I mentioned, a few weeks ago, that I planned to make some resolutions goals for 2009. I've been pondering and here's my list. Some goals have no real measureable targets but most do.
- Make more efficient use of my herb garden. In 2008, I dried some basil and oregano but not much, nor did I jar them up. Yup, I have a dried leaves in ziplock bags in my spice cabinet. I didn't dry any thyme at all, which is SO unusual since I love it and we use it often in the kitchen. So, I would like to harvest herbs regularly this summer, dry them, and store them in jars, to keep or give away.
- Finish Icarus and Forest Canopy. Stacey and I have set a first interim goal of February 14 to complete Chart 1 of the Icarus pattern. I have made a far amount of progress on Forest Canopy but I'm glad I've decided to finish Icarus first.
- Send birthday greetings and presents so they arrive on time. The earth may cease to turn if I achieve this goal this year......
- Exercise more. I've fallen off the Curves wagon. (Darkness, cold and ice, 40-50 minutes travel time, annoyance with the management....not good reasons, just reasons) I have a treadmill at home, I need to get on it more this winter. I had a good 40-minute walk each day when I was in DC last week (hotel-office-hotel) and it felt good. I want to feel that good when I'm home. Exercise is a challenge for me with my ever changing work location/schedule....I need to get past that since I probably won't be changing my job anytime soon.
- Not take on too many extra commitments (like KALs). I haven't been able to "keep up" with, most recently, Knitting with Nora due to various circumstances and personal tendencies. I'm working on finding ways to "keep up" but I have to realize that my work schedule does not lend itself to keeping up. Which is okay. I want to participate with friends but I have to remember I've got some limitations.
Okay, that's enough of the goal stuff. Here's what I've been doing the past couple of days...
First, there's been more bread. This is rye bread from the 5-minute Artisan Bread book.
I substituted 1.5 cups of bread flour for the all-purpose flour because I ran out of AP flour due to all the recent bread baking. This loaf was/is yummy. The bread is "lighter" than the basic recipe but still a pretty sturdy bread. I'm looking forward to some ham on rye sandwiches this week.
I also spent a bit of time in my studio. I added (and assembled) a new chair from ShopKo that is a swivel/glider chair (on sale). I'm still working on where to put everything but here's a current progress photo or three.
No where as nicely organized as some but at least I've emptied all the boxes and everything is installed somewhere. I will be re-arranging as I spend more time in the studio and find better places for different things to live. I'm finding pleasant surprises each time I take a good look at a shelf. Sometimes I'll find a skein of yarn I've forgotten about or I'll pick up a book I haven't opened in a long time. The stash is hiding in the closet. I'll save that for a future post.
I know those socks! :D
You are doing really well with the gift/card sending.
Do you have time to visit a Curves near you when you're working out of town? That might help get you back on that wagon. Just a thought...
I just got that book! I'll be bugging you for input later on. I'm still reading and making lists of what I need.
Your studio looks good. Although, I still think it needs a stripper pole.
xo
Posted by: Cookie! | Monday, January 19, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Wow, your studio looks wonderful! I spied your beautiful swift - it's like a piece of furniture! I'm now eyeing our den and thinking about kicking out the girls (and buying a spinning wheel...)
Your goals sound perfect. Did you borrow #4 from me? Seems that your birthday gift is still sitting here waiting for that mythical day when we can get together! I think the US Postal service might have to do, before this gets more embarrassing...
xoxoxo
Posted by: Nora | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 05:56 AM
I need to join you on the getting birthday gifts/greetings out on time, and you're really tempting me on that bread book ;) Love the studio, and especially the swift!
Posted by: Joy | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Do-able and realistic goals you've got there. The birthday present you sent me arrived on time! I am still so tickled and pleased that you did that! Your studio is looking so wonderful and organized. A relaxing and creative place to be, I'm sure.
Posted by: Kim | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
I love the shelves! It will be so much fun to arrange and rearrange their contents.
Posted by: kmkat | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Nice set of goals :) That bread looks delicious!!!
Posted by: jessica~ | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Hope this year brings you joy. The studio is enviable.
Posted by: Angie | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Still @ the lake house. Forced to read blogs from my phone. :) Your goals all sound doable. All I have to say about KALs is... Icarus who? Life happens. Nice studio. Can't wait to see it on a big screen. xoxo
Posted by: stacey | Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 06:49 PM
I swear I left a comment yesterday from my phone. Phooey.
Posted by: stacey | Friday, January 23, 2009 at 07:30 AM