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.
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.
– 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.
– 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.
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.