The weather has been ridiculous lately. This week, I’ve been heading to work in 12-degree weather every morning. I know, I know—it’s colder for most of you, but I’m originally from Florida. Even though I’ve lived in Tennessee for nearly nine years, I find it hard to adapt to the cold at times. I have an issue with figuring out what to wear to keep warm.

Okay, I’ll be honest. I didn’t want to start this post out by talking about the weather. (The weather just always seems like a good conversation starter, right?) I wanted to write about the fact that it’s finally 2010, and how I feel like it’s going to be a big year. Does anyone else feel that way? Like this year is going to be all about good change? I’m not a big believer in the whole “new year, new me” idea. (I like to think I can create a “new, fresh me” without the help of a new year.) However, this year feels like a “new me” year. Something about twenty-ten feels fresh.

Luckily, I was able to end 2009 by enjoying some time away from the responsibility that is work and school. I was able to sleep in alongside Husband and enjoy relaxing days on the couch. (Okay, so the second week was like that. The first week was spent running around while finishing up last-minute shopping for Christmas.) Monday, however, I came back to 40-hour work weeks and waking up at 5:00 a.m. (Okay, I lied again. This week will only be a 32-hour work week because I’m leaving for Florida on Friday.) Even though I’m back to the daily grind, I feel refreshed and excited about what 2010 has in store for me.

So, here we go. The obligatory “goal/resolution” post. I want to set a few manageable goals/plans for the year, so that I have things to look forward to.

Maintain a decent GPA and successfully complete two more semesters of school. At the end of next week, my four online classes will be opening up. I maintained a good GPA last semester, but due to dropping out of school in the Spring of 2008, my cumulative GPA is slightly under 3.0. I’m hoping this semester, I’ll be able to bring it up to at least that. I’ll probably take a couple classes in the summer, and after the Fall 2010 semester is complete, I should be just one semester away from completing my General Transfer degree in Psychology. Taking it one step at a time, though, is key.

Save up enough money to take at least two mini-vacations over the summer. I realized that the last time Husband and I went on a trip was our honeymoon (June 2008). Like I said, we’re going to Florida in January to visit family. Over the summer, I’d like to take a trip to celebrate our anniversary (possibly to Asheville again), and we may take a trip with my in-laws, since it’s my brother-in-law’s last summer before college.

Live fully, love deeply, and laugh whole-heartedly. My favorite words to live by. I want to tackle this year with an optimistic approach by living my life as fully as I possibly can. Simply put.

I have many ideas for goals I’d like to accomplish this year, but like I said, one step at a time. What do you have planned for this year?

I’ve been busy. Too busy to blog, too busy to open my Google Reader as much as I would have liked, and too busy to just be. Things are beginning to slow down, though.

I mentioned a while ago that my company would be losing their contract. Well, long story short, a little over a month ago, I interviewed with a new contractor, and I got the call back this week with the offer. Relief, I swear. I’ll be working the same position I work now, but it will be “permanent” rather than “temporary,” so I’ll have benefits. Finally. I’ll be switching to the company this week, but I have to take a two week furlough after the switch. It’s bittersweet, really. I welcome the vacation, but it’s going to be tough not getting paid for two weeks. Next semester, though, I’ll be a full-time student as well as working full time, so I’m going to enjoy this while it lasts.

This past weekend, I finished my fall semester of school. I passed all three of my classes with flying colors (2 A’s and 1 B), and I don’t have to return to tests and homework until January 14, 2010. Ah, the beauty of Christmas break. So, yes, I will have at least two weeks free of work AND school.

I’ve finished all of my Christmas shopping. I may get a few stocking stuffers here and there, but it’s so wonderful to be completely rid of the stress that is Christmas shopping. (I ordered mostly everything online, though, so it was relatively stress-free to begin with.)

Sadly, most of my goals had to be put on the backburner for a week or so (aside from the not biting my nails part. They have remained “bite-free” for over a week!), but it’ll be so nice to get things back on track this week.

I was going to post about the gifts I’m giving my family, but I’m not sure if they read the blog or not, so I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Instead, I’ll give a little update on my resolution progress.

Stop biting my nails. I’ve refrained from biting my nails since Saturday. They’re growing slowly, but I really should start taking my vitamins again to help them out.

Figure out what I believe in. Husband and I have been going to church (two weeks in a row now!). I’m still trying to figure things out on my own, though. Over the summer, I’m hoping to sign up for a Religions of the World class, if it’s available.

Figure out my purpose / Become more clearly myself. As part of 20sb’s Blogger Tour, I’m participating in Stratejoy‘s “Joy Equation.”* It’s a 30-day program of figuring out how to overcome the quarterlife crisis and “live your life on purpose.” I’ll be journaling daily, and with the help of Molly Hoyne, I will hopefully figure out my purpose.

Maintain a happy, healthy marriage. Honestly, right now, this one is the easiest. I’m not saying things are always perfect, but we’re at a good place right now. We’re learning how to support each other every day.

Yoga. Okay, this is where I need YOUR help. (Hey, Doniree! Or anyone, really.) I’m not sure where to begin, exactly. I have the equipment, but do you have any suggestions on where to start?

*Disclaimer: Yes, this is offered to me for free as I was one of the chosen members of 20sb after I signed up.

Yesterday, I posted my resolutions as a 21-year-old. Well, I have another to add to the list. Stop using artificially scented products. Or at least cut back on them as much as possible.

Did you know that artificial fragrances can store themselves in your body and have been linked to cancer? Not only that, but musks don’t biodegrade. I found all of this information through Body & Soul magazine in this article:

Synthetic musks, for instance — widely used in perfumes, deodorants, and detergents — have been linked to cancer. They can bioaccumulate, or store themselves in the body, and have been found in breast milk, which means that nursing infants ingest them. Research indicates that these musks don’t biodegrade; they’ve been found polluting watersheds and the plants and animals that live there. Another worrisome class of chemicals, phthalates, are often used in fragrance because they allow the smell to last longer. They have been linked to changes in the reproductive and endocrine systems as well as in the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands. (via)

What’s even scarier is the fact that, while cosmetics must have ingredients listed, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies aren’t required to list their ingredients. You know, the laundry detergent that you use to wash your clothes, which you wear all day? Yeah, your body is ingesting those harmful chemicals. Even air fresheners, though you don’t spray them on yourselves, can cause damage because you’re still breathing in the chemicals.

What can you do? Stop using scented products, unless they are naturally scented (with essential oils and such). Look at the ingredients of everything you put on our body. If ingredients aren’t listed, find a similar product that does list their ingredients. There are so many “green” products out today, and they aren’t that expensive. Even if they are a few pennies extra, wouldn’t you rather be paying that now than paying for it later on down the line (in terms of medical problems)?

Where can you buy “safe” products?*

• This article has many suggestions from laundry detergent to lip balm to soap.
• Etsy. There are so many shops that make their products from natural ingredients … because they don’t have to mass-produce. They spend time on each individual product to create something safe for you. (Some shops to check out: Pink Parchment Soaps and Mad Hatter Soap Co.)
• Seventh Generation. A natural line of cleaning products from laundry to feminine care.

So, this is where I’m starting. I’m not promising to wipe out these things entirely–not immediately, anyway. It could take some time … But I’d like to get there eventually!

*If you can think of other green products, link to them in the comments!

My birthday was yesterday, and unlike most people who set resolutions at the start of a new year, I like to set resolutions at the start of MY new year. Plus, Ashley did this post on goals, and it just made me think. Not only that, but I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately (about careers and “me time” mostly–which I’ll be writing about once I can get it into words), and I have some ideas for this year of my life.

Eat cleaner foods. Honestly, I’ve realized this is all about time management. It’s easy to eat healthy. However, it’s so much easier to just grab the usual at the grocery store or take a quick trip to the drive-thru. No more of that. From now on, I want to plan out my meals in advance and actually make grocery lists … making sure that the foods Husband and I eat are clean.

Stop biting my nails. (Stole this one from Ashley.) It’s true: I’m a nail biter. Husband hates it, but it’s a nervous habit. I looked at my nails yesterday, though, and they really don’t look pretty. Plus, it’s an unhealthy, disgusting habit to have. So, breaking that one. I hope.

Yoga. Um, yes. Husband bought me some yoga gear last Christmas, and I’ve yet to really use it. I want to spend some time with myself, though, just being. I think yoga will help that.

Figure out what I believe in. I don’t discuss my beliefs here, but I have them. I think. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it, but I want to. I want to become more grounded in my spirituality and really figure out what/who I believe in.

Find optimism in everything. I was once a very optimistic person, but I’ve slacked up. I want to continue finding optimism in everything, even if there doesn’t seem to be a bright side.

Maintain a happy, healthy marriage. Husband and I are happy. Every day, we learn something new about each other, and rather than terrify us, it keeps us growing together. We’ve only been married for nearly a year and a half, but I’m so looking forward to spending the rest of my life with him, as cliche as it sounds.

Figure out my purpose. Okay, so I’m not expecting this to happen in a year … But I want to put myself on the path to figuring out what my purpose in life is.

Become more clearly myself. Each day, I am one step closer to becoming “more clearly myself.” I spend so much time being what the world wants me to be without really looking within … But I’m ready for the journey to find out who I am.