What a deal!

I went to the dollar store the other night and got all this for $24 plus tax!  I love the dollar store!

This was a gift for my friend's bridal shower.  What can I say?  I'm a practical girl.  Sure, other gifts might be more fun....but I figure these are the "little things" that are useful and maybe get forgotten by newlyweds.

Hooray for the dollar store!!!!  Here you will find everything for your household cleaning needs...

Notice the body wash/sponge and front and center...a pregnancy test (who knows if it actually works! I mean....it was only a dollar!)  I originally wanted to sneak in a hideous thong or something to jazz things up but sadly they had nothing but grandma underwear at the dollar store.  Then while at the checkout, my boyfriend spotted the preggo test and suggested I get that.  I was like "uhhhhhhh........OK!"

At the party we were invited to give some advice to the happy couple.  Mine was written on the card.

Here's the cute bride-to-be!

Motivational Hoodie

This is my motivational hoodie.
My parents got this for me in Argentina a few years ago.
Apparently is had some kind of relationship with a soap opera or TV show
(Random, I know, but I like it!)
It also helps me remember what my blood type is.
Hmm.  Useful!

I love the beginning of a fresh new year!
Although I can hardly believe it's 2010 (seems like a futuristic, science fictional thing),
I am looking forward to what's ahead and already it has started off quite well. ;)
Like many, I have often made my little list of goals (or what some call "New Year's Resolutions")
I've never really considered myself to be the "goal oriented" type exactly, and always kinda struggled with the whole process.  I'm also kind of a perfectionist sometimes and expect a lot from myself.  Sometimes even unrealistic things, and when I don't measure up I get very frustrated.  So, what would often happen would be that I'd start out really excited about changing and becoming better, and then a few failures later I was kinda done.

Let's face it, checking things off a To-Do list feels wonderful.
Failure, not so much. Often it is not motivating.
But! I guess it all depends on how you're looking at it....

The first sunday at church we had an awesome, motivating little lesson on goals and goal making and I've decided that this year I want to have a different attitude.  This year I'm going to focus on consistency and perseverance.  Essentially.....enduring to the end.

So what if my goal is to not drink soda pop and by the end of the year I still drink it?
(and I really don't even drink that much but sometimes Coke just tastes so good to wash down pizza or pasta!)
Well then, the important thing is that at the very least I'm drinking less than I was before.

I have learned that it's ok if reaching a goal takes time.  Even if it turns out to be longer than originally anticipated.   (That is of course, as long as we are working on it)  Just like they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day".  What matters is taking it one step at a time, It just takes little steps day by day, improving bit by bit.

I like this quote:

"Perfection is a process and not an event, and you will come to appreciate that perfection is an internal matter, not external. It is a process by which you and I learn to eliminate the things in life that are not good, replcae them with the things in life that are eternal in nature, with the objective and thought that perfection is obtainable, but it must be earned."

Elder Russell M. Ballard

We got this nifty little handout about making goals. I hope you'll find it helpful.
1. Get clear on a goal
2. Write it down (very important, so you don't forget!)

3. Asses your goal

   Think of in present tense "I am....", not "I will...."

    Be specific

    Make sure it's achievable and measurable

    Be positive, say "i can do it!"

   Set a time limit

4. Break it down (start small, step by step)
5. Get help (family, friends, prayer)
6. Take action (Just do it! Don't wait.)
7. Keep your goal alive (nurture it, feed it, make visual reminders, etc.)

Oh, back to the hoodie, my goal this semester (inspired by a certain someone) is to get a 4.0.  The last time I actually got a 4.0 was in high school I think.....This semester I'm taking 17 credits (which I also haven't done in awhile) and working 30 hours a week.  I realize that to some people this is nothing, but for me it will be a challenge.

Wish me luck! :)  And best wishes to you and your goal making.

Make 2010 the best ever!!

Blog Safety Tips

Blog Safety Tips - (found bling on the blog website-"click here"s will only work from website)




Whether you are a novice blogger or expert blogger it is always good to have an extra reminder on how to blog safe. There is a large majority of bloggers who simply blog for family and friends and not for exposure. Here is list of ways to blog more safely.



1. Go Private. For instructions on how to make your blog private click here.



2. Change your blog settings. By changing your blog settings you can select your blog to be removed from blog listings and also search engines. By removing your blog from search engines your blog cannot be searched by search engines such as Google. The only way to access your blog is by entering the exact blog address or clicking a link with the exact address. For instruction on how to change your blog settings, click here.



3. Never use your last name anywhere on the blog. This includes your url address, blog title, and throughout your posts. If your last name is in you url (blog) address it is easy to change to a new name. For instructions on how to change your blog (name) address, click here.



4. Never post actual birthdates. Post birthday events a day, week or even a month after the actual event.



5. Disable right-click to prevent your photos from being copied. Please note, if you disable right-click your viewers will not be able to right click on any of your links as well.



6. Add a copyright image or watermark on your pictures. This can be done by using a photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop.



7. Never post pictures of the outside of your house or car. Especially with your house number or license plate visible!



8. Never mention where your kids go to school or any workplace.



9. Do not add countdowns for vacations or other events that would allow people to know when you will be out of your house.



10. Do not post when your spouse is out of town for work or deployment.



11. Moderate the comments made on your blog before they are allowed to be published. This will protect you from random or spam comments posted on your blog. For instruction on how to moderate you comments, click here.



12. Add a web or hit counter to you blog site. Although this will not tell you the names of those viewing your blog it will allow you to view the IP address and where your viewer are located (typically State or Country).



13. Have courtesy for your fellow bloggers. When adding your friends and families blogs to your blog list DO NOT include their last names. Many bloggers do not want to go private and are doing their part to protect themselves. Have courtesy and do the same.



14. Do not post you email address on your blog or when you are commenting on anothers blog. You are allowing others to send you spam. An easy way to allow reader to email you without posting your email address is using a contact form such as Kontactr (it's free).



15. Assume anything you publish on your blog will be permanent. Anyone can copy, print, or save to a computer what you publish whether your blog is private or not private.