This year I've decided to set goals for myself rather than create New Year's resolutions. It's all a mind game, I suppose, the difference between something I'm committing myself to doing as opposed to something I will aspire to do. Being an ultimate anarchist when it comes to rules self-imposed, I think this was a pretty good idea!
So, this year my goals are:
1. Return to being a vegan.
I used to be quite a strict vegan, but have failed greatly in the past several years. Too many cheese bagels later, I'm ready to go back to feeling good and healthy.
2. Start doing Pilates again.
Another one of I used to's. Every day, religiously. That's what scares me a little bit about exercises and healthy eating - I can easily become fanatic about it. (I guess a sub-goal appropriate here would be to practice moderation!)
3. Learn how to play harmonica.
My husband is a great harmonica player. He plays wonderfully and writes about playing harmonica most beautifully and passionately (you can read it in his book The Bone Man of Benares). Having him teach me how to play blues harmonica has been on my wish list for way too long. This is going to be the year, my dear! My advanced apologies to our new neighbors (well, they do play trumpet and piano, so maybe they won't notice?:)
4. Start having fun with clothes again.
It's so easy when one is busy (and leans towards lazy) and works from home to opt for black, plain, often one and the same item that was left hanging over the chair the night before. Easy, but so boring! But no more! Inspired by darling and colorful Katie, from What Katie Wore, I will try to be more adventurous in the way I dress this year. Maybe I'll even occasionally dare to blog about it.
5. Explore the city I live in.
I've been living in San Francisco for 4 years now, and have not been around it enough. This year I want to give this city the attention it deserves and get to know it properly.
6. Start painting again.
In 2009 I've focused fully on my Papercut Art and jewelry line and have not had enough time to sit down at my easel and paint. And I missed it. So this year I will find the time to paint.
7. Try to be more organized.
No more pushing everything from the table into a drawer when I need the room. No more overdue books in the library. No more late fees on licenses. No more "I'll do it later" excuses. And, although I don't think this exactly fits into this category, no more two weeks worth of moldy leftovers in the fridge. A belated thank you to Terry who was brave enough to empty out the last two moldy containers (I was to squeamish to do it).
8. Plant flowers, herbs and some vegetables on our back porch.
There isn't much room, but plenty to have a go at it. I'm a bit forgetful about watering and weeding, so we'll see how that goes. But, I'm eager to do it!
9. Make my blog more personal and about me. (It's funny how egotistical this sounds! :)
Maybe blog about my return to a vegan diet (no cheese for a week already, I'm going cold turkey!) and perhaps share some succesful recipes. Maybe I'll take an occasional snapshot of one of my most adventurous outfits. Share with you my planting adventures, my harmonica debacles and successes! If I'm brave enough to be more open it could be fun.
10. Read a lot of books.
I went through a brief (sad!) period of not being interested in reading at all. But, lately I found that my joy in reading has returned. So, I hope to keep nurturing it. I'll share some great finds with you and will hope you'll share some of yours with me too.
And, finaly...
11. Have lots of fun doing all of the above.
Have a glorious year, everybody!
xoxoxo
{photo by Rodney Smith via traditional mountaineering}
