Love Wins

This is probably the most "controversial" book I've read in a while.. and I loved it! Rob Bell answers some tough questions in an honest and open way. He asks that you put aside what you learned in bible boot camp, and really think about what the Bible says. This book will challenge your mind and heart, in a wonderful way.

The reason I'm writing this book review today is because I just saw a youtube video and it reminded me of this book in action. Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus. Go check it out!

Workspace Woes

My workspace is becoming a problem, in the sense that I don't really have one. I do most of my work from our kitchen counter right now because our apartment is made of 2 rooms and Chris uses the only desk. This is where I'm working right now, and it's bad news.

The swivel bar chairs are the worst. My feet either dangle or I have to wedge them against the wall. I also have to pack everything up when I want to make dinner or risk getting food on my stuff. I need a real space! Like this:

Source: brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com via Design on Pinterest

or this:

Source: madebygirl.blogspot.com via Molly on Pinterest

Something has to be done though. I need a dedicated workspace so I can leave my things out and keep my feet on the floor. I'll let you know what I come up with!

New Year, New Look

I've been secretly working on an update for my blog design for the last few weeks. I did about 75% of it in one night, including getting it live on a test-site, and then took my sweet time finishing the last bit. Some new things I picked up along the way were:

• making social networking icons that light up when your mouse hovers over them
• putting social networking icons in the header
• adding a drop down menu in blogger
• installing Disqus & LinkWithin {super easy btw}
• styling cool bullet points

And also, figuring out how to style block quotes so they turn out something like this:

Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.  ~ Julia Child

Everyday I'm learning new things about blogging and graphic design. In the blink of an eye, 2 or 3 hours will pass while I'm working in photoshop or playing with code. I even bought some super geeky books while I was at home: CSS: The Missing Manual and Smashing Wordpress. And by geeky, I mean the pages are filled with codes that are starting to make sense in my brain.

Goals for 2012

Goals vs. Resolutions 
Setting goals seems less daunting to me than making a resolution. Goals are something you work towards and can adjust and change. A resolution seems so definite and well, breakable. So this year, I'm going to skip the resolution bit and set out some goals for myself.

• Complete 4 or more blog designs per month.

Starting my own business is so exciting. I want to build my skills and portfolio, but also want to avoid burnout and enjoy my last few months on the island. As I get gain experience, this number should increase.

• Find an online teaching job at a college or university. 

Once my degree is posted I want to start searching out online teaching positions. I want to use my Masters degree in some way this year, ideally having it pay for itself through new job opportunities.

• Make dates with my husband to have fun together at least twice a month.

I know what you are thinking, "you only plan to have fun with your husband twice a month?!" But listen. Life as a med-student is no cake walk. Between him finishing his fourth semester, studying for the step, and starting rotations, twice a month sounds like a good start.

• Read 12 books. 

This is significantly less than last year, but I am being realistic. Between starting a new business, job hunting, and moving, I think one book a month sounds just about right.

• Relax *

I need to learn to let go of things that make me anxious and worried. I want to focus my energy on what is good, and stop dwelling on what makes me feel anxious. Not only my mind, but my body too. I want to go to yoga & spend time relaxing.

*This goal was added as part the Journey Forward challenge.

Twelve by 2012: Wrap-up

How did I do??

1- finish up my 10 free makeovers at Priceless Design
Totally kicked this one out of the park! You can see the designs in my portfolio.

2- complete the Caribbean Cooking challenge from Spouses Kitchen 
Fail. I managed 3 meals before losing my momentum.

3- plan something fun for my husband's 30th birthday
Success! Fun surprise party, check!

4- go to Rainbow Yoga at least once a week
Fail. Once a week didn't happen, but I did enjoy yoga every time I went.

5- organize my messy closet 
Fail. We are moving in 4 months, and it may not happen until I start packing up.

6- take a blog designers course from BDN
Loved this workshop. I learned a ton!

7-  read the last 5 books in my Goodreads 2011 Reading Challenge
Fail. I finished 22 of the 24 books I had hoped to read in 2011. But I did read a ton of blogs this year, and that should count for something!

8- get A's in both my classes this semester
Success! I even nailed a 100% in one of them.

9- complete in my masters capstone project: Globablog
Yes and no. My students on the island still have one more activity to complete, but it wasn't because I dropped the ball.. things just took longer han expected.

10- get Priceless Design ready for it's grand opening
Done! I think this goal took precedence over everything else. I'm so excited for how it turned out!

11- organize a Christmas party 
Well, I didn't organize my own Christmas party but I did make a bunch of cookies to share for the one I did attend.

12- walk at my graduation 

I did, and it was great. 4 more weeks of class, and I am finished! The university let us walk before our degree is officially posted.

Score? Roughly 50%. But that's okay. It was kinda fun to cross things off as I went, so I think I will post my goals for the new year {just as soon as I write them}!