May 2014: Goal Recap

January is always a time of reflection and resolutions. Just like many people, in January 2014 I wrote down several goals I wanted to improve upon this year. Writing down goals is one thing, while sticking to them is another. (This is why I blog!)

Here's a look back at how I've done so far this year..

 If you haven't read my original blog on 2014 goals

 click here ---> 2014 Goals<----

January Part 1 & Part 2

February Recap:Part 1 & Part 2

March Recap/Goals

April Recap/Goals

May 2014 

Career Goals

I have now been in my position at NIFS for 6 months. I feel confident in this position and truly enjoy being on the corporate side of fitness vs strictly commercial fitness. I am now ready for a more permanent position at one site now that I have had a taste of all 20 sites in the Indianapolis area. I'm keeping my eye out for any openings at the sites I would like to work at daily, but loving the change of scenery everyday.

 I also have some NEW career goals that are in the works.

 More details will be coming VERY soon :)

Wifey Goals

Prep all 10 of our lunches for the week every Sunday and plan out the week

This goal has become harder to achieve as the weather has been warmer and days longer! It's easy to want to stay inside in the winter and prep meals for the week, but now I just want to be outside, enjoying the warm, summer weather. OK, now that my excuses are out there, we have been about 50/50 this month in meal prepping. Barry typically grills about 10 chicken breasts and 6-8 turkey sausages on Sunday and we use those during the week for lunches/dinner. I have apples, carrots/hummus, protein drinks, and protein bars ready to pack for lunch and frozen veggies, sweet potatoes, and salads ready for dinners. Our meals are less formal in the summer and more easy to eat and get back outside :)

Perform 20-25 min of daily cleaning

Who wants to be inside cleaning all summer long?! Not me. I do look at my cute cleaning chart everyday, but once I skip Monday, there's a slim to none chance I'm going to stay on track. What has worked for me is setting my oven timer for 10 minutes and picking up the entire house. This forces me to be intentional and stay on track. My goal is to set my timer for 20 and get everything done on the schedule everyday... I will report back on how that goes!

Reduce our spending

This has been the focus of 2014- reduce spending and get out of debt. Every month we do a budget before the month begins and "spend" our money on paper. We have read countless books on this topic  and continue to educate ourselves daily on better ways to reduce spending/living simply.

Here's a couple ways we have reduced our spending:

Grocery shop at Costco/Aldi with cash

Cut Barry's hair (Saving us over $2,500 over 10 years)

Keep the blinds closed during the day to keep cool air in & AC used less

Find inexpensive entertainment  (ride bikes, take dog for a walk, etc)

Rent library books instead of buying new books

Future ways to cut spending:

Cutting cable ($92/month)

Creating an at-home gym ($165/month)

These two small expenses in our budget will allow us to save over $45,000 over the next 10 years if we invest this money vs giving it away. We have debated giving up cable for months, but there's no way ESPN is worth $45k in my book. 

Look for future blogs on how we created an at-home Crossfit garage gym and Part 2 of May 2014 Goals :)

First blog ever!

I love reading other people's blogs and decided it's time to start my own! I have a lot going on right now (planning my fall wedding, starting OT grad school in August, working as a Special Ed Aide, personal training, and soon to start job #3!) I figured this would also be a good way to keep family and friends up to date on my life and everything going on with the wedding plans.


My fiancé, Barry and I have had a very relaxing and productive weekend. On Friday, we (ok, He) grilled out salmon and asparagus before heading to Dawson's to watch the IU game. My maid of honor, Kelli, met us there as well. It was great to catch up and spend time with her. Since none of my bridesmaids live in Indiana ( 2 in Chicago and 1 in North Carolina), it is always nice to see one of them and talk wedding talk :) We had a blast, barely even paying any attention to the game. Hehe.

On Saturday I headed to Nancy's Bridal on the north side of Indy and ordered my wedding dress!! I found the dress a couple weeks ago with my mom, dad, and future mother-in-law Helen. I had tried on several dresses and didn't really like any of them. I was not on those girls who already has her whole wedding planned out, therefore had NO IDEA what kind of dress I wanted. When I put it on I knew it was "The One" and everyone else felt the same way. I already had my measurement taken so I walked in and 10 minutes later it was a done deal! I went to the Container Store and Nordstrom Rack after and bought some Spring Break attire. I even found some new running shoes for $36! Barry and I went to Target later that day where I really went crazy. I NEVER go shopping, but when I'm in the mood...watch out. I bought 2 bathing suits, shorts, 3 tank tops, and 2 shirts. After spending all my money... We grilled out again and enjoyed a night in.

Tonight we are making dinner for my mom, dad, brother, and his girlfriend. My dad is having a double-knee replacement surgery tomorrow so we are jokingly referring to tonight as "The Last Supper." Burgers, cheesy grilled potatoes, chips and guacamole are on the menu for tonight. I even made a funfetti cake for dessert. Gotta get going on dinner... :)