Like last year’s 11 in 2011, I have created a new set of 12 in 2012 goals for this year. (Note: the following two paragraphs are adapted from last year’s 12 in 2012 post)

As happens at this time of year, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my quality of life and what I can do to improve myself and generally be happier.  I’ve never been a big fan of big, overwhelming New Years Resolutions (Lose 50 pounds!  Go to the gym everyday!  Handmake my entire wardrobe!) At the same time, general resolutions seem ineffective to me, since it’s too easy to really change nothing (Be less stressed out!  Be better with money!).

So with all that in mind, I’ve decided to come up with my 12 in 2012 list. Each goal is specific and attainable.   I want to be realistic in my goals, but I also want to make sure that I’m accomplishing things I’ve been wanting to.  I also do my best to keep my goals from being too money dependent (except of course my money goals).  I don’t want to go broke trying to accomplish everything.

I’ve grouped my goals into categories, since they each fit pretty neatly into certain areas.  I’ll be posting about my 12 in 2012 as a series through out the year.

Style

• Fill at least 12 of the gaps from my Wardrobe Gaps list.  Easily doable.  The items on my list range in how expensive they might be (and obviously second-hand is perfectly fine), so even if money is tight one month, I’ll be okay.  I will change and update the Gaps list throughout the year.
• Blog at least one outfit a week.  I need to get back into the habit of photographing and blogging outfits.  I’ve been good the past couple weeks, so I’ll try to retain the momentum.

Crafty

• Knit a Fair Isle Sweater.  I’ve got my yarn picked out, and some pattern ideas in my head, I’ve just got to order and get started.  I loved fair isle when I made some accessories using it before, and I’d like to have another (lighter weight) sweater for next winter.  I’ll probably just make the yoke Fair Isle, rather than the entire sweater.
• Sew three garments for myself.  I miss sewing terribly, and there are so many things that are easy to make.  I also find that sewing gives me a better appreication for garment construction and helps me be more discerning in shopping and deciding on what to tell the tailor to fix.

Health

• Try one new Paleo recipe every month: I’ve got The Primal Blueprint Cookbook, plus there’s plenty of Paleo blogs with recipes, including Mark’s Daily Apple and Robb Wolf.  I’ll definitely be able to find plenty of new recipes to try.
• Get that co-op subscription/ or go to a Farmer’s market once a month:  I’m including an alternative in this one on purpose.  I know that money will likely be a bit tight this year, so I’m not sure if I’ll feel comfortable committing to a co-op subscription.  Even if I don’t, I can still easily make it to a Farmer’s market once a month if I’m intentional about it.
• Go to the dentist:  I’m embarrassed to say that somehow I haven’t been to the dentist in the past two years.  Not intentionally, I just never get around to making an appointment.  I MUST remedy this.

• Be able to do at least one unassisted pull-up or chin-up:  Rather than having a fitness goal that I know I’ll fail at (exercise three times every week!  Lift weights every other day!)  I’m setting an overall goal for the year.  I enjoy strength training, and working up to being to be able to do something big, like a chin-up or pull-up, seems like a good and reasonable goal.
• Try at least one new-to-me or oldie-but-goodie form of exercise:  I get tired of exercising if  I keep doing the same thing over and over again.  So this year, I want to try at least one “new” thing.  This could be something completely new to me, or it could be something I haven’t done regularly in years (kayaking, rollerblading, hiking).

• Finish my teaching certificate:  This is on course to be done by June 2012.  And I will be so relieved when it’s finished.

Life and Money

• Have $500 in my savings account by the end of the year:  This can be done by putting in $20 from every paycheck.  I know I can handle at least that much, and then I won’t feel all the anxiety of having basically no savings.
• Keep my credit card paid off:  My credit card debt isn’t that bad (only about $700)  but I will feel better if I completely pay it off and keep it paid off.  I have a bad habit of relying on it when I overspend my checking account.  I need to stop this.  I know where my tax return is going this year.