[118] Resolutions to the New Year

As the holiday season starts to wind down, so does my busy work schedule. While that isn't exactly good news for my wallet/bank, I'll be glad to have a little more down time in between work days. Of course, I wouldn't mind keeping my ~30 hour work week as it is, but that's not likely to happen. ;]

I'm still in search of New Year's resolutions! For 2011 I gave up carbonated beverages which proved to be quite a challenge at the beginning of the year. As the year went on, it became easier with the passing months. Water, juices, teas, coffee, and beer. ;] (This lady loves her beer.) If you've been following me throughout the year across my blogs, Twitter, or Facebook, you know that I have lost 30 pounds over these last 12 months. Giving up soda definitely played a huge role in this goal I have set for myself (which is targeted for March 25, 2012).

So here I sit. In search of a New Year's resolution that will, once again, test my level of self-discipline. The question is; what resolution should I set for myself in 2012?

Some of you may remember the monogrammed mason jars I started making earlier this year. Well the time has finally come to give them to those persons they were made for. I just sent 3 off to my family in Texas, hand delivered 2 to my family in Rhode Island, and I have 5 left to hand out.

A couple weeks before Christmas, I finally stopped in AC Moore to pick up supplies for my holiday center piece. While I was in the store I came upon some wreaths. I've had this bag of yarn that I originally planned on making scarfs and pot holders with, but I have been lacking motivation. So I decided to try making my first yarn wreath. It's still a work in progress! Here's a little preview of what I have done.

Still working on the felt flowers. Somewhere over the past week, I found some time to make my gingerbread house. This was a kit that came with 1/2 a pound of a variety of Wonka candy. (Also, this is the 2nd gingerbread house I have ever made in my 25 years of life. I'm so proud!)

So I have a few crafts I need to finish before the year is up. Luckily, I have a couple days off in the coming week in which I plan on devoting to finishing this wreath.

[117] Holiday Cans/Jars

Earlier this year, I prepared some jars for the holiday season. I took a DIY monogrammed mason jar tutorial and set aside my jars to use as gifts for this coming Christmas. Today is the 4th and Christmas is exactly 3 weeks from today. I still have no idea what to put in these jars!!!

I have considered delicious treats, Christmas confetti surrounding some sort of holiday ornament (preferably handmade), gift cards in confetti, and just handing out empty jars with letters monogrammed on the side.

Ideas anyone???

My empty jar is so sad. :[

[032] Christmas is coming

Christmas is Saturday. I'm excited! I'll be celebrating at my apartment, with Shawno. :D Later that day we'll join his Mom and family. I'm a little bummed I won't be seeing my own family this year, but it's understandable. Why?

BECAUSE I'M FLYING HOME ON JANUARY 22ND!!! It's official. I've scheduled my (free) round-trip flight for January 22 - February 5. Two weeks in Wichita Falls, Texas to visit the family. My sister's baby shower is January 29th, so I'm planning on helping her sort through the items she receives while also setting up the nursery.

In addition to this fun post about Christmas and family, I'd like to start listing what sort of New Years goals I'd like to achieve.

-eliminate soda from my diet
-possible career change (Working at my current place of employment is super, but I'd rather have a job outside of retail.)
-keep a weekly journal
-craft (scrapbook, paint, drawing, etc) on a regular basis