New stuff that's super new

Happy (almost) New Year!  I'm so super excited about the upcoming year, I can barely contain myself!!!!!  It's going to be a year of both change and permanency for us.  A year of growth and settling.  How exciting!

A new home
We'll finally have our "home" town to settle in for longer than a few years.  I can finally feel comfortable trying to make close friends and not fearing having to leave them right away.  Of course, we'll be leaving the fabulous friends we accidentally gained up here, which is a major bummer.  But if we've learned anything in all of our travels, it's that the closest friends will find a way to see each other, no matter where they live.  Bring on 2012 and Charlotte!

New shoes
Not as big of a deal at all, but still exciting, is that I got my awesome new boots from Ahnu and Racing with Babes.  They are ahmaaaazing.  Beyond comfortable, I was able to just wear them immediately.  Paired with my new hair (I'll expand in a moment), I feel way more butt-kicking than usual.  And they're lightweight, waterproof, and made for hiking.  Triple score.  If I had more funky clothes to match them, I'd probably wear them every day.

Look out snow, I'll kick your ass.

New hair
I finally gave in and got my hair chopped.  I've always wanted to grow my hair out, but the only time I ever succeeded for a decent time is before our wedding.  This time, I let it grow to a few inches past my shoulders.  I felt like I was being suffocated every night, but I pushed on because of the upcoming cold NY winter.  Upon word of a milder NC winter, I began wanting the short stuff back, and I caved.  I decided to go a bit farther and put random pink streaks in it.  Because what the hell, it's just hair!  I don't know if I love the streaks, as I'm 32 and possibly just too old for it, but I love the cut.

New River Marathon
Yes, it says "marathon", not "half marathon".  I finally did it and signed up for my first full!!!!!!  I'm so super stoked and nervous at the same time.  It is May 5, so training conveniently starts 1/1.  I'll put a half (or two) in there during the wait and improve my times hopefully.  Plus I'll be finishing training for PiYo instruction and trying to find a good gig.  Then there's a Super Spartan (I'm on the Spartan Street Team--I can get you great promo codes!!!) and another Tough Mudder in the mix.  Add in a second full marathon in November in Chattanooga and a couple random halfs and/or trail races, and it'll be a damn full year.  Just like I want it.

So as far as resolutions, I've decided to quit drinking soda, try to start another mile-a-day running streak, and finish more races than ever before.  Now, it'll be tough and I'm not doing this with grandiose ideas of instant success.  I'll have my hiccups, I'll probably drink sodas at restaurants, I'll miss a few days of running when we're all sick and the poop hits the fan during moving, and I'll get behind on training for at least one race this year.  BUT as long as I finish 2012 much stronger than I started, I'll see the year as a success.  That's how I finished this year, and I've never been happier with myself and my life.  I am truly blessed!

Now, tell me about your plans, goals, and new happenings in 2012.  I can't wait to hear them! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!