New Year's Resolutions 2012

First, a look back at last year's resolutions, which involved haircuts and caftans and reduced workloads. How'd I do? Well, I did start getting regular haircuts and I actually bought the caftan in the post, though I've only worn it once (at the beach, much to the amusement of the friends).

As for work, well, I probably deserve some credit, in that I was a little smarter about the types of projects I agreed to - I turned down a bunch that I knew would make me miserable. But in the end, I worked approximately the same number of hours. But I think I'll still put work in the "win" category.

So I'm feeling reasonably good about those 2011 resolutions. On to 2012, when I will:

1. Look better when I leave the house, even if I'm only going to Target. This involves a) mascara, at a minimum, and b) wearing my nice clothes, and leaving the leggings at home.

2. Stop feeling guilty about focusing on fun, rather than more scholarly or serious stuff. This one is vague, I know, but basically it comes down to this: if I want to spend my free time planning and throwing parties, instead of doing research for a pretend book I'm  never actually going to write, that's OK. Hosting parties, where I have fun and so do my friends, is just as noble a pursuit as anything academic. As a mantra, it's a little long, but it's true!

So that's it for 2012: More Mascara, More Parties.

Also, more blogging. Starting today, I'm adding two regular weekly features, to replace some of my old weekly features that have fallen by the wayside. This year, Tuesdays will be all about pretty tables and Fridays will focus on happy hour, with featured cocktails.

So that's it. Welcome, 2012!