If you'll recall, in January 2009, I decided to become a better person. With my list of goals that I wanted to accomplish, I made the resolution to learn or do something new every month. While I did succeed in most of my other resolutions (such as reading some new books thanks to my awesome book club), I didn't do too well in others (like finishing my parents stockings I started in middle school, perhaps they're not meant to be finished?). But as most of you might know or have guessed, I did complete the one I was most excited about last January. Let's take a look back:
January: Sew a Skirt
February: Dancing and Flirting
March: Taxes
April: Changing a Tire/Car Maintenance
May and June: Cake Decorating
July: Make a New Dish
August: See a Musical
September and October: Calligraphy and Photography
November: Speed Reading
December: Origami
I am so glad I made this resolution. Not only was it something that I actually completed and kept doing the whole year, but I also learned so many great things I might not have otherwise learned. Through accomplishing this resolution, I discovered several things about myself. I discovered that most things can be accomplished if you have a kit or a great teacher. I discovered a new talent/skill that I really enjoy doing (cake decorating), and I discovered that if I really set my mind to it and have a plan, I really can succeed and accomplish anything.
In my resolutions post last January, I wrote about how I never liked making resolutions because I always gave up a few months into the year. But, now that I have actually been successful in keeping up on a resolution for a whole year, I feel like I can do anything. Ok, maybe not anything, but I now know it's not as hard as you think to be consistent and to keep a resolution all year long.
Having completed my year of doing something new every month, I realized that having a plan and excitement for a resolution really helps to keep it all year. Last year was great, and I achieved many things. I can't wait for what this next year has in store for me. There were several things I had put on my list to learn that I wasn't able to get to (like painting and juggling), which I will try to do this year.
And while last year was really fun and easy, I've decided that this year I need to continue to be better by being more observant of others. Last year, I kind of focused on me learning new things, (and I did have a service-oriented goal too, but it kind of fell by the wayside), but now I need to focus on helping others. It's going to be hard, but I think I can do it. I'm more confident in my abilities now that I was successful last year. I am also trying to be more healthy too, but since I started doing that last year, it won't be listed in my new year's resolutions. Come to think of it, I don't really have a list this year (which might set me up for failure, so I'll work on them).
My one main goal has always been to become a better person, and helping others will definitely help me achieve this goal. Here's to being nicer, kinder, and more helpful to others in 2010! Let's hope I can keep it up. I'll post a list/goals to accomplish this resolution soon because everyone needs a game plan. What's yours?
Showing posts with label A Year of Learning Something New. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Year of Learning Something New. Show all posts
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
December--Origami
Awhile back I bought an origami kit.
It comes with everything! Even a bone folding and scoring tool!
Pretty sweet, I know. The book that came with it, though, just had a few animals in it (and some modular stuff), and it didn't even include the traditional crane! (Something I really felt I needed to know how to do.) So I went out onto the internet, fountain of knowledge, and looked up the directions on how to make a crane (and various other patterns). Let's just say there are pretty much a bajillion different ways to fold paper into a crane. Every site I found had a little step that was different, granted it did end up with the same result.
I didn't necessarily make a 1000, but I made alot of cranes (and a few other things):
That's supposed to be a gorilla (it was from the book that came in the kit). 
(The ones on the right were the only ones I made; the top left my dad did, and the bottom left came with the kit...)
Origami is pretty easy as long as you have really good instructions and diagrams so you know how to fold it. Some are a little more complicated and involve scissors and glue and different pieces (like the gorilla). (I tried making a unicorn and I gave up because I just couldn't understand what the picture and directions were trying to tell me to do!) Origami is fun, and talk about easy, cheap Christmas tree ornaments!
It comes with everything! Even a bone folding and scoring tool!
Pretty sweet, I know. The book that came with it, though, just had a few animals in it (and some modular stuff), and it didn't even include the traditional crane! (Something I really felt I needed to know how to do.) So I went out onto the internet, fountain of knowledge, and looked up the directions on how to make a crane (and various other patterns). Let's just say there are pretty much a bajillion different ways to fold paper into a crane. Every site I found had a little step that was different, granted it did end up with the same result.I didn't necessarily make a 1000, but I made alot of cranes (and a few other things):
That's supposed to be a gorilla (it was from the book that came in the kit). 
(The ones on the right were the only ones I made; the top left my dad did, and the bottom left came with the kit...)Origami is pretty easy as long as you have really good instructions and diagrams so you know how to fold it. Some are a little more complicated and involve scissors and glue and different pieces (like the gorilla). (I tried making a unicorn and I gave up because I just couldn't understand what the picture and directions were trying to tell me to do!) Origami is fun, and talk about easy, cheap Christmas tree ornaments!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
November--Speed Reading
I was hoping that by me doing speed reading it would be a quick thing. The month of November was pretty crazy for me (you know... making a wedding cake and all). I bought A Complete Idiot's Guide to Speed Reading, and I read about four chapters and then gave up.
If I really concentrate, I can read fast. But, my problem is that most of the time, I read to read, not to get information, which is why speed reading is kind of hard for me. I got to the point where I started "speed reading" the speed reading book.
A major point in the guide is that you're supposed to practice and time yourself. Well, I really didn't have time to do either let alone finish reading the book! I'll have to revisit it again, so I can really get better at speed reading.
But, at this point in time, my secret to speed reading is... audio books.
December is the last one in my "learn something new every month" resolution. Let's hope I finish out strong.
If I really concentrate, I can read fast. But, my problem is that most of the time, I read to read, not to get information, which is why speed reading is kind of hard for me. I got to the point where I started "speed reading" the speed reading book.
A major point in the guide is that you're supposed to practice and time yourself. Well, I really didn't have time to do either let alone finish reading the book! I'll have to revisit it again, so I can really get better at speed reading.
But, at this point in time, my secret to speed reading is... audio books.
December is the last one in my "learn something new every month" resolution. Let's hope I finish out strong.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
September and October--Calligraphy and Photography
For those that are wondering, yes, I have been keeping up with my resolution of doing something every month. This post has been a long time coming, but it's finally here. I kind of did both calligraphy and photography in September and October (and even some this month), so I combined them. I will say, both calligraphy and photography are difficult to learn in a month. Here's what I mean:
Calligraphy: I bought a calligraphy kit that included a book and ink and nibs (the tip of the pen that you write with). I read that book, but it was really difficult to figure things out by reading a couple of written instructions and looking at a black and white picture. I tried to follow the directions,
but after a while, I just gave up and started to play around:
I probably made up my own type of font because I didn't exactly follow one. I combined the ones I liked:
I also gave up on using the old school ink/gouache, and I broke down and bought some marker-type calligraphy pens.
I could probably get better if I had an actual teacher and practiced some more, but I don't think I like calligraphy enough to invest in that kind of thing. Oh well... as long as it kind of looks nice, people won't be able to tell, right?
Photography: When I first tried to get into photography, I knew I was going to need help. My friend's sister directed me to a rather helpful website, and in my own research I found this site. I also took a little Relief Society Super Saturday class from a professional photographer (I'd have to say, she was probably the most help). Even my brother, Cameron decided to give me some tips!
Even with all this help, again, I think having a teacher (and a nicer camera than my current point and shoot) would help me more. I did the best I could on my own, and it's helped me remember some good tips when I am taking pictures. I would love to get a really nice camera and take a photography class or two (which I might do someday), but at the moment, my time and funds can not help me fulfill this dream. Here's a few "artsy" pictures I tried to do:
Yeah, I need help. Well, even though these last two months were not my best this year, I have two more months to go, and I've got high hopes.
Calligraphy: I bought a calligraphy kit that included a book and ink and nibs (the tip of the pen that you write with). I read that book, but it was really difficult to figure things out by reading a couple of written instructions and looking at a black and white picture. I tried to follow the directions,
but after a while, I just gave up and started to play around:
I probably made up my own type of font because I didn't exactly follow one. I combined the ones I liked:
I also gave up on using the old school ink/gouache, and I broke down and bought some marker-type calligraphy pens.
I could probably get better if I had an actual teacher and practiced some more, but I don't think I like calligraphy enough to invest in that kind of thing. Oh well... as long as it kind of looks nice, people won't be able to tell, right?Photography: When I first tried to get into photography, I knew I was going to need help. My friend's sister directed me to a rather helpful website, and in my own research I found this site. I also took a little Relief Society Super Saturday class from a professional photographer (I'd have to say, she was probably the most help). Even my brother, Cameron decided to give me some tips!
Even with all this help, again, I think having a teacher (and a nicer camera than my current point and shoot) would help me more. I did the best I could on my own, and it's helped me remember some good tips when I am taking pictures. I would love to get a really nice camera and take a photography class or two (which I might do someday), but at the moment, my time and funds can not help me fulfill this dream. Here's a few "artsy" pictures I tried to do:
Yeah, I need help. Well, even though these last two months were not my best this year, I have two more months to go, and I've got high hopes.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
August--See a Musical
So, remember how awhile back, June was supposed to be to see a play/musical? Well, I couldn't find any good ones then, so I had given up on that goal. But, my awesome friends decided to go up to Oklahoma to see Wicked in August! YAY! I was going to do something else as well, but August got pretty crazy, so seeing a musical was all I got to do.
Wicked was awesome! I have the soundtrack and have listened to it many times before. I also have seen it... um sort of. Don't ask me how I got it, because I honestly don't remember who gave it to me, but I saw a pirated copy of Wicked (someone recorded the New York Broadway version). The pirated version is ok, you know apart from the 5 minutes of blank screen with sound when I'm assuming an usher came by and they had to put the camera down. But, seeing it live was amazing, and there were no blank periods (although the zoom feature used in the pirated copy was a plus, we were kind of far away).
There's not much I could say about the actual musical, but being in Oklahoma was interesting. It's an odd state. We were driving along en route to Tulsa, and we pass a sign saying that it's a toll road and that the toll is 25 cents. We gather our change and drive and drive and drive. We drove another 15 miles or so until we finally reached the tollbooth and then BOOM! it's two dollars! We were really scrounging around for change then. There were odd signs like: "Do Not Drive Into Smoke." Is it really that much of a problem that there needs to be a sign?
There there were odd stores like this:
Yeah... awkward. But other then that, it was nice to get away. The drive was very peaceful, and the scenery was pretty. It was a fun trip, and I'm glad I went. All in all, seeing Wicked live was definitely worth the 4 hour drive, the weird hotel guy (that's another story for another time), and the odd signs and stores. Everyone should go see it!
(Wicked photos courtesy of Aibi and Erica.)
Wicked was awesome! I have the soundtrack and have listened to it many times before. I also have seen it... um sort of. Don't ask me how I got it, because I honestly don't remember who gave it to me, but I saw a pirated copy of Wicked (someone recorded the New York Broadway version). The pirated version is ok, you know apart from the 5 minutes of blank screen with sound when I'm assuming an usher came by and they had to put the camera down. But, seeing it live was amazing, and there were no blank periods (although the zoom feature used in the pirated copy was a plus, we were kind of far away).
There's not much I could say about the actual musical, but being in Oklahoma was interesting. It's an odd state. We were driving along en route to Tulsa, and we pass a sign saying that it's a toll road and that the toll is 25 cents. We gather our change and drive and drive and drive. We drove another 15 miles or so until we finally reached the tollbooth and then BOOM! it's two dollars! We were really scrounging around for change then. There were odd signs like: "Do Not Drive Into Smoke." Is it really that much of a problem that there needs to be a sign?
There there were odd stores like this:
Yeah... awkward. But other then that, it was nice to get away. The drive was very peaceful, and the scenery was pretty. It was a fun trip, and I'm glad I went. All in all, seeing Wicked live was definitely worth the 4 hour drive, the weird hotel guy (that's another story for another time), and the odd signs and stores. Everyone should go see it!
(Wicked photos courtesy of Aibi and Erica.)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
July--Make a New Dish
First off, I apologize because I didn't take a picture of any of the delicious foods I made. I did, however, find a few pics of the same foods online, so I'll post those. Originally this month, I was going to do a little photography. But, I didn't really have time to improve/practice anything. Then, I realized that I had made alot of new foods and tried alot of new recipes for a little get together I had at the end of the month. So, then I realized July could be making a new food instead of photography (don't worry photography will come later on).
For my book club meeting, I made lots of food (probably more than necessary) that I had never made before. I was going to post recipes of them, but I realized that will take up alot of space, so if you want recipes for any of the things I list, let me know and I'll send them to you.
Here's the delicious feast I had, at least the ones I made, (those that ate it, feel free to comment on whether or not you actually thought it was delicious or not):
Mango Chipotle Salmon Dip (on the back of the Salmon Creations package)
Salmon Croquettes
Cucumber Sandwiches
Toasted Ravioli
and Oreo Truffles (Pic later in post)
I also made some other things for my family:
Tuna Croquettes
Crunchy Chicken Chunks
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
And even though it was a recent recipe I did that wasn't in July, I also made spaghetti squash with sun-dried tomato alfredo sauce and sauteed mushrooms, yellow squash, and zuchini.
(It was delicious, but I really needed to put some meat in there though.) I think everything I made was delicious, although I think the fried (toasted) raviolis got a little over cooked/burned, so the ones I ate weren't the best.
My favorite thing I made was the oreo truffles. Those were amazing and so easy too! I had gone to a family friend's eagle court of honor, and they had made these truffles. My little sister at a bajillion; in fact, I think what she said was something like she could now die happy and she wanted a lifetime supply of them. I obviously had to ask the lady for the recipe so that I could at least partially fulfill my little sister's wish of having a lifetime supply. My brother later told me a girl in his Home Ec class made these and called them snowballs. I will leave you with this recipe:
1 pkg. of Oreo cookies, finely crushed (I would use a food processor or blender to get it really fine)
1 pkg (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
2 pkgs. (8 sq. each) Baker's Semi-sweet chocolate, melted (or you can use candy melts chocolate)
Mix the crushed oreo crumbs with the cream cheese until well-blended. Then shape into 1-in. balls (about 42).
Dip the balls in the melted chocolate and place on the waxed paper. Garnish with sprinkles, oreo cookie crumbs or drizzle melted white chocolate (that's what I did). Refrigerate until hard.
Enjoy!
For my book club meeting, I made lots of food (probably more than necessary) that I had never made before. I was going to post recipes of them, but I realized that will take up alot of space, so if you want recipes for any of the things I list, let me know and I'll send them to you.
Here's the delicious feast I had, at least the ones I made, (those that ate it, feel free to comment on whether or not you actually thought it was delicious or not):
Mango Chipotle Salmon Dip (on the back of the Salmon Creations package)
Salmon Croquettes
Cucumber Sandwiches
Toasted Ravioliand Oreo Truffles (Pic later in post)
I also made some other things for my family:
Tuna Croquettes
Crunchy Chicken Chunks
Parmesan Crusted ChickenAnd even though it was a recent recipe I did that wasn't in July, I also made spaghetti squash with sun-dried tomato alfredo sauce and sauteed mushrooms, yellow squash, and zuchini.
(It was delicious, but I really needed to put some meat in there though.) I think everything I made was delicious, although I think the fried (toasted) raviolis got a little over cooked/burned, so the ones I ate weren't the best.My favorite thing I made was the oreo truffles. Those were amazing and so easy too! I had gone to a family friend's eagle court of honor, and they had made these truffles. My little sister at a bajillion; in fact, I think what she said was something like she could now die happy and she wanted a lifetime supply of them. I obviously had to ask the lady for the recipe so that I could at least partially fulfill my little sister's wish of having a lifetime supply. My brother later told me a girl in his Home Ec class made these and called them snowballs. I will leave you with this recipe:
1 pkg. of Oreo cookies, finely crushed (I would use a food processor or blender to get it really fine)
1 pkg (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
2 pkgs. (8 sq. each) Baker's Semi-sweet chocolate, melted (or you can use candy melts chocolate)
Mix the crushed oreo crumbs with the cream cheese until well-blended. Then shape into 1-in. balls (about 42).
Dip the balls in the melted chocolate and place on the waxed paper. Garnish with sprinkles, oreo cookie crumbs or drizzle melted white chocolate (that's what I did). Refrigerate until hard.
Enjoy!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
May and June--Cake Decorating
Originally, cake decorating was only going to be May, and June was to "go see a play/musical." Well, there wasn't any plays or musicals I was interested in seeing, so I continued cake decorating in June. I took the class through Michael's, which only teaches the Wilton method (I didn't even know there were other methods, but apparently there are). There are a total of four courses, each one is a once a week, 2 hour class for a month.
May, the first course, was mainly an introductory class where we learned a few borders, some figure piping, and the final culminating class was the "Wilton rose."
This was my first cake I made.
This was my second cake. I made this for my mom and dad's anniversary.
This was my final cake for the class.
After I finished my first class, the mom of one of my sister's friends called me up at 10 0'clock on a Friday night and asked me to make a graduation cake for her niece... for the next day! I accepted the job and then proceded to freak out. I ran to Walmart (only store open that late to buy cake mix, frosting, etc. I actually ended up having to make 2 cakes. I had thought that the first one I had made was cool enough. But, it was too big, for one, and not cool enough, for another, and it completely fell apart as I turned it over. Hence baking a second cake. The important thing is, I got it done.
The second class was basically flowers galore.
I plan on taking the last two classes, but I needed a break. The next one starts in August. I have since made other cakes. If you would like me to make you a cake, let me know! The last cake I made was for a "Threadcakes" competition. Here's the final result:+093.JPG)
It's based off of a design titled "Eclipse!"
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I'm planning on making another one for the Threadless contest before the end of the week. I'll post pics when I'm done.
May, the first course, was mainly an introductory class where we learned a few borders, some figure piping, and the final culminating class was the "Wilton rose."
This was my first cake I made.
This was my second cake. I made this for my mom and dad's anniversary.
This was my final cake for the class.
After I finished my first class, the mom of one of my sister's friends called me up at 10 0'clock on a Friday night and asked me to make a graduation cake for her niece... for the next day! I accepted the job and then proceded to freak out. I ran to Walmart (only store open that late to buy cake mix, frosting, etc. I actually ended up having to make 2 cakes. I had thought that the first one I had made was cool enough. But, it was too big, for one, and not cool enough, for another, and it completely fell apart as I turned it over. Hence baking a second cake. The important thing is, I got it done.
The second class was basically flowers galore.
I plan on taking the last two classes, but I needed a break. The next one starts in August. I have since made other cakes. If you would like me to make you a cake, let me know! The last cake I made was for a "Threadcakes" competition. Here's the final result:
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It's based off of a design titled "Eclipse!"
+094.JPG)
I'm planning on making another one for the Threadless contest before the end of the week. I'll post pics when I'm done.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April--Change a Tire/Car Maintenance
For my April resolution, I decided to ask my dad to teach me basic car maintenance like how to change a tire, jump start a car, etc. I've only had a flat tire two times in my life that I can remember, and both times there was a male with me or nearby that could help a sister out.
Since I'm planning on getting my own car soon and trying to be more knowledgeable and independent, I thought it would be best for me to know these things. There's not always going to be someone around to help me change a tire, so I should know how just in case.
Since I'm planning on getting my own car soon and trying to be more knowledgeable and independent, I thought it would be best for me to know these things. There's not always going to be someone around to help me change a tire, so I should know how just in case.
So on Saturday morning, my dad helped me change a tire.
Of course, part way through my across-the-street neighbor, who's a mechanic, decided to come over to impart his knowledge on to me. I'll admit it was kind of annoying and confusing to have two guys telling me what to do as I was trying to pick up the tire to put it back on the car. (Oh, and in case you're curious, this is the same neighbor I sold my car to.)
Although I had to stand on the wrench at first to loosen the lugnuts because my arms weren't strong enough, it actually wasn't as hard or difficult as I thought it would be.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
March--Taxes
For my March resolution, I decided that now that I am an adult with a full-time job, I should learn how to do my taxes. My dad has always filed them for me. So, this time I would sit with my dad as he filed them so that I can know what to do so that I could do it by myself next time around. I sat down with all of my paperwork ready, excited, and nervous to get started.
My dad's all about the e-file with TurboTax, so doing my taxes wasn't actually that hard. You just have to go through and answer all the questions and input all of the info. Everything was going so well until I saw this:
I OWED MONEY! That can't possiblly be! I made my dad go through and redo it like 5 times and it turned out the same. Apparently, it was because my parents claimed me on their taxes. If they hadn't I would have gotten a very small refund.
I also had to file Utah state taxes because I worked there for part of the year. I owed money then too. More than federal actually. Utah taxes suck. I was so expecting a refund, but I had to pay instead. Because of this disappointment, I decided to continue my dancing and flirting from February. I didn't really do a whole lot with it though. So, I guess March was kind of a wrap up/break. Now that March is over, I'm now ready for an exciting April. April's resolution will be forthcoming.
My dad's all about the e-file with TurboTax, so doing my taxes wasn't actually that hard. You just have to go through and answer all the questions and input all of the info. Everything was going so well until I saw this:I OWED MONEY! That can't possiblly be! I made my dad go through and redo it like 5 times and it turned out the same. Apparently, it was because my parents claimed me on their taxes. If they hadn't I would have gotten a very small refund.I also had to file Utah state taxes because I worked there for part of the year. I owed money then too. More than federal actually. Utah taxes suck. I was so expecting a refund, but I had to pay instead. Because of this disappointment, I decided to continue my dancing and flirting from February. I didn't really do a whole lot with it though. So, I guess March was kind of a wrap up/break. Now that March is over, I'm now ready for an exciting April. April's resolution will be forthcoming.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
February--Dancing and Flirting
For February, I decided to learn the art of flirting and learn a new dance (for my resolution of doing/learning something new every month). (I also continued this through March, as for why, you'll find out in a later post.) A friend of mine suggested that I read a very enlightening book that she loaned me to help me in my pursuit of learning how to flirt, which I will discuss a bit further down.
Another group of friends took me to a restaurant in Dallas called Gloria's that not only has delicious Mexican food, but on the weekends they have dancing. I learned to salsa dance, which I sort of already knew how to do, but this time I actually danced with someone. I had a blast! It was so much fun! I'm still not very good at salsa dancing, but, really, who cares? I forgot my camera, and although a friend took a few pictures, none of them were of me dancing. But, that's ok, hopefully I'll go again some time and I'll take pictures then.
As for flirting, a friend loaned me An LDS Girl's Guide to Getting a Date by Dr. Brent Barlow. It was a pretty fast read, and it indeed was very enlightening. I took notes and everything! It had lots of tips and techniques, all of which I plan to implement in the future. While I haven't actually practiced flirting, I did gather something meaninful from the book that I'll share with you.
In the book, he emphasized that you really have to love yourself before someone else can love you or before you can love someone else. As a way to increase your self-esteem and love for yourself, he suggests that you write a love letter to yourself. While this might sound rather arrogant, I do not mean the following letter to be. I'm writing things that I love about myself that hopefully someone else will love about me too. Here is my love letter:
"Dear Mattie, These are the reasons why I love you: You are funny and have a wonderful, albeit occasionally sarcastic, sense of humor. I love that you are the same person all the time. You aren't fake with people and are yourself. I love that you can be friends with almost anyone, and while there is always people who you don't like/become friends with, you can still get along with them. I love that you are outgoing and are willing to go out of your comfort zone to make a new friend or to include someone. I love that you can be truly, although sometimes brutally, honest with people. I love that you are smart and mature, and while there is still much for you to learn, you are willing to keep learning and are humble enough to realize that you do indeed need to learn more. You are a truly amazing and awesome person, and I love you for that. And someday, someone else will too. Love, You."
Another group of friends took me to a restaurant in Dallas called Gloria's that not only has delicious Mexican food, but on the weekends they have dancing. I learned to salsa dance, which I sort of already knew how to do, but this time I actually danced with someone. I had a blast! It was so much fun! I'm still not very good at salsa dancing, but, really, who cares? I forgot my camera, and although a friend took a few pictures, none of them were of me dancing. But, that's ok, hopefully I'll go again some time and I'll take pictures then.
As for flirting, a friend loaned me An LDS Girl's Guide to Getting a Date by Dr. Brent Barlow. It was a pretty fast read, and it indeed was very enlightening. I took notes and everything! It had lots of tips and techniques, all of which I plan to implement in the future. While I haven't actually practiced flirting, I did gather something meaninful from the book that I'll share with you.
In the book, he emphasized that you really have to love yourself before someone else can love you or before you can love someone else. As a way to increase your self-esteem and love for yourself, he suggests that you write a love letter to yourself. While this might sound rather arrogant, I do not mean the following letter to be. I'm writing things that I love about myself that hopefully someone else will love about me too. Here is my love letter:
"Dear Mattie, These are the reasons why I love you: You are funny and have a wonderful, albeit occasionally sarcastic, sense of humor. I love that you are the same person all the time. You aren't fake with people and are yourself. I love that you can be friends with almost anyone, and while there is always people who you don't like/become friends with, you can still get along with them. I love that you are outgoing and are willing to go out of your comfort zone to make a new friend or to include someone. I love that you can be truly, although sometimes brutally, honest with people. I love that you are smart and mature, and while there is still much for you to learn, you are willing to keep learning and are humble enough to realize that you do indeed need to learn more. You are a truly amazing and awesome person, and I love you for that. And someday, someone else will too. Love, You."
Friday, February 27, 2009
January--Sew a Skirt
When I was in middle school, I remember taking a Home Economics class (which my brother says is now called Skills for Living) where we learned how to cook a few select, easy meals (tacos, sloppy joes), how to properly set a table, and how to sew a button, etc. We got to pick what we could sew as our final sewing project. A pillow. I think mine was a lady bug pillow to be specific.
How often am I going to need to make a pillow? Why couldn't I have learned how to sew something more useful? Well, I decided to put a stop to my ignorance and learn how to sew something I can reuse over and over again: a skirt. I found amazing fabric at Hobby Lobby and that's where it all started.
Since my mom isn't the best seamstress in the world, I asked a very good friend of mine for her help. To prove to you of her expertise and her credentials--she has a dedicated sewing room in her house! She, luckily, agreed to help me and guide my by the hand through every step.
I accidentally cut through the middle of the pattern... oops.
This is me cutting the pattern... yay!
I'm actually sewing! Amazing!
I was so happy because it was actually starting to look like a skirt!
TA DA!!!!! I made my skirt! Now I just have to find a shirt to go with it...
YAY! Outfit complete!
I am so proud of myself, I even wore my skirt to Church on Sunday (when I was teaching no less, so many people saw it). I kind of want to sew another one, but I'm going to wait till I find some great fabric. Yay! I know how to sew something other than a pillow!
January Resolution = Accomplished
I accidentally cut through the middle of the pattern... oops.
This is me cutting the pattern... yay!
I'm actually sewing! Amazing!
I was so happy because it was actually starting to look like a skirt!
TA DA!!!!! I made my skirt! Now I just have to find a shirt to go with it...
YAY! Outfit complete!I am so proud of myself, I even wore my skirt to Church on Sunday (when I was teaching no less, so many people saw it). I kind of want to sew another one, but I'm going to wait till I find some great fabric. Yay! I know how to sew something other than a pillow!
January Resolution = Accomplished
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