Resolution Recap from April

Sorry the blog’s been wonky recently. My scheduled posts don’t seem to be going out. Maybe something with WordPress? Maybe user error. (Most likely the latter!)

Alright, we’re still at the beginning of May, so there’s still time to recap how New Year’s resolutions are going. Find other recaps here. Alrighty, let’s dive right in.

1. Run 10 miles a week.

I’m still below what I should be for this one, and I kind of quit keeping track. I only wear my GPS watch every so often. Also, I’ve been running a lot more with other people from work, so I like to focus on the conversation instead of checking my watch for pace every 10 minutes. Ya know? It’s been kinda nice. Overall, I’d say I’m averaging less than 10 miles a week if we don’t count weekend soccer games.

Soccer Cleats

2. Write a novel.

Another failed resolution. I’ve pretty much given up on this one. I feel like a lot of my writing happens here (and at work), and my brain is too fried and not willing to cooperate when it comes to writing after all that. Surprisingly, I’ve discovered that Sean is a really good source of ideas. He has a great imagination for stories. I wish I had that AND the will to write right now. Alas, I don’t. We’ll see how this one turns out by the end of the year, but I have a feeling my motivation in this area will continue to wane.

3. Read a new book every month.

I was on track with this one until that dumb Blackberry Winter book. It was really not my type of read at all, but I’d paid for it. So, I slowly trudged through it. I want to get back on track with reading. I’m watching Game of Thrones (obviously since I mention it at least once a week here), so maybe that could count for 1/8 of a book. No? I agree. I just need to commit to another novel.

Blackberry Winter

I’m warning you now. Don’t read this.

4. Save $2000+ for emergency fund.

Done and done. And I’m pretty proud of myself for it. Carolyn, the spendaholic, saved a goal amount in less than half a year. Boom! Now I’m going to work to get to $3000 by the end of the year.

5. Stop biting my nails.

Not happening yet. I know it’s gross. I know there are germs. Nothing you say can stop the compulsion. Maybe I’ll re-commit to the nasty nail polish and just work through Game of Thrones nervousness.

Pitch Perfect Movie

I’m only posting this so you can check out my alien thumb.

6. Get a tattoo.

I’m starting to do serious research on this now. I’m actually looking into tattoo places nearby, their reviews, cleanliness ratings, etc. I’m also, of course, spending a ton of time researching tattoo designs. I’m really leaning toward getting a fox somewhere on my arms. Everyone I talk to about it thinks I should get a cat instead.

7. Buy no new clothes in 2013.

This is getting harder now that it’s summer. I almost  bought some new workout pants last night, but I couldn’t find any that don’t get sheer when you squat/bend over. Any recommendations? Other than last night’s moment of ALMOST weakness, I’ve not even thought about buying new clothes. Minus the running clothes I really want.

Thumbs Up Race Finish

Maybe I’ll just wear my tri suit for every run from now on?

8. Eat out only once a month.

I can’t remember paying for an out-to-eat meal in April. A lot of people took me out for my birthday (super nice!), but I’m still in the “bring your lunch to a restaurant” mode. I don’t care who thinks I’m rude!

So there we are! I’m only really excelling in money-related resolutions this year. Not like me at all!

Resolution Recap–How’d March Fare?

Yup, this is how I’m keeping up with my New Year’s Resolutions! How are you doing on yours?

I’ll keep this short since you probably get the drift by now:

1. Run 520 miles (10 miles a week):

Running Route

I have upped my mileage now that the weather’s nicer, but I’m afraid my deficit from the beginning of the year will doom this resolution.

2. Write a novel.

Maybe this one just isn’t bound to happen. I’ve made this resolution in different forms for the past 2 years and failed both times.

3. Read a new book every month.

Blackberry Winter

I tried to read 2 books (one about Scientology, the other a novel) and failed finishing at both. Maybe I should just focus on 1 good one instead of trying to read everything at once!

4. Save $2000+ (for emergency fund).

I’m so close to this. I’m pretty sure I’ll have it done by June.

5. Stop biting my nails.

I tried really hard at this one for about 2 weeks. I bought a nasty-tasting nail polish and was going to focus on one nail at a time so I’m not overwhelmed by the cold turkey quitting of my nervous compulsion. But then I watched Game of Thrones and bit right through the nasty tasting nail polish.

Game of Thrones Kahl Drogo

(source)

6. Get a tattoo.

Still no ink.

7. Buy no new clothes in 2013.

So far, so good. Rocking the old duds with pride.

8. Eat out only once a month.

Not done too well with this in March. Moving to a new house put a dent in the eating out when we were very low on groceries, but didn’t want to have to haul a new load of food from the old apartment to the new house. Or when I was cleaning out the apartment and needed food to not pass out. Oh well, April’s a new month.

Daffodils

Read previous Resolution Recaps here:

January

February

Also, don’t forget your 30 second plank today!

Come back tomorrow for the chickenless tortilla soup recipe!

Resolution Recap – 1 Month In

Before we get into my January failures, let’s talk about recurring dreams. I used to have TON of them as a child, and I have a few that resurface every now and again as an adult. Last night, my brain combined 2 recurring dreams. So weird. I’ve had airplane dream before about being stuck on an airplane that is about to launch (except in all these recurring dreams, airplanes are launched in a way similar to slingshots… terrifying). I also have dreams about being stuck in elevators that are going too fast, or weird directions (read: horizontally and diagonally).

Last night my dream combined both. What does that tell you? Well, in both situations, I’m at a total loss of control. I’m not flying the plane, just waiting for someone else to get me to my destination. I’m not controlling the elevator, just waiting for a machine to read my mind and get me where I need to be. Needless to say, these are stressful dreams. I woke up more refreshed than I usually do when I have creepy dreams, though, so at least there’s that!

Thumbs Up!

Man, this is my best crazy face.

Now on to my 2013 resolution failure. We’re a month in, and where do I stand?

1. Run 520 miles.

This averages out to about 10 miles a week. Except that I have only run about 11 miles for the whole month of January (this isn’t including soccer games and boxing warm-ups, etc.). Yup, I let the cold weather get me down. So, should I readjust to try to make up 20 miles throughout the year? Or just go with the flow to get 10 miles a week, still? We’ll see. I know I need to sign up for some races to motivate myself!

Thumbs Up Race Finish

Remember when you liked running, Carolyn?

2. Write a novel.

This one is still in the beginning phases, but I don’t really like where I was going so I just stopped. It seems like now that I have a goal, no ideas are coming to my head, and the ones that are seem pretty ridiculous… Maybe I’ll re-read Stephen King’s On Writing. His perspective really inspired me.

3. Read a new book every month.

I failed at this one in January, too. I tried to read this book that a blogger recommended, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson, but I think since it’s more autobiography and less plot-driven novel, I’m a lot less interested. I don’t feel drawn to see what happens next, but just go to it when I need a laugh or right before bed. It seems I need a new book. I can definitely make this month’s up by reading 2 books in February! Just gotta find a good one.

Let's Pretend This Never Happened Jenny Lawson

4. Save $2000+ dollars.

I’m getting there. Almost halfway, actually. This may be impeded by the event that you don’t know is happening.

5. Stop biting my nails.

Not even close. I’m thinking this is a later in the year type of goal. Because, I’m addicted to this little nervous habit of mine. I know it’s gross and annoying, but I just. can’t. stop. No willpower right now.

6. Get a tattoo.

Since this is a one-time event type of goal, I definitely haven’t accomplished it yet.

Totoro Tattoo

Totoro tattoo, anyone?

7. Buy no new clothes in 2013.

So far, so good. A whole month without buying extra crap (plus I’m sticking to my grocery budget so far, which brings us to…)

8. Eat out only 1 time a month.

Technically, I balled this one out of the park this month, because I didn’t pay for a single meal out. Sean, however, paid for 3. One was our planned 1 meal a month, and then the Falcons had a chance at the Super Bowl and Sean was afraid he’d make them lose by upsetting the balance of always ordering pizza for the game. After we blew that, we had delicious Thai food after I recovered from illness #2 in this flu season. Technically, though, it was my resolution for me, not my resolution for Sean and I (he was quick to point that out after I told him). So I knocked this one out of the park considering I took my lunch to 3 different restaurants. Stickin’ it to the man!

How are you doing on your resolutions? I say, you win some, you lose some. Better to start anew in February then to ditch your goals completely, right?

Also, HAPPY FRIDAY! To celebrate the day, enjoy one of my favorite GIFs!

Headband Guy