10 Goals for 2012

So, I'm not a huge fan of new year's resolutions...I really don't like the idea of people trying to "fix" themselves as soon as the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve.  As far as I'm concerned, I'm already pretty great as is.  So, instead of a list of resolutions, here's a list of things I look forward to doing in 2012:


1. Create a work of art that I like enough to frame and hang in my apartment.
It doesn't have to be a masterpiece, and I don't have to display it forever. But I'm an artist and all the walls in my apartment are blank which is pretty ridiculous!


2. Grow a plant, from a seed, and then eat it.
Someday I dream of owning a little house with a tiny yard and a huge veggie garden.  For now, I'll happily enjoy growing some herbs in my sunny kitchen windows.


3. Run a mile, nonstop.
I don't have to be especially fast and I don't need to look good doing it.  I just want enough speed and stamina to outrun the undead in case of a zombie apocalypse.


4. Go on 12 perfect dates with my amazing husband.
Possible date options include mini-golf, live jazz, local art, stand-up comedy, bowling, and drive-in movies.


5. Learn how to play a new song on my guitar.
This will require me to dust off my poor neglected guitar, tune it, and practice 'till my fingers toughen up again...I'm up for the challenge.


6. Do one perfect Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose)
I've always struggled with upper-body strength and fantasize about someday doing an "un-modified" Sun Salutation. 


7. Spend a full day volunteering.
That's a full 24 hours. They don't have to be consecutive...I just want to spend at least 1 day out of the next 365 helping others.  It's not nearly enough, but it's a start.


8. Bake a lattice-crust pie from scratch.
Preferably with berries I pick myself at a local farm.  I want to bake it on a sunny summer day, letting the breeze from my kitchen windows cool it, and then share it with people that I love.


9. Spend a day in NYC.
This day will (most likely) include a long walk through central park, a visit to at least one major museum, and meals shared with old friends at new restaurants.  I lived in the city for five years...it will always feel a little bit like home to me.


10. Teach my son how to walk...
...and talk and swim and sing and dance and give kisses and wave "bye-bye" and so much more.  He'll probably teach me just as much in the process.


So many amazing things to look forward to.  I hope you all are anticipating a wonderful year ahead of you as well!


Namaste,
- Lori