2014 My New Year's Resolutions

I know, I know. I'm a week late with this post. So, how's 2014 treating you so far? Have you been keeping up with your resolutions? Did you even make any resolutions?

I wasn't really planning on listing specific resolutions for 2014, I mean, I already have a checklist at work, a wedding checklist, a packing-for-our-trip-to-South Africa checklist, a shopping list... I really didn't need another list...

But, then I saw this post on LaurenConrad.com and it inspired me to make some resolutions for 2014 anyway. It can't hurt to always try and be better than the person you were last year, last week or even just yesterday.

Last year, I also got my 2013 New Year's Resolutions idea on Lauren's website, and I loved having my resolutions framed and out in the open for me, and everyone else, to see every day. I think I did pretty well with them, and I'm going to make another one this year for sure.

I got this template from Lauren's 2014 New Year's Resolutions post, and here are my New Year's Resolutions for 2014:

A bad habit I'm going to break:
Eating junk food. Oh, junk food.We have a love-hate relationship that I just can't manage to break up with. I love eating, and I usually eat relatively healthy during the week. But weekends, that's when The Fiancé and I tend to make some very bad decisions on the food-front. I know we can do better!

A destination I'd like to visit:
We already have a trip to South Africa and the States lined up for this year, and there are obviously many other places we still want to visit, but we will probably only have time for a quick trip somewhere close to Taiwan. We've been thinking about visiting South Korea. Between The Fiancé and I, we've been to most Asian countries, but neither of us have been to South Korea, which is a short flight from Taiwan.

I'm going to work harder at:
Making time for my friends. I feel that I should make more of an effort to spend quality time with these people that add so much color to my life. With my work schedule, it's nearly impossible for me to socialize during the work week, my days are just too long and I'm too tired at night. But I do love spending time with my friends over the weekends, and I want to make sure that I make time for each and every one of them, because they mean so much to me.

A project I'd like to finish:
Three years ago (yes, THREE) I got a bunch of photos printed that I wanted to hang up in our apartment... I bought the frames, and have the photos, but I've never gotten to hanging them up. And now I feel that those photos are old and I want to get new ones printed. I'd like to finish this project.

A class I'd like to take:
Oh man, if only I had more hours in the day, I would definitely take Chinese classes or do a photography course. Like I said, though; My day is super long (I get up at around 6:15am and start work at 7:30am) and my brain basically shuts down at around 5:30pm.

I'd like to spend more time doing:
Spontaneous things. I can't even count how many times The Fiancé has said on a Saturday: "let's go to <<insert weird little town in Taiwan>> tonight and stay in a hotel". And my response? "Baby, you know me, I need to be prepared for a trip. I need my stuff. You need to tell me a week in advance and I want to know exactly how we're getting there and where we're staying." I'm a hoot, aren't I?

A food I want to eat more of:
Fruit! I love fruit, and any time I eat it I think to myself that I should eat it more. I just don't know why I don't buy more fruit!? Also, I've been obsessed with coconut oil and I definitely want to work that into my daily diet.

I want to wear more:
Uhm... this is a weird resolution to have... I  guess I want to wear more cute hairstyles. I rarely make a big effort with my hair. I get it highlighted, and mostly wear it in a ponytail or bun at work. Over the weekend I'll get all crazy and maybe put a hairpin somewhere in there. Nowadays, I see so many cute hairstyles online and they don't look that difficult. I just need to practice and actually spend some time on it before heading out the house.

Do you have resolutions for 2014?

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Christmas Fail

I can't say that I didn't feel like sobbing out loud this morning when I had to wake up at the ungodly hour of 6am. And not just because it's so damn early and so cold, or the fact that The Fiancé was still in a deep snooze in our cozy bed, totally oblivious to my early morning pity-party. Yes, all those things make my bottom lip quiver as well, but mostly because it's Christmas, and I had to head out to work like it's just some normal day in May.

No matter how much I complain and wallow in self-pity though, Christmas isn't, and probably won't ever be, a public holiday in Taiwan. Even though many foreigners get the day off work, some of us still need to punch the clock like any other day. So, please enjoy Christmas Day with your loved ones, you don't know how lucky you are. I would give ANYTHING to be with my family today! At least I finish work at 4:30pm and can spend the rest of Christmas Day with The Fiancé. 

Don't feel too bad for me though, get back to your festive cheer, presents, ugly Christmas sweaters, food and family. I'll just be over here, chasing after a bunch of unruly 7-year olds who has no idea why Teacher Liesl isn't smiling today...

Merry Christmas! 

5 Things I Love...

I Love...

1. ... that it's cool enough today for me to wear jeans.

2. ... having a furry friend in the house ( and I'm not talking about the The Fiancé ..) We are taking care of our friends' dog while they are on vacation. He is so cute and cuddly! 

3. ... that I've finally found The Dress. I'll post our latest wedding planning update on Pretty.Random.Things. soon.

4. ... the start of a new month. New beginnings, new things.

5. ... quotes. This past week I've been thinking about this one a lot; "Judging someone doesn't define who they are. It defines who you are." - Unknown

Happy Weekend to all of you!

Day 16 - Your views on mainstream music

I'm skipping Day 15, "Your favorite Tumblrs", because I've never had a Tumblr account, hence no favorites. Do any of you have a Tumblr? Is it like Pinterest? Anyway, on to the next...

I feel like I've talked about mainstream music many times, and as most of you know, I'm all for it. I can't stand it when people only like one genre of music and try to put all others down. Why do you think your music taste is so superior!? Music is music, and there's room for all genres and different tastes in music. So get off your high-horse, broaden your horizons, and live a little.

Mainstream music is mainstream for a reason; many people enjoy it. And even if you say you don't, and complain about the fact that Bruno Mars' song is on the radio AGAIN, I see you singing along to it. And what's wrong with that? Judging someone on what music they like is probably the lamest thing I've ever heard. If you like a song or a beat, what does it matter who sings it or what genre of music it is? Just enjoy it! Who cares!?

I was brought up to appreciate many different genres of music, and I have a lot of respect for musicians who can play their instruments well or who can knock your socks off with their amazing voices. And I also respect artists that can come up with something new and fresh every few months and that can transform their music depending on what they're inspired by at the time.

I know that not all mainstream music is of the best quality, and that a bunch of suits are sometimes behind their big success, but whatever, who cares? Give these people a break. They're just trying to make it in the world, just like you and I.

To sum up my mini-rant; I think there's a place under the sun for all genres of music, and if there's a song you like, enjoy it, no matter who the artist is. If you hate it, don't listen to it. But don't try to bring others down if they don't like the same music as you do. To each their own. You have a choice to keep the radio on, you know.

Day 9 - What you hope your future will be like

Today's topic is very similar to Day 2's Where you would like to be in ten years. Although, including the word "hope" in the title, makes it a little bit easier, as that means I can basically write anything and "hope for the best".

Our futures are unknown, and we can have as many hopes, dreams and plans as we like, but I believe that in the end life will happen and we'll have to roll with the punches. That being said, I am a positive realist and I do have hopes and dreams for my future:

I hope that The Boyfriend and I will always be as happy and healthy as we are now.

I hope that everyone I love and care for will find true happiness in their lives, and that they will be safe and healthy.

I hope that I will continue to have a job that I love, and that I will achieve the professional goals that I have set for myself.

I hope that I'll get to see my family more often.

I hope that if I have children one day, that they'll be able to have a wonderful childhood, just like I was blessed to have.

I hope that we will have a beautiful house in a picturesque neighborhood.

I hope that there will be no more wars and so much hate in the world, and that more people will realize how important it is to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

What are your hopes for the future?

Day 4 - Your views on religion

Oh no, another tough topic today. I really dislike writing about religion on my blog, because I just think it's such a personal thing.

I grew up in a Christian family and went to our town's Dutch Reformed church and Sunday school every week. I didn't especially enjoy going to church, but it was part of my life, and I just did it anyway. I didn't always understand the preacher, and most of what he said kind of went over my head.

I did learn some good values at church and Sunday school; be respectful, be nice, help those in need, don't do to others that you don't want done to yourself, pray every day, be a good person... etc. Or maybe my parents taught me that, I'm not sure.

I'm going to be totally honest and say that I don't like the word "religion" and what it usually stands for; lots of rules that no normal person can possibly live up to, the violence that sometimes goes along with religion, the inability to accept others that don't believe in what you believe in. I'm sorry, but I don't see God in that way at all.

I believe that God is Love. I strive to be a good person, to treat others in the way I want them to treat me, to be kind, to uplift others and support them, to accept people for who they are and to live a good, positive life that inspires others. I believe that not everything in the Bible should be taken literally, as I believe it's a book filled with parables that teaches us moral lessons.

Bottom line is that I don't think you should have to tell people what you believe in, your actions and the person that you are should speak louder than words.

Day 3 - Your views on drugs and alcohol

Oooh, this might be a tricky subject to write about. First of all, whatever I write in this post, please don't be offended, or think that I judge anyone in any way. These are all my personal opinions, and might not be the same as your opinion. The quote, "Don't judge someone just because they sin differently than you" comes to mind. We all sin, just in different ways, so we really can't judge anyone for the choices they make. Honestly, I don't care what you do. How you spend your money and your Saturday nights are your choices.

Okay, let's get down to it. I don't think that drugs and alcohol fall in the same category. Yes, both can make you act a fool and lower your inhibitions, but drugs are illegal, alcohol is not. Although, I do think that alcohol should be illegal for some people... And drugs should be legal for some people. Not hardcore drugs, I don't tolerate that at all. I'm talking about Marijuana. I personally don't smoke, but I don't mind people who do. I just don't want to be in the same room as you or know anything about it.

Hardcore drugs, though, I don't like at all. The drug trade goes hand in hand with human trafficking, forced prostitution, illegal arms trade and violence. I just feel that nothing good comes from this, and that the world would be a better place without it.

As for alcohol, I think it's fine. I enjoy a drink or five with my friends and it can definitely be enjoyed the way it was intended if you keep moderation in mind. Also, I'm totally against drinking and driving and will usually be that annoying person at a gathering that will take your keys away from you and give you a lecture. (Which you'll thank me for the next day, of course.)

I'm curious to know what your view is on this topic?