4 simple things

i loved this post from elsie on a beautiful mess & decided to play along. 

it's simple: set 4 simple goals for yourself to work on before the new year. 

make sure they're activity-oriented rather than results-oriented -- like, instead of, "i'm going to find a new job," say, "i'm going to apply for two new jobs a week." get it? : ) 

 1. learn a new thing in photoshop every day. this is a big one for me. since i'm entirely self-taught in photography & photoshop, i haven't completely learned the ins & outs of my editing tools. i'm ready for some fancy new tricks. 

 2. a random act of service every day. i really believe the way we treat others is reflected back in how we treat, take care of, and love ourselves. i'm an incorrigible optimist and my favorite thing is to share that with others -- whether it be complimenting every person i run into, sending a handwritten note, babysitting for a friend, etc. i want to make this a priority -- something that's on my to-do list every day, right beside work, errands, and chores -- because it's just as, if not more, important than everything else. 

3. tell robbie what i'm grateful for each day. i try to post gratitude lists on this blog two to four times a month. but what a wonderful feeling it is to fall asleep after sharing with my husband what i'm grateful for today, and what i'm looking forward to tomorrow. and hearing the same from him. 

4. cook something new at least once a week. cooking is one of those things where i never had a strong, clear role model to emulate. i've always loved trying to cook & bake new things, but most of my inspiration comes from blogs, pretty cookbooks i find, and, let's be honest, martha stewart. when i eventually have kiddos, i want them to love eating the food i make. and i want to be able to whip up things without staring at a book every time. and i want to be a model for them. so, without further ado, i'm off to catalog some recipes!