A return?

Same excuse, different day. Seems to be common lately for me, and not just with blogging. But, after some time in New Orleans this week at a conference I'm feeling pretty motivated and inspired to work on some professional and personal growth opportunities. I'm having a serious come-to-Jesus meeting with myself on what I can do to be better. One of the first things on my list? Reorganizing! My daily routines, my home, my office at work..it's going to all get a much needed overhaul! I know it's going to take time, but hopefully I can eat this elephant one bite at a time.

Dinner at our House: Grilled Steak Salad

Yes! I'm alive, and eating delicious food. We haven't been cooking much, but this has been a new staple for the past two weeks: Grilled Steak Salads.

Mmmm...so good.

Tim will buy a pack of two small sirloin steaks and I will do the rub/seasoning. After it's grilled I add a few things:

• Blue Cheese Crumbles (reduced fat)
• Blue Cheese Dressing (lite; and I do a half serving)
• Balsamic Vinaigrette (also lite and half a serving)
• Additional ground pepper

All in all, when I've done the math the salad comes out to 7-8 WW points. Not too bad because I'm very full after eating steak. 

And just to update you on some of my 13x13 goals...

Notice two things: in 2 weeks I've lost 5.8 pounds doing WW and  C25K! 

Couldn't be happier and hopefully, healthier!

Thirteen in 13: Only 8 days late.

As usual, I fully intended to be like everyone else and post this on January 1. But, same old 2012 excuses- busy, busy and busy. I'm hoping that these will help whip me into shape. Without further ado:

1. Track our entire budget- last year I started out well, but it tapered off after about three months.
2. Use at least $500 in coupons- I'm pretty sure I surpassed this last year, but part of the problem was that I stopped tracking how much I was saving. This year I want to sort of unite these first two goals for a comprehensive look at our spending.
3. Personally put away $X in savings- I want to make sure I continue to contribute to our family's savings account.
4. Give up caffeinated beverages- Make a gradual change to giving them up or replacing them with caffeine free versions.
5. Lose X pounds- and keep it off- pretty self explanatory. I feel like losing X would put me at a very healthy weight and would get me back in my skinny clothes.
6. Run a 5k- I really want to do this! I need to do this!
7. Read 26 books- I really think I can do this, especially now that I have my iPad mini and I joined a book club.
8. Complete an organization program/regime- there is a 31 days to getting organized and a 13 week one. I'm not sure what I'll do yet, but I want to work on that.
9. Stick to my professional development hours at work and earn my step increase! I'm a little over 50% complete with my hours. I have about 7 or 8 months to get it done. I think I can do it!
10. Make at least three meals a week- we've been eating out way too much. This will help us stay organized, on a budget and healthier.
11. Finish wedding scrapbook- THIS YEAR MAKES FIVE YEARS!!! I have GOT to do this.
12. Wish everyone happy birthday :)
13. Have twelve unique dates with the husband. Gotta keep it fun and interesting. I'm taking any suggestions.

There it is. Thirteen things I'm striving for in 2013. I'm already off to a good start on 1, 2, 6, 7, and 12. Hopefully the rest will follow suit. Wish me luck!

Happy New Year: Twelve Goals for 2012

Woohoo! Some of you may remember my blog posts regarding goals for the new year, or Eleven in 11. Well I'm at it again. Some are similar, some are a little more private, some are easy and some are not. We'll see how it goes!

1. Track our entire budget- Now, that sounds like I don't now, but I do, I just want to get down to the details more.
2. Use at least $500 in coupons- Pretty high goal, but not once you start using those Extra Care Bucks from CVS. We'll see how it goes. I've got a little Excel sheet and I'm excited to find out exactly how much cutting coupons saves me from just the coupons.
3. Lose X and keep it off- So last year I did well losing what I planned to lose, I just gained 10 of it back. So now I'm going to get that 10 back off and hopefully just a little bit more with it and hope that come December I haven't gained back.
4. Get a library card, use it once a month- This one is in honor of my favorite librarian couple. I want to start going to the library to get books because I want to...
5. Read 26 books- Last year I tried for 52- HA! That was one a week, but this one I might be able to pull off. One book every two weeks. I am LOVING the Hunger Games books right now.
6. Shop local once a month- Tim and I like to support small business when we can, so I thought I'd make it a goal to continue to do it at least once a month.
7. Knit a scarf- this one is easy...right? I've already got one started...I just need to finish it!
8. Consistent Gym Use- if we're going to keep it as an expense I've got to go more. I'm pledging to go at least four times a week to make it worth our while.
9. BLOG three times a week- I don't want to abandon you. I did so well at the beginning of the year, and then fell off. I want to keep it going all year long!
10. Finish our wedding scrapbook- We've been married almost 4 years, it's just time to do this already!
11. Put $X in savings- gotta build it back up since we're hoping to buy that house :)
12. Run a 5k- It's time to stop saying I'm going to do it and just do it!

So there it is. The List. What do you want to accomplish in 2012?

Where did she go?

Oh my goodness, I've really dropped the ball. It's as if the last part of 2011 I fell off the planet. I know I have the same excuse, "a lot is going on" but really- A LOT IS GOING ON! Tim and I are getting ready to really embark on a new adventure of possibly owning a home and I can't wait to share the news once it becomes official. I thought I would blog more about it, but it has turned out to be quite an emotional roller-coaster and I thought, maybe I'll just keep more of it to ourselves.

But, have no fear for 2012. There will be a set of new goals, 12 in 12! I've got new ideas for updates, and I have plenty of new recipes to try to share with you all as a result of my MIL buying us some new cookbooks for Christmas. I also have a new camera from my parents to document it all with.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season.

I am going to blog today!

I'm rereading over my goals and I'm epic failing here in the tenth month of the year. That's why I'm thankful I was tagged in this post. I'm going to try and get back on the goal-driven horse...

I'm a ham sometimes. This is me today at work riding the "horse"...yeeeeeah. Please note the AL state flag in the background...

So here goes:

1. Do not give up on the home search. We can't be married with parents and pets forever. It's getting to that point in my life I'm really wanting to consider our family growth extension plans aka babies...and I just can't even think about it without having a home for our possible future family members. So I want to continue to look at homes and even apartments. It's just a challenge because I don't want to live in an apartment when most of the mortgages are cheaper than rent...

2. Find more things to give thanks about aka complain less. Sometimes I catch myself venting more than I like doing. I need to revive the spirit of my old blog- Thank You Have a Nice Day.

3. Get a library card. CHRIS! Help me here LOL. I want to start checking out more books rather than buying them. I want to be a library supporter.

4. Clean out a box from my dorm. I know that when I moved home for the summer after my freshmen year there were at least two boxes of stuff that never made it back with me when I moved into my sophomore-senior apartment. I want to dig those out, have a few laughs, clear some clutter and scrapbook any items left over. I know I have some old high school photos in there I want to use to make some stuff with.

5. Get back to goals in general. I want to start back to seriously working on my original goals I set for 2011.

What are your goals for the rest of the year?

Eleven in 11: Evaluating September

I don't know how the year is going by so fast...this is crazy!

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- I love these ladies! I'm thinking about possibly taking on something else though too. Any suggestions?
2. The weight loss one- So, last week Tim and I started back to WW together. I hate that he can have basically double my points. In the first week he lost 10 lbs! I lost 2 of the 7 I had gained back. Overall, I'm still doing great for the year.
3. Plan and take honeymoon- We went to Amelia Island. Collectively, Tim and I decided that we simply didn't ever have a honeymoon. While the trip was a FABULOUS trip, it just wan't a honeymoon. We missed the boat 3 years ago, and it isn't something you can just have 3 years late. It's ok though, we still loved vacationing! You can see our recent trip photos from here and here.
4. Trying four new recipes- I managed to make one thing: Buttermilk Blue Cheese Smashed Red Potatoes

5. Blog three times a week- I need to set aside a set time for this I think, that's the only way it is going to get better.

6. Student loan- Check!

7. Savings!- Check! 

8. Read 52 books- Still 51 to go...

9. Facebook birthdays- I love facebook's new birthday feature. It makes this tons easier!

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- I had Smokey Pig BBQ for the first time this month! Ha! I didn't actually go to the restaurant, but I did get it delivered by Tim. It was decent :)

11. Etsy- I have some ideas now that football season is well underway.

Eleven in 11: Evaluating August

Somehow I'm only getting worse, but I promise I will make a change. I love my little blog, and I do get compliments from some readers so I WILL make the effort to update more regularly. 

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- I love my volunteer work.
2. The weight loss one- *grumble grumble* Anyone want to do WW with me? I've gained back about 6-7 lbs.
3. Plan and take honeymoon- We went to Amelia Island. Collectively, Tim and I decided that we simply didn't ever have a honeymoon. While the trip was a FABULOUS trip, it just wan't a honeymoon. We missed the boat 3 years ago, and it isn't something you can just have 3 years late. It's ok though, we still loved vacationing! You can see our recent trip photos from here and here.
4. Trying four new recipes- We have hardly cooked. I need to get back on this!

5. Blog three times a week- Obvious...fail!

6. Student loan- Check!

7. Savings!- Check! 

8. Read 52 books- I FINALLY FINISHED ONE HAHA. I recently read the Help, and I plan on writing a review.

9. Facebook birthdays- I missed a few when I was in NYC, but I think I've done alright.

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- I will blog about all the yummy ones from NYC!

11. Etsy- I should get on this now that football is back in action!

Eleven in 11: Evaluating July

Uhhhhhhhhh! I am such a slacker this summer. I'm honestly just so exhausted from the four-day work week. I enjoy the Fridays off, but I've mostly been using it to recover from the four-day work week! Class has gotten a little crazy, and I'm very excited that tomorrow is the FINAL! Woohoo! I love my students, but the 12.5 hours on Tue/Thur are brutal.

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- Still volunteering for SASC. Also, had a debate meeting with my CHS ladies. Hopefully we can get these kids into shape so they can debate at state this year!
2. The weight loss one- Stuck in a rut. Not gaining, but not losing. If I could just get back to tracking the WW pts again and hitting the gym more. We did start doing Pilates at home and I can feel a difference!
3. Plan and take honeymoon- We went to Amelia Island. Collectively, Tim and I decided that we simply didn't ever have a honeymoon. While the trip was a FABULOUS trip, it just wan't a honeymoon. We missed the boat 3 years ago, and it isn't something you can just have 3 years late. It's ok though, we still loved vacationing! You can see our recent trip photos from here and here.
4. Trying four new recipes- Slacker again. But, I did make Ricotta Cheese Chocolate Chip Muffins. VERY YUM!

5. Blog three times a week- Still kind of slow.

6. Student loan- Check!

7. Savings!- Check! I think I've actually exceeded my goal :) But, we're thinking about venturing into home-buying, so I need to keep it up.

8. Read 52 books- I'm awful.

9. Facebook birthdays- I have done very well with this I think!

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- We went to Mandarin Cafe, and I decided NOT to blog about it...because it was soooo awful...

11. Etsy- Consider this one failed too.

I'm going to come out of this goal-achieving slump and do it up BIG in August!

Eleven in 11: Evaluating June

I am so sorry for the lack of June updates. I am a mad woman, truly. This month I not only began a 4 day work week at work (which means 10 hours days and a half lunch) I took on some additional responsibilities. I am teaching in the evenings twice a week, making the work day an additional 2 hours longer), plus I helped with an online class at another university. Whew! Lots of work, leaves me with not as much time to blog. Anywho, I'm here now and I have lots of ideas for future posts!

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- I got my certificate in the mail recently and I'm so happy to belong to such a great organization and good cause. Sometimes people ask me "rape crisis? ew, why?" Well, it isn't "fun" work, but someone has to do it. I don't want to sit by idly and simply complain. I want to be part of the solution. Women (and I say women because they are the largest demographic of victims) need to be reminded that there is absolutely no reason for sexual assault. Nothing they did made them "deserve it." I feel like when it comes to this, I'm very good at not judging a person but being empathetic and supportive.
2. The weight loss one- I'm awful! I've actually gained about 3 lbs back. Because I was so busy in June I all but quit the gym. But, now that the online class is over I'm going to make myself go Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. I'm going to make it to my ultimate goal!!!
3. Plan and take honeymoon- We went to Amelia Island. Collectively, Tim and I decided that we simply didn't ever have a honeymoon. While the trip was a FABULOUS trip, it just wan't a honeymoon. We missed the boat 3 years ago, and it isn't something you can just have 3 years late. It's ok though, we still loved vacationing! You can see our recent trip photos from here and here.
4. Trying four new recipes- Well...I haven't hardly cooked since my brother and his family arrived, but I will get back on it. I did however make:

• Oreo Truffles
• Chocolate Cake Balls

5. Blog three times a week- I fail, I know, I know.

6. Student loan- Check!

7. Savings!- Check! 

8. Read 52 books- I think I'm giving up here...but I did just learn about a cool new website: www.goodreads.com

9. Facebook birthdays- This really is a good tool for reconnecting.

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- I'm not sure if we went somewhere new or not...

11. Etsy- Again...not sure when this will ever happen...

Is your summer fun? I hope so! Stay cool and stay safe!

Eleven in 11: Evaluating May

Where is this year going so quickly? Each day seems to zoom by! May was an incredibly busy month for us and I hardly had time to blog. But, let's see how we did.

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- Check! I am now an advocate. I am also interested in volunteering for the libraries in town. A dear friend of mine is a librarian and I know he busts his for his patrons. I'm a little saddened by what I've read recently about the funding for the libraries in town, so my philosophy is to always be part of the solution, and not just someone who complains. We'll see.
2. The weight loss one- Ugggg. I have hit a plateau, however, I'm not gaining. Which is good. I'm maintaining the net loss of 33 lbs. Part of the problem is that I'm no longer tracking points as strictly. But, also, I've slacked up on the gym. We have a good incentive though for me to press on and finish my ultimate goal. This fall we are going to NY for a family member's engagement party! 
3. Plan and take honeymoon- We went to Amelia Island. Collectively, Tim and I decided that we simply didn't ever have a honeymoon. While the trip was a FABULOUS trip, it just wan't a honeymoon. We missed the boat 3 years ago, and it isn't something you can just have 3 years late. It's ok though, we still loved vacationing! You can see our recent trip photos from here and here.
4. Trying four new recipes- I think we managed to do it this time:

• Parmesan Parsley Chicken
• Roasted Red Ranch Potatoes
• Cube Steak Rollups
• and another roasted red potatoes recipe, only this time tried a French Onion mix

5. Blog three times a week- Only had 12 posts, but again...we were kind of swamped.

6. Student loan- Check!

7. Savings!- Check! 

8. Read 52 books- I bought another book, this time Chelsea Handler's newest release...but I've still only made it through the introduction...

9. Facebook birthdays- I really am reconnecting with some folks because of this!

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- Koreana was soooo yum! I highly recommend!

11. Etsy- I think I'm going to use Fridays as a crafting day. Did I mention I now work 4 days a week? Yay! 10 hours is a little rough M-Th...but having 3 day weekends is a blast!

I hope many of you are getting to take some time off this summer to do fun things. I want to go to six flags at least once. Any takers?

Eleven in 11: Evaluating April

I cannot believe we are already in May! Time is flying by. The blog has been a great way to hold myself accountable for lots of my goals, so if you are curious about how you can start one for yourself, just let me know. It's incredibly easy.
The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- I will train this month! I'm so excited. I'm basically going to be a rape crisis volunteer once again. This is one thing I care deeply about. Sometimes, people say, "well how is that? It can't be fun..." Well it certainly isn't fun, and I wouldn't even say I enjoy it, but it is just incredibly meaningful to be able to help someone. And to be truthful, I would want someone to be there for me, so I feel it's only "right" to be there for someone else. 
2. The weight loss one- Slowing down here, but it's mostly because I've not been hitting the gym as much as I should, and I've been so busy that I sometimes lose track of my points. But, the good news is that I'm down 15 since January and certainly on track with my original goal. Also, overall I've lost 32 pounds. 
3. Plan and take honeymoon- Amelia Island is still a go. Please let us know if you've been and you have suggestions for fun and food!
4. Trying four new recipes- Ugh, this I think is my first time failing at this, but to be fair, I did have a busy month at work with a few events. I think I'll try for 6 in May to make up for the deficit.

• Buffalo Chicken Wraps (which were AWESOME)
• Pineapple Bliss (sweet and tart)

5. Blog three times a week- I think I keep people's facebook feed flooded. Speaking of facebook feed, I've made a page so you can like the blog on facebook. We'll see how it works out.

6. Student loan- Check! And let me say this also, this month I was about to DOUBLE my payment because of the extra cash I have saved using coupons. HAVE I PERSUADED YOU YET?!?!

7. Savings!- Check! Same thing here. I was able to put away more in savings this month because I had more to spare (and ok, to be fair, I didn't make nearly as many vanity purchases, but part of that is because I wait more for sales now + coupons and deals)...

8. Read 52 books- How am I so bad at this? I love reading. I can't get into the new JR Ward. It's taking me forever to read this latest book...

9. Facebook birthdays- I love that this is actually helping me talk to people more.

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- Wood Stone was great! Make sure to check it out.

11. Etsy- Getting back into the habit. I made Beth's daughter a necklace so it helped me want to make more.

I hope that you weathered April. I know many of you are/were affected by the end of April storms. I pray that your May is full of flowers instead of awful April showers, and I'm so thankful that many of you are safe with your families.

Eleven in 11: Evaluating March

I don't want to jinx it this early in the game, but 2011 is GREAT! As usual, I want to be accountable to my Eleven in 11 goals.

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- This month I attended a YP meeting for servant leadership and I think there are a few opportunities for me to do some volunteer work. Also, at work this week I put my name in to be part of Relay for Life. 
2. The weight loss one- I have lost 14 pounds since January, which means I'm right on track with my goal. Overall, I've lost 31 since October. I've never been so proud of myself. I feel great, my knees are so thankful.
3. Plan and take honeymoon- New plan: Amelia Island in May. I'm so excited!
4. Trying four new recipes- We did four new ones, but I think I left one off the blog because it was only so-so:

• Tortilla Pie/Fiesta Lasagna
• Creamy Basil Chicken
• Baked Onion Rings
• and the one I didn't post, but you can find online- Blondies with Chocolate Chips 

5. Blog three times a week- We've picked right back up and I'm always trying to think of new and somewhat useful or entertaining content. Feel free to make suggestions!

6. Student loan- Check :)

7. Savings!- Check check :)

8. Read 52 books- I'm failing. I did buy the new J.R. Ward book two nights ago. I will finished that one over the weekend!

9. Facebook birthdays- Doing well :)

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- LOVED Old Siam!!! I think we're going to try Woodstone in April- anyone been?

11. Etsy- Def. falling behind, but now that its getting pretty out, and soon I'll have Fridays off, I think I'll get back into this.

Hope your March was eventful and fun! Here's to April!

Eleven in 11: Evaluating February

2011 is moving along pretty quickly. We're already at the end of month two. I'm keeping myself accountable on the progress of Eleven in 11.

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- Well, I thought I had found something, but the first committee meeting was on the same night as another event I was working on. I'm going to find something here and soon!
2. The weight loss one- I've lost 9 pounds since January so I'm doing pretty well on that front. (However, Tim and I have slacked on the gym the past two weeks so we've got to get it in gear).
3. Plan and take honeymoon- We had a plan, but I'm waiting for an event at work to go down first before I make/pay for any plans. It is going to happen though :) I know it!
4. Trying four new recipes- We've done it, I just haven't posted these all in the blog. Some were kind of bleh. We made:

• Honey Mustard Baked Chicken
• Yummy Chocolate Cake
• Chili Potato Wedges
• Cheesy Potato Soup
• and I made my own version of Italian Chicken and Pasta (this was pretty good I'll have to share it)

5. Blog three times a week- Slowed down a bit in February, but we've added the new Caturday Saturday section to the blog. I find it entertains the cat lady in all of us.

6. Student loan- Check :)

7. Savings!- Check check :)

8. Read 52 books- Ugh I am struggling on this! I just cannot find the time and/or right books to settle in to. I need to crack out the Goosebumps, R.L. Stine or Sweet Valley I guess...not sure I'll be meeting this quota any time soon.

9. Facebook birthdays- I've stayed on track with this I think.

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- Actually did this one this month.

11. Etsy- Thinking about working on a piece tonight.

Once again, I think we're doing alright. 2011 has been a very kind year so far.

Eleven in 11: Evaluating January

Well, it's the end of the first month of 2011. I thought I would go back and update you all (more so make sure I'm accountable to myself) on the progress of Eleven in 11.

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- Still working on it. Tim and I just joined an organization that should help in this area.
2. The weight loss one- I'm still rolling pretty well with this one. :)
3. Plan and take honeymoon- We've started the planning. We've got the location picked, and a date in mind. Just waiting to see if it will all fall into place.
4. Trying four new recipes- I think we surpassed this one! We've done:

• Baked Basil Fries
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Creamy Chicken  Rice Soup
• Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies (these were a fan fav!)
• SEC in the "Southwest"ern Quesadillas
• WW General Tso's Chicken
• Creamy Bowtie Pasta

5. Blog three times a week- I think we're keeping you filled in on what's up. I'm always trying to come up with new ideas to improve the blog.

6. Student loan- The dreaded student loan. Nothing to me is more gratifying than when I pay for my education. I've already set up the payments for both my loan and Tim's scary law school loan.

7. Savings!- I'm getting ready to transfer funds now.

8. Read 52 books- This one I am having trouble with. I've struggled to finish two this month. But, I think I can double up soon if I get some spare time. I need to post the book reviews.

9. Facebook birthdays- I'm doing much better than I've ever done. I think I may have missed a day or two, but not more than that.

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- I'm going to go ahead and say even though it turned out we'd been before...that we tried something 'new' at this one.

11. Etsy- I have bought a few new things to work on this. More info coming soon!

Overall, I think we're headed in a good direction. The whole purpose of this isn't to finish in one month, but to keep making progress throughout the year. I'm still looking forward to all the possibilities 2011 has offer.

Restaurant Review: Johnny's Pizza

Tonight was our last chance at squeezing in a "new" place as part of my Eleven in 11. I'll be honest, we tried to go somewhere else tonight in Columbus and it was closed....so needless to say, Mom, Tim and I were in a hunger jam.

We had passed by the Johnny's pizza place and I couldn't remember if it was the same one that is in Auburn (though I'm pretty sure it's Johnny Buscos)...however, upon getting inside and checking out the menu...I'm almost positive I've been to one of these in Carrollton. So, I didn't want to cheat. I wanted to make the geniune effort to try something new. And I did. I opted for the Hawaiian. It always sounds like it could be tasty, but I always grab a calzone. Well, since starting WW, calzones are not really an option. I ordered the slice and a small salad with reduced fat dressing.

All in all it wasn't that bad. It was certainly different. But, not bad. It hasn't become my new favorite, but I'm sure I'd eat it again if we stopped by. I'm very excited that their website contains nutrition facts. ALWAYS a huge plus for me since I'm constantly calculating things. Between the slice, the salad, and the dressing my whole meal was 16 points. Not bad for someone who saves the majority of her points for dinners anyways, and certainly not bad for eating out. (Maybe one day I'll blog about the tragedy that is Applebee's lunch menu- SCARY POINTS!).

If you like the crusty thin pizza, you'll love the place.

Happy New Year: Eleven Goals for 2011

Ok, so technically I'm 24 hours and some change late...but I wanted to wish you all a great new year. I thought I might blog about myself some in this post. Tim is still thinking on his, but I have already decided my 11 goals for 2011. I thought I'd share most of them (some are just a little more private than others).

1. Find new volunteer opportunity- I used to do 24 and 48 hour shifts for the rape crisis hotline in Athens and I'm looking for something similar now that we have moved. 
2. Lose X pounds (X by the beginning of July)- I've already lost 17 doing WW and exercising (almost daily). I thought giving myself a deadline of July made me think about it in more realistic terms. I put the Xs to try to keep it somewhat personal :)
3. Plan and take honeymoon- Now this one does involve Tim. We're thinking about possibly going to NYC for a weekend, but we're still thinking out ideas. If you have a suggested for an extended weekend let us know!
4. Try four new recipes a month- This basically equates to one a week but gives us some flexibility too. I hope to chronicle this one on the blog so stay tuned!
5. Blog three times a week- Yes, we know we've abandoned you...but that will change! Today counts as one right? Ha, ha...
6. Pay at least $X off student loan- Again, tried to keep the finances private. It's actually quite gratifying when I make my student loan payments. I'm going in to my second full year of repayment and I love seeing that number go down. :)
7. Put $X in savings- Similar to the one above, but I have sat down and done the math and I've got a number tucked away for safe keeping. 
8. Read 52 books- another one that I hope to blog about (maybe it will help with goal #5). I think roughly one book a week is totally doable.
9. Wish each Facebook friend happy birthday- crap! Typing this I realized I missed today...well I call mulligan on that one...I'm going to start on that as soon as I finish here...yikes...(by the way this goal was inspired by Peter Shankman's seminar in Montgomery...)
10. Visit 12 new restaurants- I'm really looking forward to this one. It can also help goal #5!
11. and finally finish working on my etsy store-  I'm so excited about this one! I need to get to making some jewelry! 

And that, my friends, is the list. I had a recent discussion with someone about new year's resolutions. I don't make them. I like the ideas of small and realistic goals. I started this back in 2009. I had 9 goals for 09 and 10 in 10. Since the creation of X in 20XX, I've done much better than simply saying "I'm going to be a better person," or "I'm going to get fit." So here is wishing you the best on setting realistic goals and working to accomplish them!