2011

Well another year is upon us. The holiday season is officially, completely, and utterly over. Tomorrow I return to work. I always kind of feel like the new year doesn't really begin for me until I start back to work. I haven't dated anything, so to me 2011 hasn't officially began. I didn't see the ball drop, and haven't cared if I did since back in the day when I was still having New Year's Eve slumber parties with my girlfriends. After those days, I didn't get much of a thrill out of the countdown and dropping. I especially didn't care to find out if they really were going to drop some idiot from the Jersey Shore this year. I haven't started any of my goals, because to me the year begins tomorrow.

Everyone is always talking about the fresh start that a new year brings. You hear many saying things like, I'm going to do things differently this year - or the diet will stick this year - or I'm going to finish that this year. Resolutions are set. My year will be fantastic because I have set this goal. I think resolutions are all good and great, as long as they are attainable. You won't hear me saying my goal for the year is to lose 75 pounds, eat only foods that have no preservatives, or get married on a mountain - because let's be honest, those are things that just won't be happening with or without the glamor that is 2011. I don't even really like to say resolution out loud. I really just like to refer to them as goals I have set for myself that I would be very happy to see get accomplished within this new year. I really don't like to set myself up to fail at anything.

So let's see....what goals should I set for myself this year.

First of all - I always would like to be more healthy. (Notice I didn't say lose 30 pounds, or to not eat any ice cream) I want to have a healthier lifestyle. My dad and I just finished putting together my new elliptical machine. This will be a healthy choice for me. Not only will it keep my heart rate challenged, but it will be just what my bad knee needs to keep it limber and working better - any I may just shed a few pounds. It would be healthy for me to drink more water. I would like to really try for drinking more closely to the 8 glasses a day rule. Coke is my weakness. And I don't turn down tea when it's offered either, so more water would be good. I also need to strive towards eating more fruits and veggies. The only downside to living alone is the cooking for one thing. It is soooo hard for me to continuously cook meals with multiple veggie options. Not because I don't like to eat them, but because when I do this - my fridge is FULL all the time with the left overs. I will just have to work out a better system and get organized when planning my weekly meals with more veggies and fruits.

My other goal for the year, is to continue to listen to myself. I am very proud of how much I have listened to myself in the past few years. I truly am the person I am right now because I listened when my heart and head were trying to tell me a path to or not to take. I honestly believe I wouldn't have the things in my life that I do if I hadn't listened to myself. The only problem is, sometimes I tend to focus on what others are thinking or telling me I should do. The fact is - they aren't me. Even though I cherish them and love these people dearly - only I know what I want and don't want in my life. What I would love for myself this year, is to continue to listen to what my heart and head are telling me to do and not let the limitations of the what society thinks I should try to become. I am a very different person. I have a very independent life. I know when something isn't exactly what I want. And you know - that's ok. I don't have to be like everyone else. Being different doesn't mean you are unsuccessful at life, lacking in some area, or lonely. I am none of these things. I am just different because I continue to listen to myself. I want this for me in 2011.

Other than those two goals, I don't really know of anything I would do differently this year. I am actually quite happy with life. I really don't have anything to complain about. I can't sit down and name anything that I really want in my life that I don't already have. I have the best family- which I am lucky enough to get to see all the time. I am surrounded by some of the greatest friends a girl could ask for. And I have a wonderful home that I love to come back to every night where it's just me and Sushi- living happily. I look forward to 2011! 2010 was good for me. Some pretty awesome things happened in that year. I took some turns and roads that are leading me on the path that I am suppose to take. I'm currently living in the moment. And loving every moment that I'm living. What a precious gift this life is.