in january…

01/06/2013

December… I’m not even sure what to say about you. Between starting a new job, events many evenings and traveling to northern Minnesota and Chicago, there wasn’t much free time. So, December’s goals – as well as all routines – kinda got lost in the shuffle.

Here’s a look at last month…

Read more, cont. If it hadn’t been for my short flight to Chicago and back, I wouldn’t have read a page this month. I’m about a third into Iron War, and it’s fantastic.

Getting crafty. My sister and I are collaborating on craftiness, and our blog will be launching in January. Yay!

Flexibility. There was yoga, but there was only legs up the wall a handful of times. Flexibility doesn’t happen overnight, so this will continue indefinitely.

Simplify + say no. Even though the month was crazy busy, I still said no to numerous happy hours and weekend nights out. Saying no keeps me centered, recharges me and is a must to be the best me.

Media free day. Nick challenged me to ignore twitter for the four days we were in Hallock for Christmas. Ummmm… it lasted about an hour. That said, the TV was turned off more often the latter half of December – something that will continue in January – and it was so peaceful.

Kombucha creations. Dave of Movement Minneapolis generously gave me some his SCOBY, but I sadly haven’t had a spare moment to brew my own yet. JANUARY!

Sun salutations. Nick and I unrolled our yoga mats in the living rooms a few times for sun salutations, but we didn’t make it a regular thing. It’s definitely a good habit to form in January, as it calms my breath and is a lovely way to unwind right before bed.

Explore the city. I really wanted to see the Holidazzle parade, but we never managed to squeeze it in. We also didn’t make it to the MIA for China’s Terracotta Warriors. Bah! We WILL go this month, as it’s been extended through January 27.

snowflake

And, here’s what’s up in January…

So long sugar. Welcome, lots o’ greens! December was heavy on the sweets – smorkbakkles! – and my skinny jeans are not happy. So, it’s so long sugar… Nick and I, along with good friend, Sonia, are cutting it out all month. January will instead be filled with spinach and kale and broccoli green goodness.

Swim twice a week. There was only one swim all of December. I cannot wait to get back in the pool!

Better navigate my student loans. Why are student loans such an overwhelming web of complication?! Every time I turn around, one company is being sold to another, resulting in a new website, new username and new password. Why isn’t there ONE website that aggregates all of them?! That would be brilliant, but in the meantime, I’m making a spreadsheet filled with all of my up-to-the-minute loan information. Student loans will not own me for the next 37 years!

Organization. Our office and front hallway are disasters. This month, we’ll create calmness out of chaos in our disastrous office and front and back hallways. Hello, baskets, file cabinets, magazine racks and shiny new desk!

Launch new blog with my sister. We’ve been talking about a collaborative creative blog for a couple years and are beyond excited for this!

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12 Comments

  • Reply Andria 01/07/2013 at 7:27 am

    Ugh, I know what you mean about student loans. Mine got outsourced to a new company last spring and it took SIX MONTHS to get back on my repayment plan because they kept losing things/ needing more things. Just awful.

    • Reply erin 01/09/2013 at 10:50 pm

      Six months?! That’s ridiculous. So frustrating! Crossing my fingers I have better luck!

  • Reply amikoch 01/07/2013 at 8:58 am

    Can’t wait for our blog to be official!! 🙂

    • Reply erin 01/09/2013 at 10:50 pm

      Meeeee, too, Sista! So excited!

  • Reply Ellen 01/07/2013 at 9:10 am

    I’m with you on the sugar. I was living happily in moderation until December and now it’s so hard to cut back. I want cookies ALL.THE. TIME.

    • Reply erin 01/09/2013 at 10:51 pm

      December is just brutal on the sugar consumption! I’ve found it’s easier to just go cold turkey than to taper, but still… coconut macaroon! 😉

  • Reply Candice 01/07/2013 at 4:01 pm

    Great post Erin. I am excited about the craft blog.

    I am with you on a bit-o- fine tuning for January. No sugar (awesome, I’m doing it too) simplify (yes, life is so much easier this way) and recomittment to some old goals. I let some slide and need to tack them onto January’s goals now.

    January it is!

    • Reply erin 01/09/2013 at 10:53 pm

      Glad you’re on the no sugar bandwagon, too, Candice! It’s easier in numbers 🙂

      Watch out, January!

  • Reply Luv What You Do 01/07/2013 at 8:11 pm

    I got locked out of my student loans the other day and was so annoyed. Really…who is trying to hack my sallie mae account to pay my loans for me? Answer…no one! I really need to get myself ready for retirement so that should be a goal for me for January and less sugar too! Count me in!

    • Reply erin 01/09/2013 at 10:54 pm

      Ha! That would be one hack that would be ok! 😉

      Hooray! Another no sugar-er is in!

  • Reply Carrisa @ G-Free Runner 01/08/2013 at 8:26 am

    These look like great goals Erin! I’m definitely dreading the day that my student loan stuff comes through after grad school. I’ve heard horror stories with all the loan companies being switched like you mentioned and what not. Can’t wait for your creative blog! I could use a little more creative in my life, but don’t even know where to begin! 🙂

    • Reply erin 01/09/2013 at 10:56 pm

      It really shouldn’t be as complicated as it is. I’m not overly excited to tackle it, but it will feel good to have it organized.

      Hopefully we can help on the creative side! 🙂 I’m excited for it, too… thanks, dear!

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