New Goals for Oct-Dec

I can't believe September is almost over! This month has really disappeared. So, after missing the third quarter of this year, it's time to set some concrete goals for the last three months of 2012!

To recap, here were my New Year's resolutions for 2012, which I've broken up into more maneageable pieces throughout the year, and added to as I've gone along:

Concrete Goals:

1. Lose 40 pounds (complete as of today!!!)
2. Complete a half marathon (complete - 3/11)
3. "Year of the Yard" - front yard landscaping (complete), improve general upkeep (in progress...)

Habits to Build:

1. Keep the car clean - part of my 2Q goals, I am doing so-so at keeping this up
2. Floss more - also part of 2Q goals, definitely not doing good at keeping this up as of now
3. Get to work earlier - not much progress here, but not really needed in my new job, so that's okay

Basically, I have completed my goals for the year, although some of those habits need a little help to keep on track! So for 4th quarter, I can kind of start from scratch and here's what I am thinking:

1. Maintain my weight loss: I'm still determining exactly what this looks like - my current 'panic weight' is 135lbs, I might lower that a bit to make sure I can kick into action when needed. Depends on what my normal weight fluctuation looks like. But I definitely want to stay below 135, at 130 if possible. And, like I mentioned below, today's weigh-in was my first below 130!!! Finally!

Terrible quality picture - but it's official!!

2. Run a half marathon in under 2 hours: December 9th in Dallas is the plan! Just need to keep up the training and hopefully stay injury free!

3. Consider refinancing my mortgage: I don't usually blog about financial stuff, but interest rates are so low, I figure it's a least worth a look!

4. Plan the kitchen remodel: I have been talking about redoing my kitchen ever since I bought this house 3 years ago. Even though I am pretty sure what I want the end product to look like, most of the steps to getting there are up in the air, and several things I probably need to consult a professional on (relocating appliance, etc.) to even have an idea of what is feasible and how much it will cost. And speaking of cost, I need to determine how much I want to do myself vs. hiring out. Although I really enjoy home improvement projects, I've also been saving for this for awhile and I value my free time a lot! And of course it will probably be a better quality job if someone else does the work! So anyway, I just want to plan out what that process will look like so hopefully I can get it going at the beginning of next year!

Can't wait to get rid of that light, and the ugly cabinet color,
old appliances and the countertops... the list goes on!

5. Complete at least one "Dude, Get on that Already" project per month: There are SO MANY loose ends in my house. I think I'll do a whole separate post on this one because it really is hilarious how many little projects I have started but not finished.

6. Try to make those habits listed above stick (namely flossing, keeping the car clean). I think that's pretty self explanatory. Maybe I'll go back to keeping score on the bathroom mirror again :)

7. Remember birthdays. This is not my strong suit. I would love to be a person that sends thoughtful, on time cards. At least my immediate family is starting to get them before, not after, their birthdays (or maybe only one day after... haha), but I know I always love getting mail, and I'm sure my extended family and friends would appreciate it too! First I need to compile a list, and then I have a cute craft in mind to keep track of them all...

Image from Here

Okay well, more details to come. It seems like a long list, especially with the holidays just around the corner but I'm optimistic I guess! Anybody else setting goals to help motivate yourself?