2011 Goals!

I am reluctant to label this post in any way as a New Year’s Resolutions, though I suppose that’s what it most closely resembles. It is true that the New Year marks a period of reflection and retrospective insight. But for me, I’m not sure that it is any more or any less than say Max’s birthday (BIG one for me) or my own birthday or any random Sunday morning while I’m brewing my coffee for the morning, watching the squirrels in my backyard ravenously searching the yard for some glimmer of a snack that wasn’t there the night before.

I do know, however, that these are items I’ve been procrastinating for some reason or another for some time now and I feel more able and energized to address them and why not use the New Year as starting point? It’s a perfectly legitimate excuse in my book and perhaps, a fine motivator as well?

1) Organize My Life
This may seem utterly monotonous (and it is for me, I can’t even tell you) but it is absolutely necessary. Partly due to the fact that I will be officially cohabitating with another adult in less than 30 days, partly due to the fact that my living space feels a little like a tornado hit it at one point and was sort of haphazardly thrown back together and partly because I’ve just been lazy about such things and it makes my Type A cringe.

a) Sort and determine what items can be set aside for yard sale in July 2011. This includes cleaning out all closets, dressers, drawers., boxes in storage….etc and clearing out the stuff that isn’t being used! Just get rid of it!
b) Establish a solid filing system (shoving everything in a drawer DOES NOT COUNT!)
c) Work on getting into a routine that incorporates my goals for healthy cooking, exercise, hobbies, fun AND downtime.
d) Get the 1,000’s of physical photographs I have of Max, friends, family, my dad, etc….in digital form.
e) Get the 1,000’s of digital images (in addition to d above) cataloged and published.
f) Get all cd’s migrated to digital copy and cataloged.
g) Get all digital music cataloged.
h) Get all address and contact information in one central location.
i) Back up all data and files regularly to external hard drive.


2) Health & Healing
This goes without saying I suppose, but I know I have to stay conscious about these aspects of the many types of health (physical, emotional, spiritual, mental) or it falls by the wayside as I am easily distracted. This includes, but is not limited to:

a) Enjoyable physical activity 3- 5 times per week (this does not include cleaning the house!) this needs to include the puggies at least a few times a week as well, they really need exercise!
b) Dental care is a priority this year (I haven’t been able to afford it and it’s becoming increasingly necessary)
c) Focus on healthy food choices and portion control, but I refuse to diet any longer. Dieting is not living. I have a much healthier relationship with food when I’m not obsessed with every calorie, fat gram and carb that I’m putting in my mouth. When I am less obsessed, I don’t punish myself for “messing up” and feel driven to binge. I like ice cream and I’m going to eat it sometimes. I like cheese and chocolate and peanut butter, I’m going to eat it sometimes too. I like sushi and every kind of vegetable and fruit that exists and I will eat that as much as is possibly available to me. I’m tired of trying to trick my brain into thinking it’s full on foods that don’t satiate but are deemed “healthy” by the dieting community. My goal is to return to eating in the most organic sense of the word, eat when I’m hungry and eat the foods that are the best suited for my needs, which include treats now and again.
d) Staying conscious indulgences and over-indulgences (sugars, alcohol, caffeine, the occasional cigar, etc….)
e) Continuing to focus on herbal assistance regarding mood and mental health, as well as daily multivitamin and probably should begin incorporating a calcium supplement since I’m going to be 35 soon and that’s when bone loss supposedly begins.
f) Incorporate regular meditation and deep breathing exercises.
g) Incorporate time with nature regularly.
h) Remain grateful and conscious.
i) Get Puggies/Kittehs to vet regularly (Bailey needs her teeth cleaned ASAP)
j) Pamper myself from time to time (pedicures, manicures, getting my hair did, new shoes/clothes, etc…)
k) Continue to focus on immune system improvements.

3) Hobbies
a) I really love to write, it is my passion and I must embrace it. Find a creative writing class!
b) Blog & Journaling.
c) Dance class: Belly, Zumba, African Beats.
d) Possibly something crafty, like knitting or crocheting.

4) Communications and Travel
a) Maintain better communications with friends and family from afar.
b) At least one visit out of state to see family.

5) Work Related
a) C# class (online or physical) & books
b) ASP.Net class (online or physical) & books
c) Software development best practices and guidelines research/documentation
d) Continue to build on SQL skills
e) Vacation one week in July, November, December 2011!

6) Financial
a) Save money each pay check.
b) Make larger payments on car/credit cards to pay off sooner.
c) Set aside funds for a bit of pampering from time to time.



This feels like a good start. I am going to book mark this entry and reference (and edit) as needed when I need a good reminder of what my priorities for myself are. I tend to get lost in what everyone else needs from me. Balancing giving and loving with remaining conscious of what my own needs and goals are going to be a priority for me this year. I’m looking forward to it!

Happy New Year!