Revisiting my Eleven in ’11
I know it’s a been a minute since I’ve posted on the blog (which will actually be addressed in my “Eleven in ’11 update), so here’s what you guys have been missing. Enjoy!
Participate in the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk (either in Washington, DC or Philadelphia, PA)
Well, as you all know, I’ve been working and training very hard for this event. I am so excited. We are just over 3 weeks away (it feels like I signed up for this thing ages ago!)!!! I am happy to say that I have reached and exceeded my fundraising goal! Thus far I have raised over $3500 with promises of more money to come! I have been training my arse off (literally – more on that in a few!) and it’s paying off. I feel like I will be ready for this challenge. Now – I just need an air mattress. Anyone have one I can borrow? This won’t officially be complete until October 16, but barring any major disasters I think this one is as good as done!
Save an additional $100/month for my IRA account
Every month it comes out of my account like clockwork. And, I’ve decided that next year, I’ll up the amount to $200. Look at me!
Only purchase one pair of shoes per month
I have been doing really, really good with this one. I have either only purchased one pair per month, or not purchased shoes at all. I think last I updated, June/July I purchased a fabulous pair of red satin peep toe pumps from Nine West. This month’s purchase was a pair of 5 inch cobalt blue (with black piping) suede peep toe pumps with a ruffle design over the toe. I know the guys don’t care, but ladies, they are FABULOUS!
Drop 20 lbs
This one is complete! I’ve actually lost about 27 lbs since we started our Eleven in ’11 journey. I’m still going strong. This journey has helped me in so many ways. Through my exercise journey I’ve been able to meet one of my very best work friends (and faithful workout buddy) and have now committed to running a 5K and participating in relay triathlons in 2012. That will, of course, be a part of my Twelve in ’12 (because yes, I am thinking about those things). But, I’ve experienced a lifestyle change that I really hope to stick with.
Blog twice a week
So this one, I haven’t been so good about. It was really bothering me because I wanted to write. I wanted to be committed to this. I’m trying very, very hard to complete my 11 goals. But, it’s just not in me. But it got me thinking. It’s not the time it takes to write that has me de-motivated. In fact, I can usually bang out a post rather quickly – especially when it’s a rant. I truly believe that my perspective has changed. If you’ve been with me through this whole blogging journey, then you know I started writing the blog to get over Voldy. Well, it’s more than three years later, and well, I’m over Voldy. And while it is fun to write, primarily, about my dating life and relationships (with clothes, fashion, friends, etc. thrown in, I’m not sure I want them to be on display so much. I’m tired of ranting all the time. Actually, it’s not in me to rant as much. At least not about men, dating, friendships, etc. What I’ve come to realize (thanks largely to the Eleven in ’11) is that I am responsible for my happiness and making sure I’m living my very best life. I’ve always known that, but it is something that, in the last 6-8 months, I’ve really been striving to live by. And it’s little things. Like taking myself to lunch. Or going on a trip even when all my other friends bagged it. Saying yes to a happy hour invitation when I’d normally say no. Working out that extra 10 minutes even though I want to go home. Spending time making people around me feel special. You get the gist.
So, with that being said, I think the Eleven in ’11 marks the end of Barbie’s Dream House. But, it will mark the beginning of my new blog “Best. Life. Ever.” The new blog will focus on all things positive that we ALL can do to make sure we’re living our best lives. Ever. Stay tuned for more dets!
Pray earnestly for a new person every day
Not gonna lie, some days are easier than others.
Take a baking class
This is TOTALLY my one goal I have really, really been slacking on. It’s pretty pathetic actually. I’m sorry guys. I’ll do better. I just really. hate. baking.
Pay it forward once a week
I’ve been trying my hardest to do this. And, it’s going well. I think somewhere, way deep down inside I’m a nicer person for it. But you really have to search to see it, lol.
Take two (2) vacations, at least five (5) days each, one MUST be out of the country
I have officially taken two, minimum five-day vacations. But neither was out of the country. However (drum roll please) – I have decided to head to Toronto to ring in the new year! So, I will get out of the country (albeit not very far, lol) before the year is up! I’ll let ya’ll know when the plane tix are booked and then we can consider this, done and done!
Attend a sports game for each of the professional teams in Philadelphia
OK – so I was on a roll. Then, I think I missed the pro soccer season entirely. Which means, I won’t be completing this goal. But, I am in the hunt for Flyers tickets and reasonably (and by reasonable I mean like $250 or less) priced Eagles tickets. So, I mean 5 out of 6 won’t be so bad. Wish me luck!
Once a month, you have to turn yourself over to a person of your choosing to control a fun-filled day for you.
OK, so I kind of slacked on this one, but I’m brining it back. I went to NY on (mostly) a whim and had a great time meandering, mani/pedi-ing, partying, and spending an unplanned weekend with one of my besties. In fact, we had plans and totally blew them all off. It was great! Then, when the hurricane hit, my brother (nearly) forced me to stay in a hotel so I’d be some place with back-up generators, power and the such. I didn’t want to go and fought tooth and nail. But, I’m so glad I did. It was one of the most peaceful and relaxing weekends I’d had in a very, very long time. In October, my girls are planning some sort of celebratory something after the 3-Day is over. I just hope that I can either a) shower before we go or b) not totally offend all the people there when we show up! Though I haven’t completely given up control of everything I am trying. I’m also trying to be slightly less planned in my life. For example, the invitation to spend NYE in Canada was random. And I totally accepted it on a random whim!
So there you have it. And update on my Eleven in ’11 as we head into the home stretch!
