I ask because I’ve never been able to commit to a year long resolution. NEVER. I get stoked during the last week of December at the idea of a new years resolution and really get on it the first week of January, but then it just goes away. Just like that. I applaud those of you who are able to stick through it. You’re an inspiration!

For others though, it can be scary to commit a year of yourself to something; especially when it’s easy to say you’ll start the next month or the month after that. Before you know it, it’s December all over again and you’re disappointed you pushed it back this far without realizing it.

If you’re having trouble keeping your new years resolutions like I do, here’s what I’ve learned: Rather than focusing on one resolution for a year, have different resolutions for each month. This way it doesn’t seem so long to achieve whatever you seek to do.

Ever since I’ve applied monthly resolutions to my life, I’m happy to say that I’ve crossed out most of what I wanted to do. I say most because sometimes life just happens and I’m not able to complete them in time. That’s not an excuse though. When I miss a resolution, I make sure to include it with next months’ resolution.

Some resolutions have been tough and others simple, but I can gladly look back at the many things I’ve accomplished that year. When you break your big resolution into mini resolutions, completing it suddenly doesn’t seem so daunting. It’s keeping the promise to myself that has been gratifying and the reason why it works for me.

What do you do to stay on track with your resolutions? How does that help you?

The stockings hung by the chimney with care have been the icing on the Christmas cake after a mad frenzy of unwrapping gifts. Finding little toys, trinkets and candy can make anyone feel like they received an abundance of gifts for the year but with so much financial belt-tightening going on these days, the delight of slowly unpacking a stocking has been crossed off the gift list. Keep the tradition alive by filling someone’s stocking with these inexpensive gift ideas that won’t break the bank!

(CC By-SA 2.0 seanosh)

Kids (Boys)

May you have the fondest memories with your family and friends in your Phoenix Apartments this season! Happy Holidays!

Take a look at what we’ve got in store for YOU during the  12 Days of Giving (check out Resident Central to find the time & place your community will be having these holiday events):

1. Tacky Sweater Day

Ever get an oddly-colored, super-snazzy (ahem, tacky) sweater as a gift from a distant relative? Don your jingle bells, appliqués and sequins that will put the “err” in “merry”!

2. Pet Snack Day

We haven’t forgotten about your pets this season! After all, we know they love the holidays too. There’s nothing like a little snack that would be a perfect present during the holidays. What pet can resist?

3. Holiday Cookies & Milk Day

Tis’ the season for a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. The holidays without them just wouldn’t be the same so we’d like to share some with you. Enjoy milk and cookies with us before we keep them for ourselves!

4. Holiday Card Making Day

Get it done! We’re giving you a jump start this holiday season by having a station that will help you create a holiday card! This card is sure to brighten someone’s day or could be added to your holiday collection. You’ll be happy you joined us!

5. Holiday Movies Day

Drinking eggnog, building a snowman, or slogging it through a packed black Friday sale at the mall and a heartwarming holiday flicks are much a part of tradition during the season. The season isn’t the same without them! Curl up in the Cinema after a long day of fightingyour way through the crazy malls.

6. Morning Coffee & Donuts Day

If you’re one of the many people who can’t function without their morning jolt, I have good news for you – we have your cup of joe AND hole-y donuts! Go ahead and indulge. You don’t need an excuse especially before the holiday shopping rush!

(CC BY 2.0) mel5545

7. Storytelling Hour

Break away from the holiday madness by bringing your little ones into the Great Room and settling them in for a magical hour of live readings of children’s books and holiday classics. Use this time to assemble and wrap their presents secretly! A hot cup of chocolate will be served with peppermint candy canes during the hour.

8. Sing a Holiday Carol Day

Spread joy to our team members by singing to them this season! It’s not singing in the streets, in an open public place, or on a house step so don’t by shy! Our doors will be open to you all day.

9. Holiday Treat Day

A spirited season calls for a fun take home treat, like a goody bag filled with treats! We know you’ve been getting holiday candy cravings so let’s eat the holiday bliss with savory sweets!

10. Game Night

The holidays are here and your life is a whole lot busier, what could be better than a little resident bonding to get out of the house? Put your holiday jammies on early and let’s have a cozy evening inside the Great Room. A boring evening just got fun for everyone!

11. Holiday Ornament Making Day

Make this holiday a merry one with inexpensive decorative homemade holiday ornaments. Trees have started going up, so why not make this year’s tree unique? Give a new sparkle to plain ornaments by joining us for a festive afternoon.

12. Gift Wrapping Day

Holiday gift giving doesn’t have to mean giant trash bags full of discarded wrapping paper! We know that one of your favorite things about the holidays is wrapping gifts (on the very last minute) so if you’re running out of time, come to us and we’ll take over the hassle of gift wrapping for a day.

It’s simple to enter:

• Have a member from your household get a raffle ticket from a Trillium team member when attending a holiday event.
• Fill out the ticket completely. *All information must be filled to be entered into the raffle drawing.
• Give the raffle ticket back to a Trillium team member if they haven’t collected it from you by the end of the event.
• Mark you calendars for December 23rd, 2011 at 5pm. Winners will be announced and given their prizes!

Happy holidays to all and to all good luck!

Located at 52nd street and Van Buren Street, Trillium Papago offers everything a graduate student could want – and more!  Starting with flexible lease terms as necessitated by ASU’s semesters, Trillium Papago caters to students’ needs.  Trillium Papago is less than 2.5 miles away from ASU and you can even take the light rail!

Unique amenities perfect for students include free laptop checkout, free wi-fi in all common areas, conference room for study groups, monthly resident activity program, TOM (Trillium On the Move Activities Van), state-of-the-art fitness center, mountain bikes available for checkout, in-house Trillium Cinema and beautiful pool and spa!

$99 Move In @ Trillium

We’re excited to share Trillium’s $99 Move In Special, good at every Trillium Phoenix location until November 15, 2009. Now you can move into your favorite Trillium community for only $99 and in some cases, you can also get up to 3 months free rent. It’s definitely an exciting time to be a renter!