This year, I've been thinking about a lot of the changes I've made since my last New Year's. These changes weren't the result of any "resolution," nor were they driven by any given date. But I did a lot of things in 2000 that were new to me:
1. I planned a national conference in just 4 months, the Bi2K conference concurrent with the Millennial March on Washington
2. I truly studied for the first time in my life to prepare myself for a test (the LSAT)
3. I started working with a nutritionist, and I've lost 16 pounds and experienced a lot less blood sugar issues as a result
4. I've gotten into the habit of exercising 5-7 times a week, except when I'm vacationing (which sadly seems to be at least 1 wkd per month)
5. I've learned some things about home improvement and maintenance, including plumbing, the design of ductwork, care of hardwood floors, and more
6. I launched this website, and made a concerted effort to consistently update it and ensure it is content-driven
7. (really a part of #6) I've started personal writing again, and have moved myself in the direction of self-publication. I even managed to scratch off a piece of more creative-style writing, which I may try to turn into something more substantial.
I've spent some time thinking about what I want to be working on more in the future. A lot of my energy is going into continuing these projects, plus of course there's going to be a lot devoted to wedding planning and then law school (hopefully) in 2001. But I've also thought about what I've enjoyed in the past year, and a lot of what I've gotten great mileage out of seems to be related to my self, to my person. And a couple of those things (like #3 and #4) are directly related to my appearance.
It may sound vapid. Fuck, it IS vapid. But I've decided to spend more time worrying about how I look this year. I've started playing with makeup more, and I think I may try wearing some on a regular basis. I want to take better care of my skin and hair. I want to make sure my clothes are properly pressed, and that I have a crisp, assembled look with appropriate accessories. I want to treat myself to occasional spa treatments to pamper my body. I want to use obscenely expensive toiletries to make me smell and feel great. I want to continue to watch what I put in my mouth, and pay attention to how that affects my appearance and my sensibilities as well as my health. I want to keep painting my nails, but not just for club nights anymore...I want to sometimes give myself manicures and pedicures just for the hell of it. I don't like looking like a slob, and while I don't think I generally look like one I'd like to look a little more put together.
So we'll see how this resolution goes. Self-improvement ho!
Update 2.11.01:
I've been true to this resolution. I've worked out almost 6 days a week since the first of the year, except when I was travelling (and even in Boston I managed to fit in a gym visit, woo hoo!). Here's some of what I've been doing:
* Visited the Clinique counter and bought foundation and toner.
* Wore the foundation a couple times for clubgoing and parties.
* Used the toner and a moisturizer on my face daily.
* Painted my nails more often, and took enough care of them that they stand up to more than 3 days of wear.
* Wore lipstick almost every day, even at work.
* Got a haircut. I now have shorter hair around my face, so when I put my hair up I have lovely tendrils framing my face. Pretty!
* Tried out some higher quality hair products. We'll see how I like them once I've had 'em longer.
* Wore jewelry, mostly necklaces, a little more often.
* Started thinking about repiercing my ears. We'll see.
* Ate very carefully and consciously most of the time.