New Years Resolutions.... Suck

Ok, this is the time when I review my past year's resolutions and make new ones for this year. And upon looking at my resolutions I realized that I might be setting goals too high (or maybe I'm just a slacker).

Goal 1 was Be Present. Yeah, that was vague. But in the past year I quit a job and waited for awhile to finish that job, and then waited to be sure of a new job. I am more aware of where my attention is when I'm doing things, and trying to be more in tune with where my stress is coming from.

Goal 2 was Visit At Least Three New Cities. I visited Harrisburg, Frostburg, Charleston (SC), and Vero Beach FL. I guess I did ok on that one, although I really didn't experience Frostburg.

Goal 3 was to finish at least three of my projects that I had started at that point. I finished my mom's socks and the wine charms I was making, but so far I have not finished my own socks, my scrapbooks or my cousins' Christmas stockings. I did, however, make 2 blankets and a scarf, and started a new blanket. I'm currently working on a sweater and a hat (and technically the sock that is almost done).

As for goals for this year... I'm not sure... I really like setting goals but right now I'm just kind of working on stuff. Here are some things I'm working on:

-Going on a month-long trip to Australia, Indonesia and England.
-Being part of and attending weddings (3 in the first half of the year).
-Becoming a grown-up. I'm not sure what that means. It may involve wearing t-shirts less. And I definitely can't wait for my new planner to come from Franklin Covey.
-Getting back into an exercise routine. I haven't been walking much lately, and I want to start doing yoga again. There's a yoga studio in Middletown that is comparatively inexpensive.
-Starting a career in outdoor ministry.

Ok here are some resolutions. I just need to suck it up (I can always change them).

1) Write more. I have some literary aspirations, and I really need to get back in the practice of writing. This includes blogging.

2) Form better spiritual habits. I have been really bad about regularly praying, reading the Bible, meditating, etc. This also includes walking and yoga.

3) Be more careful about how I manage my money. Once the big trip is over I really need to start saving more money. I am trying to save a little in the meantime too.

Knitting Update

I finally finished my mom's socks over Thanksgiving. I knit them on double-pointed needles instead of circular this time, which was an enjoyable experience. Using the circulars is less scary in that there is less fear of losing a needle (and its easier to store), but it is easier to follow conventional sock patterns with double-pointed. It also feels more authentic and looks more impressive with double-pointed. I used an Encore worsted-weight yarn that is really pretty, and machine washable.

While I was working on the socks, I was also doing squares for the blanket I made my brother for Christmas. He mentioned months ago that he liked the blanket the Chapel Hill Knitters made for the Camp Quilt Auction, and asked if I would make him one. So I did. I used the same kind of yarn as for the socks, but obviously in different colors. This one is considerably bigger. The squares were 9x11 inches, but I didn't measure it once it was put together and blocked. The nice thing about knitted blankets is that they are super stretchy, which is good since my brother is pretty tall.

I was particularly happy with the "U" square I made. The first colors I chose for the quilt were the Miami orange and green, and I used leftover yarn for the logo square. I made the pattern for the Miami U Logo myself on graphing paper, and then made up the gym-sock inspired stripes as I went. It is also a pocket for keeping remotes or cell phones or whatever. When I finished knitting the square I picked up stitches along the bottom and just kept knitting until the back of the pocket was done; then I sewed up the sides. I have to admit that I'm amazed at how well it turned out, with the exception of the stitches at the bottom of the U being a little funky.

Now I'm working on a sweater - my most ambitious project to date. I have this great superfine undyed Alpaca that I got for fairly cheap at the yarn shop. The back is almost finished and so far it looks ok. I also still have a baby blanket half-done, but there's not really a rush on that one.