Despite my pure hatred for TV hosts like Guy Fieri and Adam Richman, I watch Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and Man v. Food quite a bit. I've even found myself putting Food Network on when I'm working out, which is either brilliant or completely crazy. Ok, it's just completely crazy. Why watch shows about pigging out when I'm trying to lose weight?? Anywho, I've noticed that a lot of restaurants in the Twin Cities have been highlighted on these shows. (I know others around the state have been highlighted, but Duluth is out for this challenge.) Aside from Matt's Bar, the 5-8 Club, and The Blue Door Pub, I have yet to go to these other eateries. I love food, I love trying new restaurants-why not challenge myself to visit most, if not all, of these places? And so the challenge is on! Some of the restaurants include:

Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives

-Al's Breakfast
-Psycho Suzi's
-The Wienery
-Bryan Lake Bowl
-The Colossal Cafe
-Town Talk Diner
-The Nook

Man v. Food

-Brasa Rotisserie
-Gasthof's (Jill, I will come to visit you soon!)
-Punch Pizza

If anyone recalls any other restaurants these crews went to, let me know! I have no specific time frame to knock these off my list, but I think completing the challenge by the end of the year is more than feasible. Let the challenge begin!!

Let me know if you're interested in joining me on this delicious journey!

I'm a sucker for a really good love song. I'm a not-so-subtle hopeless romantic, so the lyrics to this song get me every time. Yes, I first heard it in Breaking Dawn, but don't let its affiliation with Twilight sway you. If you like love songs, I have no doubts you'll love this. The song is "Turning Page" from a great group called Sleeping At Last.



As I expressed in my first Musical Favorites post, I'm madly in love with The Civil Wars. There isn't a single song they've created that I don't adore. "Falling" is one of my favorites off their CD Barton Hallow. Anyone who has been in/confused by/messed up by love can relate to this song. My opinion anyway. :)



I'll admit the first time I heard this song was on Glee. Original fans of this song have expressed a lot of disdain for this, but I love that it was an outlet to expose me to this song. I probably wouldn't have heard it otherwise. It's fun, it's quirky, and almost feels like a throw back to the 80's/early 90's. The video weirds me out, but the song is awesome.

Just like that, 2011 is gone. I had a fun year with great people, but I know I could have done more to create opportunities and experiences for myself. I was complacent and downright lazy. I am entering the New Year energized, hopeful, and motivated to make things happen. It took me until January 2nd to fully decide what my resolutions would be, but here they are in all their glory:

Focus more on myself:While I know this sounds selfish, I feel like it is necessary. I wasted too much time in 2011 complaining about how things were, and I didn’t bother to change them. In 2012, I will take the time to focus on what it is I want out of life. I will work on my emotional, mental, and physical health. If I feel like I’m out of shape, I will exercise more. If I want to pursue a higher education, I will look into graduate school. If I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I will take time out to calm down and refresh. If I want to find love, I need to first love myself completely. I’m getting close, but this will be the year to really do it. :)

Worry less: This goes hand in hand with my first resolution. Anyone who knows me knows this is going to be a tough one to follow through on. I have this inherent, annoying habit of worrying WAY too much about almost everything. I think it largely stems from the fact I am a control freak, and hate when things are out of my control. I picked up this trait in college, and it magnified when I moved to the Cities solo. I think I mistook a need for control for independence; they are not synonymous. Friends and family members who have learned to accept things they can’t control seem to be much happier in life. This is what I want for myself, and I will work hard to achieve that. (Ashley, you’ve helped me take baby steps towards this goal in 2011. For that, I am thankful. Looking forward to what lessons I can learn from you in 2012!)

Help others more: I can see how this may contradict my first resolution, but it actually assists it quite well. I get a lot of joy out of helping others. Through my job with Jumpstart in college, I was able to help at local food pantries, a battered women’s shelter, and participated on National Youth Service Day. I also spent a year with Big Brothers Big Sisters. These experiences showed me how blessed I was/am, and how the help of one person can in turn bless other s. I’m currently volunteering with the Make-A-Wish foundation and the Feline Rescue shelter in St. Paul. I’m also looking forward to volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House Charities this year. If I can find the time, I’d love to help even more organizations. I’m passionate about volunteering, and I hope I can convince others to help too!

My mini resolutions: I will try to stop complaining so much. I will change those things I don’t like. I will be more compassionate, honest, and selfless. I will read more books, watch less tv, volunteer more, and create new experiences more often. I will pay down at least 50% of my debt, while also stressing less about finances. I will more consistently tell people I love them, and be there for them in times of need.

I know 2012 has a lot in store for me, and I can’t wait to see what will happen! Here’s to a great new year!!