2008 Update

Le sigh. While I have been cooking for the last few months, I have to admit that the few new items I've tried (READ: less than 5) have not been very good, so no posting. I've been so busy and uncreative that the thought of trying something new has not been on my mind. I am hoping to get back into again soon, but I'm not promising anything (sad to say). What I will try to do however is be much more active on here which will hopefully motivate me to start trying new things again.

Meanwhile, we are starting a new year and I have several things I want to work on for ME.

2008 New Years Resolution: Increase my self-discipline.

This seems to be the main thing in my life that prevents me from reaching the goals I have, whether its from procrastination or from giving in to temptation, I need to learn to be better to ME. Some of the ways I hope to accomplish this is with a set of monthly goals - which will help me work on my self discipline in small doses as well as uses the rule of 21 days for a new habit.

January:
Self: Go to the gym at least 3 times a week
Financial: Have at least one day a week where we don't spend ANY money

February:

Self: No fast food

Financial: Keep dining out under budget

March:

Self: Complete couch to 5k
Financial: Save additional $100 (not for retirement)

April:

Self: Ensure I get at least 2 servings of both fruits and veggies a day
Financial: Have lowest electric usage since moving into house

May:

Self: Play tennis twice a week

Financial: Save additional $150 (not for retirement)

June:
Self: Take lunch to work 4 days a week
Financial: Keep dining out <70%>

July:
Self: Don't eat anything after 8pm

Financial: Keep all budgeted categories under budget

August:
Self: Go without meat one day a week
Financial: Keep dining and groceries <90%>

September:
Self: Eat 3 meals a day
Financial: Start Christmas shopping

October:
Self: Eat dinner at home 5 days a week
Financial: Reduce grocery budget by 20% (shop sales, coupons, use pantry items)

November:
Self: Run a 5k (Turkey Trot)
Financial: No impulse spending

December:
Self: Dinner at home 6 days a week

Financial: Keep Christmas spending below $1k (gifts, decor, parties, food)

So - there is my simple goal list by month, with them all listed out I can keep tabs on my performance and will be forced to own up to my progress. With all the homemade meals, it should inspire me to try some new dishes as well (I'm keeping my fingers crossed!).

And finally, borrowing from Kristin's motivation, I am going to begin working on a list of 101 things to do in 1,001 days. In order to have an end date that sticks with me (December 31st 2010), I am going to START the listed items on April 4th this year. Up until then I will be working on my list and hope to record it here eventually. Feel free to send me some ideas that YOU think should be on this list. For example, one item I know I want listed is "Complete a Will" - although hopefully we'll have then done before April, but with our track record, who knows.

Well, that's me and my thoughts as we start 2008. I wish everyone a happy and healthy new year and may all your dreams for this year come true!