HEY THERE, FRIDAY

I'm not necessarily sad to see 2013 go, but I believe in welcoming new things with open arms. A brand-new 2014 is here, and it's hard to not get in on the blank-slate spirit that's going around. Even though I may have eaten a snack-sized bag of Miss Vickie's jalapeno chips for lunch. C'est la vie. 

I've had my share of New Year's resolution lists. I've had my share of commitments that have failed and fallen flat. But this year, I'm moving in with a different attitude. 

2013 was a year of obsessions. Split-second fascinations that took over every outlet, only to burn out like firework shards into the abyss. 

In 2014, my resolution is to not become obsessed. To not buy into the idea that one thing has to be everything. To open my heart to every beautiful facet of my life and enjoy each magnificent second - that is what I resolve to do.

take time to sit and READ: I want to take time to sit down and read, really read the books I've been checking out from the library lately. I want to read quality stories that enrich my heart and mind, and I want to know that I'm not gleaning every bit of my worldly knowledge from the Internet. 

MAXIMIZE my hours: Those days where I don't feel like I have enough hours in the day? I want them to go away. I have enough time; I have all the time in the world. What I lack is efficiency. 

take beauty RISKS: There are lipsticks begging to be worn, outfits waiting to be tried, different hairstyles that have yet to be tested. I want to be unafraid of what people will think, and just do it.

bake my own BREAD: I've always wanted a crispy, soft loaf of bread to come from my homemade oven, and this is the year to try it. 

make time for healthy meals at HOME: Ah, to sit and eat at an actual table with my husband... now that would be better than another Chipotle drive-through.

take it out on the EQUIPMENT: There are a lot of stressful things on the horizon in 2014, starting in just a few weeks, and I resolve to not wallow in my own misery. I resolve to take my stress to the street, to the gym, to the equipment, and work it out instead of bingeing on West Wing reruns.