2013, a new year.

I don't know if all my friends and family just get really negative when they are suffering the winter cold, but few people seem to have a fondness for 2012 in their reflections.  Don't get me wrong 2012 was a big fat asshole in more ways than one, but I also want to take the time to remember the good things that happened in 2012, because there were a lot of those this year too.

2012-Pros

-January-

-Got a great new job.

-Moved to a great new city that I have enjoyed immensely thus far.

-February-

-My big sister survived a brutal attack.

-March-

-My big sister got engaged and asked me to be her maid of honor!

-April-

-Kickball started.  The first of 3 seasons with new friends.

-May-

-Moved into a new apartment that includes a 2nd bedroom that is now my studio.  It is the first studio since I was in postbac at NYCAMS.

-June-

-Hosted some of the extended family for brunch at my own apartment for, hopefully, the first annual Polish Fest brunch.

-Marilee came to visit!

-July-

-Won 2nd place as Milwaukee Brewfest Queen.

-Made it to 26!

-August-

-Went camping at Devil's Lake.  I hadn't gone camping in years!

-September-

-Started the fitness initiative at work, which has so far helped me drop 5lbs and started me toward a healthier lifestyle.

-October-

-Started going to The Moth in Milwaukee. I started volunteering the next month, and made it on stage in December.

-Made the most awesomest Poptart Cat costume ever.

-November-

-Successfully repaired all damage from identity theft.  I know this one is a stretch, but I am thankful that ordeal is over, and I know it could have gone worse needing lawyers, etc. 

-December-

-Got to do hokey Christmas stuff with the bf, including see the Christmas dolphin show at the Shedd Aquarium.

-Had a fantastic holiday with the family.

-Had a wonderful NYE with friends.

So there you have it.  2012 was rough, but it had it's highlights too!

Heading into 2013 I have a few resolutions.  I understand that sharing them with the world increases your success rate of keeping them, so here it goes.

Health

- Log food at least 3 days each week.  (If you are intentionally "good" just 2 days a week, it can make a difference!)

- Meet the CDC Recommendations for exercise each week: 120 minutes of cardio & 2 days of full body strength exercises.  The strength stuff is going to be hard to fit in, but I think I can really do it.

- Run a half marathon.

Finances

- Stop being afraid of money!  This is the year that I conquer my fear of it.  Not having enough, either now, or when I am 60, I am going to be fine.  I will never starve or be homeless, so theres nothing to be afraid of.  This includes meeting with a financial advisor.

- Make a budget and learn how to stick to it.

- For one week each month use cash only.

-Build emergency savings.

Personal Enrichment

-Journel more, either the blog, or on paper.

-Go back to church more consistently.

Ok, feel free to keep me accountable now.

Happy New Year everyone!

UPDATE*****
Oh! One other thing to celebrate from 2012.  It was the year that my retirement savings finally out paced my student debt.  Woo hoo improving economy!