Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

I saw this photo on Pinterest and thought it was perfect. I'm not a big resolution maker because we all know how well resolutions usually pan out. You start off strong and then slowly but surely you fall off the wagon until your resolution is nothing but a distant memory as you veg out on the couch in front of the television with a bag of chips in hand. I don't even eat potato chips but you get the idea. Resolutions are made to be broken, so instead I like to think of the new year as a blank slate, a chance for new beginnings and for change to be made.

At the beginning (and continually throughout the year) of every year I like to make goals for myself. Last year at the urging of my husband I decided it was time to start a blog. I typed up my  first blog post in February 2011 and then did nothing with it. I didn't publish it and actually forgot about it for a while until June when I decided to dive back into it headfirst and finally take the plunge. Now here I am 6 months later still going strong. I even got to end the year on a high note by getting selected to participate in Foodbuzz's 24x24 for December! My goal in regards to my blog this year is I'd like to post more often. With hosting Christmas day this year, working on my book, shopping, wrapping and preparing for the 24x24 I fell short on the posting end. But it's a new year and a new chance to get it right and that's what I intend to do.

One of my biggest goals for last year was to write a book. I sat down and started writing finally on May 25, 2011 and typed my last words on December 23, 2011 almost seven months to the day. It was exhausting and at times I never thought I'd finish. But I did and now it's onto the the editing process and then time to shop it out. Very few people even know about this project of mine, but I'm hoping that before 2013 rolls around it will be known to everyone.

2011 was filled with lots of ups and downs and I look back and reflect on the year with a mixture of emotions. I'm one of those people that feel that no matter what happened good or bad you need to sit back and look at what you can take from it and learn from each and every experience. I look forward to embracing 2012 with open arms and know that with every passing year we grow wiser, stronger and are better for it. 

For 2012 my wish for all of you is that is a blessed one with lots of joy, happiness, wealth, health and prosperity in all areas of your life. Remember everyday to kiss your loved ones and tell them you love them, smile when you talk to people, laugh more often, do something you enjoy doing every day, read a book, take a walk, cook a fancy dinner, go out on a date, picnic in a park, see a movie....do whatever it is that makes you happy. Enjoy life and be thankful each and every day for what you have.

Cheers to 2012!