Things I Learned Last Year

Fibery Stuff:

• Spin up wool in colorways I'm not terribly fond of into worsted weight singles IMMEDIATELY. Takes an hour or two, and then I will have loads of yarn for quick gifts later in the year.
• It is possible to make something for all of the Middle School teachers for Christmas. Luckily, DD has one teacher for two subjects, but still. What I will do when they each have 6 I do not know. [I did not knit for them all, some got cranberry bread, which is FINE.]
• Starting the Christmas knitting Thanksgiving weekend is a good idea. But see the first lesson, as I had planned to spin more yarn for the gifts while knitting and that would have been impossible. I only spun 2 new yarns during the process.
• Commercial yarn is also FINE. Load up on single skeins of workhorse wools when they are on sale. Someday you will be glad you did!
• Wensleydale is not soft, but it is silky. Don't eschew the longwools.
• Socks go quickly when you're underemployed!

Non-Fibery Stuff:

• Be fearless!
• Ask for help.
• Ask if someone needs help.
• The slow-cooker is amazing!
• It's okay to take a stand. Money isn't everything.
• It's okay to have high expectations. It's also okay to keep track of when people don't live up to them. Forgive, but know whom to trust with how much. Don't take big chances on the wrong person.
• Do your best work every day!

2010 was not the best year ever, but it had its high points. And a lot of fulfillment and joy! The bad parts are being left behind and we have a lot of great stuff to anticipate: DD in "Bye-Bye, Birdie," new adventures in work and education, time to focus on family and fiber and friends!

Happy New Year!

May peace prevail upon the earth.