Monday, January 17, 2011

dominating a new year

So far, so good, kids. I mean truly, I just feel like I'm dominating 2011.

I've made some decisions about my future. Taken some steps. Formulated some plans. Been mostly positive, although it's FATHOMS easier when I'm not at work. Eaten at some new places. Worked out. Helped friends. Let up on myself when I'm not perfect. Been happy.

I made a vision board for 2011-- little pictures to look at as well as goals and objectives and wants that I have to look at every day. At first it looked like this:




Man oh man, I SO LOVE a clean slate. In this instance, a literal one. OK, so, I put some fortune cookie fortunes that I like to keep around (aka "You constantly struggle for self-improvement... and it shows." I know not exactly a fortune, but I like to be reminded of that anyway), some cold hard deadlines for school and whatnot, a list to keep my new places I've tried (so far, 2 in January!) and how many yoga classes I've attended (I'm shooting for 100 in 2011; so far I've done 5), etc. Oh, and photos of Kate Austen's arms, because I totally want those, and of London because I want to squeeze in a vacation before I start school. I anticipate it getting much more cluttered as the year goes on, but cluttered with things I've accomplished and goals I've achieved, thus bolstering me on to make new ones. Currently it looks a little something like this:




And with that, I'm off to yoga, so I can make another hashmark on my post-it. Also going to stop at the tailor and drop off my thrifted Mad Men dress to be hemmed so I can wear it to Motown Monday at a cool new place next week. La la la! Life is great. Hope everyone else's 2011 is going well too. xo

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Resolving

So, here's my annual New Year's Resolutions post. The reason I put it here is so I can look back next January and see what I've accomplished. (side note: I really hate resolution naysayers. Why do they care if I use the flipping of the calendar to make myself a better person? Bite me, those people.)

I'd like to point out that this is the first year as long as I can remember that "lose weight" isn't on my list. Not that I don't need to, or that I don't care, but I've accepted that my body is perfectly acceptable and keeping it this way is an every day, all year sort of project. No more talking, only doing.

Without further ado, my 2011 New Year's Resolutions:

1. BE MORE POSITIVE. I'm not really sure how to measure this, per se (the difference between a goal and an objective). So you guys will have to be my barometer. NO ONE LIKES NEGATIVE PEOPLE. Least of all myself. And most least of all when it's me. No more letting other people's negativity dictate my own demeanor. "Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be." So my mind is made up; I will be a positive person. Let me know if you find me slipping.

2. Try someplace new once a month. I live one of the greatest cities in America! There is no limit to awesome places to eat and drink. And yet I go to the same two places ALL the time. And those places are great, but I'd like to branch out.

3. Roommate night once a week. "Family night," as it were. Homemade dinner and a game or a movie.

4. **** ********. (I can't really put this one on the interwebs for all to see. A couple of you know what it is-- please hold me accountable.)

5. Get into school. If you haven't heard, I didn't get into the very competitive program at UCSF. Sad face. BUT, I have spoken with USF and CCSF and am currently calculating Plan B.

6. If you remember from this post, I have been budgeting my ass off in the last couple of years. I pledged to be debt free by the end of 2011. I am now here to tell you that I am AHEAD of my schedule, and will more than likely be 100% debt free by March, or April at the latest. This year's pledge is to still be that way come December. (note: if I can do it, anyone can. Let me know if you'd like pointers. I'm happy to share my system, and I won't even charge you for my services!)

7. By January 2012, have a 4-digit number in my savings account.

8. Be a better housekeeper.

There they are!