Those Pesky Resolutions For The New Year

Yes, it's that time again.  I don't know where the last year went.  I've always been told that each year in your life goes faster than the last because proportionately it's a smaller part of your life....It certainly seems that way.

I realized as I read a few of the Christmas card letters this year that not much of note happens for most people throughout a year.  At least I'm not alone in that.  But, this year did bring a few big events:

• My sisters, parents, and I went to Kenya for a safari.  We saw amazing things, met great new people, and had an incredible time (hopefully I'm speaking for all of us).
• We finished the first full year of being married....which truth be told wasn't all that much different than before we were married.  The big differences is that we have a joint checking and saving account now....and even that took us a few months.
• And finally, I hit the big 3-0.  After a bit of panic (three months of it to be precise), the big day came and went without much fanfare and I survived to live another day. 

Now to think forward a little bit....I am a planner after all.  Here are a few resolutions and items to cross off the bucket list for this year:

• I'm going to work on learning a second language.  I'm debating on which one.  I've got it narrowed down to Swahili (so I can go back to Kenya and live forever) or the more practical, Spanish.  Maybe I'll just do both??
• Start taking guitar lessons and put that guitar that I was so sure I would use to use....or just start playing Rocksmith.
• The always cliche, work out more.  It's been a rough year spending time on myself and getting healthy.  I have been mandated by the doctor to exercise more and with work conflicting, I haven't been so good about following that medical advice.
• Read 36 books. This year I set the bar low at 24 and finished 37, so it's time to up my game.  I might also try to finish the Kurt Vonnegut collection within that 36.
• Visit Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon National Parks.  I've hit all of Utah's National Parks, and it's time to expand the boundaries. 

So that's my list.  I'm also going to blog a bit more this year....I say that every year.  So you should read and comment more to give me the motivation to keep going.  Share it, too.  I like new readers.

Hope you all have a great New Year's Eve.....I'm sure I'll be tucked into bed nice and early as I usually am, so enjoy it for me.  And have an even better new year!

A New Year....A New Blog Outlook

As yet another year has gone by, I have been what one might call the worst blogger in the entire world.  Though, I'm sure I'm better than at least one or two people, but that's it.

The last year was a big and busy year for me.  I got engaged in January and married at the end of September.  Then came the holiday season and before I knew it, the year was over. 

So here is hoping that 2011 will give me a bit more time to work on some of my hobbies and just free time. 

This winter, I'm already getting into Oscar season and working my way through a list of movies nominated for Golden Globes and will supplement with the Oscar nominations when they come out at the end of the month.  I'm going to be prepared for this year's pool.  No more tying for me!  So far my best picture reviews are this:

• Black Swan -- Utterly terrifying....Natalie Portman was really good though.  As was Mila Kunis.
• The Fighter -- Quite good....Christian Bale plays a very convincing crack addict. 
• Inception -- One of the two movies I saw in the theater in 2010....and worth it.
• The Social Network and The King's Speech are in the plans for this week.

R got a job at The Canyons this year which ever so generously provided me with a season pass as well so I'm determined to get some more snowboarding and skiing in this year.  First day out is planned for a bit later today.  Hopefully my legs don't crumble beneath me.

I have high hopes of actually working on my Etsy store, qDot, this year.  I got a sewing machine for Christmas which will hopefully make sewing much more convenient when I don't have to plan an entire day of sewing at my parents.  I also plan on adding some stationery to my store and to continue quilting and knitting.

As always reading is high on my list of things to do.  I have a pretty big list of books that I want to finish reading this year.  I have again resolved in the new year not to purchase any new books.  I will finish a chunk of the unread books on my bookshelves....and use the library.  Our first book for book club is "As I Lay Dying" by William Faulkner and I just put it on hold at the library.  So far a good start.  In the meantime, I just need to finish "The Girl Who Played with Fire" so I can move on with my life.

From what I've heard recently, the big safari is coming in May.  That will definitely be an experience and I can't wait!!!

This year I have intentions to continue to work on my cooking skills and learn how to use new ingredients.  I would like to join a CSA this summer or use the Farmer's Market more this year.  Also hopefully work on utilizing more organic and local foods all around. 

Otherwise, there are intentions for the year....continue with yoga and swimming, add a little running (not too much but just enough for the off chance that someone chases me), just a general effort to maintain general health.  Because after all, what would a new year's resolution/intention list be without something to that effect?

And for now, that's the end.....I also intend to blog more about things.  Hopefully things of interest.  Recipes, food, books, my projects....We will see what the year brings us.... Until then....

Resolutions...

Happy New Year!  2010.  Hard to believe it's been ten years since we moved to Utah.  And ten years since high school.

In my annual attempt at resolving to do new things, I have the report on how last year's resolutions went and the new ones for this year....

Last year:

• Utah National Parks - I want to go to all of the National Parks in Utah before the end of the year.  I have lived here for almost ten years and have made it to Arches.  No excuses for not going - haven't made any progress yet this year but still hoping  --  I've made it to four - Arches, Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef -- In the next couple weeks I'm going to Canyonlands so I didn't quite make it but almost)
  
• Read 36 books - That averages out to three books a month.  I thought it would be attainable.  So far I am working on my 6th and plan to have that finished this week as well as my 7th.  Pretty good for still being in month number 2. -- I'm nowhere close - I got through 24.  Next year I'll just have to set my goal a little more realistically
  
• Do not purchase books. Use the library - while I haven't used the library, I haven't purchased any books either.  I have been reading strictly from my book shelves which is an accomplishment in and of itself for me. -- I did use the library.  But I also succumbed to the pressure and purchased 3 books.  Which is about 50 less than I usually do so though not perfect, I was fairly successful in accomplishing my goal
  
• Track my mileage accurately - I've been doing this.  A while ago, I had a client - MileBug - for a research project and I bought his application for my iPhone.  It's remarkable how much I drive for work and now I actually know instead of guess. -- I actually did this...100% of the time.
  
• Write my book - I am devoted to this and working on it.  Progress is slow but it is still progress -- No deal on this one.  While the intention was there, the action didn't back it up.
  
• Yoga twice a week - I might average close to that but somehow work manages to get in the way.  I'm still trying - I notice a difference when I go. -- I didn't go twice a week but I'm still going when I can.
  
• Be on time - This was for personal things.  I can manage to be on time, if not early to work related events but for some reason personal things are harder to make it to.  I've been much better though not 100% yet. (I blame the Park City time zone - they live fifteen minutes later than the rest of the world) -- I'm doing much better.
  
• Limit my work to 45 hours a week and none on the weekends. - This was the one I knew would be a problem.  I have been good about not working on weekends but 45 hours has been a bit of a struggle.  I'm still trying though. -- For the most part this has worked.  I haven't had an 80 hour week in almost a year....helps losing a job - ha

Now for the new ones....
 

• Read 24 books this year.  Should be much more realistic to finish two a month
• Go on safari and see the Big 5 plus giraffes, zebras, and a cheetah
• Keep adding to my Etsy store 
• Learn ten more knitting stitches/patterns.  Learn to finish mittens
• Continue going to yoga
• Go camping at least twice
• Decide what I want to get my masters in
• Donate a gallon of blood

'tis the season....

I love December and holidays and the snow.  I was thinking about how fast this year has gone by.  Faster than the rest - it is a smaller percentage of the whole than last year was after all.

This year has been one series of roller coaster rides after another.  Some big changes.  Some seemed like they might be awful when they happened but it all ended up being ok. (Just like so many people told me)  So lucky for me, I can say that all in all, it has been a good year and I am in a good place right now.  Even the few things that have been driving me crazy lately are minor in the grand scheme of things.

So in preparation for the new year, it's time to start thinking about the New Year's Resolution list.  I did alright with last years - I made it to four of five Utah National Parks.  I only purchased three books.  I am nowhere near my reading goal of 36 complete books - But got through two thirds of that.  I don't think I'll be able to finish the rest in the 26 remaining days of the year.  I crossed a couple items off my bucket list (camping, making a quilt, and starting my own business)

One of next year's goals - definitely blog more, read more, and the big one i think will be finding a new hobby....I'm undecided on what it will be but apparently I need a hobby.....at least that's what p. fisher says....