a few goals for 2011

After taking a look at my 10 in 2010 and realizing I really only accomplished 50% of what I wanted to do, I thought long and hard about the goals I wanted to set for 2011.  So a few nights ago, Nic and I sat down to come up with a list of things we would like to do as individuals and as a couple.  This list might grow as we revisit it in a few days.

Races - Kier

1. Two marathons (Fargo and TCM or MCM tentatively)

2. Four half marathons
3. Relay For Life 10K

4. a variety of local 5Ks

My ultimate goal for this category is to set a PR in each distance.  Should be fairly easy to do and I am assuming setting a PR in the half will be the hardest.

Fitness - Kier & Nic

1. Strength train at least 1-2 days per week

2. Participate in Spin classes 1-2 days per week

3. Try to fit in yoga once per week (Kier)

Cooking - Kier & Nic

1. Meal plan!

2. Cook and photograph one blog worthy meal each week (Kier)

3. Once a month, cook out of my comfort zone (Kier) - ie, ethnic cuisine, multiple course meals, weird ingredients, etc. and blog about it

4. Twice a month change it up a bit and TRY to relinquish the spatula. :)  Nic and I will prepare a meal the following way:  she picks & shops, he cooks, she cleans OR he picks & shops, she cooks, he cleans. Blog it.

Trips/Vacations - Kier & Nic

1. Drastically cut down on our trips to Minnesota.  Yes, Nic and I have spent many hours discussing this and we go up to MN waaaay too much.  We are shooting for 6ish visits, however someone decided to go and get engaged, so this number might jump a bit in order to get to various wedding related activities.  The trips that we do make to Minnesota will be for very special occasions and not just because.  But seriously friends and family, we are serious about not making the trek to the Great North as often, so if you want to see us, you MIGHT have to make the trip to Iowa.

2. Mystery Weekends!  Since we have already gotten our big trip out of the way this year, each of us will plan at least one mystery weekend trip on a budget.  Example, Nic chooses a weekend and makes plans to go backpacking in NE Iowa.  He will have to do so on a budget and without letting me know what the plans are.  I have to go and I have to like it once we get there.  This is going to be FUN.

Money - Kier & Nic

1. Continue with our budget and get better at following it!

2. Pay off at least two of our student loans and continue to make larger payments on the whoppers there after.

3. Continue to pile money into ING - try to increase weekly payments and make one large contribution at the end of each month (if we are able to come in under budget).

4. Save for our big 2012 vacation to _________________________.

5. By summer, have enough money saved up and purchase a new to us car.

Volunteering - Kier

1. Volunteer as an assistant coach for Girls on the Run

2. Volunteer for at least two races

Misc. - Kier & Nic

1. Read at least 11 non-fiction books this year (Kier)

2. Read 40 books total for the year (Kier)

3. No babies

4. No more pets (you know, in order to stave off any baby fever that might occur)

Alright - so that list is a good and long one!  But I like it - and I know it will continue to grow in the next few days.  Did I miss anything??