It's a new year!

Can someone please tell me why Blogger posts some of my horizontal pictures vertical and how I can fix this? Thanks. Take the above picture, for example. ????

Anyway, that picture is of the way awesome RAK that I received from Sarah de Guzman over at Red Oak Lines. I won a random giveaway on her blog and this fun stash came in the mail this week! You should really check out her blog because she does giveaways quite often. And she's an awesome scrapbooker so you're sure to find some inspiration.

In other scrapbooking news, I whipped up a quick LO about my new year's resolutions this week. Yes, I know it's already mid-January but better late than never, right? Last year, I did poorly on my resolutions and was going to recycle them again this year, but I happened upon an article in Relevant magazine that suggested 10 resolutions to make this year. So using up some scraps, some new American Crafts sticker letters, and a picture of me that I had to have taken upon entering a building for a meeting (yes, I saved it for the express purpose of using it in a scrapbook LO... I'm a nerd), I created a LO listing those resolutions. Take a look:

1. Take the physical challenge. The article suggested that instead of saying, "I'll exercise more," you should give yourself a goal. Like running a marathon. I would really like to do the Fitness magazine half-marathon in April (but I'm going to a concert the night before so I'm not sure if that will work...) or at least find more 5Ks that are happening in my area. I love doing stuff like that, especially if it's for charity.

2. Memorize a chapter of the Bible. I was thinking of 1 Corinthians Chapter 10 because it contains one of my most favorite verses (which I don't even know by heart. I have to look it up): "And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."

3. Reduce your carbon footprint in one major way. Ever since I read the book Hot, Flat, and Crowded, I've wanted desperately to get involved in more than just recycling. I'm still not sure what one major way I'd like to attempt, but I'm hoping that I can figure it out soon.

4. Learn to cook one mouth-watering dish. I'm kind of already one step ahead there.

5. Learn to pray a whole new way. I need to learn how to pray in a way that won't allow me to get distracted. I'm so bad at focusing! I'd love to try out a prayer book or something. Anyone know of any good ones?

6. Do something you've been putting off. How about writing a book? Or just writing anything for myself, actually. I've become that journalist in the movie Michael, with the manuscript tucked away in his desk and he doesn't do anything with it. Don't you like my 1990s movie reference?

7. Start a new relationship that's not about you. The magazine suggested doing Big Brothers/Big Sisters, which I did for a short time in high school, or volunteering at a camp, but I'm not so big on kids, although maybe that means I'm being too selfish. Hmm.

8. Do something that freaks you out. Offering food to a homeless person on the sidewalk? Maybe this year will be my year.

9. Reduce as much debt as possible. My husband and I are actually a-okay on this front. We kind of have to be debt-free, especially if we want to get pre-approved for a new home soon.

10. Donate your time to a cause that matters to you. I would like to do more than just giving of my money and volunteering. I would like to donate ALL of my time, particularly working to provide women in other countries with education because when you educate a woman, you help a village. Please read Half the Sky or even Three Cups of Tea. Or The Blue Sweater .(Mom, do you still have my copy?)

Alright, now that I've put those out there, maybe all of you can hold me accountable. What are your resolutions for 2010?

I'm off to work on resolution #4: gluten-free blueberry muffins FROM SCRATCH! Wish me luck.