Twelve for twenty twelve

I lied. I said I was going to post my resolutions yesterday and it just didn't happen.  I had every intention of posting them, but it's not easy getting back into the swing of things after the holidays. Next week I promise to be back in full bloggy force rockin' your bargain socks off.

By the way, the comments y'all left on my look back on 2011 post were beyond overwhelming.  Your kind and gracious words touched my heart and I can't tell you enough how much they mean to me.  I have not had a chance to respond to each one individually yet, but I assure you they did not go unnoticed and very much appreciated.  XOXO

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So why 12 resolutions?  Not only is it twenty twelve so it seems fitting, but 12 just so happens to be my favorite and lucky number. If this doesn't turn out to be my year, then there is just no hope for me.

Now these aren't your traditional resolutions like "lose 20 pounds" because let's face it, that's my goal like every day of my life.  These are really just things I always say I'm going to do but for whatever reason, I have yet to check them off my life to-do list.  Here. we. go.

One.  Buy a pair of cowboy boots.  It's an outright shame that I am a born and bred Texan, but have never owned a pair of cowboy boots. Wait. I take that back. I think I had a pair when I was younger, but I'm now 27 and I find it unconstitutional that as a Southerner I don't have a pair taking up residence in my closet.

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two. Allow me to go a little Miranda Lambert "Time to Get a Gun" on you. This year I'm getting my CHL (concealed handgun license) and I'm buying a gun and that is final.  Preferably pink.

As a single girl who is home alone frequently, I want to have this to protect myself should some skeezebag try to assault me.  You may find me on a episode of Snapped one day and you can tell them all about the time I blogged about wanting to buy a gun.

three. Drink more water (with lemon) and cut back on Diet Cokes. There, I said it. I really don't like the idea of less diet cokes, but artificial sweetener is just so bad for you.  #firstworldproblems

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four. Keep a clean house by actually dusting, vacuuming and mopping on the reg.  No more of this once a month deep cleaning nonsense.  I want to keep up with it weekly.  Obvs I'll be cleaning in this get-up:

five. Read a book once a month.  I'm currently reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  Up next is The Hunger Games.  If any of you have any book recs, I am all yours.

six. Save money. Suze and I are going to get real tight:

seven. Take a photography class.  I had to take one in college as a journalism major but our professor was one of those that needed to retire like yesterday.  During any test we'd convince him it needed to be open book and he'd go right along with our antics.  I need to actually learn a trick or two.

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eight. Smile and compliment more (especially strangers). I have always loved the Plato quote, "Be Kind for Everyone You Meet is Fighting a Great Battle.”  I just need to remember it. 

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nine. Find and read at least five new blogs a week.  Again, suggestions are welcomed.

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ten. Watch less E! news and more "real news". Ahhh, the silver fox:

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eleven. Keep my car clean and detailed. Sometimes my car may or may not look like an episode of Hoarders and that's just not cute.

Note: this is NOT my actual vehicle.  Mine just looks like a second closet.
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twelve. Last but certainly not least, I vow to meet my best bish Raven IRL.  While we're talking about her, hop on over to her blog immed to read all about the hot necklace I'm wearing below.  It's my Christmas gift from her and I absolutely love it.  More to come on that next week!

lol irl to my pic on the right.  I'm trying to seduce y'all.  Is it working?

And that makes twelve. Any comments, questions or suggestions?  You know where to leave 'em.  Happy first Friday of 2012!  Make it a good one.