Binary Blonde’s Resolutions

January 1, 2008

Normally, I don’t make new year’s resolutions, but when I started thinking about it, I found I loved the idea of writing down my goals to help keep me on track.

So, having said that, here are my new year’s resolutions (or goals) for 2008, in no particular order:

  • Do yoga at least once a week. I used to do my yoga twice a day, 3-4 days a week, but slowly got out of the habit. I’m starting back into the habit slowly with once a week, and gradually move it back up to 3 days a week.
  • Eat slower. I tend to only chew a bite a couple of times before swallowing. I’m resolving to double the chews per bite this year. Sounds silly, but good digestion starts in the mouth.
  • Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. I used to be a “morning person”, but nowadays I usually end up falling asleep way later than I intend, so I resolve to change my sleeping habits and relearn how to be a morning person.
  • Comment more. I read a lot of blogs, and love them all, but often forget to comment on them. No more of that! I’m going to comment on every blog I have in my reader at least once a week. Again, starting slow and moving my way up.
  • Physically train to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I won’t lie, I’m already in pretty good shape physically, but as I have mild (allergy-induced) asthma I need to build-up my lung strength and capacity so I can handle the high altitude, several day hike to Machu Picchu. I’d like start with cardio (stair stepper with weights) in the gym and move to altitude hikes up real mountains. I have until the end of May 2008 to reach my goal.
  • Take more photographs. I love taking photos, but I find myself forgetting my camera when I see something I want to photograph. My resolution is to keep my camera with me whenever I leave the house. Also, on a similar note, I’d like to start participating in Photo Friday again.
  • Volunteer at least once a month. I used to have no trouble finding time to volunteer, but I lost track of time and only volunteered 3 times total last year. Not cool. So, this year I’m going to choose a place, take any necessary classes and block off one day a month to volunteer there.
  • Move out of a condo and into a house. This is a rather big one, but Kevin and I have been talking about this for a while now. Hopefully, we can do it this year, finances permitting.

I’m an eternal optimist, so I am hopeful that I can keep these resolutions. After all, I have a whole year to change a couple of bad habits, relearn some good habits, and even learn a new habit or two.

Are there any resolutions you plan to make this year?

{ 3 trackbacks }

Wise Words From The Cynic
January 1, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Hello Out There!
January 11, 2008 at 12:30 am
New Year’s Resolutions - Review
July 1, 2008 at 9:49 pm

{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

mostprepossessing January 1, 2008 at 4:16 pm

I too need to take more photos. I love to look at them later on, it just sometimes seems like too much of a hassle to take the camera out.

Reply

Little Tykes January 2, 2008 at 6:50 am

Sounds like some great new year resoulutions. I am also going to start back with the Yoga and comment more on blogs i read (starting with this one now!)

Great blog…I hope to comment more in the future.

Reply

jamie January 2, 2008 at 9:43 am

Good luck with your resolutions!

“Physically train to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.”

That is amazing. One day I will do that too!

Reply

katelin January 3, 2008 at 2:39 pm

I really need to think of some good resolutions, I’m a fan of yours. Good luck!

Reply

Binary Blonde January 3, 2008 at 9:34 pm

Mostprepossessing – Yeah, I used to have that same issue sometimes, too. Now, I just keep my small Elph camera in my purse and always have it when I want it!

Little Tykes – Thanks for dropping by and posting your thoughts! I hope you keep up with your yoga, too. If more people practiced yoga, I think the world would be a more peaceful place to live. 😉 Also, I appreciate you starting with my blog for your impromptu resolutions and I hope to see you more here in the near future!

Jamie – Thank you, I am beyond excited about my trip to Peru. From what I hear, it’s a magical place. I hope someday you trek up to Machu Picchu to experience the magic for yourself, too!

Katelin – I look forward to reading any resolutions you blog about. I’m equally a fan of yours! 🙂 Thanks!

Reply

GG January 5, 2008 at 2:46 pm

Great resolutions. I haven’t really made any this year yet. I am hiking with my neighbors dog regularly (I live at 6,700 feet if you ever visit) and also need to get back to yoga. Used to do it six days a week and was really limber.

I’d like to find something to volunteer for outside of my little realm. I used to find it really rewarding. I blog as a community service project for my town (started as a joke) and do take my camera out every day–when I forget it, wouldn’t you know I miss something novel or fabulous!

Reply

shelly January 5, 2008 at 3:45 pm

I just did the Inca Trail at the end of October. I’d recommend lots and lots of stairclimbing – and if you can do it on real stairs it’s better than a Stairmaster. The other thing I’d really recommend is swimming, and as much hiking as you can get in. I was terribly worried about the altitude, I get migraines, but I didn’t have any problem at all. I have loads of info I can share if you’re interested. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life but worth every stinking struggling step!

Oh – and eat at Incanto in Cuzco. It was one of the best meals I’ve had in my life.

Reply

Binary Blonde January 5, 2008 at 7:41 pm

GG – Thanks! I usually haven’t made resolutions in the past, but figured that they are the same as goals. Everyone should have goals, right?

Wow! Six days a week? That’s impressive, I must say. Also, hiking with an animal and taking photos sounds like a perfect day to me. 🙂

Shelly – You must have had such an amazing time. I am so grateful for your tips and I assure you, I will do every single one. I would love any more info you can send my way.

I’m worried about the altitude, too, as I have asthma, but I’ve been back country hiking through the desert for two weeks, down into the Grand Canyon and on ocean cliffs before. I’m hopeful I can manage the dream hike of my life.

I am training to excel, not just to make it up there. 🙂

Will also make a note of Incanto as a good place to eat. Again, many thanks!

Reply

So Cal Gastroenterologist January 9, 2008 at 11:59 am

You don’t need to force yourself to chew more. Doing so won’t provide much benefit. As long as you don’t engorge yourself or swallow foods whole, then you should be fine.

What you eat is more important than how you eat it.

Reply

You can use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Previous post:

Next post: