Updates on Resolutions plus a visit from Preston!

Back in January I talked about 14 things that I wanted to do in 2014. I thought I’d update my progress! 

1. Read 14 Books

I began to read Game Change since I had just finished  Double Down, but I wasn't quite in the mood for another political book.  The book is still on the list to finish, just not right now.
 

I turned instead to the faith-based inspirational book, Balancing It All: My Story of Juggling Priorities and Purpose by DJ Tanner Candace Cameron Bure. I had very high expectations before I started this book. Anyone who’s recently gotten married can relate to the new normal that comes with moving in with your husband and figuring out a new routine. It’s challenging to juggle working, taking care of a house and husband. It can feel like working two jobs. There were some good nuggets of information in the book but I would recommend it more so for women who have children because several of the chapters dealt with motherhood. 

Reading now: 
A Plan A Woman in a Plan B World: What to Do when Life Doesn't Go According to Plan by Debbie Taylor Williams

Don't get me wrong, I love reading inspirational and religious books, but I also love historical (both fiction and nonfiction) books and am looking forward to diving into my next book. 

Coming Up:
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn't Enough by Kay Warren
The Bully Pulpit: Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and the Golden Age of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin
God is Able by Priscilla Shirer

Any recommendations??

2. Find 14 new Foods

We've started to eat more fish (Flounder & Mahi Mahi) in the Wilson household, because I recently found out my cholesterol levels are elevated. 

Before...

After! 

(I interrupt this blog to bring you a PSA-Go to the doctor and get a yearly checkup. Know your numbers!)

I have also made a couple of freezer meals including Chicken Teriyaki and Chicken Fajitas that we enjoyed. 

Has anyone done one of those epic six hour/20 meal projects? Please share your secrets and recipes. 

3. Blog 14 times.

On track for this one!

4. Run 14 miles 13.1 miles

I am now a week from my half marathon. Not even a year ago, I was the last person to cross the finish line in the Amazing Race 5k with a time of 52 minutes. The only reason I mention my time for that race is because my knee was giving me so many problems I had to ride in the medic cart for the entire 2^nd mile. (A normal 5k time for me would be around 34 minutes.) I never thought my knee would handle running this much, but it has. I'm feeling a mixture of anxiousness and excitement for the race. I may not be the fastest runner but I will finish!

This pier is both the start and finish line for my race next weekend!

5. Find 14 power verses

For this month and for my race,

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

I recently read a news story about a 16 year old girl, Cameron Gallagher, who died after completing a half marathon last weekend. This story frightened me quite a bit. Her dad gave a heartbreaking interviewing to a local newspaper where he shared that Bible verse. 

6. Try 14 new things

I'm double dipping, but I've never done a half before ;)

7. Go to 14 new places

My brother Preston came for a visit last week. With a total of four trips to the Big Apple, he remains our most frequent visitor. We always have a great time when he's here!  

My favorite (and only ;) brother!

One night we went to Max Brenner’s Restaurant (near Union Square) for dinner before heading to the movies (we saw The Grand Budapest Hotel. It's going to be a while before I can see Ralph Fiennes in anything and not think it's Lord Voldemort. He was great in the film though.)

Anyways back to the restaurant,  I was pleasantly surprised that their main entrees were so good, considering that this seemed like a dessert place. The desserts were great too! A little rich, but so good!

Chocolate Martini! Cheers!

The three of us didn't even come close to finishing that Peanut Butter/Banana Ice Cream Sundae (with extra PB sauce and Fudge sauce to add) It was yummy though!

I also recently visited The Meatball Shoppe in Chelsea. The restaurant's environment was low key and quiet (sometimes hard to come by in the city) plus there was a place to sit down. I had a chicken meatball sub with marinara and mozzarella cheese. So yummy!

8. Submit 14 pieces of work/articles

.This is a work in progress, but I’m currently working on a piece to submit for Chicken Soup for the Soul’s new book and some other projects..

9. Save 1400 dollars by couponing

I should probably keep track of dollar amounts, but basically I never go into a drugstore and pay full price for anything. This takes more planning on my end, but there’s a satisfaction that comes with saving money on things I would be buying anyway. 

10. Go to 14 movies/Broadway shows

As I mentioned before when my brother comes to visit, we go all out. We added Bryan Cranston (in "All the Way") to our list of stars we've seen on Broadway. Last year we saw (Jessica Chastain in “The Heiress” and Tom Hanks in “The Lucky Guy”)

Chris and I just finished up “Breaking Bad” a few weeks ago so seeing "Walter White" was an extra treat. 

Once again we’re looking for a new show to binge watch on Netflix if anyone has suggestions. 

11. Learn 14 new songs on piano

I need to get on the ball with this one. I'm still working on that Adele piece and "Who I Am" by Casting Crowns. 

12. Make 14 projects from Pinterest.

So I had all these master plans of projects I’d love to make from Pinterest. Then I realized that a) I’m not that crafty and b) Michaels is all the way near Columbus Circle.

However, I did make this Easter vase. 

Confession: There may or may not still be m&ms in the top of my vase. 

13. Make a point of going on 14 dates

Chris and I ventured to Battery Park City to take the ferry over to Liberty and Ellis Island.  I haven’t been since I was ten and Chris hasn’t been at all before. 

Some of the Ellis Island museum is still closed because of Hurricane Sandy damage but we had a great time. 

So great in fact that the trip warranted it's own blog post. Coming soon!

14. Start everyday spending 14 minutes with God.

I have started reading my U-Verse scriptures in the morning on my phone and try to go to sleep reading my devotional. I also have the Love Dare (from Fireproof) calendar that I put on my coffee stand. Every morning when I make my cup of coffee, I turn the page and read that day’s message.

Looking forward to crossing more things off the list in the coming months!!