Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and new year!
I was reflecting on 2008 with my mom and brothers the other day, and I have to say... it was quite a challenging year! Not to say that there weren't a ton of wonderful experiences last year (living it up in India, Eugene completing his EMBA program at Columbia, reconnecting with my dad in China, exploring Thailand with my brothers, helping my mom turn the Green Papaya a popular hangout), but with a move to a new city far away from family and friends to the loss of a beloved grandfather to embarking on new business amidst a tumultuous economy and stock market, I have to say that I am glad to be getting a fresh new start.
This year, I'm doing something new... I'm broadcasting my New Year's Resolutions to all of you so you can keep me accountable. And I hope you'll also share your resolutions with me so we can support each other in reaching our goals! Here are my top three resolutions for 2009:
1. Get Healthier
This is doosie of a resolution because it involves so many different things! First, I want to learn cook so that I can stop eating out as much. If I can whip up meals at home, then I'll can control what goes into my food and cut out all the junk. Second, I've been pretty good about remembering to take my new vitamins, and it's such a simple thing to do that I really need to make sure I keep it up -- especially since I can feel a positive change in just a few months! Third, I must figure out a way to fit in fitness on a more regular basis. Tennis, salsa, and swimming lessons are on my list of to do's and that will definitely help keep up my activity levels. Last but not least, I am also going to follow my mom's advice on how to lower my stress levels and boost my mental health -- I am going to try to create something every day. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece (which is often why I never complete projects... or even start them!); it can be just a cute, little crocheted something, a new dish I learned to cook for dinner, or a drawing on Illustrator. By the end of 2009, I will be a happier and healthier me!
2. Be Greener
I've learned that the best way to lead is by example since I've picked up on the habits of others and am delighted that some of my own actions have influenced others. So I am committed to making my life more green! There have been occasions when I realized that my reusable tote bags were at home while I was in the checkout line at the grocery store, so I need to make sure I always carry them with me. I've already started carrying my own travel set of silverware, but I also need to bring my own BPA-free food storage containers so that I can take leftovers from restaurants home. (Ooo, since I'm learning to cook, I will hopefully be going out and getting take out less often which also means reducing the number of plastic take out containers I use!) I am also house hunting now, so I'll have plenty of opportunities to build in green features like solar panels, an organic garden, and maybe even a greywater system!
3. Help Others
Back in 2007, I accomplished my goal of raising $4000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and training with their team to complete a half-marathon in San Francisco. Last year, in honor of Grandpa Wu, I created the Mission:POSSIBLE! Team for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life in Orlando. My goal for 2009 is to recruit 8 more team members to relay with Eugene and I for 18 hours starting on May 1st (we can run, walk, or crawl!). Since I've also stepped up as the Luminaria Chair for the event, I'm also committed to helping to make this Relay event a shining success! If you are interested in joining my team or making a donation, please visit our team page: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/mission__possible (perhaps this will help you fulfill one of your resolutions as well!) I am also going to make more time to do volunteer work at soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
So, what were your New Year's Resolutions? Let me know and let's make 2009 the best year yet!
