2012 Plans

It's 2012, a brand new, fresh year. Last year I hopelessly overcommitted myself to all sorts of goals. I had crafting goals, wanting to learn how to sew, quilt and make jewelry. The sheer ridiculousness of the book challenges I intended to finish is laughable now. I think I signed up for seven book challenges and didn't complete even one. I didn't walk a 5K last year, much less the two half-marathons I had penciled myself in for.

When a new year rolls around, it's natural for a person to look back, evaluate the previous months, with a view to making improvements in the twelve months ahead. But I got weary, overwhelmed with the sheer number of tasks I set out to accomplish and didn't follow through.

For 2012 I still have my sights on challenging and improving myself, but I have a more streamlined vision.

Crafing a.k.a.: the new spelling of Crafting obviously

I love crafting. For most of my life I considered myself to the type of person who had zero aptitude for being crafty, so to learn how to knit in my late thirties, fall in love with my needles and branch out to other crafts has been a joy. I want to do it all, more crocheting, knitting techniques, learn to sew, etc. But there's only so much time in a day and money in my wallet, therefore I need to temper my enthusiasm with a bit of rational planning.

Last year I did quite a bit of knitting, participated in some KALs (knit alongs), knitting swaps. This year I want to continue to knit consistently, using more yarn from my ever-growing stash. I want to focus on shawls this year. I have lots of yarn for shawls and a list of people I want to make them for..including myself. Conservatively, I'm thinking six shawls in 2012.

I've begun crocheting more, making my first hats last month. This year I'd like to crochet at least one afghan and one shawl or vest. The more complicated projects I'll have assistance by taking some leftover classes I have on credit at my LYS.

One of my crocheted hats. I love it! Go Lions!



I've collected a whole slew of cross stitching projects with all the materials to go with them and my goal is to finish at least one project. I'm setting my sight on the Pretty in Pink pattern (yay 80's!).

My crafting future looks bright for this year.

Reading

I discovered Audible last year and it rocks! At first listening to books seemed a bit like cheating, but I've been able to "read" while working, going grocery shopping, cleaning and exercising. I listen to the unabridged versions and while I'll never give up holding a book (or e-reader, on my wishlist for this year), it's another option to partake in literature with my super busy schedule.

I hope to get through least six books this year, a conservative amount. I have a few unfinished books as well, which I never used to do, so I'd like to complete those. With audiobooks I'm sure I'll be able to get in more reading and I'm thinking of doing one book challenge.

Health and Well-Being

I need to lose weight, period. I'm not getting any younger and I have a daughter I need to be around for. Exercise is going to be a top priority, mainly walking, cardio and a bit of weight training. I want to walk the two half-marathons I planned on doing last year. The half I walked in 2010 wasn't too taxing, but still very challenging and crossing the finish line was one of the most exuberant experiences in my life. I have the support of my co-workers who walk regularly. I also foresee a bike for this summer to get out more, be more active with Alexis.

Finally, I want to focus on my appearance. I've been in a funk when it comes to the outer me. Some of this neglect is due to me not being in a active relationship. I think there's been this underlying, "Who am I getting dolled up for?" sentiment. That's not the point, not at all. Looking good should be about putting my best foot forward for myself.

I need and will buy some clothes, 'nuff said. I'll spend money on yarn and that's fine, but I need to balance it out with some outfits.

I polished my nails for the first time in forever and the process made me happy. Seeing the glint of color on my hands while I crocheted made me happy. Back in the day, I had a polish obsession, rarely going out for a manicure because I, quite frankly, did a fabulous job on my own. I changed color once a week and you'd never see my nails bare. So this Friday I'm going out to get new polishes and equipment. I'm also going to get some contacts and wear eyeliner and lipstick whenever I go out.

I still don't know what I'm going to do with my hair. Right now it's in two-strand twists with extensions, but I love natural hair. I'm clueless as to what to do with it since it's longer now, but wearing braids continually can mess your hairline up with a fierceness. This is a plan in progress.

So that's my very long post for the new year. Oh, and speaking of posts. I plan on updated my blog much more often. I get caught up in wording, wanting to be witty and comprehensive. I want to blog more often, quick posts, pictures of projects, finished manis, etc.

2012 is going to be a blast.