Friday, January 1, 2010

Off To A Good Start!

Happy New Year! Wanna know how I rang in the new year? Sleeping (and most likely snoring up a storm)! I'm SO not a late night person and lately, I've been going to bed earlier and earlier. My eyes get pretty tired and I can barely keep them open much past 9:30 anymore. Egads, does that mean I'm getting OLD? I'm SO turning into my mother! She used to go to bed early and now I know why. LOL On the flip side, I wake up fairly early and am just raring to go! *Ü*

It's amazing to think we are embarking on a new decade. I so remember as a kid thinking getting to the year 2000 meant our lives would be so futuristic (kind of like the Jetsons-I think I'm dating myself big time now). And now we are starting a new futuristic sounding decade. Amazing!

I know a lot of bloggers are posting their resolutions or goals for the upcoming year. I don't know that I have many new goals. I think my goals are to continue on the path that I am currently traveling. I've been seeing success in changing my mindset to be more frugal. I've discovered that thrift store shopping is a blast and have some neat things added to my stash. I've enjoyed the hard work involved in working on getting my house in shape and I want to continue working on that. I keep babystepping toward a life that is simpler and hopefully more fulfilling with less "stuff" and more contentment. I want to recommit myself to maintaining and improving upon the areas I've been working on.

I'm pretty happy that I've been exploring new ways of being crafty. I've challenged myself to learn some new techniques and new skills. I hope I've grown as a crafter and I don't want to stop exploring things that appeal to me.


One thing I jokingly told myself I would do in the new year is to finally learn how to work a project on double-pointed needles. I have tried using them before and felt hopelessly muddled about figuring it out.

Amy has wanted me to knit a giraffe as shown on the cover of Itty Bitty Toys. I've had the book for a while, but felt intimidated because the toys are knitted in the round on double pointed needles. Yesterday I sat down to see if I could finally figure it out. Lo and behold, I think I've got it. I think maybe, just maybe, all the projects I've made using circular needles helped make it "click" for me! I've started the body of the giraffe and feel really good about it.

I've been working on some socks for Steve...originally planned as a Christmas present, then shifted to a birthday present and now will get them done when I get them done. His birthday is tomorrow and I'm no where near being done. I haven't gotten to the heel yet! Oops. It's okay, he's got a new flat screen AND a new blu-ray player, so I think he's done pretty well in the gift department. (I needed a bit of a break from the pattern) I may just wrap up the work in progress and tell him he'll get them as soon as I get them done. LOL The thought has been there, if not the ability to work on them as much as I thought I'd be able to this week. (He took the week off from work, and I've taken advantage of the fact by doing some other things while he's been home to watch the girls).

I thank you for your visits and all the encouraging thoughts you share. I hope that 2010 brings you much love and success in reaching YOUR goals!
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13 comments:

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Happy New Year Jeanne!!! I think that focusing on family and contentment is the perfect goal!

Hugs!

Carolyn said...

I had to LOL at your comment about snoring. Don't feel bad,I was in bed by 11:30.. that is LATE for me.
Happy New year my friend!!

Sarah said...

Good for you Jeanne...I didn't set any resolutions either! But If I did they would be along the lines of the way you are changing your life! I think you are an amazing person and a constant source of inspiration to me.
Happy New year!

Courtney Baker said...

Oh double pointed needles I can't do that! That always scared me! Congrats on getting that done!

stampmonkey said...

We did stay up late (w/ friends) on New Year's Eve, but when it's just us, we tend to go to bed early too...otherwise we sleep in way too late! ;)

I think you're definitely on the right track as far as your goals for this year. I've decided it's time (WAY past time, really) for me to do the same.

Your double-pointed needles look scary! lol I'm so happy for you that you've got them under control...could be dangerous otherwise! ;) Good luck with your giraffe, and I'm sure Steve will be thrilled with his socks, regardless of when you get them finished.

Happy New Year hugs, my friend!

Barbara said...

Wow Jeanne I think you've got all your priorities where they should be. You're an inspiration and an encouragement, thank you.

mE said...

Jeanne, Jeanne, Jeaaane... I love your goals, they are honorable and right and GOOOOD :)

Hope you're having a great start to 2010! I'm here in my studio playing with some of those delightful little posies you crocheted for me! You'll get to see my creation tomorrow on the SSD blog hop!

Hugs!
E

Alanna said...

I hope that you had a great New Year's Jeanne. Congrats on mastering those different needles. You are truly an inspiration.

Sue Pinner said...

Hi Jeanne thanks for dropping by and glad you threw the list away hehehe
hope you had a happy crafting day all the jobs can wait when it comes to hooky stuff lol
Unless you've run out of milk like us so a trip to town id definitely on the to-do list today...need me cuppa lol
Happy New Year hope all the hopes and dreams come true for you and yours
Hugs Suz x

Anke said...

I am back!!! So good to see your creativity again, I missed it! It's just been crazy around here :) I hear you about going to be early, although lately I have been staying up later and later, it seems there is always something that needs finished! I love the beading you have done and your LO for christmas is gorgeous! Thanks for not giving up on me :) I'll try to do better this year :)

Sue Pinner said...

Hi Jeanne....sent you the pattern for 3D Exotics flower centre
Thanks for the blog comments and the collages are a free download from Google....PICASA3 brill and makes wonderful collages and easy to use
Have fun and look forward to seeing your version of the 3D Exotics
Hugs Suz xx

Unknown said...

I know I am late but.... Happy New Year!

I laugh at your comment about going to bed at 9:30 meaning you are old. That is late for me, 10pm and wow it would be amazing. I went to bed at 8:30pm all through high school and once at uni thought I better stay up later. I love my 9 hour sleep and luckily Fletcher still loves an 11 hour sleep

Carol said...

oops again, Zac once again is me, took me awhile to figure out that I was logged into the wrong account.