2014 Wrap Up

Well, it's that time of the year where everyone begins to look back on their year, what they accomplished (or didn't), and what they hope to achieve the following year.  I wouldn't want to throw off everyone else's groove by not doing the same myself :), so here's a look back on how I did on my 2014 goals.  I wrote these out with the intention of having my readers hold me accountable, so here goes some brutal honesty with myself....


You can read the original list here.

• Enhance my photography knowledge.
• Well....let's just start this off with a bang and go ahead and admit that I failed miserably in this area - ha!  I probably haven't gotten my camera out more than 5 times all year since we got back from Haiti in April.  Not proud of this fact, I've just has a gazillion other things going on that weren't quite photo-worthy...like doctor's appointments, working 3 jobs, etc.  Here's to hoping next year will be a little better in this area!

• Improve my overall fitness level.
• Well, I certainly didn't lose 50 pounds like I had hoped, but that's ok.  When I wrote that original blog post, I had no idea that my incision would open 3 times, or that life would take me on a roller coaster this year.  I can say though, that since starting my new job here at Duke, that I've signed up for a gym membership and am starting to swim again with mom!  I also signed up for Weight Watchers this week, and my Doctor is on board to do what she can to help me lose weight.  I'm just beginning, but I finally feel like I've got a good support system and plan in place to make this a reality.  This goal is top of my list this year, so here's to hoping 2015 will see a 50lb lighter me!

• Improve my quiet time.
• This goal I was actually successful with -woohoo!  I'd say I still have more room for improvement, but I got better about making my devotion time a priority, tithing regularly, and found a devotion app I really liked too.  I started reading the Bible chronologically last month too.  It puts the stories I've heard so many times into a timeline which I've really enjoyed.  It's a year-long read through the Bible chronologically, so it will take me into 2015, but that's ok with me!

• Decrease time on social media.
• I'd say overall, I've been pretty successful with this goal too.  Between work and things we've had going on at church, I haven't had a ton of time to be on social media, but I have found myself recently not gravitating towards my phone as easily.  This goal is still on my list for 2015, because lets be real we could all still improve in this area, but I can definitely tell a difference from where I was in February, sitting and surfing the web mindlessly, to where I am now - which is checking FB only once or twice a day.

• Pursue dream of becoming a wedding planner. 
• This goal completely flopped. Once I began pursuing it, I realized that wedding planning is something that I'd rather do on the side for friends right now than make it a career.  I did find a career this year though - so here's an AMEN to that!

• Become a better reader.
• This is the one goal that I surpassed even what I thought I was capable of!  I not only read 2 books, I read almost 6 this year!!!!!!  Whoop, whoop!  Again, I know you readers out there think I'm crazy, but for someone who hated reading just a year ago, this is HUGE!  I'm finally becoming a reader and have even found a favorite author.  I still hate the library (thanks E for getting books for me!), but I'm reading so that's something! Beggars can't be choosers after afterall! Here is a little review of the books I read:
• "House Rules" by Jodi Picoult: Probably my favorite read this year.  Jodi Picoult did a great job exploring the world of children with Aspergers while creating a suspenseful story that kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page.
• "Vanishing Acts" by Jodi Picoult:  This one was good too with lots of twists I didn't see coming.
• "Perfect Match" by Jodi Picoult: Gut wrenching read about the sexual assault of a young boy and the journey of bringing his rapist to justice, but man the book was so good!
• "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult: I'm still reading this book about the story of a school shooting and so far Jodi Picoult has impressed as always.  I'm sure there is some big twist coming before the ending, but I haven't gotten there yet.
• "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks: I liked this book, and parts even made me cry, but I found it to be a typical Nicholas Spark's story.  That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I enjoy the suspense of not knowing what's coming in Jodi Picoult's books versus the expected outcomes of his books.  
• "Beachcombers" by Nancy Thayer: I couldn't get into this one. I tried but when I still wasn't hooked after chapter 5, I put it down and never went back to it.

• Become more responsible and aware with my financial planning.
• This is another area that I surpassed my goals in.  I not only have a great budgeting system in place now, but I even ENJOY doing my budget each month.  I finally get to be stress free over money and can look forward to the next pay check because I am in control now, not the bills!  I've gotten an emergency fund in place this year, almost completely paid off one of my small loans, reimbursed funds that I'd borrowed, bought a new car, organized my ministry finances, and am set up to hopefully pay off two complete school loans in 2015!!!!!  I can't even tell you how good it feels to be in such a place of peace and control when it comes to finances.  If you're struggling with money and haven't tried the Dave Ramsey system yet - go do it NOW!  It works people.  It's not easy, it takes work, dedication, and patience, but it WORKS and it even becomes fun when you get the hang of it!

• Blog more.
• I didn't blog nearly as much as I'd hoped this year, but I've been doing pretty good these last couple of weeks, so maybe that counts?  I'm sure all of you readers are rolling your eyes right now :).  I'll get better, just stick with me!

Stay tuned for my 2015 goals.  Here's to hoping that 2015 will be a little less crazy, and a lot more successful in the goals department!

On the Job

Sorry for the long break of silence... I clearly have not been doing so well on the blogging goal lately.  Since I'm sure you're just dying to read an update, here goes!

I started a new job with Duke Temp, near the end of August, working at the front desk of the UCAE office in the Bryan Center.  UCAE stands for: University Center Activities & Events, which basically means this is the go-to place for events and Student Involvement.  We work with student organizations on campus, help plan events, manage room reservations, and plan all of the big student events (like the Activities Fair and First Big Weekend that happened last week).   My specific job duties cover all of the normal front desk/reception roles.  I've also begun taking on more administrative support roles by assisting with specific projects in the office, and am also in charge of managing the student workers in UCAE. I'm really enjoying working here, and have applied for the full-time permanent position that just opened - Fingers crossed I'll get it :).

Honestly though, this is the most fun I've had working in a very long time.  It's a great fit for me, and I am so thankful Mama Barb and Uncle Don talked me into applying with Duke Temp!  Here's to hoping I'm employed permanently full-time very soon!!!!

Other than that, life has pretty much been carrying on as normal.  Helga (my car) is still temperamental as usual, but once I get a permanent position I will finally be able to consider getting a new car!!  Lets hope she can hold out a few more months though.  I'm also beginning to entertain the idea of getting an apartment, and if you know me, that is the most exciting idea ever!  Having my own space, designing my space - my way, organization... seriously yall I can't contain my excitement that this may really be a possibility soon!!!!

Until then, it's back to reality and continuing to save up for those big steps!! 

Brain Dump #6594

I couldn't think of good title for tonight's update so why not go with my 6,594th brain dump post…after all that's what all my posts end up being :).  So here we go: prepare your self for an all over the place blog!

Erin and I went to Grandma & Pa's last week.  I honestly can't remember the last time just she and I went and stayed with them for a few days.  Growing up we spent most of our school breaks up there on the farm, but it's probably been years since just the two of us hung out with them.  It was SO nice.  I felt like I was reliving a part of my childhood and kept finding myself feeling immensely grateful for the opportunity to go see them.  I love my grandparents and am so very blessed to call them mine!

Pa had never heard of, let alone tasted, s'mores so we had to introduce him! I think you can tell he liked them :)

We helped supervised Grandma & Pa while they cut and canned tomatoes - over 12 quarts worth!

My Etsy shop has been open for two weeks now, and while I haven't gotten as many sales as I'd hoped, I'm really enjoying having the shop!  The creative juices are always flowing and I love trying to come up with new ideas to sell.  Stay tuned, you may see some new fall/halloween items going up in the next few weeks ;-).

For an update on my goals:

-I have officially read 3 (and 1/2)…yes T-H-R-E-E books this year!!!!  I know you book lovers out there are laughing at me, but this is HUGE!  I'm pretty sure I've never read this many books for fun, ever!  I really enjoyed the last one I read, called Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult, and am thinking about starting a second book of hers next.  I know, I know, four books is impressive ;-)!  Ha!  This does mean I've not only met, but exceeded my goal for the year in this category!!  I'm feeling pretty proud of myself!

-Pursuing my dream career path is still in the works too.  Driving to Grandma's last week, I realized how much I miss living in High Point.  Erin suggested looking for jobs up that way again, so I've been doing just that!  I found that it's hard to get a job when you don't live in the area, but I'm hoping and praying for the right position to open up!  I would so, SO, love to move back up there again!!  In the meantime, I am meeting with the Duke Temp agency to try and get some more part-time work and experience to build my resume (and wallet!).  Please keep my job search in your prayers. I know it can seem unimportant compared to other prayer requests, but it would mean so much to me!  I'm ready to get into a full-time career and begin this next phase of life, so please pray that God would open and close the right doors to get me there!

-All of my other goals are pretty much where they were when I last posted.  They may be progressing slowly, but progress is progress!


Well, that's about all for now :)

Budgeting Baby Steps

If you've been following my blog this year, then you know one of my main 2014 goals is to get a budgeting system in place.  I want to take control of where my money goes instead of letting it control me.  I've found over the last couple of months that this makes such a huge difference in my day-to-day life.  The stress of wondering if I'll have enough money to fill my tank up next week, or where the funds for big purchases are going to come from has practically gone away.  There are still a few moments here and there where the bills seem higher than the paychecks coming in, but God is faithful and has provided every time that little voice of worry begins to creep in.

As I've looked over my expenses and budgets these last few months, it has become clear that for the last few years money truly has controlled me.  I've never given it much thought, swiping that debit card day after day, but when I sat down and looked at the big picture I was losing the money battle big time!

The hardest slap in the face moment so far was when I calculated and really examined where I had been putting all of my money over the last year. I went through all of my old bank statements to see just how I was spending those funds.  I realized quickly that I spend WAY too much money on going out to eat, way too little on paying off my loans, and way too much on casual shopping trips.  I had to make the hard decision to cut almost all of my favorite spending areas in half (or more!) in order to make my budget successful.  I was living beyond my means, and not using the gifts God had given me in a way that glorified him.

Over the last two months I've worked out a tracking system using the Dave Ramsey snowball/budget method and have seen a vast improvement!  I've noticed I don't miss having less fast food, or smaller shopping trips.  It's almost more exciting when I get to fill up my general fund and know that I get to treat myself that month.  The difference being that I now control how much I spend and where it goes. No more swiping that debit card when I get the munchies on the way home or when a girl friend asks to go shopping.  When my cash envelopes (which hold a designated amount each month) are empty, then they're empty!  Aka no more shopping or eating out that month!  Pretty common sense and basic, but genius at the same time!! If you're at all like me, then you know what I'm talking about.  It's harder to spend cash and see it dwindling away than it is to swipe that debit card one more time. Am I right, or am I right?!?

This little wallet from the Dave Ramsey store has been my favorite tool in this process!  It helps keep everything organized and with your envelopes all in one spot, tracking your finances is even easier!  Thanks to Nancy Ray and her organization series for showing me this wallet!  You can buy one here.

It felt like this would be impossible at first, but it's not!  I'm loving the Dave Ramsey system so far, and am loving the control over my finances even more!  If you're struggling getting in front of debt, or finding yourself each month with less and less money, then I strongly encourage you to read through Dave Ramsey's system and put it to work! The baby steps I've taken the last couple of months during this budgeting adventure have made all the difference.  Try it, it works!!

Happy Dance!

If you haven't heard already…. I got the all clear from my doctor on Thursday!!!!!

Whooooooohooooo!!!

Yayayayaya!

(insert happy dance)

I was so stinkin' excited!  He checked my incision, turned around, and shook my hand to let me know I was all done!  That was by far my best check up yet :)

4 months, 10+ packs of gauze pads, 8 rolls of gentle paper tape, too much antibiotic cream, 3 doses of antibiotics, a little bit of lavender essential oil, and I am finally healed from surgery!  Thank the Good Lord!!

This also meant I got to start swimming again this week!  First thing I did after work on Thursday was head to the pool.  It felt so good to get back in the water.  I could tell with every movement and lap that it had clearly been 4 months since my last swim, but I didn't care.  It just felt good to get moving again. I was only able to do 10 laps in 30 minutes (about half of what I had been doing) but it was the best 10 laps ever!!

My piece of Heaven today :)

I was able to go swimming again today after church, and got up to 18 laps in 45 minutes!  That's much closer to where I was pre-surgery.  It amazes me how quick my body can get back into swimming now.  My goal is to get back to doing at least 20 laps for 45 minutes, 2-3x/week.  I'd love to get up to swimming a mile each time (which is certainly attainable) but it will probably take a few weeks.

I'm just so happy to be cleared and able to swim again.  I forgot how good I feel after a good cardio workout.  Plus it's helping to strengthen all those back muscles again, which is huge!! And hey, maybe I can get that fitness goal on track now.  I've put on wayyyy more weight than I wanted to during this recovery.  It's time to get all of that (and more!) off!!!

Thank you all so much for praying over my recovery!

And just for fun, can we all take a moment to appreciate how cute this sweet little puppy dog is?!?

Happy Memorial Day Weekend :)

Goal Update

Well in other news…It's probably time for an update (and accountability check for myself) on my 2014 goals. I haven't done very well with keeping up with them, but I've also had a crazy few months.  Here is where I currently stand on my goals for this year.  You can read the full list/details of each goal here.

Photography -  wellll…. I did finally use my camera during our recent trip to Haiti.  I also learned a thing or two about editing, so I guess that counts??  I need to start taking more pictures, I just haven't been very inspired recently.

Fitness-  This goal was completely halted temporarily due to my surgery and incision issues.  However!  I go back to the doctor later this week, and IF (fingers crossed, prayers lifted!) my incision is closed with no new openings I will officially be cleared to resume exercising!!!  I can't even put into words how badly I want to get back into swimming laps.  I've never been in great shape, but I haven't felt this out of shape in a while. I guess bed rest and limited activity will do that to you.  But man, I am so looking forward to getting this goal progressing ASAP!

Quiet Time- Getting my quiet time into my morning routine has been a harder habit to start than I expected.  One way I've been able to get the ball rolling (and this applies to another goal as well) is to not allow myself to look at any social media, texts, games, emails, etc until I have read through a short devotion time that day.  This may sound silly, and honestly it shows how out of whack my priorities can be at times, but it really has helped.  I  like to lay in bed for 10-15 minutes when I first wake up to give myself time to really wake up before I have to kick off the day.  This time used to involve checking my phone, responding to texts, Facebook, and a little stretching to help out the back.  However, I have now been able to make those moments into a quiet relaxing time with God, which has made a huge impact on how I feel when I get out of bed and it seems to be helping maintain that attitude throughout the day.  While there are still some days where I totally fail - just being honest here! - it really has helped get this goal moving and it has made an impact for the better.  I'd like to get a more thorough quiet/journal time going in the mornings, but this is the first step! Baby steps :)

Social Media-  The time I spend on social media has certainly decreased, but is still not quite to where I'd like it yet.  The devotion priority I mentioned above, and working more, have certainly helped eliminate countless social media hours, but I'd still like to become more disconnected.  I'm considering setting one day a week as social media free.  Not sure how successful that will be, but it's worth a shot! My generation (and lets be honest, every other generation too) has gotten out of control when it comes to technology and our addictions to it.  I don't want to keep falling further into that hole.  Now is the time to crawl out and make changes for the better!

Wedding planning-  This goal was going really well and has now hit a road block, or potential U-turn.  I had signed up for a certification course in wedding planning but for various reasons it didn't work out.  After further exploration I became very hesitant in the quality of the course and company, and decided it was best to put that on hold and get a refund.  I'm not turning away from this passion, but it's temporarily delayed as I explore these other job opportunities that have opened up.  I guess the ultimate goal here is to simply follow my dreams, trust my gut, and listen to my heart this year - wherever that may lead.

Reading- Ha!  Well I guess I have read through 1/2 of the Dave Ramsey book on budgeting, so that counts right???  I had hoped this goal would be accomplished by two personal/fun reads, but this is certainly progress for me so I'll take it!  E, I need to come raid your bookshelf -- or rather, have you raid it and pick some good ones for me :)

Finances-  This is one goal I actually am on top of!  I am working my way through the Dave Ramsey plan to get myself out of debt and gain control of my finances.  I've created a budget, am about to begin implementing the envelope system, I've secured an emergency fund, and my debt snowball is actually rolling!  This will be a life-long process that will evolve over the years, but I am feeling very good about my progress and the potential I'm seeing so far.  The best part is seeing results!  I haven't paid off a loan completely yet, but I'm certainly on my way and will crush it so much sooner than I originally thought!  The extra jobs are helping a lot too.  I'm learning that sometimes taking an extra job, or doing side jobs, is sometimes the best, and only, option to get in front of debt and take control.  It feels good to be in the driver's seat now and to know that the loan agencies will not come out on top of this battle!

Blogging- I'm trying to get better about this one, but it hasn't been super successful so far :-/



Well, that's where I stand right now. It really does help to stop and write out where I've succeeded and failed in these areas over the last few months.  Just by writing this post I've discovered specific areas I can improve on immediately that hadn't really crossed my mind recently.  Good thing I've got all of 2014 to fulfill these goals right?! ;-)  Kidding of course!  This accountability helps so much.  Here's to a more successful month!

How are your 2014 goals going so far?

2014 Goals

This post probably should have been written closer to New Years, but I kept putting it off.  Every year I think of some things I'd like to accomplish, but rarely actually see them through.  I think most of that comes with the fact that there's no accountability.  If no one knows I'm trying to pursue something, then there's no grief or embarrassment of failure when I don't complete it.

This year, I'm hoping to end that unhealthy cycle and actually work to accomplish some specific goals.  One way I can help keep myself accountable is by sharing my goals with all of you.  If anyone on the great world wide web can see my goals then I have quite a bit of accountability to keep me motivated! Plus, it's helped in the past to blog about my progress as a means of self-accountability (and it gives me something to write about when writer's block hits :-) )

So here goes.. My goals for 2014 (in no specific order):

• Enhance my photography knowledge
• Learn how to take better pictures
• Document life more often through photography with my new camera!
• Organize my photo files on the computer

• Improve my overall fitness level
• Lose 50 pounds by the end of the year (a little over a pound a week starting now)
• Strengthen my back and core
• Take up a new form of fitness 
• Make it a point to do some form of physical activity at least 30 minutes/day

• Improve my quiet time
• Begin working my quiet time into my morning routine instead of always doing it at night
• Start a new devotional

• Decrease the overall time I spend on social media each day

• Begin pursing my dream of becoming a wedding planner
• Study and learn more specifics of the industry
• Explore wedding planning agencies in the area

• Become a better reader
• Read at least two books this year (this may sound silly, but for someone who NEVER reads, this is a big goal!)

• Become more responsible and aware with my financial planning
• Create a budget
• Save more/spend less
• Start saving for future needs/dreams - like a new car!
• Continue to improve my organization of ministry finances 
• Pay off all interest on my student loans and increase my payments above the required amount as much as possible

• Blog more!

So there you have it.  My rather long and ambitious list of goals for this year.  I may not get every single thing done, but I certainly want to try and complete them all on some level! Keep a lookout for future posts on my progress!