You know what that means???? I’m halfway through The Big 31 of 2013. I should be doing some cartwheels and jumping around with excitement, but realistically, I am behind the curve (as I have been most of the year). As with anything, I always pull through in the end, so I’m not worried about meeting the goals I set back in January. While I am doing great in some areas, there are some that I am exhibiting some serious slacktastic behavior. Originally I made a calendar of everything I wanted to do and when I wanted to do it, but of course….life happens, and things got derailed. Welcome to my life.
Love this little quote I found on google.
So, mid July, this is where I stand with my “Big 31”
-Run 31 Races: As of today, I have successfully completed 13 races. I can honestly say that 31 races may have been a hefty goal, but I am so proud of myself for what I have done so far. Not only have I run 13 races, but I have shaved nearly 5 minutes off my 2012 5k time and over 20 minutes off my half marathon time. I know I am never going to run a 6 minute mile, and I am okay with that, but the progress I have made is something I am very happy with. As long as I get a little better every day, I am happy. 18 Races Remain to Meet my Goal.
I love every race I have done, especially those with my running club friends (the SARC psycho crew) , but a few have been really memorable:
The Dirty Girl Mud Run with my cousins, Jen and Laura. It was amazing to get covered in mud with my family
The Nashville Half Marathon: 13.1 miles in a downpour. It was challenging in more ways than one, but Whit and I did it, and we motivated each other along the way. There is no way we would have been able to have done this without the other.
Little Sister runs her first 5k! Let’s not forget about the pierogi celebration after
– Cook 31 new recipes: I am a creature of habit, so when I make something I really like, I tend to make it over and over. That has kind of been going on with my attempt at new recipes. I’ve really love some of the recipes I have tried (especially the turkey taco bake! Want the recipe…then click here!!!! ) so I’ve become the repeat kitchen offender. Still, I’ve made a dent in the 31 recipes I need to try. 21 Recipes Remain to Meet my Goal.
-Complete 31 Acts of Kindness: Every day I attempt to do something nice, so this has been relatively easy for me. In fact, I stopped keeping track after I met my goal for this several months back. It is really a great feeling to know you are helping someone, regardless of how small the act. I encourage everyone to do something that improves the life of someone. GOAL HAS BEEN MET!!!!!
– Read 31 Books: One of my favorite things to do in the summer is read by the swimming pool, so naturally I am loving this time of year. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to read multiple books at one time….and that is kind of what is going on now. I am presently reading five different books…and I need to wrap them up. My favorite current read is Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander, which is a book about a neurosurgeon who goes into a coma and lives to tell about it. 26 Books Remain to Meet my Goal.
-Complete 31 Photo Shoots: Ugh. This one I am so far behind on. Due to a variety of things, my photography has really taken a backseat since March. I still have high hopes of completing this, I just need to find the time to get them finished. 25 Shoots Remain to Meet my Goal.
One of my favorite action shots of my puppy brother, Henry.
– Share 31 Stories of Awesome Friendship: I love my people! To date, I’ve only directly written about four of my pals, but I have mentioned so many numerous times. The reality is, I could write about my friends every single day. I’ve said it before, but they are my heart and soul. Friends, I will do you justice, don’t worry. 27 More Stories to Share to Meet my Goal.
-Make 31 Crafts: Every time I write an update, I want to smack myself when I get to this category. I’ve only completed three crafts: my friendship mugs, the sponge cake, and most recently, the tutus I crafted for the Dirty Girl Mud Run. I don’t even have an excuse…I guess my apartment is like Camp Cupcake and my crafting abilities have been put behind bars. I will get it together. 28 Crafts to Meet my Goal.
-Buy 31 New Pairs of Shoes: Oh, shoes. I love you guys. You never disappoint. Just today, as I got my coffee at Panera, a woman stopped me to tell me how beautiful my shoes were. It was an instant mood booster. I’m halfway to my goal here…this year I have added 15 new pairs to my collection. Don’t worry people…for every pair I get, I donate a pair. 16 Pairs of Shoes to Meet my Goal.
Some of my new favorites!
I read a little Earl Nightingale quote the other day that said “People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.” I know where I am going, I always have when it comes to this whole challenge. The point of this has been to improve myself as a person…to be in better shape…to be a better cook…a better photographer…a better friend…a better person. If for some reason I don’t meet all of these goals, the world will not end. I know deep down I’m already a winner, and I am proud of myself for setting the goals I have and working toward them, little by little. After all, it’s all about being a little better than I was yesterday.
