My 22 Goals for 2019
Goal #1 — Spend More Time Doing What I Love
Last week I spent time at home making garden markers and Valentine hearts. There’s still snow on the ground, but that hasn’t stopped me from planning for spring — getting seeds organized, projects mapped out, and dreaming about time spent growing food and playing in the dirt.
Goal #2 — Garden, Garden, Garden
I’m thinking about garden shows to attend this year. After going to several Northwest and Boston shows in past years, I know which displays truly impress me. If I’m going to take a day to drive, park, and eat lunch in a city, I want a show that wows. If you know of outstanding gardening events in the Northeast, I’d love recommendations.
Goal #3 — Plant an Orchard
I plan to visit a local nursery next week to pick up a houseplant and ask about ordering a few espaliered fruit trees. There’s something special about visiting small businesses in winter — it makes purchases feel more meaningful. Plus, there’s a doughnut shop nearby I’d like to try.
Goal #4 — Gussy Up the Potting Shed
With a couple of mild days forecast, I’ll be outside cleaning and organizing the potting shed. I’m thinking string lights for charm, removing an old pegboard, and having a few simple shelves installed so tools are neat and accessible.
Goal #5 — Grow Extra Vegetables, Eggs and Flowers to Earn $1,500
The roadside vegetable stand won’t open until late spring, but I picked up two small glass milk bottles that will be perfect for flower bouquets. I’m planning ahead so the stand is ready when the season begins.
Goal #6 — Finish Every Unfinished Rug Hooking Project + 10 Magazine/Book Projects
I finished a batch of hooked flowers, one rug, and a pillow for my February Etsy update. At the start of the year I had 71 rugs and 183 hooked flowers in progress; those numbers are slowly coming down as I complete pieces and clear my pattern bin.
Goal #7 — Create 12 New Rug Hooking Patterns (At Least Half Large)
So far I’ve listed two patterns in my shop: an Old Fashioned Tulip and Fat Brown Hen. Two down, ten to go.
Goal #8 — Split and Stack 2 Cords of Wood for Next Winter
Not yet — we still have about 4½ cords left, so we haven’t needed to split more at this point.
Goal #9 — Do Something with the 5,002 Photos on My Phone
I started the year with over 5,000 photos and I’m slowly chipping away. Progress is messy, but I’m aiming to sort, delete, and organize regularly so the collection becomes manageable.
{Thanks to a friend for a winter traction aid — I plan to try them on our next winter walk.}
Goal #10 — Lose the Muffin Top
No visible progress yet. Steps this week averaged about 8,500, including one mall walking day with 15,000 steps. I’m hopeful that more outdoor activity in spring will help. A reader mentioned losing 13 pounds recently — inspirational!
Goal #11 — Run, Walk or Crawl a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon
One race done, four to go. I’m looking for a Valentine’s 5K and trying to be more consistent with training.
Goal #12 — Read or Listen to 26 New Books
I’m currently waiting on a number of library holds. Books on my wait list include Carnegie’s Maid, The Four Tendencies, Before We Were Yours, and several others. So far this year I’ve read or listened to Delicious!, Will’s Red Coat, and Following Atticus.
Goal #13 — Try 52 New Recipes
We tried a new brown bread recipe and it was a hit. Four new recipes tried so far, forty-eight to go.
Goal #14 — Refresh 52 Old Recipes
I updated and photographed a Brunswick Stew recipe recently — it turned out delicious. Six recipes refreshed, forty-six remaining.
Goal #15 — Fill 100 Canning Jars
Not yet — this will pick up when the harvest season begins.
Goal #16 — Finish Furnishing Our House
I visited thrift stores this week but didn’t find the right pieces. Wingback chairs are plentiful here but often need recovering. This year I’d like to find a coffee table for the family room, a console or sideboard for the TV, a long table for the craft room, a dining table, and a comfortable wingback chair. I also plan to style the mantels around the house tastefully.
Goal #17 — 52 Dates with the HH
We’re a bit behind — shopping at Market Basket and pizza in the cafe doesn’t quite count as a date. Upcoming date ideas include a day in Stockbridge, MA for museums, Rockport, ME for scenery and lunch, and afternoon tea at a resort.
Goal #18 — Take One Adult Education Class
I’m considering a cooking class or another hands-on course to learn a new skill.
Goal #19 — Secret (for now) Holiday Project
I have the materials and need to figure out the plan. It’s a work in progress.
Goal #20 — Create 12 Wowie Zowie Party Platters
Planning for Super Bowl Sunday and future gatherings — platters will be creative and fun to assemble.
Goal #21 — Visit 12 General Stores
Not yet — I’m looking forward to exploring general stores this year and collecting photos and finds as I go.
Goal #22 — Compete with Carole — Get My Front Door Game On
So far I’ve made a Valentine heart for late January. I plan to keep creating seasonal front-door decorations throughout the year.
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How about you? What are your goals for 2019? If you’ve shared them previously, check in and let us know how you’re doing. It’s easier to reach goals when others are cheering you on.
♥ Mavis
You can read more about my 22 goals for 2019 in my original post.