Wednesday, December 31, 2014

A Year in Review, Goals, and Resolutions

This might be a long post so grab a cuppa and settle in. Unless you don't like reading my blog and are only here for stitching, which I'll keep at the top of this post.

There hasn't been as much stitching this year as I would have liked, but grad school is over now and we completed our move and got married, so perhaps 2015 will bring more on the stitching front. So the way I'll do this is by project that had progress this year.

Still Life with Parrot (aka Flapping Parrot)

Where I left it in 2013:

Where it is now:



College of Magical Knowledge (aka College)

Where I left it in 2013:



Where it is now:

Library Adventures

I started Library Adventures in 2014 and this is where I got with it:

Greek Mandala

Where I left it in 2013:

Where it is now:


Like I said, not a super huge amount of stitching done, but when I look back at 2014 it was a really busy year. I finished grad school (and I already have my diploma so I know I finished it). Then we moved halfway across the country which was not super fun. I do love to drive, though, and it was fun to see so much of the US. We made it right before the huge flooding hit the south and southwest. And then barely a month later we got married, followed by a trans-Atlantic honeymoon. Busy busy busy! So really, I only worked on three projects, but 2015 will be the year of stitching, and with any luck, the year of at least one BAP finish!

Stitching Goals for 2015:

-Finish College of Magical Knowledge
-Finish Curl Up QS
-Try to finish Secret Stitching
-Mario through page 21
-Finish Riding the Wave
-3 Pages of Medieval Shelf
-Middle "Earf" through page 6
-Greek Mandala through part 6
-Flapping Parrot through page 10
-Library Adventures pages 19-23
-Space Traveler through page 9
-10% of Empress
-10% of Stormy
-Rows 1-10 of Trick or Treat
-Finish AAN Halloween SAL

So there you go. I will probably not make it. But that's ok. I'm the sort of person who needs set goals in order to feel accomplished even if I don't make the goals. It gives me something to work towards. I'm pretty excited and determined.

Which brings me to New Year's resolutions. Some of them are pretty stereotypical and some are unique, but they are what they are and here goes.

-Finish a half marathon and start training for a full marathon
-Lose weight (yeah, yeah I know)
-Meditate at least 15 minutes a day
-Knit through my yarn stash
-Finish Skyrim and Assassin's Creed
-Get more organized
-Write more (aiming for 750 words per day)

I went out and bought a hydration belt for my long runs - I have started breaking 7 miles now and running that long without water is murder so I got a nice belt and I'm super excited to run with it - I have a feeling my runs will get better now that I won't be dying of dehydration mid-run.

Last, but certainly not least, I wanted to share a RAK I received from the wonderful and beautiful Crafty Princess

She is delightful, isn't she? Thank you Crafty Princess!

So with that, I'm off to run for a few hours (yup, hours). I wish you all a happy and fabulous 2015. Stay safe, have fun, and happy stitching!

11 comments:

sharine said...

What? Don't weddings organize themselves lol. You done awesome and enjoy those few hours of running:)

Rachel said...

I'm surprised you've had any time for stitching what with the wedding plans (and hassle) and the move. You've worked on some lovely projects this year and have certainly set ambitious targets for 2015. I wish you all the best for them. Also, good luck with your half marathon training. It sounds like you've already come a long way in a couple of months. :)

Stitching Noni said...

Wow, you did get heaps stitched!! You definitely had a busy year for 2014! I hope 2015 goes well!
Enjoy the run.... Your running goal is amazing... I can't run down to the end of the road so I am always amazed at people who do marathons (or part there of).
Congrats on graduating!!
You had some great achievements in 2014
Hugs xx

Guusje, said...

You really did have a very busy year. But with lot of beautifull things in it, and you golas for this year are high but also very nice. I also like to plan what I want to do and when I don't accomplice them It doesn't matter to me. I am now busy on my first HAED I hope I will finish it this year and have a lot of other things I hope to finish. I wish you a very happy New Year and hope al your wishes com throug. I also hope I didn't make a spellingfaukt because I am from the Netherlands so then please excuse me.

Shebafudge said...

Despite the fact that you had a hugely busy year, I would say that you still managed a good amount of progress on your projects.

Great goals for the New Year. I will be looking forward to seeing your progress in the coming months. xx

Linda said...

Wonderful progress on all these projects this year Ewa. Good luck with this years goals.

Linda

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Focusing on College has really seen that come on alot this year. I am sure you can finish it in 2015. If you don't get too distracted by the other projects!

I hope you continue to enjoy your running and build up to the marathon. But you need to strike out that "lose weight" business! You have a lovely slim figure and we've all seen the photos to prove it!

Emma/Itzy said...

Good luck with the stitching and I will be interested to hear how your running goes, I have signed up for a 5k already this year and I am considering a half marathon! x

The Crafty Princess said...

Whoa you are serious about 2015 being a year of stitching. They are great goals and I truly hope you achieve them. I love that you got some gaming goals in there too LOL! You're so cool Ewa.

Running for a few hours, hmm I applaud you and at the same time "You're CRAZY"!! Good luck with that too.

Even though 2014 was crazy busy for you, you're stitching progress was still pretty accomplished. College looks great and 2 pages on a GK blended is quite a feat. Great work stunner.

xo Alicia

P.S. You're very welcome for Malificent. I think she is a cool chick too!

Deb said...

Wow! You made great progress. Don't know where you found the time with so much going on.
Love Maleficent!

Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches said...

You've made so much progress on all your pieces