2013 New Year Resolutions - Nah...

     I think I'm a little abnormal in that I don't typically make New Years resolutions for myself like 99% of the population.  I am of the frame of mind that if it is something you REALLY want to do to make yourself a better person then any day of the year can be your "new year".  Now this doesn't mean that I don't set goals for myself, because I definitely do! I am incredibly goal oriented and I am constantly changing/tweaking my goals to constantly challenge myself.  Some goals take a lot of time and dedication, some goals take a HUGE leap of faith and some are incredibly easy that you are kicking yourself for not doing it before.  But no matter what the goal is, working towards the goal and hopefully achieving it can be a life changing experience!
   So here are some of my goals that have truly changed my life:
     
      1. Run a Marathon -  I had no idea when I first started running that I even wanted to run a Marathon, but as I continued to challenge myself it developed into this very real passion and drive.  Since I've started running I have run 4 marathons, 2 1/2 marathons, and convinced members of my family to run as well.  Running has become a family affair, not just for my immediate family but my extended as well.  We've run 1/2 marathons together in various states, we've run crazy Santa fun runs and even competed in triathlons together!

 

          
     2. Start my own business - This was a goal that I wrote down while I was in college, to help me keep my eye on the prize during the toughest economic times since the Depression.  I went through ALOT of discouraging moments since I graduated in '09 but my sister was incredibly blunt with me and helped me to take that final leap!  It was probably the scariest moment of my life, finally deciding to start my own company and even scarrier when I decided to quit my full time job and focus on it full time, but man was it worth it! I've learned so much about myself because of it and I don't regret it for a second.

     While these have been major life events and goals that have seemed impossible when they first entered my brain they have greatly impacted my every day life and for which I am so greatful that I decided to pursue them as goals.  As of now I don't have any goals that are as large as those two were but some of mine include:
       1.  A new 5K PR
       2. To do a 1/2 Ironman Race (For those of you that don't know its a 1.2mi swim, 56mi Bike ride & a 1/2 Marathon)
       3. To place in the top 3 for my Age Group in a Sprint Triathlon
       4. To qualify for the Boston Marathon
       5. To continue to build my company and have my 1st employee.

   Some of these I might acomplish in 2013, some I might not, but the fact that they are goals that will continue to challenge me as a person and keep me motivated is all I really need!

    What are some of your goals, for the New Year or for life??

"Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Brian Littrell

2012 - A Year in Review

     Christmas is around the corner with New Years following right behind.  I, like many others I am sure, am filled with a very heavy heart this Christmas season because of recent events.  But despite everything that is going on in this world, I think it is important to 1. realize what you are thankful for and 2. take a look back on the year to see where it has taken you.  For me, this year has been quite the roller coaster ride that has changed me in ways I never could have predicted.  So, I thought I'd share the life events that I experienced this year and the things that I am incredibly thankful for, through pictures.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words right!? So here we go:

January-


     I quit my HORRIBLE job and started focusing on my Interior Design company full time!  It has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life! And I haven't regretted my decision for one second!

     I was able to go to California to see my brother graduate from boot camp and become a Marine.  It has definitely made me more patriotic!  It was seriously one of the most moving ceremonies I have ever been to.  I am incredibly proud of my brother and thankful for him and everyone else that serves this incredible country and protect my freedom.

April-

     I got to coach 2 middle school soccer teams from my Alma Mater (The Willows Academy).  It was so much fun!

June-

     I got to visit my sister in Boston.  I hadn't been to see her since she moved out there 2 years ago.  It was an awesome trip!

       Hanging out at the Boston Marathon Finish Line... One day I hope to get there and actually run the entire course...

       I also got to see the Newport Mansions -  I was in Heaven!!  The mansions were incredible, filled with so much history and incredibly ornate!

       I got to spend a week up in Wisconsin at my grandparents cottage while my relatives were in town from Georgia during the hottest spell this summer! 

July-

       My little sister and I made a weekend of it and went to Country Thunder and saw amazing performers like Hunter Hayes, Thomas Rhett, Toby Keith, Easton Corbin, Blake Shelton and many many more!

August-

I started coaching this crazy group of High School girls in Cross Country.  It was quite the season!

September-

      My family welcomed in the newest member of the family, Savannah Rose.  She is the most adorable niece ever! 

October -

      I ran my 4th Chicago Marathon, it wasn't pretty and I'm still recovering but I ran it for the most incredible charity: Team Salute! Honoring the Service, Remembering the Sacrifice! For all of our military men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our beautiful country.

     I was named the ISL Coach of the Year for our Cross Country Team! It was my first year coaching, so it was and is an incredible honor, I'm truthfully still in disbelief... How did this happen??  Most of the season I felt like I was still trying to figure out how and whats the best way to coach!

November -

 

     One of our Cross Country Runners made it to State in Peoria as a Freshman!  I'm incredibly proud of her and it was quite the experience, taking the entire Varsity team of 12 girls down to state to cheer on their teammate!  

What a year it has been!  Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

What are you thankful for?

    Americans often think of the month of November as the month for giving thanks because of Thanksgiving.  While I believe we should be thankful all year round and not just one month a year, November provides us with the opportunity to take a step back an truly think about what we are thankful for.  My Mom, (I think this is her homeschooling/teacher nature coming out of her) puts together the "Thankful Tree".  We are each given a paper leaf to write what we are thankful for, at dinner each night.  They are then displayed on our living room wall for everyone to see. 

     Nothing is too small, nothing is too big to be thankful for, so it got me thinking about what I am thankful for, here are a few of the BIG ones...

My family, we are crazy, loud, nosey, large, kind and unbelievably caring.  Many people are always surprised at how close we are to one another, thinking that being from a large family we wouldn't get along... that so is NOT the case.  Growing up family was and is everything, if you didn't get along with siblings, you didn't get to play with friends.  We are always there for one another, no matter what the situation, time or place.  We love each other even if we can drive each other crazy.  I would be lost without them!

My parents, they are two of the most generous, loving, kind, and caring people I know.  They've made me into the person I am today.

My sisters - we have the craziest relationships and are able to make each other laugh at the drop of a hat.  They are constantly there for me and offer support when I need it the most.  They keep me sane... most of the time!

 

My brothers and the guys that are practically my brothers - They constantly talk cars, sports and other "guy" stuff, but I know that they would come to my defense if I ever needed it, all the way down to my 10yr old brother!

 

My nephew and niece... they don't get any cuter than this!!!  I love being an Aunt!

My Extended Family - a HUGE number of people from both sides of the family, that always make every holiday and family event crazy, loud, and SO MUCH FUN!

Great Friends - They've been with me through thick and thin.  Some of the best memories I have are from hanging out with them...

My Interior Design Company - It was a HUGE leap of faith to branch out on my own and pursue my dreams and there isn't a single part of me that regrets the decision!!

The ability to not take myself too seriously - Being able to enjoy the moment and be able to laugh really makes life more enjoyable!

Shots of Crown Royal - A tradition in honor of my Grandpa that marks every family Holiday.  We love and miss him!

 These are just a few of the things I am thankful for... What are you thankful for???