26 Things

When I chose to start a blog, the intention was to create a forum to share ideas and experiences with a few of my closest friends. Still, I haven't asked anyone to follow me or made a huge attempt to find followers. Sometimes I wish I was a successful blogger, but then I remember that it's not about being the most popular blogger-kid on the cyber street and no one really cares. Anyway, I really enjoy reading when other bloggers have lists of 21 things, 100 things, etc. and it could be because they always have interesting projects going on or basically a life in general and then I remembered a joke, story, or something of that nature that I heard, read, or made-up and it addresses that issue perfectly (in my opinion). The basis of the joke or story is that people use the facebook check-in function to "check-in" at places that they really aren't, to make the impression that they have a more active life than they actually do. Which I find to be hilarious and would do, if I could even figure out how to "check-in" anywhere. Mark my words, when I do figure out how to "check-in" I'll be places and you'll probably be jealous.

FOCUS. Back to the task at hand: 26 Things. I chose 26, because I originally chose 24 (my age) and I mis-numbered my entries...I suck. So here it goes...

1. I hate the word primitive. Don't get me wrong, I like metal stars (but ONLY one used at a time) and I like old wooden ladders (occasionally), and most other antique-like things, but I do not like garland and the overuse of dusty stuff. I can appreciate the use of antiques, but I'm not into clutter and for the lack of a better word: trinkets. Let me paint you a picture: a mantle with a metal star, wrapped in garland, hanging on an old window, with a teddy bear sitting on the corner, behind a candle, wrapped in garland, with a wooden letter, against 50 mason jars, blue mason jars, holding candles. I prefer a much more simple way...of everything.

2. We're searching for a house. Maybe to rent, maybe to buy. We'd like to start a small farm and homestead.

3. I should visit my friends and family more. I know, I'm horrible. Luckily, I have some very understanding friends and family, willing to visit me. I don't deserve them.

4. Finding a job is not my goal. I have a job. Finding the right job is my goal. I need to remember I have unique experiences and talents that will land me the right job...

5. Patience. I do not have it. Frustration. I am too easily overtaken by it. I must learn to be patient for what is worth waiting for and not to become easily frustrated over minuscule tasks. Job searching has been a source for so much of these feelings. I grow a little each and everyday and even though these small successes aren't always recognized, I must take time out to realize them. While my job now is not my career and not my ultimate goal, it has allowed me to meet some great people, hone my customer service skills, and access to an amazing gym and pool facility for free.

6. I love cooking. I have always enjoyed cooking and making wholesome meals for my friends and family. Chase and I have tried some great recipes and it is our goal to add more to our arsenal, making them healthy and nutritious. Sometimes that is the hard part.

7. Honey Tupelo in Asheville N.C. is my favorite restaurant ever. My parents gifted me their cookbook for my birthday this past year and it has proven itself time and time again. If you are looking for a great cookbook you can find this one on the restaurant's website.

8. I desperately want to break free of the chains of facebook. As sad as it sounds, I have succumbed to the pressures of comparisons that are so easy to inflict on yourself when looking through pictures of other's adventures, status changes, etc.

9. This past fall and winter I sold honey for a beekeeper at the farmer's market and fell in love with it. Yes, waking up early every Saturday is not the best, but being up and at the market when the sun comes up, having delicious coffee, and meeting so many nice people was totally worth it. Chase and I would love to have our own market spot and sell goods. We have been contemplating a lot of ideas and goods, many of which require us to have more than 500 sq feet of space that we currently have in our apartment. We're thinking rain barrels, small trees, honey, hand-painted cards, jewelry, vegetables, my mother's crocheted goods and sewing projects, etc. What do you all think?

10. I have always wanted a bountiful garden. This year I will realize that dream and hopefully learn a lot from the experience. I had a small, very small herb garden while in college and I neglected it very well. Despite not taking care of it, ignoring the trash after parties that littered it, and never watering it, it still flourished and gave me a lot of rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, and strawberries! (Yes, i didn't mention the strawberries, because no self-respecting gardener would plant strawberries in their "herb" garden).

11. Fitness. I really like being active, but I also really like hanging out. Recently, I started utilizing my free gym membership more often (Chase is a good motivator and wants to work on his running, so I'm lucky to always have a workout buddy). More specifically, I started swimming and thus far I really enjoy it. The first day I was so sore, but having never been a swimmer before, I am learning strokes and the basics and everyday is getting better. *I heard that swimming is a really good, low-impact workout that uses every muscle in your body.

12. I need to work on my running. I should sign-up for a race.

13. Homesteading: chickens, bees, fruit trees, gardens, canning, building furniture (pallet), cows, wood stoves, crafts...must do this.

14. I am very lucky to have such a good family. I think about moving away, sometimes far away and I don't know that I'd be good at it. I'd miss my family, but maybe that would make our time together even more cherished. Right now, I live only a few hours from my parents and two brothers and sadly do not see them as often as I should. I should visit more this year. I'd like to involve my family in my interest more. My dad would be a great gardener and I'd like to help him start a garden, he needs something to piddle around in on his days off.

15. Weddings, Babies, and Houses, OH MY! Many of my friends fall into two categories: those who are married, getting married, having babies, have babies, have a house, or are buying a house, etc. and those who are not interested in that stuff at all right now. I envy both. While getting married, having babies, and a beautiful house to decorate, paint and garden at sounds so wonderful, I also know a few things. Weddings are expensive and you should never rush into anything that intense too fast (why miss out on all the fun along the way...the "remember before we were married" phase). Babies are cute and cuddly, but until a few years ago, I didn't even know you fed babies more than 3 times a day (reason enough that I am not ready to have one), they poop (and it directly affects you), and can't talk for awhile (and let's just admit that even when they do start talking no one knows what they're talking about anyway). And last, but certainly not least, houses are a huge commitment. Decorating and refinishing are fun and look nice, but that costs money...and not pocket change. All in all, I want to do it up right and what's right for me right now is to enjoy the journey and be a little bit more like my adventurous friends who are off working in beautiful and fun places, working jobs they love, and enjoying their lives...not chained to these huge commitments, just yet anyway.

16. I have 10 more...24 is a lot!

17. Fashion is not my thing. I try, but I rarely succeed at creating a cute outfit. My goal is to slowly (very slowly) build a wardrobe that says "I'm a young interesting professional" and less "I clearly just graduated college and wear more yoga pants and sweatshirts than someone who actually does yoga and sweats".

18. Painting. I used to be an artist. I mean I was in a few art classes in High School, I won an award...a few times. I really enjoy painting and pastels, I just haven't kept up with it and hardly did anything artistic at all in college. This year, I painted all my Christmas cards and I loved doing it. Simple designs and something homemade for my friends and family. My goal for lent is to paint 40 cards and send them to different people. I want to connect or reconnect with friends and family that I have neglected through college and grad school (Yes, I was busy, but not that busy and now that I am done, I need to prioritize the people that are important to me).

19. Church: I recently included a posting about our mission to find a church, and we have found one that we both enjoy. The positive messages each week have proven to be good for me and reflecting on them throughout the week has been making a difference.

20. Improve my blog. I'd like to learn more about blogspot and how to add photos and hyperlinks. I know this should be second nature to me because 1. I spend a lot of time on a computer, and 2. These are supposedly simple tasks.

21. Kayaks: I love being outdoors. Kayaking is another opportunity for me to spend more time outside, and improve my tan. As we all know, while hiking is rewarding, beginning a hike never brings out the best in me and I need to change that. Hopefully, swimming and kayaking will reignite my love for the outdoors and change the sour mood I have towards long hikes.

22. I'd like to work on my bread baking skills. I found this no-knead recipe in Mother Earth News. I'm going to try it out this week. Crusty bread, here I come!!!

23. We want to get a labradoodle. No shedding, big, fluffy, cute dog. I want to name it Barley.

24. I got a hair straightener. I rarely use it. My hair looks like poo.

25. Travel: I'd like to visit a few places this year. Florida, to visit my friends and family. We have crazy schedules, but it's important that Chase goes with me. I really want him to meet my family. We will try this year. Asheville, I love it there. I'd like to go with my family too, they need us to be their tour guides. Washington D.C., we live too close not to visit! I'd love to do all the touristy things and see Heidi and Andrew. Virginia Beach, Dana visits so often. I owe her. I need to see her and Becky and Jon! ** Last, but not least I need to visit Jessica. Jessica is one of my dear friends. Someone who I can call or talk to anytime and it's still always the same. We have had the BEST times since we met 5 years ago. Capsizing a boat, going to Hawai'i together, surviving some of the best adventures. I need to see her. I WILL visit this year.**

26. My childhood best friend, Reva is having a baby! I am super excited for them and cannot wait to meet the new little "Erin" or "Aaron"! My friend, Katy is also preggers! I will get to see her all the time, and she's already threatened me that I'll have to tie her shoes when she's fat...