Goals for 2012

Happy New Year Post Grads!! I hope all of you are over your hangovers by now and starting to feel like a real person again. Now that we have made it through the horrid 2011, it is time to make our goals for 2012.

Now, I hate "new year's resolutions." It has the implication that we can only try to improve ourselves once a year. I would like to think that we can improve on ourselves whenever we feel the need. At the same time, though, I can see how a new year can inspire people to want to change.

I prefer making goals for the new year. I can add to the list continuously and update my goals as things change. And besides, no one references a "new year's resolution" between the months of March and October.

1. Complete 1 short story or 3 chapters of my novel.
2. Donate to charity once a month
3. Read 30 books
4. Take a writing class
5. Give someone a chance who I normally wouldn't
6. Be happy

What kinds of things do you all want to accomplish this year?

Best of 2011

A friend and I have a theory that odd numbered years suck. 2011 was no exception, overall not the best year. However, nothing is all bad, and I would like to share the highlights of my 2011 before it is forever in the past.

1. My Trip to Turkey. One of the best decisions I have ever made and I will never forget it.
2. Two raises and a promotion at work. My social life may have gone downhill this past year, but at least my work life is headed in the right direction.
   
3. The 2011 National Book Festival. I got to see some of the best authors speak and share.
4. The writing group I am a part of now. I have gotten a lot of much needed feedback and motivation.
5. Winery hopping while the weather was nice. Definitely some of the best day trips that exist. (Below is Naked Mountain Winery, yes, it is called, Naked Mountain.)
   
6. All the new friends I've made over the past 12 months. I'm pretty much against people, so you should all feel very privileged.
7. The Hunger Games. Don't even pretend like you didn't read and love them. I can't wait for the movie but have low expectations of it being even close to as good as the books.

How was 2011 for the rest of you? Was it miserable all around or just for me? I can't be the only one this theory applies to. Fingers crossed the even year of 2012 brings many more highlights!

I Need a New Hobby

No, I'm serious. I need a new hobby. My roommate keeps making fun of me because apparently I watch too much television. And by that I mean Netflix. The only problem is, I don't have money to spend on a hobby. So readers, what are your ideas for me. Please don't say jogging, it's been mentioned, it's been shot down try again.

Don't Feed Into the Hype

I've noticed that New Year's Eve celebrations are often over rated. Your plans rarely turn out as you had hoped: the person you wanted to see ended up showing up with someone else, it snows 2 feet and you can't leave the house, you accidentally indulge in too many libations before the party. Last year Allie and I almost had to cancel our plans because of snow, but we convinced a friend with 4-wheel drive to bring us to the party.

So how can you prevent disappointment on New Year's?

1. Expectation Management. Don't get your hopes up too high! Don't think it's going to be the best night of your life and it might just turn out that way.
2. Libation Management. Don't overindulge too soon. Keep a steady pace so you're ready to go when the New Year rings in.
3. Romance Management. Unless you are in a committed relationship, go solo. Why create more pressure with a relationship that is iffy? And why not find someone dashing at a party who is equally looking for someone to kiss at midnight? If you don't have someone to kiss who cares? You have to live up to no one's expectations but your own, which should already be managed as per step 1.
4. HAVE FUN!!!! Stop over thinking the night and just have fun.

Good Luck and prosper post grads!

New Years Resolutions

I always hate it when people make New Years Resolutions that are unrealistic. Not just unrealistic, but not in their nature. It's been proven that we do what is in our nature (thank you Plato). So if you are the kind of person who hates getting up in the morning, why in the world would you make a resolution to wake up earlier to go to the gym? If you want to go to the gym that badly, make your resolution to go after work/in the evening. There is much more of a chance of you doing it. Instead of making a resolution to lose 5 pounds, make one to eat edamame 3 times a week (if you like edamame of course). It is a healthier choice than chips so it will still work towards your ultimate goal of losing weight, but it's something you are actually likely to do.

Personally I think NYRs are difficult. I get bored easily so sticking to something for an entire year isn't quite in my nature. Last year, in light of that fact, I made my resolution to visit/experience the things in DC that I should have already experienced after living here for 4 years.

During this past year I finally visited the National Cathedral, the Mormon Temple, The Portrait Gallery, The Waterfront down in SW and I have purchased my ticket to visit the Newseum. While this does not nearly cover all the places I still want to go, it is quite a good start and satisfies my NYR. I really liked it because it made me go out and about in the city to experience its splendor instead of just being a sheltered little college student in NW.

I'm not sure what I'm going to resolve to do for 2011 yet. Any ideas?