These next two resolutions go hand in hand – Get Outside and Grow That Garden. Getting outside to me means a few different things. The first of which is stop being such a big baby and enjoy the outdoors, even when it’s cold. I don’t like the cold much. I prefer to be warm but that shouldn’t mean that I hibernate all winter long and coop myself up indoors. I am determined to enjoy the outdoors more, even when it’s not perfect weather outside. This is important too for gardening because of where I live. Our gardening season starts soon here in zone 9b, and that means I may have to brave the cold if I want to get certain plants started at the right times. I’ve got my rain boots and my gardening jackets/sweaters/socks/gloves/scarves ready. Okay, but seriously, we don’t have horribly cold weather. I really am just a big baby.

The Grow That Garden resolution is going to be tougher this year than last year. I have a ton of work to do before I can even start planting anything. My planter beds are falling apart, my soil is terrible and so I basically have nowhere outside currently to put any plants. I’m hoping to enlist the help of my amazing hubby to build the beds, but I also want to create an entirely new backyard garden space in the process. I have a vision of a fenced off area with maybe four beds to start. I have to fence the area off this year because my stinky little weiner dog was jumping into the garden beds last year and eating all my veggies! Not only that, but I think he was teaching the others to do the same which means if I don’t close off the garden I may not get any vegetables at all. So on top of building new beds, I need a fence. I’d also like to be able to plastic/tarp off the grass/weeds on the ground and add rock making it a completed garden space. Wish me luck!

Before I get started on the outdoor space, I can get started on seedlings. I started my garden from seeds last year for the first time ever, and overall it was fairly successful. I plan on using the same methods as well as many of the same seed varieties and containers that I used last year. This part is so fun because it’s a quick process that shows results within just a few days. I will most likely start pre-sprouting some seeds this weekend, which means I’ll have some seedlings going by the end of the month. It’s going to go by so fast!! I need to get started on those beds dang it!!

I am very excited to spend more time outside this year gardening and otherwise. I even went on a run yesterday – which I haven’t done in years! It felt so great that I’m planning on going again today. I love how encouraging the body can be in getting you to do things that are good for you. In addition to after work runs, the hubs and I have been exploring new hiking/walking trails in the area each weekend. The last two weekends have been two separate river walks which were so beautiful! Each were about 3 miles long so it’s great exercise along with a great view and a great time with the pups. I’m so looking forward to continuing this trend and rocking this resolution!!

MelissaRose