Knitting Makes Me Cross

"33. Knit something other than a scarf"

I see so many cool projects to knit - fingerless gloves, baby sweaters, awesome hats. I look through Etsy and see people selling all these wares they've created and think, "I WANT TO DO THAT." I love the idea of knitting because it's a creative endeavor with a useful result. (I've tried to scrapbook but end up feeling like, "well, here's something else I have to store somewhere . . .")

Last night, I pulled my knitting bag out of the closet for yet ANOTHER try. I first attempted it about 5 years ago, and then shortly after Ben was born, actually creating a scarf (never mind that it looked like it was knit by a 3-year old).

I successfully recalled how to cast on stitches. But when it came to actually knitting, I COULD NOT remember, despite having three different "how to" resources by my side! I read the instructions thinking, "This says pull the yarn from the 'front.' Whose front?! The front of the needles?! It's already in front of me! WTF?!?" [Cast on stitches pulled off the needle in a fit of pique.] "HOW CAN ANYONE SAY THIS IS A RELAXNG PASTIME?!?"

This little scenario played out 3 or 4 times. I guess it's clear that I am a learner who needs a teacher in person, showing me how! So, I will keep trying, likely asking my mom to show me yet AGAIN how to make those first stitches. I have given up on so many projects over the years - which is another reason this list came about: to make me accountable for some follow-through.

New recipes!

Well, I'm making progress on #16 - making 40 new recipes. Here's the countdown so far:

Pumpkin Soup with Apple Cranberry Relish - pretty good, but not filling enough for the main meal.

Pork Chops with Apples and Polenta - YUM. With this one, I found out how much BETTER polenta is with BUTTER.

Chicken with Orzo and Goat Cheese Vinaigrette - Very good. And it cracks me up that my son, who won't touch iceberg lettuce or green peppers, LOVES goat cheese.

Last week - Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Lentils and Apples (left) - thumbs up on the tenderloin. The lentils - eh, not bad.

Tonight - Cheese Ravioli with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon (right). Again - the boy won't touch most green veggies - but give him broccoli, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts, and he loves them (of course, everything is better with bacon!).

Why the list?

I mentioned that Jackie was my inpiration for taking on this list. She is one of the most creative, fun people I know. Tied to that, I hope that working on this list will force me to be more creative in my own life and to step outside my boring little box.

I have a feeling that a lot of women (especially working moms) can relate to this. I don't mean for this to sound like whining. I know I have a good life and am grateful for ALL the blessings that surround me. I have a healthy body and am able to get up early to run before work. I have a wonderful family to care for. I have a good job that I like most days. That said, I acknowledge that it is my choice to, after a long day, succumb to the siren song of the couch/TV/beer or wine and not do ANYTHING else. I am TIRED once the boy is in bed!! But I know that I can also make the choice to do more, instead of just being passive - I can turn off the TV and write, or knit, or find more recipes, or reach out to friends and family.

That's what this list is about, in truth. Pushing myself to be more present in my life, more creative, more engaged with all of the people I care about.

So . . . I'm giving myself a gold star tonight for writing and examining my motivation. And doing it with a beer but WITHOUT giving in to the couch and TV! Unfortunately, it's not a "new to me" beer so it can't go on the list. But that's what tomorrow at The Lockview with five of my favorite people is for!

Finish the damn list!

Sheesh, just a few more days and I still have to come up with eight more items. Today's the day. Here are 33 - 40:

33. Knit something other than a scarf
34. Take my mother-in-law to lunch
35. Plant impatiens around my back porch
36. Make and send 5 cards
37. Take a day off in winter to spend 24 hours in PJs watching movies and eating comfort foods
38. Get a bacon milkshake at B Spot
39. Make a meal completely from local ingredients (guess this will be next summer!)
40. OK, I'm taking suggestions on the last one. What do YOU think I should do before I turn 40?

Only 9 more to go . . .

Getting closer - thanks, Jackie, for sharing your list to give me some more ideas!

22. Plan a get-away with Jen K.
23. Go to Uncorked wine bar
24. Go to Sarah’s Vineyard
25. Run a Warrior Dash
26. Plan a spa day with Trish
27. Buy a shirt from Rubber City Clothing
28. Go to a roller derby match
29. Take Ben to see the Soap Box Derby
30. Buy a hat I really love
31. Take Ben ice skating at KSU