And the resolutions begin ...

A new year ... ah ... the sweetness of change and goal making is in the air. I am of course one of those people who start making posters and check lists to inspire myself to do something differently this new year. I can't actually remember having, at the end of a long and eventful year, said to myself "yes, you did it. thank goodness you made yourself a new years resolution and stuck to it". Who knows, maybe this year I'll change (although I do believe I said that last year).

Oh heck, well I might as well just get on with it. I figure if I put this all in a blog and have it written where people can see it I may just be more inclined to actually accomplish something. When all is said and done, if nothing else, it is nice to take the time to reflect on ones life and recognize what small improvements we can make on ourselves. Goal making is a good thing and I have a lot of fun doing it whether I achieve them or not. If I feel really strongly about a particular goal (for example PA school) than believe me, I shall grit my teeth and stomp my boots until it's done. Any way ...

So, the new goals for 2011 are as follows:

1) attend the temple with my husband as frequently as I can.
2) magnify my church assignments as a compassionate service assistant, young women's basketball coach and women's yoga instructor
3) Delve into the world of organic vegetable and fruit growing this coming season (and as I live in an apartment complex that may involve a bit more effort).
4) Continue to expand my knowledge and excitement for cooking vegetarian meals
5) Have date nights with my husband at least twice a month so we make time to go rock climbing, watch movies and eat Indian food
6) stay in touch with family and friends and attempt to do the birthday cards right this year (I will confess right now that this was last years resolution as well and it didn't really work out so I'm having another go).
7) Make a real effort to build friendships
8) Here's the big one ... have a budget and stick to it (now this one is something that John and I have done off and on but with all the new stresses of student loans, a potential new house and upcoming law school and family trips we really need to be on our A game)
9) Be the best physician assistant that I can be by continuing to learn more about medicine, caring more for my coworkers and patients and working on those CME hours that I need
10) Get back to my musical and creative roots. (I have found more and more that over the years of schooling in science and medicine I haven't made my guitar a priority at all. I want to see more live music and hear the creative young artists in the area jamming away in the local coffee shop. I want to play for shows and write new songs even if I know that only a handful of people will be able to experience them with me. I want to go to concerts and dance with John to Jack Johnson and Ben Harper. I just want to feel inspired again and 2011 is as good a time as any)

And there you have it. My new years resolutions for 2011. I'll keep you updated. And feel free to share some of your own goals :)