2012 Resolutions....and 2011 Progress

It's so cliche to say, but I just can't believe it's a new year already! Being a Type-A,"particular" person, I love to make lists. And, what are resolutions really? A list of things you want to accomplish over a year-long period! Right up my alley!

I'm struggling a little with making my 2012 resolutions, though. Putting on my "manager hat," I know that goals should be SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and time-bound. Since I'm having a baby in 2012, it's hard to come up with a resolution that won't be too lofty to achieve (i.e. there will be a six-week period when it will be a colossal resolution to shower daily!)!

With that being said, here are my resolutions for 2012:

1. Be a better online consumer
We do A LOT of shopping on Amazon. For Christmas, we had a 2-day period where 10 boxes showed up on our doorstep from Amazon. Sad and amazing all at the same time. When I'm looking at products online (Amazon or otherwise), I rely on other customers' reviews to determine where and what brand I want to buy. But, I'm not always the best about leaving my own reviews after I've made a purchase. It's only right to pay it forward!

2. More "quiet time"

This is a repeat resolution from last year. Our church sends out a daily "e-Devo" with a Bible verse, application and prayer. The content is from the previous week's sermon - so it keeps you thinking throughout the week. But, I think I need something a little deeper - commentary on a book of the Bible or a in-depth book. I have some great ideas from other people in our small group.

3. Decrease our processed food consumption

Between reading Michael Pollan's book In Defense of Food and watching the documentary Food, Inc, I don't know what to buy, what to eat! Nothing is safe! What I do know is (at the risk of preaching) it's quite clear that added chemicals and preservatives do nothing to nourish or promote good health. While I don't think it will be humanly possible to cut out Diet Coke and Fiber One granola bars from our diet, we can make some great strides in other convenience foods (canned soups, chicken stock, cheese choices).

4. Get into a regular exercise routine (after the baby comes)

In 2011, I was pretty good at getting into a running routine. I was up to 7 miles at a time! And, if you know me, you'll know that getting into any running routine is a big accomplishment for me! Since I will have baby duties and getting to work early, going to a gym is a little difficult. I'd also like to add some other cardio and strength training. I'm lucky that Volkswagen offers a fitness incentive for home equipment. So, I may take advantage of that and get a stationary trainer for my road bike. I love spinning and there are some workout podcasts that I could use with it. Perfect! If I"m up to the challenge, I also want to check out P90X.

5. Shop local

I've always wanted to do more local shopping. But, I really need to put my money where my mouth is! We live at the beach where there is nothing but local shops and restaurants. For eating out, services, and especially gifts, I want to patronize locally-owned establishments.

As far as my resolutions for 2011, here's how they went.....

1. Increase our veggie intake (Test out a CSA)
       Check! In the summer, I finally got around to joining Palmetto Organics' CSA. I couldn't be happier with the service! I've gotten more creative in the kitchen and have certainly been eating better as a result.

2. Spend more "quiet time" (With my Bible and/or devotion)
        I have gotten into the routine of reading my pastor's daily e-Devo, but need more (see Resolution #2 for 2012!)

3. Run a half marathon (Follow interval plan)
       With the aid of my Bridge to 10k app, I was doing great up until July (running 6-7 miles 4 times a week). But, then this whole pregnancy thing happened, and running kind of went out the window.

4. Be better blogger (Review 2 recipes per month)
       I added to my online recipe collection over the past year. Posting my weekly menu online with recipe links is so helpful. When I'm making dinner, I know exactly where to find the recipe if I have a link. I especially like my recipe reviews because I always make a substitution or enhancement, and I want to make sure I can replicate the recipe to my family's liking!