Happy New Year!

I finally was released from my day job and was able to get home to help Darla with the NYE party prep.  We are having several couples over for a little get together and ring in the new year.  Everyone is bringing an appetizer that starts with the first letter of their last name.  Todd and Erin are bringing a Mango curry shrimp dish, I am preparing Swedish meatballs and Darla is making Hanky-panks.  You get the idea.  We are also doing a wine/beer exchange.  Good times, good times.

Now on to my New Year's "Resolutions".  I don't want them to be the normal "I am going to lose 5 pounds or I want to be a better person", but I am not sure how to get around it.  I have gotten completely out of my normal routine after getting sick a couple of months ago.  I have also completely fallen off the wagon as far as what I've been eating.  I have a slight cholesterol problem, so the 10pm run to Steak and Shake last night was probably a bad idea and won't be happening on a go forward basis.  

So, the obvious first one is to get back into my normal routine.  I am a morning person, so I need to get everything out of the way in the morning or it won't get done.  I really miss the outdoor activities I used to do so I am going to reincorporate the outdoors and an exercise routine.  I like to get on my bike more as well.

A lot of my thoughts on resolutions are multipurpose.  Getting out on my bike more, for instance, is for exercise as well as my intent to reduce my oil dependence and footprint on the earth.  Another resolution is to not take the elevator at my day job.  Our office is on the fourth floor and I am more than capable of getting up and down four flights of steps.  I get bent out of shape about the people that take the elevator from the first to the second floor.  What's two more floors really.  Taking the stairs also uses zero electricity, so again, multi purpose.

I've also been playing footsie with getting my LEED AP certification.  I resolve to earn my LEED AP designation, as well as become an NAHB certified green professional.  I'd also like to get my HERS certification, but that may be a lot for one year.

So for those of you that like lists, here's my resolution in list format:

1.  Get back into my normal routine, which consists of some of the following

2.  Start my exercise regimen again.  Start trail running again, rock climbing, maybe see what yoga has to offer.

3.  Eat healthier, be healthier.  I'd like to increase my amount of organic foods and support the local guys and I am very intrigued by holistic health ideals.  I am going to trying to reduce my red meat intake and prepare more vegetarian meals.

4.  Bike more.  Good for me, good for the environment.

5.  Reduce my impact.

6.  Take the stairs, not the elevator at my office.

7.  Earn my LEED AP and NAHB CGP certifications.

I hope you all have a very happy and safe New Year's.  Please be careful out there.  It's amateur night tonight.  Please drink responsibly and have a DD or call a cab.