12 for 12 December Round Up

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 November Update?

Twelve for Twelve 

1. Books.

Remember that To Read List? I finished Eric and Leslie Ludy's book When God Writes Your Love Story on the last day of December. Other than that, that's all I got for December so I guess that list is final. Heading into 2013, I'm going to keep working on this list and adding more into it. You can find me on Good Reads to see what I'm reading and how good I'm doing on that.

2. 5K.

You know that wonderful cookie eating 5K I signed up for? I was sick for it. I didn't go, especially since it was a few days before Christmas. It was no help though because I was definitely still sick for Christmas. 5K goals are just going to linger above my head I guess forever.

3. Quotes.

I still didn't know where the Quote Book was during December. I found it this January and can't wait to add to it this next year and see the old quotes for it.

4. Blog.

My 2012 was going to be done on December 31st. I even sat down to write it. NCIS was on though and that was distracting so here I am in 2013 writing my last 12 for 12 Update and providing closure to this chapter in my life. I do want to continue blogging into this next year and I have high hopes for being more consistent, but we'll see how that goes...

5. Create.

My creations were all handmade gifts.

6. Learn.

Sometimes, you just have to adjust. You also can never stop learning.

7. Minimize.

Yea-yuh! This one is going pretty well. Thing are moving on out of my life as I go through everything, which is a good feeling. I hate the whole thing of not wearing a clothing item for 5 years but still having that sentimental attachment when it's time to get rid of it. I'm really working on clothing for January though. It's going to go well. I've been pretty good about going through stuff this last month and first stint of January though.

8. Gratefulness.

The friends that I truly cherish and that truly cherish me are a dime a dozen and I am eternally grateful for that. - Amen.

9. Handmade.

Whose idea was it to do about 20 homemade gifts for Christmas? I'm still working on gifts, but everyone has their I.O.U's and they will get them as they are made this next year. I have really enjoyed this one though. It's a whole different perspective trying to decide what someone would like and then taking the time to make it.

10. Intentionality.

'Long distance friendships are hard. I also feel like most of my friends are long distance now. Real world, I'm not your biggest fan.' - Still ringing true, but I have hope for 2013 being a bit different. The real world has caused me to get in touch with some old friends which I have definitely enjoyed.

11. No.

I think I finally have conquered this one more than I thought that I would have by now. I'm counting that as a success.

12. Word.

Difficult.


Now that 2012 is over what's in store for 2013? Nothing y'all. I am making absolutely zero resolutions. I think I'm going to be a lot better at that than trying to conquer 12. 

Thank you 2012 and here's to a great 2013!

12 for 12 November Update

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 October Update?

Twelve for Twelve 

1. Books.

Remember that To Read List? I finished Quitting Church so they're still getting crossed off. I've got less than a month left and a ton of books to still read. We'll see...

2. 5K.

I signed up for the 5K! Running it may not be a possibility with zero training since I am in no way a runner, but I'm going to try my best and eat cookies! I mean... run.

3. Quotes.

'I can't say that I'm even 100% positive that I know where my quote notebook is.' Sadly, this statement is still true months later.

4. Blog.

I think this one got better until my 12 for 12 was late.

5. Create.

I feel like I've made stuff but I can't remember. That's got to be a bad thing unless they're Christmas presents.

6. Learn.

Transition is hard... even months afterwards.

7. Minimize.

It's going.

8. Gratefulness.

The friends that I truly cherish and that truly cherish me are a dime a dozen and I am eternally grateful for that.

9. Handmade.

Hehe. I have decided that I won't be doing this again next year.

10. Intentionality.

'Long distance friendships are hard. I also feel like most of my friends are long distance now. Real world, I'm not your biggest fan.' - Still ringing true.

11. No.

Not applicable.

12. Word.

Difficult.

Quitting Church

If you're not aware, I'm drastically behind in reading and finishing my To Read List. I'm trying to play a bit of catch up, but it will be okay if I don't make it. In fact, I know I'm not going to make it, but I've at least tried.

One of the books on the list is Julia Duin's Quitting Church. I have been reading this on and off for several years. It's a tough read. I'm not sure if it's tough because of the content that ranges from controlling pastors to house churches to gender roles within the church or that it is tough because it resonates in my heart so much.

I'd say check it out. It's tough. It's not a sit down and read through the whole thing kind of book. It's written by a Christian journalists filled with statistics, interviews and personal anecdotes. You can see it on Amazon here as well as read some reviews. Whether you like it or would rather leave it, there is definitely a challenge for the church today and for the souls of us who are going. (Plus, right now it's pretty cheap!)

12 for 12 October Update

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 September Update?

Twelve for Twelve 

1. Books.

If you're unsure where I am on the To Read List, just be assured that I haven't crossed anything else off. I have in fact added books to it as well as come so close on Quitting Church by Julia Duin that it isn't even funny. 3 chapters to go when November hit and I'm still not done on the 10th? Shameful.

2. 5K.

I have found a 5K to run. There's something about a 5K where you get to dress like Santa and they give you milk and cookies at the end that just makes it worth it. Now, if I just sign up...

3. Quotes.

'I can't say that I'm even 100% positive that I know where my quote notebook is.' Sadly, this statement is still true a month later.

4. Blog.

My love for all things pumpkin made it on the blog. WIN!

5. Create.

Pumpkin Mac & Cheese! Strawberry Brownies! New Coffee Recipes! Not too shabby of a month here.

6. Learn.

Transition is hard.

7. Minimize.

I'm still going through stuff. I need to get rid of a few things.

8. Gratefulness.

Heartbound.

9. Handmade.

I thought about preparing for Christmas gift season. My preparation stopped mainly after thinking. I have a few ideas though... :)

10. Intentionality.

Long distance friendships are hard. I also feel like most of my friends are long distance now. Real world, I'm not your biggest fan.

11. No.

Success.

12. Word.

Transition.

12 for 12 September Update

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 June, July & August Update?

Twelve for Twelve 

1. Books.

Even though looking at my To Read List at the last 12 to 12 update made me realize how much I had to catch up on I didn't lift many pages in September.

2. 5K.

There is absolutely zero things I have to say about this.

3. Quotes.

I can't say that I'm even 100% positive that I know where my quote notebook is.

4. Blog.

I always have ideas on what to blog about, they just never seem to make it on here.

5. Create.

I don't believe I created a thing other than new frozen yogurt combinations at Yogurtland.

6. Learn.

"Oh wow. What have I learned over these past few months? True vulnerable friendships are hard to find and shouldn't be let go easily. Goodbyes are and will always be hard to say. No matter how much time you think you have, you don't have it. Putting your whole heart into everything is completely worth it even if it becomes frustrating and painful. As long as you have people who truly love you, life will be good." That is what I said about the summer. I believe it was the true ring of September.

7. Minimize.

I'm still going through stuff. I need to get rid of a few things. 

8. Gratefulness.

Heartbound.

9. Handmade.

I wasn't able to make anything homemade this month.

10. Intentionality.

This was a month that flew by in light speeds. I said a lot of goodbye for nows. I spent a lot of time laughing with friends over JJ's, coffee and cupcakes. It was a good, but hard month.

11. No.

I said yes to a job... :)

12. Word.

Obedience.

September was a fast paced month with a lot of laughs and little time for sitting around.

12 for 12 Summer Update (June, July & August)

Let's just go ahead and say that with the school year comes a fresh start for everyone, including those of us that aren't going to school anymore. I'm going to couple June, July & August into one big 12 for 12 Summer Update because let's just say these past few months have been crazy, hectic, fun, frustrating, and the list goes on and on. I'm hoping this fresh start will get me back on the blogging track for sure.

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 May Update?

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

My slight hiatus on the To Read List turned into me practically quitting reading completely. I know that I tried to read a few chapters of When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric Ludy but never finished it. Over the last week, I picked up Julia Duin's Quitting Church. That doesn't really constitute as much though. Going into the fall, we've got three months left and I've read six out of twenty four books completely read. That is ridiculous. I've got to start reading.

2. 5K.

I think the most I ran all summer was when I was playing volleyball with the youth group. I did a couple of Pinterest work out videos. They're actually pretty good. This running thing is going to have to change for this fall for sure. If I don't get the 5K goal down by December, I'm hoping to run the Color Run with my friends again in February. Hopefully, I'll get to run this time.

3. Quotes.

I have pinned and pinned more and more quotes. I have yet to fill up my quote notebook though.

4. Blog.

Can we just not even talk about this one?

5. Create.

Y'all. I've found the salsa, guacamole and queso recipes to satisfy me for a lifetime. No joke. I've made this so many times over the past few weeks that I may or may not have memorized the ingredients to the guacamole recipe. For a baby shower back in July though, I along with some friends also made these really cute little fruit pizza appetizers. We also tried to make Avalanche Rice Krispie Treats. Those didn't turn out that well though. Shoutout to my friend Matt who taught me to make iced coffee.

6. Learn.

Oh wow. What have I learned over these past few months? True vulnerable friendships are hard to find and shouldn't be let go easily. Goodbyes are and will always be hard to say. No matter how much time you think you have, you don't have it. Putting your whole heart into everything is completely worth it even if it becomes frustrating and painful. As long as you have people who truly love you, life will be good.

7. Minimize.

I went through everything. I gave some stuff away to friends and Goodwill got some. I've got a long way to go still, but by the end of this year I want less stuff in general.

8. Gratefulness.

I sent out two rounds of thank you notes. I'm hoping this really steps it up with this final stretch of the year.

9. Handmade.

I had a hiatus on handmade gifts because those don't work so well for things like weddings. Who wants a handmade blender? That just sounds awful. I started on some completely non-wedding related gifts but still haven't finished them.

10. Intentionality.

These last few months went by so incredibly fast. I was definitely intentional with several of my friendships, but I know in some of them that I should have and could have been a lot better.

11. No.

I've said yes and I've said no. I think saying no is becoming a bit easier.

12. Word.

There's a certain verse that has stood out for some time now that I can't get out of my head.


Here's to the last three months of the year and for this 12 for 12 challenge to really come into be! Bring it September!

12 for 12 May Update

You know that embarrassing moment when you sign on to your blog in August and realize you never wrote a 12 for 12 May Update, let alone blogged at all in the past few months? Yeah... that just happened. Good news is that I did write a May update, I just never published it. Let's play a little May catch up, shall we?


Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 April Update? (I kinda did...)

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

I took a slight hiatus on the To Read List. I turned to the Hunger Games series. I read it and really thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn't sure that was going to happen. Thank you junior high girls! Unfortunately, that was it for the month as things got crazy after that.

2. 5K.

I went running once and decided that it wasn't worth it to listen to a sermon and do my running app at the same time. My running is on a hiatus until I have more time in my schedule and there's music on my iphone. Also, instead of having 2 gym memberships, I'm down to 1 but the membership is on hold so that may really mean zero.

3. Quotes.

I at least knew where my notebook was in April. I have a general idea of where I think my notebook could be here in May.

4. Blog.

Other than TWR posts, I don't think I posted much at all. It's been really hectic and I've been extremely exhausted these last couple of weeks so blogging hasn't been a priority whatsoever. 

5. Create.

I made Reese's Popcorn. It was better than I expected. I bought supplies to do some crafting and cooking experimentation. I have been way too tired to really try either.

6. Learn.

Can my learning for the month be that it's okay to rest?

7. Minimize.

I organized my Pinterest boards? Success? YES!

8. Gratefulness.

I'm beginning to think that if I make it through a small box of thank you cards for the entire year that I will be doing good on this one. I haven't sent out any. It's June. It's a shame.

9. Handmade.

I have homemade gift supplies bought. The making of those gifts will hopefully be in progress soon.

10. Intentionality.

It's been great investing in my relationship with Elley before she left for Kentucky and my relationship with my roommates especially. I feel like this month went by way too fast though.

11. No.

I've done better. It's been good.

12. Word.

Working to get back in the game on The Grand Sweep. Tons of catching up to still do!


This is a short and sweet update, but there's a ton of things going on right now and I don't have much time to really get everything done. Pray for clarity, fun, direction and relaxation for the next few weeks if you think about it.

12 for 12 April Update

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 March Update?

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

I love seeing the books being scratched off of this To Read List here. The first week or so of April I ploughed through The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, Book 2 by Neta Jackson, Scared by Tom Davis and Confronting the Controversy - Adam Hamilton. I'm still about half way through Forgotten God by Francis Chan and still only 6 chapters through So Long Insecurity (which I may have slightly misplaced). Thanks to the Junior High Girls, I also added in the Hunger Games trilogy. Here it goes!

2. 5K.

I skipped the Blue Bell 5K. All that non-training was useful at least. I ended up doing work outreach projects with the college students and some of the youth at my church. It was worth it. I put my 24 Hour Gym membership on hold. I may end up having 2 gym memberships which is a far cry from 2 that I started my semester with. I have gotten to work out some thanks to Pinterest! (The difficulty level of some of those pins is not a lie in case you were unsure.)

3. Quotes.

I have not written any quotes down in the month of April. I am still aware of where my notebook is though! That's definitely a plus. I did organize my Pinterest boards of pins. That's something, yeah?

4. Blog.

April was definitely slightly higher. I need to find a consistent way to blog. Also, I tend to write a ton of blog posts in my head. Remember that time I blogged about the 10 Best Things About My Week? No? What about that post on My Failed Pinterest Moment? No? Yeah... there's more where that came from that never made it online... Maybe May will be the month where blog posts translate out of my head onto here.

5. Create.
I'm not sure if I designed grad invites during April or March. Either way, they were designed! I'm feeling rather uncreative although I do know that I experimented with some Pinterest recipes like mozzarella, spinach and feta quesadillas, making my own avocado pesto sauce and trying my hand at recreating Kerbey Lane's Queso. Can you say yummy?

6. Learn.

I've been reading a ton about animals and psychology lately for some reason as well as learning firsthand about jewelry making and different metals. It's been fantastic. I'm kind of ready for a tangible skill to be learned though. Any ideas?

7. Minimize.

I started to go through my college room. That didn't get too far.

8. Gratefulness.

Yet again nada. Here's to hoping May may have some real thank you notes.

9. Handmade.

I'm not sure if I had any gifts that I made. I did come up with grad gift ideas and decided that I wasn't going to bother with homemade gifts for weddings. Seriously. How in the world would I make a homemade blender? That just sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

10. Intentionality.

I think this month was about seeking out and trying to invest in a few key relationships. I'm happy with the outcomes. I had to take the initiative to set a friendship straight and work out some past kinks that haven't been able to. It's now better than ever. It's been a great month. I loved finally getting to see the Johnson's especially.

11. No.

I said the hugest 'No' that I have ever had to initiate. That is all.

12. Word.

God's timing is perfect, true and right. Although it was difficult, I'm glad he not only led me to but forced the book of Jonah on me thanks to Jr. High Breakthru 2012. I really need to step up my game on this whole Grand Sweep of the Bible though.

12 for 12 March Update

Remember the February Update? Haha. It was a few days ago...

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

If you've missed out on the amount of books I'm attempting to read, it is here. March was a good book. I was able to scratch off The Dating Book by Matt Lantz and Blue Like Jazz. I'm about half way through Forgotten God by Francis Chan. I'm still only 6 chapters through So Long Insecurity. I'm about 40% through The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, Book 2 by Neta Jackson. It's great! 

2. 5K.

This was my big month of training to make the Blue Bell 5K in April. I have trained exactly zero days to be exact. Sunanda and I have been faithfully going to our Zumba classes, however, I was out of town for what seems to be half of the classes. I'm pretty sure that snorkeling counts as exercise for that week though, right? I had no idea it was that strenuous until we were out in the water. So glad I went though

3. Quotes.

I have not written any quotes down in the month of March. This one has gone on the back burner for sure.

4. Blog.

The 12 for 12 February Update was done a few days ago, a few days before March was over. I was hoping all of the updates would be done in the first week of the month. It kind of sets the pace for the month as new. Here's to hoping April is filled to the brim with blog posts!

5. Create.
I painted a little ceramic piece for my friend and prayer partner, Sam, at U Paint It. I attempted to make a bunny out of a bandana. I was a failure at that. There was a lot of traveling this month so I wasn't exactly able to sit down and do much 'creating'. I did create some grad invitations which allowed some creative juices to flow. I also did some filming of the Belize Documentary John made. I have yet to see it though.

6. Learn.

The Holy Spirit and I had some good chatting time. That's going to be left at that.

7. Minimize.

Taking bags to Goodwill has probably become one of my favorite things.

8. Gratefulness.

Nada. I stink at writing thank you notes.

9. Handmade.

No gifts, nothing to make.

10. Intentionality.

I definitely played a lot of Tiny Wings while having conversations with family members. I also was texting at times when I should have been enjoying the company of those I was around. On the up side, it was not nearly the amount that it used to be.

11. No.

I said no to a certain commitment one night and ended up at a Bible Study that was perfect for what  needed to hear that night. I'm still working on this one for the most part.

12. Word.

It's been a hard month. I'm not sure if what I'm hearing God saying is what he is really saying to me or not. It's been a hard month for sure.

12 for 12 February Update (Finally!)

It's a few days late... or weeks, but it's here (finally)!
Can you barely remember the January Update? Me too.

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

I've compiled the list of books I will be reading here. I'm about 17 pages away from finishing The Dating Book by Matt Lantz. I'm about 100 and so pages into Blue Like Jazz. I began Forgotten God by Francis Chan and am loving it. I'm also 6 chapters through So Long Insecurity which is a wonderful read. Really, go buy it if you haven't read that book yet.

2. 5K.

The Color Run in Austin was a lot muddier than I expected, but it was a blast! I'm definitely hoping on running it next year. I signed up for a 24 Hour Fitness membership and started Zumba classes with my friend Sunanda. My class consists of a wide age range of women, which I find to be fabulous.

3. Quotes.

I actually did pretty good at this one. The pages of the quote book has begun to fill up. It's a lot of inspiration with a tad of humor thrown in. It's a great little thing. I've been writing down my favorites tweets. I'm hoping to get to my Pinterest board, Quotes & Scripture next.

4. Blog.

Should I really even go there? It's the last few days in March and I'm doing my 12 for 12 February Update which I wanted to do the first week of March. There's always next month, right? Maybe we should say week? You know, it's kind of embarrassing when you're writing the beginning of February post in the last week of March, especially when one of the things you wanted to do more of was blogging. On the plus side, five posts for February doesn't seem that bad in comparison to past months where I wasn't even present.

5. Create.
I'm having trouble with what I even got done creativity wise. I know that I made a dry erase board. It wasn't the prettiest thing in the world. It's not even worthy of an iPhone snapshot, it's just that terrible looking. It suited the need I had to use a dry erase board at that exact moment though. Other than that ugly little dry erase board, I believe that's it other than a few outfit creations. I did have some fun experimenting in the kitchen trying Nutella Hot Chocolate and several new muffin and cupcake recipes. I've found what may be my all-time favorite cupcake flavor: s'mores!

6. Learn.

I read some on photography and put that to use. I really don't know what I learned in February. Nothing is sticking out right now, although, I am positive that I must have learned something. Apparently, whatever I learned didn't stick with me.

7. Minimize.

I'm pretty sure that I need to take up scrap-booking. I have a ton of cards that I'm trying to decide just how to organize. I finished going through my room. It's kind of fun to see what I've kept over the years.

8. Gratefulness.

I have written several cards out in my mind. I even went so far as to get addresses. Hopefully that will get on paper and sent through a post office in March.

9. Handmade.

Dad wanted to wait and cash in on his birthday gift of pecan pie bites later on in the year. This may have something to do with Lori making him a pie. Lori loved her gift.

10. Intentionality.

I got to see the majority of my friends this month in both cities, however, it wasn't the amount of time that I necessarily wanted to see them. I probably didn't do that great of job being around family and not being on my phone. I think I did a bit better around friends though.

11. No.

Saying no? Ha! I said yes to going to Belize in March. I think that kind of sums up that I still have a problem with the word 'no'.

12. Word.

I finally got The Grand Sweep, however, it's not that easy to read the book and do all the readings. I found a Bible Study to join and never went to it. I did read a good portion of Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity and met up with my WILgroup when I was in CS. That book is crazy good. I'm pretty sure that I just sat down the day of the study and read most of what the girls had already read and man, it cut deep. Suggestion? Go get a copy.

Reading is Ridiculous...

One of my 12 for 12 goals is that I finish every book I've started in the last few years. I could think of a few book titles at the time when I wrote that down. I had no idea what I was about to find stashed away in plain sight on bookshelves waiting for me to rediscover them - all 24 books that I never finished. I'm not even sure that the number is capped there. I read a few excerpts from Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers but I think that's going to be rain checked for next year after looking at this list.

Okay y'all, here is the ridiculous amount of books I will try to read this year:

One Month to Live - Kerry and Chris Shook
I think I got to Day 2.

Vintage Jesus - Mark Driscoll
Read most of it, lacking a few chapters at the end.

Get Uncomfortable - Todd Phillips
I'm not even sure where I stopped...

Enfrente a sus Gigantes - Max Lucado
That's Facing Your Giants for those who thought this blog was in English. Yes, I only own this book in Spanish.

Wild at Heart - John Eldredge
I got slightly past page 10...

LiT - Dave Edwards
I can not tell you how many times I've started this and stopped.

Quitting Church - Julia Duin
I actually got through over half of this if I remember correctly.

A Call to Die - David Nassar
I always end up switching to something else...

Sacred Romance - Curtis & Eldredge
I can tell you where I was when I started Chapter 1, which was the last time I ever read it.

When I Relax, I Feel Guilty - Tim Hansel
There's a poem in the beginning of the book that I've read too many times to count. I at least finally started Chapter 1 this last semester...

Breaking Free - Beth Moore
I think I actually read about half of this one semester with ASC and stopped when we had to stop for Summer.

So Long Insecurity - Beth Moore
I actually haven't started this book yet. I'm hoping to read it in its entirety this spring though.

The Grand Sweep - J. Ellswoth Kalas
My church is doing this as a read the whole Bible in the year plan together. I'm way behind. I did get the book in February and it was supposed to be started in January. Excuse? Oh, yes.

Ragamuffin Gospel - Brennan Manning
I read the first chapter in a car once. I proceeded to carry it everywhere with me for awhile and never opened it again.

The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography - National Geographic
I started this and never really got too far into the book. I need to. I think its owner is missing it...

When God Writes Your Love Story - Eric Ludy
I think I may have read three chapters in this? That is probably an overestimate though.

Forgotten God - Francis Chan
I can guarantee that I only read the first chapter.

Scared, A Novel - Tom Davis
I have no idea how far I got into reading this, but I know that I loved it!

Dangerous Wonder - Mike Yaconelli
First chapter. I'm pretty positive on that guess. There is a bookmark at least in it indicating that I would return. That's a plus, right?

Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
I read a few chapters in the back of the book. I went back and read Chapter 1 the other day. I'm not so sure about finishing this one.

Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
I read three chapters in this book! Then, I went to sleep and never went back to it again.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, Book 2 - Neta Jackson
I loved this book! I was reading the first book in the series at the very end of my study abroad in Costa Rica last summer. I started this book when I was in the hospital right when I got back. I got to page 123/422 which isn't too bad.

Confronting the Controversy - Adam Hamilton
My kindle says I'm about 11% into this book. That's not too bad, right? That may be the Chapter 2 start page, or not, that's just how I feel...

The Dating Blook - Matt Lantz
I've actually gotten pretty far on this. I have been reading bits and pieces out of order, but with my reading history, what's to be expected?

I think I just proved that either:
A) I'm a quitter when it comes to reading.
B) I finished an extremely low number of books in college.
C) I have a lot of reading to catch up on this year.
D) I need help; AKA all of the above.

Fashion Venture

My friend, Sarah, told me out of the blue the other day that I should start a fashion blog. She had no idea I was already a blogger which is totally okay. I'm taking her advice though and letting y'all see what I'm wearing. It can be part of my 12 for 12 as it goes under Blog and Create. (Hey Sarah, thanks for the fabulous idea!)

This is actually the outfit I wore the day that Sarah let me know what new venture I would be starting with. Sorry about the picture quality - the lighting in my house is not exactly that great which explains why the first two pictures are so blah.

 

Keep in mind that some of these items as well as future items have been in my closet for awhile and I may not always know where they are from. :)

Denim Shirt: TJ Maxx?

Sweater: TJ Maxx

Belted Skirt: Dillard's

Leggings: Target

Boots: Shoe Rack?

Pocket Watch Necklace: Urban Outfitters

It's Never Too Late to Change - Delve

Hi, I make New Years Resolutions on the 26th of January instead of the 1st. This year, I said that I wasn't going to do any New Years Resolutions. In the last few weeks though, I've changed my mind. In fact, I may have made twelve resolutions...

Reading all the beginning of the year blogs and talking to my friends, Andrea and TeeJay, about all the options of the new year made me desire to actually do something. I've ended up combining a few of my favorite New Years Ideas including Jon Acuff's Finish Year with Words of the Year (Up, Grow, Delightful) and Andrea's sister-in-laws Twelve for Twelve - Twelve Resolutions for the year 2012. 

I'm kind of excited about this. I mean, it's all still new. It is still January. I know making a New Years resolution-ish blog post so close to February is a little iffy, but that's okay!


Twelve for Twelve
They are: Books, 5K, Quotes, Blog, Create, Learn, Gratefulness, Minimize, Handmade, Intentionality, No, Word.

1. Finish Year: Books I've Already Started.
I am positive that I am not the only person with a reading problem. I used to devour full books in a day, now I can't even stumble through reading a full book in a year. I have a knack that no matter how much I am enjoying any particular read, I will stop at Chapter 3. Okay, that's being way too lenient. I usually stop after Chapter 1. I made it to the first page of Chapter 4 on Redeeming Love so in my mind, all the books I've ever started that ended up in piles of books on my nightstand or in my car were all immediately jumped to that first page of Chapter 4. This is exactly how I missed a full half of one of the Harry Potter books. (For the record, I figured it out because of the confusion my mind was in during the movie.) For Finish Year: Books, I will attempt to finally finish all those books that got left behind after that first chapter or so.

2. Finish Year: Work Out More - 5K.
I ran a half marathon once. Okay, okay, I sprinted about 5 minutes during a half marathon that I walked. That does seem quite different now that I think about it. My goal is to run a 5K in its entirety by the end of 2012. I'm going to start slow by walking the majority of one next weekend, but we all have to start somewhere.

3. Finish Year: Quote Book.
I started a quote book when I was in high school. This is really just a green journal that I wrote down a few quotes I liked and has now expanded to a huge list including sections of books that challenge, inspire and make me laugh. I want to fill up the whole thing with quotes from the books I read for Finish Year, scriptures that are near to m heart, favorited tweets and other quotes I've heard or seen around Pinterest.

4. Blog More. Regularly. Intentionally.
You agree on this one, right? I wish I had gotten paid this last semester for every time someone asked me when I was going to update again. I don't want this blog to be a place where I update when I feel like I have the time. I want it to be intentional. I stink at journaling because my hand cramps up, but I can type all day plus I have things to say to the world, whether I always believe it or not. Here's to blogging more regularly!

5. Create.
I was really good at favorite-ing food items on Foodgawker last semester. I was really good at adding blogs to the bookmarks on my computer to come back and look at, cook the recipe of, or craft from, etc. Now after having held out for almost a year, I am finally on Pinterest. (You can follow me here.) It's dumb to have all these great ideas and recipes at my fingertips and not utilize any of them. That is what I will strive to do, whether it's a recipe, craft or whatnot as often as I can.

6. Learn.
Confession time. (Although, my whole 12 for 12 may be one big confession really). I have an awesome camera with access to a ton of great resources and I don't utilize these resources nearly enough. I have a desire to speak Spanish even more fluently yet never practice. I want to be able to tell you what wrong with my car but I just never read up on it. I want to be able to do ________, yet I just don't. For all those things I need to practice or learn, this is their spot in my next year. Can't say it will be perfectly done, but I want to at least put forth an effort.

7. Minimize & Organize.
I have a bunch of stuff I don't need or even have the desire to still have as well as things that are silly but I still want to hold on to. Jeans that don't fit? Yeah, it's time to part ways with you. Piles of ticket stubs in drawers? Let's get you in a book or something. Every card I've gotten in my life? The full drawer is nice, but let's find you a better home. I need to give away and declutter. I need to organize and repurpose.

8. Gratefulness.
'Hi I'm American!' seems to be synonymous with 'Hello, I'm ungrateful.' I want to use up a bunch of thank you notes this year not only so I can get new ones, but because there are a ton of people that could use the encouragement, gratitude and even a Sunday funnie in a letter to brighten up their day. I wan to give that to them.

9. Handmade.
Ever go into a friends house and you can practically see the store layouts of where they got them and which of your other friends also owns it? No? It may just be me and my problem with noticing things at stores right after seeing them at a friends house. It's like individuality has gone out the window with all these brands (Sorry to rag on you Target. You know I love you as I have my fair share of Target buys littering my home). The favorite gifts I've given these last 2 years have been homemade gifts. This is the year I want to try to give as many homemade gifts as possible (although there will be some exceptions!)

10. Intentionality in Relationships.
You can say I'm good at this. You can say I'm terrible at this. Both statements are true. How? I'm really good with being intentional in some relationships and not so intentional in other ones. Why can't I just be intentional in all of them? Its ridiculously hard for sure, but their are definitely some friends that I have allowed to be stranded by the wayside during tough crunch times. (Also, shout out and thank you to all of those whom were more than willing to change our coffee dates into picking out diploma frames, running errands, etc. You know who you are and you are amazing!) This year though, I want to try my best to be fully present during hangouts and opportunities I have with family, friends and strangers. This will be a work in progress, possibly forever.

11. Say No & Relax.
This is for sure going to be the most difficult thing to do. I think it's pretty self explanatory but do more downtime rather than running at 97 miles per hour just because I can. All the running, chaos and last minute plans cause burn out and that's not good to cope with. Why not forgo all that and just rest some before the burn out? Brilliant. This is going to be so hard. 

12. Word.
Delve into the word. This one is also pretty self explanatory, but I really want to get inside the stories of the Bible and really develop not just a relationship with God, but truly a deep intimacy with the scriptures to go alongside of it.

& The one word that sums it all up for me? Delve

 Also, if you've made it this far, enjoy the 2011 Twitter Timeline Review.