12 in 2012

Idea borrowed from Sarah - I love it! Last year I made a whole huge list of 111 things I wanted to do in 2011. I did some, I missed some, but it was just too much to keep up with. I’m all about simplifying for 2012. So here are my 12 simple goals and changes I want to make this year.

1. Lose. I don’t even care if it’s cliche. I want to lose about 30 pounds this year. I lost almost that much by summer 2010 and then let it all creep back on. I’m pissed about it, but at least I know I can lose it. Joining the gym next week, and I’m working on a training plan for a spring half marathon right now. That’s just about 2-3 pounds a month, but I’d love to finish this one before the fall.

2. Save. I am constantly amazed at my ability to spend my entire paycheck every single time. I have pretty low rent and bills + I split them with Blake, so there’s no reason why I can’t stick to a  budget better. Maybe open a new savings account to help with this? 

3. Bring it. My lunch, that is. This could help with 1 & 2, plus it’s just DUMB how often I grab crappy fast food for lunch at work.

4. Further myself. I posted last week that I was looking at a non-profit professional certificate and I am 90% sure I want to pursue it this year. Applications for the summer semester are due April 1, so I have plenty of time to get everything together.

5. Finish. Set a training plan for a half marathon and finish it this spring. I also have a goal of 4 other races before the fall. I’m all about making big running plans and then not following through when it gets cold, I’m tired, my foot hurts, etc. 

6. Cook. I’m a bad cook. I can admit that. I’d love to master 10 recipes this year that I can really nail. (May not be much to some of you guys, but this is a big task for me. I’m that bad.) I’d also love to expand my picky repertoire of foods I love this year. 

7. Hydrate. I’m a self-admitted diet soda addict. To the point that sometimes I go days between actual glasses of water. That’s gross. So I’m going to try and drink a LOT more water in 2012. 

8. Set a routine. I’ve gotten a lot better about cleaning, especially since moving in with Blake, but I’d like to be more consistent. I’d love to set a cleaning schedule with tasks set for each of us each day of the week.

9. Disconnect. I’m on my computer for over 8 hours a day at work, and I have a hard time getting off of my iPhone when I head home. I’m either reading every work email as soon as it comes in (even on weekends) or trying to keep up with the fun things I missed in my Google Reader, Twitter feed, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. while I was working. I want to be more present in 2012. Use some of my new free time to spend time with the people I love. Send more love out there to my friends through cards and notes and phone calls and visits. 

10. Read. I’m embarrassed by how little I read now. I want to take that time I’m taking back from the computer and devote it to reading 30 books this year. Any suggestions for what to start with?

11. Volunteer. Make time to devote to some of the causes I really love - Children’s Hospital, ACS, LLS, Make A Wish. Any and all would do.

12. Simplify. Get rid of clutter. Make sure the things I buy and keep are things I truly love. Keep those things tidy. 

Any tips for any of these?