Resolutions

Around Christmas time each year, I stop to think about the events that occurred during the year and how I can improve myself and my life in the upcoming new year.  I have always tried to constantly better myself, so my new year's resolutions are usually a list of things that I can do, instead of things that I will restrict myself from doing.  Here is a list of my resolutions for 2012, some of which I have already started this winter :-)

1.   Travel - As a stressed-to-the-max graduate student, I have not given myself enough time to travel and see the world.  So, for 2012, I am resolving to give myself a break and travel more!  I have already purchased several flights to various places, and I am super excited!

• January - Miami, FL for my half marathon and some debauchery!
• February/March - Maui, Hawaii!
• May - VEGAS BABY
• June - August - Cape Cod all the time, obviously
• July - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• September - Paris (and also another European country, any suggestions?)!!!!!

2.  Run a bunch of long distance races - I am hoping to complete a bunch of half marathons in 2012, such as my Miami half marathon in January.  Also, I was chosen to run the NYC half marathon in March with 2 of my best friends, so that's also super exciting!  I am also seriously considering training for a marathon in May...possibly the NJ Long Branch marathon.  Once I finish the Miami half, I will think about whether or not I am ready to start marathon training!

3.  Makeover - I feel like I need something new for 2012...and I think that something new is going to be a makeover!  I have scheduled a hair appointment for Friday, January 6th to get a haircut, gloss treatment, and balayage highlights (Lifebooker is the best for salon deals!).  Here are my favorite celebrity hair inspirations that I think would work well on my hair...what do you think? :

4.  GRADUATE! - A goal that is clearly on the top of my list: to graduate from graduate school!  I am hoping to defend my Ph.D. thesis by this time next year, which will ultimately be the best day of my life.  Currently, I am writing a chapter for a science book on my research, and I am working on publishing a couple scientific papers on my research as well, so hopefully 2012 will be a successful year for me!

Question of the day:  What are your New Year's Resolutions?