How I start my day off right...

For Christmas this year my parents bought me a devotional book themed around encouragement. God must have really been speaking to them on what I needed in my life, because even just a week of these short little pieces (coupled with some great verses from the Bible) has made such a difference in my attitude. This past week has been so challenging at work... I don't know what I would do without that great start to my day. So for anyone else that's looking for a great way to start your day, here's the book!

Here's where you kind find it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/One-Year-Book-Encouragement-Inspiration/dp/1414334281.

Also, here's the study Bible I use... I quite like it!

And the link: http://www.amazon.com/NIV-Quest-Study-Bible-Revised/dp/0310928044

I'm not as bendy as I thought.

In addition to performing a 5 day exercise plan each week (made for me by the wonderful Alicia Gifford, trainer and entrepreneur extraordinaire), I've made a resolution to practice yoga at least once a week. Why? Eh, I thought it would be good for my general stretchiness, and my core strength.

I consider myself to be fairly above average in the stretchy/bendy sector (as compared to the general population), so I thought that yoga wouldn't be too tough, right? WRONG. But I'll get back to the beginning.

One of my best friends here in Indy (Meghan H.) and I tried a yoga class this summer at this sweet little spot downtown called Invoke Studio. From my experience this summer, I found it to be very professional (a high priority for me), very clean (also a high priority), and very cool (I'm not cool, but maybe someday I could be?).

See how cool it is?

Anyway. I've had that little studio in the back of my mind since this summer. I thought, "with a little bit of practice I'll be doing headstands in no time if I make this a regular thing."

Ummmm.

I attended the "Vinyasa Yoga (Basics)" class tonight from 7-8:30 pm. Please note, beginner. I'm all like, "ok, I can touch the ground with my palms when I'm stretching, and this is a beginner class, so I'm all good, right?" For the most part, I did ok. I was very wobbly and very achy in parts of me I didn't know had feelings, but I didn't fall. Not once. I think that's the important part.

I happened to look next to me during one pose (I'm sure I'll learn the name of it later) where we were laying flat on our backs trying to stretch one leg out to the side, and the girl next to me had her freaking foot up by her ear. That can be quite demoralizing to someone whose leg is trembling from trying to hold it in an extended position in the general direction of "off to the side," not that the aforementioned person was me or anything. I'm glad I didn't go to an advanced class. I'm sure they're all like:

Obviously, I have work to do.

I fully anticipate to be sore tomorrow, HOWEVER, I left class tonight feeling invigorated and relaxed, almost how I feel after a good massage. I'm really excited about becoming a baby yogi!

New Year, New Me

So I didn't finish up 2012 the way I wanted.

Yeah, I lost a little weight. Yeah, I did well at work. Yeah, I got married and whatnot.

But I don't think that I truly bettered myself (other than getting married, of course). Conveniently, it's now a BRAND NEW YEAR and I feel like I kind of have a fresh start. I guess everyone feels this way at the beginning of a new year, though.

In 2013, I want to become better. Deep down in my dirty rotten core better, and superficially better as well. I want to have a better relationship with God and finally contribute to a charity I believe in, but I also want to learn how to bake an apple pie from scratch and do the perfect smokey eye.

I'm a big goal setter, and this year's list is a doozy. Yeah, I probably won't complete all of them, but I'm sure as heck gonna try! My dad always taught me that goal-setting is really important. He made us make goals for different areas of our life. I'm leaving some of the work goals out and some of my really personal goals out, but for the most part, this is it! Go 2013! Allons-y!

Spiritual

1.     I will read my Bible and pray every morning.

2.     I will find a church to attend regularly.

Family

1.     I will have at least one date night each month with Jon where we leave the house.

2.     I will have at least one dinner with Jon each week NOT in front of the television.

3.     I will call each sibling and catch up at least once per month.

Hobbies

1.     I will practice piano at least 30 minutes, twice weekly.

2.     I will take photography lessons and be able to take Tina's prom pictures in April.

3.     I will buy a gun and learn how to use it.

Physical

1.     I will attend a yoga class once a week.

2.     I will work out at least 4 days per week.

3.     I will run a 5K race by the end of June.

4.     I will run a mini-marathon by Thanksgiving.

Personal Hygiene

1.     I will always wash my face and moisturize before I go to bed.

2.     I will get a facial every month.

3.     I will get my hair cut and colored every 6 weeks.