Summer Goals Monday

It's Monday and it's that time again...

Here is the list:

1. Take a boxing class

Progress: Purchased class. Need to schedule for first session. Still, I'm such a slacker...

{This will not longer be happening. The boxing facility is a pretty long drive away and as I'm gearing up for my last couple of weeks, I keep finding better ways to spend my time. No regrets, though since I will be looking at facilities in Minnesota when I get back.}

2. Work on my long-paper

(Ultimate Goal: complete research and first draft by summer-end to be reviewed by Prof.)

Progress: Downloaded software to organize research. Created research map so I can get started. Started preliminary research and created long-term research plan. Completed preliminary research.

{I'm losing steam on this task, mostly because the topic I wanted to write is no longer getting me excited. I might re-visit topics with a professor and change course a bit. Either way, the research I have done so far has been helpful and definitely cut down on the amount of work this fall.}

3. Learn how to cook at least a week-worth of meals

Progress - - Learned the following meals:

~Turkey meat balls in marinara

~Shrimp & Feta Stuffed Zucchini

~Homemade greek pizza

~Tuna & cream corn casserole

~Frozen Low-Fat Reese Peanut Butter Pie (I know it's a dessert, but it is amazing!)

4. Get my conceal-and-carry permit

5. Re-take the MPRE (August test date)

I will have to take the test in November because we will not make it back in time for the August test date. I will still map out a study plan for the fall, but will likely have to revisit it once I get a handle on my school workload this semester.

6. Visit family in Arizona

No longer applicable. My family is traveling to Alabama instead of Arizona.

7. Revamp my resume and cover letters

Completed. I revised my resume today and re-posted it to the job site through my school.

8. Read 10 books from my reading list

Read: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

9. Take at least one weekend getaway with Al

Progress: Visited Ft. Carson, CO in June

10. Put together list of employment opportunities for my return to MN

Progress: Started compiling job options today after I posted my resume. I pulled two jobs in particular that I will apply to this week. I will also e-mail a couple of attorneys I know and try options there.

11. Volunteer with an on-post organization

Progress: Attended two FRG events.

12. Get another tattoo

13. Find bike trails in El Paso and start riding a bike

14. Volunteer with a community-based organization (off-post)

Progress: Missed ACS meeting two weeks ago due to our Colorado trip. I will be revisiting volunteer opportunities. Also looking into a two-week Habitat build in Minnesota when I return.

15. Renew my CPR and First Aid certifications

I finally found the person I need to call to set this up.

16. (used to read "strip and paint the bedroom shelves" but I'm changing it because I didn't bring those shelves and have other painting projects to do.)

17. Learn how to make homemade sushi

Just after I crossed this off my list last week, the lovely JG invited me to learn with her. I had the book, she had the supplies and we both had the desire to learn. Well, it turned out absolutely fantastically. We were both so proud of ourselves. It wasn't gourmet, but it looked like sushi and tasted delicious!

(photo credit to JG herself)

18. Sew covers for couch pillows

19. Determine a solid work-out routine

(Ultimate goal: lose 20 lbs, tone muscle and re-gain strength & flexibility)

Progress: Completed work-out calendar. Took photos, measurements and weighed in. Created charts to track progress and food. Started 25-day work-out plan.

20. Get boudoir photos taken

21. Determine my final-year game-plan

22. Put together Shutterfly wedding album

23. Make new headboard

24. Practice and re-new my German knowledge

25. Take care of my husband in every way possible!

Progress: On-going and constant!