Here It Goes Again

So it's 2011, and, not surprisingly, I feel no different than I did in 2010. That's pretty standard, though, so whatever. I am kind of excited to be starting a new year, though, because the beginning of another year forces me to evaluate what is going to happen and what I need to make happen in the coming 12 months. First and foremost I'm going to be focusing on improving me. I was laid up for six months last year due to a herniated disk, and I managed to pack on what feels like 100 extra pounds during that time (it's probably closer to like 15, but seriously, it feels like a lot more). So, priority is to be getting rid of that and more, so that all of my clothes will fit properly again. What's the plan? Well to start with there will be no more fast food for this girl, and I'm going to be better about bringing food with me to work instead of going out to lunch every day. I'm also going to be utilizing the gift I bought myself for Christmas, Dance Dance Revolution. Yes, yes. I am a giant nerd. I know. I can't help that it is awesome! I will also be utilizing some other at home equipment, like a balance ball and my yoga mat, because in addition to gaining weight my injury also cost me most of my flexibility (word to the wise, try to avoid herniated disks at all costs. Trust me, they are no bueno).

Second priority is going to be getting my business endeavor up and running. I'm already underway, in that I've set up an Etsy store, but as you will see, there isn't anything for sale yet. There will be, though, as soon as I'm able to take some decent photos. That will probably have to wait until I have my office set up, which brings me to my more immediate priority of setting up my office. I'm in a pretty decent position to finally do so, thanks to a settlement check I'll be collecting from the lawyers office on Tuesday. I see an IKEA trip in my very near future. Said settlement check is also going to be used to pay off my credit card balance and pay down the car loan, but mainly it will be used to start the transition from corporate employee to self-employed. I'm not 100% sure if self-employment will be accomplished by TheNWB itself (though, honestly, if I could throw pottery and crochet all day every day, I most definitely would!), but there are many other options out there for me, and I intend to investigate them all thoroughly.

So that's really it for me and my goals in 2011. As always, of course, I am determined to have more fun this year than I did last year. I figure that as long as I don't get injured again I should be good to go. Granted, 2010 was fun regardless of the injury, but I'm just gonna go ahead and try to avoid any further injuries just for the sake of my spine; it's messed up enough as it is from two separate injuries sustained almost exactly 10 years apart (9 years and 6 months, to be more exact). So let's just put that on the list too: in 2011 I will not sustain any injuries. That's a good goal to have, right? Right.

I guess I should also resolve to spend more time with my family, and to keep in better touch with the friends and family that don't live near me. I'm also going be better about saving money. I have a very nicely sized retirement fund at the moment, thanks to the contributions that my employer makes each pay period, but I have very little (practically zero) cash savings for back up expenses, so I'm reverting back to the savings philosophy with which I was raised: save 10% of every pay check first thing before anything else. Sounds easy enough! We'll see how it goes.

All in all, and as always, I am optimistic about the coming year. Heres to making 2011 better than 2010!