2016 Goals

Well... I'm kind of dreading this "Goals" recap. I started out the year pretty well, but things quickly derailed when we moved into our house. I actually completely forgot about these goals (and also forgot to create a "30 Things Before Turning 30" list.. which is kind of disappointing, but perhaps it's time to give them up? Something to ponder.. but first, the dreaded recap).

15 Goals for 2015:

1. Read 25 books I already own (as of January 1st).
2. Exercise three times a week (AKA get back into my gym routine).
3. Practice yoga at least three time weekly.
4. Master making pasta from scratch.
5. Eat more healthily: less take-out, less processed/pre-packaged foods, less sugar, less pop, more fruits and veg, bring lunch to work everyday, etc.
6. Find a good farmer's market / exotic food store in order to create new flavours and recipes.
7. Organize my life: downsize wardrobe, craft room, kitchen, decorations, etc.
8. Fill at least six sketchbooks and finish my Amber art book.
9. Finish at least two cross-stitch projects.
10. Practice sewing on my new (to me) machine and serger.
11. Don't buy a single card - make them instead. Try to make gifts too.
12. Blog at least twice weekly.
13. Date night weekly.
14. Travel to a new place.
15. Spend less time online / on my phone. 

What I did manage to accomplish from this list:

• I read over 25 books (but not many were owned prior to January)
• I did eat a lot better (but not nearly as much as I really want)
• I did find some different and more exotic spices and veggies (but just at a couple of local grocery stores - I did find a farmer's market stall though, and it's lovely)
• Pat and I semi-regularly go out for lunch/dinner (or take in, or go to shows, on walks, skating, etc) and I would say it's probably pretty close to weekly. I'll call it a win!

So not bad for having basically forgotten about it altogether, right?

Anyhow, I tried to make my goals for 2016 a little more direct - measurable and achievable. I deliberately added the last one in so that I can feel even better about how many goals I cross out this year!

16 Goals for 2016:

1. Read 30 books.
2. Try 16 new Ottolenghi recipes.
3. Try 16 new (loose-leaf) teas.
4. Put up shelves and organize craft room. Make it inspiring.
5. Finish Amber art book - this year I WILL!
6. Work in sketchbook daily.
7. Blog weekly.
8. Finish 2 cross-stitch samplers.
9. Travel somewhere new.
10. Sign up for and pass my SOCRA certification.
11. Make an inventory of all my books.
12. Wake up earlier and practice yoga every morning.
13. Make a weekly meal plan and prep veggies on the weekend.
14. Get rid of junk we never use (i.e. downsize our "things") and organize storage and spare spaces.
15. Work on making the backyard nicer (plant flowers, landscape, garden).
16. Set reminders in my phone to make me check in on my goals at least monthly (and blog about it).

What are your goals for this year?