Wednesday, January 1, 2014

New Year's Resolutions



Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  I've given up on vague things like, "Lose 30 pounds." and "Quit eating so much chocolate."  But I do think the new year is a good chance for a fresh start.  There's just something about 365 days spread out before us that makes it seem like the perfect time to refocus or passions and goals.  So, here's what I'm hoping for in 2014.

  • Travel more.  Plan at least four trips that last a day or weekend.  It can be hard to get time off of work, but I do get every other weekend off.  Perfect for a trip to a nearby town or city for the day or weekend.  Plus, both my girl friends like to travel.  There's no reason not to do this more.
  • Go to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this summer for a couple days.  I've been in love with the U.P. ever sense I went to visit my penpal, Mandy, when I was seventeen.  It has the beauty of Lake Superior without the uber tourism that is Duluth, Minnesota. (Hey- I still love Duluth, but sometimes I want a little less crowds and a little more nature.)  It's beautiful with waterfalls, light houses, and picnic areas.  I would love to spend three or four days up there.  Time to start planning.
  • Plant a real veggie garden this year.  I use pots and grow cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, kale, salad greens, and herbs with some success, but this year I want a real garden area.  I'd like to grow some peas, and maybe some potatoes.
  • Sew more.  This is kind of always a goal.  But this year I found some motivation.  Crazy Little Projects is having a monthly challenge.  It sounds like something up my alley.  Structured but not strict.  Can't wait to check it out.  I'm also hoping I'll be able to make it to a sewing retreat again.  It was so rejuvenating and I really got my sewing mojo going that weekend.
  • Make more of  my Christmas presents.  This year I made two of Noodlehead's Super Totes for Christmas gifts, and they were by far my favorite presents to give.  So, if I start earlier in 2014, there's no reason I can't make the majority of my presents.  If I can get my crochet act together, that will open up a whole new avenue of gift possibilities too.  However, men are always hard to make something for, but I'm keeping my eyes open for gift ideas for my dad, brother, and husband.
  •  Reopen my Etsy shop.  I sell on Etsy, but I don't really do much to promote it.  My tax accountant kind of killed my Etsy dream when she told me I had to pay sales tax on everything I bought on Etsy, and income tax on everything I sold on Etsy.  I was doing it more for fun and not for a second job.  But, I love Etsy and want to get back to sewing for my shop and networking with other sellers again. I think it will be worth all the tax headaches.  :)
  • Be more thankful.  My brother bought me a planner for Christmas.  I already had bought one.  (And of course I didn't tell him this.)  But it's beautifully bound and has lined pages.  I decided it'd be perfect for a little journalling and to include a daily gratitude list in it.  Sarah Ban Breathnach to Ann Voskamp both say it's life changing to keep a gratitude journal.  I could use some life changing.  So starting today, I'm giving it a try.
  • Read at least thirty books this year.  I'm not the world's fastest reader, but I do love to read, so having a number to aim for is a good feeling.  I read twenty-four in 2013, so I'm upping the ante slightly.
  • Help my dad make maple syrup this spring.  I love the outdoors, but most of my hobbies are indoor ones.  Cross country skiing has made me realize how peaceful and de-stressing it can be to just be unplugged and go outside for a while. 
So,  there's what I'm aiming for.  How about you?   Any goals you want to share?   Let me know.  Any tips for me on meeting mine?  Let me know.  I'll check in with you all each quarter and let you know how I'm doing with mine.  Here's best wishes that 2014 brings you good health, good friends, and good memories.


5 comments:

  1. Good luck with all of that. My only aim this year is to try to be more relaxed about life, sewing, and my teenagers.

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    1. Thanks Kay! Hope you meet your goal too. Relaxing is an important one!

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  2. I love all these New Years posts my friends have been doing!

    If you're interested, feel free to let me know when you'll be going to the UP - I'll see if I can make it up to do something fun with you! I'm still SO glad you came to see me all those years ago; what a great visit!

    I haven't done an actual gratitude journal, but have thought about doing one for awhile. A few years ago I did the thankfulness November challenge and it truly had a positive impact on my spirit. You've inspired me to add something to my 2014 goal list. :)

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    1. Mandy, I would love to get together with you! I could even head east to your direction. I'm just partial to the Keweenaw Peninsula area after the great time I had when I came to visit you that summer. :)

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    2. I'm rather partial to the Keweenaw myself. ;) As the time gets closer and you decide on dates I'll let you know whether I can do the full trek or not. The thought is so exciting - I do hope it works out to get together! However, if the U.P. thing doesn't pan out, there is also a possibility that I'll be at the Dells in August. :)

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