first quarter resolution update

Can you believe one-fourth of 2010 has come and gone? Three months ago, Ross and I made some New Years Resolutions. (New Year's Resolutions? New Years' Resolutions? Do the resolutions belong to the year, to the holiday, or to nothing? I digress.) You can read about them here, if you'd like.

Today, I thought we'd give you an update on how we're doing so far. 

Leah's Resolutions

1. lose weight; fit into skinny (or even fat) jeans

Well, you'll be glad to know that I did, in fact, lose weight. It's just that I promptly gained it back again. And then lost it...and then gained it. I'm back on the wagon, though. And I did wear my fat jeans on Monday. (Notice I didn't say I was comfortable in them...)

2. post on the blog at least once per week

With the exception of spring break, I think I'm actually doing OK on this one! What say you, readers?

3. keep the bathroom cleaner

Um...I have been sweeping more, and really, that is the most important part in our bathroom. But the sink...well, let's not go there. Ditto the shower.

4. use reusable grocery bags

This resolution has been a raging success! We keep the reusable bags in the trunk of my car, and it's become second nature to pop the trunk and carry them into Wal-Mart whenever we go. However, we've been battling some entirely unforeseen issues, such as ignorant checkers (a) stuffing the bag as full as humanly possible, and/or (b) putting hamburger meat, lettuce greens, and shampoo in the same bag. 

5. learn how to cook dry beans

FAIL! I did make lentil soup with dry lentils, but I didn't like it all that much. I think it was just a bum recipe. It didn't discourage me necessarily, we're just not big bean eaters. Exception: chili, but I've got that recipe exactly where I want it, and it calls for canned beans. Mmm. Chili. That's going on next week's meal plan.

Ross's Resolutions

1. read 24 books this year

Me: "Have you read six books so far?" Ross: "Um...no." He thinks he's read four, though, so he's not too far behind.

2. try at least one new food per month

Ross: "You were supposed to be helping me with that part." And that's true. Truthfully, I completely forgot about this resolution. Don't worry, though. He'll try two new foods a month until July! (Ross: "TWO?!" He doesn't seem happy about this!)

3. find a job

SUCCESS! He starts Tuesday!

4. take a vacation with my pretty wife (that's me!)

We did go to St. Louis over spring break, but we were accompanied by both of our moms. I don't think that counts. Now that Ross has found a job, though, we might be able to take a weekend trip after the bar exam. This one's in the works!

Overall, I'd say we're doing okay, except for that whole dieting thing. Oops! How are your resolutions going? Let us know in the comments!

old friends

Lately, I've been busy filling out my character & fitness application for the Oklahoma bar exam, which I have to take in July. Before they even let you take the test, the people in charge have to check you out to be sure you have the "character and fitness" required to practice law. I've answered all kinds of questions so far. Have I ever been arrested? No. Have I ever defaulted on a student loan? No. Have I ever been cited for any moving violation? Errr...yes. Did you know it's a violation of a city ordinance in Fayetteville to start through an intersection after the light has already turned yellow? It's true. I made that $125 mistake in January of 2003. A citation for "careless driving" will forever blemish my otherwise perfect driving record.

Of course, the application asks for personal references. I've been asked to provide six references whom I've known for a minimum of five years. I can't be related to any of them by blood or marriage (there goes ALL the Recktenwalds -- thanks, Kirstie!), and I also can't list any previous employer because they get their own extensive question. The five-year minimum excludes everyone I met in law school and grad school, so I've had to go way back. I've asked people I used to know in high school and junior high and even pre-school to tell the bar examiners how great and sane and fit I am to practice law.

In the process of doing all this, I realized something. I am so, so terrible at keeping in touch with old friends. Most of my emails or phone calls to my references went like this: "Hi, long time no see! How are things? Big favor to ask!"

And you know what? I hate that.


So I've decided today that I'm going to add a resolution to my list a little late this year. Resolution #6: Get back in touch with old friends. Why? Because they're my friends, dang it! I know they're busy. I'm busy. I know we may not effortlessly cross paths anymore. I'm aware we have different walks of life.  But good friendships are worth the work.

I know this is a little deep for a Tuesday afternoon, so I apologize. I just felt the need to share.

dieting

I started a diet a few days ago. It's awful.

True, I feel better already. True, I like it when my Wii Fit tells me my BMI is lower than yesterday.

But you know what? All I can think about is...

is...





Dear Cookies,

I miss you dearly. Our swift and painful break-up has left a hole in my heart. And in my belly. It seems that hole cannot be filled with any amount of green beans or lean protein. I hope you'll find a way to forgive me. I need you in my life.

Love,

Leah

p.s. That photo up there was taken by yours truly. Name that movie: "Well, I'm votin' fer yours truly, too!"