Goals: Revisited

I wrote two posts about my goals back in April. You can check them out here and here. They were suppose to be completed in six months. We are just a bit over the halfway goal. Let's see if I've succeeded in any of these goals. I have labeled my goals mountains, because it will take some work to get past them! I've also given them a mid-grade to see where I currently am.

Mountain #1 - My Current Weight

This needed to drop significantly in order to be at a healthy BMI. I did a great job at the beginning of May and June, but have failed towards the end of June. I was able to at least regulate my weight, but since last week it has gone up due to "enjoying" my family vacation.

Mid-grade: D

Comments: No more excuses. "Hard work, dedication." - Dulvett from Biggest Loser

Mountain #2 - My Blog

My goal was to blog consistently. It's slowly climbing up. But, I think it will start to pick up as I actually work on a project I will be sharing soon on the blog!

Mid-grade: C-

Comments: I've planned a whole month of posts. This is a great kick-starter, even if I don't end up blogging that topic, I'm working at being consistent and rolling with the punches.

Mountain #3 - Stuff (yes, I labeled this stuff)

My goal was to go through all of the items I own and get rid of what I don't need. This was before I knew we were moving. I had a great head start! Well, I've almost completed this goal! I only have my sock drawer (it's a jungle in there), and my jewelry (I need to find stuff that I'll actually wear).

Mid-grade: A-

Comments: Those can easily be done in the next week. Looks like I'll need to turn on some hulu or amazon prime and get to work.

Mountain #4 - Sewing

My goal was to make 3 garments but I haven't even looked at my patterns, except to weed out a ton I didn't want. (You're welcome Goodwill). I mean I have great intentions and am even planning a "work outfit" inspiration page in my journal, so I can find some nice pieces for work and to make some as well. Unless I bring my sewing machine on the plane, This may be postponed for fall goals!

Mid-grade: F

Comments: N/A

Mountain #5 - Guitar

Wow, in the goal post, I hadn't even purchased a guitar. I miraculously received money in the spring and made a big purchase. I have my own black Ibanez that I love. When I first received it, I played every day, and it's slowly died off more and more. My goal was to be able to play in front of an audience, but not sure it will pan out. This puppy will be coming with me on the plane!

Mid-grade: C

Comments: Just need to spend more time on it. Also, need new chords to learn. I'm getting bored of the "beginner chords."

Have you set goals for the summer? How are you doing? Have you accomplished anything? Having difficulties? Have a post about goals? Please post in comments!!

Goals for the Next 6 Months Part 2

This is the second post of a 2-part series.

Check out the first part here:

Yesterday we talked about the mountains I will be climbing. I covered weight and my blog. Let's see where today brings us.

Mountain #3: Stuff (yes I labeled it stuff).

1. I have accumulated so much crap. That’s the best way to put it. I’ve gone through 75% of my room cleaning out all the junk. 
   
1. Things are sitting in boxes in my closet. I’m planning on having a garage sale this summer. Then I can save money and get rid of all my wonderful “treasures” I no longer need.
2. This makes it easier to “breathe” in my room. Slowly my items were suffocating me. I will expand on this later.
2. Goal – Junk completely gone by SEPTEMBER.

Mountain #4: Sewing

1. There is no reason why I shouldn’t be sewing. I have everything to do it! The only thing getting in the way is my apathy.
1. I will be creating a list of things I’d like to make with the materials I have and work at it.
2. With junk cleared out, I will have more space to work and create.
2. Goal – Have at least 3 garments made by SEPTEMBER.

Mountain #5: Guitar

1. God called me to play guitar when I was in Cambodia. I made many excuses when I was back in the states:
1. I don’t have an acoustic, no time
2. Well, now I have one and the time!
2. Goal – Be able to play in front of an audience by SEPTEMBER

All of these mountains I’ve been battling for years. Ignoring the massiveness of them all. Pretending they don’t exist, or ignoring the fact that I have “problems.”

Kicking apathy one mountain at a time! What are some mountains you need to climb? I’d love to hear from you, let’s encourage each other!

Lyric - Nothing I Hold Onto // United Pursuit

Goals for the Next 6 Months Part 1

I have many goals or as I'm calling them "mountains” to climb. I like this analogy, because if I want to accomplish my goals, I'm going to have to climb to the top of the mountain. So many times, I just chill in the middle of the mountain, not even trying to climb but stupidly staying in the same place.

This happens in all facets of our lives, spiritually, physically, mentally, etc.

A few weeks back, I wrote in my journal (which has been missing my pencil these last few days - post about why we lose our routine to come later) talking about some goals or "mountains" I'd like to climb. I will go into more detail throughout the weeks, highlighting different ones each week. But it's always nice to share and have some accountability.

 I didn't want to share them until I had started living them out, I wanted to already be on the mountain and not just staring at it.

Without further ado, here are the mountains I must climb if I ever want to see the other side.

Mountain #1 - Current Weight

1. I've struggled with this one for as long as I can remember. I've also been to this mountain, tried to climb, failed, walked away, and pretended I never experienced the whole fall.
1. Now, I know what you're saying, Lauren, "weight isn't important," "love the way you are," "we don't look at you differently." Thankfully I'm not obese, nor does my weight show as much as it should. But, I am at an uncomfortable weight. I'm overweight and I know it. Let me address those three statements I just made:

                                                     i.     "weight isn't important" – false, weight is important. Size is what's not important. Size should never make you feel inferior, bad, or big. But, your weight tells you how healthy you are. But, weight isn't the real issue, it’s your BMI! Get it checked to see where you are. Being in the obese and overweight category is bad for your health and leads to so many complications.

                                                      ii.     "love the way you are" – I do love the way I am. But I want to love the “way I am” twenty years from now!

                                                        iii.     “we don’t see you differently” – Whenever someone says that to me, I laugh because, honestly I don’t care what others think. I live under the standards of a Higher Being. Which leads me to my second statement.

2. God has told us our bodies are a temple.
   
   Which means I can’t be treating it like a dump. I haven’t always treated my body well, inside or out, I’m a steward, and that means being responsible.
3. God specifically has told me to get into gear. I’ve been called to the nations, so I should be able to function in all of them. Because I started getting into gear before I left for Cambodia, it was easier to walk long distances, but not all terrains are created equal.

    2. Goal – Lose x amount of weight by SEPTEMBER.

Mountain #2: My blog – Ren Was Here

1. This has been another frequent topic of discussion on my blog. I go in spurts of writing. Consistently one week, then I’m MIA for the rest of the month.
1. This is getting easier. I have over a month’s worth of material to work with. I actually have filled out my calendar. It’s exciting. I really want to get this blog off the ground.
2. I love writing, and one day I will write a book. Until then, I can share what’s on my mind on this blog. I’ve come to the point that I’m writing whether people read it or not. I use to be in it to “win it.” Gather as many followers as fast as possible. But, that’s not what this blog is about. It’s about my relationship with Jesus. I’m not ashamed of my faith and I want the world to know! So I can encourage others and be open and honest!
2. Goal – Blog consistently.

Check out tomorrow for more mountains!

November Goals - What I'm Reading

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November Goals

1. Drink more water

2. Finish Graduate Application

3. Commit to read the bible every day!
4. Complete some sort of crafty project
5. All christmas gifts purchased


I'm currently reading

Its going slowly because my kindle broke last week, but I'm hoping to be done this week!


Countdown to my 25th: 9 Days! 11-11-11

Happy Labor Day / Fall Goals

via pinterest.com

I hope no one has to work like I do on Labor Day! 

At least it's a pretty short shift! I'm only hosting, so I should be able to read "The Help" (I'm almost done!)

I also wanted to share with you my fall goals! I haven't been very good at sharing nor finishing my goals, but I'm going to be more intentional in achieving my goals and also sharing them with you guys. 

 1: Be more intentional sharing and achieving my goals. I love writing lists and goals, but I don't have the best track record for keeping up with them!

2: Work on biking more / Get bike fixed. I have a bike I got last year for my birthday and it's just not in the best condition. I need a new tire. I would like to start riding my bike to work (it's less then 5 miles from mi casa)

3: Organizing my craft and sewing items. It's kind of a mess because I have them scattered in containers and there are some things that are divided that should be together. This will be a fun one!

4: Make Christmas Cards via online or handmade I either want to make them or go through moo.com and make cards to send!

5: Get past the basic Knit Stitch. I can knit till the cows come home, but that's it, just knit. I want to pearl and some other fun stitches. Making somethings would be great! 

6: Learn and successfully make a granny square (crochet). I am not that great at crochet, so if I intentionally make a goal of accomplishing a granny square my skills will improve.

7: Work on projects from "All in the Details" Class I have a lot of materials I just haven't made anything. I need to get to work on my embroidery skills.

8: Save $500. Self-explanatory. 

9: Read more than 3 books! ditto...

10: Lose 10 lbs  I was doing so well, but I feel I've been pigging out and eating all the wrong things for my body and drinking way too much pop!

11: NO FAST FOOD!!! This goes with what I said in ten!

February Goals

1. Lose 5lbs (I'm currently around 156 - I'd like to see 150-51, but that seems to be my plateau)

2. Organize magazines - I have at least 50 unread magazines just floating around my room

3. Save at least $300

4. Find a second job (carried over from January)

5. Dye my hair (carried over from January

Blog Goals for the Year

I've already published my personal goals for the year along with January's Goals.

I thought I would also share my goals for my blog.

Goal Number Uno: Make sure I'm being myself!

I don't want to ever seem like I'm trying to be someone else.

Goal Number Two: To have double the readership by December.

I'm not too worried about this one. If it doubles or not, as long as I'm happy blogging.

Goal Number Three: Revamp my blog.

I already accomplished this one.

New name.

New header.

New buttons.

New look.

Goal Number Four: Meet more awesome people!

What are you blog goals for 2011?

January Goals

1. Lose 5lbs.

2. Organize Books - Sell or Giveaway

3. Save at least $125 (I'm currently almost to $200) 1/15

4. Find a Second Job

5. Dye My Hair


Do you have any goals for the month of January?
If so, let me know! I'd love to hear from you!


Check out "11 Goals for the New Year"
Coming up tomorrow: My Cruise Trip Part 1 and January Reading List.

11 Goals for the New Year

1) Keep a daily journal
I would like to write down what I'm doing, sermons, prayers, bible studies, expenses, etc. A daily log of my comings and goings.

2) Figure out my next season in life
I'm not exactly sure what God has for me in this next part of my life. But through prayer and guidance I hope to figure it out and pursue my dreams!

3) Keep my room clean
This one is quite hard for me to do, but through organization and purging of items, I believe this will be much simpler to do.

4) Keep my car clean
I tend to live out of my car and I really need to get on the ball and remove items every time I leave my car, it's as simple as that. Also, regular car washes and vacuums wouldn't kill it either.

5) Read the Bible daily
I always say I'm going to do this, and never commit to it. This year, will be different, because I want to have a whole new relationship with God. An interactive one.

6) Create a product and sell it
I really feel for extra money that can go to savings, so I can do some exciting this year, I will have to pin point a need, create, market, and sell.

7) Work out at least 120 mins/week
This one should be doable. I think it could be bigger, but baby steps. This means either two 60 minutes, four-30 minutes, or some sort of combo. Maybe when it's warmer, I can start biking to work.

8) Stick to a Budget
I've created a budget, and this year, I'd really like to keep to it. So, when there's no more fun money, I will have to be creative in making fun!

9) Minimize procrastination
This one will help with all my other goals for this year. I hate procrastinating! But, that's what happens when you get burnout. So, this year I promise to invent new ways in doing things as in not to get burnout! Thus, my productivity should soar this year!

10) No gossiping
Again, a very hard one to do, but, I believe I can do it. It just means keeping my mouth shut!

11) Eat Breakfast everyday
I don't eat breakfast, at all. But, this year, I'm going to try my darnedest. Maybe preparing meals ahead of time and the like!

What are your goals/resolutions for 2011?

Let me know and link them up here!

Have an awesome day!