Resolutions Update - House Stuff

Resolution No. 11: Work in the yard. Clean out back yard. DIY Landscaping - Although we've made much progress.... still much is needed. We did clean out the back yard a few weekends ago.. and next to filing our taxes, I'd say it was a priority for this weekend. Yesterday we had someone come and basically scalp... or mow the weeds, edge and clean out the beds... Hopefully we can make even more progress this weekend. Better start looking for a mower on craigslist

Resolution No. 30: Buy a dining room set. Create a dining room that will be physically and conceptually the center of our home. During my most recent Canton trip.. I found the inspiration for this room... It's in pretty much the exact same condition it was when we bought it... Taupe walls, ugly white tile floors... we've added a cherry wood color hand-me-down dining room table from Teri and a Crate Kennel for our 8-year old black lab puppy. SO.. here's what I'm thinking. Goal: To be completed 100% by Thanksgiving
1) Hang Stained Glass Pendant Lamp
2) Purchase Wood Hutch, Preferably two-toned, dark wood with white interior walls/shelving
3) Paint Current hand-me-down table glossy white
4) Purchase Blue&White, Gray&White or Black&White geometric rug
5) Reupholster current hand-me-down chairs with Blue&White themed fabric
6) Paint Walls White
7) Purchase/Hang Art
8) Possibly purchase narrow buffet or bench

Before

Before

Resolution Update - Trip Resolutions

Resolution No. 7: Visit family in California - Scheduled May 5-9 (Just Meg... going to visit Mom for Mother's Day, attend Emily's NCL Senior Presents.. can't wait!)

Resolution No. 9: Visit Tricia, Doug and Rylie in Lena, IL - Scheduled May 7-9 (Just Dan... going to visit for Tricia and Doug's Lena Wedding reception)

Resolution No. 17: Plan/take a vacation (Pacific Northwest, NYC, Beach, CA Or Hawaii) - Scheduled!!! Maui with Family Gorham June 26 - July 3. Also Can't wait!!

Resolution Update

Resolution No. 2: Find fulfillment, work-life balance, and happiness in a job. (Meg) - If you'll remember, I was somewhat challenged to find any motivation to go to work during the fourth quarter of the year. The nature of retail jobs/careers is incredibly physically demanding in addition to the other normal pressures. I struggled with feeling like nobody understood what the pressures of my job looked like... how truly grueling it can be, etc. Because of the utter physical and mental exhaustion of the holiday season, I found myself with no work-life balance... apparently a lack of balance resulting in the "burning" of bridges. I resolved to move on, to find a more fulfilling job that would allow for plenty of balance. I applied for several jobs... was told a) I was over-qualified b) I was more than qualified but there was no open positions and that they would absolutely hold on to my resume. Most recently, I was asked to interview for a prestigious leadership program with Macy's - one week conference in NYC. Unfortunately, the conference overlapped with a previously planned vacation, and god for my career or not... I turned it down. However, I was asked to interview for a Sales Manager position at North Park on Monday and am feeling great about the move.. Hopefully a location change, increase in compensation, and new challenges will help me feel better about my job. I've come to the realization that although I am sick of hearing it, "I will out pace my peers" with this company. If I want it... I will be a (Vice President) Store Manager or District Merchant within 3-5 years, resulting in a significant increase in pay. As much as it pains me sometimes... I'm beginning to think this might be the time I put in so that when I'm ready... I really can (fund) and start my own design or decorating business without as much concern about money.