2014- A year to focus on ME!

2014 has already turned out to be a great year. One thing I am really focusing on this year is taking care of myself. For the past 6 years of my life I have worked full-time, gone to college at night, and ran the Tri-Cities chapter of Wishing Star as a volunteer. My average day was getting up at 4:30 am, work from 6am to 3:30pm, go to school from between 4pm and 8:30pm, go home and sleep, and wake up and do it all over again. And somewhere in there I had to manage eating, holding somewhat of a social life, doing my homework, a long-distance relationship, organizing an annual dinner banquet fundraiser, and oh yeah... SLEEP!

I was basically a walking zombie. I look back now and have no idea how I did it. Maybe it was because I went to a branch campus where about 80% of the students were working adults with a family at home and we were all walking zombies together. How people manage to raise kids and go to college is beyond me- those people were my hero's!

Now that I have been in Spokane since October, finally having my own place to come home to every night, I have to admit I did not know what to do for quite a while! I got cable/internet to keep me busy, but I really don't like to sit in front of a TV. On the other hand, I am such a homebody it is ridiculous. But I also LOVE living on my own- many people do not get that opportunity. My mom went to school, had roommates, and then eventually moved in with my dad. She didn't live on her own until her and my dad got divorced and she said she wished she would have lived on her own when she was younger. I am glad I have the opportunity to do so! Anyway, there are a few things I have been doing that are focusing on ME and taking care of myself.

One thing I have been focusing on is working out and getting in shape. I made a deal with Brett that I would do the Grouse Grind with him in Vancouver by June (http://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind). It is the equivalent of climbing 2,830 stairs (1.8 miles). This may be a walk in the park for most people, but I need a little more training. :) I will admit, it feels good to get back in a work-out routine!

Another thing I have been doing is reading A LOT of books. I forgot how much I liked to read because I was always doing it for school!! I have been reading a variety of things- books about fundraising, sci-fi books, Hunger games series, and old classics like To Kill a Mockingbird. I have read a couple romances, but I have to admit they are not my favorite- maybe because I am not a fairytale kind of person! My coworker Veronica just gave me a book called "Learning to Dance in the Rain" and it is about a parent's journey with their child who has neuroblastoma. Super interesting, and really helps us to understand what our families go through (to an extent). I just started it last night, so I'm excited to read more! I also got a book through work called Hidden Gold- it is about starting a monthly giving program (stay tuned for more in May)! :) Lastly, my boss bought me a book called "Strength Finder" which is a book all about determining your strengths as an individual and an employee and how to capitalize on those strengths. So much learning/understanding/self-improvement ahead for me!!

One hobby I recently took up is cross-stitching! Brett's dad's girlfriend- Karen cross-stitches and I always thought it looked fun. I finished my "beginner" kit in about 4 hours. I purchased a more difficult one from Michael's, and I have been working on it for the past 2 weeks. It is so fun!! I already have 3 more that I want to order (see below), and eventually hang in my office at work. How cute are they!? I also plan on making some stockings later this year.

Another goal of mine was I decided to finally sit down and watch every episode of I Love Lucy (6 seasons). I am through season 4, but oddly enough I didn't have the 5th season, so I'm waiting for it to come in the mail. For those that do not know, I have been collecting Lucille Ball stuff for over 10 years. It is literally in every nook and cranny in my house. I am pretty sure I've seen every episode, but I wanted to watch them all in order. I just love that show- so timeless!!!

Lastly, I have been drinking tea almost every night (thanks for the Keurig Dad and Heida), using my face masks from the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, taking baths, drinking wine, and getting 8 hours of sleep every night. I am feeling better than I ever have in the past! I am so thankful to finally have some time to myself and to focus on ME. :) My boss and good friend, Sarah, is always reminding me to take care of myself because in our line of work with endless fundraisers and sometimes long hours, it is easy to get burnt out.

1 month down, 11 more to go- looking forward to the rest of 2014 and a newer, better ME!