#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...

Top 10 of 2010

I am a goal-oriented girl, so I always set goals at this time of year and so far have been successful at meeting them. I am pretty practical about this and in the past my goals have included such things as: Get my degree (done), learn a new skill (done), Move out of Logan (done), and...well, you get the picture. So, I am setting 10 goals this year and have decided to post them one at a time-otherwise this post would get way too long. I also have decided that I needed some fun goals to balance out the lofty ones. So, for this first goal of 2010, I decided that I should set a fun goal to get things started right:

GOAL #1: Buy a new pair of shoes every month.

Now I have to admit that this idea was not my own, but I loved it, so I am making it my goal this year. The rules are simple-all I have to do is buy at least one pair of shoes every month this year and I will be a success. They can be any kind of shoe. To get myself started off right, I actually bought 2 pairs. I didn't need them, but I wanted them and they were the right price-with tax and everything they ended up being $11.64 total and I love them:


So for goal #1 I am 1 for 12 and feeling pretty good about it. Stay tuned for some more goals...I've gotta go shopping:)

Top 9 of 2009

Along with this time of year comes an opportunity to reflect on the past year at the good times and the bad. Luckily, I, for one had a great 2009, so here are the 9 highlights in no particular order:

1. The TV show Glee. It is funny and has singing. Makes me happy every time that it is on.
2. Fall Season in Logan which includes Homecoming Week. I spent my last beautiful fall in Logan and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the snow-less season. I am always awed at Heavenly Father's creations when I get to observe the wonders that happen in nature.
3. I Graduated! This one definitely deserves an exclamation point! After a lot of random happenings, I have finally achieved my goal of having a college degree. I have always known that I am a smart girl and now I have a piece of paper that backs me up on this theory.
4. I moved to California. After achieving the above, I decided that I needed to hightail it out of Logan. So, on October 29th, 2009, I pulled out of Logan for my last time and drove my belongings to California. So far, this has been a great move for me and although I am still looking for a job, it has been really good to be here.
5. No Broken Bones! Anyone who knows me, knows that when I can say that i haven't broken even one bone for a whole year, this is quite an accomplishment. Concussions do not count.
6. Kelly Clarkson concert with Laura. Apparently this is becoming a yearly sister tradition and I am really happy about that. We got to see her outside in Orem this year and she did not disappoint.
7. I survived the Canyon in the winter. This should be printed on t-shirts for people that can say that they survived the crazy canyon unscathed. I did it through 3 blizzards and the Jeep and I survived with style so we have definite bragging rights.
8. I got to welcome a new brother into my family. Jen and Ryan got married Vegas style in February and we all had a blast enjoying some time with the fam and playing for the weekend. Other weddings worth mentioning: Shayna and Jeremy, Brad and Tanja, and Marisa and Eric. I love when people are in love.
9. It was a good year to reconnect with some loved lifelong friends and their families. And to reconnect with my own family here in Cali. There is no better sound than to hear an 18-month old squeal with excitement when you go to her house:)

These are just the highlights of what was a really good year for me. Hope that it was this good for everyone. Stay tuned for my Top 10 of 2010...time to set some goals:)