Goals.

I've realized in the past couple of years that I am really a goal-oriented person.

I like setting goals for myself, and I feel better about myself when I have reached those goals.

A few years ago, my goal was to save money for a truck. A Nissan Frontier was my desired first car, and I did everything I could to save for it. I loved feeling like my money was going somewhere, I loved knowing that in the end there would be a big reward.

And even though I didn't end up getting that truck, the process was still fun to me. Even if my goals don't turn out the way I want and God twists them to fit what is best for me, I still enjoy the process of trying to reach my goals.

Now, I have set another pretty big goal for myself.

I want to raise $3,000 by next May to go on a trip to Italy.

I think I have always been the adventurous type, but maybe it took someone special to also bring out the traveler in me. I plan on taking this trip with Tim's sister, Bethany, since she has spent a lot of time there and knows the best places to travel.

We're trying to do it as cheap as we can, by staying in hostels (shhh, do NOT tell my mother.) Who knows, maybe I won't even need three thousand, but that is my goal, because I know I won't need more than that.

I feel like I am doing everything in my power to save, and let me tell you, it feels great! I am now an avid recycler. Although, I know this doesn't contribute a whole lot of money, it's just fun. I am saving every piece of change that I have. I am selling my jewelry on Etsy. I am having a garage sale. I am putting some of every paycheck away.

I feel confident that I can do it. And even if I end up a little short at the end, I'm still going. This is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am not going to miss it.