New Resolutions: Welcoming 2014

So it's time to start thinking about what I want to work on this year.  Before winter break, I taught a lesson about New Year's Eve and making resolutions, explaining that a resolution is a promise you make yourself for the new year.  Although they made resolutions for themselves, they were still a little too young to really grasp the idea of why we need resolutions.  I personally believe it's mainly meant for inspiration to get through another year, you can read all about the true meaning behind resolutions here.

Without further ado, here are my resolutions for 2014:

1. Save $1000.  Really, this goal should be a little steeper, but I am terrible at managing my paychecks and balancing my finances.  Once I reach $1,000 I am going to increase my goal to $2,000.

2. Travel someplace new before December 31, 2014.  Seattle, New York City, New Orleans, anywhere in Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, a national park (Yosemite is close-ish), Phoenix....  I won't be young and free forever!

3. Sign up for and run in a marathon-type thing.  I'm not talking about some silly 5K, but I'm not sure if I'm hardcore enough for a legit marathon. Unfortunately, setting up goals about losing weight isn't working for me, so I'm hoping that making a round-about fitness goal will help.  I've seen so many pictures of people who have completely changed their physique by starting a running routine lately!  I also want to become good at yoga... Should that be a resolution?  Actually, if I am too lazy to commit to running, I'm changing this one to "be active every day for 30 minutes."

4. Become more comfortable in the kitchen.  I have a lot of cookbooks and watching shows like Top Chef and Master Chef Junior (stupid, but those kids can seriously do stuff I have never even dreamed or thought about) has really inspired me.  My step-mother was a terrible cook and I look forward to the day when my kids savor my cooking the way that my boyfriend savors his mother's.

Part of my cookbook collection... I seriously don't even know why I have so many!

5.  Drink 2 liters of water a day.  I just want to stay hydrated!

Happy new year, everyone!