looking ahead....in 2012:

• i am going to challenge myself to keep track of one thing i am grateful for every day. probably in a small notebook, and then share a weekly list via my blog/facebook. i think sometimes there are days where it feels like not a single good thing happened, so i'm going to try to squeeze those tiny unseen things out. and of course, there are days where obvious amazing things happen, so it won't be so difficult. i'm excited to help keep things positive as much as possible coming into the new year and throughout.

• i will be starting to give private basic quilting lessons locally. i have two friends who are already interested and ready to sign up. i'll be teaching a four lesson class to them, with the end result being a baby quilt. i will also be teaching my hexie class at alewives again, probably more than once (if you were unable to catch it the two times i taught it this year).

• i hope to continue with my etsy shop. i can see my products changing a bit, i've already got some ideas in mind and some things already ready to sew! expect to find more zip purses, embroidery hoop fabric art, and vintage quilt block items! the gears are turning for a local spring fling/mother's day sale, as well.

•  i would like to continue on my social path. i've got a few local besties that i know i can count on to have a good time or simply sit and talk - something i know is much needed in my life. it seems that for a few years, recently, i lost track of that necessity; and i'm slowly regaining it. every girl has to have a best friend, aside from her boyfriend. {i went out tonight with one of my besties, and another coworker, to a couple of swanky bar/restaurants downtown - its unbelievable how long it had been since i'd been in that type of setting. being a non-drinker sometimes its hard to fit in, but i know i've found my niche. it feels good here.} i also am hoping to host a post-holiday girls only gathering, with tea, snacks, manicures, massages, and music. what better way to see friends, relax, de-stress, and reconnect? ...i also really need to be better about keeping in touch with my long-distance besties, too. you know who you are. :)

• i'm mostly looking forward to the boyfriend's may graduation and eventual future job. i'm looking forward to seeing where our path takes us (figuratively and literally) - i'm anxious to know if we'll end up relocating or sticking close to home. our location will determine where/how/if/when i will be able to take business courses, and i am still setting a lofty goal of being able to open up my own fabrics & textiles boutique. (that will most likely carry me long into '13 and '14, but you've got to start somewhere!)

i think that the approaching year is going to be one of change, but not the scary kind. the kind that you know you've been waiting for, for a long time. the kind that you work hard for and deserve. i'm anticipating a lot of work, but also a lot of fun to balance it out. i generally don't make new year's resolutions, but i do try to create attainable goals for myself - mostly because i like to be super organized and it helps me to see what areas i need to work harder in. it seems as though '12 will probably also most likely include a yard sale, some minimizing, a lot of late nights, the continued lack of funds, and probably a good deal of stress - but the tolerable kind. i'm ready. 

what are you hoping for coming into the new year, for yourself or your family? ♥