2018 reading challenge

This year I’m participating in another reading challenge. I’m excited for this challenge as it will encourage me to read books I wouldn’t otherwise read. 

Let me know if you plan to participate too so we can share book ideas! 

2018 reading challenge

 

• A book made into a movie you’ve already seen
• True crime
• The next book in a series you started
• A book involving a heist
• Nordic noir
• A novel based on a real person
• A book set in a country that fascinates you
• A book with a time of day in the title
• A book about a villain or antihero
• A book about death or grief
• A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
• A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist
• A book that is also a stage play or musical
• A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you
• A book about feminism
• A book about mental health
• A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift
• A book by two authors
• A book about or involving a sport
• A book by a local author
• A book with your favorite color in the title
• A book with alliteration in the title
• A book about time travel
• A book with a weather element in the title
• A book set at sea
• A book with an animal in the title
• A book set on a different planet
• A book with song lyrics in the title
• A book about or set on Halloween
• A book with characters who are twins
• A book mentioned in another book
• A book from a celebrity book club
• A childhood classic you’ve never read
• A book published in 2018
• A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
• A book set in the decade you were born
• A book you meant to read I n2017 but didn’t get to
• A book with an ugly cover
• A book that involves a bookstore or library
• Your choice!

 

ADVANCED:

 

• A bestseller from the year you graduated high school
• A cyberpunk book
• A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
• A book tied to your ancestry
• A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
• An allegory
• A book by an author with the same first or last name as you
• A microhistory
• A book about a problem facing society today
• A book recommended by someone else also doing a book challenge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taken from: POPSUGAR

2017 + 2018

2017 in review + 2018 goals:

 

I’m always intrigued by the concept of time. How it goes slow and fast all at once.

Over the last week or so, I’ve been thinking about goals. How 2017 went and what I hope for 2018. 

I didn’t complete all of the goals I made for 2017 and it’s frustrating, but I’ve tried to give myself grace and accept change is a part of the process. 

Hard parts of 2017:

Changing my goals so early in the year was hard. I felt like I was giving up and not trying hard enough to go after what I wanted. Letting go of the possibility of what I could’ve accomplished was rough. I think I’m most disappointed I wasn’t able to run 1,000 miles.  

Best parts of 2017:

I had decided I wanted to take a break from the stress of trying to get pregnant and rather than dwelling on how I wasn’t getting pregnant, taking advantage of all of the things I could do instead. So hands down, the best part of 2017, was traveling. I LOVED experiencing 12+ trips in 2017. I wish I could keep this up forever, so anyone who wants to pay me to travel, hit me up! ;) 

I wanted to create a lifestyle I would be jealous of if someone else was living it. With this, I wanted to say yes more and take advantage of experiences presented. Because of this, I tried new things, participated in Questival (so fun), went to Paris, and more.

Honestly, I’m happy to say 2017 was full of “best parts”. It wasn’t easy and took a lot of work, but I have a lot of wonderful memories to look back on. 

Top favorites: our trip to the Bahamas, running with Jared Ward (Olympic athlete), buying myself a nice camera, all of the times Mike and I were able to spend quality time together, Questival, my trip to Paris, my sister + brother-in-law moving back to the states, and our family trip to Disneyland.

 

I have some high expectations for 2018 and I hope I am able to see everything I set out for fulfilled. My theme for 2018 is: whole hearted living. I have focused the majority of my time over the last few years on my happiness and while that will be one component this year, I also want to focus on peace and love. My plan is to break the year up in thirds and do some learning and new practices in each area. I plan to start the year focusing on love, moving to happiness, and finishing with peace.

In addition to my overall theme, I have set some personal goals I would like to see accomplished as well. 

2018 goals:

              Knowledge:

• Complete the POPSUGAR 2018 reading challenge

 

        Spiritual:

• Attend the temple at least once per month

 

  Physical:

• Run more than 822 miles (most mileage to date)
• Trilogize with Runtastic
• Go to the dentist
• Go to the optometrist

 

   Fun:

• Create a bucket list (with Mike) and cross off at least one item
• Travel to 3 places we’ve never been to together
• Finish 2017 scrapbook, scrapbook 2018, and create books for 2013-2016

 

   Financial:

• Create 72 hour kits
• Have a no spend month
• Book 12 photography sessions

 

 

 

I would like to set one more goal in my knowledge and spiritual sections. Any ideas?

Have you set goals for the upcoming year? If so, share them with me in the comments below! 

Here’s to making 2018 our year!

2017 ch 12

I will keep this brief as I plan to post a general review of the year. 

Goodbye December and goodbye 2017.

This month I pretty much accomplished one goal. And I’m okay with it. I will start over next month. 

READ: 

I read one book this month (assuming I finish it this week)

The Gospel at 3,000 feet by Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

Next year I’m participating in a reading challenge again! 

RUN: 

I’ve run a whopping 5 miles so far this month, but plan to get out a couple more times. Here’s hoping next year goes a little better! 

SCRAPBOOK: 

Nope. But my pictures are all printed out and current. 

TRAVEL:

Yes! We enjoyed a warm week in California. Disney was so incredibly crowded, but it was fun to see dressed up for Christmas. I loved the beach and all of the time mike and I were able to spend together. Sadly we have a travel break for awhile now. 

I feel like I was present this month. I participated in the Light the World campaign and spent quite a bit of time with friends. I’m ready to take on the challenges and changes next year will bring. :) 

12 things I learned from traveling every month for a year

12 things I learned from traveling every month for a year:

 In 2017 I made it a goal to travel once a month for the full year. I began the year by listing some of the places I wanted to travel to. Looking at the list, I felt overwhelmed, excited, and honestly had no clue how I was going to pull it off. While my husband and I both worked, we didn’t have a lot of extra spending money and we were both new in our jobs so we didn’t have a lot of vacation days. I had the first three months set in stone and decided I would figure the rest out as the year went along. This was the goal I was most looking forward to and after completing it, it’s my favorite goal I’ve accomplished. I have always loved to travel and after spending so much time with it this year, I’ve learned quite a bit from it. Here are my 12 take-aways from traveling each month for a year. 

 

1.       It’s possible if you make it a priority 

I had a lot of people (myself included) wonder how I was going to make this work. Traveling can be expensive and it is time consuming. I knew early on if I wanted to travel each month, I would need to make it one of my top priorities. This meant less eating out, cheaper date nights, less shopping, searching for deals, traveling with others, and taking advantage of weekends. 9 of my trips ended up being weekend get-aways, preventing me from using any of my vacation days. (I often travelled on a holiday weekend to ensure I had the most time possible). I started following Instagram feeds that posted airfare deals, I found other people who wanted to come with me, who would share a hotel room, and we drove whenever possible. 

Ultimately, what I learned is it is possible to travel often, if you’re motivated enough to cut your spending somewhere else and if you’re able to say goodbye to lazy/busy weekends at home. 

2. Travel isn’t always luxurious, and most of the time it’s not at all. 

I know some people do have luxurious travel and are able to afford tours and nice hotels, but that’s not me. My travel includes affordable airfare, moderate hotels (or Airbnb) and lots of budgeting! Flying can be exhausting, driving can be exhausting, learning where to go once you get to your destination can be exhausting, and walking around all day can be exhausting. Social media makes travel look so glamorous and wonderful and while I love to travel, most of the time it’s not glamorous. And while it’s wonderful, it can also be tiring and hard. 

3.       There’s so much beauty to see

This year my eyes have been opened to just how beautiful this world really is. I know that’s a cheesy thing to say, but there is beauty everywhere. Whether it was a staircase from the 1700s in the Bahamas, arches in Utah, or the beautiful history of Paris; this world offers a lot. Not only are the buildings, structures, cities beautiful, but the people are as well. Which leads me to #4.

4.       This world is good. People are good. 

There’s nothing like traveling, especially to another country, to leave you feeling sometimes helpless or lost. In those moments (as well as others) it’s easy to see how good the world can be. My sister and I were in Paris, with no cell reception or internet, trying to figure out how to coordinate with our AirBnB hostess. We were exhausted after what ended up being more than a day of unplanned travel and wandered into a park trying to find someone to help us. We asked a woman if there were pay phones or somewhere close with free wifi. She took the number we had, called the man, and let him know we were there. As neither of us spoke French, this was so helpful! I witnessed so much good like this all over. 

5.       There’s adventure in your own backyard. 

Traveling this much for me, meant I needed to stick close to home for many of my trips. We went to 3 places in Utah and 1 in Idaho I had never visited. You don’t have to travel far to travel. In fact, I could probably spend every weekend of my life traveling Utah without seeing it in its entirety. Sometimes we think of travel as some far off place, but it doesn’t have to be. Wherever you live, pick a new place and go. I guarantee there is something for you to experience. Traveling around Utah was one of my highlights from the year. 

6.       You can travel to the same place twice and still see something new 

During this year of travel, I visited 7 places I had already been to before. In several of these places, we tried new things, visited new places, and had different experiences. We went off the beaten path and learned there’s more than meets the eye in many places. For one trip, we went to Las Vegas. Rather than staying on the strip, gambling, or going to shows, we went hiking at Red Rock and took the drive to Seven Magic Mountains. While we did visit the strip for a dinner buffet, we didn’t spend our time there, we didn’t even stay on the strip. It was Vegas in a new way and I loved it! 

7.       It doesn’t have to be expensive 

Often, when people think of traveling, one of the first thoughts is it’s too expensive. What I learned this year is traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. I took several trips where I spent less than $200 total. Some tips to save money? Travel with others. This way you can split gas, hotel rooms, and activity costs. Shop around. I live in Utah and follow the Instagram account: flightsfromhome.slc This resource helped me fly roundtrip to Paris for under $500. Use AirBnB. Often, AirBnB is cheaper than hotels. You get to live like a local and often have a kitchen so you can make your own meals rather than eating out. Stay close to home. If you’re budget restrains you from spending too much, stay in state. I guarantee there are plenty of things to see and do in your own backyard. 

8.       You build stronger relationships with the person you travel with 

I primarily traveled with my husband, but also took trips with other family members. My relationships with each person I traveled with was strengthened. Sometimes traveling is hard and having someone stick it out with you brings you closer. Travel also brings inside jokes and new experiences. Research shows when you experience something new with someone, your bond is strengthened. The memories you make with your travel companion(s) will last forever. 

9.       Travel brings wealth 

Have you ever heard the quote: “Travel: it’s the only thing you can spend money on that will make you richer”. In my time I’ve spent traveling this year, I’ve found this to be true. I have less money in my pocket than I would’ve had I saved every dollar I spent on travel, however I feel like the experiences I’ve had have made me a better, well rounded person. These experiences have brought a wealthy money can’t buy. 

10.   Travel allows you to try new things/new experiences 

When I travel I like to try new food, walk through regular neighborhoods, and do what the locals do. I’ve found this is the best way to experience a new place. While I still play tourist and visit all of the popular sites, I know there is more out there. I went to Rome a few years ago and tried this lasagna that didn’t necessarily look great, but it looked better than the alternative. I tasted it and it was (and still is) the most delicious lasagna I’ve ever had. When you travel, don’t be afraid to try something new. The experience is worth it!

11.   Travel takes you out of your comfort zone

I hate talking to strangers. I hate getting lost. I don’t like trying new foods. I could go on and on. But travel usually forces you out of your comfort zone. Especially if you want to make the most of it. And it’s okay. Going out of your comfort zone helps you to grow as a person and again, it can give you memorable experiences you wouldn’t have otherwise had. 

12.   It’s good for your mental health + makes you happier

My favorite. I found in traveling every month for a year that traveling does make you happier! Taking the time to give yourself a break for the hustle and bustle of everyday life can do wonders for your mental health! Travel doesn’t need to be stressful and can be as relaxing or as busy as you make it out to be. I’ve found by taking time each month to get away, even for a weekend, I’m able to concentrate on my work better. 

 This year my travels took me to: the Bahamas, Arizona, Moab (UT), Las Vegas, Vernal and Capitol Reef (UT), Idaho, Cedar City (UT), Lake Powell (UT), Paris, Zions (UT), Midway (UT), and California 

So if you’re wondering, should I take that trip or not? The answer is yes. Do it! Travelling is worth every penny you spend. Make it a goal to travel somewhere new this next year. 

What have you learned from traveling? Share in the comments below. 

 

2017 ch 11

November marks the time where I start thinking about goals for the next year and begin to reflect on my progress from the goals of the current year. I’m not sure how we got here. This year seems like it should only be halfway over. And this month in particular? Wasn’t it just the first week in November? Looking back, I don’t feel like I did a great job being purposeful with my time this month. I’ve been tired, sick, and finding excuses not to do things. Oops…. But it’s okay, because next month is a new month and I have the chance to try again. 

 

READ:

I didn’t read at all this month. See what I mean by slacking? Last week I realized I hadn’t read a book yet and that this was the first month in who knows how long I hadn’t read a book and yet I still didn’t even start reading one! I guess I’m giving myself a break before next year’s reading challenge? 

 

RUN:

Again, I didn’t run much. I keep getting colds that go into my lungs and sinuses so I haven’t been able to run much. However, I did run a half marathon! Mike and I ran with some of my family on Thanksgiving and even though it was hard, I had a huge sense of accomplishment for running a race on Thanksgiving. Mike did so great and I was glad he ran it with me!

 

SCRAPBOOK:

Wait what? Haha. I ran out of materials and whenever I would buy more and sit down to do it, I realized I was out of something else. But, I did make progress and at least started some of Paris. Luckily October and November should be quick! Making it a goal to get through October by the end of December! 

 

TRAVEL:

Mike is so sick of traveling. And it’s okay, because this was really my goal, not his and he’s come with me on every trip minus one. So, we kept it nice and close this year. Our staycation ended up being so much fun! We stayed at the Homestead Resort, went swimming in the crater, had the best Mexican food, then enjoyed a Doug Loves Movies show. It was so fun spending the weekend together, doing things we wouldn’t normally do. Next month is Disneyland and I’m literally counting down the days!

 

I’m glad I have one more month to push through on my goals (especially scrapbooking). I’ve started thinking of my goals for next year and have decided on a theme. It’s going to be a big year. A year with some changes and challenges, but it should be good. 

My ultimate goal for next month? Stay present. I love Christmas and all that it entails, but I want to ensure I am living in the moment and not through social media. I plan to participate in the Light the World campaign, which I’m excited for. Read more about it here: https://www.mormon.org/christmas/25-ways-25-days/day-1

 

What’s one thing you like to do with your family in the month of December? Share it with me in the comments below! I love new suggestions! 

STAYCATION

I tried something a little different for this month’s travel. Rather than writing a full post about our staycation, I made a quick video. I had fun filming bits of what we did, so I plan to do this more in the future. 

Feel free to drop a comment with questions! 

https://youtu.be/ozihDnCAtGo

2017 ch 10

There’s only two more months of 2017 and I don’t even know how that happened. It’s time to think about goals for next year, I don’t even know where to begin. Usually by this time of the year I have a plan and I start to get excited. Anyone else out there thinking about next year? 

Well so anyway, this month has literally flown by. I was sick for half of the month, so I don’t feel like I fully enjoyed it. 

READ: 

This month I read one book; The Girl You Left Behind by JoJo Moyes. It was really good! It takes place in two different time periods. 

RUN:

Hahahahahhaa. Running was almost nonexistent in October due to being sick. I did run a half marathon and it went pretty well. I was happy with my time considering I didn’t train at all. I have one more half left this year! Come run with me! It’s on thanksgiving so you can earn your turkey! 

SCRAPBOOK:

I’m not caught up, because, Paris. But I’m not too far behind. I was worried I wouldn’t keep this goal up, but I’m happy I have because I love looking back on my pictures! 

BLOG/JOURNAL:

Still going well! I’m far from perfect on writing every week, but I’ve been doing pretty well. Next year I want to try blogging more than once/month. 

TRAVEL:

I’m so sad this year is almost over. I’ve loved traveling every month, it’s been so amazing to visit new places (and old favorites) this month we went to Zions (my first time) and I loved it! If you haven’t been, add it to your list. 

I’m happy with the way this year has gone and although I don’t have many goals set for next year, I have some ideas. Have you started thinking about your goals yet? Any ideas for me? I like to set goals related to my: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wel-being. 

Do you have a favorite goal you’ve set in the past? I would love to hear!