Two-Zero-One-Two

Jay Sean's "2012":

As 2011 wraps up in a few hours, I wanted to look back on my 2011 Resolutions and list out my 2012 Resolutions.  Last year, I wrote the following:  "As I look back on how things turned out over the past few years, I classify those periods as the following:  2009 was a year of hurt, 2010 was a year of healing, and 2011 will be a year of living...living, loving, and appreciating life more than ever before."  Standing here a year later, I could not agree more. 

Below were the resolutions I wrote for 2011 and commentary is included in green:

1. Exercise more:  Youth is amazing.  Your metabolism works like a little hamster running in its wheel.  We all know it will catch up to us one day, though, and I want to be prepared for that day.  My goal is to run 3 miles with out stopping.  I would also like to tone up my arms, abs, and glutes.  Better health in general is a good selling point, too. - I did exercise more, especially during the first half of the year.  Although I did not make it to 3 miles, I did manage to get up to 2-2.5 miles without stopping.  I'm still proud of making it that far, and I'm not finished with it yet.
   
2. Pass the CPA exam:  It's a beast.  You can do it.  First time around! - CHECK!!!!!!!!
   
3. Capture the memories:  I can spend hours looking at old photographs.  They are priceless, and I want to take more pictures to remember these days.  Maybe I will try to also write more entries here and fill them with photos.  It would probably make this blog more interesting... - This was a great resolution that I'm so glad I kept.  I did the 30-Day Photo Challenge in May, and I took so many pictures of my senior year in college, I don't feel like I missed much.
   
4. Cook more:  Learn new dishes, and make them with style.  Taste remains the most important factor, but serving beautiful dishes is an art. - I learned maybe 3 or 4 new dishes this year.  The result is not as impressive as initially hoped for, but we'll say I met this one to some degree.
   
5. Get a boyfriend:  I know, I know.  This sounds terrible, like a I'm a desperate, naive, hopeless, pitiful, little girl.  Whether this is true or not, I wrote this down because I want to be more open to dating.  I've guarded myself for a long time.  Granted, I know it was the right thing to do because I wasn't ready to date again.  I'm ready now, though.  I am a bit picky when it comes to guys, but I believe I will find someone who is worth waiting for. - I honestly did not believe I would go on a date with any guy this past year, but who knew that I'd blow this one out of the water lol.  A few weeks ago, I did speed dating for the first time in my life.  I guess I "dated" 17 guys in 2 hours...We can debate on the technicality of it, but It was a fun experience, nonetheless.  I'm glad I did it.

With 2011 coming to a close, it's time to look forward to 2012.  If I had to describe my outlook for 2012 in one word, I would say this will be a year of discovery.  After being out of college for a few months, I'm starting to feel this need to push myself to try new things in my new working life.  23 is too young to become complacent, and there are so many things still on my ever-growing bucket list.  With that, here are my resolutions for the next year:

1. Continue exercising:  I still want to reach that 3 mile mark.  The most difficult obstacle that stands in the way is finding the time and motivation to exercise during busy times at work.  My cousin, L, also recommended I try Ashtanga Yoga.  I'm still debating about whether to get a gym membership, but from what I hear, there are usually special deals in January...If all else fails, there's also Zumba dvds!
2. Learn to use my camera:  I received a Nikon dSLR as a graduation present.  It's really awesome, but I want to learn about all of the features that a tricked out camera like that holds.  I've seen friends post photos and projects they've done, and I love looking at them.  Hopefully, I'll turn this into a serious hobby.
3. Make macarons:  Macarons are one of the hardest desserts to make.  They look so delicate, and achieving the right texture is not easy.  I've made a few batches over the past few months.  They either ended up too sweet or not the right texture.  This one is going to be a tough one, though.
4. Find what I'm passionate about:  I was talking to one of my friends from high school, M, and when I told him that I wasn't currently passionate about my job, he made it a mini life goal to help me discover what I do have a passion for.  It was funny to watch M get so riled up over this, but I will admit, it got me thinking.  Life can be extremely interesting and meaningful if we make it that way.
5. Open my heart:  I will continue my previous resolution of getting a boyfriend lol.  I've been pretty open lately to getting to know people and going out on dates.  The next step is actually letting someone get close, which is not something I do very often.  Going on the premise that I do find a guy that I like, I want to try to give him a fair chance and not compare him to my past.

Cheers to all of the wonderful memories of 2011, and best wishes for 2012!