work for it

This morning I got the official word that I will brought in on a really cool project at work, where I will be involved from conception to execution. The event involves all-things Atlanta: a Foundation, athletes and a great downtown venue. Needless to say, I'm thrilled!

For those who have the pleasure of hearing about my "work woes" (cough: my dad and my roommate), they will surely understand my excitement. I have just short of begged to be more involved in a wider variety of things at work, with an emphasis on hospitality events. And thus far, nothing has worked out in my favor. I felt like I was going the extra mile to show that I was ready to take on new projects and more leadership, but was feeling overlooked and discouraged. Now my time has arrived and I'm so excited! It goes to show that hard work and patience (though I have very little) do pay off.

"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." - Colin Powell

07.01.2011

a.k.a., the half-way point of 2011. My goodness, how time flies! It seems like just a couple of months ago I was writing about my resolutions for 2011. Like I said in the original post, I have never stuck to the resolutions I have made, but this year has been different. I haven't been the best at keeping up with the 4 things I set out to do this year. But, I am working on it! And so.....a recap. Perhaps seeing what I have excelled at and what I have failed at will keep me going strong for the remainder of the year!

Read at least one book each month: Check!

I have been absolutely successful in doing this. In fact, I don't even think of it as a goal that I want to achieve each month. I just finish one book and move on to another. I was never a big reader in school (I think one of the only required reading I ever finished was Catcher in the Rye) but I can honestly say I am a reader now! {Books I have read so far in 2011}

Go to the gym, 4 times a week, without complaining: 75%-check

I really don't like to workout. Rephrase: I really don't like getting off my lazy behind and going to the gym. But once I'm there, I can workout and feel great afterwards! Overall, I'm going probably 2 or 3 times a week, and complaining about it only once in a while. And since it's summertime now I'm swimming laps at the pool on the days I can't work up the motivation to get sweaty and do squats. For now, that is good enough for me!

Become better at keeping up with friends and family: Semi-check

This is something that I've never been great at. I always think if something big or exciting or horrible or scary or wonderful is happening with my friends or family, they'll call and let me know. And vice-versa. But what a horrible way to think! So while I may not be engaging in a weekly phone update with my BFFs, I do try to reach out via phone call, text, e-mail, Facebook, and dinner dates as often as I can. This is one of those things that will become more important as time goes on, and I intend to master it. Stay tuned. 

Cook or bake something new once every week: Pretty Much Fail

I started out this year like a champ on this one. I was baking cupcakes, breakfast bars, fruity treats and cookies. And I was trying new dinner recipes all the time. But come March, it all went downhill. I can't even remember the last time I cooked a meal for me and my roommates. So this category could use some major improvement! Please send any quick and easy dinner recipes my way, I'd love to try them out.

I hope the remaining 6 months of 2011 are as great and full of new adventures and surprises as these have been. Come December, I will be excited to be able to say that I stuck to my resolutions for the entire year....I hope! :)

Random Thought

I've just decided that I NEED to create a recipe book. I have cut-outs and print-outs and rip-outs scattered all over the house and my room, stuck in random books and in several drawers. By the end of July I am determined to create a cute booklet to put my random recipes, my favorite recipes from my Mom and Grandmother, and leave room for recipes to come! 
I'm excited.

Brand New Year

Orlando is where it began. 2011, that is. I rang in the new year with some of my best friends and we had a blast! Not only that, but the first day of the year was spent watching Alabama beat Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl. And for the last two days, the South has been hit with a snow storm which gave me an excuse to lay around, drink hot chocolate, and be lazy. Oh! And what snow day would be right without building a snow man?! A great start to what I hope to be an extremely fulfilling and exciting year.

Which brings me to my goals for 2011. Many people set goals and resolutions on January 1 of each year. I must admit that if I have ever made resolutions, they are generally forgotten by February. I'm hoping, however, that this year I can make it all the way. In an attempt to hold myself accountable I am posting my goals for all to read. Maybe you can help keep me accountable as well :)

Read at least one book each month. (I got this idea from my Dad. He has done this in the past, and I really liked it!)

Go to the gym, work out, and get in shape! And not complain while doing so. (At least 4x a week)

Become better at consistently keeping in touch with friends and family.

Cook or bake something new once every week.

I am hoping that by making a conscious effort to accomplish these goals, they will not only be "those things I did in 2011," but they will become my lifestyle. Only time will tell.