December 4th, 2009
December Type A-ery & Inspiration
In November I started keeping track of my monthly goals, and I really had fun with it so I thought I would go back and revisit them (you can check my progress here) and keep it up for December. This month is going to be condensed because next week I’m away for the weekend but then it’s on to wind chills, Christmas gifts & welcoming friends home for the holidays. And I’ll get my christmas mix from last year re-posted for your indie Christmas needs & will have another to follow it up next week if I play my cards right.
Oh, and I need your opinion on something fun I made up at the end of all this- check the end of the post!
This December I will…
Go to summer camp. I moved out on my own and in with Mister when I had just barely turned 20 years old. I love him madly but my twenties have been very low key & every now and then I need a weekend to just go be silly & run around the town. I need to act my age, and I am so blessed to have friends who live on the beautiful (if soggy) west coast who will open their homes to me. I’m looking forward to late night conversations, sleeping in, sharing pitchers at dive bars, and laughing. A week from today I’ll be attempting to take the sky train by myself. So, you’ll want to pray for me, is what I’m getting at.
Make my Christmas gifts. I’ve been doing this for the past few years but I want to step my Christmas packages up a notch this year. No more sugar cookies, this year I’m going to hunt down some more gourmet cookie recipes and make truffles. Along with a bottle of wine for everyone, home made cranberry jelly and some fancy cheeses I think they’ll be more adult and more enjoyable.
Get my body image in control. On our honeymoon I had a BMI test done and a trainer told me I “definitely need to lose 10 lbs”, and something about that has really messed with my head. Over the past few months I’ve started feeling too tall, too gangly, too pear shaped and just…awkward. Not in a funny, accepting way, in an “I never look how I want to” way. I know that my vision of what I see in the mirror is starting to slip away from reality and I hate it. I don’t now how to change this, but I need to get it back in control.
Be patient. I get stressed this time of year and become fiercely protective of my time. I get anxious about family gatherings, being volunteered for obligations I don’t want to take part in, and about when I’ll have quality time with Mister. If I can remember to breathe, this month will be easy. If I hold my breath and brace myself it’ll be agony. I need to be patient, know things won’t be perfect, and relax.
Watch one classic Christmas movie a week. I love classic movies and I’m sure there are some amazing ones beyond the most obvious selection- I’m going to hunt them down and make this part of my “It’s almost Christmas!!” rituals.
Finish my bible study. I’m on week four of a six week solo study and it’s going really well, especially considering I have literally no exposure to the bible. The Koran? I know a ton about it and took classes on contemporary and classical Islam in university. The Torah? I’ve quietly, respectfully, and metaphorically fist pumped for one of my best friends when she sings from it in Synagogue. But something about wanting to study the Bible felt really…embarrassing. I’m glad that I cut out the insecurity and just took the leap. This has definitely been an “ah-ha” moment for me. If I keep going I’ll be done in time for Christmas & I can pick a book to start my own study on. I have no idea where I want to start, there’s a lot of content! Suggestions?
Make a video for you guys about my city. I don’t have an FAQ because I’m not really barraged with e-mail clamouring for answers and clarifications about my life, but a while ago I had someone ask what my city looks & feels like and I want to try answering that visually. I’m so excited to take a run at this!
Redesign. I love my little site but I need one side bar. Just one! I’ve had this layout for nearly a year and I’m excited for a slight change. I’m keeping everything extremely minimalist still, but I want a little flexibility back. Polishing everything up for the new year is definitely on my list.
Take more photographs of my life. And then post them to my flickr account. Why do I have a flickr account if I don’t use it regularly!!
Current Inspiration…
Question: Do you like my first inspiration board? I’m thinking about doing one every month- Yea or nae it, children!
hi Kyla — I adore your blog, but have not been keeping up to date with blog-reading lately!
Anyways, I agree with the rest of the comments here: your inspiration board was beauuutiful and put me in an arts-and-crafts, cut-and-paste kinda mood.
I’ve been reading a lot of Donald Miller and Anne Lamott lately – both people who struggled with Christianity and how to live Biblically… I recommend both authors to people of absolutely any faith background, for conversation and questions and more.
(Donald Miller – Blue Like Jazz, Searching for God Knows What, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years… Anne Lamott – Grace (Eventually), Travelling Mercies, Plan B)
.-= Jen´s last blog ..backtracking. =-.
Lisa – No problem, I just e-mailed you! If anyone else would like information on the study that I’m doing just comment here & I’ll sent you the link and a short e-mail!
Hey Kyla! Can you elaborate on the Bible study you are doing now?
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..The rush of 2009, with lots of pictures. =-.
I love that you’re making your Christmas presents! I’d love to see the final outcome and what you ended up making!
And I love the inspiration board! Yay for that!
.-= E.P.´s last blog ..Endings and beginnings =-.
OMG! your inspiration board is not ONLY inspiring but endlessly beautiful. I have to keep it! Also, best of luck with your goals! Just remember though, that you’re an incredible person just the way you are, and you only need to change if it’s something you want. There’s always going to be that perfect or ideal image of yourself, but it’s okay to be the imperfect real life version of her =)
.-= Jenny Kellerhals´s last blog ..Apples! =-.
Yes, love the inspiration board! I especially love those people dancing.
Can’t wait to learn more about your city.
.-= michelle woo´s last blog ..The Long and Short of it All =-.
Ooh, I want someone to come to summer camp at MY house! Sounds fun. Guess it’s not the same if there is a boy in the house though.
.-= Micaela´s last blog ..Home from Nationals! =-.
I love the inspiration board, definitely keep it up.
The idea of doing a video of your city is cool. I can’t wait to see it. It will make it come to life, rather than just the facts you get from a textbook.
.-= Mandy´s last blog ..Christmas Sweaters =-.
Vintage books are lovely
and I adore classic movies.
Last month I went to a movie
festival in Italy, and I saw some
lovely Nicholas Ray movies which
are well worth checking out if you
haven’t seen his work.
Catching up with your blog
and wish you a lovely Christmas <3
.-= Russ´s last blog ..Cinematic Dreams and Italian Memories =-.
I neeeeeed you to tell me what font you’re using.
.-= Suburban Sweetheart´s last blog ..The First & Only Time I Will Ever Blog About Jon Gosselin. Maybe. =-.
What a great list :)
I think home made Christmas gifts are the best. This year I made scarves for 2 sisters, 2 sisters-in-law, my mom, and my nephew. I hope they love them! I had intended to make homemade vanilla extract for everyone but I kind of forgot about it and it’s something that takes like months to make because you have let a vanilla bean sit in vodka for like months or something like that… so maybe next year!
.-= Lisa from Lisa’s Yarns´s last blog ..Happy 101 =-.
For the record, I love your layout. And I can’t wait to hear your indie Christmas mix! *waits impatiently* :)
.-= Janie´s last blog ..Rest in Peace =-.
Yeah, I don’t think I trust the sanity of anyone who would tell you to lose ten pounds. In your photos you look like the vision of perfect!
I had some major body/weight issues in the way I saw myself. I broke down and went to a trainer who FORBID me to step on the scale. And our scale doesn’t have batteries in it anymore, so if I do feel like I want to weigh myself, there’s an extra step involved. The trainer has me lifting – which I’m surprised to say I LOVE – and I’m focused on building healthy, strong muscle instead of what the scale says. It helps a lot.
Thank you so much for all the feedback on the inspiration board! I think that next time I’m still going to do the pictures but I might use a more normal text that’s easier to read, or I’ll just use normal text separated from the images.
Thanks!!
Yes! Inspiration board is so cute! I’ve been meaning to do that lately, but haven’t felt too inspired. I cannot wait to see you! I have a contribution to make for your Christmas movie goal. Can we watch The Muppets: A Christmas Carol??
.-= Awmb´s last blog ..An Old Friend, And A Fantastic Surprise =-.
A definite yay!
.-= Libby´s last blog ..camping out =-.
1. Alright, so the inspiration board is completely lovely. I will be looking forward to it monthly if you decide to do it!!!
2. If someone told you that you need to lost weight, they are a crazy person. You are beautiful. Its all about health, and thats what I am currently learning about that!
3. Huzzah on the Bible study!!! I am so glad that you are finishing your first one and even more excited to start the second! I definitely have some suggestions… I would really recommend Captivating by Stasi Eldredge. Its beautiful. It is more of a book, but you can get the book and study book/guide. Let me know if you need anything Bible study wise. I am not all knowing, but I am going to school for Christian Studies… :)
4. I am wanting to make Christmas presents handmade this year too. I am thinking felt ornaments. Or something along those lines. We will see….
:)
.-= Kristi´s last blog ..Best of 2009: Article. =-.
oh i totally yay it and i love the idea of watching a classic christmas movie every week. i for sure will be watching ‘it’s a wonderful life’ at least once that’s for sure and hopefully ‘miracle on 34th street’ as well, i love that movie.
.-= katelin´s last blog ..It’s December when… =-.
I love the classic movie idea. :) Duh. :D
So nice to talk to you last night!
Darn you woman! Anytime I start to get into my blog, I come here and think… OMG, I LOVE THAT IDEA! And then use all my willpower to NOT copy EVERYTHING you do. Sigh. ::shakes fist:: ;-)
I agree with the self-image thing. Granted, getting gianormous didn’t help, but I definately know what I see in the mirror is far more like a character out of the Twilight Zone than what anyone else sees, and Sean has asked me to “please start seeing you how everyone else does!” So I’m working on it! And YOU work on it, too, because it is blatantly obvious to everyone here how gorgeous and charasmatic you are!
We have a few more mental to-do’s in common (Christmas classics, showcasing our cities, using a Flickr account I paid for and ultimately ignore). And good luck on the redesign – I love how adorable this is and the inspiration board, so I’m sure it’ll turn out cute as well!
Oh, I miss summer camps being carefree!
I love the inspiration board and I vote yes, you should do the boards every month.
.-= steph anne´s last blog ..Sticking to the Budget! =-.
Hey love.
I just wanted to say that I totally sympathize with your need to break away and go out sometimes — I am 23 and married. I love being 23 and I love being married, but sometimes I need to just get ridiculously drunk and pass out on someone’s sofa. Luckily my husband gets that and lets me. :) You are lucky to have a similar marriage.
And I don’t even want to think about my BMI, why in god’s name did you do that on your Honeymoon?! Silly girl. Also, I am loving the inspiration board. I have a bunch that I’ve done but never posted, I think it’s great though.
.-= abby´s last blog ..snow day. =-.
Kyla, I love the inspiration board! And really, go further down the West Coast to CA! Please!
.-= Amy — Just A Titch´s last blog ..The good, the bad and the ugly =-.
Inspiration board? LOVE it!
I would love to see a video of your city :) and can’t wait to see your redesign! I love your site now but there’s always something exciting about a little change.
I’ve been thinking of ways to make my own presents too – truffles are super easy and yummy to make. That’s a good idea… Homemade cranberry jelly sounds so yummy!!
ps. Can’t wait to meet you!! I’m so giddy, lol
.-= Margarita´s last blog ..Oreo Cookie Cupcakes =-.
What a wonderful and inspirational post. Looks like you’ll have a busy, but enjoyable December that will lead to a very happy new year. By the way, I love you first board. :-)
Shannon
.-= Shannon at Old World Charm´s last blog ..Recession Holiday Gifts: 15 Presents for Under $25 =-.
yay it! for sure.
p.s. i cannot wait to watch a little video about your city. from what you’ve shared about it, it sounds just lovely. is it creepy i’ve looked it up on wikipedia to learn more about it? (hope not :))
.-= cait´s last blog ..Grammy’s photo got bounced around a bit this week. After… =-.
WHAT?! Lose 10 pounds? No way. I’ve seen you and that’s crazytalk.
I’m loving your December optimism. I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
.-= Andrea´s last blog ..The One About the Future =-.
i love them. keep it up please!!
and i would loove this video you are going to be making of you city. such a good idea.
.-= missy.´s last blog ..soul mate. =-.
Yay on the inspiration board! And I kind of want to print and frame it.
Also? I’d love to talk about your Bible study. I grew up all over that stuff and I think it’s impacted the way I perceive it now, and I’d like to go back with an open mind. I’d also like to study other religions, but have no idea where to start!
.-= Doniree´s last blog ..Best of 2009 – Best Restaurant Experience =-.
I quite like the inspiration board!
I have a pair of argyle-patterned tights and I have no idea how to wear them. If you figure it out, let me know.
Also, I am ridiculously excited to meet you next week. And if you’d like some extremely detailed Skytrain directions, I can provide them. I am ridiculous about taking public transit in new places so I made sure to compose some foolproof directions for when my out-of-town friends visit my city.
PS: we are officially hair twins. I do not have the guts to post pictures yet.
.-= hillary´s last blog ..If We Were Children I Would Bake You A Mud Pie =-.
I realize after reading this that I should’ve had a pad of paper to jot down all the things I wanted to comment on. But alas.
GREAT post! And also…
WEST COAST! I live there. You should visit me and my hubster in Santa Barbara, CA. I’ll take you to the beach.
Body image: I have no good advice, but I do want to tell you that I think you are RIDICULOUSLY beautiful and whoever told you to lose ten pounds can shove it.
Bible Study: I’ve done a few different “devotional” studies throughout my Christian life, but not a lot of actual Bible Studying, outside of my academic Christian university life. But one series of books I read in a class, which I found SO helpful in understanding some of the Bible, is this “For Everyone” series by N.T. Wright. (Here’s a link to “Paul for Everyone” which covers Romans chapters 1-8: http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Everyone-Romans-Part-One/dp/0664227996) He basically translates the Bible from its original Greek or Hebrew and then talks a little about each passage, puts it in context, etc. He’s done Romans and Galatians, and I’m sure some others.
City video: Yes!! I’ve never been to Canada, and quite frankly I’m kind of ignorant about any place besides southern California (and Romania). I would love to see your city.
Lastly: LOVE the inspiration board. :-)
.-= Tabitha´s last blog ..Then & Now: 19 vs. 24 =-.
Yes, yes, yes to the inspiration board! Such a great idea.
I am making cookies and a bunch of different chocolate-covered candies as one of our gifts for our families this year. :) If you’re looking for more ideas, visit http://www.tasteofhome.com/christmas. I got a few of my ideas from there, and they even have a “candy cane cookie,” which is a cookie that my mom has made since I was little and is SO good! I’m going to try to tackle the recipe this year for the first time. :)
.-= Samantha´s last blog ..I Need To Do This More Often =-.
i really love your inspiration board! that is a really awesome idea. it makes me want to try my own hand at one. and i am enjoying your monthly goal list: it’s kind of cool to do a monthly goal list in my opinion…instead of a yearly one (aka: new years, haha). but i just think it’s a really great idea because as people we’re constantly changing, and as such, so are our goals. it makes the whole idea much more manageable because it’s not this huge daunting list of stuff you want to accomplish in a year…which usually gets forgotten about by february. so, i think the concept of doing small lists month by month is actually really fun and would accomplish a lot more. and also: don’t be embarrassed about studying the bible! although, i do understand what you mean. i’m not sure why it’s one of those things that makes us sort of cringe on the inside a little at the thought of it. but, it can only enhance your overall knowledge about life, and i think it’s just great that you’re taking the initiative to do it on your own. so, keep on living life, miss kyla! and don’t forget to breathe. ;)
Any trainer who says you need to lose ten pounds is delusional. And also, it’s been studied and proven that BMI is a completely inaccurate way of determining one’s health – so concentrate on YOU, and how you feel, not on the number!!
.-= Claire´s last blog ..Some Top Christmas Picks =-.
Homemade Christmas gifts are the best!
Read Redeeming Love. It’s not a Bible study but it’s an awesome book with a great message. Seriously one of the best books I’ve ever read.
.-= Chelsea´s last blog ..The Way Texans Do Christmas =-.
Body image – always a nasty one when it rears its head. The only way I found to tackle it was to work out what it was deep down that allowed me to develop a completly warped image of myself. Good luck.
.-= Jane´s last blog ..Chinglish Signs: Entrance to the Shanghai Pearl Tower =-.
Where to start!
1. 10 pounds from WHERE?? Who is this joke of a trainer you talked to. I’m not just saying this either, I honestly think he was looking at someone else when he said that. I do, however, know exactly what you mean about body image. Man, do I ever. We can take that conversation off line.
2. I wish I could go to summer camp with you.
3. LOVE the inspiration board, please keep it up. =)
4. I could have written that ENTIRE paragraph about being patient. When I was with Irish I’d get the same way about family time, work time, friend time, and even my alone time. It’s a dreadful feeling so hopefully you find a happy medium.
.-= Nora´s last blog ..November Recap =-.
A variety of things
1) Emily is right – that trainer should be punched. His job is to help people feel better and offer constructive help. Not say dumb things like that.
2) I’ve been thinking about creating a visual “map” of where I live. I think it would be fascinating. I need to find the time!
3) I am a HUGE fan of inspiration boards. I started doing them for my wedding and I got hooked. Now I’m creating them for the rooms in my house. I love that you’re doing them for things that you LOVE. Post more.
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..Something to be proud of? =-.
Yay it!
Indie Christmas mix? That intrigues me…
.-= Vanessa (Last Night’s Leftovers)´s last blog ..Then & Now =-.
I love inspiration boards! I have an inspiration wall on my…wall. Keep doing it, keep doing it!
.-= Alana´s last blog ..I’m interning at Armani! =-.
I am very excited for your trip! Yay for blog makeovers, I’m going to be having one done on mine soon. I love your inspiration board.
I am proud of you for exploring the Bible, its not an easy thing to tackle. I’ve actually read it as a peice of literature, not as a religious text, and there are some beautiful stories contained within the pages. I’ve read the Torah and parts of the Koran basically the same way. Figuring out beliefs is seldom easy but always rewarding.
I also say yay to the video about your city! I would love that. I love seeing where people come from, where they call home, how its made them into who they are.
.-= mandy´s last blog ..Identity Crisis =-.
And you’re going to get to hang out with Hillary. Two of my favorite Canadians ever. Sigh.
.-= SoMi’s Nilsa´s last blog ..Replayed =-.
I am also planning on showing my readers where I live. Many people have asked me what it looks like and how I feel about living there. But I just haven’t gotten around to posting anything yet.
Btw, I love your inspirations!
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..Approaching things differently. =-.
Yes to the inspiration board.
I have a flickr account, and I haven’t used it in MONTHS. Sadly. I, too, thought about doing a visual representation of my town through photographs. I may put more consideration into it.
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Artificial Fragrances, No More =-.
i yay it!
.-= Krystal´s last blog ..title =-.