As always, it’s time for resolutions. These are things I have been thinking about for some time now, however I’m just getting around to compiling my list to the top 5 priorities of 2012. Based on last year’s goal’s being somewhat unmeasurable or vague, I plan to be more specific this year.
Walk to work:
This goal is really to walk more in general to get around, which shouldn’t be a big issue considering I sold my car and the grocery store is only 2 blocks away. However, I walked to work for the first time yesterday, and was so excited by how enjoyable it was! So excited that I walked home yesterday too, and then walked to work again today!
Basically, as long as its above 20 degrees and not rainy, snowy or icy, I plan on walking to/from work. My back-up plan from now on will be the 10 bus, which picks me up a block from my house, but I usually freeze for 10 minutes waiting for it. I will take the bus in a pinch (running late) or if I have a lot to carry, or if its a blizzard or dangerous walking conditions. Once it warms up a tad more (40+ degrees) I will start riding to work. I also would prefer it be lighter out at night when I’m on my way home by bike… so perhaps by late February or March?
It really doesn’t hurt that I’ll be saving $4 a day by walking! That’s $20 a week to go towards other things (most of which are listed below).
Learn to sew:
Technically I know how to sew; I can turn on the machine and connect pieces of fabric together. I have only successfully completed one project since my middle-school home-ec class, and that was a free-style herb pillow (which turned out pretty good, I must say). I want to try to increase the difficulty of projects as I go, and will probably take classes at the Fancy Tiger off-and-on, and try to inspire friends who sew to get together and share tips, help, and enjoy time making fun stuff!
However, after dropping $40 bucks at the hip local fabric shop to make a simple tote bag, I must explore more fabric purchasing options. The stuff there is adorable, but I’m convinced there must be shops with equal as cute, hidden gems for me to discover. This hobby cannot become too expensive or I’ll quickly abandon it.
A realistic goal for me would be 1 sewing creation per month. I may end up making more than that, but a minimum of one (of increasing difficulty) is my goal! I’m starting with a simple tote bag this weekend, and will then attempt either PJ pants or a pillow with piping.
Become an ovo-pesceterian:
I’ve been debating this issue for a long time while, and when it comes down to it this is for simply health-related reasons. I used to be vegetarian from age 16 – 21 and did it in a very unhealthy way (bread, potatoes and cheese). I feel I’ve come a long way with my cooking and eating habits, that I can do this in a very healthy way, and cut out some of the not-so-healthy stuff and still enjoy my meals.
I clearly recall my friend mentioning that she went completely vegan because otherwise she would go to town on eating cheese, and I’m ashamed to admit that I am the same way! I do love cheese, but could do without regular milk completely. We have a boat-load of cheese in our house right now, but once that’s gone I plan to give up dairy completely (by dairy I mean cow products, I might allow some goat and sheep cheeses if I’m at a restaurant or party as a treat!)
I know I could never go completely vegan, as I think that animal protein is important for me to be healthy. By saying this, I don’t want to spark arguments over how you can be a healthy vegan, because I believe that’s true… but I have no intention of being completely vegan. I calculated this choice on my own, and feel that eggs (ovo) and fish (pesca) are the two things in addition to plant-based foods which I prefer to allow myself to eat. If I don’t set solid parameters, I am afraid I will “sneak” items I shouldn’t have.
My biggest fear is coffee! I like a splash of half and half, so I’ll have to check out the coconut creamer so many people rave about… or learn to drink my coffee black!
Read 1 book a month:
Thanks to my husband, I am now the proud owner of a Nook Simple Touch! It will take some getting used to, but I hope it will make reading more convenient. The plan is to alternate between fiction and non-fiction monthly, and to read a minimum of 12 books this year. Pretty simple resolution to track progress!
Pay off 20% of my debt:
The long and short of this is, I am becoming more wise with my money, and I am in a much more stable job situation. I want to be out of debt as soon as possible, but I need to be realistic. I’m without car (money pit) and have researched and worked-out various ways which I can save a little bit here and there. It didn’t hurt that we got so much gift money from the wedding, but for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m standing on the shore of my debt with at least a paddle boat… not drowning in the sea of it… allowing it to get deeper and deeper!
From accomplishing the above goals, I feel I will become happier, healthier, smarter, and that’s ultimately why we do these things, right? There were some other potential resolutions which didn’t make the cut for the 5 listed here. In order to achieve goals, a person needs to be able to focus on them. If I aimed at accomplishing all of my goals at the same time, I’d get overwhelmed and quit them all!
In the great words of Bill Murray, it’s Baby Stepping…
Happy 2012!!!
