As you may know, I am not one for New Year’s resolutions, though I do believe in the betterment of oneself especially when it comes to self discovery.

I would say that I work on myself and things throughout the year, not just in January for a few weeks, then let all hell break loose and abandon my goals.

There are a few things I would like to work on in 2011 and am hoping to start these projects relatively soon. I’d like to share 5 of these with you.

1. Learn another language

My grandfather spoke 7 languages and I am currently up to 5. It is my goal to get up to that number, or surpass it. Though I do learn languages easily, I do need to get immersed in the culture and dive right into it. A Berlitz travel dictionary won’t cut it. I am looking at an Eastern European language which I have dabbled in already, or a Scandinavian language which would be simpler for me because of the other languages I speak. The verdict is still out on which one I will pick! I have also thought about Sign Language as it might be useful.

2. Do more Yoga

Since my two difficult foot operations in the past year and a half, participating in any physical activity has not been easy.  I used to do yoga 5 days a week and had to stop cold turkey. Since then, my favorite Yoga studio has closed but I have my eye on a couple of others. Though my foot will not be able to do it all, Yoga is definitely the best exercise I can do under the circumstances.

3. Do more Frugal Travel

As you know, I get on a plane 4-5 times a year. I usually go overseas once and the other destinations are random. I spend a lot on travel. Though I am relatively responsible when it comes to dishing out money, I do tend to slip especially when in my favorite destinations such as Montreal or The Netherlands. I will be in Paris in March and probably back to Holland later in the year so I will need to be a bit more conscious of my spending. A trip to Venice Beach is also planned for December of that year, and two or three trips to visit friends in Canada. Good thing I have points for free flights!

4. Spending on Fashion

Since my inner fashionista bursted over a year ago, I’ve been going a little ballistic. Perhaps I am making up for lost time? Thanks mom and dad (R.I.P.) who is  and was serious fashion plates and although I rebelled against it for years, I do believe their past influence has helped me become this way now. I still find designer stuff at the local thrift store and take advantage of deals on Hautelook and Beyond the Rack.  I do need to tone it down but I promise that this won’t stop my inner creativity and desire to look good. How vain (gee, do I have to work on that too? ) haha

5. Be more positive and less judgmental

As I never hold back and can be overly honest, some people might see me as someone highly cynical and judgmental. Perhaps looking at the glass half full instead of half empty might be a better plan of action. A friend of mine used to say that he was not a cynic, but a realist. Although I tend to think this is how I am, most people may not see it this way. I have also noticed that where I currently live, people aren’t used to abrasiveness and blunt honesty. Freaks them out. When I go home I can let loose and people interpret it the right way. I don’t want to change who I am, though I do think there is a way to deliver information without sounding harsh.  Although I’ve been told that my bark is worse than my bite. Still, I need to be more accepting of people sometimes.

*BONUS*

6. Posting more Photos on The Frugal Vegan

Some of you have requested that I post more photos along with my postings. I do post them, though  not my own and I know that’s what you want to see. I love photography but frankly, I suck at it. I will try to use my phone and take pics to accompany more postings in 2011.

Here’s wishing everyone a happy 2011. Stay true to yourself and most of all, have fun!