Goals Update: March

I can't believe it's the end of March already.  I barely feel like I've accomplished anything so far this 2012 and it's already a quarter over.

Here's my goals update:

1. WORK ON MY 101 IN 1,001 LIST - I've been doing pretty well with this so far.  There are a few more things I want to accomplish during the summer.  Plus, I know as soon as I move into my own place here in Chicago, I will be able to work on a few other things.

2. SAY "YES" MORE OFTEN - I think I've been doing pretty well with this... all things considered.  I've been more flexible with my time (which is a HUGE accomplishment for me) and I am looking forward to more things as the year goes on.

3. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE - This has stayed the same since my move.  I had to use a portion of my savings to pay for my month of health insurance (man, is that expensive).  Also, I know that I will have to pay a large chunk to move my things to IL when I find my own place.  I'm trying really hard to not use that money and put more into it.  Selling my house would be a BIG help!  Also, my new job relies a lot on my spending my money when I am traveling and submitting for reimbursement.  In the end, it's all fine, but I haven't had the luxury of having that extra money (I've been living pretty tightly), so this will be an adjustment for me.  Hopefully, I can get some things lined up, develop my own budget and go from there.


So far, 2012 has been pretty successful for me goal-wise.

A Dog's Life

He's clearly having a hard time adjusting....

Wednesday Rambling

*I'm posting this photo only because I love you blog peeps!

Yesterday was candlelight yoga.  When I came home I noticed a little something different....

Magenta arm pits.  Note to self: Remember to pre-wash new workout clothes (especially bright colored ones) BEFORE you sweat in them!

Two showers later and there is still a hint of pink in my armpits.

Also, my mom is spoiling Samson.  She bought him Frosty Paws at the grocery store yesterday.  This is the longest I could get him to look away from the treat.  Notice his posture.  Very protective and won't use his paws to grip the treat.  He just dips his nose down into it.

Ballet and Yoga and Sculpt - Oh My!!

Last week I wrote about my need to get my butt in gear as far as my weight and staying in shape.  I've noticed that doing NOTHING does not work for me.  I'm not willing to cut out foods from my diet completely (I love food) so I have to continue to exercise.  Last week I realized that I gained almost all the weight back that I lost last year.  BOO!

So this past weekend, I signed up for a new client intro period at this gym near my parents house.  It's a "girly" gym that has spin classes, yoga classes, and ballet-inspired classes.

On Saturday morning, I went to my first class - Ballet Boot Camp.

Two things.

First, it kicked my ASS!  Seriously, I was struggling.  I know a lot of people had said that ballet was a great form of exercise and it's really great for getting your body in shape.  I totally get that now.  I was struggling during the class.  It was fun, but hard.

Second, I do NOT have a dancers body.  All the other girls in class were thin little things.  I have muscles.... leg muscles, arm muscles.  I have an athlete body that worked for me for volleyball.  Not dancing.

Last night, my mom and I went to a yoga-sculpt class.  It was fun.  A bit more intense than a regular sculpt class.  I was still pretty sore from the boot camp class, so it was nice to get a good stretching class in.

Tonight, we are trying Candlelight yoga.  Which I'm going to guess is much more relaxing and slow paced than the yoga class we went to yesterday.

May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor

This past weekend was supposed to be more low-key than my two previous weekend in town.  And it was... for the most part.

Friday evening I did nothing, which was nice.  Brendan and I watched "Friends with Benefits"  which was surprisingly entertaining and WAY better than "No Strings Attached".  Considering they are essentially the exact same story, I was surprised by how different they were.  FWB definitely played up the humor aspect more than NSA did.

On Saturday, I wanted to get out and just hang out with some friends.  Something low key.  So I dragged Brendan with me and we headed down to the Gold Coast neighborhood to grab dinner and drinks. My wardrobe is not prepared for evenings out, even the relaxing kind.... this was the best I could do.

Sorry the photos are dark, I didn't turn the lights on in my room.  *Jeans - Express, Jacket - H&M (Seriously... this jacket has already earned its money's worth), shirt - Nordstrom, shoes - Nine West

We met Brooke, her friend Ravi, Sprangers, Kate and their friend Ryan.  Brendan's friend, Devon, showed up shortly after we finished eating.

Sprangers, Kate and Ryan left after dinner because they were running in the Shamrock Shuffle the next morning, so the rest of us headed back up to the Wrigleyville area to meet up with a few more people.  I had a lot of fun and made it home (without Brendan) around 1am.

Sunday, Melissa, my mom and I went to see Hunger Games.  I read the book a year ago after my coworker, Cindy, convinced me to read it.  I FLEW through all three books.  When the first started promoting the movie, I was really excited.

Given how much I was looking forward to the movie, it did not disappoint.  I was actually happy with how much they stuck to the book and felt they covered a lot in the 2.5 hours.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they handle the next two books.  Might have to reread them soon since it's been a year and who knows when the next movie is coming out.

#51 - Move to another City

*Full disclosure: Some of the items on my 101 list were added because I knew that I intended to accomplish them.  Cheating?  Maybe a little... but it was a good check to make sure they happened!  Like this one...

While I technically moved to Illinois almost three full weeks ago, today is the day I am marking it official.

Why?

Because I got this....

Yep, officially a recognized Illinois resident!

Also, ladies, a friendly reminder, CHIN DOWN.  Wish I remembered that this morning.  :)

Progress on the 101

I keep saying in my monthly goal updates that I am going to make progress on my 101 things list.  And I fully intend to.

Here is a list of the few things I want to try to tackle in the next month.

• Find my signature cocktail - this should be fairly easy, right?  Who wants to help? :)
• Find my make up must haves and clean out the old - this is basically done.  I just need to actually post about it.
• Develop a skincare routine - Also basically done.  I would like to really have one set routine done before my birthday, so a one month target is good.
• Get a facial - I think this is self explanatory.
• Move to another city - technically already done, but am just waiting on "official" proof to document it. :)
• Make my list of 10 places to see before I die - easy-peasy....

Some additional ones that would be great to check off if possible:

• Own a real vintage dress - with my trip to Palm Springs coming up, Amanda has already informed me that we will be going vintage shopping.  A successful shopping excursion would be nice!
• Finish a coloring book - this is a stress reducer.  I might pick one up on my next trip to Target
• Visit the aquarium - because why not?