Resolutions

Well, this is the second year in a row I did not document the previous year's resolutions so I can't say whether or not I accomplished any of them. This won't happen again next year, because here they are!

I think these are all totally manageable. And yes, I am ashamed to say it, but I rarely wash my face before bed. I know it's bad, I know Helen is cringing right now, but I am so lazy. I think my health habits have definitely improved this past year (I lost 20 pounds somewhere along the way!) but I'd like to keep up with them a bit better. I have periods that are really awful, and periods that are great. I'd like to be more consistent. 

 

The 5k? That one's probably a pipe dream, since I really don't like running. I recently discovered I can (slowly) jog over a mile without stopping though, which made me feel damn good about myself. I'm gonna try it out, and even if I just prove to myself I can run the 3 or so miles, I'll be satisfied.

 

I think my biggest goal for 2012 is the last one: simplify. I've been getting rid of things left and right lately. I'm trying to focus on the things that I love rather than things I just like.  Quality over quantity. I want more organization and less clutter. I also think this one might be the most difficult for me.

What are your goals for the new year?

Ten Day Challenge: Four Books

Okay, this one is gonna be hard because I love to read and have so many favorite books! Here goes nothing...

 

1. Rebecca - This is hands down my very favorite book ever. My grandmother told me for years and years to read it and I was all "Yeah Grammy, that book is old, it's probably boring." Then I finally read it. It's so, so amazing people. Read it, love it.

 

2. Harry Potter - Yes, all seven. I don't care if that's cheating. If you made me pick, I'd say Prisoner of Azkaban was my favorite, though. Or the first one. That one still gives me chills every time I read it. I can remember what it felt like before all the books came out and you had no idea what was coming next, but you knew it would be magical (pun intended).

3. Catcher in the Rye - Oh Holden. I want to name my son after you but I worry he'll end up troubled. Plus, we'll never be able to afford all those boarding schools. You're the boy all the girls want to "fix."

 

4. Practical Magic - I am an Alice Hoffman fan, mainly because my mother is an Alice Hoffman fan, and also because she is a really spectacular writer. This one is my favorite though. I also love the movie even though it's not really like the book.

That was painful. First, I had so many books I wanted to include, and then I got really strict with myself and couldn't pick just four I liked the best. I tried to pick something somewhat representative of all the genres I like. But I can't help myself:

Honorable Mentions:

Jane Eyre - crazy woman living in attic, hello.
Great Expectations - an old lady who stopped time on her wedding day catches fire, hello.
Shopaholic series - Obviously.
Hunger Games - It pained me to leave this off. I really love them, so much.
Unbroken - Seriously one of the best books I've read in awhile.
Water for Elephants - They made a movie so I felt the need to read the book. The book was great, haven't seen the movie yet.
The Help - Same as above, only the book was far better (still love you though, Emma Stone!).

Okay, I'll stop now, because this is a slippery slope.

2011 Review

Time to round up the past year! I'm just going to choose one post or moment from each month of 2011 that was my favorite, and try not go too crazy here.

January

To this day, this is one of my favorite sets of photos of me.

February

Had a romantic Valentine's Day weekend away in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Also did my first 30 for 30 Challenge this month.

March

My birthday month! I finally managed to get a cake that wasn't a complete disaster. Hoodie + dress = comfy outfit.

April

Boyfriend and I took yet another trip to the Portland area (one of MANY in 2011). We went out to a delicious dinner. I really love this outfit. I should rock it (or variants of it) more often.

May

May. Kind of uneventful, apparently. Tried out a retro look with high waist flares and big sunnies. Of course, I took an amazing trip at the end of the month, but that went into June and so...

June

Savannah! Jamie and I visited Savannah, GA and loved every minute of it. Such a beautiful city. I can't wait to get back there.

July

July, I was too busy being on summer blog hiatus to do much posting. Fourth of July happened. My BFFs birthday happened.

August

I posted twice in August. The dog days of summer got to me, they got to me real good.

September

In September I said I was coming back to blogging with a vengeance! I changed my layout,  I was gonna rock the blogging world! I did not. Maybe next time.

October

I cut my hair! I bought this shirt that I am in love with! I really do love this outfit.

November

It felt like I posted a lot more than I did in November. I started the Ten "Day" Challenge that I made into a Ten Week Challenge.

December

December flew right by in a blur of holiday prepping and general busyness. Now here we are, nearly 2012! A nice, even year. Let's make it a good one!