Welcome 2012!

     All in all, 2011 has not been a spectacular year.  Some very special friends struggled with their own illnesses and the afflictions of loved ones, I said goodbye some important people (including my beloved dog, Duke), the economy still sucks, and I am still without a job.  Sure, there were some very high points: Dan and I got engaged(!), we celebrated the marriages of friends and family, and I spent a ton of time with the sweetest niece in the world.  So, I'm pretty excited to say "goodbye" to 2011 and ring in 2012.  
     Every new year is an opportunity to start fresh -- set goals -- and make real plans to do all the things I vaguely dream about on a daily basis.  This being said, this year, I am going to use this blog to hold myself accountable.  I have a list of things I want to accomplish this year, "resolutions," if you will:

1. Marry my best friend.  Yes, this is the easy one. The date is set, the hall booked, and our friends and family are ready to share the day with us.  

2. Get healthy.  Every year I set this goal, and I never truly fail.  But, this year I am going to take it much more seriously.  Specifically, this year, I plan on:

a. Eating more nutritiously and organically.

b. Exercising at least 4 days a week, every week, no excuses. 

c. Running a 5k by June (in under 30 minutes!) and a 10k by December.

d. Drinking more water.

3. Read at least 50 books.

4. Help others:

a. Volunteer consistently with on local organization.

b. Work with Team Fox.

c. Participate in charity walks and runs for causes that are important to me.

5. Blog more.

6. Do the things I always say I want to do, but never get around to:

a. See more Broadway shows.

b. Take more pictures.

c. Start long lasting traditions.

7. Get a job!

     I know this is a long list.  However, I high very high hopes for 2012 and plan on documenting all of the ups and downs along the way.  I know it is going to be an amazing year...the year of Alison.  Here's to a spectacular 2012!