February 3 in 30 update...

The idea behind 3 in 30 is to take our big "to do" and ever-growing list of goals and just tackling them one chunk at a time each month. You can find out more about it by clicking the link in this post or the side bar.
My goals for February were:
1. Get to know my city.
2. Read more for me (leisure).
3. Lose 5-10 lbs. this month
I am very happy to say that I have accomplished ALL of these this month. Yes, even the weight loss. I got a late start on that one because we all spent the first week feeling under the weather and I just ate whatever felt comforting. *sigh* But then I snapped into shape because I knew it was now or never. I have been eating a Paleo type diet again and I've been going walking with my husband every morning. I'm not talking about a leisurely stroll either. It's more like race-walking trying to keep up with him and it's pretty far. I've got to ask him what the distance is because I'm not sure...but it's a good start. I'm also going to get back into my crossfit workouts that my cousin wrote up for me before I got hurt. I really felt good when I did those daily - so it's time to get back to it.
I've been reading some books just for fun - picked up a few new ones at a yard sale too. I've been reading a lot online. I enjoy finding blogs that talk about art, mixed-media, Bible-based blogs, healthy living... So PLENTY of things to read. I think I'm going to have to purge my Google Reader so I can get that back in order.
I've also taken time this month to get to know my city a little better. I realised that I live in a wonderful city with many resources for fun and learning. There is a wonderful sense of community here and so much for the family!

Now...for my March goals!

1. SCRAPBOOK!!!! I've been having so much fun with blogging, facebook, making cards and art journaling that I've totally let my scrapbooking fall by the way side. I don't expect to "catch up" on anything - but I need to at least scrap twice a week in the month of March. It's been so long, I've got to figure out where I left off!

2. Try one new recipe each week. I cook a full dinner at least 5 times a week for my family of six. I have 4 children ranging in age from 3 to 15 years old. It is my goal to make sure that they are nutritional, yet delicious!

3. Write AND mail at least 2 letters/cards each week!! I have always been a huge fan of snail mail. I love holding a piece of stationery in my hands and being able to read and re-read that handwritten sentiments. I do have a few peope that still write me via snail mail and I think I need to step it up a bit to encourage others to write more letters. I am also a fan of surprising someone with a RAK in the mail - a random act of kindness. It's time to spread the love!

Well, there they are. I'm excited to add these new goals to my life while still working on my January and February goals. What goals do you have for this month?

3 in 30 January Wrap Up...

Wow. I just typed out a big post about my January goals and they just sliiiiipped away into cyber world, I guess. I went to view my post and only half of it was there. Let's try this again!
I am participating in the 3in30 challenge hosted by Tuckers Take Tennessee and I am so glad I have this to keep me accountable. Although I did not meet all of my goals, I came close and never forgot about them because of our weekly check-ins. My goals were:
1. Be more faithful in my daily quiet time (Bible reading, praying, studying, planning, etc.) ~ This was my most successful goal and I am so happy, because it was the most important one for me. Not only was I more faithful to it, but I was able to do it daily and get so much more out of it than I usually do. I found several new blogs that will help with ministry ideas as well as daily devotional helps. I will be continuing this of course.
2. Begin some habits towards health goals ~ Well, I was pretty vague in setting this goal. I think I did that on purpose. haha. It's almost like I had this rebellious spirit about it to begin with, but now I know I need to get on the ball about it. I am not comfortable in my own skin...do you know what I'm saying?? Sheesh. Anyway, I have been doing great on the water, but that's about it. I haven't gained, but I have not lost. =/
3. Begin de-cluttering the house ~ Okay. I did pretty well in this area. Especially my craft room. =) That makes me the happiest. Of course this goal is always going to be a work in progress with 6 people living in this house, but it's getting there!

So for February, I've got 3 new goals...Okay 2 new ones and 1 old one that MUST be accomplished. I am going to change that one up a little so that I will really challenge myself.
1. Get to know my hometown ~ This may not sound very important, but I live in a pretty cool city here in Southern California. It's filled with rich history, cultural diversity and beautiful sights! My one little word for 2011 is JOURNEY and this goal will work as part of me wanting to see and do more on my JOURNEY.
2. Read more...for ME. ~ I love to read. LOVE it. I have not had much time to read for pleasure lately. I am going to make time. Just like my art is important to me and my journaling, so is reading. I read plenty - online, magazines, self-help, spiritual guidance, how-to's...but I just want to get back into my super thick historical fiction books. I have a goal to read Jane Austen everything this year, so I might just start with that. Make time. Every day. I must.
3. Lose 10 lbs. ~ Okay. This is what makes me get busy. I just didn't want to put it out there last month 'cause it's almost like I knew I wouldn't be ready for it. But enough is enough. Just start with 10 right? I can do that. More water, cut out the sugar/starch/carbs, get my butt moving... I can do this.

How are you doing with your 2011 goals? Have your New Year resolutions already fallen by the way side? Click the 3 in 30 button and join in the fun! You'll be glad you did. =)

3in30|January|Week One

As you know, I am really working at keeping my new blog fresh and up to date. I've combined my art and life blog into one to make HE{ART} so that I can share it all in one place. You can still find my old blogs in the side bar - but I hope you'll become a new follower of this blog.

Well, I came across another challenge that I think is really going to be a motivator for me. If you are interested in joining in - it's not too late. This one will surely help me conquer some goals each month. Here's a word about the 3 in 30Challenge taken from the hostesses blog:

"3 in 30 is a joint-venture between Meghan Tucker {The Tuckers Take Tennessee} and Ashley Pichea {AP Freewriting}, overflowing from our own accountability relationship. We want to encourage and challenge you to accomplish your goals!...Let's break down our lists into bite-sized chunks, and letís check up on each other over the course of a month. Together we can accomplish our goals!
It takes 21 days to create new habits. Each month (approximately each 30 days) weíll start fresh with no more than 3 goals we want to work on. Throughout the month weíll provide weekly link-ups and opportunities for daily encouragement and accountability."
You can click on the 3 in 30 button in my sidebar or one of the above links to join in the fun!

I am a definite list maker. I've always preferred to write it out on paper too. I like that feeling of scratching something off the list.
I know I can use my phone or computer, but I prefer a good ole fashioned notepad. Here are my three goals for this month:
1. Daily Quiet Time (any of these ways)

• Bible Reading
• Devotional Books
• Devotional Blogs (reading/writing)
• Music (listening/singing/meditating)
• Scripture Memory (little loaf verses)
• PRAYER

2. Begin/be more consistent with some habits towards health goals

• Portion Control
• Less to no SUGAR/"WHITE" CARBS
• WATER!!! At least THREE 16 oz. bottles each day.
• Exercise 3x's a week minimum - ANYTHING GOES!

3. Operation De-clutter and Organize the house so it feels more like HOME.

• Scrap/Craft Room
• Garage
• Closets/Drawers (clothes)
• Game Closet
• Toys
• Kitchen

I've been doing quiet well on the daily quiet time. I've craved it more than ever and I am loving it. I am definitely on a JOURNEY as to knowing my Savior more.

I haven't done much towards my #2 goal. It doesn't help that I've started out the first week of the year being sick. Not giving up.

I have been doing a lot with #3!! My studio is at the front of our house. It is actually the front room. My husband and I use it for his office and my studio. However, I have a hodge podge of shelves and plastic containers and tables that really aren't very "pretty". I had a birthday gift card for Michael's, so I did use it towards some paper storage. I only wish their cubes would hold 12x12 items as well. Anyway, it is looking horrible right now (as you can see), but it will look better when I'm done. My main concern is that it looks nice, since it's right out in the open, and more importantly, that it's functional. I need to SEE my supplies so that I will use what I have.

Well, there it is. What are your goals for this month? Leave me a comment so I can come read about yours!
We had a futon in here, but my husband took it upstairs for me to have more room. =)
This is from the landing looking into the room. I've got lots of work, but I hope to get all the clutter OUT of here!!

Philippians 4:13~I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Reverb 10|Day 18|Try

December 18 – Try
What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it?
(Author: Kaileen Elise)
____________________________________________________
There are always things I want to try...but will 2011 be the year for ME? A friend of mine said that it would be our year... I hope so!! So, here's my list. I may come back to add random things here and there, but this will do to start.

• Lose weight
• Take an art class
• Organize my garage
• Teach Marco to recognize the letters of the alphabet
• Learn to properly use my DSLR camera
• Play piano again
• Get published...
• Take a writing course
• Exercise regularly
• See if I can still roller skate
• Read my Bible more intently
• Work on my scrapbooks more
• Get my etsy shop going the way I want it
• Get a good family picture taken of us
• Try new Korean and Bolivian recipes
• Study Spanish to speak more fluently
• Talk to my siblings more regularly
• Leave random notes of encouragement wherever and whenever for people.
• Call my far away family and friends more often
• Journal daily
• Spend more quality time doing fun, inexpensive things with my family
• Sing more
• Read more books

Well...I guess I will take a break there, but there are 365 days in a year, sooooo... =)