2011 Resolutions

With the success of 2010, I am looking to use that momentum to carry me into 2011. I have two sets of resolutions this year: personal resolutions and project goals. So, without further ado...

Personal Resolutions
1. Lose 30 lbs. – I lost 20 lbs. last year, and I still have a good amount of weight to lose. I will continue to my weight loss in a healthy way: watching what I eat and exercising as often as healthfully possible. My weight-loss efforts have slacked since Thanksgiving, so I am teetering around the 230 number. I would like to see 200 lbs. by the end of 2011.

2. Save $2,000 – Our savings account has saved us a few times in 2010, and we are currently have a savings balance of under $1,000. Reaching $1,000 is my main priority (ala Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps), and then I want to continue to save once we reach $2,000. And I want to MAINTAIN that $2,000 for as long as possible.

3. Pay off remaining medical debt – The current balance on this debt is $944. It WILL be paid off this year.

4. Take the GRE – I have been studying for the GRE off and on for the past year. I am tired of having the intentions to take it without taking any more action. I will take the GRE this year – I will go back to school.

Project Goals
1. Participate in The Compact – I love the idea of buying nothing new, with my own personal rules in place. I have all that I need, and most of my wants can be purchased second-hand with some patience and hunting around. By participating in the Compact, I hope to save money, save space at home, and be more aware of my purchasing habits.

2. Eat out at locally-owned restaurants – Hubby lost his job in December. He worked at a locally-owned restaurant. Why did the restaurant close? No business. Along with that restaurant, four other locally-owned restaurants closed in the same month. So we have made a commitment to only eat out at locally-owned restaurants when we decide to go out to eat. While we have discussed amendments to this (we’re still hashing out such amendments), we will also do our best to eat at locally-owned restaurants while out of town.

3. Compile a family health history – This is something I have wanted to do since my dad passed away in 2009. I want to compile my own family’s health history as well as one for Hubby’s family. It’s important so we know for ourselves, but if we ever have children, it’s important for them.

4. Continuing working on my family tree – I started this earlier this year, but never continued. Genealogy research fascinates me, and I want to do more work on my family. I want to keep working on my research, and I’d like to do research on Hubby’s family.

I also have a list of professional goals to achieve, but I won't be posting them here yet. When I entered my position in October, I was still implementing a lot of programs that were planned by my predecessor. January will begin everything that I have planned, so I am looking forward to a fresh start in what I do (and so are my coworkers - they're so supportive and encouraging!). I am still working on the list of what I want to accomplish at work this year.

Bring it on, 2011!