13

It's 2013, so why not have 13 things on my 2013 "To Do" list?  I don't really believe in resolutions but rather goals and/or things to do in the New Year.  Since 13 is a great number and a year that has lots of promise, I can see no reason why not to have 13 things to do. So let's go...we are already 10 days in.

To Do in 2013

1.  Keep my car clean!!  As in on the inside and the outside. Keep Six spit-shined, more polished and way less cluttered and grimy.   Lofty goal, I realize. But I'm dreaming big here.

2.  

By May 17, 2013 - Yes, another lofty one, I realize.

 

3.  Get out and meet new and different people! Participate in networking events, training events or charitable events.  I'm going to ask questions and learn from those who are successful, happy and focused.

4.  Travel, travel and more travel!  I love it...it makes me happy and it's so good to do.  One trip is booked, California...here I come.  Vegas is almost booked and our annual trip to the Caribbean is being booked in the next 2 weeks.  Oh and let's not forget about our great away games next year. Chicago, I'll be there. Chicago friends, please expect me.  Miami, duh, it's always a great time.

5. Run a 1/2 marathon.  Booked. Training starts February 27, 2013.

6.  Practice (at least) 13 Random Acts of Kindness.  It's marked on my calendar each month.  They don't have to be huge or splashy...they just must be random and consistent...how do you like that, constantly random?  I'll document them for the year and let know what they were and how they went...you should do the same.  There can never be enough kindness.

7.  Join a philanthropic group.  I've been researching a few groups that interest me.  I'm not sure which one I will choose, but I will keep you posted. I'll take your suggestions too. If there is a cause you feel passionate about, let me know.  I feel my best when I am doing something for others.  So this one, while it may seem kind, is pretty self-serving.  I really like helping.

8.  Secure my housing situation for 2 years.  Most of you know I own a house in beautiful Owings Mills.  I'm living downtown, where I must stay living.  So in 2013, I'd like to secure my living situation for another 2 years. Moving is not an option.

9.  The reality is the time has come for me to make a decision about starting a family.  Obvi, that decision would be easier, given a certain someone to do it with.  But, that aside, single mamas do it all the time.  If you want something bad enough, you will have it.  No matter what.  I need to make that decision this year.

10.  I got some advice back in November that I should not wait so long to make decisions.  See also: Number 9.  He told me to listen to my heart and follow it even if it's hard.  I'm going to listen to that advice, because I know he was right.  I can look back at several situations and see where I knew the answer, but I waited to make a decision out of comfort or hope or desire, rather than it being the right decision for me.  In 2013, I'm going to improve my timely decision making and listen to my heart.

11.  Read more and continue to write.  I've slacked off on my reading as of late. I'm going to read at least 13 books this year. And, I will continue to try and be consistent with writing.  This blog is really for me (another selfish thing I do) and I don't want to write for the sake of writing. But I do want to use it to keep myself accountable, express my thoughts, be vulnerable, learn, grow and laugh.  By consistently writing, I'll stay on track.

12.  Be healthier.  Last year, I made a goal to recommit to fitness. I was so-so in reaching that goal.  This year, I have the same goal and will strive to do better.  See also Number 2...I'm not getting those buns and those abs eating crap food.  So, mostly, I will eat cleaner and drink more water.  I'm thinking of doing a juice cleanse.  Oi vey!  But, if I do, no worries, I'll report all the juicy details. 

13.  Be an overall better friend and better person.  Don't get me wrong, I'm OK. But I could be better. I tend to be selfish (see above) and I get busy with my own needs and desires.  I see others who are way busier than me doing so much more. They take meals to friends, they volunteer, they raise children, they coach soccer teams, they lead Brownie troops, they compete in athletic events or play social sports, they do charitable things, and they make life beautiful.  I'm going to go into more situations with the mindset of how can I help others or contribute to this....rather than the mindset of what's in it for me.

In 2013, I'm going to practice what I preach and love out loud, be brave, take chances, have fun and follow my heart and dreams.  I'm not giving up on anything I want and I hope to do somethings that will inspire others to keep going, have faith, keep hope alive, do just a little more and give back.  I will look to others with kindness and heart and I will be open minded, trusting and motivated.  I've committed to these things both to myself and now to you...whoever reads this entry. There is no turning back. My cards are on the table.

2013 is going to be a great year.  I feel it and I know it.  I'm going to start living it...time now.

I think this captures my 13 things and more...so perhaps I should have just posted this.
Thank you to the amazing person who sent this to me.  You know I love you! :-)

xo~

 

Changes...they are already a comin'.

It's January 2, 2013.  I'm probably not the only one who thinks time is flying by...way too quickly.  I don't feel older, but I am.  I like to think I like change, but (at least initially) I don't think I do.  I don't want to feel pressure to be more settled or to be somewhere I am not, but I do.  And, on this 2nd day of a brand new year, changes are already coming in full force with a vengeance.  Changes that will lead down new and different roads filled with new and different opportunities for happiness, contentment and success.

My little sister in our hearts/roomie packed up everything she owns and ventured out west at 5:00 am this morning. She's chasing her dreams. She's packed it all in in the hopes of making it big in the world of female cycling.  And, I believe she's going to be successful. She's brave, strong, a fierce competitor, a force on that bike of hers and she's doing it...going for it. She also got engaged to a wonderful man who loves and supports her desire to chase her dreams. They make a great team.  I'm superbly happy for them. And, I can't wait to participate in all that will be their most AMAZING celebrations of love, engagement and wedding. And I can't wait to cheer for her while she takes this journey.  We are all hoping her path goes to Rio in 2016.

Ray Lewis announced today that this is his last ride.  Ray Lewis.  His last ride.  He's moving on to the next phase of his life. For anyone not from Baltimore, you've probably heard of Ray Lewis. I mean, who hasn't? But for those of us who have not known a Baltimore Ravens team without Ray Lewis, we know this is huge news.  He's somehow impacted all of us with his dedication to his craft, his commitment to excellence, his no fear, never back down attitude, his ability to play at an elite level longer than anyone else ever has and his desire to be the best there ever was.  Wow. This will take some getting used to.  Sunday could be his last appearance in a Ravens uniform.  Talk about powerful. It's getting hot in here.

Two pretty big changes in just two days.  Wow!! Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

For me, I have plans for 2013 that I will share in another post, soon.  Until then, I will share that 2013 is going to be a rocking and amazing year.  I feel it in my bones.  Some say 13 is not a lucky number. Well me and T-Swifty couldn't disagree more.  13 is a great number.  And, 13 is going to my year.  Good things are happening in 2013...for me and for you.  I know it.  And, I couldn't be more ready!!

Bring it on 2013! Let's roll!

xo ~

Groundhog Day. My least favorite day...

Not an attractive animal.

Groundhog Day is in February. Cold and dark February. A Groundhog is not an attractive animal. And, I feel like I've been living Groundhog Day...for like years.  It's on a loop where the distance between days varies, but it still comes back to square one. Unsettled.  Looking at a move.  Going some distance alone.

I sincerely believe that everything will work out and this is where I am supposed to be.  I beyond blessed with an amazing family, wonderful friends, a great job, and most of all my health. I'm happy and I try to live life to the fullest.

But it's other stuff...you know a long-term living situation and a life partner that are way up in the air. So far up in the air I can't really see them.

I wrote last week about moving on after love and finding my path again. This week, my walk begins.  But before I start moving forward, I'm examining how I got here so I can be sure not to be here again. I don't like this stop on my path of life.

I know full well my responsibility in the failure of my last relationship. Relationships take two people, so he had responsibility too. But since this is my story to tell, I won't write about his responsibilities. I'll just say he loved me.  Loved me a lot.

I didn't commit 100% at the right time. I was committed but not in the way where he felt it.  Not in the way he needed.  I own that responsibility and I'm learning from it. The ironic (I think it's irony...I always get irony confused with coincidence) thing is that my failure to commit stemmed from being scared of being back in the very position where I stand today.  Groundhog Day. (Notice I stay stand...not lay on the floor in crumpled ball...it's the little things readers.)  So while I was busy being scared and having doubts, he was trying to get through to me.  And, at some point even the most patient and loving person has to move on.  I get it.

You know why I get it?? It's because 3 years ago I was in the exact spot with the one before him.  I knew. He didn't. He wanted to get there. I couldn't keep waiting. Groundhog Day.

And 3 years before that I was in a life that I helped build with a house full of stuff, a 30-year mortgage, a fancy car and a man that would never leave. Trouble was that man didn't love me for me.  He loved me in his way. A way that I've now come to realize wasn't really love.  So, I couldn't stay.

So now, after 3 relationships full of love, and trust me, they were not short on that beautiful and deadly thing called love, I'm back to standing on my own. Groundhog Day. I know I can do it. I've done it before. I'll do it this time.  I'm just getting a little of tired of it.

The good thing about Groundhog Day is that for the first time, I know what I want, why I made many of the choices I made and how those choices are bringing me clarity now. I'm grateful for the clarity. I wish it would have come about 2 weeks earlier.

I can't wish away or wish I had.  Some of it, I have to toss up to fate and love. One Love finds a way. Always. No matter what. Now the action is to live and keep going. Groundhog Day. I do feel better knowing what I know now.  The knowledge will help me get where I'm supposed to be.

In the meantime and to lighten the mood of this post, if anyone wants to help out...here are a few options:

1. Start shopping and spending time and money in Owings Mills (they are getting a Wegmans ~ everybody loves Wegmans, right???) and turn the housing market around so I can get rid of that house I so unfortunately thought was a good idea to buy.
2. Better yet, anyone want to buy a really cozy townhouse in Owings Mills?
3. Anyone need a place to crash for 6 months?  Room for rent in my city pad.  My roomie leaves on January 2 to follow her dreams.  It's a super great location and (besides my craziness) I'm a good roommate. Plus I have Roxy, she makes everything better.
4. I'm probably going to have a lot of free time. Free time left to my own choices usually results in more shoes which, while great for my style, is not good for my budget: see housing situation above. Anyone interested in doing anything fun, I'm your girl.
5. I'm accepting all jokes and reasons to smile that don't involve babies, puppies, houses or boys. All girltime is accepted and welcome.

Birthday with Besties 2010

Girls Cruise circa 2008. Must do this again!

 The walk begins...one graceful step at a time...

xo ~

It's OK Thursday

Here we go!!! It's OK...

Not to write a blog for over 2 weeks and then write a really long one and a shorter one all in 2 days.  It's my blog and I'll blog when I want.

To wear white after Labor Day. OK maybe not white shoes, but frankly, unless you are Minnie Mouse, you shouldn't be wearing white shoes.  Ever.  White pants and skirts are totally fine until the leaves changes.

To get on the O's bandwagon.  If you are not on, get on.  This is some good stuff happening in Charm City.  Orioles Magic feel it happen!

To live a life of "oh wells" rather than "I wish I hads".

To spend $350 on a dress you absolutely love (and looks amazing) and you will truly wear to the 4 weddings you have to go to as the only single girl.  Buy some rocking shoes too!

To be overly kind to someone who is grumpy or call out (in a respectful way) a service employee who isn't treating you kindly.  We should all strive to give good service even if people annoy us and we should always be kind to one another.

To have a work boyf or work wife...sometimes you just need some perspective from another person who doesn't want to sleep with you and you don't want to sleep with them.

To wear orange and purple together. They are the new black and white in Baltimore this September.

To invite yourself over to your friend's house for wine, appetizers and girl time.  She probably needs it as much as you and the bestest girlfriends are so excited you took charge of making it happen.

To look out for you and make choices that make you happy or will lead to your happiness...even if they are hard and even if everyone does not agree.

To day dream about anything...winning the lottery, quitting your job, moving to the islands, being a mama, going to Vegas and/or marrying Mark Reynolds .  Just remember, you control much of your life...if your day dream becomes a real dream...take action.

P.S. ~ Anyone have Mark's cell #? I have a friend who'd like to meet him.  :-)

What's everyone else think on this glorious Thursday???

xo~
Elizabeth