Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

I've now celebrated twenty-four Christmases in my life.

So far, this has been the best one.

Visited the family, stuffed myself with delicious Chinese food, and lost horribly at Dance Central and Just Dance (apparently my sister has videos. I pray that she doesn't post them on YouTube, or my entire professional career may be in jeopardy).  Also, introduced fiance to the relatives. I think they liked him. :]

He blends right in!

A great end to 2011, and time to welcome 2012! Happy new year!  I can't believe school starts again in two days.  Break is never long enough.

What are some of your new year's resolutions?  I'll share mine here so I remain accountable.  This year, I plan to:

1) Exercise regularly. I'm not going to lie, this one crops up on my list every year.  The truth is, I just don't find exercise very fun.  I've tried many forms - weights, running, yoga, Zumba, and more... I was so bad at Zumba that a random lady came up to me and told me I was doing the moves wrong (while snickering just a little).  Yoga was okay, but I always found some excuse not to go back.  Not really a fan of running or weights.  I do like swimming, but Amarillo gets really cold so that's not an option sometimes. But... that's it.  This year is the end of the excuses! Being a med student, of course, I know all about the health benefits (and I need to bounce back from being so sedentary pre-Step 1).  I'm paying for my gym membership through tuition and fees, so might as well use it!  Plus, my upcoming wedding gives me extra incentive to look fit.  I even got myself an iPod nano to make me extra excited about working out.  THIS YEAR.  It will be the year of discipline.

2) Improve my cooking skills. Bought a Kindle book called Cooking for Geeks and I'm ready to get at it.  I made a few good dishes last year, but I always groaned at the extensive prep that many recipes require.  But hey, I'm going to be a wife soon, so isn't this a necessary requirement? (KIDDING... but I'm sure fiance will appreciate it!)  This will go hand-in-hand with my exercising resolution... I'll eat healthier if I make the meals myself, and this has the potential to be really fun!

3) Make more time for myself. If I could only make one resolution this year, this would be it, because in a way, it includes the other two.  Medical school fills my days, and extracurricular activities, curriculum committees, and other obligations often demolish what "free time" I have left.  I love all of the organizations and other activities I am involved with, and I enjoy staying busy, productive, and on-the-go, but this year I think I will make it a point to make more time for me, to maintain my health, accomplish my personal goals, plan my wedding, and spend time with my friends and my fiance.

What are your new year's resolutions? I'd love to hear them! Best wishes to anyone reading for a safe, healthy, happy, and blessed 2012.