Should We Talk About New Year's Resolutions?

just two of my favorite people: Lady Gaga and Alan Carr


Yes, everyone, we do need to talk about resolutions, because that's what the month of January is all about: setting slightly unrealistic but ever-hopeful goals for yourself. I mean, who knows if I actually stuck with my 2011 resolutions; good thing I don't have evidence of them or anything. That was a whole year ago! Things have changed.

My boyfriend Josh has unknowingly helped me form a few of these resolutions, and will hopefully keep me accountable as we spend 2012 together... Have I told you lately that I'm sort of mad about him? Sorry to gushy.

But in all seriousness, I really want 2012 to be an unforgettable year. No, I'm not worried about the world ending. But lately I've been reminded of how fleeting life is and how fast everything goes. So without further ado...

#1. Get my financial ass in gear. I am a bit horrible with money. But I am ready to make some improvements. I have a book that I'm going to read about how to get into financial "shape," and Josh has offered to help me with some sort of retirement mutual fund thingy (I'm effing clueless about these things). It's going to be tough, because I like to live well -- nice meals, nice clothes, etc. -- but I can do this!

#2. Have fun. I stole this one from Josh. This is his new year's resolution. Simple and perfect. The thing about us is that we are very happy not doing anything. Except lying in bed and watching this or that show. And as much "fun" as that can be, we've promised to push each other to be more adventurous, more outgoing, and more spontaneous. What did we do last night? We got Vietnamese takeout and watched this show in my bed. But it's only the fourth day so give us a break!

#3. Regularly attend dance class. I sound like such a broken record when I say that I really want to start dancing again. I did a lot of dancing when I was younger, whether I was taking classes or in school performances, and I've been really missing that form of art, expression, and exercise.

#4. Learn how to play the ukulele. Josh got me a ukulele for Christmas!!!!!!! It's beautiful. I want to play the ukulele because it's a pretty simple instrument and I am not gifted in the world of musical instruments. I've already discovered that I'm horrible at the simple task of strumming, so I feel like this is going to take awhile :) But Leslie has volunteered to "jam" with me, and before you know it we'll be You Tube stars.

#5. Improve my Etsy business and art. I'm astounded at the positive response I've received since I opened my Etsy shop. And very thankful for the opportunities that have popped up. In fact, **something really exciting pertaining to my art is happening and I'm very excited to share it with you tomorrow.** I'm looking forward to adding new things to the shop, improving my artistic skills, and just seeing what opportunities will come my way!

#6. Read more. Pretty self-explanatory. I just feel like I haven't been reading enough, and that's a very important source of inspiration and comfort for me.