2014 New Year Day Five: Organizational Goals

I am an interesting person when it comes to organization. I am organized... but I not organized. I guess it just depends on what I'm organizing. When you look at my computer and all my folders of tons of files, I am the most organized person you'll meet. Everything is in its place and labeled perfectly. However, if you look in my closet or dresser... I am a hot mess. I do have some goals in this area this year, even if I don't have my own classroom just yet.

Now that I am in my final internship, I need to make sure I am on top of my game. My internship coordinator will be keeping an eye on me and not only do I want to impress her, but really, an organized binder makes things so much easier in the long run.

When I'm not in the classroom, I struggle with time management. It blows my mind. When I'm teaching, I am on top of that clock like no one's business. At home, however, I don't know what happens to the time. I have a hard time getting things done at home and truly want to be better at it. 

I always have great aspirations to be organized (in areas I'm not already organized in). I usually do great for a couple of weeks, sometimes even a couple of months. Then there's a turning point somewhere and I give up. This year, I'd really like to STAY organized. One of my managers at my last job always said that it takes 21 days of doing something to make it a habit. That always stuck with throughout the last few years as I always found it really interesting. So I guess I just need 21 days and I'm good? Let's hope so...

That's that! Today is the last day of the New Year's linky with Blog Hoppin'. I've already started working towards my fitness goals and my crafting goals and I actually went out to dinner with my husband a few nights ago! So far so good in 2014!

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Thanks to The Hazel Owl for the circle badges and to Kevin and Amanda for the Smiley Monster font.

2014 New Year Day Four: Professional Goals

So this is where I will have several goals, some of which I am not even aware of yet! Let me explain.

First, since I am a student teacher I do not currently have my own classroom. I am, however, interning in a Kindergarten classroom resuming on January 13th and there, I have several goals. The major ones are:

I am currently sitting at an overall GPA of 3.89. Unfortunately when I was really young and fresh out of high school I was a Theatre major and did poorly in two classes that have literally been haunting me and following me throughout my whole college career. I mean, a 3.89 is great... but... I just HATE that those two classes that I got nothing out of for my career have such an impact. I did, however finish last semester (my first internship and 3 classes) with a 4.0! So that helped my overall GPA tremendously. 

The point of the internship is to "be the teacher" with essentially a guide in the room with me. I am so incredibly fortunate to have an amazing supervising teacher. She is so laid back and makes me feel so comfortable. If she has feedback for me, she is so positive and supportive. I cannot wait to experience this internship in her classroom.

This is probably the most intense goal I have. I am a little nervous in this area because job interviews intimidate me a bit. I am also nervous because the county I currently live in is having some issues with job security. However, I have no qualms about moving elsewhere. My husband is graduating with his BS the same day as I am! So, other than my husband's current job and my parents living here, we really have nothing tying us down where we are. But I am such a home-body. I don't want to go far if I can help it. Hopefully this goal will be met and I will have my own classroom in August!

I do have a few other goals in regards to my other job. I am an instructor at a local community theater where I teach weekly classes and weekend workshops throughout the year, including the summer. I teach all ages and I always enjoy these so much. Here are my theater goals:

I have a bad habit of pushing the planning for these extra curricular classes to the last minute and then wind up rushing. I always feel like I have more time than I do. This is big for me and I really want to make sure I'm balancing my time well between planning for my internship classes and graduation as well as the classes I teach at the theater.

I am a very creative person. You have to be in this business and I always pride myself on my work and creations. I tend to get a little disappointed however when I don't get the reaction to my dances, skits, songs, etc. from parents and co-instructors that I think my work deserves. I mean, they always say they like everything. I've never gotten any negative feedback, but for some reason I build it up in my head and am instantly disappointed that the feedback isn't that my productions are Academy Award winning material.

I have a HUGE year ahead of me. And like I said, I likely have more goals that will crop up later on in the year, especially if  when I get my own classroom!

Thanks to Graphics From the Pond for their super cute number graphics and to Teaches Third in Georgia for the Cheerios font. :)

2014 New Year Day Three: Fitness

Ah, yes. The New Year's Resolution I make every year and fail by February...

Last year I did pretty well, though, in all actuality. Ryan proposed in February of last year and we decided on a 6 month engagement. So in 6 months, I lost 30 pounds. I wish I had looked a little bit more fit, but I really did feel great in that gown and on the cruise, so I can't complain. However, I was in a car accident in September, a mere month after the wedding and it did a number on my back. It really effected my gym routine.... which wasn't really that much of a routine anyway... but I digress.

I can use the car accident as an excuse for my failure at the gym all day everyday... but I cannot make any excuses for my complete and utterly disgusting feasting upon fast food... like everyday. It got BAD.

As cliche as it is to make losing weight a goal of 2014, it MUST be done. Little back story here: in 2009 I decided to go on a fitness rampage. I was already pretty thin but was out of shape and a little pudgy. I didn't lose much weight but I did lose a LOT of fat percentage and was very lean. And then my now-husband-then-boyfriend had major heart surgery, we went through a depression and since he was on medical leave from his job, I worked a heck of a lot more... Eating right and exercising was not a priority anymore. I have tried to get back into it countless times and have discovered that it is just so much easier to be chubby. But I feel gross and lack energy so I must do this.

These are my actual goals for fitness:

This was previously difficult for me as I was in my first (part-time) internship and working my job in computer repair and planning a wedding and teaching at the community theater... I mean, seriously! It wasn't happening. In good ole 2014, I will be in my full time internship Monday through Friday with weekends off! Now this may sound like the norm and not something to get excited about, but after working for years in retail and computer repair at a retail location AND going to school, I am ready for a "normal" schedule. Monday through Friday is the goal, right after my day at school. I plan on taking my bag with me and having it ready in my car packed with a snack, gym clothes, sneakers, water, iPod, socks, and my little gloves (don't judge me, I hate those callouses...).

Thinking back to my "fit" days, I was addicted to keeping track. I had every app available at the time for tracking my exercises, calories eaten and calories burned, and the duration of every workout. I was pretty obsessed. While I don't want this to become an unhealthy obsession like it once was, I am better at holding myself accountable when I track everything. I downloaded a few apps that I'm exploring to figure out which one I want to use. I also made an account on a site called Earndit. I have no idea how to use it yet, but I'll figure it out.

Speaking of unhealthy obsessions........... I have a problem with fast food. My husband does as well. It's just shameful how often we eat out and what we order when we get there. Taco Bell specifically has become nothing short of an addiction. The sad part is, is that I truly enjoy cooking! I am pretty awful at it, but I like to learn new things in the kitchen. I discovered a site called Pepperplate last year and it is a wonderful tool that I have on my computers, phones, and iPad to add and organize recipes I find. I typically find my recipes online via other bloggers. I LOVE Emily Bites and LaaLoosh (check them out ASAP!) and I add their recipes to that app weekly.

I currently weigh a WHOPPING 165. That's pretty heavy for my petite 5'2".... My current pant size is a 13 (or a 12 depending on the brand). My current bra size is 36DD or 38DD.

Goal Weight: 135

Goal Pant Size: 10

Goal Bra Size: 34D or 36D

I have discovered that a LOT of people I know are very negative, especially about weight loss and fitness. I have also recently discovered that the people I know who are supportive of weight loss and fitness are REALLY supportive. That is a quality I need in a friend because those are the people who motivate me and inspire me to be better and most importantly, those are the people who hold me accountable. Adversely, I want to be the friend who is supportive. I want to be the obnoxious Facebook commentator on everyone's successes and failures to help motivate them. We're all in this together!

There it is... all laid out. I can't lie and say I'm not intimidated. The beginning is the hardest part, I know. Unfortunately for me... I'm at the beginning. But it is a goal that must be met. 

2014 New Year Day Two: Crafting and Creating

Crafting and Creating! Oh goodness, I have so many goals in this area. I really love anything crafty, but I definitely don't make enough time for it. So, these are definitely some goals I want to make sure I incorporate into my wonderful 2014!

1.

2013 was definitely a picture crazy year. We had our engagement, engagement photos, the wedding, the honeymoon... the list goes on and on. I have a ridiculous amount of pictures and scrapbooking supplies that are just crying out to be used! Gotta get a move on! It might actually take me all year... Thank you to photographer Jennifer Slater with 1000 Words Gallery for the gorgeous photos! Check out her work HERE.

2.

That's right. Those are two mega packs of SHARPIES! My husband got them for me for Christmas and I've been drooling ever since. I keep an art journal, but I am not very good. That other image is the best thing I've ever drawn in my life lol. I really want to get better and practice is the only way! So, part of my crafting and creating goals for 2014 is to do just that.

3.

I am fairly new to the blogging and TpT community (at least as a creator). I am thoroughly enjoying this whole experience so far and have huge plans for my next creations... but I have SO MUCH to learn and try in my digital creations. I have always loved creating things on the computer and love the fact that I can integrate that hobby into my blog and career. The images in this collage are from several different things, two of which are products in my TpT store. Check them out HERE. <3

So that's that! A year's worth of creativity and I am so stoked! I have such a fantastic year ahead of me. 

Thank you to the following for use of their graphics:

For the Retro Circle backgrounds

For the Little Piggy's Cake Font

   

2014 New Year Day 1: Fun and Family

I just found on the collaborative blog Blog Hoppin' a fun New Year's linky all about setting goals and keeping them this year! I can't believe it is already 2014! I am definitely joining in the fun here. Since I stumbled across this gem today, the second of January, I'm making two posts that go along with their linky! So excited!

Day One: Fun and Family

My family is a tiny one, but I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who love me. I just got married only 5 months ago, so my little family consists of my husband and two lovable chihuahuas (See Post 1 - No, seriously, check it out. They are adorable.) But right now, my husband and I (and my fur babies) are living with my parents. This is until I finish my degree in May. Not only is my mom the greatest mom of all time, she's my best friend and while living at home in my mid twenties with my husband is not ideal, I can't thank her enough for taking us in so we can take this time to pay off wedding bills and save for our first home. <3

Here are my Fun and Family goals for the big 2014!

1.

My husband really likes Taco Bell, so maybe our date nights will start there. I'm really trying to help him branch out... but look how happy he looks with that Mountain Dew!

2.

This is always something I wish I have done more of. This year we already have plans to visit my husband's sister in D.C. (in just a couple of weeks!) so there's a start. Maybe I'll see snow for the FIRST time!

3.

There are so many things I want to watch! This Netflix goal can go along with "More Date Nights," because I am seriously okay with movie nights at home.

4.

My mother and I LOVE anything crafty... and we rarely make time for it. We have so much scrapbooking stuff, it is disgusting and we have let it all sit there for years! I really want to make it a goal to spend time on these hobbies with my mom.

5.

Do I even need to elaborate here? Look at those precious babies!!!

There ya have it! This will be what my fun and family will be for 2014! Ahhh! So excited!

Thanks to the following for the frames and clipart:

MyCuteGraphics (all clipart) 

Glitter Meets Glue (all glitter frames)

Happy 2014!