In life, everyone has things they want to accomplish and expect to do before they die. I have never made a bucket list but at the beginning of 2012 I decided to make a list of 12 things I want to complete, accomplish or try before 2012 is over. Here is my list and I must say that many things are on their way or have at least been started.
1. Make a quilt: I started one as my New Years resolution, and by start I mean: bought stuff and cut a couple of squares out. That is why I am making it number one. I ALWAYS make a resolution and keep it, so here I go ;)
2. Volunteer for the homeless: This year I have noticed an exceptionally high amount of homeless people on the streets of Salem and Keizer. I feel the need to help heavy in my heart. Therefore, I would love to take my couponing and turn some of the inventory into homeless persons 'kits' with sample size personal hygiene products and what not in it. I will bake pies and take them to the mission for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I will serve food at least twice at a facility. I would like to try and do a food drive (if anyone is interested, we can collaborate and it can be one of your 12 too!), the mission has some great stuff for holding one and I think it is soooo doable!
3. Reduce my carbon foot print: I'm thinking I will try carpooling and using the cars less often in general. My biggest hope is to reduce my garbage output. I read an article about a family of three who produced only one bag of garbage in the whole year. I wish I was this capable and motivated but I think more realistically I will kick the recycling up a notch by using my red container and composting ALL my compostable food to the worms, not just when I feel like it. I will also look into exactly what can be put in each bin and how to dispose of it in that bin (no labels, clean, etc.) and actively distribute the garbage properly.
4. Stop saving clothes, shoes, jewelry, makeup, purses, etc for 'speacial' occasions and then never wearing them! My mantra is 'JUST WEAR IT' and I intend to follow through 100% and have already started doing so. I've been sporting some pretty fancy pants (and shoes) lately :)
5. Maintain GPA: At present I have the amazing GPA of 3.89 and I would like to keep it that way. If it weren't for that drawing class I got a C in, I would have a 4.0, but that's besides the point.. I am going into the Education Program at Western next term and I will maintain straight A's until graduation in June 2013. This one is a given for me, but is worth writing down and sharing I think.
6. Credit Cards at $300 or less by the end or through the year: In other words; I will stop using them so much. I have four: two Visa's and two store cards: Victoria's Secret and Old Navy. Some have higher limits than others and they are all border maxed always! The buck stops here(snicker)! I will pay higher monthly amounts until they are at $300 dollars and then I will maintain a balance of no more than $300 on each for the year (and longer hopefully).
7. Follow through with the mending basket: I have things that I buy and think 'I'll hem them' and then I never wear them because they are too long and I never hemmed them. I have a basket with clothes that need various mending and I will mend them all and keep the basket empty throughout the year.. This includes making that apron from that kit I bought and making my bedroom curtain that I bought the fabric for last year.
8. Book List: Here is a list of books I have and need to finish reading or start all together: Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice (finish), Three Cups of Tea (finish), the True Blood series (like 9 books or something), and Coupon Mom's Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bill in Half. I will also read any books I buy versus making a pile lol.
9. Finish my V.C. Andrews collection: V.C. Andrews is a much loved author of mine and I have been reading and collecting her novels forever! I think I have 69 of the 74 books or something along those lines. The remaining books I need are titled: Flowers in the Attic, If There Be Thorns, Twisted Roots, Into the Woods, Hidden Leaves, Broken Wings, and the newest Cloudburst series I haven't even seen in stores yet. I am always on the look out for these novels and some are hard to find, so if you come across one I would love you forever if you grabbed it for me and I will reimburse you ;)
10. Organize my craft and linen closets: They are out of control, nuff said!
11. Replace my desk: This also means making my 'den' a more functional office/sewing space/kids room. I want an L shaped desk with drawers and they are hard to find for a decent price!
12. Start Learning another Language: I already 'know' sign language and would love to learn Spanish amongst others, so Spanish is on my list. J's putting it on his list too so we can learn together!
