jesse. Ahhhh memories! 
Who was your first crush?
Who was your first crush?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A look back at 2010.
Celebrating our second year of marital bliss.
Watching dear friends get married.
Months of house hunting that led to not just our first home, but our dream home.
Watching my brother get married to the love of his life.
Gaining another awesome sister.
Maintaining my weight loss.
Traveling to Chicago with my family and camping with Garth's family.
Resigning as event coordinator and getting into the logistics world...and loving it.
Leading our first small group.
Meeting Garth's sister from France FINALLY.
Another wonderful year of growing, learning, laughing, and loving. I am feeling blessed and joyful for 2010 and excited for new memories and moments in 2011. Cheers!!!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
You're Gonna Miss This (reposted)
I have been having major writer's block lately, but then I heard You're Gonna Miss This on the radio and it reminded me of a post I did and all the feelings I felt toward the song came rushing back. So I thought it appropriate to repost this, I hope you don't mind. As you read, you'll see how far we have come since the original post (8/29/2008). We still aren't ready for kids, but we are ready for a house, but even though we haven't found "the one" yet we need to enjoy our last few months of apartment living because we're gonna miss this...
I love my country music and I heard the lyrics to this song and they hit me hard:
"Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her "It's a nice place"
She says "It'll do for now"
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says
"Baby, just slow down"
Cause you're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'
And she keeps apologizin'
He says "They don't bother me. I've got 2 babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
Huh, it's hard to believe, but...
You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this"
"You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Atkins
This song made me realize how I will miss this precious lifestage. It's so easy to think about how much fun it will be to buy our first house and how exciting we will be to become new parents. It is too easy to wish for these things when in reality I need to be enjoying our one bedroom apartment and the freedom that comes with not being parents. I will miss this...I will miss our spontaneity. I will miss a small place to clean. I will miss not having to mow the lawn or shovel the snow. I will miss doing whatever we want whenever we feel like it. I will miss good sleep. I will miss the quietness. I will miss not having to find a babysitter to have a date. I'm gonna miss this!
There is a season in life for everything and I know Garth and I will make awesome parents...when the time is right. And the time is just not right yet. We're not ready for a house or kids and that is okay. We will appreciate all that we do have and try not to take any of it for granted! Because in all honesty we are having the best time of our lives! We ARE gonna miss this!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Grateful.
On days like these, after a wonderfully relaxing weekend I get a case of the Mondays and need to remind myself how blessed I am... So, in no particular order, here is what I am feeling grateful for these days.
.01. The cool, crisp, 60 degree days and the leaves changing into beautful, bold colors.
.02. A husband that loves me unconditionally.
.03. Michigan State being undefeated this season.
.04. Caramel apple cider.
.05. Family and friends that love and support us.
.06. Relaxing, no-plans weekends.
.07. How I Met Your Mother episodes that make me laugh so much it hurts.
.08. Convicting sermons that make me think.
.09. Garth's homemade chicken stir-fry.
.10. My hair is finally starting to get long.
.11. God's unfailing love.
.12. A job I enjoy going to each day.
.01. The cool, crisp, 60 degree days and the leaves changing into beautful, bold colors.
.02. A husband that loves me unconditionally.
.03. Michigan State being undefeated this season.
.04. Caramel apple cider.
.05. Family and friends that love and support us.
.06. Relaxing, no-plans weekends.
.07. How I Met Your Mother episodes that make me laugh so much it hurts.
.08. Convicting sermons that make me think.
.09. Garth's homemade chicken stir-fry.
.10. My hair is finally starting to get long.
.11. God's unfailing love.
.12. A job I enjoy going to each day.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Detroit.
We were in downtown Detroit last week for my future sister-in-law's graduation dinner. Afterward my dad wanted to take us by where his GM career started 31 years ago.
He worked in the lab (second floor of the building, by the stoplight in the picture) of the Cadillac Headquarters over on Clark St. He can still remember thousands of people bustling around outside. When he worked afternoon shifts my mom would come down and pick him up and they would go out to lunch.
It is so sad to see what once was because when we drove by it yesterday it was just fields. There wasn't a trace of any of the hustle and bustle of a world headquarters. The street light wasn't even working and the street was deserted.
As we were driving out of Detroit we saw so many potentially gorgeous houses that had been neglected, burned, and/or abandoned. It would have been quite a sight to see Detroit when it was booming. Now it just makes my heart hurt for what could have been.
He worked in the lab (second floor of the building, by the stoplight in the picture) of the Cadillac Headquarters over on Clark St. He can still remember thousands of people bustling around outside. When he worked afternoon shifts my mom would come down and pick him up and they would go out to lunch.
It is so sad to see what once was because when we drove by it yesterday it was just fields. There wasn't a trace of any of the hustle and bustle of a world headquarters. The street light wasn't even working and the street was deserted.As we were driving out of Detroit we saw so many potentially gorgeous houses that had been neglected, burned, and/or abandoned. It would have been quite a sight to see Detroit when it was booming. Now it just makes my heart hurt for what could have been.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
A look back at 2009.
I cannot believe it is the last day of 2009. Where does the time go? As I look back at this year I can say we were incredibly blessed and are excited to see what 2010 will bring. Lets look at some of the highlights, shall we?
1. We celebrated our first year of marriage in February with a trip up north to a beautiful and romantic hotel for a week of quality time, yummy food, wineries, and hikes.
2. We started eating better and exercising and Garth lost 10 pounds this year and I lost 16 pounds.
3. Garth became a citizen of the U.S. on Memorial Day and it was quite the experience to watch him pledge his allegiance to this country.
4. My brother proposed to his longtime girlfriend and we could not be more excited for them!!
5. Garth did it AGAIN by surprising me with an incredible birthday getaway.
6. We moved to a bigger apartment and we are loving having a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and being close to work.
7. We joined a small group and have met some of the nicest, most fun people and we are excited to see how God will continue to work in our small group next year.
8. Garth was promoted at work and I could not be more proud of him.
9. We carved our first pumpkins and Garth tried pumpkin seeds for the first time.
10. I became a blonde and a redhead.
1. We celebrated our first year of marriage in February with a trip up north to a beautiful and romantic hotel for a week of quality time, yummy food, wineries, and hikes.
2. We started eating better and exercising and Garth lost 10 pounds this year and I lost 16 pounds.
3. Garth became a citizen of the U.S. on Memorial Day and it was quite the experience to watch him pledge his allegiance to this country.
4. My brother proposed to his longtime girlfriend and we could not be more excited for them!!
5. Garth did it AGAIN by surprising me with an incredible birthday getaway.
6. We moved to a bigger apartment and we are loving having a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and being close to work.
7. We joined a small group and have met some of the nicest, most fun people and we are excited to see how God will continue to work in our small group next year.
8. Garth was promoted at work and I could not be more proud of him.
9. We carved our first pumpkins and Garth tried pumpkin seeds for the first time.
10. I became a blonde and a redhead.
Friday, December 11, 2009
A look at my 2009 Resolutions.
I found this post about my 2009 resolutions and I thought it would be fun to look them over and see how well I've done:
1. Be more domestic - cook meals, learn to bake, iron. Hahahahahaha! Sadly, this just did not happen. I blame it on our schedules. Garth gets home before me so it just makes sense for him to start the meals. But I do plan to remedy this next year because I have a lot of great recipes from Cook Yourself Thin and Hungry Girl I'm excited to try. As for baking, I have a killer chocolate muffin recipe from CYT that I plan on making Christmas day, does that count? And for ironing, better luck next year!
2. Loose these stupid 15 pounds starting tonight. Accomplished!!! And actually it was sixteen pounds.
3. Save, save, save. Check! We have done really well with this and I am proud of us.
4. Read the Bible everyday. Ugh, I need to get better at this. I read my Bible a few times a week but I do want to get in the habit of reading it every day. I am going to work harder on this one next year.
5. Workout at least three times a week. Done and done. It started at three times a week and then I got obsessive and work out seven times a week. I just like like the way I feel afterwards, but I try to listen to my body and take a rest day if I'm really hurting.
6. Eat more fruits and veggies. Oh yeah. Garth and I have made it a habit to eat a fruit with our lunch and a veggie with dinner.
7. Friday night date nights with Garth. This was an easy one to stick with because we look forward to it every week. Granted, sometimes life happens and we can't have the date night on Friday but we just reschedule it to Saturday or a night during the week. It's something I hope we stick to the rest of our lives.
8. Volunteer more. I feel we could always do more, but we volunteered more this year than last so that is at least progress.
9. Join a soccer team. This one just didn't fit our schedules this year because Garth was in school most nights, but he only has one class next semester so we are going to look into this again and hopefully join a team.
10. Encourage and help Garth finish his web master degree this year. Well, he didn't finish just yet. His class load was intense so he took a semester off, but with only 5 classes left I know he'll finish strong next year!
Overall, I think I did better than I expected. I actually forgot about these resolutions, but they just kinda happened naturally so that was cool. And this gives me a good background to help look forward and set goals for this next year.
1. Be more domestic - cook meals, learn to bake, iron. Hahahahahaha! Sadly, this just did not happen. I blame it on our schedules. Garth gets home before me so it just makes sense for him to start the meals. But I do plan to remedy this next year because I have a lot of great recipes from Cook Yourself Thin and Hungry Girl I'm excited to try. As for baking, I have a killer chocolate muffin recipe from CYT that I plan on making Christmas day, does that count? And for ironing, better luck next year!
2. Loose these stupid 15 pounds starting tonight. Accomplished!!! And actually it was sixteen pounds.
3. Save, save, save. Check! We have done really well with this and I am proud of us.
4. Read the Bible everyday. Ugh, I need to get better at this. I read my Bible a few times a week but I do want to get in the habit of reading it every day. I am going to work harder on this one next year.
5. Workout at least three times a week. Done and done. It started at three times a week and then I got obsessive and work out seven times a week. I just like like the way I feel afterwards, but I try to listen to my body and take a rest day if I'm really hurting.
6. Eat more fruits and veggies. Oh yeah. Garth and I have made it a habit to eat a fruit with our lunch and a veggie with dinner.
7. Friday night date nights with Garth. This was an easy one to stick with because we look forward to it every week. Granted, sometimes life happens and we can't have the date night on Friday but we just reschedule it to Saturday or a night during the week. It's something I hope we stick to the rest of our lives.
8. Volunteer more. I feel we could always do more, but we volunteered more this year than last so that is at least progress.
9. Join a soccer team. This one just didn't fit our schedules this year because Garth was in school most nights, but he only has one class next semester so we are going to look into this again and hopefully join a team.
10. Encourage and help Garth finish his web master degree this year. Well, he didn't finish just yet. His class load was intense so he took a semester off, but with only 5 classes left I know he'll finish strong next year!
Overall, I think I did better than I expected. I actually forgot about these resolutions, but they just kinda happened naturally so that was cool. And this gives me a good background to help look forward and set goals for this next year.
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