Happy New Year

So, I originally wrote this post on August 12 and never got around to publishing it because school started and my life went bye-bye!  Here it comes, better late-than-never, with updates on my actual progress.  :)

Yes, that's right : Happy New Year!  New school year, that is.  I was talking with one of my best buddies yesterday (as she was helping me scramble to get all of the last minute odds & ends done before Orientation) about the fact that I don't really care about resolutions in January, but every August I make new school-year resolutions!  The funny thing is that they aren't typically school-related per se.  Its just that I am a teacher to the core, so the only calendar that matter to me starts in late summer!

So here are my New (School) Year's Resolutions:

- To cook dinner at least once a week.

Sadly, I am the queen of take-out, drive-thru, and frozen food.  This year I am going to make a concerted effort to legitimately cook something in my own kitchen!

UPDATE: That didn't happen AT ALL, until January started.  But I've been on a good role this month, due to the fact that I told myself I was not allowed to spend any money on fast-food this month.  

-To take advantage of my membership to the Y

I've been paying for this thing for over a year and only make it in sporadically.  Body Flow & Zumba -you ARE going to be my best friends this Fall.

UPDATE:  I did great for the month of August and then cancelled my membership in September.  Fail.

-To set aside cash each week to save for a rainy day

I am terrible at budgeting and dedicating money, so this year I am going to set aside one dollar a week in my "Dreams" jar.  I've found that I don't dip into my cash reserves near as often as my real savings account.

UPDATE:  Yeah, this hasn't happened at all either!  Maybe this can be a 2014 goal...

-To be a positive influence on the world around me

I know that sound hokey, but I really believe that the people we hang out with shape who we are.  I want to be a glowing, happy friend this year - not just some of the time like I am now, but everyday. Especially on the days when I want to have a pity party!

UPDATE: Finally, one I can say that I tried to accomplish!  I have really been working hard this year to be a positive person and I think it is paying off because I was named "Teacher of the Year" this year and I knw a lot of that has to do with my general attitude towards life.  Yay me!

So that's my list!

What goals/resolutions have you set for yourself this year?  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay tuned for my Classroom Reveal as soon as I get a real camera.  The iPad just doesn't do it justice.

Ready for Day One,

-Jen