in january…

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.

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!