5 for 2013: Goals!!!

I know I'm a little late, but today has really been the first day since the New Year that I've had time to just sit and blog. And boy, it feels nice!

I wanted to join in Jessica and Jen for this fun edition of 5 for Five 2013. Today, instead of sharing five goals for the week, set five goals that you hope to accomplish in the new year!  

1. Adopt a cleaner life style. 

And (like Jessica) just be more 'clean' with my eating. Meal planning has been helping me a lot and I just want to continue that. This also includes working out/running again. I've kinda hit a realization that this will probably be the best shape I will ever be in my life, so why not prolong it and try to stay healthy as long as I can?

**Any good healthy recipe suggestions?? I'm all ears!

2. Figure out more about this blog thing. 

I have no idea how to get a button or signature. How do I get ad spaces? Even though I've been blogging for close to 3 years, I'm still clueless on a lot of this stuff. Any help or suggestions? Would going to a blogging convention or 'boot camp' educate me on this stuff? 

3. Be more in the moment. 

Just in general. I need to stop worrying about the future and live in present day. I'm having a hard time currently with the situation I'm in. Just being away from my life in Chicago. But, I look on the bright side; I have a job here and people I now consider good friends, that like to drink wine!! 

I also need to work on being patient with my students and really listen to them if they have something to say.

4. Grow more in my relationship with the ones closest to me. 

This includes my family, The Boy and the few good friends I have left. It never hurts to talk about serious issues and concerns. In a way I feel like talking about difficult things can bring 2 people closer together and definitely doesn't hurt to talk about the future either! ;)

5. Save money. 

Hands down the one I want to succeed in so badly. This means that I want to be financially independent without my parents help. Yes, I'm almost 24 and yes, my mom pays for my phone bill (it's a family plan) and yes, they still pay for my car insurance, but I'm hoping to start paying for both of those this year. (By the way, I do have the best parents in the world!!) This also means that I have to realize I don't NEED that Starbucks in the morning or that Panera on weekends. While I am moving into Mrs. D's house in a few weeks (which will save me money and I couldn't be more excited), that doesn't mean that I can now afford the Starbucks or Panera (unless I have giftcards!!). I want to instead put that money aside for bigger and better things!

I know within the next couple years, I will be having a lot of big expenses headed my way and I want to be as financially independent and responsible as I can be.

The Boy and I on NYE in Chicago.

I'm excited to read everyone else's 2013 goals. I have a feeling 2013 will be a great year!!! :)