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I knew I would get a dog when I moved out on my own, so as soon as I had my household in order, I began researching and looking at local shelters and petfinder.org. I made sure not to go to the shelter until I knew what breed I was looking for so I would walk home with a good match, not just for emotional reasons. And it was meant to be. They had a litter of puppies dropped off over the weekend, terrier/dachshund mixes—my two favorite breeds. And when I got there, only 5 minutes after it opened, there was only 1 puppy left: my Riley. It’s 5 years later and I can’t imagine life without him.

Over Labor Day, I added North Carolina to my list!

I need to do more research, but I’ve heard this is the way to go. Right now I have everything in my company 401(k) but I’ve heard these are better. Of course the stock market sucks right now: I’m down by 1/3 in my 401(k), but I have time. I want to get my retirement goals in order by the time I’m 30.

My goal is to fast for 5 days. I’ve been told it is an ancient form of healing and cleansing and I want to try it as a personal challenge to myself. I am somewhat of a recovering food addict who has always had a very difficult relationship with eating, and I’m hoping maybe a total fast can break me of some of my worst addictions (namely sugar). I plan on taking on this challenge the last five days of this year to start next year off right. Any advice?

It only took me 9 years to figure it out, but for the last 9 months I’ve been seeing a great guy without any games or fights. I’m finally in a mature relationship. I think this might be it…

1 year update: 3 boxes left. I would unpack them, but where should I put the stuff?

I now own my own car! AND I don’t owe the government for my education! YEA! No more debt!!! ...and it only took 5 years to do it.

I had a blast last weekend on my second trip to New York City! The first time was all about seeing the sites, this time was about experiencing the city. It was great!

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Well, once I opened my mind up to dating, it just kind of all started happening at once. It got a little hectic there for awhile, but now I’m seeing a great guy so with any luck, I won’t have to add “dating” back to my list.

Well, my “ex” is becoming more of a current affair. They say people don’t change, but he’s made many changes so I’ve decided to give him a second chance. 8 years is a long time to throw away when he’s making such a concerted effort. Only time will tell…

I just got back from my trip to England, Ireland, and Sweden a few weeks ago, and it was amazing! Ireland was so beautiful, and definitely my favorite part of the trip. 2 weeks just wasn’t long enough!

3 darn boxes to go … will it ever end? Where does all the time go and why can’t I seem to get this done? Oh well, maybe next weekend…

It is such a hassle to change all the addresses when you move, and remember what all needs changed. Glad I can check this one off my list!

Yesterday, I went to Cedar Point for the first time in several years and it was OUTSTANDING! They have even more, even better rollercoasters than before. My favorite of the day was definitely the Top Thrill Dragster. But we ended the day with the Magnum and it’s still got it, even if others have outdone it speed- and height-wise. Unfortunately, I’ve also discovered that I’m not as young as I used to be. I actually had to sit out a ride or two near the end of the day and we left half an hour before the park closed. But it was amazing and a great time was had by all. It was nice to hang out with friends that I don’t see often and it was like going back to my early twenties again. Good times.

I’ve lost 23 pounds in the last 3 months, and I’m finally in the “normal” BMI range for my height. Barely, but I’m there. It’s been 6 years since I’ve hit that mark. I’d still like to shed a few pounds and get more toned, but mainly, I just hope to maintain the weight loss I’ve achieved. I have a feeling this goal will be on here for the rest of my life. Good luck to all of your with the same goal!

Well, it took 3 months but I did it! The secret? Eat healthy and exercise, who knew?

OK, so technically I wasn’t alone because I had my dog, Riley, playing co-pilot, but my week-long trek from Indiana to Arizona and back was one of the most enjoyable trips I’ve taken. I hadn’t planned on going it alone, but it ended up being the best way to get to my friend’s place in Phoenix with my dog in tow. And I actually enjoyed the drive there and back as much as my time in Phoenix. I’d highly recommend doing it at least once in your life!

France has been by far my favorite European destination thus far. We visited the north of France from Normandy through the Loire River Valley to Paris, and saw many chateaux’s along the way. It was great!

I visited Italy for a week in 2001, but we only got to see Rome and Pompeii. If I ever get back, I’d visit Florence and Venice.