Getting MORE Out of the New Year

"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
~T.S. Eliot


Time to give 2012's words a voice...


I hope that your new year is off to a great start! Mine has been a little rocky, mostly because my sleep schedule has been jacked up. I get so used to staying up late and sleeping in for the two glorious weeks that I'm off work, but then I always pay the price when my alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m. that first day back. I'm happy to report that this weekend has helped me recharge and I feel ready to tackle what twenty-twelve has in store.


I'm not one to usually make "resolutions" but I do like the opportunity to refresh that a new year grants. I do like to set goals-some daily, some weekly, and some yearly. This year, is all about doing MORE: more water, more exercise, more sleep, more home-cooked meals, more fruit, more volunteer work, and more fun (alright I already have a lot of fun but it doesn't hurt to aim for more).


Each day, my goal is to drink at least 8 cups of water. I like water, but I love Coke. I'm not saying I'm never going to drink a Coke again (that's crazy talk), but I know that my body needs more water than what I've been giving it lately. My aids in this quest will be my Brita pitcher and my insulated 17 oz. red polka dot cup that comes fully equipped with a red straw (it's the little things that make me happy).


My other daily goals include getting at least 7 hours of sleep and eating at least one more serving of fruit a day. I am a night person and I could stay up past midnight every day, but having to be at work by 7:30 a.m. just doesn't jive with that bedtime. Looks like it's gonna be "goodnight" by 10:30.
I'm love fruits, but I don't eat enough of them. Smoothies are going to be my new best friend. I gotta get me some antioxidants, y'all!


Each week, my goal is to work out at least every other day, or 4 times a week. I found this quote on Pinterest: "The most important weight-loss muscle is the brain. Change your mind, change your body." Amen!  I also came across this regimen on Pinterest and I'm loving the results (aka soreness): 

My other weekly goal is to eat home-cooked dinners at least 4 nights a week. Living alone, I have grown so accustomed to eating take out. Cooking for one sucks, 'cause I always end up throwing food away. And let's face it, picking something up is way easier than cooking. But my body and my bank account are both looking for some more home-cooked meals. I've been collecting yummy recipes on Pinterest and planning to make them on Sundays to have for the week. Here are the recipes I'm looking forward to making soon:
White Chicken Cheddar Pasta
Light Enchiladas
Pepperoni Rolls (I'm planning on using wheat bread and turkey pepperoni btw)

My goals for the year are to volunteer more and to feel better in my own skin. Last year I took part in a couple volunteer opportunities through my alma mater and I plan to do even more this year. Achieving each of the above-mentioned goals will help with the last one. Stay tuned for progress updates throughout the year. ;)
I know that there are going to be days and weeks where I may not reach my goals, but that won't be a reason to give up on them. I'm looking forward to what the year has to bring and I hope that 2012 is good to each of you!