2012 Resolution: cook, eat, sweat, read, and more

Resolutions.

Last year I made 29 resolutions. 29.

It is understandable, my ambitious little self. I was just coming off maternity leave, and had, for the last year been not much more than a host for a tiny little peanut who needed every and all of me. Come December 31st, 2010 I was desperate to get my life back.

Here we are, January 1st, 2011, and while I can’t say I have my life back, I can say I have a new, equally great one. And this year, when it comes to making resolutions, I’m way more realistic with my time and energy reserves.

After making my initial list, I went back and used Gretchin Rubin’s guide to making resolutions that stick. I assessed if these resolutions would make me happy, what concrete action would bring change, and how I was going to hold myself accountable. That last one is the toughest.

Without further ado:

#1 Cook one recipe per cookbook in my collection. This is a hold over from last year, but still a good one, and a fun project. With 102 cookbooks, that roughy means 2 cookbooks per week. Yowza.

#2 Discover alternative forms of exercise- running is fine, and biking to and from work is EXHAUSTING, so this year I’m looking to try something new.

#3 Keep a plant enhanced diet. I won’t ever eschew meat entirely from my diet, but there is no denying the power of plants on our health.

#4 Buy no NEW clothing in 2012. This is really a month by month goal, but the is so much stuff out there, I’d like to stop adding to the over consumption. 2nd hand clothes are fine, as are new shoes. Sorry J.Crew, looks like you’ll need to find a new sugar mama this year.

#5 Read fiction. I didn’t have a problem keeping my 2011 resolution of reading 1 book a month, but reading fiction proved more trouble. I’m going after this one again. Suggestions?

#6 Give my best, always. I get overwhelmed with the crunch to get everything done, and I don’t always give 100%, and then sometimes, I give too much. This year, I want to learn to keep the balance right, give my best, not my all.

So that’s it. Only six resolutions to keep. Here we go 2012.

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4 thoughts on “2012 Resolution: cook, eat, sweat, read, and more

  1. Great resolutions. They’re do-able and thoughtful.

    Also, as far as fiction goes — I read the Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenedies this year and it was great. Also, Super Sad True Love Story (which isn’t really a love story at all? but kind of. but it’s really more along the lines of science fiction). And anything by Dave Eggers, but Zeitoun is a quick (albeit infuriating) read.

    Also, see you tomorrow for the Blazers!

  2. Nice goals! I like the no new clothes goal especially. I would like to challenge myself to that one until I graduate. If you want to try out the Bar Method with me, I have 3 guest passes. Just holla! Your cook book goals is also rad… I can’t wait to hear about what you cook up.

  3. Have you read “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” series? I highly recommend it. Also try “One for the Money” by Janet Evanovich. “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”…? If you need more suggestions, I have several.

    I think those tiny trampolines, rebounders, look like a fun way to exercise.