New Year, New Beginnings

Happy New Year Everyone! What will 2011 bring?
A new niece for me, for one. My brother Taylor and his wife Kendra are due the end of April. (for more on the trials and tribulations of being a pregnant, pilot’s wife – check out her blog listed under Friendblogs in the sidebar) My good friend from Marshfield, Amanda, is also expecting a new little one! A lot of exciting changes, and with that a whole host of New Year’s resolutions for me. What are they you ask? I’ll tell you one thing. I’m not even listing weight loss. It’s on all of our lists anyways – it’s a given.

1. Take time out to appreciate the things that are good in my life. To feel positive and enjoy something – no matter how small – for even just 5 minutes a day. Making up my mind to be happy will be a challenge but from it can come so many wonderful opportunities.

2. Cook healthy meals. Andrew works most nights, so I am left making meals for one.  I usually grab something (probably not-so-healthy) quickly and move on to baking something beautiful. Posting my healthy meals here will help keep me motivated. So, here’s to cutting calories and level of guilt. But, don’t think you can take my cupcakes!

3. Take a breath and CHILL OUT! This one will work hand-in-hand with number one. I found myself waiting in the returns line at Kohl’s, irritated at the 80 person line and the woman standing behind me having her own Taylor Swift sing-a-long in my ear, followed by a conversation with her grandmother regarding the state of her brother’s underwear. My patience was wearing thin and I immediately began radiating hatred for everyone else in the line. I felt like Louis CK in his skit about standing in line at the bank. If I just learn to brush things off and stop letting little things fester into frustration, I will have a much more positive outlook on life. You’d probably never knew that someone who surrounds themselves with frosting and sugar could get so feisty! I believe the term my mom uses is “Hornet caught in a window”.

4. Be a better girlfriend. Not that I am not already a good girlfriend, but for all that Birdy does for me I think it would be nice to step up my game here and there and give him special treats. Maybe instead of asking him to take out the trash, i’ll do it myself. Leave him a little note on the counter in the morning before he wakes up. Let him do the dishes when he want’s to – not when I want him too. Surprise him with a nice candlelit dinner or a beer-related gift. He deserves it.

5. Improve my self image. I’m not about to stand naked in front of a mirror and tell myself I love myself and I am worth it. But I took a little extra time getting ready and pampering myself the other day and dammit, it felt GREAT! I feel like I constantly put myself last and focus on everything else going on. I shaved my legs, shampooed for a few extra minutes, painted my nails, and put real attention into my make-up and outfit. I felt confident. I felt GOOD. I want to feel good more often, I deserve it!

6. lay off the red. ’nuff said. Tear.

Well, that sums up my list of New Year’s resolutions. Nothing unattainable – but they most certainly pose a challenge. Here’s where YOU come in:

Give me a few suggestions of nice, HEALTHY meals or a few tips on how YOU stay motivated.  What would you like to see me cook and post? Or tell me a few of YOUR resolutions.

2011 should be interesting – a lot of change, a lot of baby’s, a lot new beginnings. Cheer’s to the New Year!