A productive 3 day weekend

Having one extra day off can make all the difference in the world. I loved my three day weekend for MLK day, got to spend time with both of my boys one on one and just overall had a great time!  I also made a good dent in my 2017 goals - so win!

Friday M and I went on a date night - nothing special, just out to dinner and then went to Target, lol.  Love to do some shopping with helping hands.

Saturday we went to the LAX Children's Museum and got a membership for the year - I think it's going to be lots of fun watching little E explore.  He loved it so much and it was fun to have so much for him to get into and everything was at a good size for him :)

 Sunday I made good one one of my goals and finished a project I wanted to do last year, but never got around to it.  I made E a snowman shirt, using my Silhouette and fabric paint.  Minus the orange paint exploding and possibly ruining my sweatshirt, shirt, AND tank top (how it went through 3 layers of clothing is beyond me!) I'm really pleased with the results.

Monday, since it was icy and I wasn't leaving the house, we tried a new dish, baked ravioli.  I'm out of the blogging habit, so no pictures.  It was good, something different, and something I think we will make again, with a few tweaks to the recipe (less sauce, smaller pan, and more cheese!)

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Feb Updated on Goals

Yes, I missed the January update - consider that my house was under construction - we're renovating our only bathroom - so life was very crazy at the end of the month.  We had several mix-ups and delays, but hopefully by the end of this week everything will FINALLY be done in our gorgeous new bathroom!  :)
Without further ado, here's my update on my goal progess. 

They're baaaaack!  In 2013 I made goals (I don't like the word resolution) and updated you every month.
I missed doing that in 2014.  2015 is going to be a busy year, I am sure, but I missed the written down goals and looking at my progress throughout the year.  So I'm writing down a few goals for this year to give myself some guidance.

1. Run 215 miles (yes, this mileage is shorter than my goals in previous years, but I've been so sore lately, I've barely been able to run, so I need to slowly build a solid base again)
I think I've run maybe two miles this entire year - not off to a good start!
2. Knit 5 Chemo Caps
I have 1/2 of one done!
3. Finish my next prayer shawl
No progress on this yet.
4. Make 52 Cards for Operation Write Home
Haven't started these - I've been making some personal cards instead.
5. Personal goal - not exactly sure on this one yet - stay tuned :)
6. Date night with my husband - at least once a month!
Mission accomplished in Feb - we had a lovely Valentines weekend away including a Cross Country Ski race called book across the bay
7. Open an Etsy shop and sell at least one item (to someone who is not my mom, lol)
I started doing some prep work with some items, getting them ready to go and writing descriptions, but it's not open yet
8. I also want to do Project Pinterest again - this year I want to actually DO 15 things I pin on Pinterest :)

1. In Jan I make crockpot apple oatmeal

These are the things I would like to do this year.  What are your goals for the new year?

Linking up at some of these great parties!

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Goals in 2015

They're baaaaack!  In 2013 I made goals (I don't like the word resolution) and updated you every month.
I missed doing that in 2014.  2015 is going to be a busy year, I am sure, but I missed the written down goals and looking at my progress throughout the year.  So I'm writing down a few goals for this year to give myself some guidance.

1. Run 215 miles (yes, this mileage is shorter than my goals in previous years, but I've been so sore lately, I've barely been able to run, so I need to slowly build a solid base again)
2. Knit 5 Chemo Caps
3. Finish my next prayer shawl
4. Make 52 Cards for Operation Write Home
5. Personal goal - not exactly sure on this one yet - stay tuned :)
6. Date night with my husband - at least once a month!
7. Open an Etsy shop and sell at least one item (to someone who is not my mom, lol)
8. I also want to do Project Pinterest again - this year I want to actually DO 15 things I pin on Pinterest :)


These are the things I would like to do this year.  What are your goals for the new year?

Linking up at some of these great parties!

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2013 Goals in Review

So instead of doing a year in review post, I'm going to share my year-end update on my 2013 goals. 

So... I set some lofty goals at the beginning of the year (I still don't really want to call them resolutions... resolutions too often get broken. So... I set goals. I just happened to set them on Jan. 1st)
How am I doing?
Let's take a look.


1. Be active everyday - at least do something! I'm good about being active during the week and hitting the gym - the weekends, not so much. I'd like to change that.
Take a look at how I did.  December was a rough month, with a lot of missed days due to traveling, holidays, and sickness.  But overall, I think I improved my activity level, which was my goal :).

2. Run 400 miles. I'm worried this might be too much of a stretch for me, considering I don't go much more than 3 miles ever (three times a week), but I can give it a try! I ran about 250 in 2012, so maybe I can be a little more consistent and up my mileage in 2013.
This month I ran 28.94 Miles.  This brings my total 2013 mileage to 400.42/400 miles. I did it!!!!  I don't think I've ever run this many miles in a year - ever - even when I was in Cross Country - I am really proud of myself for accomplishing this goal!

3. Run my first 5K since high school cross country.
I'm registered for a race in September!  I was registered, but then had to cancel because of a family obligation, so still no 5K.  Didn't happen, so I will make this one a priority in 2014

4. Finish my prayer shawl for St. Mary's Hospital
Finished in April during my spring break - it's huge!

5. Knit 5 Chemo caps   
Total is now 4/5.
Finished 4 - Got sick in December, so didn't have time for number 5, but I still donated over 50 hours of time between my shawl and other chemo caps, so I am happy. 

6. Finish one of my other UFO knitting projects
Not yet.  Another one I need to work on, better get moving as the year is ticking away

7. Take two masters classes - I am very unmotivated about working towards my master's but I know I should be taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement at Connections Academy
Didn't happen.  I'm not motivated to take the class and worried about overbooking myself. I value the little free time that I do have!  I'm also not sure about the major or the school I was taking classes, I might explore some other options in 2014. 

8. Visit one new city or state
Done in Feb. during my honeymoon. I was in Ft. Lauderdale, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas USVI, and Half Moon Cay.
Also went to Thunder Bay Ontario this month!  Whoot!  Added another new country :)  But sadly no new passport stamps :(

9. Be a better wife (I know, it's vague), but somedays I don't feel like I do that well in this area. Maybe I'm still getting the hang of it since I've only been married 2 1/2 months.
Matt thinks I do great at this one, I don't always agree.  Matt and I have been married for 14 months now - a lot has happened in the first year of our marriage.  It was a lot of ups and downs and we sure put our vows to the test.  But I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone else, so I am happy to be his wife and hope to continue to work hard to be a good wife and do my part to make a good marriage. 

10. Be kinder to myself. M keeps telling me that I'm too hard on myself and need to relax some and be nicer to myself and everything will be ok. We both know that being kind to yourself can be tough, but I want to try to make some improvements in this area.
Still a work in progress.  Looking back on these goals, i don't feel like I 100% met a lot of them, which would usually turn me into a ball of stress and regret, but this time, I'm working to keep things in perspective.  I did get a lot done in the past year and had a lot of good times and memories and surprised myself keeping my cool when dealing with some pretty major challenges.  So in the end, I have happy with 2013, and more than ready to move on to 2014. 

I haven't decided yet if I will post goals for 2014 yet.  I'm not in the mood to set any right now, so I might set some smaller monthly goals.  This was actually the first time I had set big New Year's goals.  So we'll see what happens.  I know I do have some things I want to work on and accomplish in the new year.  I think that writing things down helps me stay focused and track my progress more.

Have a great 2014 everyone and thanks for all of your support in 2013!

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October Update

So... I set some lofty goals at the beginning of the year (I still don't really want to call them resolutions... resolutions too often get broken. So... I set goals. I just happened to set them on Jan. 1st)
How am I doing?
Let's take a look.


1. Be active everyday - at least do something! I'm good about being active during the week and hitting the gym - the weekends, not so much. I'd like to change that.
Finally Finally FINALLY!  I met this goal this month!  YAY!!!!!   Take a look.

2. Run 400 miles. I'm worried this might be too much of a stretch for me, considering I don't go much more than 3 miles ever (three times a week), but I can give it a try! I ran about 250 in 2012, so maybe I can be a little more consistent and up my mileage in 2013.
Running was a bit up and down this month, but I kept trucking.  This month I ran 32.25 Miles.  This brings my total 2013 mileage to 343.13/400 miles.

3. Run my first 5K since high school cross country.
I'm registered for a race in September!  I was registered, but then had to cancel because of a family obligation, so still no 5K.  Better find me one soon!  If you have a suggestion in the LaCrosse area, let me know!

4. Finish my prayer shawl for St. Mary's Hospital
Finished in April during my spring break - it's huge!

5. Knit 5 Chemo caps   
Total is now 3/5.
Soooo close to being done with number 4!  Just have 10 rows left!

6. Finish one of my other UFO knitting projects
Not yet.  Another one I need to work on, better get moving as the year is ticking away (and I'm crazy busy now that I'm back to work!) 

7. Take two masters classes - I am very unmotivated about working towards my master's but I know I should be taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement at Connections Academy
This one may not happen. I still haven't taken one class yet. I'm not motivated to take the class and worried about overbooking myself. I value the little free time that I do have!

8. Visit one new city or state
Done in Feb. during my honeymoon. I was in Ft. Lauderdale, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas USVI, and Half Moon Cay.
Also went to Thunder Bay Ontario this month!  Whoot!  Added another new country :)  But sadly no new passport stamps :(

9. Be a better wife (I know, it's vague), but somedays I don't feel like I do that well in this area. Maybe I'm still getting the hang of it since I've only been married 2 1/2 months.
Matt and I celebrated our 1st anniversary in October.  I can't believe we've been married for a whole year already.  I am one lucky lady (and working deserving such a wonderful guy!)  We got to spend a wonderful few days together and it was so nice to have some quality time together. 

10. Be kinder to myself. M keeps telling me that I'm too hard on myself and need to relax some and be nicer to myself and everything will be ok. We both know that being kind to yourself can be tough, but I want to try to make some improvements in this area.
I keep working on this one.  

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September Update

So... I set some lofty goals at the beginning of the year (I still don't really want to call them resolutions... resolutions too often get broken. So... I set goals. I just happened to set them on Jan. 1st)
How am I doing?
Let's take a look.


1. Be active everyday - at least do something! I'm good about being active during the week and hitting the gym - the weekends, not so much. I'd like to change that.
I was SO close!  I'm actually pretty upset with myself.  I only missed one day - ONE DAY! And it was Saturday.  I made it 28 days, and then missed a day due to driving five hours for a baby shower and going to work with Matt - I just couldn't drag myself out of bed any earlier to squeeze the workout in before the baby shower.  Take a look.  But I keep trying!  

2. Run 400 miles. I'm worried this might be too much of a stretch for me, considering I don't go much more than 3 miles ever (three times a week), but I can give it a try! I ran about 250 in 2012, so maybe I can be a little more consistent and up my mileage in 2013.
I got a new iPod since mine decided to stop working randomly over Labor Day weekend :(  It took a bit of time to get it calibrated to track my runs, but I'm up and going now.  This month I ran 30.81 Miles.  This brings my total 2013 mileage to 310.88/400 miles. 3/4 of the way through the year - 10 miles of 3/4 of my goal - excellent!

3. Run my first 5K since high school cross country.
I'm registered for a race in September!  I was registered, but then had to cancel because of a family obligation, so still no 5K.  Better find me one soon!  If you have a suggestion in the LaCrosse area, let me know!

4. Finish my prayer shawl for St. Mary's Hospital
Finished in April during my spring break - it's huge!

5. Knit 5 Chemo caps   
Total is now 3/5.
Soooo close to being done with number 4!  Just have 10 rows left!

6. Finish one of my other UFO knitting projects
Didn't happen.  Another one I need to work on, better get moving as the year is ticking away (and I'm crazy busy now that I'm back to work!) 

7. Take two masters classes - I am very unmotivated about working towards my master's but I know I should be taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement at Connections Academy
This one may not happen. I still haven't taken one class yet. I'm not motivated to take the class and worried about overbooking myself. I value the little free time that I do have!

8. Visit one new city or state
Done in Feb. during my honeymoon. I was in Ft. Lauderdale, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas USVI, and Half Moon Cay.
Also went to Thunder Bay Ontario this month!  Whoot!  Added another new country :)  But sadly no new passport stamps :(

9. Be a better wife (I know, it's vague), but somedays I don't feel like I do that well in this area. Maybe I'm still getting the hang of it since I've only been married 2 1/2 months.
Work in progress.  I'm trying to be patient and helpful while he's so busy with work right now.   

10. Be kinder to myself. M keeps telling me that I'm too hard on myself and need to relax some and be nicer to myself and everything will be ok. We both know that being kind to yourself can be tough, but I want to try to make some improvements in this area.
This one, not so much.  To many worries and too many times I stressed out over little silly things.  Still working on this one I guess. 

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LadyBug Hooded Towel

Oh goodness, this is so cute and I'm so happy I made it for my O-town friend's baby shower :) I think these hooded towels, along with my umbilical cord hats, are going to be my new go-to item for baby showers. I sure seem to be getting invited to a lot of baby showers this year/know a TON of people who are having babies. It's crazy... but exciting! Babies are so cute!

Anyways, back to this hooded towel. It was one of my Project 14 projects that I wanted to do this year. I'm happy to check another one off the list.  Overall, it was pretty easy to make.  I followed the directions from Crazy Little Projects.  I picked up my towels from Walmart during the back to school sales.  My only issue came with the applique stitch around the eyes and spots.  My sewing machine was NOT happy doing that.  It made some bad noises and was getting stuck.  At one point, my sewing machine got so angry at me, I thought I had broken it.  And at that point I got upset and walked away from the project for a few days.  However, I did a little reading in my instructional book and gave it another go, this time using a different type of thread.  I'm not sure if the renewed patience helped, or the new thread, or if the stars aligned that day or what, but the second time I sat down to finish it, it was a breeze.  So just to be on the safe side, I highly recommend using a high quality thread, like Gutterman, to do the applique sewing to hold down the eyes and spots.


My giant CareBear had to model for me as I don't have any babies or toddlers close by :)


Overall, the directions were easy to follow and this was a fun (and fairly quick) project to make. I can't wait to make more! My husband got jealous of my CareBear modeling - so you might find him modeling my next one (or maybe I'll make him one as a gag gift for his 30th birthday this year!)

Linking Up:

Wednesday

Create and Share, Sugar and Spice, What I Whipped Up, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Show me what ya Got, Lil Luna, Wow me Wesdnesday, {Wow Me} Wednesday, Cast Party, Your Whims Wednesday, Fluster's Creative Muster, Wednesday Whatsit, Show and Share, Dream to Reality, Wow Us Wednesday, Super Linky Party, What We Wore, Read, and Made, Whatcha Work-Up, A Little Bird Told Me, And Sew We Craft Together, We did it!, We Made that!, Two Girls and a Party
Thursday
Catch a Glimpse, Chic and Crafty, Thursday Favorite Things, Live Laugh Linky, Creative Princess, Share your Cup, , Linky Party, Link it Up, Made you Look, Inspiration in Progress, Blog Stalking, Wildly Original, Showcase your Talent, Somewhat Simple, Keep Calm and Link Up, Five Little Chefs, Lamberts Lately
Friday
Show and Tell Friday, Friday Favorites, Simply Create, Lovely Crafty Weekend, EBKTS, Weekend Wander, Weekend Show Off, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Flaunt it Friday, 504 Main, Friday Favs, Fancy This Friday, Flash Blog Friday, Finished Friday, Freedom Friday, Show off Friday, Happy Hour, Keep Calm and Link Up, Weekend Wonders, I'm loving it, Fiday Favs, Pity Party, Dare to Share, F Friday, Craftionary Link Party, Do Something Crafty, Get Crafty, Shine on Friday!
Weekend
Weekend Wrap Up, Say G'day, Saturday Spotlight, Strut Your Stuff, Check me Out , Show and Tell, Saturday Spotlight, Your Great Idea, Simply Sweet Saturday, Share it Saturday, Saturday Show and Tell, Craft Create Inspire, Sunday Showcase, Think Pink, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Not Baaad Sunday, That DIY Party, Overflowing with Creativity Party, A Bouquet of Talent, Weekend Creative
Monday

A Round Tuit, Masterpiece Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Pink Hippo Party,Motivate Me Monday, Made by You Mondays, Made with Love, Craft-O-Manic Monday, Monday Funday, Sweet Sharing Monday, Marvelous Mondays, Make it Pretty, Mop It Up Monday, Busy Monday, I gotta try that, Mad Skills
Tuesday
Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Homemade Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, Take a Look Tuesday, Too Cute Tuesday, One Project at a Time, Tasteful Tuesday, Tell me Tuesday, Trick or Treat Tuesday, Whatcha Whipped Up, Tuesday Talent Show, Two Cup Tuesday, Memories by the Mile, Totally Tasteful Tuesdays, Tuesday Confessional, Time for You Tuesday, Gathering Spot, Take it On Tuesday, You're Gonna Love it Tuesday, All my Bloggy Friends, Tuesday to Do, Pin it Tuesday

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August Update

So... I set some lofty goals at the beginning of the year (I still don't really want to call them resolutions... resolutions too often get broken. So... I set goals. I just happened to set them on Jan. 1st)
How am I doing?
Let's take a look.


1. Be active everyday - at least do something! I'm good about being active during the week and hitting the gym - the weekends, not so much. I'd like to change that.
As usual, I missed a few days here and there.  Take a look.  But I keep trying!  Maybe one month before the end of the year I will actually have a month where I don't miss a single day.  

2. Run 400 miles. I'm worried this might be too much of a stretch for me, considering I don't go much more than 3 miles ever (three times a week), but I can give it a try! I ran about 250 in 2012, so maybe I can be a little more consistent and up my mileage in 2013.
I had some downtime from running this month, especially since I had to travel for work, but I still did pretty good with my mileage!  This month I ran 34.05 Miles.  This brings my total 2013 mileage to 280.07/400 miles. 

3. Run my first 5K since high school cross country.
I'm registered for a race in September!

4. Finish my prayer shawl for St. Mary's Hospital
Finished in April during my spring break - it's huge!

5. Knit 5 Chemo caps   
Total is now 3/5.
Soooo close to being done with number 4!  Just have 10 rows left!

6. Finish one of my other UFO knitting projects
Didn't happen.  Another one I need to work on, better get moving as the year is ticking away (and I'm crazy busy now that I'm back to work!) 

7. Take two masters classes - I am very unmotivated about working towards my master's but I know I should be taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement at Connections Academy
This one may not happen. I still haven't taken one class yet. I'm not motivated to take the class and worried about overbooking myself. I value the little free time that I do have!

8. Visit one new city or state
Done in Feb. during my honeymoon. I was in Ft. Lauderdale, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas USVI, and Half Moon Cay.
Also went to Thunder Bay Ontario this month!  Whoot!  Added another new country :)  But sadly no new passport stamps :(

9. Be a better wife (I know, it's vague), but somedays I don't feel like I do that well in this area. Maybe I'm still getting the hang of it since I've only been married 2 1/2 months.
Work in progress.  All I can say I that I have an awesome husband, who I love, and some days don't feel like I deserve him.    

10. Be kinder to myself. M keeps telling me that I'm too hard on myself and need to relax some and be nicer to myself and everything will be ok. We both know that being kind to yourself can be tough, but I want to try to make some improvements in this area.
This month I struggled with worries and worrying - a lot.  M can usually calm me down pretty quick, so that's good, but I wish I didn't worry so much in the first place.  Still working on it.  

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July Update

So... I set some lofty goals at the beginning of the year (I still don't really want to call them resolutions... resolutions too often get broken. So... I set goals. I just happened to set them on Jan. 1st)
How am I doing?
Let's take a look.


1. Be active everyday - at least do something! I'm good about being active during the week and hitting the gym - the weekends, not so much. I'd like to change that.
As usual, I missed a few days here and there.  Take a look.  And I was on vacation, so that made things a bit tough.  But I keep trying!  Maybe one month before the end of the year I will actually have a month where I don't miss a single day.  

2. Run 400 miles. I'm worried this might be too much of a stretch for me, considering I don't go much more than 3 miles ever (three times a week), but I can give it a try! I ran about 250 in 2012, so maybe I can be a little more consistent and up my mileage in 2013.
I did pretty well staying on track with my running this month.  Some runs were good, some were a struggle, but I kept going.  This month I ran 35.39 Miles.  This brings my total 2013 mileage to 246.02/400 miles. 

3. Run my first 5K since high school cross country.
If I'm going to meet this goal, I had better get my act together and sign up for something!

4. Finish my prayer shawl for St. Mary's Hospital
Finished in April during my spring break - it's huge!

5. Knit 5 Chemo caps   
Total is now 3/5.
Soooo close to being done with number 4!  Just have 10 rows left!

6. Finish one of my other UFO knitting projects
Didn't happen.  Another one I need to work on, better try to get this done in the next few weeks or I won't make it before the end of the year. Once school starts, all bets are off. 

7. Take two masters classes - I am very unmotivated about working towards my master's but I know I should be taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement at Connections Academy
This one may not happen. I still haven't taken one class yet. I'm not motivated to take the class and worried about overbooking myself. I value the little free time that I do have!

8. Visit one new city or state
Done in Feb. during my honeymoon. I was in Ft. Lauderdale, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas USVI, and Half Moon Cay.
Also went to Thunder Bay Ontario this month!  Whoot!  Added another new country :)  But sadly no new passport stamps :(

9. Be a better wife (I know, it's vague), but somedays I don't feel like I do that well in this area. Maybe I'm still getting the hang of it since I've only been married 2 1/2 months.
Work in progress.  Maybe I was a bad wife this month because I went on vacation with a friend and left my husband at home.  lol.  Oh well.  There's still areas of this one I'm working on, but overall, I can't say that I did too bad on this one this month.   

10. Be kinder to myself. M keeps telling me that I'm too hard on myself and need to relax some and be nicer to myself and everything will be ok. We both know that being kind to yourself can be tough, but I want to try to make some improvements in this area.
This month I struggled with worries and worrying - a lot.  M can usually calm me down pretty quick, so that's good, but I wish I didn't worry so much in the first place.  It would be easier to meet this goal if I didn't worry about myself so much.  lol.  Still working on it.  

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June Update

So... I set some lofty goals at the beginning of the year (I still don't really want to call them resolutions... resolutions too often get broken. So... I set goals. I just happened to set them on Jan. 1st)
How am I doing?
Let's take a look.

We're halfway through the year - eeek - where has the time been going?  I'm still working hard on my goals, but June was hard with the busy end of school year time and transition into summer schedule.  I haven't been able to hit my stride and get into a good routine yet this summer, but I'm working on it!

1. Be active everyday - at least do something! I'm good about being active during the week and hitting the gym - the weekends, not so much. I'd like to change that.
Saturdays were rough as I was usually at shows with M, but other than that, I think I did alright. Take a look 

2. Run 400 miles. I'm worried this might be too much of a stretch for me, considering I don't go much more than 3 miles ever (three times a week), but I can give it a try! I ran about 250 in 2012, so maybe I can be a little more consistent and up my mileage in 2013.
School is finally over and I wanted to ramp up my running, but that hasn't happened yet.  However, I am still hanging in there an making my weekly runs a priority. I'm struggling with a blister in the arch of my foot, but hopefully it heals soon!
I would like. This month I ran 32.54 Miles.  This brings my total 2013 mileage to 210.63/400 miles.  Halfway through the year and I'm on track to meet this goal - SWEET! 

3. Run my first 5K since high school cross country.
Nope

4. Finish my prayer shawl for St. Mary's Hospital
Finished in April during my spring break - it's huge!

5. Knit 5 Chemo caps   
Total is now 3/5.

6. Finish one of my other UFO knitting projects
Didn't happen

7. Take two masters classes - I am very unmotivated about working towards my master's but I know I should be taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement at Connections Academy
This one may not happen. I didn't register for the class to start in March. I'm not motivated to take the class and worried about overbooking myself. I value the little free time that I do have!

8. Visit one new city or state
Done in Feb. during my honeymoon. I was in Ft. Lauderdale, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas USVI, and Half Moon Cay.

9. Be a better wife (I know, it's vague), but somedays I don't feel like I do that well in this area. Maybe I'm still getting the hang of it since I've only been married 2 1/2 months.
I will say that I've done OK on this one.  I worked hard to keep an eye on M while also letting him get back into his routine as he has been getting better.  I sat through some long show days and tear downs to keep an eye on him and I've been trying not to worry about him too much, but it's a challenge for sure.  As for being a good wife... I will say I did alright with that this month as M and I have gotten back into our normal routine.  
I also went camping with M, and survived bugs and rain (I really don't like bugs!) so I call that being a good wife :)  I enjoy the time with M, just not the bugs and the wet.  

10. Be kinder to myself. M keeps telling me that I'm too hard on myself and need to relax some and be nicer to myself and everything will be ok. We both know that being kind to yourself can be tough, but I want to try to make some improvements in this area.
I made it through the end of the school year with my sanity in tack.  I call that a success.  I have been making progress on my to do lists and keeping things picked up at home (although not on my crafts that I'd like to work on).  At the very least, I haven't been beating myself up about stuff to much, so we'll call it a win.  

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Summer bucket list

Ahhhh today is finally the last day with students for the school I work at.  It certainly has been quite the crazy up and down year!  (More on that later)
To celebrate the start of summer, I wanted to share with you the literal summer"bucket" list I made for my husband and myself.

Cute and easy to make.  All you need is some clothepins and some type of can/bucket/round container. 
Write the things you want to do on the clothespins.  As you complete them, drop them in the bucket.  It's a fun way to make the most of summer and make sure you get to all those fun activities!

Here's what's on my clothespins this year

• Go to a Twins game
• Play Sand Volleyball
• Go for a Bike Ride
• Noah's Ark
• Six Flags or other amusement park
• Have a movie night
• Bonfire
• Badmiton tournament in the backyard
• Learn to Kyak
• Go Canoeing
• Beach Swimming

What's on your bucket list for the summer?  I'm sure my husband and I will be adding a few things this weekend!

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Weekend
Weekend Wrap Up, Say G'day, Saturday Spotlight, Strut Your Stuff, Check me Out , Show and Tell, Saturday Spotlight, Great Ideas, Show and Tell Saturday, Your Great Idea, Simply Sweet Saturday, Share it Saturday, Saturday Show and Tell,  No Rules Blog Party, Craft Create Inspire,  Sunday Scoop, Sunday Showcase, Think Pink, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Not Baaad Sunday, That DIY Party,  Overflowing with Creativity Party, A Bouquet of Talent, Weekend Creative
Monday

A Round Tuit, Masterpiece Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Pink Hippo Party,Motivate Me Monday, Made by You Mondays, Made with Love, Craft-O-Manic Monday, Monday Funday, Sweet Sharing Monday, Marvelous Mondays,  Make it Pretty, Mop It Up Monday, Busy Monday, I gotta try that, Mad Skills
Tuesday
Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Homemade Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, Take a Look Tuesday, Too Cute Tuesday,  One Project at a Time, Tasteful Tuesday, Tell me Tuesday, Trick or Treat Tuesday, Whatcha Whipped Up, Tuesday Talent Show, Two Cup Tuesday, Memories by the Mile, Totally Tasteful Tuesdays, How To Tuesday, Tuesday Confessional, Time for You Tuesday, Gathering Spot, Take it On Tuesday, You're Gonna Love it Tuesday, All my Bloggy Friends, Tuesday to Do, Pin it Tuesday

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May Update

So... I set some lofty goals at the beginning of the year (I still don't really want to call them resolutions... resolutions too often get broken. So... I set goals. I just happened to set them on Jan. 1st)
How am I doing?
Let's take a look.

1. Be active everyday - at least do something! I'm good about being active during the week and hitting the gym - the weekends, not so much. I'd like to change that.
This month started out really rough, what with M being in the hospital and all, and then not being able to be left home alone.  I did the best I could, but wasn't as active as I would have liked. Take a look 

2. Run 400 miles. I'm worried this might be too much of a stretch for me, considering I don't go much more than 3 miles ever (three times a week), but I can give it a try! I ran about 250 in 2012, so maybe I can be a little more consistent and up my mileage in 2013.
Again, my schedule was wonky the first 2/3 of the month due to caring for M.  Also, school is insane with end of the year business.  Running was tough and my mileage was shorter than I would like. This month I ran 33.76 Miles.  This brings my total 2013 mileage to 174.29/400 miles. At least I'm making progress. .

3. Run my first 5K since high school cross country.
Nope

4. Finish my prayer shawl for St. Mary's Hospital
Finished in April during my spring break - it's huge!

5. Knit 5 Chemo caps   
Total is now 3/5.

6. Finish one of my other UFO knitting projects
Didn't happen

7. Take two masters classes - I am very unmotivated about working towards my master's but I know I should be taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement at Connections Academy
This one may not happen. I didn't register for the class to start in March. I'm not motivated to take the class and worried about overbooking myself. I value the little free time that I do have!

8. Visit one new city or state
Done in Feb. during my honeymoon. I was in Ft. Lauderdale, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas USVI, and Half Moon Cay.

9. Be a better wife (I know, it's vague), but somedays I don't feel like I do that well in this area. Maybe I'm still getting the hang of it since I've only been married 2 1/2 months.
I was a good wife and took care of M when he was released from the hospital, even though I felt like I had suddenly become the mother of a teenage son (no thanks!).  It was a rough few weeks for sure, but I tried really hard to help M get better.  

10. Be kinder to myself. M keeps telling me that I'm too hard on myself and need to relax some and be nicer to myself and everything will be ok. We both know that being kind to yourself can be tough, but I want to try to make some improvements in this area.
I made it through being with Matt in the hospital, thank goodness.  I was able to hold it together during that time.  Everyone tell me I did a really good job with this, I'm not so sure, but I'm still standing now at the end of the month, so I guess I did alright.  

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Chemo Cap

If you've been following my blog, you know that one of my goals for the year is to knit 5 Chemo Caps for the St. Mary's volunteers.  I am one of the handicraft volunteers and making chemo caps is something we can do, along with prayer shawls (which I finally finished - yay!).
I just finished my 3rd Chemo Cap for this year and wanted to share with you how to make them.  Nearly all hospitals will take donated hand knitted or crochets caps to distribute to cancer patients, if you'd care to share your talents. A bright hat (or a soft hat) can really make someones day.  Be careful when choosing a yarn though - you want it to be very soft - no rough wool.  A washable yarn is also usually appreciated.

So lets get down to it!

What do you need?

• 1 skein of a soft yarn 
• currently my hospital is giving me skins of "I Love This Cotton" yarn which can be found at Hobby Lobby
• Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular 16-Inch Knitting Needles, Size 8
• When I get near the end, I often will switch to double pointed needles (also size 8) to make things easier
• Stitch counter (like this one -Susan Bates Universal Knitting Needle)
• Stitch marker (like these - Clover Lock Ring Markers)

What do you do?

Cast on 75 Stitches, connect cast on to knit the cap in the round.

Mark the beginning of the round

Row 1-36 Work in Stockinette stitch (Knit all stitches)

Row 37  *Knit 13, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Row 38  *Knit 12, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Row 39  Knit

Row 40  *Knit 11, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Row 41  *Knit 10, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Row 42  Knit

Row 43 *Knit 9, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Row 44 *Knit 8, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Row 45 *Knit 7, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Row 46  Knit

Row 47  *Knit 6, K2tog* repeat 4 times - this is usually when I switch to using double point needles

Row 48  *Knit 5, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Row 49  *Knit 4, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Row 50  Knit

Row 51 *Knit 3, K2tog* repeat 4 times

Cut the tail of yarn to about six inches.  Using a plastic needle, thread through the remaining stitches twice and gather the stitches and secure.  Weave in ends

Ta Da - you're done!

These really knit up fast.  Give them a try :)  Even if you want to just make a hat to cover up your bad hair day.

I was featured!

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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Weekend
Weekend Wrap Up, Say G'day, Saturday Spotlight, Strut Your Stuff, Check me Out , Show and Tell, Saturday Spotlight, Great Ideas, Show and Tell Saturday, Your Great Idea, Simply Sweet Saturday, Share it Saturday, Saturday Show and Tell,  No Rules Blog Party, Craft Create Inspire,  Sunday Scoop, Sunday Showcase, Think Pink, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Not Baaad Sunday, That DIY Party,  Overflowing with Creativity Party, A Bouquet of Talent, Weekend Creative
Monday
A Round Tuit, Masterpiece Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Pink Hippo Party,Motivate Me Monday, Made by You Mondays, Made with Love, Craft-O-Manic Monday, Monday Funday, Sweet Sharing Monday, Marvelous Mondays,  Make it Pretty, Mop It Up Monday, Busy Monday, I gotta try that, Mad Skills
Tuesday
Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Homemade Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, Take a Look Tuesday, Too Cute Tuesday, Tutorial Tuesday,  One Project at a Time, Tasteful Tuesday, Tell me Tuesday, Trick or Treat Tuesday, Whatcha Whipped Up, Tuesday Talent Show, Two Cup Tuesday, Memories by the Mile, Totally Tasteful Tuesdays, How To Tuesday, Tuesday Confessional, Time for You Tuesday, Gathering Spot, Take it On Tuesday, You're Gonna Love it Tuesday, All my Bloggy Friends, Tuesday to Do, Pin it Tuesday

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