A Day, A Week, A Month, A Year in my life...: 2013

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Winter Solstice, let's welcome the light!

Saturday.

It has been quite some time since I've sat and put any words down; it's been an eventful year indeed. But, nevertheless, I am here now and hoping to be back on here more often. So, without further ado...

Working out:

This morning I was up early with every intention of running..well, maybe not "every intention", but some intention was there. I was really torn between the run and the desire to give blood. So as I sat, or rather wandered, around the house, I thought and thought about what to do. I called the blood center to see if I could just drop in, without my usual appt. "Sure you can" was the cheerful voice on the other end of the line and also invited me to come in and have breakfast while I waited for all the other appts ahead of me. "What about Tuesday, are you open?" yes, sweet, I made my appt for 8:10am.
So, you're probably thinking that I went ahead and went for that run...nope. I decided to go for a walk instead. I've been restless all day, it's probably due to not having run (~:} I am running in the morning though.

Paying it Forward:

Well, about the only thing I've done lately is make a headband for a gal at work as a surprise and finished this years hats and have 3 prs of mitts to make. Oh, and I pd for the gal's tea, who was behind me this morning at Perk. Did I mention I've been restless all day?

Gardening:

Nothing going on here lately. Although, I did get a seed catalog in the mail the other day.

In the kitchen:

Ha! Are you kidding?! You actually expected something here?!

Fun and upcoming:

Well, I'm considering picking up a ticket to see Hair, in January at the ACE. That's going to be fun! And I'm looking into some 5K's or maybe even a 10K for spring. I'll be starting my training for my half marathon come Jan 1...so excited!

On the needles:

Well, today the only thing on the needles is my green Baktus. I have 3 prs of Maine Morning Mitts to get done by next weekend. I guess I'd better get on it, lol

I'll leave you with this:

If I'm free, it's because I'm always running.
~Jimi Hendrix

If I'm free, it's because I'm always running.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/running.html#W7JE6qq0olfaiI2F.99

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Another day of beautiful sun...but sooo cold!

Thursday.

Well another beautiful day, but boy is it ever cold! Today's post is just a little of this, a little of that...

Working out:

Okay, so I stayed inside today...did I mention how cold it is? I know, it's not a great excuse but I was absolutely shivering. I could have gone to the gym and I would surely have warmed up quickly, but....yeah, I didn't. It's okay, once in a while... ONCE IN A WHILE...to stay home, but let's not make a habit of it. Remember our goals! Okay, enough said.

Paying it forward:

At least a hat or scarf a month, that's not too much to ask for. I have enough little bits and pieces that I can fashion something worth giving....I'd better get on it.

Gardening:

What can I say, I can't wait for Spring and warmer weather; more sunshine. The houseplants are growing beautifully, I love it!

In the Kitchen:

Fun and Up and Coming:

Randomness:

I'm reading a really good book right now. It's called " A Train in Winter" . It's about the German occupation at the beginnings of WWII. My goal this year to to read 40 books; this is my first.

On the Needles:

Still working on Mary's mitts and getting ready to start the Downton Abbey Mystery KAL with Jeanne. I still need to figure out which yarn to use and get some swatching done before Sunday...I'd better get going!

I'll leave you with this:

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Sunshine in January!

Wednesday.

Wow, it's January 2 and the sun was shining all day. Albeit it was cold today! I have a wonderful day at work and then a trip to the gym and to top it all off, I rec'd an Heirloom seed catalog today, yay!

Just thinking...

Well, I do think sometimes and I was thinking today of goals. Specifically of goals I want to challenge myself with this year when low and behold I get asked by Kristy if I'd like to join her in the dirty dash this year. I'd not ever given that any consideration, but, yeah why not?! Now I'm thinking I probably should get to training a bit more seriously if I'm going to join someone in something like the dirty dash.

But that aside, what do I want to accomplish this year? What do I want to really challenge myself with?

~yeah, just thinking...more later on that...

Here's my Mantra right now:

Whether it's ten miles or one,
you will NEVER regret lacing
up those running shoes and going outside!
~FitSugar

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Welcome 2013!

Tuesday.

So here we are in a new year, a new month. I find it a bit overwhelming at times to think we are already 13 yrs into a new century. Think about it, a new century and 13 yrs in...WOW! I don't have any resolutions to make; I don't usually make resolutions. I like my life of being a free spirit. That, of course, is not to say that I don't ever set goals for myself though, because I do...and I actually accomplish my goals too! Well, it's been nearly a year since I have posted in here and so I am setting myself another goal to refresh my blog, even if no one reads it but me, I am still happy. I think, at least for the moment, I will leave the format just the way I've had it. So without further ado, let's get to it...

Working out:

I went to the gym today. Of course, being the first of the year and folks are making their resolutions to hit the gym, it was full. The elliptical precore machine I really like was already taken by the time I arrived, but not to worry, the bike I like was open so I spent some time there. Oh, and before I forget, I started out the month right with some weight loss to report~~~> I've lost a full 1/2"...proud of me! I also walked only 1.69 miles today; it was sooo cold out! I am thankful it was not icy or raining or anything, that would have definitely made it worse! Tomorrow is another day and I think I will check out a new class at the gym. Yes, setting new goals.

Paying it Forward:

So even though another year is over, doesn't mean that charitable knitting takes a vacation. Last year (2012 that is) I knitted and donated about 25 or so hats. I think this year I should make a new goal to knit at least 35 hats and maybe a few scarves. I'm being realistic here. I know 35 doesn't seem much, but seriously, I know my own limits. I could try for 52 hats in 52 wks, but that's a lofty goal, if it happens I can get more than the 35 made, then that will be great too. But I've set myself with a realistic goal.

Gardening Time:

Remember all those bulbs I planted out last year? They've all started to show themselves! I can't wait for all those beautiful flowers to bloom. Of course it will have to wait for a while, we are still in winter after all (~:} I think this year I am going to do something differently with my gardening plans...still working on ideas, so more later on that scope.

In the Kitchen:

I don't have anything really to report here...yet. I haven't been experimenting with too much lately. Although I will say, I did try some sprouted bread (I read it is a superfood) and find I like it very much. I've gone pretty much vegan, although the odd bit of cheese works it's way in occasionally. I'd rather not label myself, but I will say, I have set new goals for what to eat and what not to...thus the weight loss!

Fun and Up and Coming:

Recently I went to another opera at the Hult Center. This time it was The Pirates of Penzance, it was really quite fun. I had a seat just one row back from the stage, up close and personal, it was great! Also, the Bandon Retreat is on again this year and I need to get the last $50 pd in on my deposit. I think I should be able to do that this weekend. I can't wait to go again,last year was so much fun. Oh, and this weekend, Saturday, is the ECRG opening bout at the fairgrounds. I may go, but Amy told me about the NIA class that's going on Saturday and Al and Vickie are coming down from Portland again. I really enjoyed the last class they did with us and I have so missed Amy! so, we'll see if I go to derby or not. It's also been awfully cold and I'm not so sure I want to walk down there and back in it. I know I'll get warmed up right away, but it's that initial blast of cold that I want to avoid. LOL

Randomness:

Hmmm, well, I think I put everything pretty much together up there, didn't I? Hahaha...Okay, wait, here's something. I am polishing up my resume and am applying for another position at work. I am going to be sure it's an upward movement rather than a lateral movement though. This is for me and what I need, not what everyone else wants me to do!

And of course, on the needles right now:

Currently I am working on some fingerless mitts for my sister Mary. I made these:

The brown ones are for Mary, the pink ones are made from my hand-dyed March Pansies colorway. The pattern for these is Susies Reading Mitts I'm really loving this pattern. Then I have this:

Which is the Gingko Shoulderette pattern. I've decided to add beads to it and I have to say it's very time consuming to add each bead on separately! Back to the drawing board on this one; thinking of a new way to add beads.

And now I leave you with this:

The new year begins in a snow-storm of white vows. ~George William Curtis

I'll see you tomorrow, and until then...have a marvelous evening *smiles*

A Day, A Week, A Month, A Year in my life...

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