Thursday, January 2, 2014

The New Year Brings a Progress Report

Photo by M. Chris Leese SEE HERE


Last December, my friend Justine convinced me to come up with a "Big 5 Goals" list for 2013.  Things that I wanted to see myself accomplish, but things that were acheivable and realistic.  I thought now would be a great chance for me to see how I did this last year, and also set my 5 goals for 2014.

Big 5 Goals 2013:
     1: Run a 5K:  Sucess!   I ran TWO actually, which is a huge thing for me.  Trust me.  I HATE running.  Still, I wanted to improve my health for the better, and take advantage of the beautiful landscape that my new home had to offer.  I'm really glad that I took this step, and I am planning on training for a few races this summer.  I never plan on being SUPER dedicated to running, but it makes me feel good to accomplish something that I have had a hard time with in the past.

    2: Finish my Kaffe Fasset Postcard Quilt:  Well...I worked on it. :)  I made some serious progress, but this quilt has proven to be a terrible trial, and if I work on it in short spurts, then I maintain my love for it.  I know I will finish it eventually; I'm not worried.


   3:  Get a new job and move!:  Again, success!!!  I was miserable in my old job, and unsatisfied with the situations I found myself in.  This was the first goal I acheived this year, and I am SO GLAD.

   4: Write and publish 3 quilt patterns:  I finished one!  I have designed a second one, and I've finished the sample, but I haven't gotten around to writing it yet.  Again, I'm not that worried about it.  I probably should be, but right now quilting is my hobby.  When it becomes my job, then I will pay closer attention to deadlines.

   5: Start or join a Quilt Guild:  This one is a fail.  I originally considered moving to Lansing, where I thought a "Modern Quilt Guild" would have a really good chance of making a go of it.  Up here in Northern Michigan, I'm not so sure.  Plus there is one in Traverse City already.  I did look into some of the local guilds here, and attended their quilt show.  I am hoping to join this next year.


Overall, I am pretty happy with my success this year.  I didn't accomplish all of my goals, but I made progress on EVERY SINGLE ONE, and that counts for something.

Now I'd like to look at my Big 5 for 2014:

    1.  Learn to backpack.  My boyfriend and I would like to go backpacking on Isle Royale (he has a degree in outdoor recreation) in the next few years, but I need to get some experience under my belt before I attempt something of that magnitude.  Right now we are researching gear for me, and we will be doing some smaller local trips as soon as the weather permits.

   2.  Join a Quilt Guild:  I'm adding this back to the list because it can and will happen.  This year is the year, I can feel it.

   3.  Learn to brew beer:  You read that right.  I am a beer snob, and I don't care who knows it.  I think it would be SO FUN to make my own.

   4.  Learn to FMQ on my home machine:  I got a darning foot for my machine for Christmas, and I have 27 unfinished quilt tops sitting in my closet.  Therefore I have no excuse for not learning anymore.  It's time to put the pedal to the metal and get some stuff done!

  5.  Volunteer every season:  This last year I got a chance to volunteer with the "Little Traverse Land Conservancy" and it was really rewarding.  This year I would like to do more volunteering with them, and with some other local human services organizations.  Also I am in a local leadership program, and we are building a dog park with local city officials.


Well...there you have it.  I love this list because I can see that I have made progress, and I can see what progress I will continue to make.  I can't wait!

I would love to hear if you have any big goals for this year!  Lets keep each other accountable, shall we?


Cristina
The Quilted Mitten