For my own sake I’m just going to get this out of the way now.  I don’t usually like to make New Year’s Resolutions but I know that some of these had to wait until now and not a day earlier.  Yes, some of them will typically top any blogger’s list, but these are things I really want to achieve and include in my daily routines.  They’re not for the sake of making a list either.  (I love making lists.)  So here we go in no particular order:

1. Quit smoking - This is at the top of my list because I’ve been smoking at work because I haven’t been able to deal with the stress and now I seriously regret it.  The cost (my health and wallet) is something I just can’t justify any longer.  I could say, “Sure, it’s only really a pack or two a week” but just one cigarette is too much.  It makes my hair and clothes smell, I don’t like keeping it a secret, and let’s not forget the stigma.  I want to be healthier in 2010 and I won’t make any progress if I continue to smoke.  I’ve been trying to cut down for weeks and I’ve been battling because of the holidays.  It’s a social thing and impossible to say no.
2. Excercise - Months ago I was doing both cardio and pilates but I haven’t been able to squeeze in the time.  I’m lucky if I can squeeze in pilates three times a week but I never feel fully accomplished.  I was going to join a spinning class with some people from work but the first sessions never happened because that week I was incredibly sick.  After that I just passed on the opportunity, but I fully intend to attend some classes in the new year.  I’d really like to get into better shape before summer hits us.  I’m not reaching for a cliche bikini-ready bod but I’d like to feel more confident when the weather warms up.
3. Save $$$ - In March and April we’ll be travelling quite a bit and it won’t be easy without some extra money.  Three nights in London, a few weeks in Hamilton and Toronto, and if we can afford it we’ll go across the border for some shopping.  I’d also like to spend a few thousand dollars on new camera equipment because at this point I’d like to take my hobby to a semi-professional status.  I’d also like to make it a point that I will be more careful about how I spend my money.
4. Read - I find very little time to read books, magazines, and my old textbooks.  I’ve been trying to keep some books by my side of the bed but I always end up passing out before I reach the third page.  I should probably make a list of books I’d like to read this year to get me started.  One thing I’d like to find time for is refreshing my language skills.  I have many textbooks and novels in French and German and it might be good idea to pull them out to see if I’m as fluent as I used to be.
5. Cut out meat - I’m not sure I’ll be able to cut out meat completely (or right away) but I’m definitely going to give it a go.  Believe it or not but once upon a time Iwent through a meatless-period and even considered myself a vegetarian.  Gasp!  Since my region isn’t exactly the most veggie-friendly area to live I don’t think I’ll give up eggs or milk but I may reduce my intake.  This is going to be hard because I really love salmon!  I’m slightly apprehensive about cutting out meat because of my anemia, but I’ve been researching iron-rich and fortified foods that I can add to my diet.  When we go into Mo tomorrow I’m going to visit the healthfood store to see what kind of tofu and meatless food they can offer.
6. Be more honest with myself and others. I consider myself to be a very honest person but at sometimes I hold back because I’d rather not reveal how I feel.  There are many times I’m unhappy or unsatisfied with something about work but I always keep my mouth shut.  There are also many days I wish Ørjan would help with the house and the kids but just sigh at the end of the evening.  Here’s the really tricky one – when people ask for my opinion I will give it to them.  No more sugar coating it!  I have no intentions of being mean or rude, but I won’t lie when I really dislike something or find something false.  I think this is a positive move on my part.
7. Start writing. This includes personal diary entires, blogging, and letters and people at home.  I’ve been slagging when it comes to that promise I made to keep better contact with family and friends.  Yes life is chaotic but there are no excuses now.
8. Make time for my hobbies and crafting. Ørjan bought me a sewing machine for Christmas and I have nothing but good intentions for a line up of projects, but the real question I have to consider is whether I actually have time for it.  I can sew, infact I’m quite ok (thanks to some classes) but I also procrastinate more than I’d like to.  I’ve purchased fabric over the past two years but have barely touched it.  Now with my weightloss I have to take in or hem my jeans and I can’t do this without my sewing machine.  Maybe I’ll start tonight.
9. Piano-love. My kids love banging the keys and playing along with me when I have my musical moments, but I’d really like to spend more time with them trying to get them interested in music.  I have no expectations that I’ll be training prodigies but it would be nice if they enjoyed it.  Perhaps when we go to Canada for Easter I’ll bring back some of my old books just for a refresher.  At the moment I’ve only been playing kids songs (themes from Totoro and Drømmehagen) and random music you might hear an icecream truck playing.  I was classically trained – I must put those years to better use!
10. Give. This is a promise and committment that I will give more time to myself, others, and the community.  Since I started working again (it was never meant to be full-time!) I feel like I’ve been more negative and have given up on many of my beliefs.  I want to be more positive and give more live and time to those I hold close.  If I can keep my life balanced I will volunteer for more than just extra hours at work.

This list isn’t written in stone and I’m sure that I’ll add more as the months approach, but I wanted to get this up as a reminder to myself that I have things to strive for this year.  It’s a work in progress and there’s no possibility for failure.