Intentional February Goals

Whew. We are all moved in and settled in my parents' basement. Our old townhome is emptied, scrubbed, and the keys are returned. It is finally time to kick this year into high gear. It is my "new year" beginning.
Last month, even though I had decided on my 2016 mission statement: "Be intentional, have contentment, and bloom where I am planted." The second two phrases of my mission statement is all mental--it is how I am going to behave and view my daily life this year. I want to have a positive attitude. Being intentional is how I am going to act. So, my goals will be intentional.

Blog ~~ Transfer to WordPress and make sure it looks and behaves fantastically. Madison Wetherill from Grace and Vine Studios is the amazing woman who is helping me. And, Shannon from Shanndelier is being my personal tutor with WordPress. ~~ Begin my newsletter! I'm finally getting it together! It'll be so exciting! Look for it coming this Friday morning! Sign up here! ~~ Create some sort of white backdrop or lightbox for pictures. ~~ Decide on a brand of fonts, colors, styles for pins.
Health ~~ Lose 5 pounds. ~~ Dessert and/or Pepsi at most once a week. ~~ Work out and/or go running at least four times a week (including getting 10,000 steps at least that many times).
Family & Marriage ~~ Do something sweet and loving for Justin every day this month. ~~ Spend an intentional two hours a day total with Rhys, only paying attention to him. Find learning activities to do with him. ~~ Do one thing to help my family out with the house every day. ~~ Put one of my teaching units formatted and finished on Teachers Pay Teachers. ~~ Plan a birthday/Valentine's date with Justin.
Personal ~~ Read and finish two books this month. Read every day for at least 30 minutes. ~~ Do scripture study every day. ~~ Find a HTML or graphic design certification program online.

What are your goals for February? How are you going to be intentional this month?

My 2016 Mission Statement

Throughout the years, I have tried New Year's resolutions, New Year's goals, monthly goals, and even word of the year. But, none have really worked for me. For the first half the year, yes, but as the year began to end, these fell by the wayside. 

I know that this year is full of unknowns, and trials to be had. So, I want to prepare myself with a mission statement in how to receive and view life next year. 

Be Intentional

I want to spend my time intentionally. I want to give full attention to Rhys, I want to have purpose in my blog posts, I want to improve my relationship with Christ and with Justin. Too often I allow myself stare out into space, or just surf the channels or the web. That isn't improving myself nor helping others. I want to be intentional about what I say, how I react, and what I think. I want to make my time worthwhile and have purpose.

Have Contentment

In a few weeks, we will be moving into my parents' basement. We don't know when we'll be back in an apartment or townhouse, and we are no where near buying a house. I don't have the budget to be better at blogging than some of my friends who spend money on light boxes, photoshopping apps, and new clothing. I allow the little green monster take over sometimes when I see friends with nice homes that they own, more than one car, going on vacations all the time. I want to be content with what I have and focus more on the little things. God gave me this life for a reason, and I should be grateful for His plan for me and count my blessings more often.

Bloom Where You Are Planted

I love this phrase. We need to bloom and flourish whatever our life situation currently may be. Again, because of all the unknowns, I really want to try my best to live life to the fullest whatever and wherever we may be next year. I have so many goals and ideas and challenges for myself for 2016, and I want to achieve them and not give up.

Blog Goals

But, I do have some blog goals in mind for next year:

1) I want to get all my social media platforms to at least 500 followers each.

2) I want to start offering different variations and levels of virtual assisting,

3) I want to successfully run a blogger exchange, as well as a link up.

4) I want to transfer to Wordpress.

5) I want to redesign my blog--on my own.

6) I want to improve my blog photography and image creation skills.

What are your goals, words, or mission statements for this year?

November 2015 Goal: NaNoWriMo (and giveaway)

I know I say this every month, but holy cow! Time is just flying by! I can't believe that the last time I was in a classroom was 5 months ago!!! Holy cow! 4 months ago we celebrated Rhys's first birthday! My brother is leaving for his LDS 2 year proselytizing mission in two and a half weeks! Where did the time go!?!?!

Last month's goal was to Improve My Homemaking Skills. Here is how I did.

Sub Goals:

- Finish and mail off my ornaments for the Morrell Ornament Exchange

Completed! I love my ornaments this year. I was able to give them to my father-in-law on Saturday since he was in town for work. Now, I don't have to pay for shipping and don't have to worry about them getting destroyed in the mail like last year's ornaments!

- Bake some fall treats

Yummy! I made some chocolate chip pumpkin cookies, some soup/stew, and some pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream!

- Decorate for Halloween

Done! I pulled out all my Halloween and fall and Thanksgiving decorations and used all my fall scents in the Scentsy candles!

- Redo picture wall in the living room

Didn't do this since we are kind of in limbo as to whether or not we will be staying in this townhome come the new year. We won't know our plan for another week or so as we are ironing out details. I didn't want to redecorate if we are only staying for another two months...

- Make a new recipe a week

I did make 3 new recipes, but I also cooked a whole lot more this month. I also prepped a whole lot more--I made a couple of freezer casseroles and plan on making a few freezer stews and crockpots to store this week!

- Make sure the house is clean and a treat set out for when Justin gets home every weekday

I did a much better job this month of doing so, but wasn't perfect. And, I kind of gave up on setting out treats for Justin since he wouldn't be hungry (he'd snack or have a large lunch).

- Create at least three DIY activities for Rhys

He really only helped me to paint my ornaments and helped pour and mix a few things while I cooked, but that's really all. But, since it is getting colder and wetter, I don't want to really on the TV to entertain Rhys, so I'll have to come up with some ideas!

- Actually use and update a family calendar/planner

I failed at this! We did update our bedroom calendar, but hardly looked at it. I did update my blogger calendar, but hardly used it. I am on the search for a new planner to use for the new year...which one do you like the best?

1) Plum Paper Designs

2) Day Designer

3) Simplified Planner

4) Erin Condren

November--Write My Book (NaNoWriMo)

This month is NaNoWriMo--National Novel Writing Month. The last time I participated in this was when I was in high school. So, I really want to this year and think I will have time, especially when Rhys is sleeping. But, you know what they say--you have to read a lot to be able to write well.

Sub Goals:

- Read and finish a book two books.

- Complete NaNoWriMo

What are your priorities and goals this month?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We all know that ad spaces are a great way to grow your blog. They help you meet other bloggers, and they help new readers discover your blog. But we don't always have the money to buy these ad spaces...so what do you do then?! Well, we have a solution for you today...this lovely group of bloggers is giving away 21 ad spaces! That means that one lucky winner will get TWENTY ONE months of free ad space! Imagine the growth for your blog!! Enter now, and good luck!!

 

Alanna - Alanna & Co // Amanda - Knock on Wood // Anne - Love the Here and Now // Ashley - Simply Ashley Nicole // Christine - Christine Everyday Diana - Diana Elle // Helen - Hel on Heels // Jessica - Jessica Lynn Writes // Kerri - Hey Kerri // Laura - Life with Lolo Lindsay - The Flynnigans // Macy - To Travel & Beyond // Mar - T.O. & fro // Meagan - All the Joys // Rachael - The Rachael Way Sheryl - How to Make a Life Tayler - The Morrell Tale

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bring it On March! Get Motivated in Health!

Another month has passed and another goal has gone.

I decided that this year, my word would be motivation, so I'm trying to keep that in mind each month.

February's goal was to Magnify My Religion!


Here is how I did with my sub goals:

- Daily personal and family scripture reading with a scripture journal
I did pretty dang good with both! I started in the Old Testament and started a scripture journal. Justin and I are doing pretty good with family scripture reading in 2 Nephi. There are a few nights we miss, but those are nights that Rhys is sick.
- Daily personal morning and evening prayer, as well as daily family prayer
I will admit, this is probably my weakest area. I always say evening prayers and we mostly say family prayer, but I suck at morning prayer. Yes, I always have a prayer in my heart, but to actually kneel down in the morning and speak to Heavenly Father is hard to remember...and kneeling, period, is hard to remember with prayers. I really need to get better at this.

- Read an General Conference talk once a week
I read a few General Conference talks, not necessarily once a week, but I did read a few.

- Hold a full Family Home Evening every Monday
Justin and I had FHE every Monday except one, when Rhys was his sickest. It's nice to do something other than just watch TV after Rhys goes to bed.

- Participate in church at least once every Sunday
Boy oh boy. This was the sick month. On the first, I was sick. On the 8th, it was our ward's fast and testimony meeting since the previous week was stake conference. I did participate in Relief Society and I bore my testimony, which I hadn't done for a year! Then, the 15th, Rhys was very ill, so we didn't go. Then, the 22nd we were at my family's house, still trying to catch up on sleep from Rhys still being very ill.

- Find at least two times to perform charity or service to someone else

I will admit again that I didn't really do this well. But, I did help an old lady load up her groceries! I need to do better at this, like my husband!

I want to blame not reaching these goals on the fact that both I and Rhys have been continually sick for almost this entire month, but it's my fault. I really need to continue to improve being a better Mormon.

March--Improve My Health

After I got the 6 week approval postpartum, I started running with Rhys. However, he got to the point where he was crying and crying and crying when we went running. So, I stopped for a while, and then it got cold and I wasn't going to take my baby boy out there. But, I'm no where near my prepregnancy goal. Now, to be honest, I'm not overweight...right now I have a very, very average weight for my height. But, I feel big and weak and slow and unhealthy. My eating habits haven't even improved. Before I was pregnant, I could run 4 miles within 30 minutes, I could do 100 curlups easy, I ate well, and I was 135 pounds. Now, I struggle getting that far because of my knees, I'm out of breath at 30 curlups, I eat whatever I want, and I'm 155 pounds. This has to be fixed.

Sub Goals:
- Run and exercise at least 5 times a week
- Try new types of exercise, such as kickboxing or yoga
- No sugar this month (I've done this for 3 years, I just didn't do it last year since I was pregnant)
- Try 1 new veggie recipe
- Try 1 paleo recipe
- 1 green smoothie a week

Bring It On February! Get Motivated in Church!

I decided that this year, my word would be motivation.

I also decided that instead of doing resolutions, I'd do monthly goals, all using motivation to, well, to motivate me.

January's goal was to Grow My Blog.

Here is how I did with my sub goals:
- Organize all my info with a planner, binder, spreadsheet (post calendar, groups, link-ups, sponsors, etc)
I bought a Passion Planner and put everything in it!

- Learn how to and implement scheduled posts on all my social media platforms
I now use Latergramme for scheduling Instagram, Viralwoot for Pinterest (or I did with a free trial), and Tweetdeck for Twitter. I already knew how to schedule on Facebook and Blogger.

- Redo my Pinterest boards

I reorganized my boards and fixed the broken links.
- Be more active in blogging groups

I posted and then I shared. I gave and I took.
- Reach out to bloggers and create 1 linkup and 1 giveaway

I did a giveaway...congratulations to Amanda, Shelby, and Brandy.

But, I never created a linkup, although I participated in my own.
- Understand Google Analytics

Nope! I never took my time to learn it.

So now, it is time to move onto February!

February--Magnify My Religion

My religion has always been part of my life, but I want to be better and not take it for granted. I have many friends who always post such encouraging scriptures and quotes from church leaders, whether they are Mormon or not. They also mention their relationship with God so eloquently and frequently in their blogs. Mormon or not, these women are so strong in their religion, and they are something to be admired and emulated. I want to improve my relationship with God and be a better example as a Mormon.

Sub Goals:

- Daily personal and family scripture reading with a scripture journal

- Daily personal morning and evening prayer, as well as daily family prayer

- Read an General Conference talk once a week

- Hold a full Family Home Evening every Monday

- Participate in church at least once every Sunday

- Find at least two times to perform charity or service to someone else

- Bear my testimony of Fast and Testimony Sunday

What are your goals this month? Do you have any goals this year that have to do with your religion?

The Golden Vlog: January Edition

I am so happy to be doing another Golden Vlog edition. I love this series and I love getting to know the girls who link up on a closer level by seeing and hearing them!

Here are this month's questions:

1. Now that 2015 is officially here, what were your biggest moments/achievements of 2014?
2. How did you ring in the new year? Did you watch the ball drop or sleep right through it?
3. Did you make resolutions or pick a word of the year? Care to share?
4. How do you stay organized and on top of those goals/resolutions - a favorite planner or app? Do you stick to a strict schedule?
5. What things/moments are you looking forward to in 2015 - vacations, graduation, weddings, conferences?
6. What do you think your life will look like on January 1st, 2016?
7. In honor of Faith's birthday, do you celebrate your birthdays with a big celebrate or go for something more low key?
8. What is your favorite birthday memory - a surprise party or a Disney themed party when you were little stand out?

Renewal

What is it about New Year's that captures us? We all make resolutions--don't deny it. Whether or not we keep these resolutions is difference. But, even if we fail in our resolution in February, come December 31st, we make a new set of resolutions. Why?

What is it about Mondays that (for the most part) give us energy and motivation? What is it about Sundays that inspire us? What is it about Fridays that excite us and give us energy? What is it about spring that gives us hope?

It is the symbolism of renewal. It is the promise of a new beginning, a second chance.

Darin Cozzens, a Mormon, wrote, "What kind of wisdom and intelligence would be required to set in motion a system whereby regeneration and renewal happen as splendidly and dependably as the sunrise? I cannot fathom such perfect foresight. Almost everywhere we look in nature, there is some provision for renewal. Surely the cycles and sequences of nature were ordained by God; the natural world is a study in the absolute necessity of constant renewal. As marvelous as this power of renewal is in the world around us, it is even more compelling when we realize that it extends to us as well—individual human beings, sons and daughters of the same God who set the seasons in motion. He has endowed us with a promise and capacity for both physical and, more important, spiritual renewal." Click here for his talk on Easter and spiritual renewal.

We have the power to renew our resolutions, our motivation, even our faith and dedication to Heavenly Father. That is why I never give up.  He helps us. He has faith and believes in us. "We are in need of constant renewal." That is so true. And, we are capable of it.

So, for those who didn't make year long resolutions, create a word of the year, list monthly (or smaller) goals, it isn't too late. Don't give up before you begin. We can renew our wants and our hopes, our dreams and plans. Next Monday is a good starting point. But, you don't even have to wait for a Monday. You can start tomorrow. You can start today! And if you mess up, fail, forget, guess what? You can renew again.

For those who struggle with your relationship with Heavenly Father, or keeping the promises you made, or feel you don't live up to the standards of a good person or even just a good Christian, it isn't too late. After all, that's what the Atonement is for. That is what repentance is for. You can always renew and try again. Christ doesn't expect us to be perfect, he just wants us to try our best. Remember: "Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." (2 Cor: 14-16)

So, I will keep that in mind this year. One of my motivations this year to accomplish all of my priorities and goals will be to remember renewal. If I fail, I can try again.

What do you think of the word "renewal"?

Bring It On, 2015!

Every year, I do resolutions. I keep with these pretty well until about mid-spring, then begin to forget. I've tried being specific, and I've tried being general. Neither have really worked. I've also used the excuse of being a busy college student or full-time worker. So, this year, I'm doing something different.

If you've followed this blog a while, you know that I love The Happiness Project and have wanted to do my own for a long time. Well, I've decided that this is the year to do it. But, before we get into that, let's review this year's resolutions...

Resolution #1 Improve in my daily scripture reading

I struggled with this the first half of the year. But, since Rhys was born, I've done great (except the past two weeks of vacation). I just use the first morning feeding--the peace and calm--to read and reflect.

Resolution #2 Continue blogging at least 4 times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri, and on weekends)

For the most part, I've done pretty good with blogging at least 3 times a week...until busy weeks came up or when I was sick.
Resolution #3 Cook at least one new meal per month

I did really poorly with this because of the chaotic-ness of being pregnant, moving, teaching, and being a mommy.
Resolution #4 Read at least 1 book for myself each month

I read a few books this year for myself...definitely more than last year!
Goal #1 Have my baby in July and recover quickly

The birth went without a hitch! Although I feel like I physically recovered pretty well, my energy was significantly lagging.
Goal #2 After having the baby, get back to my regular weight

Umm...I lost half the pregnancy weight...but I still quite a bit to go. True, I'm currently the average weight for my height, but I miss my old weight.
Goal #3 Reach 200 followers on the blog (or at least 150!)

I wish! I tried--I networked, I redesigned, etc. etc. But, at least I'm over 100!

My Word for 2015:

Motivation--This will require the word I had previously--patience. But, I have a lot of goals and hopes for this year. To be able to accomplish them all, I need to stay motivated. There will be different motivations--being a better mom, wife, Mormon, teacher, self, etc. I am doing this for myself. I am doing this for others. I want to improve and expand. I will have to remind myself each month why I am doing what I am doing. 

My Prerogative for 2015:

I want to become the woman I've always dreamed of being, the one everyone looks up to, the one that can only be complimented and have nice things said of her. I have plenty of examples: family members, friends, church members, blogger friends. I want to be more like them. And, as cliche as it sounds, I want to be this type of woman from Proverbs 31:10-31. I want this for myself, so I can be proud of what I've accomplished this year.

My Overall Goals for 2015:

1) I want to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and Mormon.

2) I want to end my last teaching year with a bang.

3) I want to improve my physical and mental/emotional health.

4) I want to have time for hobbies and talents, and create new ones.

So, without further ado, here are my monthly priorities and their sub-goals.

January--Grow My Blog

I want to seriously grow my blog. Not for income. I never expect to make anything over two-digits a year with the blog. But, out of pride and friendship, I want to. 

Sub Goals:

- Organize all my info with a planner, binder, spreadsheet (post calendar, groups, link-ups, sponsors, etc)

- Learn how to and implement scheduled posts on all my social media platforms

- Redo my Pinterest boards

- Be more active in blogging groups

- Reach out to bloggers and create 1 linkup and 1 giveaway

- Understand Google Analytics

February--Magnify My Religion

My religion has always been part of my life, but I want to be better and not take it for granted.

Sub Goals:

- Daily personal and family scripture reading with a scripture journal

- Daily personal morning and evening prayer, as well as daily family prayer

- Read an General Conference talk once a week

- Hold a full FHE every Monday

- Participate in church at least once every Sunday

- Find at least two times to perform charity or service to someone else

March--Improve My Health

Since the early fall, Rhys has been cranky when I would take him on runs, and then it got cold, and I got busy with school. I used that as an excuse to stop working out. I also because to excuse the quality and quantity of what I ate. No more.

Sub Goals:

- Run and exercise at least 5 times a week

- Try new types of exercise, such as kickboxing or yoga

- No sugar this month

- Try 1 new veggie recipe

- Try 1 paleo recipe

- 1 green smoothie a week

April--Learn My Camera

I got a Canon E05 T5 Rebel (at least, I think that's its official name). I want to learn how to use it, as well as editing my photos.

Sub Goals: 

- Participate in (or even create!) a photo-a-day linkup on Instagram

- Do a fashion-post with my own photo skills

- Read all the manuals and watch all the instruction videos for my camera

- Explore picmonkey more and do the free-month trial

May--Sell My Lesson Plans

Every single unit I have taught, whether history or English, I have created a full-blown unit plan for (that's just how I was taught, as well as being a Type-A). Well, most are on my computer, pretty unorganized, and a lot were lost when my school laptop died the blue death last year. So, I'm going to redo them and format them all professionally and upload them to my Teachers Pay Teachers shop. I've already sold a handful of lesson plans and projects, so I can't wait to put my full unit plans on.

Sub Goals:

- Organize my classroom binders to make sure they have full copies before I leave

- Redo all my unit plans and format them into PDF's

- Upload and update my shop

June--Organize My Home

It will have been almost a year since we've moved in. Rhys will almost be a year old. Seasons will have come and gone. I'll need to reorganize a bit and will need to rescrub deeply!

Sub Goals:

- Deep scrub the entire house

- Organize all cupboards, dressers, closets

- Organize the household files

- Do a Deseret Industries (like Goodwill) run

- Reevaluate budget

July--Explore My City

There were a lot of things Justin and I never saw or did in Provo and we regret it. So, I want to explore Salt Lake County and get to know it's history more.

Sub Goals:

- Go to the library once a week

- Have a picnic twice, in different locations

- Visit one new place (aquarium, park, museum, local restaurant, historic site) per week

- Visit the Community building and try to get involved

- Go to Bear Lake for the Morrell Family Reunion!!

August--Strengthen My Family

This month will be my 3rd anniversary. Rhys will also be 1 year old in July, and more cognitive.  I want to focus on my nuclear family. But, I also want to try my best to strengthen relationships with my parents siblings, in-laws, and other relatives.

Sub Goals:

- Plan a small anniversary

- A date a week (doesn't have to be spending money)

- Visit the temple once with Justin

- Have sibling dates

- Have deep and honest conversations with my other relatives

- Do learning games/adventures/activities with Rhys every day

September--Hire Myself

Since I won't be teaching after the first week of June, I still want to help earn some sort of an income--some play/date money for the family. I currently have one student I tutor on Saturdays--I want more. I also want to start selling something--maybe Scentsy. I think since I will have time, also learn more about and sign up for blogging campaigns and affiliate programs.

Sub Goals:

- Find a sell-from-home job and learn all there is about it

- Join blogging campaign sites and participate in campaigns

- Join affiliate sites and learn all there is to it
- Learn more about couponing and money-saving skills

October--Improve My DIY and Cooking Skills

I felt pretty impressive with DIY skills this December and I want to improve. I also want to explore more the recipes. So, this way, I can get ahead of the curve for December (and have a lot of posts to share for the Christmas season).

Sub Goals:

- Finish and mail off my ornaments for the Morrell Ornament Exchange

- Create a festive banner or decoration for the Fall season

- Create Rhys's Halloween Costume

- Make a new recipe a week

- Handmake one new Christmas decoration

November--Write My Book (NaNoWriMo)

This month is NaNoWriMo--National Novel Writing Month. The last time I participated in this was when I was in high school. So, I really want to this year and think I will have time, especially when Rhys is sleeping. But, you know what they say--you have to read a lot to be able to write well.

Sub Goals:

- Read and finish a book per week

- Complete NaNoWriMo

December--Enjoy My Holidays

I want to end the year on a good, enjoyable note. Rhys will also be old enough to begin to comprehend the season. So, I want to go all out.

Sub Goals:

- Buy and watch old Christmas movies with Rhys

- Do Elf on the Shelf with Rhys

- Decorate the house with the family

- Visit Temple Square and see the lights

- Post all my DIY stuff on the blog

- Do Christmas cooking with Rhys and make plates to give to neighbors

- Host a Christmas party

Now, just because a month is over doesn't mean I'll give up on and forget the previous goals. And just because the goal hasn't come up in the year yet doesn't mean I won't try to work on it. But, this way, I have one main thing to focus on each month to improve myself and my life. These will also help me to have patience. I'm pretty excited for this year!

What are your goals or priorities for 2015?

Weekly Focus Linkup

One of the best books I read during 2013 was The Happiness Project. It was a wonderful idea, focusing on a different aspect of life every month to simplify life and make one the happiest possible. I have been seeing "happiness project"-esque trends all over the blogging world recently--instead of New Year's Resolutions, there are monthly goals, weekly goals and wishes, bloggers de-cluttering their lives and their homes, simplifying, a focus on more holistic approaches. I really love this idea.

I want to start one myself, and I'm inviting you to be a part of it!

What Weekly Focus Is

I decided to call it Weekly Focus because it could be a wish, a goal, a mentality, a plan, anything really that you want to focus on for the week. It is the driving force of that week and you only need one.

How to Participate

Each week on Monday, write a post about your weekly focus. Include the Weekly Focus button at the bottom of this page. Review how last week's focus went. Join my link-up and visit others, leaving encouraging comments.

I feel that by focusing on only one thing, it doesn't consume your life, but you are still continually working toward improving yourself. I simply love the idea of personal "Happiness Plans," and I want to help those who would love to do their own, but are still very busy in life. This shows that we can still take control of our lives and make it what we want while still being busy bees. So, I hope you join and have fun!

Weekly Focus--February 17th
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Due to the crazy second trimester hormones raging through me, I've seen myself becoming less patient with my students and more prone to annoyance or shortness. 

My goal this week: Don't raise my voice AT ALL to my students and STAY patient.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.morrellfairytale.com/2014/02/weekly-focus-linkup.html" title="Our Fairy Tale" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNvzpotdppCVMSeGQxjE7N6WtRsUVPSNmop8vZt0X6OUOQsQ08OOGuxVKQaZILSKekOATrYloETD2-sBRKY4aOhJc8rR6SJjjGU9lrRDxiOTYTxAcsl_hwVvMOjzto-qRHrgb6AqnVWca/s1600/weekly+focus+linkup.jpg" alt="Our Fairy Tale" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

New Year's Resolutions 2014

Another year has come and gone. It's interesting to think that I've had 4 sets of New Year's Resolutions on this blog, this one being the 5th.

Last year I tried to simplify and have less resolutions, mainly because I knew I'd be busier and more stressed during the year.

2013 Resolutions

1) Run/workout 3x a week

I did pretty good with this...until I started teaching at Navigator Pointe 40 miles away in August.

2) Stay 1 week ahead in lesson plans

Both at Springville Jr. and NPA, I have done this about 75% of the time.

3) Daily scripture reading

Ya...this will continue to be a resolution because I am soooo determined to actually get better at this. I mean, Heavenly Father appreciates the effort, right?

4) Blog at least once a week and write in my journal more than just Sundays.

I definitely did better at blogging. Most months I almost hit every single day...but, there have been a few slow weeks when I was sick or stressed. But journal writing, not so well.

5) Try to come out of my shell a little bit more. (I have my own personal cheerleader now--Justin. So, it should be a bit easier.)

Justin tells me I have done better in this area--which is great! Justin says one thing I can continue to work on is actually initiating conversation with new people.

2013 Couples Resolutions!

1) Better apartment upkeep

Do marathon cleanings during the weekend count?

2) Daily family scripture reading

We'll be wonderful for two weeks, then suck for like 3 weeks, on and off, on and off.

This year, I have a few resolutions and few goals:

2014 Resolution and Goals

Resolution #1 Improve in my daily scripture reading

Resolution #2 Continue blogging at least 4 times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri, and on weekends)

Resolution #3 Cook at least one new meal per month

Resolution #4 Read at least 1 book for myself each month

Goal #1 Have my baby in July and recover quickly

Goal #2 After having the baby, get back to my regular weight

Goal #3 Reach 200 followers on the blog (or at least 150!)

Wish me luck and I hope you have a wonderful new year!

New Year's Resolutions

This year has been a whirlwind for me. In the spring, I ended the school year by saying goodbye to two of the best roommates I have ever had as they moved out. One graduated and now works for a local newstation. The other is student teaching in a nearby city. I have only seen them a handful of times since April and everytime was like Christmas!

Over the summer, I stayed in Provo over the summer for the first time instead of going home. It was just Danielle and I in the house we rent. I kind of liked it. Danielle is my best friend and a wonderful roommate and we had some very peaceful evenings. I also biked up and down the Provo River numerous times--I came to love Provo in the spring/summer. I was also an EFY counselor for the first time ever. The best job I have ever had.

The fall came with some bumps. Danielle and I got 3 new roommates, some of which we clash terribly with. Just different personalities than we have. We have some fun times though. I had decided not to date anyone or go looking for boys, but I found myself in a wonderful relationship nonetheless. I lagged a lot with my habits--sleeping, procrastinating, eating, working out, etc.

Here are last year's resolutions:
- As always, I will keep a GPA higher than 3.7
This I succeeded in. I ended the semester with my highest GPA yet: 3.93, giving me an overall GPA of 3.78!
- As always, I will work out 5 days a week and keep my ideal weight.
I did wel until the summer, then going back and forth from EFY, I kind of failed and definitely failed in the fall.
- I will do more charity and service this year.
I began indexing and love doing it--an easy way to do temple work and civil service at the same time.
- I will BE the right person - the kind of friend I want, the kind of homemaker I should be, etc.
I think I have done well with this.
- I will continue stepping out of my box socially.
I definitely stepped out of my box in the summer--not only within my apartment complex, but as an EFY counselor as well.
- I will study Welsh for at least 1 hour a week.
Eh, I did join a Welsh reading and translation class for the fall.

So, I did ok on my resolutions. However, I think that this year, I will try something different because this year will be full of changes to my life anyway:

I will not have New Year's Resolutions.

Instead, I will have New Year's Goals. You see, the reason we never keep our New Year's Resolutions is because we aren't held accountable for them. But goals are SMART.

S - specific, significant, stretching
M - measurable, meaningful, motivational
A - agreed upon, attainable, achievable, acceptable, action-oriented
R - realistic, relevant, reasonable, rewarding, results-oriented
T - time-based, timely, tangible, trackable

So, here are my 2012 Goals:

Socially
~ Attend all FHE's on Monday nights.
~ Do 100% Visiting Teaching for the whole year.

Academically
~ Study and do my best as to keep a GPA of 3.7 or higher
~ Study Welsh for at least 30 min each week.
~ Read for myself at least 20 min each day.
~ Blog at least once a week.
~ Work on my novel for at least 45 min a week.

Physically
~ Workout/run 5 days a week.
~ Maintain my goal weight (sorry, you don't get to hear that!)
~ Cook 1 new meal a month using a new recipe

Spiritually
~ Read my scriptures every morning.
~ Go to the temple at least once a month.

So, I know it seems like a lot, but they're all little things. Wish me luck!

2011 New Year's Resolutions

This past year has been full of adventure - I ended the last school year poorly in the social realm, albeit great in the academic realm. I traveled to Great Britain during the summer. In the fall, I moved into a house and had all new roommates.

I did pretty well for 2010's resolutions:
- For the most part of the year, I worked out, though, I faltered near the end of the year.
- I did dress for success - in the Winter semester, I had to for my Secondary Education class, but this Fall semester, I decided to keep the tradition.
- Winter semester, I gained a 3.89 GPA, Summer I got a 4.0, and this Fall, I got a 3.78.
- I was plenty sociable - the hardest part was this semester, without my previous roommates leading the way in social life. But, I was able to occasionally step out of my box.
- For the most part, I was able to keep my living area cleaned - in my house now, I don't mind doing the dishes all the time, or scrubbing the bathroom if needs be.
- I still need to do better early to bed and early to rise.
- I have not spent time every week doing charity or service.

This year, I want to continue the foundation stones I laid in 2010.
- As always, I will keep a GPA higher than 3.7
- As always, I will work out 5 days a week and keep my ideal weight.
- I will do more chairty and service this year.
- I will BE the right person - the kind of friend I want, the kind of homemaker I should be, etc.
- I will continue stepping out of my box socially.
- I will study Welsh for at least 1 hour a week.

New Year's Resolutions

It is the end of another year. The third decade of my life begins now - the first was of childhood, the second of teen years, now, my first decade as an adult.

This year has been full of changes for me - I ended my first year of college and began my second. I started a job that will help me toward my career. Friends have been married, gone on missions, came and gone out of my life. I, myself, have changed. But, reminiscing on the year, I've come to realize that the progress I have made was just the first stretch.

These year's resolutions are going to deal with improving me, for my sake and for whoever else may come into my life.

I want to get better - I will get better this year. (It will help that my roommate is as determined as I am!)

-I WILL workout 5 out of 7 days a week and stay with my ideal weight
-I WILL dress for success - including taking time to do my hair nicely - no ponytails and no t-shirts
-I WILL get all A's and B's and keep my GPA above a 3.7 (to stay in Honors) - even if it means staying on campus to get homework done
-I WILL be more sociable - no more shying away to my room - I will meet new people and jump right in.
-I WILL keep my apartment clean - it looks so much better and is less stressful
-I WILL go to bed and wake up everyday at a determined time
-I WILL spend time every week giving service or doing charity work

-I WILL be the super girl I want to be. The one that is able to balance college honors classes, two jobs, Sunday school class, and a social life. The one who is always dressed nicely. The one every one wants to invite over or hang out with. The one that can hold her head up high and know she has succeeded in life. I WILL be the One that will be able be proud of herself and how she presents herself.

This year will be different and it will be a turning point as I go from being a teenager into an adult. This year I will experience the beginning of training for my career (hist teaching classes), long-term friendships (renewing my apartment contract), saying goodbye to family (staying at college over the summer), and studying abroad (going to Wales in the summer). This year will be exciting and I WILL face it with determination and optimism.

THAT is my resolution.