2016 Goals

How is it already pretty much February?!? Seriously, is anyone else floored by this? Since it is still technically January, I thought it's better late than never to get my goals for 2016 out there. Some people call them New Years Resolutions, but I think if I call them goals there's a better chance they'll stick.

Goal #1: Plan out & cook more meals

This one is probably the goal I'm most serious about, which is why its number one.  I was starting to get really good at this one when I lived in Lakeland.  I would even do meal prep on some Sundays.  Living with my parents the past few months, I don't do much of the cooking or grocery shopping.  So, I'm pretty limited on what I eat.  The tables are going to turn in about a month, when I'm the one running the kitchen.  I'm excited for this goal, but also nervous about sticking to it.  When I did meal prep, I still hadn't quite gotten the hang of it.  It could take a few hours, and sometimes even most of my Sunday. Plus, I was still working crazy hours because it was right in the middle of baseball season.  My Pinterest has been filling up with great ideas about 'dump meals' and easy to make meals. I'm really hoping those will make this goal easier to accomplish. I want to be able to make meals that are actually good for me, and not just junk that I made at home.  It's also going to be a huge money saver if I can be serious about it. Here's to hoping that being in my own kitchen again will make this dream a reality! 

Goal #2: Be more intentional in relationships

This is something I wish I was every year, and I think that this is the year I finally do something about it.  Moving away from my friends and family has definitely been a huge motivator.  The main way I want to implement this one is through good ole snail mail.  I really want to send more cards when a huge life event happens, thank you cards, and hand written letters "just because."  Over the years, I've realized that its easier for me to express feelings through written words instead of spoken words.  So writing letters is definitely the easiest way for me to tell people how much I appreciate them.  I want to be more present and more intentional in letting people know they mean a lot to me and that I'm thinking of them.  To help with this goal, I've even designated a whole planner to birthdays so that (hopefully) I won't forget to send cards.  This probably won't actually take off until February and after the move, but I really hope to turn this into a habit for the rest of my life.  

Goal #3: Read at least five books

One of the last classes I took in college was International Marketing, and our professor had us do a semester-long case study that involved reading a book and talking about it each week in class.  His inspiration behind this was that he read a stat that said most adults don't even read one book a year.  This is crazy to me, because I know I read at least one book a year. I've already finished one in 2016 alone.  In 2015, I think I read at least four, and I'd like to think I might be forgetting a few.  So, I'm pretty confident that I can get five in this year.  I think reading books is really important, and it's something that I really enjoy but never remember to do enough of.  If you have any good book suggestions, send them my way! Until then, I'll just keep my eyes open for the best reads of 2016. 

Goal #4: Stay calm & focused

This is going to be a HUGE one for me to remember daily.  So many changes and adjustments will be happening this year.  Moving to a new state, becoming an Army wife, adjusting to Army life, and being married are just a few of those changes. It can be so easy for me to become overwhelmed, unless I mentally prepare myself with pep talks.  I know this year will be full of learning experiences for not only myself, but also Connor and our families.  This is why I want to try my hardest to not constantly freak out or get upset when things don't go as planned.  Which is going to be extremely hard since I'm a planner.  But I have learned in life, and especially with the Army, plans can and will change often.  I want to make sure I stay focused on what ultimately matters, and not let these changes overwhelm me. Staying focused on having fun and growing as a person will hopefully help me stay level headed, and make it through the rough times. 

Goal #5: Be present

Similar to number four, but more meant to go hand in hand with it.  Whenever I go visit Connor, I notice I spend hardly any time on my phone. Mostly because he's usually the only reason I'm on it so much when we're apart, but also because I want to get the most out of our time together.  That's what got me thinking about this as a goal. I want to get the most out of time. Most of my e-mails aren't that important, Instagram posts aren't going anywhere, and I'm sure I'll hear about whatever happened on Facebook later. This is all easier said than done.  I love social media, and I certainly check it multiple times a day. I want to really work on this though.  I want to be present in other people's lives more, and live more in the moment rather than miss out on such important days of my life.  The focus here is to be in the moment and present and take in as much as I can every day.  If and when Connor ever deploys, I want to have a stockpile of moments and memories to look back on when I miss him.  Once I'm out of the house again, I want to miss hanging out with my mom because I got so used to spending time with her.  These will be a reality if I choose to be more present.  I end with this goal, because it's up there with my first goal. 

I did choose to leave out some goals.  Some may be personal or about my career or I just didn't highlight them.  Eventually, these goals will be written on paper and hung on a cork board where I can see them every day.  Until then, I will think of them often and try to get closer to achieving them everyday.  Did you make any New Years Resolutions or set goals for 2016?  Are any of your goals similar to mine?  Make sure to tell me about them in the comments!

Until next time,

Brandt

Home is Where the Heart is?

Hello everyone!

There's something that's been weighing on my mind lately, and I want to hear some thoughts on it!

So, the past four and a half months I have been in a long distance relationship with Connor while he's up at Fort Gordon.  While its not the first time I've been in a long distance relationship, or been away from Connor for an extended period of time, it definitely has not been the easiest.  Before Connor, I was in a long distance relationship that transitioned out of one when I transferred schools.  So, I went from being in a long distance relationship to being in the same town as my significant other.
Now, I'm going from being in the same place as my significant other to being in a long distance relationship.

It's got me thinking: which do you think is harder? Going from a long distance relationship first, to being in the same place as your significant other? Or going from being in the same place as your significant other first, and then being in a long distance relationship?

For me, I really can't decide which one I find harder. I do know that I am very ready to be back in the same place as Connor! Shoot, even just being in the same state would be nice! I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on this.

Until next time,
Brandt

It's Going to be OK

Last week, I shared what I will miss the most about Florida.  This week, I've decided to share what I'm most excited about in Oklahoma!  Gotta keep the positive vibes out there, ya know?  After a ton of research and Googling, here's what I cant wait to see in The Sooner State!

1. Oklahoma City, OK
   Honestly, just everything about OKC.  I've heard that it's truly a good time, and I am all about that. Obviously, there are already some sporting events I want to check out.  UF's former basketball coach, Billy Donovan, is now the head coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder.  So, of course I want to see a game.  There is also a minor league baseball team there, the Oklahoma City Dodgers.  My heart is so full knowing I'm close to minor league baseball. Other than that, I'm just ready to see what the city has to offer. Not to mention, their tagline is "OKC-ing is Believing" so I might already be obsessed. On their website, there are monthly festivals listed. I can't wait to check those out! We all know I love a good monthly festival (see this post, #1)! If I had to narrow it down though, I will be checking out three particular things first.  The Boathouse District, Stockyards City, and the Bricktown Entertainment District. A trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens will shortly follow. (Side note: everyone should check out their website, because it is phenomenal AND filled with OKC puns.)
2. Oklahoma Sooners Athletics
   Since we'll be closer to Norman (roughly an hour), I think I've decided to go the University of Oklahoma route as opposed to Oklahoma State University.  Stillwater is almost three hours away, so I might only visit once.  I'm all about a school with rich tradition, especially when it comes to athletics. Oklahoma definitely has some in their program.  I can't wait to yell "Boomer, Sooner" in Memorial Stadium with 82,000 other Sooner fans. Oklahoma also has a men's gymnastics team, which is something I've never seen live. So that's on the list of things to check out as well. I know it's going to be hard for me to get used to being this far from Gainesville, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
3. Outdoor Activities
   Connor and I love to be outside!  We like going exploring and enjoying what Mother Nature has to offer.  I think Oklahoma will be so good for this. There are definitely different landscapes for us to tackle. There are two places that have caught my eye that are directly in Lawton.  The first is a placed called The Holy City. It appears that this is a re-creation of what Israel looked like during Biblical times.  During Easter, they perform a play called "The Prince of Peace."  Looks like a pretty unique place, and definitely seems to deserve a look. The next is Comanche Nation Waterpark.  I haven't been to a water park in about three or four years.  However, Oklahoma is SO hot during the summer.  This seems like it could be a fun way to beat the heat, and I love a good lazy river.  I'll keep you posted on whether or not Connor actually agrees to this one. Another area I'm very excited to check out is very close to Fort Sill! Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area or LETRA, is an outdoor recreation area where you can camp, fish, bike, and hike! During the summer, they offer a swimming area, a water slide, paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes. This sounds awesome, and I can't wait to check it out as soon as it warms up in Oklahoma! Overall, I'm just excited for the mountains and the brand new terrain to see! I'll let you know in a few months how I feel about the snow. 
4. Native American Culture
   So, I've been to Fort Sill once before and I remember hearing Native American radio stations.  How neat is that?!  Due to our heritage, my mom is obsessed with the Native American culture.  I even remember going to Pow Wows growing up.  Personally, I don't know that much about the Native Americans.  I think this will be a really cool experience to learn more about it, and maybe teach my mom a thing or two!
5. STARTING A LIFE WITH CONNOR!!!!
   Alright, alright. I know this isn't a location or anything unique to Oklahoma. It is probably what I'm most excited about when it comes to Oklahoma though. I can't wait for us to have our own space. We always talk about how we're going to decorate our new apartment and what we want to have in there. It's so exciting and fun to think about. Plus, we can get a dog!!! I can't wait for us to finally be in the same state again.  Most importantly, I absolutely cannot wait to not have to say goodbye. There is no one else I'd rather go on this adventure with, or do it for. I'll never forget the moment I (accidentally) saw Connor's orders and read Fort Sill. My heart sank. It was not one of the posts on his list, and not what I had in mind.  Over time, we have learned to get excited about it.  I'd be lying if I wasn't secretly hoping for somewhere a little cooler for our next post though! Either way, I can't wait to take on Oklahoma with my partner in crime. 

There you have it, some things I'm excited about in Oklahoma! I would also like to add that I'm not too upset about our proximity to Texas either.  I wouldn't make taking some time to explore our neighboring state as well.  Other than that, I'm planning to take this adventure head on! If you have tips on any places or events I shouldn't miss while I'm there, send them to me!

Until next time,
Brandt

DIY: Clothespin Photo Frame

As a crafty person, I decided I'd try to make as much stuff for the wedding as I could.  The wedding basics (venue, photography, food, etc..) are expensive enough, so I put my skills to the test.  When looking for a way to do table assignments, I stumbled across a ton of ideas on Pinterest that used old picture frames and clothespins. Easy and inexpensive?  Sure, I'll give it a try.

Step 1: Acquire materials.
Honestly, I only used 4 items to make this happen. If you play your cards right, this project will only cost about $25-30. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:

• Frame. My intention was to find a huge frame at a local thrift shop or garage sale, but no such luck. If you can manage this, props to you!  In my case, I found one at Hobby Lobby.  These alone can usually run $30, but Hobby Lobby is notorious for 50% off sales.  In fact, it looks like they're on sale right now. Mine looked pretty similar, if not exactly, like this one: 

Pretty sure I went with the 12" by 16" frame, but that's really up to you on how big you want to go.

• Jute. You'll need this to line the inside of the frame.  I happened to have a ton already from other wedding crafts, but I did purchase it at WalMart for a low price of $1.97. You could also use twine or some other fun form of string. My goal was to get a rustic feel for the wedding. 
• Glue. I had some from another project I did awhile ago. It's called Tacky Glue and you can pick it up at most craft stores for roughly $1.29. A trusty glue gun would also do a fabulous job here.
• Clothespins.  I went with mini ones that were a couple of dollars at WalMart and came in a pack of 20 or so.  Most craft stores have the mini ones.  You could use larger ones if you have a bigger frame, or plan to hang only a few items inside. 

Step 2: Put it all together!

From here, you'll just need to cut the jute and glue it to the back edges of the frame. I did 4 rows because of how much I wanted to hang inside the frame. Depending on how much you're looking to hang in there, you could use more or less. Tip: Measure out one strand first and make it almost the whole width of the actual frame, not just the open space. Then cut about 3 (or however many rows you'd like) more. Once the jute is glued down (and secure), go ahead and hang the clothespins! 

Here's my finished frame!

You're done! For around $20 (or $30 if your frame maybe wasn't on sale), you can have this adorable and very useful piece! I would keep an eye out for craft store coupons if you'll need to buy anything for this project.  I'm most excited to keep this and use it in our house after the wedding.  I'm thinking I can put cards and photos in it.  Are you looking to make one of these? Be sure to share your photos with me!

Until next time,

Brandt

A Sunshine State of Mind

I had a revelation today.  This is my last full month in Florida.  Having lived here since 1995, this is kind of a big deal.  In case you haven't heard, Connor has been assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  This means as soon as we're married, that's where we'll be headed together.  With the wedding and the big move being next month, I can't believe my time in Florida is winding down.  It's been 21 years since I've lived anywhere other than the Sunshine State.  In fact, I barely remember living in Pennsylvania. So, it's really got me thinking of everything I'll miss about this little slice of heaven.  I made a list, and narrowed it down (you're welcome) to the five things I'll miss the most.  (Obviously, I'll miss my family and friends and other various people the most.  I just figured that goes without saying.)

1. Publix
   If you've ever had the pleasure of eating anything from a Publix deli, you understand where I am coming from.  There is nothing a Publix sub cannot fix.  A staple to any summer beach trip, a true comfort food, and a college kids dream.  Sure, there are other great places nationwide to get subs, but nothing will ever take the place of a good Publix sub.  Not to mention their fried chicken, and other deli treats, are so good!  And then there's a cake from Publix.  Their buttercream icing is perfect.  Ugh, and the sweet tea.  Publix is just a supplier of some great comforts, and they do not exist too far out of the South.  I also had the honor of living in Lakeland (where Publix was founded), where you can't go more than a few miles without one.  This place is so much more to me than a supermarket.  The brand and company itself has worked it's way into my heart.  I will miss Publix the moment we get to Oklahoma. 
2. The Beach
   This one probably goes without saying.  You get so spoiled living in Florida.  I've never been more than 2 hours from a beach.  Shoot, I even went to college pretty much on the beach for 3 years.  There is something magical about sun and saltwater.  I truly believe it can heal anything. My biggest regret is that over the past year, I haven't had enough time by the water.  And now it'll be awhile before I'm around it again.  Now I know there are lakes and rivers.  But lets be real, those are not the beach.  I don't know if I could pick a favorite beach, but I am a huge fan of the Gulf Coast.  I hope that I can return to it very soon.  Ideally, Key West.  Here's to hoping I make it back to the salty seas sooner than later once the trek begins. 
3. Florida Strawberry Festival
   Okay, I might be partial to Plant City, but the Strawberry Festival is a must every spring.  There is always great food and entertainment, and it goes on for weeks. Last year, it was like a 20 minute drive from my apartment and I wish I would've gone more than once.  Connor and I saw Craig Morgan, and even though we watched from the free bleachers, it was still awesome!  I have a picture of the rides all lit up from where we were sitting just after the sun went down and its one that I will cherish when we're gone.  I love that the festival celebrates agriculture and the local farmers.  Overall, it is a really fun time! There are a ton of rides to play on.  The food is so good and you can get anything you'd imagine in a fried form (even a Recce's cup!). We're just barely missing it this year, but hopefully someday we'll make it back while it's going on!
4. SEC Football
   Go ahead and roll your eyes, I get that a lot.  In my defense, it's been a huge part of my life for the past 20 years (especially this year).  Growing up in The Gator Nation was seriously one of the funnest parts of my childhood.  I remember going to countless football, basketball, and baseball games when I was younger.  Honestly, my love of sports probably stemmed from this.  I love the feel of a college campus on a Saturday.  I say SEC football specifically, because it's all I've ever known.  There's just something about it being 95 degrees out and watching some mid afternoon football.  Not to mention when it's a conference like the SEC whether loved or hated, it's always making waves.  Now, it's time for me to learn a thing or two about Big 12 football. Boomer, sooner!
5. Spring Training
   Alright, I'm sorry for the fact that  two of these five are sports related.  It's what I do, remember?  This is something that is so incredibly unique to Florida though (okay, and Arizona)!  Every February, 15 teams make the trip down to various parts of warm, sunny Florida and essentially begin their seasons.  Even though I didn't really love baseball until last year, Spring Training has always been fun for me. My aunt and uncle would come down in March every year to watch the Phillies in Clearwater, and usually take me to a game or two.  Then, I got to be on the other side and work during Spring Training for the Tigers. The energy you feel at a Spring Training game is so refreshing.  Most "snow birds" will plan whole vacations around a Spring Training schedule.  These fans have traveled far and the players are finally back on the field.  It may be really hot, but it's nothing an ice cold lemonade and hot dog can't fix! My heart breaks that I won't be around to experience this in 2016. 

Now don't get me wrong, I am definitely excited for this new Oklahoma adventure. I've been scoping out some things I'm already excited for over there.  However, my heart will always be here.  My heart will be eating a Publix sub, on the beach, planning my trips to the Strawberry festival and sporting events.  While Florida has a ton of awesome adventures to offer, these are my favorites.  Want to hear about more of them?  Have some favorites of your own? Know anything I absolutely must to do when I get to Oklahoma? Let me hear 'em!

Until next time,
Brandt
(for only 30 more days, but we'll get to that later)