Looking Back, Moving Forward

2013 was an interesting year for me.  I decided that suddenly, I needed to do ALL OF THE THINGS.  I don’t know if it was because I was subconsciously stressing about turning 30 or if it was because I suddenly had to opportunity to do these things but I definitely bit off more than I could chew.  That said, it was still a pretty good year and a year where I learnt a lot about what I am capable of and a lot about priorities…even if I mostly got them wrong.  Here’s a little look back at what 2013 bought me:

• I saw Rise Against live in Durban which, considering Durban's track record with bands, was pretty freaking awesome!
• I was maid of honour at my best friend's wedding (first time I've ever been involved in a wedding...thanks chicken).
• I started my Honours in English and managed to finish top of my class both semesters.
• I watched Jason's band, Dirty Royal, play the main stage at Splashy.
• I started roller derby and skated in my first bout.
• I turned 30 and realised I have an amazing husband and family, super cool friends and so much to be grateful for.
• I FINALLY got my French passport (even if I did only pick it up this year).
• I started learning French so that when we go and visit my folks in France we can find our way around.
• And I met some awesome new people, found some really special new friendships and just generally had a lot of fun.

I don't mean to sound self-congratulatory or anything but I am really proud of what I accomplished because so often I was pushing myself way out of my comfort zone *ahem derby, meeting new people*  When you are a naturally shy/awkward person, that's a biggie.  I am not sure what 2014 has in store for us just yet but I have a good feeling about this year.  I don't usually make resolutions or that kind of thing but here are a few things I want to keep in mind:

• Write more.  Not just here on my blog but everywhere and about everything.
• Stop letting other's peoples sub-par behaviour determine my mood or affect the way that I live my life.
• stop procrastinating so much.  Seriously, it took me TWO DAYS to sit down and write this post.  Enough already.

I hope by not calling them goals or resolutions my lazy brain won't try and find a way to avoid them.  Self-deception or something like that:)

Hello June

After reading this post by one of my very favourite bloggers Kyla Roma, I decided to make myself a list of goals for the month of June.  Even though today is the 11th already...better late than never!  Anyway, there is something about making your goals public that makes it easier to achieve them.  I am a lazy person.  Sometimes the only way to get myself to do things is to bribe myself or make myself accountable or sometimes both.  So, here are my not too serious goals:

Use our coffee machine on the weekends instead of resorting to instant coffee while still fuzzy with sleep.

Make red velvet cupcakes. My friend Sam left for London and took her cupcake making skills with her. Now I am left to fend for myself with only her recipe to guide me!! Over dramatic much? Well, I traditionally suck at baking and routinely put the oven onto grill instead of bake or vice versa.

Finish Totoro! He is all in pieces and just needs some stitching.

Spring clean. In winter. With my mom and dad slowly sorting things out to move house, I have the urge to clean out my own cupboards and get rid of a few things. Never mind all my rubbish that is still sitting in their cupboards...

Write more often. Here and on actual paper too.  And stop writing blog posts that are glorified lists...

Learn how to look after Mr Miyagi properly. We bought this awesome little bonsai kit so we’re all sorted.

Finish another book on this list.

Learn some origami!  I found (or rather Jason found) an awesome origami app for iPhone but more on that another time.

Make more effort at gym.  I have been tired and a little stressed and my motivation has taken a knock but it's time to try harder.  Also, I plan on eating a large amount of the above-mentioned red velvet cupcakes.  Unless I make a complete mess of them....

And lastly, I love the sentiment of this quote and I'm making it my mission for the month of June.

source

Wish me luck!  And if you have any goals for this month, feel free to share.