Let's Get it Started...

In honor of Goal #7, I have joined the gym and even worked out 3 of the 4 day I was a member last week! Well, gotta start somewhere...And I will post a picture of my before and after when there is an after. Maybe on my birthday...until then, you can picture me looking like this whilst at the gym. Not that you have to picture me at the gym, but if you do, this is pretty close to how I look when I am there;)

#7: Get Healthy!

Since I think that "fat" is a subjective word, I will not use it to describe myself, but instead, I will say that I would like to get healthy in 2010. Not that I am unhealthy right now, but there is a little too much of me to love, so I would at least like to set a goal to ""Lose 35 by Age 35"-which means I have until August and I will do it. It is in print now, so I can't back down. I also have a new workout partner who would like to do the same thing, so I am thinking a little wager might be in order. I will start posting pics to the side of the blog weekly so that I can share in the progress. If anyone would like to join me in this quest, please do-whether you are near or far, I would love to share inspirational stories.
My first inspirational story that motivates me to be healthy: SInce I have been home, I no longer am suffering from migraines. As opposed to the huge one every other month I was getting when I was crazy busy, this is a huge feat in my life! This has come from my first goal to be rested. I have really concentrated on getting enough sleep and figuring out how much sleep I need-you would be surprised how much a 20 minute nap can change your life! Now, I would like to be healthier and healthier so that I can do all the traveling that I want without having to worry about the shape that I am in...

#6: Visit a new State

It is my goal that in the history of my life before I die, I visit all 50 states in these United States. The rule is that I have to stay there at least long enough to take in some local culture. I have visited 11 so far, so now I just have 39 to go...and I pretty much have the West Coast covered, so looks like I will be getting on a plane. And if anyone wants to come along, I am always up for a traveling companion. Just beware, I am entertained VERY easily. Where is the World's Largest Ball of Yarn located?
Also, don't worry, I will be adding pics to the blog again soon. I just haven't been in a picture taking mood.

Goal #5:Learn a new skill

This one is cheating a little, but it is a good one that I like to do so it is staying a tradition. I always try to keep the interests varied and to be something that I have little or no skill in or that I have never done before. In the past, I have learned to do things like ski, cook, decorate, paint, refinish furniture, things like that. I am home in Cali for the first time in a long time, so I am going to take advantage of having a yard, a big kitchen with my very own cook to consult with, and a piano. Here are just a few of the things that I will learn to do this year:
1. Grow something. I have never actually planted something in the ground and followed it through to planthood. I love fresh tomatoes, so I think I will talk my family into giving me a little corner of yard to plant 1 tomato plant. Maybe a few more things depending on how the whole tomato plant goes. I like watermelon...
2. Bake bread. I have never actually baked bread from scratch either, which has always made me feel like my pioneer ancestors are a little upset with me. So, I will learn to make the best bread and rolls ever. Like I said, I have a big kitchen and my very own live in expert to help me.
3. Really learn to play the piano. I took eight years of piano and never really learned how to read notes. So, I am teaching myself to read notes and play again. I am excited to be able to play and really know what I am doing.

I am sure that there will be a lot more that I can think of that I would like to learn, but for now these will make me happy. Also, on a side note, I already have something that I will be doing that I have never done before: Singing in Sacrament Meeting! Mom, Jen and I are going to be singing in a trio for the Easter program. Hopefully no one leaves the church after I am done...

Goal #4: Read a New Book Every Month

Now that I am not in school, I feel like I have to try a little harder to educate myself and keep my mind active. So, I take my love of reading + love of learning and there we have a goal that I will love to do (almost as much as the shoe habit that I am thoroughly enjoying). I have read a few books so far-I am currently reading the book called "Girlfriends talk about Men". It is pretty fun and I figure I can use all the tips I can get, right? I am going to the library tomorrow so that I can just rent the books I need. Now, what to read next. Any suggestions?

Goal #3: Update the Blog Often

It seems that for a time, I was updating often and it was always fun! But, I have gotten a little behind-not for lack of things to say, but just for lack of motivation. Now that I live far away from many loved ones, I rely on blogs to keep up with people and I assume that they do the same. So, my resolution is this: Update the blog at least once a week. Even if it is just a sentence or a picture, once a week. It will keep me in the habit of working on my writing and keep me in better touch with my BFFs. I miss you, my friends outside of Pleasanton! I have added a new BFF to my list here. She is great-always happy to see me, gives great hugs, always lets me drive and decide where we are going, and likes to eat all of the things that I eat. Here is a picture of her: That's all for now. See you next week! I promise...

Goal #2: Get a Haircut and Get a Real Job

I am pretty sure that this one is a song title. I have moved away from my most favorite hair stylist ever, so I have been in a bad way as far as the haircut goes. I love my huge curly hair, but it really does grow OUT-not DOWN. And it has been growing out since I last saw my favorite hair stylist in October...you get the picture. So-I have to decide what to do with it now. I am making this one a goal because finding a new hairstylist is quite the process. I can color it myself, but the cut is crucial. So for now, I will be maintaining the mane and sitting in the back row wherever I go because I don't want to block anyone's view.
GET A REAL JOB-I have officially begun the job search as of the second week of January and whenenver I go through this process I am highly discouraged when there are not a ton of people knocking at my door offering to pay me a lot of money to do something that I love. With benefits. And reasonable hours. I know that at this time in our economy's history I need to be patient and keep putting myself out there. The job will come. So for now, I will keep putting in the work to find work. There is a fabulous job out there just waiting for me to find it. Maybe I can be a hair model...