New Year's Resolutions: 2011

Resolution: (noun) a formal expression of opinion or intention made; a resolve or determination (from dictionary.reference.com)

Every year on January 1, most people celebrate the new year by creating a list of items that they intend to achieve. For myself, I am determined to actually accomplish my list for 2011. Years past, every new years resolution has never come true. This year however, I intend to make every one of them true.

1. Stop drinking coffee for one month.

Many have questioned why I gave up coffee. Since 2006, I have had at least one cup of coffee every day. That is 1460 days that I have had at least one cup per day. I love coffee, but I love what I add into the coffee even more. Because every cup of coffee (including the months when I was up to three cups per day) I would add either sugar and milk or two tablespoons of hot chocolate mix. I learned to deal with the stomach aches and the sugar high, and low, in the mornings.

But when I was up to three cups of coffee, I knew I needed to control myself. I soon realized that having the coffee was more of a routine; that when I was bored, I would get myself a cup. Once I figured that out, and brought myself down to one cup per day, I knew the next step was to give it up.

The first couple of days were horrible. Instead of coffee and hot chocolate mix, I was waking up to tea every day. And let me tell you, tea does not equal the coffee mix. Every second of the day I wanted coffee. Just coffee. The "side affects" were numerous. Although I did not get any headaches, my attitude nose dived into utter bitchyness. I started eating all day so to avoid caving. My digestive system was freaking out, and, although this may be TMI, my period is a little off.

I went to breakfast with friends, and had to sit through eating as they sipped on deliciously smelling coffee. It was absolute torture.

And then, one day, I woke up and suddenly the craving was gone. Everything was suddenly back to normal. My eating habits, digestive system and my attitude changed. For once, I know I will be able to last till February 1. And although I do plan to have coffee now and then, I now KNOW I can substitute coffee with certain tea.

2. Exercising up to 30 minutes per day.

I started running for exactly 30 minutes before the new years. And only last two days before I strained my upper back and neck. So, instead of starting out at exactly 30 minutes per day, I will begin slowly and work myself up to 30 minutes. I plan to begin this plan in February.

3. Go back to school.

Every day I seem to be saying this. I want to take more science classes, and maybe even a few art classes. Once my taxes are complete, here I come WVC!

4. Get a job.

As I left my job on Christmas Eve, income is always welcome. Of course, I am still housekeeping, but as the slow time in my town is upon us, the job search may or may not happen. When I go back to school, I will re-think this resolution again.

5. No eating chocolate for one month.

Originally I had planned to give up both coffee and chocolate at the same time. But why shock my body all at once. Instead, I will give up chocolate for Lent, which is March 9th to April 23rd for 2011.

6. Starting writing stories and doing more artwork.

I always enjoyed writing stories and drawing in high school, but I unfortunately gave it up during college. Now I would like to pick it back up.

So here are my resolutions. As stated above, I plan to actually accomplish them in 2011.

They may be silly, but just 17 days without coffee makes me feel somehow in control of my life. So, why not?