Closing 2013, Starting 2014

so, it is hard to believe another year is coming to an end.  i am pretty goal driven or dream big, so reflecting back on a year is something i typically do.  i would like to think that the fact that i am not married or anywhere close doesn't bother me, but it is always in the back of my mind.  i am trying so very hard to not let it define me though.  the other day, i was at a friend's birthday party, it was 9 single girls, all girls who are in their 30s, fabulous, Jesus-loving girls.  one girl came up to me at the end of the party and she said, "your Christmas card was my absolute favorite.  seriously girl, after all the babies and wedding pictures on cards, it was refreshing to get one that said, i'm single and i am still living my life, very blessed, lots of happy things and celebrations."  it was so very encouraging, but the simple truth is... it is true.  just because i don't have my own babies to put on the card or a husband, that doesn't mean that i don't have so many blessings to celebrate from the year.  my card was nearly poster size and God has blessed me with so much.  from concerts, mission trips, friends weddings, babies, becoming an aunt, my job, and so much more, it was a great year:) 

i am excited for a new year, a new start, a clean slate...so, i'm going back to my list of things, resolutions, goals, bucket list, etc, so their will be 32, because i turn 32 in 2014, YIKES.

so, here goes....

1. go on a fun vacation, a trip for fun, somewhere for relaxation
2. lose 25 pounds, lofty goal, but i need to be healthy, as i am not getting younger
3. exercise more.  quite simple; just do it.
4. learn to sew.  stop saying it, learn and do.
5. bad habit i need to break, no technology in my bedroom.
6. quiet time in the morning, which means wake up earlier.
7. go zip lining.
8. spend more time with my grandfather.
9. be more intentional.
10. make my bed daily, as clean as i am, this is the one thing i do not do, ha (my mother raised me better)
11. eat more veggies!
12. save more, budget better.
13. HUGE GOAL:: try as hard as i can to stop buying clothes, i am doing a bible study and counted how many article of clothing and accessories i have, let's just say i cannot even type the number.  it has to stop.
14. purge stuff, they aren't going with me when i leave this place.
15. focus on growing in my relationship with God:: Being STILL.  Trusting in HIS plan.
16. surprise people more, it is fun:)
17. drink more water. 
18. go hiking, just that simple
19. read more, always a goal.
20. read my Bible more.  don't give up, be intentional about quiet time.
21. go somewhere that i haven't been before.  a new place.
22. stop drinking coke again, we all know it has always been my vice.  i stopped for a good two years, i can do it again.  I CAN DO IT!!!
23. look into going to Uganda, really God is stirring this in my heart.  but truthfully, i want to go where He has called me.
24. look into getting a dog.  i go back and forth, but i think it would be nice to have a companion.  i think i want to do rescue, and not a puppy, so it will be housebroken/trained.
25.  focus more at work, really strive to do better.  last year wasn't my best in my role, so i want to really exceed expectations.  i am so blessed to work for a great company.
26. take adult gymnastics, really i want to do this.
27. try a hot yoga class or yoga in general.
28. would love to find a cheap way to do barre classes, I LOVED pure barre, but it was outrageously expensive. if anyone sees a living social or groupon, holla at this girl!
29.  write in my journal more and blog more often.
30. start a jar full of memories, praises, answered prayers, etc for 2014 and read on December 31, 2014 to reflect on the year
31. to live this year not letting my singleness define me, but by loving others and encouraging others who are single.  this road gets lonely at times, but God has blessed me.  i want to be a blessing and encouragement to others.
32. cook more, eat out less often.

okay, i think that is a lot, but most of them are manageable.