Resolution assessment for 2021!

The end of the year is nigh, and it's time to evaluate how I did on my resolutions and goals.

Resolutions

1. Work on true French fluency

I had a lot of fun with this and would call this a success. We watched French movies, I found a "News in Slow French" podcast, I worked on Duolingo, and I even connected with a group of knitters in France and participated in an interview all in French.

They sent me some yarn bomb pieces to put up in Chicago, which I did, and I sent them some pieces for a big Christmas tree in their village. A beautiful cultural exchange!

2. Study Russian language and culture

I worked on this until April, when our cruise was cancelled for the second time! I put this on my list for 2022, because the cruise should go next summer (fingers crossed). I had a whole reading, cooking / eating, and watch list that I will continue.

3. Work in service of south and west sides of Chicago

Definitely a success; I brought friends on a My Block, My Hood, My City tour of Lawndale; I took a self-guided architecture tour of the South Side and posted about it every week from January to May; I continued with the Chicago Foundation for Women's South Side Giving Circle; I yarn bombed a Bronzeville building and raised several thousand dollars for its restoration; and I participated in a home decorating festival on King Drive with My Block, My Hood, My City in December. 

Yarn bombing the Forum with stained glass pieces

4. Make my yarn bombs true works of art

I would say I did this; I had no pieces that were sort of half-assed this year with scraps, all of them were specifically designed, and many were big installations that were designed with several people. 

I'd like to continue doing this, as I think it distinguishes me from other yarn bombers and gives me pride in my work.

5. Cultivate my inner life

A mixed bag; I'd have liked to have meditated more and participated in another retreat, but one I signed up for was cancelled and many sanghas went back to in-person retreats. I did read a lot, which was part of this goal.

6. Less social media (especially Facebook)

Mixed success. I definitely posted less and scrolled less or about the same, depending on the day.

7. Lose weight, then maintain

I did lose a few pounds, but not as much as I wanted. I should call this a success, but I'm still disappointed by not being able to fit into some pre-pandemic clothes right now.

8. De-clutter living space and closets

Mixed success; often the apartment was extremely cluttered with yarn pieces I was working on for big exhibits. But I've been able to cull a lot of it and have two bags waiting to go to my mom's garage sale pile right now.

9. Focus rather than multi-tasking

Tried to do this, but then again I also ended up knitting while reading all year, sometimes with a movie on in the background. I need to especially do this at work, where I am sometimes overwhelmed by tasks and need to focus.

10. Be positive, no griping

Largely a success; I can tell that I don't complain or rant as much as I used to because when I do it, I notice and feel worse about it than I used to.

11. Monitor financial plan

Was doing better at this earlier in the year before we started shifting around our accounts. We got a new credit card that has more advantageous benefits, but we haven't updated the credit card accounts on Quicken to continue to track spending. (But the new credit card was a strategic decision!)

Goals

12. Finish hikes in hiking book

Completed in October!

At Starved Rock

This was a huge benefit during the pandemic. Outdoor time, exercise, and "travel" without getting on a plane. I recommend the 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Chicago book to anyone.

13. Indian restaurant tour of Chicago

Completed in September! This was a super fun item and very tasty indeed.

Incidentally, it was much easier earlier in the year when there was still no traffic in Chicago, and we could get up to Devon Ave. and back within 40 minutes. Not the case today.

14. Complete and implement financial plan

Completed in January, got back on Quicken to track financial expenditures, and opened a brokerage account (finally). 

15. Go camping

The only flat-out failure this year - we did not do this.

16. Complete Incerto series

Completed in August - I enjoyed going through this series again, which I recommend folks read for a better understanding of randomness in our lives. The author, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, has a tone problem but is brilliant.

17. Take a weaving class

Began that in October, and if you've followed here, you saw how much I've enjoyed it. This was overdue and extremely invigorating.

If you are in Chicago, take a class at the Chicago Weaving School. If not, take a weaving class where you are!

18. Stay at Starved Rock in a log cabin

Did this and was super fun!

On the trails near Starved Rock

We also visited my old Girl Scout camp, Camp Pokanoka, which was sold shortly thereafter and closed as a camp in November.

19. Cover dining room chairs

Completed in June!

Dave helping out mid-process

This was easier than expected!

Final product

Got some cute fabric at Jo-Ann with my mom's advice, and borrowed my friend's staple gun.

20. Submit clemency petition for my prison pen pal

Completed in February and still waiting on the results. Final petition was 108 pages and included tons of stories, case law, photos, and letters of support.

21. Watch French movies from a "best of" list

Completed in November and included many very enjoyable movies, great French practice, but also some very depressing subject matter. I think my favorite director is Jean Renoir - grandson of the painter, who is not my taste. Who knew!

* * *

Posting next list of resolutions for next year in the coming weeks. Rest assured there will be 22, but I might have to start going easy on myself with some of these as they increase in number!