I Have a Suicidal Dog Who is Either a Sleeper Agent or Sound of Music Hater...

Well, I officially do not believe in the flu shot. Back in October I thought I would be good and get my free flu shot (thanks to work). I also thought that I was in the clear, seeing as its almost February. I was wrong. Very wrong. I woke up Saturday morning, ran my errands and put in a good hour at the gym. I was fairly worn out that afternoon but blamed it on the workout. I got a headache that night but chalked it up to the changing weather. When I woke up on Sunday, I could not pull myself out of bed. And it all went downhill from there. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the flu is seriously going around DC which means that I had absolutely no problem getting my box of Tamiflu and other medications Monday morning. I am still waiting for them to heal me...

Needless to say I've spent the last few days laying in bed. To add insult to injury, it looks like I am one of the unfortunate souls who has a negative reaction to Tamiflu, which has made me feel even worse. Luckily, I have two fluffy dogs who were more than willing to cuddle and watch movies with me.

Now, to the real purpose of this post. I think Scarlett is suicidal and/or hates the Sound of Music. And I'm not sure which would be worse. Here are the facts. I fell asleep about 10:30 last night with Scarlett curled up on my shoulder and Rhett dead asleep on my back. When Caleb came to bed a few hours later, he found that Scarlett had dug one of my old razors out of the bottom of the bathroom trash can and was attempting to eat it. She was chewing on the blade! Busted...

After we checked he mouth and made sure she wasn't cut and hadn't swallowed any of it, we went to bed. But I've had all day today to agonize over why in the world she would try to eat a razor. I have come to 2 hypotheses: 1) I watched too many action thrillers yesterday and it made her suicidal. 2) She hates the Sound of Music.

1) Too Many Thrillers Hypothesis - I've watched several thrillers lately, not just movies. I've also taken to watching the new Kevin Bacon TV show "The Following" (which I do not recommend to most seeing as it is quite gruesome. SPOILER ALERT - There is a serial killer who idolizes Edgar Allen Poe in his murders, including cutting out their eyes. Ew. But its very intriguing). We have also been watching Season 1 of Homeland, which even includes an episode where a razor blade is sneaked in to a terrorist so he can kill himself! So clearly these dark shows have been giving my sweet fluffy dog bad ideas! Either that, or she is a sleeper spy/terrorist, thought that I was onto her by watching all these shows and decided she too must find a razor. I am hoping that this is not the case, but I guess only time will tell.

2) Sound of Music Hater - I'm not too sure I like this theory either. The Sound of Music is one of my all-time favorite movies. No matter what, it makes me happy. So, I've been watching it on a daily basis. I put it on at night and fall asleep listening to edelweiss. It's glorious... but maybe it was too much for Scarlett. Maybe she is on the side of the Nazis and wanted the von Trapps to be caught! She is a Pomeranian, from Pomerania which is part of East Germany.... Watching the Von Trapps escape over the mountains night after night may have been too much for her so she went in search of a razor. I don't think this possibility can be ruled out.

Needless to say, my dog has a problem. If anyone can suggest a good treatment center for troubled pomeranians, I am open to suggestions : ) Seriously though, consider this a public service announcement for anyone with dogs in the house. Be sure that all sharp objects are kept in a place that there is absolutely no way for your pet to find. You just never know what will set them off in search of a razor blade.

So, to keep things interesting (and see who is actually still reading the ole blog), I'm taking a poll. Why do YOU think Scarlett went searching for a razor? Depression? Sleeper agent? Sound of Music hater? Other reasons?

How Jack Diamond Made Me Old...

Another difference between me and Caleb that I failed to mention in the last post, is that we have extremely different tastes in music. He likes country. I like rock. We each used to have completely different stations that we insisted on fighting over in the car to the point that we just rode in silence and stewed in our frustration... The last two years have been rough music years for our commuting. When I have to listen to the country station, I just get sad and depressed and sleepy which drives Caleb insane. When I have my rock station on, he complains about the lack of variety and throws a tantrum anytime they play a Doors song.

GOOD NEWS!!!! As of about 3 months ago, we have a new station. One that we both love. And, of course, it plays modern hits. Music we should actually both like, and we do. But beyond the music, I think our favorite part of the station is the morning show during our commute. Its called the Jack Diamond Morning Show. And its awesome. They talk about all sorts of random stuff. This morning it was whether people had a special coffee mug that they got mad if anyone else uses. Yesterday they asked whether it was okay to defriend or block your spouse on Facebook if they were being annoying. These are tough questions that need to be answered!!! The best part of the program is when people call in to discuss these various topics. They are hilarious and weird.

Luckily, Friday is the one morning a week you get to call in and brag or talk about something awesome you are looking forward to. We often find ourselves yelling at the radio for them to pull the plug and move on to the next freak. [Side note - we are not as judgmental as this makes us sound - some of these people are legitimately crazy]. The best part is that the people who host the show (Jack - of course, Brooke, Aly and some guy named Spanky whose real name is Fernando?) are actually nice to these weirdos. They do everything from dating advice to social media. We actually debated this morning thinking something up completely crazy and ridiculous and calling in ourselves - we have until next Friday, so we are definitely open to suggestions.

We also die laughing at some of the sponsorships they have on the show. Best one: the No-No Hair Removal System. That's right. That's a real thing. On their website it says, "Spend less time removing hair and more time doing the things you love!" Seriously - how much time do people spend removing hair? Don't answer that...

This is what one looks like. If I told you that cost $250 would you be shocked? Oh, and don't forget all the awesome accessories it comes with! The station suggests many other products, including diet systems and bras that they swear will change your life.

Oh, I almost forgot this week's special entertainment -they did a wedding in a week! We got to go on their website and vote for a couple and then the winning couple had 1 week to plan their wedding and get married on the air, which they did yesterday morning. The listeners got to vote on her dress, the cake, hair and make-up, flowers, food, everything! Can you imagine getting married on a radio station? Would you ever do it?

It was at the point of the show yesterday when our car got really quiet while we listened to this couple's vows that it suddenly struck me. We are old! If you told me when I was 16 that one day I would look forward to my husband and I get in the car early every morning and spending an hour listening to a talk show - one that may or may not feature on-air weddings and hair removal systems, I would have laughed in your face. But its true.

It has completely changed our car-riding together. We don't fight over radio stations, we laugh, we talk. Jack Diamond has completely revolutionized our commute. Although I must say, there is nothing more devastating than looking up what these radio personalities look like and having that image not match up with what you have always thought they looked like. The two girls are lovely as expected. There is no mention of anyone named Spanky on their site which makes his character even more questionable. And then there is Jack. I'm not sure what I thought he looked like, but I had no idea he was Guy Fieri's doppleganger. I mean seriously... they could be twins!

 Jack Diamond

Guy Fieri

So a huge shout out to Guy Fieri...I mean Jack Diamond... and the Morning Gang for keeping Caleb and I from being at each others' throats from approximately 8:15-9:15 every morning and reminding me that I'm not as young as I used to be.

On a sappier/weirder note. This radio station is also trying to reach out and give me and Caleb a cosmic message. I know that sounds spooky and sci-fi ish, but its true! Whenever we get into the car and right before we pull into our garage, the same song plays. When we get in the car after work and cross the Memorial Bridge, it plays. If one of us is a little down and need cheering up, it plays. We call it our "jam." Although its not really a jamming song,  it is good. You remember that song that played every time women's gymnastics came on during the Olympics in London. "Home" by Philip Phillips of American Idol. Yup, that's the one. That's our jam these days. And here is why I think the song is trying to tell us something. Over the last few months, its become pretty clear to Caleb and I that DC is going to be home for us for awhile. When we first moved up here 3 years ago, we didn't know if after school we'd move back, move somewhere else, or what the future held. But, we've finally settled in and decided that, for now, this is home. Now, here is what that song says:

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Corny? Yes. But absolutely true. Until next time, stay warm, we are buckling down for our second snow this week!!!

When Opposites Attract

Hi. My name is Stephanie and I'm a recovering caffeine addict. I've been clean for 8 days, but it has made me so tired that I've been going to bed before 10 every night and have not had the strength or energy to open my laptop and post this blog that I wrote one week ago. I am sorry. I have been told it can only get better... With that being said, please enjoy my post that I wrote about LAST weekend.
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 Most of you probably know that Caleb and I are opposites in alot of ways.

He's nice, I have a bad temper;

While Caleb enjoyed his friends during our wedding...

I yelled at my mom.... not my finest moment. Sorry mom!


He is a Razorback fan, I'm an Aggie;

He is easy-going; I'm  up-tight; He is super messy, I'm a clean-freak; I like fruit, he likes chocolate; He likes bright colors, I prefer darks;

He has no inhibitions; I have... well... I guess we are kind of similar in this way... But I like to believe I have a few more than him...

 He went as "God's Gift to Women" one Halloween...

This was before my time...

 Dressed as oompa loompas

Do not even ask.

Most of the time our opposite personalities compliment each other well. This weekend, however, we found that our opposite-ness (is that a word?) gave us headaches and some good laughs. First, our church had a chili cook-off for everyone who was part of the Living Christmas Tree in December. There was a competition for chili and for desserts. Being the over-achiever that I am (and wanting to get rid of some of the clutter from leftover Christmas ingredients in my pantry) I made chili, cornbread, a cake and a pie. It was awesome. It took me all day Saturday. Somebody remind me the next time I make this much food that I am unable to actually transport it all. We had a minor chili incident in the car going up a hill... Don't worry, the chili was spared. My toms and my foot, not so much.

The chili competition was fierce, so my All-American 5 Critter Chili with accompanying jalapeno cornbread in a cast iron skillet didn't stand a chance. My Red Berry Cake, on the other hand, actually won! It was awesome.

Now... something you may or may not know about me is that I am incapable of saying no. If you ask me to do something, even if I am completely busy or stressed or otherwise occupied, I will say yes. I just can't refuse. I don't like saying no to people. Caleb does not have this problem, not in the least. This is why we make a good pair. Unfortunately, I was unsupervised when asked if we would help the guest guitar player sell CDs at his table at the chili cook-off, after the first Sunday service AND after the second Sunday service. Caleb was not pleased. He was not pleased one bit. But I have to say, we are expert CD sellers. We sold out and took orders for additional sales! I will also take this moment to make a pitch for Rodrigo Rodriguez's music. He is awesome. He plays classical guitar and has beautiful arrangements of hymns. If you are looking for some super zen spiritual music, he is your man.

http://www.rodrigorodriguez.net/

Also, if you are looking for us to do something for you, be sure to ask me and not Caleb. You are pretty much guaranteed to get a yes... especially if you corner me and Caleb is not around!

Luckily, Caleb forgave me for my giant commitment to sales this weekend. But he also got even with me on Sunday afternoon. I should also mention that I'm attempting to detox from caffeine and sugar as of last Thursday so I've been meaner than a hornet lately (sorry Caleb!) To keep myself busy and try to avoid binge drinking the Mt. Dews in my garage and eating the raw cookie dough in my freezer, I spent most of the afternoon on Sunday cleaning - I did laundry, dishes, straightened the living room and dining room, sorted papers, all sorts of good stuff. The problem with this was as I was cleaning, I realized all the things I'd asked Caleb to do over the last few days had not been done.

Another difference between me and him - I make to-do lists and expect them to be done immediately and to the best of your ability. He is far more relaxed and gets to projects when he gets to them and sometimes leaves projects half done. This infuriates me. So you can imagine how my decaffinated self started to boil over when I started finding his unfinished tasks while he was at Starbucks (my favorite caffeine source ever!) with a friend. And then I found the microwave.

I told him he was lucky he wasn't home when I found it or I probably would have punched him in the throat. I HATE a dirty microwave. I warm everything with a papertowel or a lid, and, heaven forbid, if anything spills, I wipe it up immediately. I opened the microwave last night and found that he had not used a paper towel when heating his chili for lunch. It.Was.EVERYWHERE. We are talking every surface, especially the top. What happened from there may or may not have happened - I'll let you use your imagination. I may have slammed the microwave, thrown a few pillows around, yelled at my dogs and stormed around in circles for a few minutes thinking of a suitable punishment for this crime. Then I took a deep breath and I could  hear my mom telling me that all of my ideas were vindictive and that I should act like an adult - so I did what I gauged any reasonable adult would do. I took a giant sticky note and made a TO-DO list for Caleb when he got home. I posted it on the counter. To be fair, I only included things that I had specifically asked to  be done and really needed to be done that evening - I gave myself a pat on the back for being mature and generous about the situation :)

When he got home, he found the note and acted indignant at some of the items. I'm not sure what is worse, exploding chili all over the microwave or doing so and acting like you had no idea it happened and that it couldn't possibly have been you when you were THE ONLY person to heat up chili in the last 2 weeks. How is that possible? It was EVERYWHERE!!!! I really should have taken a picture...

Once we both ate dinner and chilled out watching the Golden Globes, Caleb got going on his list. I could hear him checking off items and then he told me he even added a few to his list. I was ecstatic! What could he be adding? Was he going to clean his closet so it didn't look like a bomb went off and the debris landed in our bedroom? (I had a picture but removed it to protect your eyes... you're welcome.)

Was he going to straighten his desk so it didn't look like a tornado swept through? (Again, I do have photographic proof... I told Caleb I'm using them as blackmail so he'll keep things clean. I told you I was meaner than him!)

Maybe he was going to vacuum? Dust? I was so happy that I did not even go look at the list. We enjoyed the Golden Globes in peace and had a lovely evening full of laughs.Turns out the last laugh was on me. I went to throw the to-do list in the the trash before I went to bed and this is what I found.

I could only shake my head and wish that some day I will chill out enough from my phobia of dirty microwaves and learn to love life as much as Caleb. Although we drive each other absolutely nuts sometimes, I think we are a perfect match and balance each other out in every way. As we celebrated our third anniversary this week, we were both amazed at how far we have come - not just in moving away, going to school and getting jobs, but we have really learned what it means to come together as one.

It doesn't mean we are great at it and that we don't learn something new everyday, but to think about what we were like back in our first apartment in College Station is just crazy. He is learning that chores are a team sport and I'm learning that sometimes its important just to relax and have a good laugh. One thing I think we both agree on is that together, we are definitely awesome, we are living like there is no tomorrow, and maybe someday we will get the chance to dance like nobody's watching.

Until then, with love,

The Osbornes

The Tree

NOTE: This post was written on Monday, but seeing as I have not had internet to upload the picture and post it online, I am just now getting it up. You can assume my access to the outside world is back - I will update later. Enjoy!

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A Tree is Ruining My Life!!!!!!!! I know, that sounds dramatic. But its semi-true! This tree...

...has really wrecked the last week of my life. And its all because I tried to tighten up my budget and save money - punished for trying to be fiscally responsible. Don't laugh.

I did a lot of research last week and found that if I dropped Verizon and joined DirecTV for cable and Cox for internet, we could save $50 a month! That may not sound like a lot of money, but its the lottery for us this spring. So, I did what any normal person would do. I had Verizon disconnect on Saturday morning before the DirecTV dude was set to come install it that day. We knew we would have to wait until Tuesday for the Internet, but a few days wouldn't kill us. Or so we thought.

I think the DirecTV installer spent less than 3 minutes on my balcony with his rusty compass and then just shook his head at The Tree. It was blocking the satellite so it just wasn't going to work out. I tried arguing, begging, anything, but he refused and left. So, then I did what any normal person would do at that point. I called every other possible provider in our area but none of them had reasonable rates. So then I did what any normal person would do at this point... I went crawling back to Verizon.

I HATE Verizon. And no, I'm not being dramatic and even though my mom taught me never to use the word "hate" I do mean it this moment when I say that I HATE VERIZON AND THEY (and The Tree) ARE RUINING MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!

Phew, okay, I think I can let it go now. Long and short is Verizon would not turn my cable and internet right back on and not only would they not give me their current promotional rate, they wouldn't give me my old rate AND they wouldn't come install it until Thursday night (this was 10am Saturday morning). ARGH!

So we missed the last bowl games, we missed the Redskins game, we missed the National Championship game and now we're 2 weeks behind on "our shows." Also, when we go home at night, there is no internet. We are completely cut off from the world.

Now, I had a revelation last night that perhaps Verizon and The Tree weren't ruining my life but giving me a few days to re-evaluate our priorities. I'll be honest, when Caleb and I get home at night, we turn on the tv. He watches tv while I make dinner, we watch a show together while we eat and then I usually catch up on something he doesn't like to watch while he studies or reads on his ipad. We haven't been able to do that the last few days.

Instead, we've eaten at the table together; we've talked about our days; we played with the dogs; read real books; straightened up around the house. It's been nice. Even last night when we sat in our living room together, just the lamps on listening eagerly to the radio broadcast of the national championship game, it was nice. I felt a little bit like an old person, but it was pretty fun.

I am in no way saying this will be the future of our lives. We need the internet to pay our bills, for Caleb to study for school, and for me to blog. But, it has been an interesting social experiment to prove that we can survive without it. So when I moan and complain on here in June that we still aren't eating at the dining room table, remind me to turn off cable and the internet for a few days.

It reminds me of when I was a kid and my mom really made an effort for us all to sit down as a family and eat around the table. TV off. As we got older things changed a bit and we couldn't always all be together or sometimes Monday Night Football was on mute, but we all tried to unplug for a few minutes and spend time as a family. Caleb and I don't have kids now (and none are in the near future!) but I am choosing to remember The Tree as a reminder about what is important. Would $50 a month have been nice... definitely. But as we start 2013, its important to keep our priorities straight and I want Caleb and I to start habits now that we continue whenever we do have a family, one of them being eating dinner together around the table without the tv.

How I got from yelling at a tree to thanking my mom for not letting us watch tv during dinner as kids... I'm not quite sure. Check back again in a few days when I (hopefully) have internet again and can post an entry on 2012 with pictures (that aren't taken on my phone and then uploaded using Starbucks' free internet in the city). Until next time!

Out with the Old & In with the New

 

Clearly 2012 was not a good blogging year for me. In my defense, I was really, really busy... and I am pretty glad "blogging more" did not make my 2012 list of resolutions. That being said, blogging more IS on my list of 2013 resolutions, so I do promise to be better. So before I do a massive recap of the last 10 months of our lives (so sorry, again, for going MIA that long), we should probably review how I did on my 2012 resolutions.

I really did pretty good! Out of the 12, I would say I successfully accomplished 5, somewhat accomplished 4, and completely bombed on only 3. Here they are clumped in their "success" categories:

ACCOMPLISHED:

4.) Get a real job - as in, a job that pays. After 50+ rejections this fall, I'm a little down on this one but hey, there are still 360+ days in 2012. If anyone knows someone who is hiring....

- I definitely accomplished this one. It was not on my own timing, the way I would have predicted or even if the sector I anticipated, but as of my 26th birthday in September, I am officially a 40-hour a week-working, tax-paying, vacation-accruing real employee... with benefits! I'll cover more of this in my review of 2012.

5.) Grow a successful summer garden. I was about to give up my quest to have a garden on my patio until those broccoli and cauliflower plants decided to actually do their jobs. And hey! They survived while we were at home for the holidays. One of my favorite memories was when we had a summer garden in our backyard that grew okra, peppers and squashes. With a little luck, my patio will have the same success in a few months...

- I definitely accomplished this one too! I grew tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, strawberries, squash, eggplant, asparagus, green beans, herbs and lots of other tasty summer veggies. I'd brag more but I don't want to jinx my current winter garden...

 7.) Get more involved in our church. I got more involved last year by going on a Turkey mission trip last spring, joining a women's bible study in the fall and hosting a table for the annual ladies tea. In reality, what I really want to do is join the church choir. I've already chickened out once - I meant to go last night and then talked myself out of it. I'm not sure why I'm so intimidated, but I really need to suck it up and just go. Maybe next week..... I am planning on starting a new ladies bible study this weekend.

I'm definitely calling this one a success too. Last March, I went on our church's mission trip to Russia and LOVED it. I also joined the choir in January, sang in the Easter service, sang in a summer patriotic program and survived my first Living Christmas Tree (more on this to come). 

 
8.) Leave the country. I know, I know, I'm addicted to leaving the country. But I just LOVE it. This year I'm hoping to make it back to my old stomping grounds in Russia. We'll see : ) 

- Given my above-mentioned trip to Russia, I can check this resolution off as well! Plus I made 2 trips to Tuscaloosa, Alabama... that counts, right? Just kidding Grace :) 

  

10.) Continue to expand my baking abilities. Lately I've been mastering the art of the cake, but I'd really like to be able to make great cookies too. Between leftover Christmas money and the last of our hoarded up wedding gift cards (and some much needed encouragement from my sisters and mother in law) I bought myself a Kitchen Aid stand mixer for Christmas. I can't wait to start using it!

- I LOVE baking. Which is a good thing since I spent so much of 2012 doing it - I even catered a few events for friends and tossed around starting a small business: Steph O's Sweets! I would definitely consider this a success!

SOMEWHAT ACCOMPLISHED:

2.) Run the Marine Corps Marathon OR Half-Marathon with my sister. I am already regretting this resolution. I LOVE that I have a joint goal with my sister and think we'll have a lot of fun with it - but the thought of actually having to run lots of miles is just not fun to me. Oh well. Onward....

- I'm giving myself half-credit on this one for a few reasons. First, I actually did register and pay and even picked up my bib and free t-shirt. My training was a tad lacking and Grace wasn't able to come up and run with me, but I was going to suck it up and run it because I hate to quit things. Well... that night the hurricane showed up and somehow Scarlett scratched her eyeball so we made a 4am trip to the emergency vet and by then it was too late to get into the city, so.... yah. My intentions were good but clearly the universe was conspiring against me that day. This won't happen in 2013...

 

6.) Actually get my dogs somewhat trained. Scarlett has now gone through obedience school twice and Rhett once. Scarlett will sit and lay down on command.... sometimes.... if there is a treat involved.... Rhett will look at you when you say her name, and is STILL not completely potty-trained. So ya..... dog training is definitely high on my list. I would like them to at least sit, stay, lay down, come and walk nicely on the leash by 2013.   

- Well, we made some progress in this area. 2012 proved to be the year that Scarlett turned into a good dog. She is very sweet and spends about 80% of her time laying on my pillow or napping on the couch.... I believe she just decided to be good, although it could be because I let Caleb whip her for awhile and/or all the puppy prozac she took as a puppy finally kicked in. Either way, she's awesome. Now for Rhett... she's definitely better than she was a year ago, but still having a few accidents and is just a wild child. I can't decide whether to let Caleb start whipping her or put her on puppy prozac... I guess only time will tell. 

11.) Learn how to use my nice new camera. I'm super excited about it, but it still really intimidates me. Caleb told me the place he bought it had classes so I spent several hours the other night researching classes to take. When I went back to the site the next day to actually register for the classes, the company had declared bankruptcy and cancelled all classes.... of course in the 12 hours I was sleeping on my decision. That figures. So if anyone out there knows where I can get good, affordable camera lessons. Let me know!

 

- I never did take a camera class, but I have fooled around with my camera enough to know how to use it and change the lenses and such. I even took the surprise pics when my brother proposed to his fiancee at the Jefferson Memorial. They didn't turn out too bad! I wish I used it more and new more cool things to do with it, but I think this was a mild success for year 1.  

 

12.) Encourage Caleb more. I have to admit... encouragement is not one of my finer qualities. I am much more prone to be a tough love and problem solver type. It is hard for me to remember to actually be encouraging. Caleb is much better at this than I am. So in 2012 I would like to be more encouraging - law school is stressful.... add in working part time and commuting and the pressure that he puts on himself and he is just a total stress ball. If anyone has any tips on how to remind yourself to be encouraging... especially if this is a hard skill for you... I would love some advice!

- I feel weird judging myself on this. I personally think I did pretty good. I know I was nicer than in 2011 but I probably still have a pretty good ways to go. So I'm classifying this as a somewhat success and hoping to still do better in 2013. I'd say ask Caleb how I did, but I'm not sure I want to know the answer... 

 

TOTALLY BOMBED:

1.) Lose the remaining weight to get to my goal weight (where I was when I went to college). I was doing SO good this fall and halfway there... and then my dumb appendix got in the way. So.... now that I am allowed to exercise again, I'm back on track and hoping to be at my goal by graduation in May!

- Yeah... about that. I totally went the wrong way on this one and gained even more weight! Argh! I'd like to list a whole bunch of excused, but honestly, they're all terrible. I have no excuse and I'm pretty embarrassed that this was my #1 and I COMPLETELY flopped. But, instead of beating myself up, I'm starting over, and although I have further to go, Caleb and I have decided to "bring sexy back" in 2013 and we're getting healthy together :) 

3.) Eat more meals at the table. When people treat us like we are just college students up here, I always joke with people that Caleb and I are going to be REAL adults one day. The more I started thinking about it, if we want to be treated like real adults, maybe we should lose some of our college-like habits.... including but not limited to... sitting on our living room floor and eating our dinner off of the coffee table in front of the television.... (don't judge us too much). 

- Wow. This might be my worst flop. I think we ate a grand total of 3 meals at our table. January 1, 2 and 3rd. After that the table went back to being a junk heap and the chairs our coat hangers. But after a year of us eating dinner off of it, our coffee table is now barely holding it together so I guess we have incentive to move back to the dining room.

9.) Do a better job saving money. I don't want to live in an apartment forever.... haha. Seriously though, we aren't major splurgers or anything, but we haven't been doing a good enough job of putting money in savings. I am declaring 2012 the year of the save!   

- This was bad too. I think the whole interning for the government and making nothing, interning all summer and half the fall and the 3 months of a real salary and Caleb's intern salary just got in my head. We made it but definitely could have saved more. And as we look to 2013 I am really wishing we had. Oh well, 2013 will be the year of frugality if it kills me! 

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Phew! That was a really long recap. But seriously, I think I did pretty good for having 12 resolutions. But there is definitely room for improvement. So, without further ado, because I am competitive and always up for a challenge, here are my 13 resolutions for 2013!!!

1.) Hit my goal weight. SERIOUSLY! Honestly its less about the weight and more about feeling and living healthy again. And this year, instead of doing it myself, Caleb and I are going to do it together. We have declared 2013 the year of "hotness!"

2.) Stick to a budget - and I do mean stick to it like super glue. I know we will make mistakes along the way, but I'm hoping that some of those crazy genetic characteristics I've gotten from my dad (like mega cleaning the house before we go out of town, organizing all of our paperwork into binders, obsessively cleaning, etc) will continue to show up and I'll be a master budgeter. We'll see....

3.) Run either a 10k or half marathon. I would really like to run a half if possible - I do like a challenge. So, for all my DC running friends, I am inviting anyone who is patient, non-judgemental and who won't make me feel bad about myself to be my running buddy/trainer/slave-driver. Who's up for the job!?! : )

4.) Do the best job I possibly can this year at work. It'll be my first solid year on the job and I really want to do well. I love what I do, so that shouldn't be hard, but I still want to focus on it!

5.) Stop biting my nails. This is a gross habit, I know. I've tried EVERYTHING!!! So, I'm just going to quit. That's it. (we'll see how this goes...)

6.) Join the Sunday night Women's Bible study at church. I really miss having just a group of girls to study the Bible with. I know 1-2 people in the Sunday night class, so I think I'm going to give it a try. It starts this study and looks like we'll be doing the Beth Moore study of Daniel. Can't wait!!!

7.) Leave the country. Just a warning, this will probably be on my list for the rest of my life... Doesn't really go well with saving money, but there's always the dream...

8.) Pursue Friendships - This one probably seems weird. I have friends, lots of them, all over the world, but since we moved to DC, I've really felt so focused on our school and getting jobs that I have not put the time and energy into them that I should have. So, if you are a friend who has been feeling neglected, watch out, because I'm coming for you! 

9.) Read through the entire Bible. My mom has done this for as long as I can remember. I've never done it. I'm a little behind given that today is January 3rd, but I am definitely going to give it a try. If anyone can suggest guides to keep you on track send them my way!

10.) Learn how to make macaroons. They are just so beautiful and delicious and I swear they are impossible to make unless you are French. I have tried and tried and either they don't have feet or the don't rise. Ugh. I will master these beautiful creations in 2013!

11.) Close the "Incessant Schooling" chapter of Caleb and my life. The entire 6 1/2 years we've been together has involved school of some sort - my undergrad, Caleb's undergrad, Caleb at Seminary, Caleb's MA, my MA, Caleb's law degree... That's alot! I am ready to be done with school and move on to the next chapter of our lives!

12.) Continue to improve my knitting. Yes, I have taken up knitting. This is what happens when you make fun of your mom for too many years... you start picking up the very hobbies you made fun of! Seriously though, I enjoy making things for people and it gives me something to do with my hands (hopefully instead of biting my nails!)

13.) And last, but not least, to blog more!!!!!

So there are my 13 resolutions for 2013. I'm hoping to beat my 2012 record of 5-4-3! Hopefully I'll stick to them and be back in a few days to recap our 2012!