Looking forward

For those that celebrate Christmas, how was your holiday? I hope it was wonderful! Mine was fantastic, in fact, the best I've had in years! We got to spend time with some of my kids and grandchildren, we visited with other relatives of mine (Scooter doesn't have any here in California), went to dinner with friends, and because of a new technique the railroad is using on its tracks, Scooter wasn't called away for any crises this year. We both took better care of ourselves this past year, and with the new year approaching just a couple of days from now, I know that will be a continued goal of ours. I've also made a small mental list of things I'd like to accomplish for 2011:

1. Read more - I got real lazy about reading this past year, which is not like me at all. So, even if I find myself short on time, I will at least try to squeeze in some audio books. I much prefer paper and ink though.

2. I would like to wean myself off of the coffee creamers I use everyday - they aren't even a dairy product, which means I'm putting nothing but chemicals and preservatives into my body. Most days, I usually only have two cups of coffee...but still. I won't beat myself up too bad for this though, because I did manage to give up sodas with caffeine (my daughter nagged me to no end on this one till I finally gave in and gave up) this past year. Once in a while, I might sneak in a Coke or Pepsi, but nothing like I used to drink!

3. I have never liked water (see #2)..for drinking, that is - I am going to try to get better at this, even if I have to plant a lemon tree to flavor my water with lemons.

4. I want to get back into the habit of walking every single day - Scooter has said he would like to accomplish this goal with me. It will be very good for both of us, as well as Maggie. She loves it!!

5. We have wanted to lay a tile floor in our sunroom for about 2 years now, so we have finally narrowed it down to the style we want, and will begin on that in the spring. We have a friend who is a flooring contractor that has offered to do it for barely anything, but we really want to do it ourselves for the experience of doing it. I have laid tile a couple of times, but Scooter never has and wants to try it. Luckily, if we muck it up, we can just call our friend!

6. I want to do more sewing - Scooter can't believe I used to sew my entire family's wardrobes, so, he will be the recipient of some custom shirts. That's one skill I never want to lose.

Just a small list for now, but I'm sure other goals will come to mind. I don't think the ones I've listed thus far are unrealistic or unachievable, and I think that's the key to keeping with goals people set for themselves.

Now, having said all of that, I also took a look at my queue on Ravelry last night and had a talk with myself about those WIPs hanging out. I don't like leaving things unfinished, so I've decided it's either frog them or finish them. I began with my Coin Lace scarf last night. I was going to finish it, but then discovered a mistake way down at the beginning. It's really hard for me to think about frogging my projects (I started them for a reason, right?), so I will persevere. I picked up my scarf and had to make a decision to either let the mistake go since it's not that noticeable, but the perfectionist in me wouldn't allow for it, so I began rrrrrripping! You can see in the picture where the needle is that that's how far back I have to go. It's ok...I really enjoy this pattern and will not have a problem knitting it again. I really love this scarf!! Of utmost importance though, will be my Oregon vest. Remember that one? Yep, that's it..the Alice Starmore design I need to have finished by mid February. I really don't have that much further to go on it, so it's not as insurmountable as it would seem at first glance.

At the end of each day, Snicks is demonstrating here what I really need to do. Get More Sleep! I've always been one of those who told myself that I don't require much sleep, but after reading about the many reasons why sleep is so beneficial to the human body, I've decided to set an earlier bed time for myself. No more staying up until 1 am and getting back up at 5 am. I will just sleep until 9 am. No, just kidding! lol Earlier bedtimes for me.

The day after Christmas, I needed some instant gratification with my knitting. My son in law requested a new hat. One that comes down over his ears so that when he is doing his woodworking, he can keep his ears warm in his shop. Ask and ye shall receive! A new hat that I just did a simple 2x2 rib all the way to the crown. My husband is the model...big mistake...he didn't want to turn loose of it!

That's about all I have for now. The weather here in northern California is gorgeous today!!! Chilly, but seeing the sunshine is always good for the soul. I hope wherever you happen to be, you are either seeing some sun, or will be soon! Cheers!!!