HELP ME!!

Should I run the Chicago Marathon in October?  I can train in 18 weeks and this marathon is in 9 months, but fills up in one month, so I need to make a decision. 

• It's on my bucket list
• I know I can do it, as in train for it
• I just don't know if I want to commit to the training hours.

What would you do and why?

Days Go By...

I realized this weekend how I loathe winter: short days, cold weather, coats, boots, hats, gloves, and slush.  I have never been out of the country, but want to go somewhere warm, sunny, and tropical right now.  I want to lay on the beach holding a my ice cold seltzer water with lemon and watch the kids play in the sand/surf.

***WE INTERRUPT THIS BLOG TO YELL "JAKE DON'T MAKE YOUR SISTER THROW AWAY YOUR DIRTY EARWAX Q-TIP!  THERE'S A TRASH CAN IN THE BATHROOM-THAT'S GROSS!"***

 I want to feel warm breezes blow gently through my hair as I taste the salt on my lips and feel the warm sun on my skin.  Take me there.  Actually, scratch the "watch the kids play in the sand/surf", I want to be there with my husband only.  My dad will happily watch the kids for me, right?

I just want to go to Fiji.  My husband doesn't like to fly, and won't fly unless he absolutely has to (like that time he HAD to go to a bachelor party in Ft. Lauderdale) *insert an insanely painful looking eye-roll*

Can someone please convince my wonderful husband of 13 years that this place NEEDS me??  I really really really want to go.  Maybe for our 15 year anniversary?  I'll save my pennies, I promise...just take me there.

Incidentally, as I was looking for pictures of Fiji, I found another blog that said "the most depressing day of the year is the 3rd Monday in January".  Today is the 4th Monday in January.  I don't know if I would say I'm depressed, but irritated and tired of this crappy weather.

Maybe I'll go to a tanning salon today and imagine laying on the beach while in a tanning bed?  HUGE THANK YOU to my Wifey, Diane for letting me get nekkid in her basement to use her tanning bed!!

CHEERS!

Turbo Fire!

Holy Crap!  Has anyone ever heard of Turbo Fire?  Turbo Fire, is "Intense Cardio Conditioning", as explained on the front of the DVD set.  I bought Turbo Fire last summer, okay, and I did it for...oh...45-ish days, before I decided that my training/cross training for my half marathon would be my only workout.

I got a bug up my butt, and decided to run my big, fat, mouth...Put a challenge out there to a friend of mine Jeannette; who accepted, putting my big butt to the test.  So Jeannette got her Turbo Fire in the mail Saturday and texted me that she was FREAKING READY!!  Today was our first day of the  "Intense Cardio Conditioning".

Mind you I am a runner, a half marathoner, tri-athlete (okay...mini triathlon, but I still did it-don't judge me!), and I did have 3 kids (2 -9lbers without epidural- don't even get me started on my birth stories).  My knees and legs are KILLING ME.  My calves are still on fire!  The good news is, when I finished I felt pretty damn awesome and was really ready to do a round of yoga.

I guess this is really a follow up to my "Resolutions/Healthy eating blog post" from the beginning of January.  I'm still going strong.  I have been eating really well, drinking a shit-ton of water, and just generally feeling pretty good in my own skin.

I quit running for a month.  I announced to my running group on Friday.  It's a bittersweet break.  I love my pals at F'NRC.  They are really my rock, but I've got to get this butt of mine a little smaller, so it's not so hard to run 5 miles.  I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting older and unconsciously aging myself with my upcoming birthday or what.  Anyhow DAY ONE is over and now I can move on.

What do you want to do?  What (other than yourself) is standing in your way?  What are your goals for 2012, how are they coming?

So I will leave you with this tip today:


"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

You are the secret to your own happiness, you are your own best advocate.  If you won't stand up for your health and happiness, who will?

Cheers!

Energy

Energy...we equate it to healthy, vitality, youth, and positiveness.  Right?  Energy is the fountain of youth.

Truth is energy is pretty amazing.  We are all made up of energy, and energy is all around us.  Energy is the foundation for everything we do, we have, we are, we will be.  Kinda crazy, right?

So when you are laying in bed and it's time to get up you think about how you have "NO ENERGY" you just CAN'T get up.  It's no use, you're too tired.  blah blah blah.

Think about energy.  Think about something that gets your heart pumping.  Imagine being in a car and someone suddenly stops in front of you, and your heart jumps to your throat and pounds like it's never pounded.  Think about the last time you rode a roller coaster.  Think about when you almost trip down stairs and catch yourself.  Think about how you feel, how that FIGHT or FLIGHT adrenaline takes over your entire body.

Now... are you more energized?  Well, if you're not, you're not doing it right.  Try it again.

Energy CREATES energy.  Positive energy created POSITIVE energy.

Want more energy?  Do something positive today for someone or yourself.  SAY YES to your kids, when you'd normally say NO, then soak up their positive reaction.

Energy is so amazing.  Every.single.day is a new day, make it YOUR day.  OWN IT!

Cheers!!

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is January 16, 2012.  Yesterday was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.  On MLK day the kids get out of school to pay tribute to this man.  MLK was a pretty  amazing guy.  Born 1/15/29 in Georgia to a preacher.  The middle child of 3.

Did you know that he never finished high school?  MLK skipped 9th grade and 12th grade and went straight to college. He questioned the teaching of the bible and the Resurrection.  But went on to  become a Doctor and  minister of his own church at 25 yrs old.  He had 4 of his own children, and won a Nobel Peace Prize.  After he was murdered, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  It wasn't until 1986 that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was made a federal holiday.

His famous "I have a dream" speech is quite moving.  My favorite part of his speech is:

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

This part of his speech speaks to me on so many levels, and is true in all walks of life.  Whether you are purple, green or blue, you have your own struggle you have to overcome.  Battles that may pale in comparison to what the Negros were faced with then, but battles that affect your children, your future, and your life wholly.

If you're a parent, talk to your kids today about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Tell them what he did for Americans.  Look at your own life and decide what is holding you back, and how you can change the effect.

Cheers!  Happy Birthday Dr. King!

I need some UMMMPH!

I swear this is NOT a running blog, but I have to share this story.  It actually starts yesterday.

Yesterday was Wednesday.  Wednesday is my "therapy" day.  On Wednesday I meed a group of people to run.  We are the Frankfort-New Lenox Run Club (or F'NRC or Rucking Funners).  Anyway, this is the best group of runners a girl can ask for.  We are really a support group, a bitchin' group, an ass-patting group, and a "you-know-you-can-push-harder-than-that" group.  It's just about the best thing that came into my life since running.

Yesterday I woke up looking forward to our run, knowing I could pretty much blow off my day cause I was gonna ROCK this four miler, like no one's business.  I get my kindergartner on the bus and jump in the jeep to head over to LifeSource for my donation: a pint of O+.  Not thinking about my run later...I workout on donation days all the time.  BFD.

Meanwhile, I'm eating good and getting lots of hydration, cause I feel so good about my run.  I check facebook and find that I've been named "leader" of the 10:00 pace group (rock on!).   feeling cockier as the hours pass, I post on my own Facebook wall: FOUR MILES!  I'M GOING BALLS TO WALL, BABY!

Pack up, head out, get there and take our picture (my 12 year old is in the orange shirt, I'm to the right of her).

So...we start our run and feeling good, cocky, over-confident...and in passing tell my 12 year old who she can stick with since she's "slower".  Start my garmin and think HELL YEAH, let's get it on!

After one mile, I was spent.  I felt like the energy was just completely draining from my hips down, legs like bricks, then I had a hard time even WALKING.

MEANWHILE...(at a 8:40 pace) my 12 year old is running with the big dogs at the front of the pack, (don't tell her she's slow!) I turn at 1.5 miles cause I can barely keep a slow jog at this point and am walking more than I'm jogging.  so I finish my mile at 10:04 and rest was just trying to stay alive. 3 miles in 38:16.  yeah.

Megan ran 4 miles in 41:00 even.  But her first TWO miles were ran at an 8:40 pace!

So today is the day of the big snow, the first significant snow of the season.  Today is also Thursday.  On Thursday I run with the "nooners".  Don and Julie kind of own the Thursday noon run.  I jumped in about a month ago and don't ever keep pace or distance, but I run anyway.  We decided that we would brave the weather.  There was about 3" on the trail when we started, the wind at our back.  I turned at 1.5 miles they kept going for 3.25 miles.  My run ended at 3 miles 42:36 (which was expected because of the snow and all the pictures I took of the beautiful snow fall).

So I ran 3 crappy miles last night, and ran 3 productive miles in the snow today!  Here are some amazing photos of the trail today:

Here are my pals Julie and Don  

This last pic is really the reason for the blog tonight...check out  the snowy eyebrows/lashes!

SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

This winter in Northern Illinois, has been...let's say a bit disappointing, especially for the 12 and under crowd.  Last year we had a nice snow the day after Thanksgiving.  This year I was out grilling our dinner the day after Thanksgiving.  No White Christmas, 45° on New Year's Eve.  It's just, ya know...an anti-climatic winter.  It's warm, even.  Today, January 11, 2012, the temperature is supposed to be 55°, it was 58° yesterday.  Really?

Well, ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow begins our first "winter storm watch".  This just in from the National Weather Service:

ALERT 1 - Winter Storm Watch
A WINTER STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9:00AM CST FRIDAY, JANUARY 13
Issue Time: 3:13AM CST, Wednesday Jan 11, 2012
Valid Until: 11:15AM CST, Wednesday Jan 11, 2012
Back to summary
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNINGTHROUGH FRIDAY MORNINGUrgent - Winter Weather MessageNational Weather Service Chicago IL313 AM CST Wed Jan 11 2012
Mchenry-Lake IL-Kane-Dupage-Cook-Kendall-Will-Lake IN-Porter-Including The Cities Of... Woodstock... Waukegan... Aurora...
Wheaton... Chicago... Oswego... Joliet... Gary... Valparaiso
... Winter Storm Watch IN Effect From Thursday Morning ThroughFriday Morning...

The National Weather Service IN Chicago Has Issued A Winter StormWatch... Which Is IN Effect From Thursday Morning Through FridayMorning.

* Timing... Snow Will Develop By Midday Thursday And Continue IntoFriday Morning.

* Accumulations... Snowfall Totals IN Excess Of 6 Inches ArePossible.

* Hazards... In Addition To The Falling Snow... Winds Will IncreaseTo 15 To 25 Mph With Gusts Up To 35 Mph By Thursday Evening AndContinue Through Thursday Night. The Strong Winds Will CauseConsiderable Blowing And Drifting Snow... Especially IN OutlyingAnd Open Areas. Wind Chills Are Also Forecast To Drop To NearZero.
* Impacts... Accumulating Snow Will Likely Make Travel DifficultFor The Afternoon Commute Thursday... With Travel ConditionsPossibly Becoming Treacherous And Even Dangerous IN Open AreasThursday Night Into Early Friday Morning.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions...

A Winter Storm Watch Means There Is A Potential For SignificantSnow... Sleet... Or Ice Accumulations That May Impact Travel.Continue To Monitor The Latest Forecasts.

Last February 2 (my birthday, incidentally).  We had a FREAKING BLIZZARD here, complete with emergency warming station set up by the Village.  This picture is in the morning, only a few hours into the blizzard.

Here's one after my pal and I finished SHOVELING the driveway:

So, needless to say, my kids are SO EXCITED about the snow forecast and so am I!  Bring it mother nature!

Cheers!!

Sway Bar

Does everyone know what a sway bar is?  it's a bar in the vehicle's suspension that keeps the vehicle from rolling.  It's called a SWAY BAR but really it's an ANTI-SWAY device.

see that shock like thing on the left side?  that's what a sway bar looks like in my jeep wrangler.

This brings me to the entire point of my post today.  Ever feel like creating your own "sway bar" for people?  say like a Louisville Slugger?  ya know...to SWAY them to think the way you think?  My SWAY bar would be to actually persuade folks, not ANTI-SWAY them, although I'm sure they wouldn't really trust me too much if I went all L.A.Riots on their ass.

ANYWHOO...I'm sorry for rambling...

You know that feeling you get when you KNOW something works, and you KNOW other people will benefit, but people don't believe enough in themselves to commit?  I just want to scream...ENOUGH!  you CAN do this...TRY is a FAIL word!!  Just DO IT already, and you'll feel so.much.better.

Please, if there is one thing you can take away from my blog today, take this:

WHETHER YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN DO IT or YOU CAN'T DO IT, EITHER WAY YOU ARE RIGHT!

Not a running blog

Not a dedicated running blog, anyway.  Since January 1, 2012 I've ran 20.15 miles.  I'm pretty proud of myself, considering last January I ran 0 miles.

This morning's run was great, cause there were about 10 people out at 7:45 on a Sunday morning.  We started out in 3 pace groups.  Paul and I kept about a 10:50 pace.  Which would seem slower, but this particular trail was so hilly!

Susan, Amanda, Suzanne, and Nicole were in fast group.  Paul, Jenny, and I were in the middle group, and Jenn, Kim and April were in the run/walk group.  It was so great to see such a variety of runners this morning, in the cold, running the hilliest damn trail around here.  Talk about a training run, this was it!

I will add some pictures too, once I steal them from Amanda's Blog (Too Tall Fritz).  Amanda write a funny and consistent running blog.  I love to read it and recommend it to all my running friends.  On a side note, she really is tall, but those long legs were made for running.

Now it's time for a beer (hey it's 5 O'clock somewhere)!

Cheers!!

Cozy and A Little Loopy! *product review*

Would you believe me if I told you I am typing this edition of my blog in cozy fingerless gloves?  Well, I am.

I have this friend, Nichole.  She's an AMAZING photographer.  We went to high school together, and now she owns her own business, Whimsey Photography.  The apple must not far from the creative tree, because her mom makes a lot of her props for babies.

Paula, is a fiber artist.  She crochets, and does a helluva job!  Her business is called A Little Loopy.  I contacted Paula last month and posted a picture of my winter coat to her Facebook page.  I asked Paula if she would make some fingerless gloves and hat to match my coat.  I live near Chicago and she lives near Paducah, KY, so I couldn't really *show* her my coat.

 I received a package in the mail yesterday with these warm, cozy, fingerless gloves that match my coat perfectly.

Can I say that props need to be given to this MADE IN THE U.S.A. Product?  The workmanship is phenomenal!  I'm a knitter, myself, and there are no loose pieces of yarn, no odd holes, just tight stitches row by row!

If you have a minute, take a look through Nichole's website or her Facebook Page, all those crocheted hats are the product of American hands hard a work!

Thanks, Paula, for my cozy arm warmers!  I love them and I'm wearing them now!

Cheers!

Back to school!

Today was the first day back to school after the Christmas break which started December 22.  I can't believe how much I missed my computer time!  It's embarrassing how much time I spend on this damn thing!

I planned on finishing a custom scarf order, two business card designs, a bumper sticker, and bake a loaf of Asiago bread.  I've been sitting at the kitchen table still in my jammies since 6 am on my laptop catching up on emails, facebook, and of course my favorite time waster PINTEREST.  Oh Pinterest...I've missed you, friend.

Today is my mother-in-law, Thea's, birthday.  We are planning on getting a pizza tonight to celebrate.  The kids made her a platter at pot and paints, it's really...um...original- yeah ORIGINAL!  One thing I do know is that she will cherish it.  My husband is the only child, so our children are her only grandchildren.  She's moving to Florida (over 1000 miles away) for retirement, and I think she'll miss them a little.

Have a great Thursday, and if your kids go back to school today, too.  You can celebrate with a beer at lunch with me!

Cheers!!

Getting My Healthy On-January 2012 edition

On January 1, 2012 (like every other person) I made a resolution to be a healthier mom and wife for a few reasons:

1. To take off a few pounds (like 15 or so) so I don't have to lug such a big ass around when I run.
2. To set an example for my kids (and husband).
3. To feed my family food that is fueling them and not bringing them down and making them cranky, tired, and crave more bad food.
4. To make that lifestyle change I swear I'll do every year, but can't quite bring myself to throw out all the bad crap my family is eating.

So the first thing we, as a family, did: 

• Went to Costco and stocked up on nice fresh veggies and fruits
• Cleaned out all the crap we became MORE addicted to over the holidays
• candy
• cookies
• beer
• wine
• chips 
• dip

• Once I brought the food home I cleaned it all and put it in snack bags.  This took about 30 minutes in all, BUT this 30 minutes saved me from:
• Wasting food (cause if it's not EASILY ACCESSIBLE no one is gonna eat it)
• By putting it in snack bags, it's a "perfect portion" for anyone.
• Talk about 'grab-n-go' and fruits and veggies are so easy to eat on the run-no fuss and no mess!

 Fresh Fruit...I have this bowl filled with cleaned fruit ALL.THE.TIME.

Carrots in snack bags (there's about 5-6 baby carrots per bag) 

 Celery stalks in snack bags (there are three 7" stalks cut in half for a total of 6 pieces per bag)

And of course Shakeology, helps me keep up with my crazy kids, job, and exercise.  I never start my day without it. 

Meal Planning is another great way to save money and cut back on your calorie intake.  Planning your meals for your family forces you to stop and think about how much food you have to buy.  My Friend Kari does this, and she's lost around 40 lbs since last year this time (maybe more). 

If you can plan the meal so that each family member gets their portion, you don't have wasted food or over-eating.

So what kind of meals are we talking about?  Something that's easy to make and easy on the budget, right? 

Here are some of my family's favorites:

Stuffed Peppers

• Stuffed peppers with steamed california veggies on the side ( I stuff my peppers with orzo instead of rice) here's my recipe for a family of 5:
• preheat oven to 375° 
• fill a 9x12 pan with a enough water to cover just the bottom of you pan
• 1lb of cooked ground turkey or beef
• 4 large bell peppers halved with seeds removed
• 2 cups of rice or orzo (cooked)
• 2 TBSP of worchester sauce
• 1 TSP pepper
• 1 TSP salt (I always use kosher or sea salt)
• 1 can of tomato paste
• 1/2 cup of beef broth  

Mix all ingredients together well (EXCEPT THE BELL PEPPERS) and fill your peppers with your mixture, put the stuffed peppers in the 9x12 baking dish and bake for 40 minutes.  While your peppers are baking steam your California veggies.  Cut and juice a lemon and set aside.  while your veggies are hot take 1-2 TBSP of butter or margarine and mix with veggies until melted and coat with lemon juice.  VIOLA! serve and watch your family eat it up.

Taco Mac

• 2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni
• 1 pkg of taco seasoning
• 1 lb of ground turkey or beef
• 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese mix
• sour cream
• salsa

Mix your meat, mac, and taco seasoning together top with a bit of cheese sour cream and salsa and enjoy!  If you don't mind the extra calories just use a box of mac and cheese and add your meat and taco seasoning to that.

Chicken a Veggie Bake

I use this recipe when I make chicken breasts and have left overs

• Preheat oven to 375°
• Spray a 6 qt glass baking dish with cooking spray
• 2-3 cooked chicken breast halves -cubed
• 1 large package of frozen California veggies
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 clove of garlic pressed
• 1/2 lemon juiced
• *1 can of french fried onions (optional)
• *1 can of cream of mushroom soup (optional)

Mix chicken, veggies, cheese, garlic and lemon juice and bake for 40 minutes.  and serve.  done and done.

*If you don't mind the extra calories and would like your dish creamier mix the cream of mushroom soup in with your chicken/veggie mixture.  Bake for 40 minutes and top with french fried onions and bake for 5 more minutes or until onions are brown and crispy.

These are some of my families favorites.  Add yours in the comments and I'll be happy to add it to this blog.  

You owe it to yourself to live a healthy lifestyle.  That doesn't mean a diet, that means eat well and do SOMETHING (like bike, walk, swim, run, etc.) for 30 minutes, MOST days of the week (that means 4 out of 7).  Studies have recently shown that you don't even have to be active for 30 minutes at a time.  You can walk 15 minutes now and 15 minutes later.  

That means you've got more energy to play catch, basketball, whiffle ball, football, and ride bikes with your kids.  Who doesn't want to have more ENJOYABLE family time?  They are only kids for a little while, we all know the bitter sweet reality that is childhood.  Make these few sweet years the ones your kids remember and tell their kids.  Be the example, not just for your kids, but for other parents who see you swinging and playing at the park.  Don't be that dad or mom that sits on the bench playing with their smartphone.

Cheers!

2012 the year of the Dragon

The Chinese Year of the Dragon is in 2012.  In Chinese astrology dragon people excel. The dragon Chinese zodiac year is special.
Many people are looking forward to the Chinese zodiac year of 2012. Astrology is so important to the Chinese and the Chinese year of the dragon is so special.
Think about the dragon!  In Chinese astrology the dragon is the only animal of the Chinese zodiac year that is not real.  In Chinese astrology the dragon is quite special and very much revered.  The dragon holds special significance for the Chinese people.
More than 4,000 years ago, there were two large tribes and many smaller tribes in China. The tribes had animals as emblems. The two large tribes unified and chose the dragon as their symbol. In fact, the Han Chinese still call themselves the descendants of the Dragon.
In Chinese astrology the dragon was seen as a powerful almighty king because it was made up of different parts of animals such as a tiger, fish, snake and an eagle.
The Chinese dragon was not seen as a threatening evil being as we do in the west - rather a symbol of power, superiority and rule.

Still today, the Dragon is a revered symbol. You can see many sculptures and carvings of the dragon. Even today, the Chinese associate the dragon with power and wisdom.
In Chinese astrology a dragon person is special. Born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon they usually stand out as befits a dragon. They are powerful and wise.
In a group of people, "the Chinese Year of the Dragon person" stands out. There is a certain aura about them.
They certainly are not shy – they demand attention and respect.
The dragon is a symbol of power.Therefore in Chinese astrology the dragon person born under this Chinese Zodiac sign tends to be a "doer" – they do things and achieve power by getting things done.
A dragon can breathe out fire so the person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be a hothead. Watch out if you make them angry!
However, the dragon has a soft underbelly and so in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a "soft spot" to them. They may get angry at someone who annoys them but they also show great compassion to people in need.
A dragon has a long tongue which is often seen.
So in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a sharp tongue – they will say things that can be quite sarcastic and biting.
The person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be quite a confronting person but if you can reach their "soft heart" they are worthwhile allies.
2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon. So what does 2012 hold for a person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon?
Such people such double their efforts in whatever they do - work, education and other projects. Their natural talent and abilities should stand out with great results.
However, watch out for that temper! Keep it in check and do not spoil your good work.

From About Sichuan China 

Turns out I am a FIRE SNAKE.

Fire Snake – Years 1917 and 1977

Fire Snakes are more extroverted, forever offering opinions and telling others what’s on their minds. Even so, others enjoy listening to Fire Snakes. They’re very persuasive and are especially good at convincing others that their ways are best.

I don't know how much of this "Chinese Zodiac" I believe but I love to read about astrology and all the different signs.  

Because I was born February 2nd, I am also an Aquarius Sun Sign.  Aquarians are air signs, even though they are water bearers.  I tend to think I am a "true Aquarian".  I think this definition of Aquarius in a nutshell definitely describes me perfectly.

Aquarius in a Nutshell:
Aquarius is the sign of visionaries, unconventionality and intellectual independence. Aquarius are the people who deviate from the crowd and go their own way. They are always after intellectual stimulation, constantly discovering something new, forming new opinions and stubbornly traveling their way regardless of what other people think. Aquarius are filled with paradoxes, they are interested in the opposite ends of the spectrum, they like to be alone yet are social butterflies, they like to experience both sides and see both opinions as they formulate new ideas with their forward thinking, active mind. Aquarius have a 'live and let live' policy where everyone is free to be themselves, an Aquarius never judges others because as human beings, we are all equal and entitled to our own opinions. They are verbally skilled and very witty, they observe people and learn how to interact with others through observation. They can be masters of manipulation justifying anything they do or think. As a result, they can deal with any type of personality and adapt to any situation. They welcome change because boredom is their enemy. Anything new is an opportunity to Aquarius. Aquarius can act as an expert on any topic, they are very good at inflating their own importance, they feel it is deserved because their eccentricity makes them unique. Conventional people beware, Aquarius likes to shock and deviate from the norm, this is how they live. Aquarius is known to pick at anyone they find weak or dull-minded. It is simply an easy target for verbal exercise for them, no harm is meant but it might be taken from the other person. Deep inside, Aquarius would never intentionally hurt anyone, they have respect for every human, even thought this might not seem apparent to the more emotional types.

Take from: Zodiac Signs 

So what is your sign?  What are your goals for 2012?  What do you think you will accomplish for the new year?

Cheers!!