So long, 2011! What a year it’s been. I’ve had more dramatic ups and downs this year than any other and many of my friends and family — and probably a lot of you — can say the same. It all turned out pretty great, but I could use a bit of a breather in 2012. And if the universe is kind enough to grant that breather, I have some resolutions and goals I’d like to get accomplished, including:
1. Read more books (this resolution has made my list every year since, like, 2003; I’m still working on it. Pretty sure the book club will help!).
2. Send more hand-written letters and cards.
3. Try two new recipes every month (another oldie but goodie. I’ve actually been mostly successful at this for the last couple years, but I like to push myself to keep it up).
4. Get back in pre-baby shape (I feel like I sort of HAVE to include this one, especially after gaining five pounds of holiday bloat.).
5. Make at least two new friends (this has also been a resolution for the last few years since Drew once told me that his grandmother lived by the rule — make two new friends every year — and it helped keep her life full and interesting. So far, I’ve been pretty successful at this one. Starting a neighborhood new moms’ group this fall definitely helped.).
6. Reduce food waste. I’ve gotten better about this in the last year, but I still routinely have wilted lettuce or expired yogurt or uneaten leftovers I have to throw out. My goal next year is to use/consume everything before it goes bad (this goal has the added benefit of forcing me to be creative in the kitchen).
7. Make this site bigger and better. DearWendy.com turns one in just a few weeks and now that the site’s been moved to a kick-ass new server, I’ve got some cool ideas for 2012. I hope you’ll stick around for the ride, and I hope we continue to grow this awesome community.
What are your resolutions for 2012 and were you successful at meeting your goals for 2011?
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belongsomewhere December 30, 2011, 5:30 pm
My resolution last year was to read 52 books/a book a week. And I actually managed to do it! So I’m doing that again, and this year I’m recruiting my boyfriend to do it with me. It will be more fun if we read one book together every month (in other words, I’ll make him read to me in bed).
My other resolution is to cook more often and learn as many new recipes as I possibly can so that I don’t get bored with stir-fried veggies, mac and cheese, and various mushroom dishes and end up ordering dinner three nights a week like I did this year! Instead, I’m going to try to take a few one-day cooking classes (to learn to make things like Indian sauces, hearty soups, etc.) and invest in some big cook books to help me master the basics.
theattack December 30, 2011, 5:34 pm
I highly recommend finding a Fannie Farmer cookbook! I found a used one this year, and it has all kinds of instructions about basics. It’s got recipes, but its true value is found in basic instructions and ideas of how to reuse leftovers and run an efficient kitchen. They’re probably expensive new, so definitely look for a used one. I’m serious, this book is great.
belongsomewhere December 30, 2011, 6:24 pm
Awesome, thank you!
theattack December 30, 2011, 5:31 pm
You started a new moms club?? That is such a good idea! I bet that helps out with babysitting a lot too.
My 2012 Resolutions:
1. Graduate already.
2. Apply for grad school
3. Find a job in my field and/or start grad school.
4. Get a tighter stomach so that I’m never embarrassed to wear all of my tight clothes anymore. (Maybe I should change this to be more process oriented?)
5. Floss every single day.
6. Read five books that are NOT required for school.
7. Explore new music and get back into that scene.
8. See at least one live show.
9. Learn a new skill. (hopefully crocheting?)
10. Become coupon crazy.
11. Become extremely good at using my compass.
12. Improve aim (bows and guns)
13. Improve french horn skills
theattack December 30, 2011, 5:35 pm
Oh and also, 14. Develop excellent skills at identifying animal tracks and scat.
SpaceySteph December 30, 2011, 10:35 pm
Is this because those skills will be useful in the zombie apocalypse?
L December 30, 2011, 7:36 pm
Love your resolutions. Crocheting is awesome — I’ve been doing it for about 15 years now. You’ll get hooked (pun intended).
honeybeenicki December 30, 2011, 7:51 pm
My husband crochets and he’s pretty damn good 🙂
cporoski December 31, 2011, 7:23 am
I like the flossing. I think I am going to add that
CatsMeow December 30, 2011, 5:33 pm
I will list them, but will I do them? WHO KNOWS…
1. Stop procrastinating at work!! More specifically – get my shit done ON TIME without having to be reminded.
2. Get into grad school
3. Get a passport (Lame, I’m practically 30 and don’t have one… but international travel IS on the agenda for the coming year)
4. Practice bellydancing more frequently (outside of class)
5. Read more! (Thanks to the book club, this IS going to happen :))
Also – in 2 weeks (exactly) I’m 30. I’m going to try to NOT freak out about it too much.
cporoski December 31, 2011, 7:26 am
i turned 30 a month ago. It isn’t as bad as I thought.
CatsMeow December 31, 2011, 2:32 pm
Yeah. I’m ready!
CatsMeow December 31, 2011, 2:34 pm
OOH and also? How about I STOP going into Forever 21 actually expecting to buy something. I used to go in there and NOT be able to walk out empty-handed and now it’s the exact opposite. Has something changed, or am I just old??
MissDre December 31, 2011, 2:44 pm
Either we’re getting old or Forever21 started sucking!! I can’t figure out whether I’m just growing up, or if they’ve just started catering MORE to teenagers…
SpaceySteph January 2, 2012, 3:54 pm
I think they’ve started sucking. I have several 3-4 year old things from Forever 21 that I STILL wear, but haven’t really found anything good from there in the last year or so. And not for lack of trying.
JK December 30, 2011, 5:56 pm
– Keep the house a bit tidier (tough with 2 littlies, but def could be better)
– not lose my patience so often (esp with the 4 y.o)
– lose my fears of driving (forced, my brother who usually takes me to the places I´m scared of driving myself is off to live a year overseas)
– plan the meals for the week a bit better so I don´t have to run off to the shop every evening
-and finally, leave other peoples´ dramas out of my life
rainbow December 30, 2011, 7:02 pm
I really like the last one. I’m adding it to my list.
Go 2012!
MissDre December 30, 2011, 6:00 pm
Lose 10 pounds. I think this has been on my list EVERY YEAR and it never happens. A few years ago I successfully lost 30lbs and kept it off, but I can’t seem to shed the last 10, and I have a closet full of too-tight clothes that would totally fit if I just lost 10 friggin pounds!
Other than that, my goal is to completely pay off all my debt (student loan and car loan! bah!) and to start my own media freelancing business (to do this I need a new computer and to put in several hours of studying at Lynda.com) and hopefully I’ll be able to quit my full-time job and work for myself and my family-owned dance company full time.
ForeverYoung December 31, 2011, 11:09 am
Ugh I hate when you have amazing clothes that are so close to fitting but don’t. I should add that to my list.
WatersEdge December 30, 2011, 6:04 pm
1) Graduate
2) Get ourselves financially ready so that this time next year, we can start trying for a baby (!).
MissDre December 30, 2011, 6:12 pm
I like this resolution 🙂
Visharoo December 30, 2011, 6:06 pm
I only have one- to stop drinking so much soda! I am totally addicted to Coke Zero and indulge in Coke “heavy” a little more often than I would like to admit.
Rachel December 30, 2011, 6:08 pm
FInish my phd (!)
Find a postdoc
Read more (um, this should probably include things both for work and for fun)
Keep better track of where my money is going
Take more swimming lessons
honeybeenicki December 30, 2011, 7:57 pm
One of the things I’m really good at is keeping track of money and budgeting. I have a very simple spreadsheet that I use to keep track. When I first started, I tracked every little thing, now I just budget out my bills plus savings and I know about how much I need every month for the rest (food, gas, etc) and always go into a store with a budget in mind.
Rachel December 30, 2011, 11:02 pm
Yeah, I always know how much I have to spend on bills and stuff, it’s all the random things in the middle of the month that kill me. I do need to just write everything down.
cporoski December 31, 2011, 7:28 am
Mint.com is good for tracking money
Anna December 30, 2011, 6:11 pm
1. Get a new job!! That was on the list last year too…didn’t succeed.
2. If the bf doesn’t propose by the time his family moves, MOA and be strong. This is becoming harder now because my backup plan for a place to live is seeming dangerous…my friend who offered to split her apartment lives on the west side of Cleveland, where, earlier this week, her cousin’s husband was shot and killed randomly as he walked down the street. Not so sure I want to move there now!
3. Don’t get lazy about working out! That was on the list last year too and I have successfully continued to work out, but I need to keep doing it and do more.
4. Cook healthier food when possible.
MissDre December 30, 2011, 6:15 pm
Re. #2: How are you coping with the anticipation/anxiety of not knowing? I really hope it works out happily for you.
Anna January 2, 2012, 12:19 pm
Thanks, me too! I am pretty anxious but nothing a large glass of wine can’t cure…
Maynard December 31, 2011, 1:02 pm
Cleveland is not that dangerous. Random shootings can happen anywhere
jj December 30, 2011, 6:22 pm
For the food waste–I’ve found this to be really helpful. Take anything that looks like it’s about to go bad and wash it and put it into a large ziplock bag in the freezer. Also add the extra bits you throw away when chopping veggies–the greens from carrots, the zucchini ends, the broccoli stem, and throw them in too. If you eat meat, throw in any bones (raw or cooked). Every couple of weeks empty the bag into a large stock pot (I also throw in any garlic that looks old or has sprouted some), cover with water, and boil for an hour or so to make a great stock for cooking with. You can freeze the stock in small portions (or an ice cube tray–then throw the cubes into another ziplock baggie).
rainbow December 30, 2011, 6:59 pm
in 2012 I Will:
1.- Stop messing around with boys and start dating men.
2.- Go out dancing at least 2 times a month (this is one I make every year, and usually keep).
3.- Volunteer for an organization that fights gender violence (I’m not in a field where I can assist them as a professional, like law/psichology, but I can make kickass magazines and fix stuff / paint walls, so I’ll find something to do).
4.- Take singing lessons.
5.- Keep drawing every day.
5.- Spoil myself rotten.
Go 2012.
JK December 30, 2011, 7:11 pm
Good ones. How are your preps going? I just finished putting together the vittel thoné (first time ever, so wish me luck :))
rainbow December 31, 2011, 7:19 pm
So how did it go? My aunt usually makes it, sisters and I go with dessert.
I’m in Cordoba visiting some old friends, and since I’m already here I’ll go to Cosquin for a couple of days, and then back home.
JK December 31, 2011, 7:59 pm
Delicious. Crappy, crappy night though. Here´s hoping 2012 starts better than 2011is ending.
JK December 31, 2011, 8:00 pm
And I love Cordoba, enjoy!!!´In february we´re off to Merlo, so will pass through there.
Trixy Minx December 31, 2011, 12:40 am
Number 1 is on my list too..
amber December 30, 2011, 7:46 pm
my husband and i have two goals we are working on together, eating healthier and getting better at managing our money. i think both are easier when someone else is doing it with you!
my personal goals are to:
-complete 5 DIY projects (i got a hot glue gun for christmas!)
-make more friends in my new town
-actually use recipes from the three magazines i get every month or cancel the subscription when the year is up
-get rid of the clutter in my apartment
-remind the people i love how important they are to me, more often
JK December 30, 2011, 8:00 pm
When my husband and I were trying to save to buy our house we put together a spreadsheet, in columns were categories (food, travel, bills, etc), and in the rows dates. We wrote down every single thing we spent, and at the end of the month what we had earned, total expenses, etc. It really was amazing seeing it all in writing, and it helped us see where we could cut back (and knowing our saving potential).
Since then I´ve always recommended that method to my friends who were trying to manage their money a bit better.
amber December 30, 2011, 9:28 pm
i like that idea! we really need to curb the spontaneous spending. and i work with excel every day so i love a good spreadsheet 🙂
JK December 30, 2011, 9:32 pm
It really did help me especially, a couple of dollars here, another couple there really add up at the end of the month!!!
cporoski December 31, 2011, 7:38 am
I have DIY projects too! Painting the hallway and the bathroom!
honeybeenicki December 30, 2011, 7:55 pm
I’m not always very good at keeping my resolutions, but this year I did pretty well (lost weight and kept a detailed budget to keep my finances on track). For 2012, mine are:
1. Take the LSATs
2. Continue the budget
3. Get closer to my family
4. Make new friends by joining a new organization (Haven’t decided which)
5. Buy a house (yay! We are almost there, so I’m pretty sure I can keep this one)
6. Continue my good trend of getting back in shape (I was an athlete in high school, so never had trouble with weight but after a bad car accident and a few surgeries, I can’t run or do anything that is hard on my knees so its been a struggle)
FireStar December 30, 2011, 8:08 pm
2011 was a good year to do things I wish I had done earlier in life – like learning to swim and learning to drive. I passed my driving test in the beginning of December and bought my first car last week! I particularly love the heated seats.
I hope 2012 brings me increased confidence and competency in my driving, prosperity in my relationships and my business, the continued health of my loved ones – and a little bundle of joy – or two – of my very own.
katie December 30, 2011, 8:16 pm
My loose resolution is to focus more on myself. this last year was so hectic for me… in the beginning of the year, i had 3 jobs (one full time, 2 part time). in april i got a new job, but i continued at my old full time job for 2 weeks to not screw over my coworkers. then i quit one of my part time jobs, but kept one, so i worked 6 days a week. then i moved in june. then i had to plan for my boyfriends brothers wedding that was in november. i made the wedding cake and he did the rehersal dinner and there was a TON of planning and pre-work involved. i made new baby gifts, and on top of that my new full time job (which i love!!) I work 10 hours a day, which actually usually turns out to be around 11, and so I am away from my house for atleast 12 hours a day. so i just feel like this last year i have been doing everything for other people- for money (3 jobs…), for my new job, for the people at my old job, the people at my part time job, the bride, my family for christmas time….
so i just want to do more stuff for me. i want to read the dear wendy book club books, and i want to scrapbook more (i am soooo far behind), i want to make cute little tags for my pressed wine bottle collection, i want to organize my house and buy new towels and just stuff like that…
blackbird December 30, 2011, 8:23 pm
One of my New Year Resolutions is to get my ass into therapy – it’s something I’ve been putting off for a long time and I think now’s the time to do it. My problem is that I’ve always had a hard time finding one. My parents forced me into therapy at 7 and I’ve had a hard time trusting one since. If any of you see therapists on a regular basis, how did you find yours?
honeybeenicki December 30, 2011, 8:26 pm
I am not seeing a therapist currently, but when I was it took me many tries to find one I felt comfortable with and trusted. Really, its kind of trial and error when it comes to it.
Addie Pray December 30, 2011, 8:33 pm
I started seeing one this year. She came recommended by my primary physician. Basically last spring during a regular checkup my doctor asked, “So, how’s it going?” and I just started crying, “Well, since you asked….” And I bitched for 45 minutes about work, family, and bad relationships. Oops. Ha! She probably wasn’t ready for that. She recommended an awesome therapist. So, if you know and trust your primary physician, start there, I’d say. You’re in Chicago if I remember correctly from your Reader of the Week profile. Right? You should go to my therapist! I love her. Also, I have dreams about her having sex with my boss. I wish I knew what it meant but I’m too embarrassed to ask her.
Addie Pray December 30, 2011, 8:40 pm
She’s kind of frustrating though. But I’m pretty sure it’s not her fault and is just the “fault” of the process. I am always trying to ask her personal questions, and she turns the questions back on me. (How rude!) “How was your weekend?” “Good, now how was YOUR weekend?” “We should talk about you…” Or I’ll ask her “what do you think that means?” And she’ll say “well, what do you think it means?” And I’ll say, “No, I want to hear what you think…” I’m like a little terrorist in our sessions. I am always asking, “Tell me what to do and I’ll do it!” which seems to frustrate her. So of course I do it more… Yes, therapy is very hard for me. It’s hard for me to talk seriously about my feelings. I’m always joking. But I’ve had some break throughs – some “aha” moments. All in all I love therapy. An hour to talk about myself? Yes, please! Haha. I love it even more when my insurance covers it.
blackbird December 30, 2011, 8:54 pm
Oh man, I’m the same way with having a hard time talking about feeeeeelings. I always start joking or asking the other person about their lives. I’m up for anything at this point – and yes, I do live in Chicago. Hopefully she’s covered by my insurance! How would I get a hold of her?
Addie Pray December 30, 2011, 8:57 pm
Email me at ninsjunk@hotmail.com.
Tax Geek December 31, 2011, 12:44 pm
My therapist asked me to start a journal where I write about my feelings. Talk about your “aha moments.”
MissDre December 30, 2011, 9:01 pm
My family doctor referred me to a therapist he thought would work well with me.
WatersEdge December 31, 2011, 4:34 pm
http://Www.psychologytoday.com. Search “find a therapist” for some local ones. Or go to your insurance company’s website if you have one. If cost is an issue, research some local grad schools for a low-cost therapist in training. They have the newest training and they’re very passionate! I recommend.
rainbow December 31, 2011, 7:25 pm
I went trough the list of those covered by my insurance, and tried to picture them basing on their names. So I picked one that sounded young and slightly perverted. He’s really good, I’ve made a lot of progress.
Bethany December 30, 2011, 9:16 pm
Some goals for 2012:
1- Really focus on finally getting rid of my credit card debt. I do well for a while, but then I fall off the wagon and buy everything in sight! So this year, I need to live not just within my means, but well under them.
2-Make new friends and put effort into building those relationships.
3- Watch less TV– It’s very easy to just plop down next t my husband and watch TV with him, but I need to quit that. There are so many other things I’d rather be doing, like cooking, reading and listening t music.
4- Be a better employee. I work for a great company, and I don’t want to do anything to compromise that, so I need to focus more at work and work harder.
SpaceySteph December 30, 2011, 9:39 pm
I love your #3. Recently I have been turning off the TV when there’s not something I specifically want to watch on. I have always been the kind to have the TV on. If nothing specific is on, I’ll just put on something random. That’s a waste of everything (time, electricity, brain cells…)!
I’m not giving up my shows, just not gonna fill the time between them with garbage.
Bethany December 31, 2011, 3:06 pm
I didn’t have TV for about a year and a half, and I was so much more productive, creative and social without it! If I didn’t have a sports fan husband, I’d get rid of it again in a second!
landygirl December 30, 2011, 9:20 pm
I have no resolutions but I hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year!
Ginevra December 30, 2011, 9:29 pm
I have some general goals…
1. Get in shape. Includes eating healthier & working out more/regularly. An important component of this is drinking less pop, even when it’s free at school!
2. Keep a journal. My grandpa keeps telling me to and I never make the time.
3. Don’t let law school eat my soul/life!
4. Keep my LDR healthy
5. Stick more carefully to my budget and treat it more of a definite maximum rather than what I CAN spend each month.
6. Make some new friends in my new city!
Kristen December 30, 2011, 9:34 pm
My resolution is to learn how to make homemade pierogies. I can do it!
JK December 30, 2011, 9:36 pm
mmmmmm pierogi.
I make them, but I cheat by using premade dough (or whatever you´d call it).
Now I´m craving them, but it´s not really pierogi weather here!!!
Rachel December 30, 2011, 10:56 pm
It’s always pierogi weather!
JK December 31, 2011, 8:03 am
Here it´s getting up to like 30°C (high 80s, I´m guessing), I´ll wait until autumn!
SpaceySteph December 30, 2011, 9:37 pm
I love New Years goals so much I do them twice (for the Jewish new year too!).
Shameless plug, I blog all about them too at the link on my username.
Anyways, my goals are:
Run a half marathon.
Cook more vegetables… and also, like more vegetables. Aside from broccoli, bell peppers, and onions I’m pretty bad at vegetables.
Do the things I want to do with my house before its too late (i.e. my boyfriend becomes my husband and doesn’t let me continue my purple walls fetish- we’re not engaged, but maybe one day, and I shouldn’t wait until I’m engaged to do it!)
Also today at Target I impulse-bought a planner to use as a food journal because I would really like to weigh in the 140 pounds range, and not in the 150 pounds range. But that’s not a resolution, I don’t make weight resolutions because its bad luck. Or something.
MissDre December 30, 2011, 10:23 pm
I have purple walls too! 🙂 And I also would like to be in the 140lbs range rather than the 150’s.
SpaceySteph December 30, 2011, 11:26 pm
My one purple wall makes me ridiculously happy. So happy, I think I need to add a second purple wall just in case there’s an additive effect.
MissDre December 31, 2011, 9:43 am
Yeah, I have one purple feature wall where I put up a mural (it’s a silhouette of a city skyline) and these gorgeous paintings of fashion sketches. It’s ridiculously girly and I love it. Yaay purple!!!
iseeshiny December 31, 2011, 1:23 am
I discovered kale this year. I never liked cooked spinach because of the texture, but kale is like a more nutritious, structured spinach! There are a lot of good recipes online but garlic, salt, pepper and onion with a little olive oil and its delicious! And readily available in winter!
SpaceySteph December 31, 2011, 5:54 pm
I’m scared of kale. And collard greens. And mustard greens. They’re early on my list of vegetables to try, because I know they’re super good for you but they are so GREEN!
Addie Pray December 30, 2011, 10:27 pm
OMG – I just discovered something delicious. Brie+pomegranate seed on a cracker = heaven. My brother from Cali sent me 3 boxes of pomegranates. I have been ruining my nails, and my sanity, peeling out the seeds. Anyhoo, brie + pomegranates = crack cocaine. Carry on.
Addie Pray December 30, 2011, 10:31 pm
You know what else is heavenly? Brie + pomegranates + True Blood. I’m catsitting (ugh, fucking cats) for a woman I know who has ALL the premium channels. I’ve eaten all her cheese and looked through her closets and now I’m enjoying fancy HBO series. Does life get better? I wish these cats would stop touching me. They don’t understand that they’re not cute dogs. Ok, now carry on.
katie December 30, 2011, 11:09 pm
try peeling your pomegranates underwater… like in a bowl of water. the seeds will sink to the bottom and the white pulpy stuff will float. much easier, in my opinion… lol. i love pomegranates!
Addie Pray December 30, 2011, 11:34 pm
Brilliant! But I needed you like 5 hours ago. It’s ok, I still have 5 big juicy pomegranates to go. I’ll try that trick tomorrow.
Sarah December 31, 2011, 12:27 am
I love that trick! Btw, if you love pomegranate, I tried this pomegranate salsa/guacamole thing this year for Thanksgiving and HOLY CHRIST was it good. I think its pomegranate seeds, chopped avacado (Hass, from mexico, not those tasteless tree rocks from florida :)), cilantro, lime juice, finely chopped white onion, garlic powder = H.E.A.V.E.N.
rainbow December 31, 2011, 7:30 pm
I’ll just sit here in awe for a while.
Addie Pray December 31, 2011, 4:35 pm
Fyi, just peeled 2 huge pomegranates in no time thanks to you!
SpaceySteph December 30, 2011, 11:28 pm
Ooh. I cheated and bought a box of pomegranate seeds from Sams (someone else did the hard work of getting them out of the pomegranate for me) and have been left with too many seeds. I will try this tomorrow night before I go out for dinner (yes I totally snack before going out for dinner but still eat everything they serve me at the restaurant… i like food alot). Also saw a post about adding pomegranate juice to champagne so that will probably be happening as well.
JK December 31, 2011, 8:05 am
Here they sell a kind of syrup that´s like concentrated pomegranate juice, so delicious!!!
Red_Lady December 30, 2011, 10:36 pm
My resolution for 2011 was to travel to Great Britain & Ireland, which I accomplished this summer (plus I got engaged there, which leads to this year’s resolution….)
My resolution for 2012 is to get married.
I tend to pick lame resolutions that I know I’ll accomplish
Addie Pray December 30, 2011, 10:41 pm
My resolution this year is to give up white wine and sex with caring, emotionally-available, non-married men within an appropriate age bracket for me. I also aim to cut back on fruits and vegetables.
sarita_f January 1, 2012, 5:39 pm
Ha! Hahahahahahha.
I have nothing to actually add here.
Addie Pray January 1, 2012, 10:10 pm
I’ve been sticking to my resolutions all day! Succes!
Amy January 3, 2012, 9:40 am
I love you!
fallonthecity December 30, 2011, 11:04 pm
I don’t really like to call them “resolutions,” because I’ve always associated them with weight loss but that’s my own personal hang up… I do like to kind of “evaluate my life and set some personal goals” around the first of the year, though. This year I’m thinking I really want to make a conscious effort to have the disposition I want (that’s somewhere in the ballpark of: calm, patient, kind, strong, etc.) This time next year I want to look back and not remember having flashes of anger or frustration and having to excuse myself to calm down in the restroom at work, or having let someone rude and/or nosy ruin my day.
I also want to have my dog take the Canine Good Citizen test ’cause I want to eventually get him certified as a therapy dog when he gets to be a little older, and save up at least half a down payment for a house (yay!).
Sarah December 31, 2011, 12:21 am
1.) Go to the gym 4-5 times a week
2.) Get a new job
3.) Get back into school and have my career path on the right track
4.) Buy/Wear more dresses
5.) Stop letting my responsibilities take me away from the things I want to do in my life
6.) Buy a pair of skinny jeans and feel confident in them (my hips are wider than the income gap)
7.) Feel confident about the way I look in general
8.) Start taking bi-monthly bike rides to the beach and stop being so damned dependent on my car to get around
9.) Get into counseling (already got my Jan appointment!)
10.) Eat more fine cheeses and drink fancy liquor (this may or may not negate 1,6, and 7.)
cporoski December 31, 2011, 7:49 am
4-5 times a week is hard. good luck with that.
Sarah December 31, 2011, 1:59 pm
I know, right? But my gym is literally a minute and a half away from where I work so I really have no excuse.
Trixy Minx January 1, 2012, 9:40 pm
I’ve been loosing weight faster since I started riding my bike places that are less than two miles away.
L December 31, 2011, 12:37 am
This year, I’m thinking less about resolutions and more about my hopes for 2012:
Most importantly, I hope that my mom can continue to be healthy. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease back in May at age 54 and it put a lot of strain on our family. She has taken the bull by the horns in trying to conquer the disease as best she can because there is no cure for it. She is so amazing and incredible in such an understated way. She has become one of my best friends in the past few years and I want her to be around to see me get married and spend lots and lots of time with her future grandchildren someday.
I also hope that I continue to work out and continue this health streak that I’ve been on recently. It’s amazing how good it feels to go for a 30-minute run!! Never ever EVER did I think I would be saying that…
Along with the above, I hope that I can actually run a 5k this year! I’ve been working out following the Couch to 5k plan and I’m hoping that I can finally conquer what I never thought was possible for me!
I hope that I finally find my first big girl full time job.
I hope that as my long distance boyfriend and I consider the next step in our relationship that we allow compromise and have patience with each other as we decide what is next.
I hope that I can change someone else’s life for the better.
*HmC* January 1, 2012, 4:33 pm
If you can run for 30 minutes you can definitely do a 5k! I am a running addict, and my best running advice is to always challenge yourself a little more and more. It’s amazing what the human body is capable of… we usually give up mentally way before our body really has to.
I just ran my second half marathon this year and it was inspiring how many normal-looking people were there. Even much older people or people with bodies that did not appear to be super athletic. That’s the great thing about running- with gradual training and the right attitude, pretty much anyone can go so much farther than you would think. Good luck!
L January 1, 2012, 6:49 pm
Awesome! I was talking to my friends and we all decided to commit to a 5k together this spring so we can keep each other on track. We live in Minnesota, so we don’t really want to do one in the middle of winter. I’m super slow right now, but I’m hoping to build up my distance, time, and speed! 🙂
Trixy Minx December 31, 2011, 12:57 am
1. Do one epic hike a month
2. Plan meals ahead of time so I’m not always eating out
3. Try running a 5k
4. Read more books. One or two a month.
5. Take time off work to enjoy a vacation
6. Try to date men who are available and don’t put out haha
7. Take a dance class
8. Hike Camelback once a week
9. Take school seriously
Some of these I am already doing but I need improvement. Camelback is going to be tough!
cporoski December 31, 2011, 7:53 am
Once a week is hard because what if there are three feet of snow on the ground?
Trixy Minx December 31, 2011, 11:01 am
I wish! Camelback mountain is in the middle of Phoenix and its a brutal hike. Here’s a couple of pictures for all you non Arizonan’s.
Something More Than Blah December 31, 2011, 7:46 pm
Aww – When I read “Camelback” it made me smile. I am from Arizona – about 4 hours southeast of Phoenix. I miss brown mountains!!!!
Trixy Minx December 31, 2011, 10:23 pm
I hope you enjoyed the pictures!
cporoski January 2, 2012, 5:13 am
We have a camelback in New Jersey and it gets tons of snow. Phoenix is a little different.
SpaceySteph December 31, 2011, 1:01 pm
I can’t recommend Couch to 5k enough. Perfect run/walk plan to build a walker into a runner! You can do it! (for #3)
L December 31, 2011, 2:32 pm
AGREED. I’m a pretty slow runner, but Couch to 5k has really helped me to build my stamina so that I can run over 2 miles straight. I’m a girl who could barely run .2 miles when I started. It works. I’m almost done with the program, but now my goal is to build my distance/speed a bit more and then, hopefully, complete a 5K!! 🙂
Trixy Minx December 31, 2011, 7:23 pm
Thank! Looks like a good plan. I usually over exert myself hiking and then crash.
rainbow December 31, 2011, 7:36 pm
I did it for like 3 days with my sister and then when we were running a dog bit her ass and we stopped “until it got better” and we never started again. Booo me.
Trixy Minx December 31, 2011, 11:14 pm
I would rather my ass melt off not get bitten off
cporoski December 31, 2011, 8:00 am
My resolutions:
1.) Run a 10 mile run in under a 10 minute mile (this is hard because it is shaving over a minute off my usual time.)
2.) Open an online trading account so I can start buying individual stocks.
3.) Paint hallway
4.) give master bathroom a facelift.
5.) Get more money in my “Oh Shit” account.
6.) Go to a broadway show
7.) Go to one national park.
8.) Save and go on a big vacation (Northern Europe or Thailand)
Trixy Minx January 1, 2012, 9:42 pm
All last year was “Oh SHIT” for me. Defiantly saving every penny this year.
ForeverYoung December 31, 2011, 10:58 am
Oh this is a great open thread and one I have been thinking a lot about the last two days after getting too drunk with my in-laws and making an ass of myself (I blame 12 straight days of family time between both families and the stress of not liking my in-laws – turns out I like them even less wasted).
1. I want to spend the months of January and February (all year is too big of a commitment) abstaining from alcohol and fried foods. I want to do yoga twice a week. I want to work on the whole mind body and soul thing. I get really sentimental this time of year and am actually pretty good at keeping new years resolutions as long as they have a finish date of under 3 months.
2. I live in Colorado and have yet to hike a 14’er so I want to do at least one this summer.
3. I want to get an amazing job as a lawyer doing something i’m passionate about that hopefully will pay me enough to pay off my enormous student loans.
4. I want to work on saying no to my in-laws more. They drive me crazy and turn me into a person I don’t like. I have gone long periods of time without seeing or speaking to them before and it is amazingly calming to my soul.
sarita_f January 1, 2012, 6:34 pm
@ForeverYoung – I live in CO and finally started climbing 14ers more this past summer. If you’d like a hiking buddy feel free to shoot me an email – forestsarita@gmail.com. That’s not my main email address but it’s where I direct my ex-boyfriend email to, and since we broke up about a month ago I end up checking it pretty often :).
Also, do you check out 14ers.com much? There’s usually a “Gurlz Hike” organized every year – I haven’t actually been able to attend, perhaps this year…
MELH December 31, 2011, 10:59 am
This year my resolutions are:
1. Read more books! I spent the last three years in law school with basically no time to read for fun, and I’ve been better lately, but I’m looking forward to really getting back to something I love.
2. Lose 7-10 pounds. Last year, I lost 15 pounds to prep for my wedding, and gained 7 back since then. I would like to at least get back to wedding weight. I managed to get through the holidays without gaining much, so that was a relief!
3. Fight better with my husband. I want to learn to control emotions better during a disagreement so they are productive discussions that don’t elevate to an angry level.
4. Find a full time job! I got my J.D., I passed the bar, and I have a license to practice, now I just need a job.
Now I’m off to prepare for attending our ninth wedding of the yea tonight!
CottonTheCuteDog December 31, 2011, 11:39 am
practice this: after one of you gives your opinion on the subject at hand. The other should take a need breath and count to 5 before speaking.
CottonTheCuteDog December 31, 2011, 11:36 am
1. Lose 10 lbs
2. Visit at least 5 DDD restauarants
3. Get married (11/3/2012)
4. Move in with my new husband!
Amybelle January 1, 2012, 10:23 am
Love triple D! That show is addictive!
haggith December 31, 2011, 12:07 pm
1. take 12 credits this year so i can finish my phd soon
2. start my trapeze classes
3. have a baby
4. redo my new house
YouOtterKnow December 31, 2011, 2:29 pm
1. Put myself first (and learn to say no)
2. Be more patient with my friends
3. learn to knit
4. take the MCAT (and hopefully do well!)
5. stop stressing about school so much
6. Run 5 times a week
YouOtterKnow December 31, 2011, 4:01 pm
and to do things BECAUSE they scare me instead of avoiding them
Morgan December 31, 2011, 3:07 pm
1. Find a job
2. Experiment more when cooking. I used to do this more often, but now I’ve sort of settled in to my favorite standbys.
3. Learn how to actually take care of a car on my own.
4. Go to the gym at least 4 times a week.
5. Keep track of chapsticks. I already go through a ton in winter, but I also lose ’em after like a week. Somewhere, there is an entire planet full of chapstick I’ve lost.
6. Keep my nails painted.
Something More Than Blah December 31, 2011, 7:48 pm
I totally hear you on the chapsticks!!
Addie Pray December 31, 2011, 3:45 pm
1. Starting tomorrow, do 30 days in a row of Bikram yoga. For a couple of reasons: it’ll do my body good in prep for my Mexico vacation on Feb. 1 and, well, you get your name mentioned in the email newsletter if you complete the challenge, which would be pretty cool.
2. Figure out what I want to do with my life. Really, think long and hard about it, talk to specialists, do my research, and then commit!
3. Lose weight. Bla, bla, bla.
4. Read at least one book a month. I read about 6-8 books a year at best so this will be a tough one. If I can keep up with the DW book club, I’ll be set.
5. Watch less tv. This should help No. 4.
6. Be more productive during the day. (i.e., cut back on Dear Wendy and Facebook). Checking these sites once a day should suffice. Now, I hit refresh all the live-long day.
7. Open an online trading account and learn how to buy individual stock. I stole this from cporoski but have been meaning to learn about this.
8. Initiate plans to dine out or grab a drink with a new friend each month. I think I stole this from someone above too; I love it.
9. Make a budget and spend less. I am not a big spender or anything, but, if I were to track my spending, I’d probably be horrified to see how much money I spend on eating/drinking out, cab fare, airfare, and gifts for my niece/nephews.
10. Take the el/buses more often. Lately I’ve been cabbing everywhere like some lazy big shot.
Happy New Year’s!
SGMcG December 31, 2011, 6:59 pm
I don’t know if it’s been said yet, but thank you Wendy for picking a service provider that supports an open Internet environment and rejects SOPA.
My resolution is to be healthier – better diet, more exercise, more positive state of mind.
I would also like to find some sense of direction in my life. I’ve been flailing for a bit and I need to take some time to figure out what it is I really want.
More time for crafting stuff would be cool too.
rainbow December 31, 2011, 7:40 pm
More data on 1st paragraph, please.
Maracuya January 15, 2012, 5:39 pm
What she means is it’s not GoDaddy 😉
Kimothy December 31, 2011, 7:32 pm
My new years resolutions:
1) Make more friends, hopefully better than the ones who ditched me on new years eve
2)Work on ways to gain confidence and to speak up more
3)Eat and drink a lot healthier and give up caffeine
4)Get the balls to break up with my boyfriend of 2 years
5) Find a way to not get distracted while I’m working and come up with at least 2-3 new concepts a week
And since it turned midnight just before I came to write this, happy new years from England!
L January 1, 2012, 6:53 pm
What’s the story behind breaking up with the boyfriend if you don’t mind me asking?
Kimothy January 2, 2012, 6:33 am
I can’t spend any more time with a guy who’s neglectful, manipulative, breaks every promise he makes, is terrible in bed and generally someone who seems to want to get laid with only putting in next to no effort. There’s a lot more to it but i don’t want to bore you with my ranting.
Addie Pray December 31, 2011, 8:56 pm
It’s just about 8 pm in Chicago… and I’m really torn between going out to meet friends at a crowded over-priced bar like I’m supposed to and staying right where I am and continuing to watch “Weird Sex” on TLC. Anybody else having a similar problem? This is my least favorite holiday. When did TLC become an amazing network, btw? Between this show and Virgin Diaries, it’s genius. I’m not budging.
amber December 31, 2011, 9:12 pm
I usually do something low key at home for new years but this year my husband and I are both stuck inside with strep. We’re watching how i met your mother on netflix. TLC has been awesome for awhile, who doesn’t love a good sister wives or littlest couple marathon? 😉 back to important things though, since i’m sick and don’t get to choose whether i leave the house this year, i think you should go out and drink a few for me 🙂
Addie Pray December 31, 2011, 9:17 pm
how did i forget to mention Sister Wives – the best ever! really, TLC is amazing. how do they find all these odd people and convince them to make a show of their oddities? i wonder what they get paid. … fine, i’m going out, but i’m wearing jeans and tennis shoes and that’s that.
L January 1, 2012, 6:57 pm
New Year’s Eves in are THE BEST. My high school friends and I (who are basically my unofficial sisters) have been spending New Year’s Eve together for the past 8 years. We have a sleepover, watch movies, eat junk, and hang out in our pajamas all night. And it’s awesome. It’s become my absolute favorite holiday because of our tradition. We watch the New York New Year’s Eve on TV and are always glad that we’re NOT there. Hahaaa. 🙂
Addie Pray December 31, 2011, 9:38 pm
Also, did you know there is a Chick-Fil-A bowl?! It’s on ESPN right now — Auburn v. Virginia! How cool is that? Very. … Alright, alright, I’m turning off the tv and going out now!
Addie Pray December 31, 2011, 9:46 pm
Aw, The Kids Are Alright is also on. I saw it in the theater. I remember agreeing that the kids were alright but thinking the parents were not. There is a conspiracy to show good tv tonight to keep me in. I think it’s a sign. I should stay in.
Trixy Minx December 31, 2011, 10:09 pm
Addie you crack me up. I’m just sitting here reading your conversation to yourself. Btw I”m staying in too.
Addie Pray January 1, 2012, 9:58 pm
In case you were wondering why I stopped conversing with you/myself, it’s because I fell asleep. That’s right, before 10 pm. FML. But as an aside, I woke up at 5:30 this am and did bikram. Day 1 of 30…
Trixy Minx January 1, 2012, 10:58 pm
That’s a good start.
I ended up playing Little Big World on the PS3 at a friends house. I am obsessed with that game now.
jaybro January 1, 2012, 12:26 am
I’ve always been anti-resolution, but this year I’m caving…
1. Get back into top running shape!
2. Work on my creative writing every day.
3. Learn to draw and paint better. (PRACTICE!)
4. Fully enjoy where I am in my life right now, even though it’s not anywhere near where I want to be.
5. Stop being a freakin’ lurker on DearWendy, be confident in my thoughts/opinions, and actually participate in the comments on here!!! (Huzzah for this being my first comment on here! Woo!)
Wendy January 1, 2012, 8:48 am
Welcome to the comments!
jaybro January 1, 2012, 3:05 pm
Thanks! 🙂
ForeverYoung January 1, 2012, 1:30 pm
Welcome – It was super scary the first time I commented too but it gets less stressful with time and actually fun.
I like your 4th one. I should add that too. I am always looking to the future and find it hard to enjoy where i’m at, so I might add that too my list.
Trixy Minx January 1, 2012, 1:49 pm
I’ve been lurking for a long time too! I started reading DW back when she first started on that other site.
jaybro January 1, 2012, 3:08 pm
Fellow lurker! Yes! And yeah, I started following when DW was on The Frisky and continued lurkin’ when she got her own website. But the lurking ends nowww!
Trixy Minx January 1, 2012, 3:56 pm
Maybe its just me but everytime Wendy replies back I shriek like a little school girl who thinks Justin beiber winked at her at his concert.
jaybro January 1, 2012, 6:12 pm
…I may or may not have shrieked. Hahaha.
Amybelle January 1, 2012, 10:33 am
1. Finally quit smoking for good
2. Start doing yoga again regularly with the goal of eventually becoming certified as an instructor.
3. Eat healthier…right now I have a really bad habit of skipping meals, most days I don’t eat breakfast or lunch, which is probably a big part of why I’m so tired in the evenings
4. MOA mentally and emotionally from my ex, that I still love and miss daily even though it’s been over a year, despite lots of work trying to feel otherwise….I keep waiting for time to heal the wound, but it doesn’t seem too… *sigh*
*HmC* January 1, 2012, 2:40 pm
As far as number 4…
Sometimes time heals wounds so slowly that you don’t see yourself healing. But for me, the happy moments slowly, gradually started outnumbering the bad ones. And it wasn’t a straight line graph… up and down and lots of setbacks. But then one day you realize that overall, things do seem to be getting better. You will get there one day. I promise.
Amybelle January 2, 2012, 8:55 am
Thanks, I needed to hear that!
Britannia January 1, 2012, 1:40 pm
1. Floss every day.
2. Do yoga every day.
3. Visit every (non-Mexican, because there’s WAYYY too many Mexican food trucks in my town) food truck in my city.
4. Do my best to have healthy relationships – with my boyfriend, with my friends, with myself.
5. Don’t do things by the skin of my teeth. Make informed decisions instead of acting spontaneously and “forcing” things to happen. I’m too spontaneous and it’s fucked me over SO many times in my life.
6. Get tattooed again.
Rachel January 1, 2012, 2:17 pm
I wish too many of any food trucks was a problem in my town.
Britannia January 1, 2012, 4:09 pm
We have a very small community of “special” food trucks, like crepes or Jamaican food, but it’s pretty common to see a Mexican hot dog truck on virtually every corner of my town. I think that the new food truck culture is really cool. Hopefully your town will get some, too!
Now, if only my town was big enough to have a dry bar (for hair styling)…
Trixy Minx January 1, 2012, 9:46 pm
Does your town have the people on bicycles that hand out mango’s with lime and salt? probably unsanitary but i love it.
Britannia January 16, 2012, 1:03 am
Yes, yes we do. Those things are effing delicious, especially when I’m drunk.
jaybro January 1, 2012, 3:12 pm
Love your number one! And I think after you floss for a while, then you feel weird when you don’t. That’s how it was for me at least. (You will also come to hate the days when you forgot to buy new floss after running out. They are terrible.)
Britannia January 1, 2012, 4:10 pm
Really? That’s actually encouraging. I loathe the dentist, so I take good care of my teeth (no sugar, mouthwash after every meal, etc) but there’s SO many nights when I’d rather just get into bed than take the 5 minutes to floss. Hopefully it’ll become a real habit.
jaybro January 1, 2012, 6:16 pm
Granted, I started flossing religiously when I was a teen with braces and got the idea in my head that if I didn’t take perfect care of my teeth I’d get stains/holes around the brackets. BUT I’ve been braces-free for over 6 years now, and I’m still flossing! So just stick with it! You’ll get to the point when you climb in bed and then can’t fall asleep because you didn’t floss haha.
*HmC* January 1, 2012, 2:19 pm
I’m not the biggest fan of NY resolutions, or making any big changes at once- I feel like it’s sort of against human nature and sets you up to fail and feel bad. BUT, I don’t want to poop on the parade so I’m listing some anyway, here goes!
1) Pass the California Bar. It will be my first try this February. So far I am not studying as much as I know I should. Even if I fail the first time, I want to know I gave it my best!
2) Continue working out for physical as well as mental health. I don’t really have weight to lose, but I could have a few more muscles! I’ve gotten myself into a pretty manageable and enjoyable routine over the years, and I want to keep it going. Maybe add more weight training. 🙂
3) Be better at asserting myself. I’m naturally very non-confrontational, and in recent years I’ve come a long way. But I know it’s a constant process. Anyway, life is a process, you should be learning and growing every year!
4) Be nicer to my mom. She’s sacrificed so much for me, and despite how much I love and appreciate her I can sometimes take her for granted or get snappy. I will do better with that.
I think that should be plenty to focus on…
Happy 2012 to everyone in the DW community!
Addie Pray January 1, 2012, 10:02 pm
CAN I JUST SAY: (1) Young Adult, which I saw today, was GREAT! I highly recommend it. It was so clever, fresh, relavant, and original… I loved it. It really struck a cord with me, I don’t know why. Except, I do know why; (2) Hugo sucked monkey balls, in my humble opinion, and (3) I turn 34 this year. 🙁 Time is passing too quickly. I just turned 33 for crying outloud. FML.
Happy new year to my favorite lil’ online community!
LadyinPurpleNotRed January 1, 2012, 10:09 pm
I totally agree about Hugo!!
savannah January 2, 2012, 12:38 pm
This resolution is late but I was waiting until I got home to post:
My new years resolution is to really and wholly come to terms with the fact that my BF is not the person I want him to be and break up with him. It’s not fair to either of us. And I better do it before he convinces me to move in with him.
But its really going to suck.
kittyk January 3, 2012, 10:30 am
Good luck and DO NOT MOVE IN WITH HIM.
kittyk January 2, 2012, 11:31 pm
Hmm after much consideration, my only real new years resolution is to stop keeping up with the Kardashians. I seriously was a happier person when I couldn’t tell Khloe from Kim from Kourtney and didn’t know jack sh*t about their lives. 🙂
Of course, all of the ‘be better/healthier’ resolutions – eat better, drink less, don’t smoke cigs at all, bike/read/yoga/sleep more are on the agenda for 2012 too. I’m always a work in progress in that way.