2011 already seems like hard work!

I spent a lovely Christmas by the sea with some friends and in a moment  of drunken optimism we decided to make lists of 20 things we would each endeavour to accomplish in 2011.  3 days into the new year as I lie in bed, surrounded by snotty tissues (not literally, they are in the bin where they belong), feeling terribly sorry for myself, I'm wondering what the hell I was thinking!

20 things is a lot!  And I haven't picked 20 easy things.  No doubt attempting to complete this list will (for the most part) be a lot of fun, but why couldn't I have left it at 10 things? Too easily swayed by my friends' enthusiasm? Too confident in my ability to do anything I set my mind to? Forgetful of the fact that I have no self-discipline?  Perhaps I realised that 2010 was a year of transition and I was finally in a position and (more importantly) had the desire to move my life forward, and making this list was the first step?  No, you're right, I'm not that insightful.  I'll blame it on the wine and sea air.

The list has been made, and as Lady Macbeth would say:

"Screw your courage to the sticking place, and you'll not fail!"

My List for 2011:

1.  Learn Spanish (I haven't quite figured out how much Spanish I need to learn to fulfill this)
2. Complete and pass 3 accounting exams
3. Learn the guitar (See Spanish)
4. Complete a writing project (I've started many, but as I said, I lack focus & discipline)
5. Visit my friends in Bournemouth/Dorset at least 5 times this year (because they are good peops!)
6. Learn to cook at least 12 new dishes well.
7. Scale the heights at Go Ape
8. Say what I think more often (I've been told I'm much too diplomatic)
9. Write at least one blog post each month
10. Eat at 3 Michelin-starred restaurants - one must be outside the UK.
11. Initiate conversations with strangers (I need to get over my shyness)
12. Do some form of exercise 3 times a week
13. Spend a weekend in Edinburgh (I keep meaning to go and never get round to it)
14. Holiday in a non-English-speaking country alone
15. Pay off at least one of my credit cards (this might not be possible with all the lessons and eating and travelling, but it's good to aim high)
16. Reduce my sugar intake (this might be the most difficult)

The eagle-eyed among you will notice that I have only listed 16 of the 20 items I said were on my list.  I'm keeping the remaining four to myself for now, but if you're lucky (or unlucky depending on your point of view), and if I actually manage to complete them, I might share more later.

Good luck with any lists you need to get through this year (feel free to share any goals in the comments below).  I wish you all a joyful and successful 2011!