How Did I Do?

I have been kind of dreading this post - the post where I look back to my "goals" of 2011 and see how I actually did. Here goes...

1. Be open to new things.

I think I did well with this goal. I read books I wouldn't normally read, and watched movies I wouldn't normally watch. I introduced myself to new people (something that scares me) and I ate bugs. Okay, the bugs were covered in chocolate, but still, I tried them. I tried eating a seafood appetizer that my sister made (I can't remember what it was). I went on a Ferris wheel and went out to a variety of shows with friends (Fred Penner, Kidstreet and The Rotten). I stepped out of my comfort zone for many of these activities and guess what? I had fun. Well, maybe the seafood thing wasn't that fun! I was hoping to try either hot air ballooning or zip lining, but didn't get to either. Maybe this year...

2. Try to see the positive in things.

This goal was kind of a fail. One thing about making goals is that you have to re-visit them every once in awhile. I sort of forgot to focus on this and sadly, I think I am still more of a "glass half-empty" person. This is something that I will continue to work on!

3. Find alternative forms of exercise.

I am pleased with the outcome of this goal. At the beginning of 2011 my only form of exercise (besides walking) was going to a spin class once a week. By the end of 2011 not only was I still attending my spin class, I was also running again and swimming, too. I also did some outdoor biking in preparation for a duathlon.

I am pleased to say that in 2012 I am still going strong with my exercise regime, getting up early 4 mornings a week to swim and spin, and running 3 times a week. That works out to 6 days/week of exercise. Once the weather improves I know that I will add a few outdoor bike sessions to the mix. It feels good to exercise again!

4. Read more, watch TV less.

I did fairly well with this goal. I managed to read 30 books (I will post about it soon) this year and although I regularly watched a few shows, I cut out a lot of my TV viewing. Survivor was the one show that I religiously watched. I tuned into The Amazing Race and Dancing with the Stars from time-to-time (often I forgot). The only other show that we watched on a regular basis was the Rick Mercer Report, a new favourite. I cut out Grey's Anatomy, Glee, The Office and 30 Rock.

5. Tackle my monstrous to-do list.

I think this is an impossible task due to the fact that it is ever-changing and always-growing. Some of the things I wanted to accomplish were purge the house (I managed to do a lot of that), finish Lauchlan's baby book & photo albums (fail), and finish sewing projects (fail). Ah well, lucky for me, those projects are still there!

Goals for this year? I honestly haven't thought much about it. I would like to do some more racing (running and triathlon), I would still like to read more books, I would like to continue making connections with friends, and I would like to continue doing more meaningful activities with my family. Fairly simple goals. That is what I want this year. Simplicity and connections.