Amy's New Years Resolutions

It is with some hesitation that I post this list. I mean, last year . . . um...let's see... What did I resolve last year? To start running?  

Okay, so I'm not more of a runner than last year. A whole 12 -- T W E L V E -- months ago. I do have a running jacket though... shoes too. Bought some gear. Does that count? 

Honestly, 2011 wasn't all a bust. (You got to think of things positively, right?) I did walk more in the last year. I'm really starting to develop a yoga habit -- man, it's slow going but it's happening (and I believe that started about TWO years ago...)

Here's a list of things I'm thinking about for 2012:

1. To bike more. I'm buying a bike people. Finally! It's coming this month and it's what I call a "Bicycle Stationwagon." I want a bike that can do the job of a car. And I found one. It's got big fat tires. It's got a rack on the front that can hold 40 lbs and a rack on the back. I'm going to ride it to the grocery store and buy milk in glass bottles and ride home. (Sidenote: It's super fun to go into a bike store and say you're looking for a "Bicycle Stationwagon." You should see the looks bike store owners give you. Try it.)
2. To wear more pink. This is because of the bicycle. I've noticed that in Chicago drivers see you if you're wearing a bright pink. (Okay, this seems to be mostly men, but hey...) Since I'm afraid of riding my bicycle in the city, I want to use the Power of PINK to save my life. If you hit me, I want you to feel badly for hitting a girl -- and in particular, a girly girl. I don't have to let you know that I used to hate pink and that I went to an all-women's college out east. (Don't tell, okay?)
3. To exercise regularly. Note I'm not saying "running." The idea is to develop a pattern of exercise. Something like brushing my teeth. Don't want to say anymore, otherwise this'll embarrass me next year. Gosh, wouldn't it be nice to sport a few muscles! 
4. To keep off some weight I recently lost. See if I can "maintain" this new weight. I hear that's the hardest part. (See this article from NPR.) By the way, I used a program called LoseIt. It's online and it's an app for the iphone (and smartphones?). I love this app. And I've never been able to lose weight before. I didn't really gain weight either. Mostly I gained weight after college and I've maintained that weight for oh, let's say years and years. But let's see if I can keep it off. I think the only way that'll happen is if I KEEP using this app. So this year, I resolve to continue keeping track of what I eat (which is one of the functions of LoseIt).
5. Moving on... A big 2012 goal is to write regularly despite being in a book promotion year. I'm very excited that ONE CAME HOME is coming out, but that means I'll be distracted, anxious, etc. When I don't write I get cranky. I am worried about this in 2012. I am also worried that I'll care too much about what the critics, and random bloggers have to say about the book. (Thank you husband Phil for watching my Google Alert.)
6. To learn to make bread! Yay! Food! (Watch out #4.)
7. To make more music -- as in piano and flute. And not be so shy about singing. Why not sing?
8. To finish an essay and send it out. 
9. To read 50 books in 2012. I'm up-ing it from 40 last year. But for heavens sakes, they don't have to be "good" for me. And if I hate them, I can stop reading. More mysteries? Maybe! 
10. To do a long walk somewhere in the USA -- a real thru-hike somewhere. But no camping. I don't want a tent. I want a mattress with sheets. Now where is that in the USA? Must find.

Photo above is of Graham Cracker -- a dog I met in northern Wisconsin. I hope to post more photos from there soon. Sad to say, Graham Cracker died while we there. But he was a lovely, lovely dog -- faced life full-speed- ahead always, making him difficult to capture with small digital cameras. 

He makes me smile!

What are your resolutions? 

By the way, I recommend reading Heath Brother's SWITCH before making any resolutions. One of my favorite books from 2011.

Amy

P.S. I've got a new Facebook page for ALL my books. It's here. And I need 4 more people to "like" it so it stays a page. If you'd like to receive my book news on your Facebook News Feed/Status Update page, please consider liking it. It'll only be book news, but there's bound to be some this year with ONE CAME HOME coming out. Thank you! You can like it on my blog on the website, or here's the direct link.