7 in 2011

I'm going to be writing a lot of lesson plans over winter break, and we use "long-term objectives" and "short-term objectives" in our lesson template; your long-term objectives are your ultimate goals - what you want your students to learn or take from the unit - and short-term objectives are the steps that get you to your long-term objectives.
Y'all know I love making resolutions, New Year's or otherwise.  It feels good to decide what you want and make plans to get yourself there.  I'm working on a "part 2" which will include my short-term objectives and some game plans.  For now - here are my long-term objectives for 2011:

Do it on purpose.

This is actually my entire resolution (and has been for the last few years), but it definitely helps me to clear up what I mean by "on purpose," because it's kind of like every resolution possible, rolled into one.

• Be intentional.  Impulsiveness is out.  Consideration is in.
• Take care of yourself.  Take your vitamins, eat your vegetables (gross), have a bedtime, get exercise, read books.
• Work hard.  If you want it, make it happen.
• Save money.  Think deeply before you buy; you probably don't need it.  "The best things in life aren't things."
• Get dressed every morning like you mean it.  No sweatpants in public, even if you're "just running to the grocery store," lest Stacy & Clinton be watching.  If you look good, you'll feel good.
• Appreciate what you have.  Remember how lovely your life is before you complain.
• Be kind.  Send birthday cards, listen to others' problems, return phone calls, keep in touch.
• Push yourself.  Be comfortable outside of your comfort zone.

I'd intended to make 11 resolutions for 2011, á la Angela, and while it makes for better blog post titles, I didn't want to fluff my list with things that I don't feel really strongly about making an effort on in 2011.

In other news, HAPPY FIRST DAY OF WINTER!!