I wouldn't call them resolutions

I prefer to just call it my To-do list for 2011. With the final days of 2010 quickly winding down, I thought about how much has changed in the past 12 months and wondered what would be in store for the next 12 so I thought I'd share a few of the things that came to mind. Nothing crazy major just a few small, achievable (I hope) things. Here's what I've got so far:

1.) Reach 150 blog posts. I'm over 50 posts in 2010 so I'm shooting for 100 more posts to make 150 by the end of 2011.

2.) Start a young alumni giving program at the University where I work. Young alums make up a huge part of any schools alumni base, and it's vital to find ways to to keep them involved.

3.) Learn my camera. I mean really learn my camera. I want to really understand how to achieve the perfect exposure. These first several months have been both incredibly fun and frustrating. I'm excited to finally have a hobby that when I do get frustrated instead of giving up, I am motivated to keep fiddling and figure out how to fix the problem.

4.) Buy fewer... but nicer things. I think I have a tendency to be a bit on the material side (gasp) so I'm hoping that this year I can focus on  buying a few really nice, quality things and fight the urge to buy things that are fads, or that are appealing mostly because they are on sale, or just buying things to buy things. I want the things that fill our home to not only be things that we need but things that we can enjoy for a long time. Just because there's an empty nook in the living room or empty wall in the dining room doesn't mean I have to buy something to put there this second.

5.) Learn what my style is. Both in decorating and fashion. I'm a little "schizo" when it comes to home decor, I love modern, traditional, rustic, and french inspired interiors. And it turns out- when you put them all together in one room it doesn't equal pretty. I think I'm getting there but figuring it out very slowly. When it comes to clothing I'm a sucker for trends.  I read a magazine, see Rihanna wearing the newest mega monster shoe, go try one on and realize that "normal" people don't wear metallic platform over-the-knee moon boots with fur fringe. Or I buy something that looks super cute on and is stylish and all but obviously is not "my style" because it never leaves the closet. Maybe it's a little too form fitting and I feel self conscious, or it's a little too low cut for work and can't figure out if layering it over something more covering would look cute.

6.) Be a better wife. I think that is something that will be on my list every year :)

7.) Cook more. It's so easy to use the excuse that there are only 2 of us and we're always busy. But I am determined to go from cooking 2 meals a week (which usually covers 4 meals with leftovers!) to 4 meals a week. I think that's a lot of cooking for 1 week considering there are some weeks this fall where I've cooked 0 meals. (I don't count heating up frozen skillet meals, making sandwiches, pouring cereal, or toasting a bagel cooking!)

8.) Trying new things as a couple. I hope this one is on D's list or I may not be getting this one done ;). We aren't very outdoorsy but we happen to live in one of the most breathtaking parts of the country. So I plan on 2011 being the year for my 1st hike, whale watching excursion, trip to Crater Lake, and maybe if I'm super brave (or if someone drugs my Dr. Pepper) a weekend of camping...hopefully not in a tent (eek, typing that made me nauseous)

What do you have planned for 2011?