Accomplishments not to forget

People tend to concentrate on their failures, their "what ifs", their shortcomings.
I think it's important to remember all those little goals we DO tackle, all the "to do" we check off our lists.

Inspired by Andrea's "59 Things",
I decided to keep a list of things last year that were accomplishments.
Remembering accomplishments is a good way to start the New Year, along with eying new goals and inspirations

Last year I:
*Read (or listened to) 37 books.
24 books, 13 audio books.
This does not include craft or cookbooks.

*Got a computer, then an updated version--a gift from a very nice guy who reads this blog.
It has been life-transforming. Really.
I entered the 21st century--goodbye dial-up, welcome high speed!

*I reconnected with some old friends/clients after five years
*reconnected with a friend of a friend after more than a decade
*reconnected with a childhood friend after a year, and another very close friend after two years.
*reconnected with several old high school friends and former co-workers via Facebook
*reconnected with a girl I went to elementary school, Junior High, and High School with, but never really hung out with.
Via Facebook we arranged to meet at a concert, and discovered how much we have in common.
It's awesome to start up a friendship that's so strong from the get go.

*I finally made a bowl from a record.

*I finished my first knitted scarf.
*Then I made another.

*Took the online course Unravelling from Susannah Conway
I still need to really delve into it.
It's an introspective journey.

*Took an online class about food myths from
Kelly the Kitchen Kop
Amazing.
I've become a fan of Weston Price, and traditional nutrition.

*I took a tiara class with Sally Jean Alexander.
I still need to blog about it.

*I got a Brazilian blow-out.

*I met one of my blog friends/Facebook buddies face-to-face.
He is one of my closest friends now.
Go figure.

*I fixed up my bedroom.
I had a wood floor installed, as well as trim around the doors and windows.
I bought draperies, new drapery rods, and I painted the wood doors white.
I bought an area rug.
I painted the walls two shades of green.
Huge improvement.

*I made a cute dress for a little girl

*I bought some CD-roms on how to speak Italian.
I haven't really gotten into them yet, but it's a beginning.

*I finally saw three bridges in San Diego that were on my bucket list.
I still need to blog about it.

*I attended Tiki Oasis again.

*Planted an old wheelbarrow

*I bought (actually I'm still buying...) an old Ford Explorer since my Land Rover needs a new engine.
I really like it!

*I rescued an 8-week old feral kitten and welcomed him as part of my family
Initially I named him Trey, but it didn't stick.
He is now Kai (and "little guy").

gimme

Joy comes to different people in different ways.
Sometimes it's interactions with those we love,
or it's learning something new, or seeing a new place.
Sometimes it's a quiet afternoon alone, a favorite scent, a cool breeze, a perfect recipe.
Sometimes it's a child's laugh, a dog's smile, a streak of sunlight.

But I ain't gonna lie, as the saying goes...
sometimes, despite the superficiality, material things give me joy.
Sometimes you want to wrap up a bright shiny package and hand it to yourself, you know?
My friend debs calls those things she wants to buy her "gimme list".
I love that description.
It's a good gimme, not a bratty one ;)

Right now, this bright red thermos is something I love.
I just ordered it from the Sundance Catalog.

Also from Sundance Catalog, this Gathered Truths intrigues me.
It's a box of quotations..."words to hearten and enlighten".


On my "gimme" list, these sparrow clips (from Crate and Barrel).


I don't even have a Wii yet, but I think I might buy one just so I can have fun with Just Dance.

And...I cannot stop obsessing about Finny's new bike.
I am hardcore coveting that thing of beauty.