12 by 2012 : My Project of Goals

I really put some thought into this and I've come up with my 12 by 2012 list! As I said in my previous post about the 12 by 2012, I want to participate in Danni's "project of goals" and make a list of things to accomplish before we ring in the new year. I have a mix of serious and not so serious goals...I've gotta keep it realistic, right?! : )

Here they are (no order of importance)!

1. ETSY || I want to learn as much as I can about opening an Etsy shop. I need to do more research and get more insight in order to decide if I want to go for it in 2012!
Update: I now have an Etsy shop! Visit here!!

2. BUDGET || I budget. A lot. So, that isn't the hard part. The hard part is sticking to the budget. Normally I don't stray too far but the main goal is to budget for Christmas! I usually go overboard and I don't want that to be the case this year. I want to put some time into it and make out a realistic budget and STICK TO IT.

Update #1: I made the budget and I'm well on my way to following it! I'll update after the final gift is purchased

Update #2--I followed the budget and actually came in a little under what I thought I would! : )

3. GIVE || The holiday season is the easiest time to give to others, but what about the rest of the year? My goal is to research local organizations that I can volunteer with. I want to volunteer at least once before 2012 and build a habit that will continue through 2012!

Update #1: (My team at work is planning on a group volunteer event! Yay!)

Update #2: I volunteered with the Second Harvest food bank! I organized a group trip with my coworkers. We completed it last night and there are talks of making it a monthly thing for some of us. I had an awesome time! : )

4. GET HEALTHY || I have a long way to go with this. No, I'm not unhealthy, but I'm definitely not healthy by any means. I don't exercise enough and I eat way too many sweets. My goal is to establish an exercise pattern for myself and get started on it before Jan. 1!

Update #1: Well, I didn't start exercising (unless you count fruit ninja!) and I don't have a concrete workout plan, BUT I do live closer to the fitness center and plan on going. We shall see!

5. LATE FEES || I am terrible about returning most things. Which is why I don't borrow them :) I need to head to the library so I can pay those late fees off from the summer.

Update: PAID! : )

6. READ || Yes, this does depend on #5 so I really gotta get to it! I want to read at least 5 books by Christmas!

#1 Hunger Games

#2 Jackie as Editor

#3 Two Kisses for Maddy

#4 Little Bee

#5 11/22/63

Update #1: I have 4 of these 5 books in my possession!

Update #2: I have read 2 books so far! I'm waiting to see if I get the 2nd or 3rd Hunger Games books before I start reading the 1st one (per the advice of a good friend).

Update #3: I have still only read 2 book so far, but I have started on the 3rd one (#5).

7. PICTURES || With the exception of a few, most people in my life release a loud *sigh* when my camera comes out. Well, it's time for me to get past it and take some pictures of people! I want complete one photo session with PEOPLE by 2012!

Update #1: I still haven't done this, unless you count the group shot we took on Christmas day. I'll have to keep working on this one!

8. BLOGGER MEET UP || I envy those people out there that get to meet up with their blogger friends all the time, so it's time that I take the plunge!

Update #1: I'm signed up for the Nashville Blogger Blitz on December 28th!

Update #2: I made it to the meet up and met some sweet bloggers! So excited to have done it :)

9. LOAN || I want to make one extra loan payment before Christmas as a present to myself!

10. BANKING || I need to find a new local bank (that doesn't charge me for using a debit card).

UPDATE: Regions decided to refund all banking fees and get rid of the debit card fee. No need to change now! Yay!!

11. TABLE TUTORIAL || I have all of the info needed to put my handmade dining room table tutorial together, but I have been putting it off.

Update #1: I haven't done this yet, but I'm putting it on my list of things to do in 2012!

12. OPRYLAND || Of all the time I've spent in Nashville, I've never been to Opryland hotel. I hear that it's amazing inside, especially during the holidays. I think it's about time to go :)

Update: I went this past weekend! Yayyyy! I can't wait to post some pics for you : )

Alright, with a mere 66 days to go, I've gotta get a move on!

What would you put on your list??

Check back in later to see if I can make it through them all by 2012!

Updated on 11/1/2011

Updated on 11/21/2011

Updated on 12/21/2011

Final Update on 1/1/2012