Resolutions

Over the past couple of days while visiting friends in Reno, I tried making small talk by asking, "any resolutions?"  Most people thought for a moment and answered with a simple response, or, none at all.  There were also some friends who provided lengthy responses and asked about my own plans for resolutions.  Until the first person returned the question, I didn't realize how revealing and intimidating an answer could be... Think about it!  Usually resolutions involve change, which can be hard for people according to human nature.  If I tell you that I want to lose weight, do I want you to know that I am vulnerable in some way or that I might possibly have body image issues?  Or maybe would I rather tell you some fluff that doesn't really reveal as much about myself like, "be awesome"?  FYI, I told everyone that I want to plan a big road trip because I just bought a new car.

I'm not too terrible at following through with resolutions, in fact, I'm incredibly proud of the fact that during 2011 I read at least one book a month as promised.  Whenever I resolve to quit drinking soda, eating out, or eliminating some other thing from my life, I usually cave around April.  Not intentionally, I just don't care by that time or remember to try!  I've always been someone who lives for now without a thought about long-term anything, which greatly contributes to my lack of follow through sometimes (and my dwindling bank account).  Call it a lack of will-power, call it laziness, call it what you want; it is whatever it is. 

So, without further ado, here are my resolutions for 2013:

1.  Lose ONE pound per week.  This is totally do-able and broken down in such small chunks that there's NO REASON I cannot achieve it.  I've tried to lose weight before and found success, too, but loosey-goosey diets and mind sets just don't work for very long.  I actually do like myself the way I am, but I am overweight and would like to be able to find my size in every store (among other reasons, I'll definitely talk about it more later).

2.  Make a better effort to keep in touch with family/friends.  I've lived away from home for about 4 years now and honestly, I'm a crappy long-distance communicator.  A lot of things are influencing this resolution and I think the first step to success is purchasing an address book.

3.  Plan a road trip to break in my new car.  I've always wanted to visit the following places on the West Coast:  Death Valley, Red Woods National Forrest/Park, Grand Canyon, Four Corners, Portland, Seattle, Yosemite, Yellowstone... the list goes on and on!  The best part is that I have a tent and 2 person sleeping bag.  Bring it on!

4.  Try something new at least ONCE a month (a.k.a. twelve new experiences).  Tomorrow I'm attending the Sacramento 20/30 club new member orientation.  I'm really nervous, but excited because they are a philanthropy based organization.  I think this category will be pretty easy.

5.  Write for fun at least once a week.  I used to write all of the time (and actually started a blog in late 2012 about my student teaching experience; it's ironic that this blog is titled "Jessica Following Through" because I definitely failed at that with my last blog!).  Not sure what happened... College really sucks you dry, I guess.  I bought a journal at Marshall's in case I have private thoughts I don't find appropriate for the internet ;)

6.  ?  I'm leaving number six blank because I feel that resolutions sometimes find you.  It's possible that one or more of these resolutions aren't right for me in this time of my life and maybe in the process of figuring that out, I'll find a better one!

NYE firework display downtown