Things I need to stop doing in 2013

Instead of new year resolutions I don't keep, usually because I forget about it by February, I made a list of things I should STOP doing (for the new-improved-tight-arsed-me):

1. Buying bottled water. I've probably spend as much money on bottled water as my phone bill last year. It has got to stop.

2. Forgetting to use my loyalty cards. I always forget to hand over my loyalty cards to punch off my purchase, which can lead to a FREE!!! something. I'm not made of money, and can not just nonchalantly ignore these cards. I know I'll be the annoying butt-crack to the person behind waiting, but I won't care. In 2013, I will find the card! And save the money!

3. Ordering overpriced salads. I swear, I order a salad with like four ingredients, and I'm paying $19. This year I will make my own salads.

4. Forgetting to actually take the cash out of the ATM machine and walking away (my idiocy has caused me to do this countless times), for a passing druggie to pocket it for more drugs, and overdose and collapse in a gutter. For his sake! I will remember to take the money I withdraw!

Mixtape: NYC

This time last year, I was in New York City. The subway was crippled by snowpocalypse, the walk/don't walk signs read both, the homeless nights... Cue up a song like "Empire State of Mind," and I remember. By the way, who knew there were this many songs about New York?! But this playlist is very personal.

001 LET IT SNOW :: Frank Sinatra
002 UNDISCOVERED :: James Morrison
003 ALL THIS BEAUTY :: The Weepies
004 GIRL INFORM ME :: The Shins
005 NE ME QUITTE PAS :: Regina Spektor

006 THE ONLY LIVING BOY IN NEW YORK :: Simon & Garfunkel

007 TWENTYSOMETHING :: Jamie Cullum
008 MAKE IT MINE : Jason Mraz
009 THE HEART OF LIFE :: John Mayer
010 SHOW YOU HOW :: The Killers
011 OFF BROADWAY :: Ryan Adams
012 BACK TO MANHATTAN :: Norah Jones
013 LADY LIBERTY :: Okkervil River
014 OVERTURE / HANNIBAL :: Phantom of the Opera (Soundtrack)
015 FOR GOOD :: Wicked (Glee Cast version)

016 NOLITA FAIRYTALE :: Vanessa Carlton

017 SHE MOVES IN HER OWN WAY :: The Kooks
018 NEW YORK, NEW YORK :: Cat Power
019 SOMEWHERE IN MY MEMORY :: John Williams (Home Alone 2 Soundtrack)

020 A DANCE ROUND THE MEMORY TREE :: Oren Lavie
021 THE DISTRICT SLEEPS ALONE  TONIGHT :: The Postal Service

022 WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE LORD :: Shane Barnard & Shane Everett
023 ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE :: Darlene Zschech
024 EMPIRE STATE OF MIND : Jay Z & Alicia Keys

New Year Resolutions

1. Before you status update, blog or Instagram, pause and say to yourself, “is it entirely necessary that I share this morsel of thought with my entire social network?”and if the answer is not, “yes, I absolutely must,” then step away from the Internet.
2. At the end of the day, set aside and collect your coins in your 'coffee savings' bunny bank, given especially to you out of compassion.
3. Spend less than or equal to the money you earn each week.
4. Wear and buy clothes that fit you. 
5. Call someone on the phone at least once a week, and speak to him or her for at least ten minutes, and don't be awkward about it.
6. Tell someone who you love that you love them on a more regular basis. To their face, not in a text or Facebook.
7. Always, always, always back up your files. In 3 locations (or else, it does not exist!). Don't not back up your files, lose it, and really lose it.
8. Actually use your diary
9. Help mama out with chores around the house before she has to ask you. Remember you are a grown woman living at home, and that several people your age are already married.
10. Become a 50's housewife, minus the husband (in preparation for marriage, sort of). Organised, multi-tasking, perfectionist, determined, high-maintenance, well-groomed, and merry.
11. Be bold. Hold your head high. You are loved and secure.