A Review of my 25 for 2025 List

Better late than never—and I might still have a few more days to maybe check off one last item on my list.

This year has been unsettling, intense, and incredibly sedentary, which somehow gave me the time and space to feel a little more grounded.

Even though my list was taped up above my desk, I have to admit I didn't pay that much attention to it. When the time came to write this post, I wasn't write sure what to expect. But I suppose the calendar trick somehow worked its magic!

1.Sew the Tate Romper Photinia Blouse

I decided to use the fabric I had originally bought for the romper to make another sewing project, and I'm very happy with the result!

2. Design, print, and sell a calendar, or a sticker

That was quite and ambitious project, I ended up focusing on just one aspect and finally designed my first sticker this week after taking a class and watching this video.

3. Paint my Get a bike basket

I ended up up removing the back basket from my bike because it was preventing me from sitting properly on the seat. And I replaced it with a cute front basket instead.

4. Go to NYC + Maine, or Japan, or BC, or back to Oaxaca

An error on my green card prevented me from leaving the country—and honestly discouraged me from traveling altogether. We'll see what next year brings...

5. Buy XC skis

This happened thanks to Octave, who took on the responsibility of researching all the details: length, bindings, boots, everything. We went on our first outing on Christmas Day, and I can't wait for more snow!

6. Attend an ecstatic dance night

I've come to the realization that this is not for me—and that's OK. But I'd still like to dance more. Should I try that dance workout class (the name... LOL)?

7. Attend a singing event

I thought I'd attend a rock choir, or another kirtan, but I ended up participating in a singalong with the Low Bar Chorale and it was so much fun.

8. Consolidate my medical records

I thought I'd done a great job, but my GP asked for information I had already given at my last appointment. I might have to find a way to have them with me at all times—not just uploaded on their end.

9. Yoga with Adriene

My favorite way to start the year.

10. Shoot 12 portraits

Event though I put these in my calendar, I didn't do a great job of taking pictures regularly. It also took me a long time to recover from a botched haircut, so I guess I kind of have an excuse...

11. Book a float session

This one has been quite an adventure. I booked a session for my birthday in April and it was horrific: there was construction around the building and the sound—obviously—traveled through water. I left in tears.

They refunded me and I went back in December—on a Sunday to make sure everything would be quiet. My honest review? Not a fan. But I'm glad I experienced it.

12. Run 10K Ride 100 K

You all know biking took over my life, so I replaced running with cycling. I rode 100K on my Kickr on Christmas day and my legs hurt for days afterward.

13. Write 12 postcards

This has been one of the highlights of my year. For my birthday, I asked friends to send me a postcard, so I had my work cut out for me replying thoughout the year. I'd do that again in a heartbeat!

14. Make soap again

It's one of my most read articles on the blog, and could use new photos, but I didn't make the time for it. I did get amazing soap from my friend Em at a Christmas market, though...

15. Skin up Hoodoo or Bachelor

I'h hoping to check this off my list before New Year, but if not, I know I will this winter since I'm part of a backcountry mentorship program.

16. Host a themed Saturday morning event

I started opening my house to friends on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., mostly on dreary winter days. I just started doing it again this season and have only had one guest so far—but we've been productive working, on sewing projects!

17. Watch 12 classic movies

I'm not sure I've watched 12 movies this year, and they were definitely not classic (OK maybe one or two by Jacques Tati).

18. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this blog!

Octave made this celebration a reality with a completely new blog design, and I gathered reader feedback through a survey (which you're still welcome to fill out).

19. Make a mug

The pottery wheel didn't get used once this year, and our garage is bursting at the seams. The mug will have to wait...

20. Learn to ollie

This was a little out of my comfort zone. Why risk breaking a bone?! I should probably just ride my longboard more often...

21. Find my 3 words

I took inventory of my closet to find my words (realistic, aspirational, and emotional) which led me to digitize my winter wardrobe. I can't wait for spring/summer to have everything in one place!

22. Bake 12 cakes

Nope, I gave up cooking and baking entirely.

23. Stamp print 2 items

I carved one stamp, and printed a few postcards with it. Does that count?

24. Get a new tattoo

Mac is the best, her flash book is the best. Someone stop me from getting more tattoos.

25. Learn how to use Procreate

I should know better than to write such an intangible goal, but I suppose the classes I've been taking count as learning—so check!

Sixteen-ish items checked off, I'm pretty happy with what I've accomplished.

Looking back at this list, I can clearly see where I chose to put my energy this past year: what was realistic, what felt true, what felt right—and what was just me trying to fit into a mold or become someone I'm not meant to be.

It also makes me excited (and inspired) to create my next list and decide whether the items that didn't get crossed off past lists deserve a place on the new one.

Looking back, which goals surprised you the most—either because you completed them or because you let them go?