2011 Reflections &2012 Resolutions

Happy New Year!

I love New Year's Resolutions. I know they're kind of silly, but I am all about the whole clean slate feel at the beginning of a new year.  Last year I tried to make "SMART" resolutions instead of the general ones I've always made in the past like "Take better care of myself" and "spend more time with friends"...you get the idea. Here are last year's resolutions and how I did with keeping them:

2011 Resolutions Review

School Goals

• Research grad school programs and select a Reading Specialist Masters program that works for me, both financially and logistically; DONE!  I applied for and was accepted into a reading masters cohort this fall.  It starts in February.  Although I have NO idea how I'm going to fit another thing into my busy schedule, I'm going to at least START and see how it goes...
• Make time for Read Aloud in my classroom at least 4 days a week, if only for 5 minutes; DONE!  This year I built 10 minutes into my schedule every day to read aloud to the kiddos.  Hands down, it is my favorite part of the day.
• Spend no more than 1 night per week at school until 6 (at the latest!); DONE! I stay until 6 Tuesdays, but I made commitments for myself Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday (tutoring, yoga, tutoring) to get myself outta there!  Of course, once grad school starts I won't even be able to stay late on Tuesdays...oh gosh...
• Use a formative assessment strategy like Exit Slips at least once a week; In Progress...My team and I are TRYING to do a weekly exit slip in literacy, but I'd really like to use them more frequently in math and science too...

Fitness Goals

• Continue following and complete Hal Higdon's 1/2 Marathon Novice training plan, and subsequently complete the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon; DONE!

Being a Grown-Up & Living a Happy Life Goals

• Set aside at least 1/2 an hour every single day just for myself, and use this time for reading, exercise, or just relaxing with some music; DONE!  I typically spend at least 1/2 hour a day reading or working out.  So important!
• Develop a budget, and stick to it! NOT EVEN CLOSE!  This is definitely a goal for 2012...
• Find & move into an apartment that I love and can reasonably afford; DONE!  Love my little apartment!  
• Cook a healthy meal for myself at least once a week (and by cook I mean actually prepare, not just assemble on a plate.  And no, oatmeal doesn't count... :-/ )   NOT EVEN CLOSE!  Another goal for 2012...
• Take my vitamins every day :) Mostly Done!  I was doing really good for awhile, but fell off the wagon recently...oops!

source: postsecret.com

2012 Resolutions

• Figure out a schedule to help maintain balance in my life and keep up with my training schedule even after I've started my masters program...this may involve a 4am run Tuesday mornings... :-/
• Religiously foam roll my IT bands and don't get any new injuries... (Fingers Crossed!!)
• Set a half-marathon PR 
• Run a sub-30 minute 5K. (This is a lofty goal!!!  I think I can do it though!)
• Try a sprint tri this summer!
• Try out being vegan again for another 30 days.
• Spend time on weekends from time to time preparing meals for the week.
• Create a budget...help please, Dad!!!
• Finish decorating my apartment! (almost there!)
• Use exit slips in math and literacy once a week (each).
• Keep a "just for fun" book in progress at all times to help me keep my sanity.

What are your resolutions for 2012?

New Years Resolutions--love 'em or hate 'em?