Look out 2014, I'm a comin'!

As I stated last January, I'm focusing on goals for the New Year rather than the tried and true New Year's resolutions. Here's my progress on last year's goals:

Plan a wedding and get married. - CHECK
Run a half-marathon again and improve my time. - HALF CHECK (I ran the half marathon but I did not improve my time. I have much better training plan this year and although it is not one of my goals, I know I will do it and you will have to read more blog posts about it.)
Be a better person and practice more random acts of kindness. - CHECK (This was a great goal and although it is not a goal this year, I'm going to try to be selfless in other ways - running the marathon for a cause and applying for new volunteer projects other than church, library or Lakeside.)
Organize the apartment and make it our own. - CHECK
Make little changes in my lifestyle so that I'm healthier. - CHECK

Goals for 2014:

Spend more time with friends and family.

My busy schedule with work, training and meetings often gets in the way of spending quality time with friends and family. This year I want to host more dinners and parties at the apartment (and maybe future house) for friends and family.

(Pinterest)

Save money and BUY A HOUSE.

Thank you student loans for sucking my finances dry. All kidding aside, this is a major goal for both Dennis and I this year. We are finding ways to cut costs and practice better financial responsibility to ultimately place a downpayment on a home.

(Pinterest)

Finish building my dollhouses.

In the office, which is more of a storage unit, I have two dollhouses (one was a Christmas gift a few years ago and the other I got this year from a friend who found it in their new house) that need completed. This is going to be my winter project. The one below is the one I made with my grandpa in high school.

Be healthy.

Simple. I'm going to drink more water. I'm going to work out at least five to six times a week (not hard at all during training). I'm going to take my vitamins. I'm going to eliminate some sugars and junk food. I'm going to eat more nutrients and try new healthy foods. I'm going to kick my sinus problems and eczema in the butt.

RELAX.

2014 is the year I attempt and succeed at relaxing. Hopefully it will stop the endless nightly grinding and eczema outbreaks all over my hands if I eliminate stress and stop worrying about every little thing under the sun. The next goal will hopefully help me relax this year.

DO MORE.

In a nutshell...I'm going to read, write, photograph and cook more and whatever else I feel helps me to relax and enjoy life. My hobbies have taken the back burner for too long. I'm welcoming them back in 2014.

Well, goodbye 2013. You were fabulous and I'm sad to see you go! I said "I do" to a wonderful man, ran my second half marathon, turned a milestone age, saw FUN in concert and truly enjoyed life.

Here's to an even more fabulous 2014!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!