New Years (one week late that is)

Long time, no see friends.

I have been busy as usual with work and finals week coming up at Vanguard, but I have at least found some time to think about resolutions for the new year. I often struggle with the concept of New Years' resolutions because they are a little cliche I think. They often consist of things out of the ordinary. Sometimes they are ordinary things like "losing weight" but lower on the list of priorities, or, they are severely lacking in enjoyment but are on the resolution list anyway because we'd feel bad if it wasn't.

Then I got to thinking, how many people make resolutions that don't exactly coincide with our long term visions or goal planning? Spontaneity is great and all, but should it significantly distract us from the steps we need to take to achieve our life goals? I only say this because when I think about the resolutions I made last year, I achieved about half, all of which I am proud of. The other half, I most likely didn't persist with because they were too vague, which is another mistake most people make when creating resolutions. Number one lesson in goal setting - make it quantitatively achievable!

So this year's resolutions aren't wishful thoughts, they are my short term goals for a long term life plan I have been working to build upon. I actually wrote them all in this blog, but then I re-read them and saw how it was probably more than you all wanted to read. It was also a bit, well... personal. I love sharing my hopes and dreams with you all, but there is a point when it may seem a bit boring and even intrusive. So here is an extremely edited version of 5 from 20-some little goals "to-do" in 2012 which will help drive me toward some of my greater life goals.

1. Take a Yoga Class. Maybe not on a regular basis, but at least once or twice this year.

2. Drink 1 new wine a month and record it in my wine journal.

3. Read 8 or more books on subjects pertaining to the history classes I teach.

4. Economize my car, or in other words, sadly trade in my beloved Rover for a more frugal sedan-like vehicle with better MPG.

5. Become an official resident of Colorado! On the assumption that my contract with Vanguard will be renewed and which I have 90% confidence/unofficial discussions with administration of this happening.

So cheers to you all as you too make your goals and here's hoping that 2012 becomes a far better year than 2011 had shown itself to be!