I’m not a big fan of resolutions but I do believe in goals. I also believe that one of the best ways to reach a goal is to write it down and so, here is my list of 10 Things I Want to Do in 2012.
- Make homemade marshmallows. I’ve wanted to try this forever and I hope that the thought of toasting them in our fire pit is the push I need to just do it.
- Make homemade ravioli. I made pasta last year and it was good. I got inspired and bought ravioli trays but I’ve yet to use them. This is the year!
- Become someone who enjoys exercise. Last year I started (and stopped) two exercise regimens. I have friends who started and stuck with their new exercise routines and claim to really enjoy their time spent exercising. I enjoy my time sitting on the coach and watching TV. I’d just really like to become a person who enjoys exercise but I’m not sure how to get there. I will persist, though.
- Redecorate the living room. At the least I’d like to strip the wallpaper and paint, at the most it would be a full-blown overhault with a new rug, replastering and removing the old fireplace. We shall see.
- Learn to use Photoshop Elements. I can do the basics but I know there is so much more I should be doing with this software. If I can learn to use this then I can graduate to Lightroom.
- Go to a Patriots game. I feel like everyone I know went to a game last year. I really hope I get my chance this year.
- Knit with my handspun. Seriously.
- Take better pictures. I know my pictures are mostly good but I’ve got a lot to learn, especially with my new camera. I will be doing Project 365 again this year and I know that will help with this goal. I’ve also signed up for MCP Project 12 and I’m thinking that will also push my skills along.
- Improve my cookie decorating skills. The first thing I’d like to do is get the frosting in the bags without having it wind up all over my hands. And kitchen. I think I’m going to try this tutorial.
- Have more fun! This ought to cover everything else — traveling, crafting, cooking and more!
At least one of them is easy; here’s a link to making marshmallows:
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2011/07/marshmallow-recipe-candymaking/
Personally, I want to finish up my UFOs and make a dent in my stash.
Anyway, Happy New Year!
I agree. Love your goals! And, it sounds like I want to be eating in your house instead of mine. I never knew there was such a thing as homemade marshmallows!
Great goals! I smiled at your #7. Can’t wait to see your projects! I almost put spinning on my list (haven’t had my wheel out in ages) but there were too many things on the list already!
Exercise is easier when you have time and working an 8-5 job doesn’t leave much time. I’m tired at the end of the day and can think of 10 million excuses for the morning hours, but each morning I get out of bed and walk without even thinking about it. It’s the time of day that works best and an exercise I can do. Walking is easy and most often very enjoyable. A mile here…a mile there…it all adds up. My goal is to walk as often as possible.
I have to admit that I have always been someone that hated exercising until this year. Right now I am really really missing my workouts and look forward to being able to get back at it in a month or so. 🙂
Mmm……homemade marshmallows….yum!
sounds like great plans for 2012 – I especially love your #10 (funny how we get too caught up in the doing to enjoy it!) and bookmarked that MCP12 link – that could be just what I need too!
I recommend taking a class for Photoshop (online or in person)… building your knowledge from the basics (fundamentals). I knew I’d be able to “teach myself” — at least enough to get by and do things — but it really helps to know the bare-bones HOW and WHY those things are done. Actions are great, if that’s your thing, but knowing what’s behind them and how to make them “yours” (or make your own!) is even better! That’s my feeling, anyway. I remember taking a skills test for a temp service once and seeing my scores for certain software programs — low in the basics, high in the mid-range, very high in advanced — and being told that those types of scores are common for self-taughts. You can accomplish a goal, but not really know how. There’s so much to Photoshop — so many “layers” (heh). Climbing off my soapbox now. ; )
Oh, I should have added improve my photography skills! I took two classes w/Gale last summer, and they were fantastic, but I have to practice a LOT more! Thanks for the great topic!
That is an AMAZING frosting tip. THank you!
As for exercise, I can’t say I ever really enjoy it. I enjoy how it feels when I’m done, meaning, my body feels more fit, and I like that. But the actual process? Not so much. I love the exercise that comes with what I like to do (i.e. skiing). But it may be unrealistic to think you will learn to love it, unless you find something you LOVE doing.
Great list. Homemade ravioli sounds like something I ought to try. Learning to use Photoshop Elements is something I ought to put on my list too. I’m embarrassed to say that I bought it several years ago and never used it. I want to get the new version and learn how to use it but I’m not sure I have the time.
Mother was a high school band director during WW II. Her students just couldn’t believe that she made home-made marshmallows (a necessity if you wanted marshmallows, due to the rationing). She said it was fun.
I want to make homemade marshmallows, too, but I’m afraid I’ll eat them all. They are so, so much better than storebought!
Oooh, I’ve been wanting to make marshmallows, too, maybe for Valentine’s Day. I’ve got a recipe somewhere.
Wow, I love that tutorial about filling a decorator bag. sometimes I use parchement paper decorator bags (more disposable) but hte frosting dries out faster with the paper bags. But that saran wrap tip would keep the frosting from drying out. It looks as thought the couple and tip would stay cleaner (or at least be easier to clean) too.
Aspirations are so much more positive than the usual resolutions. On the exercise thing? Just keep trying things out. For example, do you have a Wii or other such game? Maybe you (and even Dale or Hannah) would enjoy some of the dance games. And dancing definitely can be exercise. Hope you find something.
May i suggest butternut squash ravioli. i made them for the holidays and they were wonderful. i based it in the Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells recipe on howsweeteats.com.
Love your list…My list is full of chores, but my number 10 should add a little levity and joy…I hope!
Happy New Year!!!
Your number 7 I need to adopt BIG TIME. Because, O M G the yarn!
Love your list!
I have never gotten to the point of enjoying exercise. I still curse out my treadmill on a regular basis, but I do enjoy the way i feel when i exercise regularly. i guess it’s as far as I’m ever going to get!
Pedometer. Get one. It changed the way I looked at movement. AND I have a treadmill with a shelf for my laptop. Fun to walk to Alian, 24, Lost. My goal is to eat one huge salad every day. AND to knit socks like my cyber-buddy, Carole!
Alain = Alias But maybe you figured that out. 🙂
I love this topic!!!!!!
Easy way to get frosting into the bags? Insert/attach whatever tip your’re using, and fold the sides of the bag over a pint glass. The glass holds the bag up and any frosting that leaks out of the tip will just end up at the bottom of your glass.
Love your list.
Still thinking on mine. Just keep blogging, b/c I love to come here.
I haven’t decided if I should give up dropping stitches or resolve to pick them up!
I can’t frost a cooke either. My son who is studying education says mine looked at least like a first grade level, when I said a preschooler could have decorated them. That was generous.
When I am frosting (piping frosting) I fill the bag with the same technique that Elizabeth uses. It works pretty well, and when you are between cookies you can put the bag back in the cup and not have to worry about making a huge mess.
I made ravioli for the first time this year, and I think we might still have some in the freezer. I loved doing it, but it was certainly time consuming (thus making enough to store in the freezer). My list feels so mundane. I cannot believe I forgot I wanted to make marshmallows!
Carole, once again, a great list. I love the topic this week. I bought myself a new camera and have photoshop on the way. You have inspired me, and my youngest daughter, to participate in the MCP 12 project. Thank you!
Hi Carole! Great list – good luck with number three – I do it and it is a challenge! You always feel great after though! Happy 2012…has such a better ring than 2011 huh?
What a great list! And you GO, Carole, with your fitness goal. You CAN learn to love it (or. . . at least. . . to like it!).
Tip for frosting! If you roll down the end of the bag and then stand it in a tall glass with the tip pointing down into the bottom of the glass it leaves you with an extra hand. I use this all the time, best of luck!
Let me know how #3 turns out! I’ve had no luck with that one. As for #5, check out Kim Klassen Cafe (website). She has online classes that are very affordable! I am taking two this year and I’m so excited to learn.