Christa Lista

Yes, I am going to make a list...why not?  It is just about the end of 2011 and I've got a new year ahead of me.  I've got a pretty good feeling that 2012 is going to be a very decent year for me.

I've given up the 2nd job.  While all that extra dough is nice to have (and spend), it leaves absolutely no time for me to be able to enjoy this thing called life.  I now understand the proverb "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy".  While not entirely suited for my situation, I get it, I definitely get it.

I was sick.A.Lot.this past year.and I have no doubt that the whole no down-time thing played a very big role in me being sick.  That's not the life I want to live.  The down-time I did have was spent on the couch, stuffing my face with garbage because my body wanted nutrients and I thought I heard it say "Chocolate" and "Grilled Cheese sandwich".  I finally was able to translate what it really wanted when I stepped on the scale and realized I had gained back all of what I had lost.

One day this past November, I finally heard it loud and clear "Vitamins".  Ooooooh....okay.

Anyway, I've learned to appreciate my down-time.  I will no longer use it to do right by my pocket.  I will use it to do right by my body, my mind and my soul.  aka Balance

1. Make a bedtime and stick to it as best as you can (10:30pm)
2. Journal as often as possible (I've found that I enjoy getting inside my head and thinking out loud, even if it only makes sense to me)
3. Turn off the T.V. - it sucks me in every.single.time. and before I know it, I've wasted 4 hours on nonsense
4. Create - get the juices flowing and actually make things, finish projects I've started or intended to start but never got around to it.
5. Clean and keep clean.  Working 7 days a week doesn't offer much time to keep clean and organized, now with all of this new found time, I have no excuse really
6. Get on the lake - I've already started pricing out Inflatable water crafts and it looks like an inflatable Kayak may be just the right thing for me/us.  It will be great exercise too!
7. Get on the road - take day trips to places I haven't been such as Tallulah Falls, a gorgeous spot that I've been wanting to see since I found out I would be moving to GA back in 2004, it's time I get there.
8. Use the earth as my gym.  No one ever said you had to go to a fitness facility to get in a great workout.  I would love a bicycle
9. Give back - I would love to volunteer some of this new found time on a farm, getting sweaty and dirty.  Another great way to workout AND get some fresh veggies!
10. Meditate - woooooosaaaaaaaaahhhh  it feels good

I think I'll end it here for now.  I guess those are my top 10 things I'd like to get going on in the coming new year.  Looking forward to living a life of more purpose for my health instead of just work, I tried that, it's not all that great for me.

Update: New Art For the Main Living Area

I knew I shouldn't have walked into Z. Gallerie...sigh...I digress...So I saw some framed wall art that I knew I'd be thinking about for the next 5 years if I didn't purchase it and it was affordable in the sense that I probably wouldn't find it for any cheaper all dinged up at Home Goods and the like....so I bought it....for $106 after tax....and I LOVE IT!!  And BF likes it too, so it's all good in the hood!

 It's a Vespa!  Here's the link to purchase your very own if you feel that you too need this Vespa hanging somewhere in your dwelling.  You're welcome!

As you can see, I moved an end table and lamp in there (originally from the bedroom), The living room needed an end table and that corner certainly needed some light, oh and I moved the Himilayan Salt Lamp that I picked up on Target's website onto that table as well.  I can't seem to find a link to the actual size that I purchased for $29.99, but if you're interested I've seen them in Whole Foods in the Health and Beauty section for around the same price.  It gives off such a nice amber glow, like the glow from a candle but without the flickering.

The place is really coming together nicely.  I feel it's finally starting to say "A happy, fun-loving artist on a budget lives here"

Too bad it doesn't say "A happy, fun-loving artist and her boyfriend who are on a budget live here"  I haven't found the right pieces to make that statement yet.

But I love him. and he loves me. and he is happy with the new framed wall art.  :) and that makes me happy!

The bedroom is starting to come together, but right now it's no where near ready to be photographed.  So here is a picture of the kitchen after being cleaned and ready for it's photo shoot.  Sorry for the darkness, it was night time.

Life is Good

Ahhhhh......Organizing the Storage Closet

The next organizing project.....the Storage Closet.  Apartment living is great...lots of amenities, gated for safety, no maintenance, etc....but when it comes to storage, you're kind of screwed.  We do happen to have a decent sized storage closet (the largest I've ever seen in an apartment complex) however without shelving etc....this is basically what it becomes.

A complete nightmare when trying to find something that is stored.

I'd been ITCHING to get this somewhat organized...can you blame me?  Everytime I went to search for something in there I had to pull everything out, find it, and then shove everything back in.  So I purchased this Wonderful Invention

BF wasn't really on board for the whole organizing project as he thought it wouldn't make a difference.

I'll let you be the judge...

You can actually walk into the closet now....I can even dance in there!  Oh and I can find everything in a matter of SECONDS!

Here's the Before and After side by side

Like a Fine Wine

....so my birthday was back in August...exactly 2 months ago....on the 21st.  There is good reason as to why I have not blogged I promise and I'll fill you in on those details in another post (that hopefully I can get around to before another 2 months have passed!)

Several loved ones decided to surprise me by throwing a 35th birthday party for me at a local establishment.

 Lots of friends came to join in the celebration....

 
There were even a few more surprises thrown in, like my oldest sister, AND....My Mom!

Here is me in all of my birthday fabulous-ness....!

We also celebrated Baby Face and my 1 year anniversary!!

Cause he did ask me to be his girlfriend back on my 34th birthday.....and I said "yes" cause I am not that crazy to pass up all of his precious-ness!

It was a night I will never forget.  I felt absolutely fabulous and well-loved!

Here's to a lifetime filled with lots of happiness and love from my peeps!