Looking toward 2011

In the spirit of New Year’s Resolutions, I wanted to share a few goals I have for 2011. 

1)   Lose weight—I’m getting married on May 27^th, and I’d like to shed a few pounds before that day.  In an effort incentivize this, two of my friends have agreed to attempt to lose weight as well.  The biggest loser (by percentage lost) will receive $ and a meal from the other two.  When we started I weighed 211 pounds, this morning I weighed in at 193.  I would like to reach 170 by May 25^th.  So if you see me reaching for seconds feel free to ask me how my “fatness” workouts are going.

2)   Spend Less—I try not to be superfluous with spending and I also try to give very generously to a few causes about which I care, but after employing the use of mint.com for the last several months, I’ve noticed some spending habits that I would like to change before entering the throes of matrimony with my bride-to-be.

3)   Blog more consistently—This year, I’d like to make a practice of blogging 3-5 times per week.  I’ve made some changes to my blog in an effort to make it a little more readable and facilitate more feedback from friends.

4)   Get outdoors—As much as I traveled over the last year, I spent more time indoors in 2010 than I think I have any year of my life.  I need to get out and ride my bike, hike in the woods, rock climb, or just walk—I miss that stuff.

5)   Exercise—This will be facilitated by getting outside, and will also help me in my goal of losing weight.  Plus, it’s just a good idea to make fitness and not fatness a part of one’s daily routine.

6)   Parkersburg half-marathon—Health and fitness  and schedule permitting, I’d love to say I have run this race in my home town August 20^th.  Wanna join me?  I also was recently asked by a friend to complete a 55 mile one day hike/jog on a stretch of the Appalachian trail at the end of July--we will see on that one. 

7)   Reflect—Maybe I’m the only person on the planet who feels this way, but I feel like my life over the last few years has gotten faster and faster paced.  I want to make a regular practice of slowing down, and reflecting over my day, week, month, life.  My goal is to carve part of a day and dedicate it to solitude, silence, fasting, and prayer.

8)   Say "No"—I have a really hard time saying no to requests to do activities with friends and family, and as much as I enjoy the activities, I think my body, my mind, and my soul need some down time.  I’m sure it will disappoint folks to hear me say “no”, but hopefully they will understand.

9)   Home improvement—For the last few years, my house has been a temporary home to many, and over the next several months, I will be working to convert my bachelor pad into a home for Jamie and I.  Wanna help? Give me a call, drop me a line, or facebook me.

10 Connect—I’d like to make it a point to connect more with friends face-to-face in 2011.  A visit with a friend is refreshment to my soul.