Adult Life

I started my full-time job seven months ago... where has the time? I feel like I'm getting complete settled in, but some days/weeks are still overwhelming. Thank goodness for 3-day weekends. With today's holiday, I feel like I have some time to catch up. I got up early (it helps me wake up earlier on days when I DO have to wake up for work) and got down to business... laundry, ironing, dish-washing. I also took time to do things I wanted... painting my nails and reading my Bible. I did all of this in my pjs while drinking coffee.

Some things I've noticed that I make me feel like a real adult:
-I take out my recyclables frequently. I did NOT do this in college... I'd let them pile up until I couldn't handle it anymore. I feel way more in control when I recycle them before they get overwhelming.
-I wash my towels and sheets frequently. At least every other week. It helps that I have a washer and dryer all to myself (as opposed to sharing with my three roommates last year).
-I don't wear my clothes more than once. Of course, there are exceptions: jeans, khakis, jeggings, some dresses. But I wear a shirt to work, and then I wash it. Again, I think this is a result of having my own washer and dryer. I used to feel like I had to save clothes. Now I HAVE to have clean clothes.
-I actually use my iron and ironing board... those slacks don't press themselves.
-I make decisions without my parents' input (sometimes). I still value their opinions and frequently ask for advice, but the other day I bought a ticket to St. Louis for my friends' wedding. Without consulting my mom first.
-I like to be in bed early and read. I never made time for reading in college. Now I can't get enough... space books, classics, cheesy teen novels. My friends are trying to convince me to read Game of Thrones... so that is now on my list.
-I use Facebook and Twitter less. Still obsessed with Tumblr and Instagram, but I spend less time in general on social media. Which means I spend more time on work, being with friends, exercising, reading. All good things :)

Anyways, I'm going to enjoy the rest of my day off with a trip to the mall and a coffee shop downtown before meeting up with Amanda for dinner. Happy Monday, y'all!

2015 Resolutions

I have some very concrete goals for 2015, and I have so very vague goals for 2015. While concrete goals are so much easier to quantify, I like the idea of vague goals that are broader and allow for personal development.

My quantifiable goals:

1. Run 300+ miles over the course of the year.
2. Read 5+ books over the course of the year.
3. Use my crock pot at least 5 times this year.
4. Take the GRE (and use my prep book beforehand!)

My less quantifiable goals:
1. Clean my apartment more. Vacuum, sweep, dust, wash my towels and sheets.
2. Take more time for me. Read more, journal more, spend less time on Netflix, Facebook, and Tumblr.
3. Confront scary things right away.

Number 3 is probably the biggest thing I want to accomplish in 2015. I tend to put off doing things I dread, which really just prolongs the anxiety. I think I'll be happier if I deal with things immediately. That phone call I dread making? If I make it right away, I don't have to worry about it the next day. The errand I have to run? If I can squeeze it in today, I won't have to do it on my weekend. I think that I'll save myself lots of stress (though I really don't stress much anymore thanks to school being behind me).

I didn't make goals related to work, but if I had one, it would be to leave work AT work.  I already give up 40 hours of my week to my job. That. Is. Plenty. I don't need to study at night... I could be reading, journalling, writing to friends, cooking dinner, or watching a movie. Making time for me.

2014 was a GREAT year! I'm so looking forward to seeing what 2015 will bring for my friends, my family, and me! Happy New Year, y'all :)