Touching Base
I decided I would try and write something. A year end type of affair. But I find it hard to look back on the last year. It was full of hope and promise… and now it’s over. Not that it was all bad, quite the opposite, but I cannot tink back now, there is no safety line to which I can repair or change the pattern of the year.
A lot of great things have happened
- I joined a gazzillion knitting groups
- I went to a couple knitting events
- I met many knitters from all over
- I started a podcast
- I became an addict to knitting blogs and podcasts
- I fell head over heals for Elizabeth Zimmerman
- I started a knitting group for guys
- Building a park (most awesome event ever)
But… I feel a little empty. I feel like there are so many more things that I could have done this year. So many oppurtunities missed. So many possibilities in the universe. So many questions I cannot answer.
Did I make a difference in 2006?
Am I making the world a better place?
If 2006 were a chapter in a book what did I learn? What was the point?
I always threaten to take some time to write a mission statement, take stock in who and what I am and where I want to go. But, I never do. I hit a road block about this, so many conflicting interests. How do I know what I want and how what I want fits in the bigger picture of who I am?
Well… this concludes Guido’s deep thought… there is never a satisfactory conclusion to this line of thought, because time marches on and choices are made either for you or about you.
I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is doing something wonderful to bring in the new year. I have many ideas in the hopper for the new year. And will put together one more by the end of the weekend.
December 28th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
What I want to REALLY know, did you ever get the purple monkey off of your back????
Good luck with the introspection. I need to think about that as well for 2007
December 28th, 2006 at 3:57 pm
Hmmm, you’ve made me a bit sad now. I find that I never really sat down and took stock of my years or made “resolutions” until I began blogging and journaling my life. Definitely makes you think more about your actions.
I find that as I grow older, I set smaller, more obtainable goals for myself. Like, instead of curing world hunger, I might vow to help out in the food pantry at least once a month. So I don’t set myself up for failure and all! I haven’t had the time to think about my end of year/beginning of year posts, but now you’ve got me thinking.
Thanks for all of your hard work entertaining and informing me! Happy New Year!
December 28th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
If 2006 were a chapter in a book what did I learn? What was the point?
… Someone pass that champagne, willya?
December 28th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Champagne all around…
Kathy, you are so right, personal goals need to be kept within your circle of influence(business speak I know, but I heart the franklin covey cult). I know I can’t save the world, but I should always remeber to give back to my community when I can.
Angie… Yeah… uhm… well… the monkey is now a frog in my pond. I dream that someday it will be a prince, but that is not my big dream for the new year. More to come in the show
December 28th, 2006 at 7:33 pm
Ya done good, I’ve watched you.
No, you never get to everything you wanted to accomplished. Sometime you get to circle back, but, yes, life is full of missed opportunities. Try to take as many as you can, though.
December 28th, 2006 at 9:38 pm
I really like that question…Did I make a difference in 2006? If everyone considered that question, the world would definitely be a better place. See…you’ve already made the world a better place by getting other people to think about that question.
December 29th, 2006 at 12:21 am
OK, Kiddo, here’s what I have to say:
Quit worrying about making a difference. You already are. You’re making some of us very happy with the podcast. You’re putting yourself out there, which is more than can be said about most people. You’re young and interesting and thoughtful and involved. We like you.
In the big picture, you’re doing quite well. You made a difference in my life. If you’re not satisfied with what you accomplished, you’re not alone. Most of us feel that way. Get your goals in perspective. We lead a charmed life, at least most of us do at least, here in the US.
Please don’t be hard on yourself. Just lead a good life and keep up with the podcasting. I love taking walks with you once a week.
December 29th, 2006 at 1:36 pm
Guido,
Consider the potential for what you can do into next year and not dwell on what was not done in 2006. You’ve accomplished a great many things this year and for those that you feel didn’t happen turn into opportunities for 2007!
Thanks for inspiring me as a podcaster this year, to take on the world!
Happy New Year!
December 29th, 2006 at 6:12 pm
So, I’ve spent the past 24 hours or so since I read your post, thinking.
First - you have a mighty fine list of accomplishments for the year and somehow I think there may be a few more things not listed. Either way, you should feel VERY good about what you have accomplished. It is human nature to be self-critical. I agree with Wendy DG above - you’ve made us all stop and think about what we did, what we may not have quite done and in the big picture “did we make a difference this year”. If everyone worked towards that goal - WOW - what a great world this would be.
Big dreams and big goals are so very important, but being realistic and “chunking” things out in manageable and reasonable proportions are just as important. I think it would be a great challenge to all members of the knitting community to say in 2007 - make a difference. Steve and I just recorded a PSA that is running during our show that talks about the difference we could make if every knitter knit one item and donated it in ‘07, but that could be expanded in so many, manageable ways.
For me, I feel pretty good about ‘07. There were shortcomings both personally and professionally, but there was a lot I accomplished as well in both realms. It wasn’t perfect by any means. . . . .
Feel good Guido - if everyone had a list such as yours, well, the world would look much different than it does.
Our best to you and “Punkin” - we wish you a year of much happiness.
December 29th, 2006 at 9:32 pm
hi kathy,
thanks for the well wishes. we look forward to showing our chuppah with you. our best to you, steve and your family during the holiday season!!!
December 29th, 2006 at 10:51 pm
That’s a whole lotta good thinkin’ fer a youngin’ like you!
You are making a difference in my life. I enjoy your knitting thoughts, interviews and escapades. I appreciate hearing about your knitting discoveries. You urge us all on to explore not only our knitting but the world. That is a good thing, Guido. One step ( er, one stitch?) at a time. It sounds like you and your Punkin’ have a wonderful year planned. Look forward! As an old mama, old enough to be yours, anyway, enjoy every minute while making the minutes count.
Please pass the yarn and size 3’s. Thank you very much!
January 3rd, 2007 at 8:08 am
Well I don’t know how important it is in the whole scheme of things, but you definitely brought a few smiles to my face over the year and that is significant to at least me.