New Years 'Resolutions' - a first.

I'm not one for resolutions. I have never made them for myself (and I'm usually anti-resolutions), but this year I have decided to set some goals for myself. Just for fun. I don't really know what would qualify as a "resolution", but I think I would really just call these fun things  want to do.

#1 Read a book a month - Now that school is out and I have had some time to recover from the constant readings assigned to me, I think it is time for me to start reading again. Reading for enjoyment sake rather than out of necessity. Up this month: Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda.

#2 Knit a new pattern each month - I love knitting, but I sometimes need a little encouragement to try something new rather than continue knitting what I know. They don't need to be big or difficult patterns, but something different each month. Up this month: Baby Sophisticate. 

#3 Complete the quilt I have been working on for the past two years - Yup, two years. You'd think I would have finished it by now as it is simple squares, but I haven't had the motivation to. This is the year.

#4 Do at least one "legitimate" quilting project - Haven't decided what it will be yet, but one of my friends does some quilting and I am going to ask her to help me out (in the form of doing it with me so I actually get something done).

#5 Sew something other than squares - This can include anything from a bag/purse or to a children's (or adult's) garment.

#6 Take a photography course - Erik and I have been saving for a new camera and now I just need to pick which one I want. I figure I should take a photography course so I can optimize my camera rather than use it as a point-and-shoot.

#7 Go on at least one overnight hike with Erik and one with Mandi - I feel like this should be easy to do, but summer fills up quickly with work and this summer there will be my brother's wedding, a family reunion and much much more.

#8 Plan a date for me and Erik each month - An "ashley-style" date (aka free or nearly free). It's easy to forget about dating when it's just the two of us. And he usually wants to do expensive things so I need to take dating into my own hands.