And in this same post we’ll state our 2015 goals for the record, so we can take this same walk of shame next year.
(And is it just me or does 2015 not seem like a very futuristic date? Where is my jet pack?)
Erik’s 2014 resolutions:
1) Finish hardscaping the backyard, grow more vegetables.
Sort of a fail here. Some work was done but there’s more to do. In the last hours of 2014 I did manage to finish a cool hexagonal deck by the chicken coop.
2) Perfect a 100% whole grain sourdough bread
Success! I can make a reliably good whole grain boule. Now I’ve got to write up the recipe!
3) Take a class —which involves a a trip
Nope, unless going to the Heirloom Exposition in Santa Rosa counts.
4)Good health
Success! Paying for a few sessions with my Y’s rehab specialist have paid off.
Kelly’s 2014 resolutions:
1) Make shoes in 2014
2) Make or buy a new bed.
I did not do this. It remains a conundrum. And in the meanwhile, the lumps in our old mattress have shifted or something so it’s not as uncomfortable as it was when I made the resolution. In other words, there’s no urgency behind this one right now, but it will come up again. (For reference, see this post from 2013)
3) Learn to surf.
I’ve been making a little progress. I’m not a surfer yet by any means, but I’m getting good at paddling and spinning the board, but need to work on speed and timing. I need to spend more concentrated time in the water this coming year.
So, what is my score? About 60%?
Next up: resolutions for 2015
A joint project for Erik and Kelly:
Refurbishing the kitchen: new paint, new floor, cleaning everything up. We’ve been putting this off, and it needs to be done this year. Preferably in the first quarter of the year.
Erik’s 2015 resolutions
- Write a whole grain ebook. Now that I can make a decent whole grain loaf it’s time to see if I can teach it.
- Take an electronics class. I’ve built circuits in the past but I can’t say that I fully understand how they work. I’ve also fooled around with an Arduino, but I need to deepen my knowledge.
- Take a woodworking class. I’ve got some basic skills, but it’s well past time to get better at carpentry.
- End internet addictions. No more procrastination by idly checking Facebook, Twitter etc.
- Athletic challenge. I’d like to go to the national fencing tournament in San Jose this year. But I need something else. Maybe a long run or backpacking trip.
Kelly’s 2015 resolutions
- Produce the uniform. The uniform idea came up during 2014, and I’ve been learning how to sew, and now have a machine, so there’s no excuse not to be modeling my uniform for all you folks sometime this year.
- Design and produce a ceramic oil lamp
- Take up archery again. This is not a very specific goal, but I’d be happy if I got my equipment in order and went out stump shooting a few times before the weather gets hot.
- I’m committing to daily exercise, and exercising more than once a day–breaking up my exercise into shorter intervals so I don’t have those sedentary days where I sit on my rear all day long.
- I’m also committing to limiting my internet access to two daily sessions. No more checking email throughout the day, no more going on Facebook “for just 5 minutes.”
- And finally, I commit to meditating quietly for a few minutes the first thing every morning.
Erik, I would really like to see some pictures of the crumb of your WW loaf.
Hey Ruben–here is one: https://rootsimple.wpengine.com/2014/12/picture-sundays-joaquin-oro-wheat-loaf/
Hijacking the topic on bread here.. Erik, could you perhaps tell us your technique on how to slash the dough? Josey mentioned a double-edged razor but they are hard to come by these days in my country.. Are there any good alternatives?
Erik res#4, Kelly res#5 – I use StayFocused plug-in to my Chrome browser. You set it to which sites to block and which hours you want them blocked (I block on weekday mornings), and it really does the trick! Good luck!
Joanne–you are awesome! That’s a great suggestion. I’ll give it a try. And have a happy New Year! Hope to make it to some events you are running.
When I exercised regularly and actually got things done well before there was internet, I rewarded myself. I would make up little rules to help me stay under control. “you have to run up and down the stairs ten times before you can watch (tv show)” “You have to get the dinner dishes done before you can watch M*A*SH or whatever.” It worked!
Congratulations on your year and the shoes!
Kelly, I’m curious what kind of sewing machine you got if you don’t mind sharing. Is it new or used?
Love reading this site. In regard to the sewing, check out Alabama Chanin (books and website). This could be how to get your uniform by using your old tshirts and sewing by hand. I know it sounds overwhelming, but it is not. I can stitch up a tunic in an hour. I am certainly not suggesting the elaborate works she produces for everyday wear but the idea of a simple garment that you can sew without a machine anytime, anywhere and embellish if your heart desires. Keep up the great work and peace.
Thanks! And thanks for the tip. Her stuff is beautiful.
For the Kelly’s exercise resolution, Katy Bowman has a great book out called Move Your DNA, all about exercise vs. movement and how our environments shape us physically.
Thanks! I’ll check it out.
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I have two uniforms: t-shirt and shorts, and salwar kameez. I buy the t-shirts, sew my own shorts. I sew my own salwar kameez. Sew in different colors and materials, but make sure that all the colors look good together, so you can mix and match. If you reuse the same patterns over and over, you can tweak them so that they fit just so. Use pattern paper (marked in a grid) for your patterns.
You can draft your own shorts pattern based on measurements. Email me for info. For the kameez (tunic), I use the Folkwear galabia pattern. For the salwars (pants) I started with a Folkwear pattern, then bought a salwar suit online, and tweaked the Folkwear pattern accordingly. (The salwar suit was abominably sewn, but the pattern was interesting.) Again, email me for info.
I think you will find pants more comfortable for daily wear than skirts. At least I do.
Daily apron wear is a good idea, but one I have not yet implemented. That’s my 2015 resolution.
Thanks for the ideas! I’m still trying to decide if I’m doing more a of a tunic or a dress. Either way, beneath it will be leggings or loose pants, definitely. And let’s make 2015 the year of the apron! (hmmm, that sounds a little retrogressive, but I’m sure you know what I mean!)
Meditation is a great way to start the day
Hi,
What oil do you burn in your lamp? I am trying to get away from kerosene.
Jenny
The kind of lamp I’m thinking of burns olive oil–or any vegetable oil.
Good luck with your resolutions!
You can burn vegetable oils in a diya, a traditional South Asian clay lamp. Just look for diya on Amazon. Making your own diya would be simple … if you knew a potter with clay and a kiln.
Or you can buy a replica Roman oil lamp, also on Amazon. Making one of your own would be trickier.
Check out thix YT video on burning oil in the kind of lamps that usually burn kerosene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JBq5rEk3ww
There is a web page that discusses the pros and cons of burning vegetable oils rather than purified lamp oils.
http://www.preparednesspro.com/tips-tricks-oil-lamps
The main advantage of the commercial lamp oils seems to be that they have no smell.
Yes, indeed. I’m already using diyas and diya like objects made out of sea shells and candy tins. ( https://rootsimple.wpengine.com/2012/03/the-worlds-first-lamp/ ) What I’m planning on making this year will be along the lines of a Roman lamp. I’ve never noticed that my lamps put off any particular odor, and I’m often burning rancid olive oil, usually unsuccessful or unused herb/oil infusions. It’s a good way to put questionable oil to use.
BTW, there seem to be a LOT of YT videos on homemade olive oil lamps. I am not sure that I have found the best.
Kelly,
If you ever make it up to San Jose, there is a archery range/ hiking trail you might be interested in. I used to go there when I was younger and it is a lot of fun. Just make sure you go on the trail in the right direction or you will end up in front of the targets! http://www.blackmountainbowmen.net/range_info.shtml
Thanks, Warren!