Goals Anew for 2-0-1-2

I have a problem - if I don't publicize my goals I just find too many excuses to not achieve them. I didn't make a resolution, per se, unless I make an umbrella goal of "be healthier in all aspects of my life." Sure, that sounds good, doesn't it?

So here I am, sharing my goals for 2012 with you all. I think I shall categorize them by health topic. Sometimes I'll update you on my progress and I'm sure I will share with you my struggles. I would also love to hear about your goals and any tips to help us achieve them.

Goal 1 - Run a 5k. Area: Physical Health

In fact, this one will be finished soon. I have signed up for my first 5k which is February 4th! Ahh - so close! In fact, not only am I running a 5k, but I am also doing my first Polar Bear Plunge for the Special Olympics!! So by running I am doing something good for me and by raising money I am helping others. Why wouldn't I do this? I am trying hard to train for it but I am a little worried. Back around the second week of December I hurt my shoulder and didn't run until this past week. Before then I was up to 2.5 miles as a long run, but now I'm struggling to make a mile and a half. On the other hand I'm pretty sure after a few more runs I'll snap back into shape.

I am also hoping to do a few more 5ks this year. I got a Nike+ for Christmas and it tracks my miles. I signed up with their website and have joined an additional challenge: to run 212 miles in 2012. Is that a lot? I wasn't sure but then I started thinking about it. If I run at least 1 mile 3 times a week, it will take me 71 we--oh wait, that's more than a year. But if I run at least 5 miles a week, that's 43 weeks and much more manageable. It gives me room to run more/less whenever I need to. Also, if I don't make a lot of progress during the year, I'll be REALLY into running come that fattening winter season this year. Either way it's win/win.

Goal 2 - Increase my cake skills. Area: Mental Health

There are a lot of things I want to do with my cakes this year. I want to FINALLY take a Wilton's decorating class. I want to do more work with fondant and learn a new skill - be it modeling chocolate, gum paste or marzipan. I plan to get my own airbrush within the next few months so then I can make cakes like the ones I do at the store. I put this under mental health because it's something I LOVE to do and I need to work on doing things that make me happy.

Goal 3 - Plan first, grade second. Area: Occupational Health

With the school work I have to do, I tend to draw out grading things because it's my least favorite part of the job. That means that I have less time to do what I get really excited about, which is planning really cool lessons. For this second semester, I want to work on planning lessons first. If I have things to grade at school, I'm a bit stressed. If I have half of it graded but didn't plan a decent lesson? I'm SUPER stressed! No reason for all that. I am trying to re-vamp my classroom in general and I am starting here.

Goal 4 - Finish reading Is God a Mathematician? Area: Intellectual Health

I started reading this book last summer. I'll admit - it's hard to get through. It's written by mathematicians, scientists and researchers. It reads as such. But I have enjoyed what I have learned so far. I need to remember, between my guilty pleasure reading, that I also really want to finish this book. Even if I just read a chapter at a time I will eventually succeed.


I plan to use my mantra "I am living well" a lot this year to help me find the healthiest me of my life! These are a beginning to my 2012 goals but I am sure I will have many more to come. I appreciate you all reading this - by doing so you are already helping me to believe, achieve, succeed!!