Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Hi, I'm thirty-eight.

(I figure if I keep saying it, it will start to sink in.)

Thanks for the birthday wishes! You guys are so sweet, and I really appreciate it! I wish I could report that I had a great birthday, but I just didn't. It wasn't any one thing in particular, I've just somehow landed in a bit of a funk, and so the b-day was also kind of a bummer. That said, you know me- I don't like to dwell in muck for long, so I'll leave this topic by saying that I demand a birthday do-over once the funk subsides! I still have high hopes for this year!

I don't make resolutions anymore. I gave it a try, but found it just doesn't work for me. I realized this somewhere around the third year in a row that I had some version of "eat healthier" and "work out more" on my resolution list. Maybe it's just me, but it seems that if you find that you keep putting the same things on the list year after year, that signals a problem. So instead, I just put those kinds of things out there as back burner givens. I think general health and fitness will always be something I will need to constantly work at and commit and recommit to. I will just pledge to keep bettering myself, in all those ways we want to better ourselves, and leave it at that. I am a work in progress, after all.

This year, I'm looking forward to more knitting, of course, and more spinning! Ooh, I can't wait! And yes, I know what I'm getting myself into. I'm also looking forward to much more sewing and crafting in general. I realized that I truly am the happiest when I'm working away at something- be it knitting, spinning, sewing, stitching, baking, wrapping, and on and on. Over the past several months I've been more and more inspired by crafters, and I've come to really embrace that part of me. I admittedly went a bit nuts with the gift making and giving over the holidays, but you know what? I loved it! I want to do more. Because it makes me happy.

And undoubtedly the most anticipated of all: I plan to accomplish a monumental goal this year (whereupon completion, I may or may not treat myself to a few indulgent rewards)! What is this goal, so amazing that I'm already planning my reward? Well, if all goes according to plan, I will be out of debt within months! Let's just sit with that for a moment...*aah*...I'm ashamed to admit that I managed to amass a substantial amount of senseless debt after college that weighed me down- to the core. Anyone who has accumulated financial debt knows how debilitating this can feel. I felt like crap. Like the crap under the crap. I wondered if I would ever be able to dig myself out. But after several years of dedication, no frivolous spending, and adhering to a strict, self-imposed payment schedule, I will achieve this goal within months and I will be debt free! O!M!G! But, don't throw the party yet (that will come later)! I'm still months and months away, but the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is now in sight!

Meanwhile, in the much nearer future, I am looking forward to finishing and wearing these:

You will, no doubt, recognize these as Endpaper Mitts, named Grayscale. I started these mitts over the holidays and have been working away at them ever since. They have been my saving grace. I've lost myself in these (in a good way) and now they're almost done. Yay!

Hmm...I think the funk is beginning to subside... :)

* Note: I do not yet own a house and I will need a new car at some point, so this debt-free status will be temporary, but nonetheless- no student loans, no credit card debt - pretty sweet!

17 comments:

The Digger said...

38?! I don't believe it. I always thought you were closer to my age.

I too am working on that post college debt weight. I'll have to use you as inspiration that it can be done.

Anonymous said...

That's fabulous! Congratulations on almost being debt free. Be proud of yourself for sticking to your schedule. That's hard to do!
The endpaper mitts look wonderful. I can't want to see them finished!

margaux said...

i still think you're lying about your age... haha! i think your goals are fantastic and as another in debt person - i think being out of debt is going to feel Phenomenal!! go nonnahs! ;-)

LotusKnits said...

Congrats on your near-lack of debtedness! A house and a car are necessities and don't hurt as much as credit card debt. I hope to be in the same position as you by year end!

The mitts look lovely!!

Nasus said...

No more funk! No more funk! (a new mantra?) :)

mle said...

How wonderful it will feel to be out of debt! Yes, you can do it!! We did it last year and it is sooo worth all the sacrifices you've been making.

And I LOVE the two-toned grey Endpaper mitts! those are just gorgeous and they will go with everything.

Jennifer said...

Yay for getting out of debt! It'll be a great feeling. I love the color of your endpaper mitts. Very nice!

Pixiepurls said...

oh i love those mitts, send them to me haha.

=joy= said...

o my goodness, how did i miss this! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! hopefully you get the blahs out of the way soon! *hugs*

Madge said...

Pie in the sky apple pie hopes that your funk is gone and you're enjoying your new age! hehe

Grayscale is beautiful in its minimalist way. So soothing. (Yay for knitting coming to the rescue once again....)

jillian said...

Definitely have a do-over! And, nah-nah you're older than I am :) Only by a little! The Grayscale mitts are gorgeous!

Crazy Knitting Fool said...

Congrats on becoming debt free. I am also plugging away on paying off my evil credit cards so I know how much of a weight you will feel lifted off of you.

Kara said...

Being debt free...that is amazing! What a great birthday present (even though it is some months off).

What a great post. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year for you!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday and be proud of your age, because you will always look and feel younger than you really are. And congrats on seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of debt. What a relief that must be!

craftoholic said...

Happy belated bday, and congrats on being debt-free soon. I was at the same place a few years ago, and the feeling you get after that last payment is incredible! Kudos to you!

Anonymous said...

You seriously don't look a day over 21, Nonnahs! I bet you still get carded.

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!


- MJ

Octopus Knits said...

Happy belated birthday! I also think you look much younger than 38 : )

Good luck achieving your goals! (And I'm loving your Grayscale Endpaper Mitts)