Thursday, December 29, 2022

2023 Plans

Almost Happy New Year!!

With only 2 1/2 days left until the calendar changes to 2023, I've been thinking a lot about the goals and changes I want to make this coming year. I am only two years away from full retirement, so I also have to start thinking about succession planning. When my boss and I went over it, he finally realized I am doing the job of three people, (branch manager, mortgage broker/underwriter, investment consultant and compliance officer), so he thinks we will have to hire two full-time people, and I will continue to do the compliance on a part-time basis (good for me, as I will keep my benefits!)

I have quilting, cross-stitch and crafting plans, so I have joined Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl 's
#2023 Planning Party. I was led to this by Barb at Cat Patches. (If you're looking for a good blog to follow, she posts almost daily and has a great sense of humour) PS: I'm Canadian, hence the spelling difference! I also have some personal goals, so I'm going to add those at the end of the post, so that I can hold myself accountable.



Goal #1.  Finish some quilts, make progress on some quilts, and start some quilts.  

I'm great at starting quilts, not so good at finishing them, so this year I'm focusing on finishes and progress. I will let my self start a couple, though!

Obviously some blanks to fill, but if I get the first six items finished this year, it will be wonderful!

Goal #2 - Spend 15 minutes a day stitching something, whether is hand stitching, cross-stitching, embroidery, sewing machine piecing or practicing on my new mid-arm machine.

Goal #3 - Speaking of my new machine, I would like to develop my free-motion quilting skills. I got some new books this Christmas for Graffiti Quilting, by Karlee Porter - I love her style.

Goal #4 - Get my studio under control. I need to purge and organize everything that is left, so that I can make the best use of my space. I did put in new cabinets in this year, so now that I have good storage and a defined space, it's time to do the purge!

I also need to press, cut and sort my scraps. I already have a system in place, but I was given a lot of scraps this past year. What I don't keep gets sent to my niece (same age as me on my ex-husband's side!) who has a group of quilters that do things for charity. The last couple of years, they focused on scrub bags and hats for nursing personnel, who were coping with the Covid crisis.

Personally, I need to prepare for three upcoming trips! I want to lose 50 lbs., build up my stamina and lung capacity so that I can do a lot of walking. My first trip will be less strenuous, as I am off to Mexico with my youngest daughter's family. The next one will be to Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, so I need to be ready by May. The last one is tentatively booked for Provence, France and the French Riviera.

Wish me luck!!  Terri in BC