1-1-2011

I love New Years. Not really the night itself, (being that I'm a hard core party girl who feel asleep at 10), but the chance to start over. 2010 was a great year, Dan and I actually lived together for it's enitrety, in one place. Progress right there. Some other highlights:

{JANUARY}  We get our Farsi dreams dashed, have to completely re-plan our lives, and go on a trip to San Francisco together.

{FEBRUARY} Rick and Denise come for a visit and the MMA tradition begins

{MARCH} My family comes for a week long MMA

{APRIL} We host friends for Easter dinner, The Civic gets smooshed and we have a series of rental cars 

{MAY}  Dan becomes an E4, We run the Artichoke 5k - Dan becomes a champion and we embark on a new running hobby, We find out No French Slot in May = more life plan changes

{JUNE} Birthdays!, I get to go to STG to turn 22, Awesome (not) Army Ball, we go on our first (of many) Backpacking Trips

{JULY} 30 Days of No Sun, The Streeters abandoned us, Salinas Rodeo!, poor Civic gets broken in to

{AUGUST} We celebrate 2 years of BLISS!, Go on a trip to LA, Dan got kidney stones, and Kiersty came to visit

{SEPTEMBER} We go to Yosemite, I throw my first (and last?) Baby shower

{OCTOBER} Dan finally starts french, We wear awesome costumes to Bonni and Pete's awesome party, Run the Big Sur 10k

{NOVEMBER} We ran the Big Sur Half Marathon together! Went home for Thanksgiving.

{DECEMBER} Two glorious weeks in Utah! Christmas, new nephew, and more!

It was a good year. 

I also love New Years for the cliche setting of New Year's Resolutions. Last year was the first year I set them, and accomplished them:

1) Compare Less

(This one is obviously still a work in progress, but I feel I'm in a much better place with this one than I was a year ago. I'm making a concious effort not to judge my own happiness against what I percieve others to be). 

2) Exercise More and Eat More Real Food

(This is the one I really feel I aced. We eat almost all whole foods and I now excercise consistently 5 days a week. Plus I ran more this year than I'm sure I have collectively in my whole life. I pat myself on the back). 

3) Cook a New Recipe Every Week

(Did it, never mind they were 90% dessert recipes....)

I was spurred on by last years success that I decided to set them again this year, and do more!

LO'S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2011

1) Strength Train 2-3x per week

I am a total cardio addict. I love spin, but I would rather die than lift. This must be remedied. I've read so much about how strength training has so many benefits. Must do it. Wish there was body pump here. Still, must do it!

2) No Cokes, More Veggies

This is no joke my hardest goal: No Diet Coke in 2011. I don't know if its the hypocrisy of buying free range eggs and wild cherry pepsi in the same trip or the fact that I peed my pants due to guzzling the stuff, but I'm kicking the addiction. Also, for being a semi-vegetarian, I don't eat vegetables. So I shall make it a goal to eat one veggie a day, and a full salad a week. 

3) Apply for Graduation with my Bachelor's Degree

Because really, its high time. 

( i will never look like this)

4) Accept my Body by Stopping Fat Talk

I made great strides with fitness this year (no pun intended). It feels good. However, I was much dismayed this year to discover that healthiest Lauren does not equal skinniest Lauren. No matter how many spin classes I do, or Greek Yogurts I eat, as long as I’m not starving myself, I can’t get to my “Magic Weight.” This year’s goal is to keep up the healthy habits, and work on accepting my body how it is. I will never have the body type of a frail 6”0 super model (or my sister Anna.) I want to have body confidence, so someday, when I have daughters of my own I can be a good example for them.

5) Use my Time More productively

Limit Internet Use (One hour a day), Read a Real Book a Month, complete one big project from my ever growing list (like organize 2nd Bedroom)  per month

6) Go to the Temple Once A month

Our Bishop challenged us to do this. It will get much easier once we are back in Zion. 

7) Cash Budget

Do the Cash Budget each month and stick with it. None of this rationalizing you get rewards with your credit card business. 

8) Do one Thing to Speak Dan's Love Language Every Day

Whenever I want to improve our marriage, I think of things I want him to do for me. But that's not really how it works, is it? I want to be a better wife and thus enjoy a better relationship everyday. 

Lots of goals, but all very do-able. I think. Check back in 2012 to find out.* 

*That is, if they Mayans are wrong and there is a 2012.