2010 is well and truly on it's way. The first few days are typically filled with the old game of virtual tennis, looking back and looking forward. People make lists of resolutions that are often broke by the time the Easter bunny delivers it's eggs. So this year I'm setting myself 10 goals for 2010.
I've never committed my resolutions to paper in the past yet alone in public, so this exercise will be fun to monitor. It's also my plan to document when I reach any of my '10 for 2010'.
So here we go; My 10 Goals In 2010
- Waste Not - We as consumers waste so much food a year with over buying and general waste. I'm really going to make the most of what food i buy by either cleverly using leftovers or off cuts, actually eating leftovers and generally reducing 'just in case purchasing' that lead to the over buying waste.
- Raise The Welfare - There is no excuse any longer to not eat meat that has had a decent life. Restaurants and Stores everywhere are selling free-range, organic and MSC certified meat. The premium prices that were attached to them say 4 years ago are falling. There is no excuse now to eat meat from animals that have suffered for poor welfare.
- Try Something New - I know it's a popular supermarket chain's slogan, but I'm taking it on. I'm pretty adventurous when it comes to eating, but I don't usually seek it out. So I'm going to see out gastronomic adventure on a regul;ar basis.
- Learn Something - Knowledge is the key to growth, and I'm passionate about learning. My problem is I'm not regimented about learning. So in 2010 I'm going to make it a goal to on a big scale learn something new every month. Be it the art of mastering the macaroon or perfecting pasta making. Knowledge is power!
- Cook the Books - I buy loads of cookbooks. the usual routine goes like this; Take them to bed for bedtime reading for a week or so, read through them, pick up bits of inspiration here and there, and then they go to the bookshelf until I remember something about them. I'm going to cook through at least 2 recipes from every new cookery book i buy. And I'm going to follow them to the letter. Seeing that someone has taken the time to write the recipes I might as well follow them. this little exercise will also help me hone my own writing skills (see item 6)
- Daily Texts - Every day i get great idea, most of us do. It's often a case of I'll have a great idea then never commit it to text. Well in 2010 that will change. Every day I'm devoting to at least 30 minutes of writing. I realize that they will not equate to a meaningful post every day, but it will get the juices flowing.
- Speed Up/Slow Down - My work/life balance sometime dictates that I work later hours than I'd like. Sometimes I get home and thing I do not want spend an hour in the kitchen and cook dinner. Cooking does not need to be time consuming and laborious if you plan in advance. To avoid the takeaway on days I know I'm going to be late I'm going to plan meals that can simmer away all day in a slow cooker or in a low oven. I'm also going to have quick meal staples waiting in the wings to cook speed tasty and satisfying meals.
- Limit The Shit - Take one look at me and you will say 'That guy loves his food'. It's true I love food and it shows, I'm not a snob when it comes to food I love it all, junk food included. But Junk food should be a limited treat. If i limit the shit and shift a few pounds then good for me! But I'll always look like a guy who loves food!
- Abuse Plates - No I'm not meaning a kinky S&M reference here. I love shopping for plates, cutlery and general dinnerware. Most get used once maybe twice a year , some not at all. In 2010 the plates will get used and lovingly abused through regular entertaining and possible a business adventure (see point #10)
- Get Cooking - I'm been going on about doing something professionally in food for years now. I even left my well paid job of 13 years to get into it. In 2010 I'm going to make steps toward that goal. What is the goal? Who knows but I'm going to take giant strides to get there.