Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Goals for 2014


It seems as soon as the calendar flips to January 1st, everyone wants to start fresh.  Instead of making resolutions to change something about myself, such as "eating healthier" or "going to the gym"  I have compiled a list of goals.  My goals are simple and realistic. I want to keep doing what I'm already doing, but I want to improve and grow.  I want to improve my kitchen skills and expand my knowledge and I want to take the time to enjoy the things and people I love.  
See, very simple and attainable. 


Become a Better Cook
I want to go outside my comfort zone and attempt several unfamiliar techniques and perfect my actions.  Can you believe the only things I've ever poached are eggs and pears?  Time to take it one step further and try to poach salmon. 
I want to perfect other kitchen skills such as cutting vegetables so all pieces are uniform and cook evenly. And I want to be more organized.  This includes planning and prepping meals, storage of my kitchen gadgets and utensils I use most often and not make such a mess when I cook.  The mess goal is by far going to be the toughest!  I'm such a messy cook.

I also want to use more local ingredients and shop from local businesses such as the fishmonger, butcher and local farmers.


Grow My Blog & Online Presence
This is probably fairly obvious because really, who doesn't want to grow their blog?  These past 5 years I've had a lot on my plate and things will be slowing down substantially in the next month.  This should allow me more time to read and comment on all my favorite blogs more often, and be more interactive on twitter and facebook.
I look forward to being able to blog more consistently.  This will be a huge one for me because right now, posts have been sporadic and as of late, few and far between.  I plan on using a calendar to keep track of posts and plan things in advance.   I may take a page out of my friend Jolene's blogging book, and blog about what I'm eating, even if there's no recipe to post.  You should check her blog out, it's a fabulous read!



Be Less Busy and Take the Time to do Things I Love
Everyone needs to make this a goal.  It's good for mental health.  I've been so busy these last few years which resulted in me being exhausted almost all the time.  I never wanted to go out and visit with friends or even cook for myself.  
That will all be changing this year. 
I will have energy and will make time for friends and be social.  I miss my girlfriends and need some girl time!!  I can't wait for the time when I actually look forward to going out for an afternoon coffee date.  
I also want to entertain more.  I love to feed people, it brings me so much joy. Listen up girls (you know who you are), you're all coming over for a dinner party, or pool party (when the weathers right).  We can watch our favorite childhood movies or home videos and drink several bottles of Apothic Red.  Get ready!
I want to sit down on a quiet afternoon and read a book.  Not a cookbook, even though I love cookbooks. I want to read a good novel.  I want to lose myself in a good book and lose all track of time.  I'm looking forward to these lazy afternoons.  I've stumbled upon a delightful website called 50 Book Pledge.  It's a website where you pledge to read books and keep track of them on their website.  I've registered already and you can follow along if you like.  My user name is @culinarycool.

How do my goals compare to yours?  Are you the kind of person who sets goals or makes resolutions?

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This blog entry is part of The Canadian Food Experience Project which began June 7, 2013. As we (participants) share our collective stories across the vastness of our Canadian landscape, through our regional food experiences, we hope to bring global clarity to our Canadian culinary identity through the cadence of our concerted Canadian voice.   I will be writing new entries and posting them on the 7th of each month with a focus on Canadian food, particularly food found in Saskatchewan and the Canadian Prairies.  Please join us. 

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