Just a minute of my time...

Recap of 2010 goals

So I set forth many goals for 2010 and I'm quite happy with the results. Using my "word" I tried to simplify my life and finding a new passion for running I changed things about my mind and body along the way.  

December 31, 2009 - not the best picture, but...

Here I wrote about making changes - 6 changes and I think I did quite well, although there is always room for improvement.

1. workout and running - I set a goal of 500 miles for the year and exceeded that goal running 878 miles!  I've since added more weights and spinning classes into that workout routine too.
2. Reading - read some amazing books this year, although I still haven't quite met my goal with the 50 books.  I will attempt 50 again this year, but I'm also going to change it up with the variety of books that I read.
3. DeClutter - I started out strong in this and while I did do some, there is definitely room for lots of improvement here!
4. Debt reduction - I think this is going to be a work in progress, though we definitely feel a difference there is more work to be done!
5. Creating more - Another goal that I could use more practice with.  I seem to go in spurts of creating and I want to create in other areas besides scrapbooking
6. Eating healthier - has definitely been a part of my life this year.  With all the running I'm still learning when I should eat what and how my body feels better for some runs then other runs because of what I have or have not eaten.  But with 2 of my cousins being personal trainers, going to the gym with a personal trainer and of course my daughter studying in this area I know there is room for improvement.

December 12, 2010

For 2011 I plan to work more with these goals and CHALLENGE myself to reach new goals. I've already signed up for 2 half marathons, one in February and one in May, got Zach to agree on running his first 5K with us! Started compiling a list of books to add to my Kindle for reading and implementing a new budget for the household.

Are you ready to challenge yourself?

 

 

It didn't even feel like Christmas

and yet it has come and gone so quickly!

Still recovering from all the festivities!  Thankful for family and friends and looking forward to the coming new year!

 

End of the year lists

 Coming to the end of the year, so here I go in the spirit of marking my favorites of  2010!

• favorite radio station... XM radio McCartney's Band on the run radio, loving it!
• favorite place to eat... Cheesecake factory (I think I'm addicted!)
• favorite activity... running (did you think otherwise?)
• favorite running song - The dog days are over by Florence and the machine
• favorite household project... my kitchen island painted black and the new lights
• favorite book of 2010... God Never blinks, The pillars of the earth, Unbroken
• favorite movie of 2010... Eat pray love
• favorite television show of  2010... Modern Family!
• favorite scrapbooking line - October afternoon, 7 gypsies, Tim Holtz.... can't pick one!
• favorite gadget... my kindle!  love it more than I thought I would

to be continued...

Merry Christmas

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.  ~W.T. Ellis

 

Merry Christmas to all, have a wonderful day with family and friends

One little word

 Do you remember Ali Edwards and her one little word?  It's that time again! Have you been thinking about your word?

I came to my word about a month ago 

Challenge

There were many things throughout 2010 that were a challenge for me, and at the end of those challenges I left feeling a better person, a stronger person and so this year I want to challenge myself even more.  Get out of my comfort zone.... run that FULL marathon in Chicago and so on.  

I have to thank Jill for changing my 2010, challenging me to these races and Chelsea who ran them with me.  They changed me forever and I am grateful!  It all started with one mile, Chelsea getting me on that treadmill and running my first mile made me realize, yes I can do it!  and as always my husband and his support to run any race I want to run!

And so I plan to challenge myself to be a better person, and to be better to others we have to be better to ourselves.  Expect more from ourselves, try harder, embrace those challenges that seem so tough.  And let's face it, life is full of challenges!

My latest project complete

or almost completed...

Now I'm thinking it needs a granite top?  Going to look into it after Christmas.  Debating whether it will be black or brown?

the kitchen island before

making progress, my husband was a bit apprehensive

 My chairs, I got from Spiegel catalog - are they even still around?  painting the chairs was a pain, but so worth it!

Finished!  Just in time for the holidays! And hubby loves it too!

A week away?

How is it Christmas is a week away, I've got most of my shopping done and yet it doesn't feel like Christmas?  When does that feeling go away, is it when you're a kid or when your kids are little? It's not that I don't still love Christmas and spending time with family, its just a different feeling? 

In the meantime Chelsea brought her kitty home who is terrorizing our house and cat to say the least.  Cute as heck, but into everything!

With December daily and Project life as well as making a few Christmas gifts of my own, heres to hoping this weekend proves to be a productive one for me? I've got cleaning, wrapping and crafts to finish as well as a few miles to run!

Mother/daughter Gingerbread house party

Last weekend was so busy, its amazing how many things are packed into the month of December, thank goodness for the December daily so we can look back at the month and all the fun things we got to do.

Chels, Deb and I attended Trish's mother/daughter Gingerbread house party and made our holiday gingerbread house.

Chels getting started while Trish fills the frosting bag

Amy and her adorable daughter Molly

Chels and I

Natalie was the cutest and would "pout" on command, I love how I captured this face!

such a fun day!

Paint it black

My latest project involves some kitchen chairs our kitchen island and black paint.

I've had these chairs for 12+ years now and still love them, just thought they could use some updating, as well as my kitchen island.  So I got out the black paint

I have the wainscot painted black and ready to be installed and I painted the front of the cabinet today... see what happens on snow days!  I love it already and its not done yet!

It should be done this weekend after my brother in law comes by and then its off to another project I want to complete before Christmas...

 

Cookie Exchange

Every year my sister hosts a cookie exchange for a bunch of her friends and with December being the busiest month it adds to the fun and craziness of the month!  Besides for the cookies of which you bring a dozen for each participant, there is also optional ornament exchange and 5 $1 gifts. People can be pretty creative with these!

every year there is a new theme with the table setting, you get to keep your plate and the centerpieces are raffled off

there were 3 winners in the best packaging

Debbie and Brenda came in from Michigan!

time with our cousin

lots of laughs with friends

cookies representing teen idols

another fun day full of great memories!

Afterwards a group of us went to dinner at Corkscrew Saloon.  Great friends, great day!