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9. Sleep More

I don’t sleep enough. This is a problem, because it results in me drinking so much coffee that I’m pretty sure it has actually replaced blood as the main fluid running through my veins. I think my lack of sleep is due to some combination of my hard mattress, going to bed way too late, and my roommate listening to trashy European dance techno at 3am in the room beside me. My hope is that if I can remove one of these three things, the rest won’t matter so much and I’ll be able to catch some Z’s.

8. See More Live Shows

I love music, and going to shows is one of my favourite things to do in my free time. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s tough to find tickets for a show if it’s in high demand and tickets are sold out in just a couple of hours. My resolution is to not miss out on any shows this year that I really need to see, just because they’re sold out at the venue. I’ve noticed that I can find a lot of tickets for sale on my local UsedEverywhere site; they’re posted under the General Merchandise category. And, to keep on top of it, I’m going to look to see if there are any MyLists for tickets and then subscribe by RSS.

7. Drive Less

I don’t drive an excessive amount, but I’d still like to cut down my carbon footprint a little bit more. I already take public transit instead of driving most of the time, but I’d like to incorporate some more environmentally friendly transportation into my personal life. I think a bike might be the answer. Or I could just stop leaving my house. That’s probably not a good idea, though. Bet you can guess where I’ll go to find my new set of wheels? It’d be listed under Bicycles & Accessories in the Sporting Goods category on my local UsedEverywhere site!

6. Run More

Speaking of driving less, I need to run more. I would like to get myself into the habit of running two or three times a week consistently and sticking to that. Even though I’m already in pretty good shape, I could definitely benefit from more structure in my exercise routine. It seems like just about everyone tries to resolve to exercise more or lose weight after New Years… but I think I might actually stick with this; it’s a pretty specific goal, with fairly modest aims. Maybe I’ll make myself some sweet running playlists for my iPod to get myself pumped while running.

5. Paint My Bathroom

This resolution comes with a little bit of a story behind it. My house used to be a sickening hospital-green turquoise colour throughout. About a year ago, I finally got sick of it and painted everything a nice, neutral off-white, which was a huge improvement. Unfortunately, the bathroom was the only room in the house that wasn’t gross turquoise, so I never painted it. Now some of the paint is getting a bit flakey and I think it’s time that I gave the bathroom the coat of paint it deserves, maybe in a colour with a bit more personality than off-white. Suggestions? Also, the post a few weeks ago about UsedEverywhere’s Services section got me thinking… if I find I can’t get around to it myself… I think it still counts if I get some help right?

4. Eat More Local and Organic Food

I’m going to do my best to implement the 100 Mile Diet, or at least try to eat a greater selection of locally grown meat and veggies. This is keeping with my desire to lower my carbon footprint that I mentioned in #7. Eating locally is a great way to get good, fresh, nutrient-packed food that hasn’t been flown in from who-knows-where, and it also boosts your local economy. I love the feeling of knowing that the food I’m eating came from somewhere I could drive to in an hour or two, rather than from the other side of the world.

3. Spend More ‘Me’ Time

Sometimes I don’t take enough time out of the day to just spend relaxing and doing something just for me. There’s always something I should or could be doing instead, like cleaning the house, hanging out with friends, or catching up on paperwork and emails. I’d like to spend a bit more time doing things just for myself, and I’m realizing that sometimes it’s okay to let a few dishes sit in the sink, or to say no when someone asks me to go out for wings and beer. Maybe I’ll spend the time catching up on some TV I’ve missed, or reading one of the millions of books I’ve bought that I haven’t yet had time to read. Sometimes a little bit of anti-social time is great.

2. Travel

Ooooh, travel! The word itself gives me goosebumps, I get so excited. This year, I want to go somewhere outside of North America. I figure that if I work hard enough towards this goal, I can make it happen, so that’s what I’m going to do. I think wanting to travel more is resolution-worthy because of all the time, planning, and commitment that it takes to make a trip happen, not to mention all the saving up I’ll have to do. This will be a long-term resolution to get out there and see some of the world we live in, and I really hope I can make it happen.

1. De-Clutter My House

Oh man, this is a big one. I live in a house with two roommates, and these roommates tend to change every few months. Whenever a roommate moves out, they always leave a bunch of stuff behind. Because of this, I have a bunch of computer chairs, televisions, mini-fridges, and textbooks lying around taking up space. Thankfully, UsedEverywhere.com exists. I’m going to list all of this stuff and get some cash for it, as well as free up some space in my little home.

So, there they are. My New Years Resolutions. What are yours?

If you know a special little princess who likes to feel pretty, give them a custom made tutu to leap and prance about in. How can you not smile when you’re wearing your very own unique tutu?
PS. I’d spring for the optional rhinestones, but that’s just me.

Put a unique spin on a treasured portrait for someone on your list with this service. Have a unique, one of a kind version of your photograph reproduced on rustic, all-natural wood. It’s a gift that’s thoughtful, individual, and touching. 

8. Bottle Corker

Give someone a corking good time with this gift! You’re not likely to hear someone wine about this one. I know I would be grape-ful to receive something so thoughtful. Whoever you buy this for gets a unique, practical gift. You get an opportunity to unload all those terrible puns you’ve been saving all year.

7. Blues Band
www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/10842551

Seriously, could there be anything cooler than getting a live blues band to come play at your holiday party? Probably not. These guys look like they know how to party.

6. Big, Interesting Flag
www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/10598457

Usually, the gifts that excite people the most are either big, interesting, or some combination of the two. This flag is both big and interesting. That’s not all! This will appeal both to people who like flags and people who like Newfoundland-related things, with its Newfoundland crest! I’d be willing to bet that whoever you’re buying for doesn’t already have one of these.

5. Kayak
www.usednanaimo.com/classified-ad/10849011

If someone on your list loves being on the water, a kayak might be the perfect gift for him or her to go out exploring in. It’s a bit of a big ticket item, but that’s the great thing about shopping on one of the UsedEverywhere sites. There’s always something there for every holiday budget.

4. Snack Attack Vending Machine
www.usedwinnipeg.com/classified-ad/10428846

Do you know someone who likes snacks? I bet you do. Well, a little known secret is that snacks always taste better after they fall a short distance and are retrieved through a flappy door in a machine. That’s why vending machines are so successful. Give the gift of real, authentic vending machine snacks at home, with the Snack Attack vending machine (snacks not included).

3. Retro Stainless Toaster
www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/10844627

We’ve got a thing for toasters here on the UsedEverywhere blog. Coincidentally, they make great holiday gifts. No matter how fussy the person you’re buying for is, when they get a warm, crispy piece of toast out of this, they can put anything they want on it. It’s a gift that unlocks infinite toast possibilities. And if they already have a toaster, just explain how the retro styling of this one makes it so much cooler than their other one.

2. White Frizzle Rooster
www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/10661538

It’s a frizzle rooster. Even the person who has everything doesn’t have a frizzle rooster. Look at him, all frizzly and lonely, just waiting for a nice home. Just make sure the person who might be receiving him knows how to care for a rooster and has the right kind of environment to keep him happy. Frizzle roosters require a responsible and loving owner!

1. Tetris Stand-Up Arcade Console
www.usedwinnipeg.com/classified-ad/10428846

For the geek on your list, what could be better than a Tetris arcade console? Forget next-gen systems with their fancy graphics and high tech controllers. Go old school and give a piece of video game history with one of the most iconic games ever made in its original arcade format. Perfect for the home, or even a restaurant or store cool enough to want an arcade machine on premises. Sweet.

Happy Shopping!
-Cole