NYE 2012 Resolutions!

Resolutions & Goals for 2012!

As the new year is upon us, it got me thinking about my goals for next year.  I typically don't sit down and write out my goals, but as I am getting older and hopefully wiser, I think it is a good way to keep myself on track.  Some of my goals are shallow, others not so shallow, but if I wasn’t honest, I wouldn’t be me.  So here to share with you are my goals for 2012 and hopefully I can get through all of them.

With that said, I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year.  May 2012 be the year for personal growth, happiness, and good health.

1. Read for ½ an hour before going to bed.
2. Sleep by 11:30 pm on weeknights.
I'm a night owl, even on days I have to work, and this nasty habit of mine has gotta go in order for me to get 8 hours of sleep on weekdays, function normally, and age gracefully.

3. Stop complaining about petty things.
I complain a whole lot about my commute, and silly little things as most humans do.  I need to stop and think about how blessed I am in so many other ways.  I once heard someone say, if you look at your life through someone else’s eyes, you will realize you have a lot to be thankful, most importantly, health.

4. Go to Greece.
As you know I am obsessed with Europe.  I seriously would love to move there for a year.  I think it is the most beautiful continent, and this year on my list is Greece.  I mainly want to visit the islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Hopefully all the hot mess in Greece calms down this year.  This trip is on my list, but I'm sure my husband won't mind.  🙂
5. Giving up control.
I love planning and getting things my way, and in a marriage, this doesn't always work.  I need to start giving up some control and letting things be.  So for example, instead of traveling to all the places I want to visit, I need to listen to my partner and also accommodate his needs.  Another example, when my husband leaves his unfinished wine glass on our coffee table and decides goes to bed, rather than getting upset about it, I need to let it go.  In a marriage, I have learned that listening is key and being selfless (very difficult to implement).  Doing so will enable me to be a better partner in the long run.  Hey, I'm not perfect, and at least I acknowledge it and am willing to change.

6. Hit the gym 3 times a week. 
I'm so embarrassed to say I go to the gym only twice a week, however with all the walking I do for my commute, I let it slide.  Realistically speaking though, I should be at the gym 3 days a week, especially since I need the gym for strength training.  I love how lifting weights shapes my body and makes me feel strong and curvy.  Example - I love J.Lo’s body.

7. Visit the Taj Mahal. 
I may be going to India this year and on my to-do list is visit the Taj Mahal.  The last time I visited was when I was 6 years old, so I barely remember anything.  Also, I hope to enjoy high tea at the Oberoi Hotel in Agra which boasts splendid views of the Taj Mahal.  Yes, I've done my research.  🙂  This one is also on my husband's list. 
8. Writing more posts for my blog. 
I typically post 3 times a week, but I want to increase this to 4 times a week which is quite difficult since I'm already working full time.  So the more realistic approach is aiming to do 15 posts a month.

9. Purchase Marc Jacobs Quilted Carmine Satchel or Mulberry Alexa Leather Bag.
Yes, definitely one of my shallow goals, but whatever, I work.  Once my birthday rolls around this summer, I hope I'll have the heart to dish out $1200 to purchase one of these gorgeous designer bags.  Which one do you like more?

10. Avoid sugar in my tea. 
My weakness are sweets, and I normally take ½ a teaspoon of brown sugar in my tea.  Nonetheless, I feel with the amount of desserts (healthier) I eat, I might as well avoid adding sugar in my tea. 

11. Visit a new Caribbean island.
I loveeeeeeeeeeeee the Caribbean - the crystal blue water, the laidback lifestyle, the happy people, the amazing food, and the succulent drinks.  So far I've been to Puerto Rico (3 times) and St.Maarten/St.Martin, but I'm hoping this year I can make a trip to a new island, perhaps Aruba, Jamaica, USVI, or Riviera Mayan (once Mexico is off the US Travel advisory list).  We'll see.  And btw... also on my husband's list.
12. Decorate my apartment.
I've been so lazy about buying furniture and decorating, mainly because I suck at decorating and I get overwhelmed.  Instead of trying to figure out how to decorate, I limit myself to buying furniture from only 3 stores this way I am not overwhelmed with what to buy.  This year I want to make my living space more homey, more cozy, more comfortable, and more pretty.  I want my touch added to every corner of my apartment with pretty things surrounding me.  This way I can host my family members which is about 21 people in total - THANK GOD!

13. Prayer & Faith
Although I pray, I need to make it a big part of my life.  I need to develop a stronger relationship with God.

14. Giving Back
I've been saying this for a while, but this year I want to focus on charity and volunteer in a food kitchen.  My husband and I have been talking about looking into one and since I love cooking, it would be a good place to start with helping those in need.

15. Trip to Montreal & Quebec City.
Lastly, I've been to Montreal once and I thought it was one of the most beautiful cities I experienced. This summer, I hope my husband and I can make a trip out to Montreal and Quebec City. I've heard Quebec City is one of the most beautiful North American cities, even more so than Montreal. And being that I love anything and everything French, I'm all for this trip.  Cafe au Lait, macarons, cobblestone streets here I come - this summer.  Yes, this one is on my husband's list, too.
TELL ME: Share some of your 2012 goals for the year – shallow or not so shallow!