Journey of 1,000 miles

The saying goes, a journey of one thousand miles begins with just one step.  As December comes to a close and another year is almost over, I begin to think about resolutions for the new year.  I've wanted to learn to applique for a while now and this year is the year I'm at least going to give it a try.  I mean, how hard can it be?  I have my Accuquilt Go cutter to cut the shapes and so many cute quilts that I'd love to make including a Sunbonnet Sue that my oldest got for me about 4 years ago.  The pieces sit patiently waiting for their turn.  I think they have aged long enough.

While I have done quite a bit of quilting this year, my goal each year is to do more.  I have been too tired and worn out lately to get much quilting done, but when I do get a chance, it makes me feel good.

My son's teacher adopted two senior citizens who live in a local rest home and who do not have family to visit them.  The kids made cards and I offered a couple of quilts.  It was nice having the quilts finished and ready to go when the need arose.  The teacher said the kids loved the quilts and she was impressed with my skills. :)  Nice to get a little kudos every once in a while.  Most of the time, the quilts are given and nothing is heard about who got them or if they liked them.  I just have to trust they made it to where they were needed most.

I also have a goal of walking 1,000 miles in 2013.  My husband and I have walked every day for the last week anywhere between 2.5 and 4 miles a day.  That's only 19.2 miles a week or 2.74 miles a day.  There will be a few days we can't walk, but once you make up your mind that exercise is good for you and you have a lot to talk about, the walking is pretty easy to do.  My back has been hurting lately, so I have to build in some rest days along the way but I think it is an achievable goal.  We will see how I feel in January when it is raining all the time or so cold you can see your breath :)

Another thing I'd like to do is make at least 500 baby hats.  I have yarn coming out of my ears and baby hats take little thinking powers.  I've found some really cute patterns on the internet and have a place to donate them when I finish.  That way I don't feel like I'm wasting time watching TV.  Plus, if the hands are busy, they can't be snacking.  That will help with the weight loss that will help me get back into the new jeans I bought over the summer :)

Have you started thinking about what your goals are for the coming year?  It is always good to set them high and even if I don't reach them all, I will be motivated to do something rather than just sit around.