2017's New Year's Resolutions

Out with the old, in with the new! Goodbye 2016, hello 2017, etc., etc! I'm honestly looking forward to this new year ahead of us - 2016 didn't end well, with a lot of family emergencies and hearing bout a lot of deaths, both with celebrities and within the families of people I'm close with. But looking back at the end of last year, it still makes me feel good to see all that I've accomplished in the past year. At the end of 2016, I have a part-time job, I've been dating the love of my life for over a year now, I've moved into my grandmother's place with my mother, and overall I feel like I have more direction in my life than I did the previous year. I feel much more confident setting these resolutions, and I hope that I can stick with each and every one of them :)

Resolution #1: Move in with My Boyfriend Kurt by the End of 2017!

This is definitely the biggest one by far, and it's something that's obviously not entirely dependent on me, but it's still a goal of mine, and something I like to aspire to and strive towards in my life. It was only a couple of months ago that we decided that we liked the idea of the two of us moving in together - one day, when we could afford it, and when the two of us are ready. Because my new living situation with my mother and grandmother is a bit more cramped, saving up with this goal in mind is going to be a big priority in 2017 for me.

Resolution #2: Get Better At Maintaining TWW(s)!

(Hope I didn't already fail this, given that I'm posting my resolutions on the 13th of the month XP) I'm ashamed to say that in 2016, I produced an all-time low number of blog posts, and this year things are going to change! I've been letting my own anxieties as well as general laziness get in the way of blogging (plus I took a pretty long break once things got started with the move in the spring/summer), but I want to make a habit of posting on here more regularly, while still bringing you fun and exciting posts. One thing I'm hoping to do is catch up on some book reviews that I've been too busy to write up, and don't forget that I'm always open to suggestions for blog posts - email me or post in the comments if there's something in particular that you'd like to see!

Resolution #3: Start Working Out at the YMCA with Kurt!

I have never, ever, never made a resolution that has had anything to do with working out or getting in shape, because in my case I know I'd be setting myself up for failure. I am the type of person that has never been able to just walk into a gym and start working out, I'm not comfortable enough to do that. And I've tried working out at home, and it hasn't worked, and even the idea of walking around my neighborhood makes me feel anxious. Luckily, of all people, it was my amazing boyfriend Kurt who actually suggested first that the two of us join the YMCA and to hire a personal trainer who can actually show us each the areas that we should be working on. Kurt has a way of making me feel calm, and I'm hoping that I'll actually get comfortable working out if Kurt's right there with me.

Resolution #4: Stay at My Job Past My First 6 Months & Transfer to My Home City!

I started at my contract position this past September, and by early March, my 6 month probation will be complete. Before then, I have this massive product knowledge test I need to complete online, which will require a LOT of studying XP And once all of that is complete (fingers crossed), I'll be allowed to apply for a transfer to a store in Welland, where I'm currently living, so that I'll be able to either walk or take public transit to work every day. The goal is, I don't want to be dependent on my mother for a ride forever, which connects to being able to live with Kurt one day. And, y'know, general adulting XP

Resolution #5: Set Up My Writing Desk and {Try to} Keep it Tidy!

Lately, all I can think about is the idea of getting to set up my very own writing desk in my bedroom - especially since I got a Typecast for Christmas, as well as a Unicorn pencil holder, which will both look freaking amazing once they're on display :D Unfortunately, there's a lot of unpacking and purging in my bedroom that I still have to do before I can even think about setting up my writing desk, but it's something I still get to dream about :) And plus, there's plenty of inspiration on Instagram - I'm pretty sure @PlannersAndFlowers owns my dream writing/crafting/planner desk/space.

Resolution #6: NEVER. STOP. WRITING.

This should probably be more of a life goal than a New Year's Resolution, but I'm still including it here all the same. Even though I didn't win NaNoWriMo this year, getting as far as I did inspired me to keep up with my writing in as many ways as possible throughout the year, and to never get out of the groove. So far in 2017 I've been roleplaying on a regular basis, which I absolutely love to do because it's fun and it keeps my creative writing skills sharp. I've also been looking into some freelance writing ads, and even a few writing competitions that I might enter. I hope I can keep up this energy and motivation to write all year round!

Resolution #7: Keep Up With The Snail Mail!

This is something that I needed to get back into the groove of, ASAP! I already owe a bunch of letters, not to mention I decided to wait until after the holidays to send out holiday gifts to some of my favorite pen pals so that I didn't need to spend extra money to make sure they shipped and arrived before Christmas Eve, so I need to get those gifts boxed up and sent out stat. I want to keep creating original flipbooks and even try my hand at pocket letters, which I cannot wait to share with you guys :)

What are your resolutions for 2017? I'd love to hear all about them, then we can cheer each other on throughout the year! Let me know in the comments below.