Another year has passed. My goodness.
As I feel a little indifferent about this past year, because it wasn’t the greatest year, though not the worst either, I’ll refrain to recap, but will talk about what changes I’d like to make in the new year.
Although I am not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, because nobody ever sticks to them, if we are brutally honest, I do have some goals for 2010.
I’d really like to go on more trips with my husband. I’ve (permanently, as a “legal resident”) lived in California with him for three years now, but besides short weekend-trips (I am talking one-nighters) we have not seen much of the state that I call home now, let alone any other states surrounding us. For heaven’s sake, we haven’t even been to Hawaii yet (hello SUPER-BELATED honeymoon?!). Many of my friends back in Germany swoon about the fact that I live in California (= vacation land), but life is still life, people, regardless of where you live, and if you don’t make an effort to take advantage of your surroundings -you know when daily life gets in the way -, then you can easily forget that you have prime vacation spots on your proverbial door step.
I also want to get back into a workout routine. I have seriously been slacking off those last few months, I didn’t even dare to tell you that I – having really been into sports my whole life – could not get myself to go to the gym for almost 6 months. It is getting to a point where I think it is just ridiculous. I don’t even understand it myself, because for God’s sake, I usually LIKE working out, but when I get home after 6 p.m. these days (and the winter gloom doesn’t help a bit!), I just don’t feel the energy to spend another hour of my already short and precious evenings at the gym. But this has to change.
I am very fortunate that I have never really had a struggle with my weight and even though I didn’t work out, I didn’t gain any significant amount of weight. In fact, I think I only gained a pound or two, if at all, and I would argue that this is still within the area of normal fluctuation. Obviously my metabolism is still good enough to keep up with my food intake. I did realize though that my whole body felt “softer”, not as toned as it used to be or could be and that really bothers me. There definitely is a difference between a slim body and a toned slim body ;) I prefer the latter. So back to the gym it is – at least 2-3x per week.
In the new year, I want to cook more organic, healthy food. I consider my diet fairly healthy as it is, but I know that I can do better. I cook at home almost every night, which I am proud to say. J and I have made it a goal to not eat out as much, not (only but also) because of the money, but because a) take-out food is usually not that great and b) most of the things that we can whip up at home are and taste so much better. I really only like to go out for food that I cannot easily make at home (like sushi or Thai). If you have good and tasty recipes, using fresh and unprocessed ingredients, please pass them along. I’ll happily do the same.
After having recovered my crafting mojo during the Christmas season, I seriously want to work on some crafting projects this coming year. As soon as I finish the cross-stitching project for the arrival of my sister’s second baby, I am planning to make a matching baby-quilt for her as well. I really believe there is nothing more personal than a handmade gift for your nieces and nephews, which will be passed on to their kids and then grand-kids (oh sweet delusion!). I am also planning on making all my birthday cards this year myself and possibly some other odds and ends that I cannot think of right now.
I want to become more active in the blogging community, which mainly translates into connecting to and meeting more of the lovely ladies that I’ve met through my blog. Some of you, I met at a blogger meeting in ’08 and it was a wonderful experience, which I’m just dying to have again. Others have repeatedly invited me to come and visit and I seriously want to take you up on that offer. I also want to reach out and let some of you know that I think you’re beautiful, creative, lovely people and that I’d like to get to know you better. If you’re up for a real-life hug, just let me know. I am in dire need of more girl time this coming year!!
Happy New Year, everyone!
May it bring only good things to you and yours!
Oh and yes, tomorrow is our wedding anniversary!
J and I got hitched in Vegas exactly four years ago.
