Resolving

Ok, it's time for some new resolutions. In 2012, I didn't do so badly. Here's a look at last year's resolutions: 

1. Travel to a new continent. Africa, baby! I'm really hoping. If not Africa, it's going to have to be South America. It's happening. I can feel it. Done and done! And I wish this could be a resolution every year.
2. Create and keep to a marketing schedule for Quotidian Photography. That's a big one, but it's important. Kind of. But if I'm honest, I didn't do nearly as much as I could have. So this one can't be considered completed. 
3. Walk to work (my teaching job) every day it's not raining. I've already been doing this so I know it's doable, but I'd like to make it a solid habit. It's about a 45 minute walk, and I feel so much better every day I do it. Well, I didn't do this every day, but it did happen a lot of days, and it's still part of the beginning of my daily routine, so check!
4. Give y'all a new photographic computer wallpaper every month. I've tried to make myself do this before and failed, but it's a new year, and a new me. It's happening! Well, no. Sorry. :)
5. Really do a self-portrait and post it on the blog every month. I'm so inspired by Gail Werner's. She does an amazing job, but most importantly, she does it. I aspire to be like her. I managed two months out of twelve, so no! And honestly, while I'd like to add this to my resolutions this year, I just don't think it's going to happen. 
6. I'd like to spend more time with friends. That's one of those things I've been trying to prioritize more, but I can always use an extra reminder. This one was a big success, not necessarily because it was a resolution, but because it was a value. My friends are awesome, and I'm so lucky to have them. And I want to continue to make time wherever I can for them. Because really, what else is it all about?

Three out of 6. That's 50%. On a test, I'd fail. But in life, I think I win. Because what did I get? Stronger relationships with my friends, an amazing once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, and some light exercise plus a good way for me to wake up each day. 

So, what's in store for 2013?? (Cue the drumroll . . . .) Sadly, probably no more new continents (although Evan and I would die to go to Antarctica, currently that's #1 on our list)

Well . . . 

1. I really want a new website. I've been working on the design, and it's slowly coming together, so hopefully it will be out of the gate by the end of January!

2. I also hate sitting at a computer, so I'm in the process of building a standing desk. They're said to lengthen your life, but what I really need is an energy boost and a break from sitting so much. I can't wait until it's done! I'm also hoping for this one for January.

3. I'd like to partner photographically with a few local businesses whose methods and aims I admire. Think local, sustainable, and beautiful. Anyone know a business that might be interested?

4. Eat only real food. Evan and I have been going in this direction (particularly recently, some of which I am really excited to share with you all), but I'm really looking to avoid processed foods, white sugar and white flour, and I want to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables all the time. Deliciously prepared, of course.

5. Visit somewhere I haven't been before. Evan and I don't have a trip planned this year (Africa kind of wore us out a bit) but we do want to travel. And tempting as it might be to go back to our familiar haunts, I always want to break new ground as well. So we'll see!

So that's it! Simple, but important. Steps to building a good life. What about you? Did you make resolutions? Do you believe in them? Do you have a good track record of keeping them?