Turns out that I'm bloody terrible at 2013ing, as well. That bucket list? I realised the other day that I've made a fatal mistake. In focusing really hard on keeping expensive goals down, I gave myself an overabundance of cheap, but time-consuming, daily goals.

Er. Oops. So the bucket list is going to be more of a guide for me; something to consult when I'm bored perhaps, or in need of motivation. I guess it's going to be a little like NaNo 2012; happiness comes from trying more than succeeding.

Anyway, I got quite a bit more money than I expected this week, due to doing more hours over the Christmas/Boxing Day period. Most of it is gone already on housekeeping, food for the week, a tenner for takeaway tonight (going to Sian's for a Chinese, film and gossip), some toiletries, new headphones, a new SD card for my camera since the latest one is full and I hate deleting pictures, aaaaaand wool!

Yes, I'm going to give knitting another go. I tried last year, but I couldn't figure out anything beyond casting on and the wool I had was pretty poor, as well; it kept unravelling during my attempts at a knit stitch. So today, while Nathan was going to Hobbycraft anyway for enamel thinner for his model SS Voyager, I tagged along and picked up these beauties...



I would have preferred a more pumpkin orange, a brighter yellow and a cheaper bright blue (most of these balls of wool were £1.69-£1.99 but this was £3.49), but it's okay. As long as I make a super long stripy scarf, I'm not fussed. I'll wear it everyday and run around screaming 'I MADE THIS' and terrifying the populace in general. Also, just a side note that the picture has showed the green wool as more of a pastel shade, where it is actually pretty much vivid highlighter green. Don't let the crappy lighting fool you.

I just hope I can figure out the ever elusive knit stitch. I'm fine when it comes to casting on; I can do a full row easily; but when it comes to transferring the stitches to the other needle... well, I just couldn't seem to do it without making a big mess. As it is I don't know anyone who can knit. My Nanny Grace could knit; she was a boss at making stuff, from furniture to clothes to food to children, judging by the sheer number of my dad's siblings. If she was still around she could help me. She was able to knit almost anything - this is one of her creations.



Jemima Puddleduck, from Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit books. She made Nathan a little sailor as well, with a HMS Antelope hat and everything - he was basically a knitted doll of our dad when he was in the Royal Navy. It was adorable and I don't actually know where it's gone.

I'm glad I managed to get myself a new SD card in time for the gig on the 14th. It's only 4GB, but to be honest that's more than enough space for pictures and a few videos. Speaking of the concert, these finally arrived on the 17th of December...



Only ten days now and I CAN'T WAIT, OMFG. CARAVAN, GUYS. THE BEST BAND IN THE WHOLE WORLD. And I'm going to see them again, supported by Garron Frith :D They're absolutely terrific live. Maybe I'll write them a short review and send it in to Record Collector; there's a section where readers can send in their gig reviews and it would be nice to be in print once again!

Going back to the 2013 Bucket List, I'd actually like to write to Caravan as well. I think they'd be easier to get in touch with than Mike Oldfield, since they actually read/comment on their website and there are contact details for the webmaster whom the band are in regular contact with as well regarding news/the site etc. Maybe I could ask him to pass a message on for me. As for Mike Oldfield, maybe start poking around on Tubular.net and see where that takes me. I'd love to tell these guys how amazing they are and how much their music means to me.

Now then, I guess I'd better have myself a bath before going to Sian's. I think I'll take a book with me and have a nice long soak. Today is shaping up to be a good day!