Thursday, January 08, 2009

A New Year

Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes, everyone! You guys are awesome! So, 39. No discernable difference from 38, really, or any of the mid-30s, for that matter. Although I will say this birthday was worlds better than last- most likely due to all the good (and great) happenings over the past year (let's see how the next one is- yikes).

On the knitting front, I didn't accomplish much in terms of volume or complexity of projects, but I am pleased with what I made. Looking back, I realize that a great majority of my projects were knit as gifts for friends and family and I only knit two things for myself, but I lovelovelove both of them, and it makes me happy that I was able to share my handiwork with some very special people in my life.

2008 FOs, from top left: Greyscale, Luke Hat, Luke Booties, Bunnies
Diana, Grassy Pants, Espresso Soaker, Snailsace
Ruby Red, Oatmeal mittens, Oatmeal sweater, Halekulani Wedding Shawl
Rex, Paprikash, Guri Guri hats, Rex II

On the homefront, 2008 was one of the most life-changing (in a good way) of all my years to date (hmm...I guess that could explain the lack of knitting)! And the best part is, I didn't see any of it coming this time last year. 2008 brought into my life among other things- marriage to the greatest guy I know, the blessing of pregnancy, the hybrid car I've been wanting for years, and a very promising new president! I can hardly wrap my puny brain around all that has happened (and is happening) to me, and to all of us Loopy Girls. Dis is also expecting her first baby (in the near future) and Nasus graduated from law school and passed the bar exam! I am so profoundly grateful I look forward to 2009 and all this year will bring, including of Bean (nickname for the proverbial bun in the oven).

On the extracurricular front, I embarked on the 365 days project on flickr, and it has been such a wonderful experience, better than I ever could have imagined. First and foremost, I'm so happy that I've been able to document so many of the events in my life, both big and small. Who knew, when I started the project, all the exciting events I would soon be documenting- I love that I will have this to look back on for years to come.

A few shots from my 365 set

I've also been learning more, not only about photography, but also about myself. Taking a self portrait on a daily basis can be a daunting task at times. I certainly don't feel like documenting myself every day, but it's really taught me a lot about self-acceptance. And last but certainly not least, as with blogging, I never expected, but am so very pleased about all the connections I've made with other crafty gals who knit, crochet, sew, and embroider. I'm just at the halfway point and I've *met* some of the most supportive, talented, and funny ladies- I truly treasure the new friends I've made there. If you have any desire to explore photography more, or just want a fun way to journal, I recommend giving this a try.

Finally, I rarely make resolutions outside of the standard "eat better, work out more" basics, but I came across this list on Jillian's blog and really, really love it. I will consider these things to do more of in life:

12 Rules to Live By -- Robert Louis Stevenson

1. Make up your mind to be happy, learn to find pleasure in simple things.
2. Make the best of circumstances. No one has everything and everyone has something of sorrow.
3. Don't take yourself too seriously; don't think that somehow you should be protected from misfortunes that befall others.
4. Don't let criticism worry you. You can't please everybody.
5. Don't let your neighbor set your standards. Be yourself.
6. Do the things you enjoy doing but stay out of debt.
7. Don't borrow trouble. Imaginary burdens are harder to bear than the actual ones.
8. Hate poisons the soul, so don't carry grudges. Avoid people who make you unhappy.
9. Have many interests. If you can't travel, read about new places.
10. Don't hold post-mortems or spend time brooding over sorrows and mistakes.
11. Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.
12. Keep busy at something. A busy person never has time to be unhappy.

Well, Happy New Year, everyone! As always, thanks for stopping by to see what we're up to and offer your kind words of support and encouragement. We appreciate it so much! Here's wishing you all a wonderful year ahead! xo

13 comments:

Ruinwen Dagorielle said...

I loved your re-cap of 2008. You had such an amazing year! May 2009 be just as magical! :)

Disentangled said...

An exciting year indeed! I can't wait to meet these two little ones this year! (And I do have to mention B and I both breathed a sigh of relief on new years when it became official we'd have a '09 baby after all! ;)

mames said...

sweet shan, you look like you just hit the jackpot....so happy and really ready for all the things to come this year. are you going to try to make the ravelry knit night next thursday? i have the go ahead from tim and am really excited...please come. i have a little something for bebe bean already.

mames said...

forgot to say that list is amazing. thinking of printing it out and posting it in sight.

jillian said...

You did certainly have quite a year!

Glad you liked the "list" :)

Kara said...

What a great post, and a great year!

spajonas said...

omg, 39?! you must be joking. i swear that you don't look a day older than 30.. MAYBE 31 :) that totally took me by surprise!

anyway, lots of good stuff in 2008! i bet 2009 will be just as if not more awesome!

Lisa D. said...

I'm so glad I got to meet you through Flickr! You had a pretty spectacular 2008 and I just know that 2009 is going to be pretty amazing too, what with your little bundle of joy on the way.

Jennifer said...

You did have a busy wonderful year! I hope that this next one brings all good things as well.

Julia (MindofWinter) said...

Happy New Year! I had a very similar year and very similar knits. I made one thing for myself, a few things for publication, and many little things for Griffin. It felt good. I know this year is going to be just as great! (Oh, and you know from my e-mail that this post was just the sort of thing I needed to read - thanks for the reminders, friend).
Love, J

Anonymous said...

Beautiful projects! Happy 2009!

Anonymous said...

happy new year!!! we totally missed you!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post! And great list too. Happy New year too you too :)