2017 Word & January Small Goals

Hello 2017 and World of the Internet. It has been a while! I took a long break from blogging this fall for a few reasons. The biggest being that my life seemed to be spiraling a bit and I needed to figure some stuff out. The good news is that I have done that for the most part and am now back to a place where I can write and post things again.

So since, I have not posted any small goals for a few months, I figure I’ll make this my 2017 and January goals.

First 2017! I can’t believe it is already a new year. I’m hoping for some big things this year, some of which are out of my control so we will see. I have decided to make too many specific goals/resolutions for 2017. I have chosen a word for this year though! That word is focus. I have found that recently my life has lacked focus. I have just been going through life hoping and wishing that things will happen to me. I really haven’t had a focus and it has taken a toll on me.

Here are some of the things I am going to focus on:

• Focus on God and His plan for me
• Focus on building my career
• Focus on who I am as a person and not as a relation
• Focus on my budget
• Focus on my health
• Focus on being joyful through everything

So now on to specific goals for January:

1. Start Blogging Again: I have missed blogging. I never had a ton of followers, but it has been a nice outlet and I look forward to doing it again. I am going to try to post more consistently and get stuff done ahead of time (I am working on this post on Sunday to publish on Monday).
2. Start Hockey Wednesday: This is something I have had in the works for a while, but I really want to dedicate a weekly post to hockey. I am working on a Hockey 101 series that I am hoping to start this month.
3. Stick to Budget and Pay Off A Credit Card: This is a big one. Budgets are easy in theory, but when that cute outfit you have been wanting stares at you in the face, budgets seem to be forgotten. I do have a budget laid out and I have scheduled the last payment on one my credit cards.
4. Cut Out Carbs: This is another big one. I have gained a lot of weight at the end of the year and it is not good for my health. I can feel how unhealthy my body is. One of my good friends cut out carbs and has had a lot of success, so I am going to lean onhere for help with this.
5. Start Scripture Journaling: I found the Intentional Planner, through Molly of Still Being Molly and I knew I had to have one. I got one and plan on using the Scripture Journaling part everyday. I really want to seek God’s purpose and plan for my life this year, so this is a good start.

So there you go! I am hoping that my few readers will keep me accountable to these goals and focuses. Please reach out and ask how I am doing on my goals for the  month.

Just like I used to, I am linking up with Nicole over at Writes Like A Girl and the rest of the goal setting bloggers!

Comment below with some of your goals or tips for any of mine!

Monday Musings Vol. 10: 10/17/16

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This week has been pretty boring, but that is actually a good thing. I’ve had some time to relax and of course watch hockey!

On The Blog:

• I had planned on doing a post last Friday, but time got away from me.

Love & Life:

• Thursday, we had chicken fajitas and watched the Stars’ season opener.
• Friday, I went to Katy Trail Outpost with some friends. I highly recommend their Texas Mule.
• Sunday, Michael joined me at my mom’s for lunch which was nice.

Professional:

• I pretty much just worked a lo this week.

Recently Spotted:

• I’ve had my eye on this Lauren Conrad Pleated Fit & Flare Dress, but in purple polka dots. I’m considering getting it with a gift card I have.

Crafting:

• I have all the Christmas gifts for the boys done. Now I am just about on schedule on the first girl project. So excited!

Now Streaming:

• Podcast: I need some new ideas. I go through my podcasts so quickly.
• Music: NeedToBreathe is one of my favorite’s right now.
• TV: SO I just found out this week that I won’t be able to watch someof my favorite shows on Hulu. I’m pretty sad about that.

Reading:

• I’m really enjoying the Chuck Colson book.

Hockey:

• The NHL season started on Wednesday and Auston Matthews who was the number on draft pick scored 4 goals in his NHL debut. That is pretty good.
• Canadiens opened their season in Buffalo on Thursday and beat the Sabres 4-1 in regulation.
• The Stars opened their season on Thursday as well. They played the Anaheim Ducks at home in Dallas and won 4-2 in regulation.
• Saturday, the Canadiens played in Ottawa and loss to the Senators 4-3 in a shoot-out.
• The Stars also lost on the road on Saturday. In a high scoring 6-5 game, the Colorado Avalanche was able to come out on top.

Looking Forward To:

• A wine night on Thursday with my friends.
• UTA Terry Scholar and Alumni costume picnic in the afternoon on Saturday.
• A friend’s birthday party on Saturday evening.

Link Love:

• Love Jenn’s work appropriate Halloween costumes, since Halloween is on a Monday this year.
• Love Lauren Conrad’s list of things you should and shouldn’t compromise on in your love life.

 

Monday Musings Vol. 9: 10/10/16

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Happy Thanksgiving! Today is Thanksgiving in Canada and I celebrate every year by making pumpkin cookies. I brought some to work today and sent some with Michael as well.

On The Blog:

• Check out my post about Fall Outfits. My first flat lay post and I think it turned out pretty well.

Love & Life:

• I had a Happy Hour with some of the girls from my small group on Wednesday and it was great to share a margarita and some time with my girls!
• Saturday was my friend, Nancy’s bridal shower. It was the cutest tea party theme.
• Saturday night, I hosted sister night. I always enjoy the time I get to spend with my sisters.
• Sunday, we made pumpkin cookies at my mom’s house.

Professional:

• I attended the TWU Terry Banquet last Monday. It was great to see how the program has grown. The speaker was great and said some really though provoking things.

Recently Purchased:

• I know I said I wasn’t buying anything, but I found this adorable dress at Kohl’s and I needed something for the wedding I have at the end of the month and the UTD Terry banquet.

Crafting:

• I should have the third project done this week! I’m pretty excited to move on to a new one that is different.

Now Streaming:

• Podcast: I have started listening to Molly Stillman’s Business with a Purpose podcast. It is really good and eye opening to see how many businesses really care about helping others out.
• Music: I’ve got Gavin DeGraw and Andy Grammer Pandora on all the time.
• TV: I started to watch Notorious at my sister’s suggestion. I like it quite a bit.

• My small group has started a study on Chuck Colson’s The Good Life. Pretty good so far.

Hockey:

• Friday night, we watched the Frozen Fury pre-season game that took place in Las Vegas. Dallas won so that was pretty great.
• We already have plans to watch the season opener on Thursday.

Looking Forward To:

• The NHL season starts this week!
• I have Small Group tonight. Every time I leave small group, I always feel so refreshed!

Link Love:

• Shay’s list of books she’s read lately is great and I’m wanting to add a few to my list of need to read.
• Tif looks so cute in this essential fall outfit. I wish I could pull it off the same way.

October Small Goals

It’s October! That means it is time for tights, boots, pumpkin, cinnamon & hockey. I have a pretty busy month in October, but is should be a lot of fun too. Before we get into my goals for this wonderful month, let’s recap my September goals.

1. Spruce Up My Resume: Done! This was actually not that hard, but needed to be done.
2. Finish Promulgated Contracts Class: Also, done! Now, I need to look into taking my next class.
3. Use To Do Lists More at Home: I’m counting this one even though I didn’t use them as much as I really want to get into the habit of doing. I did use them a few times in the month and it really helped my productivity.
4. Finish 3 Crochet Projects: I’ll have to settle for finishing 2. The good news is that I have really gotten the hang of this pattern so this third one should be done in no time!
5. Post 2x a Week: Yeah… that didn’t happen. This will be one of those goals that get pasted on to the next month!

So 3 out of 5 is not bad, but could be better. Part of my problem was probably that I didn’t keep my goals written down anywhere so I couldn’t easily reference them. Here are my October goals:

1. Post 2x a Week: Let’s try this again. I actually have posts planned for this so it should really help with that.
2. Finish 2 More Crochet Projects: I’m thinking 3 was a pretty high goal last month so I’m just hoping to get 2 done this month.
3. No Spending Extra Money: I’m really trying to build up my savings account more, so this month I am not spending extra money. I’m obviously still buying, groceries and gas as well as the occasional going out to eat with friends or family, but I am not going to spend money on a bunch of extra activities.
4. Use Instagram to Share Posts: I am going to make an effort to use Instagram to share and promote my posts.
5. Establish a Work-Out Routine: I really need to get back into a good work-out routine. I am not sure what that is going to look like yet, but it will be a priority this month.

Here’s to a good October! As always, I am linking up with Nicole at Writes Like a Girl and the rest of the wonderful Small Goals bloggers.

What are your goals for this wonderful month?

Monday Musings Vol. 8: 10/03/16

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It’s October! I pretty much love this month because everything is decorated for fall and the NHL season finally starts!

On The Blog:

• My Small Goals for October are up so check them out.
• Hoping to have another post up on Friday!

Love & Life:

• Michael got a car! His car was totaled 6 months ago in a hail storm and he has been riding his motorcycle everywhere since.
• Michael and I went to see That Thing You Do while it was at the Alamo Drafthouse. I loved that movie as a kid and Michael had never seen it. We went with our friends, Wes and Tricia so it was great to see them as well.
• I picked out new glasses via Warby Parker. I really enjoyed the experience and can’t wait for the glasses to come in!

Professional:

• I had a very productive Terry Officer Meeting this past week. We got a lot of dates on the calendar which was a goal for the year.

Recently Purchased:

• I got this pair of jeans from Old Navy. They had a huge sale and I had just found a hole in one of my pairs of jeans.
• I also picked up a lunch box while I was there because my old one had an unfortunate encounter with my toaster oven. Mine is gray with the word lunch on it in pink cursive.

Crafting:

• I finished 2/7 projects so far. I’m already making good progress on the third though!

Now Streaming:

• Podcast: I loved the recent podcast about Robbers’ Roost by Stuff You Missed in History Class.
• Music: Gavin DeGraw’s newest album is on repeat in preparation for his concert at the end of the month.
• TV: I’m watching The Voice and trying to decide who I really like.

Reading:

• Still working on  The Unbroken Line of the Moon (The Valhalla Series Book 1) by  Johanne Hildebrandt. It’s a pretty interesting historical fiction piece.
• My small group has started a study on Chuck Colson’s The Good Life. Pretty good so far.

Hockey:

• Team Canada won the World Cup of Hockey to no one’s surprise.
• The NHL season starts next week!! (I am so excited)

Looking Forward To:

• TWU Terry Banquet tonight
• My friend’s bridal shower on Saturday
• Sister Night on Saturday as well

Link Love:

• I may be referencing Cupcakes and Cashmere’s cheese plate post in the coming months. Michael loves cheese plates and they are easy to bring to holiday gatherings.

 

 

Monday Musings Vol. 7: 9/26/16

I’m so excited because I got to wear sweater to work this morning. I know that this cool down is probably temporary, but yay for sweaters for today!

On The Blog:

• I’m doing pretty well with keeping up with Monday Musings.
• My October Small Goals post will go up at the end of the week.

Love & Life:

• We moved the last of Michael’s stuff on Tuesday and then watched the WCOH Team Canada versus Team USA game.
• I got my hair cut and decided to change up a little by getting thick fringe bangs. I kind of love them!
• Michael’s brother was in town this weekend so we took him to a local arcade and some brewery tours.
• My mom was able to finally go to Kendra Scott with my sister and I to pick out her birthday gift. She got some gorgeous earrings.

Professional:

• I finished my Promulgated Contracts class so I am officially half way through my Real Estate license classes!

Recently Purchased:

• I resisted spending temptation this week and didn’t spend any money!

Crafting:

• My Christmas projects are coming along, but not as quickly as I would like.

Now Streaming:

• Podcast: I love hearing the preseason previews on the Puck Podcast and the reviews of the WCOH.
• Music: Michael shared a Megachill playlist with me that actually really helped with my Final for my Real Estate License class
• TV: Fall TV is back. I watched This Is Us and Designated Survivor. Both so good!

Reading:

• Still working on  The Unbroken Line of the Moon (The Valhalla Series Book 1) by  Johanne Hildebrandt. It’s a pretty interesting historical fiction piece.

Hockey:

• I was so happy to watch hockey again on Tuesday, plus Carey Price was in net for Team Canada.
• Team Canada is in the finals and will be playing Team Europe in a best of three tournament. I think we all know how this is going to end.

Looking Forward To:

• Terry  Officer Meeting
• Relaxing weekend with no real plans

Link Love:

• I loved Cara’s tips on simplifying your morning routine.

 

Monday Musings Vol. 5: 9/12/16

I am ready for life to slow down a bit, but that doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon.

On The Blog:

• I had a post planned for Wednesday of Friday, but I didn’t get the finishing touches done on it. I am hoping to get it out this week.

Love & Life:

• My mom went into the hospital on Tuesday, so I left work early to go see her. She has had a rough week, but is doing better now.
• Michael and I went to see “For the Love of Spock.” It is a documentary about Spock and Leonard Nimoy. It was really good.
• I went to the baby shower and finished the diaper cover and hat.
• Saturday night, Michael and I went to see La Rondalla Romantica de Dallas for one of Michael’s class assignments. It was interesting to hear a different type of music.

Professional:

• I polished up my resume so I can get it sent out to some places.
• I attended an Terry alumni and current scholar pizza party and UTD. It was great to see how some of the freshmen that I interviewed were doing.

Recently Purchased:

• Bath & Body Works had a sale so I stocked up on some lotion and got a free three wick candle.
• I got two new tops this week. They are just some nice sleeveless work tops that were only $3 each.

Crafting:

• My first Christmas gift project is really taking shape. Hopefully the next two go just as smoothly.

Now Streaming:

• Podcast: My hockey podcast, Puck Podcast, has started their season preview which means the NHL season is right around the corner!
• Music: I’m pretty much in love with the new Gavin DeGraw album.
• TV: I’ve been binge watching The West Wing while I work on my crochet projects. I just got to the season that was aired in 2001 and you can definitely tell there was a shift in thinking.

Reading:

• I need to read more. I’ve just been so busy that reading has taken a back seat to the rest of my life.

Hockey:

• The World Cup of Hockey prelim games have started. I have not had time to watch any yet, but I’m so excited to watch hockey again.

Looking Forward To:

• Terry Luncheon
• Michael’s Move (He will be so much closer to me)
• World Cop of Hockey Officially Starting

Link Love:

• I so want to try this Shay’s Jalapeno Bacon Mac & Cheese. I think Michael would love this.
• I started following Chelsea this week after seeing her September Small Goals post. I love all the pictures she has taken for Nicole over at Writes Like a Girl.

 

Monday Musings Vol. 1- 8/1/16

It’s Monday and August 1st! I hope everyone had a good weekend. Mine was actually pretty relaxing. I got to spend sometime with friends and family without a long to do list.

I’ve been considering doing a regular blog post for a while and have decided to start Monday Musings. This is a just a weekly way to talk about a few things going on and help keep me on a regular blogging schedule. Without further ado here is my first Monday Musings.

On The Blog:

• August Small Goals is going up this afternoon.
• I’m hoping to do a Quakecon packing post on Wednesday, but we will see.

Love & Life:

• Six years ago today, I met Michael. It seems like that was so long ago.
• My baby sister is moving into a new apartment this weekend. I am really excited for her.

Career:

• I became an Associate Member of IREM last month.
• I’m hoping to start my third Real Estate Class this week or next.
• I have a short work week because of Quakecon! Yay!

Recently Purchased:

• I got these boots from the #NSale. I can’t wait for Dallas to get a little cooler so I can wear them.
• I just bought this dress for my friends’ wedding in March. I’m excited to see it in person and try it on.

Crafting:

• I just started crocheting a puppy dog hat and diaper cover. My favorite yarn (Lily Sugar n’ Cream) was on sale so I had to pick some up and start a new project.
• I attempted this washi wall collage heart, but failed.

Now Streaming:

• Podcast: I just finished listening to this week’s Puck Podcast. I love this podcast about all things going on in the NHL. Highly recommend.
• Music: I heard an older Maroon 5 song last week and remembered how much I loved their less known songs.
• TV: I am working my way through West Wing on Netflix. I really like it even if it is a bit older.
• Gaming: I may be a little obsessed with Overwatch. I love that I finally have a team game that I like to play.

Reading:

• I am finishing up Journey’s End by Renee Ryan. Not my favorite book ever, but it’s an okay read.
• I’m finishing up Philippians for my Women’s Bible Study. I memorized the whole book when I was in high school, but I am really enjoying digging into it a little more.

Looking Forward To:

• Quakecon! We check-in on Wednesday!
• Seeing our friends who are in town for Quakecon.

Link Love:

• Loved reading about Stephanie’s geeky love story here.
• Nicole’s sentiments about wearing Spanx echoed my own.
• I loved a lot of these finds by Valery as seen in this video.

H54F: Kelly Cup Champions

Good Morning and Happy Friday! As always, I am linking up with Katie, Tif & Della for H54F. It has been a busy week, but a fun one.

He’s so cute.

1. Last Friday, Michael got me Overwatch as an early birthday present. I think part of his motivation is that he wanted to play it with me instead of just taking turns on his account. I love the game already. My favorite character: D. Va. My battle.net tag is BekMal#1779 if you want to add me.

   

   I may have helped the two little ones gang up on Riley.

2. Saturday, my Aunt Brigid, Grandma Michelle, cousin Lily and family friend Deb came up for a visit from the Austin area. I got to go swimming with them and my step brothers. It was so much fun! Afterwards, we went to Twisted Root for dinner. So good! They stopped at Magnolia Market on their way up and got me a candle and tote bag for my birthday.
3. Sunday, I got to help in my first preschool class at church. I love my church and I was so excited to get to serve in some way. I loved playing with the kids and watching them learn about Jesus.
4. Thursday, during the day, I went to my second IREM luncheon. It’s always great to meet more people in my industry and the food is pretty good too.

   

   High Spirits During the First Period

5. Last night, I crossed one of the few items off my bucket list. I watched as the Allen Americans (my local ECHL team) won the Kelly Cup. It was an intense game, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is their 4th title in 4 years. They won the President’s Cup two years in a row while in the CHL and now have won the Kelly Cup two years in a row as part of the ECHL. I’ve been to quite a few games this season and in past seasons, but nothing compared to watching last night’s post game ceremony. You can see all the pics and videos on my SnapChat: bekahm21.
   

   

I am pretty excited for everything this next week holds. I am turning 25 next Wednesday, but the celebrations start tonight!

H54F: Shopping and Animals

It has been a really long week this week. Nothing huge really happened, but it has been long. I’m excited for a fun weekend though. I get to hang with my older sister tomorrow before we head out to celebrate my dad’s birthday with dinner and a movie. I’m also excited for the Mothers’ Day picnic we have planned for my mom.

Here is my High Five for Friday recap of the week.

Shorts: Gap through Thred Up (similar)/ Top: Target through ThredUp (similar) 

1. I got my order from ThredUp that I mentioned in this post. I absolutely love the red shorts I got! I have been wanting a pair of colored shorts for a while. I can’t wait to wear them this weekend! I thought the teal shirt was a fun color as well. I got to wear to work today with my jeans. Love Jean Fridays at the office.

   

   Hat: Target (exact, similar)/ Purse (exact, real leather similar)/ Shoes: TOMS (exact, similar)

2. This month I decided to stay away from buying more clothes. Since I am working on losing weight and I have my spring/summer essentials, I decided to spend my budget on accessories. I got this adorable sun hat for summer days and a cute saddle bag for casual weekends. I also got these adorable TOMS flip flops in my latest Trunk Club. They were a bit pricey, but they do have some arch support which my feet need.

   

   I think he’s adorable!

3. Wednesday night was Work-Out Wednesday. Michael and I started this a while back and then stopped for a while when we got really busy. We started again this week. My legs still hurt from the lunges, but after the gym Michael made dinner. We had some yummy Pork Tenderloin and mixed veggies.
   

   Can’t get to me here!

   

   I want on your lap too!
4. Michael left for DreamHack in Austin yesterday, so that means I am watching the Chewie monster for the weekend. Mouse was not too happy about seeing his “friend”. He took to hiding behind my bike to get away from the dog. Eventually, he came around. Although the fight for my attention lasted all night and I got very little sleep.
5. Today is my dad’s birthday! We are celebrating tomorrow, but I wanted to give him a quick shout-out! Like I said on Instagram, he fostered my love for the important things in life: Jesus, hockey and Star Trek. Quick hockey note: the Stars won in overtime last night!!

As always I am linking up with Tif, Katie & Della as well as Meet at the Barre!

Do you have any big plans for Mothers’ Day weekend?