10 Things

Happy 2010!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are getting back into the swing of things in the “real world.”  I know this week has been a struggle for me, but I’ll eventually get there.

10 Things I’m Looking Forward to in 2010:

Knitting ~ I suppose that goes without saying, but I feel like I’m more motivated to knit than I have been in a long time.  I think getting involved in blogging again has really helped, but I’ve also been spending some quality time on Ravelry looking at what you all are knitting and I’m finding things that I’m excited about.

Photography ~ I got a great new camera for Christmas and I’ve spent some of my Christmas money on a 50mm lens and Photoshop.  I don’t have Photoshop yet, but I’m anxious for it to come even though I’m a bit nervous about learning it.  I guess that’s what online tutorials and friends are for, right?

New Camera

I really want to spend some time learning to take better pictures.  It occurred to me a few weeks ago that I haven’t done a very good job of keeping track of the major events in our lives.  We live in a gorgeous place (even in the miserable cold of winter there are some breathtaking views) and I’d like to document the events and places in our lives.  But, I want to take great pictures, not just snapshots.  I know this is going to take a lot of time and commitment on my part, so I’m not sure what else is going to have to give, but I’ll figure out how to make it work.

Quilting ~ I am enjoying quilting.  It’s a fun hobby that gives me a break from knitting and allows me to hone another skill.  I like working at the quilt store – lots of fun people and great fabric!  Every project makes me better and we’ll see what projects come to fruition in 2010.

Team Roping ~ This is one of the few things TA and I do together.  It’s something I have to work hard at to improve, but it’s worth it because I like having a hobby that we share.  I’d like to take a clinic this year, but we’ll see how things shape up in the time and money department.

Yoga ~ I started practicing yoga in late 2008 and have really enjoyed it.  I had some periods during the summer when I let my practice lapse – the layoff and the kidney stones were contributing factors, but I’ve gotten back into it and have found that a regular practice makes a huge difference in my mental and physical health.  I want to continue to improve and expand my comfort zone – try new things, embrace those things that I struggle with, and try to be ok with where I am now (that’s hard for me).

Being Healthy ~ I struggled a bit with my health in 2009 and I’m really not a good sick person.  In retrospect, I haven’t felt “great” in a long time.  I’m not sure why, but I continue to try new things and hope that eventually I’ll figure out what’s going on with me.  I don’t have a lot of faith in doctors, but I’m reading about natural and ayurvedic medicine and I’ll see what I can figure out.  If anyone has a good suggestion, please let me know.

Living Life for the Moment ~ I tend to get wrapped up in what’s next and what I need to do to make things better.  Yoga is teaching me to be happy with where I am right now.  I think I will continue to improve and embrace this idea, but it takes work.  One of my goals for my life is to be grateful for where I am right now and let that be enough.

Taking a Vacation ~ TA and I haven’t taken a get-away type vacation since our honeymoon.  We’ve talked about some places we’d like to go and places we’d like to see.  I think this is the year we’ll make that happen.  If you have suggestions of great tropical locations, please share – it’s always easier to decide when someone recommends a place.

Writing ~ I enjoy writing and I’ve let that lapse as other things have taken over my time and creative energy.  I’d like to figure out a way to schedule some writing into my week.  I think the creative outlet is great and I enjoy sharing my crazy ideas with all of you (since you’re the only ones who will actually read it!).

Not Feeling Guilty ~ Guilt is a huge obstacle in my life.  I tend to feel guilty when I don’t live up to my own expectations.  Why?  Why do I put expectations on myself?  Why am I so much harder on myself than anyone else is?  I really want to work on that.  I want to be ok with the choices I make because they’re right for me at the time I made the choice and to leave the second guessing for someone else.

So, that’s my list.  What are you looking forward to in 2010?

Category: Life | Tags: 13 comments »

13 Responses to “10 Things”

  1. Marcia Cooke

    Tuscany! Just don’t fly Alitalia.

  2. Zarah

    Great list! I got a new camera for my birthday last year and I’ve never really learned all the ins and outs. I read the manual and that was a good place to start, but I can’t remember stuff like that until I’ve done it several times. I just need to get into the habit of carrying my camera with me more often, but I feel like a nerd with the big camera. I’m also looking forward to making more baby quilts for my fertile-myrtle friends having babies this spring (and maybe one for me!)

  3. grumperina

    Stephanie, I’m so excited to share 2010 with you! I can’t wait to see all your knitting, quilting, and photography!!! Especially photography! I’m glad you’re back to blogging and back to crafting.

  4. Carole

    I love your list and think you have some great things to look forward to this year!

  5. Kirsten

    I just got the D90 also :) I have the Photoshop Elements version but am now saving my pennies for the CS4 suite. I hope you are enjoying your new camera!

  6. Kathy

    Great list! And have fun with the new camera! I also want to go on vacation this year. How cool that you are doing roping — we went to our first rodeo this summer in Jackson, WY and it was so neat to see all of the different events.

  7. Linda

    Some things on your list are in my mind too. I love the camera, I have a D60 and my favourite lense is my 50mm. I can’t get to grips with photoshop though!

  8. Linda

    Oh, happy new year to you too!!

  9. Kelly

    Ok Stephanie I’m putting it in writing, I want to be more creative and a nicer person in both my personal and professional life. I love your list by the way. You are an inspiration, and my fashionista!! Kelly

  10. Diana

    You are so good about making lists and setting goals for yourself. I am looking forward to seeing your photography progress – I think having a good camera with quality lenses really makes a difference.

    For me, high on the craft goals this year is spinning, and more frequent blogging. So many times I think about posting something, but don’t take the photos, or wait too long and lose momentum. 2010 can be a fresh start :-)

  11. yahaira

    I dont see a certain vest on this list :)
    I’m glad you’re back to blogging! I really want to sew more and knit myself some cardis. not huge plans, but it works for me

  12. sarah

    d90 is an excellent choice and a 50mm lens is perfect, too! it’s what i shoot with the most often right now. although, after PW’s post on a 35mm lens, i’m thinking i need one of those!

  13. Monique

    I thought you were writing out MY list until you got to the roping part. Hehe! Maybe if I lived Wyoming and not Georgia it’d be on my list. Reading this got me inspired to go back to my own list and tweek. Thanks!


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