Dear beloved readers,

As you know, I took the month of July off of blogging, as I knew it was going to be a very busy month at work.  I had hoped that during this time, I would “blog ahead” some posts, such as the décor posts or my book reviews.

That didn’t happen. 

The truth is, I really love my job. 

I wave at the building when I’m not there – seriously! 

I love my boss.  I MISS her when she’s not there.

I love what I do.  I am stimulated intellectually, creatively, you name it. 

And because of that, I have not had any urge to blog. 

That doesn’t mean that I don’t love you guys anymore – quite the opposite!  It just means that I need some time away, some undefined time, until I feel like blogging again.

I have a lot to say – it’s not a content issue at all.

It’s more about me focusing my energy on my career right now.  I have finally found the perfect match:  the right job AND the right company.

I am also stepping down from the Ohio Blogging Association.  I started it when I was unemployed.  I just don’t have the energy for that anymore either.  I’m so proud of what the team has done.  Huge shout-outs to Alicia, Rachel, and Katie.  I have told them that I’ll support them from the sidelines.

I do post frequently on my Facebook page, which is here.  I almost always carry my status updates from my personal page over to that.  I hope you’ll follow me there to keep up.

Also, I will still Tweet, @purtyinorange.

This isn’t goodbye, as I’m sure I’ll be back here and there.  It’s just to say:

Thank you.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for caring.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for commenting.

Thank you for sharing your world with me.

Thank you for allowing me to share mine with you.

Love,

Hi all,

This month is going to be killer at work, and I know I won’t have any time to blog. So I’m taking the month of July off. 

1.  There won’t be a July Challenge of the Month.  We’ll resume those in August.  The winner of June’s Challenge of the Month is Miss Laura of Absolut(ly) Fit!  Go Laura!  This is her second win this year.

2.  If you would like to guest post, just email me at angela[at]prettyinorange[dot]com. 

3.  This is the first real break I’ve taken in the 5 years I’ve been blogging.  I think I deserve it

I’ll see you guys in August.  It’s really not that far away at all!

Love to all of you!

You know how they say that whatever you are when the clock strikes midnight as the New Year passes is where you will be for the year?   I think it’s true.

And where was I when the clock struck twelve?  I was running behind.  And I have felt that way this entire year so far.  I just can’t seem to get the days to slow down!

There are so many wonderful and amazing things going on in my life right now and this blog is a huge part of that.  I just need to find the balance.

My last day at the temp job was yesterday and then I start at Wendy’s on Monday, so I need to really focus on getting organized.  To that end, I need to take just a teeny, tiny blogging break. 

I promise to be back as soon as I can!

~ Victor Hugo

I enjoy reading Sarah Von’s site, Yes and Yes.  She’s off traveling the world right now, and has had some guest posts from other bloggers.

Recently, she had The Naked Redhead (and why didn’t *I* think of that name?!?!) write a guest post about dreams and opportunity. You can read the full post HERE, but I wanted to share a few things about the post really resonated with me.

In fact, my reaction reminded me of a friend who was an actor in New York. I asked him how hard it was to wait for those roles he really, really wanted, and he said, “You literally have to get to the point where you’re working so hard, that you don’t remember what you auditioned for.” He recounted the time he did land that dream role, and when the call came through, he had to remind himself who was calling and why.

It reminds me of what I’m undertaking in my life right now.  I am trying to set myself up so that I don’t have to worry if I’m laid off OR that so that no one can lay me off but me.  You have to keep going out there and trying. 

It’s the same thing with life.  Lying around and waiting for things to happen to you will NEVER work. 

Also this part:

Your dreams don’t matter if you’re not willing to work for them. Who cares if you want to win a Tony if you’re not willing to take a dance class? Who cares if you want to take over the blogosphere if you’re not willing to write. every. day. or open yourself to the community mindset of this neck of the interwebz? Who cares if you want to be a designer but you don’t pour over color charts, bookmark your favorite designer’s portfolios, or render that first sketch? No one will hand you anything just for being your talented self (though yes, talent does help). If your dreams don’t matter to you, they won’t matter to anyone else.

And this goes back to another point I’ve tried to make to people: You can’t expect anyone to love you unless you love yourself.  Why?  Because eventually, you will find fault with someone who loves you FOR loving you.  You will begin to question their judgment. 

Make the life that you want for yourself.  If you’re stuck, ask for help. 

How about you?  Are you making the life that you want to have?

I’m actually going to break these down into categories this year. 

Personal

1.  Eat 20 salads per month.  This was such a great challenge from Lisa that I am continuing it into the new year.  It makes me more mindful about my eating. 

2.  To move toward a “Raw until Dinner” diet.  I loved how I felt when I ate Chef Jenny’s food.  I know that I will never be able to go completely raw, as Bob makes dinner and I still love meat.  But I think I can do this for breakfast and for lunch.  I’m going to start slowly and work my way into it.

3. Learn Italian.  Software is purchased, just need to do it.

4.  To join a CSA.  I’m going to make it happen.  I really want us to have the best produce grown locally.

5.  To learn how to can.  Rachel, I’m coming to one of your classes!!

6.  To commit to doing Yoga at least twice a week. I want more, but I know that I can get to at least 2 classes per week.

7.  To track what I eat.  I just do SO much better when I do this. 

8.  Unplug on Sundays from noon to 7pm.  Yup, I am guilty of wanting to be on my laptop alllll time.  And with a new laptop on the way, it is going to be even more difficult to get me away from it.  But I think it’s good to unplug. 

Professional

1.  To learn Adobe Captivate.  I can do this at my temp job, as I have free access to their classes.  Actually, I can do it at home, as I have access at home, too.

2.  To have multiple lines of income.  I don’t ever want to be in the position I’ve been in for the last two years on unemployment.  To that end, I have been seeking out other avenues, including starting my own business.

3.  Get new website for new business up and running by end of February 2011.

4.  To learn Flash.  Another thing I can do via the temp job.

Pretty in Orange

1.  Finish organizing it.  I still need to re-categorize the stuff that was pulled from the other two blogs. 

2.  Logo redesign. I know who I want to do it, it’s just money at this point.

Ohio Blogging Association

1.  Get website up and running by end of January 2011.

2.  Design logo.

3. Determine outings with purpose.  Some of our social hours will be just for fun, but I think we all want to do good deeds as well.

4.  Attend social hours in all major cities. 

Whew, I think that’s it for now.  How about you?  What are your goals for 2011?

1.  To overhaul this blog and my other blog into one blog. 

• Lawgirl and Fattie Fatterton will be combined into Pretty in Orange, which will have different sections regarding daily life, health/fitness, shopping/fashion, and reviews. 
• Completed!!

2.  To participate in a 5k once every quarter this year. 

• Miles for Smiles was to be this past Saturday.  However, the weather didn’t cooperate.  I did get out and do my own 5k.  You can read my recap of that here. 
• I have also picked out three more 5ks:
  • The Komen Race for the Cure – I’m already registered. 
  • Stirrup Hope Fund Walk and Run 5k
  • JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes (2 miles instead of a 5k)
• June Update:  Well, Bob and I registered for the Komen race, paid our dues, and all that.  But at the last minute, he decided that he would rather get away for the weekend.  So, I had planned to do my own personal 5k.  I haven’t done that yet.
• To be honest, since I found Yoga, I have NO interest in walking right now.  I get bored with it, I don’t like the way I feel after it, ….I just don’t want to. Maybe once I lose some more weight, I can start the Galloway method into running.  But yeah, I don’t like the walking right now.  So I’m putting this goal On Hold.
• November Update:  Still on my Yoga and Zumba kick.  This is dead in the water.

3.  To learn Adobe Captivate.

• Still trying to figure out how to do this.  The software is over $700.  So then I thought about trying a class on it.  Those are close to $800.  In the end, it would be cheaper for me to buy the software, but I can’t see that happening while I’m unemployed.  Not giving up, though.
• November Update:  Still no job, but I am in the market for a new laptop, which could then support the software.  This will probably be moved to 2011. 
• December Update:  Temp job that will help me learn Adobe Captivate.  Moving this to 2011!

4.  To learn Pivot Tables in Excel.

• Completed!!  Actually had to do this for a job interview.  

5.  To create and maintain my online portfolio.

• Completed!

6.  To work out with Ashley (my trainer) at least twice per month.

• Met up with Ashley once this month to get a gameplan going.  Will meet with her the week of the 22nd.  
• June Update:  Ashley is going to be leaving to raise her impending firstborn child.  Again, since Yoga took over, I’m focusing on that.
• November Update:  Still doing Yoga and Zumba instead.

7.  To learn about eating a raw diet. 

• Still working on this one.  I think as the weather improves, I will be able to get further with this.  When it’s cooler outside, I want a hot meal. 
• June Update:  SO excited.  Whole Foods has a Raw Chef now and Robbin and I are going to our first Raw Foods class next week. 
• November Update: Robbin and I took that class and I plan on taking another one before the year is out.  Also, I am going to get together with Chef Jen to talk about her making some raw lunches for me.     I’m marking this one complete, as I did learn about it.

8.  To make time for one dinner out per week with friends. 

• This is hard.  I want to leave this one for the weekends.  It’s too hard for me to do it during the week, as it’s the time I get to spend with Future Hubby. 
• June Update:  Well, Yoga has, again, taken the time that I would be able to put toward this.  HOWEVER, I have made new friends through Yoga and am enjoying that!
• November Update:  I am actually doing a heckuva lotta lunches with friends.  I do get away during the early evenings now for little trips here and there, especially with Robbin.  Bob and I don’t usually eat dinner until 8 or 9 pm.  I’m marking this complete, as I feel that I am getting to spend a lot of time with friends now and that was my goal.  This may come back up in 2011 if I ever get a job!

9.  To answer emails in a timely manner. 

• I was doing great on this, but am sucking at it again.  My oldest email is Feb 21.  Not as bad as when I first started this goal, but I know I can do better.
• June Update:  I am doing much better on answering comments on my site, but not as well with some emails. 
• November Update:  I think I am doing really well on this.  My oldest unanswered email is from October 20, so MUCH better!!  And I answer my blog comments within a wee, if not less.  I’m marking it complete!

10.  To commit to walking, then jogging 4 miles per week.

• Week of Feb 15 – 3 miles
• Week of Feb 22 – 6 miles
• Week of Mar 1 – 6.5 miles
• Week of March 8 – 5 miles
• These are all walking, so I’m going to call it In-Progress until I’m running.
• November Update:  Nope.  Dead in the water for now. 

11.  Financially, I am just surviving until I get a job.  So, I’ll revamp those and make financial goals after I get one.  If I ever get one. 

• Still no job.
• December Update:  Temp job, but not making enough to have too many financial goals.  Dead until full time job with regular earning is reached.

12.  If I can swing it, I want to do some traveling this year.

• Future Hubby and I have gone away every month this year and we are going away again a the end of March.
• June Update:  Bob and I have continued to take trips here and there, but nothing significant.
• November Update:  I can’t leave Bob overnight, and he won’t go out of state at this point, so it’s dead in the water.  I love him anyway. 

13.   Start to learn Italian.  

• Nothing yet.
• November Update:  I’m buying software this week.  I can’t afford Rosetta Stone, but I found some stuff on Amazon that was well-reviewed. 
• December Update: Software purchased but not used yet.

14.  Volunteer at a local animal rescue on a regular basis.   

• Nothing yet. 
• November Update:  This should be such a no-brainer, but I haven’t done it.  Bad Angela! Bad Angela!
• December Update:  This will happen in January 2011.

15.  Organize a charity walk for Cozy Cat Cottage.

• Nothing yet.
• November Update:  This one will have to move to 2011.  It will need to be scheduled for spring.

16.  To join a CSA. 

• June Update:  Didn’t happen.  Money was an issue. 
• November Update:  Moving to 2011.

17.  Learn how to can veggies and fruits.  Goes along with #16.

• This will not begin until fall.
• June Update:  I can still do this even without #16. 
• November Update:  Moving to 2011.  I have found several places that will teach me how to can, so that is exciting!!

So, out of 17 original goals, I am moving 3 to 2011 and completely nixing 4.  That leaves 10 goals.  Out of those:

• Six are complete.  Yay!!
• Two aren’t doable until I get a job. 
• Two can be easily finished by end of year. 

Final Update:  Six out of ten isn’t as well as I wanted to do.  But, I think it’s great that I did attempt most of them – you never know until you try!

How did you do on your 2010 Goals?

This is a repost from last year, to help you get ready for 2011!

What is a focus word?

A focus word helps you zero-in on your commitments, goals, or resolutions.  You can choose one word for the year or a few words or you can change it up as your year goes along.   It’s all up to you.

Last year, I chose ENHANCE.   Why ENHANCE?

1.  I wanted to ENHANCE my health.

2.  I wanted to ENHANCE my friendships through Crackbook.

3.  I wanted to ENHANCE my career.

4.  I wanted to ENHANCE my blogs.

Having that word meant that I didn’t have to remember every single goal word for word – it meant that I could focus on that one word, which represented those goals.

I posted about my focus word on Crackbook yesterday and received great response about it.  Here are some words that my friends have chosen:

• Excitement
• Revenge
• Focus
• Think Positive
• Create
• Improvement
• Balance

And, one of my friends even took the idea to her family, who each picked out a word.  They are making a piece of art out of it and hanging it on their wall so that they can be reminded of it.  How cool is that?!?!?

Which brings me to the subject of Inspiration Boards, also known as Vision Boards. Have any of you tried this technique?

An inspiration or vision board is a collage (remember those from childhood?  I remember my mom yelling at me for destroying her magazines before she had read them…and maybe a book or two) of images or sayings that represent your goal.

Inspiration boards started in the design world, as interior designers and clothing designers map out what they want to do in a project and add samples of the materials that will be part of the finished product.

It can be as simple or as fancy as you want to make it.  Here are some ideas:

For a vintage-style wedding

Things that make the creator of this one happy

Using focus words and phrases

You don’t have to use a board – you can also use a clothesline:

I actually really like the idea of the clothesline one, as you can change things out as you change your vision or find new items.

It’s also a great activity to do with your kids.

Back to your focus words.  If you are having trouble coming up with a word, might I suggest a thesaurus? If I have a concept in mind, but I can’t come up with the exact word I want, I often go to a thesaurus.

And that is how I arrived at my word for the year last year:  ENHANCE.  You see, I knew that I wanted to strengthen my physical body with workouts and bolster my career options with learning.  But neither of those words really captured what I was going for.  So, I went the thesaurus and there was my word:  ENHANCE.

This year I have two words.  One that I will reveal to you now is ENERGY.  As in I want some.  I feel so tired and run-down most of the time.  I need to find ways to bring ENERGY to my life.  My other word is a secret until later on this week, when I reveal some exciting news for the blog!

What will your focus word or words be?

This is a repost from last year.  It’s here to help you get ready to set some goals for 2011.

I had a lot of folks here and on Crackbook compliment my ability to make resolutions or goals and stick to them. I wanted to share with you my method of doing so.

Want to know the reason that most people cannot stick to goals or resolutions?  It’s because the goals/resolutions are not specific enough.

For example:

I resolve to lose weight.

That’s pretty open-ended, right?  I mean, what is making you overweight now?  What will you change to help you lose weight?

Or:

I am going to be more organized.

Really?  That’s great, but you forgot to say HOW you were going to do that.

Any time you tackle a project, it’s best to break it down into smaller, bite-sized tasks.  This will allow you to feel accomplished along the way, with even minimal effort.

One way to do this is to make sure that you are setting SMART goals:

S – Specific (could also be significant, stretching)

M – Measurable (could also be meaningful, memorable, motivating)

A – Attainable (could also be achievable, action plans, accountability)

R – Relevant (could also be realistic, reasonable, rewarding)

T – Time-bound (could also be timely, tangible, thoughtful)

So let’s put those concepts into play:

Again, you don’t want to just make a general statement. If you want to lose weight, that’s great, but how about instead:

• I resolve to cut out dessert during the week.
• This year I am going to walk a mile three times per week.
• This year I am going to add one green veggie to each meal.

Those things will definitely help you lose inches and pounds and they are SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE, RELEVANT and TIME-BOUND.

We all want to lose 10 lbs by tomorrow, but it’s not realistic, nor ATTAINABLE in that time period.  Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a specific amount of time.

If you want  to take it down even further, commit to doing it just for a week or a month.  For example:

• During January, I resolve to walk a mile three times per week.
• During February, I resolve to walk a mile 4 times per week.

It’s easy to “fool” yourself into a habit if you think you only have to do it for so long.

When I first tried to give up ice cream, I set a goal of only eating it every other day, rather than being able to have it every day.  Then I dropped it back to only once during the week and once on the weekends.

Most of us did not go straight from being born to walking.  There are some folks out there who skipped crawling altogether, but the majority of us had to crawl before we could walk, and walk before we could run. We didn’t learn how to ride a bike without training wheels.

Be patient with yourself.  While some folks have said it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, I have found that it takes a good 5-6 weeks for me to do so.  It could be because I’m stubborn or maybe those folks were not quite right about the 21 days.  Either way, I have learned to give myself the time to make the changes.

Some folks have added an E and an R to the end of SMART, for SMARTER

S – Specific (could also be significant, stretching)

M – Measurable (could also be meaningful, memorable, motivating)

A – Attainable (could also be achievable, action plans, accountability)

R – Relevant (could also be realistic, reasonable, rewarding)

T – Time-bound (could also be timely, tangible, thoughtful)

E – Evaluate

R – Re-evaluate (could also be reassess, revisit)

I’m a firm believer EVALUATING and REVISITING my goals.  I try to do it at least once per quarter, if not more often.  That shows me where I need to adjust a behavior in order to meet the goal – or it might be that I’ve finished that goal and I need to set more.  Just because January 1 only comes once a year, it doesn’t mean you can only set goals or resolutions then. You could try doing it every three months or every six months as well.

I recommend writing out your goals, whether it’s in a notebook that only you see or on a blog for the world to see. Any time you write out a goal, it makes it REAL.  It becomes a promise to yourself. Otherwise, it’s just a “someday” idea floating around in your head that only shows up in your daydreams.

When you write out your goals, make sure that you write out the steps that will get you there.  For example:

I want to write a book.

That’s overwhelming to anyone.  That may be your ultimate goal, but how will you get there?

• I will write an outline of the first three chapters of my book by March 31, 2011.
• I will complete the writing of the first chapter by April 30, 2011.

Please feel free to use this simple document to help you set up your goals.

Goal Worksheet

Whoa!!  I have been lax in giving updates on this, but not in working on them.

1.  To overhaul this blog and my other blog into one blog. 

• Lawgirl and Fattie Fatterton will be combined into Pretty in Orange, which will have different sections regarding daily life, health/fitness, shopping/fashion, and reviews. 
• Completed!!

2.  To participate in a 5k once every quarter this year. 

• Miles for Smiles was to be this past Saturday.  However, the weather didn’t cooperate.  I did get out and do my own 5k.  You can read my recap of that here. 
• I have also picked out three more 5ks:
  • The Komen Race for the Cure – I’m already registered. 
  • Stirrup Hope Fund Walk and Run 5k
  • JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes (2 miles instead of a 5k)
• June Update:  Well, Bob and I registered for the Komen race, paid our dues, and all that.  But at the last minute, he decided that he would rather get away for the weekend.  So, I had planned to do my own personal 5k.  I haven’t done that yet.
• To be honest, since I found Yoga, I have NO interest in walking right now.  I get bored with it, I don’t like the way I feel after it, ….I just don’t want to. Maybe once I lose some more weight, I can start the Galloway method into running.  But yeah, I don’t like the walking right now.  So I’m putting this goal On Hold.
• November Update:  Still on my Yoga and Zumba kick.  This is dead in the water.

3.  To learn Adobe Captivate.

• Still trying to figure out how to do this.  The software is over $700.  So then I thought about trying a class on it.  Those are close to $800.  In the end, it would be cheaper for me to buy the software, but I can’t see that happening while I’m unemployed.  Not giving up, though.
• November Update:  Still no job, but I am in the market for a new laptop, which could then support the software.  This will probably be moved to 2011. 

4.  To learn Pivot Tables in Excel.

• Completed!!  Actually had to do this for a job interview.  

5.  To create and maintain my online portfolio.

• Completed!

6.  To work out with Ashley (my trainer) at least twice per month.

• Met up with Ashley once this month to get a gameplan going.  Will meet with her the week of the 22nd.  
• June Update:  Ashley is going to be leaving to raise her impending firstborn child.  Again, since Yoga took over, I’m focusing on that.
• November Update:  Still doing Yoga and Zumba instead.

7.  To learn about eating a raw diet. 

• Still working on this one.  I think as the weather improves, I will be able to get further with this.  When it’s cooler outside, I want a hot meal. 
• June Update:  SO excited.  Whole Foods has a Raw Chef now and Robbin and I are going to our first Raw Foods class next week. 
• November Update: Robbin and I took that class and I plan on taking another one before the year is out.  Also, I am going to get together with Chef Jen to talk about her making some raw lunches for me.    I’m marking this one complete, as I did learn about it.

8.  To make time for one dinner out per week with friends. 

• This is hard.  I want to leave this one for the weekends.  It’s too hard for me to do it during the week, as it’s the time I get to spend with Future Hubby. 
• June Update:  Well, Yoga has, again, taken the time that I would be able to put toward this.  HOWEVER, I have made new friends through Yoga and am enjoying that!
• November Update:  I am actually doing a heckuva lotta lunches with friends.  I do get away during the early evenings now for little trips here and there, especially with Robbin.  Bob and I don’t usually eat dinner until 8 or 9 pm.  I’m marking this complete, as I feel that I am getting to spend a lot of time with friends now and that was my goal.  This may come back up in 2011 if I ever get a job!

9.  To answer emails in a timely manner. 

• I was doing great on this, but am sucking at it again.  My oldest email is Feb 21.  Not as bad as when I first started this goal, but I know I can do better.
• June Update:  I am doing much better on answering comments on my site, but not as well with some emails. 
• November Update:  I think I am doing really well on this.  My oldest unanswered email is from October 20, so MUCH better!!  And I answer my blog comments within a wee, if not less.  I’m marking it complete!

10.  To commit to walking, then jogging 4 miles per week.

• Week of Feb 15 – 3 miles
• Week of Feb 22 – 6 miles
• Week of Mar 1 – 6.5 miles
• Week of March 8 – 5 miles
• These are all walking, so I’m going to call it In-Progress until I’m running.
• November Update:  Nope.  Dead in the water for now. 

11.  Financially, I am just surviving until I get a job.  So, I’ll revamp those and make financial goals after I get one.  If I ever get one. 

• Still no job.

12.  If I can swing it, I want to do some traveling this year.

• Future Hubby and I have gone away every month this year and we are going away again a the end of March.
• June Update:  Bob and I have continued to take trips here and there, but nothing significant.
• November Update:  I can’t leave Bob overnight, and he won’t go out of state at this point, so it’s dead in the water.  I love him anyway. 

13.   Start to learn Italian.  

• Nothing yet.
• November Update:  I’m buying software this week.  I can’t afford Rosetta Stone, but I found some stuff on Amazon that was well-reviewed. 

14.  Volunteer at a local animal rescue on a regular basis.   

• Nothing yet. 
• November Update:  This should be such a no-brainer, but I haven’t done it.  Bad Angela! Bad Angela!

15.  Organize a charity walk for Cozy Cat Cottage.

• Nothing yet.
• November Update:  This one will have to move to 2011.  It will need to be scheduled for spring.

16.  To join a CSA. 

• June Update:  Didn’t happen.  Money was an issue. 
• November Update:  Moving to 2011.

17.  Learn how to can veggies and fruits.  Goes along with #16.

• This will not begin until fall.
• June Update:  I can still do this even without #16. 
• November Update:  Moving to 2011.  I have found several places that will teach me how to can, so that is exciting!!

So, out of 17 original goals, I am moving 3 to 2011 and completely nixing 4.  That leaves 10 goals.  Out of those:

• Six are complete.  Yay!!
• Two aren’t doable until I get a job. 
• Two can be easily finished by end of year. 

Not too shabby.  How are you doing on your goals?

How did June get here already?  I can’t believe it!!

1.  To overhaul this blog and my other blog into one blog. 

• Lawgirl and Fattie Fatterton will be combined into Pretty in Orange, which will have different sections regarding daily life, health/fitness, shopping/fashion, and reviews. 
• June Update:  Well, I am LIVID that this is not done yet.  And my hands are tied for the moment.  I can’t go further until I have the “bones” of the blog in place.  So, yes, I have been paying for a website for 6 months that I can’t even use. 

2.  To participate in a 5k once every quarter this year. 

•   Miles for Smiles was to be this past Saturday.  However, the weather didn’t cooperate.  I did get out and do my own 5k.  You can read my recap of that here. 
• I have also picked out three more 5ks:
  • The Komen Race for the Cure – I’m already registered. 
  • Stirrup Hope Fund Walk and Run 5k
  • JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes (2 miles instead of a 5k)
• June Update:  Well, Bob and I registered for the Komen race, paid our dues, and all that.  But at the last minute, he decided that he would rather get away for the weekend.  So, I had planned to do my own personal 5k.  I haven’t done that yet.
• To be honest, since I found Yoga, I have NO interest in walking right now.  I get bored with it, I don’t like the way I feel after it, ….I just don’t want to. Maybe once I lose some more weight, I can start the Galloway method into running.  But yeah, I don’t like the walking right now.  So I’m putting this goal On Hold.

3.  To learn Adobe Captivate.

• Still trying to figure out how to do this.  The software is over $700.  So then I thought about trying a class on it.  Those are close to $800.  In the end, it would be cheaper for me to buy the software, but I can’t see that happening while I’m unemployed.  Not giving up, though.

4.  To learn Pivot Tables in Excel.

• No work on this yet.

5.  To create and maintain my online portfolio.

• Completed!

6.  To work out with Ashley (my trainer) at least twice per month.

• Met up with Ashley once this month to get a gameplan going.  Will meet with her the week of the 22nd.  
• June Update:  Ashley is going to be leaving to raise her impending firstborn child.  Again, since Yoga took over, I’m focusing on that.

7.  To learn about eating a raw diet. 

• Still working on this one.  I think as the weather improves, I will be able to get further with this.  When it’s cooler outside, I want a hot meal. 
• June Update:  SO excited.  Whole Foods has a Raw Chef now and Robbin and I are going to our first Raw Foods class next week. 

8.  To make time for one dinner out per week with friends. 

• This is hard.  I want to leave this one for the weekends.  It’s too hard for me to do it during the week, as it’s the time I get to spend with Future Hubby. 
• June Update:  Well, Yoga has, again, taken the time that I would be able to put toward this.  HOWEVER, I have made new friends through Yoga and am enjoying that!

9.  To answer emails in a timely manner. 

• I was doing great on this, but am sucking at it again.  My oldest email is Feb 21.  Not as bad as when I first started this goal, but I know I can do better.
• June Update:  I am doing much better on answering comments on my site, but not as well with some emails. 

10.  To commit to walking, then jogging 4 miles per
week.

• Week of Feb 15 – 3 miles
• Week of Feb 22 – 6 miles
• Week of Mar 1 – 6.5 miles
• Week of March 8 – 5 miles
• These are all walking, so I’m going to call it In-Progress until I’m running.

11.  Financially, I am just surviving until I get a job.  So, I’ll revamp those and make financial goals after I get one.  If I ever get one. 

• Still no job.

12.  If I can swing it, I want to do some traveling this year.

• Future Hubby and I have gone away every month this year and we are going away again a the end of March.
• June Update:  Bob and I have continued to take trips here and there, but nothing significant.

13.   Start to learn Italian. 

• Nothing yet.

14.  Volunteer at a local animal rescue on a regular basis.   

• Nothing yet. 

15.  Organize a charity walk for Cozy Cat Cottage.

• Nothing yet.

16.  To join a CSA. 

• June Update:  Didn’t happen.  Money was an issue. 

17.  Learn how to can veggies and fruits.  Goes along with #16.

• This will not begin until fall.
• June Update:  I can still do this even without #16. 

As you can see, Yoga has really taken over my life, but in a good way.  I am working out 5 days per week, I feel really good – it’s made a huge difference in my life.  Obviously, I didn’t know I would fall in love with Yoga this way at the beginning of the year.  So, I am probably going to do some changes to my goals for the year.