(no subject)

2020....
Seems odd to be here; it’s supposed to be the future not today.
I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions I like to call them goals instead. And often times I don’t meet my goals, just like many leave the resolutions behind. But I find that life is better if I’m striving toward some goal.
I don’t like to use weight loss as a goal. I acknowledge that I am fat but being fat doesn’t mean that I am lazy or ugly or any of the unconscious associations we have with the word “fat”. However, this year when we took family photos, I was very uncomfortable being in front of the camera. I’d like to do something about that. With that thought in mind I’ve signed up for a tai chi class on Thursday nights with a friend. I recognize this is not necessarily a high intensity workout but it’s going to get me moving and help me with flexibility,stability, and balance. I also have the option at work to join the Adult Recess on Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch. It’s essentially 30 minutes of adults playing recess games. We’ll see how that goes. I am hesitant to sign up for it right away because I don’t know if it will work with my schedule but I’m going to get a pass to try it out. My work friend and I already walk at lunch one day a week and we’re going to try to find a tennis court where we can play tennis when the weather gets nicer. These are little steps-that’s OK! I know that if I try to do some great big huge renovation of my life style that I will most certainly fail within a few weeks. So I’m making little steps to try to improve my health. That brings me to diet. I will not diet but I need to take control of my portion sizes. I need to cut down on the amount of sugar I consume, maybe even just generally the number of carbs I consume. It’s a lot harder to balance when you have a lot of dietary restrictions and the idea of not being able to eat one more thing is angering. I may need to make time to see a professional nutritionist. I saw a student nutritionist at work but they weren’t much help and they never followed up so maybe it’s time to find a professional. And speaking of professionals, I think maybe it’s time to see a professional counselor as well. I’ve noticed in the last month that I’m having a lot of difficulty connecting with people in all spheres of my life-maybe it’s time to get some help with that. My main concern with all of this is the expense but I need to figure something out.
My more fun goals are: To finish the crocheting and knitting projects I have going, as long as my hands will allow. I have a garter stitch scarf on my needles, a pair of socks, a lace scarf that I started many years ago and never got back to, a color work hat, and another pair of socks. I also have two afghans that I started crocheting and haven’t finished.
I didn’t quite reach my stretch goal on Goodreads of 130 books this year. I had 102 so I have set my goal for 110 this year.
I want to make some blouses this year. I always shy away From tops because they’re complicated. Especially getting the fit right. I also want to try to use more natural fibers while I’m doing my sewing.
Also, while going through my grandmother’s things, I found two Battenburg lace pattern written on old paper bags. I’d like to learn what to do with those. They’re intricate and detailed and I know nothing about making Battenburg lace. So, that’s my new skill to learn for this year. I always want to learn at least one new thing in a year because, I heard once that, “where growth stops, decay begins.” I want to keep growing.
I’m sure this year will have its challenges but I want to focus on the good things. I believe it’s OK to be upset and unhappy and complain about things, as long as you don’t stay there. Growth requires moving forward and you can’t move forward if you say mired in the past with its failures and challenges.
So here’s to a fresh new year full of new experiences, new friends and old friends, challenges and learning opportunities. May we all make the best of it!