So I finally took down the Christmas decorations today. Yes, I know it's January 14 and Christmas has been over for 3 weeks. This is how I roll. Every year I avoid this task as long as possible. Inevitably MLK weekend appears, and I am provided with the extra day I need to tackle this terrible chore.
It's time-consuming, exhausting, and depressing. Yes, I'm lazy, but ultimately I hate to see all of the sparkle leave my living room.
I know you know what I mean. Just look at this tree in all it's glittery goodness:
That picture is way more happy to look at than this one:
And this scene is just plain dismal:
I wish I could just leave it up (at least my tree), but then I'd be that "crazy lady who has her Christmas stuff up all year". I might as well fill my condo with cats and call it a day.
No, thank you.
It seriously took me all day to take everything down. I started at 11:00 a.m. and just finished putting it away at 10:00 p.m. Ridiculous. Okay, okay, I may have taken some breaks to watch basketball and eat...and check Facebook and Pinterest. But for real-what a beast. And what do I have to show for all of this hard work? A bare living room, that's what. I swear everything is echoing up in here now. The only bright spot is that my (nerd alert) storage closet got cleaned up and organized.
Stay with me here, people, 'cause I'm about to start talking to Christmas...
Dear Christmas,
As always, my family and I had a great time with you! I am sad to see you go, but I look forward to your visit this upcoming December. I have some exciting things planned for you! I'm going to recycle all of this year's Christmas cards so that I can use them for gift tags.
I'm also going to make a scrapbook with all of the adorable photo Christmas cards of my fabulous friends and family (including the ones I've saved for like 7 years).
Christmas, with all of the preparations that I have to make, I know you will be here again before I know it! Take care and get some rest, you crazy holiday, you.
Love always,
Jackie
"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
~T.S. Eliot
Time to give 2012's words a voice...
I hope that your new year is off to a great start! Mine has been a little rocky, mostly because my sleep schedule has been jacked up. I get so used to staying up late and sleeping in for the two glorious weeks that I'm off work, but then I always pay the price when my alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m. that first day back. I'm happy to report that this weekend has helped me recharge and I feel ready to tackle what twenty-twelve has in store.
I'm not one to usually make "resolutions" but I do like the opportunity to refresh that a new year grants. I do like to set goals-some daily, some weekly, and some yearly. This year, is all about doing MORE: more water, more exercise, more sleep, more home-cooked meals, more fruit, more volunteer work, and more fun (alright I already have a lot of fun but it doesn't hurt to aim for more).
Each day, my goal is to drink at least 8 cups of water. I like water, but I love Coke. I'm not saying I'm never going to drink a Coke again (that's crazy talk), but I know that my body needs more water than what I've been giving it lately. My aids in this quest will be my Brita pitcher and my insulated 17 oz. red polka dot cup that comes fully equipped with a red straw (it's the little things that make me happy).
My other daily goals include getting at least 7 hours of sleep and eating at least one more serving of fruit a day. I am a night person and I could stay up past midnight every day, but having to be at work by 7:30 a.m. just doesn't jive with that bedtime. Looks like it's gonna be "goodnight" by 10:30.
I'm love fruits, but I don't eat enough of them. Smoothies are going to be my new best friend. I gotta get me some antioxidants, y'all!
Each week, my goal is to work out at least every other day, or 4 times a week. I found this quote on Pinterest: "The most important weight-loss muscle is the brain. Change your mind, change your body." Amen! I also came across this regimen on Pinterest and I'm loving the results (aka soreness):
My other weekly goal is to eat home-cooked dinners at least 4 nights a week. Living alone, I have grown so accustomed to eating take out. Cooking for one sucks, 'cause I always end up throwing food away. And let's face it, picking something up is way easier than cooking. But my body and my bank account are both looking for some more home-cooked meals. I've been collecting yummy recipes on Pinterest and planning to make them on Sundays to have for the week. Here are the recipes I'm looking forward to making soon:
White Chicken Cheddar Pasta
Light Enchiladas
Pepperoni Rolls (I'm planning on using wheat bread and turkey pepperoni btw)
My goals for the year are to volunteer more and to feel better in my own skin. Last year I took part in a couple volunteer opportunities through my alma mater and I plan to do even more this year. Achieving each of the above-mentioned goals will help with the last one. Stay tuned for progress updates throughout the year. ;)
I know that there are going to be days and weeks where I may not reach my goals, but that won't be a reason to give up on them. I'm looking forward to what the year has to bring and I hope that 2012 is good to each of you!
