2014 To-Do List

I guess it's that time of year again. The time when people vow to do better than what they did the year before, or when they make resolutions they have no intentions on keeping; but not this girl!

At the end of 2012, I came up with a list of things I wanted to accomplish in 2013. I actually completed 7 out of the 12 items that were on my list, but if I hadn't put a specific number on some of the items (i.e. complete 2 scrapbooks), I would have actually completed 10 of them.

For 2014, I've decided to create another checklist, but this time I'm not limiting myself to a specific amount…life throws us curve balls every now and then and we have to be ready for them! I know how busy my life can get, which is exactly why I won't be putting specifics on myself, unless it can't be avoided.

Here's my To-Do List for 2014, in no particular order: 

Work on a novel

Publish a novel

Attend Maryam's wedding

Attend one of Scott's games

Do yoga

Successfully complete squat challenge

Eat king cake

Watch more television movies

Go to the movie theater

Go to the casino

Complete a scrapbook

Raise at least $20 for New Orleans' American Kidney Foundation through GoodSearch

Start a Prayer Journal

Create inspiration board 

Blog as much as possible

Post more photos on Instagram

Buy a book on my wishlist

Read a novel that's not from my preferred genre

Get an A in at least one class

Bake something/make candy

Cook a dish

Try a new snack from a store

Have Family Game Night

Go to the gun range
Try a new food
Review more novels on NetGalley 

  Hopefully, my to-do list will inspire you to create your own to-do list. Feel free to share your list with me in the comments. Here's to a great year! 

My Father, My Unsung Hero

Today is the day that I take this time out to celebrate my Unsung Hero, my father. My father has always been my hero, but after these last two years of witnessing my father's strength, it has made me realize that I couldn't have picked a better hero. If anyone knows me, they know that I'm the definition of a daddy's girl. I've learned so many lessons from my dad, but here are my top 22 favorite lessons that I've learned:

22. How a real man is supposed to treat a lady (he treats my mom like the Queen that she is).

21. How to deal with whatever God throws my way.

20. Burping is NOT ladylike.

19. How to shout really loud during basketball and football games.

18. How to shoot a BB gun.

17. Westerns are really fun to watch (especially Bonanza).

16. How to stew a chicken (this was my first and last cooking lesson with him).

15. Never agree to drink coffee that comes with the bribe of $1 (he still owes me $1). 

14. How to be independent.

13. To believe in myself and my talent.

12. His favorite quote:  "If you don't mind do it, and if you do mind, do it anyway."!

11. Family is all that matters.

10. Nah unh is NOT a word!

9. Charlie Wilson is one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

8. That I beg too much (but he gives in)!

7. To cherish family every day because they can be here today and gone tomorrow.

6. How to mow the lawn.

5. Health should be your number one priority.

4. Water guns are definitely allowed in the house...unless mom finds out!

3. How to play pitty pat.

2. No matter how old I get, I will ALWAYS need my dad.

1. How to be a FIGHTER!

Happy Birthday, Dad! Thank you for being an amazing hero and an inspiration to all of us!