Spirituality Month - Almost Over

Wow, these past couple of weeks have flown by! Everything has been peachy, but busy, and obviously I haven't been focusing enough on writing.
Good thing this month's theme is no longer "diligence", because I would have gotten an "F". Although I have faithfully listened to The God Delusion, now halfway through, I have completely lost interest. It made some very good logical points, and I appreciated the information, but it is much too heavy for my taste and I had a hard time following it in some parts. Although it hasn't changed my opinion on anything (in fact, it reinforces it in some instances), it did as I said before make some good points. The first being, believing in God is not logical. I always thought that it was. As a kid, I had a book that was called "It Couldn't Just Happen", and until recently I subscribed to that line of reasoning.

One of the main reasons I believed in God and a creator is that I saw the creation and didn't believe that it could have happened by chance. However, I now think that is a faulty line of logic. Think of the amazing features and workings of all the plants and animals, most times much more complicated than we as non-scientists could imagine. I used to think that since it couldn't have "just happened", that there must certainly be an intelligent creator. However, who among us could have designed all that? Isn't it just as unfathomable that there is someone out there who could dream it up and create it? Because you see, if the creation is unlikely, so much moreso must be the creator. In short, I realized that none of my reasons for believing in God are logical, and that is not why I do. Mr. Dawkins is an atheist, and gave reasons not to stay an agnostic forever - after all, there is convincing logical evidence that there is not a God. He ended up pushing me the other direction. I am completely, completely against religious and lifestlye intolerance, but I feel more confident now than I did a few weeks ago in God's existence. It's a faith thing, and nothing more - there is no sense in trying to logic it into something reasonable, because it isn't.

That's all I'm going to say on the subject, because I'm certainly not looking to get into a debate with anyone. But, that is what I got out of (half of) the book.

I have begun The Four Agreements, and let me tell you..... book is kooky. It's got some different ideas, for sure, but I'm very interesteed to read it.

I have not been wearing my "no complaining" bracelet, but, I have been mindful of my complaining, and I realized something: I don't really complain that much. I would much rather make an effort to be happy than make an effort to complain. I don't have a reference, but I know I have heard and even through personal experienced have realized that complaining only makes you feel worse.

I also plan to attend church this Sunday! And, I have continued to keep Facebook and Words With Friends off of my phone.

It's been a long week. I think allergies have been a problem for many, and believe it or not, I think I may still be feeling the effect of the time change!

Cheers!

Money Month: 23 Days in

Thus far, in money month I have:

Cooked nearly every meal I've eaten.
Almost bought a car.
Listened to about 6.5 of the total almost 14 hours of my audio book, 4 Hour Work Week.

Do Good, Feel Good

I can't justify the fact that I haven't done a whole lot of volunteering in my life. I used to help with stuff at church, like Vacation Bible School every year, and I have done a little tutoring, but I can't defend the fact that my weekends 99% of the time are purely pleasure seeking. This past weekend was different.

My boyfriend and I signed up for Habitat for Humanity. Here's what I was thinking going into it:

1. There are going to be a ton of people! (I thought it would be very impersonal.)

2. I hope they like me.

3. I hope I don't make a fool out of myself.

4. I'm scared.

After our first go-round, there are some things that really struck me.

Homemade Pizza Night

No spend month has been great so far but challenging. Because I love to eat, and sometimes get pretty busy, it's hard for me to deal with wanting to have something other than leftovers... again. I miss the convenience of hitting up a good restaurant. Last night, I was fed up and decided I was making something amazing. Here is the recipe I used/created. It takes around 2-1/2 hours to make, but you could probably make the dough for the crust ahead of time and be able to knock it out for dinner in no time. I, on the other hand, am very stubborn and ended up getting off work late, working out, starting the crust, heading to the store for toppings, then finally settling in for my piece with a glass of wine at about 11 o'clock. The pizza I recommend. My other methods, not so much. Recipe after the jump.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

I've heard this adage my whole life, and certainly considered it to be true. However, sometimes we forget that rules apply to everyone - yes, including us. Planning and careful consideration are such an important part of any decision-making or execution. Otherwise you could end up with two placemats that look like this!

See the placemat peeking out from the other one? That's only, oh, about an inch or so. Even before this happened I had basically come to the conclusion that I won't be selling this one - after all, it's been 100% by hand. The first time I appliqued, I did it a little differently than I did later, never mind this little size issue, so it's got "character". How could I let it live somewhere else? Besides, the whole reason I started making it in the first place was because I actually wanted a tablecloth, and wanted one that was my style. I have that, so my plan is to photograph it, and post it as a "made-to-order". Then in the future, I'll measure twice. And use a sewing machine.

Welcome to hodge-podge week, because I don't have just one idea on my brain today. (Honestly, when does that ever happen?)

Even though my resolutions helped me start working out, and develop some good habits; even though I'm employing the ideas I've had that I mentioned in Goal Attainment, I came up with something else.

Less is More Time, Money, and Clarity

It's officially "No Spend" month. I'm going to make myself relay here everything I buy. Last night at Brookshires I got one bag each of rice, black beans, and lentils (1.50 a pop). I made soup so I will have something to eat the next couple of days... turned out fairly well. I threw in a can of corn, diced tomatoes, a cup each of brown rice, (rinsed) black beans, and lentils. Maybe a little much, I'll probably cut it to 3/4 cup of each next time. It's pretty thick! But so filling. I seasoned it with italian seasoning, garlic, chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chili powder. An eclectic mix, to be sure, but it's savory and yummy. Besides being super nutritious.

One more thing - I had two dollars left in my wallet. So when the Super Bowl squares came around, well. I partook. Wow, only day two and I'm screwing up! I figured that little bit of cash shouldn't count, especially because, originally, my plan was to convert my birthday and Christmas money to cash and have that available to spend, which I decided against. I'm glad I did, because I realized that not thinking about things to buy has freed my mind. When I get $10 off coupons in the mail, I normally hem and haw, feeling bad about the money I could save on things I might need, or gifts I could buy. Last night I checked the mail and brought one in - I took one look at it and chucked it. It was empowering!

Goal Attainment

“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.” - Frank A. Clark

Working at my resolutions over the past month has got me to thinking about goals, and ways to reach them... ways to keep from working against yourself and stay on target. If there's anything I like to do, it's to give advice. That doesn't make me good at it, but it does lead me do it a lot. I love to help people, so anytime someone has a problem, I try to figure out a way around or through it. That being said, these are some things that have been on my mind regarding goal attainment. They're not ground breaking - I know that. Regardless, I do hear myself saying them a lot.

First and foremost, I think that you need to figure out your motivation. What is it that you really want? If you want to lose weight to get into a bathing suit, we've all seen the commercial that shows the girl walking past it every day eating her diet food. But this is a real motivator. Think about what you want, then figure out ways to keep that in the forefront of your mind. It could be as simple as post-it notes on your bathroom mirror. But keep your eye on the ultimate goal. There is no sense in starting a project or resolution that you have no motivation to finish. Commitment is so important.

Cons and Pros of a Home Gym

Cons:

1. Less machines

2. No dance classes, and while I can do the DVD kind, I have way less room. Those big classrooms were nice.

3. Can't watch Wheel of Fortune and guess at the puzzles while I run. That was always a fun little diversion.

4. Those mirrors everywhere were nice for A. checking your form and B. knowing if someone's checking you out. I think it's hilarious that those guys thought they were being so sneaky staring at my ass but then I turn around and - oops, caught ya!

February: Money Month

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - 1 Timothy 6:10

Money often costs too much. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Time is more value than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time. - Jim Rohn

Money is like most anything else in this world - it can be used for good, or it can be used for evil. I've heard people try to say that the Bible says money is the root of all evil - but that's not correct. It says that the love of money is the root of all evil. I think that another way to say that is that the love of power is the root of all evil. Why would someone love money? Money is nothing but a tool. The only value of money is what it can do. It's a means, not an end.

I'm not perfect when it comes to money. I'm even less perfect when it comes to discipline, which is why I dedicated January to it, and discipline affects money to a substantial degree. But money is definitely a toughie. How much is enough? Is there ever too much? How much should you spend on yourself, and how much should you spend on others? Is it ethical to live comfortably when others don't, through no fault of their own? The more you make, the more you could donate, right? So then should you attempt to make as much as possible? This is such a personal issue and I know that everyone will come to their own different conclusion, but I think it's an important issue to examine your own feelings and motivations toward.

Ontime

7:54, bitches!

Day One

It's officially day one, and there's not too much to write about. I consider it a success, but I am loathe to admit my schedule today. I woke up several times this morning but never got out of bed until about noon. I went to bed fairly late, about 1:30, and I figured if you can't sleep in on New Years Day, when can you? Soon I'll be back to school and stressing again, so I might as well enjoy it while I can. Besides, it gives me the opportunity to get home this late and still be in a writing mood.

My resolution status.

1. I did not work out today. However, I only have to work out less than every other day, and since my weeks officially start on Monday, if I work out tomorrow (Sunday) I will consider that I have accomplished my first goal for this first 2 day 2011 week.

2. I listened to people. Keep in mind I was at a family reunion of sorts today. I will not get into the details. Check.

3. We missed my cousin's wedding today because Andrew was sick last night and with it being in Ft Worth, and our family Christmas in Gainesville, logistically, it just wasn't going to happen. However, "Christmas" was scheduled to start at 5:00 today and we arrived at 4:53. Were we actually planning on getting there earlier? Yes. So what? Check.

4. Dishes were all in the dishwasher when I left this morning AND as also as we speak, thank you!

5. Due to my dad's being (predictably) later than he promised this afternoon for us to leave, I was able to do my makeup at home without making anyone wait. X for me, but this won't cut it in a normal situation. Gotta do better.

So happy it's Sunday tomorrow and nothing scheduled. My Christmas stuff is already put away and my house is clean! What to do...

Pregame Jitters

The new year is almost upon us. 2010 on the whole basically sucked, but I learned a lot that I wouldn't trade for the world. I've gotten back to a side of myself I didn't know still existed, and for that, 2010, I am eternally grateful. As for the rest, however... I'll continue to try and forget about it.

I read Eat, Pray, Love recently and was inspired. It put me back in the adventurous mindset I used to have. Travel around the world for a year for no other reason than to increase your happiness and learn how to better live your life? Why not? But I live in the South. No one does that here. And if they do, they're moving to Dallas.

I also read A Year by the Sea, because I looked for books on the "If You Liked Eat, Pray, Love, We Just Know You'll Just Adore..." list. A Year by the Sea was similar in theme. Middle-aged women head to the Cape to reclaim their femininity (weird word, isn't it?) and learn how to make themselves happy, instead of worrying about what they've been concentrating on: their families. This was a wonderful book, with beautiful insight and inspirational quotes. In addition to my relating to it for my own purposes, it also helped me to understand the mind of my then-boyfriend, who had begun talks about leaving me and the home we had created together.

I'd like to do my life a little differently than I have been. I want to experience and appreciate my life to the absolute fullest. But where to start? In The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin doesn't have the time, the money, or the inclination to "run away". She has a husband and two very young daughters, but still wants what the other two women wanted. She wants to learn more about herself and make herself happier. She reads many books about happiness and its achievement, writes her own "commandments", and discovers four different "spendid truths". I don't know what I'll discover in 2011, but I hope there's something profound. Either way, I have absolute confidence that I'll be satisfied with the results.

I have chosen twelve different themes, just as Mrs. Rubin did, but mine are different. Her book is about her experience with a concept, not an exact blueprint. I feel like my themes could be subject to change along the way (I'm a pretty flexible person), so I won't enumerate them all just yet. For now, my first month will focus on discipline. Each month will have about five resolutions or goals, for a total of 60. For the resolutions, I will attempt to keep them going through the rest of the year. The goals should be taken care of before the month is up. The average person needs three weeks to form a habit, so I'm hoping that I will be forming some great habits in the 28-31 days I have available to me for my resolutions each month.

I plan to:

1. Exercise three times per week
2. Talk less
3. Arrive to work and other set appointments 5 minutes early
4. Keep my sink empty
5. Put my makeup on at home

1. Some of these don't need explanation, but here goes anyway. I have been a member of a couple of different gyms, but for whatever reason yadda yadda. I know everyone has either heard it before or been there themselves; suffice it to say I've purchased bright and shiny second-hand elliptical machine, and I plan to use it. I also own the meager "equipment" necessary for pilates, and a couple of dumbells left behind by the afore-mentioned boy. This will do for now, and I can always add to it later. The point is to start.

2. I have always been a talker. One of the most often heard questions of my youth: "Is this going to be a long story?" I haven't learned my lessson yet. I don't absorb what other people are saying (that's called, l i s t e n i n g  - I know, complicated concept, no wonder I haven't mastered it). I love to talk, and I love people's reactions to my talking. I love to make people laugh. But sometimes I need to be quiet. I'm not sure how I'm going to gauge my progress here, but I'll figure it out. Hopefully, unloading on this blog will help.

3. I'm late to work damn near every day. I feel like, even though it hasn't created any issues for me at my current job, it shows a lack of respect to my bosses and coworkers. It could also be a problem at my next place of work. For those reasons, I'd like to have a little more discipline, show more respect, and be able to get started on my work ontime.

4. I am bad about throwing rinsed-off dishes into the sink until they pile up. Then, I unload the dishwasher and reload it. It's not that this will be any more work, it's just in the timing. It's gross to have dirty dishes in the sink, it doesn't take long to unload a dishwasher, and if I'm going to be dating again, I need to attempt to appear to be not-nasty.

5. For the past several years, I've done all my makeup in the car. The fact that my drive to work is upwards of twenty minutes long has been too tempting. I tried to start doing at least my base at home, but that didn't work because I just quit using base. It's not safe, has got to be getting all over my car, and is embarrassing when I'm on the road.

I'm concentrating this month on things that will make me feel better about being me. I already have lots of things to feel good about, but I want to continue to be a better person to people around me consistently throughout my life.

I am keeping a spreadsheet and marking an X for each day that I feel I succeeded in my goal. Some of these will need some tweaking, like the exercise resolution, and for that one I'm giving myself two X's per time and one bonus for all three days in one week. This handy spreadsheet gives me a grade based on my performance at the end of the month. I. LOVE. GRADES. (see: "Abby's Grades are her Crack" in the addiction section of your library). Anyway, this should be a great motivator, and I have also set it up to give me a grade at the end of the year. (I LOVE A'S). Ahem.

Many of my other months will be about fun, or knowledge, or productivity. I have so much anticipation for the coming year, and I think that will be one of the most fun parts! For instance, I plan to write a book in a month. That's the one I'm most excited about, so I had to say something about it.

Did I mention I'm a big-mouth?

More on my progress after the first of the year!