Clay, silk, stone or paper

So it's "New Year's Resolution" Time again. I just realized that I didn't really make any resolutions in 2012, so I guess that means for 4 straight years, I have not broken my resolutions! haha...it counts! However, I've decided to do something different this year. At first, I felt like my resolutions are more selfish than past years'. However, after some googling and thesaurus work, I've come up with a few ways to summarize. In 2013, my goals will be more directed with self-regard. I also thought about using "self-interest", but I liked self-regard the best. So again, this year these will be goals for the year. I may add some throughout the year depending on the progress of these.

1. Finish 2013 DEBT FREE. I'm so close to achieving this goal it just makes me giddy. Two or three years ago was the time that I really started to realize that I had a problem. I think, for learning's sake, I will share this information. I think it would be safe to say that I moved back from Midland in 2009 with over $23,000 in debt. I bought a car, I had my student loans and then I didn't follow a budget and stupidly decided to use my credit card like it was no big deal. Now, I'm close to $6,000 in debt. My car and credit card debt will be paid off in a matter of months, seriously, so then only my student loans will remain and if I get serious about it, it should be gone by October! I have to give my dad a big shout out for help with this one! Thanks for letting me move back home, rent free, and for helping me pay off my credit card without interest!

2. Run a Half-Marathon. Yeah, I've never really been a runner. But I did used to like working out. Unfortunately, my money wasn't the only thing that disappeared in Midland. In college, we went dancing at least once a week, plus, we would play basketball in the rec or intramural softball. I've blogged before about how much progress I've already made in the weight loss department since moving back home. However, in two years, not much more progress has been made. I've been stuck. I've worked out here and there, I've ate better here and there, but haven't really gotten anywhere, not long term anyways. So, with a little push from a few friends, I'm training for a half-marathon. We are looking for a date still, along with a place, so if anyone else would like to run a half-marathon with us, let me know. I did my first "real workout" yesterday. Thankfully, I now live 5 minutes from a park, so on weekends that it's not too cold I plan on walking to the park for my workout. Otherwise, I can go to the gym. Also, any runners out there with any advice, please give it to me. SERIOUSLY- ANY ADVICE IS WELCOME! From shoe brands to clothes brands, to diets, stretches to anything else that I just don't know about. Also, if any one ever wants to run with me, right now, it's a walk-jog, but...it'll get there. I'm also looking for other forms of "cross-training" so any sort of fun, athletic activity you have in your back pockets, feel free to share!

3. Go Back to School. As of today, I'm still very much undecided about what I want to get my Master's Degree in, I just know that I want to get it. I was discussing it this weekend and here's my options, basically, after passing the GRE:

• Math Degree: I have to go back and fill in some pre-reqs that I didn't get while getting my bachelor's first. Once finished, I could either continue teaching High School, with a small raise, or I could teach math at the college level. Either of those options is okay with me. I really, really, enjoy learning and teaching math.
• Education Degree: There aren't any other pre-reqs that I would have to get. Basically getting this degree would ensure that I move up the "food chain" of education. I could be an administrator or something like it, which of course, would mean more money. After moving up the "chain" at Girl Scout Camp, I'm not so sure that I'm ready to start doing that in teaching. I really enjoy teaching and I'm just afraid I would miss it!

So, my first step this spring is to study for and pass the GRE, then once my undergrad is paid for (see goal #1), I can go get something. This gives me some time to decide what I want to do, or what is right for me.

4. Re-flourish my spiritual life. Nothing stays the same forever, but things need to grow and change as we grow and change. Starting at Holy Cross really revitalized my spiritual life after a two year drought with prayer multiple times a day, weekly school mass, religious and spiritual discussions with my students and more. But now, I need to do something else, something more. For the past month or so, I've been participating in Eucharistic Adoration at St. Thomas every week. That really has been a good start, but it's just that: a start. There's got to be more out there for me and I'm determined to find it!

So those are my "self-oreinted" goals for 2013. As I said, I may add to these throughout the year, especially as these are completed. The main difference between these and my old resolutions is that these have nothing to do with anyone but me, really. That's unusual for me, and I'm really looking forward to it. Lately, I've been quoting Seinfeld, not really sure what that's about, but I have a clip that fits this situation. Happy New Year!

Oh and just for fun I'll add one more...
5. Use "Maybe the Dingo Ate Your Baby" in casual conversation.

Another Chance

Happy New Year! So usually I write a list of things I've done through out the year and a bunch of things I look forward to doing the next year about this time. I've had a few friends write a list of reflections on this last year, like general statements that summarize the year. I don't think I've ever done that before, so I'm going to give it a try....

1. You can say "No" to your boss and still have a job.

2. There's an unspeakable satisfaction in pouring your heart and soul into your job and being rewarded with a "Heart & Soul" award.

3. There's a not so fine line between selfish and living your own life.

4. Moving back home for the right reasons is nothing to be ashamed of, especially if it pays off.

5. High School Reunions are exactly like High School, but I'm also glad I went to mine.

6. There's an awesome feeling when you're less than four months away from paying off your car and your credit card debt.

7. Having the right friends in your life make all the difference in how you view life.

8. It's important to have friends that a) make you laugh b) inspire you to be a better version of yourself c) enjoy doing the same things as you and d) can talk with you about practically almost everything. (And I'm blessed to have MANY of you!!)

9. No matter how hard you try, loving someone will not instantly mean they'll accept your help.

10. Letting go of things that only cause you stress is SUCH A relief!!

11. Accepting and embracing your quirks and nerdiness make life so much more enjoyable!

12. Creating nicknames for people is still fun after junior high.

13. You can plan all you want, but sometimes life just happens.

14. Visiting another country with teenagers is SO MUCH FUN!

15. Traveling is super addicting, I want to visit EVERY country on the planet, or most of them at least.

16. Acceptance really is the first step in recovery, even when the problem is only disorganization.

17. I still have no idea where I'm going with my life...

18. ...but I'm having lots of fun getting there.

19. Making life decisions is hard, especially REAL ones, where making a list is almost impossible.

20. Doing something every day for a month is a lot harder than it seems.

21. If you can do something every day for a month, than you can do anything every day for a month.

22. Winning isn't everything, but it sure makes life better!

23. Working somewhere that you love for not much pay is a lot easier than getting paid more to do something that makes you miserable.

24. I'm not 22 years old anymore, working with people who are 22 is the best way to figure that out.

25. Age has no place in determining friendships.

26. It's okay to be tired of things, but necessities will still be necessities.

27. It is possible to be a "professional" wedding guest, especially when you know lots of people.

28. Accepting help is something I still need help on.

I decided to make 28, since I am 28. I'm not making "resolutions" this year as much as I'm going to make plans/goals to accomplish actual things through out the year. That will have to wait for another day though. Happy New Year! Thanks for being a part of my story for 2012. I look forward to seeing what everyone has in store for 2013!