Instead of a depressing post about the shortness of time, I want to write an update on my "Things to Do in 2012." Mostly to keep myself accountable but also because I feel chatty. And in case you're wondering, I do have a very colorful list of my Things to Do in 2012 in my handy notebook (similar to my Bloggiesta list). Because colored pens make me ridiculously happy.
The Book Things
--Read 24 Books: So far I read four books this year and listened to seven. That makes eleven. 46% isn't half bad for it only being April. Nice.
--Find a Face to Face book club. I sparked a revival with my work club. We'll see how long it lasts for. My local indie also has a book club once a month but I don't know that they've actually gotten off the ground yet. Would love to get involved/help with it but not sure about the time committment.
--Read The Stand. I'm scared. Hold my hand? Thinking about proposing a readalong. Interested? When's good for you?
The Quilting/Sewing Things
--Finsh that damn quilt for Scott. No progress. Sad face.
--Finish my Christmas Quilt. Same as above. Double sad face.
But, I did take a Free Motion Quilting class and loved it! I also finished all of my Virtual Quilting Bee blocks. And I kind of sort of started another project but then my mom made me feel guilty about not working on Scott's quilt. So...no progress anywhere.
The Food Things
--Use My Kitchen Appliances. So far success! I've completed Operation Crockpot and am working through Operation Food Processor. Which appliance/gadget do you think I should feature next?
--Twelve New Recipes. I've lost count. By the time the year is over I think I'll have completed this thing many times over.
--One Dessert a Month. I don't think I made anything in February but I got two desserts in January and one in March. It all evens out, right?
The Bloggy Things
--Continue to blog about all topics. Done and done.
--Try to get back to writing more about the books I finish. Do have written drafts of book posts count?!
Miscellaneous Things
--Run 5K Race. Done!!! It was chaotic and I don't have a final time, but I finished between 35 and 40 minutes. Not bad. Not great. But, glad it's done and I'm contemplating signing up for another.
--Attend four cultural events. 1 down! Dracula Ballet. Unfortunately after the Dracula Ballet I've been having a tough time convincing Scott to attend another event with me. Boo.
--Continue to work on my photography. Yup, until I can quantify this one, it's just me taking pictures. But I am using my manual settings more and more.
--Make Something from Pinterest. Yup! A few things--I made a hairbow frame (link to pin) for Elle and the Chocolately Trifle. I've been thinking about doing a Pinterest challenge--is that something you'd be interested in? Basically a challenge to get you actually utilizing the pins you create.
Overall I'd say doing pretty well. How are your 2012 "things" going?
On the Blog:
One Year Ago - Thoughts on Slowing Down
Two Years Ago - Good Things - New Car Edition
Three Years Ago - Sunday Salon 3 - Why I Love Readathons
Four Years Ago - The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood
Gorgeous bluebonnet picture. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI'll do a read-a-long with you for THE STAND. It's been years and years since I read it, but I could do it again. Timing is your choice or if you want to wait to see if others want to participate. Just let me know. :-)
I'd say you're doing great! It's hard to get a lot accomplished when you have an active little one in the house.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're taking a bite out of that list. Congrats on the 5K! I want to do another one soon. I keep meaning to tell you I love your new header but then I forget, so I'm telling you today!
ReplyDeleteSounds like things have gone pretty well for you this year so far! Much better than for me, haha! :D And I think between 35 and 40 mins for a 5K is a GREAT time!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're doing create on that list. I'm planning on doing a 5K on Earth Day.
ReplyDeleteOh, please do a readalong of The Stand. I've wanted to read the book forever but I'm scared too! The summer works best for me.
I'm impressed with how well you've stuck with your goals so far! Yay Trish! I am really hoping to get back into running again after this baby comes--maybe in the fall :) Funny-I definitely don't have a problem using the ideas I pin from Pinterest! Well...the recipes, that is. I have made tons of them, and plan to make many more! The other stuff I haven't been so great about, but almost every time I make something new for dinner, Matt asks if I got it from Pinterest :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. It's Less than 2 weeks till Elle is 1!!!!!!! :)
YOu're doing great! I'm very impressed.
ReplyDeleteI already read The Stand with Sandy last year. It was fun to read together but it is a LONG book! :--)
ReplyDelete*Kay - I love the bluebonnets this time of year! Took a couple hundred pictures the other day! ;) And I'm glad you're in for The Stand. Maybe June? Will have to look and see how many pages it is.
ReplyDelete*bermudaonion - I have a feeling it'll be much tougher when the babe starts walking!
*Chrisbookarama - Thanks about the header! Someone offered to make it for me during Bloggiesta. Really love it. :)
*Amanda - We kind of got off to a weird start for the 5K so I don't have an official time. Pretty sure I was so sore afterwards that I couldn't walk straight for a week. ;)
*Christina - What a great day for a 5K! And glad you'll be in for a readalong of The Stand! I'm hoping there will be a few others as well. Maybe June?
*Laura - Sometimes I miss running but it's just so hard to carve out the time. :( Do you have a "tried and liked" kind of board on Pinterest? Guess I could just go look to see if you do. I've tried a handful of things but definitely want to do more! And PS--I can't hear you. lalalalalala. :)
*Beth F - Thanks! It's been a fun year!
*rhapsodyinbooks - BOOOOOOOOOO! Maybe you could do again on audio? Hahaha!
I'm up for a readalong of Strand. When? I'm doing one now, The House at Tynenford. The only thing I'm not fond of , if the book is really good, I want to finish it. But, I'm starting to take notes now. A good thing for me to know how to do. You're an incredible young woman, don't think you're not doing enough , you are. You have a baby. I don't think I read a whole adult book until my guys were 12. And a quilt, well mine is all pieced and ready to quilt for the last 20 years. Not my favorite hobby.
ReplyDeleteI have a husband similar to yours. Some of my goals are about trying things and going out places and he's not being an eager participant. I did take Z to the ballet for a mommy/son outing but it wasn't as relaxing as it would have been with another adult!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great! Keep it up!
Hey, doll! Got a question for you - what the heck is pinterest? Got a quick explanation or is that impossible?
ReplyDeletecjh
As I tweeted yesterday, sign me up for The Stand -- it is scary to commit to such a long book though LOL
ReplyDeleteYou amaze me with all you accomplish with a little one and such a busy life...Amazing Woman Award to you Trish
Sheesh Trish--I'd say you're doing far better than "pretty well"! You're kicking some major butt, girl!!! I'm major league impressed!!! Now if only it would rub off on me...
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great! Why do you beat yourself up?? I'm not HALF as productive as you and I don't have a real job!! (Well, I do, but once a week doesn't count.)
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to read the Stand with you, I read it once, it scared me enough. I would do a Pinterest challenge tho!
Yes, first quarter of 2012 is over and done and I can't believe it!
ReplyDeleteCognrats on the 5K!!!!! I knew you could do it. Sorry the other things kind of fall by the wayside but at least they are not completely off the radar.
The Stand, huh? I have had issues with King in the past, but if you do a read-along I'm in. Just ordered from Paperbackswap.
*Irene - I'm thinking about The Stand maybe in June? And that's great about taking notes while you're reading! I need to be better about doing that. And I'm sad about your quilting. ;) I find it really relaxing...just don't always find the time to work on it.
ReplyDelete*Kristen M. - Good for you for taking Z to the ballet! I went for the first time with my dad when I was 9 or 10 so maybe a little older than Z but I loved it. I can see how it wouldn't be very relaxing, though!! And if it makes you feel better, I'm betting that Scott was just as wiggly as little Z was. Ha!
*cj - I sent you an email, but for the record Pinterest is like an online bookmarking tool--I can keep track of different recipes, quilts, tutorials, kid stuff, etc that I find online instead of having to track down the website again.
*Bibliophile/diane - Yay! Glad you're interested in The Stand! And trust me--all I do looks much better on "paper" than in real life. There is SO much that I just don't have time for...but I have to let it go.
*Lisa - so far you're my only taker for the Pinterest challenge. :( And I PROMISE I'm not as productive as it seems...
*Debi - Kicking butt and taking names. ;) I try to keep busy but I admit that some nights (or more accurately most nights) I don't do anything except cook dinner and then watch TV until we go to bed. Ha!
*Jenny Girl - Yay for The Stand readalong!! :) Think it'll be better reading with others. Can offer mutual hand holding. Ha! And I've been really good about adopting the "do what you can do and don't sweat the rest" motto. ;)
I'm looking at my Pinterest pins to see what I can accomplish in a month. I've got a lot of comfort food recipes but it's about time lighten up. Think I'll work on testing some recipes for the graduation party and maybe some fun things to do around the house before then. How many things did we commit to do in a month?
ReplyDeleteConsidering how busy you always seem you are doing really well! Congrats on all your accomplishments. :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are doing a wonderful job so far! I would love to read The Stand with you...I should check and see if my used bookstore has a copy so I don't have to worry about time deadlines. And all of the recipes you share make me want to try them myself :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are right on track for all of your goals! Way to to!
ReplyDeleteYou should do the ice cream maker next.
I also want to be a part of a face to face book club. I think as soon as I move, that will be my first priority.
Quilting! I want to learn how to quilt in such a hard way. Can't wait to see both Scott's and the Christmas one when they are done. Elle's is so beautiful. You do a great job.
You're amazing!
I'd say you're doing pretty great, Trish!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of The Stand, can you believe that I haven't read that one yet?! I supposed I'm intimidated by the thickness of the book, hehe.
I've been meaning to read The Stand for soooo long now. I think I might like to readalong! :)
ReplyDeleteI too have The Stand on my list of things "to do". But not during any particular year. If you organized a read-a-long, I may join. I say may because it's tough to commit to anything else right now. But I would try.
ReplyDelete:-)
Pax
...colored pens make me ridiculously happy. A girl after my own heart. Rod doesn't understand my need to use different colored markers when I make up our weekly menu and grocery list. Silly man. It's all in the name of organization (read: control). ;)
ReplyDeleteI've only read 16 books so far this year (6 of those were audios). Looks like another slow year, but the quality is better than in years past.
Hmmm, not sure I can commit to rereading The Stand. But I'll cheer you on. Go, Trish. Go, Trish. You can do, yes you can! Go, Trish! :)
I say try your grill for your next appliance challenge. 'Tis the season, after all. Or how about your blender? I'm anxious to try some healthy smoothies and some new cocktail recipes wouldn't hurt, either.
I'm trying to add a new recipe to my weekly menu. Last week's Cowboy Lasagne (Trisha Yearwood's) was AWESOME. Tonight's Chicken Pot Pie (Sarah Foster's) left a lot to be desired. I'll post about both in the coming week. Famous last words.
Congrats on your 5K! Wish I could get back into running. My knees are ancient and refuse to join me, so I stick with biking. Only rode 50 miles in March and April is half over. Sigh.
I should use the manual setting on my camera more often, but that would require pulling out the manual and learning how to do that. It was so much easier with an old-fashioned SLR. I think my photo challenge should be to finish editing and printing my pictures from vacations and family gatherings from 2010 up to the current date. Ha! That's been on my To Do list forever!
Thanks for the motivation to get out my legal pad and pens. I feel the need to make another list... :)
Les - LOL--I love a good rambling comment. ;) And of course it makes perfect sense to use different colored pens and markers to make up lists!
DeleteI have to admit it makes me feel a bit better about my paltry reading numbers that you've only read 16 books so far this year. But I do agree with you that it's quality over quantity AND there are so many things that need to be done!
Googling Cowboy Lasagne. And love Trisha Yearwood. I make this chicken pot pie and love it: http://www.lovelaughterinsanity.com/2011/03/chicken-pot-pie.html Just enough richness and I can toss any kind of veggie I want into the mix.
And the manual settings is a mixed bag. I love not having to use my flash but I also end up with a bunch of crap shots. I usually shoot on AV (if you have a Canon, if not, Aperture Priority), so it isn't completely manual. And yes...pictures from the bluebonnets at Penneys. Really need to edit the shots--we took about 200 pictures that day! ;)
Hope you're having a wonderful evening!
Forgot to say (in my long ramble!) that I love your header and the bluebonnet photo is outstanding. JCP? :)
ReplyDelete*Lisa - I think maybe tiered commitment for the Pinterest challenge?
ReplyDelete*Kailana - I do feel busy but I also admit that I chill on the couch most evenings and am in bed pretty early! ;)
*samantha.1020 - Yay!! I'm thinking maybe June and July for The Stand. Will put out a feeler post in a few weeks to see what you guys are interested in doing timewise. Think my hardcover copy is about 850 pages long.
*Michelle - Waiting to do ice cream maker for the hot hellacious summer months. ;) I have a work book club but the members are sometimes wishy washy. Would love to find a great book club that leads to friendships (like something from a book!).
*Melody - Maybe with a readalong for The Stand it won't be so scary? :) I'm definitely intimidated by the thickness as well. AND intimidated by Stephen King!
*Megan - Yes yes! I hope you join for a readalong!! :)
*Pax - LOL--for me to commit to a readalong is pretty big business since I've failed most of the ones I've recently joined. But I would love to read The Stand someday and find out what all the fuss is about. Hope you'll join the fun!
What progress, I'm impressed! Can you believe I can't even remember if I made any goals for 2012, I'll be off to check on that right after I comment here. :-)
ReplyDeleteIs there fuss around The Stand? I haven't heard any!
I'd be up for a Pinterest challenge. Most of my pins are recipes so it would be totally be a cooking/baking thing for me!
Oh man, I've been meaning to read The Stand for such a long time! Maybe June or July?
ReplyDelete*Joanna - I don't know that there's really any fuss around The Stand except that it's long, it's Stephen King, and might be scary. And yay about the Pinterest challenge. Maybe I'll post something next week for May!
ReplyDelete*Melissa - Yay! I'm thinking June-July but will put out a feeler post to see how long people want to spend on the book.
I'm in for The Stand read-a-long whenever you end up starting. I'll do my best to keep up :-)
ReplyDeleteIf you do The Stand in June I might just join you! I still haven't read anything by King.
ReplyDelete*Missy - I don't think we'll go too fast...my reading time is really here and there. I'm thinking at least a month-6 weeks. But glad you'll join us!
ReplyDelete*Softdrink - Well surely King has got to be better than Dostoevsky, right?!