Monthly Report Card- May 2013

May was long, stressful, fun and joyful all rolled into one. Some months are just like that.
VERY BIG NEWS.... I just found out today that I got accepted into the Nursing program for this fall. Those of you who have been following my blog for awhile no how long and how hard of a journey it has been to get to this point. I wrote this post last year about this time after I had graduated from highschool and in that post I said that I hoped that this time next year I would be writing about being accepted into the nursing program... and it is so cool to see that it came true and that all of the hard work did pay off. Anyways... here's how my resolutions went.

Study REALLY Hard- A

I think I did a good job with this though the last week or so I probably didn't work as hard as I should have because I knew I was in a position where my grades were secure pretty much no matter what I did. However, ironically enough, I scarcely studied for my last Pathophysiology and still only got six out of fifty wrong and one of the 5 extra credit questions wrong. I'm just that smart. ;)

Get all A's!!!- A (that isn't ironic at all)

Yes I did! :) 

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books- A

I read Around the World in Fifty Days, Journey to the Center of the Earth, From the Earth to the Moon, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. I also re-read Out of the Silent Planet. That would be 5!!!! :)

Exercise in some form at least three times a week- A

Way to easily achieved. I will probably be upping this goal to exercise every day, or every day of the week except one.

Stick to my diet- A

I have stuck to it, I had a couple graduation receptions that messed me up some but besides that pretty good. I ended up increasing my calorie goals because I was afraid I was eating too little and I'd lost enough that I felt a slower weight loss would be acceptable. 

Lose 4 Pounds- F

Not achieved. I think though this was largely due to the fact that I started lifting weights and as you all should know, muscle weighs more than fat. I have nice biceps (let's not talk about my triceps though) now so I should be happy nonetheless. Just to clarify, I did lose one pound... it's not like I gained weight. :)

Cut down on electronics time- C

Eh... okay.... not the best. Average.... that's what a C is after all.

Make a Summer bucket list- A

Completed as well as a summer reading/re-reading list.  

Write at least three more blog posts this month- A

Achieved with honors (whatever that means). Book Questionnaire, No Stress Finals Week, Summer reading/re-reading list, Summer Bucket List, I'm a Barista.... and a Librarian, and Bookworm Questionnaire. That makes six MUST READ blog posts. :) I really should have gotten more done... but I didn't. Oh well, there is next month. :)    

I think that makes a B... I didn't really calculate it. 

In other news, we got internet out at my grandparents. :) Makes me happy. 

Have a great last few hours of the month and looking forward to June!  
Linking up with Kelli at She Learns as She Goes. 

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Mid-Month Progress Report- May 2013

Already it is the middle of May... which is really hard to believe. The months just keep rolling by. I'm in the middle of finals week right now, but as I mentioned in my previous post, this is a no stress finals week! So here's how my resolutions are going.

Study REALY Hard

I did tolerably on this. I kind of tapered out at the end of the semester because I knew just how much effort I needed to put into my classes and that is all I put in.

Get all A's!!!!

As far as I know I am going to!!! My finals are completed (I actually waited to post this so I could say they were). It is a really wierd feeling to know that next time I will be going to school, it will most likely be the nursing program!!! :) I should be hearing in early June, by the way, whether or not I got accepted.

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books

I've read three already (Around the World in Eighty Days, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and From the Earth to the Moon all by Jules Verne) and I've start a fourth Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain. Yes I know they are all easy books but still I am pretty proud of myself. I also re-read Out of the Silent Planet, which I remembered so little of it that it was more like reading it for the first time. 

Exercise in some form at least three times a week

I am really doing this well. Next month I am going to up it to exercise every day... since that is what I already do. I try lots of different types of workout including, lifting weights, a ten minute cardio exercise and an ab exercise as well as a 5K training and my normal T-Tapp. No, I am not actually training for a 5K, I am just trying to work myself up to the point where I can run for longer than a minute without dropping down dead. I also did P90X Plyometrics for the first time in awhile and I was really happy with how well I did with it. I am told I am obsessing over working out.... possibly. 

Stick to my diet

I've been doing pretty well on this, though a my boss's retirement reception and a graduation reception kind of messed me up.

Lose 4 Pounds

I haven't been able to weigh myself consistently this month as I have been at my Grandparents. Last I knew though I lost a pound. I need to get to work on this.

Cut down on electronics time

Not so good.

Make a Summer Bucket List

This is made and you can view it here. PLUS I made and posted a summer reading list.

Write at least three more blog posts this month

I have four (Book Questionnaire, No Stress Finals Week, Summer Break Reading List, and Summer Break Bucket List/To Do) done and several drafts rotting. 

Doing pretty well but there are some goals I need to pick up the pace on.
Be sure to vote in the poll in the sidebar!!!

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Monthly Resolutions- May 2013

Finals are creeping on me. :(

Study REALLY Hard!!!

Finals and final projects are closing in on me and I need to study hard and finish strong.

Get all A's!!!

I have worked hard all semester and I think that I should get all A's. Hopefully!

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books

I think that hopefully I can do better about this as I'll be finishing up school and have more time to read. I was definitely picking up on my reading at the end of last month so hopefully that will carry on over to this month. I grabbed a bunch of Jules Verne books when I was at home last that I hope to read and I'll see what else I can get done.

Exercise in some form at least three times a week

Whether it's walking, biking, or whatever I do. Just three times a week... but hopefully more.

Stick to my diet

Stick to it! Of course I'll have a couple days where I'll indulge in something delicious (not to say eating healthily isn't delicious) but overall I need to stick to my veggies, fruits, and GREEK YOGURT!!! Love that stuff. I'm also a little addicted to jicima. 

Lose 4 Pounds

Again, a pound a week. I got my first complement on my having lost weight from a non-immediate family member the other day! :) Made me happy. 

Cut down on electronics time

Computer AND iPhone.

Make a Summer Bucket List

I don't know exactly what it will involve yet but probably will have to do with reading and writing. :)

Write at least 3 more blog posts this month

I was planning on upping it to five but since I don't have internet at my Grandparents I decided not to.

Changing it up a little this month but mostly sticking to the tried and true goals!
In case you missed it in my April report card, my Grandma was able to come home a little less than a week ago and my sister and I moved with them to help out. Also, I got an iPhone.... an iPhone 5 to be specific!
Linking up with Kelli at She Learns as She Goes.

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Report Card- April 2013

The end of April and almost upon finals. :( Big news! My Grandma was able to come home last Friday! My sister and I have moved in with my grandparents are helping them out. So far it is going great!
Also, some more big news... I got an iPhone!!!!! It's amazing. Just saying. :)
So here is how my month went.

Study!!!- A

I think that I did well on this. I have had a successful month for grades in my various classes and I believe that is a reflection of my studying. 

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books- D

I re-read Northanger Abbey, finished The Silmarillion, and read Far From the Madding Crowd. So only three books. Epic, epic fail. 

Exercise in some form at least three times a week-A

Easily achieved. I still am not fond of exercising but I am getting more used to it.

Stick to my diet-A

As I mentioned in my mid-month progress report after I gave blood it kind of messed me up and I had to eat more. Besides that though I have been really good. I have really gotten into lettuce salads and greek yogurt. I am always trying out new things though so if you have any suggestions about delicious healthy foods let me know! I recently got some hummus and carrots.... which was super good! I also tried some jicima, which is not to everybody's taste but I enjoyed a lot.

Lose 4 Pounds-A

At my mid-month progress report I was worried this wasn't going to happen, but it did! Four pounds gone for good!

Cut down on Computer Time-A

I actually did quite well on this. For me keeping to it was doing little things like when I was at school even though I had my charge cord with me not recharging my computer once it ran out of battery. And other times I just forgot my charge cord... and not on purpose either. Also, I now spend tons of time on my iPhone instead of my computer. That worked really well. 

Write at least three more blog posts this month- A

Easily achieved! I need to up it for next month. I wrote this post that included a recipe for "Healthy" Brownies, this post that was a review of the 1980 version of Pride and Prejudice, this post that just told a little about my life, this post about The Lizzy Bennett Diaries, this post about the 2008 version of Sense and Sensibility, and this post on the 2007 version of Persuasion. So all in all five posts!

Bonus!

I knocked an item off of my Bucket List! I gave blood! 

So all in all a really good month except my book reading. :(

Linking up with Kelli at She Learns as She Goes.

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Mid-Month Progress Report- April 2013

Well halfway through April already... and I almost typed in March there... shows how far behind I am.

Study!!!

I am doing pretty well on this. After my upset last month after not studying on Spring Break I dove into my next unit of Pathophysiology with a renewed effort and pulled out of my most recent test really well... better than I have every have done before actually. :)

Read or Re-read at least 5 books

Let this be warning to me, little triumphs can get to my head. That said, despite my reaching my 5 book goal last month, I will need to do some serious reading to accomplish it this month. Not a book has been read yet! I did read some more in the Silmarillion.... most namely the story of Beren and Luthien, which is REALLY good. I thought all of those years that my brother was just geeking out over nothing... I was wrong. I also started re-reading Northanger Abbey last evening. 

Exercise in some form at least 3 times a week

Most absolutely.

Stick to my diet

I am doing well on this. I have had one splurge day so far... but as always I surrounded it in salads. After I gave blood last week I also had to eat a lot more to renew my energy/nutrients. I honestly almost passed out because at first I passed up the juice and cookies so I ended up having to eat them anyways. However, I figured that between passing out and eating a little more "bad for me stuff" than normal, I chose the better of the two options. 

Lose 4 pounds

I lost two pretty quickly at the beginning of this month but now I am struggling to drop any lower. However, I still have half of the month. Just two more to go. 

Cut down on computer time

I have been making more of a conscious effort to do this and it has helped a lot. Most of the time I just get on my computer to listen to music while I study (which I know isn't the most productive form of studying) and then I get distracted by the internet, ect.  So I just think it would be in my best interest to get an iPod so my computer won't distract me... right? Nope, I'm not convincing myself.

Write at least three more blog posts this month

Already completed and I even have a whole bunch more lined up all having to do in some form or another with Jane Austen. Let's just say I'm a little in the Jane Austen mood right now.

So that's my progress! Hope y'all have a great rest of March... I mean April. 

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Monthly Resolutions- April 2013

Spring is coming... I can feel it... and I'm EXCITED!!!! :)
So now for my resolutions.

Study!!!

April is an important month for school as final projects need to be worked on and finals start to get mentioned by the teachers. Plenty of studying needs to get done and plenty of studying had better get done.

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books

I don't know which ones these will be but I do want to finish up re-reading all of Jane Austen's novels... so that would be Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Lady Susan  Beyond that I am thinking finishing up reading The Silmarillion is a definite option.

Exercise in some form at least three times a week

That is really lenient for me considering I am normally exercising every day but I want to give myself room to wiggle.

Stick to my "Diet"

If I'm going to have a splurge I need to surrounding it with healthy eating days to compensate for it. I am excited that I have gotten to the point where I'm not hungry as often, which is a good sign. I've also become pretty good about bringing a snack from home so if I am hungry in between meals I am not choosing from the vending machine.

Lose 4 Pounds

That would be about a pound a week. That's nothing super ambitious but I don't want to make it too hard for me. 

Cut down on computer time

Pretty basic... JUST DO IT!!!

Write at least three more blog posts this month

As always. 

Nothing too fancy this month, just the basics. School is getting a lot more intense so I appreciate any and all prayers. 

Thank you all and many blessings!

P.S. How do you like the new blog layout?
Linking up with Kelli at She Learns as She Goes.

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Monthly Report Card- March 2013

I am still getting used to 2013... and it's the end of March. Please tell me I'm not the only one?
So, an interesting month for resolutions in that I have a surprisingly high grade. I'm so proud of myself.

Study!!!- B

I have done rather well on this though on Spring Break I definitely slacked. Needless to say there were consequences.  

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books- A

I was heavy on the re-reading this month. I read Heavy Weather by P.G.Wodehouse and then re-read Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion (all obviously by Jane Austen). I had a lot of fun re-reading the Austen novels as some of them I hadn't re-read in awhile. So finally FIVE BOOKS!!!! Besides achieving my long sought after goal, I also had a lot of fun with my reading.

Take at least one walk per week or bike at least once a week-A

Excellent! There was even one day where instead of being productive and making cookies I was lazy and went on an hour plus walk. 

Stick to my "Diet"- A

I did really rather well on this. There were about five days where I was not so good but I balanced them out pretty well with having salads the surrounding days. One of them was Easter dinner so I think we can excuse that one. :)

Play only up to three games of online Dominion per day-A

I did fine on this. However, as I said in my mid-month progress report, the website I play on shut done mid-month as the official online version came out. I about had a nervous breakdown and died but somehow I survived. Anyways, the official version is dumb and I hate it so despite my hopes it could be some compensation it is really just a torture. I feel like getting on the internet isn't even any fun anymore. :(

Cut down on computer time-B

I did fairly well. A nice chunk of the month it was getting fixed so it was a very easy goal.  It was hard learning to do without it for that time and now that I have it back I find it somewhat easier not to use it. Still though, work to be done here.

Do one crochet project-A

As I said in my mid-month progress report, this was achieved in the form of a scarf using the basket weave stitch that I think turned out very nicely indeed.

Write at least 3 more blog posts this month-A

As always, a nice plump A here. I wrote this post about memories of bad weather experiences, this post about the pervading use of bad words in society, this post with a recipe for healthy cookies, and this post about how Jane Austen's novels are not romance novels. So four amazing blog posts.

So this is a A- for this month.... my first A!!!! :)
For those of you who have been praying for my Grandmother who had a stroke in January, she has made considerable improvement. Walking is really improving, which is exciting but she still cannot talk past a one word response. So I appreciate your prayers there. We were able to bring her from the rehab center to our house for Easter dinner, which was very special. I will hopefully be posting a full blog post report soon with more details of what has been going on with her. God has been working in her and it is obvious in the amount of recovery she has made.

In closing I leave you with something that we always say in my church- He is risen... He is risen indeed!

Linking up with Kelli at She Learns as She Goes.

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Mid-Month Progress Report- March 2013

That we are halfway through March when I am still even yet getting used to this whole 2013 deal is a little worrisome. This world moves too fast. I did get my computer back a couple days ago and hopefully I will have no more problems in the future. Anyways, my mid-month proress report.

Study!!!

I think I am doing pretty well with this. I did well on my last Pathophysiology test, which made me super happy and I think I did decently on my Therapeutic Nutrition midterm so that's good too. I still have trouble with not studying at home but I think I did a lot better with that recently because I had to with all of our snow days.

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books

I finished a book, which we ARE counting even though I didn't read the whole thing this month. I also just finished re-reading Pride and Prejudice.  Every page reminded me why this is my favorite book. I actually noticed several tidbits that though I have read it many times before, I never had observed. That's why I re-read books. :)

Take at least one walk per week OR bike at least once a week

I know, I just changed that, but I am not sure what was posessing me when I wrote my goals because it was suppose to say that. Anyways, I have been doing fine with that. No worries there.

Stick to my "Diet"

I have been doing well. One day I splurged just a little but my mom made delicious braid bread so you can't blame me can you? However, besides that, I have been eating pretty well and working out every day.

Play only up to three games of online dominion per day

Since I didn't have my computer for so long, most days I haven't been playing at all. To my utter disapointment, the website I play on is shutting down today because the official online version is coming out. I don't think I can handle this. We'll see. This official version better be awfully good. I just played my last three games today and I am unhappy. :(

Cut down on computer time

Quite easy with not even having it for so long. But now that I do...

Do one crochet project

I already did one actually. It was my tutor's birthday at the beginning of the month and I made her a scarf using the basket weave stitch. I thought it turned out nicely but unfortuatnely I didn't get a picture to show y'all. 

Write at least 3 more blog posts this month

I've already done two and have drafts of others so I think this one is covered.

All in all, I am doing well this month. We'll see how it progresses from here. :)

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

March 2013 Resolutions

I finally got to take in my computer today.  I feel optimistic about getting it back safe and sound.  At least I had better.  I was able to spend some time with my Grandma today as well and talk with my Grandpa too.  And as if my day wasn't already incredibly productive, I went to a craft show and bought some amazing candles from Prairie Lights.
Anyways, on to my resolutions. :)

Study!!!

In general, just study. No slacking.

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books

I'm trying again.  Someday....

Take at least one walk per week

Once again, just getting some exercise in every week.  Hopefully I'll be doing more.

Stick to my "Diet"

If you read my earlier post about getting in shape, you'll understand.  I have been sticking faithfully to this and have lost a few pounds already and people are telling me I am looking better, which makes me very happy. :)  Now I just need to make sure I don't slack off and stay true.

Play only up to 3 games of online Dominion per week

Once again, making this goal, it has been super good for me.  However, I want to make an exception.  One day a week, I can play up to five games.  I am doing this because I am never going to move up from my current level (in fact I am moving down) with just playing three games every day.

Cut down on computer time

Same as last month.  It is tearing me away from studying and can be a major distraction.

Do one crochet project

Last month I wrote a post about different crochet project I wanted to get done.  So for this month, I am going to try and accomplish at least one project.

Write at least 3 more blog posts this month

Self explanatory.

I actually ended up with quite a few goals.  We'll see if I can manage. :)
Linking up with Kelli at She Learns as She Goes.

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

February 2013- Monthly Report Card

It has been quite the month with plenty to keep me busy. Last Wednesday my computer unexplainably crashed and with all the busyness of my schedule I haven't gotten it taken in to be fixed.  Needless to say I am going through computer withdrawal.  I am having to use horrible Windows computers at school, which is driving me crazy. Thankfully I can come home and use my family's Apple computers.  Then I got a cold on Wednesday, which left me miserable and somehow made me forget to take care of one of my goals.
However, enough of all of that and on to my report card.

Study for the TEAS Test INTENSELY- B

As I said in my mid-month report card, I deserve a B for this one because even though I studied pretty hard for it, after I found out that I didn't even have to do really well on it, I kind of slacked off on it.

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books-D

Some month, some month hopefully soon I will achieve this.  I read three books.  I was almost done with a fourth but as I mentioned above, I forgot to finish it.  I am blonde.  The books I read were A Pelican at Blandings, Full Moon, and I re-read Summer Lightening.  Those are all by P.G. Wodehouse and I would recommend them all.

Take one walk per week-A

I actually kind of forgot about this goal halfway through the month.  The first part of the month was great the second half, I honestly can't remember if I did or not.  However, I have been doing the exercise bike most every day so I'll just count that (because I have enough bad grades in my history thank you very much).

Play only up to three games of online Dominion every week- A+

I stuck to this goal tried and true.  In fact, because I have been out a computer for a week, I haven't been playing it for a week.

Cut down on my computer time-C

I did okay... I guess.  This last week without my computer, I realized how much I really use my computer.  Quite eye opening I'll admit.

Write at least 3 more blog posts this month-A+

Achieved with honors!  I wrote this post about a new favorite recipe (Mediterranean Dip), this post about my thoughts on Valentine's Day, this post on my trying to get in shape, and this post about the different crochet patterns I want to try.  Four posts!  I would have done more but without my computer it was a little trickier to get on my blog.

So my grade point average this month is a.... 3.9 Giving me a B+. Pretty good, considering past months.  I'll hopefully have my resolutions up tomorrow, if not later today.  Until then! :)
Linking up with Kelli at She Learns as She Goes.

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Mid-Month Progress Report- February 2013

Life has been busy but life moves on... quite speedily through February I might add.  Where is the month going???  I took the TEAS test (the entrance exam for the nursing program) earlier this week and I scored high enough that I should get into the program!!!! :) I am really excited that is over with and that I did well. :)  And now, onto my mid-month progress report.

Study for the TEAS test INTENSLY

Well, I did pretty well on that... obviously.  However, I am thinking this will be a B because of this: I had a friend calculate how highly I needed to score on the exam to have enough points to get in based on the points I had already accumulated and pretty much I had to bomb the test to not get in so after that I didn't really study too much. 

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books

I need to get on the ball with this!  Not even one completed yet!!!  I have been working on The Silmarillion but am only about halfway through.  Besides that, nada.  However, now I'll have a little more time to work on that.

Take one walk per week

Last week AND this week I took two walks.  I know, I'm amazing. :)

Play only up to three games of Online Dominion per day

I am really proud of myself.  Since making this goal I have stuck tried and true to it.  It has been really good for me and I should probably make it a permanent goal.

Cut down on my computer time

I have been doing so-so on this.  Improvement to be made here.

Write at least three more blog posts this month

I have done two more. I have sort of been ignoring my blog because I had a lot of tests and of course the TEAS test.  I will hopefully be writing a little more though the rest of this month.

Not doing horribly but not doing marvelously!  I need to get busy! :)

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Monthly Resolutions- February 2013

I can't believe one month of the new year has already been and gone and we are into the second month of the year.  February?  Wow, we are clipping along. :)  Again this month I am going to try for simplicity this month.  I'll have plenty going on so there is no use in complicating things.  You will notice that I do have more goals then last month but the two I added (computer time and online dominion) should help me with my other goals.

Study for the TEAS test INTENSLY

It is the final stretch.  As I said in an earlier post, I am scheduled to take the test February 12th so that is just around the corner. 

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books

I feel like this was a good number last month, I just had really long books. So this month I'll try for some shorter books and take it easier.  There are several classics that I haven't read that I want to read like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Far from the Madding Crowd and Gods and Generals.  I also have already started The Silmarillion so I'll need to finish that up too.  Then I am thinking of re-reading The Swiss Family Robinson.  With a thousand plus books to choose from (I don't kid on that number, my family has that many), I really am not at a loss for books, but for time. :)

Take one Walk per Week

I really just want to get some sort of exercise done and with the little time that I have that seems to be the best way to do it.  Hopefully I'll do better on this then I did last month.

Play only up to three games of online Dominion per day

I am becoming a little obsessed with the game and especially when I'm losing a lot, I just keep playing so this is to stop me from wasting my time with that. 

Cut down on my computer use

Every time I have "nothing to do" I always pull at my computer.  I need to stop doing that!!!  It is a big distraction and it is straying me away from studying.  

Write at least three more blog posts this month

Three is my magic number when it comes to blog post goals.  If I have a bad month I'm covered, and if I don't, then I get a good looking A+ on my grade. :)

Six goals this month but they are all tough ones so we'll see how it goes. :)
By the way, how do you like the new template? I know it is pretty crazily colorful so we'll see how it works. :)

Linking up with Keli at She Learns as She Goes

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Monthly Report Card- January 2013

Well January kind of just flew by.  Here is my report card for the month.  Enjoy!

Study for the TEAS test-B

I have been doing quite well for the second half of January but as for the first half it was kind of sad.  With my test date set for February 12th I'll have to get moving though.

Read or Re-Read at Least Five Books-B

I re-read the entire Lord of the Rings (including the appendices for certain picky people who said it didn't count unless I did). I count that as three separate books even though technically they aren't.  I also read P.G. Wodehouse's Ice in the Bedroom.  Making a total of four books.. just one off. :(

Do Plyometrics at least 3 times a week- D

This goal was only for the first two weeks of the month... I managed to do it only the first week.  The second week we always managed to have an excuse so it didn't get done. :( I give myself a D even though I only did it one week because the first week I did it four times.  

Take one walk per week- F

I did that once...

Write at least three more blog posts this month- A+

As you all will have noticed I wrote 5 more blog posts. Sadly though, that's my only A. :(

Total GPA- 2.2 with a C+

Overall I had a pretty lousy month for grades.  Even though I was trying for simplicity somehow it didn't help too much.  However, I did have a lot of fun this month so I don't have too many regrets. :)

Inspired by Kelli at She Learns as She Goes

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Monthly Resolutions- January 2013

Another year gone and another month for resolutions.  This month I am going for simplicity.

Study for the TEAS test

A goal I did nothing about last month but I definitely need to get done this month.  I have registered for the test for February and I won't have as much time to study for it when school gets going so I had better start now.

Read or Re-Read at least 5 books

Obviously last month I way over thought how many books I could get read.  So THIS month I'll just go for 5 and see how it goes.  As my dear friend eBeth suggested, I am going for a Tolkien month.  I'm going to re-read The Lord of the Rings trilogy, read the Silmarillion, perhaps re-read The Hobbit, and then I have a set of books about The Lord of the Rings that I want to read as well.  Then, if I have any time left I'll try and read some other books on my mental "want to read or re-read list".  However, I doubt I'll have any extra time. 

Do Plyometrics at least 3 times per week

This goal is only for the first two weeks. Over Christmas break some of my cousins and my uncle took up plyometrics and I joined in.  Being as incredibly out of shape as I am, it killed me the first couple days and I was limping all over the house groaning over my sore legs.  However, since I am going skiing in just three weeks, I had better get into shape or suffer the devastating consequences. 

Take one walk per week

I am a little more conservative with my walks this month as I'll be doing all that delightful plyometrics.

Write at least three more blog posts this month

Again it is a minuscule amount so hopefully I can be an overachiever this month. :)  Note that the three blog posts do not include the ones about my resolutions because that would be cheating. 

Post inspired by Kelli at She Learns as She Goes.

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Report Card- December 2012

December certainly just flew by.  So did this whole year actually.  I can't believe it is 2013!  My resolutions were off and on this month but I came out okay.

Get all A's in my classes- A+

As you saw from my mid-month progress report, I was able to get all A's in my classes.  I get an A+ for this one because not only did I get all A's but I was on the President's Honor roll. :)

Have a cheerful personality- C

I didn't work out very well but I made it through decently enough. :)

Clean out and clean up my desk- A

As I said in my mid-month progress report, that was completed the day after my last final.  So another A.  I just hope that it will stay clean. :)

Start Studying for the TEAS test- F

Never got that done.  However, thankfully I have January to work on that.  

Read or re-read at least 10 books- D

I read 4 books (Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit by Corey Olsen, and Douglass Wilson's books The Deluded Atheist, God Is, and Letter From a Christian Citizen. and re-read 2 books (Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass both by Lewis Carroll), which makes a total of 6 books.  I didn't quite reach my goal but I was still pleased with how I did as in the past months it has been maybe one or probably none.  I really don't know what I was thinking when I decided that 10 was the number, though the excuse I keep telling people is that it is a nice round number.  My OCDness is going to be the ruin of me. :)

Spend the time I have with my family- C

I was able to play games with my family, talk with them and spend time with my sweet little brother.  However, I still spent a lot of time pent up in my room.

Serve my family- C

Nothing above average.  

Take at least two walks per week- B

I did it every week accept for two where I only got one walk in.  However, I have taken up plyometrics to get me ready for skiing so that is kind of a bonus.... right? :)

Eat Healthy- B

It was okay but not great.

Write at least three more blog posts this month- A

Achieved!

Overall I had a mismatched bunch of grades.  My total grade was a B- .... my GPA was a 2.5.  I think next month I'll try for less goals.  Check back later today to see my goals for January 2013!
Post inspired by Keli at She Learns as She Goes.

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Mid-Month Progress Report- December 2012

I can't believe we are already halfway through December!  The last couple weeks kind of flew by as I prepared for finals but now I am excited to say I am done with those!  So how am I doing so far this month for my resolutions?  Read on and find out!

Get all A's in my classes

Though I kind of sacrificed another of my goals (which I shall explain later) I was able to get all A's! My Spanish grade was cutting edge and as my teacher told me, I lucked out on my grade.  The rest though weren't near so close.  I feel so blessed to have made it through the semester and I think it might have been my busiest yet.  I am so grateful to have been surrounded by a great family who was patient with me more than I deserved and I am especially grateful for God blessing me with an amazing tutor for Microbiology.  I am really relieved to have this goal out of the way and done.  I guess this will be an "A" for sure on my report card. ;)

Have a cheerful personality at all times

This is the goal I ended up sacrificing for my A's, something I am disappointed I did.  As I said earlier, when stressed out, I can be very grouchy... and I was. :(  However, I still have the rest of the month to "boost my grade".

Clean out and clean up my desk

Done the day after my last final!  So proud of myself. :)  Another A completed ahead of time! :)

Start Studying for the TEAS test

Haven't started yet and we'll see if I do get any of that done before December is over.  This might end up being a bad grade if I'm not careful. :(

Read or Re-Read at least ten books

This is probably the goal I am enjoying the most but as to completing it, we'll see.  I have re-read Alice in Wonderland so far and in preperation for the movie to come out I also have read Cory Olsen's (also known as the Tolkien Professor) book Exploring J.R.R Tolkein's The Hobbit.  I enjoyed both of those books.  I am going to need to pick up the pace though if I hope to complete eight more books before the end of December.  Because of the minute amount of books I have already read, I am probably not going to be pursuing re-reading The Lord of the Rings or reading The Silmarillion until January as they are quite a bit longer books.  A friend suggested that I make January a J.R.R. Tolkien month and re-read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and then read The Silmarillion.  I think that is a fun idea and I will probably do that.  However, THAT is next month.  

Spend the time I have with my family

Now that school is over that is hopefully what I'll be doing.  However, I am super excited to announce that I will be going to Michigan after Christmas to spend time with my uncle, aunt, and my wonderfully crazy cousins.  So my time spent with my family might be cut a little short so I'll have to really milk the next couple weeks for all their worth. :) 

Serve my family

This is another goal that might be cut a little short with my going up to Michigan.  However, I am going to try and do my best to get my house looking great for the holiday.  I hope to also get some Christmas baking done.  Normally I am all over that but not this year so far. :(  There is a lot I can do to serve my family and I see it all happening this next week.  

Take at least two walks per week

I did it last week but lets just say that I haven't done it yet this week.  I need to get onto that!  The other night my mom and I did do our fifteen minute T-Tapp workout, which despite my not having done it in some months, I did great at!  I felt pretty good about that. :)

Eat Healthy

Let's just say I wasn't great, but I wasn't bad.  I needed that coffee to get me through finals week... actually that is probably true as I woke up at 4:00 one morning so I could put in some last minute studying before my microbiology test. However, I have been pretty good about sweets.  I weighed myself recently and I was rather happy about it, which is kind of sad as it wasn't anywhere near where I want to be with weight however it was also kind of good as I haven't gained any weight either.  I can look at it both ways.

Write at least three more blog posts this month

I didn't specify whether or not these posts about my resolutions counted but I was mentally thinking they didn't... so they don't!  However, if you have been keeping track of my blog, you'll have noticed that I have already posted two more blog posts this month so I only have one more to go!  I think this will be another A. :)

All in all, it looks like I'll have three A's and then some very shady grades after that.  Hopefully I'll come out with a good "GPA" though. ;)

By the way, what do you think of the new blog layout?  I am thinking a new blog layout every month will be fun just to change it up.  Love to hear you're thoughts so comment please! 

Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.

Monthly Resolutions- December 2012

For some months now I have been following the blog She Learns as She Goes.  Every month Kelli, the blog's writer, posts her monthly resolutions and invites everyone else to as well.  Well THIS month I am going to do it too.

Get all A's in my classes

I know that sounds really immature and braggy, but that is still honestly one of my goals for this month.  I have worked hard and stayed strong throughout this semester and I just want to finish that way.

Have a cheerful personality at all times

Those who know would probably say that I am a very cheerful person.  However, my family members know that I can be moody at times, especially when stressed out.  With finals coming up I will most definitely be overly stressed out.  With the holidays and being around tons of people, I will need to remember to keep a cheerful personality because sometimes one person's mood can set the tone for the rest of the gathering.

Clean out and clean up my desk

This I will do when I am finished with my classes. I will need to go through all of my papers from this past semester and throw out whatever I need to and file whatever I feel I need to keep (which hopefully isn't much).

Start Studying for the TEAS test

The TEAS test is the entrance exam for nursing school.  I want to get it done early in the semester so I'll have it done and out of the way.  Therefore, I'll need to start studying early.  I'll probably cram most of my studying into January but I want to get at least some into December.  

Read or re-read at least ten books 

I have been woefully lacking in my reading life this past semester with being so busy with school.  I have done my best with re-reading a few books (since that didn't take as much concentration) but I have been dying to read more.  Books that are on my list to read include The Silmarillion (finally), Innocence of Father Brown, Gods and Generals and Far From the Madding Crowd,   Books I want to re-read include The Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass and Swiss Family Robinson.  Some more serious literature that I want to read includes Douglass Wilson's Letter from a Christian Citizen, The Deluded Athiest, and God Is.  I also want to re-read R.C. Sproul's Chosen by God.  There are so many other books that I really want to read or re-read but those are the ones that are at the top of my list.  We'll see how I do.  I might end up being an overachiever, or I might end up being an underachiever.  Hopefully not the latter.

Spend the time I have with my family

I am very good at sitting in my room with my precious laptop and I need to get out of there more.  Once school is over, this not only will be possible, it will probably be unavoidable. :) However, this goal does not contradict goals three or five.  I'll just need to work those into this goal.  If I am going to be sitting in my room, I had better be reading or cleaning up my desk, if not, to quote Blimey Cow, I'm doing it wrong.  I hope to spend more time especially with my older sister as during the school year we pretty much only see each other on the weekends as I am gone during the day at school and she is gone in the evening for work.  

Serve my family

Because I am gone most of the time during the week at school, I often don't get my chores done around the house.  So since I am will be home all of the time soon, I want to take the time to get all of my chores done, no excuses!  If there are other ways in which I can help that pop up, I want to cheerfully (This goes with goal number two) volunteer.  This could include making more meals for the family, helping my younger siblings with their school, or taking on some extra projects around the house.

Take at least two walks per week

Again, school has kept me at bay from this pastime.  Once school is gone and past, I can hopefully take some good walks so I won't be the worst skier on the slope when my family goes skiing in January.  Walking is just about my favorite form of exercise (passed only by contra dancing) and with this additional time, I hope to take some nice long hikes.  

Eat Healthy

That's broad, I know but the way I am going right now I am going to be broad. :)  Not saying I eat horribly, but I don't eat super well either.  I have cut a lot of the usual suspects out of my diet but I need to be more careful yet.  Pretty much I want to be careful to not eat too many sweets over the holidays.  I also want to be careful with snacks.  Since I won't be at school pretty soon, I won't be drinking all that coffee with all the cream and sugar so that should help some.

Write at least three more blog posts this month

Minuscule amount I know, but if you follow my blog, you know how hit and miss I have been recently with school taking its toll on me.  Hopefully I will write more, and most definitely hopefully I won't write less. :)

So that's all my resolutions for this month.  I had a little trouble thinking up some at first but then they came pretty fast.  Probably I'll think up some more halfway through the month so I'll just throw them into January or something like that. :) I just hope I can keep up with those that I've made.  As Kelli does, I'll try and post a mid-month "progress report" to see how I'm doing and at the end of the month I'll post a "report card".  This is my first time so cut me a little slack, not too much now, just a little. :)


Lois Johnson, avid writer, tea drinker, and reader but first and foremost, avid Christian.