Life Update//

Honestly, our life has been extremely busy + crazy lately. We have just been hustling 24/7 focusing on finishing our house so that we can actually have a life + have some fun instead of working all of the time! Our list is growing shorter and shorter and I'm really looking forward to being done soon// Being an adult is so much work but we are trying to get our life organized so everything starts running more smoothly and less chaotic #notafanofchaos.

Here is what has been going on in the last few weeks:

House:

//We completed the wood flooring

//Home equity loan closing in next couple of weeks- we had to meet with the loan officer after work for 2.5 hours + gather all of the necessary paperwork (not fun-hopefully this is the last time we have to do this)

//Finally got House Insurance all straightened out

//Cleaned out half of the garage & donated to a charity that helps the less fortunate. The hubby & I plan on cleaning out the other half once we finish the house

//Painted 3 bedroom doors

//Touched up paint throughout house- still need to finish touching up the ceiling + 1 more coat

//Currently putting up interior Door Trim + Base Trim + Molding

//Will be purchasing furniture at the end of this month

Career:

//Just had my 2 year Work Anniversary -celebrated at Bacchus Wine Bar with my boss & his wife

//Recently promoted to Office Manager 

//Work has been extremely busy - I took 30 minutes out of my day on Thursday to organize my office and it makes it much easier to keep track of current clients, to do's, filing, etc.

//We have a couple of Seminars coming up the end of February and the 1st of March- I think at this point I have pretty much broken out of my shell// I think I will always be an introverted more reserved person but I am at a point to where I can successfully do my job 

//We are planning our Second Annual Senior Living Expo and we are hoping for a great outcome this year!

Organization:

//Sold Espresso machine + blender + 2 patio lanterns= extra $70

Fun:

//Wine next Friday
//Downtown sidewalk sale- next Saturday (haven't decided if I am going yet)

//Celebrating my birthday at the end of this month (beach + shopping + adventure)

//Hands & Hearts Hoedown end of March 

Other Happenings:

//I stayed at home with my husband last Thursday- he was sick with food poisoning for 1/2 day

//Ordered some natural medicine- I have been extremely exhausted lately + having anxiety at night feeling like I can't breathe so I am hoping that it helps me//

Celebrating my Two-year Work Anniversary!

Today I celebrate my two year work anniversary! Honestly, I can't believe it flew by so fast and it's been an amazing ride!  I've learned so much about Legal/Estate Planning, becoming a Notary Public, marketing, Seminars, graphic design, event planning to name a few. I've grown so much at this job and met some really great people. I've become a much more confident person that is less worried with what others think and I'm excited with the person that I am becoming.

I'm very blessed to have such a nice boss and his wife that have been a huge part of my growth and I love them like family. I know that God placed me on this path for a reason. Even when people around me were telling me that I shouldn't move from my husband's hometown and I shouldn't leave my job at Phoebe - I prayed about it and stepped out in faith with no way of knowing how things were going to turn out, but I put my trust in God. I've learned to always follow God's ways, not man's ways, because he knows best. I am so glad that I listened and trusted in him, even during the rough times, I just tied a knot in my rope and held on and he did not let me down!

I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me and I know that as long as God is in the middle of it that the future is going to be so amazing! 

January accomplishments + February Goals//

Hello lovelies! Is anyone else surprised at the fact that January will be ending in 6 days?! It really flew by quickly, but I was able to accomplish a few things beginning the new year off on the right foot! This year I am all about simplifying/organizing, getting healthy and having fun living life to the fullest!!

House Accomplishments
//Painted 3 interior doors
//Purchased a kitchen rug & bathroom mirror
//Husband installed closet shelving and second tier clothing rack
//Hardi-board siding is 1/2 way finished
//Husband put up 2 pictures + 1 mirror
//Wood flooring finished except for 1/2 bedroom (husband working on now)
//Monday- we are going to Macy's to look at some furniture fabric samples- I may be ordering the living room furniture this week

Organizing
//Sold 2 phones on eBay, 1 mirror and a pair of boots- made $100 (to go towards house furnishings)
//Organized some in the garage- threw some things away
//Returned 2 unopened 5 gallon buckets sheet-rock mud for a store credit at Stones
//I joined unroll.me for free and organized my email subscriptions- most amazing thing that I have done this year. Having excessive emails actually overwhelms me because I feel like I need to read everything or I will miss out on something.

Spiritual
I have been doing more praying about things, trying to worry less// I noticed that praying about my anxiety- I have grown stronger and some things that used to really bother me, don't even phase me now- I am in love with this new me that's not so bothered by things! I give God all of the glory!

Financial
I did great this month, only purchased 2 winter coats and boots- all on sale and I actually needed. Also bought some jewelry, not needed, but it was on sale:)

Health
//I have been doing great taking my vitamins and trying to eat healthier and drink more h20. Not too much exercise though.
//I have been eating less meat, breads, dairy and sugar. I kind of slipped back into the old habit of too much wine and cheese during the week- I need to work on that//

Fun
We did a couple of fun things this month-we went to Sweet Grass Dairy and had wine with my boss and his wife the other night- apparently, Chardonnay is my drink of choice, I haven't laughed so much in a long time! Also, the husband and I took a break and played scrabble 2 times this month along with cappuccinos. Believe me, anytime we take a break is a miracle- we normally just work through every weekday and weekend.

Self
I'm working on letting go more, trying not to be so hard on myself. Smile more, talk less about my problems, require less approval & compliments. Become a person that people always want to be around//

February Goals
//Start the YMCA on February 1st (lose 5 lbs in February)
//Purchase Patio Furniture, grill, living room furniture
//Go through more things- sell, throw away, donate
//Purchase a Vitamix Blender so I can make juicers + smoothies
//Update Estate Planning
//Complete hardi-board siding and floors
//Do a couple of fun things
//February 28 weekend- my birthday trip!

Is it weird that I already have March and April goals lined up already? I can't help it, I am a serious goal setter! For March, I want to be at my happy weight & be able to enjoy a great birthday by celebrating for a whole week (beach + shopping + good food + adventure)! And April, I mainly want to finish going through all of our things (including my wardrobe) and have a yard-sale on the first of April. Also, we are going to Savannah for a week in April, so I am super excited about that as well!


How often do you like to make goals?

I Am Ready//

Lately, I have felt further and further away from God- I am the one that has allowed things to get in between my relationship with God and I miss his presence so much. He didn't leave me, I was the one who backed away from him. I allowed my hurts that I have gone through to make me angry and bitter at life- my family hurting me, my dog passing away, just having to work so hard in life to get back on track, sometimes it all feels unfair.. But instead of focusing at what I don't have..I want to be grateful for what I do have..God has been so good to me when I haven't deserved it.

The realization hit me when God answered a prayer and I realized the beauty of it all. He didn't have to answer that prayer, but his love for me outweighs everything. He didn't say no because of the fact that I didn't deserve it or earn it..he did it because he loves me unconditionally, with no ulterior motives. How amazing is that? I am the apple of his eye...He loves me for me. Instead of searching for that everywhere else, it was right there in front of me all of this time// God was there, patiently waiting for me to come back to him//

Every time I have been broken and at my lowest, enemies attacking me, and feeling like there was no hope left- God was the one who was always there for me. He has never once let me down, every time that I have prayed and cried he has answered. 

I am not entirely sure, but maybe God let Roscoe go on to Heaven because he wanted to grow our relationship and make me stronger. Below is one of the songs that I was listening to and praying along to before Roscoe passed away- notice the lyrics "I let go of all that I have just to have all of you" "And no matter what the cost I will follow you" - Roscoe was the one of the most precious things that I have ever had to let go of- when I tell you that I loved him more than myself, I am not exaggerating in the least bit. Yet, I would give it all up for God.. I will always follow him wherever he leads me. He is the love of my life// 

I am ready for God to take my heart, my life and use it for his good, not my own..I want to be a light, to help the broken, the sad, the helpless and alone..

All I am Lord here before You
Reaching out for more
You're the promise never failing
You are my reward,
Jesus, You are my reward

There's no riches or earthly treasure

That will satisfy
Every longing is for You Jesus
Set this heart on fire
Oh, set this heart on fire

I let go of all I have just to have all of You
And no matter what the cost I will follow You
Jesus everything I've lost I have found in You
When I finally reach the end I'll say
You are worth it all

When I'm there in Your glorious presence
Every knee is bowed before You
Hear the sound of heaven singing
You are worth it all

All the saints cry holy holy
Angels singing worthy worthy
Forever I will shout Your praises
You are worth it all

You are worth it all

I let go of all I have just to have all of You
And no matter what the cost I will follow You
Jesus everything I've lost I have found in You

When I finally reach the end I'll say

I let go of all I have just to have all of You
And no matter what the cost I will follow You

Time to Get It Together//

My biggest goal for 2015 is to get healthy and tone up. This week, I started running 25-30 minutes daily and plan on joining the YMCA starting February since my husband has a discount with his job. I have to be completely honest- I am also really excited for the sauna and swimming in the pool during summer. I've already bought some new tennis shoes and I'm ready to go!! I am planning on purchasing another juicer since mine died about 6 months ago. Other than that, I just plan on eating more vegetables and fruits and less breads, alcohol, sugar and meats.

Just for a little inspiration- I've posted some fitness photos//

Wish me luck!!

In the Present//

//Currently

//Listening- "Statues" and "Hold You" by Nina Nesbitt (love her voice- like an angel)

//Making- crocheting my second scarf in two days (I re-opened my Etsy Store today)

//Excited For- Going to Trader Joe's for food-shopping Tuesday!

//Thinking of- My goals for 2015 and how I can work on becoming more successful 

//Drinking- sparkling apple cider + water

//On my Reading list-"How to be Parisian at all times" and "Quiet- the Power of an Introvert in a World that can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain.

//Working on - Simplifying my life. Organizing, throwing out & selling things. I gave our couch + love-seat to my Mom- we didn't need it and she was so excited to have it :)

//Wearing- t shirt + shorts

//Planning- starting back on the Raw Vegan Diet as soon as I make it to the grocery store

//Watching- The Bachelor starting tomorrow night!

//Needing- a juicer

//Wanting- to feel better- my allergies have been making me extremely exhausted lately

//Praying- for God's guidance in our lives for what is best for us and for us to be blessed and in His favor always//

//Hoping- that our house will be finished soon- it's now taking longer because my husband's foot has been hurt for the past month. We hired someone to help on the siding but it looks like he will need to come back out for at least 3-4 more weekends for it to be finished.

//Loving- Our new L.L. Bean Deluxe Vintage Edition Scrabble Game

2015 Goals//

2014 was a pretty good year, with the exception of losing Roscoe. After he died, it finally opened my eyes to who did and did not care about me, so if there is a silver lining, that would be it.

Accomplishments of 2014:

//Built a new house

//Finally opened my eyes and removed toxic people from my life

//Had some fun- Destin, St. Augustine, Amelia Island Trips

//Adventure & New Things- Art class, Horseback riding on the beach

//Learned more and took over more responsibilities at my job

//Became a Notary 

//Attended some events- Hands & Hearts for Horses Hoe-down, Victorian Christmas

//De-cluttered some via swap & shop

//Read about 40 + books 

//Listened to more music & new artists

//Cleared land

//Bought new dining room table + chairs, new mattress set

//Grew my blog & had blog makeover

//Wishlist items- L.L. Bean Scrabble game (vintage deluxe edition), Keurig

Time for Goals for the New Year! I am so ready to tackle 2015 head on and get things accomplished!

2015 Goals

//Join the YMCA- exercise, swim, sauna- get healthy!

//Drink more h20, more hot tea, eat more raw foods

//Take my vitamins

//Grow hair long

//Train for another Marathon with the hubby

//Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier

//Finish House including landscaping, front entrance gate

//Purchase Patio Set, sofa, coffee table, bed frame, dresser

//Update Estate Planning Documents

//Consolidate bills

//Pray more and worry less

//Leave the past behind and learn to let go and live in the present

//Complain less, be a more positive person 

//Spend more time with positive people 

//Take my Mom shopping and to Maclay Gardens + picnic

//Be a better listener to my husband

//Attend church

//De-clutter- have a sale/donate everything sometime in February (Uhaul- move things from MIL)

//Travel (use Delta Skymiles), spa trip with the girls, Savannah Trip, Chattahoochee Lake 

//Work less, play more

//Renew Passport

//Trade in Suburban for a better fuel-efficient vehicle

//Transfer photos from hard-drives

//Do some adventurous things- hot air balloon, helicopter, art on the beach, learn how to play guitar

//More hiking, biking

//Photo-shoot with the hubby

//More creative- art, music, writing & crochet more

//Re-open my Etsy Shop

//Read more books

//Adopt a Pet

What are some of your goals for 2015?