My Fourth Blogiversary
Posted: January 19, 2009 Filed under: Reflections 15 Comments »On each blogiversary, it is customary for me to reflect on the past year and consider what I hope to accomplish in the coming year. In 2008, I set a number of specific goals for knitting, spinning, and cooking/baking. I have re-written them in italics below, along with a mini-review of how I did.
Knitting:
1. Finish Chevron Scarf (in progress since October 2007)
Done – blogged about it here!
2. Finish Central Park Hoodie (in progress since August 2007)
Done — blogged about it here!
3. Finish Wicked Sweater (in progress since August 2007)
Nope. Frogged it and destashed the yarn. I just wasn’t feeling this one.
4. Knit Juno Regina (gift)
Nope. Never started on it, and destashed the yarn. I am seriously not a lace knitter.
5. Knit another Clapotis (gift)
Done! This one was for my friend Carolyn, and I made one for myself as well.
6. Knit at least one pair of socks (gift)
Yup! I knit two pairs for my sister. I also knit two pairs for myself.
Spinning:
Spin. At least a little. Once in awhile.
No, there was no spinning at all last year. In fact, right before Christmas I sold my Lendrum. I had to admit that I am not a spinner.
Cooking/Baking:
Try at least one new recipe per month.
I was quite successful with this goal! The only month I skipped was October, but in some months I experimented with several new recipes. I will admit that there were times when I only tried something new because I needed to meet my monthly goal, but I don’t think that was necessarily a bad thing. Here are all my posts about the new recipes I tried. My favorites (i.e., the ones I will totally make again and again) are definitely the enchiladas (November), the Pumpkin Bread (also November), and the Mexican Wedding Cookies (April).
January 2008
Sausage, Cheese, and Basil Lasagna
Coco-Nana Bread
February 2008
Hazelnut Nutella Sandwich Cookies
March 2008
(Chocolate) Cream Cheese Cookies
Rosemary Beef Skewers
Chicken Marsala
April 2008
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
May 2008
French Dip Sandwich
June 2008
Pork and Veggie Stir-Fry
July 2008
Creamy Lemon Squares
August 2008
Farfalle with Zucchini
September 2008
Sirloin Steaks with Mushroom Sauce
October 2008
none
November 2008
Artichoke Soup
Enchiladas
Rocky Road Brownies
Beef Stroganoff
Pumpkin Bread
December 2008
Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomatoes
“Real” Oatmeal
What’s next for 2009? I’ve been mulling over this, and the only goal I want to carry over from last year is to continue trying at one new recipe each month. I really liked doing that last year and felt that I pushed myself a bit. Sadly, I don’t have specific goals for my knitting…I am just going with whatever I feel like knitting. Maybe the best goal for me right now is to continue enjoying it?
I agree, just enjoy the knitting. You accomplished a lot in 2009!
Whoops, I meant 2008.
Happy blogiversary! I enjoy reading your blog and you always inspire me with your projects – whether they are knitting or cooking related! Here’s to a great 2009!
Happy Blogiversary! I’ve enjoyed reading about all of your culinary and knitterly adventures.
i’m coming out of lurkdom to wish you a very happy blogiversary. all of your handknits are lovely and colorful! your food looks simply delicious.
in the beginning of 2008, i tried to cook new recipes but fell off the wagon pretty early. i’m glad to see you made it through.
Congrats on 4 years! 2008 was a beautiful year of knitting and cooking — love those striped socks in particular. Knitting for enjoyment sounds like a wonderful goal.
Great update! I’ve always loved reading your blog and I will continue to do so! =D
Happy blog birthday!
Enjoying your knitting without any specific goals sounds like a good plan to me!
Congratulations on your blogiversary and on accomplishing so much!
happy blogiversary to you! I think your list for 2008 is fantastic, and I look forward to seeing your food for 2009! (and your knitting, of course!)
What a fantastic list of accomplishments. I love the idea of trying a new recipe every month. I think sometimes the little things – like enjoying your knitting, make the most impact in our lives. I tend to set lofty goals for myself and then feel guilty when I don’t follow through on them. I suppose my goal is to give myself a break and go with the flow without all the pressure I tend to pile on. I can’t wait to see what 2009 holds for you.
2008 was such a great year for you! i’m sure that you can keep it rolling through 2009. can’t wait to see what new recipes you try this year!
They’re beautiful projects, and those recipes look good. Looking forward to seeing your projects this year.
you’ve done so much last year!! i hope to knit myself a clapotis this year…
happy blogiversary!
Wow, what a year! Happy bloggiversary!