Goals

Perhaps you have heard of the 101 in 1001 phenomenon sweeping the net? Well, thousands of people across the world have embarked on goal setting projects- the idea being to complete 101 separate goals in 1001 days. Read more about it here.

I really love the concept of setting goals and doing things that you have always wanted to do, but unfortunately, I have too small of an attention span to set goals lasting for 2.75 years. So, I am going to work on a smaller scale. Introducing the 30 in 30 days plan! I am going to set goals I can complete in roughly a month- some simple, daunting chores I have been putting off.. some conceptual goals. The thing is, we all have "I'll do that later" lists. But later never comes.. and life always gets in the way. I hope to start a new list every 30 days and maybe even work up to a 1001 plan.

Here's my first list. I start tomorrow! Goals can be completed in any order.

1. wash my car
2. clean out my car
3. workout three days a week- every single week
4. make dinner at home Monday-Friday (cereal counts!)
5. refrain from eating fast food of any kind
6. take all of my meds/ vitamins everyday
7. go through my closet and make a donation pile (and then donate the pile!)
8. do my hair (for real) at least once a week
9. get my oil changed
10. read a book on my list
11. revamp one piece of furniture
12. finish sewing the kitchen curtains
13. have coffee with a friend
14. call extended members of my family just to chit chat
15. do something outside at least twice
16. carve a pumpkin
17. be more positive about a certain situation in my life
18. finish upholstering the ottoman
19. work out a savings plan
20. shoot at least one roll of film in my SLR
21. learn a new song on the guitar (all the way through!!)
22. drink at least 64 ounces of water daily
23. go to bed earlier (10:30- no tv) during the week
24. update my blog at least once a week
25. wash my puppies twice
26. organize the piles of mail and create a filing system
27. pack my lunch everyday
28. make a list for the next 30 days
29. create a savings jar
30. have some actual savings in it by the end of the month :)

I'll come back and check them off as I go. Wish me luck!

<3 Sarah

Engaged? Know someone who is??

My lovey friend Katie is having a fabulous letterpress wedding invitation suite giveaway! Her work is beautiful, so get on over there and enter. All you need to do is leave a comment! Good luck! :)

http://www.majoiepress.com/blog/?p=1003

Blogging Hiatus

Well hello there, stranger. Sorry about the blogging hiatus. So much has happened; where to begin?

I'll just brief you on a couple highlights:

A few weekends ago, my mother came into town to visit for her 60th birthday. We went to the spa for the day which was a glorious experience. We saunaed, steam roomed, whirlpooled, swam, and finished the day off with lovely spa pedicures. I was a grand time.

Recently, things have been spinning out of control for me. I've been super busy at work and was in the hospital this week. I had emergency gall bladder surgery on Monday which was no fun at all. I've been home resting since Tuesday evening and am beginning to feel a little better. I sleep a lot- I mean.. a lot. I'm awake for about 2 hours for every 5 that I sleep- but they say rest is the best medicine, so we'll see. Other than that- no news is good new I suppose. I'll write a longer update in a few days.

Take care,

Sarah

Collection of Thoughts

Craigslist Critique- The Vintage Advantage..

Sometimes one may be lucky enough to stumble across the most whimsical vintage piece for a killer steal on CL.. and other times you might find yourself sifting through loads of worthless junk. Here are a few shining examples of great finds:

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bik/1217134199.html

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/fuo/1227457106.html

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/fuo/1235891094.html

And, here are a few examples of Retro done wrong.. 

I'm sorry sir, but nobody wants your "retro" bathtub

This may come in handy at a chic 80s party, but not much else

I would never describe this as a "lovely" retro sofa

So You Think You Can.. excuse me is that Toni Basil??? 

I was watching SYTYCD this evening as I often do on Wednesday nights, when I noticed a new face on the judges panel. It was none other than the singer of "Mickey," Toni Basil. What she was doing judging a dance contest is neither here nor there. The important question is, where did she get that fabulous hat?

On may way to work every morning, I listen to an entertainment talk show that will remain unnamed. Though I won't admit it, this particular program often gives me the giggles and enlightens my grasp on culture. For example, this morning I learned that you can make almost an otherwise observant statement antagonistic by simply adding "What's the matter with you?" at the end of it. Try these on for size:

"You ate the last ice cream sandwich. What's the matter with you?"

"You don't want to see that new Sandra Bullock flick. What's the matter with you?"

"You've never been to Sun Sun Chinese Bistro. What's the matter with you?"

These are helpful tips on the art of passive aggression that can be used in everyday scenarios. 

That's all for today folks. Happy Humpday :)

Sarah 

Cleanse

So, I started an all fruits and vegetables cleanse today. The goal is to reintroduce vitamins and healthful foods back into my diet in a shocking way. The honest truth is that I have been on a junk food binge for quite a while. My body is craving leafy greens and sweet fruits. The plan is to eat as much vegetables and fruits as I desire and drink lots of water for at least 5 days. I'd like to stick through it for 7, so wish me luck!!

A Note on Music

So, I realize that my last post was about taking a hiatus from arguing and allowing people to have their own opinions, but a new trend has come to my attention that is worth mentioning. That said, I am exercising my right to fight for "an issue that I am truly passionate about"- music. 

I recently noticed a sea of young high schoolers and college freshman wearing paraphernalia featuring classic rock gods. I was completely astounded to see a young generation appreciate the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Weather Report, Led Zeppelin, Queen, etc. My initial review of this uprising was nothing but supportive and positive. I was extremely excited to see a generation abandon shameful artists not unlike Blink 182 or Three Doors Down (God forbid Nickelback). 

The honeymoon period of my new found cultural high hopes came to a screeching halt once I realized that it was merely just "popular" to "like" such artists- not to actually listen to or appreciate them. Sigh. My aggravation grew even further after exchanging a few words with one of these young oldies fans. He was so kind to enlighten me that all "modern" music "sucks." Wow- thank you, sir. Your profound musical opinions really have shown me the light. 

My problem with this attitude stems from my musical roots. I have been listening to "classic rock" for about 12 years- drawing much of my musical inspiration from the artists of Early Days- pun intended. My passion was further nurtured as a student at the University of North Texas. While working in recording for the College of Music and generally being on campus, I was able to witness the molding of the musicians of tomorrow. It was amazing to see kids of my generation studying Jazz, Classical composition, Rock, and world music- at probably the best venue for such courses.

I guess my problem with the "I listen to oldies" and "all new music sucks" mantras is that they are basically naive. Most of the students at UNT, now mastering their instruments, have been learning from and idolizing for year the same bands that are newly popular to like. Where is it that this kid thinks "modern" bands are getting their inspiration from? The answer is always the same. Further, I just generally have a problem with people who form a blanket opinion without research. Yes, a lot of new bands suck. BUT - there are many, many, many talented musicians on the cusp of breaking into the National music scene. Perhaps check them out before writing off an entire generation of music. 

On a final note, if you are not willing to dedicate yourself to changing something, then you really don't have any room to complain. Although I may not be a fan of all new music, I have a strong admiration for those who attempt to make it. 



Ok, off of my soap box now. 



-Sarah

The Truth Hurts, But It Doesn't Have To

If you ever meditate, pray, or whatever you choose for peace, enlightenment, and self improvement, you may find yourself shaken to the core as your flaws are thrown in your face. If you can scrape yourself up for long enough to stop being bitter or excusing, you will discover that this is actually a great blessing. Your questions, although not remotely how you expected, have been answered. The beauty of human nature is of course, choice. Will you choose to continue your nasty behavior, or will you change and become a better person? This is after all, what you wanted.

Honest truth: I enjoy arguing. I am a natural debater- this will probably never change. The only problem is that it NEEDS to change. Well, maybe the direction that I channel this energy towards needs to change. I don't want to be a mean or difficult person. I don't want to fight only to win. So, I am going to stop. I am only going to fight for truth, right, and issues that I am passionate about. No more seeking victory just to make myself feel better or to put others in their place. This is not going to be easy, but almost nothing worth doing is. Admitting this to myself and to the world is no simple task, and I hope it doesn't make me seem like a terrible person. Even good people have bad habits. So, I am writing this here with the hope that you can find your peace and courage. 

On another note, I finished reading  Eat, Pray, Love today. I always feel sad at the end of a book. I read it quickly up until the last few chapters which I drag out for days. If it is an especially great book- like this one, finishing it is an even more difficult task. This book came into my life at the exact perfect moment which is comical seeing as how it is mostly about finding yourself and balance with the universe.  I absolutely recommend this book for everyone. 

I have a job interview tomorrow, so send positive thoughts my way. I am hopeful that it goes well, but I am honestly a little bit scared to make a change. I guess I'll see how it goes and then decide from there. Have a fabulous week. 

- Sarah