2011 Goals and Aspirations

2010 was insane. I went through so many life's changes, but it was so exciting to actually go through them. With 2011 literally right around the corner, I want to take some time to write out a list of my Goals and Aspirations - not resolutions.

1. Read more. My goal is to read a minimum of 12 books this year. That's 1 book a month, which is more than manageable. My January book is one that has been on my nightstand for awhile and that's Emily Giffin's "Heart of the Matter"

2. Take more pictures. My hard drive on my desktop fried, therefore I had no place to store, edit or house my pictures this year... it died around April. So any pictures I had before that was taken into computer heaven - so basically I don't have much to show for 2010 which is devastating since it was the year I would have liked to most document. But alas, my amazing husband got me a new hard drive and with the help of his friend.... my baby is fixed. I plan on taking much more pictures since I now have a place to put them. To start it off right I have a newborn session today with Mike's cousins new baby girl.

3. Be conscience of your body, mind and soul. This year especially made me realize even more so than ever how precious our bodies really are. How much we abuse them and truly magical they are in all they do for us. I want to make better decisions to lead a healthier life.

4. Actively and aggressively pursue my dream. No more waiting on the sidelines for shit to happen. I am going to make them happen. I am going to actively participate in making my dreams a reality.

5. Stop taking myself and life so seriously. Life is funny. Laugh more.

I can wait to see what this year brings. I am going to bring it in right. My house in order, my life in order, with great family and friends. That's what I am talking about!

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Gratitude

With the holiday season making an exit, I have had some time to really reflect on the holiday season and this year as a whole. As I was surrounded by piles of wrapping paper and laughter and happiness I really realized how truly grateful and lucky I am. I try not to get all wrapped up in the toys and presents and food and take a moment to reflect on what I am greatful for.

1. I am grateful for my job. Although it may not be what I saw myself doing. It allows me to pay my bills and buy the things I want.

2. I am grateful for a place to call my own. I am so lucky to be able to create a home for Mike and I that I proud of and feel a sense of peace.

3. I am grateful for my husband. He has been so sweet and wonderful during all these crazy changes. He makes me laugh all day and I appreciate all he does for me and our new life.

4. I am grateful for my parents. They truly are my best friends, who love me unconditionally and support and understand me. I appreciate the close relationship I have with the both of them.

5. I am grateful for my family. They make me laugh they make me cry but my family keeps me grounded at all times.

6. I am grateful for Mimi. Although she drives me crazy at times, I appreciate her companionship and love. Her puppy kisses and the way she follows me around everywhere, even into the bathroom.

7. I am grateful for my sense of humor. It is quick it is dry and it is at times sarcastic. It is sometimes my saving grace when I am at my lowest.

8. I am grateful for my desire to learn new things. Whether it is learning a new recipe for picking up a new book, my willingness to learn has always kept me thinking.

So many things to be grateful for. So many things to reflect on and realize this life is so beautiful.

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Wonder

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Day Four: How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?

I have always been a very introspective kind of person. I have a habit which is sometimes good,but also sometimes bad of always thinking of future. Sometimes I let me mind get the best of me but more often than not. I like to think of all the good things coming my way. I like to see and picture myself doing and being the person I want to be and every way imagineable. Down to what I am doing with my life, the people I surround myself with, the way I feel, the way I look, the way I act and carry myself. I try to take my thoughts and I try to set them in motion, even if it's a small one. Thoughts become actions, and if I can make one small step each day to becoming the person I want this year and on, it will happen.

Moment

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Continuing on with or reflection of this years events. Let's continue you on with the next prompt.

December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors)

I would have to say it would be when Mr. and I were honeymooning in Hawaii. That trip made me feel alive again. I was cruising around the island with my new hubby, taking in all the sights, the history the people. It truly was an amazing time - for both of us.

I remember walking off the plane absolutely exhausted. We were one day behind already after having a lay over in Minneapolis. We were sitting in our own filth for 2 days and I was stinky and felt grimy and I just wanted to get to the hotel. After some drama with our baggage and a wrong turn down a very scary alley we found our hotel.

I remember how busy the streets were, everyone hustling about, the tour buses buzzing by, the smell of the crisp ocean only yards away. I remember it being so windy, my hair and dresses fluttering around as I took in the beautiful scenery. The front desk was outside... literally outside, can you imagine? Beautiful trees erected up throughout the landscaping hugging the hotel tightly.

I remember going to the ocean one afternoon, the waves were incredibly high - not surfer high but high enough to make you pee a little. Mr. and I thought it would wild crazy fun times to go swimming in it.... WHAT WERE WE THINKING?! The sand was white, and light and grainy and as we ran into the ocean, I thought to myself, I am here.... swimming in the ocean, off the coast of HAWAII! It was slightly overcast but it was gorgeous. It was a moment I know I'll never forget. Partly because of the beauty around me but partly because I got bitch slapped by mother nature. I got pounded by the waves so hard, where I was actually laying flat on my back on the ocean floor as a huge wave passed over me. As I tried to run back to safety another wave grabbed hold of me and dragged me back in.... it was funny and scary all at the same time. With an unhealthy dose of salt water pumping through my system and half the sand on the beach in my bathing suite we left that crazy ocean behind us knowing we gave it our all.

Reverb Day Two: Writing

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Day Two: Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?

I admit - this is something I am constantly working on. Far too much of my time is spent on silly things. I spend far too much time worrying. Watching TV. Facebook. Reading other's blogs.... And the funny thing is the times I feel most creative and productive to do something like write is when I simply can't. A.k.a my day job - behind a computer - in a cube.... so yeah.... nuff said huh?

I can most certainly eliminate it. I just have to make my time when I get home more productive. When I get home from work, I just want to chillax. I dont want to think, I dont want to read anything of value, I want to vege. And this is not living this is existing. I need to learn to turn.the.tv.off. I need to make the time for the things that matter most.

One Word

Since I feel I am in a writing funk, I stumbled across Reverb 10 - a way for you to reflect on the years events. So even though I am a couple days behind - let's get things started. The first prompt for discussion is:

One Word: Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you're
choosing that word. Now, imagine it's one year from today, what would you
like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?

I think the one word that I would use to describe this year, it would be: Whirlwind

This year has been absolutely insane, in the most magical sense of the word. Has it been stressful? Yes. Has it tested me and taught me hard lessons, absolutely. But has it been worth it? Without a doubt. Mr. and I brought in the year together and as the clock struck midnight we kissed each other and screamed "We're getting married this year!" It was a year of emotions. I started the year finishing up planning our (my) dream wedding, and I had such a good time doing it. I spent a lot of time with my mom and we got so much done - despite being on a strict budget. As I passed some of my last holidays at home I realized a phase of my life was coming to an end and although I was so ready physically to spread my wings and fly, emotionally I questioned if I could do this with grace.

Mr. and I hit the ground running (again) searching for our perfect starter home as well. 2009 proved to be a challenge for us finding the right seller to accommodate us and our restrictions, we ended the year with a lot of failed offers which left us feeling defeated. We had to have looked at over 100 houses (no joke) and it was starting to wear on us emotionally, and with the Obama first time buyers incentive winding down, we knew we had to buckle down and think smart. At the end of January we looked in a whole new area of town and absolutely loved the house. It was an older home with a lot of updates, hardwood floors, bay window, BIG backyard, garage, beautiful paint colors.... AND it was in our price range! We put an offer in and 3 days later - WE GOT IT!!!!!!!!!! we were both so happy and excited and lucky for us the loan process was painless. On March 3rd we walked into the title agency and signed our names on the dotted lines - we were HOMEOWNERS!!!!!

Our bridal shower came and went and next thing we knew, our wedding day had arrived. The weather was calm even though it threatened rain. I remember every single moment of that day. From waking up early in my bed which was the last time I would wake up as a single girl living at home. I remember feeling calm and excited all at the same time. I remember snuggling up on the couch with my mom as she played with my hair. I remember looking at my countdown clock - 10 hours, 14 minutes, 3 sec. I remember all the girls coming to the house, I remember driving together to my aunts shop, I remember popping champagne and eating a bagel. I remember all of us sitting around, getting our hair done - getting our makeup done laughing and crying. I remember it all. I remember RUSHING home to get my dress on and before I knew it I was in the waiting room. I remember my stomach with the butterflies flying about.... I remember waiting to walk down the aisle with my dad and those special words he told me. I remember that feeling as I turned the corner and saw him smiling. This was it. He was waiting for me, for us - to start our lives together.

The night was so magical surrounded by family and friends, we literally danced the night away. With good food, good wine, good company I couldn't have pictured a more perfect night. I didn't want it to end. And as Mr. and I walked into our hotel room for the night, I knew my life was never going to be the same. I remember waking up that next morning feeling so different - partly because I was extremely hungover, but partly because I woke up next to my husband - MY HUSBAND - how weird!!!

When I got home, I immediately went into nesting mode. I was buying furniture, and pictures and bookshelves and vases. I had so much freaking fun doing it. Our little home was coming together. Mr. and I were settling in as best as we could, you see he and I didn't live together before our wedding.... so this was all new to us. Living together, learning about each other - our little quirks. I found out that his socks are everywhere - in between cushions, under the bed, in my pant leg(?) I also found out that when he jumps out of the shower he usually likes to jumps out and head to his dresser instead of drying off on a rug. It was such an eye opener all the things - the good the bad the ugly. We are still learning about each other everyday. I learned he is a big time morning person, me, not so much. I learned he more laid back that I ever thought and I learned how much he really does love to cuddle :)

This year was so insane. From planning a wedding, to a bridal shower, to buying a home, to graduating college, to getting married, to flying to Hawaii, to moving out of my parents, to moving in with my husband, to find out the woes and amazingness of owning a home, to learning a lot about myself, to working full time, and to loving myself.

It has been a whirlwind of year and I feel like the fun has just begun. The word that I would like to capture 2011 would be Inspiration. I hope to find inspiration within myself to follow my dreams, even if its scary to take that leap. I hope to inspire myself to live all my wildest dreams even if I have to bust my ass to do it - I have never been a stranger to hard work - believe me.

I am so grateful for this year. I am grateful for all I have learned and all my blessings.... I hope you are too :)

Holiday Gift Guide - Part 1

Can you even believe Christmas is less than 4 weeks away? You know what that means - CRUNCH TIME! The list seems long, you don't want to even think about what to get them, you have no time. Fear not, I have put together some fun finds that will make anyone's Christmas!


TOMS - $44.00 and Up

I have wanted a pair of these for awhile. People kept telling me they were the comfiest pair of shoes they've slipped on. And let me tell you - they are. They may not be the most flattering shoe, but they've got some cute wedges, and wrap boots. Take a look!

Glee Soundtrack - 12.99 and up

I dont know about you. But I have SO jumped onto the Glee Wagon. This show is adorbs and the music is wonderful. Not to mention the great story lines. I simply love this show, and even if someone isn't a gleek. This CD is a definite picker-uper. Pop this baby in and your blah day is a Eeeee! day :)

Philosophy Gingerbread House - $20.00

I am a HUGE fan of the Philosophy brand. Between their lovely scents and their amazing face products, anything from the Philosophy brand will sure to brighten your day!

Record Coasters - $17.50

This is great for your music lover. Cute, fun, and interesting - love it!


Happy Hour Glass - $20.00

All I have to say about this beautiful gift, is that it is perfect. Perfectly engineered. Genius idea and a Genius gift