Twelve Months - Twelve Skills

Okay, so I'm on a self-improvement kick. I love readings books that will help me be a better wife, mother, and Child of God. I love learning new skills. I just love trying new things. So when I visited Sarah Mae at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee and saw her 12 New Things post, I knew that I had to participate. The goal is to learn one new skill every month for the next twelve months. So, after some thought, I've decided on what my twelve new skills will be.

August 2010: Learn how to use the lawn mower and the string trimmer.
Yes, I know, I'm 30 years old and I don't know how to mow the lawn. Well, let's just say that my mom had very exacting standards of lawn care that did not include letting her 15 year old daughter drive the riding mower...

September 2010: Bake a fruit pie completely from scratch.
I'm going to kick my store-bought pie crust habit!

October 2010: Repair and refinish the old teddy bear step stool that we rescued from a garage sale so Abby will be able to use it to wash her hands and brush her teeth in the bathroom.
The stool is a bit wobbly and it has baseball-playing teddy bears on it. I'd love to make it reflect Abby's personality a bit more.

November 2010: Create an autumn-themed floral centerpiece.
I've wanted to learn floral arranging for some time now and our house is usually lacking in autumn/Thanksgiving decor, so I figure that I can kill two birds with one stone!

December 2010: Plan and execute an entire month's worth of freezer-cooking menus.
This will be a bit of a challenge for us since we have a small freezer, so I might only be able to do it a week at a time, but I'd like to be able to serve hot, nutritious dinners every night. Since the holidays are especially busy, I figured I could use the extra time that freezer cooking would give me, too!

January 2011: Learn to knit and make at least one project from Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter.
This book was given to me by a co-worker who won it in a holiday raffle. Since she knew I could crochet, she thought she'd give it to me. Very nice thought, but crocheting is quite different from knitting. I'd love to learn how to knit and then come into work sporting a cute scarf or pair of mittens!

February 2011: Clean my entire house without using store-bought cleaners/chemicals.
I am slowly discovering the wonders of vinegar and, with a little research, I bet I can clean my entire house without a lick of harsh chemicals.

March 2011: Learn to type.
That's right: as I sit here at my keyboard, I am engaged in hunt and peck. Given, it is fast hunt and peck, but I would love to learn how to type like an adult...

April 2011: Plant and tend an herb garden.
We are currently in our second year in a CSA, and I love it when we get fresh herbs as part of our weekly share. Why not grow my own, so I can have oregano, basil, cilantro, and other yummy herbs whenever I want them, without having to pay ridiculous grocery store prices?

May 2011: Learn to use a sewing machine.
I have no idea how to use a sewing machine. There have been multiple times when having a sewing machine and knowing how to use it would have been helpful, so I've decided to save up for a sewing machine and teach myself how to use it. I plan to make at least 12 cloth napkins for our family to use.

June 2011: Make a piece of jewelry.
I have no idea how to do this, but I am so inspired by the wonderful shops on Etsy (and elsewhere) that I need to try it. Making this a goal for next year will give me enough time to brainstorm what I'd like to create.

July 2011: Make homemade ice cream and Popsicles.
In the summer time, our family lives on frozen treats. Instead of buying these from the store, I'm going to learn how to make them myself!

Feeling inspired? Have some skills that you'd like to learn? Then link up with Sarah Mae and learn with us over the next year! One skill per month is totally reasonable, and being part of the group will hold you accountable. Update posts are scheduled for the last Thursday of the month, so be sure to stop back next week to hear all about my lawn mowing adventure!