Resolutions Recap for 2012

These are my 2012 Resolutions. I crossed out the ones I am happy with when it comes to my progress. I had an incredible year. It was busy and exciting.
1. Lose the baby weight
2. Read 2 (or more) books per month
3. Get back on Goodreads, keep up pintrest, project 365 and instagram
4. Be a better blogger
5. Have a date night at least once a month with out the baby
6. Practice monthly Random Acts of Kindness
7. Make a bucket list
8. Try 24 new recipes this year (2 or more per month)
9. Continue on my cookie and crochet journey see where it leads
10. Make good spending and saving habits
11. Be a great spouse, mother, friend, sister, daughter and family member
12. Take 2 trips
13. Do a 5k. (maybe this year ;) haha!)
addition to my list:
14. Read the bible. I found a reading plan for the Methodist Church and I'm going to try to do it.

I love making goals and resolutions. I may not complete them all but I think it is important to have goals. I am making my new goals for 2013. I always aim to complete as many as possible but I am not disappointed in my progress.

Halloween on Long Island

I have never been a huge fan of Halloween. I loathe scary movies, will not go into a haunted house and scare easily. But I enjoy seeing the creativity in costumes and the decorations.

This year there were few trick or treaters compared to the past due to power outages and Sandy related issues around Long Island. 

           

Rocco had a crochet black hat made by me and he was Nemo! There was even a little gimp fin on one side of the costume. Greg and I did not dress up and we didn't take him trick or treating. My husband had the entire week off and we were able to see both of our extended families and show off our little guys first Halloween. My only regret is that we didn't get a family picture together. Live and learn! 

Another October pic with a Pumpkin hat I made for the baby

 This year Greg and I decided to carve our first pumpkin. We have NEVER done it! 10 years together and not 1 pumpkin carved! We had a lot of fun. Greg did most of the work. I baked the seeds and entertained Rocco while we all hung out in the kitchen. The picture below is out lit Jack O Lantern. 

I had a lot of cookie orders for Halloween. I made almost 400 mini cookies and presented them in many ways. I put this little group of photos together for my instagram. 

With October in the books now it is time for November and for me to attack my goals and get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can't believe the year is coming to a close. This is my favorite time of year. I love layers, scarves and the feel of fall! 

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy

This monster storm, nicknamed "Frankenstorm" hit the coast of New Jersey on Monday evening. 

New Jersey and parts of New York were just devastated. Breezy Point Queens, NY lost over 50 homes in a fire that spread quickly through a few blocks of that community. Manhattan was blacked out from power losses and had 4 tunnels and it's subways flooded. The Jersey Shore - Seaside Heights lost most of its boardwalk. Fire Island, Long Island NY had a ocean breach and ALL of it was under water at some point. It is scary to see all the trees down, wires down, gas shortages and neighborhoods with out power. There have been almost 70 people killed in storm related deaths.

My family has basically made it through the storm with no major damage. My heart aches for all the people who are struggling right now and I am praying for them all!

Taking Responsibility

I have a bunch of excuses on why the past week wasn't good for working out, eating right or weight loss.

1. It was my husbands birthday weekend

2. we were celebrating our anniversary

3. I had 4 cookie orders this week

4. I had no time to buy fruit and veggies

5. eating out was easier

6. it was girls night

I could go on and on....

BUT I am not going to. I could have made a tiny bit of time and got things done. YES I have been busy and it was really tough but it is not that tough. I have credited my self with making the time to get fit these past 3 months and LOVE my progress,  I am not letting my goals get away from me. I should have done more.

I am making up for the squats and crunches that I have missed. I am going to try to get some walking in at some point, drinking water and really need to start tracking my food intake again. 

I did not weigh in yesterday. I decided to wait until next week to see how it goes. It is what it is. I am responsible and proud to make these changes.

10 Years Together

This weekend marks 10 years since Greg and I made it official and started dating. I can't believe how much we have gone through in that time. 

Greg and I met at work when we both worked at Wal-Mart. We were not even friendly at first, then we became work friends. After a while we decided to grab dinner at the diner and work on college homework with out anyone one else around. - still wasn't a date. LOL We were hanging out a lot as friends and then finally Greg took me on a date. We went to Olive Garden and it was semi awkward. All of a sudden I was nervous and things were different. With in weeks I said a phrase which was way to soon, but out of my mouth it came "I love my boyfriend".  Greg smiled and we joked about it, but it was true. I knew from that day on I loved Greg and still do. 

I just knew it was meant to be. We dated for years before we moved in together and then we were engaged for Christmas of 2006 and Married in November of 2008.

We are now a family of 3 with Rocco's birth in 2012. I feel so lucky to have a man like Greg. 

From Rocco's Baptism in May 

My First 5k!

In July I decided it was time to do something about my health. I saw a pic of myself and thought it had to be someone else. I wished it was someone else, but no it was me. My body has changed with having my son. I wouldn't give him up for the world but I would like to change how my body is reacting to weight and bloating. 

So with that picture (which I may share someday) I decided to join weight watchers went for a walk the next day. I didn't get far. I made it about a 1/2 mile with Rocco in his stroller. But I did it again and again until now where I can walk a lot further with out feeling like kneeling over. 

My friend Kim P over at Gettingfabuless.com has been a huge inspiration for me over the past few years. She told me she was doing this 5k back in August. I had just started getting into working out and walking and wash't sure if I could do it. I was thinking about it and thinking about it then finally I just clicked the link and signed up. I had a goal; to FINISH. I knew I wouldn't be first, I would be ok with last place, but I just wanted to FINISH. 

And FINISH I did! I beat my own personal times and felt like a rock star. 

My friend Kathy (blue hat) came to cheer me on. As well as my husband and our son. The lovely lady in black with me is Kim P. HUGE thanks to her for being so supportive and being there for me at the finish to welcome me in! 

I am considering another 5k next month on Thanksgiving - called a Turkey Trot. What a way to start the day that most people eat thru. Also, I might try the Couch to 5k program to help me with my speed and running thru more of the 5k then I did on this race. 

October Goals

I have completed making a list of my October Goals and wanted share them. I changed it up and categorized the areas of things to complete.

Fitness
Complete first 5k
Do the Crunch Diva challenge for October
Complete 41 miles in October
Lose 10lbs
Consider / sign up for Turkey Trot

Leisure / Craft
Read 2 books
Complete block of month for Crochet Class
Make Rocco a hat for his Halloween costume
Pumpkin Hat for Rocco
Pink / White hats for Kylie
4 scarves for the Church Sale
Have 2 Date Nights with Greg
Update Book Blog

Baking / Cooking
Make 20 cookies for Church sale
Try 4 new recipes
Complete all orders for October
Host Coffee Hour for Church

Household
Clean out my closet
Childproof all areas
Make Christmas shopping / crafting list

Pretty ambitious for this month but fingers crossed having my new planner and being organized I can get it all done!