Halfway There

And so we are halfway through 2014. Some of my goals are being accomplished. I just worry that not many of them are related to this blog. Earlier this year, I laid out some of my creative goals:

• Stitch more smalls--I've done two. Not as successful as last year's ornaments.

• Finish-finish 12 stitched pieces--None, but I have six more months!

• Keep the craft room tidy--I wish it were in my nature! LOL

• Make cards in advance of needing them--Some. I could use more sympathy notes, unfortunately.

• Plan Craft Month, and work ahead--Oh, so sad. I don't think I could have planned for how sick I got in March. 

• Stitch two threads each night--Started off well, tapered off. I plan to get back to it.

• Complete stitching eight pieces (in addition to the smalls)--A lack of stitching leads to a lack of finishing, unfortunately.

Wow, we're not doing well. I do have to keep focused on the big picture, though. I have six months to achieve some of these things, I have goals and am not floundering around trying to find direction in my life, I am being successful in other areas, and well, no one will die if these things don't get done.

In fact, let's look at the goals the dude and I put together in January:

• Volunteer--this was really for the dude; and he is teaching ESL and serving on the library's board. (I volunteer with an animal rescue and the library.)
• Attend more cheese tastings--went to one at DiBruno Brother's recently. 
• Weekend walks (some with Stella)--The dude has been great about this, bringing Stella to Ridley State Park and Valley Forge. Over Memorial Day we did another with the dog at Ridley again. The heat and humidity might curtail such activities temporarily.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables--We joined the CSA and are up to our eyeballs in vegetables. The fruit share is coming in slowly, but we're eating it!
• Take quarterly weekend trips--Yes
• Unusual Tours--Have you heard of Sidetour? They do some unique things and we had meant to do one for my cousin's husband's birthday but his schedule is hectic. Anyway, still opportunities for tours in NY and Philadelphia.
• Union Game--on the docket
• More dinners with friends--we have been pretty successful at this. Everyone has to eat!
• Go to -----'s party (We get invited to a specific one every year and never go. This year!)--Haven't been invited yet. 
• See more movies, especially at BMFI--define "more." LOL. We have gone a few times. We could step this up.
• Write a will--we have a couple of lawyers, now to choose.
• Write to Maggie, Rita and Edith monthly--very good at this one!
• Paint trim (the whole house)--nada
• Clean out the basement--tis the season. It's unfinished, so summer is the perfect time.
• Declutter--we've been working on it, but could step it up.
• Use elliptical trainer regularly--again, could do more.
• Enter Maryland State Fair--Better remind the dude about this one! The deadline is coming.
• Dude, see dentist and doctor--Better remind the dude about this one; soon he won't be able to get appointments until next year. ;)
• Build a house with Habitat--We had pegged this for fall.
• Visit more gardens--We've been to Longwood and Chanticleer so far.
• Plan trip abroad--Working on it.
• Try new restaurants--We've done so well, I've crossed it off the list!
• Find another group like cookbook club--We were going to the Read Around group but it conflicts with the dude's tutoring. But the point is, we are trying!

I like having this opportunity to reflect and see where I've been successful, and where I need to concentrate my efforts more.