goodbye 2016, hello 2017

Well here it is, a new year, new beginnings, new starts, new diets, new goals and all that jazz.
I'm not one for making New Year's Resolutions, 'lose weight', 'get fit', 'stop eating chocolate', I think that all year round, every year, so why should the 1st of January encourage me to do something that I generally haven't achieved any other time.
Like the rest of the world, I'm glad to see the back of 2016, for me personally, it was a horrendous year and I'm ready to put it behind me.  But like resolutions, I'm also not one for seeing the 1st January as time for a change, this big event that marks the start of something new.  It's just another day, not that different to the day before, or the one that's going to come after it.  Before now, I couldn't pinpoint specifically good years or bad years, so writing one off to start a new one has never been something I've done.  
 But this year, it maybe makes a little more sense.  While the 1st January doesn't mean I'm going to forget everything that happened in 2016, I can't just wipe the slate clean and start again.  This new year will be hard in many ways, but it is something to look forward to, to set dates, to plan holidays, to go to weddings and hen do's, to spend time with family, to just make it a better year.
So what do I hope for in 2017? You'll see last year, rather than a resolution, I set myself a challenge, and it worked, it was a much more concrete goal, something to work towards and achieve.  Telling myself I'm going to lose weight is never going to give me the motivation I need, I could lose 1/2 a pound, and in theory, I've done it, New Year's Resolution achieved, tick. 
Ok so let's start with the obvious, a job would be nice.  I'm starting the new year unemployed after having been made redundant in November.  Being off work was actually a blessing in disguise, I could spend time with my family when it was most needed.  And while it would be lovely to continue going on being a lady of leisure, unfortunately I'm not blessed with an unlimited bank account.
Next up is to stick with the fitness.  That's two years now that I've kept up being fit.  24 whole months.  I can't really believe it either, who'd have thought this lazy, never ran in her life, couch potato would manage to start getting into shape.  It all started in the run up to my wedding, then I set myself the Total Warrior challenge, now I need a 2017 target, something that will motivate me to keep going.  I'm definitely going to sign up to another Total Warrior type obstacle course (all suggestions welcome as I want to do a different one), I WILL run 10k again.  I had two aims at the end of December, one to run 5k in under 30 minutes, which I did, just, the other to run 10k, which I didn't.  I want to get properly fit, I'd like to learn to lift weights, and I'd love a set of abs, it might not happen but it's something to aim towards. 
Keep up the blogging.  I have a new design which I'm just waiting to launch.  And last year I feel like I got back my blogging flow, 2017 is the year to keep it up, and grow my audience and readership.  Blogging takes time, and I really admire those people who have full time jobs and successful blogs, how do they do it? So while getting a job is my priority, working on my blog is second in line. And I have a fancy new camera to work with so there's no excuses.
Speaking of cameras, I guess it's about time I learnt how to use them.  I'm a point and click kinda girl, and I've always admired people who take beautiful photos.  It definitely doesn't come easy to me, so it really will be a case of learning all the basics, but I think I can only improve my blog, if I improve my photography.  So watch this space...and point me in the direction of photography tips.
Eat more fish.  I know, it's not your usual resolution but I'm always reading about how good fish is for you.  I love it, so me and the Mr have agreed that we'll aim to eat it once a week, I'm assuming Friday night fish n' chips is totally acceptable right? 
And last on the list is somewhat indulgent.  When I'm working again, and have money in my pocket once more, I'd like to spend some of that on pampering myself.  I love the idea of spending time getting massages and facials, having my nails done and getting someone else to pluck my eyebrows.  These little things often make you feel so much better in yourself, and once I've got this smokin' hot body (see fitness goals) which is obviously going to happen, then why shouldn't I spend money on looking after it? You only get one after all.
So that's it for my 2017.  I know there'll be hundreds of these posts going around, but by putting it down on paper (ahem digitally) always makes me feel more accountable, so lets see how I get on.  2017 will be a better year.  And I will lose this tummy, I'll just have a Quality Street first though...