Petite Resolutions 2012: A Year in Review

Recap of a Great Year
(read the original post here, the first quarter recap here, the half-way mark recap here, and the third quarter recap here).

Overall, 2012 was a great year. 

But, like any great year, it had it's ups and downs - from running my first race (a 5K, but a race none-the-less) and going on the trip of a lifetime to Russia, Sweden, and more, to making mistakes and shedding a tear or two, this year had it all!

 So, let's take a look back at my goals from the past twelve months:

1) Read More - goal: read at least one book each month; read before bed instead of TV

Although I wasn't always successful at reading one book a month (some months were busy, some months I was lazy) I did manage to read 22 books in 2012 - many of them good (such as, Jian Ghomeshi's 1982, The Happiness Project, Born to Run), a few of them bad (I won't name names...).

2) Volunteer

By the end of the year, I was happily volunteering with two organizations here in Ottawa: Dress for Success and IABC. One played to my love of fashion, one satisfied my need to write and network; both were fabulous experiences that I will definitely be continuing in 2013.

3) Write more

Thanks to this lovely little blog, I was able to write and share on a near-daily basis, which was more than fantastic! In addition to the blog, I had the opportunity to interview two very cool eco designers for Ef Magazine (check them out here).

4) Spend less - use the library, make lunches

Over the course of the year, this the one goal that really ebbed and flowed. Some months I was the picture of frugality, making lunches every day, avoiding the mall, and limiting all unnecessary spending, and then there were other months where I was spending money like a Rockefeller.

5) save 10% of each pay cheque

Thanks to automatic transfers, I was really great at saving money. I was also really good at spending money and using the savings I'd accumulated to pay for things like my trip. So, in the latter half of the year I started again, and so far it's going well!

6) Pay off Visa Card

Still chipping away.

7) Pay off student debt

Although this is a goal that I have slowly been chipping away at for the past couple of years, I made a huge dent in it in 2012, which felt absolutely amazing!

8) Drink more water

9) Eat more fruits, vegetables & berries

10) Eat less pasta, dairy

Look, I love pasta. A LOT. Especially once the weather gets cold. I LOVE comfort food. Therefore, it was damn near impossible for me to give it up completely, but I didn't eat it as much, which I am definitely counting as a win!

11) Go to the gym 3 times a week

Sometimes I did, sometimes I didn't. Sometimes life got in the way, and one of the things I learned this year is that that's okay! I never gave up completely, so -- WIN!

12) be patient, breathe

13) Stop being so lazy

14) Stop being scared - of failure, of standing out

15) don't think, DO!

The last quarter of the year was definitely a test for me when it came to all of these goals. So many moments I didn't take the time to breathe and I didn't want to stand out, but overall, I think I am leaps and bounds farther ahead than I was at this time last year.

Atop St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia.

16) go to Europe, see Paris, Stockholm

This was by far the highlight of my year - traveling Russia, Sweden and several other European countries. Although the trip itself was only three weeks, the entire journey was nearly nine months from beginning to end. From making the decision and booking the flights, to saving money and making plan, not a day went by where I wasn't excited about my trip, and even since getting back in early-September I highly doubt a day has gone by where I haven't thought about it. It was fabulous, taught me so much about myself, and gave me the adventure that I'd been yearning for.

As I rang in 2013 surrounded by friends, I couldn't help but think about the year that had passed: I accomplished many of my goals; I failed at a few; and realized that some just aren't for me, but it was all progress in one way or another. 

 And, I felt incredibly happy, which is really what matters the most. 

So, like I said off the top, 2012 was a great year! 

And one that I'm so glad I could share with you, PA readers. I can't thank you enough for popping by every day, reading my posts, and leaving comments. I'm so happy that I could have shared this fantastic year with you!

For 2013 I've decided to start a new page for my Petite Resolutions that will be updated as I go. There I'll be posting a list of books that I've read, and updates on my other goals that I've accomplished/failed at/modified. Here's to another fabulous new year!

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