The Year Behind and The Year Ahead

Well here we are, at the end of 2014. It's crazy how quickly this year has gone! It feels like a complete blur with work projects and college keeping me occupied for a large proportion of it. But, I've had some good moments this year, and some not so good moments.

To say 'Goodbye' to 2014 and 'Hello' to 2015, I thought it'd be nice to do recap moments from 2014 in pictures, and a 2015 resolution post.

Moments from 2014

1. Participated in my first dance show in over 8 years - such an amazing feeling being back on stage
2. Said 'Goodbye' to my beautiful little girl - such a sad day, I miss her!
3. Got to see Shane Filan on his first solo UK tour - such a great concert
4. Spent a lovely day at Hardwick Park with Omar
5.  Finally got my flat keys and moved into my first home
6. Had a relaxing holiday at the Lake District - wish I was back there!
7. Lovely birthday meal with Chris - even better when you get a tasty free drink
8. Said 'Hi' to a Penguin - I want one!
9. Passed 5 CIMA exams - only 6 more to go.

2015 Resolutions

To get fit and healthy

A very cliche resolution, I know, but it's one I think I should have. I've been discussing summer holiday plans already and this year I'd like to lie by the pool in a bikini and not be hiding my tummy under a swimming costume or baggy t-shirt. I'm not going to starve myself, I'm going to be good, eat healthy and exercise more.

Pass 4 more CIMA exams

I want to complete CIMA by summer 2016 and to do so I need to pass at least 4 exams in 2015. It's al lot of work but it'll all be worth it in the end.

Make more effort on my blog and in the blogging world.

My blog will be one in February, I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I started blogging. I started with very good intentions with blogging but some writers block, and busy times meant I lost motivation, and readers as a result. To those of you who've hung around, I really appreciate your support. I want to build up my blog in 2015, get more involvement in the blogging world and confidence in myself with what I'm writing.

Read more books

When I was younger I used to read, a lot, but since I got to uni reading took a back step. In 2014 I've read more than I probably have in a good few years, but 2015 I want to read even more. I'm aiming for 12 this year, which may not seem much, but it's achievable around college and work.

Thanks to everyone who made this year special, and here's hoping next year will be even better!

Sarah x

April Monthly Round-Up

So it's a few days late, but here's my April monthly round-up.

Goal Number 1 - Complete the operational level of my CIMA qualification

I'm now only 18 days away from my next exam (wow, is that all?!), meaning that for the next 18 days my life is largely going to resolve around revising. I have a practice exam day on the 12th May which I'm hoping will be a major help in my revision steps. I'm feeling relatively alright about the prospect of sitting my exam but we'll see how it goes on the day.

Goal Number 2 - Move into my own home

So my flat is now the next in line to get the roof put on, and the aim is still for a move in date at the end of June. My focus is now on buying bedroom curtains ready for move in day, and then just big stuff like Fridge/Freezer and washing machine. I'm so excited.

Goal Number 3 - Loose a stone in weight

April wasn't a great month what with Easter giving me chocolate and me not being very well, so I didn't get any closer to my target. I managed an 8 minute run, the longest I've done all year, non-stop in my cardio routine, so I just need to keep going on that and soon I'll be seeing more progress.

I started the 30 day abs, squat and plank challenge at the beginning of the month, but as I seemed to loose my ability to properly do a plan I only ended up completing the abs and squat one. The progress across the 30 days was amazing, my tummy is a lot flatter than it used to be and my core strength so much better than it was. Now the challenge is over, I don't want to loose all my progress so I'm going to try a few different abs exercises each night. Taking some of the ideas from these two Youtube videos I've found to give me some variety.

 

Goal Number 4 - Get my splits on both legs

I'm still so close and keep trying to push myself that extra step. I'm going to try a few more exercises on my theraband to help my get that little bit further in time for my dance show.

Goal Number 5 - Learn to cook

I managed to make some chocolate coconut cupcakes (which weren't very healthy) and then a chicken and chorizo bake, and a beef casserole all from my new cook book. The results were rather good and I'll definitely be trying them again.

Plan for May

May's goal is to focus on passing my exam, and not put weight on in the mean time. I'm going to watch what I eat, and still aim to do at least one workout a week so I don't loose the progress I've made. I'm going to keep up with some ab exercises and stretch as much as I can so I'm in a good position for the dance show at the end of June.