Well, here we are, at the beginning of a new year again. I suppose many people have made resolutions for the new year, but I have never really been fond of doing so. For one thing, there is nothing magical about going from December 31 to January 1. In other words, time passing is not enough of a trigger to make someone be successful at making a change in their lives. One has to have the preparedness, mindset, and discipline to see it through. Additionally, why choose January 1 as a start date? I think the very connotation of "New Year's Resolution" adds significant pressure. And if we slip up, then we feel like a horrible failure and just think, "Well, there's always next year." The truth is, we are only given today and not promised tomorrow. If we want to improve ourselves, there is no better time than today, whatever time of year today might be.
For many of the typical resolutions, such as weight loss, more exercise, or saving money, I think one can tend to feel very negatively about oneself if the resolutions are not kept. Since there are already so many bad vibes in the world, I do not want to add any more for myself. I prefer to think in terms of goals, or "bucket list," if you like. In other words, I think about the things that I have always wanted to do in my life and choose some of those as activities to achieve in the new year, plus other random things on my to-do list. It has a much more positive feel and if I do accomplish any of them, even just one, then that achievement is a big mental "check-it-off-the-list." Feeling a sense of accomplishment does wonders for anyone's self-esteem. So, without further ado, here are some things I would like to achieve in 2014.
1. Learn to pincurl my hair to achieve Gene Tierney's look.
I am already practicing making pincurls with some success. Once I feel pretty confident, I may go ahead and get the proper layered haircut to make the style (i.e. the Middy Plus - see this post), but I probably will not cut it as short as the diagram.
2. Knit a pair of socks. I have made lots of different things, but never socks.
3. Tailor a couple of lined 1940's wartime suits. I plan on using this pattern first. Then, I will use this vintage pattern from my collection.
I love the inverted pleat in the front of the skirt.
4. Improve my meal planning skills. I am in a bit of a rut with meal planning right now. Continuing with the 1940's theme (you did notice the theme, right?), I hope to utilize some of the menu plans in this book, The Working Girl Must Eat by Hazel Young. Originally written in 1938, it was revised and republished in 1944 using the ration requirements in place at that time. In addition to 100 complete menus and corresponding recipes, a work plan is included for each menu to help the cook get everything on the table at the same time.
5. Finish all of my current in-progress knitting projects.
So there you have it, my list of goals to work toward this year. Here is hoping that many, and perhaps all, will become achievements.
For many of the typical resolutions, such as weight loss, more exercise, or saving money, I think one can tend to feel very negatively about oneself if the resolutions are not kept. Since there are already so many bad vibes in the world, I do not want to add any more for myself. I prefer to think in terms of goals, or "bucket list," if you like. In other words, I think about the things that I have always wanted to do in my life and choose some of those as activities to achieve in the new year, plus other random things on my to-do list. It has a much more positive feel and if I do accomplish any of them, even just one, then that achievement is a big mental "check-it-off-the-list." Feeling a sense of accomplishment does wonders for anyone's self-esteem. So, without further ado, here are some things I would like to achieve in 2014.
1. Learn to pincurl my hair to achieve Gene Tierney's look.
I am already practicing making pincurls with some success. Once I feel pretty confident, I may go ahead and get the proper layered haircut to make the style (i.e. the Middy Plus - see this post), but I probably will not cut it as short as the diagram.
2. Knit a pair of socks. I have made lots of different things, but never socks.
3. Tailor a couple of lined 1940's wartime suits. I plan on using this pattern first. Then, I will use this vintage pattern from my collection.
I love the inverted pleat in the front of the skirt.
4. Improve my meal planning skills. I am in a bit of a rut with meal planning right now. Continuing with the 1940's theme (you did notice the theme, right?), I hope to utilize some of the menu plans in this book, The Working Girl Must Eat by Hazel Young. Originally written in 1938, it was revised and republished in 1944 using the ration requirements in place at that time. In addition to 100 complete menus and corresponding recipes, a work plan is included for each menu to help the cook get everything on the table at the same time.
5. Finish all of my current in-progress knitting projects.
So there you have it, my list of goals to work toward this year. Here is hoping that many, and perhaps all, will become achievements.
