I've been living in a bit of a bubble for the last four days. A bubble which consisted of pyjama-wearing, movie watching, mario kart playing and biscuit eating - Mitch hadn't been well, you see, and I was keeping him company. You'll notice that 'thinking about goals for the year' didn't feature in that bubble which is why I'm writing this today.
So, there really is only one ultimate goal for 2015:
To move out of my parents' house, preferably (and fingers crossed) into our very first home.
No biggy.
As well as aiming to purchase the most expensive thing I've ever bought and enter the most adult and scary contract that exists (to my mind that's what a mortgage is), I have a few other things I what to focus on in 2015.
★ Career - as I am currently jobless, finding permanent work is high on my list of priorities. I'd also like to see if I can score some more craft commission work. Being paid to knit was cool.
★ Health - This time last year I was feeling pretty good, exercising regularly, drinking lots of water, eating healthy (or at least in moderation) and then I moved back home and it all went to shit. (I mostly blame the fact that there are no affordable gyms anywhere close to where I live but it's actually because I am lazy.) 2014 was definitely a year-long fall off the wagon. So, this year I've set myself a target: to be active (whether it be badmington, zumba, a run, swimming, anything that gets me off my butt) 3 times a week. That doesn't sound like much but it's going to be a challenge for me (NB: I am lazy) especially during the winter months. I also want to cut down on my bread and meat in-take. (I blame my lack of will-power and a kitchen full of food for the over-indulgence of both of these in 2014).
★ Travel - The plan is to visit a whole bunch of places that I've never been before - Scotland (Ben Nevis needs climbing afterall) and Ireland (the west coast beckons) for a start. Mitch and I booked our trip to Iceland whilst in our little bubble (gaaaad I'm so excited!) but there may be a couple more trips abroad before the year is out...we shall see!
★ Making - It's no secret, I love making stuff and this year I fully intend to continue my love affair with crafting. I plan to give screen-printing a go, make a baby quilt for my cousin's buba, attempt to knit another jumper and do a bit more dress-making, specifically tops which could be worn throughout the year, I really do lack these. My collection of craft materials has grown beyond my means to contain it, a 'use it or lose it' rule might need to be imposed in 2015. Failing that, a spending ban on new stuff until I've used up what I've got should probably help.
I realise that these goals are all quite broad and thus, likely to fail, but fear not! I'm also setting myself positive things to do each month, similar to Sarah's excellent idea. So here is my January to do list:
1. Finish all three books that I'm currently in the middle of.
2. Send out remaining wedding 'Thank You' cards (yes, my wedding was almost 5 months ago and yes, I am the worst bride ever).
3. Complete my auntie and uncle's Christmas present (yes, I'm also the worst gift-giver).
4. Look into ISA rates as my one with Halifax is crap.
5. Go through un-opened post and file away anything important, bin the rest.
6. Make full use of Orange Wednesday codes every week in January as it's coming to an end and there's quite a few films I want to see (Birdman, Fox Catcher, Wild).
7. Get a game of badmington once a week.
8. Try one new veggie recipe every week.
9. Buy black tights.
10. Oh, and, decent ones permitting, apply for jobs, two a day at least.
Doable I reckon :)
In my mind that's exactly what a mortgage is too! Maybe I'll just rent forever... These sound like good, do-able goals, I like the monthly ones, think I need to start doing that! :)
ReplyDeleteterrifying isn't it? if London rent prices weren't so ridiculous it'd be tempting to rent forever. Yes to non scary month-specific goals! :)
DeleteGood luck with your January goals... and with your big 2015 one. I have to say, I loved renting and couldn't see the appeal of buying a house (why be responsible for all the shit that can go wrong with a property?) until I fell head over heels in love with my home. Now I can honestly say buying this place was the best thing I ever did. Good luck saving towards your own first home.
ReplyDeleteMy renting experiences ranged from great to pretty rubbish. I think it's more of a control thing with me. If the window breaks it'll be up to me how long it takes to fix rather than some estate agents who could't really care less. Thanks Janet, we'er going to need it!
DeleteGood luck with your goals, they sound like a good mix of achievable and exciting! And I am so glad to see on someone else with finish wedding thank you cards on their January to do list. It's lovely to have people to thank for things, but they take sooo long. I'm hoping to get mine finished this month too!
ReplyDeletehaha, yes wedding 'thank you' cards. I feel quite bad about it. I'd originally told myself: 'they've got to be sent before Christmas'. Massive fail. I'm actually done to my last one but my husband hasn't even made a start on his!
DeleteLet me know your thoughts on Birdman when you if/ when you see it. It's an interesting film that no one I know has actually seen.
ReplyDeleteWill do :) we're going tonight, v.much looking forward to it!
Deletegood lucky on your plans.. having them written and sharing is a great way to keep motivated and going forward.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog through Elise and here I am mentioned on it! That put a huge grin on my face.
ReplyDeleteI love this post because you have gone for a really balanced set of resolutions! Making a career from crafting is tough, but possible. The Etsy community is full of people who have made it through possessing massive amounts of talent (of course) as well as sheer persistence. You could try selling materials, equipment, and maybe patterns as digital downloads.
ReplyDeleteCeline Goodson @ RMS Recruitment