Fourth Quarter 2011

At the beginning of 2011, I decided to build upon the philosophy of the New Year's Resolution and make a resolution for every month. I blogged about them at the end of ever quarter (1st, 2nd, 3rd), and was completely honest when they were a bust!

Here is the fourth and final installment.

October: Relax

There are things at which I am good, and things at which I am not good. Relaxing would fall into the second of those categories (you can tell by my use of prepositional phrases where grammar falls). I own my shortcomings just as proudly as I do my strengths, and I can boldly say, "I am never relaxed." Sure, I have moments of reduced stress. Yes, there are days where I may even have an hour of boredom. But even when I am bored I am stressing about finding something to do. I blame it on genetics and a too-hyper mother, who gave me half m genetics... so basically, I blame it on my mom. In all seriousness though, I come from a long line of over-achieving, multi-tasking, people-pleasers... and that is simply a dangerous combination. The reason I chose to relax more in October is because I had more than one person tell me (angrily) that I needed to learn to "chill out." I thought, "Sounds like a good idea," but found myself stressing more about finding ways to relax. I did paint a multi-canvas picture one weekend when I was more stressed than normal. It did help. I've decided I am just a high-strung person. I like to be busy. Maybe not physically (have I mentioned I don't enjoy exercise?), but definitely mentally. I don't know how to "not think." The only way for me to "relax" is to think about or do things that are pleasant. Was it a successful resolution? Eh... I'm not sure. I didn't change, but I did realize that I'm okay with not relaxing more... so I would say I broke even.

November: Be Thankful

Every November, on Facebook, I am bombarded by people's daily status updates of what they are thankful for that day. I have a general sense of "who gives a..." the whole month. "Thankful for Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte" just doesn't really encompass the true meaning of Thanksgiving to me. Instead of whatever mindless crap I was thankful for that second, I decided to make a list of things that I am truly grateful for every day... regardless of the month. (In no particular order, with minimal explanations)

Parents that are still married: because that's rare now

My sister: because no one knows you like your sister 

My education: because it gave me confidence more than anything else

Jesus Christ: because He would literally die for me, and did

My Crohn's Disease: because it has made me appreciate healthy days

Being born before1993: because my grandmother died in January 1993, and I am glad I got to know her

People that have hurt me: because they have made me appreciate people that don't

My car: because it was my first big purchase as a grown-up

Friends that know what I am thinking without me having to say anything: because sometimes I don't have the words... and it's fun to make fun of people in front of them and it's hard to do that with words

Southside Baptist Church: because a good church family can heal many wounds

Google: because, duh

My job: because I've been without one, and that sucks

My eyelashes: because they are long, and I don't have to work out to get them 

Knowing I don't need a man: because it makes me sad to see desperate girls

Disney: because who doesn't love a good fairy tale

The Gap Outlet in Boaz: because who doesn't love a $30 pair of jeans

Books: because there is nothing like getting lost in a fictional world

Facebook: because stalking used to be shameful

Being born in the USA: because it's 'merica and we're free and stuff

That I am not God: because I am not forgiving, and y'all should be grateful for this as well

Music: because it is healing for the soul, no joke

Having small feet: because it makes shoes look cuter

No allergy to tomatoes: because they are the best food ever

Art lessons: because I love to paint and I like that I at least have minimal legitimate skills

My kids at church: because conversations with 5 year-olds are the best

That my parents traveled with my sister and me: because not everyone gets to see this beautiful country

The Air Force: because it made my dad into a better man

Blue Cross Blue Shield: because who doesn't love some good insurance

Internet Movie Database (IMDb): because there is nothing more annoying than not being able to focus on a movie because you can't remember if the lead guy was in the OC or 90210

Living in the Southeast: because of the weather and football and hospitality, y'all

December: Wrap this Year Up

Well, let me start this by saying it is mid-February and I am just now finishing this blog post... so this month's resolution was obviously a failure. I resolved to not carry anything into 2012 that I could finish in 2011. I had planned on finishing The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, cleaning out my closet, updating my blog, emptying junk drawers, etc. Let's see.... I cleaned my closet out on the 2nd, finished my book on January 5th, and I'm obviously not updating this blog until mid-February. I believe I actually did clean out my junk drawers/piles before the New Year, but still... I can accept that I did not finish this year's resolutions on a strong note. But I will say this: This year was wonderful. I started out this year in a dead-end relationship, living with my parents, and in a general rut. I'm single, happy, living with one of my best friends, and trying more new things than I ever have. I am content with life, and I hope it continues to challenge me. So Happy New Year everyone... better late than never!