Wells Fargo Stagecoach Island Community

For those that may not know, Monday was the Lunar New Year! For the Chinese, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon—water dragon, to be exact—and it means lots of opportunities, changes and unexpected occurrences for those in the zodiac who are affected.

Now, you must be asking me, what is the zodiac?

Remember how we have horoscope signs based on the month we're born? In Chinese culture, the zodiac sign is based on the actual year you were born. There are 12 animals total, each representing different traits, strengths and weaknesses.

Which one are you? Post it up and let's see how many different zodiac animals we have on the island!

Aside from the cool story that serves as a backdrop to the huge holiday celebrated in all parts of Asia, there are many unique customs and traditions worth sharing too. Some start off the Lunar New Year with lion dancing, firecrackers, red envelopes, and incense burning. In some places, there are a total of 15 days of celebration—now THAT'S a long party!

No matter what customs each family celebrated, traditionally, all had to wear red. Red is believed to be a color of prosperity and luck, bringing families and those who wear it many exciting things in the New Year.

Some practices my family still keeps are eating vegetarian on the 13th day, and the Lantern Festival. It's a festival very similar to our Valentine's Day. You'll find couples celebrating love, while ones that are single carry a lantern throughout crowded streets in hopes to find love. How cool is that? In some cultures, they even write their wishes onto lanterns and release it into local rivers or lakes, in hopes that they will be heard and granted in the New Year. Sounds like a scene straight out of the movie Tangled!!

So, for those of you who celebrate Chinese New Year: Gung Hay Fat Choy! We're wishing all you islanders a prosperous New Year filled with great experiences, memories, and oodles of goodies!

Woot! Happy 2012 islanders!! Every time a new year rolls around, I always wonder what my resolutions should be. It's such an awesome time to rethink what I didn't do or didn't get to do in 2011, and put it into my action plan for 2012!

This year I've got a couple things on my list: Eat healthy, spend smarter, and hopefully save up for a new car. But here's the thing: Cars can be expensive, and it's a big chunk of change to just dole out in the New Year!

So, 2012 is going to be a budgeting year. Time to bring out the piggy banks and start saving! If you're in the same boat as me, and have some big expenses like college tuition, a car, or a rock star guitar, this is the best time to put together a saving plan. There will always be things you'll need to spend on every day, but the key is to start weighing what you NEED versus what you WANT!

With that in mind, I need to devise a smart plan for what I'm going to spend this year in order to reach my goal of a new car (that's my need!). Here are some quick tips that I've been using—they can help you out too!

1. Make a goal sheet and figure out a timeline of when you want to purchase or need to pay for your time/tuition.
2. Figure out how much you'll need to save per month (minus your necessities) in order to hit that goal by your timeline.
3. Assess how realistic your goal is. Make it attainable and not set so stringently that it stresses you out.
4. Develop options and ideas to meet that goal. If what you're doing now can't help you reach that goal, think of things you can do to help out your budget plan—like getting a part time gig, selling lemonade, or helping your sweet neighbor mow the lawn. Everything helps!
5. Make a chart that allows you to monitor your progress! This is the most important thing. If you're saving, the most important thing to do is to see how much you're saving, how far away you are still, and how much progress you're making. It's really encouraging to see too!
6. Have fun getting there! Like all things in life ... prepare for a cheese ball line ... it's the journey, not the destination. You gotta have fun getting there!

What are your New Year's Resolutions? And what are some plans you have in mind to reach them? Post 'em up and share with all of us islanders!

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so let's take a peek at some of our island highlights from 2011!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

*Wow!* That's a lot of cool stuff from all over the island! A big thank you to every islander who's helped make all of this happen!

So you think we can kick it up a notch in 2012? Heck yes! What do you think we should build or create for SI this year? Ideas, ideas ... post 'em!

Can you believe we're in a brand new year now? Wow! 2012 seemed so far away last year, and yet here we are in January, starting off a great new year with all you islanders!

Of course, with new starts come new resolutions. Mine were simple:

1. Be a smarter spender.
2. Eat healthier.
3. Commit to doing one random act of kindness per day.

*Whew!* After my cakes and cookie binge during the holidays, I really should move "eating healthier" to the top of the list, but hey, being happy is key.

What about you guys? What do you have in store for yourself this year? I know some of you are planning for college, getting ready to take on new challenges, and we would love to know what you're up to in 2012!

Share and post your resolutions here—and cheers to an awesome NEW YEAR!!

The holidays may be coming to an end, but fret not! We still have one big celebration: New Year's!

This is a great time to look back at some of the highlights of 2011. I know for me it was a great year for meeting fun new classes like Mr. D's and Ms. Rhetts in world, to members from cool countries like Paddo—not to mention all the great stuff you guys have created in world. Be proud of the great things you've built, accomplished and shared with our community!

Don't forget to shout out to your island friends and let them know what you remember! Post them below and let's see which memory stands out the most!

And from all of us on the island, Happy 2012!!

I feel like I blinked ... and suddenly 2011's almost over!

Well, time flies when you're having fun, and each of you have made the island so much fun for all of us. It's been amazing seeing all of our new classes come in and connect with islanders—all of you students have brought so much awesomeness to our island family!

In honor of December, we hope all of you have a fun-filled Holiday season, packed full of snowboarding (for me it's sledding), hot chocolate, great friends, and family time. 'Tis the season to be jolly, after all, and we hope all of you have a GREAT time! We'll be lounging around the island trying to stay warm and cozy—catch ya there if you're around!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

We're wrapping up 2011 with one last, big photo contest!

This was an awesome idea that came from Mr. D (I hope all your students will participate), and we think it's a great way to see what everyone's been up to on the island this year!

All you have to do is submit a pic from your adventures on the island—it can be anything you want, as long as it shows you having fun! The winner will be featured as the very first Member Spotlight for 2012 … now THAT'S a prize you don't wanna miss out on!

Send in your pics to support@stagecoachisland3.com, or find Marybeth, Maki, or me, and one of us will take some shots of you in world! We can't wait to see what you all come up with!

P.S. Joeythestudent has accepted the judging position for this contest, so he'll be making the final call on which photo rocks the island!

For those islanders who haven't heard the buzz, our very own Joeythestudent is working on a new project and will be opening a new hang out spot for all of you to check out! He sent in a little snippet and pics to share, so I'll let him take it away! (--Cassie)

Thanks, Cassie!

Club De Joey will be opening soon! Spots are limited for opening night, so if you want to pop in, be sure to register with Miss Cheeks. This new Club De Joey will also have a pool in the works--it's under construction and will be built in the future.

So what are you waiting for? Come on down and check it out today!

 
 

Warning: Joey Corp and Joey Industries are not liable for any visitors injured during construction.

It's the holiday season, and temperatures are dropping. What better way to get ready to stay warm and cozy this winter than with a special story from our very own island reporter, MaryBeth! (—Cassie)

Hey islanders! Please welcome the newest member of our Stagecoach Island Chamber of Commerce, Mikhail!

Mikhail's just opened his own Live Christmas Tree lot. In an interview, he told me he was "catching up on [his] Glee" when he thought of the idea for his unique new business. Check it out! Mikhail's Live Christmas Tree lot is located 2S 32W.

 

And if you don't have an axe, they are available for rent--just "AXE for one!"

A very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all from me, your Island Reporter!

Can you believe it's already December? Where did 2011 go? The holiday lights are going up everywhere now, and you know what that means...

...holiday shopping! We've had Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but it's almost like every day until the end of the year is its own shopping day. So I wanted to post up a few tips on spending, just in case you're planning to dive in and buy that "one thing" you've been wanting for months, whether it's for you or someone else!

1. Just because it's on sale doesn't always mean it's the best price. Do your research online beforehand!
2. Remember to weigh your Needs vs. Wants. Be honest with yourself!
3. Don't fall into the "shopping snowball effect." If there's something you want to buy, go into the store, pick it up, and go! It's easy to get distracted and end up picking up ten other things you didn't "realize" you wanted. I've *definitely* been known to do that. Shhhh!
4. Shop safe! With all the buying going on, be careful to keep track of wallets, purses, and personal items—you never know who else is eying your goodies!
5. Make a list. Determine the things you've saved and budgeted for, and focus on purchasing those items first. Do not break the piggy bank!
6. Have fun! It's the holiday season so don't let the shopping frenzy put a frown on your face. If you waited in line or the store sold out of what you wanted ... don't worry! I mean, Christmas sales (aka Round Two) are right around the corner!

Hope these tips help! Islanders, be sure to stop by GCK and pick up some cool monthly items for yourself!

'Tis the season, and here's to a wonderful and Happy Holidays to all of you!