Happy New Year!

OK, so I'm a couple of days late. Cut me a break - I spent three days on the couch with the mother of all colds. So, here is my list of thoughts/resolutions/reflections for the change of the calendar. In 2005, I started getting a lot more serious about my knitting. I learned to knit lace and love it. I tried entrelac, and am still on the fence about it - I like the look, I just hate picking up stitches. I discovered Addi Turbos and am addicted. I found StitchDC, All About Yarn, the Yarn Garden, KnitPicks, Knit Happens, Little Knits, and elann. I became a part of the Knitty Coffeeshop and found friends all over the world who share my love of knitting. I felted my first of many projects, and designed three different felted bags. I learned the joy of using good yarn made of natural fibers, and that it is ok to use yarn that costs more than $2 per skein. (OK, so Kris probably wishes I hadn't learned that one. =) ) I finished the sweater I designed for Kris, and learned from my mistakes (which will be corrected on that project). I learned to dye with Kool Aid - and to wear gloves when doing it! In 2006, I want to learn knitting self-control. I want to work through as much of my stash as I can, and I want to be honest with myself about the yarn I have. If I am never going to use it, I want to set it free to find a good home and a project with someone who will love it. I want to learn not to buy a yarn just because it is pretty, but because I know what I want it to become. I want to start to learn to design sweaters and other knitwear. I want to learn Fair Isle and other color techniques, and to properly finish projects. I AM going to learn to use my hand spindle to spin yarn. On a personal level, 2005 was a rough year. I have had to face up to some unpleasant things about myself, and accept responsibility for things that have gone wrong. I realized that at 32, I still have some growing up to do. I had to face betrayal from a friend, and I am still dealing with that. I was hit very hard with the realization that "I'll come visit soon" has been coming out of my mouth for several years, and by putting it off, I missed the chance to meet my best friend's son. In 2005, I learned that I could bike 500 miles in a year, and that if I put my mind to it, I CAN lose weight. In 2006, I want to bike another 500 miles, and do at least 15 minutes of physical activity every day. I want to lose the weight that I have gained in the last 5 years and stop trying to kid myself that it was all as a result of the hormones that I took when we were trying to get pregnant. I want to eat more salads and less junk food. I want to feel good about what I see in the mirror. I want to feel attractive again. In 2006, I want to do what is right, even if it isn't what is easy.