Document: January

One month down, eleven to go! ;)

Part of me cannot believe that only a month as passed this year, but so much happened this month!

2013 Winter Goals

This month, I really wanted to focus on beginning each day with healthy habits, like eating breakfast and stretching/doing yoga.  While I didn't reach my goals of eating breakfast 5 days each week, I did average just over 3 days per week, which is a big improvement.  Stretching each morning has become a habit, and I think that has really helped me get started each day.

I also wanted to begin exercising more regularly; I was able to work out most days each week, even though I didn't make t to the gym every day.  I also worked to take care of myself so that I wouldn't get sick, including taking a relaxing detox bath.  I feel like I did a really great job taking care of myself, and as a result, a better job at taking care of my responsibilities.

Other Goals

As far as my entertainment goals go, I haven't finished Jane Eyre yet, but I am making progress in reading it.  I watched Strangers on a Train this month, which was such a great movie!  Any movie by Hitchcock is worth watching once, and this classic filled with murder, revenge, and blackmail did not disappoint.  

I also made a Spring Schedule, and for the most part I have stuck to it!  I have found that I often don't have a realistic idea of how long things will take which has made following my schedule a bit difficult.  Celebrating my birthday and our trip to Florida also put a kink in my "normal" schedule, but I think I have had enough time to get back on schedule ;)

For February, I am hoping to keep working to develop habits to help me take care of myself, as well as get a bit more culture through reading classic and watching classics!  Even though February is short, we have a lot going on!  We have most of our "annual" doctor appointments this month, Valentine's Day, and (most importantly) Doug's Birthday!!!

Delicious: Weekly Meal Plan

This week, Doug and I are cooking up quick and filling meals!  We had a few leftover from last week, as well as a few repeats that were extra tasty ;)

Tuesday:  Chicken Quesadillas w/ Fajita Rice
                Beef Roast w/ Onions, Peppers, and Potatoes
Wednesday:  Pork Stir Fry w/ Rice
                     Eat Out (Date Night)
Thursday:  Soup and Sandwiches
Friday:  Grilled Steak w/ Potatoes and Zucchini
Saturday:  Buffalo Chicken Pasta w/ Spinach
Sunday:  Enchilada Hamburger Helper
Monday:  Breaded Pork and Potatoes

Design: Weekly Goals (Jan 27-Feb 2)

It's almost February!  I honestly cannot believe that it is the end of January; I feel about two weeks behind!

Well, while it's still January, I have a lot of things I hope to accomplish!

January Goals
1.  Keep from getting sick!
2.  Read Jane Eyre (100-150 pages)

School/Homework
3.  Greek -- Aorist Verbs
4.  Finish all DSMN Assignments by Tuesday!
5.  Work ahead to complete the first Bible Lesson by Saturday

Housework/Errands
6.  Menu Plan (and blog!)
7.  Sort Paperwork (prep for Taxes)
8.  Have all Laundry completed (washed, dryed, folded, stowed) by Saturday

Personal
9.  Make it to the Gym 4 times this week
10.  Take a day off to relax ;)

Determination: January Goals (Week 4)

This week has felt  s o o o   l  o  n  g . . . . .

So making it to the end of the week feel like its own victory! ;)  Now that Doug and I are back in the full swing of things, it has been easier to think through my goals each day and really be intentional about completing them...most of the time!!!

Here's how my Weekly Goals turned out:

January Goals
1.  Take a Detox Bath
2.  Read 100 pages of Jane Eyre -- I've been falling asleep too early to read as much as I normally do
3.  Watch Strangers on a Train

School/Homework
4.  Catch up in Greek and be through Ch 23 by Friday -- I am caught up with all assignments
5.  Complete all DSMN reading by Tuesday
6.  Turn in all DSMN assignments by Friday -- I have to reply to others' essays

Housework/Errands
7.  Menu Plan/Grocery Shopping (and blog!)
8.  "Deep Clean" the Living Room and Bathroom -- I didn't get as "deep" as I wanted...yet
9.  Catch up on laundry (from vacation)

Personal
10.  Make it to the gym each day before Greek -- This has been a rough week gym-wise
11.  Blog about our trip to FL ;) -- Soon ;)

I have made a lot of progress on my Monthly Goals!  I only have a week left in January, but I have already achieved most of my goals, and have made progress on the others.

-- I ate breakfast 3 times this week.

-- I stretched each morning this week

-- I went to the gym twice; my older athletic shoes began to hurt my ankle, so I had to wait for my new ones to come in the mail to go again.

-- I took a detox bath yesterday using this recipe.

-- I am still not sick, but I have a bit of a sore throat today :(

-- I am reading Jane Eyre, but it is coming along slowly, as I have only been reading once or twice a week, much less than normal.

-- I watched Strangers on a Train last night; it was intriguing, captivating, and creepy all at once.

-- I have been following my Spring Schedule for the most part ;)

-- I enjoyed my birthday and our trip to Florida.

Delicious: Weekly Meal Plan

It's that time again ;)

Tuesday:  Grilled Chicken w/ Rice and Cheddar Broccoli
               Broiled Salmon w/ Alfredo and Spinach

Wednesday:  Pork Stir-Fry w/ Chicken Fried Rice
                     Beef Roast w/ Potatoes, Onions, and Peppers

Thursday:  Buffalo Chicken Pasta w/ Spinach

Friday:  Breaded Pork and Potatoes

Saturday:  Chicken Quesadillas w/ Fajita Rice

Sunday:  Hamburger Helper

Monday:  Grilled Steak and Potatoes w/ Roasted Veggies

I read a very interesting blog post earlier today that suggested not assigning meals to days, but simply planning enough meals for the week and choosing what works for each day.  While I often rearrange my menu plan days, I thought it was really intriguing!

As you know, I normally plan two weeks at a time; I decided to plan all "real" meals for this week and then buy some "quick fix" meals on the side (enough to last about another week) like spaghetti, at-home pizza, and soup!  This means I can mix and match as needed for the next two weeks, or go shopping next week for the few items we need.

For more meal plan ideas, check out Menu Plan Monday through orgjunkie's link above ;)

Design: Weekly Goals (Jan 20-26)

Even though last week officially began the Spring Semester/Season for me, this is my first "real" week back in the swing of things after Break!!!

Here's what I'm hoping to accomplish this week:

January Goals
1.  Take a Detox Bath
2.  Read 100 pages of Jane Eyre
3.  Watch Strangers on a Train

School/Homework
4.  Catch up in Greek and be through Ch 23 by Friday
5.  Complete all DSMN reading by Tuesday
6.  Turn in all DSMN assignments by Friday

Housework/Errands
7.  Menu Plan/Grocery Shopping (and blog!)
8.  "Deep Clean" the Living Room and Bathroom
9.  Catch up on laundry (from vacation)

Personal
10.  Make it to the gym each day before Greek
11.  Blog about our trip to FL ;)

Determination: January Goals (Week 3)

Well, school has officially started and we traveled to and from Florida this week!  I can't believe how much happened this week, but I'm glad that 1) I only have one semester left in my Masters' program and 2) we were able to visit friends and family in Florida!!!

Even though we were busy, I still tried to complete my weekly goals:

January Goals
1.  Enjoy our trip to Florida ;)
2.  Read 150 pages of Jane Eyre -- Waaaay behind on reading!

School/Homework
3.  Complete all Greek Review by Friday
4.  Complete all DSMN Reading by Saturday -- Did I mention I was behind on reading?
5.  Turn in all assignments by Saturday -- Tomorrow ;)

Housework/Errands
6.  Menu Plan and Make Grocery List for return from FL (and blog!)
7.  Clean and Pack before trip!

Personal
8.  Make it to the gym every day this week (that we are at home, lol)
9.  Be out in the FL sunshine!

And my monthly goals have progressed as well:

-- I ate breakfast four times this week

-- I stretched five mornings this week (and got on a plane the other two!)

-- I went to the gym once and walked around in Florida quite a bit

-- I am getting ready to take my detox bath this upcoming week

-- I am still not sick despite some fatigue and a fever one night early this week

-- I have started Jane Eyre, but didn't have much time to read this week

-- I finally got Strangers on a Train from Netflix and will watch it this week

-- I am still working to apply my Spring Schedule now that our trip is over

-- Just as I enjoyed my birthday, I really enjoyed our trip to Florida!

January is more than halfway complete, and I feel really great about how I have changed my focus and goals for this year and this month.  I am so looking forward to getting back to a "normal" schedule with classes and other responsibilities.

Delicious: Weekly Meal Plan

This week, I do't have to plan for much, because we will be flying down to Florida TOMORROW!  Yea!  Since I won't be cooking very much this week, I am making sure to plan for meals when we return, so I don't have to run to the store or resort to take-out ;)

Monday --  Cheesy Enchilada Hamburger Helper (leftover from last week)
                   Soup and Sandwiches
Tuesday-Thursday -- FLORIDA!!!
Friday --  Grilled Chicken (using this seasoning blend) w/ White Cheddar Shells (also leftover)
Saturday --  Slow Cooker Pepper and Onion Beef Roast w/ Fajita Rice
Sunday --  Breaded Pork, Broiled Potatoes, and Cheddar Broccoli

I also wanted to share how I cook my Pepper and Onion Beef Roast!

Ingredients:
3-4 lb Beef Roast (shoulder, pot roast, whatever suits you)
1 packet Pot Roast Seasoning (or whatever spices you like! I often use Meatloaf or Onion Soup Mix.)
1/2 c water
1 package frozen onion and pepper blend

Directions
1.  Place roast in the slow cooker; dump seasoning over roast and rub into the top and sides
2.  Add water to slow cooker; cover and set on low for 5 hours
3.  Using tongs, flip roast over.  Add frozen onion and pepper mix over the roast.  Continue cooking on low for one hour.
4.  Serve sliced or shredded!

My husband likes slices piece to put on sandwiches, but I like it shredded on tortilla shells.  Use it whichever way works for you!

For more Menu Plans, click the link above to go to orgjunkie's site!

Design: Weekly Goals (Jan 13-19)

Here are my goals for the week!

January Goals
1.  Enjoy our trip to Florida ;)
2.  Read 150 pages of Jane Eyre

School/Homework
3.  Complete all Greek Review by Friday
4.  Complete all DSMN Reading by Saturday
5.  Turn in all assignments by Saturday

Housework/Errands
6.  Menu Plan and Make Grocery List for return from FL (and blog!)
7.  Clean and Pack before trip!

Personal
8.  Make it to the gym every day this week (that we are at home, lol)
9.  Be out in the FL sunshine!

Determination: January Goals (Week 2)

I can't believe we are only two weeks into a New Year!  This last week has been so busy with celebrating my birthday, running errands, getting ready for classes to begin (on Monday!), and prepping for our trip to Florida.  With what seemed like a million little things to do, I think I accomplished quite a bit this week.

Here's what my weekly goals look like:

January Goals for this Week
1.  Begin reading Jane Eyre -- Today. Really, I promise.
2.  Make Spring Schedule

School/Homework
3.  Order textbooks for my FINAL semester
4.  E-mail professors about being in FL during the first week of classes
5.  Create eight week To Do List for projects/homework

Housework/Errands
6.  Drop off my old laptop to Geek Squad; pick up new Microsoft Office
7.  Menu Plan (and blog!) -- plus I linked up to Menu Plan Monday for the first time ;)
8. Catch up on cleaning and laundry before leaving for FL

Personal
9.  Check out workout/gym options for Doug and I (while all the January sales are going on) -- plus we signed up for gym memberships
10.  Get hair cut and colored (appointment Jan 10)

As for my January Goals:
-- I ate breakfast four times this week (yea for progress!)

-- I stretched each morning this week

-- I was active this week by running errands, joining a gym (on Wednesday), and going to the gym twice

-- I almost took my relaxing bath this week, but decided to wait until the end of the month (when I'll really need it!!!)

-- I am still not sick!!!  I think I am on the verge of sickness, so I am going to make sure to get the rest and vitamins I need to make it until we get to Florida! (I am convinced that all that vitamin D from soaking up the sun will keep me healthy through he rest of cold/flu season.)

-- I am beginning to read Jane Eyre (today)

-- I am waiting for the arrival of Strangers on a Train

-- I have completed my Spring Schedule, but am still working on applying it ;)

-- I enjoyed my birthday immensely! (Red Lobster, presents, and a Pretty Little Liars marathon makes any birthday special.)

-- I am planning to enjoy our trip to Florida in just a few days!

Design: Weekly Goals (Jan 8-12)

Well, just a few days into this month, and I find myself semi-paralyzed without a Weekly To Do List!!!  I really believed that it had become a list of homework and a hindrance to me, but I definitely feel lost without it.  I am viewing this realization as a learning experience and part of learning to take care of myself.

Anyways!  Here are my goals for this week (and you can see my progress for the year here):

January Goals for this Week
1.  Begin reading Jane Eyre
2.  Make Spring Schedule

School/Homework
3.  Order textbooks for my FINAL semester
4.  E-mail professors about being in FL during the first week of classes
5.  Create eight week To Do List for projects/homework

Housework/Errands
6.  Drop off my old laptop to Geek Squad; pick up new Microsoft Office
7.  Menu Plan (and blog!)
8. Catch up on cleaning and laundry before leaving for FL

Personal
9.  Check out workout/gym options for Doug and I (while all the January sales are going on)
10.  Get hair cut and colored (appointment Jan 10)

Some of them are already complete, but I like seeing what I accomplished this week ;)

Delicious: Weekly Meal Plan

First, let me just say... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

I love my birthday, and I love eating my favorite foods for my birthday week ;)  After planning for 16 days after Christmas, Doug and I just ate whichever meals we wanted from the list!  This week, I'm hoping to stick a bit closer to the menu (since we only have a handful of meals leftover!)

Monday -- Steamed Shrimp w/ Cheddar Broccoli Rice
Tuesday -- Eat Out for my Birthday!!!
Wednesday -- Sliced Steak and Spinach Alfredo
                       Grilled Chicken w/ White Cheddar Shells
Thursday -- Cheesy Enchilada Hamburger Helper
Friday -- Breaded Pork w/ Baked Potatoes
Saturday -- Soup and Sandwiches
Sunday -- Buffalo Chicken, Cheddar, and Spinach Pasta
Monday -- Grilled Chicken w/ Rice

This is also my first time linking up to Menu Plan Monday at orgjunkie.com!  Click the picture above to check it out!!!

Determination: January Goals (Week 1)

This week was a bit crazy, but really great!  Even though Doug had to work New Years' Eve (resulting in the fact that Doug and I have still never been able to be together to ring in the New Year at midnight), we had a lot of fun New Years' Day with his cousin Beverly and her son Jacob.  Doug did a Fish Fry for us, we played with Legos and on the Wii, and we went to see Monsters, Inc in 3D!!!  It was a really fun way to start 2013 ;)

As much fun as this was, Doug and I have also been fighting "the sickness" quite a bit this week.  I have had a weird cough for the last few days, and Doug has been very fatigued and achy, but I refuse to give in to sickness...yet!

Despite the fun and the fighting, I feel like I was able to make a dent in this month's goals!
-- I progressed by eating breakfast a few times this week, which is much better ;)

-- I succeeded in stretching six days this week! Yea!

-- I progressed to get my exercise times in this week by being up and moving much more than the last few weeks (and we are checking out a gym with great hours next week).

-- I progressed in getting set up for a detox bath by buying some Epsom salts ;)

-- I succeeded thus far in not getting sick!  I am hoping the extra orange juice and healthy food options in the house will help keep us healthy; in addition, I set up several "annual" doctor and dentist appointments for Doug and I, so hopefully the input will help keep us healthy this year!

-- I progressed in reading a classic book by choosing to read Jane Eyre first.

-- I progressed in watching a classic movie by putting Strangers on a Train next in our Netflix Queue.

-- I am working on a Spring Schedule, which should be ready by Monday.

-- I am planning to enjoy my birthday a lot on Monday ;)

-- Likewise, I am planning to enjoy our trip to Florida in just over a week!

Even though I can't cross any goal off my list for the month, this year is not about the lists!!!  I am really learning to enjoy and focus on the progression and growth of life instead of viewing my life as tasks to complete or fail to finish.

(But if I was keeping a list, I think I could cross off "being content with my progression" for this week!!!)

Design: January Goals

It's a New Year!  Here are some goals I have for myself this month:

2013 Part 1 Goals

1.  Eat Breakfast 5 days per week

2.  Stretch/Do Yoga 5 mornings per week

3.  Exercise for 30-45 min 3 days per week

4.  Take a Detox/Relaxing Bath this month

5.  Don't Get Sick!

Other Goals

6.  Read a Classic Book

7.  Watch a Classic Movie

8.  Make a Spring Schedule (and stick to it!)

9.  Enjoy my Birthday!!!

10.  Enjoy our trip to FL!

De and Doug's Den: Reading Goals and More

For this year's reading goals, I want to focus more on quality than quantity of books I read.  This year's goal is to read 12 classic books that I haven't read!!!

I have a tendency to read the same book repeatedly (since I'm no a big fan of surprises), so there are several classics I haven't read even though I am familiar with the general storylines.  I also wanted to pick a wide range of books from different time periods.

Anyways, I put together a list of twelve varied classics I want to read this year, hopefully completing one each month:

-- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

-- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

-- Anna Karenina

-- Arabian Nights

-- The Catcher in the Rye

-- Great Expectations

-- The Hunchback of Notre Dame

-- Jane Eyre

-- The Last of the Mohicans

-- Mere Christianity

-- The Poems of Emily Dickinson

-- The Three Musketeers

Since I am focusing on only twelve books this year (though I'm sure I'll read more), I decided add a goal to watch 12 classic movies as well.  Most of these I haven't seen (or only saw parts of them); here's my list:

-- An Affair to Remember

-- Casablanca

-- Dial M for Murder

-- The Godfather Trilogy

-- It Happened One Night

-- Kiss Me Kate

-- The Maltese Falcon

-- Mary Poppins

-- The Postman Always Rings Twice

-- Pretty in Pink

-- Strangers on a Train

-- Vertigo

Here's to quality entertainment this year!

Determination: Goals for 2013

So, I have spent the last few weeks thinking about how to plan goals for 2013.  There were so many options that I felt I really needed to look at what I wanted for my life and where I wanted my life to go.

In the end, I thought about this blog and the goal I have for my life:  slowing down so that I can give my friends and family the focus and time they deserve.  Slowing down so that I can take care of myself and be healthy.  Slowing down so that I can grow and develop into a better person.  Slowing down so that my life is a "real" life, not a string of "to do lists" and projects.

So, I'm splitting 2013 into four parts based on why I wanted to decelerate my life.

January-March (Winter): To take care of myself and be healthy.
These three months I will be focusing on taking care of myself!  I have such a tendency to take care of school or the house before me, but I have realized over the last few years that when I take care of myself (by eating regularly and healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, and having personal time), I am better prepared to take care of my schoolwork, my "chores," and my relationships.

April-June (Spring):  To give my friends and family the focus and time they deserve.
I think this is pretty self explanatory, but I really do want to take my relationships to the "next level" by being a good friend, wife, daughter, sister, etc.  I love my friends and family, but unfortunately I haven't been able to maintain those relationships the way they should be.  No (wo)man is an island, and friends and family are so important to life, growth, and well-being.

July-September (Summer):  To grow and develop into a better person.
For me, this is about doing things that will stretch and challenge me.  Without school, I want to be intentional about continuing to learn and grow on my own.  I'm not sure what this will look like yet, but some possibilities I have considered are training to run a 5K, learning a new language, picking up piano again, beginning work on a book/Bible study, or opening a bakery/cupcake shop.  I may do all of these, some of these, or none of these, but I do want to spend time doing something that will push me forward.

October-December (Fall):  To have a "real" life, not a string of projects
To me, a real life is one that affects others.  For me, I really want to find a way I can begin affecting or serving my community.  Again, I'm not sure what this looks like, But I know I want to be involved in a Church and be a part of some kind of community service.  While this is something I am hoping to do all year (and for my entire life), I want to use the holidays to really focus on community and service.

One of the things I love about these goals is that none of them are things I can "just do" and check off a list.  These are goals that will really challenge me in every area of my life and help to shape my life to be well-rounded and holistic.  Even though I know there will be other "checklist style" goals this year (like my reading goals), I am excited to go out of the box ;)

What are your goals for 2013?